US20060112712A1 - Air conditioning system - Google Patents
Air conditioning system Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20060112712A1 US20060112712A1 US11/286,354 US28635405A US2006112712A1 US 20060112712 A1 US20060112712 A1 US 20060112712A1 US 28635405 A US28635405 A US 28635405A US 2006112712 A1 US2006112712 A1 US 2006112712A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- tank
- line
- refrigerant
- indoor unit
- air conditioning
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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- 238000004378 air conditioning Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 42
- 239000003507 refrigerant Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 199
- 238000001816 cooling Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 62
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 56
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 claims description 57
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 7
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 6
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000003247 decreasing effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000007599 discharging Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000007792 gaseous phase Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000007791 liquid phase Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
- F24F5/00—Air-conditioning systems or apparatus not covered by F24F1/00 or F24F3/00, e.g. using solar heat or combined with household units such as an oven or water heater
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
- F25B13/00—Compression machines, plants or systems, with reversible cycle
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
- F24F1/00—Room units for air-conditioning, e.g. separate or self-contained units or units receiving primary air from a central station
- F24F1/06—Separate outdoor units, e.g. outdoor unit to be linked to a separate room comprising a compressor and a heat exchanger
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
- F25B25/00—Machines, plants or systems, using a combination of modes of operation covered by two or more of the groups F25B1/00 - F25B23/00
- F25B25/005—Machines, plants or systems, using a combination of modes of operation covered by two or more of the groups F25B1/00 - F25B23/00 using primary and secondary systems
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
- F25B2400/00—General features or devices for refrigeration machines, plants or systems, combined heating and refrigeration systems or heat-pump systems, i.e. not limited to a particular subgroup of F25B
- F25B2400/16—Receivers
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
- F25B2500/00—Problems to be solved
- F25B2500/01—Geometry problems, e.g. for reducing size
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
- F25B2700/00—Sensing or detecting of parameters; Sensors therefor
- F25B2700/04—Refrigerant level
Definitions
- the present invention relates to an air conditioning system, and more particularly, to an air conditioning system having an improved refrigerant circulation structure capable of smoothly feeding back a refrigerant that circulates a refrigerant circulation system.
- FIG. 1 is a construction view showing an air conditioning system in accordance with the conventional art.
- the conventional air conditioning system comprises an indoor unit 111 for introducing a first refrigerant, a suction tank 121 connected to an outlet side refrigerant line 111 b of the indoor unit 111 for sucking a first refrigerant, a discharge tank 141 disposed to be lower than the suction tank 121 and connected to an inlet side refrigerant line 111 a of the indoor unit 111 for discharging a first refrigerant to the indoor unit 111 , a middle tank 131 installed between the suction tank 121 and the discharge tank 141 for feeding back the first refrigerant stored in the suction tank 121 to the discharge tank 141 , and a heat source cycle 150 for depressurizing and cooling the first refrigerant of the suction tank 121 by circulating a second refrigerant, and heating the first refrigerant of the discharge tank 141 .
- the discharge tank 141 is positioned to be lower than the middle tank 131 , and the middle tank 131 is positioned to be lower than the suction tank 121 . That is, the suction tank 121 , the middle tank 131 , and the discharge tank 141 are sequentially positioned.
- a first connection line 125 for connecting a lower portion of the suction tank 121 to a lower portion of the middle tank 131 is installed between the suction tank 121 and the middle tank 131 .
- a switching valve 137 is installed at the first connection line 125 .
- a first pressure equalizing line 123 for connecting a lower portion of the suction tank 121 to an upper portion of the middle tank 131 is installed between the suction tank 121 and the middle tank 131 .
- the switching valve 137 is installed at the first pressure equalizing line 123 .
- a second connection line 135 for connecting a lower portion of the middle tank 131 to a lower portion of the discharge tank 141 is installed between the middle tank 131 and the discharge tank 141 .
- the switching valve 137 is installed at the second connection line 135 .
- a second pressure equalizing line 133 for connecting an upper portion of the middle tank 131 to an upper portion of the discharge tank 141 is installed between the middle tank 131 and the discharge tank 141 .
- the switching valve 137 is installed at the second pressure equalizing line 133 .
- the heat source cycle 150 comprises a compressor 151 for compressing a second refrigerant, a condenser 153 connected to an outlet side refrigerant line 151 a of the compressor 151 and heat-exchanging with a first refrigerant inside the discharge tank 141 , an evaporator 155 connected to an inlet side refrigerant line 151 b of the compressor 151 and heat-exchanging with a first refrigerant inside the suction tank 121 , and an outdoor expansion valve 157 installed at an outlet side refrigerant line 153 a of the condenser 153 .
- a second refrigerant provided from the compressor 151 passes through the condenser 153 , the outdoor expansion valve 157 , and the evaporator 155 , and then is returned to the compressor 151 , which is repeated.
- a first refrigerant supplied from the discharge tank 141 passes through the indoor unit 111 , and then is fed back to the suction tank 121 , the middle tank 131 , and the discharge tank 141 , which is repeated.
- the first refrigerant inside the discharge tank 141 is heat-exchanged by the condenser 153 thus to be introduced into the indoor unit 111 . Then, the first refrigerant introduced into the indoor unit 111 is heat-exchanged via an indoor expansion valve 115 and an indoor heat exchanger 113 , thereby heating or cooling an indoor room.
- the first refrigerant having passed through the indoor unit 111 is introduced into the suction tank 121 , and then is heat-exchanged by the evaporator thus to be condensed.
- a controller (not shown) controls each switching valve 137 of the first pressure equalizing line 123 and the first connection line 125 . Accordingly, the first refrigerant stored in the suction tank 121 is fed back to the middle tank 131 by a height difference between the suction tank 121 and the middle tank 131 and by a gravitation.
- the controller controls each switching valve 137 of the second pressure equalizing line 133 and the second connection line 135 in the same manner as the aforementioned manner. Accordingly, the first refrigerant stored in the middle tank 131 is fed back to the discharge tank 141 .
- the first liquid refrigerant stored in the suction tank is fed back to the discharge tank via the middle tank. Accordingly, an entire volume of the air conditioning system is increased and an entire height of the air conditioning system is increased, thereby having a limitation in installing the air conditioning system and increasing a fabrication cost.
- the first refrigerant has to be fed back by a height difference among the suction tank, the middle tank, and the discharge tank and by gravitation. Accordingly, the first refrigerant more than a certain amount has to be stored in the suction tank and the discharge tank.
- an object of the present invention is to provide an air conditioning system capable of simplifying an entire structure thereof, facilitating to be installed, and reducing a fabrication cost.
- Another object of the present invention is to provide an air conditioning system capable of minimizing an amount of a first refrigerant stored in a first tank and a second tank.
