U.S. patent application number 12/866573 was filed with the patent office on 2010-12-23 for refrigeration apparatus.
Invention is credited to Shuji Furui, Hideki Hara, Michio Moriwaki.
Application Number | 20100319377 12/866573 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41055793 |
Filed Date | 2010-12-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100319377 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Moriwaki; Michio ; et
al. |
December 23, 2010 |
REFRIGERATION APPARATUS
Abstract
In a refrigeration apparatus (20), refrigerant mixture in which
the C.sub.3H.sub.mF.sub.n refrigerant represented by Molecular
Formula 1: C.sub.3H.sub.mF.sub.n (note that "m" and "n" are
integers equal to or greater than 1 and equal to or less than 5,
and a relationship represented by an expression m+n=6 is satisfied)
and having a single double bond in a molecular structure is equal
to or greater than 70% by mass and equal to or less than 94% by
mass, and the proportion of HFC refrigerant is equal to or greater
than 6% by mass and equal to or less than 30% by mass; refrigerant
mixture containing the C.sub.3H.sub.mF.sub.n refrigerant and
particular refrigerant such as hydrocarbons; or refrigerant mixture
containing 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoro-1-propene and carbon dioxide is
used.
Inventors: |
Moriwaki; Michio; (Osaka,
JP) ; Hara; Hideki; (Osaka, JP) ; Furui;
Shuji; (Osaka, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BIRCH STEWART KOLASCH & BIRCH
PO BOX 747
FALLS CHURCH
VA
22040-0747
US
|
Family ID: |
41055793 |
Appl. No.: |
12/866573 |
Filed: |
March 3, 2009 |
PCT Filed: |
March 3, 2009 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/JP2009/000963 |
371 Date: |
August 6, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
62/238.6 ;
62/498 |
Current CPC
Class: |
C09K 2205/106 20130101;
C09K 5/045 20130101; C09K 2205/11 20130101; C09K 2205/12 20130101;
C09K 2205/22 20130101; F25B 2400/121 20130101; F25B 9/006 20130101;
C09K 2205/134 20130101; C09K 2205/126 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
62/238.6 ;
62/498 |
International
Class: |
F25B 27/00 20060101
F25B027/00; F25B 1/00 20060101 F25B001/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 4, 2008 |
JP |
2008-054089 |
Mar 18, 2008 |
JP |
2008-070357 |
Apr 15, 2008 |
JP |
2008-105949 |
Claims
1. A refrigeration apparatus, comprising: a refrigerant circuit in
which a refrigeration cycle is performed by circulating
refrigerant, wherein the refrigerant circuit is filled with
refrigerant mixture in which the proportion of refrigerant
represented by Molecular Formula 1: C.sub.3H.sub.mF.sub.n where "m"
and "n" are integers equal to or greater than 1 and equal to or
less than 5, and a relationship represented by an expression m+n=6
is satisfied, and having a single double bond in a molecular
structure is equal to or greater than 70% by mass and equal to or
less than 94% by mass, and the proportion of HFC refrigerant is
equal to or greater than 6% by mass and equal to or less than 30%
by mass.
2. The refrigeration apparatus of claim 1, wherein difluoromethane
is used as the HFC refrigerant in the refrigerant mixture.
3. The refrigeration apparatus of claim 2, wherein only
difluoromethane is used as the HFC refrigerant in the refrigerant
mixture, the proportion of the refrigerant represented by Molecular
Formula 1: C.sub.3H.sub.mF.sub.n where "m" and "n" are the integers
equal to or greater than 1 and equal to or less than 5, and the
relationship represented by the expression m+n=6 is satisfied, and
having the single double bond in the molecular structure is equal
to or greater than 77% by mass and equal to or less than 87% by
mass, and the proportion of difluoromethane is equal to or greater
than 13% by mass and equal to or less than 23% by mass.
4. The refrigeration apparatus of claim 3, wherein, in the
refrigerant mixture, the proportion of the refrigerant represented
by Molecular Formula 1: C.sub.3H.sub.mF.sub.n where "m" and "n" are
the integers equal to or greater than 1 and equal to or less than
5, and the relationship represented by the expression m+n=6 is
satisfied, and having the single double bond in the molecular
structure is equal to or greater than 77% by mass and equal to or
less than 79% by mass, and the proportion of difluoromethane is
equal to or greater than 21% by mass and equal to or less than 23%
by mass.
5. The refrigeration apparatus of claim 1, wherein
pentafluoroethane is used as the HFC refrigerant in the refrigerant
mixture.
6. The refrigeration apparatus of claim 5, wherein, in the
refrigerant mixture, the proportion of pentafluoroethane is equal
to or greater than 10% by mass and equal to or less than 30% by
mass.
7. The refrigeration apparatus of claim 6, wherein, in the
refrigerant mixture, the proportion of pentafluoroethane is equal
to or greater than 10% by mass and equal to or less than 20% by
mass.
8. A refrigeration apparatus, comprising: a refrigerant circuit in
which a refrigeration cycle is performed by circulating
refrigerant, wherein the refrigerant circuit is filled with
refrigerant mixture containing refrigerant represented by Molecular
Formula 1: C.sub.3H.sub.mF.sub.n where "m" and "n" are integers
equal to or greater than 1 and equal to or less than 5, and a
relationship represented by an expression m+n=6 is satisfied, and
having a single double bond in a molecular structure, and
hydrocarbons.
9. A refrigeration apparatus, comprising: a refrigerant circuit in
which a refrigeration cycle is performed by circulating
refrigerant, wherein the refrigerant circuit is filled with
refrigerant mixture containing refrigerant represented by Molecular
Formula 1: C.sub.3H.sub.mF.sub.n where "m" and "n" are integers
equal to or greater than 1 and equal to or less than 5, and a
relationship represented by an expression m+n=6 is satisfied, and
having a single double bond in a molecular structure, and dimethyl
ether.
10. A refrigeration apparatus, comprising: a refrigerant circuit in
which a refrigeration cycle is performed by circulating
refrigerant, wherein the refrigerant circuit is filled with
refrigerant mixture containing refrigerant represented by Molecular
Formula 1: C.sub.3H.sub.mF.sub.n where "m" and "n" are integers
equal to or greater than 1 and equal to or less than 5, and a
relationship represented by an expression m+n=6 is satisfied, and
having a single double bond in a molecular structure, and
bis-trifluoromethyl-sulfide.
