JP2996156B2 - Ice storage device - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an ice heat storage device, and more particularly to a method for cooling a heat storage medium such as water or an aqueous solution to a supercooled state, and then supplying the heat storage medium with ice nuclei made of granular ice. The present invention relates to a method in which a supercooled state is eliminated to generate slurry ice, and the ice is stored in a heat storage tank.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as an ice heat storage device provided in an ice storage type air conditioner or the like, in view of reducing power demand during peak cooling load and expanding power demand during off-peak time. It is also known that slurry-like ice for use as cooling heat at the time of peak cooling load is generated during off-peak cooling load and stored in a heat storage tank.

As one example of this type of ice heat storage device, for example, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 4-251177, a compressor, a condenser, an expansion mechanism and a water heat exchange unit are sequentially connected by refrigerant piping. And a water circulation circuit comprising a heat storage tank, a supercooled water generating unit capable of exchanging heat with the water heat exchanging unit, and a supercooling eliminating unit sequentially connected by a water pipe. Are known.

[0004] In the ice making operation of this type of ice heat storage device, the heat storage medium taken out from the heat storage tank to the water pipe is exchanged with the refrigerant in the water heat exchange unit in the supercooled water generation unit until the supercooled state. After cooling, the supercooled state is eliminated in the supercooling elimination section to generate slurry ice. Then, the ice is supplied from the ice supply port of the circulation path to the heat storage tank and stored.

[0005]

By the way, as one type of such an ice heat storage device, with respect to supercooled water,
It is known that an ice nucleus made of particulate ice is supplied, and ice is formed by eliminating a supercooled state around the ice nucleus.

[0006] In the case where the supercooled state is eliminated by supplying such ice nuclei, the ice making operation is not started unless the ice nuclei are generated, so that the ice nuclei are quickly generated after the ice making operation is started. Therefore, it is required to improve ice making efficiency.

On the other hand, in this main ice heat storage device, if ice adheres to a wall of a pipe or the like in a part of the water circulation circuit during the ice making operation, a thawing operation is performed to remove the ice. In this thawing operation, for example, water is heated by supplying a discharge gas from a compressor to a water heat exchange unit to melt ice.

When the thawing operation is completed, the ice making operation is started again. When the ice making operation is restarted in this way, since the water in the water circulation circuit is relatively high in temperature (above the freezing point) due to the thawing operation,
The generation of ice nuclei cannot be performed quickly, and it is not possible to meet the demand for improving ice making efficiency by generating ice nuclei quickly as described above.

The present invention has been made in view of this point, and an ice heat storage device that performs ice making by supplying ice nuclei to a heat storage medium in a supercooled state to eliminate the supercooled state. On the other hand, it is an object to improve the ice making efficiency by quickly supplying ice nuclei in a re-ice making operation after the thawing operation.

[0010]

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention holds ice for generating ice nuclei in an ice nucleus generating portion, and this ice is removed from the ice nucleus generating portion during a thawing operation. In order to prevent the water from flowing out, the ice nucleation operation was quickly restarted by using the retained ice during the ice making operation.

Specifically, the invention according to claim 1 is characterized in that at least the compressor (1), the heat source side heat exchanger (3), the expansion mechanism (38), and the cooling heat exchanger (31a) are arranged in the order of refrigerant piping. (10,11,45,37,4
0), a supercooling generation heat exchange capable of exchanging heat between the refrigerant circulation circuit (A), the heat storage tank (T) for storing at least the heat storage medium, and the cooling heat exchanger (31a). A heat storage circulation circuit (B) comprising a heat storage medium circulating means (P) and a heat storage circulation circuit (B), wherein the heat storage medium is circulated by a circulation path (63).
Heat exchange is performed between the refrigerant flowing through (A) and a part of the heat storage medium flowing through the heat storage circuit (B) to cool the heat storage medium and generate ice nuclei (I ′) for eliminating supercooling. Ice nucleus generation means (70) for supplying the ice nuclei (I ') to the downstream side of the supercooling generation heat exchanger (31f) in the heat storage circulation circuit (B), and the refrigerant circulation circuit (A) The refrigerant discharged from the compressor (1), condensed in the heat source side heat exchanger (3), decompressed by the expansion mechanism (38), and then evaporated in the cooling heat exchanger (31a) circuit
(B) and heat exchange with the heat storage medium introduced into the supercooling generation heat exchanger (31f) to cool the heat storage medium to a supercooled state. (70)
By supplying more ice nuclei (I '), the supercooled state around the ice nuclei (I') is eliminated to generate ice, and the ice is collected and stored in the heat storage tank (T). It is assumed that an ice heat storage device is used. Then, while the refrigerant of the refrigerant circulation circuit (A) flows inside the ice nucleus generation means (70), the outer wall faces the space (73) where a part of the heat storage medium flowing through the heat storage circulation circuit (B) is introduced. A cooling member (71) that evaporates a refrigerant inside the above, cools the heat storage medium around the outer wall, and attaches and generates ice (I) for generating ice nuclei on the outer wall, and an outer wall of the cooling member (71). An ice outflow preventing means (72) for preventing the ice (I) for adhesion and generation of ice nuclei from flowing out to the heat storage circuit (B);
The heat storage medium introduced in 3) is brought into contact with ice (I) for generating ice nuclei to form ice nuclei (I '). With such a configuration, at the time of ice nucleation, the ice nucleation means (70)
Ice (I) for generating ice nuclei adheres to the outer wall of the cooling member (71), and the ice (I) is prevented from flowing out to the heat storage circuit (B) by the ice outflow prevention means (72). . For this reason, the ice nucleus generating means (70) holds the ice (I) for ice nucleation even after the thawing operation for melting the ice adhered to the tube wall of the heat storage circuit (B). When the nucleation operation is resumed, the ice nucleus can be quickly generated by using the ice (I) for ice nucleation.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the ice heat storage device of the first aspect, the outer wall of the cooling member (71) is formed as a bottomed cylindrical ice making projection (74b), and the ice outflow preventing means ( 72)
An opening (72a) into which the ice making protrusion (74b) is inserted is provided.
Then, this opening (72a) is formed with a central opening (72b) formed slightly larger in diameter than the ice making projection (74b), and the central opening (72b).
Grooves (72c, 72c,...) Extending outward in the radial direction at predetermined angular intervals around (72b). With this configuration, the ice (I) for generating ice nuclei adhered to the ice making projection (74b) is generated by the ice making projection (74b).
And the opening (72a) of the ice outflow prevention means (72), and is locked and held therebetween. Also, since the opening (72a) has an increased ice adhesion area due to the central opening (72b) and the grooves (72c, 72c,...), This also ensures that the ice (I) for generating ice nuclei is retained. Can be done.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the ice heat storage device according to the first aspect, the space (73) is communicated with the circulation path (63) of the heat storage circulation circuit (B) through the communication path (62b). The portion around the communication position of the communication path (62b) in the circulation path (63) is formed of a material having low ice adhesion. With this configuration, the ice generated by the ice nucleation means (70)
When the heat is supplied from (62b) to the circulation path (63) of the heat storage circuit (B), it does not adhere to the vicinity of the communication position of the communication path (62b) in the circulation path (63). As a result, the communication path (62b) is closed and the supply of ice nuclei (I ′) cannot be performed, and ice does not propagate on the wall surface of the circulation path (63).

[0014]

Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows the overall configuration of a refrigerant circuit (A) and a water circuit (B) as a heat storage circuit provided in the ice storage type air conditioner according to the present embodiment. Also,
FIGS. 2 to 4 are enlarged detailed views showing respective parts of the refrigerant circuit (A) and the water circuit (B). 2 to 4
C to O indicate the corresponding positions where the pipes are connected to each other. As shown in these figures, in the present air conditioner, an outdoor unit (X) is connected to each of a plurality of indoor units (Y, Y, Y) and a heat storage tank (T). That is, the outdoor unit (X) and each of the indoor units (Y, Y, Y) are connected to the outdoor by the liquid-side and gas-side connecting refrigerant pipes (RL, RG) constituting a part of the refrigerant circulation circuit (A). Unit (X) and heat storage tank
(T) are connected to each other by connecting water pipes (WS, WR) on the supply side and the recovery side which constitute a part of the water circulation circuit (B).

Hereinafter, a refrigerant circuit (A) and a water circuit will be described.
(B) will be described. -Explanation of refrigerant circulation circuit- First, the configuration of the refrigerant circulation circuit (A) will be described. The refrigerant circulation circuit (A) includes an outdoor unit as a heat source side heat exchanger in which a compression mechanism (1), a four-way switching valve (2), and an outdoor fan (F) provided in the outdoor unit (X) are arranged in close proximity. Heat exchanger (3), outdoor electric expansion valve (4) and receiver (5), indoor unit
(Y), a plurality of indoor heat exchangers (6, 6, 6) and indoor electric expansion valves (7, 7, 7).

A gas-side pipe (10) is connected to one end of the outdoor heat exchanger (3) on the gas side, and a liquid-side pipe (11) is connected to the other end of the outdoor heat exchanger (3). Gas side piping (1
0) is switchably connected to the discharge side and the suction side of the compression mechanism (1) by a four-way switching valve (2). That is, the gas side pipe (10) is connected between the discharge side of the compression mechanism (1) and the four-way switching valve.
(2), a second discharge gas line (10b) connecting the four-way switching valve (2) and the outdoor heat exchanger (3), a four-way switching valve (2). ) And a suction gas line (10c) connecting the suction side of the compression mechanism (1). Also,
The intake gas line (10c) is provided with an accumulator (12).