- an air conditioning system comprising: an indoor unit in which a first refrigerant flows; a first tank (a suction tank) connected to an outlet side refrigerant line of the indoor unit for sucking a first refrigerant; a second tank (a discharge tank) disposed to be lower than the suction tank and connected to an inlet side refrigerant line of the indoor unit for feeding back the first refrigerant stored in the first tank to the indoor unit; a connection line disposed between the first tank and the second tank; a pressure equalizing line disposed between the first tank and the second tank; a heat source cycle for cooling the first refrigerant inside the suction tank by circulating a second refrigerant, and heating the first refrigerant of the discharge tank; and a controller for controlling a plurality of switching valves installed at the connection line and the pressure equalizing line.
- the first refrigerant flows on a heat driving system including the indoor unit, the first tank, and the second tank.
- the second refrigerant flows.
- the first refrigerant discharged from the second tank is introduced into the first tank via the indoor unit.
- the first gaseous refrigerant introduced into the first tank is cooled and depressurized by a cooling unit of the heat source cycle that will be later explained, and thus is condensed into a first liquid refrigerant.
- the first liquid refrigerant is directly fed back to the second tank without passing through a middle tank differently from the conventional art.
- the first liquid refrigerant is introduced into the indoor unit via a cooling line at the time of a cooling operation, or is converted into a first gaseous refrigerant at the time of a heating operation thus to be introduced into the indoor unit via a heating line.
- the above circulation process is repeatedly performed.
- the first tank is provided with a diaphragm therein, the diaphragm for dividing an inner space of the first tank into an upper space and a lower space.
- a first liquid refrigerant feed back line is installed in the first tank, and a check valve for preventing a backflow of a first liquid refrigerant is installed at the first liquid refrigerant feed back line.
- connection line is connected to a lower portion of the first tank, and another side thereof is connected to a lower portion of the second tank.
- One side of the pressure equalizing line is connected to a lower portion of the first tank, and another side of the pressure equalizing line is connected to an upper portion of the second tank.
- the pressure equalizing line is positioned to be higher than the connection line.
- a refrigerant level sensor for detecting a level of the first liquid refrigerant inside the first tank is installed in the lower space of the first tank.
- the controller controls the switching valves according to a detected result of the refrigerant level sensor.
- a cooling line is installed between the indoor unit and the second tank.
- One side of the cooling line is connected to a lower portion of the second tank and another side thereof is connected to the indoor unit so as to introduce a first liquid refrigerant into the indoor unit.
- a heating line is installed between the indoor unit and the second tank. One side of the heating line is connected to an upper portion of the second tank and another side thereof is connected to the indoor unit so as to introduce a first gaseous refrigerant into the indoor unit.
- a heating line switching valve for switching the heating line is installed at the heating line.
- the heat source cycle comprises a cooling unit installed at the first tank, a heating unit connected to the cooling unit and installed at the second tank, a compressor for supplying a second refrigerant to the cooling unit and the heating unit, a first four-way valve installed at an outlet side refrigerant line of the compressor, an accumulator installed between the compressor and the first four-way valve for introducing a second gaseous refrigerant to the compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger for selectively radiating a second refrigerant discharged from the compressor, a second four-way valve installed at an inlet side refrigerant line of the second tank, and an expansion valve installed at a refrigerant line between the cooling unit and the heating unit.
- FIG. 1 is a construction view showing an air conditioning system in accordance with the conventional art
- FIG. 2 is a construction view showing an air conditioning system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, which shows a refrigerant flow at the time of a cooling operation;
- FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a control process of the air conditioning system of FIG. 2 ;
- FIG. 4 is a construction view showing the air conditioning system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, which shows a refrigerant flow at the time of a heating operation.
- FIG. 2 is a construction view showing an air conditioning system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, which shows a refrigerant flow at the time of a cooling operation
- FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a control process of the air conditioning system of FIG. 2
- FIG. 4 is a construction view showing the air conditioning system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, which shows a refrigerant flow at the time of a heating operation.
- the air conditioning system comprises an indoor unit 11 for introducing a first refrigerant, a first tank 21 connected to an outlet side refrigerant line 11 a of the indoor unit 11 for sucking a first refrigerant, a second tank 41 directly connected to the first tank 21 at a position lower than the first tank 21 and connected to an inlet side refrigerant line 11 b of the indoor unit 11 for feeding back the first refrigerant stored in the first tank 21 to the indoor unit, a connection line 31 disposed between the first tank 21 and the second tank 41 , a pressure equalizing line 35 disposed between the first tank 21 and the second tank 41 , a heat source cycle 2 for cooling the first refrigerant inside the first tank 21 by circulating a second refrigerant and heating the first refrigerant of the second tank 41 , and a controller 65 for controlling a plurality of switching valves 33 and 37 installed at the connection line 31 and the pressure equalizing line 35 .
- the indoor unit 11 is installed at an indoor room in order to perform a cooling operation or a heating operation.
- An indoor heat exchanger 13 and an indoor expansion valve 15 are installed in the indoor unit 11 .
- the first refrigerant flows on a heat driving system 1 including the indoor unit 11 , the first tank 21 , and the second tank 41 .
- the second refrigerant flows on the heat source cycle 2 .
- the first refrigerant and the second refrigerant are converted into a liquid phase and a gaseous phase while flowing on the heat driving system and the heat source cycle, respectively, thereby performing a heat exchange.
- the first refrigerant discharged from the second tank 41 is introduced into the first tank 21 via the indoor unit 11 .
- a first gaseous refrigerant of the first refrigerant introduced into the first tank 21 is cooled and depressurized by a cooling unit 54 of the heat source cycle 2 that will be later explained, and thus is condensed into a first liquid refrigerant.
- the first liquid refrigerant is directly fed back to the second tank 41 by the controller 65 without passing through a middle tank differently from the conventional art.
- the first liquid refrigerant fed back to the second tank 41 is introduced into the indoor unit 11 via a cooling line 43 with a low temperature and pressure state at the time of a cooling operation.
- the first gaseous refrigerant of an upper space 41 a of the second tank 41 is introduced into the indoor unit 11 via a heating line 47 with a high temperature and pressure state. The above circulation process is repeatedly performed.
- the first tank 21 is provided with a diaphragm 23 therein, the diaphragm for dividing an inner space of the first tank 21 into an upper space 21 a and a lower space 21 b.
- a first liquid refrigerant feed back line 25 for feeding back the first liquid refrigerant disposed on the diaphragm 23 of the upper space 21 a to the lower space 21 b is installed in the first tank 21 .
- a check valve 27 for preventing a backflow of the first liquid refrigerant is installed at the first liquid refrigerant feed back line 25 .
- the diaphragm 23 is horizontally installed for the following reason.
- the first gaseous refrigerant introduced into the first tank 21 is condensed into a first liquid refrigerant, and then is disposed on the diaphragm 23 .
- the first liquid refrigerant disposed on the diaphragm 23 is smoothly fed back to the second tank 41 through the first liquid refrigerant feed back line 25 and a connection line 31 that will be later explained.