11. A refrigeration apparatus, comprising: a refrigerant circuit in
which a refrigeration cycle is performed by circulating
refrigerant, wherein the refrigerant circuit is filled with
refrigerant mixture containing refrigerant represented by Molecular
Formula 1: C.sub.3H.sub.mF.sub.n where "m" and "n" are integers
equal to or greater than 1 and equal to or less than 5, and a
relationship represented by an expression m+n=6 is satisfied, and
having a single double bond in a molecular structure, and
helium.
12. The refrigeration apparatus of claim 1, wherein, in the
refrigerant mixture, 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoro-1-propene is used as the
refrigerant represented by Molecular Formula 1:
C.sub.3H.sub.mF.sub.n where "m" and "n" are the integers equal to
or greater than 1 and equal to or less than 5, and the relationship
represented by the expression m+n=6 is satisfied, and having the
single double bond in the molecular structure.
13. A refrigeration apparatus, comprising: a refrigerant circuit in
which a refrigeration cycle is performed by circulating
refrigerant, wherein the refrigerant circuit is filled with
refrigerant mixture containing 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoro-1-propene and
carbon dioxide.
14. The refrigeration apparatus of claim 1, wherein a heat
exchanger for exchanging heat between air and refrigerant is
connected to the refrigerant circuit; and the air exchanging heat
with the refrigerant in the heat exchanger is supplied to a
room.
15. The refrigeration apparatus of claim 14, wherein only a heating
operation is performed, in which air heated by refrigerant in the
heat exchanger is supplied to a room.
16. The refrigeration apparatus of claim 14, wherein, in the
refrigerant circuit, an outdoor unit provided outside a room is
connected to indoor units provided inside the room, through
communication pipes.
17. The refrigeration apparatus of claim 1, wherein a heat
exchanger for exchanging heat between water and refrigerant is
connected to the refrigerant circuit; and the water is heated by
the refrigerant in the heat exchanger.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a refrigeration apparatus
in which a refrigeration cycle is performed.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] Conventionally, a refrigeration apparatus in which a
refrigeration cycle is performed has been broadly used for a cooler
such as a refrigerator and a freezer for storing food etc., an air
conditioner for cooling/heating a room, etc. The refrigeration
apparatus of this type is disclosed in, e.g., Patent Document
1.
[0003] A refrigeration apparatus of Patent Document 1 is an air
conditioner including an outdoor unit and two indoor units. In the
air conditioner, the two indoor units are connected to the outdoor
unit through a fluid-side communication pipe and a gas-side
communication pipe. The two indoor units are connected together in
parallel.
[0004] In addition, Patent Document 2 discloses refrigerant
represented by Molecular Formula 1: C.sub.3H.sub.mF.sub.n (note
that "m" and "n" are integers equal to or greater than 1 and equal
to or less than 5, and a relationship represented by an expression
m+n=6 is satisfied) and having a single double bond in a molecular
structure (hereinafter referred to as "C.sub.3H.sub.mF.sub.n
refrigerant") as refrigerant for a refrigeration apparatus.
[0005] Further, Non-Patent Document 1 describes HFO-1234yf (2,
3,3,3-tetrafluoro-1-propene) which is one of the
C.sub.3H.sub.mF.sub.n refrigerants, as refrigerant having low
global warming potential (GWP).
CITATION LIST
Patent Document
[0006] PATENT DOCUMENT 1: Japanese Patent Publication No.
2002-147878
[0007] PATENT DOCUMENT 2: Japanese Patent Publication No.
04-110388
[0008] NON-PATENT DOCUMENT 1: "DuPont and Honeywell present update
at VDA Alternative Refrigerant Winter Meeting in Saalfelden,
Austria," DuPont [online], [searched on Mar. 4, 2008], Internet
<URL:
http://refrigerants.dupont.com/Suva/en_US/pdf/registered_pdf/MAC_VDA08_HF-
O.sub.--1234yf.p df>
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Technical Problem
[0009] When using single component refrigerant of the
C.sub.3H.sub.mF.sub.n refrigerant for the refrigeration apparatus,
various problems arise. For example, the C.sub.3H.sub.mF.sub.n
refrigerant is so-called "low-pressure refrigerant." Thus, when
using the single component refrigerant of the C.sub.3H.sub.mF.sub.n
refrigerant, a theoretical operational efficiency (coefficient of
performance) increases. However, in reality, an influence of a
pressure loss of the refrigerant is relatively large, and an actual
operational efficiency may be extremely degraded due to the
pressure loss.
[0010] The present invention has been made in view of foregoing,
and it is an object of the present invention to, in a refrigeration
apparatus using refrigerant containing the C.sub.3H.sub.mF.sub.n
refrigerant, solve the problems arisen when using the single
component refrigerant of the C.sub.3H.sub.mF.sub.n refrigerant by
using an appropriate composition ratio of refrigerant mixture to
which HFC refrigerant is added, or by using refrigerant mixed with
particular refrigerant other than the HFC refrigerant.
Solution to the Problem
[0011] A first aspect of the invention is intended for a
refrigeration apparatus including a refrigerant circuit (10) in
which a refrigeration cycle, is performed by circulating
refrigerant. The refrigerant circuit (10) of the refrigeration
apparatus is filled with refrigerant mixture in which the
proportion of C.sub.3H.sub.mF.sub.n refrigerant is equal to or
greater than 70% by mass and equal to or less than 94% by mass, and
the proportion of HFC refrigerant is equal to or greater than 6% by
mass and equal to or less than 30% by mass.
[0012] In the first aspect of the invention, the refrigerant
mixture containing the C.sub.3H.sub.mF.sub.n refrigerant and the
HFC refrigerant is used. In the refrigerant mixture, the proportion
of the C.sub.3H.sub.mF.sub.n refrigerant is equal to or greater
than 70% by mass and equal to or less than 94% by mass, and the
proportion of the HFC refrigerant is equal to or greater than 6% by
mass and equal to or less than 30% by mass.
[0013] A second aspect of the invention is intended for the
refrigeration apparatus of the first aspect of the invention, in
which HFC-32 (difluoromethane) is used as the HFC refrigerant in
the refrigerant mixture.
[0014] In the second aspect of the invention, the HFC refrigerant
used for the refrigerant mixture is the HFC-32.
