U.S. patent application number 16/338130 was filed with the patent office on 2020-01-30 for refrigeration device.
This patent application is currently assigned to DAIKIN INDUSTRIES, LTD.. The applicant listed for this patent is DAIKIN INDUSTRIES, LTD.. Invention is credited to Toshihiro NAGASHIMA.
Application Number | 20200033012 16/338130 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 61759623 |
Filed Date | 2020-01-30 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200033012 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
NAGASHIMA; Toshihiro |
January 30, 2020 |
REFRIGERATION DEVICE
Abstract
Frame parts are arranged in a row, and in each of which a
compressor, an air heat exchanger, a receiver, and a system-side
electric component box corresponding to each other are installed as
a single unit.
Inventors: |
NAGASHIMA; Toshihiro;
(Osaka-shi, Osaka, JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
DAIKIN INDUSTRIES, LTD. |
Osaka-shi, Osaka |
|
JP |
|
|
Assignee: |
DAIKIN INDUSTRIES, LTD.
Osaka-shi, Osaka
JP
|
Family ID: |
61759623 |
Appl. No.: |
16/338130 |
Filed: |
August 24, 2017 |
PCT Filed: |
August 24, 2017 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/JP2017/030398 |
371 Date: |
March 29, 2019 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F25B 1/00 20130101; F25B
49/02 20130101; F24F 1/68 20130101; F24F 1/24 20130101; F24F 1/46
20130101; F25B 7/00 20130101; F25B 31/00 20130101; F24F 5/00
20130101; F24F 1/16 20130101; F24F 1/10 20130101; F24F 1/22
20130101; F25B 31/02 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F24F 1/10 20060101
F24F001/10; F24F 1/16 20060101 F24F001/16; F24F 1/22 20060101
F24F001/22; F24F 1/24 20060101 F24F001/24; F24F 1/46 20060101
F24F001/46; F24F 1/68 20060101 F24F001/68; F25B 7/00 20060101
F25B007/00; F25B 31/02 20060101 F25B031/02 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Sep 30, 2016 |
JP |
2016-193032 |
Claims
1. A refrigeration apparatus comprising: a plurality of refrigerant
circuits to each of which a compressor, an air heat exchanger and a
receiver are connected; a plurality of system-side electric
component boxes each having an electric component corresponding to
an associated one of the compressors; and a support having a
plurality of support parts arranged in a row, wherein the
compressor, the air heat exchanger, the receiver, and the
system-side electric component box corresponding to each other are
installed as a single unit in each of the support parts.
2. The refrigeration apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a
water circuit to which a water heat exchanger allowing a
refrigerant and water to exchange heat, and a water pump
transporting water are connected; and an operation-side electric
component box containing an operation unit, wherein the plurality
of support parts includes a first end support part and a second end
support part, the operation-side electric component box containing
the operation unit is installed in the first end support part, and
the water pump is installed in the second end support part.
3. The refrigeration apparatus of claim 2, wherein the plurality of
support parts include at least one intermediate support part
arranged between the first end support part and the second end
support part.
4. The refrigeration apparatus of claim 2, wherein in the second
end support part, the system-side electric component box, the
compressor, and the water pump are arranged in this order from the
first end support part toward the second end support part.
5. The refrigeration apparatus of claim 3, wherein in at least one
of the intermediate support parts, the system-side electric
component box, the compressor, and the water heat exchanger are
arranged in this order from the first end support part toward the
second end support part.
6. The refrigeration apparatus of claim 1, wherein a maintenance
port is formed in at least one of side surfaces of the support
extending in a direction in which the support parts are arranged,
and the compressor is arranged closer to the maintenance port than
the receiver in at least one of the plurality of support parts.
7. The refrigeration apparatus of claim 6, wherein the system-side
electric component box is arranged closer to the maintenance port
than the receiver in at least one of the plurality of support
parts.
8. The refrigeration apparatus of claim 6, wherein a withdrawable
bottom plate on which the compressor is placed is provided at a
bottom of each of the plurality of support parts, the withdrawable
bottom plate being withdrawable toward the maintenance port.
9. The refrigeration apparatus of claim 1, wherein the single unit
installed in each of the support parts includes a refrigerant
cooling unit which is connected to the refrigerant circuit and
cools the electric component in the corresponding system-side
electric component box with a refrigerant.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a refrigeration
apparatus.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] A refrigeration apparatus such as an air conditioner has
been known.
[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a refrigeration
apparatus including a plurality of refrigerant circuits to each of
which a compressor, an air heat exchanger, and other components are
connected, and a horizontally elongated support in which these
components are installed. The air heat exchangers are arranged in a
row in a longitudinal direction of the support. The compressors are
arranged in a concentrated manner near the front side of the
support, for example (e.g., see FIG. 9).
CITATION LIST
Patent Documents
[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication
No. 2013-079735
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Technical Problem
[0005] As described in Patent Document 1, when the plurality of
compressors and other components are arranged in a concentrated
manner near one side of the support, units each including the
compressor and other corresponding components (e.g., the air heat
exchanger) differ in the relative positions of the compressor and
the corresponding components. In other words, in the refrigeration
apparatus, the layout of a refrigerant pipe or any other elements
connecting the compressor and other components differs unit by
unit. This complicates the refrigerant pipe and a mounting
structure associated with the refrigerant pipe, which leads to an
increase in the cost of the refrigeration apparatus.
[0006] In view of the foregoing, it is an object of the present
invention to provide a refrigeration apparatus which can simplify a
refrigerant pipe and its peripheral structure.
Solution to the Problem
[0007] A first aspect of the present invention is directed to a
refrigeration apparatus which includes: a plurality of refrigerant
circuits (10) to each of which a compressor (12), an air heat
exchanger (50, 60) and a receiver (15) are connected; a plurality
of system-side electric component boxes (81) each having an
electric component (81a) corresponding to an associated one of the
compressors (12); and a support (70) having a plurality of support
parts (70A, 70B, 70C, 70D) arranged in a row, wherein the
compressor (12), the air heat exchanger (50, 60), the receiver
(15), and the system-side electric component box (81) corresponding
to each other are installed as a single unit in each of the support
parts (70A, 70B, 70C, 70D).
[0008] In the first aspect, the plurality of support parts (70A,
70B, 70C, 70D) are arranged in a row to form the support (70). The
compressor (12), the air heat exchanger (50, 60), and the receiver
(15) connected to a common refrigerant circuit (10), and the
system-side electric component box (81) corresponding to the
compressor (12) are installed as a single unit in each of the
support parts (70A, 70B, 70C, 70D).
[0009] Thus, the relative positions of the compressor (12), the air
heat exchanger (50, 60), and the receiver (15) corresponding to
each other can be made similar or the same among the plurality of
support parts (70A, 70B, 70C, 70D). This allows the refrigerant
pipe to be arranged in the same manner in every support part (70A,
70B, 70C, 70D). As a result, the refrigerant pipe and its
peripheral mounting structure can be commonized among the support
parts (70A, 70B, 70C, 70D), thereby simplifying the refrigeration
apparatus.
[0010] In addition, in the present invention, the relative
positions of the compressor (12) and the system-side electric
component box (81) corresponding to the compressor (12) can be made
similar or the same among the plurality of support parts (70A, 70B,
70C, 70D). As a result, an electric wire between the compressor
(12) and the system-side electric component box (81), and its
peripheral mounting structure can be commonized among the support
parts (70A, 70B, 70C, 70D), thereby simplifying the refrigeration
apparatus.
