U.S. patent application number 11/785244 was filed with the patent office on 2008-03-06 for water-cooled air conditioner and method of controlling the same.
Invention is credited to Sim Won Chin, In Kyu Kim, Ja Hyung Koo, Soo Yeon Shin.
Application Number | 20080053141 11/785244 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39136380 |
Filed Date | 2008-03-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080053141 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kim; In Kyu ; et
al. |
March 6, 2008 |
Water-cooled air conditioner and method of controlling the same
Abstract
A water-cooled air conditioner and a method controlling the same
are provided. The water-cooled air conditioner includes a
compressor for compressing refrigerant, a plate-shaped heat
exchanger where the refrigerant compressed by the compressor is
heat exchanged with water, water inflow and outflow pipes for
guiding inflow and outflow of the water, and a water detecting unit
for detecting if the water exists in the heat exchanger. The water
inflow and outflow pipes are provided in the heat exchanger. The
water detecting unit is provided at a side of one of the water
inflow and outflow pipes.
Inventors: |
Kim; In Kyu; (Jinhae-si,
KR) ; Koo; Ja Hyung; (Changwon-si, KR) ; Chin;
Sim Won; (Seoul, KR) ; Shin; Soo Yeon;
(Gimhae-si, KR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MCKENNA LONG & ALDRIDGE LLP
1900 K STREET, NW
WASHINGTON
DC
20006
US
|
Family ID: |
39136380 |
Appl. No.: |
11/785244 |
Filed: |
April 16, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
62/434 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F25B 13/00 20130101;
F24F 11/30 20180101; F24F 3/06 20130101; F24F 2110/00 20180101;
F25B 2339/047 20130101; F25B 2313/004 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
62/434 |
International
Class: |
F25D 17/02 20060101
F25D017/02 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Sep 1, 2006 |
KR |
10-2006-0084047 |
Claims
1. A water-cooled air conditioner comprising: a compressor for
compressing refrigerant; a plate-shaped heat exchanger where the
refrigerant compressed by the compressor is heat-exchanged with
water; water inflow and outflow pipes for guiding inflow and
outflow of the water, the water inflow and outflow pipes being
provided in the heat exchanger; and a water detecting unit for
detecting if the water exists in the heat exchanger, the water
detecting unit being provided at a side of one of the water inflow
and outflow pipes.
2. The water-cooled air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein
the water detecting unit is a floater switch for detecting if the
water exists by measuring a water level of one of the water inflow
and outflow pipes.
3. A water-cooled air conditioner comprising: a compressor for
compressing refrigerant; a plate-shaped heat exchanger where the
refrigerant compressed by the compressor is heat-exchanged with
water; water inflow and outflow pipes for guiding inflow and
outflow of the water, the water inflow and outflow pipes being
provided in the heat exchanger; and a water flow detecting unit for
detecting if the water flows in the heat exchanger, the water flow
detecting unit being provided at a side of one of the water inflow
and outflow pipes.
4. The water-cooled air conditioner according to claim 3, wherein
the water flow detecting unit includes water pressure sensors for
detecting water pressures of the water inflow and outflow pipes and
determining if the water flows using a pressure difference between
the water pressures detected, the water pressure sensors being
installed at sides of the water inflow and outflow pipes,
respectively.
5. The water-cooled air conditioner according to claim 4, wherein
the water pressure sensors include: an inflow pressure sensor that
is installed on the water inflow pipe to detect the water pressure
of the water inflow pipe; and an outflow pressure sensor that is
installed on the water outflow pipe to detect the water pressure of
the water outflow pipe.
6. The water-cooled air conditioner according to claim 3, wherein
the water flow detecting unit includes water temperature sensors
for detecting water temperatures of the water inflow and outflow
pipes and determining if the water flows using a temperature
difference between the water temperatures detected, the water
temperature sensors being installed at sides of the water inflow
and outflow pipes, respectively.
7. The water-cooled air conditioner according to claim 6, wherein
the water temperature sensors include: an inflow temperature for
detecting the water temperature of the water inflow pipe; and an
outflow temperature sensor for detecting the water temperature of
the water outflow pipe.
8. A water-cooled air conditioner comprising: a compressor for
compressing refrigerant; a plate-shaped heat exchanger where the
refrigerant compressed by the compressor is heat-exchanged with
water; water inflow and outflow pipes for guiding inflow and
outflow of the water, the water inflow and outflow pipes being
provided in the heat exchanger; a water detecting unit for
detecting if the water exists in the heat exchanger, the water
detecting unit being provided at a side of one of the water inflow
and outflow pipes; and a water flow detecting unit for detecting if
the water flows in the heat exchanger, the water flow detecting
unit being provided at a side of one of the water inflow and
outflow pipes.
9. The water-cooled air conditioner according to claim 8, wherein
the water detecting unit is a floater switch for detecting if the
water exists by measuring a water level of one of the water inflow
and outflow pipes.
10. The water-cooled air conditioner according to claim 8, wherein
the water flow detecting unit includes water pressure sensors for
detecting water pressures of the water inflow and outflow pipes and
determining if the water flows using a pressure difference between
the water pressures detected, the water pressure sensors being
installed at sides of the water inflow and outflow pipes,
respectively.
11. The water-cooled air conditioner according to claim 10, wherein
the water pressure sensors include: an inflow pressure sensor that
is installed on the water inflow pipe to detect the water pressure
of the water inflow pipe; and an outflow pressure sensor that is
installed on the water outflow pipe to detect the water pressure of
the water outflow pipe.
12. The water-cooled air conditioner according to claim 8, wherein
the water flow detecting unit includes water temperature sensors
for detecting water temperatures of the water inflow and outflow
pipes and determining if the water flows using a temperature
difference between the water temperatures detected, the water
temperature sensors being installed at sides of the water inflow
and outflow pipes, respectively.
13. The water-cooled air conditioner according to claim 12, wherein
the water temperature sensors include: an inflow temperature for
detecting the water temperature of the water inflow pipe; and an
outflow temperature sensor for detecting the water temperature of
the water outflow pipe.
14. The water-cooled air conditioner according to claim 8, wherein
the water flow detecting unit includes: water pressure sensors for
detecting water pressures of the water inflow and outflow pipes and
determining if the water flows using a pressure difference between
the water pressures detected, the water pressure sensors being
installed at sides of the water inflow and outflow pipes,
respectively; and water temperature sensors for detecting water
temperatures of the water inflow and outflow pipes and determining
if the water flows using a temperature difference between the water
temperatures detected, the water temperature sensors being
installed at sides of the water inflow and outflow pipes,
respectively.
15. The water-cooled air conditioner according to claim 14, wherein
the water pressure sensors include: an inflow pressure sensor that
is installed on the water inflow pipe to detect the water pressure
of the water inflow pipe; and an outflow pressure sensor that is
installed on the water outflow pipe to detect the water pressure of
the water outflow pipe.
16. The water-cooled air conditioner according to claim 14, wherein
the water temperature sensors include: an inflow temperature for
detecting the water temperature of the water inflow pipe; and an
outflow temperature sensor for detecting the water temperature of
the water outflow pipe.