[0015] A third aspect of the invention is intended for the
refrigeration apparatus of the second aspect of the invention, in
which only the HFC-32 is used as the HFC refrigerant in the
refrigerant mixture, the proportion of the C.sub.3H.sub.mF.sub.n
refrigerant is equal to or greater than 77% by mass and equal to or
less than 87% by mass, and the proportion of the HFC-32 is equal to
or greater than 13% by mass and equal to or less than 23% by
mass.
[0016] In the third aspect of the invention, the refrigerant
mixture is used, in which the proportion of the
C.sub.3H.sub.mF.sub.n refrigerant is equal to or greater than 77%
by mass as less than 87% by mass, and the proportion of the HFC-32
is equal to or mass and equal to or less than 23% by mass.
[0017] A fourth aspect of the invention is intended for the
refrigeration apparatus or the third aspect of the invention, in
which, in the refrigerant mixture, the proportion of the
C.sub.3H.sub.mF.sub.n refrigerant is equal to or greater than 77%
by mass and equal to or less than 79% by mass, and the proportion
of the HFC-32 is equal to or greater than 21% by mass and equal to
or less than 23% by mass.
[0018] In the fourth aspect of the invention, the refrigerant
mixture is used, in which the proportion of the
C.sub.3H.sub.mF.sub.n refrigerant is equal to or greater than 77%
by mass and equal to or less than 79% by mass, and the proportion
of the HFC-32 is equal to or greater than 21% by mass and equal to
or less than 23% by mass.
[0019] A fifth aspect of the invention is intended for the
refrigeration apparatus of the first aspect of the invention, in
which HFC-125 (pentafluoroethane) is used as the HFC refrigerant in
the refrigerant mixture.
[0020] In the fifth aspect of the invention, the HFC refrigerant
used for the refrigerant mixture is the HFC-125. The
C.sub.3H.sub.mF.sub.n refrigerant is low flammable refrigerant.
Thus, in the fifth aspect of the invention, the HFC-125 which is
non-flammable refrigerant is added to the C.sub.3H.sub.mF.sub.n
refrigerant.
[0021] A sixth aspect of the invention is intended for the
refrigeration apparatus of the fifth aspect of the invention, in
which, in the refrigerant mixture, the proportion of the HFC-125 is
equal to or greater than 10% by mass and equal to or less than 30%
by mass.
[0022] In the sixth aspect of the invention, the refrigerant
mixture is used, in which the proportion of the HFC-125 is equal to
or greater than 10% by mass. In the sixth aspect of the invention,
the HFC-125 of equal to or greater than 10% by mass is added in
order to reduce flammability of the refrigerant mixture.
[0023] A seventh aspect of the invention is intended for the
refrigeration apparatus of the sixth aspect of the invention, in
which, in the refrigerant mixture, the proportion of the HFC-125 is
equal to or greater than 10% by mass and equal to or less than 20%
by mass.
[0024] In the seventh aspect of the invention, the refrigerant
mixture is used, in which the proportion of the HFC-125 is equal to
or greater than 10% by mass and equal to or less than 20% by
mass.
[0025] A eighth aspect of the invention is intended for a
refrigeration apparatus including a refrigerant circuit (10) in
which a refrigeration cycle is performed by circulating
refrigerant. The refrigerant circuit (10) of the refrigeration
apparatus is filled with refrigerant mixture containing
C.sub.3H.sub.mF.sub.n refrigerant and hydrocarbons.
[0026] In the eighth aspect of the invention, as the refrigerant of
the refrigerant circuit (10), the refrigerant mixture made by
adding hydrocarbons to the C.sub.3H.sub.mF.sub.n refrigerant is
used.
[0027] A ninth aspect of the invention is intended for a
refrigeration apparatus including a refrigerant circuit (10) in
which a refrigeration cycle is performed by circulating
refrigerant. The refrigerant circuit (10) of the refrigeration
apparatus is filled with refrigerant mixture containing
C.sub.3H.sub.mF.sub.n refrigerant and dimethyl ether.
[0028] In the ninth aspect of the invention, as the refrigerant of
the refrigerant circuit (10), the refrigerant mixture made by
adding dimethyl ether which is so-called "high-pressure
refrigerant," to the refrigerant is used.
[0029] A tenth aspect of the invention is intended for a
refrigeration apparatus including a refrigerant circuit (10) in
which a refrigeration cycle is performed by circulating
refrigerant. The refrigerant circuit (10) of the refrigeration
apparatus is filled with refrigerant mixture containing
C.sub.3H.sub.mF.sub.n refrigerant and
bis-trifluoromethyl-sulfide.
[0030] In the tenth aspect of the invention, as the refrigerant of
the refrigerant circuit (10), the refrigerant mixture made by
adding bis-trifluoromethyl-sulfide which is so-called
"high-pressure refrigerant," to the C.sub.3H.sub.mF.sub.n
refrigerant is used.
[0031] An eleventh aspect of the invention is intended for a
refrigeration apparatus including a refrigerant circuit (10) in
which a refrigeration cycle is performed by refrigerant. The
refrigerant circuit (10) of the refrigeration apparatus is Piled
refrigerant mixture containing C.sub.3H.sub.mF.sub.n refrigerant
and helium.
[0032] In the eleventh aspect of the invention, as the refrigerant
of the refrigeration circuit (10), the refrigerant mixture made by
adding helium which is so-called "high-pressure refrigerant," to
the C.sub.3H.sub.mF.sub.n refrigerant is used.
[0033] A twelfth aspect of the invention is intended for the
refrigeration apparatus of any one of the first to eleventh aspects
of the invention, in which, in the refrigerant mixture, HFO-1234yf
(2,3,3,3-tetrafluoro-1-propene) is used as the
C.sub.3H.sub.mF.sub.n refrigerant.
[0034] In the twelfth aspect of the invention, the
C.sub.3H.sub.mF.sub.n refrigerant used for the refrigerant mixture
is the HFO-1234yf.
[0035] A thirteenth aspect of the invention is intended for a
refrigeration apparatus including a refrigerant circuit (10) in
which a refrigeration cycle is performed by circulating
refrigerant. The refrigerant circuit (10) of the refrigeration
apparatus is filled with refrigerant mixture containing HFO-1234yf
and carbon dioxide.
[0036] In the thirteenth aspect of the invention, as the
refrigerant of the refrigerant circuit (10), the refrigerant
mixture made by mixing carbon dioxide which is so-called
"high-pressure refrigerant," to the HFO-1234yf is used.