On the other hand, the liquid side pipe (11) is connected to the outdoor heat exchanger (3).
A first liquid line (11a) connecting the receiver and the receiver (5), a second liquid line (11b) connecting the receiver (5) and the liquid-side connecting refrigerant pipe (RL), and one end of the outdoor heat exchanger (3). ) And the receiver (5), the other end of which is connected between the receiver (5) and the liquid-side connecting refrigerant pipe (RL), respectively, and is provided with the outdoor electric expansion valve (4). It has a line (11c). That is, the outdoor electric expansion valve (4) is connected in parallel to the receiver (5). The third liquid line (11c) is provided with a check valve (CV1) that allows only the flow of the refrigerant from the outdoor electric expansion valve (4) to the first liquid line (11a).

Further, between the connection position of the third liquid line (11c) in the first liquid line (11a) and the receiver (5), the refrigerant from the outdoor heat exchanger (3) to the receiver (5) is provided. A check valve (CV2) is provided to allow only the circulation of the gas. Between the connection position of the third liquid line (11c) in the second liquid line (11b) and the liquid side connecting refrigerant pipe (RL), the indoor heat exchanger (6, 6, 6) is connected from the receiver (5) side. 1st solenoid valve (SV1)
Two check valves (CV3, CV4) are provided.

A check valve in the first liquid line (11a)
A fourth liquid line (11d) is provided between (CV2) and the receiver (5) and between the check valve (CV4) and the liquid-side connecting refrigerant pipe (RL) in the second liquid line (11b). Have been. This fourth liquid line
(11d) includes the second liquid line (11b) to the first liquid line (11d).
A check valve (CV5) that allows only the flow of refrigerant toward a) is provided.

The liquid side connection refrigerant pipe (RL) is connected to the liquid side of each indoor heat exchanger (6, 6, 6) through a plurality of indoor liquid pipes (6a, 6a, 6a). Each indoor liquid pipe (6a, 6a, 6a) is provided with the indoor electric expansion valve (7, 7, 7).

On the other hand, the gas-side connecting refrigerant pipe (RG) is connected to each indoor heat exchanger (6, 6) through a plurality of indoor gas pipes (6b, 6b, 6b).
It is connected to the gas side of 6,6). Further, the gas side connection refrigerant pipe (RG) is connected to the four-way switching valve (2) via the gas pipe (15).
The four-way switching valve (2) is switchably connected to the discharge side and the suction side of the compression mechanism (1). This gas pipe (15) has four branch pipes (15
a, 15b,…). Three of them are gas recovery branch pipes (15a, 15a, 15a) and one is a gas supply branch pipe.
(15b). Each gas recovery branch pipe (15a, 15a, 15a)
Are provided with check valves (CV6, CV6, CV6) that allow only the flow of the refrigerant from the indoor heat exchanger (6, 6, 6) to the four-way switching valve (2). On the other hand, the gas supply branch pipe (15b) is provided with a second solenoid valve (SV2) and a part thereof is branched into two systems. Check valve (C) that allows only the flow of refrigerant toward the heat exchanger (6,6,6)
V7, CV7) are provided.

The compression mechanism (1) includes a variable capacity type upstream compressor (COMP-1) whose capacity is controlled in a number of stages by inverter control, and a full load, unload and stop.
It is configured in a so-called twin type in which a downstream compressor (COMP-2) with an unloader mechanism that is controlled to be switched in stages is connected in parallel.

The refrigerant circuit (A) is provided with an oil return mechanism (20) for returning lubricating oil to the compression mechanism (1). The oil return mechanism (20) includes an oil separator (21, 22) and an oil return pipe (23, 24). The above oil separator (21,22)
Are the discharge pipes (1) of the upstream compressor (COMP-1) and the downstream compressor (COMP-2) which are part of the first discharge gas line (10a).
0a-1, 10a-2). The oil return pipes (23, 24) each include a capillary tube (CP), and have a lower end of an oil separator (21, 22) and an upstream compressor (part of the suction gas line (10c)). The lubricating oil stored in the oil separators (21, 22) is returned to the upstream compressor (COMP-1) by being connected to the suction pipe (10c-1) of the COMP-1). Also,
Downstream of the oil separator (21, 22) in each discharge pipe (10a-1, 10a-2), a four-way switching valve (2) from each compressor (COMP-1, COMP-2)
Check valves (CV8, CV8) are provided to allow only the flow of the refrigerant toward the outlet.

The suction pipe (10c-2) of the downstream compressor (COMP-2), which is a part of the suction gas line (10c), is connected to the suction pipe (10c) of the upstream compressor (COMP-1). -1) The pressure loss is set to be greater than that of the compressor, and an oil equalizing pipe (25) having a capillary tube (CP) is connected between both compressors (COMP-1 and COMP-2). As a result, the high-pressure side upstream compressor (COMP-1)
The lubricating oil collected at the downstream compressor (CO
The lubricating oil is supplied to the compressors (COMP-1) and the compressors (COMP-1, COMP-2).

Further, between the connection position of the fourth liquid line (11d) in the first liquid line (11a) and the check valve (CV2),
A discharge gas bypass line (27) is provided with the first discharge gas line (10a). This discharge gas bypass line
Part of (27) is constituted by an auxiliary heat exchanger (27a) adjacent to the outdoor heat exchanger (3), and a third solenoid valve (SV3)
And a capillary tube (CP).

The refrigerant circuit (A) includes a water-side condenser (30) and a water-side evaporator (31) for performing heat exchange with water flowing through the water circulation circuit (B). I have. Hereinafter, a circuit configuration for supplying and recovering the refrigerant to and from the water-side condenser (30) and the water-side evaporator (31) will be described.

The first discharge gas line (10a) and the water-side condenser (3
0) is connected via a gas supply piping unit (32). The gas supply pipe unit (32) includes a gas supply pipe (33) having one end connected to the first discharge gas line (10a) and the other end connected to the water-side condenser (30). This gas supply pipe (3
3) is the first to sixth branch pipes (33a to 33f)
And each branch pipe (33a-33f) has a fourth through a ninth.
Solenoid valves (SV4 to SV9) are provided respectively. Then, in the first to sixth six branch pipes (33a to 33f), the third to sixth four (four lower positions in FIG. 2) branch pipes (33c
33f) are provided with capillary tubes (CP,...). Also, the discharge pipe (10a-1) of the upstream compressor (COMP-1)
A flow divider (35) is provided downstream of the oil separator (21) in the above, and the discharge gas distribution pipe (34) branched from the discharge pipe (10a-1) by the current divider (35) is as described above. It is connected to the downstream end of the gas supply pipe (33). The discharge gas distribution pipe (34) is provided with a tenth solenoid valve (SV10).

The water-side condenser (30) and the water-side evaporator
(31) is connected to the first communication pipe (37). The first connecting pipe (37) is provided with a water-side condenser (30) and a water-side evaporator (3).
Toward 1), an eleventh solenoid valve (SV11), a check valve (CV9) that allows only the flow of refrigerant from the water-side condenser (30) to the water-side evaporator (31), and water as an expansion mechanism Electric expansion valve for side evaporator
(38) are arranged in order.

The water-side evaporator (31) and the suction gas line (10c) are connected by a refrigerant recovery pipe (40). One end of the refrigerant recovery pipe (40) is connected to the water-side evaporator (31),
The other end is connected to the accumulator (1
They are connected directly upstream of 2).

A hot gas supply pipe (42) is provided between the water side evaporator (31) and the discharge gas bypass line (27). The hot gas supply pipe (42) has one end connected to the upstream side of the auxiliary heat exchanger (27a) in the discharge gas bypass line (27) and the other end connected to the water-side evaporator (31). A twelfth solenoid valve (SV12) is provided. Further, between the twelfth solenoid valve (SV12) in the hot gas supply pipe (42) and the water-side evaporator (31), and the electric expansion valve (38) for the water-side evaporator in the first communication pipe (37). A bypass pipe (43) is provided between the water-side evaporator (31). This bypass pipe
The (43) is provided with a check valve (CV10) that allows only the flow of the refrigerant from the hot gas supply pipe (42) to the first communication pipe (37).

Each check valve in the second liquid line (11b)
Check valve between (CV3, CV4) and the first connecting pipe (37)
(CV9) and the water-side evaporator electric expansion valve (38)
A communication pipe (45) is provided. The second communication pipe (45) is provided with a thirteenth solenoid valve (SV13).

Then, the first connecting pipe (45)
Between the connection position with respect to the communication pipe (37) and the thirteenth solenoid valve (SV13), and the first liquid line (1) in the fourth liquid line (11d).
A third communication pipe (47) is provided between the connection position for 1a) and the check valve (CV5). The third connecting pipe (47) is connected to the fourteenth solenoid valve (SV14) and the second connecting pipe (45) through the fourth liquid line.
Check valve (CV11) that allows only refrigerant flow to (11d)
Is provided.

Further, between the connection position of the third liquid line (11c) to the second liquid line (11b) and the outdoor electric expansion valve (4), the bypass pipe (43) of the first communication pipe (37) is connected. A fourth connecting pipe (49) is provided between the connection position and the water-side evaporator (31). The fourth communication pipe (49) has a fifteenth solenoid valve (S
V15) and a capillary tube (CP). The fourth communication pipe (49) can exchange heat with a recovery branch pipe (40a) provided with a capillary tube (CP) formed by branching a part of the refrigerant recovery pipe (40). ing. Specifically, the fourth connecting pipe (49) and the recovery branch pipe (40a) are constituted by a first pipe heat exchanger (50) having a double pipe structure, and heat between the refrigerant flowing through both pipes is provided. Exchange is possible.

