U.S. patent application number 17/143310 was filed with the patent office on 2021-07-29 for air conditioning apparatus.
The applicant listed for this patent is LG ELECTRONICS INC.. Invention is credited to Kakjoong KIM, Yongcheol SA, IIyoong SHIN, Chiwoo SONG.
Application Number | 20210231317 17/143310 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005343905 |
Filed Date | 2021-07-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210231317 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
KIM; Kakjoong ; et
al. |
July 29, 2021 |
AIR CONDITIONING APPARATUS
Abstract
An air conditioning apparatus may include an outdoor unit
through which a first fluid, such as refrigerant circulates, an
indoor unit through which a second fluid, such as water circulates,
a heat exchange device which is configured to connect the outdoor
unit to the indoor unit and in which the first fluid and the second
fluid are heat-exchanged with each other, a first inner tube which
is configured to connect the outdoor unit to the heat exchange
device and through which the first fluid at high-pressure flows, a
second inner tube which is configured to connect the outdoor unit
to the heat exchange device and through which the first fluid at
low-pressure flows, and a third inner tube which is configured to
connect the outdoor unit to the heat exchange device and through
which the first fluid in liquid form flows. The heat exchange
device may include a bypass tube configured to bypass the second
inner tube and a flow control valve provided in the bypass
tube.
Inventors: |
KIM; Kakjoong; (Seoul,
KR) ; SONG; Chiwoo; (Seoul, KR) ; SHIN;
IIyoong; (Seoul, KR) ; SA; Yongcheol; (Seoul,
KR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
LG ELECTRONICS INC. |
Seoul |
|
KR |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005343905 |
Appl. No.: |
17/143310 |
Filed: |
January 7, 2021 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F25B 13/00 20130101;
F25B 2313/02732 20130101; F25B 2313/02741 20130101; F25B 25/005
20130101; F24F 3/065 20130101; F25B 2313/007 20130101; F25B
2313/0231 20130101; F25B 2313/006 20130101; F25B 2313/0272
20130101 |
International
Class: |
F24F 3/06 20060101
F24F003/06; F25B 25/00 20060101 F25B025/00; F25B 13/00 20060101
F25B013/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jan 28, 2020 |
KR |
10-2020-0010087 |
Claims
1. An air conditioning apparatus, comprising: an outdoor unit
through which a first fluid circulates; an indoor unit through
which a second fluid circulates; a heat exchange device which is
configured to connect the outdoor unit to the indoor unit and in
which the first fluid and the second fluid are heat-exchanged with
each other; a first inner tube which is configured to connect the
outdoor unit to the heat exchange device and through which the
first fluid at high pressure flows; a second inner tube which is
configured to connect the outdoor unit to the heat exchange device
and through which the first fluid at low pressure flows; and a
third inner tube which is configured to connect the outdoor unit to
the heat exchange device and through which first fluid in liquid
form flows, wherein the heat exchange device comprises: a bypass
tube configured to bypass the second inner tube; and a flow control
valve provided in the bypass tube.
2. The air conditioning apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the
heat exchange device comprises: a branch portion at a first end of
which the bypass tube is connected to the second inner tube; and a
combination portion at a second end of which the bypass tube is
connected to the second inner tube.
3. The air conditioning apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the
heat exchange device further comprises a valve provided between the
branch portion and the combination portion.
4. The air conditioning apparatus according to claim 3, wherein a
pressure sensor is provided in the second inner tube.
5. The air conditioning apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the
pressure sensor is configured to measure a pressure of the first
fluid before the first fluid is branched at the branch portion.
6. The air conditioning apparatus according to claim 4, wherein,
when a heating-based simultaneous operation is performed, the valve
is closed.
7. The air conditioning apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the
flow control valve adjusts an opening degree so that a pressure
measured by the pressure sensor belongs to a pressure section
ranging from a first pressure (P1) to a second pressure (P2).
8. The air conditioning apparatus according to claim 7, wherein,
when the pressure measured by the pressure sensor is less than the
first pressure (P1), the opening degree of the flow control valve
is decreased, and when the pressure measured by the pressure sensor
exceeds the second pressure (P2), the opening degree of the flow
control valve is increased.
9. The air conditioning apparatus according to claim 8, wherein an
evaporation temperature of the second inner tube depending on the
first pressure (P1) exceeds 0.degree. C.
10. The air conditioning apparatus according to claim 3, wherein,
when a heating operation is performed, the flow control valve is
opened to a maximum opening degree.
11. The air conditioning apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
the heat exchange device comprises: a first heat exchanger and a
second heat exchanger; a first branch tube and a second branch
tube, which are branched from the first inner tube; and a third
branch tube and a fourth branch tube, which are branched from the
second inner tube.
12. The air conditioning apparatus according to claim 11, further
comprising: a first valve provided in each of the first branch tube
and the second branch tube; and a second tube provided in each of
the third branch tube and the fourth branch tube.
13. The air conditioning apparatus according to claim 1, further
comprising: a first tube and a second tube, which are branched from
the third inner tube; a first expansion valve provided in the first
tube; and a second expansion valve provided in the second tube.
14. The air conditioning apparatus according to claim 1, further
comprising: a first common tube to which the first branch tube and
the third branch tube are connected; a fifth branch tube configured
to connect the second branch tube to a second common tube; a first
bypass valve provided in the fifth branch tube; the second common
tube to which a third branch tube and a fourth branch tube are
connected; a sixth branch tube configured to connect the fourth
branch tube to the second common tube; and a second bypass valve
provided in the sixth branch tube.
