WATER CIRCULATION APPARATUS ASSOCIATED WITH REFRIGERANT SYSTEM

Abstract

A water circulation apparatus performs a variety of heat exchange operations for various refrigerants. The apparatus may be applied for a first refrigerant system having a first compressor and first heat-exchanger and a second refrigerant system having a second compressor. An intermediate heat-exchanger performs heat-exchange operations between first and second refrigerants flowing in respective ones of the systems. A water circulator is then used to circulate water which is heat-exchanged with the second refrigerant while the water is circulated. The apparatus performs these functions for operating modes which include a heating mode and a cooling mode. Defrosting operations are also performed for one or more of the heat exchangers.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority under 35 USC §119 and 35 USC 365 to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2009-0123571, filed on Dec. 11, 2009, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

1. Field

One or more embodiments herein relate to cooling and/or heating systems.

2. Background

Refrigerant systems perform heat-exchanging operations for various types of household and commercial applications. Many related-art systems have proven to be inefficient and ineffective, especially when it comes to defrosting the heat exchangers and the ability to provide heat or heated water when, for example, temperatures are very low in the surrounding environment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram of one embodiment of a water circulation apparatus associated with a refrigerant system.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing steps in a first embodiment of a defrosting method using a water circulation apparatus associated with a refrigerant system.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing steps included in a second embodiment of a defrosting method for a water circulation apparatus associated with a refrigerant system.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing steps included in a third embodiment of a defrosting method for a water circulation apparatus associated with a refrigerant system.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing steps included in a fourth embodiment of a defrosting method for a water circulation apparatus associated with a refrigerant system.

FIG. 6 is a diagram of another embodiment of a water circulation apparatus associated with a refrigerant system.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing steps included in another embodiment of a defrosting method for a water circulation apparatus associated with a refrigerant system.

FIG. 8 is a diagram of another embodiment of a water circulation apparatus associated with a refrigerant system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 shows one embodiment of a water circulation apparatus which includes a first refrigerant system 1, a second refrigerant system 2, a hot water supply part 4, and a cooling/heating part 5. The first refrigerant system controls a first refrigerant cycle for circulating a first refrigerant. The second refrigerant system controls a second refrigerant cycle for circulating a second refrigerant, and performs an operation in which the first refrigerant is heat-exchanged with a second refrigerant and then a heat-exchange operation is performed between the second refrigerant and water. The hot water supply part is connected to the second refrigerant system to supply hot water, and the cooling/heating part is connected to the second refrigerant system to heat and cool, for example, an indoor room.

The first refrigerant system 1 includes a first compressor 11 for compressing the first refrigerant, a first four-way valve 12 for regulating a flow direction of the first refrigerant discharged from the first compressor, an intermediate heat-exchanger 25 in which the first refrigerant is heat-exchanged with the second refrigerant, a first expansion part 14 for expanding the first refrigerant, and a first heat-exchanger 13 in which the first refrigerant is heat-exchanged with outdoor air. The first compressor, the first four-way valve, the intermediate heat-exchanger, first expansion part, and first heat-exchanger are connected to each other through a first refrigerant pipe 15.

In this embodiment, because the intermediate heat-exchanger performs a heat-exchange operation between the first and second refrigerants, the intermediate heat-exchanger may be referred to as a refrigerant-refrigerant heat-exchanger. Also, while FIG. 1 shows that the intermediate heat-exchanger lies outside of system 1, in other embodiments the intermediate heat-exchanger may be included within the box corresponding to the first refrigerant system.

The second refrigerant system 2 includes a second compressor 21 for compressing the second refrigerant, a second four-way valve 22 regulating a flow direction of the second refrigerant discharged from the second compressor, a second heat-exchanger 23 for performing a heat-exchange operation between the second refrigerant and water, a second expansion part 24 for expanding the second refrigerant, and the intermediate heat-exchanger 25 previously mentioned for performing the heat-exchange operation between the first refrigerant and the second refrigerant.

The second compressor 21, second four-way valve 22, second heat-exchanger 23, second expansion part 24, and intermediate heat-exchanger 25 are connected to each other through a second refrigerant pipe 26. In this embodiment, since the second heat-exchanger 23 performs a heat-exchange operation between the second refrigerant and water, the second heat-exchanger may be referred to as a water-refrigerant heat-exchanger.

