Patent Application
20250027691
This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to Korean Application No. 10-2023-0093542 filed in Korea on Jul. 19, 2023, whose entire disclosure is hereby incorporated by reference.
A heat supply apparatus and, more specifically, a heat supply apparatus exchanging heat between water and a refrigerant is discloses herein.
A heating system including a boiler may burn a carbon-based fuel to heat water or other liquid and may circulate the heated liquid to supply the heat from the boiler to a load, such as radiators, underfloor heating, or a hot water tank, through pipes connecting the boiler to the load. The pipes connecting the boiler and the load may be disposed within a building. However, many regions, such as certain European countries, are replacing boilers with heat supply apparatuses that utilize a heat exchange between water and a refrigerant to reduce carbon emissions and to minimize the use of the refrigerant.
An example of a ‘heat pump’ is disclosed in the Korean patent laid-open publication No. 10-2022-0001156, and this heat pump comprises a compressor; a four-way valve; a first heat exchanger in which water and heated refrigerant exchange heat to warm an inner space; a second heat exchanger in which outdoor air and the refrigerant exchange heat to warm the refrigerant; and an expansion valve disposed between the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger. The above reference is incorporated by reference herein where appropriate for appropriate teachings of additional or alternative details, features and/or technical background.
In a conventional heat pump, frost may be formed in the outdoor unit housing the second heat exchanger during winter as the low-temperature refrigerant passes through the second heat exchanger located outside during a heating operation and cools the outdoor unit such that water vapor in the outdoor air condenses and freezes on a surface of the cooled outdoor unit. As frost accumulates on the surface of the outdoor unit, air flow to the second heat exchanger may be impeded, and the heating efficiency of the heat pump may decrease. Also, since a defrosting operation to remove ice generated in the outdoor unit may require significant time and electrical power, the heating and energy efficiency of the heat pump may be reduced.
The embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the following drawings in which like reference numerals refer to like elements wherein:
In what follows, embodiments disclosed in this document will be described in detail with reference to appended drawings. The same or similar constituting elements are given the same reference number irrespective of their drawing symbols, and repeated descriptions thereof will be omitted. The suffixes “module” and “unit” for the constituting elements used in the following descriptions are assigned or used interchangeably only for the convenience of writing the present document and do not have separate meanings or roles distinguished from each other.
Also, in describing an embodiment disclosed in the present document, if it is determined that a detailed description of a related art incorporated herein unnecessarily obscures the gist of the embodiment, the detailed description thereof will be omitted. Also, it should be understood that the appended drawings are intended only to help understand embodiments disclosed in the present document and do not limit the technical principles and scope; rather, it should be understood that the appended drawings include all of the modifications, equivalents, or substitutes belonging to the technical principles and scope.
Also, terms including an ordinal number such as first or second may be used to describe various constituting elements, but the constituting elements should not be limited by these terms. Those terms are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one constituting element from the others.
If a constituting element is said to be “connected” or “attached” to other constituting element, the former may be connected or attached directly to the other constituting element, but there may be a case in which another constituting element is present between the two constituting elements. On the other hand, if a constituting element is said to be “directly connected” or “directly attached” to other constituting element, it should be understood that there is no other constituting element between the two constituting elements.
A singular expression should be understood to indicate a plural expression unless otherwise explicitly stated. In the present disclosure, the term “include” or “have” is used to indicate existence of an embodied feature, number, step, operation, constituting element, component, or a combination thereof; and should not be understood to preclude the existence or possibility of adding one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, constituting elements, components, or a combination thereof.
The direction indications of up (U), down (D), left (Le), right (Ri), front (F), and rear (R) shown in the accompanying drawings are introduced only for the convenience of description, and it should be understood that the technical principles disclosed in the present disclosure are not limited by the indications.
Referring to
The heat supply apparatus 1 may be an Air to Water Heat Pump (AWHP) that exchanges heat between water and refrigerant. The AWHP may use the heat energy from the outdoor air to warm the refrigerant, and this warmed refrigerant may warm up water circulating into the indoor space. Through this process of warming the circulated water using heat from the outdoor air, the AWHP may be used for heating the indoor space and for supplying hot water. Conversely, the AWHP may transfer the heat energy in the indoor space to the refrigerant circulating through the outdoor unit through water circulating in the indoor space, and the refrigerant from the indoor space may discharge the heat energy transferred from the indoor space to the outdoor space. Through the above process of cooling the circulated water by transferring indoor heat to the outdoor air, AWHP may also cool down indoor spaces or may supply cold water.
The compressor 10, the first heat exchanger 30, the second heat exchanger 60, and the expansion device 40 may be included in an outdoor unit. The water pipe 90 through which water circulating in the indoor space flows may be connected to the first heat exchanger 30. The water pipe 90 may include an inlet pipe 92 through which water flows into the first heat exchanger 30 and an outlet pipe 94 through which water is discharged from the first heat exchanger 30. Both the water inlet pipe 92 and the water outlet pipe 94 may be connected to the first heat exchanger 30. A pump 93 that introduces water into the first heat exchanger 30 may be disposed in the water inlet pipe 92. The water circulating in the water pipe 90 may exchange heat with the refrigerant circulating through a refrigerant pipe 80 in the first heat exchanger 30. Through the above process, the heat supply apparatus 1 may warm up or cool down the indoor space.
