EP2636961B1 - Air conditioner - Google Patents
Air conditioner Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP2636961B1 EP2636961B1 EP11837878.5A EP11837878A EP2636961B1 EP 2636961 B1 EP2636961 B1 EP 2636961B1 EP 11837878 A EP11837878 A EP 11837878A EP 2636961 B1 EP2636961 B1 EP 2636961B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- radiation
- heat exchanger
- panel
- conduit
- indoor
- 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.)
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Links
- 230000005855 radiation Effects 0.000 claims description 424
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 claims description 115
- 239000003507 refrigerant Substances 0.000 claims description 115
- 238000011144 upstream manufacturing Methods 0.000 claims description 27
- 230000006837 decompression Effects 0.000 claims description 12
- 238000001816 cooling Methods 0.000 description 24
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 12
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 12
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 8
- 238000009833 condensation Methods 0.000 description 5
- 230000005494 condensation Effects 0.000 description 5
- 238000011084 recovery Methods 0.000 description 4
- 238000004781 supercooling Methods 0.000 description 4
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000000630 rising effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000008859 change Effects 0.000 description 2
- 244000145845 chattering Species 0.000 description 2
- 238000001514 detection method Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 2
- XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium Chemical compound [Al] XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 238000013459 approach Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000007664 blowing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000003750 conditioning effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000002474 experimental method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000007710 freezing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000008014 freezing Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000020169 heat generation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000006872 improvement Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012423 maintenance Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000010411 postconditioning Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000011347 resin Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920005989 resin Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 230000004044 response Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000717 retained effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000006641 stabilisation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000011105 stabilization Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012546 transfer Methods 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
- F24F5/0089—Systems using radiation from walls or panels
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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
- F24F1/0007—Indoor units, e.g. fan coil units
- F24F1/0059—Indoor units, e.g. fan coil units characterised by heat exchangers
- F24F1/0063—Indoor units, e.g. fan coil units characterised by heat exchangers by the mounting or arrangement of the heat exchangers
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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
- F24F2140/00—Control inputs relating to system states
- F24F2140/20—Heat-exchange fluid temperature
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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
- F25B2313/00—Compression machines, plants or systems with reversible cycle not otherwise provided for
- F25B2313/023—Compression machines, plants or systems with reversible cycle not otherwise provided for using multiple indoor units
- F25B2313/0233—Compression machines, plants or systems with reversible cycle not otherwise provided for using multiple indoor units in parallel arrangements
- F25B2313/02334—Compression machines, plants or systems with reversible cycle not otherwise provided for using multiple indoor units in parallel arrangements during heating
-
- 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
- F25B2313/00—Compression machines, plants or systems with reversible cycle not otherwise provided for
- F25B2313/031—Sensor arrangements
- F25B2313/0314—Temperature sensors near the indoor heat exchanger
Definitions
- the present invention relates to an air conditioner including a refrigerant circuit having an outdoor heat exchanger and a radiation heat exchanger.
- an air conditioner having an indoor unit and an outdoor unit connected to each other, and including a refrigerant circuit having a compressor, an indoor heat exchanger, a radiation panel, a decompression structure, and an outdoor heat exchanger (e.g., see JPH0718935U).
- the air conditioner disclosed in JPH0718935U has a panel temperature sensor provided to the radiation panel, the sensor configured to detect the temperature on the side of the refrigerant inlet port. Then, based on the temperature detected by the panel temperature sensor, the temperature of the radiation panel is controlled.
- WO2010106771 discloses an air conditioner according to the preamble of claim 1.
- Said air conditioner is configured in such a manner that chattering does not occur during heating operation even if a refrigerant liquefied by a radiation heat exchanger stays in the radiation heat exchanger and in the vicinity of an on-off valve.
- An air conditioner is provided with a first check valve located between a radiation heat exchanger and an on-off valve.
- JPH04369327 discloses an air conditioner in order to adjust the amount of refrigerant with a simplified structure for stabilization of a freezing cycle and improvement of cooling/heating capability. There are provided a radiation cooling panel, and a radiation heating panel.
- supercooling is evaluated by temperature sensors provided at the center of an outdoor heat exchanger and at an outlet on the basis of a temperature difference between the center of the outdoor heat exchanger and the outlet.
- a solenoid valve and an expansion valve located at an outlet of the radiation heating panel
- heating supercooling is evaluated from a temperature difference between an inlet of the radiation heating panel and the outlet detected by temperature sensors disposed at the inlet and outlet of the radiation heating panel, and expansion valves disposed at an inlet and an outlet of the radiation cooling panel are controlled using the evaluated supercooling.
- JPH0448140 discloses an air conditioner in order to get a fast rising in temperature when an operation is started and to reduce a power consumption by a method wherein each of heating operations with an indoor heat exchanger only, a parallel circuit of the indoor heat exchanger and a radiation heat exchanger, a series circuit of the radiation heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger and the radiation heat exchanger is properly selected in response to a load.
- the refrigerant flows in the series circuit of the radiation heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger and then the hot air heating and the radiation heating are concurrently carried out.
- the indoor air temperature reaches or exceeds the set indoor air temperature, only the radiation heating is carried out.
- the temperature of refrigerant having flown into the radiation panel rapidly drops due to radiation from the radiation panel and influences from natural convection. Therefore, the temperature detected by the panel temperature sensor is not the temperature of the refrigerant having flown into the radiation panel, but the temperature of the refrigerant having flown into the radiation panel, which is lowered due to the radiation or the influences by the natural convection. This leads to a problem that the temperature of the radiation panel is not suitably controlled.
- an object of the present invention to provide an air conditioner capable of suitably controlling the temperature of the radiation panel (radiation heat exchanger).
- a first aspect of the present invention is an air conditioner, including a refrigerant circuit including a compressor, a decompression structure, an outdoor heat exchanger, an indoor heat exchanger, and a radiation heat exchanger, wherein the refrigerant circuit is configured to cause a high temperature refrigerant to flow in the radiation heat exchanger during a radiation heating operation, wherein the refrigerant circuit includes: a principal channel having the decompression structure, the outdoor heat exchanger, and the compressor in this order; a first channel provided with the indoor heat exchanger, which connects a branching section and a merging section, the branching section being provided in a position which, during the heating operation, is on the downstream side of the compressor in the principal channel, and the merging section being provided in a position which, during the heating operation, is on the upstream side of the decompression structure; and a second channel provided with the radiation heat exchanger, which connects the branching section and the merging section with the first channel in parallel during the heating operation, wherein a first temperature sensor is provided
- the expression “conduit which (during the radiation heating operation) is on the upstream side of the radiation heat exchanger” means that the conduit on the upstream side of the most upstream end portion of the conduits constituting the radiation heat exchanger
- the expression “conduit which (during the radiation heating operation) is on the downstream side of the radiation heat exchanger” means the conduit on the downstream side of the most downstream end portion of the conduits constituting the radiation heat exchanger
- the second temperature sensor in this air conditioner is provided in the conduit on the downstream side of the radiation heat exchanger and the first temperature sensor is provided in the conduit on the upstream side of the radiation heat exchanger. Therefore, the temperature detected by the temperature sensor is hardly influenced by the radiation from the radiation heat exchanger or by the natural convection. This allows suitable temperature control of the radiation heat exchanger.
- the air conditioner having the indoor heat exchanger and the radiation heat exchanger provided in parallel with each other allows suitable temperature control of the radiation heat exchanger.
- the air conditioner With the first temperature sensor provided at the conduit which, during the heating operation, is on the upstream side of the radiation heat exchanger, the air conditioner is able to detect the temperature of the refrigerant before it flows into the radiation heat exchanger, in the circuit during the heating operation. In other words, it is possible to detect the temperature of the refrigerant before the temperature drops due to the radiation from the radiation heat exchanger. Thus, excessively high surface temperature of the radiation heat exchanger (radiation panel) is promptly and reliably restrained. It is possible to provide a functional part such as a valve in the conduit which is on the downstream side of the radiation heat exchanger in the circuit during the heating operation. Closing this valve or the like prevents the refrigerant from flowing into the radiation heat exchanger, during the cooling operation.
- the valve structure is controlled to adjust the surface temperature of the radiation heat exchanger (radiation panel) derived from the first temperature and the second temperature to the target temperature.
- the performance of the indoor heat exchanger is not influenced, unlike the cases where the decompression structure is controlled to control the surface temperature of the radiation heat exchanger.
- the air conditioner it is possible to provide a functional part such as a valve in the conduit which is on the downstream side of the radiation heat exchanger in the circuit during the heating operation. Closing this valve or the like prevents the refrigerant from flowing into the radiation heat exchanger, during the cooling operation.
- a functional part such as a valve during the cooling operation
- that leakage is detected before the refrigerant flows into the radiation heat exchanger by providing a temperature sensor at the conduit which, during the heating operation, is on the downstream side of the radiation heat exchanger and which is closer to the radiation heat exchanger than it is to the functional part such as a valve.
- the air conditioner is able to detect the temperature of the refrigerant before it flows into the radiation heat exchanger, during the heating operation. In other words, it is possible to detect the temperature of the refrigerant before the temperature drops due to the radiation from the radiation heat exchanger. Thus, excessively high surface temperature of the radiation heat exchanger (radiation panel) is promptly and reliably restrained.
- a second aspect of the present invention is the air conditioner of the first aspect adapted so that the first temperature sensor is positioned closer to the radiation heat exchanger than it is to the branching section.
- the air conditioner is capable of detecting the temperature of the refrigerant immediately before it flows into the radiation heat exchanger, during the heating operation.
- the surface temperature of the radiation heat exchanger (radiation panel) is highly accurately controlled.
- a third aspect of the present invention is the air conditioner of the first or second aspect adapted so that the valve structure is provided at the conduit which, during the heating operation, is on the downstream side of the radiation heat exchanger in the second channel, and the second temperature sensor is positioned closer to the radiation heat exchanger than it is to the valve structure.
- the air conditioner is capable of detecting the temperature of the refrigerant immediately after it flows out of the radiation heat exchanger, during the heating operation.
- the surface temperature of the radiation heat exchanger (radiation panel) is highly accurately controlled.
- the first aspect of the present invention having the indoor heat exchanger and the radiation heat exchanger provided in parallel with each other allows suitable control of the radiation heat exchanger.
- the first aspect of the present invention is able to detect the temperature of the refrigerant before it flows into the radiation heat exchanger, during the heating operation. In other words, it is possible to detect the temperature of the refrigerant before the temperature drops due to the radiation from the radiation heat exchanger. Thus, excessively high surface temperature of the radiation heat exchanger (radiation panel) is promptly and reliably restrained. It is possible to provide a functional part such as a valve in the conduit which is on the downstream side of the radiation heat exchanger in the circuit during the heating operation.
- Closing this valve or the like prevents the refrigerant from flowing into the radiation heat exchanger, during the cooling operation.
- that leakage is detected before the refrigerant flows into the radiation heat exchanger by providing a temperature sensor at the conduit which, during the heating operation, is on the downstream side of the radiation heat exchanger in the second channel and which is closer to the radiation heat exchanger than it is to the functional part such as a valve.
- a predicted surface temperature value of the radiation heat exchanger is highly accurately calculated based on the temperatures detected by the temperature sensors on the both sides.
- the valve structure is controlled to adjust the surface temperature of the radiation heat exchanger (radiation panel) derived from the first temperature and the second temperature to the target temperature.
- the performance of the indoor heat exchanger is not influenced, unlike the cases where the decompression structure is controlled to control the surface temperature of the radiation heat exchanger.
- the first aspect of the present invention it is possible to provide a functional part such as a valve in the conduit which is on the downstream side of the radiation heat exchanger in the circuit during the heating operation. Closing this valve or the like prevents the refrigerant from flowing into the radiation heat exchanger, during the cooling operation.
- the functional part such as a valve during the cooling operation
- that leakage is detected before the refrigerant flows into the radiation heat exchanger by providing a temperature sensor at the conduit which, during the heating operation, is on the downstream side of the radiation heat exchanger and which is closer to the radiation heat exchanger than it is to the functional part such as a valve.
- the first aspect of the present invention with the temperature sensor provided at the conduit which is on the upstream side of the radiation heat exchanger in the circuit during the heating operation, is able to detect the temperature of the refrigerant before it flows into the radiation heat exchanger, during the heating operation. In other words, it is possible to detect the temperature of the refrigerant before the temperature drops due to the radiation from the radiation heat exchanger. Thus, excessively high surface temperature of the radiation heat exchanger (radiation panel) is promptly and reliably restrained.
- the second aspect of the present invention is capable of detecting the temperature of the refrigerant immediately before it flows into the radiation heat exchanger, during the heating operation.
- the surface temperature of the radiation heat exchanger (radiation panel) is highly accurately controlled.
- the third aspect of the present invention is capable of detecting the temperature of the refrigerant immediately after it flows out of the radiation heat exchanger, during the heating operation.
- the surface temperature of the radiation heat exchanger (radiation panel) is highly accurately controlled.
- the air conditioner 1 of the embodiment includes an indoor unit 2 installed in a room, an outdoor unit 6 installed out of the room, and a remote controller 9 (see FIG. 10 ).
- the indoor unit 2 includes an indoor heat exchanger 20, an indoor fan 21 disposed near the indoor heat exchanger 20, a radiation panel 30, an indoor motor-operated valve 23, and an indoor temperature sensor 24 that detects an indoor temperature.
- the outdoor unit 6 includes a compressor 60, a four-way valve 61, an outdoor heat exchanger 62, an outdoor fan 63 disposed near the outdoor heat exchanger 62, and an outdoor motor-operated valve 64 (a decompression structure).
- the air conditioner 1 includes a refrigerant circuit 10 that connects the indoor unit 2 and the outdoor unit 6 to each other.
- the refrigerant circuit 10 includes a principal channel 11 in which the outdoor motor-operated valve 64, the outdoor heat exchanger 62, and the compressor 60 are sequentially provided.
- An intake-side conduit and a discharge-side conduit of the compressor 60 are connected to the four-way valve 61.
- a branching section 10a is provided in a portion that becomes a downstream side of the compressor 60 in the principal channel 11 during a heating operation (as described later, when a refrigerant is flowing in a direction indicated by a solid-line arrow in Figs.
- the refrigerant circuit 10 also includes a first channel 12 and a second channel 13.
- the first channel 12 connects the branching section 10a and the refrigerant circuit 10 to each other, and the indoor heat exchanger 20 is provided in the first channel 12.
- the second channel 13 is connected in parallel with the first channel 12 between the branching section 10a and merging section 10b, and the radiation panel 30 is provided in the second channel 13.
- An indoor motor-operated valve (valve structure) 23 is provided between the radiation panel 30 and the merging section 10b in the second channel 13; i.e., to the conduit downstream of the radiation conduit 36c (see Fig. 8 or the like) of the radiation heat exchanger 34 in the radiation panel 30.
- a first or panel incoming temperature sensor 25 and a second or panel outgoing temperature sensor 26 are attached to both sides of the radiation panel 30 in the second channel 13. More specifically, the panel incoming temperature sensor 25 is provided in a conduit and is on the upstream side of a radiation conduit 36c of the radiation panel 30 during the heating operation.
- the panel outgoing temperature sensor 26 is provided at the conduit and is on the downstream side of the radiation conduit 36c of the radiation panel 30 during the heating operation.
- a length L1 from the panel incoming temperature sensor 25 to the radiation conduit 36c of the radiation panel 30 is shorter than a length L2 from the branching section 10a to the panel incoming temperature sensor 25. That is, the panel incoming temperature sensor 25 is positioned closer to the radiation conduit 36c than it is to the branching section 10a.
- a length L3 from the panel outgoing temperature sensor 26 to the radiation conduit 36c of the radiation panel 30 is shorter than a length L4 from the indoor motor-operated valve 23 to the panel outgoing temperature sensor 26. That is, the panel outgoing temperature sensor 26 is positioned closer to the radiation conduit 36c than it is to the indoor motor-operated valve 23.
- an accumulator 65 is interposed between an intake side of the compressor 60 and the four-way valve 61, and a discharge temperature sensor 66 is attached between a discharge side of the compressor 60 and the four-way valve 61.
- An outdoor heat exchanger temperature sensor 68 is attached to the outdoor heat exchanger 62.
- the indoor heat exchanger 20 includes the conduit, which constitutes a part of the refrigerant circuit 10, and an indoor heat exchanger temperature sensor 27 is attached to the indoor heat exchanger 20.
