JP3104592B2 - 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 producing a slurry ice by cooling a heat storage medium such as water or an aqueous solution to a supercooled state and then eliminating the supercooled state. And storing the ice 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, a heat storage medium taken out from a heat storage medium outlet formed in a heat storage tank to a water pipe is combined with a refrigerant in a water heat exchange unit in a supercooled water generation unit. Heat is exchanged to cool to a supercooled state, and the supercooled state is eliminated in the supercooled 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, in order to properly perform the operation of generating ice in this type of apparatus, it is necessary to reliably perform the operation of eliminating the supercooling of the supercooled water only in the supercooling eliminating section. In other words, when the supercooled state is eliminated in a portion other than the supercooled elimination section, ice adheres to the inner wall surface of the water pipe connecting each device, thereby narrowing the flow path of the water pipe. In some cases, there is a problem that the water pipe is clogged and the ice making operation cannot be performed.

[0006] In particular, an ice nucleus generating unit that generates particulate ice (hereinafter referred to as ice nuclei) by cooling a part of the water circulating in the water circulation circuit with a refrigerant decompressed by an expansion mechanism is provided. In the apparatus in which the ice nuclei are supplied to the supercooling elimination section to eliminate the supercooled state of the water, if the ice nuclei generation section is to surely generate the ice nuclei, the refrigerant circulation circuit It is necessary to set the refrigeration capacity of a high.

However, when the refrigeration capacity is set to be high as described above, the conventional configuration does not work. The capacity of the water heat exchange unit also increases, and the supercooling of the heat storage medium is promoted.The supercooled state is eliminated inside the supercooled water generation unit, and the supercooled water generation unit freezes to perform the ice making operation. There is a possibility that the operation cannot be performed. When the supercooled water generation unit freezes in this way, a predetermined ice making operation cannot be performed unless the ice inside is melted, leading to a decrease in ice making efficiency.

The present invention has been made in view of this point, and generates an ice nucleus in an ice nucleus generating unit, and supplies the ice nucleus to a supercooling elimination unit to eliminate a supercooled state of water. As a result, the ice nucleus generation unit should be able to perform the ice nucleus generation operation satisfactorily while preventing the supercooling water generation unit from overcooling elimination. Aim.

[0009]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a method for producing supercooled water in a supercooled water generator when generating ice nuclei in an ice nucleus generator. I did not.

[0010] Specifically, the invention according to claim 1 is characterized in that at least the compressor (1), the heat source side heat exchangers (3, 30) and the opening adjustment.
A refrigerant circuit (A) in which a possible electric expansion valve (38) and a cooling heat exchanger (31a) are connected in order by refrigerant pipes (10, 11, 45, 37, 40), and at least a heat storage medium Heat storage tank (T) to store and heat exchanger for cooling (31a)
And a supercooling-generation heat exchanger (31f) capable of exchanging heat between the heat storage medium and the heat storage medium are circulated by a circulation path (63), and the heat storage medium circulation means (P) is provided. And a heat storage circulation circuit (B), which is discharged from the compressor (1) in the refrigerant circulation circuit (A), condensed in the heat source side heat exchanger (3), and depressurized by the electric expansion valve (38) . After that, heat exchange is performed between the refrigerant evaporating 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). While performing a supercooling operation of cooling the heat storage medium to a supercooled state, ice is generated by eliminating the supercooled state of the heat storage medium, and the ice is collected and stored in a heat storage tank (T). It is assumed that an ice heat storage device is used. And, the electric expansion
The bypass path (7) branches from the upstream side of the expansion valve (38) and bypasses the electric expansion valve (38) and the cooling heat exchanger (31a).
7, 78) and an expansion mechanism (C) provided in the bypass passage (77, 78) for reducing the pressure of the refrigerant condensed in the heat source side heat exchanger (3).
P) and the expansion mechanism (C
P), which is provided on the downstream side and exchanges heat between the refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant circuit (A) and a part of the heat storage medium circulating in the heat storage circuit (B) to evaporate the refrigerant, Is cooled to generate ice nuclei (I ') for eliminating supercooling, and the ice nuclei (I') are supplied to the downstream side of the supercooling generation heat exchanger (31f) in the heat storage circuit (B) to store heat. ice nucleation means (70) for eliminating the supercooled state of the medium, the prior supercooled operation to perform the ice nucleation operation by ice nucleation means (70), and in the ice nucleation during operation, an electric expansion Close the valve (38) and
A flow restricting means (85a) for preventing refrigerant flow from the expansion valve (38) to the cooling heat exchanger (31a) is provided.

With such a configuration, when performing the ice nucleus generating operation by the ice nucleus generating means (70) prior to the supercooling operation, the electric expansion valve (38) is controlled by the flow restricting means (85a).
Close and close the cooling heat exchanger (31 ) from the electric expansion valve (38).
The refrigerant flow to a) is blocked. Therefore, the refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant circuit (A) is not supplied to the cooling heat exchanger (31a), but is supplied only to the ice nucleus generating means (70). For this reason, the ice nucleus generation means (70) can generate the ice nucleus (I ') for eliminating supercooling while avoiding freezing in the supercooling generation heat exchanger (31f).

Particularly, the operation of generating ice nuclei (I ') in the ice nucleus generation means (70) while avoiding freezing in the supercooling generation heat exchanger (31f) by only adjusting the opening of one valve is performed. Can be.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, at least a compressor
(1), heat source side heat exchanger (3), expansion mechanism (38), and cooling
Heat exchanger (31a) and refrigerant pipes (10, 11, 45, 37, 4)
0) and the refrigerant circulation circuit (A)
At least the heat storage tank (T) that stores the heat storage medium
Supercooling that can exchange heat with the heat exchanger (31a)
The heat exchanger (31f) and the circulation path (63)
The heat storage medium is circulated and connected to the heat storage medium.
A heat storage circuit (B) provided with a stage (P);
Discharged from the compressor (1) in the refrigerant circuit (A)
And is condensed in the heat source side heat exchanger (3) and expanded (38)
And then evaporate in the cooling heat exchanger (31a).
Medium and heat storage circulation circuit (B) to circulate and generate supercooled heat exchanger
Heat exchange with the heat storage medium introduced in (31f)
Performing a supercooling operation of cooling the heat storage medium to a supercooled state.
However, by eliminating the supercooled state of the heat storage medium,
To form ice, and collect and store the ice in a heat storage tank (T).
It is assumed that the ice heat storage device is to be stored. Soshi
Branching from the upstream side of the expansion mechanism (38),
Bar that bypasses the frame (38) and the cooling heat exchanger (31a)
Provided on the Ipass Road (77,78) and the Bypass Road ( 77,78 )
And decompress the refrigerant condensed in the heat source side heat exchanger (3)
In the expansion mechanism (CP) and the bypass path (77, 78)
It is provided downstream of the expansion mechanism (CP) and
Bei heat exchange member (71) for exchanging heat between a portion of the heat storage medium circulating through the thermal storage circuit (B) of coolant flowing through the 7,78)
For example, the surface of the heat exchange member (71) to Korika the heat storage medium
Ice deposition generated, the heat storage medium in which a supercooled state at the periphery of the heat exchange member (71) is brought into contact with the ice to eliminate supercooling state to generate ice nuclei (I '), ice Nuclear (I ') heat storage circuit
It is provided downstream of the supercooled heat exchanger (31f) in (B).
Ice nucleus generating means for eliminating supercooled state of heat storage medium by supplying
(70) and an ice nucleation means (7
0), and this ice nucleation
During operation, the heat exchanger for cooling (31a) starts from the expansion mechanism (38).
Flow restriction means (85a) for preventing refrigerant flow to
Have been .