The heat supply apparatus 1 may include the refrigerant pipe 80 connecting, for example, the compressor 10, the first heat exchanger 30, and the second heat exchanger 60. The refrigerant pipe 80 may form a closed circuit such that refrigerant does not enter or leave the refrigerant pipe 80. The compressed refrigerant discharged from the compressor 10 may circulate through the refrigerant pipe 80.
The refrigerant pipe 80 may include a first refrigerant pipe 81 connected to the first heat exchanger 30, a second refrigerant pipe 82 connecting the first heat exchanger 30 and the expansion device 40, a third refrigerant pipe 83 connecting the expansion device 40 and the second heat exchanger 60, and a fourth refrigerant pipe 84 connected to the second heat exchanger 60. In certain examples, the first refrigerant pipe 81 may be located between the compressor 10 and the first heat exchanger 30. In certain examples, the fourth refrigerant pipe 84 may be located between the compressor 10 and the second heat exchanger 60.
The heat supply apparatus 1 may include a four-way valve 20 located between the compressor 10 and the first heat exchanger 30. In certain examples, the four-way valve 20 may be located between the compressor 10 and the second heat exchanger 60. The four-way valve 20 may switch a flow of refrigerant through a section of the refrigerant pipe 80 depending on the operation mode. For example, the four-way valve 20 may connect the compressor 10 and the first heat exchanger 30 during the heating operation (e.g., such that compressed refrigerant from the compressor 10 flows toward the first heat exchanger 30) and may connect the compressor 10 and the second heat exchanger 60 during the cooling operation (e.g., such that compressed refrigerant from the compressor 10 flows toward the second heat exchanger 60). For example, during the heating operation, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 10 may flow to the first heat exchanger 30 through the four-way valve 20, and during the cooling operation, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 10 may flow to the second heat exchanger 60 through the four-way valve 20.
The first refrigerant pipe 81 may fluidly connect the first heat exchanger 30 and the four-way valve 20. The fourth refrigerant pipe 84 may fluidly connect the second heat exchanger 60 and the four-way valve 20.
The refrigerant pipe 80 may include an inlet pipe 85 through which the refrigerant flows into the compressor 10. The inlet pipe 85 may be connected to an inlet side of the compressor 10. The inlet pipe 85 may connect the compressor 10 and the four-way valve 20.
The compressor 10 may be connected to the four-way valve 20. The refrigerant pipe 80 may include an outlet pipe 86 through which the refrigerant is discharged out from the compressor 10 (e.g., compressed refrigerant). The outlet pipe 86 may be connected to an outlet side of the compressor 10. The outlet pipe 86 may connect the compressor 10 and the four-way valve 20.
The heat supply apparatus 1 may include an accumulator (also referred to as gas-liquid separator) 70 located between the four-way valve 20 and the compressor 10. The accumulator 70 may be located in the inlet pipe 85. The accumulator 70 may be located upstream of the compressor 10 in the refrigerant flow path.
During the heating operation, the outlet pipe 86 may be connected to the first refrigerant pipe 81 through the four-way valve 20, and the inlet pipe 85 may be connected to the fourth refrigerant pipe 84 through the four-way valve 20. Through the above configuration during the heating operation, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 10 may flow to the first heat exchanger 30. During the cooling operation, the outlet pipe 86 may be connected to the fourth refrigerant pipe 84 through the four-way valve 20, and the inlet pipe 85 may be connected to the first refrigerant pipe 81 through the four-way valve 20. Through the above configuration during the cooling operation, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 10 may flow to the second heat exchanger 60.
The first heat exchanger 30 may be a water-refrigerant heat exchanger 30 that exchanges heat between water in water pipe 90 and refrigerant in refrigerant pipe 80. For example, the first heat exchanger 30 may be a plate-type heat exchanger through which water and refrigerant flow separately. Water circulating in the indoor space may pass through the first heat exchanger 30. The refrigerant circulating in the outdoor unit may pass through the first heat exchanger 30. The refrigerant may circulate in the outdoor unit and exchange heat with outdoor air in the second heat exchanger 60 and exchange heat with water in the first heat exchanger 30. Through the above process, the water circulating in the indoor space may be heated or cooled from exchange heat with the refrigerant in the first heat exchanger 30. During the heating operation, the heat supply apparatus 1 may supply relatively hot refrigerant to the first heat exchanger 30 to heat water passing through the first heat exchanger 30 to warm up the indoor space or supply hot water. During the cooling operation, the heat supply apparatus 1 may supply relatively cool refrigerant to the first heat exchanger 30 to cool the water passing through the first heat exchanger 30 to cool down the indoor space or supply cold water. In certain implementations, water and refrigerant passing through the first heat exchanger 30 may flow in opposite directions to improve a heat exchange between the water and refrigerant. In other words, water and refrigerant may form countercurrents, such that one of the water or refrigerant flows in a first direction (e.g., left-to-right) through the first heat exchanger 30, and another one of the water or refrigerant flows in a second direction (e.g., right-to-left) through the first heat exchanger 30.