17. A method of controlling a water-cooled air conditioner,
comprising: detecting a water level of one of water inflow and
outflow pipes that are provided at a side of a heat exchanger to
guide inflow and outflow of the water; comparing the water level
detected with a reference water level; and controlling a driving of
a compressor depending on a comparison result between the detected
water level and the reference water level.
18. The method according to claim 17, wherein the compressor is
controlled to drive when the detected water level is equal to or
greater than the reference water level.
19. The method according to claim 18, wherein the reference water
level is 1/2 of an inner diameter of one of the water inflow and
outflow pipes.
20. A method of controlling a water-cooled air conditioner,
comprising: detecting water pressures of water inflow and outflow
pipes that are provided at a side of a heat exchanger to guide
inflow and outflow of the water; comparing a pressure difference
between the water pressures detected with a reference water
pressure; and controlling a driving of a compressor depending on a
comparison result between the pressure difference and the reference
water pressure.
21. The method according to claim 20, wherein the compressor is
controlled to stop driving when the pressure difference is equal to
or greater than the reference water pressure.
22. The method according to claim 21, wherein the reference water
pressure is 20 kPa.
23. A method of controlling a water-cooled air conditioner,
comprising: detecting water temperatures of water inflow and
outflow pipes that are provided at a side of a heat exchanger to
guide inflow and outflow of the water; comparing a temperature
difference between the water temperatures detected with a reference
water temperature; and controlling a driving of a compressor
depending on a comparison result between the temperature difference
and the reference water temperature.
24. The method according to claim 23, wherein the compressor is
controlled to stop driving when the temperature difference is equal
to or less than the reference water temperature.
25. The method according to claim 23, wherein the reference water
temperature is 3.degree. C.
26. A method of controlling a water-cooled air conditioner,
comprising: detecting a water level of one of water inflow and
outflow pipes that are provided at a side of a heat exchanger to
guide inflow and outflow of the water; comparing the water level
detected with a reference water level; controlling a driving of a
compressor depending on a comparison result between the detected
water level and the reference water level; detecting if the water
flows in the heat exchanger using a water flow detecting unit
provided at a side of the heat exchanger; and further controlling
the driving of the compressor depending on whether the water flows
or not.
27. The method according to claim 26, wherein the compressor is
controlled to drive when the detected water level is equal to or
greater than the reference water level.
28. The method according to claim 27, wherein the reference water
level is 1/2 of an inner diameter of one of the water inflow and
outflow pipes.
29. The method according to claim 26, wherein the detecting if the
water flows comprises: detecting water pressures of the water
inflow and outflow pipes; and comparing a pressure difference
between the water pressures detected with a reference water
pressure.
30. The method according to claim 29, wherein the compressor is
controlled to stop driving when the pressure difference is equal to
or greater than the reference water pressure.
31. The method according to claim 30, wherein the reference water
pressure is 20 kPa.
32. The method of claim 26, wherein the detecting if the water
flows comprises: detecting water temperatures of the water inflow
and outflow pipes; and comparing a temperature difference between
the water temperatures detected with a reference water
temperature.
33. The method according to claim 32, wherein the compressor is
controlled to stop driving when the temperature difference is equal
to or less than the reference water temperature.
34. The method according to claim 33, wherein the reference water
temperature is 3.degree. C.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to a water-cooled air
conditioner, and more particularly, to an air conditioner having a
water-cooled heat exchanger for allowing a refrigerant to be
heat-exchanged with water and a detecting unit for detecting if
water is in existence or if water flows in the water-cooled heat
exchanger. The present invention further relates to a method of
controlling the water-cooled air conditioner.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] Generally, an air conditioner is designed to reduce a
temperature of an indoor space by (a) sucking warm indoor air, (b)
heat-exchanging the warm indoor air with refrigerant, and (c)
discharging the heat-exchanged air to the indoor space or to
increase the temperature of the indoor space through a reverse
cycle. The air conditioner provides a cooling/heating cycle in
which the refrigerant circulates through a compressor, a condenser,
and expansion valve, and an evaporator in this order.
[0005] Recently, as the quality of the life is improved and in
response to the needs of the customers, in addition to the air
cooling/heating function, the air conditioner also provides a
variety of other functions such as an air cleaning function for
discharging purified air into the indoor space after filtering off
foreign objects contained in sucked air or a dehumidifying function
for discharging dry air into the indoor space after changing humid
sucked air into the dry air.
[0006] Meanwhile, the air conditioner is generally divided into an
outdoor unit (called a heat discharge unit) installed at an outdoor
space and an indoor unit (called a heat absorption unit) installed
at an indoor space. The outdoor unit includes a condenser (a second
heat exchanger) and a compressor and the indoor unit includes an
evaporator (a first heat exchanger).
[0007] The air conditioner is generally classified into a split
type air conditioner where the outdoor and indoor units are
separately installed and an integral type air conditioner where the
outdoor and indoor units are integrally installed. The split type
air conditioner has been widely used due to its advantages in terms
of an installation space and noise.
[0008] In order to reduce excessive power consumption during the
air-conditioning of the indoor air, a water-cooled air conditioner
has been actively used and developed.
[0009] Unlike a condenser (a second heat exchanger) of a
conventional air-cooled air conditioner where the refrigerant is
cooled by an outdoor air, the refrigerant of the water-cooled air
conditioner is cooled by water. That is, the water and the
refrigerant are not mixed with each other but separately pass
through a second heat exchanger.
[0010] In the water-cooled air conditioner, as the water and the
refrigerant separately flow along the water-cooled condenser (the
second heat exchanger) without being mixed with each other, the
water and the refrigerant are heat-exchanged with each other.
[0011] When the refrigerant and the water separately flow through
the water-cooled condenser (second heat exchanger), the
heat-exchange between the refrigerant and the water occurs in the
water-cooled condenser.
[0012] In the conventional water-cooled condenser (the second heat
exchanger), no unit for detecting if the water exists and flows is
provided. Therefore, when no water is in the air conditioner, the
air-conditioning cannot be realized. This deteriorates the
reliability of the products.
[0013] Furthermore, when the water freezes or leaks, this causes
the damage of the water-cooled condenser and thus the increase of
the maintenance costs.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0014] Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a
water-cooled air conditioner and a method of controlling the same
that substantially obviate one or more problems due to limitations
and disadvantages of the related art.
[0015] An object of the present invention is to provide a
water-cooled air conditioner having a water level detecting unit
for detecting if water exists in a heat exchanger through which
refrigerant and water circulate to be heat-exchanged with each
other.
[0016] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
water-cooled air conditioner having a water flow detecting unit for
detecting whether the water flows in a heat exchanger through which
refrigerant and water circulate to be heat-exchanged with each
other.
[0017] Still another object of the present invention is to provide
a method of controlling a water-cooled air conditioner, which can
prevent a damage of a heat exchanger by detecting if water exists
in the heat exchanger and detecting if water flows in the heat
exchanger using a water level detecting unit and a water flow
detecting unit.
[0018] Additional advantages, objects, and features of the
invention will be set forth in part in the description which
follows and in part will become apparent to those having ordinary
skill in the art upon examination of the following or may be
learned from practice of the invention. The objectives and other
advantages of the invention may be realized and attained by the
structure particularly pointed out in the written description and
claims hereof as well as the appended drawings.