- connection line 31 One side of the connection line 31 is connected to a lower portion of the first tank 21 , and another side thereof is connected to a lower portion of the second tank 41 .
- the switching valve 33 for selectively opening or closing the connection line 31 is installed at the connection line 31 .
- One side of the pressure equalizing line 35 is connected to a lower portion of the first tank 21 , and another side of the pressure equalizing line 35 is connected to an upper portion of the second tank 41 .
- the switching valve 37 for selectively opening or closing the pressure equalizing line 35 is installed at the pressure equalizing line 35 .
- the pressure equalizing line 35 is positioned to be higher than the connection line 31 .
- a refrigerant level sensor 28 for detecting a level of the first liquid refrigerant inside the first tank 21 is installed in the lower space 21 b of the first tank 21 .
- the controller 65 controls a first four-way valve and a second four-way valve at the time of a cooling operation and a heating operation. Also, the controller 65 controls the switching valves 33 and 37 according to a detected result of the refrigerant level sensor 28 .
- the cooling line 43 is installed between the indoor unit 11 and the second tank 41 .
- One side of the cooling line 43 is connected to a lower portion of the second tank 41 and another side thereof is connected to the indoor unit 11 so that the first liquid refrigerant can be introduced into the indoor unit 11 .
- a switching valve 45 for selectively opening or closing the cooling line 43 is installed at the cooling line 43 .
- the heating line 47 is installed between the indoor unit 11 and the second tank 41 .
- One side of the heating line 47 is connected to an upper portion of the second tank 41 and another side thereof is connected to the indoor unit 11 so that the first liquid refrigerant can be introduced into the indoor unit 11 .
- a switching valve 49 for selectively opening or closing the heating line 47 is installed at the heating line 43 .
- the heat source cycle comprises a cooling unit 54 installed at the first tank 21 , a heating unit 52 connected to the cooling unit 54 and installed at the second tank 41 , a compressor 51 for supplying a second refrigerant to the cooling unit 54 and the heating unit 52 , a first four-way valve 53 installed at an outlet side refrigerant line 51 a of the compressor 51 for converting a second refrigerant line, an accumulator 59 installed between the compressor 51 and the first four-way valve 53 for introducing a second gaseous refrigerant to the compressor 51 , an outdoor heat exchanger 55 for selectively radiating a second refrigerant discharged from the compressor 51 , a second four-way valve 61 installed at an inlet side refrigerant line 41 a of the second tank 41 for converting a second refrigerant line, and an expansion valve 63 installed at a refrigerant line between the cooling unit 54 and the heating unit 52 .
- the cooling unit 54 is installed in the first tank 21 , and the heating unit 52 is installed in the second tank 41 .
- cooling unit 54 is installed in the first tank 21 and the heating unit 52 is installed in the second tank 41 , any structure for cooling the first refrigerant of the first tank 21 and heating the first refrigerant of the second tank 41 is possible.
- An unexplained reference numeral 57 denotes a fan.
- the second refrigerant that circulates on the heat source cycle 2 is compressed by the compressor 51 at the time of a cooling operation. Then, the refrigerant passes through the first four-way valve 53 , the outdoor heat exchanger 55 , the second four-way valve 61 , the heating unit 52 , the outdoor expansion valve 63 , the cooling unit 54 , the second four-way valve 61 , the first four-way valve 53 , and the accumulator 59 , and then is introduced into the compressor 51 .
- the above circulation process is repeatedly performed.
- the controller 65 closes the heating line switching valve 49 , but opens the cooling line switching valve 45 . Accordingly, the first liquid refrigerant stored in the second tank 41 is introduced into the indoor unit 11 through the cooling line 43 and the inlet side refrigerant line 11 b of the indoor unit 11 . The first liquid refrigerant introduced into the indoor unit 11 passes through the indoor expansion valve 15 and the indoor heat exchanger 13 thus to be expanded and heat-exchanged. Then, the first liquid refrigerant absorbs latent heat, and thereby cools the indoor room.
- a first gaseous refrigerant vaporized after passing through the indoor expansion valve 15 is introduced into the first tank 21 via the outlet side refrigerant line 11 b of the indoor unit 11 . Then, the first gaseous refrigerant is cooled by the cooling unit 54 , depressurized, condensed into a first liquid refrigerant, and then is disposed on the diaphragm 23 .
- the refrigerant level sensor 28 detects the first liquid refrigerant.
- the controller 65 opens the switching valves 33 and 37 , and opens the connection line 31 and the pressure equalizing line 35 , thereby feeding back the first liquid refrigerant stored in the lower space 21 b to the second tank 41 .
- the second tank 41 Since the second tank 41 is positioned to be lower than the first tank 21 , the first liquid refrigerant is fed-back to the second tank 41 from the first tank 21 by a gravitation difference.
- the first gaseous refrigerant of the second tank 41 is introduced into the lower space 21 b of the first tank 21 through the pressure equalizing line 35 . Then, when the controller 65 closes the connection line 31 and the pressure equalizing line 35 , the first gaseous refrigerant introduced into the lower space 21 b of the first tank 21 loses its heat by the first liquid refrigerant stored in the upper space 21 a of the first tank 21 thereby to be condensed into a first liquid refrigerant. Under the state, a pressure difference between the upper space 21 a and the lower space 21 b of the first tank 21 is generated.
- the first liquid refrigerant disposed on the diaphragm 23 in the upper space 21 a is introduced into the lower space 21 b of the first tank 21 through the first liquid refrigerant line 25 .
- the first liquid refrigerant stored in the lower space 21 b of the first tank 21 is fed-back to the second tank 41 in the same manner as the aforementioned manner.
- the first liquid refrigerant fed-back to the second tank 41 thus to be stored in the lower space 41 b of the second tank 41 is introduced into the indoor unit 11 through the cooling line 43 . Then, the first liquid refrigerant passes through the indoor expansion valve 15 and the indoor heat exchanger 13 thus to be expanded and heat-exchanged, thereby cooling the indoor room.
- the first gaseous refrigerant is introduced into the first tank 21 via the outlet side refrigerant line 11 b of the indoor unit 11 . Then, the first gaseous refrigerant is cooled by the cooling unit 54 , depressurized, condensed into a first liquid refrigerant, and then is disposed on the diaphragm 23 of the first tank 21 .
- the above circulation process is repeatedly performed.
- the second refrigerant that circulates on the heat source cycle 2 is compressed by the compressor 51 at the time of a heating operation. Then, the refrigerant passes through the first four-way valve 53 , the second four-way valve 61 , the heating unit 52 , the outdoor expansion valve 63 , the cooling unit 54 , the second four-way valve 61 , the outdoor heat exchanger 55 , the first four-way valve 53 , and the accumulator 59 , and then is introduced into the compressor 51 .
- the above circulation process is repeatedly performed.