During the heating operation, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 10 may be directed to the first heat exchanger 30. At this time, the first heat exchanger 30 may function as a condenser. The refrigerant that has passed through the first heat exchanger 30 and is cooled from the heat exchange with the water may sequentially flow through the expansion device 40 and the second heat exchanger 60.
During the cooling operation, the refrigerant discharged from the second heat exchanger 60 may be directed to the first heat exchanger 30 and is warmed from the heat exchange with the water. At this time, the first heat exchanger 30 may function as an evaporator.
The second heat exchanger 60 may be an air-refrigerant heat exchanger 60 that exchanges heat between air and the refrigerant. For example, the second heat exchanger 60 may be a fin-tube heat exchanger including tubes and fins through which the refrigerant flows. The first heat exchanger 30 and the second heat exchanger 60 may be included in an outdoor unit, and the second heat exchanger 60 may exchange heat between outdoor air and refrigerant.
During the heating operation, the refrigerant discharged from the first heat exchanger 30 after being cooled by a heat exchange with the water may be directed to the second heat exchanger 60. At this time, the second heat exchanger 60 may function as an evaporator.
During the cooling operation, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 10 may be directed to the second heat exchanger 60. At this time, the second heat exchanger 60 may function as a condenser.
The second heat exchanger 60 may include a plurality of pipes (see
The second heat exchanger 60 may include a distributor 67 that distributes the refrigerant to the plurality of pipes 65. The distributor 67 may be located on one side of the second heat exchanger 60. For example, the distributor 67 may distribute the refrigerant that has passed through the expansion device 40 to the plurality of pipes 65. The distributor 67 may be connected to the third refrigerant pipe 83. For example, during the heating operation, the refrigerant that passes through the expansion device 40 and flows into the third refrigerant pipe 83 may be distributed to two of more of the plurality of pipes 65 through the distributor 67. Conversely, during the cooling operation, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 10 and passed through the plurality of pipes 65 of the second heat exchanger 60 may then pass through a plurality of distribution pipes 66 that are fluidly coupled to the distributor 67, and then flow into the third refrigerant pipe 83 from the distributor 67.
The second heat exchanger 60 may include the plurality of distribution pipes 66 connecting the plurality of pipes 65 and the distributor 67. The plurality of distribution pipes 66 may be located on one side of the second heat exchanger 60. For example, the plurality of distribution pipes 66 may include a first distribution pipe 66a, a second distribution pipe 66b, a third distribution pipe 66c, and a fourth distribution pipe 66d. The first distribution pipe 66a may connect the distributor 67 and the first (e.g., lowest) pipe (see
The second heat exchanger 60 may include a header 63 connected to each of the plurality of pipes 65. The header 63 may be located on a side of the second heat exchanger 60 that is opposite to the distributor 67 and distribution pipes 66. For example, the distributor 67 may be located on one side of the second heat exchanger 60, and the header 63 may be located on the other side of the second heat exchanger 60. The header 63 may be fluidly connected to the fourth refrigerant pipe 84. For example, during the cooling operation, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 10 and introduced into the fourth refrigerant pipe 84 may be distributed to the plurality of pipes 65 through the header 63. Conversely, during the heating operation, the refrigerant that has passed through the plurality of pipes 65 of the second heat exchanger 60 may flow into the header 63 and flow into the fourth refrigerant pipe 84.
The second heat exchanger 60 may include a valve 68 that controls the flow of refrigerant in the lowermost pipe (e.g., first pipe 65a) among the plurality of pipes 65. The valve 68 may selectively prevent the refrigerant from flowing in the lowermost pipe. For example, the valve 68 may open all of the plurality of pipes 65 to allow the refrigerant to flow through all of the plurality of pipes 65 during the cooling operation and block the lowermost pipe (e.g., first pipe 65a) so that the refrigerant flows only through the remaining (e.g., second) pipes that exclude the lowermost pipe among the plurality of pipes 65 during the heating operation. For example, the valve 68 may be disposed in the first distribution pipe 66a connected to the first pipe (see
In certain implementations, the valve 68 may be a check valve 682 that allows refrigerant to flow in only one direction. For example, the valve 68 may allow the refrigerant to flow sequentially through the second heat exchanger 60, the expansion device 40, and the first heat exchanger 30 (e.g., in a clockwise direction in
The expansion device 40 may be located between the first heat exchanger 30 and the second heat exchanger 60. During the heating operation, the refrigerant may pass through the expansion device 40 from the first heat exchanger 30 and may flow from the expansion device 40 to the second heat exchanger 60. During the cooling operation, the refrigerant may pass through the expansion device 40 from the second heat exchanger 60 and may flow from the expansion device 40 to the first heat exchanger 30. The expansion device 40 may be located between the second refrigerant pipe 82 connected to the first heat exchanger 30 and the third refrigerant pipe 83 connected to the second heat exchanger 60. Both the second refrigerant pipe 82 and the third refrigerant pipe 83 may be fluidly connected to the expansion device 40. For example, during the heating operation, the refrigerant may sequentially pass through the second refrigerant pipe 82, the expansion device 40, and the third refrigerant pipe 83, and during cooling operation, the refrigerant may sequentially pass through the third refrigerant pipe 83, the expansion device 40, and the second refrigerant pipe 82.
