HEAT SOURCE UNIT AND REFRIGERATION APPARATUS

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation of PCT International Application No. PCT/JP2024/024126, filed on Jul. 3, 2024, which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(a) to Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-109478, filed in on Jul. 3, 2023, all of which are hereby expressly incorporated by reference into the present application.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a heat source unit and a refrigeration apparatus.

Background Art

The refrigeration cycle apparatus of PTL 1 (International Publication No. 2022/211078) includes the first refrigerant circuit using the first refrigerant and the second refrigerant circuit using the second refrigerant. PTL 1 describes that in the air flow direction of the outdoor fan 9,the second outdoor heat exchanger 23 in the second refrigerant circuit is disposed on the windward side of the first outdoor heat exchanger 18 in the first refrigerant circuit.

SUMMARY

• • (1) A heat source unit according to a first aspect is a heat source unit of a refrigeration apparatus including a first circuit and a second circuit. The first circuit circulates a first refrigerant having a critical temperature of lower than 45° C. and includes a first heat exchanger. The second circuit circulates a second refrigerant having a critical temperature of equal to or higher than 45° C. and includes a second heat exchanger. The heat source unit includes the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger. The first heat exchanger includes a plurality of heat transfer tubes. The plurality of heat transfer tubes are arranged in an up-down direction. The second heat exchanger is disposed on the leeward side of the first heat exchanger. The first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger are stacked in a first direction. The first heat exchanger includes a first region and a second region. The first region includes the uppermost heat transfer tube and an area above the uppermost heat transfer tube. The second region is located below the uppermost heat transfer tube. The second heat exchanger overlaps with the second region as viewed in the first direction.
  • (2) The heat source unit according to (1), further comprising:
    • a first compressor that compresses the first refrigerant;
    • a second compressor that compresses the second refrigerant;
    • a casing that houses the first heat exchanger, the second heat exchanger, the first compressor, and the second compressor; and
    • a partition plate that partitions inside of the casing into a first chamber in which the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger are arranged and a second chamber in which the first compressor and the second compressor are arranged, wherein the second heat exchanger is disposed in the first chamber.
  • (3) The heat source unit according to (2), further comprising:
    • a fan that sends air to the second heat exchanger;
    • a first support that supports the fan; and
    • a second support that supports the second heat exchanger.
  • (4) The heat source unit according to (3), wherein the second support is connected to a top panel of the casing.
  • (5) The heat source unit according to (1), further comprising:
    • a fan that sends air to the second heat exchanger;
    • a motor that drives the fan; and
    • a first support that supports the motor, wherein
    • the first support further supports the second heat exchanger.
  • (6) The heat source unit according to (1), wherein
    • the first heat exchanger further includes a first fin,
    • the second heat exchanger includes a second fin, and
    • the first fin and the second fin are arranged apart from each other.
  • (7) The heat source unit according to (1), wherein
    • the first heat exchanger further includes a first fin,
    • the second heat exchanger includes a second fin, and
    • the first fin and the second fin are integrally formed.
  • (8) The heat source unit according to (1), further comprising:
    • a third heat exchanger that performs heat exchange between the first refrigerant and the second refrigerant.
  • (9) The heat source unit according to (1), wherein
    • in the second heat exchanger, a length in the up-down direction is different from a length in a horizontal direction.
  • (10) The heat source unit according to (1), wherein
    • the first circuit further includes a first compressor, and
    • the first compressor discharges the first refrigerant in a supercritical state.
  • (11) The heat source unit according to (10), wherein the first refrigerant includes a carbon dioxide refrigerant.
  • (12) The heat source unit according to (1), wherein the second refrigerant is flammable.
  • (13) The heat source unit according to (12), wherein the second refrigerant includes a hydrocarbon-based refrigerant.
  • (14) A refrigeration apparatus, comprising:
    • a first circuit in which a first refrigerant having a critical temperature of lower than 45° C. circulates, the first circuit including a first heat exchanger;
    • a second circuit in which a second refrigerant having a critical temperature of equal to or higher than 45° C. circulates, the second circuit including a second heat exchanger;
    • a heat source unit comprising:
      • the first heat exchanger that includes a plurality of heat transfer tubes arranged in an up-down direction; and
      • the second heat exchanger; and
    • a utilization unit including a fourth heat exchanger heat exchanging with the first refrigerant, the utilization unit being connected to the heat source unit, wherein
      • the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger are stacked in a first direction,
      • the first heat exchanger includes:
        • a first region formed by an uppermost heat transfer tube and an area above the uppermost heat transfer tube, and
        • a second region below the uppermost heat transfer tube, and
      • the second heat exchanger overlaps with the second region as viewed in the first direction.
  • (15) The refrigeration apparatus according to (14), wherein the heat source unit further comprises:
    • a first compressor that compresses the first refrigerant;
    • a second compressor that compresses the second refrigerant;
    • a casing that houses the first heat exchanger, the second heat exchanger, the first compressor, and the second compressor; and
    • a partition plate that partitions inside of the casing into a first chamber in which the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger are arranged and a second chamber in which the first compressor and the second compressor are arranged, wherein the second heat exchanger is disposed in the first chamber.
  • (16) The refrigeration apparatus according to (16), wherein the heat source unit further comprises:
    • a fan that sends air to the second heat exchanger;
    • a first support that supports the fan; and
    • a second support that supports the second heat exchanger, and
    • the second support is connected to a top panel of the casing.
  • (17) The refrigeration apparatus according to (14), wherein
    • the first heat exchanger further includes a first fin,
    • the second heat exchanger includes a second fin, and
    • the first fin and the second fin are arranged apart from each other or the first fin and the second fin are integrally formed.
  • (18) The refrigeration apparatus according to (14), wherein the heat source unit further comprises:
    • a third heat exchanger that performs heat exchange between the first refrigerant and the second refrigerant.
  • (19) The refrigeration apparatus according to (14), wherein
    • the first circuit further includes a first compressor, and
    • the first compressor discharges the first refrigerant in a supercritical state.
  • (20) A refrigeration apparatus, comprising:
    • a first circuit in which a first refrigerant having a critical temperature of lower than 45° C. circulates, the first circuit including a first heat exchanger;
    • a second circuit in which a second refrigerant having a critical temperature of equal to or higher than 45° C. circulates, the second circuit including a second heat exchanger;
    • a heat source unit comprising:
      • the first heat exchanger that includes a plurality of heat transfer tubes arranged in an up-down direction;
      • the second heat exchanger,
      • a third heat exchanger that performs heat exchange between the first refrigerant and the second refrigerant;
      • a fan that sends air to the second heat exchanger;
      • a motor that drives the fan; and
      • a first support that supports the motor; and
    • a utilization unit including a fourth heat exchanger heat exchanging with the first refrigerant, the utilization unit being connected to the heat source unit,
    • wherein the first support further supports the second heat exchanger,
    • the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger are stacked in a first direction,
    • the first heat exchanger includes:
      • a first region formed by an uppermost heat transfer tube and an area above the uppermost heat transfer tube, and a second region below the uppermost heat transfer tube, and
      • the second heat exchanger overlaps with the second region as viewed in the first direction.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a refrigeration apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a schematic sectional view of a heat source unit.

FIG. 3 is a schematic sectional view of the heat source unit.

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a first heat exchanger.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the first heat exchanger and a second heat exchanger.

FIG. 6 is a schematic view of the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger as viewed in a first direction.

FIG. 7 is a view illustrating operations in a cooling operation of the refrigeration apparatus.

FIG. 8 is a view illustrating operations in a heating operation of the refrigeration apparatus.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a first heat exchanger and a second heat exchanger according to a first modification.

