U.S. patent application number 16/975835 was filed with the patent office on 2020-12-24 for air-conditioning apparatus.
The applicant listed for this patent is Mitsubishi Electric Corporation. Invention is credited to Shinya HIGASHIIUE, Yuta KOMIYA, Noriyuki TANI, Satoshi UEDA, Yuichi USUDA, Masahiro YOKOI.
Application Number | 20200400354 16/975835 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005085801 |
Filed Date | 2020-12-24 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200400354 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
KOMIYA; Yuta ; et
al. |
December 24, 2020 |
AIR-CONDITIONING APPARATUS
Abstract
An air-conditioning apparatus includes a housing, an evaporator,
a condenser, and a water sprinkler for sprinkling condensed water
to the condenser, the condensed water having been generated at the
evaporator. The condenser includes a first header and a second
header arranged parallel to each other, a first heat transfer tube
and a second heat transfer tube that are arranged parallel to each
other and are arranged between the first header and the second
header, and a fin disposed between the first heat transfer tube and
the second heat transfer tube.
Inventors: |
KOMIYA; Yuta; (Tokyo,
JP) ; HIGASHIIUE; Shinya; (Tokyo, JP) ; YOKOI;
Masahiro; (Tokyo, JP) ; USUDA; Yuichi; (Tokyo,
JP) ; UEDA; Satoshi; (Tokyo, JP) ; TANI;
Noriyuki; (Tokyo, JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Mitsubishi Electric Corporation |
Tokyo |
|
JP |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005085801 |
Appl. No.: |
16/975835 |
Filed: |
April 11, 2018 |
PCT Filed: |
April 11, 2018 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/JP2018/015224 |
371 Date: |
August 26, 2020 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F24F 13/222 20130101;
F28F 21/084 20130101; F25B 39/00 20130101; F28F 1/32 20130101; F24F
2013/225 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F25B 39/00 20060101
F25B039/00; F24F 13/22 20060101 F24F013/22 |
Claims
1. An air-conditioning apparatus, comprising: a housing having a
first air path through which indoor air passes and a second air
path through which outdoor air passes; an evaporator disposed in
the first air path and configured to exchange heat between the
indoor air and refrigerant; a condenser disposed in the second air
path and configured to exchange heat between the outdoor air and
the refrigerant; and a water sprinkler configured to sprinkle
condensed water to the condenser, the condensed water being
generated at the evaporator, the condenser including a first heat
transfer tube and a second heat transfer tube that are arranged
parallel to each other, a fin arranged between the first heat
transfer tube and the second heat transfer tube, a first header,
and a second header arranged parallel to the first header, the
first heat transfer tube and the second heat transfer tube being
arranged parallel to each other and being arranged between the
first header and the second header, a top of the first header being
a slope inclined to a horizontal plane.
2. (canceled)
3. The air-conditioning apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first
header and the second header extend in a horizontal direction, the
first header is located higher than the second header, and the
water sprinkler is configured to sprinkle the condensed water onto
a top of the first header.
4. The air-conditioning apparatus of claim 1, wherein, when the
condenser is viewed from above, an end portion of the fin protrudes
from an edge of the first header.
5. (canceled)
6. The air-conditioning apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second
header has a water-storage portion that is a depression in a top of
the second header.
7. The air-conditioning apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first
header, the second header, the first heat transfer tube, the second
heat transfer tube, and the fin are made of aluminum.
8. The air-conditioning apparatus of claim 1, wherein the fin is a
corrugated fin.
9. The air-conditioning apparatus of claim 1, wherein the
evaporator includes a plurality of evaporator-side heat transfer
tubes through which the refrigerant flows, and a plurality of
evaporator-side fins connected to the plurality of evaporator-side
heat transfer tubes, and the plurality of evaporator-side heat
transfer tubes and the plurality of evaporator-side fins are made
of aluminum.
10. The air-conditioning apparatus of claim 1, comprising a
refrigerant circuit in which a compressor, the condenser, an
expansion valve, and the evaporator are connected to each other via
refrigerant pipes to enable the refrigerant to circulate, wherein
the refrigerant pipes are made of aluminum.
11. The air-conditioning apparatus of claim 1, comprising an
ion-exchange resin for removing a metal that is nobler than
aluminum and is contained in the condensed water generated at the
evaporator.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates to an air-conditioning
apparatus that has an evaporator and a condenser inside a
housing.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] In some technology, a unitary cooling apparatus has been
proposed in which an evaporator and a condenser are disposed on the
same plane and the evaporator is located higher than the condenser
(see, for example, Patent Literature 1). In the unitary cooling
apparatus, the evaporator and the condenser are each made of a
spine fin tube. The spine fin tube is made by fixing multiple
rectangular spine fins to the outer periphery of a circular tube
that is circular in cross section.