Referring to
The second heat exchanger 60 may include an outdoor fan (or blower) 62 that generates an air flow passing through the plurality of pipes 65. The second heat exchanger 60 may include a case 61 that accommodates the outdoor fan 62 and the plurality of pipes 65.
The second heat exchanger 60 may include the plurality of pipes 65 through which the refrigerant flows. The plurality of pipes 65 may be arranged in vertical, longitudinal direction. For example, the plurality of pipes 65 may include a first pipe 65a located at a bottom position among the plurality of forms, a second pipe 65b located above the first pipe 65a, a third pipe 65c located above the second pipe 65b, and a fourth pipe 65d located above the third pipe 65c. The refrigerant that has passed through the header 63 or the distributor 67 may be distributed and introduced into one or more of the plurality of pipes 65.
The second heat exchanger 60 may include a plurality of connection pipes 64 connecting the header 63 and the plurality of pipes 65. For example, the plurality of connection pipes 64 may include a first connection pipe 64a connected to the first pipe 65a, a second connection pipe 64b connected to the second pipe 65b, a third connection pipe 64c connected to the third pipe 65c, and a fourth connection pipe 64d connected to the fourth pipe 65d. It should be appreciated that the number of connection pipes 64 may not correspond to the number of pipes 65.
The second heat exchanger 60 may include a plurality of tubes 650 forming a plurality of pipes 65, respectively. The circle shown in the drawing may represent the cross section of the tube 650. For example, the first pipe 65a may include a first quantity (e.g., four) of tubes 650a. The second pipe 65b may include a second quantity (e.g., eight) of tubes 650b. The third pipe 65c may include a third quantity (e.g., eight) of tubes 650c. The fourth pipe 65d may include a fourth quantity (e.g., eight) of tubes 650d. The plurality of tubes 650 forming the respective pipes 65 may be arranged along a plurality of rows. For example, the plurality of tubes 65 forming the first pipe 65a to the fourth pipe 65d may be arranged side by side in the longitudinal direction along a first row r1 and a second row r2.
The number of tubes 650a forming the first, lowermost pipe 65a may be less than the number of tubes 650b, 650c, 650d forming other, higher pipes 65b-65d. For example, the number of tubes 650a forming the first pipe 65a disposed at the bottom may be less than the number of tubes 650b forming the second pipe 65b. The number of tubes 650a forming the first pipe 65a disposed at the bottom may be less than the number of tubes 650c forming the third pipe 65c. The number of tubes 650a forming the first pipe 65a disposed at the bottom may be less than the number of tubes 650d forming the fourth pipe 65d.
The length of a refrigerant flow path formed in the lowermost pipe 65a may be shorter than a length of the refrigerant flow path formed in other pipes 65b-65d. For example, the length of the refrigerant flow path formed in the first pipe 65a disposed at the bottom may be shorter than the length of the refrigerant flow path formed in the second pipe 65b. The length of the refrigerant flow path formed in the first pipe 65a disposed at the bottom may be shorter than the length of the refrigerant flow path formed in the third pipe 65c. The length of the refrigerant flow path formed in the first pipe 65a disposed at the bottom may be shorter than the length of the refrigerant flow path formed in the fourth pipe 65d. Since the length of the refrigerant flow path of the lowermost pipe is shorter than the length of the refrigerant flow path of other pipes, the effect on the cooling and heating performance of the second heat exchanger may be reduced as the lowermost pipe is opened or closed by the valve 68.
The at least one of the pipes 65 of the second heat exchanger 60 may include an inlet tube 652 connected to the connection pipe 64. In one implementation, each of the plurality of pipes 65 may include a respective inlet tube 652 connected to the connection pipe 64. For example, the first pipe 65a may include a first inlet tube 652a (or ‘first pipe inlet tube’) connected to the first connection pipe 64a. The second pipe 65b may include a second inlet tube 652b connected to the second connection pipe 64b. The third pipe 65c may include a third inlet tube 652c connected to the third connection pipe 64c. The fourth pipe 65d may include a fourth inlet tube 652d connected to the fourth connection pipe 64d.
A plurality of inlet tubes 652 may be arranged in a row located on one side relatively close to the header 63. For example, the first to fourth inlet tubes 652a to 652d may be arranged in a vertical direction in the second row r2 that is relatively closer to the header. A plurality of outlet tubes 658 may be arranged in a row located on the other side close to the distributor 67. For example, the first outlet tube 658a (or ‘first pipe outlet tube’) to fourth outlet tube 658d may be arranged in a vertical direction in the first row r1 that is relatively closer to the distributor 67.