The intermediate heat-exchanger 25 includes a first passage 251 through which the first refrigerant flows and a second passage 252 through which the second refrigerant flows. The first passage and second passage may be defined by or included as part of the first refrigerant pipe 15 and the second refrigerant pipe 26, respectively.

Alternatively, separate first and second passages 251 and 252 may be defined in the intermediate heat-exchanger 25. In such an arrangement, the first refrigerant pipe 15 may be connected to the first passage 251 and the second refrigerant pipe 26 may be connected to the second passage 252.

The second heat-exchanger 23 includes a refrigerant passage 231 through which the second refrigerant flows and a water passage 232 through which water flows. The refrigerant passage and water passage may be defined by or included as part of the second refrigerant pipe 26 and a first water pipe 30 respectively. Also, in accordance with one or more embodiments, a plate heat-exchanger may be used as or included in intermediate heat-exchanger 25 and the second heat-exchanger 23, but variations are possible.

The intermediate heat-exchanger 25 may be disposed within a first case (not shown) including the first refrigerant system 1 or a second case (not shown) including the second refrigerant system 2. Also, the first and second refrigerant systems may be disposed within a single case.

In one embodiment, for example, R410a may be used as the first refrigerant and R134a may be used as the second refrigerant. That is, the first refrigerant of the first refrigerant system is different from the second refrigerant of the second refrigerant system.

When the first refrigerant system is operated in heating mode, the first refrigerant compressed by first compressor 11 flows into intermediate heat-exchanger 25 by the flow regulation of first four-way valve 12. The first refrigerant flowing into the intermediate heat-exchanger is heat-exchanged with the second refrigerant, and then flows into first expansion part 14. The first refrigerant is expanded by the first expansion part and evaporated while it flows into first heat-exchanger 13.

The evaporated first refrigerant is then introduced into first compressor 11. That is, when the first refrigerant system is operated in heating mode, the second refrigerant compressed by second compressor 21 flows into second heat-exchanger 23 by flow regulation performed by second four-way valve 22.

The second refrigerant flowing into second heat-exchanger 23 is heat-exchanged with water and then flows into second expansion part 24. Then, the second refrigerant is expanded by second expansion part 24 and evaporated by being heat-exchanged with the first refrigerant while it flows into the intermediate heat-exchanger 25. The evaporated second refrigerant is introduced into second compressor 21. That is, when the second refrigerant system operates in heating mode, intermediate heat-exchanger 25 serves as an evaporator with respect to the second refrigerant system.

In FIG. 1, a solid arrow line indicates a flow of refrigerant when the refrigerant systems operate in heating mode, and a dotted arrow line indicates a flow of refrigerant when the refrigerant systems operate in cooling mode.

In summary, when refrigerant systems 1 and 2 operate in heating mode, the intermediate heat exchanger 25 serves as a condenser with respect to the first refrigerant system 1 and an evaporator with respect to the second refrigerant system 2. Thus, if the first refrigerant system operates in cooling mode and the second refrigerant system operates in heating mode, the intermediate heat-exchanger may serve as the evaporator with respect to each of the refrigerant systems 1 and 2.

In FIG. 1, the first and second refrigerants are shown as having the same flow direction in intermediate heat-exchanger 25 when the refrigerant systems are operating in heating mode. However, in other embodiments, the first and second refrigerants may flow in opposite directions by changing the connection positions of the refrigerant pipes.

The second refrigerant system 2 may also include a water flow device which includes first water pipe 30, a flow switch 32 disposed in the first water flow pipe to detect water flow, an expansion tank 33 branched at a predetermined position spaced from the flow switch in an water flow direction, a water collection tank 34 in which a portion of the first water pipe is inserted and which includes an auxiliary heater 35 therein, and a water pump 36 disposed at a predetermined position of a second water pipe 61 disposed at an outlet-side of the water collection tank.

The first water pipe 30 includes an inlet pipe at an inlet-side of second heat-exchanger 23, an outlet pipe 302 disposed at an outlet-side of the second heat-exchanger 23, and a branch pipe branched from the inlet pipe 301 and joint at the outlet pipe 302. The outlet pipe 302 is connected to the water collection tank 34. A water pump 310 for pumping the water is disposed on the inlet pipe 301. In this embodiment, an inverter pump that can regulate an amount of the pumped water may be used as water pumps 36 and 310.