A fifth communication pipe (51) is provided between the fourth communication pipe (49) and the suction gas line (10c). The fifth communication pipe (51) is provided with a sixteenth solenoid valve (SV16) and a capillary tube (CP). The fifth communication pipe (51) is capable of exchanging heat with the second liquid line (11b). Specifically, this fifth connecting pipe (51) and the second connecting pipe (51)
2nd pipe heat exchanger with liquid line (11b) having double pipe structure
(52), and the heat exchange between the refrigerant flowing through both of them is enabled.

Further, between the outdoor electric expansion valve (4) and the check valve (CV1) in the third liquid line (11c), a second communication pipe is provided.
A sixth connecting pipe (53) is provided between the connecting pipe (45). The sixth communication pipe (53) is provided with a check valve (CV13) that allows only the flow of the refrigerant from the third liquid line (11c) to the second communication pipe (45).

-Description of Water Circulation Circuit- Next, the configuration of the water circulation circuit (B) will be described. The water circulation circuit (B) includes the above-described heat storage tank (T), a water-side condenser
(30) In addition to the water-side evaporator (31), a pump as a circulating means
(P), a buffer tank (60), an ice nucleus mixing unit (61), and an ice producing container (62). For details, see the heat storage tank
(T), pump (P), water side condenser (30), buffer tank (6
0), the water-side evaporator (31), the ice nucleus mixing unit (61), and the ice generation container (62) are sequentially arranged by a water pipe (63) as a circulation path in FIG.
Is connected so that water circulation as shown by the arrow is possible.
As described above, the water-side condenser (30) and the water-side evaporator (31) exchange heat between the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant circuit (A) and water.

FIG. 6 shows a water-side condenser (30) and a buffer tank.
(60), the water-side evaporator (31), the ice nucleus mixing unit (61), and the arrangement state of the ice production container (62) are specifically shown. As shown in this figure, the respective devices (30, 31, 60, 61, 62) are arranged close to each other to form a unit. The water side evaporator (31) is composed of a vertical shell and tube heat exchanger as shown in FIGS. That is, a cylindrical container
(31a) is provided with a plurality of heat transfer tubes (31f) (one of the plurality is shown in FIG. 7).
The water flowing through the water circulation circuit (B) is filled inside the heat transfer tube (31).
The refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant circulation circuit (A) flows between f) and the inner wall of the container (31a), and heat exchange is performed between the refrigerant and water through the wall surface of the heat transfer tube (31f). It has become. That is, the heat exchanger for cooling is connected to the heat transfer tube (31a) by the container (31a).
f) constitutes the supercooling generation heat exchangers. 7 and 8, (31b) is a water inlet pipe provided at the lower end of the vessel (31a), (31c) is a water outlet pipe provided at the upper end of the vessel (31a), and (31d) is a water outlet pipe. Refrigerant inlet pipe, (31e)
Is a refrigerant outlet pipe. Further, the water-side condenser (30) has a configuration in which a refrigerant pipe and a water pipe (not shown) are arranged in contact with each other, and heat exchange is performed between the two.

Further, a buffer tank (60) and an ice forming container
(62) is a hollow cylindrical member as shown in FIGS. 9 to 12, and a buffer tank (60) has a water inlet at its upper end.
A mounting flange (60b) provided with (60a) is provided, and the water outlet side of the water-side condenser (30) is connected to the mounting flange (60b) (see FIG. 6). The ice generating container (62) is provided with a water inlet (62a) at the upper end, and the water inlet (62a) is connected to the water-side evaporator (31) through the ice nucleus mixing unit (61). Connected to the water outlet side. Also,
The opening positions of the water inlets (60a, 62a) in the buffer tank (60) and the ice generating container (62) are set at positions where water is introduced from the tangential direction of the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical container, respectively. . For this reason, the water introduced from the water inlets (60a, 62a) is swirled by the water introduced into the container as shown by the two-dot chain line arrows in FIGS. 9 (a) and 11 (a). The configuration is as follows.

As shown in FIG. 6, one end of a water inlet pipe (63a) forming a part of a water pipe (63) is provided at the lower end of the water-side condenser (30) at the lower end of the ice forming container (62). One end of a water outlet pipe (63b) forming a part of the water pipe (63) is connected to each of the sections. Also,
The other end of the water inlet pipe (63a) is connected to the pump (P) and the water outlet pipe (63b)
Are connected to a heat storage tank (T), respectively. Furthermore,
A water pipe (63c) connected to the water-side evaporator (31) is connected to the lower end of the buffer tank (60).

Next, the configuration of the ice nucleus mixing unit (61) will be described. The ice nucleus mixing unit (61) uses a part of the water introduced from the water-side evaporator (31) to generate a fine ice block (hereinafter, referred to as an ice nucleus), and generates the ice nucleus. container
(62). As shown in FIG. 13, the ice nucleus mixing unit (61) includes a water-side evaporator (3).
An outlet pipe (65) extending from 1) and a nozzle (66) for supplying water from the outlet pipe (65) to the inside of the ice forming container (62) are provided. The nozzle (66) has an upstream end attached to a downstream end of the outflow pipe (65), and is held by a nozzle holding portion (62a) integrally formed with a water inlet portion of the ice forming container (62). The other end is inserted into the water inlet (62a) of the ice forming container (62) and extends into the ice forming container (62). The outflow pipe (65) is set so that the inner diameter thereof gradually decreases from the water-side evaporator (31) toward the nozzle (66). Further, the nozzle (66) is made of PTFE, as shown in FIG.
(FIG. 14 (a) is a sectional view taken along line QQ of FIG. 14 (b).) A flange (66b) is provided at the base end and a small diameter for introducing ice nuclei is provided on a part of the outer peripheral surface. An opening (66a) is formed. As described above, since the nozzle (66) is made of PTFE, it has a configuration in which ice hardly adheres. Further, between the outflow pipe (65) and the nozzle (66), a growth preventing member (68) described later is provided via a packing (67), and the nozzle (66) and the nozzle holding portion (62a) are provided. A packing (67) is also interposed between the first packing and the second packing. Further, as shown in FIG.
In (a), a communication hole (62b) communicating with the opening (66a) of the nozzle (66) while holding the nozzle (66) is formed (see FIG. 12).

Next, an ice nucleus generating unit (70) as ice nucleus generating means for generating ice nuclei introduced from the opening (66a) of the nozzle (66) will be described. As shown in FIG. 5, the ice nucleation unit (70) includes a cooling member (71) and a holding member as an ice outflow preventing means for forming an ice holding space (73) between the cooling member (71). A member (72).

To explain each member, the cooling member (71)
Is configured such that a refrigerant passage forming member (75) is housed inside the cooling section main body (74). The cooling unit body (74) is shown in FIG.
5 (b) is a front view (FIG. 1) of a rectangular parallelepiped main body (74a) having a hollow interior as shown in FIG.
5 (b), a cylindrical ice making projection (74b) is formed integrally with one end (lower side) closed and the other end (upper side) communicating with the internal space of the main body (74a). I have. Further, the ice making projection (74b) is formed to be relatively thin. Also, on the back side of the main body (74a), the refrigerant passage forming member (75)
A circular opening (74e) is formed in order to attach the nucleus, and the left and right walls of the main body (74a) are connected to ice nucleation generation refrigerant pipes (77, 78) to be described later. Opening (74c, 74
d) are formed respectively.

On the other hand, the refrigerant passage forming member (75)
As shown in FIG. 16 (b), which is a cross-sectional view taken along the line S--S in FIG. 16 (a), an opening formed on the back side of the cooling section main body (74).
(74e) a substantially cylindrical member having an outer diameter dimension substantially corresponding to the diameter dimension of the refrigerant introduction passage (75a) and the refrigerant discharge passage
(75b) are formed respectively. One end of each of the passages (75a, 75b) is open to the outer peripheral surface of the refrigerant passage forming member (75), the extension direction of the passage is changed by 90 ° inside the refrigerant passage forming member (75), and the other end is connected to the refrigerant passage forming member. Openings are formed on the front surface (the upper side surface in FIG. 16 (b)) of the forming member (75).

The refrigerant passage forming member (7)
5) is accommodated in such a manner that the front surface thereof is accommodated with a predetermined interval facing the bottom surface of the ice making convex portion (74b) of the cooling portion main body (74). 75a, 75b) are in communication with the openings (74c, 74d) of the cooling section main body (74) (see FIG. 5).

On the other hand, the holding member (72) is shown in FIG.
(b) is a U-U sectional view of FIG. 17 (a) and FIG. 18 is a rectangular parallelepiped member having a cross-shaped opening (72a) formed in the center thereof. This opening (72a)
A circular central opening (72b) whose central portion is formed to have a slightly larger diameter than the ice making projection (74b) of the cooling unit main body (74),
Four rectangular grooves (72c, 72c,...) Extending outward in the radial direction with an angular interval of 90 ° are formed integrally therewith.

The cooling member having such a configuration
As shown in FIG. 18, the holding member (72) and the holding member (72) are integrally formed so that the ice making projection (74b) of the cooling member (71) is inserted into the opening (72a) of the holding member (72). By being assembled,
An ice nucleation unit (70) is configured. As shown in FIG. 5, the ice nucleation unit (70) has a nozzle holding portion such that the opening (72a) of the holding member (72) communicates with the opening (66a) of the nozzle (66).
(62a) attached to the side. This allows the nozzle
In a state where the water cooled by the water-side evaporator (31) flows in (66), the ice holding space (73) between the cooling member (71) and the holding member (72) is filled with cold water. It has been done,
In this state, a coolant for flowing ice is flowed into the cooling member (71), the water is cooled by the coolant, and ice (I) for generating ice nuclei is attached and generated around the ice-making projection (74b). It has become.