[0037] A fourteenth aspect of the invention is intended for the
refrigeration apparatus of any one of the first to thirteenth
aspects of the invention, in which a heat exchanger (11, 15) for
exchanging heat between air and refrigerant is connected to the
refrigerant circuit (10), and the air exchanging heat with the
refrigerant in the heat exchanger (11, 15) is supplied to a
room.
[0038] In the fourteenth aspect of the invention, a refrigeration
apparatus (20) supplies air exchanging heat with refrigerant in the
heat exchanger (11, 15) connected to the refrigerant circuit (10),
to the room. That is, the refrigeration apparatus (20) serves as an
air conditioning system for adjusting a room temperature.
[0039] A fifteenth aspect of the invention is intended for the
refrigeration apparatus of the fourteenth aspect of the invention,
in which only a heating operation is performed, in which air heated
by refrigerant in the heat exchanger (11, 15) is supplied to a
room.
[0040] In the fifteenth aspect of the invention, the refrigeration
apparatus (20) performs only the heating operation in which air
heated in the heat exchanger (11, 15) is supplied to the room. That
is, the refrigeration apparatus (20) serves as an air conditioning
system only for heating.
[0041] A sixteenth aspect of the invention is intended for the
refrigeration apparatus of the fourteenth or fifteenth aspect of
the invention, in which, in the refrigerant circuit (10), an
outdoor unit (22) provided outside a room is connected to indoor
units (51) provided inside the room, through communication pipes
(18, 19).
[0042] In the sixteenth aspect of the invention, the indoor units
(51) are connected to the outdoor unit (22) through the
communication pipes (18, 19). In the refrigeration apparatus (20),
if the indoor units (51) are installed apart from the outdoor unit
(22), the length of the communication pipes (18, 19) increases,
resulting in an increase in a pressure loss of refrigerant during
an operation.
[0043] A seventeenth aspect of the invention is intended for the
refrigeration apparatus of any one of the first to thirteenth
aspects of the invention, in which a heat exchanger (43) for
exchanging heat between water and refrigerant is connected to the
refrigerant circuit (10), and the water is heated by the
refrigerant in the heat exchanger (43) to boil the water.
[0044] In the seventeenth aspect of the invention, the
refrigeration apparatus (20) heats water by refrigerant in the heat
exchanger (43). The refrigeration apparatus (20) supplies the water
heated in the heat exchanger (43) (i.e., hot water) to a heat
exchanger for conditioning, a bathtub of a bath, etc.
ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION
[0045] In each of the first to seventh aspects of the invention,
the refrigeration mixture which the C.sub.3H.sub.mF.sub.n
refrigerant and the HFC refrigerant are mixed at a predetermined
ratio is used. An influence of a pressure loss of refrigerant on an
operation of the refrigeration apparatus (20) will be described
below. For example, if the inlet pressure of the heat exchanger is
2000 kPa, and the pressure loss of refrigerant caused in the entire
heat exchanger is 100 kPa, the outlet pressure is 1900 kPa,
resulting in the ratio of the pressure loss to the inlet pressure
is 5% (100/2000=0.05). If the inlet pressure of the heat exchanger
is 1000 kPa, and the pressure loss of refrigerant caused in the
entire heat exchanger is 100 kPa, the outlet pressure is 900 kPa,
resulting in the ratio of the pressure loss to the inlet pressure
is 10% (100/1000=0.10). if the inlet pressure of the heat exchanger
is 500 kPa, and the pressure loss of refrigerant caused in the
entire heat exchanger is 100 kPa, the outlet pressure is 400 kPa,
resulting in the ratio of the pressure loss to the inlet pressure
is 20% (100/500=0.20). As described above, the higher operating
pressure of refrigerant results in the smaller influence of the
pressure loss of refrigerant on the operation of the refrigeration
apparatus (20). In the present invention, the C.sub.3H.sub.mF.sub.n
refrigerant and the HFC refrigerant are mixed at the predetermined
ratio, thereby increasing, e.g., the operating pressure of
refrigerant, and reducing the influence of the pressure loss of
refrigerant on the operation of the refrigeration apparatus (20).
Thus, e.g., an actual operational efficiency of the refrigeration
apparatus (20) can be improved, thereby solving problems arisen
when the single component refrigerant of the C.sub.3H.sub.mF.sub.n
refrigerant is used.
[0046] When using the HFC-32 as the HFC refrigerant as in the
second aspect of the invention, the refrigerant mixture is
preferably used, in which the proportion of the
C.sub.3H.sub.mF.sub.n refrigerant is equal to or greater than 77%
by mass and equal to or less than 87% by mass, and the proportion
of the HFC-32 is equal to or greater than 13% by mass and equal to
or less than 23% by mass as in the third aspect of the invention.
More preferably, the refrigerant mixture is used, in which the
proportion of the C.sub.3H.sub.mF.sub.n refrigerant is equal to or
greater than 77% by mass and equal to or less than 79% by mass, and
the proportion of the HFC-32 is equal to or greater than 21% by
mass and equal to or less than 23% by mass as in the fourth aspect
of the invention.
[0047] In the fifth aspect of the invention, the HFC-125 which is
non-flammable refrigerant is added to the C.sub.3H.sub.mF.sub.n
refrigerant. Thus, the refrigerant of the refrigerant circuit (10)
becomes flame-resistant, thereby improving reliability of the
refrigeration apparatus (20).
[0048] In the eighth aspect of the invention, the refrigerant
mixture made by adding hydrocarbons to the C.sub.3H.sub.mF.sub.n
refrigerant is used. Thus, if hydrocarbons are so-called
"high-pressure refrigerant," the operating pressure of refrigerant
can be higher than that when using the single component refrigerant
of the C.sub.3H.sub.mF.sub.n refrigerant. Consequently, while
reducing the influence of the pressure loss of refrigerant on the
operation of the refrigeration apparatus (20), the actual
operational efficiency of the refrigeration apparatus (20) can be
improved.
[0049] In each of the ninth to eleventh aspects of the invention,
the refrigerant mixture made by adding particular refrigerant which
is so-called "high-pressure refrigerant" (dimethyl ether,
bis-trifluoromethyl-sulfide, or helium) to the
C.sub.3H.sub.mF.sub.n refrigerant is used. Thus, the operating
pressure of refrigerant can be higher than that when using the
single component refrigerant of the C.sub.3H.sub.mF.sub.n
refrigerant. Consequently, while reducing the influence of the
pressure loss of refrigerant on the operation of the refrigeration
apparatus (20), the actual operational efficiency of the
refrigeration apparatus (20) can be improved.