- the indoor heat exchanger 20 is disposed on a windward side of the indoor fan 21. Air heated or cooled by heat exchange with the indoor heat exchanger 20 is blown as warm wind or cool wind into the room by the indoor fan 21, thereby performing warm-air heating or cooling.
- the radiation panel 30 is disposed on a surface side of the indoor unit 2, and includes a panel conduit 36 (see Fig. 8 and the like), which constitutes a part of the refrigerant circuit 10. Heat of the refrigerant flowing at the conduit is radiated into the room to perform radiation heating.
- the indoor motor-operated valve 23 is provided in order to adjust a flow rate of the refrigerant supplied to the radiation panel 30.
- the air conditioner 1 of the present embodiment is capable of performing a cooling operation, a warm air heating operation, a radiation heating operation, and a radiation breeze heating operation.
- the cooling operation is an operation for performing cooling by causing the refrigerant to flow not in the radiation panel 30 but in the indoor heat exchanger 20
- the warm air heating operation is an operation for performing warm-air heating by causing the refrigerant to flow not in the radiation panel 30 but in the indoor heat exchanger 20.
- the radiation heating operation is an operation for performing radiation heating which causes the refrigerant to flow in the radiation panel 30, while causing the refrigerant to also flow in the indoor heat exchanger 20 to perform warm-air heating.
- the radiation breeze heating operation is an operation which performs warm-air heating with a fixed air-flow lower than that of the warm air heating operation and the radiation heating operation, while causing the refrigerant to flow in the radiation panel 30 to perform radiation heating operation.
- the indoor motor-operated valve 23 is provided in order to adjust a flow rate of the refrigerant supplied to the radiation panel 30.
- the indoor motor-operated valve 23 is closed, and the four-way valve 61 is switched to a state indicated by a broken line in Fig. 1 . Therefore, as indicated by a broken-line arrow in Fig. 1 , the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor 60 flows in the outdoor heat exchanger 62 through the four-way valve 61.
- the refrigerant condensed by the outdoor heat exchanger 62 flows in the indoor heat exchanger 20 after being decompressed by the outdoor motor-operated valve 64.
- the refrigerant vaporized by the indoor heat exchanger 20 flows in the compressor 60 through the four-way valve 61 and accumulator 65.
- the indoor motor-operated valve 23 is opened and the four-way valve 61 is switched to a state indicated by the solid line in Fig. 1 . Therefore, as indicated by the solid-line arrow in Fig. 1 , the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor 60 flows into the indoor heat exchanger 20 through the four-way valve 61.
- the refrigerant condensed in the indoor heat exchanger 20 flows into the outdoor heat exchanger 62 after being depressurized by the outdoor motor-operated valve 64.
- the refrigerant vaporized by the outdoor heat exchanger 62 flows in the compressor 60 through the four-way valve 61 and the accumulator 65.
- the indoor motor-operated valve 23 is opened, and the four-way valve 61 is switched to a state indicated by a solid line in Fig. 2 . Therefore, as indicated by a solid-line arrow in Fig. 2 , the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor 60 flows in the indoor heat exchanger 20 and radiation panel 30 through the four-way valve 61.
- the refrigerant condensed by the indoor heat exchanger 20 and radiation panel 30 flows in the outdoor heat exchanger 62 after being decompressed by the outdoor motor-operated valve 64.
- the refrigerant vaporized by the outdoor heat exchanger 62 flows in the compressor 60 through the four-way valve 61 and accumulator 65.
- the indoor unit 2 of the embodiment has a rectangular solid shape as a whole, and is installed near a floor surface in the room.
- the indoor unit 2 is attached to a wall surface while floating from the floor surface by about 10 cm.
- a direction in which the indoor unit 2 projects from the attached wall is referred to as a "front”
- the opposite direction is referred to as a "rear”.
- a right-left direction in Fig. 3 is simply referred to as a "horizontal direction”
- an up-down direction is simply referred to as a "vertical direction”.
- the indoor unit 2 mainly includes a casing 4, internal devices, such as the indoor fan 21, the indoor heat exchanger 20, an outlet unit 46, and an electric component unit 47, which are accommodated in the casing 4, and a front grill 42.
- the casing 4 includes a principal inlet 4a formed in a lower wall of the casing 4 and auxiliary inlets 4b and 4c that are formed in a front wall of the casing 4.
- An outlet 4d is formed in an upper wall of the casing 4.
- the indoor heat exchanger 20 heats or cools the drawn air to perform conditioning. Then the post-conditioning air is blown from the outlet 4d and returned to the room.
- the casing 4 includes a body frame 41, an outlet cover 51, the radiation panel 30, and an opening-closing panel 52.
- the outlet cover 51 includes a front panel section 51a
- the radiation panel 30 includes a radiation plate 31.
- the front panel section 51a of the outlet cover 51, the radiation plate 31 of the radiation panel 30, and the opening-closing panel 52 are disposed so as to be flush with one another in a front surface of the casing 4, and the front panel section 51a, the radiation plate 31, and the opening-closing panel 52 constitute a front panel 5.
- a power button 48 and an emission display section 49 that indicates an operation status are provided in an upper right end portion of the front panel 5, namely, a right end portion of the front panel section 51a of the outlet cover 51.
- the body frame 41 is one attached to a wall surface, and the body frame 41 supports various internal devices described above .
- the front grill 42, the outlet cover 51, the radiation panel 30, and the opening-closing panel 52 are attached to the front surface of the body frame 41 while the body frame 41 supports the internal devices.
- the outlet cover 51 is attached to an upper end portion of the body frame 41, and the outlet 4d that is a horizontally long rectangular opening is formed on the upper wall of the outlet cover 51.
- the radiation panel 30 is attached below the outlet cover 51, and the opening-closing panel 52 is attached below the radiation panel 30.
- the principal inlet 4a that is the horizontally long opening is formed between a lower front end of the body frame 41 and a lower end of the opening-closing panel 52.
- the indoor fan 21 is disposed slightly above a middle portion in a height direction of the casing 4 such that an axial direction of the indoor fan 21 is aligned with the horizontal direction.
- the indoor fan 21 draws the air from the lower front and flows the air to the upper rear.
- the indoor heat exchanger 20 is disposed in substantially parallel with the front panel 5.
- the indoor heat exchanger 20 includes a front heat exchanger 20a facing the rear surface of the front panel 5 and a rear heat exchanger 20b upwardly inclined toward the rear surface from a vicinity of the lower end portion of the front heat exchanger 20a.
- the front-surface heat exchanger 20a is disposed at the front side of the indoor fan 21, and the upper half thereof faces the indoor fan 21.
- the upper end of the front-surface heat exchanger 20a is positioned higher than the position of the upper end of the indoor fan 21.
- the back-surface heat exchanger 20b is disposed below the indoor fan 21. That is, the indoor heat exchanger 20 as a whole has a substantially V-shape, and is disposed in such a manner as to face the front and lower side of the indoor fan 21.
- conduits are provided integral with the indoor heat exchanger 20 on the right side of the indoor heat exchanger 20 in order to supply the refrigerant sent from the outdoor unit 6 to the indoor heat exchanger 20 and radiation panel 30.
- a drip-resistant cover 45 is attached in front of the conduits.
- a first connection section 15 and a second connection section 16 are disposed in the right end portion of the indoor unit 2.
- the first connection section 15 is connected to the conduit constituting the channel on the downstream side of the compressor 60 in the principal channel 11
- the second connection section 16 is connected to the conduit constituting the channel on the upstream side of the outdoor motor-operated valve 64 in the principal channel 11.
- the second connection section 16 is positioned obliquely above the first connection section 15.
- a third connection section 17 and a fourth connection section 18 are disposed on the left sides of the first connection section 15 and second connection section 16. As described later, the third connection section 17 and the fourth connection section 18 are connected to both ends of the panel conduit 36 (see Fig. 8 and the like) provided integral with the radiation panel 30, respectively.
- the fourth connection section 18 is positioned obliquely below the third connection section 17.
- the conduit that extends from the first connection section 15 is connected to a branching conduit that serves as the branching section 10a.
- the indoor heat exchanger 20 of the embodiment is configured such that the refrigerant flows in the merging section 10b from the indoor heat exchanger 20 through the plurality of conduits while the refrigerant flows in the indoor heat exchanger 20 from the branching conduit through the plurality of conduits.
- the first channel 12 is constructed by the plurality of conduits that connect the branching section 10a and the merging section 10b to each other through the indoor heat exchanger 20.
- the conduit which extends from the branching conduit and constitutes the second channel 13, is connected to the third connection section 17.
- the conduit is curved into a substantial U-shape in the vicinity of the third connection section 17, and the panel incoming temperature sensor 25 is attached to the curved portion. That is, the panel incoming temperature sensor 25 is disposed nearby the third connection section 17.
- the conduit that constitutes the second channel 13 extending from the fourth connection section 18 is connected to a merging conduit that serves as the merging section 10b.
- the conduit is curved into the substantial U-shape in the vicinity of the fourth connection section 18, and the panel outgoing temperature sensor 26 is attached to the curved portion. That is, the panel outgoing temperature sensor 26 is disposed nearby the fourth connection section 18.
- the indoor motor-operated valve 23 is interposed between the fourth connection section 18 and the merging conduit 75.
- the first channel 12 and the second channel 13 merge with each other in the merging section 10b.
- the conduit from the merging conduit is connected to the second connection section 16.
- the refrigerant sent from the outdoor unit 6 flows from the first connection section 15, and flows in the first channel 12 and second channel 13 through the merging section 10b.
- the refrigerant, which flows in the second channel 13 flows in the panel conduit 36 of the radiation panel 30 through the third connection section 17.
- the refrigerant, which flows out from the panel conduit 36 flows from the fourth connection section 18, and flows out from the second connection section 16 through the indoor motor-operated valve 23 and merging section 10b.
- a horizontally extending drain pan 22 is disposed below the indoor heat exchanger 20.
- the end portion on the left side of the drain pan 22 is located so as to be substantially opposed to the end portion of the indoor heat exchanger 20, and the end portion on the right side is located so as to be opposed to the conduit disposed on the right side of the indoor heat exchanger 20.
- the end portions in a front-back direction of the drain pan 22 are located so as to be substantially opposed to the end portions in a front-back direction of the indoor heat exchanger 20.
- the outlet unit 46 is disposed above the indoor fan 21, and guides the air blown from the indoor fan 21 to the outlet 4d formed in the upper wall of the casing 4.
- the outlet unit 46 includes a horizontal flap 46a disposed near the outlet 4d.
- the horizontal flap 46a opens and closes the outlet 4d while changing a vertical direction of wind of the air blown from the outlet 4d.
- the electric component unit 47 is disposed below the drain pan 22, and includes an electric component box 47a in which a circuit board (not illustrated) and the like are accommodated and a terminal stage 47b that are electrically connected to the board accommodated in the electric component box 47a.
- the electric component box 47a is disposed in the position that is substantially opposed to a right half of the indoor heat exchanger 20, and the terminal stage 47b is disposed in the position that is opposed to the conduit disposed on the right side of the indoor heat exchanger 20.
- a lead from the electric component unit 47 is routed straight up from the right side of the terminal stage 47b, and connected to the power button 48 and an LED luminous body of the emission display section 49, which are provided in the upper right end portion of the front panel 5.
- the front grill 42 is attached to the body frame 41 so as to cover the body frame 41 to which such internal devices as the indoor heat exchanger 20, the indoor fan 21, the outlet unit 46, and the electric component unit 47 are attached. More specifically, the front grill 42 is attached to the body frame 41 so as to cover a range from the substantially middle portion in the vertical direction of the front heat exchanger 20a to the lower end of the body frame 41.
- the front grill 42 includes a filter retaining section 42a and an inlet grill 42b disposed in the principal inlet 4a.
- a lower filter 43 and an upper filter 44 are attached to the filter retaining section 42a.
- the lower filter 43 retained by the filter retaining section 42a extends downward from the substantially middle portion in the vertical direction of the front-surface heat exchanger 20a, and the lower end portion is tilted towards back.
- the lower end of the lower filter 43 is positioned nearby the rear end of the main inlet port 4a.
- the upper filter 44 extends upward from the substantially middle portion in the vertical direction of the front-surface heat exchanger 20a. This lower filter 43 and the upper filter 44 divide the space between the front-surface heat exchanger 20a and the front panel 5, relative to the front-back direction.
- the outlet cover 51 covers the outlet unit 46. As described above, the outlet 4d is formed in the upper wall of the outlet cover 51.
- the front panel section 51a is provided in the front surface of the outlet cover 51.
- the front panel section 51a has the horizontally long rectangular shape. Here, the length of the front panel unit 51a relative to the vertical direction is defined as to be L.
- the radiation panel 30 has the horizontally long, substantially rectangular shape. As shown in Fig. 7 , Fig. 8 , and Fig. 9 , the radiation panel 30 mainly includes an aluminum radiation plate 31 and a resin heat-insulating cover 32 attached to the rear surface of the radiation plate 31.
- the length of the radiation plate 31 relative to the vertical direction is substantially twice the length of the front panel unit 51a of the outlet port cover 51. In other words, the length of the radiation plate 31 relative to the vertical direction is approximately 1L, as shown in FIG. 3 .
- the radiation plate 31 is positioned below the front-surface panel section 41a of the outlet port cover 41. As shown in FIG. 4 , the substantially middle part of the radiation panel 30 relative to the vertical direction faces the upper end portion of the front-surface heat exchanger 20a. Further, the panel conduit 36 that is the part of the conduit constituting the refrigerant circuit 10 is attached to the rear surface of the radiation plate 31.
- both end portions of the panel conduit 36 are located below the right end portion of the radiation plate 31.
- the connection sections 36a and 36b are provided at both ends of the panel conduit 36, and connected respectively to the third connection section 17 and fourth connection section 18 of the conduit disposed on the right side of the indoor heat exchanger 20.
- the refrigerant sent from the outdoor unit 6 flows in the panel conduit 36 through the connection section 36a, and flows out from the connection section 36b to the outside of the panel conduit 36.
- a substantial U-shape radiation conduit 36c opened onto the right side is provided in a portion opposed to the rear surface of the radiation plate 31 in the panel conduit 36. More particularly, the radiation conduit 36c vertically includes two horizontally extending linear portions, and the left end portions of the linear portions are connected to form the substantial U-shape. Out of the linear portions, the right end portion of the linear portion located on the upper side is connected to the connection section 36a, and the right end portion of the linear portion located on the lower side is connected to the connection section 36b.
- the refrigerant which flows in the panel conduit 36 through the connection section 36a, flows from the right side toward the left side in the linear portion located on the upper side of the radiation conduit 36c, then, flows from the left side toward the right side in the linear portion located on the lower side, and flows out from the connection section 36b.
- two horizontally extending projections 31a are vertically formed in the rear surface of the radiation plate 31.
- the linear portions of the radiation conduit 36c described above is buried in the projections 31a. More particularly, in each of the linear portions of the radiation conduit 36c, at least a half surface is covered with the projection 31a and the portion being opposite side to the radiation plate 31 is exposed. Thus, most of the surface of the linear portions of the radiation conduit 36c is substantially covered with the projection 31a formed in the radiation plate 31, so that the heat of the refrigerant flowing in the radiation conduit 36c can efficiently be transferred to the radiation plate 31.
- the linear portions of the radiation conduit 36c are in contact with the rear surface of the radiation plate 31, and the portion except the linear portions of the radiation conduit 36c is separated from the rear surface of the radiation plate 31.
- the portion constructed by the whole radiation plate 31 and radiation conduit 36c constitutes the radiation heat exchanger 34.
- the portion of the radiation panel 30, where the sub-protrusions 31a to which the linear portions of the radiation conduit 36c are buried, i.e., the portion where the radiation plate 31 and the panel conduit 36 are in contact with each other, are the portions serving as the radiation unit. That is, in the present embodiment, there are two radiation units; in the upper portion and the lower portion.
- a fixation section 31b is formed above the projection 31a located in the upper portion of the rear surface of the radiation plate 31, and the fixation section 31b is also formed below the projection 31a located in the lower portion of the rear surface of the radiation plate 31 for screwing the heat-insulating cover 32 to the rear surface of the radiation plate 31.
- the fixation section 31b extends along the horizontal direction, projecting from the rear surface of the radiation plate 31, and a leading end of the fixation section 31b is bent toward the side of the projection 31a.
- the bent portion is substantially parallel to the rear surface of the radiation plate 31, and a plurality of screw holes 31c are formed in the fixation section 31b in order to screw the heat-insulating cover 32.