The intermediate heat-exchanger 25 further includes a water passage 253 in which the water branched from inlet pipe 301 flows. That is, the intermediate heat-exchanger includes first refrigerant passage 251, second refrigerant passage 252, and water passage 253. The first refrigerant of the first refrigerant passage 251 is heat-exchanged with the second refrigerant of second refrigerant passage 252, and water of the water passage 253 is heat-exchanged with the first refrigerant of the first refrigerant passage 251.

On the other hand, water of water passage 253 may be heat-exchanged with the second refrigerant of second refrigerant passage 252, or water of the water passage 253 may be respectively heat-exchanged with the first refrigerant and the second refrigerant. However, to heat the water of water passage 253, the water passage may be disposed such that the water and the first refrigerant may be sufficiently heat-exchanged.

At this time, a passage extending from inlet pipe 301 to outlet pipe 302 via second heat-exchanger 23 may be referred to as a main passage. Also, a passage branched from the inlet pipe and extending to the outlet pipe via intermediate heat-exchanger 25 may be referred to as a sub passage. Although branch pipe 303 is connected to outlet pipe 302 in this embodiment, the branch pipe may be directly connected to water collection tank 34 without being connected to outlet pipe 302.

Valves 304 and 305 for regulating a flow amount of the water are disposed on inlet- and outlet-side pipes of heat-exchanger 25 of the branch pipe 303, respectively.

When the second refrigerant system is operated in heating mode, heat QH with a high temperature is transmitted from the second refrigerant discharged from second compressor 21 and into water flowing along water passage 232. When heat is transmitted into water passage 232, water flowing in water passage 232 increases in temperature.

As the water is heated while it passes through the second heat-exchanger 23, it expands to a volume greater than a reasonable volume. The expansion tank 33, therefore, is provided to perform a buffer function. A diaphragm (not shown) may be disposed within the expansion tank to move corresponding to variations in volume of the water of the outlet pipe 302, and a nitrogen gas may be filled into the expansion tank 33.

The water collection tank 34 stores water supplied from the outlet pipe, and auxiliary heater 35 may be operated when the water has a temperature less than a required temperature is disposed within the water collection tank 34.

An air vent 343 is used to exhaust heated air within the water collection tank 34 and may be disposed in water collection tank 34. Also, a pressure gauge 341 and a valve 342 for regulating a pressure within the water collection tank may be disposed in the water collection tank. For example, when the pressure within water collection tank 35 as detected by pressure gauge 341 is excessively high, valve 342 may be opened to decrease the pressure within the water collection tank.

The water pump 36 pumps water from the water collection tank into second water pipe 61. The water pumped into the second water pipe may be supplied to the hot water supply part 4 or the cooling/heating part 5. The hot water supply part 4 heats and supplies water required, for example, for wash up of a user (e.g., a bath or shower) or dish-washing purposes.

More specifically, a three-way valve 71 for regulating a flow direction of water of second water pipe 61 may be disposed in the second water pipe. The water pumped by pump 36 flows into hot water supply part and/or cooling/heating part by three-way valve 71.

As a result, hot water supply pipe 62 extending to hot water supply part 4 and cooling/heating pipe 63 extending to cooling/heating part 5 are connected to an outlet-side of the three-way valve. The water pumped by water pump 36 flows into the hot water supply pipe 62 and/or the cooling/heating pipe 63 under the control of three-way valve 71.

The hot water supply part 4 includes a hot water supply tank 41 for storing water supplied from the outside and for heating the stored water and an auxiliary heater 42 disposed within the hot water supply tank. Also, an auxiliary heat source supplying heat to the hot water supply tank 41 may be further disposed according to an installation configuration. A thermal storage tank using solar heat may be used as an auxiliary heater. The hot water supply tank 41 includes a water inflow part 411 through which water is introduced and a water discharge part 412 through which heated water is discharged.

More specifically, a portion of hot water supply pipe 62 extending from three-way valve 71 is inserted into hot water supply tank 41 to heat the water stored in the hot water supply tank. That is, heat is transmitted from the hot water flowing into the hot water supply pipe 62 to the water stored in hot water supply tank 41. In some cases, auxiliary heater 42 and the auxiliary heat source may be operated to additionally supply heat to the water stored in hot water supply tank 41.

For example, when a large amount of hot water is required for the user's bath, since water should be heated in a short period of time, auxiliary heater 42 or the auxiliary heat source may be operated. A temperature sensor 414 may be disposed at one side of the hot water supply tank for detecting water temperature in this regard.