In the state where the ice (I) for generating ice nuclei adheres to the convexities (74b), the ice (I) for generating ice nuclei is formed on the inner surface of the opening (72a), particularly By being caught between the inner peripheral surface of the central opening (72b) and the outer peripheral surface of the ice making projection (74b), it is held inside the ice holding space (73). Further, since the opening (72a) of the holding member (72) is formed in a cross shape, the area of the opening (72a) that adheres to the ice (I) is enlarged, which also allows the ice ( I) can be reliably maintained. Further, as is clear from FIG. 5, the communication hole (62b) of the nozzle holding portion (62a) and the opening (6
The inner diameter of the ice making protrusion (74b) is smaller than the outer diameter of the ice making protrusion (74b), so the outer diameter of ice (I) attached to the outer peripheral surface of the ice making protrusion (74b) depends on these communication holes. (62b) and the inner diameter of the opening (66a). Therefore, the ice (I)
Is held inside the ice holding space (73), and the opening of the nozzle (66) is
It does not flow out of (66a) to the water pipe (63).

The extension preventing member (68) will be described. The extension preventing member (68) is shown in FIGS. 19 and 20 (FIG. 20).
Is a flat disc-shaped member having a water passage formed therein, as shown in FIG.
8a) and an inner member mounted inside the outer member (68a).
(68b) are integrally assembled. Each member
(68a, 68b), the outer member (68a) includes:
A pair of through holes (68c, 68d) extending in the radial direction and penetrating from the outer peripheral surface to the inner peripheral surface are formed. An outer member (68a) has an open end formed with an inner member abutting portion (68e) extending slightly from the inner peripheral surface toward the center, and the inner member (68b) is connected to the outer member (68b). 68a), a part of the outer peripheral surface of the inner member comes into contact with the inner member (68a).
e) is in contact with Thus, an annular space (6) is provided between the inner peripheral surface of the outer member (68a) and the outer peripheral surface of the inner member (68b).
8f) is formed, and this annular space (68f) communicates with each through hole (68c, 68d). As a result, in a situation where ice adheres to the inner peripheral surface of the inner member (68b),
When a high-temperature refrigerant is introduced into the annular space (68f) from the through hole (68c), a part of the ice is melted by the refrigerant, so that ice can be released from the inner peripheral surface of the inner member (68b). ing.

Hereinafter, the cooling member (71) and the growth preventing member will be described.
A piping structure for supplying the ice making refrigerant to (68) will be described. As shown in FIG. 4, one end is connected to the second connecting pipe (45).
A first ice nucleation generation refrigerant supply pipe (77) is provided, the other end of which is connected to one opening (74c) of the cooling unit body (74). On the other hand, one end is connected to the refrigerant recovery pipe (40), and the other end is connected to the other opening (74d) of the cooling unit body (74).
(78) is provided. The first ice nucleation refrigerant supply pipe (77) is provided with a seventeenth solenoid valve (SV17) and a capillary tube (CP).

Further, the ice nucleation unit (70) in the first ice nucleation generation refrigerant supply pipe (77) and the capillary tube (CP)
And the fourth communication pipe (49) in the first communication pipe (37).
A second ice nucleation refrigerant supply pipe (79) is provided between the connection position of (1) and the water-side evaporator (31). An ice nucleation unit is connected to the second ice nucleation refrigerant supply pipe (79) from the first communication pipe (37).
A check valve (CV12) and a capillary tube (CP) that allow only the flow of the refrigerant toward (70) are provided.

One end is a discharge gas bypass line (27).
In addition, a growth preventing refrigerant supply pipe (81) is provided, the other end of which is connected to one through hole (68c) of the outer member (68a) of the growth preventing member (68). This progress prevention refrigerant supply pipe (81)
Is provided with an eighteenth solenoid valve (SV18) and a capillary tube (CP).

One end is between the connection position of the third communication pipe (47) in the fourth liquid line (11d) and the connection position to the first liquid line (11a), and the other end is the extension preventing member (68). An expansion preventing refrigerant recovery pipe (82) connected to the other through hole (68d) of the outer member (68a) is provided.

The open / close state of the four-way switching valve (2), the solenoid valves (SV1 to SV18), and the electric expansion valves (4, 7, 38) is controlled by a controller (85). ing.

-Configuration of Sensors- Various sensors are provided in the refrigerant circuit (A) and the water circuit (B). First, in the refrigerant circuit (A), an outside air temperature sensor (Th-1) for detecting the outdoor air temperature is provided near the outdoor heat exchanger (3).
An outdoor liquid temperature sensor (Th-2) for detecting the liquid refrigerant temperature of the outdoor heat exchanger (3) is provided on the branch pipe side, and a discharge gas temperature sensor (Th-31) for detecting the discharge gas refrigerant temperature of the compression mechanism (1). , Th-32) is connected to the discharge pipes (10a-1, 10a-2) of the compressors (COMP-1, COMP-2) to detect the suction gas refrigerant temperature of the compression mechanism (1).
(Th-4) are provided in the suction gas line (10c) of the compression mechanism (1). Further, a high pressure sensor (SEN-H) for detecting the refrigerant pressure discharged from the compression mechanism (1) is provided to the first discharge gas line (10a) and the discharge gas distribution pipe (34) of the compression mechanism (1). A low pressure sensor (SEN-L) that detects the suction refrigerant pressure of 1) is provided in each of the suction gas lines (10c) of the compression mechanism (1), and the discharge of each compressor (COMP-1, COMP-2). The high pressure protection switches (HPS, HPS) that operate when the refrigerant pressure reaches a predetermined high pressure are connected to the discharge pipes (1) of each compressor (COMP-1, COMP-2).
0a-1, 10a-2).

On the other hand, the water-side condenser (3
0), the inlet water temperature sensor (Th-W1) at the water inlet, and the outlet water temperature sensor (Th-W2) at the lower end of the buffer tank (60), and supercooling at the water outlet side of the water evaporator (31). Water temperature sensor (Th-W3)
However, an ice formation detection sensor (Th-W4) is provided in each of the ice formation containers (62) so as to detect the water temperature in each part. Further, the flow rate of water in the water inlet pipe (63a) is detected at the water inlet pipe (63a) connected to the upstream end of the water-side condenser (30), and when the flow rate becomes lower than a predetermined value, the ON operation is performed. A flow switch (SW-F) is provided.

-Configuration of Control-The air conditioner according to the present embodiment includes sensors (Th-1 to SEN-L, Th
-W1 to Th-W4), switch (HPS) and switch (SW-F) detection signals are input to the controller (85), and based on these detection signals, the switching of each solenoid valve (SV1 to SV18) is performed. It controls the opening degree of each electric expansion valve (4, 7, 38) and the capacity of the compression mechanism (1).

-Operation- Next, the operation of the air conditioner configured as described above will be described. The operation modes of the air conditioner include normal cooling operation, normal heating operation, ice nucleation operation, cold storage operation, simultaneous cold storage / cooling operation, cooling operation using cold storage,
There are a thermal storage operation, a thermal storage / heating simultaneous operation, and a thermal storage utilizing heating operation.

Hereinafter, the refrigerant circulation operation in each operation mode will be described. -Normal cooling operation-In this operation mode, the four-way switching valve (2) is switched to the solid line side by the controller (85), the indoor electric expansion valve (7) is adjusted to a predetermined opening, and other electric expansion is performed. The valve is closed. On the other hand, the first solenoid valve (SV1) is opened, and the other solenoid valves are closed.

When the compression mechanism (1) is driven in this state, the refrigerant discharged from the compression mechanism (1) passes through the four-way switching valve (2) as shown by the arrow in FIG. The heat is exchanged with the outside air in the outdoor heat exchanger (3) and condensed. Thereafter, the refrigerant is supplied to the first and second refrigerants.
After being introduced into the indoor unit (Y, Y, Y) via the liquid lines (11a, 11b) and decompressed by the indoor electric expansion valve (7, 7, 7), the indoor heat exchanger (6, 6, 6) In this case, heat is exchanged with the room air to evaporate and cool the room air. Then, this gas refrigerant is recovered to the suction side of the compression mechanism (1) through the gas recovery branch pipes (15a, 15a, 15a) of the gas pipe (15), the four-way switching valve (2), and the suction gas line (10c). Is done. By performing such a circulation operation, the room is cooled.

-Normal heating operation- In this operation mode, the controller (85) switches the four-way switching valve (2) to the dashed line side and adjusts the outdoor electric expansion valve (4) to a predetermined opening degree. The indoor electric expansion valve (7) is fully opened. On the other hand, the second solenoid valve (SV2) is opened, and the other solenoid valves are closed.

When the compression mechanism (1) is driven in this state, the refrigerant discharged from the compression mechanism (1) is supplied to the four-way switching valve (2) and the gas pipe (15) as shown by arrows in FIG. The gas is introduced into the indoor unit (Y, Y, Y) through the gas supply branch pipe (15b), and heat is exchanged with indoor air in the indoor heat exchanger (6, 6, 6) to condense and Warm. After that, the refrigerant flows from the fourth liquid line (11d) through the receiver (5) through the third liquid line (11c), is decompressed by the outdoor electric expansion valve (4), and then is cooled by the outdoor heat exchanger (3). At which heat exchange is performed with the outside air to evaporate. Thereafter, the gas is recovered to the suction side of the compression mechanism (1) via the four-way switching valve (2) and the suction gas line (10c). The room is heated by performing such a circulation operation.

