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FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
[See section 10, Rule 13]
AIR CONDITIONER;
MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION, A CORPORATION ORGANISED AND
EXISTING UNDER THE LAWS OF JAPAN, WHOSE ADDRESS IS 7-3,
MARUNOUCHI 2-CHOME, CHIYODA-KU, TOKYO 100-8310, JAPAN
THE FOLLOWING SPECIFICATION PARTICULARLY DESCRIBES THE
INVENTION AND THE MANNER IN WHICH IT IS TO BE PERFORMED.
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DESCRIPTION
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to an 5 air conditioner.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] An air conditioner capable of calculating a degree of supercooling as an
operation state amount has conventionally been known. For example, the apparatus
disclosed in PTL 1 includes a temperature sensor configured to detect an outside air
10 temperature and a temperature sensor configured to detect a temperature of air
subjected to heat exchange at a use-side heat exchanger. This apparatus calculates a
degree of supercooling based on a difference between the temperatures detected by the
two temperature sensors.
CITATION LIST
15 PATENT LITERATURE
[0003] PTL 1: Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2016-99059
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
TECHNICAL PROBLEM
[0004] In the refrigeration cycle apparatus disclosed in PTL 1, however, the accuracy
20 of the degree of supercooling calculated deteriorates if there is a difference between the
temperatures detected by the two temperature sensors. In particular, when the degree
of supercooling has a small value, the accuracy of the degree of supercooling calculated
deteriorates considerably due to the difference between the temperatures detected by
the two temperature sensors.
25 [0005] An object of the present invention is therefore to provide an air conditioner
capable of determining an operation state with high accuracy.
SOLUTION TO PROBLEM
[0006] An air conditioner of the present invention includes a refrigerant circuit in
which a first refrigerant circulates and which has a compressor, an outdoor heat
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exchanger, an expansion valve, and an indoor heat exchanger annularly connected by a
refrigerant pipe, a detection case arranged between the outdoor heat exchanger and the
expansion valve, and a diaphragm configured to divide an internal space of the
detection case into a first space and a second space. The first space is sealed, and a
second refrigerant of the same type as the first refrigerant is sealed in 5 the first space.
The second space is connected to the refrigerant circuit, and the first refrigerant flows
into the second space. The air conditioner further includes a strain sensor arranged on
the diaphragm and configured to detect a difference between a pressure of the first
refrigerant in the second space and a pressure of the second refrigerant in the first
10 space, and a temperature detector configured to detect a temperature of the first
refrigerant between the outdoor heat exchanger and the detection case.
[0007] An air conditioner of the present invention includes a refrigerant circuit in
which a first refrigerant circulates and which has a compressor, an outdoor heat
exchanger, an expansion valve, and an indoor heat exchanger annularly connected by a
15 refrigerant pipe, a detection case arranged between the outdoor heat exchanger and the
expansion valve, and a diaphragm configured to divide an internal space of the
detection case into a first space and a second space. The first space is sealed, and a
second refrigerant of the same type as the first refrigerant is sealed in the first space.
The second space is connected to the refrigerant circuit, and the first refrigerant flows
20 into the second space. The air conditioner further includes a strain sensor arranged on
the diaphragm and configured to detect a difference between a pressure of the first
refrigerant in the second space and a pressure of the second refrigerant in the first
space, and a temperature detector configured to detect a temperature of the first
refrigerant between the indoor heat exchanger and the detection case.
25 ADVANTAGEOUS EFFECTS OF INVENTION
[0008] According to the present invention, the air conditioner includes the strain sensor
and the temperature detector, and thus, can determine an operation state with high
accuracy.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
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[0009] Fig. 1 shows a refrigerant circuit 100 of an air conditioner of a reference
example and a refrigerant flow in refrigerant circuit 100 during a cooling operation of
the air conditioner.
Fig. 2 shows temperature sensors arranged in the vicinity of an outdoor heat
exchanger 5 2 of Fig. 1.
Fig. 3 shows a configuration of the air conditioner of Embodiment 1 and a
refrigerant flow in refrigerant circuit 100 during the cooling operation of the air
conditioner.
Fig. 4 shows an arrangement of a detection case 20 of Embodiment 1.
10 Fig. 5 shows a configuration of detection case 20 of Embodiment 1.
Fig. 6 is a p-h diagram of refrigerant circuit 100.
Fig. 7 shows a relation between a differential pressure ΔP and a degree of
supercooling SC at every temperature Tq in Embodiment 1.
Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing a control procedure of the air conditioner of
15 Embodiment 1.
Fig. 9 shows a configuration of the air conditioner of Embodiment 1 and a
refrigerant flow in refrigerant circuit 100 during a heating operation of the air
conditioner.
Fig. 10 shows a temperature sensor arranged in the vicinity of an outdoor heat
20 exchanger 2 and an arrangement of a detection case 20 in Embodiment 2.
Fig. 11 shows a configuration of detection case 20 of Embodiment 2.
Fig. 12 shows a relation between a differential pressure ΔP and a degree of
supercooling SC at every temperature Tq in Embodiment 2.
Fig. 13 shows a configuration of an air conditioner of Embodiment 3 and a
25 refrigerant flow of a refrigerant circuit 100 during a heating operation of the air
conditioner.
Fig. 14 shows an arrangement and a configuration of a detection case 20 of
Embodiment 3.
Fig. 15 shows a configuration of the air conditioner of Embodiment 3 and a
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refrigerant flow in refrigerant circuit 100 during a cooling operation of the air
conditioner.
Fig. 16 shows an arrangement and a configuration of a detection case 20 of
Embodiment 4.
DESCRIPTION 5 OF EMBODIMENTS
[0010] Embodiments will now be described with reference to the drawings.
(Reference Example)
First, a configuration of, and a problem with, an air conditioner of a reference
example will be described.
10 [0011] Fig. 1 shows the configuration of the air conditioner of the reference example
and a refrigerant flow in a refrigerant circuit 100 during a cooling operation of the air
conditioner.
[0012] Refrigerant circuit 100 includes a compressor 1, a four-way valve 5, an outdoor
heat exchanger 2, an expansion valve 3, and an indoor heat exchanger 4 annularly
15 connected by a refrigerant pipe 6. A first refrigerant CA circulates in refrigerant
circuit 100.
[0013] Compressor 1 compresses first refrigerant CA and discharges the compressed
first refrigerant CA.
Four-way valve 5 switches a flow path of first refrigerant CA. During the
20 cooling operation of the air conditioner, first refrigerant CA discharged from
compressor 1 flows to outdoor heat exchanger 2. During a heating operation of the air
conditioner, first refrigerant CA discharged from compressor 1 flows to indoor heat
exchanger 4.
[0014] Outdoor heat exchanger 2 performs heat exchange between the air (hereinafter,
25 referred to as outside air as appropriate) supplied by an outdoor blower, such as a fan,
and first refrigerant CA. Outdoor heat exchanger 2 functions as a condenser during
the cooling operation of the air conditioner. Outdoor heat exchanger 2 functions as an
evaporator during the heating operation of the air conditioner.
[0015] Expansion valve 3 decompresses and thus expands first refrigerant CA.
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Expansion valve 3 is, for example, a valve with a controllable degree of opening, such
as an electronic expansion valve.
[0016] Indoor heat exchanger 4 performs heat exchange between the air supplied by an
indoor blower, such as a fan, and first refrigerant CA. Indoor heat exchanger 4
functions as an evaporator during the cooling operation of the air conditioner. 5 Indoor
heat exchanger 4 functions as a condenser during the heating operation of the air
conditioner.
[0017] Fig. 2 shows temperature sensors arranged in the vicinity of outdoor heat
exchanger 2 of Fig. 1.
10 Outdoor heat exchanger 2 includes a sub-heat exchanger 2a and a sub-heat
exchanger 2b. Temperature sensor 11 is arranged in the vicinity of the middle of subheat
exchanger 2a. Temperature sensor 11 detects a condensation temperature CT of
first refrigerant CA flowing through outdoor heat exchanger 2 during the cooling
operation of the air conditioner. Temperature sensor 12 is arranged at the outlet for
15 first refrigerant CA in outdoor heat exchanger 2 during the cooling operation of the air
conditioner. Temperature sensor 12 detects a temperature TA of first refrigerant CA
at the outlet of outdoor heat exchanger 2 during the cooling operation of the air
conditioner.
[0018] In the reference example, during the cooling operation of the air conditioner, a
20 degree of supercooling SC of first refrigerant CA at the outlet of outdoor heat
exchanger 2 can be determined based on a difference between condensation
temperature CT of first refrigerant CA which is detected by temperature sensor 11 and
temperature TA of first refrigerant CA at the outlet of outdoor heat exchanger 2 which
is detected by temperature sensor 12.
