JP3141777B2 - 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 a method for cooling a heat storage medium such as water or an aqueous solution to a supercooled state by exchanging heat with a refrigerant and then removing the supercooled state to store slurry ice. The present invention relates to an ice heat storage device that stores heat in a tank, and more particularly to an improvement in the structure of a supercooling heat exchanger that exchanges heat between a heat storage medium and a refrigerant.

[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. In addition, there is known an apparatus in which slurry-like ice to be used as cooling heat at the time of a cooling load peak is generated at the time of a cooling load off-peak and stored in a heat storage tank.

As an 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 refrigerant heat exchange section of a supercooling heat exchanger are used. A refrigerant circulation circuit sequentially connected by refrigerant pipes, a heat storage tank, a heat storage medium heat exchange section and a supercool elimination section of a supercooling heat exchanger capable of exchanging heat with the refrigerant heat exchange section are sequentially connected by a water pipe. There is known a device provided with a water circulation circuit formed by connection.

[0004] In the ice making operation of this type of ice heat storage device, water (heat storage medium) taken out from a heat storage tank to a water pipe is exchanged with a refrigerant in a refrigerant heat exchange unit in a heat storage medium heat exchange unit. Cooling is performed to a cooling state, and the supercooled state is eliminated in the supercooling elimination section to generate slurry ice. Then, the ice is supplied to and stored in the heat storage tank.

[0005] A supercooling heat exchanger for exchanging heat between the heat storage medium heat exchanging section and the refrigerant heat exchanging section.
There is a liquid-fill type heat exchanger as a type. This type of heat exchanger includes a cylindrical container having a vertical axis, and a plurality of heat transfer tubes extending in the vertical direction are provided in the container, and each of the heat transfer tubes is connected to a water pipe. Connected to allow water to flow from the lower end toward the upper end, while forming a refrigerant circulation space around the heat transfer tube for allowing the refrigerant to flow in a substantially full state, and a refrigerant introduction pipe at the lower side of the container. Are connected respectively to the refrigerant outlet pipes at the upper part of the side surface, and each pipe is communicated with the refrigerant circulation space. Thereby, in the container, heat exchange is performed between the water flowing inside the heat transfer tube and the refrigerant evaporating in the refrigerant circulation space around the tube, and the water is in a supercooled state.

[0006]

By the way, in the supercooling heat exchanger structured as described above, the flow of the gas refrigerant evaporated in the refrigerant circulation space is directed intensively toward the connection position of the refrigerant outlet pipe. Therefore, the droplet-shaped refrigerant generated near the gas-liquid interface is scattered due to the rapid flow of the gas refrigerant, and the scattered droplet-shaped refrigerant is partially transferred to the heat transfer pipe located near the opening of the refrigerant discharge pipe. A situation occurs in which the vehicle collides vigorously. That is, the scattered droplet-shaped refrigerant intensively collides with the upper end portion of some heat transfer tubes at the flow velocity of the gas refrigerant having a relatively high flow velocity. The liquid refrigerant that vigorously collides with the heat transfer tube adheres to the surface of the heat transfer tube in a thin film state. For this reason, the attached liquid refrigerant is in a state of being easily evaporated, and by evaporating, the upper end portion of the heat transfer tube is locally cooled. In addition, in the upper end portion of the heat transfer tube that is locally cooled, water that has flowed from the lower end portion and has been cooled by the refrigerant and is in a supercooled state flows. Therefore, the supercooled water is cooled by the thin-film refrigerant evaporating from the heat transfer tube, and the supercooled state of the water is eliminated inside the heat transfer tube, and ice and ice are formed on the inner surface of the heat transfer tube. There is a possibility that it will adhere and generate. When such a situation occurs, the inside of the heat transfer tube becomes frozen, water does not flow through the heat transfer tube, and the ice in the heat transfer tube further advances upstream to freeze other heat transfer tubes. There is a possibility that not only the ice making efficiency is reduced but also the ice making is impossible.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to improve the configuration of this type of heat exchanger so that a heat transfer tube can be formed by droplet-like refrigerant scattered from a gas-liquid interface. Is to avoid being locally cooled.

[0008]

In order to achieve the above object, according to the first aspect of the present invention, a large space above the gas-liquid interface of the refrigerant is secured in the upper layer portion inside the subcooling heat exchanger. Thus, the probability that the droplet-shaped refrigerant scattered from the gas-liquid interface collides with the heat transfer tube is reduced.

Specifically, the compressor (1), the heat source side heat exchanger (3), the expansion mechanism (52a), and the refrigerant heat exchange part (42a) of the subcooling heat exchanger (42) A refrigerant circulation circuit (A) connected to the refrigerant pipe (8) so that the refrigerant can be circulated, a heat storage tank (T) for storing the heat storage medium, and a circulating means (P) for pressure-feeding the heat storage medium; Heat storage unit heat exchange unit (42b) of supercooling heat exchanger (42) capable of exchanging heat with refrigerant heat exchange unit (42a)
And a heat storage circuit (B), which is connected by a circulation pipe (45) so that the heat storage medium can be circulated.The refrigerant evaporating in the refrigerant heat exchange section (42a) and the heat storage medium heat exchange section (42b ), The heat storage medium in the liquid phase flowing therethrough is heat-exchanged to cool the heat storage medium to a supercooled state, and the heat storage medium is cooled in a subcooling heat exchanger (4).
After deriving from 2), it is assumed that an ice heat storage device is configured to eliminate the supercooled state, generate ice, and collect the ice in the heat storage tank (T). And the above supercooling heat exchanger
(42) is provided with a container (48), a refrigerant introduction pipe (52) connected to the low pressure side of the expansion mechanism (52a) at the bottom, and a suction side of the compressor (1) at the upper side. And a heat transfer tube (49) extending in a vertical direction is accommodated therein. Further, the heat storage medium heat exchange section (42b) is constituted by an internal passage of the heat transfer tube (49), while the refrigerant heat exchange section (4
2a) is formed around the heat transfer pipe (49) in the container (48), and communicates with the refrigerant introduction pipe (52) and the refrigerant discharge pipe (51), and the connection position of the refrigerant discharge pipe (51) Refrigerant distribution space through which a refrigerant having a gas-liquid interface below it flows in a substantially full state
(48c), and exchanges heat between the heat storage medium flowing through the internal passage of the heat transfer tube (49) and the refrigerant flowing from the refrigerant introduction tube (52) into the refrigerant circulation space (48c). (48c)
The refrigerant evaporated in the step is caused to flow out of the refrigerant outlet pipe (51) while being mixed with droplets. Further, the refrigerant outlet pipe (51) is
The space (C) is formed above the refrigerant flow space (48c).
As shown in the figure, the dimensions are more than the upper end position of the refrigerant circulation space (48c).
Connected to the container (48) at the lower position
(C) shows the state of the heat transfer tube (49) caused by the collision of the droplet refrigerant.
To prevent local cooling of the heat pipe (49)
Has a predetermined volume that reduces the speed of the droplet refrigerant
You.

With this configuration, the operation during ice making is as follows.
The heat storage medium taken out of the heat storage tank (T) exchanges heat with the refrigerant evaporating in the refrigerant heat exchange section (42a) in the heat storage medium heat exchange section (42b) and is cooled to a supercooled state. After being drawn out from the medium heat exchange section (42b), the supercooled state is eliminated and the phase changes to ice. Then, this ice is collected in the heat storage tank (T) and stored as cold storage heat. In such an ice making operation, in the supercooling heat exchanger (42), a part of the refrigerant that has exchanged heat with the heat storage medium is part of the refrigerant outlet pipe (51).
From the mixture with the droplets. At this time, the droplet-shaped refrigerant is diffused into the floating space (C), which is a relatively large space formed above the refrigerant circulation space (48c), and flows in this space to cause a flow velocity. Decrease. For this reason, it is avoided that the droplet-shaped refrigerant intensively collides with some of the heat transfer tubes (49), and that the colliding refrigerant becomes a thin film and is easily evaporated. It is suppressed that the heat pipe (49) is locally cooled and the supercooling is eliminated inside.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the ice heat storage device of the first aspect, a heat storage medium is circulated through the heat transfer tube (49) from a lower end to an upper end.