FIG. 10 is a schematic view of the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger according to the first modification as viewed in a first direction.

FIG. 11 is a schematic view of a first heat exchanger and a second heat exchanger according to a second modification as viewed in a first direction.

FIG. 12 is a schematic view of a first heat exchanger and a second heat exchanger according to a third modification as viewed in a first direction.

FIG. 13 is a schematic sectional view of a heat source unit according to a fourth modification.

FIG. 14 is a schematic sectional view of a heat source unit according to a fifth modification.

FIG. 15 is a schematic view of a first heat exchanger according to an eighth modification.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a first heat exchanger according to a ninth modification.

FIG. 17 is a schematic view of the first heat exchanger according to the ninth modification.

FIG. 18 is a schematic sectional view of a heat source unit according to a tenth modification.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(1) Overall Configuration

As illustrated in FIG. 1, a refrigeration apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is an apparatus used to cool and heat a room of a building or the like by performing a vapor compression refrigeration cycle operation.

The refrigeration apparatus 1 includes a first circuit 10, a second circuit 20, and a control unit 6. The refrigeration apparatus 1 of the present embodiment has a dual circuit including the vapor compression first circuit 10 and the vapor compression second circuit 20 and performs a dual refrigeration cycle.

The first circuit 10 circulates the first refrigerant. The second circuit 20 circulates the second refrigerant. The critical temperature of the second refrigerant is lower than the critical temperature of the first refrigerant. The first circuit 10 and the second circuit 20 are thermally connected through a third heat exchanger 30.

The refrigeration apparatus 1 includes a heat source unit 2, a utilization unit 3, and connection pipes 4 and 5. The refrigeration apparatus 1 is formed by the heat source unit 2 and the utilization unit 3 connected to each other through the connection pipes 4 and 5.

The heat source unit 2 includes a first heat exchanger 13 of the first circuit 10 and a second heat exchanger 22 of the second circuit 20. The second heat exchanger 22 is disposed on the leeward side of the first heat exchanger 13. The second heat exchanger 22 overlaps with a second region R2 (see FIG. 4) below the uppermost heat transfer tube of the first heat exchanger 13 as viewed in the stacking direction of the second heat exchanger 22 and the first heat exchanger 13.

(2) Detailed Configuration

(2-1) First Circuit

The critical temperature of the first refrigerant flowing through the first circuit 10 is lower than 45° C. and is preferably 40° C. or lower. Here, the first refrigerant is non-flammable, non-toxic, or has the GWP of 500 or lower. The first refrigerant is, for example, a natural refrigerant, and preferably contains carbon dioxide. The first refrigerant of the present embodiment is a single refrigerant of carbon dioxide.

The first circuit 10 is a main circuit configured to heat or cool the indoor air by the first refrigerant.

The first circuit 10 includes a first compressor 11, a switching mechanism 12, the first heat exchanger 13, the third heat exchanger 30, a first expansion mechanism 14, a fourth heat exchanger 15, and a first accumulator 16.

The first compressor 11 is a device for compressing the first refrigerant and is, for example, a positive-displacement compressor of scroll type or the like capable of varying an operating capacity by inverter-controlling a compressor motor.

In the present embodiment, the first compressor 11 discharges the first refrigerant in a supercritical state.

The switching mechanism 12 is a device that switches between a first state (see the solid lines of the switching mechanism 12 in FIG. 1) in which the first heat exchanger 13 functions as a radiator for the first refrigerant and the fourth heat exchanger 15 functions as an evaporator for the first refrigerant, and a second state (see the broken lines of the switching mechanism 12 in FIG. 1) in which the first heat exchanger 13 functions as an evaporator for the first refrigerant and the fourth heat exchanger 15 functions as a radiator for the first refrigerant. The switching mechanism 12 is, for example, a four-way switching valve. In the first state, the switching mechanism 12 connects the discharge side of the first compressor 11 to the gas side of the first heat exchanger 13 and connects the suction side of the first compressor 11 to the gas side of the fourth heat exchanger 15. Moreover, in the second state, the switching mechanism 12 connects the discharge side of the first compressor 11 to the gas side of the fourth heat exchanger 15 and connects the suction side of the first compressor 11 to the gas side of the first heat exchanger 13.

The first heat exchanger 13 is a device for heat exchange performed between the first refrigerant and the outdoor air without mixing the first refrigerant with the outdoor air. In the first heat exchanger 13, the first refrigerant obtains cold heat or hot heat from the outdoor air. The first heat exchanger 13 is, for example, a fin-and-tube heat exchanger.

The first expansion mechanism 14 is a device that decompresses the first refrigerant and is, for example, an electric expansion valve.

The fourth heat exchanger 15 is a device for heat exchange between the first refrigerant and the indoor air and is, for example, a fin-and-tube heat exchanger.

The first accumulator 16 is provided in the middle of a suction flow path connecting the switching mechanism 12 to the suction side of the first compressor 11. The first accumulator 16 separates the inflow refrigerant into a liquid refrigerant and a gas refrigerant and causes the gas refrigerant to flow to the suction side of the first compressor 11.

The third heat exchanger 30 is a device for heat exchange performed between the first refrigerant and the second refrigerant without mixing the first refrigerant with the second refrigerant. The third heat exchanger 30 is a cascade heat exchanger and is, for example, a plate-type heat exchanger. The third heat exchanger 30 includes a first flow path 31 belonging to the first circuit 10 and a second flow path 32 belonging to the second circuit 20. In other words, the first flow path 31 forms a part of the first circuit 10, and the second flow path 32 forms a part of the second circuit 20. In other words, the configuration of the first circuit 10 includes the first flow path 31 of the third heat exchanger 30, and the configuration of the second circuit 20 includes the second flow path 32 of the third heat exchanger 30.

One end side of the first flow path 31 is connected to the first heat exchanger 13, and the other end side thereof is connected to the fourth heat exchanger 15.

In a case where the first heat exchanger 13 of the first circuit 10 is used as a radiator and the second heat exchanger 22 to be described later is used as a radiator, the third heat exchanger 30 is intended to supercool the first refrigerant cooled by the first heat exchanger 13 and serves to assist the first circuit 10.

(2-2) Second Circuit

The critical temperature of the second refrigerant flowing through the second circuit 20 is equal to or higher than 45° C. and is preferably equal to or higher than 50° C. Here, the second refrigerant is flammable. The second refrigerant is, for example, a hydrocarbon-based refrigerant, R1234yf, R1234ze, R32, or the like and is a single refrigerant of R290 in the present embodiment.

The second circuit 20 forms a supercooling circuit during the cooling operation. The second circuit 20 is an assist circuit that assists the capacity of the first circuit 10 during the cooling operation.

The second circuit 20 includes a second compressor 21, the second heat exchanger 22, a second expansion mechanism 23, a second accumulator 24, and the third heat exchanger 30.

The second compressor 21 is a device for compressing the second refrigerant and is, for example, a positive-displacement compressor of scroll type or the like capable of varying an operating capacity by inverter-controlling a compressor motor.

The second heat exchanger 22 is a device for heat exchange performed between the second refrigerant and the outdoor air without mixing the second refrigerant with the outdoor air. In the second heat exchanger 22, the second refrigerant obtains cold heat or hot heat from the outdoor air. The second heat exchanger 22 is, for example, a microchannel heat exchanger, a fin-and-tube heat exchanger, or the like.

The second circuit 20 includes the second flow path 32 of the third heat exchanger 30. The gas side of the second flow path 32 is connected to the second compressor 21, and the liquid side thereof is connected to the second expansion mechanism 23.