CITATION LIST
Patent Literature
[0003] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application
Publication No. 8-61699
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
Technical Problem
[0004] In the unitary cooling apparatus disclosed in Patent
Literature 1, drain water (condensed water) drips from an
evaporator onto a condenser, and the condensed water retained on
the condenser evaporates with the heat of high-temperature
refrigerant. However, in the unitary cooling apparatus disclosed in
Patent Literature 1, the condenser is made of a spine fin tube, and
thus it is difficult to retain the condensed water adhering to the
spine fin tube. Thus, the amount of the condensed water to
evaporate at the condenser is not sufficient, which is considered a
problem.
[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above
problem and aims to provide an air-conditioning apparatus with
which it is possible to increase the amount of condensed water to
evaporate at a condenser.
Solution to Problem
[0006] An air-conditioning apparatus according to an embodiment of
the present disclosure includes a housing having a first air path
through which indoor air passes and a second air path through which
outdoor air passes; an evaporator disposed in the first air path
and configured to exchange heat between the indoor air and
refrigerant; a condenser disposed in the second air path and
configured to exchange heat between the outdoor air and the
refrigerant; and a water sprinkler configured to sprinkle condensed
water to the condenser, the condensed water being generated at the
evaporator. The condenser includes a first heat transfer tube and a
second heat transfer tube that are arranged parallel to each other,
and a fin arranged between the first heat transfer tube and the
second heat transfer tube.
Advantageous Effects of Invention
[0007] In the air-conditioning apparatus according to an embodiment
of the present disclosure, the condenser includes the first heat
transfer tube and the second heat transfer tube that are arranged
parallel to each other, and the fin arranged between the first heat
transfer tube and the second heat transfer tube. Thus, it is
possible to increase the amount of condensed water to evaporate at
the condenser.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a configuration of an
air-conditioning apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present
disclosure.
[0009] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a condenser of the
air-conditioning apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present
disclosure.
[0010] FIG. 3 is a front view of a part of the condenser of the
air-conditioning apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present
disclosure.
[0011] FIG. 4 schematically illustrates a variation of the
configuration of the air-conditioning apparatus according to
Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure.
[0012] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a condenser of an
air-conditioning apparatus according to Embodiment 2 of the present
disclosure.
[0013] FIG. 6 is a top view of the condenser of the
air-conditioning apparatus according to Embodiment 2 of the present
disclosure.
[0014] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a condenser of an
air-conditioning apparatus according to Embodiment 3 of the present
disclosure.
[0015] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a variation of the condenser
of the air-conditioning apparatus according to Embodiment 3 of the
present disclosure.
[0016] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a condenser of an
air-conditioning apparatus according to Embodiment 4 of the present
disclosure.
[0017] FIG. 10 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the condenser
of the air-conditioning apparatus according to Embodiment 4 of the
present disclosure.
[0018] FIG. 11 schematically illustrates a configuration of an
air-conditioning apparatus according to Embodiment 5 of the present
disclosure.
[0019] FIG. 12 schematically illustrates a variation of the
configuration of the air-conditioning apparatus according to
Embodiment 5 of the present disclosure.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0020] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure are
described with appropriate reference to the drawings. It should be
noted that in the drawings referenced below and including FIG. 1,
size relationships between structural elements may differ from
actual ones. In addition, in the drawings referenced below and
including FIG. 1, structural elements illustrated with the same
reference sign are the same or equivalent elements throughout the
specification. Moreover, forms of the structural elements given
throughout the specification are mere examples and are not limited
to the given examples.
Embodiment 1
(Configuration)
[0021] FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a configuration of an
air-conditioning apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present
disclosure.
[0022] As illustrated in FIG. 1, an air-conditioning apparatus 1
includes a housing 90. The housing 90 has an indoor air inlet 91,
an indoor air outlet 92, an outdoor air inlet 93, and an outdoor
air outlet 94. The indoor air inlet 91 is an opening for suctioning
indoor air A into the housing 90 from inside the room. The indoor
air outlet 92 is an opening for blowing the indoor air A into the
room. The outdoor air inlet 93 is an opening for suctioning outdoor
air B into the housing 90 from outside the room. The outdoor air
outlet 94 is an opening for blowing the outdoor air B to outside
the room.
[0023] A separation plate 95 separates the housing 90 into two
spaces, in which a first air path 90a and a second air path 90b are
formed. The indoor air A passes through the first air path 90a, and
the outdoor air B passes through the second air path 90b. That is,
the separation plate 95 separates the housing 90 into the space
that communicates with the indoor air inlet 91 and the indoor air
outlet 92 and the space that communicates with the outdoor air
inlet 93 and the outdoor air outlet 94.
[0024] The air-conditioning apparatus 1 includes a refrigerant
circuit 10. The refrigerant circuit 10 includes a compressor 20, an
expansion valve 30, an evaporator 40, and a condenser 50. The
compressor 20, the condenser 50, the expansion valve 30, and the
evaporator 40 are connected to each other in sequence via
refrigerant pipes 60 to form an annulus, which enables refrigerant
to circulate. The refrigerant pipes 60 are made of, for example,
aluminum.