[0011] A second aspect of the present invention is an embodiment of
the first aspect. In the second aspect, a water circuit (40) to
which a water heat exchanger (35, 36) allowing a refrigerant and
water to exchange heat, and a water pump (44) transporting water
are connected; and an operation-side electric component box (82)
containing an operation unit (82a), wherein the plurality of
support parts (70A, 70B, 70C, 70D) includes a first end support
part (70A) and a second end support part (70D), the operation-side
electric component box (82) containing the operation unit (82a) is
installed in the first end support part (70A), and the water pump
(44) is installed in the second end support part (70D).
[0012] In the second aspect, the operation-side electric component
box (82) is installed in the first end support part (70A), and the
water pump (44) is installed in the second end side support part
(70D). This can increase the distance between the operation-side
electric component box (82) and the water pump (44). Therefore,
even if water leaks around the water pump (44), water can be
blocked from reaching the operation-side electric component box
(82).
[0013] A third aspect of the present invention is an embodiment of
the second aspect. In the second aspect, the plurality of support
parts (70A, 70B, 70C 70D) include at least one intermediate support
part (70B, 70C) arranged between the first end support part (70A)
and the second end support part (70D).
[0014] In the third aspect, the first end support part (70A), the
intermediate support part (70B, 70C), and the second end support
part (70D) are arranged in a row to form the support (70). Since
the intermediate support part (70B, 70C) is arranged between the
operation-side electric component box (82) installed in the first
end support part (70A) and the water pump (44) installed in the
second end support part (70D), the distance between the
operation-side electric component box (82) and the water pump (44)
can be increased. Therefore, even if water leaks around the water
pump (44), water can be reliably blocked from reaching the
operation-side electric component box (82).
[0015] The operation-side electric component box (82) and the water
pump (44) are respectively installed in the outermost support parts
(70A, 70D) among the plurality of support parts (70A, 70B, 70C,
70D). This makes the operation-side electric component box (82) and
the water pump (44) easily accessible, and facilitates the
maintenance thereof.
[0016] A fourth aspect of the present invention is an embodiment of
the second or third aspect. In the fourth aspect, in the second end
support part (70D), the system-side electric component box (81),
the compressor (12), and the water pump (44) are arranged in this
order from the first end support part (70A) toward the second end
support part (70D).
[0017] In the fourth aspect, the compressor (12) is arranged
between the system-side electric component box (81) and the water
pump (44) in the second end support part (70D). This can increase
the distance between the system-side electric component box (81)
and the water pump (44). As a result, even if water leaks around
the water pump (44), water can be blocked from reaching the
system-side electric component box (81).
[0018] A fifth aspect of the present invention is an embodiment of
the third aspect. In the fifth aspect, in at least one of the
intermediate support parts (70B, 70C), the system-side electric
component box (81), the compressor (12), and the water heat
exchanger (35, 36) are arranged in this order from the first end
support part (70A) toward the second end support part (70D).
[0019] In the fifth aspect, the compressor (12) is arranged between
the system-side electric component box (81) and the water heat
exchanger (35, 36) in the intermediate support part (70B, 70C).
This can increase the distance between the system-side electric
component box (81) and the water heat exchanger (35, 36). As a
result, even if water leaks around the water heat exchanger (35,
36), water can be blocked from reaching the system-side electric
component box (81).
[0020] A sixth aspect of the present invention is an embodiment of
any one of the first to fifth aspects. In the sixth aspect, a
maintenance port (86) is formed in at least one of side surfaces of
the support (70) extending in a direction in which the support
parts (70A, 70B, 70C, 70D) are arranged, and the compressor (12) is
arranged closer to the maintenance port (86) than the receiver (15)
in at least one of the plurality of support parts (70A, 70B, 70C,
to 70D).
[0021] In the sixth aspect, the compressor (12) is arranged closer
to the maintenance port (86) than the receiver (15). This can
facilitate the maintenance of the compressor (12) through the
maintenance port (86) from the side surface of the support (70) in
a width direction thereof. Since the receiver (15) is less
frequently maintained than the compressor (12), there is no
significant trouble even if the receiver (15) is arranged across
the compressor (12) from the maintenance port (86).
[0022] A seventh aspect of the present invention is an embodiment
of the sixth aspect. In the seventh aspect, the system-side
electric component box (81) is arranged closer to the maintenance
port (86) than the receiver (15) in at least one of the plurality
of support parts (70A, 70B, 70C, 70D).
[0023] In the seventh aspect, the system-side electric component
box (81) is arranged closer to the maintenance port (86) than the
receiver (15). This can facilitate the maintenance of the
system-side electric component box (81) through the maintenance
port (86) from the side surface of the support (70) in the width
direction. Since the receiver (15) is less frequently maintained
than the system-side electric component box (81), there is no
significant trouble even if the receiver (15) is arranged across
the electric component box (81) from the maintenance port (86).
[0024] An eighth aspect of the invention is an embodiment of the
sixth or seventh aspect. In the eighth aspect, a withdrawable
bottom plate (83) on which the compressor (12) is placed is
provided at a bottom of each of the plurality of support parts
(70A, 70B, 70C, 70D), the withdrawable bottom plate (83) being
withdrawable toward the maintenance port (86).
[0025] In the eighth aspect, pulling the withdrawable bottom plate
(83) toward the maintenance port (86) makes it possible to withdraw
the compressor (12) out of the maintenance port (86) together with
the withdrawable bottom plate (83).
[0026] A ninth aspect of the present invention is an embodiment of
any one of the first to eighth aspects. In the ninth aspect, the
single unit installed in each of the support parts (70A, 70B, 70C,
70D) includes a refrigerant cooling unit (25) which is connected to
the refrigerant circuit (10) and cools the electric component (81a)
in the corresponding system-side electric component box (81) with a
refrigerant.
[0027] According to the ninth aspect, the refrigerant cooling unit
(25) is installed in each of the support parts (70A, 70B, 70C,
70D). Each of the refrigerant cooling units (25) cools the electric
component (81a) in the corresponding system-side electric component
box (81) with the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant
circuit (10). The refrigerant cooling unit (25) is installed in the
same support part (70A, 70B, 70C, 70D) together with the
corresponding compressor (12) and system-side electric component
box (81). Therefore, in each of the support parts (70A, 70B, 70C,
70D), the distance between the refrigerant cooling unit (25) and
the corresponding compressor (12) and system-side electric
component box (81) is relatively shortened, and the layout of them
can be commonized among the support parts (70A, 70B, 70C, 70D). As
a result, the refrigerant pipe around the refrigerant cooling unit
(25) can be shortened, and the refrigerant pipe and its peripheral
structure can be commonized among the support parts (70A, 70B, 70C,
70D).
Advantages Of The Invention
[0028] According to the first aspect of the invention, the
compressor (12), the air heat exchanger (50, 60), the receiver
(15), and the system-side electric component box (81) corresponding
to each other are installed as an integral unit in each of the
support parts (70A, 70B, 70C, 70D). Thus, the refrigerant pipe, the
electric wire, and their peripheral mounting structure can be
commonized among the plurality of support parts (70A, 70B, 70C,
70D). This can improve the ease of assembly of the refrigeration
apparatus, and can reduce the cost.
[0029] Since the compressor (12), the air heat exchanger (50, 60),
the receiver (15), and the system-side electric component box (81)
are configured as a single unit, another unit can be added to the
refrigeration apparatus, or a unit which is no longer unnecessary
can be removed.