In this configuration, the supercooled heat storage medium flows in the upper end portion of the heat transfer tube (49), and the droplet-shaped refrigerant is
Since it collides with the portion of the heat transfer tube (49) through which the supercooled heat storage medium flows, the heat transfer tube (49)
Although the generation of ice in the interior is likely to occur, the generation of ice is suppressed by the diffusion of the droplet refrigerant in the floating space (C) as in the operation according to the above-described claim 1. Will be done.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the ice heat storage device of the first aspect, the container (4) is provided in the subcooling heat exchanger (42).
Inside (8), a pair of upper and lower tube sheets (36, 37) are formed below the refrigerant flow space (48c) to form a heat storage medium introduction space (48b) and a heat storage medium outlet space (48a) respectively. Then, the lower end of the heat transfer tube (49) is opened to the heat storage medium introduction space (48b), and the upper end is opened to the heat storage medium outlet space (48a). The connection position of the refrigerant outlet pipe (51) to the side surface of the container (48) is set to a lower position having a predetermined dimension with respect to the upper tube sheet (36).

Thus, the configuration of the subcooling heat exchanger (42) to which the present invention is applied is specifically obtained, and its practicality is improved.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the ice heat storage device of the first aspect, the refrigerant outlet pipe (5) is provided in the floating space (C).
A filtering means (75) for collecting the droplet refrigerant flowing into 1) is provided.

According to this structure, the droplet-like refrigerant in the floating space (C) is collected by the filtering means (75), and the refrigerant is prevented from colliding with the heat transfer tube (49). Heat transfer tube
(49) is more reliably prevented from being cooled by the droplet-shaped refrigerant.

[0017]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows the overall configuration of a refrigerant circuit (A) provided in an ice storage type air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a water circulation circuit (B) as a heat storage circulation circuit. As shown in FIG. 1, the present air conditioner includes an outdoor unit (X) and a plurality of indoor units (Y, Y,
Y) are connected by liquid-side and gas-side connecting pipes (RL, RG) which constitute a part of the refrigerant circuit (A). Hereinafter, the refrigerant circuit (A)
And the water circulation circuit (B).

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

The refrigerant circuit (A) includes an outdoor unit
(X), an outdoor heat exchanger (3) as a heat source side heat exchanger in which a four-way switching valve (2), an outdoor fan (F) is disposed in close proximity, and a receiver (4) And first outdoor electric expansion valve
(5), a plurality of indoor electric expansion valves (6, 6, 6) provided in the indoor unit (Y), and an indoor heat exchanger (7, 7, 7) as a use-side heat exchanger are connected with refrigerant pipes. (8) A main refrigerant circuit (A-1) sequentially connected by (8).

A detailed description will be given of the connection state of each device by the refrigerant pipe (8). A gas-side pipe (10) is provided at one end on the gas side of the outdoor heat exchanger (3), and a gas-side pipe (10) is provided at the other end on the liquid side. Are connected to liquid side pipes (11), respectively. Gas side piping
(10) is connected to the discharge side and the suction side of the compression mechanism (1) by a four-way switching valve (2) so as to be switchable. That is, the gas side pipe (10) is connected between the discharge side of the compression mechanism (1) and the four-way switching valve.
(2), a second discharge gas line (10b) connecting the four-way switching valve (2) and the outdoor heat exchanger (3), a four-way switching valve (2). ) And a suction gas line (10c) connecting the suction side of the compression mechanism (1). Also,
The intake gas line (10c) is provided with an accumulator (12).

On the other hand, the liquid side pipe (11) is connected to the outdoor heat exchanger (3).
A first liquid line (11a) connecting the receiver and the receiver (4), a second liquid line (11b) connecting the receiver (4) and the first outdoor electric expansion valve (5), and an outdoor electric expansion valve (5) And a third liquid line (11c) for connecting the liquid side communication pipe (RL) with the third liquid line (11c). The first liquid line (11a) has a receiver from the outdoor heat exchanger (3).
Check valve (CV1) that allows only refrigerant flow to (4)
However, in the third liquid line (11c), two check valves (CV2, CV3) each permitting only the flow of the refrigerant from the outdoor electric expansion valve (5) to the liquid side communication pipe (RL) are provided. Have been.

Also, a check valve in the first liquid line (11a)
The fourth liquid line (11d) is connected between (CV1) and the receiver (4) and the downstream side of the check valve (CV3) in the third liquid line (11c). The fourth liquid line (11d) is provided with a check valve (CV4) that allows only the flow of the refrigerant from the third liquid line (11c) to the first liquid line (11a).

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

On the other hand, the gas side communication pipe (RG) is connected to each indoor heat exchanger (7, 7, 7) via a plurality of indoor gas pipes (7b, 7b, 7b).
Is connected to the gas side. In addition, this gas side communication pipe (R
G) is connected to a four-way switching valve (2) via a gas pipe (15), and the connection state between the discharge side and the suction side of the compression mechanism (1) is switched by the four-way switching valve (2). It is possible.

The compression mechanism (1) is a variable displacement type upstream compressor whose capacity is controlled in multiple stages by inverter control.
(COMP-1) and a downstream compressor with an unloader mechanism that is controlled to switch between full load, unload and stop.
(COMP-2) in parallel with each other.

The refrigerant circuit (A) is provided with an oil return mechanism (20) for returning lubricating oil to the compression mechanism (1). The oil return mechanism (20) includes an oil separator (21, 22) and an oil return pipe (23, 24). Above oil separator (21,22)
Are the discharge pipes (10a-10) of the upstream compressor (COMP-1) and the downstream compressor (COMP-2) which are part of the first discharge gas line (10a).
1,10a-2). The oil return pipe (23, 24) includes a capillary tube (CP), and has a lower end of an oil separator (21, 22) and an upstream compressor (part of the suction gas line (10c)). The lubricating oil stored in the oil separators (21, 22) is connected to the suction pipe (10c-1) of the compressor (COM-1) and returned to the upstream compressor (COMP-1). In each discharge pipe (10a-1, 10a-2), downstream of the oil separator (21, 22), each compressor (COMP-1, COMP-2) goes to the four-way switching valve (2). Check valves (CV5, CV6) each permitting only the flow of the refrigerant are provided.

The suction pipe (10c-2) of the downstream compressor (COMP-2), which is a part of the suction gas line (10c), is connected to the suction pipe (10c) of the upstream compressor (COMP-1). -1) The pressure loss is set to be greater than that of the compressor (COMP-1, COMP-2), and an oil equalization pipe (25) equipped with a capillary tube (CP) is connected between both compressors (COMP-1, COMP-2).
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, COMP-2), lubricating oil is evenly collected.

An auxiliary heat exchanger (30) is provided adjacent to the outdoor heat exchanger (3).
The gas side of (0) is connected to the downstream side of the check valves (CV5, CV6) in the first discharge gas line (10a) by the auxiliary gas line (31). On the other hand, the liquid side of the auxiliary heat exchanger (30) is connected to the downstream side of the check valve (CV1) in the first liquid line (11a) by the auxiliary liquid line (32). The auxiliary liquid line (32) has a capillary tube (CP) and a first solenoid valve.
(SV1) is provided.

Further, a check valve in the third liquid line (11c)
Check valve (C) in the upstream side of (CV2) and the first liquid line (11a).
The heating liquid line (33) is connected to the upstream side of V1). This heating liquid line (33) has a third liquid line (11c)
A check valve (CV7) is provided to allow only the flow of the refrigerant from the outside to the outdoor heat exchanger (3).

The second liquid line (11b) and the downstream side of the check valve (CV2) in the third liquid line (11c) are connected by a bypass line (34). This bypass line (3
4) is provided with a second solenoid valve (SV2) and a check valve (CV8) that allows only the flow of refrigerant from the second liquid line (11b) to the third liquid line (11c). The main circuit configuration of the refrigerant circuit (A) has been described above.