[0019] To achieve these objects and other advantages and in
accordance with the purpose of the invention, as embodied and
broadly described herein, there is provided a water-cooled air
conditioner including: a compressor for compressing refrigerant; a
plate-shaped heat exchanger where the refrigerant compressed by the
compressor is heat-exchanged with water; water inflow and outflow
pipes for guiding inflow and outflow of the water, the water inflow
and outflow pipes being provided in the heat exchanger; and a water
detecting unit for detecting if the water exists in the heat
exchanger, the water detecting unit being provided at a side of one
of the water inflow and outflow pipes.
[0020] In another aspect of the present invention, there is
provided a water-cooled air conditioner including: a compressor for
compressing refrigerant; a plate-shaped heat exchanger where the
refrigerant compressed by the compressor is heat-exchanged with
water; water inflow and outflow pipes for guiding inflow and
outflow of the water, the water inflow and outflow pipes being
provided in the heat exchanger; and a water flow detecting unit for
detecting if the water flows in the heat exchanger, the water flow
detecting unit being provided at a side of one of the water inflow
and outflow pipes.
[0021] In still another aspect of the present invention, there is
provided a water-cooled air conditioner including: a compressor for
compressing refrigerant; a plate-shaped heat exchanger where the
refrigerant compressed by the compressor is heat-exchanged with
water; water inflow and outflow pipes for guiding inflow and
outflow of the water, the water inflow and outflow pipes being
provided in the heat exchanger; a water detecting unit for
detecting if the water exists in the heat exchanger, the water
detecting unit being provided at a side of one of the water inflow
and outflow pipes; and a water flow detecting unit for detecting if
the water flows in the heat exchanger, the water flow detecting
unit being provided at a side of one of the water inflow and
outflow pipes.
[0022] In still yet another aspect of the present invention, there
is provided a method of controlling a water-cooled air conditioner,
including: detecting a water level of one of water inflow and
outflow pipes that are provided at a side of a heat exchanger to
guide inflow and outflow of the water; comparing the water level
detected with a reference water level; and controlling a driving of
a compressor depending on a comparison result between the detected
water level and the reference water level.
[0023] In still yet another aspect of the present invention, there
is provided a method of controlling a water-cooled air conditioner,
including: detecting water pressures of water inflow and outflow
pipes that are provided at a side of a heat exchanger to guide
inflow and outflow of the water; comparing a pressure difference
between the water pressures detected with a reference water
pressure; and controlling a driving of a compressor depending on a
comparison result between the pressure difference and the reference
water pressure.
[0024] In still yet another aspect of the present invention, there
is provided a method of controlling a water-cooled air conditioner,
including: detecting water temperatures of water inflow and outflow
pipes that are provided at a side of a heat exchanger to guide
inflow and outflow of the water; comparing a temperature difference
between the water temperatures detected with a reference water
temperature; and controlling a driving of a compressor depending on
a comparison result between the temperature difference and the
reference water temperature.
[0025] In further still yet another aspect of the present
invention, there is provided a method of controlling a water-cooled
air conditioner, including: detecting a water level of one of water
inflow and outflow pipes that are provided at a side of a heat
exchanger to guide inflow and outflow of the water; comparing the
water level detected with a reference water level; controlling a
driving of a compressor depending on a comparison result between
the detected water level and the reference water level; detecting
if the water flows in the heat exchanger using a water flow
detecting unit provided at a side of the heat exchanger; and
further controlling the driving of the compressor depending on
whether the water flows or not.
[0026] According to the above-defined water-cooled air conditioner,
the water level detecting unit for detecting if water exists in the
second heat exchanger in which the refrigerant and the water
circulate to be heat-exchanged with each other is provided on a
side of the second heat exchanger. That is, a float switch is used
as the water level detecting unit to measure a water level, thereby
detecting if the water exists or not. Therefore, the overheating of
the second heat exchanger, which may be caused when no water exists
or a water level is lower than a predetermined level, can be
prevented.
[0027] In addition, according to the above-described water-cooled
air conditioner, the water flow detecting unit for detecting if
water flows in the second heat exchanger in which the refrigerant
and the water circulate to be heat-exchanged with each other is
provided on a side of the second heat exchanger. That is, a water
temperature sensor and a water pressure sensor are provided as the
water flow detecting unit to detect if the water flows or not.
Therefore, the user can identify if there is a foreign object is in
the second heat exchanger or if the water is frozen and thus
prevent the air conditioner from getting out of order in
advance.
[0028] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general
description and the following detailed description of the present
invention are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide
further explanation of the invention as claimed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0029] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a
further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and
constitute a part of this application, illustrate embodiment(s) of
the invention and together with the description serve to explain
the principle of the invention. In the drawings:
[0030] FIG. 1 is an air view illustrating a state where a
water-cooled air conditioner according to an embodiment of the
present invention is installed in a building;
[0031] FIG. 2 is a view illustrating flows of air and water in a
building when an integral type water-cooled air conditioner
according to an embodiment of the present invention operates;
[0032] FIG. 3 is an air view illustrating a state where a multiple
water-cooled air conditioner according to another embodiment of the
present invention is installed in a building;
[0033] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an outdoor unit of a
water-cooled air conditioner according to an embodiment of the
present invention;
[0034] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of an internal
structure of the outdoor unit of FIG. 4;
[0035] FIG. 6 is a view illustrating flows of refrigerant and water
during an air cooling operation of a water-cooled air conditioner
according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0036] FIG. 7 is an enlarged view illustrating a floater switch of
a water-cooled air conditioner according to an embodiment of the
present invention;
[0037] FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a method for controlling a
water-cooled air conditioner using a floater switch according to an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0038] FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a method for controlling a
water-cooled air conditioner using a water pressure sensor
according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0039] FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a method for controlling a
water-cooled air conditioner using a water temperature sensor
according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0040] FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a method for controlling a
water-cooled air conditioner using both of a floater switch and a
flow detecting unit according to an embodiment of the present
invention; and
[0041] FIG. 12 is a schematic view illustrating flows of
refrigerant and water during a heating mode operation of a
water-cooled air conditioner according to an embodiment of the
present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0042] Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred
embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are
illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
[0043] FIG. 1 shows an air view illustrating a state where a
water-cooled air conditioner according to an embodiment of the
present invention is installed in a building, and FIG. 2 is a view
illustrating flows of air and water in a building when an integral
type water-cooled air conditioner according to an embodiment of the
present invention operates.
[0044] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a water-cooled air conditioner
is installed in an enclosed space 52 formed in a building 50. The
enclosed space 52 is completely isolated from an external side of
the building 50 and communicates with an indoor space 62 through an
air intake 60 formed through a ceiling to suck indoor air.
[0045] A duct 70 is connected to the indoor space 62 to allow air
heat-exchanged by the water-cooled air conditioner to be discharged
into the indoor space 62. That is, the water-cooled air conditioner
includes an indoor unit 100 for sucking the indoor air and
discharging the indoor air after heat-exchanging the indoor air and
an outdoor air 200 connected to the indoor unit 100 by a
refrigerant pipe (130 of FIG. 3) and allowing the refrigerant
introduced through the refrigerant pipe to be heat-exchanged with a
water. The duct 70 allows the indoor unit 100 to communicate with
the indoor space 62.