With this configuration, the heat storage medium comes into contact with the ice (I) formed on the surface of the heat exchange member (71), thereby generating ice nuclei (I '). For this reason, ice nuclei (I ')
Can be performed smoothly, leading to an improvement in ice making efficiency.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, at least a compressor
(1), heat source side heat exchanger (3), expansion mechanism (38), and cooling
Heat exchanger (31a) and refrigerant pipes (10, 11, 45, 37, 4)
0) and the refrigerant circulation circuit (A)
At least the heat storage tank (T) that stores the heat storage medium
Supercooling that can exchange heat with the heat exchanger (31a)
The heat exchanger (31f) and the circulation path (63)
The heat storage medium is circulated and connected to the heat storage medium.
A heat storage circuit (B) provided with a stage (P);
Discharged from the compressor (1) in the refrigerant circuit (A)
And is condensed in the heat source side heat exchanger (3) and expanded (38)
And then evaporate in the cooling heat exchanger (31a).
Medium and heat storage circulation circuit (B) to circulate and generate supercooled heat exchanger
Heat exchange with the heat storage medium introduced in (31f)
Performing a supercooling operation of cooling the heat storage medium to a supercooled state.
However, by eliminating the supercooled state of the heat storage medium,
To form ice, and collect and store the ice in a heat storage tank (T).
It is assumed that the ice heat storage device is to be stored. Soshi
Branching from the upstream side of the expansion mechanism (38),
Bar that bypasses the frame (38) and the cooling heat exchanger (31a)
Provided on the Ipass Road (77,78) and the Bypass Road (77,78)
And decompress the refrigerant condensed in the heat source side heat exchanger (3)
In the expansion mechanism (CP) and the bypass path (77, 78)
A refrigerant circulation circuit installed downstream of the expansion mechanism (CP)
Refrigerant circulating in (A) and heat storage medium circulating in heat storage circuit (B)
The refrigerant exchanges heat with a part of the body to evaporate and store it.
Cooling the heat medium produces ice nuclei (I ') for overcooling,
The ice nucleus (I ') is supercooled and generated in the heat storage circuit (B).
Supercooled state of the heat storage medium supplied to the downstream side of the heat exchanger (31f)
The ice nucleation means (70) to be eliminated, between the refrigerant flowing through the heat storage medium and the refrigerant circulation circuit flowing upstream of the supercooling generator heat exchanger in the heat storage circulation circuit (B) (31f) (A) condenser for condensing the refrigerant by performing heat exchange (30), the upper
Prior to the supercooling operation, the ice nuclei are formed by the ice nucleation means (70).
When the ice nucleation operation is performed,
Refrigerant flow from the mechanism (38) to the cooling heat exchanger (31a)
A flow restricting means (85a) for blocking is provided .

With this configuration, when ice nuclei are generated, heat exchange is performed between the heat storage medium and the refrigerant in the condenser (30), and the temperature of the heat storage medium rises. For this reason, even if ice nuclei (I ') enter the upstream side of the supercooling generation heat exchanger (31f) of the heat storage circulation circuit (B), This ice nucleus (I ′) can be thawed. Accordingly, the ice nuclei (I ') are mixed into the supercooled heat exchanger (31f), and during the supercooling operation, the supercooling around the ice nuclei (I') is eliminated, and the supercooled heat exchange occurs. The situation in which the vessel (31f) freezes can be avoided.

The invention described in claim 4 is the above-mentioned claim 2 or
3. In the ice heat storage device described in 3, the opening degree of the expansion mechanism is adjustable.
It consists of a simple electric expansion valve (38).
a) is performed by the ice nucleation means (70) prior to the supercooling operation.
The electric expansion valve (38) when performing ice nucleation
It has a configuration.

With this configuration, the flow restricting means (85a)
Supercooled heat exchanger by adjusting the opening of one valve only
Ice nucleation means (7
Contact Keru it is possible to perform the generation operation of the ice nucleation (I ') to 0)
You.

[0019]

Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows the overall configuration of a refrigerant circulation circuit (A) and a water circulation circuit (B) as a heat storage circulation circuit provided in the ice storage air conditioner according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 to FIG. 4 are enlarged detail views showing respective parts of the refrigerant circuit (A) and the water circuit (B). 2 to 4 indicate corresponding positions where the pipes are connected to each other. As shown in these drawings, 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). In other words, the outdoor unit (X) and each indoor unit (Y, Y, Y) are connected to the outdoor unit (RL, RG) by the liquid-side and gas-side connecting refrigerant pipes (RL, RG) constituting a part of the refrigerant circuit (A). The unit (X) and the heat storage tank (T) are connected to the supply-side and recovery-side connecting water pipes (W
S, WR).

Hereinafter, the refrigerant circuit (A) and the water circuit (B) will be described.

-Description of Refrigerant Circulation Circuit- First, the configuration of the refrigerant circulating circuit (A) will be described.

The refrigerant circuit (A) includes a compression mechanism (1), a four-way switching valve (2) provided in the outdoor unit (X),
An outdoor heat exchanger (3), an outdoor electric expansion valve (4), and a receiver (5) as a heat source side heat exchanger in which an outdoor fan (F) is arranged in close proximity, and a plurality of units provided in the indoor unit (Y) Indoor heat exchangers (6, 6, 6) and indoor electric expansion valves (7, 7, 7)
And

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). The gas side pipe (10) is compressed by a four-way switching valve (2).
Are switchably connected to the discharge side and the suction side. That is, the gas side pipe (10) is connected to the first discharge gas line (1) connecting the discharge side of the compression mechanism (1) and the four-way switching valve (2).
0a), the second discharge gas line (10b) connecting the four-way switching valve (2) and the outdoor heat exchanger (3), and connecting the four-way switching valve (2) to the suction side of the compression mechanism (1) Inhalation gas line (10c)
It has. The intake gas line (10c) is provided with an accumulator (12).

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

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) from the receiver (5) side Toward
A first solenoid valve (SV1) and two check valves (CV3, CV4) are provided.

Also, the first liquid line (11a) between the check valve (CV2) and the receiver (5) and the second liquid line (11a)
A fourth liquid line (11d) is provided between the check valve (CV4) and the liquid side connecting refrigerant pipe (RL) in b). The fourth liquid line (11d) is connected to the first liquid line from the second liquid line (11b).
A check valve (CV5) that allows only the flow of the refrigerant toward the liquid line (11a) is provided.

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

On the other hand, the gas side connection refrigerant pipe (RG) is connected to the gas side of each indoor heat exchanger (6, 6, 6) via a plurality of indoor gas pipes (6b, 6b, 6b). I have. The gas side connection refrigerant pipe (RG) is connected to a four-way switching valve (2) via a gas pipe (15).
Thereby, it is switchably connected to the discharge side and the suction side of the compression mechanism (1). The gas pipe (15) is branched into four branch pipes (15a, 15b,...) On the way. 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) has an indoor heat exchanger (6, 6,
Check valves (CV6, CV6, CV6) that allow only the flow of the refrigerant from 6) to the four-way switching valve (2) are provided. 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. Container (6,6,
Check valves (CV7, CV7) that allow only the flow of refrigerant toward 6)
7) is provided.

The compression mechanism (1) is switched between a variable capacity type upstream compressor (COMP-1) whose capacity is controlled in a number of stages by inverter control and three stages of 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 to be controlled 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). This oil return mechanism (20) is an oil separator (21, 22)
And oil return pipes (23, 24). The oil separators (21, 22) are provided with respective discharge pipes (10a) of an upstream compressor (COMP-1) and a downstream compressor (COMP-2) which are part of the first discharge gas line (10a). -1, 10a-2).
The oil return pipes (23, 24) each include a capillary tube (CP), and include a lower end of an oil separator (21, 22) and an upstream compressor (part of the suction gas line (10c)). COMP-
1) connected to the suction pipe (10c-1), and the oil separator (21, 2)
It is configured to return the lubricating oil accumulated in 2) to the upstream compressor (COMP-1). In addition, each discharge pipe (10a-1, 10a-2)
Downstream of the oil separators (21, 22) at each compressor (CO
Check valves (CV8, CV8) are provided to allow only the flow of the refrigerant from the MP-1 and the COMP-2) to the four-way switching valve (2).

The suction pipe (10c-2) of the downstream compressor (COMP-2), which is a part of the suction gas line (10c),
Pressure loss is set higher than the suction pipe (10c-1) of the upstream compressor (COMP-1), and an oil equalizing pipe with a capillary tube (CP) between both compressors (COMP-1, COMP-2) (25) is connected. As a result, the lubricating oil collected by the upstream compressor (COMP-1) on the high pressure side is supplied to the downstream compressor (COMP-2) on the low pressure side, and each of the compressors (COMP-1, CO
The lubricating oil is collected evenly in MP-2).