- the heat-insulating cover 32 is attached to the fixation sections 31b of the radiation plate 31 by the screws.
- the sub-protrusion 31a of the radiation plate 31 is disposed in a space formed between the rear surface of the radiation plate 31 and the front surface of the heat-insulating cover 32.
- a heat-insulating effect caused by the air in the space can suppress the transfer of the heat from the radiation conduit 36c to a space outside the heat-insulating cover 32.
- a side panel 37 constituting the side surface of the casing 4 and an attaching member 38 used to attach the radiation panel 30 to the body frame 41 are attached to each of both the end portions in the horizontal direction of the rear surface of the radiation plate 31 from the end part in turn.
- the opening-closing panel 52 is detachably attached to the lower portion of the radiation plate 31 of the radiation panel 30.
- the opening-closing panel 52 has a rectangular shape which is long in the horizontal direction, and its length relative to the vertical direction is approximately four times the length of the front-surface panel section 51a of the outlet port cover 51. In other words, the length of the opening-closing panel 52 relative to the vertical direction is approximately 4L, as shown in FIG. 3 .
- the vertical position at the upper end of the opening-closing panel 52 has the substantially same level as the upper end of the front grill 42.
- the lower end of the opening-closing panel 52 constitutes the part of the principal inlet 4a. Accordingly, the front grill 42 is exposed by detaching the opening-closing panel 52, so that the lower filter 43 and upper filter 44, which are attached to the filter retaining section 42a of the front grill 42, can be detached.
- the front panel 5 includes the front panel section 51a provided in the outlet cover 51, the radiation plate 31 provided in the radiation panel 30, and the opening-closing panel 52.
- the auxiliary inlet 4b that is the slit-like opening extending in the horizontal direction is formed between the radiation plate 31 of the radiation panel 30 and the opening-closing panel 52.
- the auxiliary inlet 4c that is the slit-like opening extending in the horizontal direction is formed near the upper end of the opening-closing panel 52. As shown in FIG. 3 , the distance from the upper end of the opening-closing panel 52 to the auxiliary inlet port 4c, relative to the vertical direction is L.
- the length of the front-surface panel 5 relative to the vertical direction is 7L
- the auxiliary inlet port 4b is in a position 3L from the upper end of the front-surface panel 5
- the auxiliary inlet port 4c is in a position 3L from the lower end of the front-surface panel 5.
- the auxiliary inlet ports 4b, 4c are provided in the middle portion of the front-surface panel 5 relative to the vertical direction.
- the auxiliary inlets 4b and 4c are opposed to the front heat exchanger 20a.
- the indoor fan 21, the indoor heat exchanger 20, the outlet port unit 46, and the internal devices such as the electrical component unit 47 are attached.
- the conduit integrally provided with the indoor heat exchanger 20 is disposed.
- the panel incoming temperature sensor 25 and the panel outgoing temperature sensor 26 are attached to this conduit.
- the radiation panel 30 is attached to the body frame 41. Then, the connecting sections 36a, 36b of the panel conduit 36 integrally provided with the radiation panel 30 are connected to the third connection section 17 and the fourth connection section 18 of the conduit integrally provided with the indoor heat exchanger 20. After that, the outlet port cover 51 is attached above the radiation panel 30, and the front grill 42 and the open/close panel 52 are sequentially attached below the radiation panel 30.
- the above describe steps are reversed. That is, for example, to detach the radiation panel 30, the outlet port cover 51, the open/close panel 52, and the front grill 42 are first detached, and then the radiation panel 30 is detached.
- the panel incoming temperature sensor 25 and the panel outgoing temperature sensor 26 are disposed at the conduit integrally provided with the indoor heat exchanger 20. Therefore, when the radiation panel 30 is detached, the panel incoming temperature sensor 25 and the panel outgoing temperature sensor 26 are not moved unless the indoor heat exchanger 20 is detached from the body frame 41. In cases where the panel conduit 36 of the radiation panel 30 has a sensor, the wiring of the sensor needs to be detached every time the radiation panel 30 is detached. However, such a process is not necessary in the present embodiment.
- the remote controller 9 a user is able to start or stop the operation of the air conditioner 1, set the operation mode, set the target indoor temperature (indoor setting temperature), or set the blowing air quantity, or the like.
- the air quantity setting may be selected from “air quantity automatic”, and “strong” to "weak".
- the air quantity is automatically controlled during the radiation heating operation and the radiation breeze heating operation.
- controller 7 for controlling the air conditioner 1 is described with reference to Fig. 10 .
- the controller 7 includes a storage 70, an indoor motor-operated valve controller 72, an indoor fan controller 73, a compressor controller 74, and an outdoor motor-operated valve controller 75.
- the storage 70 stores various operation settings related to the air conditioner 1, a control program, a data table necessary for running the control program, or the like.
- the operation settings include user-setting set by a user operating the remote controller 9, such as target indoor temperature (indoor setting temperature), and a presetting which is set in advance in the air conditioner 1.
- target indoor temperature indoor setting temperature
- presetting which is set in advance in the air conditioner 1.
- the range of target temperature of the radiation panel 30 is set to a predetermined temperature range (e.g., 50 to 55°C).
- the target temperature range of the radiation panel 30 however may be set by operating the remote controller 9.
- the indoor motor-operated valve controller 72 controls the number of pulses input to the stepping motor (not shown) for controlling the indoor motor-operated valve 23 so as to control the opening degree of the indoor motor-operated valve 23. During the cooling operation or the warm air heating operation, the indoor motor-operated valve controller 72 closes the indoor motor-operated valve 23. Further, during the radiation heating operation or the radiation breeze heating operation, the indoor motor-operated valve controller 72 controls the opening degree of the indoor motor-operated valve 23 based on the temperature of the radiation panel 30.
- a predicted value (hereinafter, simply referred to as radiation panel temperature) Tp of the surface temperature of the radiation panel 30 is calculated based on the a temperature Tp1 (first temperature) detected by the panel incoming temperature sensor 25 and a temperature Tp2 (second temperature) detected by the panel outgoing temperature sensor 26.
- the opening degree of the indoor motor-operated valve 23 is controlled so that this radiation panel temperature Tp is within a panel target temperature range (e.g. 50 to 55°C).
- Tp Tp 1 + Tp 2 ⁇ A + B
- the indoor motor-operated valve controller 72 controls the indoor motor-operated valve 23 differently for each of five different zones set for the radiation panel temperatures Tp, as shown in Fig. 11 .
- the five different zones are: an up zone, a no-change zone, a suspended zone, a stop zone, and a recovery zone.
- the number of pulses input to the stepping motor is increased at a ratio of DEV1 (pulse)/TEV1 (Sec.) so as to increase the opening degree of the indoor motor-operated valve 23.
- the number of pulses input to the stepping motor is not changed so as not to cause a change in the opening degree of the indoor motor-operated valve 23.
- the number of pulses input to the stepping motor is reduced at a ratio of DEV2 (pulse) /TEV2 (Sec.), so as to reduce the opening degree of the indoor motor-operated valve 23.
- the number of pulses input to the stepping motor is made zero to close the indoor motor-operated valve 23.
- a control at the beginning of operation is executed after the radiation panel temperature Tp drops to the recovery zone.
- the control at the beginning of operation is a control to fix the opening degree of the indoor motor-operated valve 23 to an initial opening degree, for a predetermined period t1.
- the ratio DEV1(pulse)/TEV1(Sec.) at which the opening degree of the indoor motor-operated valve 23 is increased in the up zone and the ratio DEV2 (pulse) /TEV2 (Sec.) at which the opening degree of the indoor motor-operated valve 23 is reduced in the suspended zone are the same.
- these ratios may be different from each other.
- the indoor motor-operated valve controller 72 performs a control to increase the opening degree of the indoor motor-operated valve 23, and when the radiation panel temperature Tp reaches or exceeds a certain level, performs control to cause no change in the opening degree of the indoor motor-operated valve 23.
- the indoor motor-operated valve controller 72 When the radiation panel temperature Tp is relatively high, the indoor motor-operated valve controller 72 performs a control to reduce the opening degree of the indoor motor-operated valve 23. When the radiation panel temperature Tp is excessively high (70°C or higher), the indoor motor-operated valve controller 72 performs a control performs a control to close the indoor motor-operated valve 23.
- the indoor motor-operated valve 23 is kept closed until the temperature drops to the recovery zone which is lower than 45°C.
- the radiation panel temperature Tp rises and then starts to fall from a temperature of less than 70°C
- the radiation panel temperature Tp of less than 70°C but not less than 53°C is the suspended zone
- the radiation panel temperature Tp of less than 53°C but not less than 51°C is the no-change zone
- the radiation panel temperature Tp of less than 51°C is the up zone.
- the indoor fan controller 73 controls the rotational frequency of the indoor fan 21.
- the indoor fan controller 73 controls the rotational frequency of the indoor fan 21 based on the indoor temperature detected by the indoor temperature sensor 24, the indoor setting temperature, or the like. Further, when the air quantity setting is set to any of "strong” to "weak” during the warm air heating operation or the cooling operation, or during the radiation breeze heating operation, the rotational frequency of the indoor fan 21 is controlled to the rotational frequency corresponding to a corresponding one of pre-set fan taps.
- the compressor controller 74 controls the operation frequency of the compressor 60, based on the indoor temperature, the indoor setting temperature, the heat exchanger temperature detected by the temperature sensor 27, or the like.
- the outdoor motor-operated valve controller 75 controls the opening degree of the outdoor motor-operated valve 64. Specifically, the motor-operated valve controller 75 controls the opening degree of the outdoor motor-operated valve 64 so that the temperature detected by the discharge temperature sensor 66 is the optimum temperature of the operation state. The optimum temperature is determined based on a calculated value involving an indoor heat exchanger temperature and/or an outdoor heat exchanger temperature.
- Fig. 12 With reference to Fig. 12 , the following describes an exemplary changes in the room temperature, the rotational frequency of the indoor fan 21, the radiation panel temperature Tp, the opening degree of the indoor motor-operated valve 23, the operation frequency of the compressor 60, when the air conditioner 1 is controlled by the controller 7. Note that the example of Fig. 12 shows a case where the radiation heating operation and the radiation breeze heating operation are switched to one another depending on the room temperatures.
- the operation frequency of the compressor 60 is raised in stages until the time point t1.
- the opening degree of the indoor motor-operated valve 23 is fixed to a predetermined initial opening degree.
- the room temperature and the radiation panel temperature Tp rises.
- the opening degree of the indoor motor-operated valve 23 is controlled to decrease.
- the rotational frequency of the indoor fan 21 is lowered in stages, and becomes c1 at the time point t3.
- the rotational frequency of the indoor fan 21 is fixed to c1.
- the period from the beginning of the operation to the time point t3 is the radiation heating operation and the operation is switched to the radiation breeze heating operation at the time point t3 and thereafter.
- the operation frequency of the compressor 60 is lowered in stages so as to approximate the room temperature higher than the indoor setting temperature down to the setting temperature. This way, the radiation panel temperature Tp is lowered.
- the opening degree of the indoor motor-operated valve 23 is controlled to open so as to raise the radiation panel temperature Tp to a temperature within the target temperature range.
- a refrigerant circuit 10 connecting the indoor unit 2 and the outdoor unit 6 with each other includes: a first channel 12 provided with an indoor heat exchanger 20, and a second channel 13 connected in parallel with the first channel 12, which is provided with a radiation panel 30.
- the circuit includes a panel incoming temperature sensor 25 and a panel outgoing temperature sensor 26.
- the panel incoming temperature sensor 25 is disposed in a conduit at a position which is upstream side of the radiation conduit 36c of the radiation heat exchanger 34 in the radiation panel 30 in the second channel 13, during the heating operation.
- the panel outgoing temperature sensor 26 is provided to the conduit at a position which is the downstream side of the radiation conduit 36c, during the heating operation.
- the panel incoming temperature sensor 25 is provided in a conduit which, during the heating operation, is at the upstream side of the most upstream one of the two radiation units in the radiation heat exchanger 34 (i.e., where the radiation plate 31 and the linear portion above the radiation conduit 36c are in contact) .
- the panel outgoing temperature sensor 26 is provided at the conduit which, during the heating operation, is at the downstream side of the most downstream one of the two radiation units (i.e. , where the radiation plate 31 and the linear portion below the radiation conduit 36c are in contact).
- the temperatures detected by the panel incoming temperature sensor 25 and the panel outgoing temperature sensor 26 are hardly influenced by radiation from the radiation heat exchanger 34 or radiation due to the natural convection. This allows suitable temperature control of the radiation panel 30. Further, during the heating operation, the panel incoming temperature sensor 25 is able to detect the temperature of the refrigerant before it flows into the radiation conduit 36c of the radiation heat exchanger 34 in the radiation panel 30. In other words, it is possible to detect the temperature of the refrigerant before the temperature drops due to the radiation from the radiation heat exchanger 34. Thus, excessive heat generation of the radiation panel 30 is promptly and accurately restrained.
- the indoor motor-operated valve 23 to prevent the refrigerant from flowing into the radiation conduit 36c of the radiation panel 30.
- the panel outgoing temperature sensor 26 provided between the indoor motor-operated valve 23 and the radiation conduit 36c in the radiation panel 30 is able to detect the leakage before the refrigerant flows into the radiation conduit 36c in the radiation panel 30. Therefore, it is possible to promptly and accurately detect the leakage of the refrigerant and detect condensation on the radiation panel 30. Additionally, the predicted temperature value of the radiation panel 30 is accurately calculated based on the temperatures detected by the panel incoming temperature sensor 25 and the panel outgoing temperature sensor 26.
- the air conditioner 1 of the present embodiment includes an indoor motor-operated valve 23 provided in a conduit at a position which, during the heating operation, is the downstream side of the radiation conduit 36c of the radiation panel 30.
- This indoor motor-operated valve 23 is controlled based on the temperature Tp1 detected by the panel incoming temperature sensor 25 provided at the conduit on the upstream side of the radiation conduit 36c, and the temperature Tp2 detected by the panel outgoing temperature sensor 26 provided at the conduit on the downstream side of the radiation conduit 36c.
- the indoor motor-operated valve 23 it is possible to adjust, to the target temperature, the radiation panel temperature Tp derived from the temperature Tp1 detected by the panel incoming temperature sensor 25 and the temperature Tp2 detected by the panel outgoing temperature sensor 26. Therefore, the performance of the indoor heat exchanger 20 is not influenced, unlike the case where the radiation panel temperature Tp is controlled by controlling the outdoor motor-operated valve 64 which is the main decompression structure.
- the panel incoming temperature sensor 25 is positioned closer to the radiation conduit 36c than it is to the branching section 10a. This allows detection of the temperature of the refrigerant immediately before it flows into the radiation conduit 36c. Thus, highly accurate calculation of the predicted temperature value of the radiation panel 30 is possible.
- the panel outgoing temperature sensor 26 is provided closer to the radiation conduit 36c than it is to the indoor motor-operated valve 23. This allows detection of the temperature of the refrigerant immediately after it flows out of the radiation conduit 36c. Thus, highly accurate calculation of the predicted temperature value of the radiation panel 30 is possible.
- the refrigerant circuit 10 connecting the indoor unit 2 and the outdoor unit 6 with each other include the first channel 12 having the indoor heat exchanger 20 and the second channel 13 connected in parallel to the first channel 12, and the radiation panel 30 is provided in the second channel 13.
- the present invention is not limited to this, and the indoor heat exchanger 20 and the radiation panel 30 may be serially connected.
- a refrigerant circuit 110 of the air conditioner 101 related to the first modification of the present embodiment includes an annular principal channel 111 in which an outdoor motor-operated valve 64, an outdoor heat exchanger 62, a compressor 60, a radiation panel 30, and an indoor heat exchanger 20 are sequentially connected.
- the discharge side conduit and the intake side conduit of the compressor 60 are connected to a four-way valve 61.
- On both sides of the radiation panel 30 are branching sections 101a and 101b, and the branching sections 101a and 101b are connected to the both ends of the branching passage 112, respectively.
- branching section 101a is positioned between the indoor heat exchanger 20 and the radiation panel 30, and the branching section 101b is on the opposite side to the branching section 101a, over the radiation panel 30.
- the branching passage 112 has a first indoor motor-operated valve 128.
- a second indoor motor-operated valve 123 Between the radiation panel 30 and the branching section 101a is a second indoor motor-operated valve 123.