25 [0019] Thus, measurement errors of two temperature sensors 11, 12 exert effects in the
reference example. In particular, when degree of supercooling SC has a small value,
degree of supercooling SC cannot be calculated accurately. When not only a
temperature detected by temperature sensor 11 but also a temperature detected by
temperature sensor 12 is a temperature of first refrigerant CA in a liquid phase,
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temperature sensor 12 fails to measure condensation temperature CT of first refrigerant
CA. As a result, the operation state of the air conditioner cannot be grasped
accurately.
[0020] Embodiment 1
Fig. 3 shows a configuration of an air conditioner of 5 Embodiment 1 and a
refrigerant flow in a refrigerant circuit 100 during a cooling operation of the air
conditioner. Fig. 4 shows an arrangement of a detection case 20 of Embodiment 1.
[0021] The air conditioner includes refrigerant circuit 100, detection case 20 connected
to refrigerant circuit 100, and a controller 80. Refrigerant circuit 100 of Embodiment
10 1 is similar to refrigerant circuit 100 of the reference example, and accordingly,
description thereof will not be repeated. Detection case 20 is arranged between
outdoor heat exchanger 2 and expansion valve 3.
[0022] Fig. 5 shows a configuration of detection case 20 of Embodiment 1.
An internal space of detection case 20 is divided into a first space R1 and a
15 second space R2 by a diaphragm 23. Diaphragm 23 is a displaceable thin-film
member.
[0023] First space R1 is a sealed space. A second refrigerant CB is sealed in first
space R1. Second refrigerant CB is of the same type as first refrigerant CA that
circulates in refrigerant circuit 100.
20 [0024] Second space R2 is connected to refrigerant circuit 100 by a refrigerant pipe 7.
First refrigerant CA that circulates in refrigerant circuit 100 flows into second space
R2.
[0025] A strain sensor GS is arranged on diaphragm 23. Although strain sensor GS is
arranged within second space R2 in Fig. 5, it may be arranged in first space R1.
25 [0026] A temperature sensor KS is arranged on diaphragm 23. In Embodiment 1,
temperature sensor KS constitutes temperature detector 51. Temperature sensor KS
detects a temperature Tq of first refrigerant CA between outdoor heat exchanger 2 and
detection case 20.
[0027] (Operation during Cooling Operation)
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During the cooling operation of the air conditioner, first refrigerant CA cooled
by outdoor heat exchanger 2 functioning as the condenser flows into second space R2
of detection case 20.
[0028] Fig. 6 is a p-h diagram of refrigerant circuit 100.
LA represents an isotherm at the outside air temperature. 5 LB represents an
isotherm of a temperature at the outlet in outdoor heat exchanger 2 (condenser). LC
represents an isotherm at a discharge pressure Pd of outdoor heat exchanger 2.
[0029] The temperature of second refrigerant CB sealed in first space R1 is higher than
the outside air temperature and lower than or is equal to the temperature of first
10 refrigerant CA discharged from outdoor heat exchanger 2. Among a saturation
pressure P1s at the outside air temperature, a saturation pressure P2s at the temperature
of first refrigerant CA discharged from outdoor heat exchanger 2, and a pressure Pv of
second refrigerant CB sealed in first space R1, the following equation is established.
[0030] P1s < Pv < P2s ... (1)
15 The pressure of first refrigerant CA that flows into second space R2 becomes
equal to a pressure Pd of first refrigerant CA discharged from outdoor heat exchanger
2. Thus, the following relation is established.
[0031] Pd > Pv ... (2)
Thus, a differential pressure ΔP between pressure Pd of first refrigerant CA in
20 second space R2 and pressure Pv of second refrigerant CB in first space R1 occurs in
diaphragm 23.
[0032] ΔP = Pd - Pv ... (3)
Strain sensor GS measures differential pressure ΔP.
[0033] Differential pressure ΔP changes in accordance with degree of supercooling SC.
25 When degree of supercooling SC decreases, second refrigerant CB in first space R1 is
heated by first refrigerant CA of high temperature which is discharged from outdoor
heat exchanger 2, leading to increased Pv. As a result, ΔP decreases. When degree
of supercooling SC increases, second refrigerant CB in first space R1 is cooled by first
refrigerant CA of low temperature which is discharged from outdoor heat exchanger 2,
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leading to decreased Pv. As a result, ΔP increases.