The second expansion mechanism 23 is a device that decompresses the second refrigerant and is, for example, an electric expansion valve.

The second accumulator 24 is provided in the middle of a suction flow path connecting the third heat exchanger 30 to the suction side of the second compressor 21.

The second accumulator 24 separates the inflow refrigerant into a liquid refrigerant and a gas refrigerant and causes the gas refrigerant to flow to the suction side of the second compressor 21.

(2-3) Heat Source Unit

In the following description, expressions indicating directions, such as “upper”, “lower”, “front (front surface)”, “back (back surface)”, “left”, and “right”, are used as appropriate. However, these expressions indicate the respective directions in a state where the heat source unit 2 is installed outdoors and is normally used and do not limit the content of the present disclosure unless otherwise specified. In the present embodiment, the up-down direction is a vertical direction, and the right-left direction is a horizontal direction.

The heat source unit 2 is disposed in a space different from the space in which the utilization unit 3 is disposed. Here, the heat source unit 2 is installed outdoors (on a rooftop of a building, near an outer wall surface of a building, or the like).

Note that as illustrated in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the heat source unit 2 here is of a side-blowing type that takes in outdoor air from an opening (suction port O1) provided in the back surface of a casing 41 and an opening (suction port O2) provided in the left side surface and blows out the outdoor air having subjected to the heat exchange by the first heat exchanger 13 and the outdoor air having subjected to the heat exchange by the second heat exchanger 22 from an opening (blow-out port O3) provided in the front surface of the casing 41.

The heat source unit 2 includes the above-described part of the first circuit 10, the second circuit 20, the casing 41, a partition plate 42, a fan 43, a motor 44, a first support 45, and a second support 46. Specifically, the heat source unit 2 includes the first compressor 11, the switching mechanism 12, the first heat exchanger 13, the first expansion mechanism 14, the first accumulator 16, the second compressor 21, the second heat exchanger 22, the second expansion mechanism 23, the third heat exchanger 30, the fan 43, and the motor 44, which are illustrated in FIG. 1, and the casing 41, the partition plate 42, the first support 45, and the second support 46, which are illustrated in FIG. 2.

The casing 41 houses the first compressor 11, the switching mechanism 12, the first heat exchanger 13, the first expansion mechanism 14, the first accumulator 16, the second compressor 21, the second heat exchanger 22, the second expansion mechanism 23, the second accumulator 24, the third heat exchanger 30, the partition plate 42, the fan 43, the motor 44, the first support 45, and the second support 46.

The casing 41 is a structural member that is a member serving as a framework for constructing the heat source unit 2. The casing 41 illustrated in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. Specifically, the casing 41 includes a front panel 411, a top panel 412, a bottom plate 413, a side plate 414, and a back plate 415.

The front panel 411 is a plate-like member forming the front surface of the casing 41. The blow-out port O3 is formed in the front panel 411. The blow-out port O3 is an opening for blowing out, to the outside of the casing 41, the outdoor air taken into the casing 41 from the outside.

The top panel 412 is a plate-like member forming the upper surface of the casing 41. The bottom plate 413 is a plate-like member forming the lower surface of the casing 41. The top panel 412 and the bottom plate 413 face each other.

The side plate 414 is a plate-like member forming the side surface of the casing 41. The suction port O2 is formed in the side plate 414. In FIG. 2, the suction port O2 is formed in the left surface. The lower part of the side plate 414 is fixed to the bottom plate 413.

The back plate 415 is a plate-like member forming the back surface of the casing 41. The suction port O1 is formed in the back plate 415. The lower part of the back plate 415 is fixed to the bottom plate 413.

The partition plate 42 is a plate-like member extending in the up-down direction. The lower part of the partition plate 42 is fixed to the bottom plate 413 of the casing 41.

The partition plate 42 partitions the inside of the casing 41 into a first chamber S1 and a second chamber S2. Each of the first chamber S1 and the second chamber S2 is a space defined by the front panel 411, the top panel 412, the bottom plate 413, the side plate 414, and the back plate 415 of the casing 41, and the partition plate 42.

Here, the first chamber S1 is a blowing chamber and is an air guide path through which air sucked from the suction ports O1 and O2 flows to the blow-out port O3. In the embodiment, the first heat exchanger 13, the second heat exchanger 22, the fan 43, the motor 44, the first support 45, the second support 46, and the like are arranged in the first chamber S1.

The second chamber S2 is a machine chamber. The first compressor 11, the second compressor 21, the switching mechanism 12, the first expansion mechanism 14, the second expansion mechanism 23, the first accumulator 16, the second accumulator 24, the third heat exchanger 30, and the like are arranged in the second chamber S2.

Here, the first heat exchanger 13, the second heat exchanger 22, the fan 43, the motor 44, the first support 45, and the second support 46, which are arranged in the first chamber S1, will be mainly described.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the first heat exchanger 13 is formed in an L-shape in top view. Specifically, the first heat exchanger 13 includes a part extending along the back surface of the casing 41 from the vicinity of the partition plate 42 to the vicinity of the left back corner portion of the casing 41, a part curved in the vicinity of the left back corner portion of the casing 41, and a portion extending along the side plate 414 from the vicinity of the left back corner portion of the casing 41 to the vicinity of the left front corner portion.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the first heat exchanger 13 includes a first heat transfer tube 131, a plurality of first fins 132, and a pair of tube plates 141 and 142.

The first heat transfer tube 131 is disposed in the up-down direction. To be specific, the first heat transfer tube 131 includes a plurality of straight tube portions 131x formed in a linear shape and a plurality of bent tube portions 131y formed in a U-shape. The plurality of straight tube portions 131x are arranged at intervals in the up-down direction and extend in a direction orthogonal to the up-down direction. The plurality of bent tube portions 131y are arranged at end portions in the width direction (the right-left direction in FIG. 4) of the first heat exchanger 13 and connect two straight tube portions 131x arranged in the up-down direction to each other. Here, the first heat transfer tube 131 is a circular tube, and a flow path through which the first refrigerant flows is formed in the first heat transfer tube 131.

The first fin 132 is joined to the first heat transfer tube 131. Here, the first fin 132 is joined to the straight tube portion 131x of the first heat transfer tube 131. The plurality of first fins 132 are arranged in a direction orthogonal to the up-down direction and extend in the up-down direction.

The pair of tube plates 141 and 142 support the straight tube portions 131x of the first heat transfer tube 131. The tube plate 141 is connected to one end portion of the straight tube portion 131x, and the tube plate 142 is connected to the other end portion of the straight tube portion 131x. The tube plates 141 and 142 are arranged in parallel with the first fin 132 and extend in the up-down direction.

In a case where the first heat exchanger 13 functions as a radiator for the first refrigerant, as indicated by arrows in FIG. 4, the first refrigerant discharged from the first compressors 11 flows into an uppermost first heat transfer tube 131a, sequentially passes through the straight tube portion 131x and the bent tube portion 131y, and flows out from the lowermost first heat transfer tube 131 in the first heat exchanger 13. Therefore, the temperature of the first refrigerant increases from the lower side to the upper side.

As illustrated in FIG. 4 and FIG. 6, the first heat exchanger 13 includes a first region R1 and the second region R2. The first region R1 includes the uppermost first heat transfer tube 131a and an area above the uppermost first heat transfer tube 131a. In other words, the first region R1 includes the uppermost first heat transfer tube 131a and the first fin 132 above the uppermost first heat transfer tube 131a. The second region R2 is located below the uppermost first heat transfer tube 131a. In other words, the second region includes the first heat transfer tube 131 except for the uppermost first heat transfer tube 131a and the first fin 132 below the uppermost first heat transfer tube 131a.