The inlet tubes 652 may form one end of the plurality of tubes 650, and the outlet tubes 658 may form the other end of the plurality of tubes 650. For example, the first inlet tube 652a and the first outlet tube 658a may be disposed at opposite ends of the first tube 65a, respectively, allowing the refrigerant to flow into or out of the plurality of the first tube 65a. For example, during the heating operation, the refrigerant flowing into the second heat exchanger 60 through the distributor 67 may flow into the plurality of tubes 65 through the plurality of inlet tubes 652 and may flow out from the second heat exchanger 60 through the plurality of outlet tubes 658.
The valve 68 disposed on the lowermost distribution pipe 66a (or ‘first distribution pipe’) may block the flow of refrigerant flowing into the lowermost pipe 65a from the first distribution pipe 66a. For example, during the heating operation, the refrigerant may be prevented by valve 68 from flowing through the lowermost pipe 65a. Through the above configuration, it is possible to reduce freezing of the lowest pipe 65a of the second heat exchanger 60 as low-temperature refrigerant flows through the lowermost pipe 65a during the heating operation in cold weather.
The valve disposed on the lowermost distribution pipe 66a may allow the refrigerant to flow out from the lowermost pipe 65a. In other words, during the cooling operation or a defrosting operation, refrigerant may flow through the lowermost pipe 65a. This configuration allows high-temperature refrigerant discharged from the compressor 10 to flow through the lowermost pipe 65a during the cooling or defrosting operation, since there is no risk of freezing from the high-temperature refrigerant.
Referring to
The low-temperature refrigerant that has passed through the first heat exchanger 30 may then flow to the expansion device 40 through the second refrigerant pipe 82. The low-temperature refrigerant that has passed through the expansion device 40 may flow into the second heat exchanger 60 through the third refrigerant pipe 83. The low-temperature refrigerant may be distributed to each of the distribution pipes 66 through the distributor 67 and may flow into each of the pipes 65 of the second heat exchanger 60. At this time, the cooled refrigerant may not pass through the first distribution pipe 66a and into the first pipe 65a connected thereto due to the check valve 682 disposed in the first distribution pipe 66a. During the heating operation in cold weather, since the second heat exchanger 60, through which low-temperature refrigerant flows, functions as an evaporator, frosting or freezing may occur on a surface of the second heat exchanger 60. In particular, freezing may occur most rapidly in the lowermost pipe 65a that may be relatively close to a cold ground surface. The valve 68 may prevent low-temperature refrigerant from flowing into the lowermost first pipe 65a, thereby reducing the onset of freezing in the lowermost pipe 65a.
Among the plurality of pipes 65, the low-temperature refrigerant that has passed through the remaining pipes 65, and not through the first, lowermost pipe 65a, may flow to the accumulator 70 and/or compressor 10 through the fourth refrigerant pipe 84. At this time, the four-way valve 20 may connect the fourth refrigerant pipe 84 and the inlet pipe 85. The refrigerant that has passed through the accumulator 70 may flow into the compressor 10 through the inlet pipe 85. The refrigerant flowing into the compressor 10 may be compressed and then flow back to the first heat exchanger 30. Through the circulation process above, the heat supply apparatus 1 may warm up the indoor space and/or supply hot water to the indoor space.
With reference to
The refrigerant that has passed through the second heat exchanger 60 may flow to the expansion device 40 through the third refrigerant pipe 83 to become low-temperature refrigerant. The low-temperature refrigerant that has passed through the expansion device 40 may flow into the first heat exchanger 30 through the second refrigerant pipe 82. The low-temperature refrigerant introduced into the first heat exchanger may exchange heat with water passing through the first heat exchanger 30. Through the process above, the temperature of the refrigerant may increase, and the temperature of the water may decrease due to the exchange. For example, the temperature of the water flowing out of the first heat exchanger 30 through the water outlet pipe 94 may be lower than the temperature of the water flowing into the first heat exchanger 30 through the water inlet pipe 92. Through the process above, the heat supply apparatus may cool down the indoor space and/or supply cold water to the indoor space.
The refrigerant that has passed through the first heat exchanger 30 may then flow to the accumulator 70 and/or compressor 10 through the first refrigerant pipe 81. At this time, the four-way valve 20 may connect the first refrigerant pipe 81 and the inlet pipe 85. The refrigerant that has passed through the accumulator 70 may flow into the compressor 10 through the inlet pipe 85. The refrigerant flowing into the compressor 10 may be compressed and then flow back to the second heat exchanger 60. Through the circulation process above, the heat supply apparatus 1 may cool down the indoor space and supply cold water to the indoor space.
Referring to
During the cooling operation, the refrigerant passing through the fourth refrigerant pipe 84 may be distributed to the plurality of connection pipes 64 while passing through the header 63. The refrigerant distributed to the plurality of connection pipes 64 may flow into the plurality of pipes 65 of the second heat exchanger 60. Conversely, during the heating operation, the refrigerant discharged from the plurality of pipes 65 of the second heat exchanger 60 may pass through the plurality of connection pipes 64 and join the header 63.
