GB2621800A - Temperature adjusting device - Google Patents

Temperature adjusting device Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2621800A
GB2621800A GB2318604.2A GB202318604A GB2621800A GB 2621800 A GB2621800 A GB 2621800A GB 202318604 A GB202318604 A GB 202318604A GB 2621800 A GB2621800 A GB 2621800A
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GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
temperature
heat
regulation apparatus
temperature regulation
refrigerant
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.)
Pending
Application number
GB2318604.2A
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GB202318604D0 (en
Inventor
Hayashida Kazuki
Kadowaki Kimitaka
Ito Takuya
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Mitsubishi Electric Corp
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Mitsubishi Electric Corp
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Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Mitsubishi Electric Corp filed Critical Mitsubishi Electric Corp
Publication of GB202318604D0 publication Critical patent/GB202318604D0/en
Publication of GB2621800A publication Critical patent/GB2621800A/en
Pending legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • 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
    • F25B49/00—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices
    • F25B49/02—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices for compression type machines, plants or systems
    • 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
    • F25B1/00—Compression machines, plants or systems with non-reversible cycle
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F11/00—Control or safety arrangements
    • F24F11/30—Control or safety arrangements for purposes related to the operation of the system, e.g. for safety or monitoring
    • F24F11/41—Defrosting; Preventing freezing
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F11/00—Control or safety arrangements
    • F24F11/30—Control or safety arrangements for purposes related to the operation of the system, e.g. for safety or monitoring
    • F24F11/41—Defrosting; Preventing freezing
    • F24F11/42—Defrosting; Preventing freezing of outdoor units
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F11/00—Control or safety arrangements
    • F24F11/50—Control or safety arrangements characterised by user interfaces or communication
    • F24F11/56—Remote control
    • 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
    • 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
    • F25B47/00—Arrangements for preventing or removing deposits or corrosion, not provided for in another subclass
    • F25B47/02—Defrosting cycles
    • 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
    • F25B47/00—Arrangements for preventing or removing deposits or corrosion, not provided for in another subclass
    • F25B47/02—Defrosting cycles
    • F25B47/022—Defrosting cycles hot gas defrosting
    • F25B47/025—Defrosting cycles hot gas defrosting by reversing the cycle
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F11/00—Control or safety arrangements
    • F24F11/50—Control or safety arrangements characterised by user interfaces or communication
    • F24F11/56—Remote control
    • F24F11/58—Remote control using Internet communication
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F2110/00—Control inputs relating to air properties
    • F24F2110/10—Temperature
    • 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
    • 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
    • F25B2313/003—Indoor unit with water as a heat sink or heat source
    • 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
    • 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
    • F25B2313/0315—Temperature sensors near the outdoor heat exchanger
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
    • F25B2700/00—Sensing or detecting of parameters; Sensors therefor
    • F25B2700/21—Temperatures
    • F25B2700/2116—Temperatures of a condenser
    • F25B2700/21161—Temperatures of a condenser of the fluid heated by the condenser
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
    • F25B2700/00—Sensing or detecting of parameters; Sensors therefor
    • F25B2700/21—Temperatures
    • F25B2700/2117—Temperatures of an evaporator
    • F25B2700/21174—Temperatures of an evaporator of the refrigerant at the inlet of the evaporator
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
    • F25B2700/00—Sensing or detecting of parameters; Sensors therefor
    • F25B2700/21—Temperatures
    • F25B2700/2117—Temperatures of an evaporator
    • F25B2700/21175—Temperatures of an evaporator of the refrigerant at the outlet of the evaporator

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Human Computer Interaction (AREA)
  • Air Conditioning Control Device (AREA)
  • Heat-Pump Type And Storage Water Heaters (AREA)

Abstract

This temperature adjusting device has a load apparatus and a heat source apparatus. The load apparatus heats a subject through a heating medium flowing through a heating medium pipe, and the heat source apparatus supplies the heated heating medium to the load apparatus. The heat source apparatus comprises a compressor, a heat source-side heat exchanger, an intermediate heat exchanger, a flow channel switching device, and a heating medium temperature acquisition device. The heat source-side heat exchanger exchanges heat between a coolant and air. The intermediate heat exchanger exchanges heat between the coolant and the heating medium. The flow channel switching device switches the flow channel of the coolant between when a defrosting operation is implemented and when an operation of heating the subject is implemented. The heating medium temperature acquisition device acquires temperature information indicating the temperature of the heating medium. The temperature adjusting device has an input unit and a processing unit. The input unit receives instruction information pertaining to a preheating operation. The preheating operation is an operation in which the temperature of the heating medium is controlled to a correction target temperature higher than a target temperature. The processing unit controls the temperature adjusting device on the basis of the temperature information such that the preheating operation is executed according to the instruction information.

Description

DESCRIPTION Title of Invention
TEMPERATURE REGULATION APPARATUS
Technical Field
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a temperature regulation apparatus that regulates the temperature of a target.
Background Art
[0002] In the part, a temperature regulation apparatus has been known which regulates the temperature of a target using a heat medium, such as water or brine, subjected to heat exchange with refrigerant (see, for example, Patent Literature 1). Such a temperature regulation apparatus includes a compressor that compresses refrigerant, an intermediate heat exchanger that causes heat exchange to be performed between a heat medium and the refrigerant, and a heat-source-side heat exchanger that causes heat exchange to be performed between the refrigerant and outdoor air. When heating the target, the temperature regulation apparatus causes the refrigerant whose temperature is raised to a high temperature by an operation of the compressor to flow into the intermediate heat exchanger, and causes heat exchange to be performed between the heat medium and the refrigerant in the intermediate heat exchanger, thereby heating the heat medium, and heating the target with the heated heat medium. [0003] At the heat-source-side heat exchanger, frost may be formed when, for example, the outdoor air temperature is low. When frost is formed on the heat-source-side heat exchanger, the heat exchange efficiency of the heat-source-side heat exchanger can be lowered. In order to reduce lowering of the heat exchange efficiency, a temperature regulation apparatus described in Patent Literature 1 performs a defrosting operation to remove the frost from the heat-source-side heat exchanger. In the defrosting operation, the temperature regulation apparatus of Patent Literature 1 causes the refrigerant to flow in a refrigerant circuit in the opposite direction to the flow direction of the refrigerant at the time of heating the target.
Citation List Patent Literature [0004] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2005-
Summary of Invention
Technical Problem [0005] In the defrosting operation in which the refrigerant flows in the opposite direction to the flow direction of the refrigerant at the time of heating the target, the heat-sourceside heat exchanger operates as a condenser, and the intermediate heat exchanger operates as an evaporator Thus, in the defrosting operation, the refrigerant transfers heat to outdoor air at the heat-source-side heat exchanger, and then flows into the intermediate heat exchanger to receive heat from the heat medium in the intermediate heat exchanger. Therefore, the temperature of the heat medium drops and accordingly the temperature of the target drops. This may reduce the comfort for a user In addition to the defrosting operation, for example, immediately after the activation of the temperature regulation apparatus or immediately after the end of the defrosting operation, the temperature of the heat medium may be low, and as a result, the temperature of the target may not rapidly rise to a desired temperature for the user, and may thus reduce the comfort for the user [0006] The present disclosure is applied to solve the above problems, and relates to a temperature regulation apparatus that enables the user to adjust the temperature of a heat medium, thereby reducing lowering of the level of the comfort for the user.