- the controller 65 closes the switching valve 45 , but opens the switching valve 49 . Accordingly, the first gaseous refrigerant stored in the second tank 41 is introduced into the indoor unit 11 through the heating line 47 and the inlet side refrigerant line 11 a of the indoor unit 11 . The first gaseous refrigerant introduced into the indoor unit 11 passes through the indoor expansion valve 15 and is heat-exchanged by the indoor heat exchanger 13 , thereby heating the indoor room.
- the first gaseous refrigerant having passed through the indoor heat exchanger 13 is introduced into the first tank 21 via the outlet side refrigerant line 11 a of the indoor unit 11 . Then, the first gaseous refrigerant is cooled by the cooling unit 54 , depressurized, condensed into a first liquid refrigerant, and then is disposed on the diaphragm 23 of the first tank 21 .
- the first liquid refrigerant disposed on the diaphragm 23 inside the upper space 21 a is introduced into the lower space 21 b of the first tank 21 by the aforementioned pressure difference between the upper space 21 a and the lower space 21 b .
- the controller 65 feeds back the first liquid refrigerant inside the lower space 21 b of the first tank 21 to the second tank 41 .
- the first liquid refrigerant fed-back to the second tank 41 thus to be stored in the lower space 41 b of the second tank 41 is introduced into the indoor unit 11 through the heating line 47 . Then, the first liquid refrigerant passes through the indoor expansion valve 15 and the indoor heat exchanger 13 thus to heat-exchanged, thereby heating the indoor room.
- the first gaseous refrigerant having passed through the indoor heat exchanger 13 is introduced into the upper space 21 a of the first tank 21 through the outlet side refrigerant line 11 a of the indoor unit 11 . Then, the first gaseous refrigerant is cooled by the cooling unit 54 , depressurized, condensed into a first liquid refrigerant, and then is disposed on the diaphragm 23 of the first tank 21 .
- the first liquid refrigerant stored in the first tank is fed-back to the second tank without passing through a middle tank. Accordingly, a height difference between the first tank and the second tank is decreased, thereby simplifying an entire structure of the air conditioning system, facilitating to install the air conditioning system, and reducing a fabrication cost.
- the first refrigerant is fed-back not only by the height difference between the first tank and the second tank but also by the diaphragm installed in the first tank, an amount of the first refrigerant stored in the first tank and the second tank is more decreased than in the conventional art.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Thermal Sciences (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Sustainable Development (AREA)
- Air Conditioning Control Device (AREA)
- Compression-Type Refrigeration Machines With Reversible Cycles (AREA)
- Other Air-Conditioning Systems (AREA)
Abstract
An air conditioning system comprises an indoor unit in which a first refrigerant flows, a first tank connected to an outlet side refrigerant line of the indoor unit for sucking a first refrigerant, a second tank connected to an inlet side refrigerant line of the indoor unit and directly connected to the first tank at a position lower than the first tank for feeding back the first refrigerant stored in the first tank to the indoor unit, a connection line disposed between the first tank and the second tank, a pressure equalizing line disposed between the first tank and the second tank, a heat source cycle for cooling the first refrigerant inside the first tank by circulating a second refrigerant and heating the first refrigerant of the second tank, and a controller for controlling a plurality of switching valves installed at the connection line and the pressure equalizing line.
Description
- 1. Field of the Invention
- The present invention relates to an air conditioning system, and more particularly, to an air conditioning system having an improved refrigerant circulation structure capable of smoothly feeding back a refrigerant that circulates a refrigerant circulation system.
- 2. Description of the Background Art
-
FIG. 1 is a construction view showing an air conditioning system in accordance with the conventional art. - As shown, the conventional air conditioning system comprises an
indoor unit 111 for introducing a first refrigerant, asuction tank 121 connected to an outletside refrigerant line 111 b of theindoor unit 111 for sucking a first refrigerant, adischarge tank 141 disposed to be lower than thesuction tank 121 and connected to an inlet side refrigerant line 111 a of theindoor unit 111 for discharging a first refrigerant to theindoor unit 111, amiddle tank 131 installed between thesuction tank 121 and thedischarge tank 141 for feeding back the first refrigerant stored in thesuction tank 121 to thedischarge tank 141, and aheat source cycle 150 for depressurizing and cooling the first refrigerant of thesuction tank 121 by circulating a second refrigerant, and heating the first refrigerant of thedischarge tank 141. - The
discharge tank 141 is positioned to be lower than themiddle tank 131, and themiddle tank 131 is positioned to be lower than thesuction tank 121. That is, thesuction tank 121, themiddle tank 131, and thedischarge tank 141 are sequentially positioned. - A
first connection line 125 for connecting a lower portion of thesuction tank 121 to a lower portion of themiddle tank 131 is installed between thesuction tank 121 and themiddle tank 131. Aswitching valve 137 is installed at thefirst connection line 125. - A first
pressure equalizing line 123 for connecting a lower portion of thesuction tank 121 to an upper portion of themiddle tank 131 is installed between thesuction tank 121 and themiddle tank 131. Theswitching valve 137 is installed at the firstpressure equalizing line 123. - A
second connection line 135 for connecting a lower portion of themiddle tank 131 to a lower portion of thedischarge tank 141 is installed between themiddle tank 131 and thedischarge tank 141. Theswitching valve 137 is installed at thesecond connection line 135. - A second
pressure equalizing line 133 for connecting an upper portion of themiddle tank 131 to an upper portion of thedischarge tank 141 is installed between themiddle tank 131 and thedischarge tank 141. Theswitching valve 137 is installed at the secondpressure equalizing line 133. - The
heat source cycle 150 comprises acompressor 151 for compressing a second refrigerant, acondenser 153 connected to an outletside refrigerant line 151 a of thecompressor 151 and heat-exchanging with a first refrigerant inside thedischarge tank 141, anevaporator 155 connected to an inletside refrigerant line 151 b of thecompressor 151 and heat-exchanging with a first refrigerant inside thesuction tank 121, and anoutdoor expansion valve 157 installed at an outletside refrigerant line 153 a of thecondenser 153. - In the conventional air conditioning system, in case of the
heat source cycle 150, a second refrigerant provided from thecompressor 151 passes through thecondenser 153, theoutdoor expansion valve 157, and theevaporator 155, and then is returned to thecompressor 151, which is repeated. - In case of a
heat driving system 110, a first refrigerant supplied from thedischarge tank 141 passes through theindoor unit 111, and then is fed back to thesuction tank 121, themiddle tank 131, and thedischarge tank 141, which is repeated. - The first refrigerant inside the
discharge tank 141 is heat-exchanged by thecondenser 153 thus to be introduced into theindoor unit 111. Then, the first refrigerant introduced into theindoor unit 111 is heat-exchanged via anindoor expansion valve 115 and anindoor heat exchanger 113, thereby heating or cooling an indoor room. - The first refrigerant having passed through the
indoor unit 111 is introduced into thesuction tank 121, and then is heat-exchanged by the evaporator thus to be condensed. When the first refrigerant having an amount more than a certain degree is stored in thesuction tank 121, a controller (not shown) controls eachswitching valve 137 of the firstpressure equalizing line 123 and thefirst connection line 125. Accordingly, the first refrigerant stored in thesuction tank 121 is fed back to themiddle tank 131 by a height difference between thesuction tank 121 and themiddle tank 131 and by a gravitation. - Next, the controller controls each
switching valve 137 of the secondpressure equalizing line 133 and thesecond connection line 135 in the same manner as the aforementioned manner. Accordingly, the first refrigerant stored in themiddle tank 131 is fed back to thedischarge tank 141. - However, in the conventional air conditioning system, the first liquid refrigerant stored in the suction tank is fed back to the discharge tank via the middle tank. Accordingly, an entire volume of the air conditioning system is increased and an entire height of the air conditioning system is increased, thereby having a limitation in installing the air conditioning system and increasing a fabrication cost.