[0034] Fig. 7 shows a relation between differential pressure ΔP and degree of
supercooling SC at every temperature Tq in Embodiment 1.
[0035] As shown in Fig. 7, the relation between differential pressure ΔP and degree of
supercooling SC changes in accordance with temperature Tq of first 5 refrigerant CA
between outdoor heat exchanger 2 and detection case 20.
[0036] Controller 80 determines degree of supercooling SC of first refrigerant CA at
the outlet of outdoor heat exchanger 2 based on temperature Tq of first refrigerant CA
which is detected by temperature sensor KS, differential pressure ΔP detected by strain
10 sensor GS, and the predetermined relation between differential pressure ΔP and degree
of supercooling SC which corresponds to refrigerant temperature Tq.
[0037] For example, controller 80 identifies a table of temperature Tq of the refrigerant
which is detected by temperature sensor KS from among tables showing a relation
between differential pressure ΔP and degree of supercooling SC at every temperature
15 Tq of the refrigerant. Controller 80 determines degree of supercooling SC
corresponding to differential pressure ΔP detected by strain sensor GS, with reference
to the identified table.
[0038] Alternatively, controller 80 identifies a characteristic equation of temperature
Tq of the refrigerant which is detected by temperature sensor KS from among
20 characteristic equations showing a relation between differential pressure ΔP and degree
of supercooling SC at every temperature Tq of the refrigerant. Controller 80
substitutes differential pressure ΔP detected by strain sensor GS into the determined
characteristic equation, thereby calculating degree of supercooling SC. The
characteristic equation may be, for example, a quadratic equation, or more simply, a
25 linear equation.
[0039] Further, controller 80 calculates condensation temperature CT of first
refrigerant CA in outdoor heat exchanger 2 according to the following equation.
[0040] CT = Tq + SC ... (4)
Controller 80 controls refrigerant circuit 100 based on the calculated degree of
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supercooling SC and condensation temperature CT.
[0041] Controller 80 controls a degree of opening of expansion valve 3 based on
condensation temperature CT of first refrigerant CA.
[0042] Controller 80 determines whether first refrigerant CA has leaked from
refrigerant circuit 100 based on degree of supercooling SC of first refrigerant 5 CA. For
example, when degree of supercooling SC of first refrigerant CA is zero, controller 80
can determine that first refrigerant CA has leaked from refrigerant circuit 100.
[0043] Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing a control procedure of the air conditioner of
Embodiment 1.
10 At step S101, temperature sensor KS detects temperature Tq of first refrigerant
CA between outdoor heat exchanger 2 and detection case 20.
[0044] At step S102, strain sensor GS detects differential pressure ΔP between pressure
Pd of first refrigerant CA in second space R2 of detection case 20 and pressure Pv of
second refrigerant CB in first space R1 of detection case 20.
15 [0045] At step S103, controller 80 determines degree of supercooling SC of first
refrigerant CA at the outlet of outdoor heat exchanger 2 based on temperature Tq of
first refrigerant CA and differential pressure ΔP.
[0046] At step S104, controller 80 calculates condensation temperature CT of first
refrigerant CA in outdoor heat exchanger 2 based on temperature Tq and degree of
20 supercooling SC of first refrigerant CA.
[0047] At step S105, controller 80 determines whether first refrigerant CA has leaked
from refrigerant circuit 100 based on degree of supercooling SC of first refrigerant CA.
[0048] At step S106, controller 80 controls the degree of opening of expansion valve 3
based on condensation temperature CT of first refrigerant CA.
25 [0049] (Operation during Heating Operation)
Fig. 9 shows a configuration of the air conditioner of Embodiment 1 and a
refrigerant flow in refrigerant circuit 100 during the heating operation of the air
conditioner.
[0050] During the heating operation of the air conditioner, controller 80 operates as
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follows.
Controller 80 does not calculate degree of supercooling SC of the refrigerant.
Accordingly, differential pressure ΔP detected by strain sensor GS is not used by
controller 80.
[0051] Controller 80 obtains, as an evaporation temperature of first 5 refrigerant CA in
outdoor heat exchanger 2, temperature Tq of first refrigerant CA between outdoor heat
exchanger 2 and detection case 20 which is detected by temperature sensor KS.
[0052] As described above, the present embodiment calculates degree of supercooling
SC using differential pressure ΔP applied to diaphragm 23 in detection case 20, and
10 accordingly, can measure degree of supercooling SC with higher accuracy than when
calculating a degree of supercooling using a difference between the temperatures
detected by two temperature sensors 11, 12 as in the reference example. In the
reference example, particularly, an error may become larger when the detected
temperature has a smaller value.