Solution to Problem [0007] A temperature regulation apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure regulates a temperature of a target, and includes: a load apparatus configured to heat the target using a heat medium that flows through a heat medium pipe; and a heat source apparatus configured to supply the heated heat medium to the load apparatus. The heat source apparatus includes: a compressor configured to compress refrigerant; a heat-source-side heat exchanger connected to the compressor by a refrigerant pipe through which the refrigerant flows, and configured to cause heat exchange to be performed between the refrigerant and air; an intermediate heat exchanger connected to the compressor by the refrigerant pipe, connected to the load apparatus by the heat medium pipe, and configured to cause heat exchange to be performed between the refrigerant and the heat medium; a flow switching device connected to the compressor by the refrigerant pipe, and configured to switch a flow passage for the refrigerant between a plurality of flow passages, such that the refrigerant discharged from the compressor flows into the heat-source-side heat exchanger in a defrosting operation in the heat-source-side heat exchanger, and such that the refrigerant discharged from the compressor flows into the intermediate heat exchanger in a target heating operation that is performed to heat the target; and a heat-medium temperature obtaining device configured to obtain temperature information indicating a temperature of the heat medium. The temperature regulation apparatus further includes: an input unit configured to receive instruction information regarding a preheating operation that is performed to exert control of causing the temperature of the heat medium to reach a corrected target temperature that is higher than a target temperature in the target heating operation; and a processing unit configured to control the temperature regulation apparatus based on the temperature information, such that the temperature regulation apparatus performs the preheating operation in response to the instruction information.
Advantageous Effects of Invention [0008] In the temperature regulation apparatus according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the input unit receives instruction information regarding the preheating operation. The preheating operation is an operation to exert control of causing the temperature of the heat medium to reach the corrected target temperature that is higher than the target temperature. The processing unit controls the temperature regulation apparatus such that the temperature regulation apparatus performs the preheating operation in response to the instruction information.
Therefore, it is possible for the user to adjust the temperature of the heat medium by inputting the instruction information. Thus, the temperature regulation apparatus can reduce lowering of the comfort level for the user
Brief Description of Drawings
[0009] [Fig. 1] Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a temperature regulation apparatus according to Embodiment 1.
[Fig. 2] Fig. 2 is a block diagram exemplifying components included in the temperature regulation apparatus according to Embodiment 1.
[Fig. 3] Fig. 3 is a flowchart exemplifying the flow of processing for a preheating operation by the temperature regulation apparatus according to Embodiment 1. [Fig. 4] Fig. 4 is a flowchart exemplifying the flow of processing for the preheating operation by a temperature regulation apparatus according to Embodiment 2.
Description of Embodiments
[0010] Hereinafter, a temperature regulation apparatus according to each of embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
[0011] Embodiment 1 Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a temperature regulation apparatus according to Embodiment 1. A temperature regulation apparatus 100 regulates the temperature of indoor air or regulates the temperature of water to be supplied into an indoor space. In the following description, air, water, or other fluid that is to be regulated in temperature by the temperature regulation apparatus 100 may be described as "target".
[0012] The temperature regulation apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 1 includes a load apparatus 1 and a heat source apparatus 2. In the case where the temperature regulation apparatus 100 is, for example, an air-conditioning apparatus, the load apparatus 1 is an indoor unit, and the heat source apparatus 2 is an outdoor unit. The load apparatus 1 and the heat source apparatus 2 are connected by a heat medium pipe 4 through which a heat medium flows, whereby a heat medium circuit 5 in which the heat medium circulates is formed. As the heat medium, for example, water or brine is applied. In the heat medium circuit 5, a pump 6 is provided to cause the heat medium to circulate in the heat medium circuit 5.
[0013] The load apparatus 1 heats the target using the heat medium. The load apparatus 1 includes a load-side heat exchanger 11 and a load-side control device 12.
The load-side heat exchanger 11 is provided in a load-side housing 10, and the load-side control device 12 is provided in or outside the load-side housing 10. The load apparatus 1 in Embodiment 1 includes a target temperature sensor 13 that measures the temperature of the target. It should be noted that Fig. 1 illustrates an example in which the load apparatus 1 includes the target temperature sensor 13 provided in the load-side housing 10; however, the load apparatus 1 may include the target temperature sensor 13 provided outside the load-side housing 10.
[0014] The load-side heat exchanger 11 causes heat exchange to be performed between the target and the heat medium. The load-side control device 12 controls the load apparatus 1. In the case where the load apparatus 1 is the indoor unit of the air-conditioning apparatus, the load apparatus 1 includes a load-side air-sending device that guides air in an indoor space to the load-side heat exchanger 11. In this case, the load-side control device 12 controls an operating frequency of the load-side air-sending device. The load apparatus 1 may include a two-way valve that regulates the flow rate of the heat medium. In this case, the load-side control device 12 controls the two-way valve and regulates the opening degree of the two-way valve.
[0015] The load-side control device 12 may be a remote control that receives an instruction from a user. Alternatively, the load-side control device 12 may be provided in the load-side housing 10 to control the load apparatus 1 in response to an instruction directly input from the user or an instruction from the user that is received through the remote control.
[0016] In the case where the temperature regulation apparatus 100 is, for example, an air-conditioning apparatus, the target temperature sensor 13 measures the temperature of air that is taken in from the indoor space.
[0017] The heat source apparatus 2 causes heat exchange to be performed between a heat medium and refrigerant, thereby heating the heat medium. The heat source apparatus 2 supplies the heated heat medium to the load apparatus 1 through the heat medium pipe 4. The heat source apparatus 2 includes a heat-source-side control device 21, a compressor 22, an intermediate heat exchanger 23, an expansion valve 24, a heat-source-side air-sending device 25, a heat-source-side heat exchanger 26, and a flow switching device 27 that are provided in a heat-source-side housing 20.
The compressor 22, the intermediate heat exchanger 23, the expansion valve 24, the heat-source-side heat exchanger 26, and the flow switching device 27 are successively connected by refrigerant pipes 28, whereby a refrigerant circuit 29 in which the refrigerant circulates is provided.
[0018] In Embodiment 1, it is assumed that at a refrigerant pipe 28 that is located on an inlet side of the heat-source-side heat exchanger 26, an inlet-side refrigerant temperature sensor 30 is provided to measure the temperature of refrigerant that flows through the refrigerant pipe 28; and at a refrigerant pipe 28 that is located at an outlet side of the heat-source-side heat exchanger 26, an outlet-side refrigerant temperature sensor 31 is provided to measure the temperature of refrigerant that flows through the refrigerant pipe 28. In this case, the refrigerant pipe 28 located on the inlet side of the heat-source-side heat exchanger 26 is a refrigerant pipe 28 from which the refrigerant flows into the heat-source-side heat exchanger 26 when the temperature regulation apparatus 100 performs an operation to heat the target; and the refrigerant pipe 28 located on the outlet side of the heat-source-side heat exchanger 26 is a refrigerant pipe 28 into which the refrigerant flows out from the heat-source-side heat exchanger 26 when the temperature regulation apparatus 100 performs the operation to heat the target. In the following description, the operation to heat the target that is performed by the temperature regulation apparatus 100 may be described as "target heating operation".