15. The air conditioning apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
each of the heat exchangers comprises: a first fluid passage
through which the first fluid flows; and a second fluid passage
through which the second fluid to be heat-exchanged with the first
fluid within the first fluid passage flows, wherein the second
fluid flowing through the second fluid passage flows to the indoor
unit.
16. An air conditioning apparatus, comprising: an outdoor unit
through which a first fluid circulates; a plurality of indoor units
through which a second fluid circulates; a heat exchange device
which is configured to connect the outdoor unit to the plurality of
indoor units and in which the first fluid and the second fluid are
heat-exchanged with each other; a first inner tube which is
configured to connect the outdoor unit to the heat exchange device
and through which the first fluid at high pressure flows; a second
inner tube which is configured to connect the outdoor unit to the
heat exchange device and through which the first fluid at low
pressure flows; and a third inner tube which is configured to
connect the outdoor unit to the heat exchange device and through
which first fluid in liquid form flows, wherein the heat exchange
device comprises: a bypass tube configured to bypass the second
inner tube; and a flow control valve provided in the bypass tube,
wherein the heat exchange device comprises: a branch portion at a
first end of which the bypass tube is connected to the second inner
tube; and a combination portion at a second end of which the bypass
tube is connected to the second inner tube, wherein the heat
exchange device further comprises a valve provided between the
branch portion and the combination portion.
17. The air conditioning apparatus according to claim 16, wherein a
pressure sensor is provided in the second inner tube.
18. The air conditioning apparatus according to claim 17, wherein
the pressure sensor is configured to measure a pressure of the
first fluid before the first fluid is branched at the branch
portion.
19. The air conditioning apparatus according to claim 18, wherein
the flow control valve adjusts an opening degree so that a pressure
measured by the pressure sensor belongs to a pressure section
ranging from a first pressure (P1) to a second pressure (P2).
20. The air conditioning apparatus according to claim 19, wherein
when the pressure measured by the pressure sensor is less than the
first pressure (P1), the opening degree of the flow control valve
is decreased, and when the pressure measured by the pressure sensor
exceeds the second pressure (P2), the opening degree of the flow
control valve is increased.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)
[0001] This application is based on and claims the benefit of
priority to Korean Patent Applications No. 10-2020-0010087, filed
in Korea on Jan. 28, 2020, in the Korean Intellectual Property
Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its
entirety by reference.
BACKGROUND
1. Field
[0002] An air conditioning apparatus is disclosed herein.
2. Background
[0003] Air conditioning apparatuses are apparatuses that maintain
air within a predetermined space in a most proper state according
to a use and purpose thereof. In general, such an air conditioning
apparatus includes a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device,
and evaporator. Thus, the air conditioning apparatus has a
refrigerant cycle in which compression, condensation, expansion,
and evaporation processes of a refrigerant are performed to cool or
heat a predetermined space.
[0004] The predetermined space may be variously provided according
to a place in which the air conditioning apparatus is used. For
example, the air conditioning apparatus may be used in a home or an
office.
[0005] When the air conditioning apparatus performs a cooling
operation, an outdoor heat exchanger provided in an outdoor unit
may serve as a condenser, and an indoor heat exchanger provided in
an indoor unit may serve as an evaporator. On the other hand, when
the air conditioning apparatus performs a heating operation, the
indoor heat exchanger may serve as the condenser, and the outdoor
heat exchanger may serve as the evaporator.
[0006] In recent years, according to environmental regulations,
there is a tendency to limit a type of refrigerant used in an air
conditioning apparatus and to reduce an amount of used refrigerant.
To reduce an amount of refrigerant to be used, a technique for
performing cooling or heating by performing heat-exchange between a
refrigerant and a predetermined fluid has been proposed. For
example, the predetermined fluid may include water.
[0007] Japanese Patent Registration No. 5279919 (hereinafter
"related art document"), which is entitled "Air Conditioning
Apparatus", and which is hereby incorporated by reference,
discloses a system for performing cooling or heating through heat
exchanger between a refrigerant and water. According to the related
art document, the air conditioning apparatus includes an outdoor
unit, a heat medium converter, and an indoor unit. The heat medium
converter includes a heat exchanger, a fastening device disposed at
an upstream side of the heat exchanger, and a refrigerant passage
changing device disposed at a downstream side of the heat
exchanger. The refrigerant passage changing device is connected to
a refrigerant tube through which a refrigerant in a low-temperature
state flows during a cooling operation.
[0008] However, according to such related art document, there is a
risk that a plate-type heat exchanger may be frozen when an
electronic expansion valve (EEV) of a non-operating plate heat
exchanger leaks because a flow switching unit is always connected
to the low-pressure gas tube. Also, one plate type heat exchanger
acts as an evaporator, and the other plate heat exchanger acts as a
condenser. A heating-based simultaneous operation in which a
plurality of indoor units performs a heating operation is
performed, an evaporation temperature of the plate type heat
exchanger acing as the evaporator becomes below zero, and thus,
there is a risk of freezing and breaking.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] Embodiments will be described in detail with reference to
the following drawings in which like reference numerals refer to
like elements, and wherein:
[0010] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an air conditioning apparatus
according to an embodiment;
[0011] FIG. 2 is a cycle diagram of the air conditioning apparatus
according to an embodiment;
[0012] FIG. 3 is a cycle diagram illustrating flows of a first
fluid, such as refrigerant and a second fluid, such as water in the
heat exchange device during a heating operation of the air
conditioning apparatus according to an embodiment;
[0013] FIG. 4 is a cycle diagram illustrating flows of a first
fluid, such as refrigerant and a second fluid, such as water in the
heat exchange device during a heating-based simultaneous operation
of the air conditioning apparatus according to an embodiment;
[0014] FIG. 5 is a cycle diagram illustrating flows of a first
fluid, such as refrigerant and a second fluid, such as water in the
heat exchange device during a cooling operation of the air
conditioning apparatus according to an embodiment;
[0015] FIG. 6 is a cycle diagram illustrating flows of a first
fluid, such as refrigerant and a second fluid, such as water in the
heat exchange device during a cooling-based simultaneous operation
of the air conditioning apparatus according to an embodiment;
and
[0016] FIG. 7 is a graph illustrating a set section of a pressure
sensor value of an air conditioning apparatus according to an
embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0017] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to
the accompanying drawings. Exemplary embodiments will be described
below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It is noted that
the same or similar components in the drawings are designated by
the same reference numerals as far as possible even if they are
shown in different drawings. Further, in description of
embodiments, when it is determined that detailed descriptions of
well-known configurations or functions disturb understanding of the
embodiments, the detailed descriptions will be omitted.