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

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 (30) are connected via a gas supply piping unit (32). The gas supply piping unit (32) has one end connected to the first discharge gas line (10a) and the other end connected to the water-side condenser (3).
0) are provided with gas supply pipes (33) respectively connected thereto.
The gas supply pipe (33) is branched into six first to sixth branch pipes (33a to 33f) in the middle thereof.
a to 33f) are provided with fourth to ninth solenoid valves (SV4 to SV9), respectively. Then, in the third to sixth four (four lower positions in FIG. 2) branch pipes (33c to 33f) in the first to sixth six branch pipes (33a to 33f). Is provided with a capillary tube (CP,...). A flow divider (35) is provided downstream of the oil separator (21) in the discharge pipe (10a-1) of the upstream compressor (COMP-1).
A discharge gas distribution pipe (34) branched from the discharge pipe (10a-1) by the flow distributor (35) is connected to a downstream end portion 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) are connected by a first connecting pipe (37). The first connecting pipe (37) has an eleventh solenoid valve (SV11) from the water-side condenser (30) toward the water-side evaporator (31).
A check valve (CV9) that allows only refrigerant flow from the water-side condenser (30) to the water-side evaporator (31), and a water-side evaporator electric expansion valve (38) as an expansion mechanism are provided in this order. ing.

The water 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), and the other end is connected to the suction gas line (10c) immediately upstream of the accumulator (12).

A hot gas supply pipe (42) is provided between the water side evaporator (31) and the discharge gas bypass line (27). One end of the hot gas supply pipe (42) is connected to the auxiliary heat exchanger (27) in the discharge gas bypass line (27).
On the upstream side of a), the other end is connected to the water-side evaporator (31), respectively, and a twelfth solenoid valve (SV12) is provided. The twelfth hot gas supply pipe (42)
Between the solenoid valve (SV12) and the water-side evaporator (31),
A bypass pipe (43) is provided between the electric expansion valve for water-side evaporator (38) and the water-side evaporator (31) in the communication pipe (37). The bypass pipe (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).

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

The connection position of the second communication pipe (45) with respect to the first communication pipe (37) and the thirteenth solenoid valve (SV1
3), and a third communication pipe (47) is provided between the connection position of the fourth liquid line (11d) to the first liquid line (11a) and the check valve (CV5). . The third communication pipe (47) has a fourteenth solenoid valve (SV14) and a second communication pipe (4
A check valve (CV11) that allows only the flow of the refrigerant from 5) to the fourth liquid line (11d) is provided.

Furthermore, the second liquid in the third liquid line (11c)
Between the connection position to the liquid line (11b) and the outdoor electric expansion valve (4), and between the connection position of the bypass pipe (43) in the first communication pipe (37) and the water-side evaporator (31). A fourth communication pipe (49) is provided. The fourth communication pipe (49) has a fifteenth solenoid valve (SV15) and a capillary tube (C
P) is provided. In addition, this fourth communication pipe (49)
Is capable of exchanging heat with a recovery branch pipe (40a) including a capillary tube (CP) formed by branching a part of the refrigerant recovery pipe (40). Specifically, the fourth communication 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 connecting pipe (51) is provided between the fourth connecting pipe (49) and the suction gas line (10c). The fifth communication pipe (51) has a sixteenth solenoid valve (SV
16) and a capillary tube (CP).
The fifth communication pipe (51) is capable of exchanging heat with the second liquid line (11b). More specifically, the fifth connecting pipe (51) and the second liquid line (11b) are constituted by a second pipe heat exchanger (52) having a double pipe structure, and the refrigerant flowing between the two pipe heat exchangers (52). Heat exchange is possible.

Further, the second liquid line (11c) between the outdoor electric expansion valve (4) and the check valve (CV-1),
A sixth connecting pipe (53) is provided between the connecting pipe (45). The sixth communication pipe (53) is connected to the third liquid line (11
A check valve (CV13) that allows only the flow of the refrigerant from c) to the second communication pipe (45) is provided.

-Description of Water Circulation Circuit- Next, the configuration of the water circulation circuit (B) will be described.

The water circulating circuit (B) includes a pump (P) as a circulating means and a buffer tank (B) in addition to the heat storage tank (T), the water-side condenser (30), and the water-side evaporator (31). 6
0), an ice nucleus mixing unit (61) and an ice producing container (62). For details, heat storage tank (T), pump (P), water-side condenser (30), buffer tank (60), water-side evaporator (31), ice nucleus mixing unit (61), and ice generation container (62) Are sequentially connected by a water pipe (63) as a circulation path so that water can be circulated as indicated by an arrow in FIG. 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. 5 shows a water-side condenser (30), a buffer tank (60), a water-side evaporator (31), and an ice nucleus mixing unit (61).
And the arrangement of the ice producing container (62) is specifically shown. As shown in this figure, each of the above devices (30, 31, 60, 6
1, 62) are arranged close to each other and are unitized. The water side evaporator (31) is composed of a vertical shell and tube heat exchanger as shown in FIGS. That is, in the cylindrical container (31a), a plurality of heat transfer tubes (31f) (one of the plurality of heat transfer tubes is shown in FIG. 6)
Water flowing through the water circulation circuit (B) inside the heat transfer tube (31f) is used to circulate the refrigerant in the refrigerant circulation circuit (A) between the heat transfer tube (31f) and the inner wall of the container (31a). Flows, and heat exchange is performed between the refrigerant and the water via the wall surface of the heat transfer tube (31f). That is, the cylindrical container (31a) serves as a heat exchanger for cooling and the heat transfer tube (31a).
f) is configured as a heat exchanger for generating supercooling.
6 and 7, (31b) is a water inlet pipe provided at the lower end of the container (31a), (31c) is a water outlet pipe provided at the upper end of the container (31a), and (31d) is a water outlet pipe. Refrigerant inlet pipe, (31
e) is a refrigerant outlet pipe. In addition, the water side condenser (30)
A refrigerant pipe and a water pipe (not shown) are arranged in contact with each other, and heat is exchanged between the two.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 8 to 11, the buffer tank (60) and the ice producing container (62) are hollow cylindrical members, and the buffer tank (60) has a water inlet at its upper end. A mounting flange (60b) having an opening (60a) is provided, and the water outlet side of the water-side condenser (30) is connected to the mounting flange (60b) (see FIG. 5). The ice producing 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. 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. ing. Therefore, the water introduced from these water inlets (60a, 62a) is
As shown by the two-dot chain line arrow in (a), the water introduced into the container is configured to be swirling.

As shown in FIG. 5, 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 parts. The other end of the water inlet pipe (63a) is connected to the pump (P), and the other end of the water outlet pipe (63b) is connected to the heat storage tank (T). Further, 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 small ice block (hereinafter, referred to as an ice nucleus), and generates the ice nucleus into ice. It is supplied to the container (62). Then, as shown in FIG. 12, the ice nucleus mixing unit (61) includes an outflow pipe (65) extending from the water-side evaporator (31), and water from the outflow pipe (65) being converted into an ice forming container (62). ) And a nozzle (66) for supplying the inside. This nozzle (66)
Has an upstream end attached to a downstream end of the outflow pipe (65), is held by a nozzle holding portion (62a) integrally formed with a water inlet portion of the ice producing container (62), and has the other end connected to an ice end. It is inserted through the water introduction port (62a) of the production vessel (62) and extends inside the ice production vessel (62). And the outflow pipe (65)
The inner diameter of the nozzle is from the water side evaporator (31) to the nozzle (66)
It is set to become gradually smaller toward. The nozzle (66) is made of PTFE, and has a flange (66b) at the base end as shown in FIG. 13 (FIG. 13 (a) is a cross-sectional view taken along line QQ of FIG. 13 (b)). In addition, a small-diameter opening (66a) for introducing ice nuclei is formed in a part of the outer peripheral surface. As described above, since the nozzle (66) is made of PTFE, it has a configuration in which ice hardly adheres. In addition, the outflow pipe (6
Between the nozzle (66) and the nozzle (66), a growth preventing member (68) described below is provided via a packing (67), and between the nozzle (66) and the nozzle holding part (62a). Also packing (67) is interposed. As shown in FIG. 14, a communication hole (62b) is formed in the nozzle holding portion (62a) to communicate with the opening (66a) of the nozzle (66) while holding the nozzle (66). (See FIG. 11).