[0019] The intermediate heat exchanger 23 is connected to the load apparatus 1 by heat medium pipes 4 and is located in the heat medium circuit 5. In Embodiment 1, at the heat medium pipe 4 connecting to an outlet side of the intermediate heat exchanger 23, a heat-medium temperature sensor 32 is provided to measure the temperature of a heat medium that flows through the heat medium pipe 4. It should be noted that the heat-medium temperature sensor 32 is an example of a heat-medium temperature obtaining device that obtains temperature information indicating the temperature of a heat medium that flows out from the intermediate heat exchanger 23. The result of measurement by the heat-medium temperature sensor 32, that is, a measurement result obtained thereby, is an example of the temperature information. At a heat medium pipe 4 located on an inlet side of the intermediate heat exchanger 23, another heat-medium temperature sensor (not illustrated) may be provided to measure the temperature of a heat medium that flows into the intermediate heat exchanger 23. [0020] The heat-source-side control device 21 is connected to the compressor 22, the expansion valve 24, the heat-source-side air-sending device 25, and the flow switching device 27 by communication lines (not illustrated) to control these devices.
Specifically, the heat-source-side control device 21 transmits a control signal to at least any of the compressor 22, the expansion valve 24, the heat-source-side air-sending device 25, and the flow switching device 27. Any of the compressor 22, the expansion valve 24, the heat-source-side air-sending device 25, and the flow switching device 27 that receives the control signal operates based on the received control signal. It should be noted that at least any of the compressor 22, the expansion valve 24, the heat-source-side air-sending device 25, and the flow switching device 27 may wirelessly communicate with the heat-source-side control device 21 or may receive the control signal via wireless communication.
[0021] The heat-source-side control device 21 communicates with the load-side control device 12 by a communication line or wirelessly. The heat-source-side control device 21 communicates with the heat-medium temperature sensor 32 a communication line or wirelessly to obtain a measurement result from the heat-medium temperature sensor 32. The heat-source-side control device 21 communicates with the pump 6 by a communication line or wirelessly to control the pump 6.
[0022] The compressor 22 sucks refrigerant from the refrigerant pipe 28, compresses the sucked refrigerant, and discharges the compressed refrigerant to the refrigerant pipe 28. The compressor 22 in Embodiment 1 is capable of changing its operating frequency based on a control signal received from the heat-source-side control device 21. A specific example of control processing to control the operating frequency of the compressor 22 by the heat-source-side control device 21 will be described below. A target temperature of a heat medium that flows out from the heat source apparatus 2 is set in the heat-source-side control device 21 in Embodiment 1. The heat-source-side control device 21 determines the operating frequency of the compressor 22 based on the difference between the temperature measured by the heat-medium temperature sensor 32 and the target temperature, and transmits a control signal indicating the determined operating frequency to the compressor 22.
[0023] Instead of setting the target temperature of the heat medium, the heat-sourceside control device 21 may calculate the target temperature. In this case, the heatsource-side control device 21 obtains a measurement result from the target temperature sensor 13. The heat-source-side control device 21 may obtain the measurement result directly from the target temperature sensor 13 or may obtain the measurement result through the load-side control device 12. The heat-source-side control device 21 obtains a set temperature for the target, which is set in the load-side control device 12 by the user, from the load-side control device 12. The heat-source-side control device 21 calculates the target temperature of the heat medium based on the obtained temperature of the target and the obtained set temperature. It should be noted that in the case where the heat-source-side control device 21 does not calculate the target temperature, the load apparatus 1 may include no target temperature sensor 13.
[0024] The intermediate heat exchanger 23 is, for example, a plate heat exchanger, and causes heat exchange to be performed between the refrigerant and the heat medium.
In the target heating operation, high-temperature refrigerant discharged from the compressor 22 flows into the intermediate heat exchanger 23, and the heat medium receives heat from the refrigerant.
[0025] The expansion valve 24 decompresses and expands the refrigerant which flows into the expansion valve 24. The expansion valve 24 is, for example, an electric expansion valve capable of regulating the flow rate of the refrigerant.
[0026] The heat-source-side air-sending device 25 includes a heat-source-side drive source 250 such as a fan motor, and a heat-source-side fan 251 such as a propeller fan, a turbo fan, or a sirocco fan. The heat-source-side air-sending device 25 guides air from the outside of the indoor space or outdoor air to the heat-source-side heat exchanger 26. The heat-source-side heat exchanger 26 causes heat exchange to be performed between the air supplied by the heat-source-side air-sending device 25 and the refrigerant. The heat-source-side air-sending device 25 sends the air subjected to heat exchange with the refrigerant at the heat-source-side heat exchanger 26 to the outside of the indoor space or to an outdoor side.
[0027] At the heat-source-side heat exchanger 26, frost may be formed when the temperature of outdoor air is low. When frost is formed on the heat-source-side heat exchanger 26, the heat exchange efficiency of the heat-source-side heat exchanger 26 may be lowered. The temperature regulation apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 1 performs an operation to defrost the heat-source-side heat exchanger 26 in addition to the target heating operation. In the following description, the operation to defrost the heat-source-side heat exchanger 26 may be described as "defrosting operation". The temperature regulation apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 1 performs the defrosting operation by switching the flow direction of the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit 29 from the flow direction of the refrigerant in the target heating operation to that in the defrosting operation.
[0028] The flow switching device 27 is configured to switch the flow passage for the refrigerant between the flow passage for the target heating operation and that for the defrosting operation. The flow switching device 27 includes, for example, a four-way valve, and switches the flow passage for the refrigerant between the flow passages in response to a control signal received from the heat-source-side control device 21.
Solid lines in the flow switching device 27 in Fig. 1 indicate the flow passage for the refrigerant in the target heating operation by the temperature regulation apparatus 100, and dashed lines in the flow switching device 27 in Fig. 1 indicate the flow passage for the refrigerant in the defrosting operation by the temperature regulation apparatus 100. Solid arrows in Fig. 1 indicate the flow direction of the refrigerant in the target heating operation, and dashed arrows in Fig. 1 indicate the flow direction of the refrigerant in the defrosting operation. In the target heating operation, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 22 flows into the intermediate heat exchanger 23, is decompressed by the expansion valve 24, and is sucked into the compressor 22 after passing through the heat-source-side heat exchanger 26. In the defrosting operation, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 22 flows into the heat-source-side heat exchanger 26, is decompressed by the expansion valve 24, and is sucked into the compressor 22 after passing through the intermediate heat exchanger 23.
[0029] In the defrosting operation, the heat-source-side heat exchanger 26 operates as a condenser, and at the heat-source-side heat exchanger 26, the refrigerant transfers heat air and is thus cooled. Then, the refrigerant whose temperature is lowered flows into the intermediate heat exchanger 23. In the defrosting operation, the intermediate heat exchanger 23 operates as an evaporator, and in the intermediate heat exchanger 23, the refrigerant receives heat from the heat medium and the heat medium is thus cooled. The cooled heat medium lowers the temperature of the target. This may reduce the comfort for the user.
[0030] The temperature regulation apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 1 has such a configuration as described below in order to maintain the comfort for the user. Fig. 2 is a block diagram exemplifying components included in the temperature regulation apparatus according to Embodiment 1. The temperature regulation apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 1 includes a processing unit 70, an output unit 71, and an input unit 72. The following description concerning Embodiment 1 is made by referring to by way of example the case where the load-side control device 12 includes the processing unit 70, the output unit 71, and the input unit 72.
[0031] The processing unit 70 determines whether or not the defrosting operation is necessary based on a predetermined condition. The predetermined condition is a condition that the difference between the temperature measured by the inlet-side refrigerant temperature sensor 30 and the temperature measured by the outlet-side refrigerant temperature sensor 31 is smaller than a predetermined difference threshold.