15 [0053] The present embodiment can detect a degree of supercooling accurately even
during the operation in which an operation with a lower degree of supercooling is
performed with a reduced amount of refrigerant sealed in refrigerant circuit 100.
[0054] The present embodiment can measure degree of supercooling SC accurately,
and accordingly, can detect a refrigerant leakage from the refrigerant circuit accurately.
20 [0055] The present embodiment can determine an accurate degree of supercooling SC
of first refrigerant CA by arranging temperature sensor KS and strain sensor GS in
detection case 20. Accordingly, compared with the case when the pressure sensor for
detecting a pressure of the refrigerant is arranged in the vicinity of outdoor heat
exchanger 2, the present embodiment can save more space for the air conditioner in
25 order to determine an accurate degree of supercooling SC of first refrigerant CA.
[0056] Further, the present embodiment can detect condensation temperature CT of
first refrigerant CA even without temperature sensor 11 for measuring condensation
temperature CT of first refrigerant CA as in the reference example.
[0057] Embodiment 2
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Fig. 10 shows a temperature sensor arranged in the vicinity of outdoor heat
exchanger 2 and an arrangement of detection case 20 in Embodiment 2. Fig. 11
shows a configuration of detection case 20 of Embodiment 2.
[0058] Temperature sensor 10 is arranged in the vicinity of outdoor heat exchanger 2.
Temperature sensor 10 detects an outside air temperature Ta. 5 In Embodiment 2,
temperature sensor KS is not arranged on diaphragm 23.
[0059] (Operation during Cooling Operation)
In Embodiment 2, a computation unit 19 calculates temperature Tq of first
refrigerant CA between outdoor heat exchanger 2 and detection case 20 according to
10 the following equation from outside air temperature Ta detected by temperature sensor
10.
[0060] Tq = Ta + α ... (5)
In the equation, α depends on the specifications of outdoor heat exchanger 2,
and can be determined as appropriate by a designer. Alternatively, α may change in
15 accordance with a rotational speed of compressor 1. For example, α may be larger as
the rotational speed of compressor 1 is higher.
[0061] In Embodiment 2, temperature sensor 10 and computation unit 19 constitute a
temperature detector 52.
Fig. 12 shows a relation between differential pressure ΔP and degree of
20 supercooling SC at every temperature Tq in Embodiment 2.
[0062] As shown in Fig. 12, the relation between differential pressure ΔP and degree of
supercooling SC changes in accordance with temperature Tq of first refrigerant CA
between outdoor heat exchanger 2 and detection case 20.
[0063] Controller 80 determines degree of supercooling SC of first refrigerant CA at
25 the outlet of outdoor heat exchanger 2 based on temperature Tq detected by
temperature detector 52, differential pressure ΔP detected by strain sensor GS, and the
predetermined relation between differential pressure ΔP and degree of supercooling SC
which corresponds to refrigerant temperature Tq.
[0064] For example, controller 80 identifies a table of temperature Tq of the refrigerant
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which is detected by temperature detector 52 from among tables showing a relation
between differential pressure ΔP and degree of supercooling SC at every temperature
Tq of the refrigerant. Controller 80 determines degree of supercooling SC
corresponding to differential pressure ΔP detected by strain sensor GS, with reference
to the 5 identified table.
[0065] Alternatively, controller 80 identifies a characteristic equation of temperature
Tq of the refrigerant which is detected by temperature detector 52 from among the
characteristic equations showing the relation between differential pressure ΔP and
degree of supercooling SC at every temperature Tq of the refrigerant. Controller 80
10 substitutes differential pressure ΔP detected by strain sensor GS into the identified
characteristic equation, thereby calculating degree of supercooling SC. The
characteristic equation may be, for example, a quadratic equation, or more simply, a
primary equation.
[0066] Further, controller 80 calculates condensation temperature CT of first
15 refrigerant CA in outdoor heat exchanger 2 according to the following equation.
[0067] CT = Tq + SC ... (6)
As in Embodiment 1, controller 80 controls refrigerant circuit 100 based on the
calculated degree of supercooling SC and condensation temperature CT, and controls a
degree of opening of expansion valve 3 based on condensation temperature CT of first
20 refrigerant CA.