- a panel incoming temperature sensor 25 is provided between the branching section 101b and a radiation conduit 36c of the radiation panel 30, and a panel outgoing temperature sensor 26 is provided between the second indoor motor-operated valve 123 and the radiation conduit 36c of the radiation panel 30.
- the first indoor motor-operated valve 128 is opened and the second indoor motor-operated valve 123 is opened, and the four-way valve 61 is switched to a state shown by the broken line in Fig. 13 . Therefore, the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant from the compressor 60 flows into the outdoor heat exchanger 62, through the four-way valve 61, as shown by the broken-line arrow in Fig. 13 . Then, the refrigerant condensed by the outdoor heat exchanger 62 flows into the indoor heat exchanger 20, after being depressurized by the outdoor motor-operated valve 64. Further, the refrigerant vaporized by the indoor heat exchanger 20 flows into the compressor 60, through the branching passage 112, the four-way valve 61, and the accumulator 65.
- the first indoor motor-operated valve 128 is opened and the second indoor motor-operated valve 123 is closed, and the four-way valve 61 is switched to a state shown by the solid line in Fig. 13 . Therefore, the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant from the compressor 60 flows into the indoor heat exchanger 20, through the four-way valve 61 and the branching passage 112, as shown by the solid-line arrow in Fig. 13 . Then, the refrigerant condensed by the indoor heat exchanger 20 flows into the outdoor heat exchanger 62, after being depressurized by the outdoor motor-operated valve 64. Further, the refrigerant vaporized by the outdoor heat exchanger 62 flows into the compressor 60 through the four-way valve 61 and the accumulator 65.
- the first indoor motor-operated valve 128 is closed and the second indoor motor-operated valve 123 is opened, and the four-way valve 61 is switched to a state shown by the solid line in Fig. 13 . Therefore, the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant from the compressor 60 flows into the radiation panel 30 through the four-way valve 61, and then flows into the indoor heat exchanger 20, as shown by the bold arrow in Fig. 13 . Then, the refrigerant condensed by the radiation panel 30 and the indoor heat exchanger 20 flows in to the outdoor heat exchanger 62, after being depressurized by the outdoor motor-operated valve 64. The refrigerant vaporized by the outdoor heat exchanger 62 flows into the compressor 60, through the four-way valve 61 and the accumulator 65.
- the temperatures detected by the panel incoming temperature sensor 25 and the panel outgoing temperature sensor 26 are not influenced by the radiation from the radiation heat exchanger 34 of the radiation panel 30, as in the case with the above described embodiment.
- the radiation panel 30 is suitably controlled.
- the panel incoming temperature sensor 25 is provided at the conduit extending from the four-way valve 61 to the radiation conduit 36c of the radiation panel 30, i.e., at the conduit on the upstream side of the radiation conduit 36c of the radiation panel 30 in the circuit during the heating operation.
- the panel outgoing temperature sensor 26 is provided at the conduit extending from the indoor heat exchanger 20 to the radiation conduit 36c of the radiation panel 30, i.e., at the conduit on the downstream side of the radiation conduit 36c of the radiation panel 30 in the circuit during the heating operation.
- a refrigerant circuit 210 of an air conditioner 201 related to a second modification of the present embodiment includes an annular principal channel 211 in which an outdoor motor-operated valve 64, an outdoor heat exchanger 62, a compressor 60, an indoor heat exchanger 20 and a radiation panel 30 are sequentially connected, as shown in Fig. 14 .
- this modification differs from the refrigerant circuit 110 of the first modification in that the indoor heat exchanger 20 and the radiation panel 30 are positioned other way around.
- branching sections 201a, 201b are provided on both sides of the radiation panel 30, respectively, and the branching sections 201a, 201b are connected to the both ends of the branching passage 212, respectively.
- To the branching passage 212 is provided a first indoor motor-operated valve 228.
- a second indoor motor-operated valve 223 Between the radiation panel 30 and the branching section 201a is provided a second indoor motor-operated valve 223. Further, a panel incoming temperature sensor 25 is provided between the branching section 201b and a radiation conduit 36c of the radiation panel 30, and a panel outgoing temperature sensor 26 is provided between the second indoor motor-operated valve 223 and the radiation conduit 36c of the radiation panel 30.
- the temperatures detected by the panel incoming temperature sensor 25 and the panel outgoing temperature sensor 26 are hardly influenced by the radiation from the radiation heat exchanger 34 of the radiation panel 30, as in the case of the above described embodiment.
- the radiation panel 30 is suitably controlled.
- the panel incoming temperature sensor 25 is provided at the conduit extending from the indoor heat exchanger 20 to the radiation conduit 36c of the radiation panel 30, i.e., at the conduit on the upstream side of the radiation conduit 36c of the radiation panel 30 in the circuit during the heating operation.
- the panel outgoing temperature sensor 26 is provided at the conduit extending from the outdoor motor-operated valve 64 to the radiation conduit 36c of the radiation panel 30, i.e., at the conduit on the downstream side of the radiation conduit 36c of the radiation panel 30 in the circuit during the heating operation.
- the above embodiment deals with a case where the panel incoming temperature sensor 25 is provided at the conduit which, during the heating operation, is on the upstream side of the radiation conduit 36c of the radiation panel 30 in the second channel 13, and the panel outgoing temperature sensor 26 is provided at the conduit which, during the heating operation, is on the downstream side of the radiation conduit 36c of the radiation panel 30.
- the present invention is not limited to this. That is, the temperature may be provided in at least one of the conduits which, during the heating operation, are on the upstream side or on the downstream side of the radiation conduit 36c of the radiation panel 30 in the second channel 13.
- the above embodiment deals with a case where the indoor motor-operated valve controller 72 calculates the predicted temperature value of the radiation panel 30, based on the temperatures detected by the panel incoming temperature sensor 25 and the panel outgoing temperature sensor 26, respectively. When there is only one temperature sensor, the predicted temperature value of the radiation panel 30 is calculated based on the temperature detected by that single temperature sensor.
- the above embodiment deals with a case where the indoor motor-operated valve controller 72 controls the indoor motor-operated valve 23, based on the temperature Tp1 detected by the panel incoming temperature sensor 25 and the temperature Tp2 detected by the panel outgoing temperature sensor 26, the indoor motor-operated valve 23 provided at the conduit which, during the heating operation, is on the downstream side of the radiation conduit 36c of the radiation panel 30.
- the indoor motor-operated valve 23 controlled by the indoor motor-operated valve controller 72 may be provided at the conduit which, during the heating operation, is on the upstream side of the radiation conduit 36c of the radiation panel 30.
- Tp Tp 1 + Tp 2 ⁇ A + B
- Tp1 is a temperature detected by the panel incoming temperature sensor 25
- Tp2 is the temperature detected by the panel outgoing temperature sensor 26
- the above values of the constants are not limited to those.
- the values of the constants A and B are derived by experiments.
- the above embodiment deals with a case where the panel incoming temperature sensor 25 is provided closer to the radiation conduit 36c than it is to the branching section 10a.
- the panel incoming temperature sensor 25 may be provided closer to the branching section 10a than it is to the radiation conduit 36c.
- the above embodiment deals with a case where the panel outgoing temperature sensor 26 is provided closer to the radiation conduit 36c than it is to the indoor motor-operated valve 23.
- the panel outgoing temperature sensor 26 is provided closer to the indoor motor-operated valve 23 than it is to the radiation conduit 36c.
- the above embodiment deals with a case where the panel incoming temperature sensor 25 and the panel outgoing temperature sensor 26 are provided at the conduits integrally provided with the indoor heat exchanger 20; however, the present invention is not limited to this. That is, the panel incoming temperature sensor 25 may be provided between the radiation conduit 36c and the upper one of the two linear portions in the connecting sections 36a, as shown in Fig. 8(a) . The panel outgoing temperature sensor 26 may be provided between the connecting sections 36b and the lower one of the two linear portions in the radiation conduit 36c.
- the radiation conduit 36c constituting the radiation heat exchanger 34 includes two linear portions fixed to the radiation plate 31, and the conduit between the two linear portions; however, the present invention is not limited to this. That is, the entire radiation conduit 36c may be fixed to the radiation plate 31.
- the present invention allows suitable control of the temperature of the radiation panel (radiation heat exchanger) .
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Description
- The present invention relates to an air conditioner including a refrigerant circuit having an outdoor heat exchanger and a radiation heat exchanger.
- There have been an air conditioner having an indoor unit and an outdoor unit connected to each other, and including a refrigerant circuit having a compressor, an indoor heat exchanger, a radiation panel, a decompression structure, and an outdoor heat exchanger (e.g., see JPH0718935U). The air conditioner disclosed in JPH0718935U has a panel temperature sensor provided to the radiation panel, the sensor configured to detect the temperature on the side of the refrigerant inlet port. Then, based on the temperature detected by the panel temperature sensor, the temperature of the radiation panel is controlled.
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WO2010106771 (A1 ) discloses an air conditioner according to the preamble ofclaim 1. Said air conditioner is configured in such a manner that chattering does not occur during heating operation even if a refrigerant liquefied by a radiation heat exchanger stays in the radiation heat exchanger and in the vicinity of an on-off valve. An air conditioner is provided with a first check valve located between a radiation heat exchanger and an on-off valve. When the on-off valve is in a closed state, the amount of a liquid refrigerant present between the on-off valve and the first check valve is small, and, therefore, even if the liquid refrigerant evaporates naturally to increase the internal pressure, chattering is prevented from occurring because the pressure does not reach a level which is sufficient to open the on-off valve. JPH04369327 (A) discloses an air conditioner in order to adjust the amount of refrigerant with a simplified structure for stabilization of a freezing cycle and improvement of cooling/heating capability. There are provided a radiation cooling panel, and a radiation heating panel. In cooling, supercooling is evaluated by temperature sensors provided at the center of an outdoor heat exchanger and at an outlet on the basis of a temperature difference between the center of the outdoor heat exchanger and the outlet. On the basis of the supercooling, there are controlled a solenoid valve and an expansion valve located at an outlet of the radiation heating panel, while in heating supercooling is evaluated from a temperature difference between an inlet of the radiation heating panel and the outlet detected by temperature sensors disposed at the inlet and outlet of the radiation heating panel, and expansion valves disposed at an inlet and an outlet of the radiation cooling panel are controlled using the evaluated supercooling. - JPH0448140 (A) discloses an air conditioner in order to get a fast rising in temperature when an operation is started and to reduce a power consumption by a method wherein each of heating operations with an indoor heat exchanger only, a parallel circuit of the indoor heat exchanger and a radiation heat exchanger, a series circuit of the radiation heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger and the radiation heat exchanger is properly selected in response to a load. At the time of starting operation, there is a substantial difference between an indoor air temperature and a set indoor air temperature, so that refrigerant discharged from a compressor is flowed from a four-way valve, a two-way valve, an indoor heat exchanger, an expansion valve and an outdoor heat exchanger in this order and then a powerful hot air heating only with radiation of the indoor heat exchanger is carried out. As the indoor temperature is increased and the difference between it and the set indoor air temperature is reduced, a part of the refrigerant passed through the four-way valve passes through the two-way valve, radiation heat exchanger and an expansion valve, merged with a flow of refrigerant flowing to the outdoor heat exchanger and thus hot air heating and radiation heating are concurrently carried out. As the indoor air temperature approaches the set indoor air temperature, the refrigerant flows in the series circuit of the radiation heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger and then the hot air heating and the radiation heating are concurrently carried out. As the indoor air temperature reaches or exceeds the set indoor air temperature, only the radiation heating is carried out.
- The temperature of refrigerant having flown into the radiation panel rapidly drops due to radiation from the radiation panel and influences from natural convection. Therefore, the temperature detected by the panel temperature sensor is not the temperature of the refrigerant having flown into the radiation panel, but the temperature of the refrigerant having flown into the radiation panel, which is lowered due to the radiation or the influences by the natural convection. This leads to a problem that the temperature of the radiation panel is not suitably controlled.
- In view of the present invention, it is an object of the present invention to provide an air conditioner capable of suitably controlling the temperature of the radiation panel (radiation heat exchanger).
- A first aspect of the present invention is an air conditioner, including a refrigerant circuit including a compressor, a decompression structure, an outdoor heat exchanger, an indoor heat exchanger, and a radiation heat exchanger, wherein the refrigerant circuit is configured to cause a high temperature refrigerant to flow in the radiation heat exchanger during a radiation heating operation, wherein the refrigerant circuit includes: a principal channel having the decompression structure, the outdoor heat exchanger, and the compressor in this order; a first channel provided with the indoor heat exchanger, which connects a branching section and a merging section, the branching section being provided in a position which, during the heating operation, is on the downstream side of the compressor in the principal channel, and the merging section being provided in a position which, during the heating operation, is on the upstream side of the decompression structure; and a second channel provided with the radiation heat exchanger, which connects the branching section and the merging section with the first channel in parallel during the heating operation, wherein a first temperature sensor is provided at a conduit which, during the heating operation, is on the upstream side of the radiation heat exchanger in the second channel and a second temperature sensor is provided at a conduit which, during the heating operation, is on the downstream side of the radiation heat exchanger in the second channel, wherein: the refrigerant circuit has a valve structure provided at the conduit which, during the heating operation, is on the upstream side of the radiation heat exchanger in the second channel or the conduit which, during the heating operation, is on the downstream side of the radiation heat exchanger in the second channel; and the valve structure is controlled based on a first temperature detected by the first temperature sensor provided at the conduit which is on the upstream side of the radiation heat exchanger in the second channel, and a second temperature detected by the second temperature sensor provided at the conduit which is on the downstream side of the radiation heat exchanger in the second channel.
- Note that the expression "conduit which (during the radiation heating operation) is on the upstream side of the radiation heat exchanger" means that the conduit on the upstream side of the most upstream end portion of the conduits constituting the radiation heat exchanger, and the expression "conduit which (during the radiation heating operation) is on the downstream side of the radiation heat exchanger" means the conduit on the downstream side of the most downstream end portion of the conduits constituting the radiation heat exchanger.
- The second temperature sensor in this air conditioner is provided in the conduit on the downstream side of the radiation heat exchanger and the first temperature sensor is provided in the conduit on the upstream side of the radiation heat exchanger. Therefore, the temperature detected by the temperature sensor is hardly influenced by the radiation from the radiation heat exchanger or by the natural convection. This allows suitable temperature control of the radiation heat exchanger.
- The air conditioner having the indoor heat exchanger and the radiation heat exchanger provided in parallel with each other allows suitable temperature control of the radiation heat exchanger.
- With the first temperature sensor provided at the conduit which, during the heating operation, is on the upstream side of the radiation heat exchanger, the air conditioner is able to detect the temperature of the refrigerant before it flows into the radiation heat exchanger, in the circuit during the heating operation. In other words, it is possible to detect the temperature of the refrigerant before the temperature drops due to the radiation from the radiation heat exchanger. Thus, excessively high surface temperature of the radiation heat exchanger (radiation panel) is promptly and reliably restrained. It is possible to provide a functional part such as a valve in the conduit which is on the downstream side of the radiation heat exchanger in the circuit during the heating operation. Closing this valve or the like prevents the refrigerant from flowing into the radiation heat exchanger, during the cooling operation. In this case, when the refrigerant leaks out from the functional part such as a valve during the cooling operation, that leakage is detected before the refrigerant flows into the radiation heat exchanger by providing a temperature sensor at the conduit which, during the heating operation, is on the downstream side of the radiation heat exchanger and which is closer to the radiation heat exchanger than it is to the functional part such as a valve. Thus, it is possible to promptly and reliably detect the leakage of the refrigerant, and detect dew condensation on the radiation heat exchanger. Further, a predicted surface temperature value of the radiation heat exchanger (radiation panel) is highly accurately calculated based on the temperatures detected by the temperature sensors on the both sides.
- In the air conditioner, the valve structure is controlled to adjust the surface temperature of the radiation heat exchanger (radiation panel) derived from the first temperature and the second temperature to the target temperature. Thus, the performance of the indoor heat exchanger is not influenced, unlike the cases where the decompression structure is controlled to control the surface temperature of the radiation heat exchanger.
- Further, with the air conditioner, it is possible to provide a functional part such as a valve in the conduit which is on the downstream side of the radiation heat exchanger in the circuit during the heating operation. Closing this valve or the like prevents the refrigerant from flowing into the radiation heat exchanger, during the cooling operation. In this case, when the refrigerant leaks out from the functional part such as a valve during the cooling operation, that leakage is detected before the refrigerant flows into the radiation heat exchanger by providing a temperature sensor at the conduit which, during the heating operation, is on the downstream side of the radiation heat exchanger and which is closer to the radiation heat exchanger than it is to the functional part such as a valve. Thus, it is possible to promptly and reliably detect the leakage of the refrigerant, and detect dew condensation on the radiation heat exchanger.