[0050] In the thirteenth aspect of the invention, the refrigerant
mixture made by adding carbon dioxide which is so-called
"high-pressure refrigerant," to the HFO-1234yf is used. Thus, the
operating pressure of refrigerant can be higher than, that whet
using the single component refrigerant of the C.sub.3H.sub.mF.sub.n
refrigerant. Consequently, while reducing the influence of the
pressure loss of refrigerant on the operation of the refrigeration
apparatus (20), the actual operational efficiency of the
refrigeration apparatus (20) can be improved.
[0051] In the sixteenth aspect of the invention, as the refrigerant
of the refrigeration apparatus (20) which increases the pressure
loss of refrigerant during the operation when the indoor units (51)
are installed apart from the outdoor unit (22), the refrigerant
mixture is used, in which the proportion of the
C.sub.3H.sub.mF.sub.n refrigerant is equal to or greater than 70%
by mass and equal to or less than 94% by mass, and the proportion
of the HFO refrigerant is equal to or greater than 6% by mass and
equal to or less than 30% by mass. Thus, even if the indoor units
(51) are installed apart from the outdoor unit (22), the pressure
loss of refrigerant during the operation does not significantly
increase, thereby not significantly degrading the actual
operational efficiency.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0052] FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a
refrigeration apparatus of a first embodiment.
[0053] FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of a
refrigeration apparatus of a second embodiment.
[0054] FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram of a
refrigeration apparatus of a variation of the second
embodiment.
DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE CHARACTERS
[0055] 10 Refrigerant Circuit [0056] 20 Refrigeration Apparatus
[0057] 22 Outdoor Unit [0058] 30 Compressor [0059] 51 Indoor
Unit
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0060] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in
detail hereinafter with reference to the drawings.
First Embodiment
[0061] A first embodiment of the present invention will be
described. The first embodiment is an air conditioning system (20)
including a refrigeration apparatus of the present invention. As
illustrated in FIG. 1, the air conditioning system (20) of the
first embodiment includes an outdoor unit (22) and three indoor
units (51a, 51b, 51c). Note that the number of the indoor units
(51) is set forth merely for purposes of examples, and not a
plurality of indoor units but a single indoor unit may be
provided.
[0062] The air conditioning system (20) includes a refrigerant
circuit (10) filled with refrigerant to perform a refrigeration
cycle. The refrigerant circuit (10) includes an outdoor circuit (9)
accommodated in the outdoor unit (22); and an indoor circuit (17a,
17b, 17c) accommodated in each of the indoor units (51). The indoor
circuits (17a, 17b, 17c) are connected to the outdoor circuit (9)
in parallel with each other through a fluid-side communication pipe
(18) and a gas-side communication pipe (19).
[0063] The refrigerant circuit (10) is filled with refrigerant
mixture which contains a single type of C.sub.3H.sub.mF.sub.n
refrigerant (refrigerant represented by Molecular Formula 1:
C.sub.3H.sub.mF.sub.n (not that "m" and "n" are integers equal to
or greater than 1 and equal to or less than 5, and a relationship
represented by an expression m+n=6 is satisfied) and hay a single
double bond in a molecular structure), and one or more types of HFC
refrigerants; and in which the proportion of the
C.sub.3H.sub.mF.sub.n refrigerant is equal to or greater than 70%
by mass and equal to or less than 94% by mass, and the proportion
of the HFC refrigerant is equal to 6% by mass and equal to or less
than 30% by mass. In the specification of the present application,
the "HFC refrigerant" means hydrofluorocarbon refrigerant which
does not contain the C.sub.3H.sub.mF.sub.n refrigerant.
[0064] Specifically, the refrigerant mixture of the first
embodiment contains 2, 3,3,3-tetrafluoro-1-propene (HFO-1234yf)
which is the C.sub.3H.sub.mF.sub.n refrigerant; and HFC-32
(difluoromethane) which is the HFC refrigerant. The refrigerant
mixture contains a single type of HFC refrigerant. In the first
embodiment, the refrigerant mixture is used, in which the
proportion of the HFO-1234yf is 78.2% by mass, and the proportion
of the HFC-32 is 21.8% by mass. In such a case, global warming
potential is equal to or less than 150. Note that a chemical
formula of the HFO-1234yf is represented by an expression
CF.sub.3--CF.dbd.CH.sub.2, and a chemical formula of the HFC-32 is
represented by an expression CH.sub.2F.sub.2.
[0065] <Configuration of Outdoor Circuit>
[0066] The outdoor circuit (9) includes a compressor (30); an
outdoor heat exchanger (11); an outdoor expansion valve (12); and a
four-way switching valve (13).
[0067] The compressor (30) is, e.g., a hermetic high-pressure dome
scroll-type compressor. Electric power is supplied to the
compressor (30) through an inverter. A discharge side of the
compressor (30) is connected to a second port (P2) of the four-way
switching valve (13), and a suction side is connected to a first
port (P1) of the four-way switching valve (13).
[0068] The outdoor heat exchanger (11) is a cross-fin type
fin-and-tube heat exchanger. An outdoor fan (14) is provided near
the outdoor heat exchanger (11). In the outdoor heat exchanger
(11), heat is exchanged between outdoor a and refrigerant. One end
of the outdoor heat exchanger (11) is connected to a third port
(P3) of the four-way switching valve (13), and the other end is
connected to the outdoor expansion valve (12). A fourth port (P4)
of the four-way switching valve (13) is connected to a gas-side end
of the outdoor circuit (9).
[0069] The outdoor expansion valve (12) is provided between the
outdoor heat exchanger (11) and a fluid-side end of the outdoor
circuit (9). The outdoor expansion valve (12) is an electric
expansion valve with variable opening.
[0070] The four-way switching valve (13) is switchable between a
first state in which the first port (P1) communicates with the
fourth port (P4), and the second port (P2) communicates with the
third port (P3) (state indicated by a solid line in FIG. 1); and a
second state in which the first port (P1) communicates with the
third port (P3), and the second port (P2) communicates with the
fourth port (P4) (state indicated by a dashed line in FIG. 1).