[0018] Also, in the description of the embodiments, the terms such
as first, second, A, B, (a) and (b) may be used. Each of the terms
is merely used to distinguish the corresponding component from
other components, and does not delimit an essence, an order or a
sequence of the corresponding component. It should be understood
that when one component is "connected", "coupled" or "joined" to
another component, the former may be directly connected or jointed
to the latter or may be "connected", coupled" or "joined" to the
latter with a third component interposed therebetween.
[0019] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an air conditioning apparatus
according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a cycle diagram illustrating
the air conditioning apparatus according to an embodiment.
[0020] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, an air conditioning apparatus 1
according to an embodiment may be connected to an outdoor unit 200,
an indoor unit 50, and a heat exchange device 100 connected to the
outdoor unit 200 and the indoor unit 50. The outdoor unit 200 and
the heat exchange device 100 may be fluidly connected by a first
fluid. For example, the first fluid may include a refrigerant. The
refrigerant may flow through a refrigerant-side passage of a heat
exchanger, which is provided in the heat exchange device 100, and
the outdoor unit 200.
[0021] The outdoor unit 200 may include a plurality of compressors
240 and 242 and oil separators 241 and 243, which may be disposed
at outlet-sides of the plurality of compressors 240 and 242 to
separate oil from the refrigerant discharged from the plurality of
compressors 240 and 242.
[0022] The plurality of compressors 240 and 242 may include first
compressor 240 and second compressor 242, which may be connected in
parallel to each other. Also, the oil separators 241 and 243 may
include first oil separator 241 disposed at an outlet-side of the
first compressor 240 and second oil separator 243 disposed at an
outlet-side of the second compressor 242.
[0023] The outdoor unit 200 may include a collection passage 245
that collects the oil from the oil separators 241 and 243 into the
compressors 240 and 242. That is, the oil collection passage 245
may extend from the first oil separator 241 to the first compressor
240 and from the second oil separator 243 to the second compressor
242.
[0024] Flow switching portions 260 and 262 that guide the
refrigerant discharged from the compressors 240 and 242 to the
outdoor heat exchange device 200 or the indoor unit may be provided
at outlet-sides of the oil separators 241 and 243. For example, the
flow switching portions 260 and 262 may include first flow
switching portion 260 and second flow switching portion 262. The
flow switching portions 260 and 262 may be, for example, three-way
valves.
[0025] When the air conditioning apparatus operates in a cooling
mode, the refrigerant may be introduced from the flow switching
portion 262 into the outdoor heat exchanger 210. On the other hand,
when the air conditioning apparatus performs a heating operation,
the refrigerant may be introduced from the flow switching portion
262 toward the indoor heat exchanger 300 of the indoor unit.
[0026] Also, the outdoor unit 200 may be provided with a gas-liquid
separator 250 connected to inlet-sides of the plurality of
compressors 240 and 242. The gas/liquid separator 250 may be
configured to separate gaseous refrigerant from the refrigerant
before the refrigerant is introduced into the compressors 240 and
242. The separated gaseous refrigerant may be introduced into the
compressors 240 and 242.
[0027] When the air conditioning apparatus performs the cooling
operation, the refrigerant passing through an outdoor heat exchange
device 210 may be introduced into a third outdoor unit connection
tube 27. The outdoor heat exchange device 210 may include a
plurality of heat exchange portions (heat exchangers) 211 and 212
and an outdoor fan 218. The plurality of heat exchange portions 211
and 212 may include first heat exchange portion (heat exchanger)
211 and second heat exchange portion (heat exchanger) 212 which may
be connected in parallel to each other.
[0028] Also, the outdoor heat exchange device 210 may include a
variable passage 220 that guides a flow of the refrigerant from an
outlet-side of the first heat exchange portion 212 to an inlet-side
of the second heat exchange portion 212. The variable passage 220
may extend from a first outlet tube 230 which is an outlet-side
tube of the first heat exchange portion 212 to an inlet tube 212a
which is an inlet-side tube of the second heat exchange portion
212.
[0029] A first valve 222 that selectively blocks a flow of the
refrigerant flowing toward the variable passage 220 may be provided
in the outdoor heat exchange device 210. The refrigerant passing
through the first heat exchange portion 211 may be selectively
introduced into the second heat exchange portion 212 according to
whether the first valve 222 is turned on or off.
[0030] When the first valve 222 is turned on or opened, the
refrigerant passing through the first heat exchange portion 211
flows into the inlet tube 212a via the variable passage 220 and
then is heat-exchanged in the second heat exchange portion 212.