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. 14, the ice nucleation unit (70) includes a cooling member (71) as a heat exchange member and a holding member that forms an ice holding space (73) between the cooling member (71). (72).

To explain each member, the cooling member (7
1) has a coolant passage forming member (7
5) is made up of housed. As shown in FIG. 15 (FIG. 15 (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line RR in FIG. 15 (a)), the cooling unit main body (74) has a rectangular parallelepiped main body (74).
a) on one side (lower side) on the front side (lower side of Fig. 15 (b))
Is closed, and the other end (upper side) is integrally formed with a cylindrical ice making protrusion (74b) communicating with the internal space of the main body (74a). Further, the ice making projection (74b) is formed to be relatively thin. A circular opening (74e) is formed on the back side of the main body (74a) for mounting the refrigerant passage forming member (75), and each of the left and right sides of the main body (74a) is formed. Openings (74c, 74d) connected to the ice nucleus generation refrigerant pipes (77, 78) serving as bypass paths described later in the wall portion
Are formed respectively.

On the other hand, the refrigerant passage forming member (75) is
As shown in FIG. 16 (b), which is a cross-sectional view taken along the line SS of FIG. 16 (a), the diameter substantially coincides with the diameter of the opening (74e) formed on the back side of the cooling unit main body (74). It is a substantially cylindrical member having an outer diameter, and has a refrigerant introduction passage (75a) and a refrigerant discharge passage (75b) formed therein. Each passage (75a,
75b) has one end open to the outer peripheral surface of the refrigerant passage forming member (75), the extension direction thereof is changed by 90 ° inside the refrigerant passage forming member (75), and the other end is formed of the refrigerant passage forming member (75). Are respectively opened on the front surface (upper side surface of FIG. 16B).

The coolant passage forming member (75) thus formed has a front surface formed of the ice making convex portion (74) of the cooling portion main body (74).
In the state in which it is accommodated so as to face the bottom surface of b) with a predetermined interval, each passage (75a, 7a) of the refrigerant passage forming member (75)
5b) communicates with each opening (74c, 74d) of the cooling unit body (74) (see FIG. 14).

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, and is a rectangular parallelepiped member, and a cross-shaped opening (72a) is formed through the center of the member. This opening (72a)
The center of the cooling unit main body (74)
A circular central opening (7) slightly larger in diameter than b)
2b) and four rectangular grooves (72c, 72c,...) Extending radially outward with a 90 ° angular interval around the periphery thereof are integrally formed.

Then, as shown in FIG. 18, the cooling member (71) and the holding member (72) having the above-described structure are combined with the ice making projection (74b) of the cooling member (71). The ice nucleation unit (70) is integrally assembled so as to be inserted into the opening (72 a). As shown in FIG. 14, the ice nucleation unit (70) is attached to the side surface of the nozzle holder (62a) such that the opening (72a) of the holding member (72) communicates with the opening (66a) of the nozzle (66). Have been. Accordingly, in a state where the water cooled by the water-side evaporator (31) flows in the nozzle (66), the ice holding space (7) between the cooling member (71) and the holding member (72) is provided.
3) is a state filled with cold water, and in this state, a coolant for ice making is caused to flow inside the cooling member (71), and the water is cooled by the coolant. It is configured to adhere and generate ice (I) for ice nucleation.

On the other hand, the extension preventing member (68) will be described.
As shown in FIG. 20 (a cross-sectional view taken along line VV in FIG. 19B), a flat disk-shaped member having a water passage formed therein, the outer member (68a) and the outer member (68a ) Is integrally assembled with the inner member (68b) mounted inside. To explain each member (68a, 68b),
The outer member (68a) has a pair of through holes (68c, 68d) extending in the radial direction and penetrating from the outer peripheral surface to the inner peripheral surface. An inner member contact portion (68e) extending slightly from the inner peripheral surface toward the center is formed at one open end of the outer member (68a).
Is attached to the outer member (68a), a part of the outer peripheral surface is in contact with the inner member contact portion (68e).
Thereby, the inner peripheral surface of the outer member (68a) and the inner member (68a)
An annular space (68f) is formed between the outer peripheral surface of b) and the annular space (68f).
Is in communication with Accordingly, in a situation where ice adheres to the inner peripheral surface of the inner member (68b), the through hole (68
When a high-temperature refrigerant is introduced from c) into the annular space (68f),
By melting a part of the ice by the refrigerant, the ice can be separated from the inner peripheral surface of the inner member (68b).

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

Further, the first ice nucleation forming refrigerant supply pipe (77)
Between the ice nucleation unit (70) and the capillary tube (CP) in the above, and between the connection position of the fourth communication pipe (49) in the first communication pipe (37) and the water-side evaporator (31). Is provided with a second ice nucleation refrigerant supply pipe (79). The second ice nucleation refrigerant supply pipe (79) has a check valve (CV12) and a capillary tube (CP) that allow only the flow of refrigerant from the first communication pipe (37) to the ice nucleation unit (70). Is provided.

One end is connected to the discharge gas bypass line (2
7), there is provided a growth preventing refrigerant supply pipe (81) whose other end is connected to one through hole (68c) of the outer member (68a) of the growth preventing member (68). An 18th solenoid valve (SV18) and a capillary tube (CP) are provided in the expansion prevention refrigerant supply pipe (81).

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

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 outdoor air temperature sensor (Th-1) for detecting an outdoor air temperature is provided near the outdoor heat exchanger (3). An outdoor liquid temperature sensor (Th-2) that detects the temperature of the liquid refrigerant of the compression mechanism (Th-31, T)
h-32) is the discharge pipe (10a-) of each compressor (COMP-1, COMP-2).
1, 10a-2), the suction gas temperature sensor (Th-4) for detecting the suction gas refrigerant temperature of the compression mechanism (1) is provided in the suction gas line (10c) of the compression mechanism (1). Furthermore,
The high pressure sensor (SEN-H) that detects the refrigerant pressure discharged from the compression mechanism (1) is connected to the first discharge gas line (10) of the compression mechanism (1).
a) and a low pressure sensor (SEN-L) for detecting the suction refrigerant pressure of the compression mechanism (1) is provided in the suction gas line (10c) of the compression mechanism (1) in the discharge gas branch pipe (34). , High-pressure protection switches (HPS, HPS) that operate when the refrigerant pressure discharged from each compressor (COMP-1, COMP-2) reaches a predetermined high pressure
Is the discharge pipe (10a-1, 10a-) of each compressor (COMP-1, COMP-2)
2) is provided.

On the other hand, in the water circulation circuit (B), an inlet water temperature sensor (Th-W1) is provided at the water inlet of the water-side condenser (30), and an outlet water temperature sensor (Th-W1) is provided at the lower end of the buffer tank (60). W
2) The supercooled water temperature sensor (Th-W3) is provided on the water outlet side of the water side evaporator (31), and the ice generation detection sensor (Th-W4) is provided on the ice generation container (62). The water temperature at each part is detected. Further, the water inlet pipe (63a) connected to the upstream end of the water-side condenser (30) is connected to the water inlet pipe (6).
A flow switch (SW-F) which detects the flow rate of the water in 3a) and turns on when the flow rate becomes a predetermined value or less is provided.

-Configuration of Control-The air conditioner of the present invention has various sensors (Th-1 to SEN-L, T
h-W1 to Th-W4), switch (HPS), and switch (SW-F) detection signals are input to the controller (85). Based on these detection signals, each solenoid valve (SV1 to SV18) is opened or closed. , Opening adjustment of each electric expansion valve (4, 7, 38) and compression mechanism (1)
Is controlled. The controller (85) includes a flow restricting means (85a). The flow restricting means (85a) closes the electric expansion valve (38) for the water-side evaporator at the time of ice nucleus generation operation described later. Has become.

-Operational Operation- Next, the operational operation of the air conditioner configured as described above will be described.

The operation modes of the air conditioner include a normal cooling operation, a normal heating operation, an ice nucleation operation, a cold storage operation, a simultaneous cold storage / cooling operation, a cooling operation utilizing the cold storage, a hot storage operation, a hot storage operation, There are simultaneous heating operation and heating operation using thermal storage.