For example, the plurality of connection pipes 64 may include a first connection pipe 64a connected to the first pipe 65a, a second connection pipe 64b connected to the second pipe 65b, a third connection pipe 64c connected to the third pipe 65c, and a fourth connection pipe 64d connected to the fourth pipe 65d. The valve 68 may be disposed to at least one of the lowermost distribution pipe among the plurality of distribution pipes 66 and/or the lowermost connection pipe among the plurality of connection pipes 64. For example, the check valve 682 may be disposed in the first connection pipe 64a coupled to the first pipe 65a (e.g., the first connection pipe 64a disposed at the lowest end of the plurality of connection pipes 64) such that the check valve 682 prevents the refrigerant from flowing through the first pipe 65a during the heating operation and allows the refrigerant to flow through the first pipe 65 during the cooling or defrosting operation.
Referring to
The heat supply apparatus 1 may include a controller that controls the solenoid valve 684. The controller may close the solenoid valve 684 during the heating operation to prevent refrigerant from flowing to the lowermost, first pipe 65a. The controller may open the solenoid valve 684 during the cooling or defrosting operation to allow refrigerant to flow through the lowermost, first pipe 65a. Through the process above, it is possible to reduce frosting or freezing that occurs on the surface of the outdoor unit during the heating operation. Also, the defrosting performance of the heat supply apparatus may be improved.
Referring to
During cooling or defrosting operation, the refrigerant flowing into the first pipe 65a from the first connection pipe 64a through the first inlet tube 652a may flow along the outermost row among a plurality of rows in which the plurality of tubes 65 are disposed and then gradually move toward an inner row. For example, the high-temperature refrigerant flowing into the first inlet tube 652a disposed in the first row r1 may first flow through the tubes disposed in the first row r1 and then sequentially flow into the second row r2. As the high-temperature refrigerant begins to flow from the outermost tube of the first pipe 65a disposed at the lowest end, frost or ice formed on the surface of the second heat exchanger may be quickly removed.
Among the plurality of pipes 65, each of the remaining pipes (or ‘second pipes’) 65b-65d, other than the first lowermost pipe 65a, may include an inlet tube 652 (or ‘second pipe inlet tube) connected to the connection pipe 64 and an outlet tube 658 (or ‘second pipe outlet tube) connected to the distribution pipe 66. For example, the second pipe 65b may include a second inlet tube 652b connected to the second connection pipe 64b and a second outlet tube 658b connected to the second distribution pipe 66b. The third pipe 65c may include a third inlet tube 652c connected to the third connection pipe 64c and a third outlet tube 658c connected to the third distribution pipe 66c. The fourth pipe 65d may include a fourth inlet tube 652d connected to the fourth connection pipe 64d and a fourth outlet tube 658d connected to the fourth distribution pipe 66d.
The inlet tubes 652 of the pipes 65, other than the inlet tube 652a of the lowermost first pipe 65a, may be separated inwardly from the corresponding outlet tubes 658. For example, the second inlet tube 652b to fourth inlet tube 652d may be located at the innermost side, and the second outlet tube 658b to fourth outlet tube 658d may be located at the outermost side. For example, the second inlet tube 652b to fourth inlet tube 652d may be located in the second row r2, and the second outlet tube 658b to fourth outlet tube 658d are located in the first row r1.
The inlet tubes 652 of the pipes 65, other than the inlet tube 652a of the lowermost first pipe 65a, may be disposed in the same row together with the outlet tube 658a of the lowermost pipe 65a. For example, the second inlet tube 652b to fourth inlet tube 652d and the first outlet tube 658a of the first pipe 65a, which is the lowermost pipe, may be arranged in the second row r2.
The outlet tubes 658 of the pipes 65, other than the inlet tube 652a of the lowermost first pipe 65a, may be disposed in the same row together with the inlet tube 652a of the lowermost pipe 65a. For example, the second inlet tube 652b to the fourth outlet tube 658d and the first inlet tube 652a of the first pipe 65a, which is the lowermost pipe, may be arranged in the first row r1.
Referring to
Referring to
According to another one aspect, the valve may be a check valve that allows refrigerant to flow in the first direction and blocks the flow in a second direction, which is opposite to the first direction.
According to another one aspect, the second heat exchanger may include a plurality of distribution pipes, each of which is connected to the plurality of pipes, and a distributor that combines the plurality of distribution pipes, wherein the valve may be disposed in the lowermost distribution pipe among the plurality of distribution pipes.
According to another one aspect, the second heat exchanger may include a plurality of distribution pipes, each of which is connected to one end of the plurality of pipes; a distributor that combines the plurality of distribution pipes; a plurality of connection pipes, each of which is connected to the other end of the plurality of pipes; and a header that combines the plurality of connection pipes, wherein the valve may be disposed in the lowermost connection pipe among the plurality of connection pipes.
According to another one aspect, the heat supply apparatus further comprises a controller that controls the flow of refrigerant, wherein the valve may be a solenoid valve that is opened or closed according to an electrical signal received from the controller. According to another one aspect, the controller may close the solenoid valve during heating operation and open the solenoid valve during defrosting operation.