- With the first temperature sensor provided at the conduit which is on the upstream side of the radiation heat exchanger in the circuit during the heating operation, the air conditioner is able to detect the temperature of the refrigerant before it flows into the radiation heat exchanger, during the heating operation. In other words, it is possible to detect the temperature of the refrigerant before the temperature drops due to the radiation from the radiation heat exchanger. Thus, excessively high surface temperature of the radiation heat exchanger (radiation panel) is promptly and reliably restrained.
- A second aspect of the present invention is the air conditioner of the first aspect adapted so that the first temperature sensor is positioned closer to the radiation heat exchanger than it is to the branching section.
- The air conditioner is capable of detecting the temperature of the refrigerant immediately before it flows into the radiation heat exchanger, during the heating operation. Thus, the surface temperature of the radiation heat exchanger (radiation panel) is highly accurately controlled.
- A third aspect of the present invention is the air conditioner of the first or second aspect adapted so that the valve structure is provided at the conduit which, during the heating operation, is on the downstream side of the radiation heat exchanger in the second channel, and the second temperature sensor is positioned closer to the radiation heat exchanger than it is to the valve structure.
- The air conditioner is capable of detecting the temperature of the refrigerant immediately after it flows out of the radiation heat exchanger, during the heating operation. Thus, the surface temperature of the radiation heat exchanger (radiation panel) is highly accurately controlled.
- As hereinabove described, the present invention brings about the following effects.
- The first aspect of the present invention having the indoor heat exchanger and the radiation heat exchanger provided in parallel with each other allows suitable control of the radiation heat exchanger.
- The first aspect of the present invention, with the temperature sensor provided at the conduit which is on the upstream side of the radiation heat exchanger in the second channel in the circuit during the heating operation, is able to detect the temperature of the refrigerant before it flows into the radiation heat exchanger, during the heating operation. In other words, it is possible to detect the temperature of the refrigerant before the temperature drops due to the radiation from the radiation heat exchanger. Thus, excessively high surface temperature of the radiation heat exchanger (radiation panel) is promptly and reliably restrained. It is possible to provide a functional part such as a valve in the conduit which is on the downstream side of the radiation heat exchanger in the circuit during the heating operation. Closing this valve or the like prevents the refrigerant from flowing into the radiation heat exchanger, during the cooling operation. In this case, when the refrigerant leaks out from the functional part such as a valve during the cooling operation, that leakage is detected before the refrigerant flows into the radiation heat exchanger by providing a temperature sensor at the conduit which, during the heating operation, is on the downstream side of the radiation heat exchanger in the second channel and which is closer to the radiation heat exchanger than it is to the functional part such as a valve. Thus, it is possible to promptly and reliably detect the leakage of the refrigerant, and detect dew condensation on the radiation heat exchanger. Further, a predicted surface temperature value of the radiation heat exchanger (radiation panel) is highly accurately calculated based on the temperatures detected by the temperature sensors on the both sides.
- With the first aspect of the present invention, the valve structure is controlled to adjust the surface temperature of the radiation heat exchanger (radiation panel) derived from the first temperature and the second temperature to the target temperature. Thus, the performance of the indoor heat exchanger is not influenced, unlike the cases where the decompression structure is controlled to control the surface temperature of the radiation heat exchanger.
- With the first aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide a functional part such as a valve in the conduit which is on the downstream side of the radiation heat exchanger in the circuit during the heating operation. Closing this valve or the like prevents the refrigerant from flowing into the radiation heat exchanger, during the cooling operation. In this case, when the refrigerant leaks out from the functional part such as a valve during the cooling operation, that leakage is detected before the refrigerant flows into the radiation heat exchanger by providing a temperature sensor at the conduit which, during the heating operation, is on the downstream side of the radiation heat exchanger and which is closer to the radiation heat exchanger than it is to the functional part such as a valve. Thus, it is possible to promptly and reliably detect the leakage of the refrigerant, and detect dew condensation on the radiation heat exchanger.
- The first aspect of the present invention, with the temperature sensor provided at the conduit which is on the upstream side of the radiation heat exchanger in the circuit during the heating operation, is able to detect the temperature of the refrigerant before it flows into the radiation heat exchanger, during the heating operation. In other words, it is possible to detect the temperature of the refrigerant before the temperature drops due to the radiation from the radiation heat exchanger. Thus, excessively high surface temperature of the radiation heat exchanger (radiation panel) is promptly and reliably restrained.
- The second aspect of the present invention is capable of detecting the temperature of the refrigerant immediately before it flows into the radiation heat exchanger, during the heating operation. Thus, the surface temperature of the radiation heat exchanger (radiation panel) is highly accurately controlled.
- The third aspect of the present invention is capable of detecting the temperature of the refrigerant immediately after it flows out of the radiation heat exchanger, during the heating operation. Thus, the surface temperature of the radiation heat exchanger (radiation panel) is highly accurately controlled.
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- [
Fig. 1] FIG. 1 is a circuit diagram showing a schematic configuration of an air conditioner related to an embodiment, in accordance with the present invention, and shows a flow of the refrigerant during a cooling operation and a warm air heating operation. - [
Fig. 2] FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram showing a schematic configuration of the air conditioner related to the embodiment, in accordance with the present invention, and shows a flow of the refrigerant during a radiation heating operation and a radiation breeze heating operation. - [
Fig. 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective diagram of an indoor unit shown inFig. 1 andFig. 2 . - [
Fig. 4] FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of the indoor unit taken along the line IV-IV shown inFig. 3 . - [
Fig. 5] FIG. 5 is a front view of a front grill and an open/close panel of the indoor unit shown inFig. 3 . - [
Fig. 6] FIG. 6 (a) is a front view of conduits arranged on the right side of the indoor heat exchanger shown inFig. 5 , andFIG. 6(b) is a right side view of the same shown inFIG. 6 (a) . - [
Fig. 7] FIG. 7 (a) is a front view of the radiation panel shown inFig. 3 ,FIG. 7(b) is a top view of the same shown inFIG. 7(a), and FIG. 7(c) is a rear view of the same shown inFIG. 7 (a) . - [
Fig. 8] FIG. 8 (a) is a rear view of a front panel unit shown inFig. 7 , andFIG. 8(b) is a cross sectional view taken along the line b-b inFIG. 8(a) . - [
Fig. 9] FIG. 9 is a cross sectional view taken along the line IX-IX inFig. 7 . - [
Fig. 10] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a controller controlling the air conditioner. - [
Fig. 11] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of a control performed by an indoor motor-operated valve controller shown inFig. 10 . - [
Fig. 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example control performed by the controller showing inFig. 10 . - [
Fig. 13] FIG. 13 is a circuit diagram showing a schematic configuration of an air conditioner related to a first modification of the embodiment. - [
Fig. 14] FIG. 14 is a circuit diagram showing a schematic configuration of an air conditioner related to a second modification of the embodiment. - Hereinafter, an
air conditioner 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. - As illustrated in
Figs. 1 and2 , theair conditioner 1 of the embodiment includes anindoor unit 2 installed in a room, anoutdoor unit 6 installed out of the room, and a remote controller 9 (seeFIG. 10 ). Theindoor unit 2 includes anindoor heat exchanger 20, anindoor fan 21 disposed near theindoor heat exchanger 20, aradiation panel 30, an indoor motor-operatedvalve 23, and anindoor temperature sensor 24 that detects an indoor temperature. Theoutdoor unit 6 includes acompressor 60, a four-way valve 61, anoutdoor heat exchanger 62, anoutdoor fan 63 disposed near theoutdoor heat exchanger 62, and an outdoor motor-operated valve 64 (a decompression structure). - The
air conditioner 1 includes arefrigerant circuit 10 that connects theindoor unit 2 and theoutdoor unit 6 to each other. Therefrigerant circuit 10 includes aprincipal channel 11 in which the outdoor motor-operatedvalve 64, theoutdoor heat exchanger 62, and thecompressor 60 are sequentially provided. An intake-side conduit and a discharge-side conduit of thecompressor 60 are connected to the four-way valve 61. A branchingsection 10a is provided in a portion that becomes a downstream side of thecompressor 60 in theprincipal channel 11 during a heating operation (as described later, when a refrigerant is flowing in a direction indicated by a solid-line arrow inFigs. 1 and2 in the refrigerant circuit 10), and amerging section 10b is provided in a portion that becomes an upstream side of the outdoor motor-operatedvalve 64. Therefrigerant circuit 10 also includes afirst channel 12 and asecond channel 13. Thefirst channel 12 connects the branchingsection 10a and therefrigerant circuit 10 to each other, and theindoor heat exchanger 20 is provided in thefirst channel 12. Thesecond channel 13 is connected in parallel with thefirst channel 12 between the branchingsection 10a and mergingsection 10b, and theradiation panel 30 is provided in thesecond channel 13. - An indoor motor-operated valve (valve structure) 23 is provided between the
radiation panel 30 and the mergingsection 10b in thesecond channel 13; i.e., to the conduit downstream of theradiation conduit 36c (seeFig. 8 or the like) of theradiation heat exchanger 34 in theradiation panel 30. A first or panelincoming temperature sensor 25 and a second or paneloutgoing temperature sensor 26 are attached to both sides of theradiation panel 30 in thesecond channel 13. More specifically, the panelincoming temperature sensor 25 is provided in a conduit and is on the upstream side of aradiation conduit 36c of theradiation panel 30 during the heating operation. The paneloutgoing temperature sensor 26 is provided at the conduit and is on the downstream side of theradiation conduit 36c of theradiation panel 30 during the heating operation. - As shown in
Fig. 1 , a length L1 from the panelincoming temperature sensor 25 to theradiation conduit 36c of theradiation panel 30 is shorter than a length L2 from the branchingsection 10a to the panelincoming temperature sensor 25. That is, the panelincoming temperature sensor 25 is positioned closer to theradiation conduit 36c than it is to the branchingsection 10a. Further, a length L3 from the paneloutgoing temperature sensor 26 to theradiation conduit 36c of theradiation panel 30 is shorter than a length L4 from the indoor motor-operatedvalve 23 to the paneloutgoing temperature sensor 26. That is, the paneloutgoing temperature sensor 26 is positioned closer to theradiation conduit 36c than it is to the indoor motor-operatedvalve 23. - In the
refrigerant circuit 10, anaccumulator 65 is interposed between an intake side of thecompressor 60 and the four-way valve 61, and adischarge temperature sensor 66 is attached between a discharge side of thecompressor 60 and the four-way valve 61. An outdoor heatexchanger temperature sensor 68 is attached to theoutdoor heat exchanger 62. - The
indoor heat exchanger 20 includes the conduit, which constitutes a part of therefrigerant circuit 10, and an indoor heatexchanger temperature sensor 27 is attached to theindoor heat exchanger 20. Theindoor heat exchanger 20 is disposed on a windward side of theindoor fan 21. Air heated or cooled by heat exchange with theindoor heat exchanger 20 is blown as warm wind or cool wind into the room by theindoor fan 21, thereby performing warm-air heating or cooling. - As described in detail later, the
radiation panel 30 is disposed on a surface side of theindoor unit 2, and includes a panel conduit 36 (seeFig. 8 and the like), which constitutes a part of therefrigerant circuit 10. Heat of the refrigerant flowing at the conduit is radiated into the room to perform radiation heating. The indoor motor-operatedvalve 23 is provided in order to adjust a flow rate of the refrigerant supplied to theradiation panel 30. - The
air conditioner 1 of the present embodiment is capable of performing a cooling operation, a warm air heating operation, a radiation heating operation, and a radiation breeze heating operation. The cooling operation is an operation for performing cooling by causing the refrigerant to flow not in theradiation panel 30 but in theindoor heat exchanger 20, and the warm air heating operation is an operation for performing warm-air heating by causing the refrigerant to flow not in theradiation panel 30 but in theindoor heat exchanger 20. The radiation heating operation is an operation for performing radiation heating which causes the refrigerant to flow in theradiation panel 30, while causing the refrigerant to also flow in theindoor heat exchanger 20 to perform warm-air heating. The radiation breeze heating operation is an operation which performs warm-air heating with a fixed air-flow lower than that of the warm air heating operation and the radiation heating operation, while causing the refrigerant to flow in theradiation panel 30 to perform radiation heating operation. - The indoor motor-operated
valve 23 is provided in order to adjust a flow rate of the refrigerant supplied to theradiation panel 30. During the cooling operation mode, the indoor motor-operatedvalve 23 is closed, and the four-way valve 61 is switched to a state indicated by a broken line inFig. 1 . Therefore, as indicated by a broken-line arrow inFig. 1 , the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant discharged from thecompressor 60 flows in theoutdoor heat exchanger 62 through the four-way valve 61. The refrigerant condensed by theoutdoor heat exchanger 62 flows in theindoor heat exchanger 20 after being decompressed by the outdoor motor-operatedvalve 64. The refrigerant vaporized by theindoor heat exchanger 20 flows in thecompressor 60 through the four-way valve 61 andaccumulator 65. - During the warm air heating operation, the indoor motor-operated
valve 23 is opened and the four-way valve 61 is switched to a state indicated by the solid line inFig. 1 . Therefore, as indicated by the solid-line arrow inFig. 1 , the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant discharged from thecompressor 60 flows into theindoor heat exchanger 20 through the four-way valve 61. The refrigerant condensed in theindoor heat exchanger 20 flows into theoutdoor heat exchanger 62 after being depressurized by the outdoor motor-operatedvalve 64. The refrigerant vaporized by theoutdoor heat exchanger 62 flows in thecompressor 60 through the four-way valve 61 and theaccumulator 65. - During the radiation heating operation mode and the radiation breeze heating operation, the indoor motor-operated
valve 23 is opened, and the four-way valve 61 is switched to a state indicated by a solid line inFig. 2 . Therefore, as indicated by a solid-line arrow inFig. 2 , the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant discharged from thecompressor 60 flows in theindoor heat exchanger 20 andradiation panel 30 through the four-way valve 61. The refrigerant condensed by theindoor heat exchanger 20 andradiation panel 30 flows in theoutdoor heat exchanger 62 after being decompressed by the outdoor motor-operatedvalve 64. The refrigerant vaporized by theoutdoor heat exchanger 62 flows in thecompressor 60 through the four-way valve 61 andaccumulator 65. - A configuration of the
indoor unit 2 will be described below. As illustrated inFig. 3 , theindoor unit 2 of the embodiment has a rectangular solid shape as a whole, and is installed near a floor surface in the room. In the embodiment, theindoor unit 2 is attached to a wall surface while floating from the floor surface by about 10 cm. Hereinafter, a direction in which theindoor unit 2 projects from the attached wall is referred to as a "front", and the opposite direction is referred to as a "rear". A right-left direction inFig. 3 is simply referred to as a "horizontal direction", and an up-down direction is simply referred to as a "vertical direction". - As illustrated in
Fig. 4 , theindoor unit 2 mainly includes acasing 4, internal devices, such as theindoor fan 21, theindoor heat exchanger 20, anoutlet unit 46, and anelectric component unit 47, which are accommodated in thecasing 4, and afront grill 42. As described in detail later, thecasing 4 includes aprincipal inlet 4a formed in a lower wall of thecasing 4 andauxiliary inlets casing 4. Anoutlet 4d is formed in an upper wall of thecasing 4. In theindoor unit 2, by driving theindoor fan 21, while the air near the floor surface is drawn through theprincipal inlet 4a, the air is drawn through theauxiliary inlets indoor heat exchanger 20 heats or cools the drawn air to perform conditioning. Then the post-conditioning air is blown from theoutlet 4d and returned to the room. - The
casing 4 includes abody frame 41, anoutlet cover 51, theradiation panel 30, and an opening-closingpanel 52. As described in detail later, theoutlet cover 51 includes afront panel section 51a, and theradiation panel 30 includes aradiation plate 31. Thefront panel section 51a of theoutlet cover 51, theradiation plate 31 of theradiation panel 30, and the opening-closingpanel 52 are disposed so as to be flush with one another in a front surface of thecasing 4, and thefront panel section 51a, theradiation plate 31, and the opening-closingpanel 52 constitute afront panel 5. As illustrated inFig. 3 , apower button 48 and anemission display section 49 that indicates an operation status are provided in an upper right end portion of thefront panel 5, namely, a right end portion of thefront panel section 51a of theoutlet cover 51. - The
body frame 41 is one attached to a wall surface, and thebody frame 41 supports various internal devices described above . Thefront grill 42, theoutlet cover 51, theradiation panel 30, and the opening-closingpanel 52 are attached to the front surface of thebody frame 41 while thebody frame 41 supports the internal devices. Theoutlet cover 51 is attached to an upper end portion of thebody frame 41, and theoutlet 4d that is a horizontally long rectangular opening is formed on the upper wall of theoutlet cover 51. Theradiation panel 30 is attached below theoutlet cover 51, and the opening-closingpanel 52 is attached below theradiation panel 30. Theprincipal inlet 4a that is the horizontally long opening is formed between a lower front end of thebody frame 41 and a lower end of the opening-closingpanel 52. - Each internal device accommodated in the
casing 4 will be described below. - The
indoor fan 21 is disposed slightly above a middle portion in a height direction of thecasing 4 such that an axial direction of theindoor fan 21 is aligned with the horizontal direction. Theindoor fan 21 draws the air from the lower front and flows the air to the upper rear. - The
indoor heat exchanger 20 is disposed in substantially parallel with thefront panel 5. Theindoor heat exchanger 20 includes afront heat exchanger 20a facing the rear surface of thefront panel 5 and arear heat exchanger 20b upwardly inclined toward the rear surface from a vicinity of the lower end portion of thefront heat exchanger 20a. The front-surface heat exchanger 20a is disposed at the front side of theindoor fan 21, and the upper half thereof faces theindoor fan 21. As shown inFig. 4 , the upper end of the front-surface heat exchanger 20a is positioned higher than the position of the upper end of theindoor fan 21. The back-surface heat exchanger 20b is disposed below theindoor fan 21. That is, theindoor heat exchanger 20 as a whole has a substantially V-shape, and is disposed in such a manner as to face the front and lower side of theindoor fan 21. - As illustrated in