In the embodiment, the first region R1 includes the uppermost straight tube portion 131x, the upper portion of the uppermost bent tube portion 131y, the upper portion of the first fin 132, and the upper portions of the pair of tube plates 141 and 142. The second region R2 includes a plurality of straight tube portions 131x except for the uppermost straight tube portion 131x, a plurality of bent tube portions 131y below the upper portion of the uppermost bent tube portion 131y, the intermediate portion and the lower portion of the first fin 132, and the intermediate portion and the lower portion of the tube plates 141 and 142.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the second heat exchanger 22 is formed in an I-shape in top view. Specifically, the second heat exchanger 22 extends along the back surface of the casing 41 from the vicinity of the partition plate 42 to an intermediate portion of the first chamber S1 in the right-left direction. In this way, the second heat exchanger 22 is disposed at the second chamber S2 side in the first chamber S1. The lateral center of the first chamber S1 is different from the lateral center of the second heat exchanger 22. The lateral center of the first chamber S1 is the center between the side plate 414 (the left-side panel in FIG. 2) and the partition plate 42 at the same position as the second heat exchanger 22 in the front-back direction. In the present embodiment, the lateral center of the second heat exchanger 22 is positioned closer to the second chamber S2 side (right side) than the lateral center of the first chamber S1. Therefore, the second heat exchanger 22 does not extend to the maximum extent to the left side of the first chamber S1 in the right-left direction.

Moreover, the second heat exchanger 22 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. Specifically, in the second heat exchanger 22, the length in the up-down direction is different from the length in the horizontal direction. In FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, the length of the second heat exchanger 22 in the up-down direction is larger than the length in the horizontal direction thereof.

The second heat exchanger 22 includes a plurality of second heat transfer tubes and a plurality of second fins. The second fin is joined to the second heat transfer tube.

In the present embodiment, the first fin 132 of the first heat exchanger 13 and the second fin of the second heat exchanger 22 are arranged apart from each other. In the present embodiment, at least one of the first fin 132 and the second fin is disposed apart, and here, all of them are arranged apart. Therefore, the first fin 132 and the second fin are separate members.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the fan 43 is disposed at a central portion of the first chamber S1 in the right-left direction and on the front side in the first chamber S1. The fan 43 sends air to the first heat exchanger 13 and the second heat exchanger 22. In the present embodiment, the fan 43 causes the outdoor air to flow through both the first heat exchanger 13 and the second heat exchanger 22. Here, the fan 43 generates an air flow in which the outdoor air is guided to the first heat exchanger 13 and the second heat exchanger 22 for the heat exchange with the first refrigerant in the first heat exchanger 13 and for the heat exchange with the second refrigerant in the second heat exchanger 22, and then discharged to the outdoors. In the present embodiment, the air flow direction F is a first direction D in which the first heat exchanger 13 and the second heat exchanger 22 are stacked. The fan 43 is driven by the motor 44.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, FIG. 3, and FIG. 5, the second heat exchanger 22 is disposed on the leeward side of the first heat exchanger 13. Specifically, the second heat exchanger 22 is disposed on the leeward side of the first heat exchanger 13 in the air flow direction F (see FIG. 2) generated by the fan 43. Here, the second heat exchanger 22 is disposed on the front side of the first heat exchanger 13.

The first heat exchanger 13 and the second heat exchanger 22 are stacked in the first direction D (see FIG. 2). The first direction D is a direction orthogonal to a surface portion where the first heat exchanger 13 and the second heat exchanger 22 face each other. In the present embodiment, the first direction D is the front-back direction.

As illustrated in FIG. 6, the second heat exchanger 22 overlaps with the second region R2 of the first heat exchanger 13 as viewed in the first direction. In other words, the first region R1 of the first heat exchanger 13 is located above the second heat exchanger 22 as viewed in the first direction. In still other words, the second heat exchanger 22 does not overlap with the first region R1 of the first heat exchanger 13 as viewed in the first direction. In still other words, the second heat exchanger 22 overlaps only with the second region R2 of the first heat exchanger 13 as viewed in the first direction. The view in the first direction is a view in the direction where the first heat exchanger 13 and the second heat exchanger 22 overlap with each other. In the present embodiment, the second heat exchanger 22 overlaps with a part of the second region R2 of the first heat exchanger 13 as viewed in the first direction. Here, the second heat exchanger 22 overlaps with the lower part of the second region R2 of the first heat exchanger 13 as viewed in the first direction.

Moreover, as illustrated in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, in the present embodiment, the entire second heat exchanger 22 is included in the second region R2 as viewed in the first direction.

In FIG. 2, the fan 43 overlaps with the first heat exchanger 13 and the second heat exchanger 22 as viewed in the first direction.

As illustrated in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the fan 43 is supported by the first support 45. The second heat exchanger 22 is supported by the second support 46. The first support 45 and the second support 46 are separate members.

The first support 45 supports the fan 43 by supporting the motor 44. The first support 45 includes a main body portion 45a that supports the motor from both ends in the right-left direction, and a motor base 45b. The main body portion 45a extends in the up-down direction. The upper end portion of the main body portion 45a is connected to the top panel 412 of the casing 41. The lower end portion of the main body portion 45a is connected to the motor base 45b. The motor base 45b is connected to the bottom plate 413 of the casing 41.

The second support 46 supports the second heat exchanger 22 from both ends in the right-left direction. The second support 46 extends in the up-down direction. The second support 46 is connected to the structural member. Specifically, the upper end portion of the second support 46 is connected to the top panel 412 of the casing 41. The lower end portion of the second support 46 is connected to the bottom plate 413 of the casing 41.

(2-4) Utilization Unit

The utilization unit 3 illustrated in FIG. 1 is installed indoors (inside a building). As described above, the utilization unit 3 is connected to the utilization unit 3 through the connection pipes 4 and 5 and forms a part of the first circuit 10.

The utilization unit 3 includes the fourth heat exchanger 15. Here, the utilization unit 3 is installed, for example, by being embedded in or suspended from a ceiling in a room of a building or the like, or by being hung on a wall surface in a room.

(2-5) Connection Pipe

The connection pipes 4 and 5 are refrigerant pipes constructed on site when the refrigeration apparatus 1 is installed in an installation place in a building or the like. One end of the liquid-side connection pipe 4 is connected to the liquid-side end portion of the heat source unit 2, and the other end of the connection pipe 4 is connected to the liquid-side end portion of the fourth heat exchanger 15 of the utilization unit 3. One end of the gas-side connection pipe 5 is connected to the gas-side end portion of the heat source unit 2, and the other end of the connection pipe 5 is connected to the gas-side end portion of the fourth heat exchanger 15 of the utilization unit 3.

(2-6) Control Unit

The control unit 6 is formed to control the above-described components of the heat source unit 2 and the utilization unit 3. The control unit 6 is formed by communicatively connecting an electric component unit or the like provided in the heat source unit 2 and a control board or the like provided in the utilization unit 3. The control unit 6 controls the components of the refrigeration apparatus 1 (here, the heat source unit 2 and the utilization unit 3). In other words, the control unit 6 controls the operation of the entire refrigeration apparatus 1.