According to another one aspect, the lowermost pipe may include the lowermost inlet tube through which refrigerant discharged from the compressor flows in; and the lowermost outlet tube through which refrigerant flowing into the lowermost inlet tube flows out, wherein the lowermost inlet tube may be separated outward from the lowermost outlet tube.
According to another one aspect, the lowermost inlet tube may be located on the outermost side of the plurality of pipes. According to another one aspect, the lowermost outlet tube may be located on the innermost side of the plurality of pipes. According to another one aspect, the lowermost inlet tube may be located below the lowermost outlet tube. According to another one aspect, the lowermost outlet tube may be located at the bottom of the lowermost pipe, and the lowermost inlet tube may be located at the top of the lowermost pipe.
According to another one aspect, among the plurality of pipes, each of the remaining pipes other than the lowermost pipe may include an inlet tube through which refrigerant discharged from the compressor flows in; and an outlet tube through which refrigerant flows out to the first heat exchanger, wherein the inlet tube of each of the remaining pipes is separated inward from the corresponding outlet tube. According to another one aspect, the length of a refrigerant flow path of the lowermost pipe may be shorter than the length of a refrigerant flow path of the remaining pipes other than the lowermost pipe.
An aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a heat supply apparatus with improved heat exchange performance. Another aspect is to provide a heat supply apparatus with improved defrosting performance. Yet another object is to provide a heat supply apparatus with reduced frost accumulation. Still another object is to provide a heat supply apparatus that extends the time before freezing occurs during heating operation. Yet still another object is to provide a heat supply apparatus with improved frosting resistance at the lowermost part of the outdoor unit. The technical effects are not limited to the technical effects described above, and other technical effects not mentioned herein may be understood to those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure belongs from the description above.
According to one aspect e, a heat supply apparatus may comprise a compressor compressing refrigerant; a first heat exchanger being connected to the compressor through a refrigerant pipe and exchanging heat between refrigerant and water; and a second heat exchanger being connected to the compressor through a refrigerant pipe and exchanging heat between refrigerant and outdoor air, wherein the second heat exchanger includes a plurality of pipes through which refrigerant flows and a valve adjusting the flow of refrigerant through a first pipe located at the lowest position among the plurality of pipes, and the valve allows the refrigerant to flow only in a first direction that sequentially passes the compressor, the second heat exchanger, and the indoor heat exchanger, thereby controlling the refrigerant to flow through the lowermost path during heating operation. The valve is a check valve that allows the refrigerant to flow in the first direction and blocks the flow in a second direction, which is opposite to the first direction, controlling the refrigerant to flow in only one direction.
The second heat exchanger includes a plurality of distribution pipes, each of which is connected to the plurality of pipes, and a distributor that combines the plurality of distribution pipes, wherein the valve may be disposed in a first distribution pipe located at the lowest position among the plurality of distribution pipes and may control the flow of refrigerant flowing through the lowermost path.
The second heat exchanger includes a plurality of distribution pipes, each of which is connected to one end of the plurality of pipes; a distributor that combines the plurality of distribution pipes, a plurality of connection pipes, each of which is connected to the other end of the plurality of pipes; and a header that combines the plurality of connection pipes, wherein the valve, being disposed in a first connection pipe located at the lowest position among the plurality of connection pipes, may control the flow of refrigerant flowing through the lowermost path.
The heat supply apparatus further comprises a controller that controls the flow of refrigerant, wherein the valve may be a solenoid valve that is opened or closed according to an electrical signal received from the controller. The controller may disable refrigerant to flow through the lowermost path during heating operation by closing the solenoid valve during the heating operation and opening the solenoid valve during defrosting operation.
The first pipe includes a first pipe inlet tube through which refrigerant discharged from the compressor flows in; and a first pipe outlet tube through which refrigerant flowing into the first pipe inlet tube flows out, wherein the first pipe inlet tube may be separated outward from the first pipe outlet tube, and high-temperature refrigerant discharged from the compressor may flow from the outer side to the inside. The first pipe inlet tube is located on the outermost side of the plurality of pipes, and high-temperature refrigerant discharged from the compressor may thaw ice formed on the outermost side.
The first pipe outlet tube is located on the innermost side of the plurality of pipes, and refrigerant at relatively low-temperature may flow, being separated from the outermost side. The first pipe inlet tube is located below the first pipe outlet tube, and high-temperature refrigerant discharged from the compressor may flow upward gradually from the bottom.
The first pipe outlet tube is located at the bottom of the first pipe, and the first pipe inlet tube is located at the top of the first pipe, wherein refrigerant at a relatively high-temperature may flow to the lowermost part where freezing occurs, and refrigerant at a relatively high temperature may flow to the uppermost part separated from the lowermost part where freezing occurs.
The plurality of pipes includes a plurality of second pipes excluding the first pipe, wherein each of the plurality of second pipes includes a second pipe inlet tube through which refrigerant discharged from the compressor flows in; and a second pipe outlet tube through which refrigerant flows out to the first heat exchanger, wherein the second pipe inlet tube is spaced inward from the second pipe outlet tube, and during heating operation, low-temperature refrigerant may flow from the outermost side, which is directly affected from cold weather, to the inside. The plurality of pipes includes a plurality of second pipes excluding the first pipe.