[0025] The evaporator 40 is disposed in the first air path 90a
inside the housing 90. The evaporator 40 exchanges heat between the
indoor air A and the refrigerant. The evaporator 40 includes heat
transfer tubes 41 and fins 42 connected to the heat transfer tubes
41. The refrigerant flows through the heat transfer tubes 41. It
should be noted that FIG. 1 includes a side view of the evaporator
40. The heat transfer tubes 41 correspond to evaporator-side heat
transfer tubes, and the fins 42 correspond to evaporator-side
fins.
[0026] The inside of each of the heat transfer tubes 41 has a
refrigerant path. The heat transfer tubes 41 are, for example,
circular tubes that are circular in a cross section perpendicular
to the axis of the refrigerant path. It should be noted that the
heat transfer tubes 41 are not limited to circular tubes and may be
flat tubes that are flat in a cross section perpendicular to the
axis of the refrigerant path.
[0027] The fins 42 are, for example, plate fins. It should be noted
that the fins 42 are not limited to plate fins and may be
corrugated fins.
[0028] The heat transfer tubes 41 and the fins 42, which form the
evaporator 40, are made of aluminum.
[0029] An indoor-air-sending device 70 is disposed in the first air
path 90a. The indoor-air-sending device 70 suctions the indoor air
A through the indoor air inlet 91 and blows the indoor air A into
the room through the indoor air outlet 92. The indoor-air-sending
device 70 is, for example, a propeller fan. It should be noted that
the indoor-air-sending device 70 is not limited to a propeller fan
and may be, for example, a cross-flow fan.
[0030] Inside the housing 90, an indoor-side drain pan 110 is
disposed below the evaporator 40 and stores condensed water C
generated at the evaporator 40.
[0031] The condenser 50 is disposed in the second air path 90b. The
condenser 50 exchanges heat between the outdoor air B and the
refrigerant. The configuration of the condenser 50 is described
later.
[0032] An outdoor-air-sending device 80 is disposed in the second
air path 90b. The outdoor-air-sending device 80 suctions the
outdoor air B through the outdoor air inlet 93 and blows the
outdoor air B to outside the room through the outdoor air outlet
94. The outdoor-air-sending device 80 is, for example, a sirocco
fan. It should be noted that the outdoor-air-sending device 80 is
not limited to a sirocco fan and may be, for example, a propeller
fan.
[0033] The first air path 90a and the second air path 90b in the
housing 90 are adjacent to each other in the horizontal direction
inside the housing 90. That is, the evaporator 40 and the condenser
50 are apart from each other in the horizontal direction inside the
housing 90.
[0034] The compressor 20 is disposed in the second air path 90b.
The expansion valve 30 is disposed in the first air path 90a. It
should be noted that the compressor 20 may be disposed in the
second air path 90b. The expansion valve 30 may be disposed in the
second air path 90b.
[0035] The inside of the housing 90 accommodates the compressor 20,
the expansion valve 30, the evaporator 40, and the condenser 50. In
the air-conditioning apparatus 1, the housing 90 has the first air
path 90a, through which the indoor air A passes, and the second air
path 90b, through which the outdoor air B passes. That is, the
air-conditioning apparatus 1 is a unitary air-conditioning
apparatus.
[0036] The air-conditioning apparatus 1 includes a water sprinkler
100. The water sprinkler 100 includes a water pump 101, a water
pipe 102, and a water-sprinkling portion 103. The water-sprinkling
portion 103 is disposed above the condenser 50 inside the housing
90. The water pump 101 is disposed in the indoor-side drain pan
110. The water pipe 102 connects the water pump 101 and the
water-sprinkling portion 103 to each other. With the water
sprinkler 100, the water pump 101 suctions the condensed water C
stored in the indoor-side drain pan 110. Then, the water pipe 102
allows the suctioned condensed water C to flow to the
water-sprinkling portion 103. The water-sprinkling portion 103
sprinkles the condensed water C onto the condenser 50. That is, the
water sprinkler 100 sprinkles the condensed water C generated at
the evaporator 40 onto the condenser 50.
[0037] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the condenser of the
air-conditioning apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present
disclosure.
[0038] It should be noted that in FIG. 2, the z-direction
corresponds to the vertical direction. The x-direction is the
direction in which the outdoor air B passes through the condenser
50. The y-direction is the direction perpendicular to the
z-direction and the y-direction. The x-direction and the
y-direction are parallel to a horizontal plane.
[0039] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the condenser 50 includes heat
transfer tubes 51, fins 52, a first header 53, and a second header
54.