-Ice nucleus generation operation-This operation mode is for generating ice nuclei for eliminating a supercooled state of supercooled water in a cold heat storage operation described later. In the ice nucleation operation, the water in the water circulation circuit (B) is heated to a predetermined temperature (for example, 2 ° C.) before the ice nucleation operation.
A water cooling operation is performed to cool the cooling water. Explaining the circulation operation of water and refrigerant in this water cooling operation, pump (P)
Is driven to drive the compression mechanism (1) in a state where water is circulated in the water circulation circuit (B). Then, the refrigerant discharged from the compression mechanism (1) is condensed in the outdoor heat exchanger (3), and then passes through the second communication pipe (45) and the first communication pipe (37). ), Heat exchange with water, and after cooling and evaporating the water, a compression mechanism is provided by a refrigerant recovery pipe (40).
Collected on the suction side of (1). When such a water cooling operation is performed for a predetermined time and the water temperature of the water circulation circuit (B) reaches a predetermined temperature, the operation shifts to the following ice nucleus generation operation.

In this ice nucleus generating operation, the controller (85)
As a result, the four-way switching valve (2) is switched to the solid line side, and each electric expansion valve is closed. On the other hand, the first 1, 11, 13, 1
7, each solenoid valve (SV1, SV11, SV13, SV17) is opened.
Only a predetermined solenoid valve (for example, the seventh solenoid valve (SV7)) of each of the solenoid valves (SV4 to SV9) of the gas supply piping unit (32) is opened. Other solenoid valves are closed.

In this state, in the water circulation circuit (B),
The pump (P) is driven to circulate water in the water circulation circuit (B). On the other hand, in the refrigerant circuit (A), the compression mechanism
Only the upstream compressor (COMP-1) of (1) is driven. And
A part of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (COMP-1) is introduced into the outdoor heat exchanger (3) through the four-way switching valve (2) as shown by an arrow in FIG. In the outdoor heat exchanger (3), heat is exchanged with the outside air to condense. Thereafter, the refrigerant is supplied to the first and second liquid lines (11a, 11b) and the second connecting pipe.
After passing through (45), it is introduced into the first ice nucleation refrigerant supply pipe (77).
The other refrigerant is introduced into the water-side condenser (30) through the fourth branch pipe (33d) of the gas supply pipe unit (32), where heat exchange with the water in the water circulation circuit (B) is performed. To condense, and is introduced into the first ice nucleation refrigerant supply pipe (77) via the first communication pipe (37) and the second communication pipe (45). That is, the refrigerant condensed in each of the outdoor heat exchanger (3) and the water-side condenser (30) is joined in the first ice nucleation refrigerant supply pipe (77). The combined refrigerant is decompressed by the capillary tube (CP) of the first ice nucleation refrigerant supply pipe (77), and then cooled by the ice nucleation unit (7).
0), where the water is cooled to form ice nuclei,
The refrigerant is recovered to the suction side of the compression mechanism (1) through the ice nucleation refrigerant recovery pipe (78) and the refrigerant recovery pipe (40).

Hereinafter, the operation of the ice nucleus generating unit (70) for generating ice nuclei will be described. As shown in FIG.
The water flowing from the water-side evaporator (31) toward the water-generating vessel (62) first increases in flow velocity due to the passage area of the outflow pipe (65) becoming gradually smaller toward the downstream side. It is introduced into the nozzle (66). Most of the water flowing in the nozzle (66) is directly supplied to the water generation container (62) as shown by the arrow indicated by the broken line in FIG.
The air is introduced into the ice holding space (73) from the opening (66a) through the communication hole (62b) of the nozzle holding portion (62a).

On the other hand, the refrigerant supplied from the first ice nucleation generation refrigerant supply pipe (77) to the ice nucleation unit (70) flows through the refrigerant introduction passage (75a) as shown by the solid line arrow in FIG. Convex (7
4b), exchanges heat with the water in the ice holding space (73), cools and evaporates the water, and then cools and evaporates the refrigerant.
b) is discharged to the ice nucleation refrigerant recovery pipe (78). At this time, since the ice making projection (74b) is formed to be relatively thin as described above, heat exchange between the refrigerant and the water is performed efficiently.

By such an operation, the water cooled in the ice holding space (73) is frozen around the ice making projection (74b), and the ice for ice nucleation (I) is formed on the wall surface of the ice making projection (74b). I) adheres as When such a circulation operation of the water and the refrigerant is continuously performed, the water introduced from the nozzle (66) into the ice holding space (73) is in a supercooled state in the ice holding space (73), and this is an ice making. By contacting the ice (I) attached to the projection (74b), the supercooling is eliminated and the ice nucleus (I ') becomes granular. Then, the ice nucleus (I ′) is moved from the ice holding space (73) to the nozzle (66) by a relatively high velocity water flow flowing in the nozzle (66).
It is collected inside and then introduced into the ice producing container (62).

After the ice nucleation operation has been performed for a predetermined period of time (for example, 5 minutes), the operation proceeds to a cold heat storage operation described later.

-Cold heat storage operation- In this operation mode, supercooled water is brought into contact with the ice nucleus (I ') generated by the above-described ice nucleus generation operation, so that the area around the ice nucleus (I') is This is to eliminate the supercooled state and generate ice (I) for heat storage.

In this operation mode, the four-way switching valve (2) is switched to the solid line side by the controller (85), the electric expansion valve (38) for the water-side evaporator is adjusted to a predetermined opening, and the other electric motors are operated. The expansion valve is closed. On the other hand, the first 1, 11, 13, 1
Each of the solenoid valves (SV1, SV11, SV13, SV15, SV18) of the gas supply piping unit (32) is opened.
To SV9) (for example, the seventh solenoid valve (SV7))
Only open. Other solenoid valves are closed.

In this state, in the water circulation circuit (B),
The pump (P) is driven to circulate water in the water circulation circuit (B). On the other hand, in the refrigerant circuit (A), the compression mechanism
(1) is driven, and a part of the refrigerant discharged from the compression mechanism (1) passes through a four-way switching valve (2) as shown by an arrow in FIG. And heat exchanges with the outside air in the outdoor heat exchanger (3) to condense. Thereafter, the refrigerant is supplied to the first and second liquid lines (11a, 1a).
1b), is introduced into the first communication pipe (37) through the second communication pipe (45). In addition, some other refrigerant bypasses the four-way switching valve (2) and the outdoor heat exchanger (3) to discharge gas bypass line (2).
After flowing through 7), it joins the first liquid line (11a). Further, another part of the refrigerant is introduced into the water-side condenser (30) through the fourth branch pipe (33d) of the gas supply piping unit (32), where it is connected to the water in the water circulation circuit (B). The mixture is condensed by heat exchange in, and is introduced into the first communication pipe (37). Further, the second liquid line (11b)
Part of the refrigerant flowing through the first connecting pipe via the fourth connecting pipe (49)
(37). Thus, the outdoor heat exchanger (3)
And the refrigerant condensed in each of the water-side condenser (30)
They are joined at the connecting pipe (37). Then, the combined refrigerant is reduced in pressure by the water-side evaporator electric expansion valve (38), and then introduced into the water-side evaporator (31), and is combined with the water flowing through the water-side evaporator (31). The water is exchanged to evaporate, and the water is cooled to a supercooled state (for example, −2 ° C.). And this refrigerant is
The refrigerant is collected on the suction side of the compression mechanism (1) via the refrigerant recovery pipe (40). The supercooled water generated in the water-side evaporator (31) by performing such a circulation operation of water and the refrigerant flows from the ice nucleation unit (70) to the ice nucleation unit (70) when flowing through the ice nucleus mixing unit (61). Nuclear
(I ′) is mixed and introduced into the ice producing container (62). Then, in this ice producing container (62), the supercooled water
The supercooled state is eliminated around (I ′), whereby slurry-like ice for heat storage is generated. This ice is stored in a heat storage tank
(T) and stored in the heat storage tank (T).

At this time, whether or not the supercooling elimination operation is being performed in the ice forming container (62) is checked by the above-mentioned supercooled water temperature sensor (Th-W3) and the ice formation detecting sensor (Th-W4). It depends on the detected water temperature. In other words, when a good ice making operation is being performed, the supercooled water temperature sensor (Th-W
In 3), the supercooled water temperature (for example, -2 ° C) is detected, and in the ice formation detection sensor (Th-W4), supercooling is eliminated and the water temperature (for example, 0 ° C) in which ice and water are mixed is detected. Then, it can be confirmed that the supercooling elimination operation is being performed by detecting these water temperatures by the respective sensors (Th-W3, Th-W4).

The compression mechanism in the cold heat storage operation
The capacity control of (1) is performed so that the water temperature detected by the supercooling water temperature sensor (Th-W3) is maintained at a predetermined temperature (for example, −2 ° C. described above). At the same time, the opening and closing adjustment of each of the solenoid valves (SV4 to SV9) of the gas supply piping unit (32) is performed based on the water temperature detected by the outlet water temperature sensor (Th-W2). That is, when the water temperature detected by the outlet water temperature sensor (Th-W2) is higher than a predetermined temperature (for example, 0.7 ° C.), the number of solenoid valves to be opened is reduced to reduce the water side condenser (30).
In the case where the temperature of the detected water is lower than a predetermined temperature, the number of solenoid valves that are opened is increased to promote the heating of the water in the water-side condenser (30). . Thereby, when the ice nucleus (I ′) is mixed in the water-side condenser (30), it is melted in the buffer tank (60), and the ice nucleus (I ′) is formed in the water-side evaporator (31). Water side evaporator while avoiding contamination
The operation of generating the supercooled water in (31) is performed favorably, and the supercooled state of the supercooled water is not canceled until it reaches the ice generating container (62).