[0068] Embodiment 3
Fig. 13 shows a configuration of an air conditioner of Embodiment 3 and a
refrigerant flow in refrigerant circuit 100 during a heating operation of the air
conditioner. Fig. 14 shows an arrangement and a configuration of detection case 20 of
25 Embodiment 3.
[0069] The air conditioner includes refrigerant circuit 100, detection case 20 connected
to refrigerant circuit 100, and controller 80, as in Embodiment 1. Indoor heat
exchanger 4 includes a sub-heat exchanger 4a and a sub-heat exchanger 4b.
[0070] Detection case 20 is arranged between indoor heat exchanger 4 and expansion
- 14 -
valve 3. An internal space of detection case 20 is divided into first space R1 and
second space R2 by diaphragm 23. First space R1 is a sealed space. Second
refrigerant CB is sealed in first space R1. A second refrigerant CB is of the same type
as first refrigerant CA that circulates in refrigerant circuit 100. Second space R2 is
connected to refrigerant circuit 100 by refrigerant pipe 7. First refrigerant 5 CA that
circulates in refrigerant circuit 100 flows into second space R2.
[0071] Strain sensor GS is arranged on diaphragm 23.
Temperature sensor KS is arranged on diaphragm 23. In Embodiment 3,
temperature sensor KS constitutes temperature detector 51. Temperature sensor KS
10 detects temperature Tq of first refrigerant CA between indoor heat exchanger 4 and
detection case 20.
[0072] (Operation during Heating Operation)
During the heating operation of the air conditioner, first refrigerant CA cooled
by indoor heat exchanger 4 functioning as the condenser flows into second space R2 of
15 detection case 20.
[0073] In diaphragm 23, differential pressure ΔP between pressure Pd of first
refrigerant CA in second space R2 and pressure Pv of second refrigerant CB in first
space R1 occurs.
[0074] As in Embodiment 1, strain sensor GS measures differential pressure ΔP.
20 Controller 80 determines degree of supercooling SC of first refrigerant CA at
the outlet of indoor heat exchanger 4 based on temperature Tq of first refrigerant CA
which is detected by temperature sensor KS, differential pressure ΔP detected by strain
sensor GS, and the predetermined relation between differential pressure ΔP and degree
of supercooling SC which corresponds to refrigerant temperature Tq.
25 [0075] For example, controller 80 identifies a table of temperature Tq of the refrigerant
which is detected by temperature sensor KS from among tables showing a relation
between differential pressure ΔP and degree of supercooling SC at every temperature
Tq of the refrigerant. Controller 80 determines degree of supercooling SC
corresponding to differential pressure ΔP detected by strain sensor GS, with reference
- 15 -
to the identified table.
[0076] Alternatively, controller 80 identifies a characteristic equation of temperature
Tq of the refrigerant which is detected by temperature sensor KS from the characteristic
equations showing the relation between differential pressure ΔP and degree of
supercooling SC at every temperature Tq of the refrigerant. Controller 5 80 substitutes
differential pressure ΔP detected by strain sensor GS into the identified characteristic
equation, thereby calculating degree of supercooling SC. The characteristic equation
may be, for example, a quadratic equation, or more simply, a primary equation.
[0077] Controller 80 calculates condensation temperature CT of first refrigerant CA in
10 indoor heat exchanger 4 according to the following equation, as in Embodiment 1.
[0078] CT = Tq + SC ... (7)
As in Embodiment 1, controller 80 controls refrigerant circuit 100 based on the
calculated degree of supercooling SC and condensation temperature CT, and controls a
degree of opening of expansion valve 3 based on condensation temperature CT of first
15 refrigerant CA.
[0079] (Operation during Cooling Operation)
Fig. 15 shows a configuration of an air conditioner of Embodiment 3 and a
refrigerant flow in refrigerant circuit 100 during a cooling operation of the air
conditioner.
20 [0080] During the cooling operation of the air conditioner, controller 80 operates as
follows.
Controller 80 does not calculate degree of supercooling SC of the refrigerant.
Thus, differential pressure ΔP detected by strain sensor GS is not used by controller 80.
[0081] Controller 80 obtains, as an evaporation temperature of first refrigerant CA in
25 indoor heat exchanger 4, temperature Tq of first refrigerant CA between indoor heat
exchanger 4 and detection case 20 which is detected by temperature sensor KS.