[0040] The heat transfer tubes 51 are arranged parallel to each
other and are arranged between the first header 53 and the second
header 54. The heat transfer tubes 51 are disposed in such a manner
that, for example, the longitudinal direction of the heat transfer
tubes 51 is identical to the vertical direction. The inside of each
of the heat transfer tubes 51 has a refrigerant path. The heat
transfer tubes 51 are flat tubes that are flat in a cross section
perpendicular to the axis of the refrigerant path. The heat
transfer tubes 51 are disposed in such a manner that the long axis
of the flat cross section is in the direction in which the outdoor
air B flows.
[0041] The first header 53 and the second header 54 are arranged
parallel to each other. The first header 53 and the second header
54 are disposed in such a manner that, for example, the
longitudinal direction of the first header 53 and the second header
54 is identical to the horizontal direction. The first header 53 is
located higher than the second header 54. The first header 53 is
connected to one end portion of each of the heat transfer tubes 51.
Moreover, the water sprinkler 100 sprinkles the condensed water C
onto the top of the first header 53. The second header 54 is
connected to the other end portion of each of the heat transfer
tubes 51. The refrigerant that has flowed into the first header 53
diverges into streams, and the refrigerant streams then flow into
the refrigerant paths of the heat transfer tubes 51. The
refrigerant streams are mixed in the second header 54, and
confluent refrigerant flows out from the second header 54.
[0042] Each of the fins 52 is disposed between the heat transfer
tubes 51. The fins 52 are, for example, corrugated fins.
[0043] FIG. 3 is a front view of a part of the condenser of the
air-conditioning apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present
disclosure.
[0044] As illustrated in FIG. 3, the heat transfer tubes 51 include
a first heat transfer tube 51-1 and a second heat transfer tube
51-2. The first heat transfer tube 51-1 and the second heat
transfer tube 51-2 are arranged adjacent and parallel to each
other. The fin 52 is disposed between the first heat transfer tube
51-1 and the second heat transfer tube 51-2.
[0045] The first header 53, the second header 54, the heat transfer
tubes 51, and the fins 52, which form the condenser 50, are made of
aluminum.
(Operation)
[0046] Hereinafter, operation of the air-conditioning apparatus 1
is described.
[0047] When a cooling operation starts, the compressor 20, the
indoor-air-sending device 70, and the outdoor-air-sending device 80
start operating. The compressor 20 suctions low-temperature,
low-pressure refrigerant and discharges high-temperature,
high-pressure refrigerant. The high-temperature, high-pressure
refrigerant discharged from the compressor 20 flows into the
condenser 50. Then, the refrigerant that has flowed into the
condenser 50 exchanges heat with the outdoor air B sent from the
outdoor-air-sending device 80 and rejects heat. Thus, the
temperature of the refrigerant decreases, and the refrigerant
becomes liquid-state refrigerant, which then flows out from the
condenser 50. The expansion valve 30 reduces the pressure of the
refrigerant that has flowed out from the condenser 50. The
refrigerant becomes two-phase gas-liquid refrigerant, which then
flows into the evaporator 40. The refrigerant that has flowed into
the evaporator 40 exchanges heat with the indoor air A sent from
the indoor-air-sending device 70. The refrigerant receives heat,
evaporates, and becomes gas-state refrigerant, which then flows out
from the evaporator 40. The compressor 20 suctions the refrigerant
that has flowed out from the evaporator 40.
[0048] When the indoor air A passes through the evaporator 40,
moisture contained in the indoor air A condenses into the condensed
water C. The condensed water C generated at the evaporator 40 is
stored in the indoor-side drain pan 110 disposed below the
evaporator 40. In the water sprinkler 100, the water pump 101
suctions the condensed water C stored in the indoor-side drain pan
110. Then, the water pipe 102 allows the suctioned condensed water
C to flow to the water-sprinkling portion 103. The water-sprinkling
portion 103 sprinkles the condensed water C onto the condenser 50.
Specifically, the water sprinkler 100 sprinkles the condensed water
C onto the top of the first header 53.
[0049] It should be noted that the water sprinkler 100 may include,
for example, a water-level sensor for detecting the level of the
condensed water C stored in the indoor-side drain pan 110. When the
level of the condensed water C exceeds a predetermined level, the
water pump 101 may be caused to operate.
[0050] The condensed water C sprinkled on the top of the first
header 53 flows out from the edges of the first header 53 and flows
down along the surfaces of the heat transfer tubes 51 and the fins
52. That is, the condensed water C flows in the negative
z-direction in FIGS. 2 and 3. After flowing out from the first
header 53 to the fins 52, the condensed water C flows down along
the surfaces of the fins 52.
[0051] When the fins 52 are corrugated fins, the condensed water C
that has flowed out from the first header 53 to the fins 52 flows
down, following the curves of the fins 52, which are corrugated
fins. That is, the length of the route that the condensed water C
flows along the surface of each of the fins 52 is more than the
distance between the first header 53 and the second header 54.
[0052] When flowing down along the surfaces of the heat transfer
tubes 51 and the fins 52, the condensed water C is heated by the
refrigerant in the heat transfer tubes 51 and thus evaporates into
vapor. The vapor, together with the outdoor air B, passes through
the second air path 90b and flows to outside the room through the
outdoor air outlet 94.