[0071] <Configuration of Indoor Circuit>
[0072] In each of the indoor circuits (17a, 17b, 17c), an indoor
heat exchanger (15a, 15b, 15c) and an indoor expansion valve (16a,
16b, 16c) are provided in the order from a gas-side end toward a
fluid-side end.
[0073] The indoor heat exchanger (15a-15c) is a cross-fin type
fin-and-tube heat exchanger. An indoor fan (not shown in the
figure) is provided near the indoor heat exchanger (15a-15c). In
the indoor heat exchanger (15a-15c), heat is exchanged between room
air and refrigerant. In addition, the indoor expansion valve
(16a-16c) is an electric expansion valve with variable opening.
[0074] Operation
[0075] An operation of the air conditioning system (20) will be
described. The air conditioning system (20) can perform a cooling
operation and a heating operation, switches between the cooling
operational and the heating operation by the four-way switching
valve (13).
[0076] <Cooling Operation>
[0077] In the cooling operation, the four-way switching valve (13)
is set to the first state. In such a state, when operating the
compressor (30), high-pressure refrigerant discharged from the
compressor (30) is condensed by releasing heat to outdoor air in
the outdoor heat exchanger (11). The refrigerant condensed in the
outdoor heat exchanger (11) is distributed to each of the indoor
circuits (17a-17c). The pressure of the refrigerant flowing intro
the indoor circuit (17a-17c) is reduced by the indoor expansion
valve (16a-16e), and then such refrigerant is evaporated by
absorbing heat from room air in the indoor heat exchanger
(15a-15c). Meanwhile, room air is cooled and supplied to a
room.
[0078] The refrigerant evaporated in the indoor circuit (17a-17e)
joins the refrigerant evaporated in the other indoor circuit
(17a-17c), and then is returned to the outdoor circuit (9). In the
outdoor circuit (9), the refrigerant returned from the indoor
circuits (17a-17e) is recompressed in the compressor (30), and then
such refrigerant is discharged. During the cooling operation, the
opening of the indoor expansion valve (16a-16c) is adjusted so that
the degree of superheat of refrigerant at an outlet port of the
indoor heat exchanger (15a-15c) is a constant value (e.g.,
5.degree. C.).
[0079] <Heating Operation>
[0080] In the heating operation, the four-way switching valve (13)
is set to the second state. In such a state, when operating the
compressor (30), high-pressure refrigerant discharged from the
compressor (30) is distributed to each of the indoor circuits
(17a-17c). The refrigerant flowing into the indoor circuit
(17a-17c) is condensed by releasing heat to room air in the indoor
heat exchanger (15a-15c). Meanwhile, room air is heated and
supplied to a room. The refrigerant condensed in the indoor heat
exchanger (15a-15c) joins the refrigerant condensed in the other
indoor heat exchanger (15a-15c) and then is returned to the outdoor
circuit (9).
[0081] In the outdoor circuit (9), the pressure of the refrigerant
returned from the indoor circuits (17a-17c) is reduced by the
outdoor expansion valve (12), and then such refrigerant is
evaporated by absorbing heat from outdoor air in the outdoor heat
exchanger (11). The refrigerant evaporated in the outdoor heat
exchanger (11) is recompressed in the compressor (30), and then
such refrigerant is discharged. During the heating operation, the
opening of the indoor expansion valve (16a-16c) is adjusted so that
the degree of supercool of refrigerant at the outlet port of the
indoor heat exchanger (15a-15c) is a constant value (e.g.,
5.degree. C.).
Advantages of First Embodiment
[0082] In the present embodiment, the HFO-1234yf and the HFC-32 are
mixed at a predetermined ratio, thereby increasing an operating
pressure of refrigerant. This reduces an influence of a pressure
loss of refrigerant during circulating in the refrigerant circuit
(10) on the operation of the air conditioning system (20), thereby
improving an actual operational efficiency of the air conditioning
system (20). Thus, problems arisen when using the single component
refrigerant of the C.sub.3H.sub.mF.sub.n refrigerant can be
solved.
[0083] In the refrigerant mixture, the proportion of the HFO-1234yf
may be equal to or greater than 70% by mass and equal to or less
than 94% by mass, and the proportion of the HFC-32 may be equal to
or greater than 6% by mass and equal to or less than 30% by mass.
Refrigerant mixture containing, e.g., the HFO-1234yf of 77.4% by
mass and the HFC-32 of 22.6% by mass may be used. In the
refrigerant mixture, the proportion of the HFO-1234yf may be
preferably equal to or greater than 77% by mass and equal to or
less than 87% by mass, and the proportion of the HFC-32 may be
preferably equal to or greater than 13% by mass and equal to or
less than 23% by mass. More preferably, the proportion of the
HFO-1234yf may be equal to or greater than 77% by mass and equal to
or less than 79% by mass, and the proportion of the HFC-32 may be
equal to or greater an 21% by mass and equal to or less than 23% by
mass. In this respect, the same is true for a second embodiment and
other embodiments.
[0084] In the air conditioning system (20) of the present
embodiment, the indoor circuits (17a-17c) of the indoor units
(51a-51c) are connected to if outdoor circuit (9) of the outdoor
unit (22) through the communication pipes (18, 19). The indoor
units (51) of the air conditioning system (20) may be installed
apart from the outdoor unit (22). In such a case, the pressure loss
of refrigerant during circulating in the refrigerant circuit (10)
increases. In the present embodiment, as refrigerant of the air
conditioning system (20), which may cause the increase in the
pressure loss of refrigerant during the operation, the refrigerant
mixture is used, in which the proportion of the HFO-1234yf is 78.2%
by mass, and the proportion of the HFC-32 is 21.8% by mass. Thus,
even if the indoor units (51) are installed apart from the outdoor
unit (22), the pressure loss of refrigerant during the operation
does not significantly increase, thereby not significantly
degrading the actual operational efficiency.
Variation of First Embodiment
[0085] A first variation of the first embodiment is an air
conditioning system (20) only for heating. Unlike the first
embodiment, in the air conditioning system (20), a four-way
switching valve (13) is not provided in an outdoor circuit (9). A
discharge side of a compressor (30) is connected to a gas side of
each of indoor circuits (17a-17c). A suction side of the compressor
(30) is connected to a gas side of an outdoor heat exchanger (11).