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

As shown in FIG. 2, the water circulation circuit (B) comprises a heat storage tank (T), a pump (P) as a circulating means, a preheater (40) comprising a heat exchanger having a double pipe structure, (41), a heat storage heat exchanger (42) as a subcooling heat exchanger composed of a vertical shell and tube heat exchanger, and a subcooling eliminator (4
3) are sequentially connected by a water pipe (45) so that water circulation (see the arrow in FIG. 2) is possible. The water pipe (45a) connecting the heat storage heat exchanger (42) and the supercooling canceller (43) is provided with an ice nucleus generator (46) and an ice growth preventer (47). The preheater (40) and the heat storage heat exchanger (42) exchange heat between the refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant circuit (A) and water.

Hereinafter, the preheater (40) and the heat storage heat exchanger (4)
The configuration of the refrigerant circuit (A) for supplying a refrigerant that exchanges heat with water in 2) will be described.

As shown in FIG. 1, the preheater (40) is provided in the middle of the third liquid line (11c). When the refrigerant in the third liquid line (11c) flows through the outer space, heat is exchanged between the two (see FIG. 2). Also, the third
The thawing bypass line (50) connects the liquid line (11c) between the preheater (40) and the connection position of the bypass gas line (34) and the upstream side of the accumulator (12).
The defrost bypass line (50) is provided with a third solenoid valve (SV3).

Next, the configuration of the heat storage heat exchanger (42) as a characteristic feature of the present embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 3, the heat storage heat exchanger (42) includes a closed cylindrical container (48) having a vertically extending axis. At the upper and lower ends in the container (48), the water circulation spaces (48a), (48a), on the outlet side and the inlet side as the outlet and inlet spaces for the heat storage medium defined by the tube sheets (36), (37) 48b), and its outlet-side water circulation space (48a) and inlet-side water circulation space
(48b) a plurality of heat transfer tubes extending vertically to connect
(49,49,…) are provided. Specifically, the outlet-side tube sheet (36) located on the upper side is arranged over the entire inner surface of the container (48) at a lower position at a predetermined distance from the upper surface of the container (48), The outlet side water circulation space (48a), which is the upper space, and the refrigerant circulation space (48c), which is the lower space, are defined. On the other hand, the tube plate on the introduction side located on the lower side
(37) is disposed over the entire inner surface of the container (48) at an upper position at a predetermined interval with respect to the lower surface of the container (48), and the introduction-side water circulation space (the lower space thereof) 48b) and the refrigerant circulation space (48c). And
A water pipe (45c) extending from the mixer (41) is located in the inlet-side water circulation space (48b), and a supercooler is located in the outlet-side water circulation space (48a).
Water pipes (45d) leading to (43) are connected respectively. Each of the heat transfer tubes (49, 49,...) Is a straight tube provided with a radiation fin (not shown) on the outer peripheral surface, and is arranged in parallel at positions equidistant from each other. (36) and opens to the outlet side water circulation space (48a), and the lower end penetrates the inlet side tube sheet (37) to open to the inlet side water circulation space (48b). That is, each of the heat transfer tubes (49, 49,...) Is capable of flowing water from the inlet water circulation space (48b) to the outlet water circulation space (48a).

A lower connecting pipe (52) is connected to the lower part of the refrigerant flow space (48c), and an upper connecting pipe (51) is connected to the upper part. This upper connecting pipe (51) and lower connecting pipe
(52) is a heat storage heat exchanger (42) in the case of a cold storage operation, a defrosting operation, a simultaneous cold storage / cooling operation, and a heating operation utilizing hot storage, which will be described later.
It functions as a refrigerant introduction pipe for introducing the refrigerant into the refrigerant circulation space (48c) and a refrigerant discharge pipe for extracting the refrigerant from the refrigerant circulation space (48c). With such a configuration, the water storage spaces (48a, 48c) and the internal passage of the heat transfer tube (49) constitute a heat storage medium heat exchange unit (42b), and the refrigerant heat exchange unit (42c) is formed by the refrigerant circulation space (48c). 42a) is configured.
And, in the refrigerant circulation space (48c), the upper connection pipe (5
By introducing or discharging the refrigerant from 1) and the lower connection pipe (52), the refrigerant has a gas-liquid interface (G) and circulates in a substantially full state in the refrigerant circulation space (48c). That is,
In the heat storage heat exchanger (42), the refrigerant introduced and led by the upper connection pipe (51) and the lower connection pipe (52) in the refrigerant circulation space (48c) flows around each heat transfer pipe (49), The heat exchange between the refrigerant and water flowing through each heat transfer tube (49) is performed. Further, the gas-liquid interface (G) is located below the connection position of the upper connection pipe (51) to the container (48).
The height of the gas-liquid interface (G) can be adjusted, for example, by using the lower connecting pipe (52).
This is performed by adjusting the opening of the second outdoor electric expansion valve (52a).

The feature of this embodiment lies in the connection position of the upper connection pipe (51). The upper connection pipe (51)
Is connected to the container (48) of the heat storage heat exchanger (42) by a predetermined dimension (dimension t in FIG. 3) lower than the height position of the upper outlet tube sheet (36). I have. Specifically, it is connected to a position lower than the upper end by about 20% of the height of the container (48). That is, the connection position of the upper connection pipe (51) is set so that the connection position of the upper connection pipe (51) and the outlet side tube sheet (36) have a relatively large interval dimension. Thereby, a refrigerant floating space (C) as a relatively large space is formed between the gas-liquid interface (G) of the refrigerant in the refrigerant flow section (48c) and the outlet tube plate (36). The above is the main configuration of the heat storage heat exchanger (42).

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 1, one end of the upper connection pipe (51) is connected to the suction gas line (10c) upstream of the connection position of the defrost bypass line (50). on the other hand,
One end of the lower connection pipe (52) is connected between the preheater (40) and the check valve (CV3) in the third liquid line (11c). The upper connection pipe (51) is provided with a fourth solenoid valve (SV4), and the lower connection pipe (52) is provided with the second outdoor electric expansion valve (52a).

A heat storage utilization bypass pipe (53) is provided between the upper end of the receiver (4) and the second outdoor electric expansion valve (52a) and the heat storage heat exchanger (42) in the lower connection pipe (52). Connected by The heat storage bypass pipe (53) is provided with a capillary tube (CP) and a fifth solenoid valve (SV5).

Further, between the connection position of the auxiliary gas line (31) in the first discharge gas line (10a) and the check valves (CV5, CV6), and the heat storage bypass pipe (53) in the lower connection pipe (52). )
And the second outdoor electric expansion valve (52a) are connected by a hot gas supply pipe (54). The hot gas supply pipe (54) is provided with a sixth solenoid valve (SV6).

The downstream side of the sixth solenoid valve (SV6) in the hot gas supply pipe (54) and the upper side of the heat storage heat exchanger (42) are connected by a heat storage utilization supply pipe (55). I have.
The heat storage utilization supply pipe (55) is provided with a seventh solenoid valve (SV7).

Since the refrigerant pipes are connected to the preheater (40) and the heat storage heat exchanger (42) in this way, when the refrigerant is supplied from the refrigerant pipes to the devices (40, 42), Heat exchange is performed between the refrigerant and the water to cool or heat the water. Specifically, for example, the water is cooled so as to generate supercooled water for ice making in the heat storage heat exchanger (42), or the ice is melted when the ice circulates through the water pipe (45). The water is heated by the preheater (40).