Advantageous Effects
[0053] As described above, in Embodiment 1, the air-conditioning
apparatus 1 includes the evaporator 40, the condenser 50, and the
water sprinkler 100. The evaporator 40 exchanges heat between the
indoor air A and the refrigerant. The condenser 50 exchanges heat
between the outdoor air B and the refrigerant. The water sprinkler
100 sprinkles the condensed water C generated at the evaporator 40
onto the condenser 50. The condenser 50 includes the first header
53, the second header 54, the heat transfer tubes 51, and the fins
52. The first header 53 and the second header 54 are arranged
parallel to each other. The heat transfer tubes 51 are arranged
parallel to each other and are arranged between the first header 53
and the second header 54. The fins 52 are disposed between the heat
transfer tubes 51.
[0054] Thus, the condensed water C sprinkled from the water
sprinkler 100 onto the condenser 50 is easily retained on the
surfaces of the fins 52 disposed between the heat transfer tubes
51. Thus, it is possible to increase the amount of the condensed
water C to evaporate at the condenser 50. In addition, the
air-conditioning apparatus 1 includes the water sprinkler 100.
Thus, even when the evaporator 40 and the condenser 50 are apart
from each other in the horizontal direction, the air-conditioning
apparatus 1 can sprinkle the condensed water C generated at the
evaporator 40 onto the condenser 50. Thus, it is possible to more
flexibly determine the positional relationship between the
evaporator 40 and the condenser 50 inside the housing 90.
[0055] In Embodiment 1, the first header 53 and the second header
54 extend in the horizontal direction, and the first header 53 is
located higher than the second header 54. The water sprinkler 100
is configured to sprinkle the condensed water C onto the top of the
first header 53.
[0056] Thus, the condensed water C sprinkled on the top of the
first header 53 flows down to the second header 54 along the
surfaces of the heat transfer tubes 51 and the fins 52. That is,
the condensed water C flows along the entire surface of the
condenser 50, which makes it possible to increase the amount of the
condensed water C to evaporate at the condenser 50.
[0057] Moreover, in Embodiment 1, the fins 52 are corrugated
fins.
[0058] Thus, the condensed water C that has flowed out from the
first header 53 to the fins 52 flows down, following the curves of
the fins 52, which are corrugated fins. That is, the length of the
route that the condensed water C flows along the surface of each of
the fins 52 is more than the distance between the first header 53
and the second header 54. Thus, compared with when the fins 52 are
plate fins, the duration for which the condensed water C receives
heat from the fins 52 is longer, which facilitates evaporation of
the condensed water C. Accordingly, it is possible to increase the
amount of the condensed water C to evaporate at the condenser
50.
[0059] Moreover, in Embodiment 1, the first header 53, the second
header 54, the heat transfer tubes 51, and the fins 52, which form
the condenser 50, are made of aluminum.
[0060] Thus, compared with when the condenser 50 is copper or iron,
it is possible to lighten the condenser 50.
[0061] Moreover, in Embodiment 1, the heat transfer tubes 41 and
the fins 42, which form the evaporator 40, are made of
aluminum.
[0062] Thus, compared with when the evaporator 40 is copper or
iron, it is possible to lighten the evaporator 40. In addition,
compared with when the evaporator 40 is made of copper or iron, it
is possible to more effectively prevent ions of a metal nobler than
aluminum, such as copper ions, from dissolving into the condensed
water C generated at the evaporator 40. Thus, it is possible to
prevent galvanic corrosion in the condenser 50 that may occur when
the condensed water C generated at the evaporator 40 is sprinkled
onto the condenser 50 made of aluminum.
[0063] In Embodiment 1, the refrigerant pipes 60 are made of
aluminum.
[0064] Thus, compared with when the refrigerant pipes 60 are made
of copper or iron, it is possible to lighten the evaporator 40. In
addition, compared with when the refrigerant pipes 60 are made of
copper or iron, it is possible to more effectively prevent ions of
a metal nobler than aluminum, such as copper ions, from dissolving
into the condensed water C generated at the evaporator 40. Thus, it
is possible to prevent galvanic corrosion in the condenser 50 that
may occur when the condensed water C generated at the evaporator 40
is sprinkled onto the condenser 50 made of aluminum.
[0065] Moreover, when the evaporator 40, the condenser 50, and the
refrigerant pipes 60 are made of aluminum, dissimilar metal welding
is not necessary in the manufacturing of the refrigerant circuit
10, which enables manufacturability of the refrigerant circuit 10
to be improved.
[0066] It should be noted that in Embodiment 1, the condenser 50
includes the heat transfer tubes 51 arranged parallel to each other
and arranged between the first header 53 and the second header 54.
However, the configuration of the condenser in the present
disclosure is not limited to the illustrated configuration. Instead
of the heat transfer tubes 51, the condenser 50 may include, for
example, circular tubes that are circular in a cross section
perpendicular to the axis of a refrigerant path. Moreover, the fins
52 are not limited to corrugated fins and may be plate fins.