[0030] Further, even when a plurality of support parts (70A, 70B,
70C, 70D) are arranged in a row, a refrigerant pipe connecting the
compressor (12), the receiver (15), and the air heat exchanger (50,
60), for example, does not become too long. This can simplify the
layout of the refrigerant pipe.
[0031] According to the second aspect of the present invention, the
distance between the operation-side electric component box (82),
which is most important for the operation of the refrigeration
apparatus, and the water pump (44) can be increased. This can avoid
the malfunction of the operation-side electric component box (82)
caused by water leakage from the water pump (44).
[0032] In particular, according to the third aspect of the present
invention, a sufficient distance can be provided between the
operation-side electric component box (82) and the water pump (44),
which can avoid the malfunction of the operation-side electric
component box (82) caused by water leakage from the water pump
(44). This can facilitate the maintenance of the operation-side
electric component box (82) and the water pump (44).
[0033] According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, a
sufficient distance can also be provided between the water pump
(44) and the system-side electric component box (81), which can
avoid the malfunction of the system-side electric component box
(81) caused by water leakage from the water pump (44). Further,
according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, a
sufficient distance can also be provided between the system-side
electric component box (81) and the water heat exchanger (35, 36),
which can avoid the malfunction of the system-side electric
component box (81) caused by water leakage from the water pump
(44).
[0034] According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the
compressor (12) can be easily maintained through the maintenance
port (86). According to the seventh aspect of the present
invention, the system-side electric component box (81) can be
easily maintained through the maintenance port (86). According to
the eighth aspect of the present invention, even in a situation
where space for the maintenance is relatively small, the compressor
(12) can be easily maintained when the withdrawable bottom plate
(83) is withdrawn to the outside.
[0035] According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the
refrigerant pipe and the mounting structure around the refrigerant
cooling unit (25) for cooling the electric component (81a) in the
system-side electric component box (81) can be simplified.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0036] FIG. 1 is a general perspective view illustrating front and
right sides of a chiller apparatus.
[0037] FIG. 2 is a general perspective view illustrating front and
left sides of the chiller apparatus.
[0038] FIG. 3 is a piping diagram of the chiller apparatus.
[0039] FIG. 4 is a front view of the chiller apparatus.
[0040] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line V-V of
FIG. 4.
[0041] FIG. 6 is a schematic view illustrating a portion of a side
of a first air heat exchanger in an enlarged scale.
[0042] FIG. 7 is a schematic view illustrating a portion of a side
of a second air heat exchanger in an enlarged scale.
[0043] FIG. 8 is a plan view illustrating the layout of main
components in a machine chamber.
[0044] FIG. 9 is a front view illustrating a plurality of chiller
apparatuses arranged in a horizontal direction.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0045] An embodiment of the present invention will be described in
detail below with reference to the drawings. The embodiment
described below is merely an exemplary one in nature, and is not
intended to limit the scope, applications, or use of the
invention.
<<Embodiment of Invention>>
[0046] A refrigeration apparatus of the present invention is a
cold/hot water chiller apparatus (1) which cools and heats water
with a refrigerant. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the chiller
apparatus (1) includes, for example, four heat source units (5A,
5B, 5C, 5D) arranged in a row.
--Piping System of Chiller Apparatus--
[0047] A piping system of the chiller apparatus (1) will be
described with reference to FIG. 3. The chiller apparatus (1) has
four refrigerant circuits (10), a single water circuit (40), and
two water heat exchangers (35, 36) connected to the refrigerant
circuits (10) and the water circuit (40). In each of the
refrigerant circuits (10), a refrigerant is circulated to perform a
vapor compression refrigeration cycle. Water is supplied from a
predetermined water supply source into the water circuit (40).
After being heated or cooled in the water circuit (40), water is
supplied to a predetermined target of temperature regulation. Note
that the number of the refrigerant circuits (10), the number of the
water heat exchangers (35, 36), and the number of the water circuit
(40) are merely examples, and may be any number.
<Refrigerant Circuit>
[0048] Each of the refrigerant circuits (10) includes a heat source
circuit (11) and a utilization circuit (30) connected together. The
four heat source circuits (11) respectively correspond to the four
heat source units (5A, 5B, 5C, 5D). The heat source circuits (11)
and the utilization circuits (30) are configured basically in the
same manner. Thus, FIG. 3 shows the detailed configuration of the
heat source circuit (11) of the first heat source unit (5A), and
the detailed configuration of the heat source circuits (11) of the
other heat source units (5B, 5C, 5D) are omitted.
[Heat Source Circuit]
[0049] The heat source circuits (11) are respectively provided for
the corresponding heat source units (5A, 5B, 5C, 5D). A compressor
(12), a first air heat exchanger (50), a second air heat exchanger
(60), a first expansion valve (13), a second expansion valve (14),
a receiver (15), and a four-way switching valve (16) are connected
to each heat source circuit (11).
[0050] The compressor (12) sucks and compresses a refrigerant, and
discharges the compressed refrigerant. The first air heat exchanger
(50) and the second air heat exchanger (60) are fin-and-tube heat
exchangers. In each of the air heat exchangers (50, 60), the air
transported by the fan (17) and the refrigerant exchange heat. Each
of the first expansion valve (13) and the second expansion valve
(14) is a motor-operated valve whose opening degree is variable.
The first air heat exchanger (50) and the second air heat exchanger
(60) adjacent to each other constitute a heat exchange section (48)
in which the refrigerant and the air exchange heat.
[0051] The first air heat exchanger (61) and the first expansion
valve (13) are connected to a first parallel circuit (18), and the
second air heat exchanger (60) and the second expansion valve (14)
are connected to a second parallel circuit (19). The first parallel
circuit (18) and the second parallel circuit (19) are parallel
refrigerant circuits which are parallel with each other.
[0052] The receiver (15) is a hollow, vertically elongated hermetic
container, and constitutes a refrigerant regulator. A surplus of
the refrigerant is stored in the receiver (15).
[0053] The four-way switching valve (16) has first to fourth ports.
In the four-way switching valve (16), the first port is connected
to a discharge portion of the compressor (12), the second port is
connected to a suction portion of the compressor (12), the third
port is connected to a gas-side end of each of the air heat
exchangers (50, 60), and the fourth port is connected to a gas line
(31) of the utilization circuit (30). The four-way switching valve
(16) switches between a state in which the first port and the third
port communicate with each other and the second port and the fourth
port communicate with each other (a first state indicated by solid
curves in FIG. 3), and a state in which the first port and the
fourth port communicate with each other and the second port and the
third port communicate with each other (a second state indicated by
broken curves in FIG. 3).
[0054] A subcooling unit (20) and a refrigerant cooling unit (25)
are connected to the heat source circuit (11).
[0055] The subcooling unit (20) has a subcooling heat exchanger
(21), an injection circuit (22), and a first motor-operated valve
(23). The subcooling heat exchanger (21) has a first flow path
(21a) communicating with the receiver (15), and a second flow path
(21b) connected to the injection circuit (22). The injection
circuit (22) has an inlet end connected between the receiver (15)
and the subcooling unit (20), and an outlet end communicating with
the suction portion of the compressor (12). The first
motor-operated valve (23) is connected to the injection circuit
(22) upstream of the second flow path (21b). The first
motor-operated valve (23) is an electronic expansion valve whose
opening degree is variable. In the subcooling heat exchanger (21),
a liquid refrigerant flowing through the first flow path (21a) and
a refrigerant flowing through the second flow path (21b) exchange
heat. As a result, the liquid refrigerant flowing through the first
flow path (21a) is cooled in the subcooling heat exchanger
(21).