Next, the ice nucleus generator (46) and the ice progress preventing device (47) will be described. The ice nucleator (46) is connected to the water pipe (4
5a) A part of the water flowing through the refrigerant circulation circuit (A) is cooled and iced by the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant circulation circuit (A), and the ice is used as ice nuclei to remove the supercooled water (43).
Is to be supplied to The ice nucleus generator (46) has an ice nucleation refrigerant introduction pipe (58) and an ice nucleation refrigerant extraction pipe (59).
Is connected. One end of the ice nucleation refrigerant introduction pipe (58) is located between the connection position of the hot gas supply pipe (54) in the lower connection pipe (52) and the second outdoor electric expansion valve (52a), and the other end is an ice nucleus. Each is connected to a generator (46). Further, the ice nucleation refrigerant introduction pipe (58) includes a capillary tube (CP).
One end of the ice nucleation refrigerant outlet pipe (59) has one end of the downstream compressor (C
The other end is connected to the suction pipe (10c-2) of the OMP-2) and the ice nucleus generator (46). As a result, the ice nucleation refrigerant introduction pipe (5
Refrigerant and water pipe (45a) introduced from 8) to ice nucleus generator (46)
Cools the water by performing heat exchange with the water flowing through it, generates a part of this water as ice blocks, and brings a part of the supercooled water flowing through the water pipe (45a) into contact with the ice blocks. The supercooled state is eliminated by causing ice nuclei to be generated, and this is
It is configured to flow toward (43).

The ice growth preventer (47) is disposed upstream of the ice nucleator (46) in the direction of water flow, and is connected to the water pipe (45a) from the ice nucleus generator (46). Of ice along the pipe wall. And this ice progress prevention device (47)
The anti-progression refrigerant inlet pipe (60) and the anti-progression refrigerant outlet pipe (6
1) is connected. One end of the propagation preventing refrigerant introduction pipe (60) is connected to the auxiliary gas line (31), and the other end is connected to the ice growth preventing device (47). The expansion prevention refrigerant outlet pipe (61) has one end of the capillary tube (CP) in the auxiliary liquid line (32).
The other end is connected between the first solenoid valve (SV1) and the other end of the ice prevention device (47).
Connected to each other. Also, this progress prevention refrigerant outlet pipe
(61) has a capillary tube (CP). As a result, the ice nucleus generator (4) is heated by heating the wall of the water pipe (45a) with the refrigerant introduced from the propagation prevention refrigerant introduction pipe (60).
6) to stop ice from developing.

Further, the mixer (41) and the supercooler (4)
3) is composed of a hollow cylindrical container, and water is introduced from the tangential direction of the inner peripheral surface by a water pipe (45), and the water introduced into the container is swirled. This allows the mixer
In (41), as described later, the ice discharged from the heat storage tank (T) and the water heated by the preheater (40) are mixed and stirred to promote the melting of the ice, while the supercooling is performed. Elimination device (43)
In the above, the ice nuclei generated by the ice nucleus generator (46) and the supercooled water generated by the heat storage heat exchanger (42) are mixed and stirred to promote the elimination of the supercooling.

A filter (62) in FIG. 2 is a filter for removing ice and impurities contained in the water introduced into the preheater (40).

The open / close state of the four-way switching valve (2), the solenoid valves (SV1 to SV7) and the electric expansion valves (5, 6, 52a) is controlled by a controller (70). 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 the outdoor air temperature is provided near the outdoor heat exchanger (3). An outdoor liquid temperature sensor (Th-2) for detecting the liquid refrigerant temperature of the compression mechanism (1) is provided on the branch pipe side, and discharge gas temperature sensors (Th-31, Th-32) for detecting the discharge gas refrigerant temperature of the compression mechanism (1). A suction gas temperature sensor (Th-4) that detects the suction gas refrigerant temperature of the compression mechanism (1) is provided at the discharge pipe (10a-1, 10a-2) of each compressor (COMP-1, COMP-2). The suction gas lines (10c) of (1) are provided respectively. Further, a high pressure sensor (SEN-H) for detecting the refrigerant pressure discharged from the compression mechanism (1) is provided to the first discharge gas line (10a), and a low pressure pressure sensor (SEN-H) for detecting the suction refrigerant pressure of the compression mechanism (1). -L) are provided in the upper connection pipe (51) connected to the suction gas line (10c), respectively, and the high pressure protection is activated when the discharge refrigerant pressure of each compressor (COMP-1, COMP-2) reaches a predetermined high pressure. The switches (HPS, HPS) are connected to each compressor (COM
P-1, COMP-2) in the discharge pipe (10a-1,10a-2).

On the other hand, in the water circulation circuit (B), an inlet water temperature sensor (Th-W1) is provided at the water inlet at the lower end of the preheater (40).
Near the water outlet at the lower end of (41), an outlet water temperature sensor (Th-W
2) The supercooled water temperature sensor (Th-W3) is provided at the water outlet side at the upper end of the heat storage heat exchanger (42), and the ice formation detection sensor (Th-W4) is provided at the supercool eliminator (43). It detects the water temperature at each part. Further, a flow switch (SW) which is turned on when the flow rate of the water in the water inlet pipe (45b) is detected at the water inlet pipe (45b) connected to the lower end of the preheater (40) and becomes lower than a predetermined value is detected. -F) is provided.

-Configuration of Control-The air conditioner of the present invention is provided with each sensor (Th-1 to SEN-L, Th-
W1 to Th-W4), switch (HPS), and switch (SW-F) detection signals are input to the controller (70), and based on these detection signals, each solenoid valve (SV1 to SV7) is opened and closed. Electric expansion valve
(5, 6, 52a) and the capacity of the compression mechanism (1) are controlled.

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

The operation modes of the present air conditioner include a normal cooling operation, a normal heating operation, an ice nucleation operation, a cold storage operation, a thawing operation, a simultaneous cold storage / cooling operation, a cooling operation utilizing cold storage, a hot storage operation, There are simultaneous operation of warm storage / heating and heating operation using warm 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 in the figure by the controller (70), and the indoor electric expansion valve is switched.
(6) is adjusted to a predetermined opening (superheat control), and the other electric expansion valves are closed. 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) as shown by the arrow in FIG. The heat is exchanged with the outside air in the outdoor heat exchanger (3) and condensed. Thereafter, the refrigerant is introduced into the indoor unit (Y, Y, Y) via the liquid side pipe (11) and the bypass line (34), and is depressurized by the indoor electric expansion valve (6, 6, 6). The heat exchanger (7, 7, 7) exchanges heat with room air to evaporate and cool the room air. This gas refrigerant is supplied to the gas pipe (15), the four-way switching valve (2), and the suction gas line (10
Through c), it is returned to the suction side of the compression mechanism (1). By performing such a circulation operation of the refrigerant, indoor cooling is performed.

-Normal Heating Operation- In this operation mode, the controller (70) switches the four-way switching valve (2) to the broken line side, and the first outdoor electric expansion valve.
While (5) is adjusted to a predetermined opening, the indoor electric expansion valve (6)
Is fully opened. Also, the second outdoor electric expansion valve (52a)
And each solenoid valve is closed together.

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 pipe (15) as shown by arrows in FIG. After being introduced into the indoor unit (Y, Y, Y), the indoor heat exchanger (7, 7, 7) exchanges heat with the indoor air to condense and heat the indoor air. Thereafter, the refrigerant reaches the receiver (4) via the third liquid line (11c) and the fourth liquid line (11d), flows from the receiver (4) through the second liquid line (11b), and flows into the first outdoor electric line. After the pressure is reduced by the expansion valve (5), the heat is introduced into the outdoor heat exchanger (3) from the heating liquid line (33), and the outdoor heat exchanger (3) exchanges heat with the outside air to evaporate. . After that, the compression mechanism (1) passes through the four-way switching valve (2) and the suction gas line (10c).
Is returned to the suction side. The indoor heating is performed by performing such a circulation operation of the refrigerant.