In the air conditioning system (20), only a heating operation is
performed, in which an indoor heat exchanger (15a-15c) is operated
as a condenser, and the outdoor heat exchanger (11) is operated as
an evaporator.
Second Embodiment
[0086] A second embodiment of the present invention will be
described, The second embodiment is a hot-water supply system (20)
including the refrigeration apparatus of the present invention.
[0087] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the hot-water supply system (20)
of the preset embodiment includes a hot-water storage nit (23) and
a heat source unit (22). Both of the hot-water storage unit (23)
and the outdoor unit (22) are installed, outside a room, and are
connected together through pipes to form a circulation path (21)
which will be described later.
[0088] The hot-water storage unit (23) includes a hot-water storage
tank (25) which is an elongated cylindrical hermetic container. A
water supply port (26), a hot-water outlet port (27), a water
discharge port (28), and a hot-water inlet port (29) are formed in
the hot-water storage tank (25). The water supply port (26) and the
water discharge port (28) are formed in a bottom section of the
hot-water storage tank (25). The hot-water outlet port (27) is
formed in a top section of the hot-water storage tank (25). The
hot-water inlet port (29) is formed in an upper section of a side
wall of the hot-water storage tank (25).
[0089] An outlet end of a water supply path (31) for supplying city
water to the hot-water storage tank (25) is connected to the water
supply port (26) of the hot-water storage tank (25). A plurality of
branched water supply paths (32a, 32b) are connected to the water
supply path (31). Each of the branched water supply paths (32a,
32b) is connected to a mixing valve (35a, 35b). On the other hand,
an inlet end of a hot-water supply path (36) is connected to the
hot-water outlet port (27) of the hot-water storage tank (25). A
plurality of branched hot-water supply paths (37a, 37b) are
connected to the hot-water supply path (36). Each of the branched
hot-water supply paths (37a, 37b) is connected to the mixing valve
(35a, 35b). The single branched water supply path (32a, 32b) and
the single branched hot-water supply path (37a, 37b) are connected
to the mixing valve (35a, 35b).
[0090] Three ports are formed in the mixing valve (35a, 35b). In
the mixing valve (35a, 35b), a first port is connected to the
branched ater supply path (32a, 32b); a second port is connected to
the branched hot-water supply path (37a, 37b); and a third port is
connected to a utilization-side flow path (39) extending toward a
side such as a bathtub (33) of a bath, a kitchen, and a washstand.
The mixing valve (35a, 35b) mixes water flowing into the first port
with water flowing into the second port to send such water through
the third port.
[0091] An inlet end of the circulation path (21) is connected to
the water discharge port (28) of the hot-water storage tank (25),
and an outlet end of the circulation path (21) is connected to the
hot-water inlet port (29). The circulation path (21) is provided so
as to cross between the hot-water storage unit (23) and the outdoor
unit (22).
[0092] A pump mechanism (34) which is a so-called "circulation
pump" provided in the circulation path (21). A water-heat exchanger
(43) which will be described later is connected to the circulation
path (21). The circulation path (21) is configured so that water
sent from the hot-water storage unit (23) by the pump mechanism
(34) is returned to the hot-water storage unit (23) after passing
through the heat source unit (22).
[0093] The heat source unit (22) includes a refrigerant circuit
(10) in which a compressor (30), an air-heat exchanger (42), the
water-heat exchanger (43), an expansion valve (12) are provided.
The refrigerant circuit (10) is filled with refrigerant mixture
containing HFO-1234yf of 78.2% by mass and HFC-32 of 21.8% by mass.
An outdoor fan (14) is provided near the air-heat exchanger
(42).
[0094] In the refrigerant circuit (10), a discharge side of the
compressor (30) is connected to the water-heat exchanger (43), and
a suction side of the compressor (30) is connected to the air-heat
exchanger (42). The expansion valve (12) is arranged between the
air-heat exchanger (42) and the water-heat exchanger (43).
[0095] The compressor (30) has variable operational capacity. The
air-heat exchanger (42) is a cross-fin type fin-and-tube heat
exchanger. The expansion valve (12) is an electric expansion valve
with variable opening.
[0096] The water-heat exchanger (43) is a so-called "plate-type
heat exchanger," and includes a plurality of first flow paths (43a)
and a plurality of second flow paths (43b) which are separated from
each other. The water-heat exchanger (43) is configured so that
heat is exchanged between fluid in the first flow path (43a) and
fluid in the second flow path (43b). The first flow path (43a) is
connected to the circulation path (21). Water taken from the bottom
section of the hot-water storage tank (25) flows into the first
flow path (43a). On the other hand, the second flow path (43b) is
connected to the refrigerant circuit (10), and is arranged between
the compressor (30) and the expansion valve (12). High-temperature
high-pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor (30) flows
into the second flow path (43b).
[0097] Operation
[0098] A water boiling operation of the hot-water supply system
(20) of the second embodiment will be described. The water boiling
operation is performed by operating the compressor (30) and the
pump mechanism (34).
[0099] When operating the compressor (30), a vapor compression
refrigeration cycle is performed by circulating refrigerant in the
refrigerant circuit (10). In the refrigerant circuit (10) in which
the refrigerant cycle is performed, refrigerant is compressed in
the compressor (30), and then releases heat to water of the first
flow path (43a) in the water-heat exchanger (43). Subsequently, the
pressure of the refrigerant is reduced by the outdoor expansion
valve (12), and such refrigerant absorbs heat from outdoor air in
the air-heat exchanger (42). The water-heat exchanger (43) is
operated as a radiator, and the air-heat exchanger (42) is operated
as an evaporator.
[0100] Meanwhile, when operating the pump mechanism (34), water in
the hot-water storage tank (25) circulates through the circulation
path (21). In the circulation path (21), water taken through the
water discharge port (28) of the hot-water storage tank (25) is
heated by refrigerant in the first flow path (43a) of the
water-heat exchanger (43), and then is returned to the hot-water
storage tank (25) through the hot-water inlet port (29). The water
heated in the water-heat exchanger (43) flows into the hot-water
storage tank (25) to increase a hot-water amount.