- Furthermore, in the conventional air conditioning system, the first refrigerant has to be fed back by a height difference among the suction tank, the middle tank, and the discharge tank and by gravitation. Accordingly, the first refrigerant more than a certain amount has to be stored in the suction tank and the discharge tank.
- Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an air conditioning system capable of simplifying an entire structure thereof, facilitating to be installed, and reducing a fabrication cost.
- Another object of the present invention is to provide an air conditioning system capable of minimizing an amount of a first refrigerant stored in a first tank and a second tank.
- To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the present invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, there is provided an air conditioning system, comprising: an indoor unit in which a first refrigerant flows; a first tank (a suction tank) connected to an outlet side refrigerant line of the indoor unit for sucking a first refrigerant; a second tank (a discharge tank) disposed to be lower than the suction tank and connected to an inlet side refrigerant line of the indoor unit for feeding back the first refrigerant stored in the first tank to the indoor unit; a connection line disposed between the first tank and the second tank; a pressure equalizing line disposed between the first tank and the second tank; a heat source cycle for cooling the first refrigerant inside the suction tank by circulating a second refrigerant, and heating the first refrigerant of the discharge tank; and a controller for controlling a plurality of switching valves installed at the connection line and the pressure equalizing line.
- On a heat driving system including the indoor unit, the first tank, and the second tank, the first refrigerant flows. However, on the heat source cycle, the second refrigerant flows.
- In the heat driving system, the first refrigerant discharged from the second tank is introduced into the first tank via the indoor unit. The first gaseous refrigerant introduced into the first tank is cooled and depressurized by a cooling unit of the heat source cycle that will be later explained, and thus is condensed into a first liquid refrigerant. The first liquid refrigerant is directly fed back to the second tank without passing through a middle tank differently from the conventional art. Then, the first liquid refrigerant is introduced into the indoor unit via a cooling line at the time of a cooling operation, or is converted into a first gaseous refrigerant at the time of a heating operation thus to be introduced into the indoor unit via a heating line. The above circulation process is repeatedly performed.
- The first tank is provided with a diaphragm therein, the diaphragm for dividing an inner space of the first tank into an upper space and a lower space.
- A first liquid refrigerant feed back line is installed in the first tank, and a check valve for preventing a backflow of a first liquid refrigerant is installed at the first liquid refrigerant feed back line.
- One side of the connection line is connected to a lower portion of the first tank, and another side thereof is connected to a lower portion of the second tank. One side of the pressure equalizing line is connected to a lower portion of the first tank, and another side of the pressure equalizing line is connected to an upper portion of the second tank. The pressure equalizing line is positioned to be higher than the connection line.
- A refrigerant level sensor for detecting a level of the first liquid refrigerant inside the first tank is installed in the lower space of the first tank.
- The controller controls the switching valves according to a detected result of the refrigerant level sensor.
- A cooling line is installed between the indoor unit and the second tank. One side of the cooling line is connected to a lower portion of the second tank and another side thereof is connected to the indoor unit so as to introduce a first liquid refrigerant into the indoor unit.
- A heating line is installed between the indoor unit and the second tank. One side of the heating line is connected to an upper portion of the second tank and another side thereof is connected to the indoor unit so as to introduce a first gaseous refrigerant into the indoor unit. A heating line switching valve for switching the heating line is installed at the heating line.
- The heat source cycle comprises a cooling unit installed at the first tank, a heating unit connected to the cooling unit and installed at the second tank, a compressor for supplying a second refrigerant to the cooling unit and the heating unit, a first four-way valve installed at an outlet side refrigerant line of the compressor, an accumulator installed between the compressor and the first four-way valve for introducing a second gaseous refrigerant to the compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger for selectively radiating a second refrigerant discharged from the compressor, a second four-way valve installed at an inlet side refrigerant line of the second tank, and an expansion valve installed at a refrigerant line between the cooling unit and the heating unit.
- The foregoing and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the present invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
- The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention.
- In the drawings:
-
FIG. 1 is a construction view showing an air conditioning system in accordance with the conventional art; -
FIG. 2 is a construction view showing an air conditioning system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, which shows a refrigerant flow at the time of a cooling operation; -
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a control process of the air conditioning system ofFIG. 2 ; and -
FIG. 4 is a construction view showing the air conditioning system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, which shows a refrigerant flow at the time of a heating operation. - Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
- Hereinafter, an air conditioning system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be explained with reference to the attached drawings.