[0067] Even with such a configuration, it is possible to increase
the amount of the condensed water C to evaporate at the condenser
50.
(Variation)
[0068] In the above description, the water sprinkler 100 includes
the water pump 101, the water pipe 102, and the water-sprinkling
portion 103. However, the configuration of the water sprinkler 100
is not limited to the illustrated configuration. Any configuration
is applicable as long as the water sprinkler 100 can sprinkle the
condensed water C generated at the evaporator 40 onto the condenser
50.
[0069] FIG. 4 schematically illustrates a variation of the
configuration of the air-conditioning apparatus according to
Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure.
[0070] As illustrated in FIG. 4, an outdoor-side drain pan 120 is
disposed below the condenser 50 inside the housing 90. A water pipe
121 connects the indoor-side drain pan 110 and the outdoor-side
drain pan 120 to each other. The water pipe 121 allows the
condensed water C stored in the indoor-side drain pan 110 to flow
to the outdoor-side drain pan 120. The outdoor-side drain pan 120
stores the condensed water C generated at the evaporator 40. A
water sprinkler 130 is disposed in the outdoor-side drain pan
120.
[0071] The water sprinkler 130 is discoid, and the outer periphery
of the water sprinkler 130 has blades for retaining the condensed
water C. The water sprinkler 130 is driven by a driving unit such
as a motor and rotates, which enables the blades on the outer
periphery to splash and sprinkle the condensed water C stored in
the outdoor-side drain pan 120 to a side face of the condenser
50.
[0072] Even with such a configuration, the condensed water C
sprinkled from the water sprinkler 130 to the condenser 50 is
retained on the fins 52, which makes it possible to increase the
amount of the condensed water C to evaporate at the condenser
50.
[0073] It should be noted that the water sprinkler 130 may be
disposed upstream of the condenser 50 in the second air path 90b.
This enables the condensed water C sprinkled by the water sprinkler
130 to flow with the outdoor air B, which ensures that the
condensed water C adheres to the condenser 50.
Embodiment 2
[0074] Hereinafter, a configuration of an air-conditioning
apparatus 1 in Embodiment 2 is described, focusing on differences
from Embodiment 1. It should be noted that the same reference sign
is assigned to an element identical to that described in Embodiment
1, and explanations for common elements are omitted.
[0075] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a condenser of an
air-conditioning apparatus according to Embodiment 2 of the present
disclosure.
[0076] FIG. 6 is a top view of the condenser of the
air-conditioning apparatus according to Embodiment 2 of the present
disclosure.
[0077] As illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, a condenser 50 includes
fins 52a each disposed between heat transfer tubes 51. The fins 52a
are, for example, corrugated fins. A water sprinkler 100 sprinkles
condensed water C onto the top of a first header 53.
[0078] When the condenser 50 is viewed from above, the end portions
of each of the fins 52a protrude from the edges of the first header
53. That is, as illustrated in FIG. 6, the length of each of the
fins 52a in the x-direction is more than the length of the first
header 53 in the x-direction.
[0079] It should be noted that in the example illustrated in FIG.
6, both end portions of each of the fins 52a protrude from the
edges of the first header 53. However, the configuration of the
condenser 50 is not limited to the illustrated configuration. One
of the end portions of each of the fins 52a may protrude from the
edge of the first header 53.
[0080] As described above, in Embodiment 2, when the condenser 50
is viewed from above, the end portions of each of the fins 52
protrude from the edges of the first header 53.
[0081] This facilitates adhesion of the condensed water C to the
surfaces of the fins 52a when the condensed water C sprinkled on
the top of the first header 53 flows out from the edges of the
first header 53 and flows down along the surfaces of the fins 52a.
Thus, the condensed water C sprinkled from the water sprinkler 100
onto the condenser 50 is easily retained on the surfaces of the
fins 52a. Thus, it is possible to increase the amount of the
condensed water C to evaporate at the condenser 50.
Embodiment 3
[0082] Hereinafter, a configuration of an air-conditioning
apparatus 1 in Embodiment 3 is described, focusing on differences
from Embodiments 1 and 2. It should be noted that the same
reference sign is assigned to an element identical to that
described in Embodiments 1 and 2, and explanations for common
elements are omitted.
[0083] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a condenser of an
air-conditioning apparatus according to Embodiment 3 of the present
disclosure.
[0084] As illustrated in FIG. 7, the top of a first header 53a of a
condenser 50 is a curved surface that protrudes upward from a
horizontal plane. Specifically, regarding the protruded curved top
of the first header 53a, in the direction in which outdoor air B
flows, a center portion of the top protrudes upward, and end
portions of the top are inclined downward. With such a
configuration, condensed water C sprinkled on the top of the first
header 53a flows down along the curved surface.
[0085] It should be noted that in the example illustrated in FIG.