Also, the refrigerant passing through the second heat exchange
portion 212 may be introduced into the third outdoor unit
connection tube 27 through a second outlet tube 231. On the other
hand, when the first valve 222 is turned off or closed, the
refrigerant passing through the first heat exchange portion 211 may
be introduced into the third outdoor unit connection tube 27
through the first outlet tube 230.
[0031] A second valve 232 that adjusts a flow of the refrigerant
may be disposed in the first outlet tube 230, and a third valve 233
that adjusts a flow of the refrigerant may be disposed in the
second outlet tube 231. The second valve 232 and the third valve
233 may be connected to each other in parallel.
[0032] When the second valve 232 is opened or increases in opening
degree, an amount of refrigerant flowing through the first outlet
tube 230 may increase. Also, when the third valve 233 is opened or
increases in opening degree, an amount of refrigerant flowing
through the second outlet tube 231 may increase.
[0033] Each of the second valve 232 and the third valve 233 may
include an electronic expansion valve (EEV). The EEV may adjust a
degree of opening thereof to allow a pressure of the refrigerant
passing through the expansion valve to decrease. For example, when
the expansion valve is fully opened, the refrigerant may pass
through the expansion valve without decreasing, and when the degree
of opening of the expansion valve decreases, the refrigerant may be
decompressed. A degree of decompression of the refrigerant may
increase as the degree of opening decreases.
[0034] The first outlet tube 230 and the second outlet tube 231 may
be combined with each other and connected to the third outdoor unit
connection tube 27.
[0035] The air conditioning apparatus 1 may further include outdoor
unit connection tubes 21, 25, and 27 that connect the outdoor unit
200 to the heat exchange device 100. The outdoor unit connection
tubes 21, 25, and 27 may include first outdoor unit connection tube
21 as a gas tube (a high-pressure gas tube) through which a
high-pressure gas refrigerant may flow, second outdoor unit
connection tube 25 as a gas tube (a low-pressure gas tube) through
which a low-pressure gas refrigerant may flow, and third outdoor
unit connection tube 27 as a liquid tube through which a liquid
refrigerant may flow. That is, the outdoor unit 200 and the heat
exchange device 100 may have a "three tube connection structure",
and the refrigerant may circulate through the outdoor unit 200 and
the heat exchange device 100 by the three connection tubes 21, 25,
and 27.
[0036] Also, the heat exchange device 100 may be provided with
three inner tubes 11, 15, and 17 and be connected to the three
outdoor unit connection tubes 21, 25, and 27, and the three inner
tubes 11, 15, and 17 may be connected to the heat exchange device
100.
[0037] The heat exchange device 100 and the indoor unit 50 may be
fluidly connected by a second fluid. For example, the second fluid
may include water. The water may flow through a fluid passage of a
heat exchanger, which is provided in the heat exchange device 100,
and the outdoor unit 200.
[0038] The heat exchange device 100 may include a plurality of heat
exchangers 140 and 141. Each of the heat exchangers 140 and 141 may
include, for example, a plate heat exchanger.
[0039] The indoor unit 50 may include a plurality of indoor units
60 and 70. In this embodiment, the number of plurality of indoor
units 60 and 70 is not limited. In FIG. 1, for example, two indoor
units 60 and 70 are connected to the heat exchange device 100. The
plurality of indoor units 60 and 70 may include first indoor unit
60 and second indoor unit 70.
[0040] The air conditioning apparatus 1 may further include tubes
30 and 35 that connect the heat exchange device 100 to the indoor
unit 50. The tubes 30 and 35 may include first indoor unit
connection tube 30 and second indoor unit connection tube 35, which
connect the heat exchange device 100 to each of indoor units 60 and
70.
[0041] The water may circulate through the heat exchange device 100
and the indoor unit 50 via the indoor unit connection tubes 30 and
50. As the number of indoor units increases, the number of tubes
connecting the heat exchange device 100a to the indoor units may
also increase.
[0042] According to the above-described configuration, the
refrigerant circulating through the outdoor unit 200 and the heat
exchange device 100 and the water circulating through the heat
exchange device 100 and the indoor unit 50 are heat-exchanged with
each other through the heat exchangers 140 and 141 provided in the
heat exchange device 100. The water cooled or heated through heat
exchange may be heat-exchanged with the indoor heat exchangers 61
and 71 to perform cooling or heating in the indoor space.
[0043] The plurality of heat exchangers 140 and 141 may be provided
in the same number as the number of plurality of indoor units 60
and 70. Alternatively, two or more indoor units may be connected to
one heat exchanger.
[0044] Hereinafter, the heat exchange device 100 will be
described.
[0045] The heat exchange device 100 may include first heat
exchanger 140 and second heat exchanger 141, which may be fluidly
connected to indoor units 60 and 70, respectively. The first heat
exchanger 140 and the second heat exchanger 141 may have a same
structure.
[0046] Each of the heat exchangers 140 and 141 may include a plate
heat exchanger, for example, and a first fluid passage and a second
fluid passage may be alternately stacked. That is, the heat
exchangers 140 and 141 may include first fluid passages 140a and
141a and second fluid passages 140b and 141b, respectively.
[0047] The first fluid passages 140a and 141a may be fluidly
connected to the outdoor unit 200, and the refrigerant discharged
from the outdoor unit 200 may be introduced into the first fluid
passages 140a and 141a, and then the refrigerant passing through
the first fluid passages 140a and 141a may be introduced into the
outdoor unit 200. The second fluid passages 140b and 141b may be
connected to each of the indoor units 60 and 70, and fluid, such as
water discharged from each of the indoor units 60 and 70 may be
introduced into the second fluid passages 140b and 141b, and then
the fluid passing through the second fluid passages 140b and 141b
may be introduced into each of the indoor units 60 and 70.