Variation of Second Embodiment
[0101] A variation of the second embodiment will be described. As
illustrated in FIG. 3, in such a variation, a floor heating path
(48) in which a floor heating radiator (41) is provided is
connected to a hot-water storage tank (25). An inlet end of the
floor heating path (48) is connected to a hot-water outlet port
(27) of the hot-water storage tank (25), and an outlet end is
connected to a hot-water return port (24) of the hot-water storage
tank (25). A pump mechanism (8) is provided upstream of the floor
heating path (48). As in the second embodiment, the refrigerant
mixture containing the HFO-1234yf of 78.2% by mass and the HFC-32
of 21.8% by mass is used in the refrigerant circuit (10).
[0102] In the floor heating path (48), when operating the pump
mechanism (8), hot-water flowing out through the hot-water outlet
port (27) of the hot-water storage tank (25) is supplied to the
floor heating path (48). Subsequently, the hot-water is used for
heating a room, and then such hot-water is cooled. The water cooled
in the floor heating path (48) is returned to the hot-water storage
tank (25) through the hot-water return port (24). In the floor
heating path (48), water circulates between the hot-water storage
tank (25) and the floor heating path (48).
Other Embodiments
[0103] The foregoing embodiments may have the following
configurations.
[0104] In the foregoing embodiments, the C.sub.3H.sub.mF.sub.n
refrigerant used for the refrigerant mixture may be refrigerant
other than the HFO-1234yf. Specifically, instead of using the
HFO-1234yf, any of the following may be used:
1,2,3,3,3-pentafluoro-1-propene (referred to as "HFO-1225ye," and a
chemical formula thereof represented by an expression
CF.sub.3--CF.dbd.CHF); 1,3,3,3-tetrafluoro-1-propene (referred to
as "HFO-1234ze," and a chemical formula thereof is represented by
an expression CF.sub.3--CH.dbd.CHF); 1,2,3,3-tetrafluoro-1-propene
(referred to as "HFO-1234ye," and a chemical formula thereof is rep
seated by an expression CHF.sub.2--CF.dbd.CHF);
3,3,3-trifluoro-1-propene (referred to as "HFO-1243zf," and a
chemical formula thereof is represented by an expression
CF.sub.3--CH.dbd.CH.sub.2); 1,2,2-trifluoro-1-propene (a chemical
formula thereof is represented by an expression
CH.sub.3--CF.dbd.CF.sub.2); and 2-fluoro-1-propene (a chemical
formula thereof is represented by an expression
CH.sub.3--CF.dbd.CH.sub.2).
[0105] In the foregoing embodiments, instead of using the HFC-32,
HFC-125 may be used. In such a case, the proportion of the HFC-125
in the refrigerant mixture is preferably equal to or greater than
10% by mass and equal to or less than 30% by mass, and more
preferably equal to or greater than 10% by mass and equal to or
less than 20% by mass. The C.sub.3H.sub.mF.sub.n refrigerant may be
the HFO-1234yf as in the foregoing embodiments, or may be
refrigerant other than the HFO-1234yf.
[0106] In the foregoing embodiments, the HFC refrigerant may be
refrigerant other than the HFC-32 and the HFC-125. Specifically,
the HFC refrigerant includes HFC-134 (1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethane);
HFC-134a (1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane); HFC-143a
(1,1,1-trifluoroethane); HFC-152a (1,1-difluoroethane); HFC-161
(fluoroethane); HFC-227ea (1,1,1,2,3,3,3-heptafluoropropane);
HFC-236ea (1,1,1,2,3,3-hexafluoropropane); HFC-236fa
(1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoropropane); and HFC-365mfc
(1,1,1,3,3-pentafluorobutane).
[0107] In the foregoing embodiments, more than two types of HFC
refrigerants may be used for the refrigerant mixture. Specifically,
refrigerant mixture containing the HFC-125 and the HFC-32 may be
used as the HFC refrigerant. The C.sub.3H.sub.mF.sub.n refrigerant
may be the HFO-1234yf as in the foregoing embodiments, or may be
refrigerant other than the HFO-1234yf.
[0108] In the foregoing embodiments, refrigerant mixture containing
the C.sub.3H.sub.mF.sub.n refrigerant and hydrocarbons may be used.
Specifically, as hydrocarbon refrigerant used for the refrigerant
mixture, methane, ethane, propane, propene butane, isobutene,
pentane, 2-methylbutane, or cyclopentane may be used. A single type
of or multiple types of hydrocarbon refrigerant(s) may be used. As
in the foregoing embodiments, refrigerant mixture containing
methane, ethane, propane, or propene increases the operating
pressure of refrigerant. Thus, while reducing the influence of the
pressure loss of refrigerant on the operation of the refrigeration
apparatus (20), the actual operational efficiency of the
refrigeration apparatus (20) can be improved. In this respect, the
same is true for refrigerant mixture containing the
C.sub.3H.sub.mF.sub.n refrigerant and dimethyl ether; refrigerant
mixture containing the C.sub.3H.sub.mF.sub.n refrigerant and
bis-trifluoromethyl-sulfide; refrigerant mixture containing the
C.sub.3H.sub.mF.sub.n refrigerant and helium; and refrigerant
mixture containing the HFO-1234yf and carbon dioxide, which will be
described below.
[0109] In the foregoing embodiments, the refrigerant mixture
containing the C.sub.3H.sub.mF, refrigerant and dimethyl ether may
be used.
[0110] In the foregoing embodiments, the refrigerant mixture
containing the C.sub.3H.sub.mF.sub.n refrigerant and
bis-trifluoromethyl-sulfide may be used.
[0111] In the foregoing embodiments, the refrigerant mixture
containing the C.sub.3H.sub.mF.sub.n refrigerant and helium may be
used.
[0112] In the foregoing embodiments, the refrigerant mixture
containing the HFO-1234yf and carbon dioxide may be used.
[0113] In the foregoing embodiments, the refrigeration apparatus
(20) of the present invention may be applied to, e.g., a
refrigeration apparatus for cooling food (refrigerators or
freezers); a refrigeration apparatus in which an air conditioner is
combined with a refrigerator or a freezer; and a refrigeration
apparatus with a humidity adjusting function, in which heat of
refrigerant circulating in a heat exchanger is used for
heating/cooling adsorbent addition, in the embodiments, the heat
source of the refrigerant circuit (10) is air, but such a heat
source may be a water heat source or an underground heat
source.
[0114] The foregoing embodiments have been set forth merely for
purposes of preferred examples in nature, and are not intended to
limit the scope, applications, and use of the invention.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0115] As described above, the present invention is useful for the
refrigeration apparatus in which the refrigeration cycle is
performed.
* * * * *
References