-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 this operation mode, a water cooling operation for cooling water in the water circulation circuit (B) to a predetermined temperature (for example, 2 ° C.) is performed before the start of the ice nucleation operation. Explaining the circulation operation of water and refrigerant in the water cooling operation, the second outdoor electric expansion valve (52a) is adjusted to a predetermined opening, and the first and second electromagnetic valves (SV1, SV2) are opened. Other electric expansion valves and solenoid valves are closed. Further, the four-way switching valve (2) is switched to the solid line side. In this state, the pump (P) is driven to circulate water in the water circulation circuit (B), and the compression mechanism (1) is driven. The refrigerant discharged from the compression mechanism (1)
After condensing in the outdoor heat exchanger (3), the pressure is reduced in the second outdoor electric expansion valve (52a) through the liquid side pipe (11) and the lower connecting pipe (52), and then the refrigerant in the heat storage heat exchanger (42) Introduced into the distribution department (48c),
Here, heat exchange is performed with water flowing through each heat transfer tube (49), and the water is cooled and evaporated. Then, this refrigerant distribution section
The refrigerant in (48c) is supplied to the upper connection pipe (51) and the suction gas line.
By (10c), it is returned to the suction side of the compression mechanism (1). At this time, the upper connection pipe (51) functions as a refrigerant outlet pipe that guides the refrigerant in the refrigerant flow part (48c).

When such a water cooling operation is performed for a predetermined time and the water temperature of the water circulation circuit (B) reaches a predetermined temperature,
Move to the following ice nucleation operation.

In this ice nucleus generating operation, the controller (70)
Accordingly, the four-way switching valve (2) is set to the solid line side, the second outdoor electric expansion valve (52a) is adjusted to a predetermined opening degree, and the other electric expansion valves are closed. In addition, the first and second solenoid valves (SV1, SV1
2) is opened while other solenoid valves are closed.

In this state, in the water circulation circuit (B),
The pump (P) is driven to circulate the water cooled by the water cooling operation 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. And this compressor (COM
The refrigerant discharged from P-1) is, as indicated by the arrow in FIG.
Part of the heat is introduced into the outdoor heat exchanger (3) through the four-way switching valve (2), and heat exchanges with the outside air in the outdoor heat exchanger (3) to condense. After that, this refrigerant is
(11), the bypass line (34), the lower connection pipe (52), the second outdoor electric expansion valve (52a), and the ice nucleus generating refrigerant (46). Another part of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (COMP-1) is introduced into the auxiliary heat exchanger (30) through the auxiliary gas line (31), and the auxiliary outdoor heat exchanger (30)
Also in the above, heat exchange is performed with the outside air to condense. Thereafter, the refrigerant joins the liquid side pipe (11). The refrigerant condensed in the outdoor heat exchanger (3) and the auxiliary outdoor heat exchanger (30) is decompressed by the second outdoor electric expansion valve (52a).
After cooling the water flowing through the water pipe (45a) inside the ice nucleus generator (46) to generate ice nuclei, the ice nucleation refrigerant outlet pipe (5)
9) and is returned to the suction side of the upstream compressor (COMP-1) via the suction pipe (10c-1).

On the other hand, a part of the refrigerant flowing through the auxiliary gas line (31) is supplied from the expansion prevention refrigerant introduction pipe (60) to the ice expansion prevention device.
Heat is supplied to the pipe (47) to heat the pipe wall of the water pipe (45a), thereby preventing ice from developing along the pipe wall from the ice nucleus generator (46). Then, the refrigerant is joined to the auxiliary liquid line (32) from the expansion prevention refrigerant outlet pipe (61). For this reason,
Even in a situation where ice grows along the wall surface upstream (toward the heat storage heat exchanger (42)), so-called ice progresses, this growing ice reaches the growth preventer (47). This progress is made possible by the heat storage heat exchanger
It does not reach (42). After such an ice nucleation operation is continuously performed for a predetermined time (for example, 5 minutes), the process proceeds to a cold heat storage operation described later.

-Cold heat storage operation- In this operation mode, supercooled water is brought into contact with ice nuclei generated by the above-described ice nucleus generation operation,
The supercooled state is eliminated around the ice nuclei to generate ice for heat storage.

In this operation mode, the four-way switching valve (2) is set to the solid line side by the controller (70), the second outdoor electric expansion valve (52a) is adjusted to a predetermined opening degree, and the other electric expansions are adjusted. The valve is closed. Also, the first, second, and fourth solenoid valves (SV1, S
V2, SV4) are opened, while 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). 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 turned into a four-way switching valve as shown by an arrow in FIG.
It is introduced into the outdoor heat exchanger (3) via (2), and heat exchanges with the outside air in the outdoor heat exchanger (3) to condense.
Thereafter, the refrigerant is supplied to the liquid side pipe (11) and the bypass line.
(34), it is introduced into the heat storage heat exchanger (42) through the lower connecting pipe (52). Further, another part of the refrigerant discharged from the compression mechanism (1) is introduced into the auxiliary heat exchanger (30) through the auxiliary gas line (31), and is connected to the outside air in the auxiliary outdoor heat exchanger (30). It exchanges heat between it and condenses. Thereafter, the refrigerant joins the liquid side pipe (11) via the auxiliary liquid line (32). Each heat exchanger (3,3
The refrigerant condensed in step (0) is reduced in pressure by the second outdoor electric expansion valve (52a). And, the refrigerant flow section of the heat storage heat exchanger (42)
The refrigerant introduced into (48c) exchanges heat with the water flowing through each heat transfer tube (49) in the refrigerant circulation part (48c) of the heat storage heat exchanger (42). Evaporate and cool the water to a supercooled state (eg -2 ° C). Then, connect the upper connection pipe (5
1) and is returned to the suction side of the compression mechanism (1) through the suction gas line (10c). Also at this time, the upper connection pipe (51) functions as a refrigerant outlet pipe that guides the refrigerant from inside the refrigerant flow part (48c).

In addition, even in this operation, the above-described ice nucleus generating operation is performed at the same time. That is, the lower connecting pipe (52)
A part of the refrigerant flowing through the ice nucleus generator (46) is introduced into the ice nucleus generator (46) through the ice nucleation refrigerant introduction pipe (58). Thereby, continuous ice making can be performed. And this ice nucleus generator (46)
In the same manner as in the ice nucleation operation described above, the refrigerant that has cooled the water to generate ice nuclei passes through the ice nucleation refrigerant outlet pipe (59) and the suction gas line (10c) to the suction side of the compression mechanism (1). Will be returned.

At the same time, an auxiliary gas line (31)
A part of the refrigerant flowing through the ice is supplied to the ice progress preventing device (47), and prevents the progress of ice in the same manner as described above. As a result, the progress of the ice reaches the heat storage heat exchanger (42), in which the supercooled state of the supercooled water is eliminated, and the heat storage heat exchanger (4) is released.
2) is prevented from freezing.

By performing such a circulation operation of water and refrigerant, the supercooled water generated by the heat storage heat exchanger (42) and the ice nuclei generated by the ice nucleus generator (46) are mixed, In this state, it is introduced into the subcooling canceller (43). Then, in the supercooling canceller (43), the supercooled water is released from the supercooled state around the ice nucleus with the swirling flow, thereby producing slurry-like ice for heat storage. This ice is collected in the heat storage tank (T) and stored in the heat storage tank (T).

At this time, it is determined whether or not the subcooling elimination device (43) is performing the subcooling elimination operation by the supercooling water temperature sensor (Th-W3) and the ice formation detection sensor (Th-W4). This is performed according to the detected water temperature. In other words, when a good ice making operation is being performed, the supercooled water temperature sensor (Th-
In W3), the supercooled water temperature (for example, -2 ° C) is detected, and in the ice formation detection sensor (Th-W4), the supercooling is eliminated and the water temperature in which ice and water are mixed (for example, 0 ° C) is detected. Then, it can be confirmed that the supercooling elimination operation is being performed by detecting these water temperatures by the respective sensors (Th-W3, Th-W4).