It should be noted that the processing unit 70 may obtain measurement results from the inlet-side refrigerant temperature sensor 30 and the outlet-side refrigerant temperature sensor 31 through the heat-source-side control device 21. Alternatively, the processing unit 70 may communicate with at least one of the inlet-side refrigerant temperature sensor 30 and the outlet-side refrigerant temperature sensor 31 by a communication line or wirelessly, and obtain a measurement result directly from at least one of the inlet-side refrigerant temperature sensor 30 and the outlet-side refrigerant temperature sensor 31.
[0032] For example, the condition based on which the processing unit 70 determines whether or not defrosting is necessary may be one of the following two conditions that are other than the condition described above. A first condition is that the present point in time is a set defrosting time that is set for performing the defrosting operation; and a second condition is that the temperature measured by the heat-medium temperature sensor 32 is lower than a heat-medium threshold temperature. The heat-medium threshold temperature may be determined based on at least any of an operating frequency of the compressor 22, an opening degree of the expansion valve 24, an operating frequency of the heat-source-side air-sending device 25, and other factors. When the condition based on which the processing unit 70 determines whether or not defrosting is necessary corresponds to both the first condition and the second condition, at least one of the inlet-side refrigerant temperature sensor 30 and the outlet-side refrigerant temperature sensor 31 need not to be included in the refrigerant circuit 29. It should be noted that the above conditions are described merely as examples, and the condition based on which the processing unit 70 determines whether or not defrosting is necessary is not limited to the conditions described above.
[0033] When the processing unit 70 determines that defrosting is necessary, the output unit 71 notifies the user that defrosting is necessary. The output unit 71 may provide this notification to the user by displaying information indicating that defrosting is necessity or by outputting the information via voice.
[0034] When it is determined that defrosting is necessary, the output unit 71 in Embodiment 1 displays information inquiring of the user whether or not it is necessary to perform the preheating operation or outputs the information via voice. The preheating operation is an operation to exert control of causing the temperature of the heat medium to reach a temperature that is higher than the target temperature. The preheating operation is performed to keep the temperature of the heat medium at the target temperature in the defrosting operation, or performed to reduce lowering of the temperature of the heat medium from the target temperature in the defrosting operation or in the target heating operation. It is assumed that the preheating operation in Embodiment 1 is performed prior to the defrosting operation to keep the temperature of the heat medium at the target temperature in the defrosting operation or to reduce lowering of the temperature of the heat medium in the defrosting operation.
[0035] The input unit 72 receives an input of at least one of a user's desired set temperature for the target or a user's desired target temperature of the heat medium.
When the input unit 72 receives the input of the set temperature, the processing unit 70 calculates a target temperature of the heat medium using the set temperature.
[0036] When it is determined that defrosting is necessary, the input unit 72 receives from the user, an input of information indicating whether or not it is necessary to perform the preheating operation. When the input unit 72 receives information indicating that it is necessary to perform the preheating operation, that is, information instructing the temperature regulation apparatus to perform the preheating operation, the processing unit 70 corrects the target temperature received by the input unit 72 or corrects the target temperature based on the set temperature received by the input unit 72. It should be noted that the processing unit 70 corrects the target temperature to set it to a temperature higher than this target temperature. In the following description, the target temperature which has been corrected may be described as "corrected target temperature"; and the information received by the input unit 72 from the user and instructing the temperature regulation apparatus to perform the preheating operation may be described as "instruction information".
[0037] In Embodiment 1, a correction value for the target temperature is defined as the difference between the target temperature and the corrected target temperature, and the correction value is added to the target temperature, thereby correcting the target temperature. The correction value may be determined in advance, or may be set by the user using the input unit 72. The correction value may be determined depending on the time period for which the defrosting operation is performed. In addition, the input unit 72 may be configured to receive an input of the corrected target temperature, and the correction value may be determined based on the target temperature and the input corrected target temperature.
[0038] The input unit 72 may be configured to receive instruction information that instructs the temperature regulation apparatus to perform the preheating operation whenever defrosting is necessary, before the processing unit 70 determines that defrosting is necessary. In this case, each time it is determined that defrosting is necessary, the preheating operation is automatically performed. In that case, the output unit 71 does not need to output information inquiring regarding whether or not it is necessary to perform the preheating operation, each time it is determined that defrosting is necessary. At a predetermined specific timing, the output unit 71 may output information inquiring regarding whether or not it is necessary to perform the preheating operation. The output unit 71 may be configured not to output information indicating that defrosting is necessary.
[0039] Based on a measurement result from the heat-medium temperature sensor 32, the processing unit 70 calculates an operating frequency of the compressor 22, at which the temperature of a heat medium that flows out from the intermediate heat exchanger 23 will reach the corrected target temperature within a first preliminary operation time. The first preliminary operation time is time allocated to the preheating operation, and may be determined in advance or may be set by the user using the input unit 72. The processing unit 70 may obtain a measurement result from the heat-medium temperature sensor 32 via the heat-source-side control device 21. Alternatively, the processing unit 70 may communicate with the heat-medium temperature sensor 32 by a communication line or wirelessly and obtain a measurement result directly from the heat-medium temperature sensor 32.
[0040] The processing unit 70 controls the compressor 22 such that the compressor 22 operates at the calculated operating frequency in the preheating operation. It should be noted that the processing unit 70 may communicate with the heat-source-side control device 21 by a communication line or wirelessly and control the compressor 22 via the heat-source-side control device 21. Alternatively, the processing unit 70 may communicate directly with the compressor 22 by a communication line or wirelessly and control the compressor 22.
[0041] In addition to the control of the compressor 22, the processing unit 70 may control at least any of the expansion valve 24, the heat-source-side air-sending device 25, and the pump 6 to exert control of causing the temperature of a heat medium that floss out from the intermediate heat exchanger 23 to reach the corrected target temperature. In this case, when controlling the expansion valve 24, based on a measurement result from the heat-medium temperature sensor 32, the processing unit 70 calculates an opening degree of the expansion valve 24, at which the temperature of the heat medium flowing out from the intermediate heat exchanger 23 will reach the corrected target temperature within the first preliminary operation time. The processing unit 70 then exerts control of causing the expansion valve 24 to reach the calculated opening degree in the preheating operation. In this case, the processing unit 70 may control the expansion valve 24 via the heat-source-side control device 21, or may communicate directly with the expansion valve 24 by a communication line or wirelessly and control the expansion valve 24.
[0042] When controlling the heat-source-side air-sending device 25 such that the temperature of a heat medium that flows out from the intermediate heat exchanger 23 reaches the corrected target temperature, the processing unit 70 performs the following processing. Based on a measurement result from the heat-medium temperature sensor 32, the processing unit 70 calculates an operating frequency of the heat-sourceside air-sending device 25, at which the temperature of the heat medium flowing out from the intermediate heat exchanger 23 will reach the corrected target temperature within the first preliminary operation time. The processing unit 70 then controls the heat-source-side air-sending device 25 such that the heat-source-side air-sending device 25 operates at the calculated operating frequency in the preheating operation. In this case, the processing unit 70 may control the heat-source-side air-sending device 25 via the heat-source-side control device 21, or may communicate directly with the heat-source-side air-sending device 25 by a communication line or wirelessly and control the heat-source-side air-sending device 25.