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 degree, and 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) and passes through the outdoor heat exchanger (3) as indicated by an arrow in FIG.
And heat exchanges with the outside air in the outdoor heat exchanger (3) to condense. Thereafter, the refrigerant is
After being introduced into the indoor unit (Y, Y, Y) through the second liquid line (11a, 11b) and decompressed by the indoor electric expansion valve (7, 7, 7), the indoor heat exchanger (6, 6) In (6), heat is exchanged with the room air to evaporate and cool the room air. 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 broken 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) passes through the four-way switching valve (2) and the gas supply branch pipe (15b) of the gas pipe (15) as shown by the arrow in FIG. , Y), and heat exchanges with the indoor air in the indoor heat exchangers (6, 6, 6) to condense and heat the indoor air.
Thereafter, 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 subjected to the outdoor heat exchanger (3). At which heat exchange is performed with the outside air to evaporate. After that, it is collected on 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.
C) is performed. The circulation operation of the water and the refrigerant in the water cooling operation will be described. The compression mechanism (1) is driven in a state where the pump (P) is driven to circulate water in the water circulation circuit (B). And
The refrigerant discharged from the compression mechanism (1) is condensed in the outdoor heat exchanger (3), passes through the second communication pipe (45) and the first communication pipe (37), and is electrically driven by the water-side evaporator expansion valve ( After the pressure is reduced in 38), heat exchange is performed with water in the water-side evaporator (31), and the water is cooled and evaporated. Thereafter, the refrigerant is recovered to the suction side of the compression mechanism (1) by the refrigerant recovery pipe (40).
When the water cooling operation is performed for a predetermined time and the water temperature of the water circulation circuit (B) reaches the predetermined temperature, the process proceeds to the following ice nucleus generation operation.

In this ice nucleus generation operation, the controller (8
5), 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 1,11,1
Each of the solenoid valves 3 and 17 (SV1, SV11, SV13 and SV17) is opened, and a predetermined solenoid valve (for example, the seventh solenoid valve) among the solenoid valves (SV4 to SV9) of the gas supply piping unit (32) is opened. (SV7)) is released. Other solenoid valves are closed. That is, the electric expansion valve (38) for the water-side evaporator is also closed by the flow restricting means (85a).

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),
Only the upstream compressor (COMP-1) of the compression mechanism (1) is driven. 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 exchange is performed with the outside air to condense. Thereafter, the refrigerant is supplied to the first and second liquid lines (11
a, 11b), and is introduced into the first ice nucleation generation refrigerant supply pipe (77) via the second communication pipe (45). 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 between the refrigerant and water in the water circulation circuit (B) is performed. To condense the first connecting pipe (37) and the second connecting pipe (37).
The refrigerant is introduced into the first ice nucleation refrigerant supply pipe (77) via the 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 depressurized 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 generate ice nuclei, and then recovered to the suction side of the compression mechanism (1) through the ice nucleation refrigerant recovery pipe (78) and the refrigerant recovery pipe (40). . That is, since the electric expansion valve (38) for the water-side evaporator is closed, no refrigerant flows to the water-side evaporator (31), and the outdoor heat exchanger (3) and the water-side condenser (30) respectively All the refrigerant condensed in is supplied to the ice nucleation unit (70) and contributes to ice nucleation.

The operation of the ice nucleus generating unit (70) for generating ice nuclei will be described below. As shown in FIG. 12, in the water flowing from the water-side evaporator (31) to the water generation container (62), the passage area of the outflow pipe (65) is gradually reduced in diameter toward the downstream side. As a result, the liquid is introduced into the nozzle (66) while increasing the flow velocity. And this nozzle (6
6) Most of the water flowing inside is supplied directly to the water generation vessel (62) as shown by the dashed arrow in FIG. 14, while part of the water flows through the opening (66a) of the nozzle (66). It is introduced into the ice holding space (73) through the communication hole (62b) of the holding part (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. After flowing inside the convex portion (74b) and performing heat exchange with water in the ice holding space (73), and cooling and evaporating the water, the ice nucleation refrigerant collection pipe is discharged from the refrigerant discharge passage (75b). It is discharged to (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 efficiently performed.

By such an operation, the ice holding space (73)
Is cooled around the ice making projection (74b) and adheres to the wall surface of the ice making projection (74b) as ice (I) for ice nucleation. 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 the water is cooled. Ice (I) attached to the protrusion (74b)
The supercooling is eliminated by contact with the ice, and the granular ice nucleus (I ')
Becomes Then, the ice nucleus (I ′) is recovered into the nozzle (66) from the ice holding space (73) by the relatively high flow velocity of the water flowing in the nozzle (66), and thereafter, the ice forming container (62) ). After such an ice nucleation operation has been continuously performed for a predetermined time (for example, 5 minutes), the operation proceeds to a cold heat storage operation described later.

As described above, in this ice nucleation operation,
Since the water is not cooled in the water side evaporator (31),
In the water side evaporator (31), the supercooled water does not disappear due to the supercooled state being eliminated. The capacity of the ice nucleation unit (70) as an evaporator is relatively small such that ice (I) for ice nucleation is formed on the wall surface of the ice making projection (74b). The refrigerant recovered from the unit (70) to the suction side of the compressor (1) is moist, and the amount of heat exchange between the refrigerant and water in the ice nucleation unit (70) can be increased. Thus, the operation of generating the ice (I) for generating ice nuclei is performed reliably. That is,
According to the present ice nucleus generation operation, the ice nucleus generation ice (I) can be efficiently generated in the ice nucleus generation unit (70) while avoiding freezing in the water-side evaporator (31).

-Cold heat storage operation- In this operation mode, the 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 The purpose of this is to eliminate the supercooled state and generate ice (I) for heat storage.

In this operation mode, the controller (85)
As a result, the four-way switching valve (2) is switched to the solid line side, the water-side evaporator electric expansion valve (38) is adjusted to a predetermined opening, and the other electric expansion valves are closed. On the other hand, the first 1,11,1
3, 15, 18 solenoid valves (SV1, SV11, SV13, SV15, S
V18) is opened and the gas supply piping unit (32)
Of the respective solenoid valves (SV4 to SV9), only a predetermined solenoid valve (for example, the seventh solenoid valve (SV7)) 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 a part of the refrigerant discharged from the compression mechanism (1) is, as shown by an arrow in FIG.
It is introduced into the outdoor heat exchanger (3) via the four-way switching valve (2),
In the outdoor heat exchanger (3), heat exchange is performed with the outside air to condense. Thereafter, the refrigerant is introduced into the first connecting pipe (37) via the first and second liquid lines (11a, 11b) and the second connecting pipe (45). Further, some other refrigerant flows through the discharge gas bypass line (27) bypassing the four-way switching valve (2) and the outdoor heat exchanger (3), and flows through the first liquid line (11a).
To join. 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 the refrigerant flows into the water circulation circuit (B). The heat is condensed by heat exchange in, and introduced into the first communication pipe (37). A part of the refrigerant flowing through the second liquid line (11b) is introduced into the first connecting pipe (37) via the fourth connecting pipe (49). In this way, the refrigerant condensed in each of the outdoor heat exchanger (3) and the water-side condenser (30) is joined in the first communication pipe (37). And this combined refrigerant is
After being decompressed by the electric expansion valve for water-side evaporator (38), the pressure is introduced into the water-side evaporator (31), and heat is exchanged with water flowing in the water-side evaporator (31) to evaporate. Then, the water is cooled to a supercooled state (for example, −2 ° C.). Then, the refrigerant is recovered to 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 the circulation operation of the 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). The nucleus (I ′) is mixed and introduced into the ice forming vessel (62). And in this ice production container (62),
The supercooled water is no longer supercooled around the ice core (I '),
This produces slurry-like ice for heat storage. The ice is collected in the 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 confirmed by the 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 performed, the supercooled water temperature sensor (Th-W3) detects the supercooled water temperature (for example, −2 ° C.)
With the ice formation detection sensor (Th-W4), supercooling is eliminated and water temperatures (for example, 0 ° C.) in which ice and water are mixed are respectively detected. These water temperatures are detected by the sensors (Th-W3, Th-W4). By detecting W4), it can be confirmed that the supercooling elimination operation is being performed.