[0048] The heat exchange device 100 may include a first branch tube
101 and a second branch tube 102, which may be branched from the
first inner tube 11. However, the number of branch tubes branched
from the first inner tube 11 is not limited.
[0049] A high-pressure refrigerant may, for example, flow through
the first branch tube 101 and the second branch tube 102.
Therefore, the first branch tube 101 and the second branch tube 102
may be referred to as "high-pressure tubes". The first branch tubes
101 and the second branch tubes 102 may be provided with first
valves 103 and 104, respectively.
[0050] The heat exchange device 100 may include a third branch tube
105 and a fourth branch tube 106, which are branched from the
second inner tube 15. However, the number of branch tubes branched
from the second inner tube 15 is not limited. A low-pressure
refrigerant may flow, for example, through the third branch tube
105 and the fourth branch tube 106. Therefore, the third branch
tube 105 and the fourth branch tube 106 may be referred to as, for
example, "low-pressure tubes". The third branch tube 105 and the
fourth branch tube 106 may be provided with second valves 107 and
108, respectively.
[0051] A flow control valve 161 may be further included in the
second inner tube 15. For example, a valve 163 may be provided in
the second inner tube 15, and the flow control valve 161 may be
provided in parallel with the valve 163. The valve 163 may be a
solenoid valve.
[0052] The flow control valve 161 may be provided in the bypass
tube 162 branched from the second inner tube 15, and the valve 163
may be provided between the branch portion 162a, which is an
inlet-side and a combination portion 162b which is an outlet-side
of the branch portion 162a. For example, the bypass tube 162 may be
connected to the second inner tube 15 at the branch portion 162a
and the combination portion 162b, and at least a portion of the
refrigerant flowing through the second inner tube 15 may flow to
the bypass tube 162.
[0053] An evaporation pressure of the second inner tube 15 may be
controlled by adjusting an amount of refrigerant flowing through
the second inner tube 15 through the flow control valve 161. Also,
the second inner tube 15 may further include a pressure sensor 164
that measures a pressure of the second inner tube 15.
[0054] For example, the pressure sensor 164 may be provided at the
outlet-side of the second inner tube 15. That is, the pressure
sensor 164 may be provided between the branch tubes 105 and 106 of
the second inner tube 15 and the flow control valve 161.
[0055] The heat exchange apparatus 100 may include a first common
gas tube 111 to which the first branch tube 101 and the third
branch tube 105 may be connected and a second common gas tube 112
to which the second branch tube 102 and the fourth branch tube may
be connected.
[0056] The first common gas tube 111 may be connected to one or a
first end of the first fluid passage 140a of each of the heat
exchangers 140 and 141. First and second tubes 121 and 122 may be
connected to the other or a second end of the refrigerant passage
of each of the heat exchangers 140 and 141.
[0057] The first tube 121 may be connected to the first heat
exchanger 140, and the second tube 122 may be connected to the
second heat exchanger 141. A first expansion valve 123 may be
provided in the first refrigerant tube 121, and a second expansion
valve 124 may be provided in the second refrigerant tube 122. The
first refrigerant tube 121 and the second refrigerant tube 122 may
be connected to the third inner tube 17.
[0058] Each of the expansion valves 123 and 124 may include, for
example, an electronic expansion valve (EEV). The EEV may adjust a
degree of opening thereof to allow a pressure of the refrigerant
passing through the expansion valve to decrease. For example, when
the expansion valve is fully opened, the refrigerant may pass
through the expansion valve without decreasing, and when the degree
of opening of the expansion valve decreases, the refrigerant may be
decompressed. A degree of decompression of the refrigerant may
increase as the degree of opening decreases.
[0059] The heat exchange device 100 may further include a fifth
branch tube 113 that connects the third branch tube 105 to the
first common gas tube 111. The fifth branch tube 113 allows the
refrigerant to bypass the second valve 107 of the third branch tube
105. A first control valve 114 may be provided in the fifth branch
tube 113.
[0060] The heat exchange device 100 may further include a sixth
branch tube 115 that connects the fourth branch tube 106 to the
second common gas tube 112. The sixth branch tube 115 allows the
refrigerant to bypass the second valve 108 of the fourth branch
tube 106. A second control valve 116 may be provided in the sixth
control valve 116.
[0061] The first and second control valves 114 and 116 are valves
capable of adjusting a flow rate of the refrigerant. That is, the
control valve 114, 116 may be an electronic expansion valve capable
of adjusting an opening degree.
[0062] The indoor unit connection tubes 30 and 35 may include heat
exchanger inlet tubes 31 and 36 and heat exchanger outlet tubes 32
and 37. Each of the heat exchanger inlet tubes 31 and 36 may be
provided with pumps 151 and 152, respectively.
[0063] Each of the heat exchanger inlet tubes 31 and 36 and each of
the heat exchanger outlet tubes 32 and 37 may be connected to the
indoor heat exchangers 61 and 71, respectively. The heat exchanger
inlet tubes 31 and 36 may serve as indoor unit inlet tubes with
respect to the indoor heat exchangers 61 and 71, and the heat
exchanger outlet tubes 32 and 37 may serve as the indoor heat
exchangers 61 and 71 with respect to the indoor heat exchangers 61
and 71.
[0064] FIG. 3 is a cycle diagram illustrating flows of a first
fluid, such as refrigerant and a second fluid, such as water in a
heat exchange device during a heating operation of the air
conditioning apparatus according to an embodiment. Referring to
FIG. 3, when the air conditioning apparatus 1 performs the heating
operation, high-pressure gas refrigerant compressed by compressors
240 and 242 of outdoor unit 200 may flow to first outdoor unit
connection tube 21 and first inner tube 11 and then be branched
into first branch tube 101 and second branch tube 102.