[0043] When controlling the pump 6 such that the temperature of the heat medium flowing out from the intermediate heat exchanger 23 reaches the corrected target temperature, the processing unit 70 performs the following processing. Based on a measurement result from the heat-medium temperature sensor 32, the processing unit calculates an operating frequency of the pump 6, at which the temperature of the heat medium flowing out from the intermediate heat exchanger 23 will reach the corrected target temperature within the first preliminary operation time. The processing unit 70 then controls the pump 6 such that the pump 6 operates at the calculated operating frequency in the preheating operation. In this case, the processing unit 70 may control the pump 6 via the heat-source-side control device 21, or may communicate directly with the pump 6 by a communication line or wirelessly and control the pump 6.
[0044] When the first preliminary operation time elapses, the processing unit 70 in Embodiment 1 controls the flow switching device 27 to switch the flow passage for the refrigerant from the flow passage for the target heating operation to that for defrosting operation. It should be noted that the processing unit 70 may control the flow switching device 27 via the heat-source-side control device 21, or may communicate directly with the flow switching device 27 by a communication line or wirelessly and control the flow switching device 27. When the flow switching device 27 switches the flow passage between the above flow passages, the operation of the temperature regulation apparatus 100 is switched from the target heating operation to the defrosting operation. [0045] In the case where the temperature of the heat medium does not reach the corrected target temperature even when the first preliminary operation time elapses, the processing unit 70 may cause the compressor 22 to further operate at a higher operating frequency in a second preliminary operation time without instructing the flow switching device 27 to switch the flow passage. Then, after the second preliminary operation time elapses, the processing unit 70 may instruct the flow switching device 27 to switch the flow passage between the above flow passages.
[0046] The above description regarding Embodiment 1 is made by referring to by way of example the case where the processing unit 70, the output unit 71, and the input unit 72 are included in the load-side control device 12. However, all or some of the processing unit 70, the output unit 71, and the input unit 72 may be included in the heat-source-side control device 21 instead of in the load-side control device 12, or may be included in both the heat-source-side control device 21 and the load-side control device 12. For example, the output unit 71 and the input unit 72 may be included in the load-side control device 12, and the processing unit 70 may be included in the heat-source-side control device 21. Alternatively, the output unit 71 and the input unit 72 may be included in both the load-side control device 12 and the heat-source-side control device 21, and the processing unit 70 may be included only in the heat-source-side control device 21.
[0047] Hardware configurations of the processing unit 70, the output unit 71, and the input unit 72 in Embodiment 1 will be described below. It is possible that the processing unit 70 can be provided as, for example, a processor such as a central processing unit (CPU) or a micro processing unit (MPU), a memory such as a read only memory (ROM) or a random access memory (RAM), and a communication interface circuit. It should be noted that in the case where the processing unit 70, the output unit 71, and the input unit 72 are included in the heat-source-side control device 21, the processing unit 70 need not to include the communication interface circuit. A communication function of the processing unit 70 which communicates with the heatsource-side control device 21 in the case where the processing unit 70 is included in the load-side control device 12 can be fulfilled by the communication interface circuit. In the case where the processing unit 70 is included in one of the load-side control device 12 and the heat-source-side control device 21, and at least one of the output unit 71 or the input unit 72 is included in the other, a communication function of the processing unit 70 which communicates with at least one of the output unit 71 and the input unit 72, which is included in the other, can be fulfilled by the communication interface circuit. A calculating function of the processing unit 70 that is fulfilled to calculate the corrected target temperature, a calculating function of the processing unit 70 that is fulfilled to calculate the operating frequency of the compressor 22, and other functions can be fulfilled by the processor when the processor reads and executes various kinds of programs, data, etc., stored in the memory. The entire processing unit 70 or part of the processing unit 70 may be dedicated hardware such as an application specific integrated circuit (AS IC), a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), or a field programmable gate array (FPGA).
[0048] The output unit 71 can be provided as, for example, a display device such as a liquid crystal display, an electroluminescence (EL), or a cathode ray tube (CRT), or provided as an audio output device such as a speaker. An information output function of the output unit 71 can be fulfilled by the display device or the audio output device. It should be noted that in the case where the output unit 71 is included in one of the load-side control device 12 and the heat-source-side control device 21, and the processing unit 70 is included in the other, the output unit 71 can be made up of the communication interface circuit and the above display device or the above audio output device. A communication function of the output unit 71 which communicates with processing unit 70 can be fulfilled by the communication interface circuit.
[0049] As the input unit 72, an operating device such as a touch panel, a button, or a keyboard, or a voice input device such as a microphone, can be used. A function of the input unit 72 for receiving an instruction from the outside can be fulfilled by the operating device or the voice input device. In the case where the input unit 72 is included in one of the load-side control device 12 and the heat-source-side control device 21, and the processing unit 70 is included in the other, the input unit 72 can be made up of the communication interface circuit and the above operating device or voice input device. In this case, a communication function of the input unit 72 for communicating with processing unit 70 can be fulfilled by the communication interface circuit. The input unit 72 may be configured to receive instruction information from a terminal such as a smartphone or a personal computer, in the case where the terminal receives the instruction information from the user In this case, the input unit 72 can include a communication device configured to receive the instruction information from the terminal.
[0050] The flow of the processing for the preheating operation by the temperature regulation apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a flowchart exemplifying the flow of the processing for the preheating operation by the temperature regulation apparatus according to Embodiment 1. In step Si, the processing unit 70 determines whether or not defrosting is necessary. When defrosting is unnecessary (step Si), the temperature regulation apparatus 100 ends the processing for the preheating operation.
[0051] When it is determined that defrosting is necessary (step Si), in step S2, the processing unit 70 determines whether or not the preheating operation is necessary.
In this case, the processing unit 70 determines whether or not the preheating operation is necessary, based on whether or not instruction information indicating an instruction to cause the preheating operation to be performed is input. When it is determined that the preheating operation is not necessary (step S2), the temperature regulation apparatus 100 causes the processing to proceed to step S8. By contrast, when it is determined that the preheating operation is necessary (step S2), in step 53, the processing unit 70 corrects the target temperature of the heat medium.
[0052] In step 54, the processing unit 70 calculates at least any of the operating frequency of the compressor 22, the opening degree of the expansion valve 24, the operating frequency of the heat-source-side air-sending device 25, and the operating frequency of the pump 6 based on a measurement result from the heat-medium temperature sensor 32, at which the temperature of a heat medium that flows out from the intermediate heat exchanger 23 will reach the corrected target temperature within the first preliminary operation time. In step S5, the processing unit 70 controls the heat source apparatus 2 based on the result of the calculation made in step S4. When the processing unit 70 calculates the operating frequency of the compressor 22 in step 54, in step S5, the processing unit 70 causes the compressor 22 to operate at the calculated operating frequency.
[0053] In step S6, the processing unit 70 determines whether or not the temperature measured by the heat-medium temperature sensor 32 is higher than or equal to the corrected target temperature. When the temperature measured by the heat-medium temperature sensor 32 is higher than or equal to the corrected target temperature (YES in step S6), the temperature regulation apparatus 100 causes the processing to proceed to step S8. When the temperature measured by the heat-medium temperature sensor 32 is lower than the corrected target temperature (NO in step 56), in step 57, the processing unit 70 determines whether or not the first preliminary operation time elapses from the point in time at which when the processing unit 70 starts the control of the heat source apparatus 2 based on the result of the calculation made in step S4. It should be noted that a time measuring function of the processing unit 70 can be fulfilled by software; however, the processing unit 70 may include a real time clock (RTC) and thus the time measuring function may be fulfilled by the RTC.