[0056] The refrigerant cooling unit (25) has a cooling circuit (26)
and a heat transfer member (27). One end of the cooling circuit
(26) is branched into two. One of the two branches of the cooling
circuit (26) is connected to the first parallel circuit (18)
between the first air heat exchanger (50) and the first expansion
valve (13). The other of the two branches of the cooling circuit
(26) is connected to the second parallel circuit (19) between the
second air heat exchanger (60) and the second expansion valve (14).
The other end of the cooling circuit (26) is connected between the
receiver (15) and the two expansion valves (13, 14). A second
motor-operated valve (28), which is an electronic expansion valve,
for example, is connected to the cooling circuit (26).
[0057] The heat transfer member (27) is made of, for example, a
material having a high thermal conductivity such as flat
plate-shaped aluminum. A heat transfer tube constituting the
cooling circuit (26) is in thermal contact with one of the surfaces
of the heat transfer member (27). An electric component (81a)
(e.g., an inverter board including a switching element) is in
thermal contact with the other surface of the heat transfer member
(27). Thus, the refrigerant in the refrigerant cooling unit (25) is
used to cool the electric component (81a).
[0058] Various sensors are provided for each heat source circuit
(11). Specifically, a first refrigerant temperature sensor (29a) is
connected to the gas-side end of the first air heat exchanger (50).
A second refrigerant temperature sensor (29b) is connected to the
gas-side end of the second air heat exchanger (60). A suction
pressure sensor (29c) is connected to the suction portion of the
compressor (12). The first refrigerant temperature sensor (29a)
detects the temperature of the refrigerant that has flowed out of
the first air heat exchanger (50) serving as an evaporator. The
second refrigerant temperature sensor (29b) detects the temperature
of the refrigerant that has flowed out of the second air heat
exchanger (60) serving as an evaporator. The suction pressure
sensor (29c) detects the pressure of the refrigerant (low pressure
refrigerant) sucked into the compressor (12).
[Utilization Circuit]
[0059] Each utilization circuit (30) is connected between an
associated one of the heat source units (5A, 5B, 5C, 5D) and an
associated one of the water heat exchangers (35, 36). Specifically,
the utilization circuit (30) corresponding to the first heat source
unit (5A) is connected to a first refrigerant-side flow path (35a)
of the first water heat exchanger (35). The utilization circuit
(30) corresponding to the second heat source unit (5B) is connected
to a second refrigerant-side flow path (35b) of the first water
heat exchanger (35). The utilization circuit (30) corresponding to
the third heat source unit (5C) is connected to a third
refrigerant-side flow path (36a) of the second water heat exchanger
(36). The utilization circuit (30) corresponding to the fourth heat
source unit (5D) is connected to a fourth refrigerant-side flow
path (36b) of the second water heat exchanger (36).
[0060] Each of the utilization circuits (30) has a gas line (31)
and a liquid line (32). The gas line (31) is connected between the
gas-side end of the water heat exchanger (35, 36) and the fourth
port of the four-way switching valve (16). The liquid line (32) is
connected between the liquid-side end of the water heat exchanger
(35, 36) and the subcooling heat exchanger (21). A third expansion
valve (33), which is an electronic expansion valve, for example, is
connected to the liquid line (32).
<Water Circuit>
[0061] The water circuit (40) has an inflow pipe (41), a relay pipe
(42), and an outflow pipe (43) arranged in this order from the
upstream side toward the downstream side. The inflow pipe (41) is
connected to an inlet end of a first water flow path (35c) of the
first water heat exchanger (35). The relay pipe (42) is connected
between the first water flow path (35c) of the first water heat
exchanger (35) and a second water flow path (36c) of the second
water heat exchanger (36). The outflow pipe (43) is connected to an
outlet end of the second water flow path (36c) of the second water
heat exchanger (36). A water pump (44) transporting water of the
water circuit (40) is connected to the inflow pipe (41).
<Control Unit>
[0062] The chiller apparatus (1) has a control unit (81b) for
controlling each component of the refrigerant circuit (10). The
control unit (81b) has, for example, a microcomputer and a memory,
and controls the opening degrees of the first expansion valve (13)
and the second expansion valve (14). Specifically, in a heating
operation described later, the control unit (81b) controls the
opening degree of the first expansion valve (13) so that an index
indicating the degree of superheat of the refrigerant flowing out
of the first air heat exchanger (50) approaches a target value.
Further, in the heating operation, the control unit (81b) controls
the opening degree of the second expansion valve (14) so that an
index indicating the degree of superheat of the refrigerant flowing
out of the second air heat exchanger (60) approaches a target
value.
--Operation of Chiller Apparatus--
[0063] A fundamental operation of the chiller apparatus (1) will be
described with reference to FIG. 3. The chiller apparatus (1)
switches between a cooling operation of cooling water and a heating
operation of heating water.
<Cooling Operation>
[0064] In the cooling operation, a refrigeration cycle is performed
in which the four-way switching valve (16) is in the first state,
each of the air heat exchangers (50, 60) serves as a radiator or a
condenser, and the water heat exchanger (35, 36) serves as an
evaporator. Specifically, the refrigerant compressed in the
compressor (12) is diverged into the first air heat exchanger (50)
and the second air heat exchanger (60). In each of the air heat
exchangers (50, 60), the refrigerant dissipates heat to the outdoor
air to condense. The refrigerant that has dissipated heat in the
first air heat exchanger (50) passes through the first expansion
valve (13) which is fully opened. The refrigerant that has
dissipated heat in the second air heat exchanger (60) passes
through the second expansion valve (14) which is fully opened. The
refrigerant merged in the receiver (15) passes through the
subcooling heat exchanger (21), has its pressure reduced by the
third expansion valve (33), and then flows through the water heat
exchangers (35, 36). In the water heat exchangers (35, 36), the
refrigerant absorbs heat from water in the water circuit (40) to
evaporate, thereby cooling the water. The refrigerant evaporated in
each of the water heat exchangers (35, 36) is sucked into the
compressor (12) to be compressed.
<Heating Operation>
[0065] In the heating operation, a refrigeration cycle is performed
in which the four-way switching valve (16) is in the second state,
each of the water heat exchangers (35, 36) serves as a radiator or
a condenser, and each of the air heat exchangers (50, 60) serves as
an evaporator. Specifically, the refrigerant compressed in the
compressor (12) flows through the water heat exchangers (35, 36).
In the water heat exchangers (35, 36), the refrigerant dissipates
heat to water in the water circuit (40) to condense, thereby
heating the water. The refrigerant condensed in each water heat
exchanger (35, 36) passes through the fully-opened third expansion
valve (33), the subcooling heat exchanger (21), and the receiver
(15) in this order, and is diverged into the first expansion valve
(13) and the second expansion valve (14). The refrigerant that has
had its pressure reduced by the first expansion valve (13)
evaporates in the first air heat exchanger (50). The refrigerant
that has had its pressure reduced by the second expansion valve
(14) evaporates in the second air heat exchanger (60). The
refrigerants evaporated in the air heat exchangers (50, 60) merge
together, and the merged refrigerant is sucked into the compressor
(12) and is compressed.