[0046] The outdoor unit 200 includes a compressor 210, an
accumulator (270 of FIG. 5), a second heat exchanger 290, and an
outdoor linear expansion valve (234 of FIG. 6). The indoor unit 100
includes a first heat exchanger 120 and an expansion valve (not
shown).
[0047] When the water-cooled air conditioner operates, the indoor
air is introduced into the indoor unit 100 through the air intake
60 formed in the ceiling of the building. For this indoor air
circulation, an indoor fan 110 for making an indoor air current is
installed in the indoor unit 100. In addition, the first heat
exchanger 120 is installed to be inclined at a lower side of the
indoor fan 110.
[0048] The first heat exchanger 120 is provided to heat-exchange
the indoor air using the refrigerant flowing inside the first heat
exchanger 120. The first heat exchanger 120 is connected to the
second heat exchanger 290 by the refrigerant pipe 130.
[0049] The refrigerant pipe 130 is designed to circulate the
refrigerant between the indoor and outdoor units 100 and 200. A
common liquid pipe (132 of FIG. 6) along which a liquid-phase
refrigerant flows and which is a single pipe and a common gas pipe
(134 of FIG. 6) along which a gas-phase refrigerant flows and which
is a single pipe are provided between the indoor and outdoor units
100 and 200.
[0050] That is, the common liquid pipe 132 connects the second heat
exchanger 290 to the first heat exchanger 120 and the common gas
pipe 134 connects the compressor 210 to the first heat exchanger
120.
[0051] Although the installing location of the indoor unit 100 may
vary depending on a type of the water-cooled air conditioner
(integral type or split type), an internal structure thereof is
almost identical to that of a conventional indoor unit. Therefore,
a detailed description of the indoor unit 100 will be omitted
herein.
[0052] The outdoor unit 200 is provided under the indoor unit 100.
The compressor 210 of the outdoor unit 200 compresses the
refrigerant with a high temperature and a high pressure. The second
heat exchanger 290 of the outdoor unit 200 allows the refrigerant
introduced from the compressor 210 to be heat-exchanged with water
directed from a cooling tower 80 installed on, for example, a
building 50 top. The second heat exchanger 290 is provided with a
waterway 202 communicating with an inside of the cooling tower 80.
The waterway 202 includes a water inflow passage 202' for directing
the water from the cooling tower 80 to the second heat exchanger
290 and a water outflow passage 202'' for directing the water,
which is heat-exchanged with the refrigerant while passing through
an inside of the second heat exchanger 290, into the cooling tower
80.
[0053] The following will describe a case where a multiple
water-cooled air conditioner is applied with reference to FIG. 3.
FIG. 3 is an air view illustrating a state where a multiple
water-cooled air conditioner according to another embodiment of the
present invention is installed in a building.
[0054] As shown in FIG. 3, when the water-cooled air conditioner is
provided as a multiple type, the indoor and outdoor units 100 and
200 are separated from each other and connected by a refrigerant
pipe 130. That is, the indoor unit 100 is installed on the ceiling
of the indoor space 62, and the outdoor unit 200 is installed in
the enclosed space 52. The indoor and outdoor units 100 and 200 are
connected to each other by the refrigerant pipe 130 so that the
refrigerant can circulate and allow the indoor air to be
heat-exchanged.
[0055] A first heat exchanger (not shown) by which the indoor air
is heat-exchanged with the refrigerant is provided in the indoor
unit 100. An indoor fan 110 is further provided to allow the
heat-exchanged air to be discharged into the indoor space 62.
[0056] Like the integral type water-cooled air conditioner, the
multiple water-cooled air conditioner includes a second heat
exchanger for allowing the refrigerant to be heat-exchanged with
the water. Since the circulations of the refrigerant and water in
the second heat exchanger is identically realized to the integral
type water-cooled air conditioner, a detailed description thereof
will be omitted herein.
[0057] The following will describe the outdoor unit 200 of the
multiple water-cooled air conditioner by way of example.
[0058] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an outdoor unit of a
water-cooled air conditioner according to an embodiment of the
present invention, FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of an
internal structure of the outdoor unit of FIG. 4, and FIG. 6 is a
view illustrating flows of refrigerant and water during an air
cooling operation of a water-cooled air conditioner according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0059] The following will describe the outdoor unit 200 in more
detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0060] Referring to FIGS. 4 through 6, the outdoor unit 200
includes a top cover 204 formed in a rectangular parallelepiped and
dividing the indoor unit 100 and the outdoor unit 200 from each
other, front and rear panels 205 and 207 that define respectively
front and rear outer appearances, side panels 208 that define left
and right outer appearances, and a base pan 209 for supporting a
plurality of components.
[0061] The top cover 204 is located at a top of the outdoor unit
200 to prevent the air passing through the indoor unit 100 from
being introduced into the outdoor unit 200. That is, the top cover
204 is formed in a rectangular plate in which no hole is
formed.
[0062] The top cover 204 also functions to support the indoor unit
100 provided thereon. Therefore, the top cover 204 is provided at a
bottom edge with a reinforcing beam 204' for reinforcing strength
thereof.
[0063] The front panel 205 is erected under a front end of the top
cover 204. Service panels 206 are formed at a central left side and
a lower left/right side of the front panel 205. The service panels
206 are provided to open an internal side of the outdoor unit 200
when a maintenance service is required due to a malfunctioning of a
component installed in the outdoor unit 200. Each of the service
panels 206 is provided with slits except for one side.
[0064] Therefore, the service panels 206 pivot with reference to a
side where no slit is formed to allow the internal space of the
outdoor unit 200 to communicate with an external side, thereby
allowing for the maintenance service.
[0065] The side panels 208 contacts rear-left and rear-right ends
of the front panel 205. Each of the side panels 208 is provided at
an upper portion with a plurality of heat dissipation holes 208'
through which the heat generated by the operation of the compressor
is dissipated to the external side.
[0066] Although not shown in the drawings, the top cover 204, the
front panel 205, the rear panel 207, and the side panel 208 may be
provided with connection holes through which the common gas pipe
134 and the common liquid pipe 132 are connected to the indoor unit
100.
[0067] The base pan 209 is provided to contact lower ends of the
front, rear, and side panels 205, 207, and 208. The base pan 209 is
provided to support a plurality of components. Particularly, the
compressor 210 is provided on a top center of the base pan 209.
[0068] The compressor 210 is designed to compress the refrigerant
to a high temperature/pressure state. The compressor 210 is
provided at left and right sides. That is, the compressor 210
includes a constant speed compressor 212 operated with a constant
speed and installed at a relatively right side and an inverter
compressor 214 that is a variable speed heat pump installed at a
left side of the constant speed compressor 212 and operated with a
variable speed.
[0069] A uniform fluid pipe 216 is installed between the constant
speed compressor 212 and the inverter compressor 214 to communicate
the constant speed compressor 212 and the inverter compressor 214
with each other. Therefore, when one of the compressors 212 and 214
is short of fluid, the fluid of the other is directed to the
compressor that is short of the fluid, thereby preventing the
compressor 210 from being damaged.
[0070] A scroll compressor where noise is not so intrusive may be
used as the compressor 210. Particularly, an inverter scroll
compressor whose RPM is controlled depending on a load capacity may
be used as the inverter compressor 214.