[0054] When it is determined that the first preliminary operation time does not elapse (NO in step 57), the temperature regulation apparatus 100 returns the processing to step 56. When it is determined that the first preliminary operation time elapses (YES in step S7), in step S8, the temperature regulation apparatus 100 performs the defrosting operation.
[0055] It should be noted that when the temperature of a heat medium that flows out from the intermediate heat exchanger 23 does not reach the corrected target temperature at the point in time at which the first preliminary operation time elapses, prior to step S8, the temperature regulation apparatus 100 may continue the preheating operation in a second preliminary operation time. In this case, in the case where the processing unit 70 calculates in step S4, the operating frequency of any of the following components: the compressor 22; the heat-source-side air-sending device 25; and the pump 6, the processing unit 70 may cause the component whose operating frequency is calculated to operate for the second preliminary operation time at another operating frequency at which the temperature of the heat medium will be further raised than in the case where the processing unit 70 causes the component to operate at the calculated operating frequency. Alternatively, in the case where the processing unit 70 calculates the opening degree of the expansion valve 24 in step S4, the processing unit 70 may exert control of setting the opening degree of the expansion valve 24 for the second preliminary operation time to another opening degree at which the temperature of the heat medium will be further raised than in the case where the processing unit 70 exerts control of setting the opening degree of the expansion valve 24 to the calculated opening degree. After the processing in step 88 ends, the temperature regulation apparatus 100 ends the processing for the preheating operation.
[0056] When the processing unit 70 determines in step S6 that the temperature of the heat medium is lower than the corrected target temperature, the processing unit 70 causes the processing to proceed to step 87 to continuously control the heat source apparatus 2 based on the result of the calculation made in step S4. However, instead of this processing, the processing unit 70 may perform the following processing. When determining that the temperature of the heat medium is lower than the corrected target temperature, the processing unit 70 calculates an operating frequency of at least any of the compressor 22, the heat-source-side air-sending device 25, and the pump 6, at which the temperature of the heat medium will be set to the corrected target temperature for a remaining time of the first preliminary operation time. Alternatively, the processing unit 70 calculates an opening degree of the expansion valve 24, at which the temperature of the heat medium will be set to the corrected target temperature for the remaining time. While controlling the heat source apparatus 2 based on the calculation result, the processing unit 70 performs the processes of steps 86 and 87.
[0057] The advantages obtained by the temperature regulation apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 1 will be described. The temperature regulation apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 1 includes the load apparatus 1 and the heat source apparatus 2. The load apparatus 1 heats the target using a heat medium that flows through the heat medium pipe 4. The heat source apparatus 2 supplies the heated heat medium to the load apparatus 1. The heat source apparatus 2 includes the compressor 22, the heat-source-side heat exchanger 26, the intermediate heat exchanger 23, the flow switching device 27, and the heat-medium temperature obtaining device. The compressor 22, the heat-source-side heat exchanger 26, the intermediate heat exchanger 23, and the flow switching device 27 are connected by refrigerant pipes 28. The heat-source-side heat exchanger 26 causes heat exchange to be performed between the refrigerant exchanges and air. The intermediate heat exchanger 23 is connected to the load apparatus 1 by the heat medium pipe 4. The intermediate heat exchanger 23 causes heat exchange to be performed between the refrigerant and the heat medium. The flow switching device 27 switches the flow passage for the refrigerant between the flow passages such that the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 22 flows into the heat-source-side heat exchanger 26 in the defrosting operation in the heat-source-side heat exchanger 26, and such that the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 22 flows into the intermediate heat exchanger 23 in a target heating operation to heat the target. The heat-medium temperature obtaining device obtains temperature information indicating the temperature of a heat medium that flows out from the intermediate heat exchanger 23. The temperature regulation apparatus 100 includes the input unit 72 and the processing unit 70. The input unit 72 receives instruction information regarding the preheating operation. The preheating operation is an operation to exert control of causing the temperature of the heat medium to reach a corrected target temperature that is higher than a target temperature. The processing unit 70 controls the temperature regulation apparatus 100 based on the temperature information, such that the temperature regulation apparatus 100 performs the preheating operation in response to the instruction information before the start of defrosting operation.
[0058] In the temperature regulation apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 1, in response to the instruction information received by the input unit 72, the processing unit 70 controls the temperature regulation apparatus 100 such that the temperature of the heat medium reaches the corrected target temperature before the start of the defrosting operation. Therefore, the user can adjust the temperature of a heat medium which is used in the defrosting operation, such that the temperature of the heat medium reaches the target temperature, by inputting the instruction information to the input unit 72. Thus, the temperature regulation apparatus 100 can maintain or improve the comfort for the user.
[0059] The processing unit 70 in Embodiment 1 determines whether or not it is necessary to perform the defrosting operation based on the predetermined condition. When determining that it is necessary to perform the defrosting operation, the processing unit 70 exerts control of causing the heat source apparatus 2 to perform the defrosting operation. As a result, the temperature regulation apparatus 100 can reduce lowering of the heat exchange efficiency that would be caused by formation of frost at the heat-source-side heat exchanger 26.
[0060] The input unit 72 in Embodiment 1 receives instruction information that instructs the temperature regulation apparatus to perform the preheating operation. The temperature regulation apparatus 100 performs the preheating operation in response to the instruction information given by the user. Therefore, the user can adjust the temperature of the heat medium which is used in the defrosting operation.
[0061] The input unit 72 in Embodiment 1 receives instruction information indicating the target temperature. Thus, the user can adjust the temperature of a heat medium that is used in the target heating operation such that the temperature of the heat medium reaches a desired temperature thereof.
[0062] The input unit 72 in Embodiment 1 receives instruction information indicating a correction value for calculation of the corrected target temperature based on the target temperature, the correction value being, for example, the difference between the target temperature and the corrected target temperature. Thus, the user can adjust the temperature of the heat medium which is used in the defrosting operation such that the temperature of the heat medium reaches the desired temperature thereof.
[0063] The input unit 72 in Embodiment 1 receives instruction information indicating the corrected target temperature. Thus, the user can adjust the temperature of the heat medium that is used in the defrosting operation such that the temperature of the heat medium reaches the desired temperature thereof.
[0064] The input unit 72 receives instruction information indicating a first preheating operation time that is time for which the preheating operation is performed. Thus, the user can adjust the first preheating operation time. Therefore, the user can advance or regard the timing of the defrosting operation depending on the user's convenience.
[0065] When the first preheating operation time elapses, the temperature regulation apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 1 ends the preheating operation even when the temperature of the heat medium does not reach the corrected target temperature. Thus, the temperature regulation apparatus 100 can immediately perform the defrosting operation when the heat exchange efficiency of the heat-source-side heat exchanger 26 is lowered because of the deposition of frost and the defrosting operation is thus urgently needed. Therefore, the temperature regulation apparatus 100 can immediately improve the heat exchange efficiency.
[0066] When the temperature of the heat medium reaches the corrected target temperature in the preheating operation, the temperature regulation apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 1 ends the preheating operation. Thus, in the defrosting operation, the temperature of the heat medium is regulated to reach the target temperature. Therefore, the temperature regulation apparatus 100 can maintain the comfort for the user.