[0065] When the air conditioning apparatus 1 perform the heating
operation, first valves 103 and 104 of first and second branch
tubes 101 and 102 are opened, and second valves 107 and 108 of
third and fourth branch tubes 105 and 106 are closed. Also, first
and second bypass valves 114 and 116 may be closed.
[0066] The refrigerant branched into the first branch tube 101
flows along first common gas tube 111 and then flows into the first
fluid passage 140a of first heat exchanger 140. The refrigerant
branched into the second branch tube 102 flows along second common
gas tube 112 and then flows into the first fluid passage 141a of
second heat exchanger 141.
[0067] In this embodiment, when the air conditioning apparatus 1
performs the heating operation, each of the heat exchangers 140 and
141 may serve as a condenser. When the air conditioning apparatus 1
performs the heating operation, the first expansion valve 123 and
the second expansion valve 124 are opened.
[0068] The refrigerant passing through the first fluid passages
140a and 141a of the heat exchangers 140 and 141 flows to third
inner tube 17 after passing through each of expansion valves 123
and 124.
[0069] The refrigerant discharged into the third inner tube 17 may
be introduced into the outdoor unit 200 and then be introduced into
the compressors 240 and 242. For example, the refrigerant passing
through third outdoor unit connection tube 27 may flow to the
outdoor heat exchange device 210.
[0070] The refrigerant passing through the outdoor heat exchange
device 210 to perform heat exchange may pass through second flow
switching portion 262 to flow into the plurality of compressors 240
and 242. The high-pressure refrigerant compressed by the plurality
of compressor 240 and 242 flows again to heat exchange device 100
through the first outdoor unit connection tube 21.
[0071] The second fluid, such as water flowing through the second
fluid passages of each of the heat exchangers 140 and 141 may be
heated by heat-exchange with the first fluid, such as refrigerant,
and the heated fluid may be supplied to each of indoor heat
exchangers 61 and 71 to perform the heating.
[0072] While each of the heat exchangers 140 and 141 performs the
heating operation, valve 163 may be opened, and flow control valve
161 may be opened while maximizing an opening degree. That is, an
amount of refrigerant flowing to the second inner tube 15 may be
maximized.
[0073] FIG. 4 is a cycle diagram illustrating flows of a first
fluid, such as refrigerant and a second fluid, such as water in the
heat exchange device during a heating-based simultaneous operation
of the air conditioning apparatus according to an embodiment.
[0074] The heating-based simultaneous operation of the air
conditioning apparatus means a case in which the plurality of
indoor units operates for heating. One of the heat exchangers 140
and 141 may perform heat exchange for heating, and the other may
perform heat exchange for cooling.
[0075] For example, as described above, in the operation of the
first heat exchanger 140, the first valve 103 of the first branch
tube 101 is opened, the second valve of the third branch tube 105
is closed, and the first expansion valve 123 is opened so that the
refrigerant flows as in the heating operation. However, the first
valve 104 of the second branch tube 102 is closed, and the second
valve 106 of the fourth branch tube 106 and the second expansion
valve 124 are opened. Also, the bypass valves 114 and 116 are
closed.
[0076] That is, the refrigerant branched from the third inner tube
17 and distributed to the second tube 122 may be reduced to
low-pressure refrigerant while passing through the second expansion
valve 124.
[0077] The decompressed refrigerant is evaporated through heat
exchange with the second fluid along the first fluid passage of the
second heat exchanger 141 and then flows to the second common gas
tube 122. The refrigerant flowing to the second common gas tube 122
passes through the fourth branch tube 106 to flow into the second
inner tube 15. The refrigerant flowing to the outdoor unit 200 may
also flow in the same manner as when the air conditioning apparatus
1 performs the heating operation.
[0078] When the air conditioning apparatus 1 performs the
heating-based simultaneous operation, an evaporation temperature of
the heat exchanger that performs the heat exchange for the cooling
may decrease below zero or less, and thus, there is a risk of
freezing and breaking. Thus, it is possible to increase in
evaporation pressure of the second inner tube 17 by applying a
pressure loss through the flow control valve 161 provided in the
second inner tube 17.
[0079] That is, when the air conditioner 1 operate the
heating-based simultaneous operation, the valve 163 may be closed,
and only the flow control valve 161 may be opened to adjust an
amount of refrigerant flowing through the second inner tube 17. For
example, the amount of refrigerant may be adjusted so that the
evaporation temperature according to a pressure measured by the
pressure sensor 164 exceeds 0.degree. C.
[0080] FIG. 5 is a cycle diagram illustrating flows of a first
fluid, such as refrigerant and a second fluid, such as water in the
heat exchange device during a cooling operation of the air
conditioning apparatus according to an embodiment. FIG. 6 is a
cycle diagram illustrating flows of a first fluid, such as
refrigerant and a second fluid, such as water in the heat exchange
device during a cooling-based simultaneous operation of the air
conditioning apparatus according to an embodiment.
[0081] Referring to FIG. 5, when the air conditioning apparatus 1
performs the cooling operation, high-pressure liquid refrigerant
condensed in the outdoor heat exchanger 210 of the outdoor unit 200
may flow through the third outdoor unit connection tube 27 and the
third inner tube 17 and then be distributed into the first tube 121
and the second tube 122.
[0082] As the expansion valves 123 and 124 provided in the first
and second tubes 121 and 122 are opened to a predetermined degree,
the refrigerant may be decompressed into the low-pressure
refrigerant while passing through the expansion valves 123 and
124.