The control unit 6 is realized by a computer. The control unit 6 includes a control arithmetic device and a storage device. As the control arithmetic device, a processor such as a CPU or a GPU can be used. The control arithmetic device reads a program stored in the storage device and performs predetermined image processing and arithmetic processing in accordance with the program. Further, the control arithmetic device can write arithmetic results to the storage device and read information stored in the storage device in accordance with the program. The functionality of the elements disclosed herein may be implemented using circuitry or processing circuitry which includes general purpose processors, special purpose processors, integrated circuits, ASICs (“Application Specific Integrated Circuits”), FPGAs (“Field-Programmable Gate Arrays”), conventional circuitry and/or combinations thereof which are programmed, using one or more programs stored in one or more memories, or otherwise configured to perform the disclosed functionality. Processors and controllers are considered processing circuitry or circuitry as they include transistors and other circuitry therein. In the disclosure, the circuitry, units, or means are hardware that carry out or are programmed to perform the recited functionality. The hardware may be any hardware disclosed herein which is programmed or configured to carry out the recited functionality. There is a memory that stores a computer program which includes computer instructions. These computer instructions provide the logic and routines that enable the hardware (e.g., processing circuitry or circuitry) to perform the method disclosed herein. This computer program can be implemented in known formats as a computer-readable storage medium, a computer program product, a memory device, a record medium, such as a CD-ROM or DVD, and/or the memory of a FPGA or ASIC.

(3) Operation

The operation of the refrigeration apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 1 to FIG. 8. The refrigeration apparatus 1 can perform, for indoor air-conditioning, a cooling operation for cooling indoor air and a heating operation for heating indoor air. In the cooling operation and the heating operation, the operation of the refrigeration apparatus 1 is controlled by the control unit 6.

(3-1) Cooling Operation

As illustrated in FIG. 7, for the cooling operation, the switching mechanism 12 is switched to the first state (the switching mechanism 12 is in the state indicated by the solid lines) so that the first heat exchanger 13 functions as a radiator for the first refrigerant and the fourth heat exchanger 15 functions as an evaporator for the first refrigerant.

In the first circuit 10, the first refrigerant in the supercritical state discharged from the first compressor 11 is sent to the first heat exchanger 13 through the switching mechanism 12. The first refrigerant sent to the first heat exchanger 13 is cooled through heat exchange with the outdoor air supplied by the fan 43, thereby radiating heat. The first refrigerant having radiated heat in the first heat exchanger 13 is sent to the first flow path 31 of the third heat exchanger 30. The first refrigerant sent to the first flow path 31 is further cooled by heat exchange with the second refrigerant flowing through the second flow path 32 in the third heat exchanger 30. The first refrigerant further cooled in the third heat exchanger 30 is decompressed by the first expansion mechanism 14 and then flows out of the heat source unit 2.

The first refrigerant having flowed out from the heat source unit 2 flows into the utilization unit 3 through the liquid-side connection pipe 4. In the utilization unit 3, the first refrigerant is sent to the fourth heat exchanger 15. The first refrigerant sent to the fourth heat exchanger 15 is evaporated by being heated through heat exchange with the indoor air. The first refrigerant evaporated in the fourth heat exchanger 15 flows out from the utilization unit 3.

The first refrigerant having flowed out from the utilization unit 3 flows into the heat source unit 2 through the gas-side connection pipe 5. In the heat source unit 2, the first refrigerant is sucked into the first compressor 11 again through the switching mechanism 12 and the first accumulator 16.

In the second circuit 20, the second refrigerant discharged from the second compressor 21 is sent to the second heat exchanger 22. The second refrigerant sent to the second heat exchanger 22 is cooled through heat exchange with the outdoor air supplied by the fan 43, thereby radiating heat. This outdoor air is the air having passed through the second region R2 of the first heat exchanger 13. The second refrigerant having radiated heat in the second heat exchanger 22 is decompressed by the second expansion mechanism 23 and then sent to the second flow path 32 of the third heat exchanger 30. The second refrigerant sent to the second flow path 32 is evaporated by being heated through heat exchange with the first refrigerant flowing through the first flow path 31 in the third heat exchanger 30. The second refrigerant evaporated in the third heat exchanger 30 is sucked into the second compressor 21 again through the second accumulator 24.

Here, the flow of the refrigerant in the first heat exchanger 13 during the cooling operation will be described mainly with reference to FIG. 4. As illustrated in FIG. 4, in a case where the first heat exchanger 13 functions as a radiator for the first refrigerant, the first refrigerant discharged from the first compressors 11 flows into the straight tube portion 131x of the uppermost first heat transfer tube 131a. Then, heat of the first refrigerant flowing through the uppermost straight tube portion 131x is partially radiated by heat exchange with the outdoor air, and the first refrigerant reaches the uppermost bent tube portion 131y. Then, the first refrigerant turns at the bent tube portion 131y and flows to the lower straight tube portion 131x. Heat of the first refrigerant flowing through the lower straight tube portion 131x is further radiated by heat exchange again with the outdoor air, and the first refrigerant reaches the lower bent tube portion 131y. In this way, the first refrigerant sequentially flows downward, reaches the lowermost straight tube portion 131x, and flows out of the first heat exchanger 13.

(3-2) Heating Operation

As illustrated in FIG. 8, for the heating operation, the switching mechanism 12 is switched to the second state (the switching mechanism 12 is in the state indicated by the broken lines) so that the first heat exchanger 13 functions as an evaporator for the first refrigerant and the fourth heat exchanger 15 functions as a radiator for the first refrigerant. In the heating operation, the second compressors 21 is not started, and the second refrigerant in the second circuit 20 is not circulated. Here, the second expansion mechanism 23 is fully closed.

In the first circuit 10, the first refrigerant in the supercritical state discharged from the first compressor 11 flows out of the heat source unit 2 through the switching mechanism 12.

The refrigerant having flowed out from the heat source unit 2 flows into the utilization unit 3 through the gas-side connection pipe 5. In the utilization unit 3, the first refrigerant is sent to the fourth heat exchanger 15. The first refrigerant sent to the fourth heat exchanger 15 is cooled through heat exchange with the indoor air, thereby radiating heat. The first refrigerant whose heat has been radiated in the fourth heat exchanger 15 flows out from the utilization unit 3.

The first refrigerant having flowed out from the utilization unit 3 flows into the heat source unit 2 through the liquid-side connection pipe 4. In the heat source unit 2, the first refrigerant is sent to the first heat exchanger 13 through the first expansion mechanism 14 and the first flow path 31 of the third heat exchanger 30. The first refrigerant sent to the first heat exchanger 13 is evaporated by being heated through heat exchange with the outdoor air supplied by the fan 43. The first refrigerant evaporated in the first heat exchanger 13 is sucked into the first compressor 11 again through the switching mechanism 12 and the first accumulator 16.

(4) Features

4-1

The heat source unit 2 according to the present embodiment is the heat source unit 2 of the refrigeration apparatus 1 including the first circuit 10 and the second circuit 20. The first circuit 10 circulates the first refrigerant having a critical temperature of lower than 45° C. and includes the first heat exchanger 13. The second circuit 20 circulates the second refrigerant having a critical temperature of equal to or higher than 45° C. and includes the second heat exchanger 22. The heat source unit 2 includes the first heat exchanger 13 and the second heat exchanger 22. The first heat exchanger 13 includes a plurality of first heat transfer tubes 131 (heat transfer tubes). The plurality of first heat transfer tubes 131 are arranged in the up-down direction. The second heat exchanger 22 is disposed on the leeward side of the first heat exchanger 13. The first heat exchanger 13 and the second heat exchanger 22 are stacked in the first direction D. The first heat exchanger 13 includes the first region R1 and the second region R2. The first region R1 includes the uppermost first heat transfer tube 131a and an area above the uppermost first heat transfer tube 131a. The second region R2 is located below the uppermost first heat transfer tube 131a. The second heat exchanger 22 overlaps with the second region R2 as viewed in the first direction.