Further, the capacity control of the compression mechanism (1) in the cold heat storage operation is performed when the water temperature detected by the supercooling water temperature sensor (Th-W3) is a predetermined temperature (for example, −2 ° C. described above).
It is done to be maintained. At the same time, the opening and closing adjustment of each solenoid valve (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). In other words, the outlet water temperature sensor (Th-W
When the water temperature detected in 2) is higher than a predetermined temperature (for example, 0.7 ° C.), the number of solenoid valves to be opened is reduced to suppress the heating of water in the water-side condenser (30). When the detected water temperature is lower than the predetermined temperature, the number of solenoid valves opened is increased to promote the heating of the water in the water-side condenser (30).
As a result, when ice nuclei (I ′) enter the water-side condenser (30), they are melted in the buffer tank (60), and the ice nuclei (I ′) are added to the water-side evaporator (31). The operation of generating the supercooled water in the water-side evaporator (31) is performed favorably while avoiding mixing, and the supercooled water is not released from the supercooled water until it reaches the ice forming container (62). It has become.

In this cold heat storage operation, an ice nucleus generating operation is also performed at the same time. In other words, the first connecting pipe (3
Part of the refrigerant flowing through the second ice nucleation refrigerant supply pipe (7)
It has been introduced into the ice nucleation unit (70) through 9).
Thereby, continuous ice making can be performed. Then, in the ice nucleus generating unit (70), the refrigerant that has cooled water to generate ice nuclei passes through the ice nucleus generating refrigerant recovery pipe (78) and the refrigerant recovery pipe (40) in the same manner as in the above-described ice nucleation operation. After that, it is collected on 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). It is introduced into the space (68f) between the outer member (68a) and the inner member (68b) of (68), whereby the inner surface of the inner member (68b) is heated. This refrigerant is supplied to the first liquid line (11
a) to be merged. Therefore, even if ice adheres to the inner wall surface of the nozzle (66) and grows along the wall surface on the upstream side (water-side evaporator (31) side), so-called ice development may occur. Since the growing ice is rapidly melted at the part reaching the growth preventing member (68), this growth 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, and the water-side evaporator (31) freezes. .

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 hot gas supply pipe (42).
The water in the water path of the water-side evaporator (31) is melted by the heat of the refrigerant. Also, at this time, by driving the pump (P), when the ice is slightly melted, the ice is pressed from the wall of the water path of the water-side evaporator (31) by the water pressure from the pump (P). It will be easily detached and flushed towards the ice producing container (62).

During the cold storage operation, the water evaporator (3
The operation for detecting that 1) is frozen is that the water temperature detected by the supercooling water temperature sensor (Th-W3) is -2 ° C.
When the temperature suddenly rises from 0 ° C to 0 ° C, it is determined that ice has been generated by performing the supercooling elimination operation on the upstream side of the supercooling water temperature sensor (Th-W3). This 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 equal to or less than a predetermined value, ice blocks a part of the water circulation circuit (B). In this case, the ice is thawed by performing the thawing operation.

-Simultaneous operation of cooling and heat storage / cooling operation-This operation mode is an operation of storing ice in the heat storage tank (T) while performing indoor cooling, and 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 indicated 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). 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, indoor cooling is performed while utilizing the cold heat of the ice stored in the heat storage tank (T) in the above-described cold storage operation. In addition, this cold storage operation requires 2
There are different 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 set to the predetermined opening degree. While being adjusted, the other electric expansion valves are closed together. In addition, the first 1, 3, 11, 1
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, the seventh solenoid valve) is opened. , 8,
Only 9 solenoid valves (SV7, 8, 9) are 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). Thereby, the cold water cooled by the ice in the heat storage tank (T) circulates in the water circulation circuit (B). On the other hand, in the refrigerant circulation circuit (A), the compression mechanism (1) is driven, and a part of the refrigerant discharged from the compression mechanism (1) is four times as shown by an arrow in FIG. The heat is introduced into the outdoor heat exchanger (3) through the path switching valve (2), and heat is exchanged with the outside air in the outdoor heat exchanger (3) to condense. Thereafter, the refrigerant is supplied to the first and second liquid lines (11
a, 11b) and flows toward the indoor unit (Y, Y, Y). Further, another part of the refrigerant bypasses the four-way switching valve (2) and the outdoor heat exchanger (3), flows through the discharge gas bypass line (27), and joins the first liquid line (11a). .
Further, some other refrigerants are supplied to the gas supply piping unit (32).
Through the fourth to sixth branch pipes (33d to 33f) of the water-side condenser (3
0), where it is condensed by performing heat exchange with cold water circulating in the water circulation circuit (B), and is introduced into the first communication pipe (37). The refrigerant introduced into the first communication pipe (37) joins the first liquid line (11a) via the second communication pipe (45), the third communication pipe (47), and the fourth liquid line (11d). Is done. In this way, the refrigerant condensed in each of the outdoor heat exchanger (3) and the water-side condenser (30) is joined in the first liquid line (11a). Then, the combined refrigerant reaches the indoor unit (Y, Y, Y) and is decompressed by the indoor electric expansion valve (7, 7, 7), and then the indoor heat exchanger (6, 6, 6)
At the suction side of the compression mechanism (1).

Thus, the indoor cooling operation using the cold energy of the ice stored in the heat storage tank (T) is performed. Then, according to the first type of cold storage utilizing cooling operation, the solenoid valves (SV4 to SV4) of the gas supply piping unit (32) are used.
By controlling the open / close state of 9), the ratio of the amount of refrigerant condensed by outside air to the amount of refrigerant condensed by cold water can be easily adjusted. This adjustment controls the air-conditioning capacity and the residual ice in the heat storage tank The amount can be adjusted.

A part of the refrigerant flowing through the second liquid line (11b) is supplied to the third liquid line (11c) and the fifth connecting pipe (51).
After being decompressed by the capillary tube (CP) of the fifth communication pipe (51), it is introduced into the second pipe heat exchanger (52). And this refrigerant is supplied to the second pipe heat exchanger (52).
In the above, heat exchange is performed with the refrigerant in the second liquid line (11b), the refrigerant in the second liquid line (11b) is supercooled, and then collected in the suction gas line (10c). Since the refrigerant introduced into the indoor heat exchangers (6, 6, 6) is supercooled in this way, the amount of heat exchange between the refrigerant and indoor air in each of the indoor heat exchangers (6, 6, 6) is reduced. 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 ended, and the operation shifts to the normal cooling operation. That is, after it is determined that most of the cold heat in the heat storage tank (T) has been used by the water temperature detection 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 set to the predetermined opening degree. While the adjustment is performed, the outdoor electric expansion valve (4) is fully opened and the water-side evaporator electric expansion valve (38) is fully closed. Also, the third, tenth, eleventh, thirteenth, and sixteenth solenoid valves (SV3, 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). Thereby, the cold water cooled by the ice in the heat storage tank (T) circulates in the water circulation circuit (B). On the other hand, in the refrigerant circulation circuit (A), the compression mechanism (1) is driven, and as shown by the arrow in FIG. 26, the refrigerant discharged from the downstream-side compressor (COMP-2) Is introduced into the outdoor heat exchanger (3) via the four-way switching valve (2), and exchanges heat with the outside air in the outdoor heat exchanger (3) to condense. Thereafter, the refrigerant is introduced into the second communication pipe (45) through the first and second liquid lines (11a, 11b), the third liquid line (11c), and the sixth communication pipe (53). Further, another part of the refrigerant bypasses the four-way switching valve (2) and the outdoor heat exchanger (3), flows through the discharge gas bypass line (27), and joins 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). Condenses by performing heat exchange with the cold water to be cooled, and the first connecting pipe (37)
Will be introduced. 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 is supplied to the second communication pipe (45).
Through the second liquid line (11b) to the indoor units (Y, Y,
Y), the pressure is reduced by the indoor electric expansion valves (7, 7, 7), and then evaporated by the indoor heat exchangers (6, 6, 6), and the compression mechanism (1)
Collected on the suction side of

[0098] Even with such an operation, the indoor cooling operation using the cold heat of the ice stored in the heat storage tank (T) is performed. According to the second type of cold storage 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. This allows
The input to the upstream compressor (COMP-1) can be reduced, the power consumption of the compression mechanism (1) as a whole is reduced, and the C
OP can be improved.