[0071] Therefore, when a load applied to the compressor 210 is low,
the inverter compressor 214 first operates. Then, as the load
capacity applied to the compressor 210 gradually increases and thus
the inverter compressor 214 is unequal to the increased load
capacity, the constant speed compressor 212 operates.
[0072] The compressor 210 is provided at an outlet side with a
compressor discharge temperature sensor 217 for detecting a
temperature of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 210
and an oil separator 218. The oil separator 218 filters oil mixed
in the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 210 and allows
the filtered oil to be returned to the compressor 210.
[0073] That is, the oil used for cooling the frictional heat
generated during the operation of the compressor 210 is discharged
together with the refrigerant through an outlet of the compressor
210. The generated oil is separated in the oil separator 218 and
returned to the compressor 210 through the oil recovery pipe
219.
[0074] The oil separator 218 is provided at an outlet with a check
valve 232 for preventing the refrigerant from flowing back. That
is, when only one of the constant speed compressor 212 and the
inverter compressor 214 operates, the check valve 232 prevents the
refrigerant from flowing into the other of the compressors.
[0075] The oil separator 218 is designed to communicate with a
four-way valve 240 by a pipe. The four-way valve 240 is provided to
convert the flow of the refrigerant according to an operation mode
(cooling or heating mode) of the air conditioner. The four-way
valve 240 includes an inlet port 242, a first outlet port 244, a
second outlet port 246, and a third outlet port 248. The ports are
connected to an outlet of the compressor 210 (or the oil separator
218), an inlet of the compressor 210 (or an accumulator 270), the
second heat exchanger 290, and the indoor unit 100,
respectively.
[0076] Therefore, the refrigerant discharged from the inverter
compressor 214 and the constant speed compressor 212 is collected
in a location and then directed to the four-way valve 240. The
four-way valve 240 is provided at an outlet with a high pressure
sensor 240' for detecting the pressure of the refrigerant
discharged from the compressor 210.
[0077] Meanwhile, a hot gas pipe 250 is installed bypassing the
four-way valve 240 to allow a portion of the refrigerant introduced
into the four-way valve 240 to be directly directed to the
accumulator 270 that will be described in more detail later.
[0078] The hot gas pipe 250 is provided to directly direct the high
pressure refrigerant of an outlet side of the compressor 210 to the
inlet of the hot gas pipe 250 when there is a need to increase the
pressure of the low pressure refrigerant introduced into the
accumulator 270 during the operation of the air conditioner. A hot
gas valve 252 is installed on the hot gas pipe 250 to open and
close the hot gas pipe 250.
[0079] An over-cooler 260 is installed on a top-right-rear end of
the base pan 209. The over-cooler 260 is provided to further cool
the refrigerant that is heat-exchanged in the second heat exchanger
290. The over-cooler 260 is formed at a portion of the outdoor
liquid pipe 262 connected to the outlet of the second heat
exchanger 290.
[0080] The over-cooler 260 is formed in a dual-pipe structure. That
is, the over-cooler 260 includes an inner pipe communicating with
the outdoor liquid-phase pipe 262 and an outer pipe surrounding the
inner pipe. A reverse transfer pipe 264 is branched off from the
outlet of the over-cooler 260. The reverse transfer pipe 264 is
provided with an over-cooler expansion valve 266 for cooling the
refrigerant through an expanding process.
[0081] Then, a portion of the refrigerant discharged from the
over-cooler 260 is introduced into the reverse transfer pipe 264
and cooled while passing through the over-cooler expansion valve
266. The cooled refrigerant flows back through the over-cooler 260
to be further cooled. The backflow refrigerant discharged from the
over-cooler 260 is fed again to the accumulator 270 and
circulated.
[0082] Meanwhile, the over-cooler 260 is provided at an outlet with
a liquid pipe temperature sensor 263 for detecting the temperature
of the refrigerant discharged from the outdoor unit 200. The
over-cooler expansion valve 266 is provided at an outlet with an
over-cooler inlet sensor 265 to detect the temperature of the
backflow refrigerant inflowing the over-cooler 260. The reverse
transfer pipe 264 along which the backflow refrigerant discharged
from the over-cooler 260 is provided with an over-cooler outlet
sensor 267.
[0083] Accordingly, the refrigerant passed through the second heat
exchanger 290 flows through a central portion and the low
temperature refrigerant expanding by the expansion valve (not
shown) flows in an opposite direction at an outer side, thereby
further lowering the temperature of the refrigerant.
[0084] The accumulator 270 is installed at a left portion of the
base pan 209 (i.e., at a left side of the inverter compressor 214).
The accumulator 270 functions to filter off the liquid-phase
refrigerant and allow only the gas-phase refrigerant to be
introduced into the compressor 210.
[0085] If the liquid-phase refrigerant that is directed from the
indoor unit 100 and is not vaporized is directly introduced into
the compressor 210, the compressor 210 for compressing the
refrigerant to a high temperature and high pressure gas-phase state
is overloaded and thus damaged.
[0086] Therefore, since the liquid-phase refrigerant that is
introduced into the accumulator 270 and is not vaporized is
relatively heavier than the gas-phase refrigerant, the liquid-phase
refrigerant is settled down at a lower portion of the accumulator
270 and only the gas-phase refrigerant is introduced into the
compressor 210.
[0087] The accumulator 270 is provided at an inlet with an intake
pipe temperature sensor 272 for detecting the temperature of the
refrigerant introduced therein and a low pressure sensor 274.
[0088] Meanwhile, a control box 280 is installed in rear of the
front panel 205. The control box 280 is formed in a rectangular
parallelepiped and is selectively closed by a control cover 282
pivotally fixed on a top end of the control box 280.
[0089] Control components such as a voltage transformer, a printed
circuit board, and a capacitor are provided in the control box 280
and a heat dissipation unit 284 formed with heat dissipation fins
are formed on a rear surface of the control box 280.
[0090] The second heat exchanger 290 is provided at a rear side of
the control box 280 to allow the refrigerant and the water to be
heat-exchanged with each other while passing therethrough. The
second heat exchanger 290 is formed in a rectangular
parallelepiped.
[0091] A plurality of water flow pipes and refrigerant flow pipes
are provided in the second heat exchanger 290 to prevent the
refrigerant and the water from being mixed with each other. The
water and refrigerant flow pipes are alternately arranged to be
adjacent to each other so that the heat-exchange between the
refrigerant and water can be effectively realized.
[0092] That is, the refrigerant flow pipes (not shown) are arranged
to surround the water pipes (not shown) while the water pipes are
arranged to surround the refrigerant flow pipes. Therefore, it will
be preferable that the water and refrigerant pipes are designed to
be identical in a sectional shape and size with each other. For
example, the water and refrigerant flow pipes are formed in a
regular hexagonal shape so that they can be arranged in a honeycomb
shape.
[0093] The second heat exchanger 290 is provided at a front surface
with water inflow and outflow pipes 292 and 293 through which the
water is introduced into or discharged from the second heat
exchanger 290 and refrigerant inflow and outflow pipes 294 and 295
through which the refrigerant is introduced into or discharged from
the second heat exchanger 290.