[0083] The decompressed refrigerant may be heat-exchanged with the
second fluid, and thus, be evaporated while flowing along the first
fluid passages 140a and 141a of the heat exchangers 140 and 141.
That is, when the air conditioning apparatus 1 performs the cooling
operation, each of the heat exchangers 140 and 141 may serve as an
evaporator.
[0084] While the air conditioning apparatus 1 performs the cooling
operation, the first valves 103 and 104 of the first and second
branch tubes 101 and 102 are closed, and the second valves 107 and
108 of the third and fourth branch tubes 105 and 106 are opened.
Also, the bypass valves 114 and 116 may be closed. Therefore, the
refrigerant passing through the first fluid passages 140a and 141a
of the heat exchangers 140 and 141 flows to each of the common gas
tubes 111 and 112. The refrigerant flowing to each of the common
gas tubes 111 and 112 flows into the second inner tube 15 after
flowing through the third and fourth branch tubes 105 and 106.
[0085] The refrigerant discharged into the second inner tube 15 may
be introduced into the outdoor unit 200 and be suctioned into the
compressor 240. The high-pressure refrigerant compressed by the
compressors 240 and 242 may be condensed in the outdoor heat
exchanger 210, and the condensed liquid refrigerant may again flow
along the third outdoor unit connection tube 27.
[0086] As the flow of the second fluid is the same as that
described in FIG. 3, detailed description thereof has been
omitted.
[0087] FIG. 6 illustrates a flow of a first fluid, such as
refrigerant and a second fluid, such as water when the air
conditioning apparatus 1 performs the cooling-based simultaneous
operation, that is, when the plurality of indoor units performs the
cooling operation. That is, one of the heat exchangers 140 and 141
may perform heat exchange for heating, and the other may perform
heat exchange for cooling. The outdoor unit 200 may be the same as
that of the cooling operation as described in FIG. 5.
[0088] While each of the heat exchangers 140 and 141 performs the
heating operation, the valve 163 may be opened, and the flow
control valve 161 may be opened while maximizing an opening degree.
That is, an amount of refrigerant flowing to the second inner tube
15 may be maximized.
[0089] FIG. 7 is a graph illustrating a set section of a pressure
sensor value of an air conditioning apparatus according to an
embodiment. Referring to FIG. 7, it can be seen that the opening
degree of the flow control valve 161 is controlled by the
low-pressure gas tube, that is, the pressure or temperature of the
second inner tube 25.
[0090] The flow control valve 161 may adjust the amount of the
refrigerant so that the pressure measured by the pressure sensor
164 decreases to be belong to a predetermined pressure section. The
predetermined pressure section may be a section ranging from a
first pressure P1 to a second pressure P2.
[0091] For example, when the pressure measured by the pressure
sensor 164 is less than the first pressure P1, the opening degree
of the flow control valve 161 may be decreased, and the pressure
measured by the pressure sensor 164 exceeds the second pressure P2,
the opening degree of the flow control valve may be increased. The
term "constant pressure section" refers to a section in which a
temperature of refrigerant according to the pressure exceeds
0.degree. C.
[0092] The first pressure P1 may refer to a pressure at which the
evaporation temperature of the second inner tube 25 according to
the first pressure P1 exceeds 0.degree. C. That is, an evaporation
temperature T1 of the second inner tube 25 according to the first
pressure P1 may be greater than 0.degree. C.
[0093] Also, in order that the heat exchange device 100 operates,
the second inner tube 25 has to function as the low-pressure gas
tube, and thus, the second inner tube 25 may be maintained to be
less than a certain pressure. That is, the pressure measured by the
pressure sensor 164 may be equal to or less than the second
pressure P2. For example, the first pressure P1 may be about 740
kPaG, and the second pressure P2 may be about 800 kPaG.
[0094] According to embodiments disclosed herein, as the
evaporation pressure of the heat exchanger provided in the outdoor
unit decreases due to the low-temperature outdoor environment
during the heating-based simultaneous operation, the evaporation
pressure of the heat exchanger provided in the heat exchange device
may also decrease to prevent the heat exchanger from being frozen.
In addition, the flow rate of the low-pressure gas tube may be
adjusted to control the evaporation temperature of the low-pressure
gas tube so as to be maintained at 0.degree. C. or higher, thereby
preventing the heat exchanger provided in the heat exchange device
from being frozen. In addition, as the flow rate of the compressor
increases without being affected by the evaporation pressure of the
heat exchanger provided in the outdoor unit, it may be possible to
prevent heating efficiency from being deteriorated.
[0095] Embodiments disclosed herein provide an air conditioning
apparatus in which a fluid, such as water is frozen in a passage of
a heat exchanger during a heating-based simultaneous operation.
Embodiments disclosed herein provide an air conditioning apparatus
in which an evaporation temperature of a heat exchanger is
0.degree. C. or higher regardless of an outdoor temperature.
Embodiments disclosed herein provide an air conditioning apparatus
in which a flow rate in a compressor increases regardless of an
evaporation temperature of a heat exchanger provided in an outdoor
unit.
[0096] In an air conditioning apparatus according to embodiments
disclosed herein, a pressure of a low-pressure gas tube may be
adjusted through a flow control valve to prevent a heat exchanger,
which performs heat exchange for a cooling operation of an indoor
unit, from being frozen during a heating-based simultaneous
operation.