Fig. 6 , when viewed from the front, conduits are provided integral with theindoor heat exchanger 20 on the right side of theindoor heat exchanger 20 in order to supply the refrigerant sent from theoutdoor unit 6 to theindoor heat exchanger 20 andradiation panel 30. As illustrated inFig. 5 , a drip-resistant cover 45 is attached in front of the conduits. - As illustrated in
Fig. 6(a) , afirst connection section 15 and asecond connection section 16 are disposed in the right end portion of theindoor unit 2. During the heating operation, thefirst connection section 15 is connected to the conduit constituting the channel on the downstream side of thecompressor 60 in theprincipal channel 11, and thesecond connection section 16 is connected to the conduit constituting the channel on the upstream side of the outdoor motor-operatedvalve 64 in theprincipal channel 11. As shown inFig. 6(b) , thesecond connection section 16 is positioned obliquely above thefirst connection section 15. - A
third connection section 17 and afourth connection section 18 are disposed on the left sides of thefirst connection section 15 andsecond connection section 16. As described later, thethird connection section 17 and thefourth connection section 18 are connected to both ends of the panel conduit 36 (seeFig. 8 and the like) provided integral with theradiation panel 30, respectively. Thefourth connection section 18 is positioned obliquely below thethird connection section 17. - The conduit that extends from the
first connection section 15 is connected to a branching conduit that serves as the branchingsection 10a. The conduits, which constitute thefirst channel 12 having theindoor heat exchanger 20 and thesecond channel 13 having theradiation panel 30, extend from the branching conduit. Theindoor heat exchanger 20 of the embodiment is configured such that the refrigerant flows in themerging section 10b from theindoor heat exchanger 20 through the plurality of conduits while the refrigerant flows in theindoor heat exchanger 20 from the branching conduit through the plurality of conduits. Thefirst channel 12 is constructed by the plurality of conduits that connect the branchingsection 10a and the mergingsection 10b to each other through theindoor heat exchanger 20. The conduit, which extends from the branching conduit and constitutes thesecond channel 13, is connected to thethird connection section 17. The conduit is curved into a substantial U-shape in the vicinity of thethird connection section 17, and the panelincoming temperature sensor 25 is attached to the curved portion. That is, the panelincoming temperature sensor 25 is disposed nearby thethird connection section 17. - The conduit that constitutes the
second channel 13 extending from thefourth connection section 18 is connected to a merging conduit that serves as the mergingsection 10b. The conduit is curved into the substantial U-shape in the vicinity of thefourth connection section 18, and the paneloutgoing temperature sensor 26 is attached to the curved portion. That is, the paneloutgoing temperature sensor 26 is disposed nearby thefourth connection section 18. The indoor motor-operatedvalve 23 is interposed between thefourth connection section 18 and the mergingconduit 75. Thefirst channel 12 and thesecond channel 13 merge with each other in themerging section 10b. The conduit from the merging conduit is connected to thesecond connection section 16. - As indicated by an arrow in
Fig. 6 , during the operation in the radiation heating operation or the radiation breeze heating operation, the refrigerant sent from theoutdoor unit 6 flows from thefirst connection section 15, and flows in thefirst channel 12 andsecond channel 13 through the mergingsection 10b. The refrigerant, which flows in thesecond channel 13, flows in thepanel conduit 36 of theradiation panel 30 through thethird connection section 17. The refrigerant, which flows out from thepanel conduit 36, flows from thefourth connection section 18, and flows out from thesecond connection section 16 through the indoor motor-operatedvalve 23 and mergingsection 10b. - As illustrated in
Fig. 5 , a horizontally extendingdrain pan 22 is disposed below theindoor heat exchanger 20. When viewed from the front, the end portion on the left side of thedrain pan 22 is located so as to be substantially opposed to the end portion of theindoor heat exchanger 20, and the end portion on the right side is located so as to be opposed to the conduit disposed on the right side of theindoor heat exchanger 20. As illustrated inFig. 4 , the end portions in a front-back direction of thedrain pan 22 are located so as to be substantially opposed to the end portions in a front-back direction of theindoor heat exchanger 20. - The
outlet unit 46 is disposed above theindoor fan 21, and guides the air blown from theindoor fan 21 to theoutlet 4d formed in the upper wall of thecasing 4. Theoutlet unit 46 includes ahorizontal flap 46a disposed near theoutlet 4d. Thehorizontal flap 46a opens and closes theoutlet 4d while changing a vertical direction of wind of the air blown from theoutlet 4d. - As illustrated in
Fig. 5 , theelectric component unit 47 is disposed below thedrain pan 22, and includes anelectric component box 47a in which a circuit board (not illustrated) and the like are accommodated and aterminal stage 47b that are electrically connected to the board accommodated in theelectric component box 47a. Theelectric component box 47a is disposed in the position that is substantially opposed to a right half of theindoor heat exchanger 20, and theterminal stage 47b is disposed in the position that is opposed to the conduit disposed on the right side of theindoor heat exchanger 20. A lead from theelectric component unit 47 is routed straight up from the right side of theterminal stage 47b, and connected to thepower button 48 and an LED luminous body of theemission display section 49, which are provided in the upper right end portion of thefront panel 5. - As described above, the
front grill 42 is attached to thebody frame 41 so as to cover thebody frame 41 to which such internal devices as theindoor heat exchanger 20, theindoor fan 21, theoutlet unit 46, and theelectric component unit 47 are attached. More specifically, thefront grill 42 is attached to thebody frame 41 so as to cover a range from the substantially middle portion in the vertical direction of thefront heat exchanger 20a to the lower end of thebody frame 41. Thefront grill 42 includes afilter retaining section 42a and aninlet grill 42b disposed in theprincipal inlet 4a. - A
lower filter 43 and anupper filter 44 are attached to thefilter retaining section 42a. As shown inFig. 4 , thelower filter 43 retained by thefilter retaining section 42a extends downward from the substantially middle portion in the vertical direction of the front-surface heat exchanger 20a, and the lower end portion is tilted towards back. The lower end of thelower filter 43 is positioned nearby the rear end of themain inlet port 4a. Further, theupper filter 44 extends upward from the substantially middle portion in the vertical direction of the front-surface heat exchanger 20a. Thislower filter 43 and theupper filter 44 divide the space between the front-surface heat exchanger 20a and thefront panel 5, relative to the front-back direction. - The
outlet cover 51 covers theoutlet unit 46. As described above, theoutlet 4d is formed in the upper wall of theoutlet cover 51. Thefront panel section 51a is provided in the front surface of theoutlet cover 51. Thefront panel section 51a has the horizontally long rectangular shape. Here, the length of thefront panel unit 51a relative to the vertical direction is defined as to be L. - The
radiation panel 30 has the horizontally long, substantially rectangular shape. As shown inFig. 7 ,Fig. 8 , andFig. 9 , theradiation panel 30 mainly includes analuminum radiation plate 31 and a resin heat-insulatingcover 32 attached to the rear surface of theradiation plate 31. The length of theradiation plate 31 relative to the vertical direction is substantially twice the length of thefront panel unit 51a of theoutlet port cover 51. In other words, the length of theradiation plate 31 relative to the vertical direction is approximately 1L, as shown inFIG. 3 . Theradiation plate 31 is positioned below the front-surface panel section 41a of theoutlet port cover 41. As shown inFIG. 4 , the substantially middle part of theradiation panel 30 relative to the vertical direction faces the upper end portion of the front-surface heat exchanger 20a. Further, thepanel conduit 36 that is the part of the conduit constituting therefrigerant circuit 10 is attached to the rear surface of theradiation plate 31. - As illustrated in
Fig. 7(a) , when viewed from the front, both end portions of thepanel conduit 36 are located below the right end portion of theradiation plate 31. As described above, theconnection sections panel conduit 36, and connected respectively to thethird connection section 17 andfourth connection section 18 of the conduit disposed on the right side of theindoor heat exchanger 20. The refrigerant sent from theoutdoor unit 6 flows in thepanel conduit 36 through theconnection section 36a, and flows out from theconnection section 36b to the outside of thepanel conduit 36. - As indicated by the broken line in
Fig. 7(a) , a substantialU-shape radiation conduit 36c opened onto the right side is provided in a portion opposed to the rear surface of theradiation plate 31 in thepanel conduit 36. More particularly, theradiation conduit 36c vertically includes two horizontally extending linear portions, and the left end portions of the linear portions are connected to form the substantial U-shape. Out of the linear portions, the right end portion of the linear portion located on the upper side is connected to theconnection section 36a, and the right end portion of the linear portion located on the lower side is connected to theconnection section 36b. Therefore, when viewed from the front, the refrigerant, which flows in thepanel conduit 36 through theconnection section 36a, flows from the right side toward the left side in the linear portion located on the upper side of theradiation conduit 36c, then, flows from the left side toward the right side in the linear portion located on the lower side, and flows out from theconnection section 36b. - As illustrated in
Figs. 8 (a) and9 , two horizontally extendingprojections 31a are vertically formed in the rear surface of theradiation plate 31. The linear portions of theradiation conduit 36c described above is buried in theprojections 31a. More particularly, in each of the linear portions of theradiation conduit 36c, at least a half surface is covered with theprojection 31a and the portion being opposite side to theradiation plate 31 is exposed. Thus, most of the surface of the linear portions of theradiation conduit 36c is substantially covered with theprojection 31a formed in theradiation plate 31, so that the heat of the refrigerant flowing in theradiation conduit 36c can efficiently be transferred to theradiation plate 31. As illustrated inFig. 8(b) , in thepanel conduit 36, the linear portions of theradiation conduit 36c are in contact with the rear surface of theradiation plate 31, and the portion except the linear portions of theradiation conduit 36c is separated from the rear surface of theradiation plate 31. - In the
radiation panel 30, the portion constructed by thewhole radiation plate 31 andradiation conduit 36c constitutes theradiation heat exchanger 34. The portion of theradiation panel 30, where the sub-protrusions 31a to which the linear portions of theradiation conduit 36c are buried, i.e., the portion where theradiation plate 31 and thepanel conduit 36 are in contact with each other, are the portions serving as the radiation unit. That is, in the present embodiment, there are two radiation units; in the upper portion and the lower portion. - A
fixation section 31b is formed above theprojection 31a located in the upper portion of the rear surface of theradiation plate 31, and thefixation section 31b is also formed below theprojection 31a located in the lower portion of the rear surface of theradiation plate 31 for screwing the heat-insulatingcover 32 to the rear surface of theradiation plate 31. Thefixation section 31b extends along the horizontal direction, projecting from the rear surface of theradiation plate 31, and a leading end of thefixation section 31b is bent toward the side of theprojection 31a. The bent portion is substantially parallel to the rear surface of theradiation plate 31, and a plurality ofscrew holes 31c are formed in thefixation section 31b in order to screw the heat-insulatingcover 32. - The heat-insulating
cover 32 is attached to thefixation sections 31b of theradiation plate 31 by the screws. As illustrated inFig. 9 , thesub-protrusion 31a of theradiation plate 31 is disposed in a space formed between the rear surface of theradiation plate 31 and the front surface of the heat-insulatingcover 32. A heat-insulating effect caused by the air in the space can suppress the transfer of the heat from theradiation conduit 36c to a space outside the heat-insulatingcover 32. As illustrated inFig. 7 , aside panel 37 constituting the side surface of thecasing 4 and an attachingmember 38 used to attach theradiation panel 30 to thebody frame 41 are attached to each of both the end portions in the horizontal direction of the rear surface of theradiation plate 31 from the end part in turn. - The opening-closing
panel 52 is detachably attached to the lower portion of theradiation plate 31 of theradiation panel 30. The opening-closingpanel 52 has a rectangular shape which is long in the horizontal direction, and its length relative to the vertical direction is approximately four times the length of the front-surface panel section 51a of theoutlet port cover 51. In other words, the length of the opening-closingpanel 52 relative to the vertical direction is approximately 4L, as shown inFIG. 3 . As illustrated inFig. 4 , the vertical position at the upper end of the opening-closingpanel 52 has the substantially same level as the upper end of thefront grill 42. As described above, the lower end of the opening-closingpanel 52 constitutes the part of theprincipal inlet 4a. Accordingly, thefront grill 42 is exposed by detaching the opening-closingpanel 52, so that thelower filter 43 andupper filter 44, which are attached to thefilter retaining section 42a of thefront grill 42, can be detached. - As described above, the
front panel 5 includes thefront panel section 51a provided in theoutlet cover 51, theradiation plate 31 provided in theradiation panel 30, and the opening-closingpanel 52. Theauxiliary inlet 4b that is the slit-like opening extending in the horizontal direction is formed between theradiation plate 31 of theradiation panel 30 and the opening-closingpanel 52. Theauxiliary inlet 4c that is the slit-like opening extending in the horizontal direction is formed near the upper end of the opening-closingpanel 52. As shown inFIG. 3 , the distance from the upper end of the opening-closingpanel 52 to theauxiliary inlet port 4c, relative to the vertical direction is L. - Thus, the length of the front-
surface panel 5 relative to the vertical direction is 7L, and theauxiliary inlet port 4b is in a position 3L from the upper end of the front-surface panel 5, and theauxiliary inlet port 4c is in a position 3L from the lower end of the front-surface panel 5. In other words, theauxiliary inlet ports surface panel 5 relative to the vertical direction. Further, as shown inFig. 4 , theauxiliary inlets front heat exchanger 20a. - The following describes the steps of assembling the
indoor unit 2 having the above described structure. - First, to the
body frame 41, theindoor fan 21, theindoor heat exchanger 20, theoutlet port unit 46, and the internal devices such as theelectrical component unit 47 are attached. At this time, on the right side of theindoor heat exchanger 20, when viewed from the front, attached to thebody frame 41, the conduit integrally provided with theindoor heat exchanger 20 is disposed. To this conduit is attached the panelincoming temperature sensor 25 and the paneloutgoing temperature sensor 26 at the leading end of the line (not shown) extended from theelectrical component unit 47. - Next, the
radiation panel 30 is attached to thebody frame 41. Then, the connectingsections panel conduit 36 integrally provided with theradiation panel 30 are connected to thethird connection section 17 and thefourth connection section 18 of the conduit integrally provided with theindoor heat exchanger 20. After that, theoutlet port cover 51 is attached above theradiation panel 30, and thefront grill 42 and the open/close panel 52 are sequentially attached below theradiation panel 30. - To disassemble the
indoor unit 2 for the purpose of maintenance or repairing, the above describe steps are reversed. That is, for example, to detach theradiation panel 30, theoutlet port cover 51, the open/close panel 52, and thefront grill 42 are first detached, and then theradiation panel 30 is detached. - As described hereinabove, the panel
incoming temperature sensor 25 and the paneloutgoing temperature sensor 26 are disposed at the conduit integrally provided with theindoor heat exchanger 20. Therefore, when theradiation panel 30 is detached, the panelincoming temperature sensor 25 and the paneloutgoing temperature sensor 26 are not moved unless theindoor heat exchanger 20 is detached from thebody frame 41. In cases where thepanel conduit 36 of theradiation panel 30 has a sensor, the wiring of the sensor needs to be detached every time theradiation panel 30 is detached. However, such a process is not necessary in the present embodiment. - With the
remote controller 9, a user is able to start or stop the operation of theair conditioner 1, set the operation mode, set the target indoor temperature (indoor setting temperature), or set the blowing air quantity, or the like. During the warm air heating operation and the cooling operation, the air quantity setting may be selected from "air quantity automatic", and "strong" to "weak". In the present embodiment, the air quantity is automatically controlled during the radiation heating operation and the radiation breeze heating operation. - Next, the
controller 7 for controlling theair conditioner 1 is described with reference toFig. 10 . - As shown in
Fig. 10 , thecontroller 7 includes astorage 70, an indoor motor-operatedvalve controller 72, anindoor fan controller 73, acompressor controller 74, and an outdoor motor-operatedvalve controller 75. - The
storage 70 stores various operation settings related to theair conditioner 1, a control program, a data table necessary for running the control program, or the like. The operation settings include user-setting set by a user operating theremote controller 9, such as target indoor temperature (indoor setting temperature), and a presetting which is set in advance in theair conditioner 1. In theair conditioner 1 of the present embodiment, the range of target temperature of theradiation panel 30 is set to a predetermined temperature range (e.g., 50 to 55°C). The target temperature range of theradiation panel 30 however may be set by operating theremote controller 9. - The indoor motor-operated
valve controller 72 controls the number of pulses input to the stepping motor (not shown) for controlling the indoor motor-operatedvalve 23 so as to control the opening degree of the indoor motor-operatedvalve 23. During the cooling operation or the warm air heating operation, the indoor motor-operatedvalve controller 72 closes the indoor motor-operatedvalve 23. Further, during the radiation heating operation or the radiation breeze heating operation, the indoor motor-operatedvalve controller 72 controls the opening degree of the indoor motor-operatedvalve 23 based on the temperature of theradiation panel 30. Specifically, as shown in the following (equation 1), a predicted value (hereinafter, simply referred to as radiation panel temperature) Tp of the surface temperature of theradiation panel 30 is calculated based on the a temperature Tp1 (first temperature) detected by the panelincoming temperature sensor 25 and a temperature Tp2 (second temperature) detected by the paneloutgoing temperature sensor 26. The opening degree of the indoor motor-operatedvalve 23 is controlled so that this radiation panel temperature Tp is within a panel target temperature range (e.g. 50 to 55°C). - Note that the above A and B in (equation 1) are both a constant in the present embodiment, and A = 0.5 and B = 0.