[0094] That is, the water inflow and outflow pipes 292 and 293 are
formed on front-right upper and lower portions of the second heat
exchanger 290 and extend into the second heat exchanger to guide
the introduction and discharge of the water into or from the second
heat exchanger 290. The water inflow pipe 292 is positioned under
the water outflow pipe 293.
[0095] In addition, the refrigerant inflow and outflow pipes 294
and 295 are formed on front-left upper and lower portions of the
second heat exchanger 290 and extend into the second heat exchanger
290 to guide the introduction and discharge of the refrigerant into
or from the second heat exchanger 290. The refrigerant inlet pipe
294 is positioned under the water outflow pipe 295.
[0096] When the water and refrigerant are introduced into the
second heat exchanger 290, the water flows from an upper side to a
lower side along the water flow pipe disposed in the second heat
exchanger 290. The refrigerant introduced into the second heat
exchanger 290 flows from the lower side to the upper side along the
refrigerant flow pipe.
[0097] As the water and the refrigerant flow in an opposite
direction to each other in the second heat exchanger 290, the heat
exchange efficiency between the water and the refrigerant may be
maximized.
[0098] Meanwhile, as a feature of the present invention, a water
temperature sensor 360 is provided on each of an outer surface of
the water outflow pipe 293 and an outer surface of the water inflow
pipe 292.
[0099] The water temperature sensors 360 are provided to detect the
temperature of the water passing through the second heat exchanger
290. The water temperature sensors 360 include an inflow
temperature sensor 362 provided on the outer surface of the water
inflow pipe 292 and an outflow temperature sensor 364 provided on
the outer surface of the water outflow pipe 293.
[0100] Therefore, the inflow temperature sensor 362 detects the
temperature of the water that is introduced into the second heat
exchanger 290 through the water inflow pipe 292. The outflow water
temperature sensor 364 detects the temperature of the water that is
discharged from the second heat exchanger 290 through the water
outflow pipe 293.
[0101] The water temperature sensors 360 is designed to selectively
stop the operation of the compressor 210 by determining if the
water flows in the second heat exchanger 290 depending on the
temperatures detected by the inflow and outflow temperature sensors
362 and 364.
[0102] That is, the inflow and outflow temperature sensors 362 and
364 are electrically connected to the printed circuit board (not
shown) to transmit the detected temperature information to the
printed circuit board.
[0103] The printed circuit board selectively stops the operation of
the compressor 210 by calculating a difference between the
temperatures detected by the inflow and outflow temperature sensors
362 and 364 (i.e., subtracts the water temperature of the water
inflow pipe 292 from the water temperature of the water outflow
pipe 293) and comparing the difference with a reference temperature
difference (3.degree. C.).
[0104] In more detail, when the water-cooled air conditioner
operates with the cooling mode and the temperature difference of
the waters passing through the inflow and outflow pipes 292 and 293
is less than 3.degree. C., it is regarded that no heat-exchange
occurs between the refrigerant and the water in the second heat
exchanger 290. This is regarded as water does not flow and thus the
printed circuit board stops the operation of the compressor
210.
[0105] When the temperature difference between waters flowing along
the inflow and outflow pipes 292 and 293 is less than 3.degree. C.,
it is determined that the water does not flow in the second heat
exchanger 290. That is, when there is a temperature difference
between the refrigerant and the water in the second heat exchanger
290, the temperature difference between the water before passing
through the second heat exchanger 290 and the water after passing
through the second heat exchanger 290 is generally over 3.degree.
C.. Therefore, When the temperature difference between the waters
flowing along the inflow and outflow pipes 292 and 293 is less than
3.degree. C., it can be determined that the water does not flow in
the second heat exchanger 290.
[0106] When it is determined that the temperature difference
between the waters flowing along the inflow and outflow pipes 292
and 293 is less than 3.degree. C., the printed circuit board
transmits a signal to a display (not shown) or a buzzer so as to
let the user know that the water does not flow in the second heat
exchanger.
[0107] A water flow detecting unit that detects if the water flows
in the second heat exchanger 290 using a water pressure difference
is provided at each side of the inflow and outflow pipes 292 and
293. The water flow detecting unit may be formed in a variety of
structures.
[0108] In the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a
water pressure sensor 340 and a water temperature sensor 360 are
provided as the water flow detecting sensors. However, the present
invention is not limited to this case. For example, at least one of
the water pressure sensors 340 and the water temperature sensor 360
may be used.
[0109] The water pressure sensor 340 is provided to detect a
pressure of the water flowing along the inflow and outflow pipes
292 and 293. The water pressure sensor 340 includes an inflow water
pressure sensor 342 provided on an outer surface of the inflow pipe
292 and an outflow pressure sensor 344 provided on an outer surface
of the outflow pipe 293.
[0110] Like the water temperature sensor 360, the water pressure
sensor 340 is designed to transmit water pressure data to the
printed circuit board. The printed circuit board calculates a
pressure difference between the pressures detected by the inflow
pressure sensor 342 and the outflow pressure sensor 344 and
compares the calculated pressure difference with a reference
pressure difference.
[0111] That is, the inflow and outflow pressure sensors 342 and 344
are electrically connected to the printed circuit board (not shown)
to transmit the detected water pressure data to the printed circuit
board.
[0112] The printed circuit board selectively stops the operation of
the compressor 210 by calculating a water pressure difference
between the water pressures detected by the inflow and outflow
pressure sensors 342 and 344 (i.e., subtracts the water pressure of
the water inflow pipe 292 from the water temperature of the water
outflow pipe 293) and comparing the calculated pressure difference
with a reference pressure difference (20 kPa).
[0113] In more detail, during the cooling mode operation of the
water-cooled air conditioner, when the water pressure difference of
the waters passing through the inflow and outflow pipes 292 and 293
is over 20 kPa, the printed circuit board stops the operation of
the water-cooled air conditioner by determining that the water does
not flow due to the foreign objects clogging the second heat
exchanger 290. In addition, during the heating mode operation of
the water-cooled air conditioner, when the water pressure
difference of the waters passing through the inflow and outflow
pipes 292 and 293 is over 20 kPa, the printed circuit board stops
the operation of the water-cooled air conditioner by determining
that water does not flow due to the freezing in the second heat
exchanger 290.
[0114] At this point, the printed circuit board transmits a signal
to a display (not shown) or a buzzer so as to let the user know
that the water does not effectively flow in the second heat
exchanger 290.
[0115] On the other hand, when the water pressure difference of the
waters passing through the inflow and outflow pipes 292 and 293 is
less than 20 kPa, the printed circuit board applies electric power
to the water-cooled air conditioner to allow the water-cooled air
conditioner to normally operate by determining that the water
effectively flow.
[0116] Meanwhile, a water level detecting unit is provided at a
side of the water outflow pipe 293 to determine if the water exists
in the second heat exchanger 290 by detecting a water level of the
water outflow pipe 293. This water level detecting unit may be
formed in a variety of structures.
[0117] In the following description, a case where a floater switch
320 is used as the water level detecting unit will be explained.
FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of the floater switch 320 mounted in the
water-cooled air conditioner.
[0118] As shown in FIG. 7, the floater switch 320 is designed to
detect the water level using buoyancy. The floater switch 320 is
fixed on the water outflow pipe 293 while penetrating from an upper
side to a lower side of the outer circumference of the water
outflow pipe 293. A floater 322 is provided in the floater switch
320.