Also in this operation, in the second pipe heat exchanger (52), heat is exchanged between the refrigerant in the second liquid line (11b) and the refrigerant in the fifth communication pipe (51). By supercooling the refrigerant in the second liquid line (11b), the amount of heat exchange between the refrigerant and indoor air in each indoor heat exchanger (6, 6, 6) can be increased.

[0100] 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 controller (85)
Thereby, the four-way switching valve (2) is switched to the broken line side, the outdoor electric expansion valve (4) is adjusted to a predetermined opening degree, and the other electric expansion valves are closed. On the other hand, the eleventh and thirteenth solenoid valves (SV11, SV13) are opened, and the solenoid valves (SV4 to SV9) of the gas supply piping unit (32) are 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) flows through each branch pipe (33a to 33f) of the gas supply piping unit (32) as shown by an arrow in FIG. The water is introduced into the side condenser (30), where heat is exchanged with water in the water circulation circuit (B) to heat and condense the water, and is introduced into the first communication pipe (37). The refrigerant is supplied to the second communication pipe (45), the second liquid line (11b), the fourth liquid line (11d),
The liquid is introduced into the outdoor heat exchanger (3) via the receiver (5) and the third liquid line (11c). And this outdoor heat exchanger (3)
After the heat is exchanged with the outside air and evaporated, it is recovered to the suction side of the compression mechanism (1) through the four-way switching valve (2) and the suction gas line (10c). By performing the circulation operation of the water and the refrigerant, the water flowing through the water circulation circuit (B) receives heat from the refrigerant in the water-side condenser (30), becomes high-temperature hot water, and enters the heat storage tank (T). Will be stored.

When the water temperature detected by the inlet water temperature sensor (Th-W1) reaches a predetermined high temperature (for example, 35 ° C.) during such a heat storage operation, sufficient heat is stored in the heat storage tank (T). Is determined to have been stored, and the operation is terminated.

—Simultaneous Heat Storage / Heating Operation— This operation mode is an operation of storing warm water in the heat storage tank (T) while heating the room, and is performed in a state where the heating load is relatively small.

In this operation mode, the operation is performed by opening the indoor electric expansion valves (7, 7, 7) and the second solenoid valve (SV2) in the above-mentioned warm heat storage operation. That is, a part of the refrigerant discharged from the compression mechanism (1) is supplied to the gas pipe (1).
5), the heat is introduced into the indoor heat exchanger (6, 6, 6), and the indoor heat exchanger (6, 6, 6) exchanges heat with the indoor air to heat the indoor air. After being condensed, it is combined with 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 using warm heat storage-In this operation mode, indoor heating is performed while utilizing the heat of warm water stored in the heat storage tank (T) in the warm heat storage operation described above.

In this operation mode, the controller (85)
Thereby, the four-way switching valve (2) is switched to the broken line side, and the water-side evaporator electric expansion valve (38) is adjusted to a predetermined opening degree, while the indoor electric expansion valve (7) is fully opened. Also,
1st, 2nd, 13th, 15th solenoid valves (SV1, SV2, SV13, SV15)
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) and the gas supply branch pipe (15b) of the gas pipe (15) as shown by the arrow in FIG. , Y), and heat exchanges with the indoor air in the indoor heat exchangers (6, 6, 6) to condense and heat the indoor air.
Thereafter, the refrigerant flows from the fourth liquid line (11d) through the receiver (5) and the second liquid line (11b) to the second communication pipe (4d).
From 5), it is introduced into the first connecting pipe (37). Also, a part of the refrigerant flowing through the second liquid line (11b) is supplied to the third liquid line (11b).
After being introduced into the fourth communication pipe (49) through c), the pressure is reduced by the capillary tube (CP) of the fourth communication pipe (49), and then joined to the first communication pipe (37). The refrigerant joined to the first communication pipe (37) is supplied to the water-side evaporator (3).
It is introduced into 1), where it undergoes heat exchange with hot water to evaporate, and is then recovered to the suction side of the compression mechanism (1) via the refrigerant recovery pipe (40).

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), and the refrigerant flowing through the recovery branch pipe (40a) and the fourth communication pipe (49) are separated. The flowing refrigerant is heat-exchanged in the first pipe heat exchanger (50). For this reason, 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 using the heat storage energy, the water temperature detected by the inlet water temperature sensor (Th-W1) reaches a predetermined temperature (for example, 20 ° C.), similarly to the heating operation using the cold storage energy. In, the respective solenoid valves (SV4 to SV9) of the gas supply piping unit (32) are closed, the heating operation using the heat storage is ended, and the operation shifts to the normal heating operation. That is, after it is determined that most of the heat 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 heating operation.

The air conditioning in the room is performed by each operation as described above.

In the present embodiment, as described above, a path for supplying a coolant for cooling water to the water-side evaporator (31) and a coolant for generating ice nuclei are supplied to the ice nucleation unit (70). The path is branched on the upstream side of the water-side evaporator electric expansion valve (38), and during the ice nucleation operation, the water-side evaporator electric expansion valve (38) is closed to close the water-side evaporator (38). In 31), the outdoor heat exchanger (3) is used while keeping the water from cooling.
All of the refrigerant condensed in the water-side condenser (30) is contributed to ice nucleation in the ice nucleation unit (70). For this reason, the ice nucleation unit (70) can efficiently generate ice (I) for ice nucleation while avoiding freezing in the water-side evaporator (31).
With the increase of the ability to form ice nuclei, the capacity of the water-side evaporator also increases, which promotes supercooling of the water. Reliability can be improved.

In the present 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 utilizing cold storage heat.

[0117]

As described above, according to the present invention, the following effects can be obtained. According to the first and fourth aspects of the present invention, when the ice nucleus generating operation is performed by the ice nucleus generating means prior to the supercooling operation, the refrigerant is prevented from flowing from the electric expansion valve to the cooling heat exchanger. Therefore, the ice nucleus generation unit can generate the ice nucleus for eliminating the supercooling while avoiding freezing in the supercooling generation heat exchanger. Therefore, as in the conventional case, when the ice nucleus generating ability is increased, the capacity of the cooling heat exchanger is also increased, and the supercooling of the water is promoted. The situation that the operation cannot be performed can be avoided, and the reliability of the apparatus and the ice making efficiency can be improved.

In particular, according to the first and fourth aspects of the present invention.
For example, by closing the electric expansion valve , the ice nucleus generating operation was performed by the ice nucleus generating means prior to the supercooling operation, so that the refrigerant flow from the expansion mechanism to the cooling heat exchanger was prevented. The configuration is specifically obtained, and the practicality of the device can be improved. The ice nucleus generating operation of the ice nucleus generating means can be performed while avoiding freezing in the supercooling generating heat exchanger only by adjusting the opening degree of one valve, and the above-mentioned simple control is performed. The effect according to the invention of (1) can be obtained. .

According to the second aspect of the present invention, ice is formed on the surface of the heat exchange member of the ice nucleus generating means, and the heat storage medium is brought into contact with the ice to generate ice nuclei. The operation of generating nuclei can be reliably performed, and this can also improve the ice making efficiency.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, heat exchange is performed between the heat storage medium flowing in the heat storage circuit on the upstream side of the supercooling heat exchanger and the refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant circuit to condense the refrigerant. Even if a situation where ice nuclei enter the upstream side of the supercooling generation heat exchanger in the heat storage circulation circuit due to the provision of the heat exchanger, the ice nuclei are melted upstream of the supercooling generation heat exchanger. can do. Therefore, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the ice nuclei enter the supercooling generation heat exchanger and the supercooling is eliminated around the ice nuclei during the supercooling operation and the supercooling generation heat exchanger freezes. Reliability and ice making efficiency can be improved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overall configuration of a refrigerant circulation circuit and a water circulation 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 perspective view showing an arrangement state of each device constituting a water circulation circuit.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a water-side evaporator.

FIG. 7 is a view on arrow VII in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a view showing a buffer tank.

FIG. 9 is a view on arrow IX in FIG. 8 (b).

FIG. 10 is a view showing an ice producing container.

FIG. 11 is a view taken in the direction of arrow XI in FIG. 10 (b).

FIG. 12 is a partially cutaway plan view showing an ice nucleation unit and a peripheral portion thereof.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a nozzle.

FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining an ice nucleus generation operation.

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.