- The following details the control of the indoor motor-operated
valve 23, during the radiation heating operation or the radiation breeze heating operation. - The indoor motor-operated
valve controller 72 controls the indoor motor-operatedvalve 23 differently for each of five different zones set for the radiation panel temperatures Tp, as shown inFig. 11 . The five different zones are: an up zone, a no-change zone, a suspended zone, a stop zone, and a recovery zone. When the radiation panel temperature Tp is in the up zone, the number of pulses input to the stepping motor is increased at a ratio of DEV1 (pulse)/TEV1 (Sec.) so as to increase the opening degree of the indoor motor-operatedvalve 23. When the radiation panel temperature Tp is in the no-change zone, the number of pulses input to the stepping motor is not changed so as not to cause a change in the opening degree of the indoor motor-operatedvalve 23. When the radiation panel temperature Tp is in the suspended zone, the number of pulses input to the stepping motor is reduced at a ratio of DEV2 (pulse) /TEV2 (Sec.), so as to reduce the opening degree of the indoor motor-operatedvalve 23. When the radiation panel temperature Tp is in the stop zone, the number of pulses input to the stepping motor is made zero to close the indoor motor-operatedvalve 23. When the radiation panel temperature Tp enters the stop zone, a control at the beginning of operation is executed after the radiation panel temperature Tp drops to the recovery zone. The control at the beginning of operation is a control to fix the opening degree of the indoor motor-operatedvalve 23 to an initial opening degree, for a predetermined period t1. - Note that in the present embodiment, the ratio DEV1(pulse)/TEV1(Sec.) at which the opening degree of the indoor motor-operated
valve 23 is increased in the up zone and the ratio DEV2 (pulse) /TEV2 (Sec.) at which the opening degree of the indoor motor-operatedvalve 23 is reduced in the suspended zone are the same. However, these ratios may be different from each other. - As shown in
Fig. 11 and Table 1, while the radiation panel temperature Tp is rising, the radiation panel temperature Tp of less than 53°C is the up zone, the radiation panel temperature Tp of 53°C or higher but lower than 55°C is the no-change zone, the radiation panel temperature Tp of 55°C or higher but lower than 70°C is the suspended zone, the radiation panel temperature Tp of 70°C or higher is the stop zone. That is, when the radiation panel temperature Tp is relatively low, the indoor motor-operatedvalve controller 72 performs a control to increase the opening degree of the indoor motor-operatedvalve 23, and when the radiation panel temperature Tp reaches or exceeds a certain level, performs control to cause no change in the opening degree of the indoor motor-operatedvalve 23. When the radiation panel temperature Tp is relatively high, the indoor motor-operatedvalve controller 72 performs a control to reduce the opening degree of the indoor motor-operatedvalve 23. When the radiation panel temperature Tp is excessively high (70°C or higher), the indoor motor-operatedvalve controller 72 performs a control performs a control to close the indoor motor-operatedvalve 23.[Table 1] Zone Name While Radiation Panel Temp.(Tp) is rising. Whiel Radiation Panel Temp.(Tp) is falling. Stop 70°C ≤ Tp 70°C ≤ Tp Suspended 55°C ≤ Tp < 70°C 53°C ≤ Tp < 70°C No-change 53°C ≤ Tp < 55° C 51°C ≤ Tp < 53°C Up Tp < 53°C Tp < 51°C Recovery - Tp < 45°C - After the radiation panel temperature Tp rises up to 70°C or higher, the indoor motor-operated
valve 23 is kept closed until the temperature drops to the recovery zone which is lower than 45°C. On the other hand, when the radiation panel temperature Tp rises and then starts to fall from a temperature of less than 70°C, the radiation panel temperature Tp of less than 70°C but not less than 53°C is the suspended zone, the radiation panel temperature Tp of less than 53°C but not less than 51°C is the no-change zone, the radiation panel temperature Tp of less than 51°C is the up zone. - The
indoor fan controller 73 controls the rotational frequency of theindoor fan 21. - During the warm air heating operation, the air-quantity automatic operation of the cooling operation, or the radiation heating operation, the
indoor fan controller 73 controls the rotational frequency of theindoor fan 21 based on the indoor temperature detected by theindoor temperature sensor 24, the indoor setting temperature, or the like. Further, when the air quantity setting is set to any of "strong" to "weak" during the warm air heating operation or the cooling operation, or during the radiation breeze heating operation, the rotational frequency of theindoor fan 21 is controlled to the rotational frequency corresponding to a corresponding one of pre-set fan taps. - The
compressor controller 74 controls the operation frequency of thecompressor 60, based on the indoor temperature, the indoor setting temperature, the heat exchanger temperature detected by thetemperature sensor 27, or the like. - The outdoor motor-operated
valve controller 75 controls the opening degree of the outdoor motor-operatedvalve 64. Specifically, the motor-operatedvalve controller 75 controls the opening degree of the outdoor motor-operatedvalve 64 so that the temperature detected by thedischarge temperature sensor 66 is the optimum temperature of the operation state. The optimum temperature is determined based on a calculated value involving an indoor heat exchanger temperature and/or an outdoor heat exchanger temperature. - With reference to
Fig. 12 , the following describes an exemplary changes in the room temperature, the rotational frequency of theindoor fan 21, the radiation panel temperature Tp, the opening degree of the indoor motor-operatedvalve 23, the operation frequency of thecompressor 60, when theair conditioner 1 is controlled by thecontroller 7. Note that the example ofFig. 12 shows a case where the radiation heating operation and the radiation breeze heating operation are switched to one another depending on the room temperatures. - First, after the operation is started, the operation frequency of the
compressor 60 is raised in stages until the time point t1. At this time, the opening degree of the indoor motor-operatedvalve 23 is fixed to a predetermined initial opening degree. Thus, the room temperature and the radiation panel temperature Tp rises. When the radiation panel temperature Tp is 55°C or higher, the opening degree of the indoor motor-operatedvalve 23 is controlled to decrease. Further, at the time point t2 and thereafter, the rotational frequency of theindoor fan 21 is lowered in stages, and becomes c1 at the time point t3. At the time point t3 and thereafter, the rotational frequency of theindoor fan 21 is fixed to c1. The period from the beginning of the operation to the time point t3 is the radiation heating operation and the operation is switched to the radiation breeze heating operation at the time point t3 and thereafter. - At the time point t4 and thereafter, the operation frequency of the
compressor 60 is lowered in stages so as to approximate the room temperature higher than the indoor setting temperature down to the setting temperature. This way, the radiation panel temperature Tp is lowered. Thus, after the time point t5, the opening degree of the indoor motor-operatedvalve 23 is controlled to open so as to raise the radiation panel temperature Tp to a temperature within the target temperature range. - In the
air conditioner 1 of the present embodiment, arefrigerant circuit 10 connecting theindoor unit 2 and theoutdoor unit 6 with each other includes: afirst channel 12 provided with anindoor heat exchanger 20, and asecond channel 13 connected in parallel with thefirst channel 12, which is provided with aradiation panel 30. The circuit includes a panelincoming temperature sensor 25 and a paneloutgoing temperature sensor 26. The panelincoming temperature sensor 25 is disposed in a conduit at a position which is upstream side of theradiation conduit 36c of theradiation heat exchanger 34 in theradiation panel 30 in thesecond channel 13, during the heating operation. The paneloutgoing temperature sensor 26 is provided to the conduit at a position which is the downstream side of theradiation conduit 36c, during the heating operation. In other words, the panelincoming temperature sensor 25 is provided in a conduit which, during the heating operation, is at the upstream side of the most upstream one of the two radiation units in the radiation heat exchanger 34 (i.e., where theradiation plate 31 and the linear portion above theradiation conduit 36c are in contact) . Further, the paneloutgoing temperature sensor 26 is provided at the conduit which, during the heating operation, is at the downstream side of the most downstream one of the two radiation units (i.e. , where theradiation plate 31 and the linear portion below theradiation conduit 36c are in contact). - Therefore, the temperatures detected by the panel
incoming temperature sensor 25 and the paneloutgoing temperature sensor 26 are hardly influenced by radiation from theradiation heat exchanger 34 or radiation due to the natural convection. This allows suitable temperature control of theradiation panel 30. Further, during the heating operation, the panelincoming temperature sensor 25 is able to detect the temperature of the refrigerant before it flows into theradiation conduit 36c of theradiation heat exchanger 34 in theradiation panel 30. In other words, it is possible to detect the temperature of the refrigerant before the temperature drops due to the radiation from theradiation heat exchanger 34. Thus, excessive heat generation of theradiation panel 30 is promptly and accurately restrained. - Further, during the cooling operation, the indoor motor-operated
valve 23 to prevent the refrigerant from flowing into theradiation conduit 36c of theradiation panel 30. However, even if the refrigerant leaks out from the indoor motor-operatedvalve 23, the paneloutgoing temperature sensor 26 provided between the indoor motor-operatedvalve 23 and theradiation conduit 36c in theradiation panel 30 is able to detect the leakage before the refrigerant flows into theradiation conduit 36c in theradiation panel 30. Therefore, it is possible to promptly and accurately detect the leakage of the refrigerant and detect condensation on theradiation panel 30. Additionally, the predicted temperature value of theradiation panel 30 is accurately calculated based on the temperatures detected by the panelincoming temperature sensor 25 and the paneloutgoing temperature sensor 26. - Further, the
air conditioner 1 of the present embodiment includes an indoor motor-operatedvalve 23 provided in a conduit at a position which, during the heating operation, is the downstream side of theradiation conduit 36c of theradiation panel 30. This indoor motor-operatedvalve 23 is controlled based on the temperature Tp1 detected by the panelincoming temperature sensor 25 provided at the conduit on the upstream side of theradiation conduit 36c, and the temperature Tp2 detected by the paneloutgoing temperature sensor 26 provided at the conduit on the downstream side of theradiation conduit 36c. Thus, by controlling the indoor motor-operatedvalve 23, it is possible to adjust, to the target temperature, the radiation panel temperature Tp derived from the temperature Tp1 detected by the panelincoming temperature sensor 25 and the temperature Tp2 detected by the paneloutgoing temperature sensor 26. Therefore, the performance of theindoor heat exchanger 20 is not influenced, unlike the case where the radiation panel temperature Tp is controlled by controlling the outdoor motor-operatedvalve 64 which is the main decompression structure. - Further, in the
air conditioner 1 of the present embodiment, the panelincoming temperature sensor 25 is positioned closer to theradiation conduit 36c than it is to the branchingsection 10a. This allows detection of the temperature of the refrigerant immediately before it flows into theradiation conduit 36c. Thus, highly accurate calculation of the predicted temperature value of theradiation panel 30 is possible. - Further, in the
air conditioner 1 of the present embodiment, the paneloutgoing temperature sensor 26 is provided closer to theradiation conduit 36c than it is to the indoor motor-operatedvalve 23. This allows detection of the temperature of the refrigerant immediately after it flows out of theradiation conduit 36c. Thus, highly accurate calculation of the predicted temperature value of theradiation panel 30 is possible. - Embodiment of the present invention is thus described hereinabove. It should be however noticed that the specific structures of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. The above embodiment shall not be interpreted as the definition of the scope of present invention which is defined by claims set forth hereinbelow. Any modification within the scope of claims and those equivalent to claims in terms of meaning shall be encompassed by the present invention.