The first refrigerant having a critical temperature of lower than 45° C. has a high heat radiation temperature. Therefore, in a case where the first refrigerant is subjected to heat exchange with air serving as a heat source in the radiator, when the air temperature is high, the phase of the first refrigerant does not change in the radiator, and the enthalpy difference by the heat exchange decreases, resulting in poor efficiency. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the second circuit 20 in which the second refrigerant having a critical temperature of equal to or higher than 45° C. circulates is used to supercool the first refrigerant, thereby increasing the cooling capacity to be obtained.

When the refrigeration apparatus 1 including such a heat source unit 2 is operated for cooling operation, for example, the air is heated by the first refrigerant flowing through the first heat transfer tube 131 of the first heat exchanger 13. Here, the air has the highest temperature in the vicinity of the uppermost stage of the first heat exchanger 13. In particular, in the case of the supercritical refrigerant, the temperature thereof is highest at the uppermost stage (inlet portion) and gradually decreases toward the downstream side. However, in the heat source unit 2 of the present embodiment, the second heat exchanger 22 is disposed on the leeward side of the second region R2 below the uppermost first heat transfer tube 131a of the first heat exchanger 13 as viewed in the first direction, which is the direction in which the first heat exchanger 13 and the second heat exchanger 22 overlap with each other. This allows the second refrigerant in the second heat exchanger 22 to avoid heat exchange with the air having the highest temperature. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the deterioration of heat exchange efficiency between the second refrigerant and the air.

4-2

It is preferable that the heat source unit 2 according to the present embodiment further includes the first compressor 11, the second compressor 21, the casing 41, and the partition plate 42. The first compressor 11 compresses the first refrigerant. The second compressor 21 compresses the second refrigerant. The casing 41 houses the first heat exchanger 13 and the second heat exchanger 22. The partition plate 42 partitions the inside of the casing 41 into the first chamber S1 and the second chamber S2. The first heat exchanger 13 and the second heat exchanger 22 are arranged in the first chamber S1. The first compressor 11 and the second compressor 21 are arranged in the second chamber S2. In the first chamber S1, the second heat exchanger 22 is disposed at the second chamber S2 side.

Here, the second heat exchanger 22 is disposed at the second chamber S2 side, which facilitates connection to the member disposed in the second chamber S2.

4-3

It is preferable that the heat source unit 2 according to the present embodiment further includes the fan 43, the first support 45, and the second support 46. The fan 43 sends air to the second heat exchanger 22. The first support 45 supports the fan 43. The second support 46 supports the second heat exchanger 22.

Here, even in a case where the length of the fan 43 in the up-down direction is different from the length of the second heat exchanger 22 in the up-down direction, the fan 43 is supported by the first support 45 and the second heat exchanger 22 is supported by the second support 46, which facilitates the attachment of the fan 43 and the second heat exchanger 22 to the first support 45 and second support 46.

4-4

In the heat source unit 2 according to the present embodiment, the second support 46 is preferably connected to a structural member. Here, it is possible to support the second heat exchanger 22 by using the second support 46 connected to the structural member.

4-5

In the heat source unit 2 according to the present embodiment, it is preferable that the first heat exchanger 13 further includes the first fin 132. The second heat exchanger 22 includes the second fin. The first fin 132 and the second fin are arranged apart from each other.

Here, the first fin 132 of the first heat exchanger 13 and the second fin of the second heat exchanger 22 are not common, which suppresses heat exchange between the first fin 132 and the second fin. Therefore, it is possible to further suppress the deterioration of heat exchange efficiency in the first heat exchanger 13 and the second heat exchanger 22.

4-6

It is preferable that the heat source unit 2 according to the present embodiment further includes the third heat exchanger 30. The third heat exchanger 30 performs heat exchange between the first refrigerant and the second refrigerant.

In this way, it is also possible to form a dual circuit in which the first circuit 10 and the second circuit 20 are connected by the third heat exchanger 30.

4-7

In the heat source unit 2 according to the present embodiment, the second heat exchanger 22 preferably has the length in the up-down direction different from the length in the horizontal direction.

Here, in a case where the second heat exchanger 22 has the length in the up-down direction smaller than the length in the horizontal direction, the second heat exchanger 22 can be disposed so as to increase the region not overlapping with the high-temperature portion in the first heat exchanger 13. In a case where the second heat exchanger 22 has the length in the up-down direction larger than the length in the horizontal direction, it is effective when there is a restriction on the installation position of the second heat exchanger 22.

4-8

In the heat source unit 2 according to the present embodiment, it is preferable that the first circuit 10 further includes the first compressor 11. The first compressor 11 discharges the first refrigerant in a supercritical state. In this way, a refrigerant in a supercritical state may be used as the first refrigerant.

4-9

In the heat source unit according to the present embodiment, the first refrigerant preferably includes a carbon dioxide refrigerant. Here, it is possible to use the first refrigerant containing carbon dioxide having a high radiation temperature.

4-10

In the heat source unit 2 according to the present embodiment, the second refrigerant is preferably flammable. In this way, a flammable refrigerant may be used as the second refrigerant.

4-11

In the head source unit 2 according to the present embodiment, the second refrigerant preferably includes a hydrocarbon-based refrigerant. Here, it is possible to use the second refrigerant including a hydrocarbon-based refrigerant having a low condensation temperature.

4-12

The refrigeration apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment includes the heat source unit 2 and the utilization unit 3. The heat source unit 2 is any of the above-described heat source units. The utilization unit 3 is connected to the heat source unit 2.

Here, the above-described heat source unit 2 is provided, which suppresses the deterioration of heat exchange efficiency.

(5) Modification

(5-1) Modification 1

In the above-described embodiment, the second heat exchanger 22 does not extend to the maximum extent to the left side of the first chamber S1 in the right-left direction, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In the present modification, as illustrated in FIG. 9 and FIG. 10, the width of the second heat exchanger 22 in the right-left direction has a maximum length.

Specifically, the second heat exchanger 22 extends so as to face a portion of the first heat exchanger 13 that extends from the partition plate 42 to the vicinity of the left back corner portion of the casing 41. Note that the second heat exchanger 22 extends in the right-left direction to such an extent that it does not contact the first heat exchanger 13.

(5-2) Modification 2

In the above-described embodiment, the entire second heat exchanger 22 is included in the second region R2. However, the present disclosure is not particularly limited thereto as long as the second heat exchanger 22 overlaps with at least a part of the second region R2 as viewed in the first direction.

In the present modification, as illustrated in FIG. 11, a part of the second heat exchanger 22 overlaps with the second region R2, and the remaining part does not overlap with the first heat exchanger 13.

(5-3) Modification 3

In the above-described embodiment, the lower end of the second heat exchanger 22 and the lower end of the first heat exchanger are the same in the up-down direction, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto as long as they do not overlap with the first region R1.

The lower end of the first heat exchanger 13 may be positioned above the lower end of the second heat exchanger 22. However, in the present modification, as illustrated in FIG. 12, the lower end of the first heat exchanger 13 is positioned below the lower end of the second heat exchanger 22.

(5-4) Modification 4

In the above-described embodiment, the second support 46 supports both left and right end portions of the second heat exchanger 22, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

In the present modification, as illustrated in FIG. 13, the lower end portion of the second support 46 is connected to the upper end portion of the second heat exchanger 22, and the upper end portion of the second support 46 is connected to the top panel 412 of the casing 41.

(5-5) Modification 5

(5-5-1) Summary

In the above-described embodiment, the first support 45 and the second support 46 are separate members, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In the present modification, as illustrated in FIG. 14, the first support 45 supporting the fan 43 supports the second heat exchanger 22. In other words, the support supporting the fan 43 and the support supporting the second heat exchanger 22 are common.