In this cold heat storage operation, an ice nucleus generating operation is also performed at the same time. That is, the first connecting pipe (37)
A part of the refrigerant flowing through is supplied to the ice nucleation unit (70) through the second ice nucleation generation refrigerant supply pipe (79). Thereby, continuous ice making can be performed. Then, the refrigerant that has cooled water in the ice nucleation unit (70) to generate ice nuclei passes through the ice nucleation generation refrigerant recovery pipe (78) and the refrigerant recovery pipe (40) in the same manner as the ice nucleation generation operation described above. After that, it is collected at the suction side of the compression mechanism (1).

On the other hand, a part of the refrigerant flowing through the first liquid line (11a) and a part of the high-temperature gas refrigerant flowing through the discharge gas bypass line (27) are formed by the expansion preventing refrigerant supply pipe (81). (68) is introduced into the space (68f) between the outer member (68a) and the inner member (68b), whereby the inner member (68
b) The inner surface is heated. Then, the refrigerant is joined to the first liquid line (11a) by the progress preventing refrigerant recovery pipe (82). Therefore, if ice adheres to the inner wall surface of the nozzle (66),
Even if this is the situation where so-called ice growth that grows on the upstream side (water-side evaporator (31) side) along the wall surface occurs, this growing ice is quickly spread to the portion where it reaches the growth prevention member (68). This development does not reach the water-side evaporator (31). In other words, it is possible to avoid that the progress of the ice reaches the water-side evaporator (31), the supercooled state of the supercooled water is eliminated therein, and the water-side evaporator (31) is frozen. .

In such a cold storage operation,
When the supercooling of the water in the water-side evaporator (31) is eliminated and the water-side evaporator (31) freezes, the cold heat storage operation is temporarily interrupted and switched to the thawing operation. In this thawing operation, the twelfth solenoid valve (SV12) is opened, and the high-temperature gas refrigerant from the compression mechanism (1) is supplied to the water-side evaporator (31) through the hot gas supply pipe (42), and the refrigerant is discharged. The heat melts the ice in the water path of the water-side evaporator (31). Also, at this time, by driving the pump (P), when the ice is slightly melted, the ice is released from the wall of the water path of the water-side evaporator (31) by the water pressure from the pump (P). It is easily detached and flushed toward the ice producing container (62).

During the thawing operation, the water circulation circuit (B)
Water above the freezing point flows through the inside, and part of this water is also introduced into the ice holding space (73) of the ice nucleation unit (71). As a result, part of the ice (I) generated around the ice making protrusion (74b) is melted, and in some cases, the ice making protrusion (7
4b), there is a holding member (72) having a cross-shaped opening (72a) around the ice (I), and as described above, the inner surface of the opening (72a) Since (I) is caught, the ice (I) does not flow out of the nozzle (66) to the water pipe (63). Further, since the communication hole (62b) of the nozzle holding member (62a) and the opening of the nozzle (66) are smaller in diameter than the ice (I), the ice (I) can also be moved from the nozzle (66) to the water pipe (63). It does not flow out to). In other words, this ice
(I) is always held in the ice holding space (73).

During the cold storage operation, the water-side evaporator (31)
The operation of detecting that the water has frozen is as follows: the water temperature detected by the supercooling water temperature sensor (Th-W3) is from -2 ° C to 0 ° C.
° C, the supercooled water temperature sensor (Th-
It is determined that ice has been generated by performing the supercooling elimination operation on the upstream side of W3), and the thawing operation is performed for a predetermined time (for example, 5 minutes). In addition, as another operation for starting the thawing operation, when the flow rate of the water detected by the flow switch (SW-F) becomes lower than a predetermined value, the ice blocks a part of the water circulation circuit (B). In this case, the ice is thawed by performing the thawing operation.

When the thawing operation is completed, the cold storage operation is started again. In the cold storage operation, as described above, ice (I) is discharged from the water pipe (63) during the thawing operation.
The ice nucleus (I ′) can be generated almost simultaneously with the start of the cold storage operation since the ice nucleus (I ′) is held in the ice holding space (73) without flowing out to the ice holding space (73). For this reason, ice nuclei (I ′) can be quickly supplied in a re-ice making operation or the like after the thawing operation, and the ice making efficiency can be improved.

-Simultaneous operation of cooling heat storage / cooling operation-This operation mode is used for cooling the indoor heat storage tank.
The operation of storing ice in (T) is performed in a state where the cooling load is relatively small.

In this operation mode, the operation is performed by opening the indoor electric expansion valves (7, 7, 7) in the above-mentioned cold storage operation. That is, as shown by the broken arrows in FIG. 24, a part of the refrigerant condensed in the outdoor heat exchanger (3) is supplied to the indoor unit (Y, Y, Y), and the indoor electric expansion valve (7, 7) is supplied. , 7), and then evaporate in the indoor heat exchanger (6,6,6). Then, this gas refrigerant is recovered to the suction side of the compression mechanism (1) through the gas recovery branch pipes (15a, 15a, 15a) of the gas pipe (15), the four-way switching valve (2), and the suction gas line (10c). Will be done. The other water and refrigerant circulation operations are the same as in the cold storage operation described above.

-Cooling / Storing Cooling Operation- In this operation mode, the room is cooled while utilizing the cold heat of the ice stored in the heat storage tank (T) in the above-described cold storage operation. The cold storage operation has two types of operation modes. Hereinafter, each type of operation mode will be described.

A. In this operation mode, the four-way switching valve (2) is switched to the solid line side by the controller (85), and the indoor electric expansion valve (7, 7,
7) is adjusted to the predetermined opening, while the other electric expansion valves are closed. Also, the first, third, eleventh, fourteenth, sixteenth
Each of the solenoid valves (SV1, SV3, SV11, SV14, SV16) is opened, and a predetermined one of the solenoid valves (SV4 to SV9) of the gas supply piping unit (32) (for example, seventh, eighth, and seventh). 9 solenoid valves (SV7,8,
Only 9) is released. Other solenoid valves are closed.

In this state, in the water circulation circuit (B),
The pump (P) is driven to circulate water in the water circulation circuit (B). As a result, the heat storage tank is located in the water circulation circuit (B).
The cold water cooled by the ice in (T) circulates. on the other hand,
In the refrigerant circuit (A), the compression mechanism (1) is driven,
Part of the refrigerant discharged from the compression mechanism (1) is introduced into the outdoor heat exchanger (3) through the four-way switching valve (2), as indicated by the arrow in FIG. In the exchanger (3), heat is exchanged with the outside air to condense. Thereafter, the refrigerant flows through the first and second liquid lines (11a, 11b) toward the indoor unit (Y, Y, Y). Further, some other refrigerants flow through the discharge gas bypass line (27) bypassing the four-way switching valve (2) and the outdoor heat exchanger (3), and the first liquid line (1).
1a). Further, another part of the refrigerant is introduced into the water-side condenser (30) through the fourth to sixth branch pipes (33d to 33f) of the gas supply pipe unit (32), where the water circulation circuit (B) Condenses by performing heat exchange with cold water circulating through the first connecting pipe
(37). The refrigerant introduced into the first communication pipe (37) is supplied to the second communication pipe (45), the third communication pipe (47) and the fourth communication pipe (47).
The liquid is joined to the first liquid line (11a) via the liquid line (11d). Thus, the outdoor heat exchanger (3) and the water-side condenser
(30) The refrigerant condensed in each of the first liquid line (11a)
To join. Then, the combined refrigerant reaches the indoor unit (Y, Y, Y), is depressurized by the indoor electric expansion valve (7, 7, 7), and then is depressurized by the indoor heat exchanger (6, 6, 6). Evaporation and compression mechanism
Collected on the suction side of (1).

Thus, the indoor cooling operation using the cold energy of the ice stored in the heat storage tank (T) is performed. According to the first type of cold storage utilizing cooling operation, by controlling the open / close state of each solenoid valve (SV4 to SV9) of the gas supply piping unit (32), the amount of refrigerant condensed by outside air and the amount of cold water are controlled. Thus, the ratio with the amount of refrigerant condensed can be easily adjusted, and by this adjustment, control of the air-conditioning capacity, adjustment of the amount of residual ice in the heat storage tank, and the like can be performed.

A part of the refrigerant flowing through the second liquid line (11b) flows through the third liquid line (11c) and the fifth communication pipe (51), and the capillary tube (51) of the fifth communication pipe (51) is used. After being decompressed by CP), it is introduced into the second pipe heat exchanger (52). Then, the refrigerant exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the second liquid line (11b) in the second pipe heat exchanger (52), and the second liquid line
After supercooling the refrigerant of (11b), it is recovered in the suction gas line (10c). Since the refrigerant introduced into the indoor heat exchangers (6, 6, 6) is supercooled in this way, the respective indoor heat exchangers (6, 6,
In 6), the amount of heat exchange between the refrigerant and the indoor air can be increased.

In the cooling operation utilizing the cold storage heat, when the water temperature detected by the inlet water temperature sensor (Th-W1) reaches a predetermined temperature (for example, 5 ° C.), the gas supply piping unit (32) Each of the solenoid valves (SV4 to SV9) is closed, the cooling operation using cold storage is terminated, and the operation shifts to the normal cooling operation. That is, after it is determined that most of the cold energy in the heat storage tank (T) has been used by detecting the water temperature of the inlet water temperature sensor (Th-W1), the operation is switched to the normal cooling operation.