-
FIG. 2 is a construction view showing an air conditioning system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, which shows a refrigerant flow at the time of a cooling operation,FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a control process of the air conditioning system ofFIG. 2 , andFIG. 4 is a construction view showing the air conditioning system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, which shows a refrigerant flow at the time of a heating operation. - As shown, the air conditioning system according to the present invention comprises an
indoor unit 11 for introducing a first refrigerant, afirst tank 21 connected to an outlet siderefrigerant line 11 a of theindoor unit 11 for sucking a first refrigerant, asecond tank 41 directly connected to thefirst tank 21 at a position lower than thefirst tank 21 and connected to an inlet siderefrigerant line 11 b of theindoor unit 11 for feeding back the first refrigerant stored in thefirst tank 21 to the indoor unit, aconnection line 31 disposed between thefirst tank 21 and thesecond tank 41, apressure equalizing line 35 disposed between thefirst tank 21 and thesecond tank 41, aheat source cycle 2 for cooling the first refrigerant inside thefirst tank 21 by circulating a second refrigerant and heating the first refrigerant of thesecond tank 41, and acontroller 65 for controlling a plurality of switching 33 and 37 installed at thevalves connection line 31 and thepressure equalizing line 35. - The
indoor unit 11 is installed at an indoor room in order to perform a cooling operation or a heating operation. Anindoor heat exchanger 13 and anindoor expansion valve 15 are installed in theindoor unit 11. - On a
heat driving system 1 including theindoor unit 11, thefirst tank 21, and thesecond tank 41, the first refrigerant flows. However, on theheat source cycle 2, the second refrigerant flows. The first refrigerant and the second refrigerant are converted into a liquid phase and a gaseous phase while flowing on the heat driving system and the heat source cycle, respectively, thereby performing a heat exchange. - In the
heat driving system 1, the first refrigerant discharged from thesecond tank 41 is introduced into thefirst tank 21 via theindoor unit 11. A first gaseous refrigerant of the first refrigerant introduced into thefirst tank 21 is cooled and depressurized by a coolingunit 54 of theheat source cycle 2 that will be later explained, and thus is condensed into a first liquid refrigerant. The first liquid refrigerant is directly fed back to thesecond tank 41 by thecontroller 65 without passing through a middle tank differently from the conventional art. - Then, the first liquid refrigerant fed back to the
second tank 41 is introduced into theindoor unit 11 via acooling line 43 with a low temperature and pressure state at the time of a cooling operation. On the contrary, at the time of a heating operation, the first gaseous refrigerant of anupper space 41 a of thesecond tank 41 is introduced into theindoor unit 11 via aheating line 47 with a high temperature and pressure state. The above circulation process is repeatedly performed. - The
first tank 21 is provided with adiaphragm 23 therein, the diaphragm for dividing an inner space of thefirst tank 21 into anupper space 21 a and alower space 21 b. - A first liquid refrigerant feed back
line 25 for feeding back the first liquid refrigerant disposed on thediaphragm 23 of theupper space 21 a to thelower space 21 b is installed in thefirst tank 21. - Also, a
check valve 27 for preventing a backflow of the first liquid refrigerant is installed at the first liquid refrigerant feed backline 25. - Preferably, the
diaphragm 23 is horizontally installed for the following reason. The first gaseous refrigerant introduced into thefirst tank 21 is condensed into a first liquid refrigerant, and then is disposed on thediaphragm 23. The first liquid refrigerant disposed on thediaphragm 23 is smoothly fed back to thesecond tank 41 through the first liquid refrigerant feed backline 25 and aconnection line 31 that will be later explained. - One side of the
connection line 31 is connected to a lower portion of thefirst tank 21, and another side thereof is connected to a lower portion of thesecond tank 41. The switchingvalve 33 for selectively opening or closing theconnection line 31 is installed at theconnection line 31. - One side of the
pressure equalizing line 35 is connected to a lower portion of thefirst tank 21, and another side of thepressure equalizing line 35 is connected to an upper portion of thesecond tank 41. The switchingvalve 37 for selectively opening or closing thepressure equalizing line 35 is installed at thepressure equalizing line 35. Thepressure equalizing line 35 is positioned to be higher than theconnection line 31. - A
refrigerant level sensor 28 for detecting a level of the first liquid refrigerant inside thefirst tank 21 is installed in thelower space 21 b of thefirst tank 21. - The
controller 65 controls a first four-way valve and a second four-way valve at the time of a cooling operation and a heating operation. Also, thecontroller 65 controls the switching 33 and 37 according to a detected result of thevalves refrigerant level sensor 28. - The cooling
line 43 is installed between theindoor unit 11 and thesecond tank 41. One side of the coolingline 43 is connected to a lower portion of thesecond tank 41 and another side thereof is connected to theindoor unit 11 so that the first liquid refrigerant can be introduced into theindoor unit 11. A switchingvalve 45 for selectively opening or closing the coolingline 43 is installed at the coolingline 43. - The
heating line 47 is installed between theindoor unit 11 and thesecond tank 41. One side of theheating line 47 is connected to an upper portion of thesecond tank 41 and another side thereof is connected to theindoor unit 11 so that the first liquid refrigerant can be introduced into theindoor unit 11. A switchingvalve 49 for selectively opening or closing theheating line 47 is installed at theheating line 43. - The heat source cycle comprises a
cooling unit 54 installed at thefirst tank 21, aheating unit 52 connected to thecooling unit 54 and installed at thesecond tank 41, acompressor 51 for supplying a second refrigerant to thecooling unit 54 and theheating unit 52, a first four-way valve 53 installed at an outlet siderefrigerant line 51 a of thecompressor 51 for converting a second refrigerant line, anaccumulator 59 installed between thecompressor 51 and the first four-way valve 53 for introducing a second gaseous refrigerant to thecompressor 51, anoutdoor heat exchanger 55 for selectively radiating a second refrigerant discharged from thecompressor 51, a second four-way valve 61 installed at an inlet siderefrigerant line 41 a of thesecond tank 41 for converting a second refrigerant line, and anexpansion valve 63 installed at a refrigerant line between the coolingunit 54 and theheating unit 52. - The cooling
unit 54 is installed in thefirst tank 21, and theheating unit 52 is installed in thesecond tank 41. - Besides the structure that the cooling
unit 54 is installed in thefirst tank 21 and theheating unit 52 is installed in thesecond tank 41, any structure for cooling the first refrigerant of thefirst tank 21 and heating the first refrigerant of thesecond tank 41 is possible. Anunexplained reference numeral 57 denotes a fan. - An operation of the air conditioning system according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention will be explained.