In the present modification, the motor base 45b of the first support supports the lower end portion of the second heat exchanger 22. Moreover, the second support 46 connected to the main body portion 45a of the first support 45 and extending in the front-back direction supports the upper end portion of the second heat exchanger 22.

(5-5-2) Features

The heat source unit 2 according to the present modification further includes the fan 43, the motor 44, and the first support 45. The fan 43 sends air to the second heat exchanger 22. The motor 44 drives the fan 43. The first support 45 supports the motor 44. The first support 45 further supports the second heat exchanger 22.

Here, it is possible to support the second heat exchanger 22 by using the first support 45 that supports the motor 44 driving the fan 43.

(5-6) Modification 6

(5-6-1) Summary

In the above-described embodiment, the first fin 132 of the first heat exchanger 13 and the second fin of the second heat exchanger 22 are separate members, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In the present modification, the first fin and the second fin are integrally formed.

Specifically, a part of the first fin and at least a part of the second fin are connected to each other. As long as the first fin and the second fin are connected to each other, there may be a portion in which a hole is formed like a perforation.

(5-6-2) Features

In the head source unit according to the present modification, the first heat exchanger 13 further includes the first fin. The second heat exchanger 22 includes the second fin. The first fin and the second fin are integrally formed.

Note that “integrally” indicates that the first fin and the second fin are at least partially connected to each other, and a case where a hole is formed like a perforation, for example, is included.

Here, the first fin of the first heat exchanger 13 and the second fin of the second heat exchanger 22 are common, which facilitates manufacturing of the first heat exchanger 13 and the second heat exchanger 22.

(5-7) Modification 7

in the above-described embodiment, the common fan 43 sends air to the first heat exchanger 13 and the second heat exchanger 22, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In the present modification, the fan causing air to flow through the first heat exchanger 13 and the fan causing air to flow through the second heat exchanger 22 are separately provided.

(5-8) Modification 8

The above-described embodiment exemplifies the first heat exchanger 13 whose temperature increases from the lower side to the upper side in a case where the first heat exchanger 13 functions as a radiator for the first refrigerant, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In the present modification, a plurality of first heat exchangers 13 of the above-described embodiment in which the temperature increases from the lower side to the upper side, are stacked in the up-down direction.

Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 15, a first heat exchanger 13a of the present modification includes a plurality of first heat exchangers 13 of the above-described embodiment, an antifreezing path 135, a flow divider 136, and a collecting pipe 137.

The antifreezing path 135 is disposed below the plurality of first heat exchangers 13 stacked in the up-down direction. In other words, in the first heat exchanger 13a, the antifreezing path 135 is provided at the lowermost stage. In a case where the first heat exchanger 13b functions as an evaporator for the first refrigerant, the antifreezing path 135 serves as an antifreezing pipe.

In a case where the first heat exchanger 13a functions as a radiator for the first refrigerant, the collecting pipe 137 distributes the first refrigerant flowing into the first heat exchanger 13a and causes the first refrigerant to flow to the upper portion of each of the plurality of first heat exchangers 13. In each of the first heat exchangers 13, the first refrigerant flows from the upper side to the lower side, similarly to the above-described embodiment. The first refrigerant flowing out from the lower portion of each first heat exchanger 13 is collected in the flow divider 136 and flows out from the first heat exchanger 13a.

Similarly to the above-described embodiment, the first heat exchanger 13a includes the first region R1 formed by the uppermost first heat transfer tube 131a of the first heat exchanger 13a and an area above the uppermost first heat transfer tube 131a, and the second region R2 below the uppermost first heat transfer tube 131a. The uppermost first heat transfer tube 131a, which is the boundary of the first region R1, is the first heat transfer tube positioned at the uppermost stage in the uppermost first heat exchanger 13 among the plurality of first heat exchangers 13. In the first heat exchanger 13a of the present modification, the air has the highest temperature in the vicinity of the uppermost stage of each first heat exchanger 13. The second heat exchanger 22 is disposed on the leeward side of the second region R2 below the uppermost first heat transfer tube 131a of the first heat exchanger 13a as viewed in the first direction, which is the direction in which the first heat exchanger 13 and the second heat exchanger 22 overlap with each other. This allows the second refrigerant flowing in the second heat exchanger 22 to avoid heat exchange with the air having the highest temperature at least in the vicinity of the upper most stage. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the deterioration of heat exchange efficiency between the second refrigerant and the air.

Note that in the first heat exchanger 13a, the inlets of the first heat exchangers 13 may be gathered in the upper portion. In this case, the vicinity of the inlet portion of the first refrigerant has the highest temperature. Thus, the second heat exchanger 22 is preferably disposed so as not to overlap with the inlet portion of the first refrigerant.

(5-9) Modification 9

In the above-described embodiment, the first heat exchanger 13 is a fin-and-tube heat exchanger, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. As the first heat exchanger, any heat exchanger such as a microchannel heat exchanger may be adopted. As illustrated in FIG. 16, a first heat exchanger 13b of the present modification is a microchannel heat exchanger.

The first heat exchanger 13b includes a plurality of first heat transfer tubes 131, a plurality of first fins 132, and a first header 133 and a second header 134 that are illustrated in FIG. 17.

The plurality of first heat transfer tubes 131 are arranged in the up-down direction. Specifically, the plurality of first heat transfer tubes 131 are arranged at intervals in the up-down direction and extend in a direction orthogonal to the up-down direction. Here, the first heat transfer tube 131 has a flat shape, and the first heat transfer tube 131 includes a plurality of flow paths through which the first refrigerant flows.

The first fin 132 is joined to the first heat transfer tube 131. The plurality of first fins 132 are arranged in a direction orthogonal to the up-down direction and extend in the up-down direction.

As illustrated in FIG. 17, the first header 133 is connected to one end portion of the first heat transfer tube 131, and the second header 134 is connected to the other end portion of the first heat transfer tube 131. The first header 133 and the second header 134 extend in the up-down direction.

The first header 133 is an inlet/outlet header having an inlet portion and an outlet portion for the first refrigerant. The first header 133 is partitioned into an upper region 133a, an intermediate region 133b, and a lower region 133c. The upper region 133a, the intermediate region 133b, and the lower region 133c are arranged in the up-down direction. In a case where the first heat exchanger 13b functions as a radiator for the first refrigerant, the inlet portion for the first refrigerant is connected to the upper region 133a of the first header 133, and the outlet portion for the first refrigerant is connected to the lower region 133c of the first header 133.

The second header 134 is a return header. The second header 134 is partitioned into an upper region 134a and a lower region 134b. The upper region 134a and the lower region 134b are arranged in the up-down direction.

The first heat exchanger 13b has a first flow path group X, a second flow path group Y, a third flow path group Z, and a fourth flow path W, which are arranged in the up-down direction. In the first heat exchanger 13b, each of the first heat transfer tubes arranged in the up-down direction belongs to any of the plurality of flow path groups X, Y, and Z and the fourth flow path W. The first flow path group X is the uppermost flow path group, and a plurality of first heat transfer tubes 131 belong thereto. The first flow path group X includes the uppermost first heat transfer tube 131a. One end of the first heat transfer tube 131 belonging to the first flow path group X is connected to the upper region 133a of the first header 133, and the other end thereof is connected to the upper region 134a of the second header 134.

The second flow path group Y is the flow path group positioned below the first flow path group X, and a plurality of first heat transfer tubes 131 belong thereto. One end of the first heat transfer tube 131 belonging to the second flow path group Y is connected to the intermediate region 133b of the first header 133, and the other end thereof is connected to the upper region 134a of the second header.