The length of a refrigerant flow path of the first pipe is shorter than the length of a refrigerant flow path of the plurality of second pipes, thereby reducing the variation in cooling and heating performance due to opening and closing of the lowermost pipe.
According to at least one of the embodiments, a valve disposed on the lowermost pipe among a plurality of pipes of a second heat exchanger enables refrigerant to flow during cooling or defrosting operation and prevents the refrigerant from flowing during heating operation, thereby reducing the frost accumulation occurring in the lowermost part of an outdoor unit. Through the process above, the time for defrosting may be reduced, thereby improving defrosting performance. Also, heating performance may be improved since the time required for defrosting is reduced.
According to at least one of the embodiments, a check valve is disposed on the lowermost pipe among a plurality of pipes of the second heat exchanger, thereby controlling refrigerant flow through the lowermost path without involving separate control or a separate pipe. Through the process configuration, manufacturing and management efficiency of outdoor units may be improved.
According to at least one of the embodiments, the lowermost inlet tube through which high-temperature refrigerant flows in during the defrosting operation is disposed on the outermost side, thereby quickly removing ice formed on the surface of the outdoor unit during the heating operation.
According to at least one of the embodiments, during the defrosting operation, the lowermost inlet tube through which refrigerant at a relatively high-temperature flows in is disposed on the outermost side, and the lowermost outlet tube through which refrigerant at a relatively low-temperature flows out is disposed on the lowermost side, thereby reducing the effect of low-temperature refrigerant on reducing the defrosting performance.
According to at least one of the embodiments, during the defrosting operation, the lowermost inlet tube through which high-temperature refrigerant flows in is disposed, thereby quickly removing ice concentrated on a lower part of the outdoor unit during the heating operation. According to at least one of the embodiments, during the defrosting operation, the lowermost outlet tube through which refrigerant at a relatively low-temperature flows out is disposed at the top of the lowermost tube, thereby minimizing the effect of low-temperature refrigerant on the defrosting of ice concentrated on a lower part of the outdoor unit.
According to at least one of the embodiments, an inlet tube of the remaining pipes other than the lowermost pipe among a plurality of pipes is separated inward from an outlet tube, thereby reducing frost accumulation on the surface of the outdoor unit due to the inlet tube through which low-temperature refrigerant flows during the heating operation.
According to at least one of the embodiments, the length of the frost flow path of the lowermost pipe is formed to be shorter than the length of the refrigerant flow path of the remaining pipes other than the lowermost pipe, thereby reducing the variation in cooling and heating performance due to opening and closing of the lowermost pipe. Also, the effect of opening and closing of the lowermost pipe on the cooling performance may be reduced.
The technical effects are not limited to the technical effects described above, and other technical effects not mentioned herein may be understood to those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure belongs from the description below.
Certain embodiments or other embodiments of the disclosure described above are not mutually exclusive or distinct from each other. Any or all elements of the embodiments of the disclosure described above may be combined with another or combined with each other in configuration or function.
For example, a configuration “A” described in one embodiment of the disclosure and the drawings and a configuration “B” described in another embodiment of the disclosure and the drawings may be combined with each other. Namely, although the combination between the configurations is not directly described, the combination is possible except in the case where it is described that the combination is impossible.
Although embodiments have been described with reference to a number of illustrative embodiments thereof, it should be understood that numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled in the art that will fall within the scope of the principles of this disclosure. More particularly, various variations and modifications are possible in the component parts and/or arrangements of the subject combination arrangement within the scope of the disclosure, the drawings and the appended claims. In addition to variations and modifications in the component parts and/or arrangements, alternative uses will also be apparent to those skilled in the art.
It will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being “on” another element or layer, the element or layer can be directly on another element or layer or intervening elements or layers. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on” another element or layer, there are no intervening elements or layers present. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.
It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, third, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the present invention.
Spatially relative terms, such as “lower”, “upper” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe the relationship of one element or feature to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation, in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “lower” relative to other elements or features would then be oriented “upper” relative to the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term “lower” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.
The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.
Embodiments are described herein with reference to cross-section illustrations that are schematic illustrations of idealized embodiments (and intermediate structures). As such, variations from the shapes of the illustrations as a result, for example, of manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances, are to be expected. Thus, embodiments should not be construed as limited to the particular shapes of regions illustrated herein but are to include deviations in shapes that result, for example, from manufacturing.
Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.
Any reference in this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “example embodiment,” etc., means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the invention. The appearances of such phrases in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with any embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the purview of one skilled in the art to effect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other ones of the embodiments.
Although embodiments have been described with reference to a number of illustrative embodiments thereof, it should be understood that numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled in the art that will fall within the spirit and scope of the principles of this disclosure. More particularly, various variations and modifications are possible in the component parts and/or arrangements of the subject combination arrangement within the scope of the disclosure, the drawings and the appended claims. In addition to variations and modifications in the component parts and/or arrangements, alternative uses will also be apparent to those skilled in the art.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10-2023-0093542 | Jul 2023 | KR | national |