The compression mechanism in the cold heat storage operation
The capacity control of (1) is performed so that the water temperature detected by the supercooling water temperature sensor (Th-W3) is maintained at a predetermined temperature (for example, −2 ° C. described above). In addition, during the main operation, relatively high-temperature refrigerant flows into the preheater (40), so that ice temporarily flows out of the heat storage tank (T) into the water pipe (45), and this flows out of the preheater (40). ), The preheater (4
The ice and the water heated in (0) are stirred in the mixer (41) to melt the ice, and to prevent the ice from being mixed into the heat storage heat exchanger (42) while preventing the ice from being mixed. The operation of generating the supercooled water in (42) is performed favorably, and the supercooled water is not released from the supercooled state until it reaches the supercooled canceller (43). In other words, the heat storage heat exchanger (42)
As a result, freezing caused by eliminating supercooling is avoided.

-Thawing operation- In the above-described cold heat storage operation, if the supercooling of water in the heat storage heat exchanger (42) is eliminated and the heat storage heat exchanger (42) is frozen, Temporarily suspend the heat storage operation and switch to the thawing operation. In this thawing operation, the second outdoor electric expansion valve (52a), the third, fourth, and sixth solenoid valves (SV3, SV4, SV6)
Is opened, and the other electric expansion valves and solenoid valves are closed. In this state, the compression mechanism (1) is driven, and the high-temperature gas refrigerant from the compression mechanism (1) is supplied to the lower connecting pipe (52) by the hot gas supply pipe (54) as shown by an arrow in FIG. Then, a part is introduced into the refrigerant circulation part (48c) of the heat storage heat exchanger (42) through the lower connecting pipe (52), and the other part is introduced into the preheater (40). And the refrigerant (hot gas) introduced into the heat storage heat exchanger (42)
Melts the ice in the heat storage heat exchanger (42) by the heat. At this time, if the pump (P) of the water circulation circuit (B) is driven, the ice is slightly melted, and the ice is stored in the heat storage heat exchanger (42) by the water pressure from the pump (P). The water is easily separated from the wall surface of the water path and is washed away toward the supercooling canceller (43). Then, this refrigerant passes through the upper connection pipe (51) and the suction gas line (10c), and the compression mechanism (1)
Is returned to the suction side. On the other hand, the refrigerant introduced into the preheater (40) is supplied to the thawing bypass line (50) and the suction gas line (10
Through c), it is returned to the suction side of the compression mechanism (1). Also at this time, the upper connection pipe (51) is connected to the refrigerant flow section of the heat storage heat exchanger (42).
(48c) functions as a refrigerant outlet pipe that leads the refrigerant inside.

In the cold storage operation, the heat storage heat exchanger (4
The operation for detecting that the subcooling water temperature sensor (T-W3) is frozen when the water temperature detected by the supercooling water temperature sensor (Th-W3) suddenly rises from −2 ° C. to 0 ° C.
It is determined that ice has been generated by performing the supercooling elimination operation on the upstream side of h-W3), and the thawing operation described above is performed for a predetermined time (for example, 5 minutes). In addition, as an 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,
It is determined that ice blocks part of the water circulation circuit (B), and in this case also, the thawing operation is performed to melt the ice. When the thawing operation is completed, the cold storage operation is started again.

-Simultaneous operation of cooling heat storage / cooling operation-In this operation mode, the heat storage tank is cooled while performing indoor cooling.
The operation of storing ice in (T) is performed in a state where the cooling load is relatively small.

In this operation mode, the operation is performed by opening the indoor electric expansion valves (6, 6, 6) in the above-described cold storage operation. That is, as indicated by arrows in FIG. 9, a part of the refrigerant condensed in the outdoor heat exchanger (3) and the auxiliary heat exchanger (30) is supplied to the indoor unit (Y, Y, Y), and Expansion valve
After the pressure is reduced at (6,6,6), it is evaporated by the indoor heat exchanger (7,7,7). And this gas refrigerant is gas pipe
(15), is returned to the suction side of the compression mechanism (1) via the four-way switching valve (2) and the suction gas line (10c). The other water and refrigerant circulation operations are the same as in the cold storage operation described above.

-Cooling operation using cold storage-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 cold storage operation described above.

In this operation mode, the four-way switching valve (2) is switched to the solid line side by the controller (70), the indoor electric expansion valve (6, 6, 6) is adjusted to a predetermined opening, and the second outdoor While the electric expansion valve (52a) is fully opened, the first outdoor electric expansion valve (5) is closed. In addition, the fifth, sixth, and seventh solenoid valves (S
V5, SV6, SV7) are opened, and the other solenoid valves are closed.

In this state, in the water circulation circuit (B),
The pump (P) is driven to circulate water in the water circulation circuit (B). As a result, the heat storage tank is located in the water circulation circuit (B).
The cold water cooled by the ice in (T) circulates. On the other hand, in the refrigerant circuit (A), the compression mechanism (1)
As a result, the refrigerant discharged from the compression mechanism (1) partially becomes a four-way switching valve (2) as shown by an arrow in FIG.
Is introduced into the outdoor heat exchanger (3) through the outdoor heat exchanger (3).
In the above, heat exchange is performed with the outside air to condense. Thereafter, the refrigerant is supplied to the first liquid line (11a), the receiver (4),
It flows toward the indoor unit (Y, Y, Y) via the heat storage bypass pipe (53), the lower connecting pipe (52), and the third liquid line (11c). In addition, some other refrigerant flows through the hot gas supply pipe (54) and the heat storage supply pipe (55), bypassing the four-way switching valve (2) and the outdoor heat exchanger (3), and performing heat storage heat exchange. The heat is exchanged with the cold water circulating in the water circulation circuit (B) to condense the water, and is introduced into the lower connecting pipe (52). The refrigerant introduced into the lower connecting pipe (52) joins the third liquid line (11c) and flows toward the indoor unit (Y, Y, Y). The refrigerant that has reached the indoor unit (Y, Y, Y) is depressurized by the indoor electric expansion valves (6, 6, 6), and then evaporated by the indoor heat exchanger (7, 7, 7). The gas is returned to the suction side of the compression mechanism (1) through the gas pipe (15) and the suction gas line (10c). In this manner, the indoor cooling operation using the cold heat of the ice stored in the heat storage tank (T) is performed.

In the cooling operation utilizing the cold storage heat, if the water temperature detected by the supercooling water temperature sensor (Th-W3) reaches a predetermined temperature (for example, 5 ° C.), the second outdoor electric expansion valve is operated. (52a), the fifth, sixth and seventh solenoid valves (SV5, S5
V6 and SV7) are closed, and the second solenoid valve (SV2) is opened to terminate the cold storage utilizing cooling operation and switch to normal cooling operation. In other words, after the supercooled water temperature sensor (Th-W3) detects that most of the cold heat in the heat storage tank (T) has been used, the operation is switched to the normal cooling operation.

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

In this operation mode, the four-way switching valve (2) is switched to the broken line side by the controller (70), the first outdoor electric expansion valve (5) is adjusted to a predetermined opening degree, and the second outdoor electric expansion valve is adjusted. The valve (52a) and the seventh solenoid valve (SV7) are opened, while the other electric expansion valves and solenoid valves are closed.

In this state, in the water circulation circuit (B),
The pump (P) is driven to circulate water in the water circulation circuit (B). On the other hand, in the refrigerant circuit (A), the compression mechanism
(1) is driven, and the refrigerant discharged from the compression mechanism (1) is supplied to the hot gas supply pipe (54) as shown by an arrow in FIG.
Then, the heat is supplied to the heat storage heat exchanger (42) through the heat storage supply pipe (55), where the heat is exchanged with water in the water circulation circuit (B) to heat and condense the water. The refrigerant is supplied to the lower connecting pipe (52), the third liquid line (11c), and the fourth liquid line (11d).
Through the second liquid line (11b) and the heating liquid line (33),
After the pressure is reduced by the first outdoor electric expansion valve (5), the outdoor heat exchanger
Introduced in (3). Then, in the outdoor heat exchanger (3), heat is exchanged with the outside air to evaporate, and then the air passes through the four-way switching valve (2) and the suction gas line (10c) to the suction side of the compression mechanism (1). Will be returned. 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 heat storage heat exchanger (42), becomes high-temperature hot water, and enters the heat storage tank (T). Will be stored.