[0066] In the heating operation, the control unit (81b)
individually regulates the opening degree of the first expansion
valve (13) and the opening degree of the second expansion valve
(14). Specifically, the opening degree of the first expansion valve
(13) is regulated so that the degree of superheat of the
refrigerant flowing out of the first air heat exchanger (50)
reaches a predetermined value. The opening degree of the second
expansion valve (14) is regulated so that the degree of superheat
of the refrigerant flowing out of the second air heat exchanger
(60) reaches a predetermined value. The degree of superheat of the
refrigerant flowing out of the first air heat exchanger (50) is
obtained, for example, from the difference between the temperature
of the refrigerant detected by the first refrigerant temperature
sensor (29a) and a saturation temperature corresponding to the
pressure of the refrigerant detected by the suction pressure sensor
(29c). Likewise, the degree of superheat of the refrigerant flowing
out of the second air heat exchanger (60) is obtained, for example,
from the difference between the temperature of the refrigerant
detected by the second refrigerant temperature sensor (29b) and a
saturation temperature corresponding to the pressure of the
refrigerant detected by the suction pressure sensor (29c). Instead
of directly calculating the degree of superheat, the temperature
and pressure of the refrigerant can be directly used as indices of
the degree of superheat.
[0067] In this way, the degree of superheat of the refrigerant
flowing out of the first air heat exchanger (50) and the degree of
superheat of the refrigerant flowing out of the second air heat
exchanger (60) are individually controlled, so that the refrigerant
can reliably evaporate to a predetermined degree of superheat in
each of the air heat exchangers (50, 60). Specifically, this can
reliably avoid the refrigerant from flowing out of each air heat
exchanger (50, 60) in a wet state or in an excessively dried state.
This can ensure a sufficient evaporation capacity of each of the
air heat exchangers (50, 60). Further, this can reliably avoid the
compressor (12) from sucking the liquid refrigerant.
--Configuration of Chiller Apparatus--
[0068] Next, a detailed configuration of the chiller apparatus (1)
will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 8. In the following
description, the directions "front," "rear," "right," "left,"
"top," and "bottom" refer to those shown in FIG. 1 as a rule.
<General Configuration>
[0069] In the chiller apparatus (1), four heat source units (5A,
5B, 5C, 5D) are arranged in a front-to-back direction. The four
heat source units (5A, 5B, 5C, 5D) include a first heat source unit
(5A), a second heat source unit (5B), a third heat source unit
(5C), and a fourth heat source unit (5D) arranged in this order
from the front side to the rear side.
[0070] Each of the heat source units (5A, 5B, 5C, 5D) has one upper
casing (46) and one support part (70A, 70B, 70C, 70D). The support
parts (70A, 70B, 70C, 70D) include a first support part (70A)
corresponding to the first heat source unit (5A), a second support
part (70B) corresponding to the second heat source unit (5B), a
third support part (70C) corresponding to the third heat source
unit (5C), and a fourth support part (70D) corresponding to the
fourth heat source unit (5D). The support parts (70A, 70B, 70C,
70D) are connected to each other in the front-to-back direction,
thereby forming an integral support (70). The first support part
(70A) constitutes a first end support part which is the foremost
support part. The fourth support part (70D) constitutes a second
end support part (70A, 70B, 70C, 70D) which is the rearmost support
part. The second support part (70B) and the third support part
(70C) respectively constitute intermediate support parts arranged
between the first support part (70A) and the fourth support part
(70D). The number of the support parts (70A, 70B, 70C, 70D) is
merely an example, and may preferably be two or more, three or
more, or five or more.
[0071] The first and second air heat exchangers (50) and (60)
constituting the heat exchange section (48) and intermediate frame
parts (65A, 65B, 65C, 65D) covering the second air heat exchangers
(60) are arranged between the upper casings (46) and the support
parts (70A, 70B, 70C, 70D).
<Upper Casing>
[0072] The upper casings (46) are provided on top ends of the heat
source units (5A, 5B, 5C, 5D). Each of the upper casings (46) is in
the shape of a flat, hollow rectangular box. Each upper casing (46)
houses the fan (17) (see FIG. 4). A circular blow-out port (46a) is
formed through the top of the upper casing (46) (see FIGS. 1 and
2). When the fan (17) is operated, the air flows from the outside
of the two air heat exchangers (50, 60) to the interior of the two
air heat exchangers (50, 60). The air flows upward through the
interior of the two air heat exchangers (50, 60), and is blown
upward from the blow-out port (46a).
<First Air Heat Exchanger>
[0073] The first air heat exchanger (50) is provided for each of
the heat source units (5A, 5B, 5C, 5D), or each of the support
parts (70A, 70B, 70C, 70D). Each of the first air heat exchangers
(50) has first to third side surfaces (51, 52, 53) through which
the air passes. The first to third side surfaces (51, 52, 53) serve
as a ventilation portion through which the air passes.
[0074] The first side surface (51) and the second side surface (52)
are a pair of side surfaces facing each other. The first side
surface (51) serves as a front surface of the first air heat
exchanger (50), and the second side surface (52) serves as a rear
surface of the first air heat exchanger (50). The third side
surface (53) is a center side surface continuously extending
between the first and second side surfaces (51) and (52), and
serves as a left side surface of the first air heat exchanger (50).
The four first air heat exchangers (50) are arranged adjacent to
each other such that the third side surfaces (53) are aligned in a
horizontal direction (front-to-back direction).
[0075] As shown in FIG. 5, each first air heat exchanger (50) is
configured such that the side surfaces (51, 52, 53) are arranged in
a substantially U shape when viewed in plan. The first air heat
exchanger (50) has an open surface (54) where the side surfaces
(51, 52, 53) are not provided. The first air heat exchanger (50) is
a vertical air heat exchanger whose side surfaces (51, 52, 53)
stand upright. No other member is provided around the side surfaces
(51, 52, 53) of the first air heat exchanger (50). Thus, when the
fan (17) is operated, the air around the first air heat exchanger
(50) passes through the side surfaces (51, 52, 53) to flow into the
first air heat exchanger (50).
[0076] In the first air heat exchanger (50), the first side surface
(51) and the second side surface (52) are arranged substantially in
the shape of V when viewed in plan. That is, the first side surface
(51) and the second side surface (52) are in a reverse tapered
arrangement such that a distance therebetween increases toward
their lateral ends. In other words, the first side surface (51) and
the second side surface (52) are inclined outward (front-to-back
direction) so as to form an obtuse angle with the third side
surface (53). That is, as shown in FIG. 5, in the first air heat
exchanger (50), a virtual plane P1 extending along the first side
surface (51) and a virtual plane P3 extending along the third side
surface (53) form an angle .theta.1 which is larger than 90
degrees. Further, in the first air heat exchanger (50), a virtual
plane P2 extending along the second side surface (52) and the
virtual plane P3 extending along the third side surface (53) form
an angle .theta.2 which is larger than 90 degrees.
[0077] As shown in FIG. 5, a circulation space (55) through which
the air can flow is formed between a pair of first air heat
exchangers (50) adjacent to each other in the front-to-back
direction. The circulation space (55) is widened toward the third
side surface (53) when viewed in plan. The circulation space (55)
with a widened opening allows the air to easily flow into the
circulation space (55).
<Second Air Heat Exchanger>
[0078] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the second air heat exchanger
(60) is arranged to oppose to the open surface (54) on the right
side of the first air heat exchanger (50). The second air heat
exchanger (60) is substantially in the shape of a flat plate as a
whole. The second air heat exchanger (60) has a sloping surface
(61) which is substantially flat and inclined in the right-to-left
direction on the whole area thereof. The second air heat exchanger
(60) or the sloping surface (61) is inclined to be away from the
open surface (54) of the first air heat exchanger (50) toward a top
end thereof.