[0119] That is, the floater 322 is filled with air to vertically
move upward and downward depending on the water level. The water
outflow pipe 293 is provided at outer and inner sides with nuts 324
so as to be coupled to an upper portion of the floater switch
113.
[0120] Therefore, when the floater switch 320 is fixed in a state
where it is inserted in the water outflow pipe 293, the floater 322
moves in a vertical direction depending on the water level of the
outflow pipe 293.
[0121] A switch unit 326 is provided above the floater 322. The
switch unit 326 generates an electric signal by contacting an upper
end of the floater 322 when the floater 322 moves upward by the
buoyancy.
[0122] The switch unit 326 is electrically connected to the printed
circuit board to transmit the electric signal that is generated
when it contacts the floater 322 to the printed circuit board. The
printed circuit board operates the compressor 210 when the electric
signal is transmitted from the switch unit 326.
[0123] The floater switch 320 transmits the electric signal to the
printed circuit board when the water level of the water outflow
pipe 293 is equal to or greater than a reference water level. That
is, in order to realize the heat-exchange between the water and the
refrigerant, the water outflow pipe 293 should be filled with water
by more than half of the inner space thereof. The reference water
level is 1/2 of an inner diameter of the water outflow pipe
293.
[0124] Therefore, the switch unit 326 should be installed at a
height that is determined considering a floating position of the
floater 322 so that it can properly generate the electric signal
depending on the reference water level of the switch unit 326.
[0125] In more detail, it is preferable that the floater switch 322
is designed to contact the switch unit 326 when the water outflow
pipe 293 is filled with the water by a half of the inner diameter
of the outflow pipe 293.
[0126] A rubber sealer 328 is provided between the pair of nuts
324. The sealer 328 functions to prevent the water filled in the
water outflow pipe 293 from leaking.
[0127] Referring again to FIG. 5, a heat exchanger support 298 is
provided under the second heat exchanger 290. The heat exchanger
support 298 supports the second heat exchanger 290 such that the
second heat exchanger 290 is spaced apart from the base pan
209.
[0128] That is, the top surface of the heat exchanger support 298
is slightly larger than the bottom surface of the second heat
exchanger 290. A rear half of the heat exchanger support 298 is
formed to extend and be inclined toward a lower-rear side from the
top rear end.
[0129] The following will describe an operation of the
above-described water-cooled air conditioner with reference to
FIGS. 6 and 8 through 12.
[0130] FIGS. 8 through 11 are block diagrams illustrating a control
method of the water-cooled air conditioner according to an
embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 is a view illustrating
flows of the refrigerant and the water in the heating mode
operation of the air conditioner.
[0131] In order to operate the water-cooled air conditioner, a
sufficient amount of the water flows through the inside of the
second heat exchanger 290 so that the heat exchange can be normally
realized in the second heat exchanger 290. When the electric power
is applied to the air conditioner, the water level detecting unit
and the water flow detecting unit detects if a sufficient amount of
water exists in the second heat exchanger 290 and if the water
flows in the second heat exchanger 290, respectively.
[0132] FIG. 8 illustrates a process for operating the air
conditioner in accordance with the water exist detection in the
second heat exchanger 290 by the floater switch 320 that is the
water level detecting unit.
[0133] As illustrated in FIG. 8, the control method of the air
conditioner using the water level detecting unit includes a water
level detecting step S400, a water level comparing step S402, and a
driving control step S404.
[0134] In the water level detecting step S400, it is determined if
the water exists in the second heat exchanger 290 using the floater
switch 320. That is, the water level of one of the water inflow
pipe 292 and the water outflow pipe 293 that are formed on opposite
ends of the second heat exchanger 290.
[0135] In the water level comparing step S402, the water level
detected in the water level detecting step S400 is compared with a
reference water level. As described above, the reference water
level is 1/2 of the inner diameter of one of the water inflow pipe
292 and the water outflow pipe 293.
[0136] In the driving control step S404, the compressor 210 is
selectively driven in accordance with a difference between the
detected water level and the reference water level, thereby
selectively operating the air conditioner. That is, when the water
level detected by the floater switch 320 is 1/2 or more of the
inner diameter of one of the water inflow pipe 292 and the water
outflow pipe 293, the compressor 210 operates.
[0137] On the contrary, when the water level detected by the
floater switch 320 is less than 1/2 of the inner diameter of one of
the water inflow pipe 292 and the water outflow pipe 293, the
compressor 210 does not operate and this state is noted to the user
through a display or a buzzer.
[0138] FIGS. 9 and 10 are block diagrams illustrating a control
method of the compressor and the air conditioner in accordance with
the water flow detection by the water flow detecting unit.
[0139] A method for controlling the air conditioner by detecting if
the water flows in the second heat exchanger 290 using a pressure
difference measured at the water inflow pipe 292 and the water
outflow pipe 293 will be described with reference to FIG. 9.
[0140] As illustrated in FIG. 9, the control method of the air
conditioner includes a water pressure detecting step S410 for
detecting water pressures using the water pressure sensors 340
installed at the opposite ends of the second heat exchanger 290, a
water pressure comparing step S412 for calculating a difference
between the water pressures measured in the water pressure
detecting step S410 and comparing the difference with a reference
water pressure, and a driving control step S414 for controlling the
driving of the compressor 210 depending on the comparison result in
the pressure comparing step S412.
[0141] In the pressure detecting step S410, pressures of the waters
flowing along the water inflow and water outflow pipes 292 and 293
are detected by the inflow and outflow pressure sensors 342 and
344.
[0142] In the driving control step S414, the compressor 210 stops
driving when the pressure difference calculated in the pressure
comparing step S412 is equal to or greater than the reference
pressure and this state is noted to the user.
[0143] At this point, as described above, the reference pressure is
20 kPa. Therefore, when the difference of the pressures of the
water detected by the inflow and outflow pressure sensors 342 and
344 is equal to or greater than 20 kPa, the compressor 210 stops
driving and this state is noted to the user.
[0144] A method for controlling the air conditioner by detecting if
the water flows in the second heat exchanger 290 using a water
temperature difference measured at the water inflow pipe 292 and
the water outflow pipe 293 will be described with reference to FIG.
10.
[0145] As illustrated in FIG. 10, the control method of the air
conditioner includes a water temperature detecting step S420 for
detecting water temperatures using the water temperature sensors
360 installed at the opposite ends of the second heat exchanger
290, a water temperature comparing step S422 for calculating a
difference between the water temperatures measured in the water
temperature detecting step S420 and comparing the difference
between the water temperatures with a reference temperature, and a
driving control step S424 for controlling the driving of the
compressor 210 depending on the comparison result in the water
temperature comparing step S422.
[0146] In the water temperature detecting step S410, temperatures
of the waters flowing along the water inflow and water outflow
pipes 292 and 293 is detected by the inflow and outflow temperature
sensors 362 and 364.
[0147] In the driving control step S424, the compressor 210 stops
driving when the temperature difference calculated in the
temperature comparing step S422 is equal to or less than the
reference water temperature and this state is noted to the user.