[0097] In one embodiment according to embodiments disclosed herein,
an air conditioning apparatus may include an outdoor unit through
which a first fluid, such as refrigerant circulates; an indoor unit
through which a second fluid, such as water circulates; a heat
exchange device which is configured to connect the outdoor unit to
the indoor unit and in which the first fluid and the second fluid
are heat-exchanged with each other; a first inner tube which is
configured to connect the outdoor unit to the heat exchange device
and through which the first fluid at high-pressure flows; a second
inner tube which is configured to connect the outdoor unit to the
heat exchange device and through which the first fluid at
low-pressure flows; and a third inner tube which is configured to
connect the outdoor unit to the heat exchange device and through
which the first fluid in liquid form flows. The heat exchange
device may include a bypass tube configured to bypass the second
inner tube, and a flow control valve provided in the bypass
tube.
[0098] The heat exchange device may include a branch portion to
which one or a first end of which the bypass tube is connected to
the second inner tube, and a combination portion at the other or a
second end of which the bypass tube is connected to the second
inner tube. The heat exchange device may further include a valve
provided between the branch portion and the combination
portion.
[0099] A pressure sensor may be provided in the second inner tube,
and the pressure sensor may be configured to measure a pressure of
the first fluid before the first fluid is branched at the branch
portion. When a heating-based simultaneous operation is performed,
the valve may be closed.
[0100] The flow control valve may adjust an opening degree so that
a pressure measured by the pressure sensor belongs to a pressure
section ranging from a first pressure (P1) to a second pressure
(P2). When the pressure measured by the pressure sensor is less
than the first pressure (P1), the opening degree of the flow
control valve may decrease, and when the pressure measured by the
pressure sensor exceeds the second pressure (P2), the opening
degree of the flow control valve may increase.
[0101] An evaporation temperature of the second inner tube
depending on the first pressure (P1) may exceed 0.degree. C. When a
heating operation is performed, the flow control valve may be
opened to a maximum opening degree.
[0102] The heat exchange device may include a first heat exchanger
and a second heat exchanger; a first branch tube and a second
branch tube, which are branched from the first inner tube; and
third branch tube and a fourth branch tube, which are branched from
the second inner tube. The air conditioning apparatus may further
include a first valve provided in each of the first branch tube and
the second branch tube, and a second tube provided in each of the
third branch tube and the fourth branch tube.
[0103] The air conditioning apparatus may further include a first
refrigerant tube and a second refrigerant tube, which are branched
from the third inner tube, a first expansion valve provided in the
first refrigerant tube; and a second expansion valve provided in
the second refrigerant tube. The air conditioning apparatus may
further include a first common gas tube to which the first branch
tube and the third branch tube are connected; a fifth branch tube
configured to connect the second branch tube to a second common gas
tube; a first bypass valve provided in the fifth branch tube; the
second common gas tube to which a third branch tube and a fourth
branch tube are connected; a sixth branch tube configured to
connect the fourth branch tube to the second common gas tube; and a
second bypass valve provided in the sixth branch tube.
[0104] Each of the heat exchangers may include a first fluid
passage through which the first fluid flows, and a second fluid
passage through which the second fluid to be heat-exchanged with
the first fluid within the first fluid passage flows. The second
fluid flowing through the second fluid passage may flow to the
indoor unit.
[0105] It will be understood that when an element or layer is
referred to as being "on" another element or layer, the element or
layer can be directly on another element or layer or intervening
elements or layers. In contrast, when an element is referred to as
being "directly on" another element or layer, there are no
intervening elements or layers present. As used herein, the term
"and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the
associated listed items.
[0106] It will be understood that, although the terms first,
second, third, etc., may be used herein to describe various
elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these
elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be
limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish
one element, component, region, layer or section from another
region, layer or section. Thus, a first element, component, region,
layer or section could be termed a second element, component,
region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of
the present invention.
[0107] Spatially relative terms, such as "lower", "upper" and the
like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe the
relationship of one element or feature to another element(s) or
feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood
that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass
different orientations of the device in use or operation, in
addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example,
if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as
"lower" relative to other elements or features would then be
oriented "upper" relative to the other elements or features. Thus,
the exemplary term "lower" can encompass both an orientation of
above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90
degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative
descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.
[0108] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing
particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of
the invention. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and
"the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the
context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood
that the terms "comprises" and/or "comprising," when used in this
specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers,
steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude
the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers,
steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.
[0109] Embodiments of the disclosure are described herein with
reference to cross-section illustrations that are schematic
illustrations of idealized embodiments (and intermediate
structures) of the disclosure. As such, variations from the shapes
of the illustrations as a result, for example, of manufacturing
techniques and/or tolerances, are to be expected. Thus, embodiments
of the disclosure should not be construed as limited to the
particular shapes of regions illustrated herein but are to include
deviations in shapes that result, for example, from
manufacturing.
[0110] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and
scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly
understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this
invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such
as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be
interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their
meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be
interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly
so defined herein.
[0111] Any reference in this specification to "one embodiment," "an
embodiment," "example embodiment," etc., means that a particular
feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with
the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. The
appearances of such phrases in various places in the specification
are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Further,
when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is
described in connection with any embodiment, it is submitted that
it is within the purview of one skilled in the art to effect such
feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other ones
of the embodiments.
[0112] Although embodiments have been described with reference to a
number of illustrative embodiments thereof, it should be understood
that numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by
those skilled in the art that will fall within the spirit and scope
of the principles of this disclosure. More particularly, various
variations and modifications are possible in the component parts
and/or arrangements of the subject combination arrangement within
the scope of the disclosure, the drawings and the appended claims.
In addition to variations and modifications in the component parts
and/or arrangements, alternative uses will also be apparent to
those skilled in the art.
* * * * *