[0079] The top end of the second air heat exchanger (60) is
substantially at the same height as a top end of the first air heat
exchanger (50). A bottom end of the second air heat exchanger (60)
is substantially at the same height as a bottom end of the first
air heat exchanger (50). The second air heat exchanger (60) is
arranged to cover the entire open surface (54) of the first air
heat exchanger (50).
<Number of Refrigerant Flow Paths (C) of First Air Heat
Exchanger (50) and Second Air Heat Exchanger (60)>
[0080] As shown in FIG. 6, in the first air heat exchanger (50),
the number (path number) of the refrigerant flow paths (C) arranged
in a direction of air passage (the width direction of a first fin
(56)) is three. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 7, in the
second air heat exchanger (60), the number (path number) of
refrigerant flow paths (C) arranged in the air passage direction
(the width direction of a second fin (62)) is four. That is, the
second air heat exchanger (60) includes a larger number of
refrigerant flow paths (C) than the first air heat exchanger (50).
In this embodiment, the first fin (56) of the first air heat
exchanger (50) has approximately the same width as the second fin
(62) of the second air heat exchanger (60).
[0081] As shown in FIG. 4, the second air heat exchanger (60) is
obliquely arranged so that its outflow surface faces the fan (17).
As compared with the case where the second air heat exchanger (60)
is placed upright, the outflow surface of the second air heat
exchanger (60) according to this embodiment is located closer to
the fan (17), so that the air can flow more smoothly. This means
that the second air heat exchanger (60) arranged obliquely can
reduce a resistance of a flow path between the second air heat
exchanger (60) and the fan (17). Accordingly, when the second air
heat exchanger (60) is provided with a larger number of refrigerant
flow paths (C) than the first air heat exchanger (50), the total
heat transfer area of the second air heat exchanger (60) can be
increased while sufficiently ensuring the air flow volume of the
second air heat exchanger (60).
[0082] Note that the second air heat exchanger (60) may have the
same number of (e.g., three) refrigerant flow paths (C) as the
first air heat exchanger (50).
<Intermediate Frame Part>
[0083] As shown in FIG. 5 and other drawings, the four intermediate
frame parts (65A, 65B, 65C, 65D) include a first intermediate frame
part (65A) corresponding to the first heat source unit (5A), a
second intermediate frame part (65B) corresponding to the second
heat source unit (5B), a third intermediate frame part (65C)
corresponding to the third heat source unit (5C), and a fourth
intermediate frame part (65D) corresponding to the fourth heat
source unit (5D). The intermediate frame parts (65A, 65B, 65C, 65D)
are disposed to cover the second air heat exchangers (60). The four
intermediate frame parts (65A, 65B, 65C, 65D) each have a frame
plate (66) which is inclined along the second air heat exchanger
(60). The frame plate (66) is formed in a frame shape covering the
second air heat exchanger (60) from the outside, and has a vent
(66a) formed in an inner portion thereof (see FIG. 1).
Specifically, the sloping surface (61) of the second air heat
exchanger (60) is exposed outside through the vent (66a) of the
frame plate (66).
[0084] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 5 and other drawings, a first
shielding plate (67) is formed on the front side of the first
intermediate frame part (65A). The first shielding plate (67)
extends from the front end of the frame plate (66) of the first
intermediate frame part (65A) to the vicinity of the end of the
first side surface (51) of the first air heat exchanger (50). The
first shielding plate (67) blocks the air from flowing out of a
space between the first side surface (51) of the first air heat
exchanger (50) and the second air heat exchanger (60). The first
shielding plate (67) is in the shape of an inverted trapezoid or a
right-angled triangle whose width is narrowed downward.
[0085] As shown in FIG. 5, a second shielding plate (68) having
substantially the same shape as the first shielding plate (67) is
formed on the back side of the fourth intermediate frame part
(65D). The second shielding plate (68) extends from the rear end of
the frame plate (66) of the fourth intermediate frame part (65D) to
the vicinity of the end of the second side surface (52) of the
first air heat exchanger (50). The second shielding plate (68)
blocks the air from flowing out of a space between the second side
surface (52) of the first air heat exchanger (50) and the second
air heat exchanger (60). The second shielding plate (68) is in the
shape of an inverted trapezoid or a right-angled triangle whose
width is narrowed downward.
[0086] Between an adjacent pair of the second air heat exchangers
(60), an intermediate shielding plate (69) having substantially the
same shape as the first and second shielding plates (67) and (68)
is provided. In other words, the intermediate shielding plates (69)
are positioned and shaped to have a plane of projection of
substantially the same shape as the first shielding plate (67) and
the second shielding plate (68) when viewed from the front. Each of
a plurality of (three in this example) intermediate shielding
plates (69) has a right end fixed to the lateral end of the
adjacent frame plate (66). The left end of each intermediate
shielding plate (69) is in the vicinity of the ends of a pair of
the side surfaces (51, 52) of the first air heat exchangers (50)
adjacent to each other. The intermediate shield plate (69) blocks
the air in one of an adjacent pair of the heat source units (5A,
5B, 5C, 5D) from flowing into the other heat source unit (5A, 5B,
5C, 5D).
<Support>
[0087] The support (70) is formed in a substantially rectangular
parallelepiped shape which is elongated in the front-rear
direction. The support (70) has first and second side frames (71a,
71b), first to fourth vertical frames (72a, 72b, 72c, 72d), and
first to sixth intermediate frames (73a, 73b, 73c, 73d, 73e,
73f).
[0088] The first side frame (71a) is disposed at the right end of
the support (70), and the second side frame (71b) is disposed at
the left end of the support (70). The first side frame (71a) and
the second side frame (71b) are formed in a rod shape extending in
the front-to-back direction to be parallel to each other.
[0089] The first vertical frame (72a) is fixed to a front end of
the first side frame (71a), and the second vertical frame (72b) is
fixed to a rear end of the first side frame (71a). The third
vertical frame (72c) is fixed to a front end of the second side
frame (71b), and the fourth vertical frame (72d) is fixed to a rear
end of the second side frame (71b).
[0090] The first to third intermediate frames (73a, 73b, 73c) are
fixed to an intermediate portion of the first side frame (71a), and
arranged in the front-to-back direction. The fourth to sixth
intermediate frames (73d, 73e, 73f) are fixed to an intermediate
portion of the second side frame (71b), and arranged in the
front-to-back direction. The first to sixth intermediate frames
(73f) are formed in a vertical rod shape extending upward from the
intermediate portion of each of the side frames (71a, 71b), and
arranged in parallel to each other.
[0091] One base (74) is provided at the top end of the support
(70). The base (74) is supported by the first to fourth vertical
frames (72d) and the first to sixth intermediate frames (73f). The
base (74) is in the shape of a plate or a rectangular
parallelepiped elongated in the front-to-back direction, and
extends in parallel with the side frames (71a, 71b). The two air
heat exchangers (50, 60) (heat exchange section (48)) and the
intermediate frame parts (65A, 65B, 65C, 65D) are disposed on a top
surface of the base (74).
[0092] A front panel (75) is provided to stand upright on a front
surface of the support (70). The front panel (75) is detachably
attached to the first vertical frame (72a) and the third vertical
frame (72c). A rear panel (76) is provided to stand upright on a
rear surface of the support (70). The rear panel (76) is detachably
attached to the second vertical frame (72b) and the fourth vertical
frame (72d).
[0093] A first support side plate (77) is formed on the right side
of the support (70). The first support side plate (77) is located
below the open surfaces (54) of the first air heat exchangers (50).