The third flow path group Z is a flow path group positioned below the second flow path group Y, and a plurality of first heat transfer tubes 131 belong thereto. One end of the first heat transfer tube 131 belonging to the third flow path group Z is connected to the intermediate region 133b of the first header 133, and the other end thereof is connected to the lower region 134b of the second header.

The fourth flow path W is the lowermost flow path, and one or more first heat transfer tubes 131 belong thereto. The first heat transfer tube 131 belonging to the fourth flow path W serves as an antifreezing pipe in a case where the first heat exchanger 13b functions as an evaporator for the first refrigerant. One end of the first heat transfer tube 131 belonging to the fourth flow path W is connected to the lower region 133c of the first header 133, and the other end thereof is connected to the lower region 134b of the second header.

In a case where the first heat exchanger 13b functions as a radiator for the first refrigerant, the first refrigerant discharged from the first compressor 11 flows through the upper region 133a of the first header 133, the first flow path group X, the upper region 134a of the second header 134, the second flow path group Y, the intermediate region 133b of the first header 133, the third flow path group Z, the lower region 134b of the second header 134, the fourth flow path W, and the lower region 133c of the first header 133 in this order, as indicated by the arrows in FIG. 17. Therefore, the temperature of the first refrigerant is higher in the first flow path group X, the second flow path group Y, the third flow path group Z, and the fourth flow path W in this order.

Similarly to the above-described embodiment, the first heat exchanger 13b includes the first region R1 and the second region R2. In the present modification, the first region R1 includes an upper portion of the first flow path group X, an upper portion of the upper region 133a of the first header 133, and an upper portion of the upper region 134a of the second header 134. The second region R2 includes a lower portion of the first flow path group X, the second flow path group Y, the third flow path group Z, the fourth flow path W, a lower portion of the upper region 133a, the intermediate region 133b, and the lower region 133c of the first header 133, and a lower portion of the upper region 134a and the lower region 134b of the second header 134.

As described above, in a case where the first heat exchanger 13 functions as a radiator for the first refrigerant, the refrigerant flowing through the first flow path group X has a higher temperature than the refrigerant flowing through the second flow path group Y, the third flow path group Z, and the fourth flow path W in the first heat exchanger 13. Therefore, the air subjected to heat exchange with the first refrigerant flowing through the first flow path group X has a high temperature. Therefore, the second heat exchanger 22 is preferably disposed so as not to overlap with the first flow path group X as viewed in the first direction. In particular, the vicinity of the inlet portion of the first refrigerant has a highest temperature, and thus the second heat exchanger 22 is preferably disposed so as not to overlap with the inlet portion of the first refrigerant. Here, the second heat exchanger 22 is disposed so as not to overlap with the upper right region of the first heat exchanger 13.

Here, the flow of the refrigerant in the first heat exchanger 13b during the cooling operation will be described. As illustrated in FIG. 17, in a case where the first heat exchanger 13b functions as a radiator for the first refrigerant, the first refrigerant discharged from the first compressor 11 flows into the upper region 133a of the first header 133. Then, the heat of the first refrigerant flowing through the plurality of first heat transfer tubes 131 belonging to the first flow path group X connected to the upper region 133a is partially radiated by heat exchange with the outdoor air, and the first refrigerant reaches the upper region 134a of the second header 134. Then, the first refrigerant turns at the upper region 134a and flows to the plurality of first heat transfer tubes 131 belonging to the lower second flow path group Y. The heat of the first refrigerant flowing through the second flow path group Y is further radiated by heat exchange again with the outdoor air, and the first refrigerant reaches the intermediate region 133b of the first header 133. The first refrigerant turns at the intermediate region 133b and flows to the plurality of first heat transfer tubes 131 belonging to the lower third flow path group Z. The heat of the first refrigerant flowing through the third flow path group Z is further radiated by heat exchange again with the outdoor air, and the first refrigerant reaches the lower region 134b of the second header 134. The first refrigerant turns at the lower region 134b and flows to the first heat transfer tube 131 belonging to the lower fourth flow path W. The first refrigerant flowing through the fourth flow path W reaches the lower region 133c of the first header 133 and flows out from the first heat exchanger 13b.

(5-10) Modification 10

The above-described embodiment has exemplified the heat source unit of a side-blowing type, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. As illustrated in FIG. 18, the heat source unit of the present modification is of a top-blown type.

Specifically, the fan 43 is disposed above the first heat exchanger 13 and the second heat exchanger 22. When the fan 43 is operated, air is taken in from the opening provided on the side surface of the casing 41 and passes through the first heat exchanger 13 and the second heat exchanger 22. The air subjected to heat exchange with the first refrigerant in the first heat exchanger 13 and the air subjected to heat exchange with the second refrigerant in the second heat exchanger 22 are blown out upward from the opening provided in the upper surface of the casing 41. Therefore, the air flow direction F generated by the fan 43 includes the first direction in which the first heat exchanger 13 and the second heat exchanger 22 are stacked.

Also in the present modification, the second heat exchanger 22 overlaps with the second region R2 of the first heat exchanger 13 as viewed in the first direction, which is the direction in which the first heat exchanger 13 and the second heat exchanger 22 overlap with each other.

(5-11) Modification 11

In the above-described embodiment, the operation of the second circuit 20 is stopped in the heating operation, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The refrigeration apparatus of the present disclosure may operate the second circuit 20 in the heating operation.

In the above-described embodiment, the second circuit 20 is operated in the cooling operation, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The refrigeration apparatus of the present disclosure may stop the operation of the second circuit 20 in the cooling operation.

(5-12) Modification 12

The above-described embodiment has exemplified the refrigeration apparatus 1 in which one utilization unit 3 is connected to one heat source unit 2, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In the refrigeration apparatus of the present modification, a plurality of utilization units are connected to one heat source unit.

(5-13) Modification 13

The above-described embodiment has exemplified the refrigeration apparatus 1 performing the cooling operation and heating operation, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The refrigeration apparatus of the present disclosure may further perform a dehumidifying operation. Moreover, the refrigeration cycle apparatus of the present disclosure may be an air-conditioning apparatus only for cooling.

Moreover, in the above-described embodiment, the heat source unit is applied to the air-conditioning apparatus as a refrigeration apparatus, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The heat source unit of the present disclosure may be applied to a refrigeration apparatus such as a hot water supply apparatus, a floor heating apparatus, or a refrigerator.

While embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, it will be understood that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as set forth in the claims. The present disclosure encompasses various modifications to each of the examples and embodiments discussed herein. According to the disclosure, one or more features described above in one embodiment or example can be equally applied to another embodiment or example described above. The features of one or more embodiments or examples described above can be combined into each of the embodiments or examples described above. Any full or partial combination of one or more embodiment or examples of the disclosure is also part of the disclosure.

Reference Signs List

• • 1 refrigeration apparatus
  • 2 heat source unit
  • 3 utilization unit
  • 10 first circuit
  • 11 first compressor
  • 13, 13a, 13b first heat exchanger
  • 20 second circuit
  • 21 second compressor
  • 22 second heat exchanger
  • 30 third heat exchanger
  • 41 casing
  • 42 partition plate
  • 43 fan
  • 44 motor
  • 45 first support
  • 46 second support
  • 131, 131a first heat transfer tube
  • 132 first fin
  • R1 first region
  • R2 second region
  • S1 first chamber
  • S2 second chamber

Citation List

Patent Literature

• • PTL 1: International Publication No. 2022/211078