[0067] The input unit 72 includes the operating device which enables the user to input instruction information thereto, such as a button, a touch panel, or a keyboard. Alternatively, the input unit 72 includes a voice input device which enables the user to input user's voice thereto. Alternatively, the input unit 72 includes a communication device which communicates with the user's terminal and receives instruction information received by the terminal. Thus, the temperature regulation apparatus 100 can receive an instruction from the user [0068] The processing unit 70 in Embodiment 1 calculates an operating frequency of the compressor 22 based on temperature information, at which the temperature of a heat medium that flows out from the intermediate heat exchanger 23 will reach the corrected target temperature in the preheating operation. Then, the processing unit 70 causes the compressor 22 to operate at the calculated operating frequency. Thus, the temperature regulation apparatus 100 can exert control of causing the temperature of the heat medium that flows out from the intermediate heat exchanger 23 to reach the corrected target temperature.
[0069] The temperature regulation apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 1 further includes the output unit 71. The output unit 71 outputs information inquiring regarding whether or not the preheating operation is necessary. By outputting the information, the temperature regulation apparatus 100 can prompt the user to input instruction information.
[0070] Embodiment 2 A temperature regulation apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 2 performs the preheating operation to exert control of causing the temperature of the heat medium to reach the corrected target temperature at the start of the target heating operation. The temperature regulation apparatus 100 performs the preheating operation at the start of the target heating operation immediately after the activation of the temperature regulation apparatus 100 or at the start of the target heating operation after the end of the defrosting operation. The temperature regulation apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 2 will be described. It should be noted that regarding Embodiment 2, components that are the same as those in Embodiment 1 will be denoted by the same reference signs. Regarding Embodiment 2, for example, descriptions of configurations that are the same as those regarding Embodiment 1 and descriptions of functions that are the same as those in Embodiment 1 will be omitted, unless otherwise noted. [0071] When the temperature regulation apparatus 100 performs the preheating operation at the start of the target heating operation, the temperature of a heat medium that flows out from the intermediate heat exchanger 23 is immediately controlled to be set to a temperature higher than or equal to a target temperature. Thus, the time for which the temperature of the heat medium does not reach the user's desired temperature is reduced in the case where, for example, the preheating operation is performed at the start of the target heating operation after the end of defrosting operation. Therefore, lowering of the comfort level for the user in the target heating operation is reduced. In the case where the preheating operation is performed immediately after the activation of the temperature regulation apparatus 100, the temperature of the heat medium is rapidly raised, thereby reducing the time period for which the user feels uncomfortable due to the cold or other factors. Therefore, the temperature regulation apparatus 100 can reduce lowering of the comfort level for the user. In the case where the preheating operation is performed at the start of the target heating operation, and thereafter the defrosting operation is performed, the temperature regulation apparatus 100 can immediately perform the defrosting operation when defrosting is urgently needed, while reducing lowering of the comfort level for the user in the defrosting operation.
[0072] Fig. 4 is a flowchart exemplifying the flow of the processing for the preheating operation by the temperature regulation apparatus according to Embodiment 2. Prior to step S11, the temperature regulation apparatus 100 starts the target heating operation. The processes of steps S11 to 516 are the same as the processes of steps S2 to 57. It should be noted that when it is determined that it is unnecessary to perform preheating operation in step S11 (step S11), the temperature regulation apparatus 100 ends the processing for the preheating operation and continuously performs the target heating operation. In step S15, when it is determined that the temperature of the heat medium is higher than or equal to the corrected target temperature (Yes in step S15), the temperature regulation apparatus 100 ends the processing for the preheating operation and continuously performs the target heating operation. Furthermore, in step S16, when it is determined that the first preliminary operation time elapses (YES in step S16), the temperature regulation apparatus 100 ends the processing for the preheating operation and continuously performs the target heating operation.
[0073] In step S15, when determining that the temperature of the heat medium is lower than the corrected target temperature, the processing unit 70 may calculate the operating frequency of the compressor 22, the heat-source-side air-sending device 25, or another component, the opening degree of the expansion valve 24, or the operating frequency of the pump 6, at which the temperature of the heat medium will be set to the corrected target temperature for a remaining time of the first preliminary operation time. The processing unit 70 may perform the processes of steps S15 and S16 while controlling the heat source apparatus 2 based on the calculation result.
[0074] The advantages obtained by the temperature regulation apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 2 will be described. The temperature regulation apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 2 performs the preheating operation at the start of the target heating operation When performing the preheating operation at the start of the target heating operation after the end of the defrosting operation, the temperature regulation apparatus 100 can reduce the time for which the temperature of the heat medium does not reach the user's desired temperature. Therefore, the temperature regulation apparatus 100 can reduce lowering of the comfort level for the user in the target heating operation. In the case where the temperature regulation apparatus 100 performs the preheating operation immediately after the activation of the temperature regulation apparatus 100, the temperature regulation apparatus 100 can reduce the time for which the heat medium does not reach the user's desired temperature. Therefore, the temperature regulation apparatus 100 can promptly raise the comfort level for the user immediately after the activation of the temperature regulation apparatus 100. Furthermore, in the case where the temperature regulation apparatus 100 performs the defrosting operation after the preheating operation immediately after the activation of the temperature regulation apparatus 100, the temperature regulation apparatus 100 can promptly perform the defrosting operation when defrosting is urgently needed, and can reduce lowering of the comfort level for the user [0075] The above description regarding Embodiment 1 refers to the case where the preheating operation is performed prior to the defrosting operation. The above description regarding Embodiment 2 refers to the case where the preheating operation is performed at the start of the target heating operation. However, the preheating operation may be performed before the start of the defrosting operation and at the restart of the target heating operation after the end of defrosting operation. With this operation, the temperature regulation apparatus 100 can reduce lowering of the temperature of the heat medium in the defrosting operation, and in addition, can promptly raise the temperature of the heat medium when the target heating operation is restarted. Therefore, the temperature regulation apparatus 100 can maintain the comfort for the user in the defrosting operation, and in addition, can promptly return the comfort level for the user to the desired level at the restart of the target heating operation. The preheating operation may be performed at the start of the target heating operation upon the activation of the temperature regulation apparatus 100 and also at the restart of the target heating operation after the end of the defrosting operation. With this operation, the temperature regulation apparatus 100 can promptly raise the comfort level for the user upon the activation of the temperature regulation apparatus 100. Furthermore, the temperature regulation apparatus 100 can promptly start the defrosting operation, while reducing lowering of the temperature of the heat medium in the defrosting operation. In addition, the temperature regulation apparatus 100 can promptly raise the temperature of the heat medium when restarting the target heating operation after the end of the defrosting operation. Therefore, in the case where the defrosting operation is urgently needed, the temperature regulation apparatus 100 can promptly perform the defrosting operation and in addition, can the comfort for the user in the defrosting operation. Furthermore, the temperature regulation apparatus 100 can promptly return the comfort for the user to the desired level at the restart of the target heating operation. The preheating operation may be performed immediately after the activation of the temperature regulation apparatus 100 and before the start of the defrosting operation. In this case, the temperature regulation apparatus 100 can reduce the discomfort for the user immediately after the activation of the temperature regulation apparatus 100, and maintain the comfort for the user in the defrosting operation.