The first support side plate (77) includes first to fourth vertical
side panels (77a, 77b, 77c, 77d). The first side panel (77a) is
detachably attached to the first vertical frame (72a) and the first
intermediate frame (73a). The second side panel (77b) is detachably
attached to the first intermediate frame (73a) and the second
intermediate frame (73b). The third side panel (77c) is detachably
attached to the second intermediate frame (73b) and the third
intermediate frame (73c). The fourth side panel (77d) is detachably
attached to the third intermediate frame (73c) and the second
vertical frame (72b).
[0094] A second support side plate (78) is formed on the left side
of the support (70). The second support side plate (78) is located
below the first air heat exchangers (50). The second support side
plate (78) includes fifth to eighth vertical side panels (78a, 78b,
78c, 78d). The fifth side panel (78a) is detachably attached to the
third vertical frame (72c) and the fourth intermediate frame (73d).
The sixth side panel (78b) is detachably attached to the fourth
intermediate frame (73d) and the fifth intermediate frame (73e).
The seventh side panel (78c) is detachably attached to the fifth
intermediate frame (73e) and the sixth intermediate frame (73f).
The eighth side panel (78d) is detachably attached to the sixth
intermediate frame (73f) and the fourth vertical frame (72d).
[0095] First to fourth machine chambers (S1, S2, S3, S4) are
defined between the first and second support side plates (77) and
(78) of the support (70). The first to fourth machine chambers (S1,
S2, S3, S4) are rectangular parallelepiped spaces, and arranged in
a row in the front-to-back direction. Specifically, the first
machine chamber (S1) is defined between the first side panel (77a)
and the fifth side panel (78a), and the second machine chamber (S2)
is defined between the second side panel (77b) and the sixth side
panel (78b). The third machine chamber (S3) is defined between the
third side panel (77c) and the seventh side panel (78c), and the
fourth machine chamber (S4) is defined between the fourth side
panel (77d) and the eighth side panel (78d).
[0096] In the support (70), components defining the first machine
chamber (S1) constitute the first support part (70A), components
defining the second machine chamber (S2) constitute the second
support part (70B), components defining the third machine chamber
(S3) constitute the third support part (70C), and components
defining the fourth machine chamber (S4) constitute the fourth
support part (70D).
[0097] In this embodiment, for example, the first and second side
frames (71a, 71b) and the base (74) are common components defining
the machine chambers (S1, S2, S3, S4) of the support parts (70A,
70B, 70C, 70D). Note that the first and second side frames (71a,
71b) and the base (74) may be divided into portions respectively
corresponding to the machine chambers (S1, S2, S3, S4) or the
support parts (70A, 70B, 70C, 70D). In this way, each of the
support parts (70A, 70B, 70C, 70D) can be independently moved
(e.g., lifted) together with an associated one of the heat source
units (5A, 5B, 5C, 5D).
<Leg>
[0098] As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 4 and other drawings, two legs
(79) are provided at the bottom end of the support (70). One of the
legs (79) is fixed to the bottom end of the front panel (75), and
the other leg (79) is fixed to the bottom end of the rear panel
(76). Each of the legs (79) extends horizontally from the bottom
end of the first support side plate (77) to the right. That is,
each leg (79) has a protruding portion located below the second air
heat exchangers (60) or the intermediate frame parts (65A, 65B,
65C, 65D). The number of the legs (79) is not limiting, and may be
three or more.
[0099] As shown in FIG. 4, the entire outer shape of the chiller
apparatus (1) is formed into an inverted L shape when viewed from
the front. In other words, in the chiller apparatus (1), the second
air heat exchanger (60) and its peripheral components overhang
outward (to the right) from the second support side plate (78).
Therefore, there is a possibility that the chiller apparatus (1)
falls down to the right. However, the legs (79) extend from the
bottom end of the support (70) in the direction in which the second
air heat exchanger (60) overhangs, so that the risk of the fall can
be avoided with reliability.
<Layout of Main Components in Machine Chamber>
[0100] Next, the layout of main components in the machine chamber
(S1, S2, S3, S4) will be described with reference to FIG. 8. FIG. 8
does not show a refrigerant pipe of the refrigerant circuit
(10).
[General Description of Layout]
[0101] In each machine chamber (S1, S2, S3, S4), the compressor
(12), the receiver (15), and a system-side electric component box
(81), one each, are installed. Each system-side electric component
box (81) houses an electric component (81a), such as an inverter
board, for supplying electric power to the corresponding compressor
(12). Each machine chamber (S1, S2, S3, S4) is provided with the
refrigerant cooling unit (25), (not shown in FIG. 8), for cooling
the electric component (81a) in the system-side electric component
box (81). Further, the system-side electric component box (81)
houses a control unit (81b) for controlling the first expansion
valve (13) and the second expansion valve (14) of the corresponding
refrigerant circuit (10).
[0102] An operation-side electric component box (82) is installed
in the first machine chamber (S1). An operation unit (82a) for
operating the refrigeration apparatus is installed in the
operation-side electric component box (82). The first water heat
exchanger (35) is installed in the second machine chamber (S2). The
second water heat exchanger (36) is installed in the third machine
chamber (S3). The water pump (44) is installed in the fourth
machine chamber (S4).
[Withdrawable Bottom Plate]
[0103] A withdrawable bottom plate (83) is provided for each
machine chamber (S1, S2, S3, S4). The withdrawable bottom plate
(83) is in the form of a rectangle which is slightly elongated in
the front-to-back direction, and constitutes the bottom of the
corresponding machine chamber (S1, S2, S3, S4). The withdrawable
bottom plate (83) is attached to the support (70) to be slidable
toward a maintenance space (85) formed on the right side of the
support (70).
[First Machine Chamber]
[0104] In the first machine chamber (S1), the compressor (12), the
receiver (15), the system-side electric component box (81), and the
operation-side electric component box (82) are installed. The
compressor (12) is arranged at a center portion of the first
machine chamber (S1) in the front-to-back direction near the first
support side plate (77) (near the maintenance space (85)). In the
first machine chamber (S1), the operation-side electric component
box (82) is arranged on the front side of the compressor (12)
(toward the front panel (75)). In the first machine chamber (S1),
the receiver (15) is arranged on the back side of the compressor
(12) (toward the rear surface panel (76) or the fourth machine
chamber (S4)). In the first machine chamber (S1), the system-side
electric component box (81) is arranged on the left side of the
receiver (15).
[Second Machine Chamber]
[0105] In the second machine chamber (S2), the compressor (12), the
receiver (15), the system-side electric component box (81), and the
first water heat exchanger (35) are installed. The system-side
electric component box (81), the compressor (12), and the first
water heat exchanger (35) are arranged in this order from the front
side to the rear side of the second machine chamber (S2) near the
first support side plate (77). In other words, in the second
machine chamber (S2), the compressor (12) is arranged between the
system-side electric component box (81) and the first water heat
exchanger (35). In the second machine chamber (S2), a portion of
the relay pipe (42) and a portion of the outflow pipe (43) are
arranged. The relay pipe (42) and the outflow pipe (43) are
arranged near the second support side plate (78) of the second
machine chamber (S2).