[0082] Embodiment 4
Fig. 16 shows an arrangement and a configuration of detection case 20 of
Embodiment 4. In Embodiment 4, temperature sensor KS is not arranged on
- 16 -
diaphragm 23.
[0083] (Operation during Heating Operation)
In Embodiment 4, a computation unit 39 calculates temperature Tq of first
refrigerant CA between indoor heat exchanger 4 and detection case 20 according to the
following equation from outside air temperature Ta detected by temperature 5 sensor 10
in the vicinity of outdoor heat exchanger 2.
[0084] Tq = Ta + α ... (8)
In the equation, α depends on the specifications of indoor heat exchanger 4, or
may be determined as appropriate by a designer. Alternatively, α may change in
10 accordance with a rotational speed of compressor 1. For example, α may be larger as
the rotational speed of compressor 1 is higher.
[0085] In Embodiment 4, temperature sensor 10 and computation unit 39 constitute
temperature detector 52.
Controller 80 determines degree of supercooling SC of first refrigerant CA at
15 the outlet of indoor heat exchanger 4 based on temperature Tq detected by temperature
detector 52, differential pressure ΔP detected by strain sensor GS, and the
predetermined relation between differential pressure ΔP and degree of supercooling SC
which corresponds to refrigerant temperature Tq.
[0086] For example, controller 80 identifies a table of temperature Tq of the refrigerant
20 which is detected by temperature detector 52 from among tables showing a relation
between differential pressure ΔP and degree of supercooling SC at every temperature
Tq of the refrigerant. Controller 80 determines degree of supercooling SC
corresponding to differential pressure ΔP detected by strain sensor GS, with reference
to the identified table.
25 [0087] Alternatively, controller 80 identifies a characteristic equation of temperature
Tq of the refrigerant which is detected by temperature detector 52 from among
characteristic equations showing the relation between differential pressure ΔP and
degree of supercooling SC at every temperature Tq of the refrigerant. Controller 80
substitutes differential pressure ΔP determined by strain sensor GS into the identified
- 17 -
characteristic equation, thereby calculating degree of supercooling SC. The
characteristic equation may be, for example, a quadratic equation, or more simply, a
primary equation.
[0088] Further, controller 80 calculates condensation temperature CT of first
refrigerant CA in indoor heat exchanger 4 according to the following 5 equation.
[0089] CT = Tq + SC ... (9)
As in Embodiment 1, controller 80 controls refrigerant circuit 100 based on the
calculated degree of supercooling SC and condensation temperature CT, and controls a
degree of opening of expansion valve 3 based on condensation temperature CT of first
10 refrigerant CA.
[0090] Variations
The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above.
[0091] (1) Detection case 20 is arranged between outdoor heat exchanger 2 and
expansion valve 3 in Embodiments 1 and 2, and detection case 20 is arranged between
15 indoor heat exchanger 4 and expansion valve 3 in Embodiments 3 and 4, but the
present invention is not limited thereto. A detection case 20A may be arranged
between outdoor heat exchanger 2 and expansion valve 3, and a detection case 20B
may be arranged between indoor heat exchanger 4 and expansion valve 3.
[0092] It is to be understood that the embodiments disclosed herein are presented for
20 the purpose of illustration and non-restrictive in every respect. It is therefore intended
that the scope of the present invention is defined by claims, not only by the
embodiments described above, and encompasses all modifications and variations
equivalent in meaning and scope to the claims.
REFERENCE SIGNS LIST
25 [0093] 1 compressor; 2 outdoor heat exchanger; 2a, 2b, 4a, 4b sub-heat exchanger;
3 expansion valve; 4 indoor heat exchanger; 6, 7 refrigerant pipe; 10, 11, 12, KS
temperature sensor; 19 computation unit; 20 detection case; 23 diaphragm; 51,
52 temperature detector; R1 first space; R2 second space; GS strain sensor; CA
first refrigerant; CB second refrigerant.

We Claim :
1. An air conditioner comprising:
a refrigerant circuit in which a first refrigerant circulates, the refrigerant circuit
having a compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger, an expansion valve, 5 and an indoor
heat exchanger annularly connected by a refrigerant pipe;
a detection case arranged between the outdoor heat exchanger and the
expansion valve;
a diaphragm configured to divide an internal space of the detection case into a
10 first space and a second space, the first space being sealed, a second refrigerant of a
same type as the first refrigerant being sealed in the first space, the second space being
connected to the refrigerant circuit, the first refrigerant flowing into the second space;
a strain sensor arranged on the diaphragm and configured to detect a difference
between a pressure of the first refrigerant in the second space and a pressure of the
15 second refrigerant in the first space; and
a temperature detector configured to detect a temperature of the first refrigerant
between the outdoor heat exchanger and the detection case.
2. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the temperature detector
20 has a temperature sensor arranged on the diaphragm and configured to detect a
temperature of the first refrigerant between the outdoor heat exchanger and the
detection case.
3. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the temperature detector
25 has
a temperature sensor configured to detect an outside air temperature, and
a computation unit configured to add a predetermined value to the outside air
temperature detected by the temperature sensor to detect a temperature of the first
refrigerant between the outdoor heat exchanger and the detection case.
4. The air conditioner according to claim 3, wherein the predetermined value
changes in accordance with a frequency of the compressor.
5. The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 5 to 4, comprising a
controller configured to, during a cooling operation of the air conditioner, determine a
degree of supercooling of the first refrigerant at an outlet of the outdoor heat exchanger
based on the difference between the pressures detected by the strain sensor and the
detected temperature of the first refrigerant.
6. The air conditioner according to claim 5, wherein the controller is
configured to select an equation showing a relation between the difference between the
pressures and the degree of supercooling in accordance with the detected temperature
of the first refrigerant, and substitute the detected difference between the pressures into
15 the selected equation to determine the degree of supercooling.
7. The air conditioner according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the controller is
configured to determine a condensation temperature of the first refrigerant in the
outdoor heat exchanger based on the detected temperature of the first refrigerant and
20 the degree of supercooling.
8. The air conditioner according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the
controller is configured to, during a heating operation of the air conditioner, obtain the
detected temperature of the first refrigerant as an evaporation temperature of the first
25 refrigerant in the outdoor heat exchanger.
9. An air conditioner comprising:
a refrigerant circuit in which a first refrigerant circulates, the refrigerant circuit
having a compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger, an expansion valve, and an indoor
heat exchanger annularly connected by a refrigerant pipe;
a detection case arranged between the indoor heat exchanger and the expansion
valve; and
a diaphragm configured to divide an internal space of the detection case into a
first space and a second space, the first space being sealed, a second 5 refrigerant of a
same type as the first refrigerant being sealed in the first space, the second space being
connected to the refrigerant circuit, the first refrigerant flowing into the second space;
a strain sensor arranged on the diaphragm and configured to detect a difference
between a pressure of the first refrigerant in the second space and a pressure of the
10 second refrigerant in the first space; and
a temperature detector configured to detect a temperature of the first refrigerant
between the indoor heat exchanger and the detection case.
10. The air conditioner according to claim 9, wherein the temperature detector
15 is arranged on the diaphragm and has a temperature sensor configured to detect a
temperature of the first refrigerant between the indoor heat exchanger and the detection
case.
11. The air conditioner according to claim 9, wherein the temperature detector
20 has
a temperature sensor configured to detect an outside air temperature, and
a computation unit configured to add a predetermined value to the outside air
temperature detected by the temperature sensor to detect a temperature of the first
refrigerant between the indoor heat exchanger and the detection case.
12. The air conditioner according to claim 11, wherein the predetermined
value changes in accordance with a frequency of the compressor.
13. The air conditioner according to any one of claims 9 to 12, comprising a
controller to, during a heating operation of the air conditioner, determine a degree of
supercooling of the first refrigerant at an outlet of the indoor heat exchanger based on
the difference between the pressures detected by the strain sensor and the detected
temperature of the first refrigerant.
14. The air conditioner according to claim 13, wherein the controller is
configured to select an equation showing a relation between the difference between the
pressures and the degree of supercooling in accordance with the detected temperature
of the first refrigerant, and substitute the detected difference between the pressures into
10 the selected equation to determine the degree of supercooling.
15. The air conditioner according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the controller is
configured to determine a condensation temperature of the first refrigerant in the indoor
heat exchanger based on the detected temperature of the first refrigerant and the degree
15 of supercooling.
16. The air conditioner according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the
controller is configured to, during a cooling operation of the air conditioner, obtain the
detected temperature of the first refrigerant as an evaporation temperature of the first
20 refrigerant in the outdoor heat exchanger.
17. The air conditioner according to any one of claims 5 to 7 and 13 to 15,
wherein the controller is configured to determine that the first refrigerant has leaked in
the refrigerant circuit when the degree of supercooling is zero.