7, in the curved surface, both end portions of the top of the first
header 53a are inclined downward toward both edges of the top.
However, the shape of the top is not limited to the illustrated
shape. The top of the first header 53a may be a curved surface
having edges, one of which is inclined downward toward the other
edge.
[0086] As described above, in Embodiment 3, the top of the first
header 53a is a curved surface that protrudes upward from a
horizontal plane.
[0087] Thus, even when the condensed water C is sprinkled from
above the condenser 50, the condensed water C is less likely to be
retained on the top of the first header 53a. Thus, the condensed
water C sprinkled from the water sprinkler 100 onto the condenser
50 more easily reaches the fins 52. Thus, it is possible to
increase the amount of the condensed water C to evaporate at the
condenser 50.
(Variation)
[0088] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a variation of the condenser
of the air-conditioning apparatus according to Embodiment 3 of the
present disclosure.
[0089] As illustrated in FIG. 8, the top of a first header 53b of
the condenser 50 is made of slopes and inclined to a horizontal
plane. Specifically, in the direction in which the outdoor air B
flows, the top of the first header 53b is inclined downward from
the center, which is the apex of the top, toward both edges of the
top. Hence, the top is made of the slopes. With such a shape of the
top, the condensed water C sprinkled on the top of the first header
53b flows down along the slopes.
[0090] It should be noted that in the example illustrated in FIG.
8, the top of the first header 53b is inclined downward from the
center toward both edges. However, the shape of the top is not
limited to the illustrated shape. The top of the first header 53b
may be a slope, that is, a surface with one edge higher than the
other edge.
[0091] Even with such a slope, the condensed water C is less likely
to be retained on the top of the first header 53b. Thus, the
condensed water C sprinkled from the water sprinkler 100 onto the
condenser 50 more easily reaches the fins 52. Thus, it is possible
to increase the amount of the condensed water C to evaporate at the
condenser 50.
Embodiment 4
[0092] Hereinafter, a configuration of an air-conditioning
apparatus 1 in Embodiment 4 is described, focusing on differences
from Embodiments 1 to 3. It should be noted that the same reference
sign is assigned to an element identical to that described in
Embodiments 1 to 3, and explanations for common elements are
omitted.
[0093] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a condenser of an
air-conditioning apparatus according to Embodiment 4 of the present
disclosure.
[0094] FIG. 10 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the condenser
of the air-conditioning apparatus according to Embodiment 4 of the
present disclosure. It should be noted that FIG. 10 illustrates a
cross section of a condenser 50 cut along the xy-plane.
[0095] As illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10, a second header 54a of the
condenser 50 has a water-storage portion 56 that is a depression in
the top of the second header 54a. Specifically, a frame portion 55
protrudes upward from the top of the second header 54a, and the
water-storage portion 56 is formed in the inside portion surrounded
by the frame portion 55.
[0096] A water sprinkler 100 sprinkles condensed water C onto the
top of a first header 53. The condensed water C sprinkled on the
top of the first header 53 flows out from the edges of the first
header 53 and flows down along the surfaces of the heat transfer
tubes 51 and fins 52. When flowing down along the surfaces of the
heat transfer tubes 51 and the fins 52, the condensed water C is
heated by refrigerant in the heat transfer tubes 51 and evaporates
into vapor. When a portion of the condensed water C reaches the
second header 54a without evaporating, the condensed water C is
stored in the water-storage portion 56 formed in the top of the
second header 54a. The condensed water C stored in the
water-storage portion 56 is heated by refrigerant in the second
header 54a and evaporates into vapor. The vapor, together with the
outdoor air B, passes through a second air path 90b and flows to
outside a room through an outdoor air outlet 94.
[0097] As described above, in Embodiment 4, the second header 54a
has the water-storage portion 56, which is a depression in the top
of the second header 54a.
[0098] Thus, even when a portion of the condensed water C reaches
the second header 54a without evaporating, it is possible to
prevent the condensed water C from flowing out from and below the
condenser 50. Moreover, the condensed water C stored in the
water-storage portion 56 is heated by the refrigerant in the second
header 54a to accelerate evaporation of the condensed water C.
Thus, it is possible to increase the amount of the condensed water
C to evaporate at the condenser 50.
[0099] Furthermore, it is not necessary to provide a drain pan that
is a separate component from the condenser 50 to store the
condensed water C that flows out from and below the condenser 50.
Thus, it is possible to reduce the number of components.
Embodiment 5
[0100] Hereinafter, a configuration of an air-conditioning
apparatus 1 in Embodiment 5 is described, focusing on differences
from Embodiments 1 to 4. It should be noted that the same reference
sign is assigned to an element identical to that described in
Embodiments 1 to 4, and explanations for common elements are
omitted.
[0101] FIG. 11 schematically illustrates a configuration of an
air-conditioning apparatus according to Embodiment 5 of the present
disclosure.