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

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

In this operation mode, the operation is performed by opening the indoor electric expansion valves (6, 6, 6) in the above-mentioned warm heat storage operation. That is, as shown by the arrow in FIG. 12, a part of the refrigerant discharged from the compression mechanism (1) is introduced into the indoor heat exchanger (7, 7, 7) through the gas pipe (15), and this indoor heat exchange is performed. The heat is exchanged with the room air in the chambers (7, 7, 7) to heat and condense the room air, and then join the refrigerant in the third liquid line (11c). The other water and refrigerant circulation operations are the same as in the above-described warm heat storage operation.

[0086]-Heating operation using warm heat storage-In this operation mode, the room is heated while utilizing the heat of the warm water stored in the heat storage tank (T) in the above-described warm heat storage operation.

In this operation mode, the four-way switching valve (2) is switched to the broken line side by the controller (70), and the first outdoor electric expansion valve (5) is adjusted to a predetermined opening while the indoor electric expansion is adjusted. The valve (6,6,6) and the second outdoor electric expansion valve (52a) are fully opened. Further, the fourth solenoid valve (SV4) 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 pipe (15) as shown by arrows in FIG. After being introduced into the indoor unit (Y, Y, Y), the indoor heat exchanger (7, 7, 7) exchanges heat with the indoor air to condense and heat the indoor air. Thereafter, the refrigerant is supplied to the third liquid line (11c).
Then, the pressure reaches the receiver (4) via the fourth liquid line (11d), and is reduced from the receiver (4) via the second liquid line (11b) by the first outdoor electric expansion valve (5). Thereafter, a part of this refrigerant is introduced into the refrigerant circulation part (48c) of the heat storage heat exchanger (42) through the second liquid line (11b) and the lower connection pipe (52), where the refrigerant flows between the refrigerant and the hot water. After heat exchange and evaporation, the upper connecting pipe (5
The gas is collected at the suction side of the compression mechanism (1) through (1) and the suction gas line (10c). Also at this time, the upper connection pipe (51) functions as a refrigerant outlet pipe that guides the refrigerant from inside the refrigerant flow part (48c) of the heat storage heat exchanger (42).

Then, another part of the refrigerant decompressed by the first outdoor electric expansion valve (5) is introduced into the outdoor heat exchanger (3) through the heating liquid line (33), and the outdoor heat exchanger (3) 3) After evaporating by performing heat exchange with outdoor air in
(2) and is returned to the suction side of the compression mechanism (1) through the suction gas line (10c). In this manner, the indoor heating operation using the heat of the hot water stored in the heat storage tank (T) is performed.

Also, in this heating operation utilizing the heat storage, 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 utilizing the cold storage. The second outdoor electric expansion valve (52
a) and the fourth solenoid valve (SV4) are closed to end the heating operation using the heat storage, and the operation shifts to the normal heating operation. That is,
The heat storage tank is detected by detecting the water temperature of the inlet water temperature sensor (Th-W1).
After it is determined that most of the heat in (T) has been used, the operation is switched to the normal heating operation.

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

The operation characteristic of this embodiment lies in the operation inside the heat storage heat exchanger (42) during the above-described cold storage operation and during the simultaneous cold storage / cooling operation. In other words, in such an operating state, as described above,
The liquid refrigerant introduced from the lower connection pipe (52) into the refrigerant flow section (48c) exchanges heat with water flowing in the heat transfer pipe (49) and evaporates, and then evaporates from the upper connection pipe (51). At this time, in the vicinity of the gas-liquid interface (G) of the refrigerant in the refrigerant circulation part (48c), the droplet-shaped refrigerant is scattered upward with the boiling of the refrigerant. . Then, in such a situation, as described above, the upper connection pipe (51) is positioned above the container (48) of the heat storage heat exchanger (42) from the height position of the upper outlet side pipe sheet (36). Is also connected to the lower position by a predetermined dimension, and a refrigerant floating space (C) as a relatively large space is formed between the gas-liquid interface (G) of the refrigerant and the outlet tube plate (36). Therefore, the droplet-shaped refrigerant temporarily floats in the refrigerant floating space (C) to reduce the flow velocity, and thereafter flows toward the upper connection pipe (51). For this reason, even if the droplet-shaped refrigerant flowing toward the upper connection pipe (51) collides with some of the heat transfer tubes (49), the coolant has a low flow velocity, so that the refrigerant flows on the outer peripheral surface of the heat transfer tube (49). The formation of a thin film is suppressed, so that it does not easily evaporate. That is, it is possible to suppress the heat transfer tube (49) from being locally cooled due to the collision of the refrigerant. In addition, a large number of droplet-shaped refrigerants are generated from the gas-liquid interface (G), and each of these droplet-shaped refrigerants is a relatively large space, the refrigerant floating space (C).
Thus, a situation in which only the specific heat transfer tube (49) intensively collides with the specific heat transfer tube (49) is avoided. Therefore, some of the heat transfer tubes (49) are intensively cooled by the scattered droplet-shaped refrigerant, and the supercooled water flowing in the heat transfer tubes (49) is cooled by the heat transfer tubes (49). The supercooled state is eliminated by cooling by the refrigerant evaporating from the
It is possible to avoid the formation of ice on the inner surface of (49). That is, as in the conventional case, the inside of the heat transfer tube (49) is frozen, and water does not flow through this heat transfer tube (49),
Further, the ice in the heat transfer tube (49) does not propagate to the upstream side and freeze other heat transfer tubes (49). Therefore, the ice making efficiency can be constantly maintained at a high level, and the reliability of the apparatus can be improved.

-Experimental Example- Next, the result of an experiment performed to confirm the effect of the present embodiment will be described. In this experiment, the height position of the upper connection pipe (51) was set low as in the above-described embodiment, and the connection position of the upper connection pipe (51) was changed to the heat storage heat exchanger (42) as in the related art.
Water circulation circuit when connected near the upper end of the side
(B) circulating water amount, refrigerant evaporation temperature in the heat storage heat exchanger (42),
Temperature of water derived from heat storage heat exchanger (42) (outlet water temperature)
Was measured by measuring the change state of each of them.

FIG. 14 and FIG. 15 show the results. FIG.
4 shows the result in the configuration of the present embodiment, and FIG. 15 shows the result in the conventional configuration. As you can see from these figures,
In this embodiment, the state in which the refrigerant evaporation temperature (indicated by a dashed line in FIG. 14) and the outlet water temperature (indicated by a dashed line in FIG. 14) rapidly increase is repeated at relatively long intervals. In the conventional configuration, the refrigerant evaporation temperature (indicated by a dashed line in FIG. 15) and the outlet water temperature (indicated by a dashed line in FIG. 15)
Is rapidly repeated in a short time. This is because, in the conventional configuration, ice is generated inside some of the heat transfer tubes, and the operation shifts to a thawing operation for melting the ice (starting of the thawing operation by operating the supercooled water temperature sensor Th-W3). This is because such an operation state is frequently repeated. And when such thawing operation is repeated,
The time required for the cold heat storage operation is prolonged, and the ice making efficiency is reduced. In the configuration of the present embodiment, it is found that the frequency of shifting to the thawing operation is reduced, the continuous operation time of the cold storage operation is long, and the ice making operation is performed stably and efficiently.

Further, in addition to the configuration of the above-described embodiment,
If a filtering means (75) made of wire mesh material, glass wool, metal scourer, etc. is provided in the refrigerant floating space (C) (see the imaginary line in FIG. 3 for the arrangement position), the filtering means (75) allows the Since the refrigerant in the form of droplets can be collected and dropped on the gas-liquid interface (G), the collision of the droplet-like refrigerant with the heat transfer tube (49) can be further suppressed. When such a filtering means (75) is provided, it is necessary to consider that the flow resistance of the gas refrigerant flowing toward the upper connection pipe (51) is not greatly increased by the filtering means (75). .