B. In this operation mode, the four-way switching valve (2) is switched to the solid line side by the controller (85), and the indoor electric expansion valve (7, 7,
7) is adjusted to a predetermined opening while the outdoor electric expansion valve (4)
Is fully opened, and the water-side evaporator electric expansion valve (38) is fully closed. In addition, each of the third, tenth, eleventh, thirteenth, and sixteenth solenoid valves (S
V3, SV10, SV11, SV13, SV16) are opened, and the other solenoid valves are closed.

In this state, in the water circulation circuit (B),
The pump (P) is driven to circulate water in the water circulation circuit (B). As a result, the heat storage tank is located in the water circulation circuit (B).
The cold water cooled by the ice in (T) circulates. on the other hand,
In the refrigerant circuit (A), the compression mechanism (1) is driven,
As shown by arrows in FIG. 26, a part of the refrigerant discharged from the downstream compressor (COMP-2) is introduced into the outdoor heat exchanger (3) through the four-way switching valve (2), In the outdoor heat exchanger (3), heat is exchanged with the outside air to condense. Thereafter, the refrigerant is introduced into the second connecting pipe (45) through the first and second liquid lines (11a, 11b), the third liquid line (11c), and the sixth connecting pipe (53). In addition, some other refrigerant is a four-way switching valve (2)
And, it bypasses the outdoor heat exchanger (3) and flows through the discharge gas bypass line (27) to join the first liquid line (11a).

On the other hand, the refrigerant discharged from the upstream compressor (COMP-1) is introduced into the water side condenser (30) through the discharge gas distribution pipe (34), where it is circulated through the water circulation circuit (B). Heat exchange is performed with the cold water to be condensed, and the condensed water is introduced into the first communication pipe (37). Then, the refrigerant introduced into the first communication pipe (37) is joined to the second communication pipe (45). In this way, the refrigerant condensed in each of the outdoor heat exchanger (3) and the water-side condenser (30) is joined in the second communication pipe (45). Then, the joined refrigerant reaches the indoor unit (Y, Y, Y) from the second communication pipe (45) via the second liquid line (11b), and the indoor electric expansion valve (7,
After the pressure is reduced in (7,7), it is evaporated in the indoor heat exchanger (6,6,6) and collected in the suction side of the compression mechanism (1).

[0091] By such an operation, the heat storage tank
Indoor cooling operation using the cold heat of the ice stored in (T) is performed. According to the second type of cold storage utilizing cooling operation, the refrigerant discharged from the upstream compressor (COMP-1) is condensed only by the cold water (0 ° C.) in the water circulation circuit (B). Even if the temperature of the discharged gas refrigerant is low, the refrigeration capacity can be sufficiently exhibited. As a result, the input to the upstream compressor (COMP-1) can be reduced, and the compression mechanism (1)
The power consumption as a whole is reduced, and the COP of the device can be improved.

Also in this operation, the refrigerant in the second liquid line (11b) and the fifth connecting pipe are connected in the second pipe heat exchanger (52).
By exchanging heat with the refrigerant in (51) and supercooling the refrigerant in the second liquid line (11b), the heat between the refrigerant and indoor air in each indoor heat exchanger (6, 6, 6) is increased. The exchange amount can be increased.

[0093] Even in this operation, when the water temperature detected by the inlet water temperature sensor (Th-W1) reaches a predetermined temperature, it is assumed that most of the cold heat in the heat storage tank (T) is used. Judgment is made and normal cooling operation is switched.

-Heat storage operation- This operation mode is for storing hot water in the heat storage tank (T) as the heat used during the heating operation.

In this operation mode, the four-way switching valve (2) is switched to the broken line side by the controller (85), the outdoor electric expansion valve (4) is adjusted to a predetermined opening, and the other electric expansion valves are operated. Will be closed. On the other hand, the eleventh and thirteenth solenoid valves (SV11,
SV13) is opened, and each solenoid valve (SV4 to SV9) of the gas supply piping unit (32) is opened. Other solenoid valves are closed.

In this state, in the water circulation circuit (B),
The pump (P) is driven to circulate water in the water circulation circuit (B). On the other hand, in the refrigerant circuit (A), the compression mechanism
(1) is driven, and the refrigerant discharged from the compression mechanism (1) is supplied to the gas supply piping unit as shown by an arrow in FIG.
The water is introduced into the water-side condenser (30) through the branch pipes (33a to 33f) of (32), where heat is exchanged with water in the water circulation circuit (B) to heat the water and condense it. Then, it is introduced into the first communication pipe (37). The refrigerant passes through the second connecting pipe (45), the second liquid line (11b), the fourth liquid line (11d), the receiver (5), and the third liquid line (11c), and then passes through the outdoor heat exchanger (3). ). Then, in the outdoor heat exchanger (3), heat is exchanged with the outside air to evaporate, and then the air passes through the four-way switching valve (2) and the suction gas line (10c) to the suction side of the compression mechanism (1). Collected.
By circulating such water and refrigerant, the water flowing through the water circulation circuit (B) receives heat from the refrigerant in the water-side condenser (30), becomes hot water, and enters the heat storage tank (T). Will be stored.

During such a heat storage operation, when the water temperature detected by the inlet water temperature sensor (Th-W1) reaches a predetermined high temperature (for example, 35 ° C.), the heat storage tank
Judging that sufficient heat has been stored in (T), the operation is terminated.

-Simultaneous operation of heat storage / heating- This operation mode is a mode in which the heat storage tank is heated while heating the room.
(T) is an operation for storing hot water, which is performed in a state where the heating load is relatively small.

In this operation mode, the indoor electric expansion valve (7, 7, 7) and the second solenoid valve (SV2) are used in the above-mentioned warm heat storage operation.
This is done by opening That is, the compression mechanism
Part of the refrigerant discharged from (1) is introduced into the indoor heat exchanger (6, 6, 6) through the gas pipe (15), and the indoor heat exchanger (6, 6,
In (6, 6), heat is exchanged with the room air to heat and condense the room air, and then join the refrigerant in the second liquid line (11b). The other water and refrigerant circulation operations are the same as in the above-described warm heat storage operation.

-Heating Operation Utilizing Warm Heat Storage-In this operation mode, indoor heating is performed while utilizing the heat of the hot water stored in the heat storage tank (T) in the above-described warm heat storage operation.

In this operation mode, the four-way switching valve (2) is switched to the broken line side by the controller (85), and the water-side evaporator electric expansion valve (38) is adjusted to a predetermined opening degree, while the indoor electric motor is controlled. The expansion valve (7) is fully opened. In addition, the first, second,
The solenoid valves 13 and 15 (SV1, SV2, SV13 and SV15) are opened, and the other solenoid valves are closed.

When the compression mechanism (1) is driven in this state, the refrigerant discharged from the compression mechanism (1) receives the refrigerant from the four-way switching valve (2) and the gas pipe (15) as shown by the arrow in FIG. The gas is introduced into the indoor unit (Y, Y, Y) through the gas supply branch pipe (15b), and heat is exchanged with indoor air in the indoor heat exchanger (6, 6, 6) to condense and Warm. Thereafter, the refrigerant is introduced from the fourth communication line (11d) through the receiver (5) and the second liquid line (11b) through the second communication pipe (45) to the first communication pipe (37). A part of the refrigerant flowing through the second liquid line (11b) is introduced into the fourth connecting pipe (49) via the third liquid line (11c), and the capillary tube (CP) of the fourth connecting pipe (49) is introduced. After being decompressed by the pressure, it is joined to the first communication pipe (37). Then, the refrigerant joined to the first communication pipe (37) is introduced into the water-side evaporator (31), where the refrigerant exchanges heat with hot water and evaporates, and then the refrigerant recovery pipe (40) And is collected at the suction side of the compression mechanism (1).

In this manner, the indoor heating operation using the heat of the hot water stored in the heat storage tank (T) is performed.

A part of the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant recovery pipe (40) is diverted to the recovery branch pipe (40a).
The refrigerant flowing through (40a) and the refrigerant flowing through the fourth communication pipe (49) are heat-exchanged in the first pipe heat exchanger (50).
Therefore, the refrigerant flowing through the fourth communication pipe (49) is supercooled, and the amount of heat exchange between the refrigerant and the hot water in the water-side evaporator (31) can be increased.

Also, in the heating operation utilizing the heat storage, the water temperature detected by the inlet water temperature sensor (Th-W1) reaches the predetermined temperature (for example, 20 ° C.), similarly to the heating operation utilizing the cold storage. The gas supply piping unit (3
The solenoid valves (SV4 to SV9) of 2) are closed, the heating operation using the heat storage is terminated, and the operation shifts to the normal heating operation. In other words, by detecting the water temperature of the inlet water temperature sensor (Th-W1), the heat storage tank
After it is determined that most of the heat in (T) has been used, the operation is switched to the normal heating operation. The air conditioning in the room is performed by each operation as described above.

In this embodiment, as described above, a cross-shaped opening (72a) is formed in the holding member (72), whereby ice (I) flows out to the water pipe (63) during the thawing operation. Ice nuclei (I ') around the ice nucleus generation ice (I) that is held almost simultaneously with the resumption of the cold storage operation. Is generated.
Therefore, ice making can be quickly restarted in a re-ice making operation or the like after the thawing operation, and the ice making efficiency can be improved.