That is, as described above, the reference water temperature is
3.degree. C.. Therefore, when the temperature difference of the
waters detected by the inflow and outflow temperature sensors 362
and 364 is equal to or greater than 3.degree. C.. The compressor
210 stops driving and this state is noted to the user.
[0148] FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating a control method of
the air conditioner when both of the water level detecting unit and
the water flow detecting unit are provided.
[0149] A control method includes a water level detecting step S400
for detecting a water level of one of the water inflow and water
outflow pipes 292 and 293 using the floater switch 320 provided at
the side of the second heat exchanger 290, a water level comparing
step S402 for comparing the detected water level with a reference
water level, a first driving control step S404 for controlling the
driving of the compressor 210 in accordance with the comparison
result of the water level comparing step S402, a water flow
detecting step S430 for detecting if the water flows in the second
heat exchanger 290 using the water flow detecting unit provided at
a side of the second heat exchanger 290, and a second driving
control step S440 for controlling the compressor 210 depending on
the water flow detecting result.
[0150] Since each of the steps is already described above, the
detailed description thereof will be omitted herein. That is, the
steps illustrate in FIG. 11 are a combination of the steps
described above.
[0151] That is, in the first driving control step S404, the
compressor 210 operates when the detected water level is equal to
or greater than the reference water level. The reference water
level is 1/2 of the inner diameter of one of the water inflow and
water outflow pipes 292 and 293.
[0152] Meanwhile, in the water flow detecting step S430, the water
flow can be detected using the pressure or temperature difference
of waters flowing through the second heat exchanger 290.
[0153] Accordingly, the water flow detecting step S430 may include
a process for detecting water pressures of the water inflow pipe
292 and the water outflow pipe 293 using the water pressure sensor
340 provided at a side of the second heat exchanger 290 and a
process for comparing a difference between the water pressures of
the water inflow and water outflow pipes 292 and 293. Since the
water pressure detecting process and the pressure comparing process
are identical to the water pressure detecting steps S410 and the
water pressure comparing steps S412, respectively, the detailed
description thereof will be omitted herein.
[0154] In addition, the second driving control step S440 is
identical to the driving control step S414. That is, when it is
determined in the pressure comparing step that the pressure
difference is equal to or greater than the reference pressure (20
kPa) in the pressure, the compressor 210 stops driving.
[0155] Meanwhile, the water flow detecting step S430 includes a
process for detecting temperatures of the waters flowing in the
water inflow pipe 292 and the water outflow pipe 292 using the
water temperature sensor 360 and a process for comparing a
temperature difference between the waters flowing in the water
inflow pipe 292 and the water outflow pipe 292 with a reference
temperature. At this point, since the water temperature detecting
process is identical to the previously described water temperature
detecting step S420 and the water temperature comparing process
corresponds to the previously described water temperature comparing
step S422, a detailed description thereof will be omitted
herein.
[0156] Since the second driving control step S440 is identical to
the driving control step S424. That is, when the temperature
difference determined in the temperature comparing process is equal
to or less than the reference temperature (3.degree. C.), the
compressor 210 stops driving.
[0157] As described above, the water level detecting unit and the
water flow detecting unit may be simultaneously used together with
each other or only one of them may be used. The water flow
detection may be done by both of the water temperature detecting
method and the water pressure detecting method or by only one of
them. That is, although the detecting objects of the water pressure
sensor 340 and the water temperature sensor 360 are different from
each other but their detecting objects are identical to each other.
Therefore, they can be selectively used. In addition, when it is
not winter season, only the floater switch 320 may be used in a
state where the water pressure sensor 340 and the water temperature
sensor 360 are turned off.
[0158] The following will describe the refrigerant flow in the
outdoor unit in the cooling mode operation of the air conditioner
with reference to FIG. 6.
[0159] The gas-phase refrigerant is introduced from the outdoor
unit 100 into the four-way valve 240 through the third outlet port
248 and is directed to the accumulator 270 through the second
outlet port 246 of the four-way valve 240. The gas-phase
refrigerant coming out of the accumulator 270 goes into the
compressor 210.
[0160] The refrigerant is compressed in the compressor 210 and
discharged to pass through the oil separator 218. The oil contained
in the refrigerant is separator is separated and recovered into the
compressor 210 through the oil recovery pipe 219.
[0161] That is, as the refrigerant is compressed in the compressor
210, it is mixed with the oil. At this point, since the oil is in a
liquid-phase, it can be separated from the refrigerant by the oil
separator 218 that is a gas/liquid separator.
[0162] Then, the refrigerant passing through the oil separator 218
is introduced into the four-way valve 240 through the inlet port
242 and is then directed to the second heat exchanger 290 through
the first outlet port 244 of the four-way valve 240.
[0163] The discharged refrigerant is introduced into the second
heat exchanger 290 through the refrigerant inflow pipe 294 and
heat-exchanged with the water introduced from the cooling tower 80
into the second heat exchanger 290 through the water inflow pipe
292, thereby being converted into the liquid-phase refrigerant.
Then, this liquid-phase refrigerant is directed to the over-cooler
260 to be further cooled.
[0164] At the same time, the water is wormed during the heat
exchange with the refrigerant in the second heat exchanger 290 is
discharged out of the second heat exchanger 290 through the water
outflow pipe 293 and is then introduced into the cooling tower 80
through the water outflow passage 202''.
[0165] The water introduced into the cooling tower 80 is introduced
again into the second heater exchanger 290 through the water inflow
passage 202'. This process is continuously repeated.
[0166] Meanwhile, the refrigerant passing through the over-cooler
260 further passes through a drier where the moisture contained in
the refrigerant is removed and is then introduced into the indoor
unit 100. Then, the refrigerant is pressure-reduced by the
expansion valve and heat-exchanged in the first heat exchanger 120
(see FIG. 2). At this point, since the first heat exchanger 120
functions as an evaporator, the refrigerant is converted into a low
pressure gas-phase through the heat exchange.
[0167] The refrigerant heat-exchanged while passing through the
first heat exchanger 120 flows along the common gas-phase pipe 134
and is then introduced into the accumulator 270 via the four-way
valve 240.
[0168] The accumulator 270 filters off the liquid-phase refrigerant
so that only the gas-phase refrigerant can be fed to the compressor
210. By the above-described series of processes, one cooling cycle
is completed.
[0169] The following will describe the flow of the refrigerant in
the heating mode operation of the water-cooled air conditioner with
reference to FIGS. 2 and 13. The refrigerant compressed by the
compressor 210 is introduced into the outdoor unit 200 through the
outdoor liquid-phase pipe 262 via the indoor unit 100. Then, the
refrigerant is heat-exchanged with the water while passing through
the second heat exchanger 290.
[0170] Then, the heat exchanged refrigerant is directed into the
accumulator 270 through the first and second outlet ports 244 and
246 of the four-way valve 240. In the accumulator 270, the
liquid-phase refrigerant is filtered off and only the gas-phase
refrigerant is introduced into the compressor 210, thereby
completing the heating cycle.
[0171] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various
modifications and variations can be made in the present invention.
Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers the
modifications and variations of this invention provided they come
within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.
[0172] For example, although the water and the refrigerant are
heat-exchanged with each other in the second heat exchanger 290,
the present invention is not limited this configuration. That is,
instead of the water, other liquids may be used.
* * * * *