[Third Machine Chamber]
[0106] In the third machine chamber (S3), the compressor (12), the
receiver (15), the system-side electric component box (81), and the
second water heat exchanger (36) are installed. The system-side
electric component box (81), the compressor (12), and the second
water heat exchanger (36) are arranged in this order from the front
side to the rear side of the third machine chamber (S3) near the
first support side plate (77). In other words, in the third machine
chamber (S3), the compressor (12) is arranged between the
system-side electric component box (81) and the second water heat
exchanger (36). In the third machine chamber (S3), a portion of the
inflow pipe (41), a portion of the relay pipe (42), and a portion
of the outflow pipe (43) are arranged. The inflow pipe (41), the
relay pipe (42), and the outflow pipe (43) are arranged near the
second support side plate (78) of the third machine chamber (S3).
In the third machine chamber (S3), the receiver (15) is arranged
between the relay and outflow pipes (42, 43) and the system-side
electric component box (81).
[Fourth Machine Chamber]
[0107] In the fourth machine chamber (S4), the compressor (12), the
receiver (15), the system-side electric component box (81), and the
water pump (44) are installed. The system-side electric component
box (81), the compressor (12), and the water pump (44) are arranged
in this order from the front side to the rear side of the fourth
machine chamber (S4) near the first support side plate (77). In
other words, in the fourth machine chamber (S4), the compressor
(12) is arranged between the system-side electric component box
(81) and the water pump (44). In the fourth machine chamber (S4), a
portion of the inflow pipe (41) and a portion of the outflow pipe
(43) are arranged. The inflow pipe (41) and the outflow pipe (43)
are arranged near the second support side plate (78) of the fourth
machine chamber (S4). In the fourth machine chamber (S4), the
receiver (15) is arranged between the inflow and outflow pipes (41,
43) and the system-side electric component box (81). An inlet
portion of the inflow pipe (41) extends from the fourth machine
chamber (S4) to the outside through the second support side surface
(fourth side panel (77d)). An outlet portion of the outflow pipe
(43) extends from the fourth machine chamber (S4) to the outside
through the rear panel (76).
<Structure for Maintenance>
[0108] As shown in FIG. 8, the front panel (75) and the first
support side plate (77) of the chiller apparatus (1) constitute a
main maintenance surface. When the front panel (75) is removed, the
operation-side electric component box (82) is exposed to the
outside through a front maintenance port (86). This makes the
operation-side electric component box (82) easily accessible. When
the first to fourth side panels (77a, 77b, 77c, 77d) constituting
the first support side plate (77) are removed, the compressors (12)
in the machine chambers (S1, S2, S3, S4) and the system-side
electric component boxes (81) in the second to fourth machine
chambers (S4) are exposed to the outside through a side maintenance
port (87). This makes the compressors (12) in the machine chambers
(S1, S2, S3, S4) and the system-side electric component boxes (81)
in the second to fourth machine chambers (S4) easily accessible.
Note that the system-side electric component box (81) in the first
machine chamber (S1) is accessible when the fifth side panel (78a)
is removed (see FIG. 2).
[0109] When the first to fourth side panels (77a, 77b, 77c, 77d)
are removed (see FIG. 1), each of the withdrawable bottom plates
(83) can be withdrawn toward the maintenance space (85). Thus, work
can be performed after the compressors (12) and other components
are withdrawn to the maintenance space (85).
[0110] As shown in FIG. 9, a plurality of chiller apparatuses (1)
may be arranged in the right-to-left direction. In this case, the
chiller apparatuses (1) are arranged such that the first support
side plate (77) of one of an adjacent pair of the chiller
apparatuses (1) faces the second support side plate (78) of the
other chiller apparatus (1). In this state, a relatively wide
maintenance space (85) can be formed between the adjacent supports
(70) below the second air heat exchanger (60). This makes it
possible to perform the maintenance of the components while
reducing the distance between the plurality of chiller apparatuses
(1).
--Advantages of Embodiment--
[0111] In the above embodiment, in each of the support parts (70A,
70B, 70C, 70D), the compressor (12), the two air heat exchangers
(50, 60), and the receiver (15) which are connected to the same
refrigerant circuit (10), and the system-side electric component
box (81) corresponding to the compressor (12) are collectively
arranged as a single unit. In addition, in each of the support
parts (70A, 70B, 70C, 70D), the subcooling unit (20) and the
refrigerant cooling unit (25) connected to the same refrigerant
circuit (10) are also collectively arranged as a single unit.
Therefore, the four support parts (70A, 70B, 70C, 70D) are the same
or similar in the refrigerant pipe, electric wire, and their
peripheral mounting structure. Thus, these components can be
commonized. This can simplify the configuration of the
refrigeration apparatus (1), and achieve cost reduction.
[0112] In the above embodiment, the second support part (70B) and
the third support part (70C) are arranged between the first support
part (70A) in which the operation-side electric component box (82)
is installed and the fourth support part (70D) in which the water
pump (44) is installed. This can increase the distance between the
operation-side electric component box (82) and the water pump (44).
Further, in the fourth support part (70D), the compressor (12) is
arranged between the system-side electric component box (81) and
the water pump (44). This can increase the distance between the
system-side electric component box (81) and the water pump (44).
Moreover, in the second support part (70B) and the third support
part (70C), the compressor (12) is arranged between the system-side
electric component box (81) and the water heat exchanger (35, 36).
This can increase the distance between the system-side electric
component box (81) and the water heat exchanger (35, 36). Thus, in
this embodiment, the water heat exchanger (35, 36) and the water
pump (44) can be arranged inside the support (70) while avoiding
the malfunction of the operation-side electric component box (82)
and the system-side electric component box (81) due to leakage of
water from the water heat exchanger (35, 36) and the water pump
(44).
[0113] When the first support side plate (77) is removed, the
compressors (12) and the system-side electric component boxes (81)
in the second support part (70B), the third support part (70C), and
the fourth support part (70D) can be exposed to the outside through
the side maintenance port (87). This can facilitate the maintenance
of the compressors (12) and the system-side electric component
boxes (81). Further, the maintenance space (85) reliably formed
outside the side maintenance port (87) makes the compressors (12)
and the system-side electric component boxes (81) easily
accessible. In addition, when the withdrawable bottom plate (83) is
withdrawn into the maintenance space (85) through the side
maintenance port (87), the compressors (12) and other components
can be maintained more easily.
[0114] In the first support part (70A), removing the front panel
(75) makes the operation-side electric component box (82) easily
accessible. This is also true when a plurality of refrigeration
apparatuses (1) are arranged side by side as shown in FIG. 9.
<<Other Embodiments>>
[0115] The support (70) may include only two support parts (70A,
70D). In this case, the operation-side electric component box (82)
may be disposed in the support part (70A) (the first end support
part), and the water pump (44) may be disposed in the support part
(70D) (the second end support part). In this case as well, the
distance between the operation-side electric component box (82) and
the water pump (44) can be increased.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0116] As can be seen, the present invention is useful for a
refrigeration apparatus.
DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE CHARACTERS
[0117] 1 Refrigeration Apparatus [0118] 10 Refrigerant Circuit
[0119] 13 First Expansion Valve [0120] 14 Second Expansion Valve
[0121] 17 Fan [0122] 48 Heat Exchange Section [0123] 50 First Air
Heat Exchanger [0124] 51 First Side Surface [0125] 52 Second Side
Surface [0126] 53 Third Side Surface [0127] 54 Open Surface [0128]
55 Circulation Space (Space) [0129] 60 Second Air Heat Exchanger
[0130] 61 Sloping Surface [0131] 70 Support [0132] 77 First Frame
Side Plate (Side Plate) [0133] 79 Leg [0134] S1 First Machine
Chamber [0135] S2 Second Machine Chamber [0136] S3 Third Machine
Chamber [0137] S4 Fourth Machine Chamber
* * * * *