[0102] As illustrated in FIG. 11, the air-conditioning apparatus 1
includes an ion-exchange resin 140. The ion-exchange resin 140 is
configured to remove a metal that is nobler than aluminum and is
contained in condensed water C generated at an evaporator 40. In an
equilibrium reaction caused by ion exchange, the ion-exchange resin
140 exchanges a pre-absorbed ion for a target substance to absorb
the target substance. For instance, as the target substance, the
ion-exchange resin 140 absorbs copper ions contained in the
condensed water C and removes the copper ions from the condensed
water C.
[0103] The ion-exchange resin 140 is disposed inside a water pipe
102. The ion-exchange resin 140 removes a metal nobler than
aluminum from the condensed water C that passes through the water
pipe 102. It should be noted that the position of the ion-exchange
resin 140 is not limited to the illustrated position, and the
ion-exchange resin 140 may be disposed in an indoor-side drain pan
110, a water pump 101, or a water-sprinkling portion 103.
[0104] As described above, in Embodiment 5, the air-conditioning
apparatus 1 includes the ion-exchange resin 140 for removing a
metal that is nobler than aluminum and is contained in the
condensed water C generated at the evaporator 40.
[0105] Thus, before the condensed water C is sprinkled on a
condenser 50, the ion-exchange resin 140 can remove ions of a metal
nobler than aluminum, which makes it possible to decrease the
amount of ions of the metal, which is nobler than aluminum,
contained in the condensed water C. Accordingly, even when heat
transfer tubes 41 and fins 42 of the condenser 50 are made of
aluminum, it is possible to prevent galvanic corrosion in the
condenser 50.
(Variation)
[0106] The configuration of the water sprinkler 100 is not limited
to the configuration illustrated in FIG. 11. Any configuration is
applicable as long as the water sprinkler 100 can sprinkle the
condensed water C generated at the evaporator 40 onto the condenser
50. Moreover, changes can be made to the ion-exchange resin 140 as
long as the ion-exchange resin 140 can remove a metal that is
nobler than aluminum and is contained in the condensed water C,
before the water sprinkler 100 sprinkles the condensed water C on
the condenser 50.
[0107] FIG. 12 schematically illustrates a variation of the
configuration of the air-conditioning apparatus according to
Embodiment 5 of the present disclosure.
[0108] In the air-conditioning apparatus 1 in the variation, the
ion-exchange resin 140 is added to the variation (FIG. 4) of the
configuration of the air-conditioning apparatus 1 described in
Embodiment 1.
[0109] As illustrated in FIG. 12, the ion-exchange resin 140 is
disposed in an outdoor-side drain pan 120. The ion-exchange resin
140 removes a metal nobler than aluminum from the condensed water C
stored in the outdoor-side drain pan 120. It should be noted that
the position of the ion-exchange resin 140 is not limited to the
illustrated position, and the ion-exchange resin 140 may be
disposed in the indoor-side drain pan 110, a water pipe 121, or a
water sprinkler 130.
[0110] Even with such a configuration, it is possible to decrease
the amount of ions of the metal, which is nobler than aluminum,
contained in the condensed water C. Accordingly, even when the heat
transfer tubes 41 and the fins 42 of the condenser 50 are made of
aluminum, it is possible to prevent galvanic corrosion in the
condenser 50.
[0111] It should be noted that in Embodiments 1 to 5, the condenser
50 includes the first header 53 and the second header 54. However,
the configuration of the condenser in the present disclosure is not
limited to the illustrated configuration. The condenser 50 may be,
for example, a serpentine heat exchanger made by bending a heat
transfer tube into a serpentine tube.
[0112] It should be noted that in Embodiments 1 to 5, the
air-conditioning apparatus 1 that performs a cooling operation to
cool the indoor air A is described. However, the operation of the
air-conditioning apparatus in the present disclosure is not limited
to the cooling operation. By causing the evaporator 40 to cool the
indoor air A, the air-conditioning apparatus 1 may perform a
dehumidifying operation to remove moisture contained in the indoor
air A.
REFERENCE SIGNS LIST
[0113] 1 air-conditioning apparatus 10 refrigerant circuit 20
compressor 30 expansion valve 40 evaporator 41 heat transfer tube
42 fin 50 condenser heat transfer tube 51-1 first heat transfer
tube 51-2 second heat transfer tube 52 fin 52a fin 53 first header
53a first header 53b first header 54 second header 54a second
header 55 frame portion 56 water-storage portion refrigerant pipe
70 indoor-air-sending device 80 outdoor-air-sending device 90
housing 90a first air path 90b second air path 91 indoor air inlet
92 indoor air outlet 93 outdoor air inlet 94 outdoor air outlet 95
separation plate 100 water sprinkler 101 water pump 102 water pipe
103 water-sprinkling portion 110 indoor-side drain pan 120
outdoor-side drain pan 121 water pipe 130 water sprinkler 140
ion-exchange resin A indoor air B outdoor air C condensed water
* * * * *