[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) (30) Water side condenser (31a) Vessel (Heat exchanger for cooling) (31f) Heat transfer tube (Heat exchanger for generating supercooling) (37) 1st connecting pipe (Refrigerant pipe) (38) Electric expansion valve for water side evaporator (Expansion mechanism) (40) Refrigerant recovery pipe (refrigerant pipe) (45) Second communication pipe (refrigerant pipe) (63) Water pipe (circulation path) (70) Ice nucleation unit (ice nucleation means) (71) Cooling member (heat (Replacement member) (77) First ice nucleation refrigerant supply pipe (bypass path) (78) Ice nucleation refrigerant recovery pipe (bypass path) (85a) Flow control means (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

────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── 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-4-353375 (JP, A) (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) F24F 5/00 F25C 1/00

Claims (4)

(57) [Claims] At least a compressor (1), a heat source side heat exchanger (3), an electric expansion valve (38) whose degree of opening can be adjusted, and a cooling heat exchanger (31a) are arranged in order of refrigerant piping (10, 11). , 45,37,4
0), a supercooling-generated heat exchange capable of exchanging heat between a refrigerant circulation circuit (A) connected by a heat storage tank (T) for storing at least a heat storage medium, and the cooling heat exchanger (31a). And a heat storage circulation circuit (B) provided with a heat storage medium circulating means (P), wherein the heat storage medium is circulated by the circulation path (63). in the circulation circuit (A), discharged from the compressor (1), condensed in the heat source-side heat exchanger (3), the electric expansion valve (3
After the pressure is reduced in 8) , the refrigerant evaporates in the cooling heat exchanger (31a) and the heat storage medium circulated through the heat storage circuit (B) and introduced into the supercooling heat exchanger (31f). While performing a supercooling operation of cooling the heat storage medium to a supercooled state by performing heat exchange, ice is generated by eliminating the supercooled state of the heat storage medium, and the ice is collected in a heat storage tank (T). in the ice thermal storage apparatus that stores Te, branched from the upstream side of the electric expansion valve (38), the electric expansion
A bypass passage (77, 78) for bypassing the valve (38) and the cooling heat exchanger (31a); and a refrigerant provided in the bypass passage (77, 78) and condensed in the heat source side heat exchanger (3). A decompression expansion mechanism (CP), and a heat storage provided in the bypass passage (77, 78) downstream of the expansion mechanism (CP) and circulating a refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant circuit (A) and a heat storage circuit (B). The refrigerant exchanges heat with a part of the medium to evaporate the refrigerant, cools the heat storage medium to generate ice nuclei (I ') for eliminating supercooling, and stores the ice nuclei (I') in a heat storage circuit. An ice nucleus generating means (70) for supplying a downstream side of the supercooling generation heat exchanger (31f) in (B) to eliminate a supercooled state of the heat storage medium; 70) to perform the ice nucleation operation by, and in the ice nucleation during operation, electrostatic
A flow restricting means (85a ) for closing the dynamic expansion valve (38) and preventing the flow of refrigerant from the electric expansion valve (38) to the cooling heat exchanger (31a) is provided. Ice storage device. 2. Heat exchange with at least the compressor (1) and the heat source side
(3), expansion mechanism (38), and heat exchanger for cooling (31a)
Connected in order by refrigerant pipes (10, 11, 45, 37, 40)
And a heat storage tank (T) for storing at least a heat storage medium.
Supercooling capable of exchanging heat with the cooling heat exchanger (31a)
The heat storage medium is connected to the heat exchanger (31f) by the circulation path (63).
It is connected so that the body can circulate and circulates the heat storage medium.
A heat storage circuit (B) provided with a ring means (P).
In the refrigerant circuit (A), the refrigerant is discharged from the compressor (1).
And is condensed in the heat source side heat exchanger (3) and expanded (38)
And then evaporate in the cooling heat exchanger (31a).
Medium and heat storage circulation circuit (B) to circulate and generate supercooled heat exchanger
Heat exchange with the heat storage medium introduced in (31f)
Performing a supercooling operation of cooling the heat storage medium to a supercooled state.
However, by eliminating the supercooled state of the heat storage medium,
To form ice, and collect and store the ice in a heat storage tank (T).
In the ice heat storage device, the expansion mechanism (38) branches off from the upstream side of the expansion mechanism (38).
(38) and the bypass that bypasses the cooling heat exchanger (31a)
A heat source side heat exchanger provided in the path (77 , 78) and the bypass (77, 78)
The expansion mechanism (CP) that decompresses the refrigerant condensed in (3) and the expansion mechanism (CP) in the bypass passage (77, 78)
Installed in a flow side, with a heat exchange member (71) for exchanging heat between a portion of the heat storage medium circulating a heat storage circuit (B) the refrigerant flowing through the bypass path (77, 78), the heat The heat storage medium is iced on the surface of the exchange member (71) to generate and adhere to the ice, and the supercooled medium around the heat exchange member (71) is brought into contact with the ice to eliminate the supercooled state. And ice nucleus (I ')
And the ice nuclei (I ') are supercooled in the heat storage circuit (B).
To the downstream side of the heat generation heat exchanger (31f)
An ice nucleus generating means (70) for eliminating a supercooled state, and ice formed by the ice nucleus generating means (70) prior to the supercooling operation.
A nucleation operation is performed, and at the time of the ice nucleation operation, expansion is performed.
Refrigerant flow from the tension mechanism (38) to the cooling heat exchanger (31a)
And a flow restricting means (85a) for preventing
And an ice heat storage device. 3. Heat exchange with at least the compressor (1) and the heat source side
(3), expansion mechanism (38), and heat exchanger for cooling (31a)
Connected in order by refrigerant pipes (10, 11, 45, 37, 40)
And a heat storage tank (T) for storing at least a heat storage medium.
Supercooling capable of exchanging heat with the cooling heat exchanger (31a)
The heat storage medium is connected to the heat exchanger (31f) by the circulation path (63).
It is connected so that the body can circulate and circulates the heat storage medium.
A heat storage circuit (B) provided with a ring means (P).
In the refrigerant circuit (A), the refrigerant is discharged from the compressor (1).
And is condensed in the heat source side heat exchanger (3) and expanded (38)
And then evaporate in the cooling heat exchanger (31a).
Medium and heat storage circulation circuit (B) to circulate and generate supercooled heat exchanger
Heat exchange with the heat storage medium introduced in (31f)
Performing a supercooling operation of cooling the heat storage medium to a supercooled state.
However, by eliminating the supercooled state of the heat storage medium,
To form ice, and collect and store the ice in a heat storage tank (T).
In the ice heat storage device, the expansion mechanism (38) branches off from the upstream side of the expansion mechanism (38).
(38) and the bypass that bypasses the cooling heat exchanger (31a)
A heat source side heat exchanger provided in the path (77 , 78) and the bypass (77, 78)
The expansion mechanism (CP) that decompresses the refrigerant condensed in (3) and the expansion mechanism (CP) in the bypass passage (77, 78)
A refrigerant provided on the flow side and circulating through the refrigerant circuit (A);
Heat exchange with a part of the heat storage medium circulating in the heat storage circuit (B)
Exchange to evaporate the refrigerant, cool the heat storage medium and supercool
Generate ice nuclei (I ') for eliminating ice and store the ice nuclei (I')
On the downstream side of the subcooling generation heat exchanger (31f) in path (B)
Ice nucleation means to eliminate supercooled state of heat storage medium by supplying
A stage (70), subcooling generator heat exchanger in the heat storage circulation circuit (B) (3
Condenser for condensing the refrigerant by performing heat exchange between the refrigerant flowing through the heat storage medium and the refrigerant circulating circuit (A) flowing through the upstream side of the 1f) and (30), ice nucleation means prior to the supercooling operation Ice by (70)
A nucleation operation is performed, and at the time of the ice nucleation operation, expansion is performed.
Refrigerant flow from the tension mechanism (38) to the cooling heat exchanger (31a)
And a flow restricting means (85a) for preventing
And an ice heat storage device. 4. The ice heat storage device according to claim 2, wherein
The expansion mechanism consists of an electric expansion valve (38) whose opening can be adjusted.
And the flow restricting means (85a)
When performing the ice nucleation operation by the nucleation means (70),
An ice heat storage device, wherein the expansion valve (38) is closed .