-Modification- Next, a description will be given of a modification of the configuration for holding ice (I) for generating ice nuclei. First, as a first modification, FIG.
9 and FIG. 30, the holding member (72) and the cooling member (7
1), the opening (8) having a diameter larger than that of the cross-shaped opening (72a).
3a) Spacer (83) with (eg large diameter cylindrical opening)
Is provided. According to this, the ice making projection (74) of the cooling member (71)
b) is formed around the cross-shaped opening (72a) and the opening (83a) of the spacer (83), and ice (I) generated around the opening (83a) of the spacer (83) The ice (I) that forms on the back side of the inner edge of the central opening (72b) of the cross-shaped opening (72a) (FIG. 30)
Ice (I) is retained by being hooked on the

As a second modified example, the one shown in FIGS. 31 and 32 has the respective surfaces forming the central opening (72b) and the rectangular grooves (72c, 72c,...) Of the holding member (72). It is formed with a tapered surface such that the opening area gradually decreases toward the nozzle (66) (the lower side in FIG. 32), that is, toward the water flow path. Further, as a third modification, the one shown in FIGS. 33 and 34 has the central opening (72b) and the rectangular grooves (72c, 72c).
c,…)), a step (72d) is provided on each side of this step (72d).
The opening area on the nozzle (66) side (the lower side in FIG. 34) is smaller than that on the nozzle (66) side. According to these configurations,
The central opening (72b) and the rectangular groove (72c, 72c, 72c) of the holding member (72)
..) Prevents the outflow of ice (I), whereby the ice (I) can be held in the ice holding space (73).

In this embodiment, water is used as the heat storage medium for heat storage, but other aqueous brine solutions may be used.

Although the case where the present invention is applied to an ice heat storage device for an air conditioner has been described, the present invention can be applied to other devices using cold storage heat.

[0111]

As described above, according to the present invention, the following effects can be obtained. According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided ice outflow prevention means for preventing ice for generating ice nuclei generated on the outer wall of the cooling member from flowing out to the heat storage circuit, and bringing the heat storage medium into contact with the ice. Since the ice nuclei are generated by the above-mentioned method, the ice for generating the ice nuclei is held in the ice nucleus generation means even after the thawing operation for melting the ice adhered to the tube wall or the like of the heat storage circuit. Therefore, when the ice nucleus generation operation is restarted, ice nuclei can be quickly generated by using the ice for ice nucleus generation, and the ice making efficiency can be improved.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the outer wall of the cooling member is formed in a cylindrical ice-making projection with a bottom, and the ice outflow preventing means has a center formed with a slightly larger diameter than the ice-making projection. In order to form an opening having an opening and a groove extending radially outward with a predetermined angular interval around the central opening,
The ice for generating ice nuclei can be locked and held between the ice making projection and the opening of the ice outflow prevention means, and the opening has an enlarged ice attachment area by a central opening and a groove. . For this reason, the configuration of the ice outflow prevention means is specifically obtained, and
Ice for ice nucleus generation can be reliably maintained.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, since the portion around the communication position of the communication path in the circulation path is formed of a material having low ice adhesion, the communication path is closed due to the adhesion of ice to the circulation path. Ice nuclei can no longer be supplied, and ice does not propagate on the wall of the circulation path, so that ice nucleus supply operation and ice making operation accompanying this supply operation can be reliably performed, and the reliability of the device is improved. Can be achieved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an entire configuration of a refrigerant circuit and a water circuit provided in an ice storage type air conditioner according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a part of a refrigerant circuit.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing another part of the refrigerant circuit.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing another part of the refrigerant circuit and a water circuit.

FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining an ice nucleus generation operation.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing an arrangement state of each device constituting the water circulation circuit.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a water-side evaporator.

8 is a view taken in the direction of arrow VII in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a view showing a buffer tank.

FIG. 10 is a view on arrow IX in FIG. 9 (b).

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an ice producing container.

FIG. 12 is a view on arrow XI in FIG. 11 (b).

FIG. 13 is a partially cutaway plan view showing an ice nucleation unit and its peripheral portion.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a nozzle.

FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a cooling unit main body.

FIG. 16 is a view showing a refrigerant passage forming member.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a holding member.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing a state where a cooling member and a holding member are assembled.

FIG. 19 is a view showing a progress preventing member.

FIG. 20 is a sectional view taken along the line VV in FIG. 19 (b).

FIG. 21 is a circuit diagram showing a refrigerant circulation operation in a normal cooling operation.

FIG. 22 is a circuit diagram showing a refrigerant circulation operation in a normal heating operation.

FIG. 23 is a circuit diagram showing a refrigerant circulation operation in the ice nucleus generation operation.

FIG. 24 is a circuit diagram showing a refrigerant circulation operation of the cold storage operation.

FIG. 25 is a circuit diagram showing a refrigerant circulating operation of a first type of cold storage / cooling operation.

FIG. 26 is a circuit diagram showing a refrigerant circulation operation of a second type of cold storage utilizing cooling operation.

FIG. 27 is a circuit diagram showing a refrigerant circulation operation of the heat storage operation.

FIG. 28 is a circuit diagram showing a refrigerant circulating operation in a heating operation utilizing warm storage heat.

FIG. 29 is a perspective view showing a first modification of the ice nucleus generating unit.

FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view of a first modification of the ice nucleation unit.

FIG. 31 is a perspective view of a holding member in a second modification of the ice nucleation unit.

FIG. 32 is a sectional view of a holding member in a second modification of the ice nucleation unit.

FIG. 33 is a perspective view of a holding member in a third modification of the ice nucleation unit.

FIG. 34 is a sectional view of a holding member in a third modification of the ice nucleation unit.

[Explanation of symbols]

 (1) Compression mechanism (compressor) (3) Outdoor heat exchanger (heat source side heat exchanger) (10) Gas side pipe (refrigerant pipe) (11) Liquid side pipe (refrigerant pipe) (31a) Container (for cooling) (31f) Heat transfer tube (Heat exchanger for supercooling generation) (37) 1st connecting pipe (refrigerant pipe) (38) Electric expansion valve for water side evaporator (Expansion mechanism) (40) Refrigerant recovery pipe ( (45) Second connecting pipe (refrigerant pipe) (62b) Communication path (63) Water pipe (circulation path) (70) Ice nucleation unit (ice nucleation means) (71) Cooling member (72) Member (ice outflow prevention means) (72a) Opening (72b) Central opening (72c) Rectangular groove (73) Ice holding space (74b) Ice making protrusion (A) Refrigerant circulation circuit (B) Water circulation circuit (heat storage circulation circuit) (T) Heat storage tank (P) Pump (circulation means) (CP) Capillary tube (expansion mechanism) (I ') Ice core (I) Ice

────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (72) Koji Matsuoka, Inventor 1304 Kanaokacho, Sakai-shi, Osaka Daikin Industries Co., Ltd. Sakai Factory Kanaoka Factory (56) References JP-A-63-271074 (JP, A) JP-A-4-251177 (JP, A) JP-A-7-198173 (JP, A) (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. ⁶ , DB name) F24F 5/00 F25C 1/00

Claims (3)

(57) [Claims] 1. At least a compressor (1) and a heat source side heat exchanger
(3) a refrigerant circulation circuit (A) in which an expansion mechanism (38) and a cooling heat exchanger (31a) are sequentially connected by refrigerant pipes (10, 11, 45, 37, 40); and at least a heat storage medium. A heat storage tank (T) for storing heat and a supercooling generation heat exchanger (31f) capable of exchanging heat between the cooling heat exchanger (31a) and the heat storage medium can be circulated through the circulation path (63). And a means for circulating the heat storage medium
(P) and a heat storage circuit (B), and a refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant circuit (A) and a heat storage circuit (B).
Heat exchange with a part of the heat storage medium flowing through the heat storage medium to cool the heat storage medium to generate ice nuclei (I ') for eliminating supercooling, and to transfer the ice nuclei (I') to a heat storage circuit ( Supercooled heat exchanger in B)
Ice nucleation means (70) for supplying to the downstream side of (31f), and in the refrigerant circuit (A), discharged from the compressor (1) and condensed in the heat source side heat exchanger (3), After the pressure is reduced by the expansion mechanism (38), the refrigerant evaporates in the cooling heat exchanger (31a) and the heat storage medium circulated in the heat storage circulation circuit (B) and introduced into the supercooling generation heat exchanger (31f). The heat storage medium is cooled by cooling to a supercooled state, and the ice nucleus (I ′) is supplied to the heat storage medium from the ice nucleus generating means (70). The ice nucleus generating means (70) includes an ice nucleus generating means (70) in which an ice is generated by eliminating a supercooled state around the) and collecting and storing the ice in a heat storage tank (T). While the refrigerant in the refrigerant circulation circuit (A) flows, the outer wall faces a space (73) where a part of the heat storage medium flowing in the heat storage circulation circuit (B) is introduced, and the refrigerant evaporates inside the above and heat storage around the outer wall. A cooling member (71) for adhering and generating ice (I) for generating ice nuclei on the outer wall by cooling the medium; and ice for generating ice nuclei adhered and generated on the outer wall of the cooling member (71).
(I) means for preventing ice from flowing out to the heat storage circuit (B), and an ice outflow prevention means (72) for preventing the heat storage medium introduced into the space (73) from being used for ice nucleation.
(I) An ice heat storage device characterized by being iced by contact with to produce ice nuclei (I '). 2. An outer wall of the cooling member (71) is formed in a cylindrical ice-making protrusion (74b) having a bottom, and an ice outflow preventing means (72) has an opening (74) into which the ice-making protrusion (74b) is inserted. 72a), and the opening (72a) is provided with an ice making projection (74a).
Central opening (72b) formed slightly larger than b)
And grooves (72c, 72c, ...) extending radially outward with a predetermined angular interval around the central opening (72b). 2. The ice heat storage device according to 1. The space (73) is provided in a circulation path (6) of the heat storage circuit (B).
3) through a communication passage (62b).
2. The ice heat storage device according to claim 1, wherein a portion around a communication position of the communication path in the communication channel is formed of a material having low ice adhesion.