[0076] The input unit 72 may receive instruction information indicating the timing at which the preheating operation is to be performed. The processing unit 70 controls the heat source apparatus 2 such that the temperature regulation apparatus 100 performs the preheating operation at the timing indicated by the instruction information received by the input unit 72. Thus, the user can cause the temperature regulation apparatus to perform the preheating operation at a desired point of time, to thereby flexibly adjust the temperature of the heat medium.
[0077] Although the embodiments are described above, the present disclosure is not limited to these embodiments, and covers the scope of equivalents conceivable therefrom.
Reference Signs List [0078] 1: load apparatus, 2: heat source apparatus, 4: heat medium pipe, 5: heat medium circuit, 6: pump, 10: load-side housing, 11: load-side heat exchanger, 12: load-side control device, 13: target temperature sensor, 20: heat-source-side housing, 21: heat-source-side control device, 22: compressor, 23: intermediate heat exchanger, 24: expansion valve, 25: heat-source-side air-sending device, 26: heat-source-side heat exchanger, 27: flow switching device, 28: refrigerant pipe, 29: refrigerant circuit, 30: inlet-side refrigerant temperature sensor, 31: outlet-side refrigerant temperature sensor, 32: heat-medium temperature sensor, 70: processing unit, 71: output unit, 72: input unit, 100: temperature regulation apparatus, 250: heat-source-side drive source, 251: heatsource-side fan

Claims (17)

  1. CLAIMS [Claim 1] A temperature regulation apparatus that regulates a temperature of a target, and comprises: a load apparatus configured to heat the target using a heat medium that flows through a heat medium pipe; and a heat source apparatus configured to supply the heated heat medium to the load apparatus, wherein the heat source apparatus includes a compressor configured to compress refrigerant, a heat-source-side heat exchanger connected to the compressor by a refrigerant pipe through which the refrigerant flows, and configured to cause heat exchange to be performed between the refrigerant and air, an intermediate heat exchanger connected to the compressor by the refrigerant pipe, connected to the load apparatus by the heat medium pipe, and configured to cause heat exchange to be performed between the refrigerant and the heat medium, a flow switching device connected to the compressor by the refrigerant pipe, and configured to switch a flow passage for the refrigerant between a plurality of flow passages, such that the refrigerant discharged from the compressor flows into the heat-source-side heat exchanger in a defrosting operation in the heat-source-side heat exchanger, and such that the refrigerant discharged from the compressor flows into the intermediate heat exchanger in a target heating operation that is performed to heat the target, and a heat-medium temperature obtaining device configured to obtain temperature information indicating a temperature of the heat medium, the temperature regulation apparatus further comprising: an input unit configured to receive instruction information regarding a preheating operation that is performed to exert control of causing the temperature of the heat medium to reach a corrected target temperature that is higher than a target temperature in the target heating operation; and a processing unit configured to control the temperature regulation apparatus based on the temperature information, such that the temperature regulation apparatus performs the preheating operation in response to the instruction information.
  2. [Claim 2] The temperature regulation apparatus of claim 1, wherein the processing unit is configured to exert, in response to the instruction information, control of causing the temperature regulation apparatus to perform the preheating operation at at least any of timing prior to a start of the defrosting operation, timing subsequent to an end of the defrosting operation; and timing immediately subsequent to activation of the temperature regulation apparatus.
  3. [Claim 3] The temperature regulation apparatus of claim 1 or 2, wherein the processing unit is configured to determine whether or not it is necessary to perform the defrosting operation based on a predetermined condition, and is configured to exert control of causing the heat source apparatus to perform the defrosting operation, when determining that the defrosting operation is necessary.
  4. [Claim 4] The temperature regulation apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the input unit is configured to receive the instruction information instructing the temperature regulation apparatus to perform the preheating operation.
  5. [Claim 5] The temperature regulation apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the input unit is configured to receive the instruction information indicating the target temperature.
  6. [Claim 6] The temperature regulation apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the input unit is configured to receive the instruction information indicating a correction value for calculation of the corrected target temperature that is made based on the target temperature.
  7. [Claim 7] The temperature regulation apparatus of claim 6, wherein the correction value is a difference between the target temperature and the corrected target temperature.
  8. [Claim 8] The temperature regulation apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the input unit is configured to receive the instruction information indicating the corrected target temperature.
  9. [Claim 9] The temperature regulation apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the input unit is configured to receive the instruction information indicating timing at which the preheating operation is to be performed.
  10. [Claim 10] The temperature regulation apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the input unit is configured to receive the instruction information indicating a first preheating operation time that is time for which the preheating operation is performed.
  11. [Claim 11] The temperature regulation apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein when a first preheating operation time elapses, the temperature regulation apparatus ends the preheating operation even when the temperature of the heat medium does not reach the corrected target temperature, the first the preheating operation time being time for which the preheating operation is performed.
  12. [Claim 12] The temperature regulation apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein when the temperature of the heat medium reaches the corrected target temperature in the preheating operation, the preheating operation is ended.
  13. [Claim 13] The temperature regulation apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the input unit includes an operating device that is operated by a user and that is a button, a touch panel, or a keyboard.
  14. [Claim 14] The temperature regulation apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the input unit includes a voice input device configured to receive user's voice.
  15. [Claim 15] The temperature regulation apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the input unit includes a communication device configured to communicate with the user's terminal and receive the instruction information received by the terminal.
  16. [Claim 16] The temperature regulation apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the processing unit is configured to calculate an operating frequency of the compressor based on the temperature information, at which the temperature of the heat medium flowing out from the intermediate heat exchanger reaches the corrected target temperature in the preheating operation, and is configured to cause the compressor to operate at the calculated operating frequency.
  17. [Claim 17] The temperature regulation apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 16, further comprising an output unit configured to output information inquiring regarding whether or not the preheating operation is necessary.
GB2318604.2A 2021-06-14 2021-06-14 Temperature adjusting device Pending GB2621800A (en)

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Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS63231131A (en) * 1987-03-20 1988-09-27 Hitachi Ltd Heat pump type air-conditioning machine
JPH01107056A (en) * 1987-10-21 1989-04-24 Toshiba Corp Air conditioner
JPH0721345A (en) * 1993-06-16 1995-01-24 Ricoh Co Ltd Optical file device
JP2003097847A (en) * 2001-09-21 2003-04-03 Mitsubishi Electric Corp Heat pump-type hot water supply device
JP2006046700A (en) * 2004-07-30 2006-02-16 Daikin Ind Ltd Floor heating device
JP2016195555A (en) * 2015-04-02 2016-11-24 株式会社ニッポー Temperature management system

Family Cites Families (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH0721345B2 (en) * 1987-06-30 1995-03-08 株式会社東芝 Control device for air conditioner
JP3998024B2 (en) * 2001-09-28 2007-10-24 三菱電機株式会社 Heat pump floor heating air conditioner

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS63231131A (en) * 1987-03-20 1988-09-27 Hitachi Ltd Heat pump type air-conditioning machine
JPH01107056A (en) * 1987-10-21 1989-04-24 Toshiba Corp Air conditioner
JPH0721345A (en) * 1993-06-16 1995-01-24 Ricoh Co Ltd Optical file device
JP2003097847A (en) * 2001-09-21 2003-04-03 Mitsubishi Electric Corp Heat pump-type hot water supply device
JP2006046700A (en) * 2004-07-30 2006-02-16 Daikin Ind Ltd Floor heating device
JP2016195555A (en) * 2015-04-02 2016-11-24 株式会社ニッポー Temperature management system

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