- As shown in
FIG. 2 , the second refrigerant that circulates on theheat source cycle 2 is compressed by thecompressor 51 at the time of a cooling operation. Then, the refrigerant passes through the first four-way valve 53, theoutdoor heat exchanger 55, the second four-way valve 61, theheating unit 52, theoutdoor expansion valve 63, the coolingunit 54, the second four-way valve 61, the first four-way valve 53, and theaccumulator 59, and then is introduced into thecompressor 51. The above circulation process is repeatedly performed. - The
controller 65 closes the heatingline switching valve 49, but opens the coolingline switching valve 45. Accordingly, the first liquid refrigerant stored in thesecond tank 41 is introduced into theindoor unit 11 through the coolingline 43 and the inlet siderefrigerant line 11 b of theindoor unit 11. The first liquid refrigerant introduced into theindoor unit 11 passes through theindoor expansion valve 15 and theindoor heat exchanger 13 thus to be expanded and heat-exchanged. Then, the first liquid refrigerant absorbs latent heat, and thereby cools the indoor room. - A first gaseous refrigerant vaporized after passing through the
indoor expansion valve 15 is introduced into thefirst tank 21 via the outlet siderefrigerant line 11 b of theindoor unit 11. Then, the first gaseous refrigerant is cooled by the coolingunit 54, depressurized, condensed into a first liquid refrigerant, and then is disposed on thediaphragm 23. - When a certain amount of the first liquid refrigerant is stored in the
lower space 21 b of thefirst tank 21 by a pressure difference that will be later explained, therefrigerant level sensor 28 detects the first liquid refrigerant. - The
controller 65 opens the switching 33 and 37, and opens thevalves connection line 31 and thepressure equalizing line 35, thereby feeding back the first liquid refrigerant stored in thelower space 21 b to thesecond tank 41. - Since the
second tank 41 is positioned to be lower than thefirst tank 21, the first liquid refrigerant is fed-back to thesecond tank 41 from thefirst tank 21 by a gravitation difference. - The first gaseous refrigerant of the
second tank 41 is introduced into thelower space 21 b of thefirst tank 21 through thepressure equalizing line 35. Then, when thecontroller 65 closes theconnection line 31 and thepressure equalizing line 35, the first gaseous refrigerant introduced into thelower space 21 b of thefirst tank 21 loses its heat by the first liquid refrigerant stored in theupper space 21 a of thefirst tank 21 thereby to be condensed into a first liquid refrigerant. Under the state, a pressure difference between theupper space 21 a and thelower space 21 b of thefirst tank 21 is generated. Accordingly, the first liquid refrigerant disposed on thediaphragm 23 in theupper space 21 a is introduced into thelower space 21 b of thefirst tank 21 through the first liquidrefrigerant line 25. The first liquid refrigerant stored in thelower space 21 b of thefirst tank 21 is fed-back to thesecond tank 41 in the same manner as the aforementioned manner. - The first liquid refrigerant fed-back to the
second tank 41 thus to be stored in the lower space 41 b of thesecond tank 41 is introduced into theindoor unit 11 through the coolingline 43. Then, the first liquid refrigerant passes through theindoor expansion valve 15 and theindoor heat exchanger 13 thus to be expanded and heat-exchanged, thereby cooling the indoor room. - The first gaseous refrigerant is introduced into the
first tank 21 via the outlet siderefrigerant line 11 b of theindoor unit 11. Then, the first gaseous refrigerant is cooled by the coolingunit 54, depressurized, condensed into a first liquid refrigerant, and then is disposed on thediaphragm 23 of thefirst tank 21. The above circulation process is repeatedly performed. - As shown in
FIG. 4 , the second refrigerant that circulates on theheat source cycle 2 is compressed by thecompressor 51 at the time of a heating operation. Then, the refrigerant passes through the first four-way valve 53, the second four-way valve 61, theheating unit 52, theoutdoor expansion valve 63, the coolingunit 54, the second four-way valve 61, theoutdoor heat exchanger 55, the first four-way valve 53, and theaccumulator 59, and then is introduced into thecompressor 51. The above circulation process is repeatedly performed. - The
controller 65 closes the switchingvalve 45, but opens the switchingvalve 49. Accordingly, the first gaseous refrigerant stored in thesecond tank 41 is introduced into theindoor unit 11 through theheating line 47 and the inlet siderefrigerant line 11 a of theindoor unit 11. The first gaseous refrigerant introduced into theindoor unit 11 passes through theindoor expansion valve 15 and is heat-exchanged by theindoor heat exchanger 13, thereby heating the indoor room. - The first gaseous refrigerant having passed through the
indoor heat exchanger 13 is introduced into thefirst tank 21 via the outlet siderefrigerant line 11 a of theindoor unit 11. Then, the first gaseous refrigerant is cooled by the coolingunit 54, depressurized, condensed into a first liquid refrigerant, and then is disposed on thediaphragm 23 of thefirst tank 21. - The first liquid refrigerant disposed on the
diaphragm 23 inside theupper space 21 a is introduced into thelower space 21 b of thefirst tank 21 by the aforementioned pressure difference between theupper space 21 a and thelower space 21 b. When a certain amount of the first liquid refrigerant is stored in thelower space 21 b, thecontroller 65 feeds back the first liquid refrigerant inside thelower space 21 b of thefirst tank 21 to thesecond tank 41. - The first liquid refrigerant fed-back to the
second tank 41 thus to be stored in the lower space 41 b of thesecond tank 41 is introduced into theindoor unit 11 through theheating line 47. Then, the first liquid refrigerant passes through theindoor expansion valve 15 and theindoor heat exchanger 13 thus to heat-exchanged, thereby heating the indoor room. - The first gaseous refrigerant having passed through the
indoor heat exchanger 13 is introduced into theupper space 21 a of thefirst tank 21 through the outlet siderefrigerant line 11 a of theindoor unit 11. Then, the first gaseous refrigerant is cooled by the coolingunit 54, depressurized, condensed into a first liquid refrigerant, and then is disposed on thediaphragm 23 of thefirst tank 21. - As aforementioned, in the present invention, the first liquid refrigerant stored in the first tank is fed-back to the second tank without passing through a middle tank. Accordingly, a height difference between the first tank and the second tank is decreased, thereby simplifying an entire structure of the air conditioning system, facilitating to install the air conditioning system, and reducing a fabrication cost.
- Furthermore, in the present invention, since the first refrigerant is fed-back not only by the height difference between the first tank and the second tank but also by the diaphragm installed in the first tank, an amount of the first refrigerant stored in the first tank and the second tank is more decreased than in the conventional art.
- As the present invention may be embodied in several forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof, it should also be understood that the above-described embodiments are not limited by any of the details of the foregoing description, unless otherwise specified, but rather should be construed broadly within its spirit and scope as defined in the appended claims, and therefore all changes and modifications that fall within the metes and bounds of the claims, or equivalence of such metes and bounds are therefore intended to be embraced by the appended claims.
Claims (15)
1. An air conditioning system, comprising:
an indoor unit in which a first refrigerant flows;
a first tank connected to an outlet side refrigerant line of the indoor unit for sucking a first refrigerant;
a second tank connected to an inlet side refrigerant line of the indoor unit and directly connected to the first tank at a position lower than the first tank for feeding back the first refrigerant stored in the first tank to the indoor unit;
a connection line disposed between the first tank and the second tank;
a pressure equalizing line disposed between the first tank and the second tank;
a heat source cycle for cooling the first refrigerant inside the first tank by circulating a second refrigerant, and heating the first refrigerant of the second tank; and
a controller for controlling a plurality of switching valves installed at the connection line and the pressure equalizing line.
2. The air conditioning system of claim 1 , wherein the heat source cycle comprises:
a cooling unit installed at the first tank;
a heating unit connected to the cooling unit and installed at the second tank;
a compressor for supplying a second refrigerant to the cooling unit and the heating unit;
a first four-way valve installed at an outlet side refrigerant line of the compressor;
an accumulator installed between the compressor and the first four-way valve for introducing a second gaseous refrigerant to the compressor;
an outdoor heat exchanger for selectively radiating a second refrigerant discharged from the compressor;
a second four-way valve installed at an inlet side refrigerant line of the second tank; and
an expansion valve installed at a refrigerant line between the cooling unit and the heating unit.
3. The air conditioning system of claim 2 , wherein the cooling unit is installed in the first tank, and the heating unit is installed in the second tank.
4. The air conditioning system of claim 1 , further comprising:
a diaphragm installed in the first tank for dividing an inner space of the first tank into an upper space and a lower space;
a first liquid refrigerant feed back line connecting the upper space to the lower space and installed in the first tank, for feeding back the first liquid refrigerant of the first tank into the second tank; and
a check valve installed at the first liquid refrigerant feed back line.