In this embodiment, water is used as the heat storage medium for heat storage. However, an aqueous brine solution or the like may be used. Also, the case where the present invention is applied to an ice heat storage device for an air conditioner has been described, but the present invention is also applicable to other devices utilizing cold storage heat.

[0097]

As described above, according to the present invention, the following effects can be obtained. According to the first aspect of the present invention, the heat storage medium is supercooled by the liquid-filled shell-and-tube supercooling heat exchanger, and this supercooled state is eliminated to generate ice. Against
A refrigerant outlet pipe connected to the supercooling heat exchanger as a refrigerant takeout side has a predetermined dimension larger than the upper end position of the refrigerant circulation space so as to form a floating space for the droplet refrigerant above the refrigerant circulation space. Only because it is connected to the heat exchanger container at the lower position, the droplet-shaped refrigerant is diffused in the floating space,
In addition, since the flow velocity is reduced by floating in this space, it is possible to avoid intensive collision with some of the heat transfer tubes or a situation in which the colliding refrigerant becomes a thin film and is easily evaporated. . For this reason, it is suppressed that the heat transfer tube is locally cooled and the supercooling of the heat storage medium is eliminated inside, so that the ice making efficiency can be constantly maintained at a high level, and the reliability of the device is improved. Improvement can be achieved.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, when the heat storage medium is made to flow through the heat transfer tube from the lower end to the upper end, the heat storage medium in a supercooled state flows at the upper end of the heat transfer tube. However, since the droplet-shaped refrigerant collides with the portion of the heat transfer tube where the supercooled heat storage medium flows, the generation of ice in the heat transfer tube is particularly likely to occur. By forming the floating space of the droplet refrigerant in the portion, the generation of ice in the heat transfer tube due to the diffusion or the like can be suppressed, and the ice making efficiency can be improved.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, it is possible to concretely obtain the configuration of the supercooling heat exchanger capable of suppressing the elimination of the supercooling inside the heat transfer tube, and to improve the practicality of the apparatus. Can be achieved.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the filtering means for collecting the droplet refrigerant flowing into the refrigerant outlet pipe is provided in the floating space, and the droplet refrigerant in the floating space is collected by the filtering means. With this configuration, the collision of the refrigerant with the heat transfer tube is more reliably suppressed, and the operation of eliminating the supercooled state in the heat transfer tube can be more reliably avoided.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overall configuration of a refrigerant circulation circuit provided in an air conditioner according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration of a water circulation circuit.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the heat storage heat exchanger.

FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram showing a refrigerant circulation operation in a normal cooling operation.

FIG. 5 is a circuit diagram showing a refrigerant circulation operation in a normal heating operation.

FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram showing a refrigerant circulation operation of the ice nucleus generation operation.

FIG. 7 is a circuit diagram showing a refrigerant circulation operation of the cold storage operation.

FIG. 8 is a circuit diagram showing a refrigerant circulation operation of a thawing operation.

FIG. 9 is a circuit diagram showing a refrigerant circulation operation of the cold storage / cooling simultaneous operation.

FIG. 10 is a circuit diagram showing a refrigerant circulation operation in a cooling operation utilizing cold storage heat.

FIG. 11 is a circuit diagram showing a refrigerant circulation operation of the heat storage operation.

FIG. 12 is a circuit diagram showing a refrigerant circulation operation of the simultaneous heat storage / heating operation.

FIG. 13 is a circuit diagram showing a refrigerant circulation operation of the heating operation using the heat storage.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing experimental results in the configuration according to the embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an experimental result in a conventional configuration.

[Explanation of symbols]

 (1) Compressor (3) Outdoor heat exchanger (heat source side heat exchanger) (8) Refrigerant piping (36) Outlet tube plate (37) Inlet tube plate (42) Heat storage heat exchanger (supercooling heat exchange (42a) Refrigerant heat exchange section (42b) Heat storage medium heat exchange section (45) Circulation piping (48) Vessel (48a) Outlet water circulation space (heat storage medium circulation space) (48b) Inlet water circulation space (heat storage Medium introduction space) (48c) Refrigerant circulation space (refrigerant circulation space) (49) Heat transfer tube (51) Upper connection tube (refrigerant outlet tube) (52) Lower connection tube (refrigerant introduction tube) (52a) 2nd outdoor electric expansion Valve (expansion mechanism) (75) Filtration means (A) Refrigerant circulation circuit (B) Water circulation circuit (C) Floating space (P) Circulation means (T) Heat storage tank

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuation of the front page (56) References JP-A-64-75869 (JP, A) (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) F24F 5/00 F25C 1/00

Claims (4)

(57) [Claims] 1. A compressor (1), a heat source side heat exchanger (3),
Expansion mechanism (52a) and refrigerant heat exchange part of subcooling heat exchanger (42)
(42a) is connected to the refrigerant pipe (8) so that the refrigerant can be circulated, and the refrigerant circulation circuit (A) is connected to the refrigerant pipe (8). The heat exchange unit (4) of the supercooling heat exchanger (42) capable of exchanging heat between the circulation unit (P) and the refrigerant heat exchange unit (42a).
2b) is connected by a circulation pipe (45) so that the heat storage medium can be circulated.The refrigerant heat evaporates in the refrigerant heat exchange section (42a) and the heat storage medium heat exchange section (B). 42b) is cooled to a supercooled state by exchanging heat with the liquid-phase heat storage medium flowing through the liquid storage medium, and after the heat storage medium is led out of the supercooled heat exchanger (42), the supercooled state is eliminated. In the ice heat storage device configured to generate ice and recover the ice in the heat storage tank (T), the supercooling heat exchanger (42) includes a container (48), and the container (48)
Is a refrigerant introduction pipe connected to the low pressure side of the expansion mechanism (52a) at the bottom.
(52), a refrigerant outlet pipe (51) connected to the suction side of the compressor (1) is connected to the upper part of the side face, and a vertically extending heat transfer pipe (49) is housed therein. The medium heat exchange part (42b) is constituted by the internal passage of the heat transfer tube (49), while the refrigerant heat exchange part (42a)
Formed around the heat transfer pipe (49), and communicates with the refrigerant introduction pipe (52) and the refrigerant discharge pipe (51).
A refrigerant circulation space (48c) that allows the refrigerant having a gas-liquid interface to flow in a substantially full state below the connection position of (51), and a heat storage medium flowing through the internal passage of the heat transfer tube (49). The refrigerant flowing from the refrigerant introduction pipe (52) into the refrigerant flow space (48c) exchanges heat, and the refrigerant evaporated in the refrigerant flow space (48c) flows out of the refrigerant discharge pipe (51) with a mixture of droplets. In the refrigerant outlet pipe (51), the floating space (C) is
The coolant circulation space (48) is formed above the space (48c).
c) at a position below the upper end position by a predetermined distance.
The floating space (C) is connected to the heat transfer tube (49).
To prevent local cooling of the heat transfer tube (49) due to collision,
A predetermined volume that reduces the speed of the droplet refrigerant inside
An ice heat storage device characterized by having a product . 2. The ice heat storage device according to claim 1, wherein the heat transfer medium flows through the heat transfer tube from the lower end to the upper end. 3. The subcooling heat exchanger (42) has a heat storage medium introduction space below the refrigerant circulation space (48c) inside the container (48).
(48b) is provided with a pair of upper and lower tube sheets (36, 37) that respectively define a heat storage medium outlet space (48a) on the upper side, and the heat transfer tube (49)
The lower end opens into the heat storage medium introduction space (48b), and the upper end opens into the heat storage medium outlet space (48a) .The connection position of the refrigerant outlet pipe (51) to the side surface of the container (48) is as follows:
The ice heat storage device according to claim 1, wherein the ice heat storage device is set at a lower position having a predetermined dimension with respect to the upper tube sheet (36). 4. The ice storage device according to claim 1, wherein the floating space (C) is provided with a filtering means (75) for collecting the droplet refrigerant flowing into the refrigerant outlet pipe (51). apparatus.