- The above embodiment deals with a case where the
refrigerant circuit 10 connecting theindoor unit 2 and theoutdoor unit 6 with each other include thefirst channel 12 having theindoor heat exchanger 20 and thesecond channel 13 connected in parallel to thefirst channel 12, and theradiation panel 30 is provided in thesecond channel 13. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and theindoor heat exchanger 20 and theradiation panel 30 may be serially connected. - That is, as shown in
Fig. 13 , arefrigerant circuit 110 of theair conditioner 101 related to the first modification of the present embodiment includes an annular principal channel 111 in which an outdoor motor-operatedvalve 64, anoutdoor heat exchanger 62, acompressor 60, aradiation panel 30, and anindoor heat exchanger 20 are sequentially connected. The discharge side conduit and the intake side conduit of thecompressor 60 are connected to a four-way valve 61. On both sides of theradiation panel 30 are branchingsections 101a and 101b, and the branchingsections 101a and 101b are connected to the both ends of the branchingpassage 112, respectively. Note that the branching section 101a is positioned between theindoor heat exchanger 20 and theradiation panel 30, and the branchingsection 101b is on the opposite side to the branching section 101a, over theradiation panel 30. The branchingpassage 112 has a first indoor motor-operatedvalve 128. - Between the
radiation panel 30 and the branching section 101a is a second indoor motor-operatedvalve 123. A panelincoming temperature sensor 25 is provided between the branchingsection 101b and aradiation conduit 36c of theradiation panel 30, and a paneloutgoing temperature sensor 26 is provided between the second indoor motor-operatedvalve 123 and theradiation conduit 36c of theradiation panel 30. - In the
refrigerant circuit 110, during the cooling operation, the first indoor motor-operatedvalve 128 is opened and the second indoor motor-operatedvalve 123 is opened, and the four-way valve 61 is switched to a state shown by the broken line inFig. 13 . Therefore, the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant from thecompressor 60 flows into theoutdoor heat exchanger 62, through the four-way valve 61, as shown by the broken-line arrow inFig. 13 . Then, the refrigerant condensed by theoutdoor heat exchanger 62 flows into theindoor heat exchanger 20, after being depressurized by the outdoor motor-operatedvalve 64. Further, the refrigerant vaporized by theindoor heat exchanger 20 flows into thecompressor 60, through the branchingpassage 112, the four-way valve 61, and theaccumulator 65. - During the warm air heating operation, the first indoor motor-operated
valve 128 is opened and the second indoor motor-operatedvalve 123 is closed, and the four-way valve 61 is switched to a state shown by the solid line inFig. 13 . Therefore, the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant from thecompressor 60 flows into theindoor heat exchanger 20, through the four-way valve 61 and the branchingpassage 112, as shown by the solid-line arrow inFig. 13 . Then, the refrigerant condensed by theindoor heat exchanger 20 flows into theoutdoor heat exchanger 62, after being depressurized by the outdoor motor-operatedvalve 64. Further, the refrigerant vaporized by theoutdoor heat exchanger 62 flows into thecompressor 60 through the four-way valve 61 and theaccumulator 65. - During the radiation heating operation and the radiation breeze heating operation, the first indoor motor-operated
valve 128 is closed and the second indoor motor-operatedvalve 123 is opened, and the four-way valve 61 is switched to a state shown by the solid line inFig. 13 . Therefore, the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant from thecompressor 60 flows into theradiation panel 30 through the four-way valve 61, and then flows into theindoor heat exchanger 20, as shown by the bold arrow inFig. 13 . Then, the refrigerant condensed by theradiation panel 30 and theindoor heat exchanger 20 flows in to theoutdoor heat exchanger 62, after being depressurized by the outdoor motor-operatedvalve 64. The refrigerant vaporized by theoutdoor heat exchanger 62 flows into thecompressor 60, through the four-way valve 61 and theaccumulator 65. - In the
air conditioner 101 of this modification too, the temperatures detected by the panelincoming temperature sensor 25 and the paneloutgoing temperature sensor 26 are not influenced by the radiation from theradiation heat exchanger 34 of theradiation panel 30, as in the case with the above described embodiment. Thus, theradiation panel 30 is suitably controlled. - In this modification, the panel
incoming temperature sensor 25 is provided at the conduit extending from the four-way valve 61 to theradiation conduit 36c of theradiation panel 30, i.e., at the conduit on the upstream side of theradiation conduit 36c of theradiation panel 30 in the circuit during the heating operation. Further, the paneloutgoing temperature sensor 26 is provided at the conduit extending from theindoor heat exchanger 20 to theradiation conduit 36c of theradiation panel 30, i.e., at the conduit on the downstream side of theradiation conduit 36c of theradiation panel 30 in the circuit during the heating operation. - A
refrigerant circuit 210 of anair conditioner 201 related to a second modification of the present embodiment includes an annular principal channel 211 in which an outdoor motor-operatedvalve 64, anoutdoor heat exchanger 62, acompressor 60, anindoor heat exchanger 20 and aradiation panel 30 are sequentially connected, as shown inFig. 14 . In other words, this modification differs from therefrigerant circuit 110 of the first modification in that theindoor heat exchanger 20 and theradiation panel 30 are positioned other way around. As in the case of therefrigerant circuit 110 of the first modification, branchingsections radiation panel 30, respectively, and the branchingsections passage 212, respectively. To the branchingpassage 212 is provided a first indoor motor-operatedvalve 228. - Between the
radiation panel 30 and the branchingsection 201a is provided a second indoor motor-operatedvalve 223. Further, a panelincoming temperature sensor 25 is provided between the branchingsection 201b and aradiation conduit 36c of theradiation panel 30, and a paneloutgoing temperature sensor 26 is provided between the second indoor motor-operatedvalve 223 and theradiation conduit 36c of theradiation panel 30. - In the
air conditioner 201 of this modification too, the temperatures detected by the panelincoming temperature sensor 25 and the paneloutgoing temperature sensor 26 are hardly influenced by the radiation from theradiation heat exchanger 34 of theradiation panel 30, as in the case of the above described embodiment. Thus, theradiation panel 30 is suitably controlled. In this modification, the panelincoming temperature sensor 25 is provided at the conduit extending from theindoor heat exchanger 20 to theradiation conduit 36c of theradiation panel 30, i.e., at the conduit on the upstream side of theradiation conduit 36c of theradiation panel 30 in the circuit during the heating operation. Further, the paneloutgoing temperature sensor 26 is provided at the conduit extending from the outdoor motor-operatedvalve 64 to theradiation conduit 36c of theradiation panel 30, i.e., at the conduit on the downstream side of theradiation conduit 36c of theradiation panel 30 in the circuit during the heating operation. - Further, the above embodiment deals with a case where the panel
incoming temperature sensor 25 is provided at the conduit which, during the heating operation, is on the upstream side of theradiation conduit 36c of theradiation panel 30 in thesecond channel 13, and the paneloutgoing temperature sensor 26 is provided at the conduit which, during the heating operation, is on the downstream side of theradiation conduit 36c of theradiation panel 30. However, the present invention is not limited to this. That is, the temperature may be provided in at least one of the conduits which, during the heating operation, are on the upstream side or on the downstream side of theradiation conduit 36c of theradiation panel 30 in thesecond channel 13. The above embodiment deals with a case where the indoor motor-operatedvalve controller 72 calculates the predicted temperature value of theradiation panel 30, based on the temperatures detected by the panelincoming temperature sensor 25 and the paneloutgoing temperature sensor 26, respectively. When there is only one temperature sensor, the predicted temperature value of theradiation panel 30 is calculated based on the temperature detected by that single temperature sensor. - Further, the above embodiment deals with a case where the indoor motor-operated
valve controller 72 controls the indoor motor-operatedvalve 23, based on the temperature Tp1 detected by the panelincoming temperature sensor 25 and the temperature Tp2 detected by the paneloutgoing temperature sensor 26, the indoor motor-operatedvalve 23 provided at the conduit which, during the heating operation, is on the downstream side of theradiation conduit 36c of theradiation panel 30. The indoor motor-operatedvalve 23 controlled by the indoor motor-operatedvalve controller 72 may be provided at the conduit which, during the heating operation, is on the upstream side of theradiation conduit 36c of theradiation panel 30. -
- Note that the Tp1 is a temperature detected by the panel
incoming temperature sensor 25, the Tp2 is the temperature detected by the paneloutgoing temperature sensor 26, and the constants A = 0.5, B = 0. - The above values of the constants are not limited to those. The values of the constants A and B are derived by experiments.
- Further, the above embodiment deals with a case where the panel
incoming temperature sensor 25 is provided closer to theradiation conduit 36c than it is to the branchingsection 10a. However, the panelincoming temperature sensor 25 may be provided closer to the branchingsection 10a than it is to theradiation conduit 36c. - Additionally, the above embodiment deals with a case where the panel
outgoing temperature sensor 26 is provided closer to theradiation conduit 36c than it is to the indoor motor-operatedvalve 23. However, the paneloutgoing temperature sensor 26 is provided closer to the indoor motor-operatedvalve 23 than it is to theradiation conduit 36c. - Further, the above embodiment deals with a case where the panel
incoming temperature sensor 25 and the paneloutgoing temperature sensor 26 are provided at the conduits integrally provided with theindoor heat exchanger 20; however, the present invention is not limited to this. That is, the panelincoming temperature sensor 25 may be provided between theradiation conduit 36c and the upper one of the two linear portions in the connectingsections 36a, as shown inFig. 8(a) . The paneloutgoing temperature sensor 26 may be provided between the connectingsections 36b and the lower one of the two linear portions in theradiation conduit 36c. - Further, in the above embodiment, the
radiation conduit 36c constituting theradiation heat exchanger 34 includes two linear portions fixed to theradiation plate 31, and the conduit between the two linear portions; however, the present invention is not limited to this. That is, theentire radiation conduit 36c may be fixed to theradiation plate 31. Theradiation conduit 36c, when there are a plurality of portions fixed to theradiation plate 31, include a plurality of portions to be fixed to theradiation plate 31 and the conduit for connecting those portions . That is, the both end portions of the radiation - The present invention allows suitable control of the temperature of the radiation panel (radiation heat exchanger) . Reference Signs List
-
- 1.
- Air Conditioner
- 2.
- Indoor Unit
- 6.
- Outdoor Unit
- 10.
- Refrigerant Circuit
- 10a.
- Branching Section
- 10b.
- Merging Section
- 11.
- Principal Channel
- 12.
- First Channel
- 13.
- Second Channel
- 20.
- Indoor Heat Exchanger
- 23.
- Indoor Motor-Operated Valve (Valve Structure)
- 25.
- Panel Incoming Temperature Sensor First Temperature Sensor)
- 26.
- Panel Outgoing Temperature Sensor Second Temperature Sensor)
- 30.
- Radiation Panel
- 31.
- Radiation Plate
- 34.
- Radiation Heat Exchanger
- 36c.
- Radiation Conduit
- 60.
- Compressor
- 62.
- Outdoor Heat Exchanger
- 64.
- Outdoor Motor-Operated Valve (Decompression Structure)
Claims (3)
- An air conditioner (1), comprising a refrigerant circuit (10) including a compressor (60), a decompression structure (64), an outdoor heat exchanger (62), an indoor heat exchanger (20), and a radiation heat exchanger (34),
wherein the refrigerant circuit (10) is configured to cause a high temperature refrigerant to flow in the radiation heat exchanger (34) during a radiation heating operation,
wherein the refrigerant circuit (10) includes:
a principal channel (11) having the decompression structure (64), the outdoor heat exchanger (62), and the compressor (60) in this order;
a first channel (12) provided with the indoor heat exchanger (20), which connects a branching section (10a) and a merging section (10b), the branching section (10a) being provided in a position which, during the heating operation, is on the downstream side of the compressor (60) in the principal channel (11), and the merging section (10b) being provided in a position which, during the heating operation, is on the upstream side of the decompression structure (64); and
a second channel (13) provided with the radiation heat exchanger (34), which connects the branching section (10a) and the merging section (10b) with the first channel (12) in parallel during the heating operation,
characterized in that a first temperature sensor (25) is provided in a conduit which, during the heating operation, is on the upstream side of the radiation heat exchanger (34) in the second channel (13) and a second temperature sensor (26) is provided at a conduit which, during the heating operation, is on the downstream side of the radiation heat exchanger (34) in the second channel (13),
wherein: the refrigerant circuit (10) has a valve structure (23) provided at the conduit which, during the heating operation, is on the upstream side of the radiation heat exchanger (34) in the second channel (13) or the conduit which, during the heating operation, is on the downstream side of the radiation heat exchanger (34) in the second channel (13); and
the valve structure (23) is controlled based on a first temperature detected by the first temperature sensor (25) , and a second temperature detected by the second temperature sensor (26). - The air conditioner (1) according to claim 1, wherein the first temperature sensor (25) is positioned closer to the radiation heat exchanger (34) than it is to the branching section (10a) .
- The air conditioner (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the valve structure (23) is provided at the conduit which, during the heating operation, is on the downstream side of the radiation heat exchanger (34) in the second channel (13), and the second temperature sensor (26) is positioned closer to the radiation heat exchanger (34) than it is to the valve structure (23).
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
JP2010249178 | 2010-11-05 | ||
JP2011009066A JP5088520B2 (en) | 2010-11-05 | 2011-01-19 | Air conditioner |
PCT/JP2011/074245 WO2012060227A1 (en) | 2010-11-05 | 2011-10-21 | Air conditioner |
Publications (3)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP2636961A1 EP2636961A1 (en) | 2013-09-11 |
EP2636961A4 EP2636961A4 (en) | 2018-03-21 |
EP2636961B1 true EP2636961B1 (en) | 2021-03-24 |
Family
ID=46024344
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP11837878.5A Active EP2636961B1 (en) | 2010-11-05 | 2011-10-21 | Air conditioner |
Country Status (6)
Country | Link |
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EP (1) | EP2636961B1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP5088520B2 (en) |
CN (1) | CN103201565B (en) |
AU (1) | AU2011324586B2 (en) |
ES (1) | ES2865098T3 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2012060227A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (11)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JP5820232B2 (en) * | 2011-10-25 | 2015-11-24 | アズビル株式会社 | Surface temperature estimation device, surface temperature estimation method, and dew condensation determination device |
CN104764097A (en) * | 2015-04-08 | 2015-07-08 | 珠海格力电器股份有限公司 | air conditioning system, air conditioner and control method thereof |
CN104949377B (en) * | 2015-07-07 | 2018-04-27 | 珠海格力电器股份有限公司 | Air conditioner |
CN105318522B (en) * | 2015-11-09 | 2018-12-25 | 珠海格力电器股份有限公司 | Indoor heat exchange structure of air conditioning system, air conditioning system and control method of air conditioning system |
CN106705231A (en) * | 2017-01-16 | 2017-05-24 | 海信(山东)空调有限公司 | Air conditioner indoor machine assembly, refrigerant circulatory system as well as control method and control device of refrigerant circulatory system |
ES2961871T3 (en) * | 2017-04-18 | 2024-03-14 | Mitsubishi Electric Corp | Air conditioner |
US10775065B2 (en) | 2018-04-09 | 2020-09-15 | Haier Us Appliance Solutions, Inc. | Air conditioning system including a reheat loop |
CN109210630A (en) * | 2018-09-29 | 2019-01-15 | 珠海格力电器股份有限公司 | Convection and radiation combined heat exchange system, heat exchange equipment and control method |
CN110715423B (en) * | 2019-10-17 | 2021-06-18 | 广东美的制冷设备有限公司 | Air conditioner, control method and device thereof, electronic equipment and storage medium |
CN114322086A (en) * | 2021-12-21 | 2022-04-12 | 青岛海尔空调器有限总公司 | Air conditioner and control method thereof |
CN114322102A (en) * | 2021-12-21 | 2022-04-12 | 青岛海尔空调器有限总公司 | Air conditioner, control method and system thereof, electronic equipment and storage medium |
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JP2800362B2 (en) * | 1990-04-23 | 1998-09-21 | 三菱電機株式会社 | Multi-room air conditioner |
JPH0448140A (en) * | 1990-06-18 | 1992-02-18 | Toshiba Corp | Air conditioner |
JP2508528Y2 (en) * | 1990-07-16 | 1996-08-28 | 三菱重工業株式会社 | Air conditioner |
JP2686371B2 (en) * | 1991-01-19 | 1997-12-08 | シャープ株式会社 | Air conditioner |
JP3152448B2 (en) * | 1991-05-20 | 2001-04-03 | 三洋電機株式会社 | Gas heat pump air conditioner |
JPH04369327A (en) * | 1991-06-17 | 1992-12-22 | Sharp Corp | Air conditioner |
JP2807934B2 (en) * | 1991-09-20 | 1998-10-08 | シャープ株式会社 | Air conditioner |
JPH0718935U (en) | 1993-09-24 | 1995-04-04 | デルタ工業株式会社 | Automotive sun visor support shaft structure |
JPH08152204A (en) * | 1994-11-30 | 1996-06-11 | Hitachi Ltd | Air conditioner and operating method therefor |
JP2007085673A (en) * | 2005-09-22 | 2007-04-05 | Mitsubishi Heavy Ind Ltd | Address setting method and program for air conditioning system |
JP4245064B2 (en) * | 2007-05-30 | 2009-03-25 | ダイキン工業株式会社 | Air conditioner |
CN101592362A (en) * | 2008-05-26 | 2009-12-02 | 乐金电子(天津)电器有限公司 | Air-conditioner |
JP5229031B2 (en) * | 2009-03-18 | 2013-07-03 | ダイキン工業株式会社 | air conditioner |
-
2011
- 2011-01-19 JP JP2011009066A patent/JP5088520B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2011-10-21 AU AU2011324586A patent/AU2011324586B2/en active Active
- 2011-10-21 ES ES11837878T patent/ES2865098T3/en active Active
- 2011-10-21 WO PCT/JP2011/074245 patent/WO2012060227A1/en active Application Filing
- 2011-10-21 CN CN201180052786.6A patent/CN103201565B/en active Active
- 2011-10-21 EP EP11837878.5A patent/EP2636961B1/en active Active
Non-Patent Citations (1)
Title |
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None * |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP2636961A1 (en) | 2013-09-11 |
AU2011324586B2 (en) | 2015-09-24 |
EP2636961A4 (en) | 2018-03-21 |
JP5088520B2 (en) | 2012-12-05 |
ES2865098T3 (en) | 2021-10-15 |
AU2011324586A1 (en) | 2013-06-27 |
CN103201565A (en) | 2013-07-10 |
JP2012112638A (en) | 2012-06-14 |
CN103201565B (en) | 2016-04-06 |
WO2012060227A1 (en) | 2012-05-10 |
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