5. The air conditioning system of claim 4 , wherein the diaphragm is horizontally disposed.
6. The air conditioning system of claim 1 , wherein one side of the connection line is connected to a lower portion of the first tank and another side of the connection line is connected to a lower portion of the second tank, one side of the pressure equalizing line is connected to a lower portion of the first tank and another side of the pressure equalizing line is connected to an upper portion of the second tank, and the pressure equalizing line is positioned to be higher than the connection line.
7. The air conditioning system of claim 1 , wherein a refrigerant level sensor for detecting a level of the first liquid refrigerant inside the first tank is installed in the first tank.
8. The air conditioning system of claim 1 , further comprising:
a cooling line having one side connected to a lower portion of the second tank and another side connected to the indoor unit, for introducing a first liquid refrigerant into the indoor unit;
a cooling line switching valve installed at the cooling line for selectively opening or closing the cooling line;
a heating line having one side connected to an upper portion of the second tank and another side connected to the indoor unit, for introducing a first gaseous refrigerant into the indoor unit; and
a heating line switching valve installed at the heating line for selectively opening or closing the heating line.
9. An air conditioning system, comprising:
a first tank connected to an outlet side refrigerant line of an indoor unit for sucking a first liquid refrigerant;
a second tank connected to an inlet side refrigerant line of the indoor unit and directly connected to the first tank at a position lower than the first tank for feeding back the first liquid refrigerant stored in the first tank to the indoor unit.
10. The air conditioning system of claim 9 , further comprising:
a cooling unit installed at the first tank;
a heating unit connected to the cooling unit and installed at the second tank;
a compressor for supplying a second refrigerant to the cooling unit and the heating unit;
a first four-way valve installed at an outlet side refrigerant line of the compressor;
an accumulator installed between the compressor and the first four-way valve for introducing a second gaseous refrigerant to the compressor;
an outdoor heat exchanger for selectively radiating a second refrigerant discharged from the compressor;
a second four-way valve installed at an inlet side refrigerant line of the second tank; and
an expansion valve installed at a refrigerant line between the cooling unit and the heating unit.
11. The air conditioning system of claim 10 , wherein the cooling unit is installed in the first tank, and the heating unit is installed in the second tank.
12. The air conditioning system of claim 9 , further comprising:
a diaphragm installed in the first tank for dividing an inner space of the first tank into an upper space and a lower space;
a first liquid refrigerant feed back line installed in the first tank for feeding back the first liquid refrigerant of the first tank into the second tank; and
a check valve installed at the first liquid refrigerant feed back line.
13. The air conditioning system of claim 12 , wherein the diaphragm is horizontally disposed.
14. The air conditioning system of claim 9 , wherein one side of the connection line is connected to a lower portion of the first tank and another side of the connection line is connected to a lower portion of the second tank, one side of the pressure equalizing line is connected to a lower portion of the first tank and another side of the pressure equalizing line is connected to an upper portion of the second tank, and the pressure equalizing line is positioned to be higher than the connection line.
15. The air conditioning system of claim 9 , further comprising:
a cooling line having one side connected to a lower portion of the second tank and another side connected to the indoor unit, for introducing a first liquid refrigerant into the indoor unit;
a cooling line switching valve installed at the cooling line for selectively opening or closing the cooling line;
a heating line having one side connected to an upper portion of the second tank and another side connected to the indoor unit, for introducing a first gaseous refrigerant into the indoor unit; and
a heating line switching valve installed at the heating line for selectively opening or closing the heating line.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| KR98192/2004 | 2004-11-26 | ||
| KR1020040098192A KR100631548B1 (en) | 2004-11-26 | 2004-11-26 | Thermal Drive Air Conditioner |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| US20060112712A1 true US20060112712A1 (en) | 2006-06-01 |
Family
ID=35884025
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| US11/286,354 Abandoned US20060112712A1 (en) | 2004-11-26 | 2005-11-25 | Air conditioning system |
Country Status (5)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US20060112712A1 (en) |
| EP (1) | EP1666815B1 (en) |
| KR (1) | KR100631548B1 (en) |
| CN (1) | CN100344916C (en) |
| DE (1) | DE602005002220T2 (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US20240353156A1 (en) * | 2023-04-19 | 2024-10-24 | Effusio, LLC | Vapor compression and absorption refrigeration cycle (vcarc) |
Families Citing this family (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN103968455B (en) * | 2013-02-04 | 2017-02-08 | 珠海格力电器股份有限公司 | Air conditioner |
| KR101726417B1 (en) * | 2015-07-10 | 2017-04-13 | 삼건세기(주) | screen apparatus which removes sludge from oil and wastewater |
Citations (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US2983112A (en) * | 1956-07-05 | 1961-05-09 | Joseph R Batteiger | Refrigeration apparatus |
| US4896514A (en) * | 1987-10-31 | 1990-01-30 | Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba | Air-conditioning apparatus |
Family Cites Families (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JPH11211149A (en) * | 1998-01-29 | 1999-08-06 | Daikin Ind Ltd | Heat transfer device |
| JP2000039221A (en) * | 1998-07-17 | 2000-02-08 | Matsushita Electric Ind Co Ltd | Refrigeration cycle device |
| WO2001090663A1 (en) * | 2000-05-26 | 2001-11-29 | Thermal Energy Accumulator Products Pty Ltd | A multiple-use super-efficient heating and cooling system |
| JP2004177067A (en) * | 2002-11-29 | 2004-06-24 | Hitachi Home & Life Solutions Inc | Heat pump type air conditioner |
-
2004
- 2004-11-26 KR KR1020040098192A patent/KR100631548B1/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2005
- 2005-11-21 EP EP05025348A patent/EP1666815B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2005-11-21 DE DE602005002220T patent/DE602005002220T2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2005-11-25 US US11/286,354 patent/US20060112712A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2005-11-25 CN CNB200510127224XA patent/CN100344916C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Patent Citations (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US2983112A (en) * | 1956-07-05 | 1961-05-09 | Joseph R Batteiger | Refrigeration apparatus |
| US4896514A (en) * | 1987-10-31 | 1990-01-30 | Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba | Air-conditioning apparatus |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US20240353156A1 (en) * | 2023-04-19 | 2024-10-24 | Effusio, LLC | Vapor compression and absorption refrigeration cycle (vcarc) |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| EP1666815A1 (en) | 2006-06-07 |
| CN100344916C (en) | 2007-10-24 |
| DE602005002220T2 (en) | 2008-05-29 |
| EP1666815B1 (en) | 2007-08-29 |
| KR20060059300A (en) | 2006-06-01 |
| KR100631548B1 (en) | 2006-10-09 |
| DE602005002220D1 (en) | 2007-10-11 |
| CN1782619A (en) | 2006-06-07 |
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