As necessary, hot water discharge device such as a shower 45 or an electric device such as a humidifier may be connected to the water discharge part 412. When the thermal storage tank 43 using the solar heat is used as the auxiliary heat source, a thermal storage pipe 47 extending from the thermal storage tank may be inserted into the hot water supply tank 41. An auxiliary pump 44 for controlling a flow velocity within a thermal storage pipe close loop may be disposed on the thermal storage pipe 47. Also, a solenoid valve VA for controlling a flow direction of the water within the thermal storage pipe 47 may be disposed on the thermal storage pipe. A temperature sensor 471 for measuring a water temperature may be disposed at a side of the thermal storage pipe.

A structure of the auxiliary heat source such as a thermal storage part using the solar heat is not limited to the aforementioned embodiment. For example, the auxiliary heat source may have various configurations and be disposed at various positions.

The cooling/heating part 5 includes a floor cooling/heating unit 51 in which a portion of cooling/heating pipe 63 is buried in an indoor floor, and an air cooling/heating unit 52 which is branched from any position of the cooling/heating pipe and which is connected to the floor cooling/heating unit 51 in parallel.

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, floor cooling/heating unit 51 may be located under the floor in an indoor room, for example, in a meander line-type configuration. The air cooling/heating unit 52 may include a fan coil unit or a radiator. A portion of the air cooling/heating pipe 54 branched from cooling/heating pipe 63 may be provided in the air cooling/heating unit as a heat-exchanging unit. Flow switching valves 55 and 56 which, for example, may be incorporated in a three-way valve, may be disposed at a position at which the air cooling/heating pipe 54 is branched. Thus, water flowing along the cooling/heating pipe 63 may be divided into the floor cooling/heating unit 51 and the air cooling/heating unit 52 or flow in one direction.

The hot water supply pipe 62 passing through hot water supply tank 41 and the cooling/heating pipe 63 passing through the cooling/heating part 5 are connected to the inlet pipe 301. A check valve V for preventing water within any one of the hot water supply pipe 62 and the cooling/heating pipe 63 from reversely flowing may be disposed in either or each of the hot water supply pipe and the cooling/heating pipe.

Because the water flow device disposed in second refrigerant system 2, hot water supply part 4, and cooling/heating part 5 form a water circulation cycle, the above-described components may be referred to as a water circulation unit.

The operation mode of the respective refrigerant systems in the foregoing embodiment may include a cooling mode, a heating mode, and a defrosting mode. The hot water supply part may control a hot water supply mode and the cooling/heating part may control the cooling mode and the heating mode. Because the hot water supply mode of the hot water supply part and the heating mode of the cooling/heating part are a focus in this embodiment, operations with respect to the above-described two modes will be described.

In the hot water supply mode or the heating mode of the cooling/heating part, the respective refrigerant systems are operated in the heating mode. As described above, when the respective refrigerant systems 1 and 2 are operated in the heating mode, the intermediate heat-exchanger 25 serves as a condenser with respect to the first refrigerant system 1 and an evaporator with respect to the second refrigerant system 2.

Thus, the second refrigerant flowing into the intermediate heat-exchanger 25 receives heat from the first refrigerant and then the second refrigerant increases in temperature. When the second refrigerant increases in temperature, the second refrigerant introduced into the second compressor 21 increases in temperature. When the second refrigerant introduced into the second compressor increases in temperature, the second refrigerant discharged from the second compressor increases in temperature. As a result, the refrigerant flowing into second heat-exchanger 23 increases in temperature.

As a result, heat greater than that of the second refrigerant flowing into the second heat-exchanger is transmitted to water flowing into the second heat-exchanger to thereby significantly increase a temperature increment of the water.

At this time, according to characteristics of the respective refrigerants, a condensing temperature of the second refrigerant (or an outlet-side temperature of second compressor 2) is higher than that (or outlet-side temperature of the first compressor) of the first refrigerant.

In case of an existing system, because water is heat-exchanged with a refrigerant of a single refrigerant system, it may be easily seen that the temperature increment of the water according to this system is higher than that according to the existing system.

The temperature increase of the water heat-exchanged in the second heat-exchanger 23 represents that the temperature of the water stored in the water collection tank 34 increases than the water temperature of the existing system. Thus, water having a relatively higher temperature may be obtained, and the indoor room may be heated using the water having the relatively higher temperature.

Thus, according to one embodiment, water having relatively higher temperature may be obtained. Also, the cooling/heating system may be stably operated to obtain water having high temperature even when the temperature of an associated indoor room is very low.

When the hot water supply mode is selected, water flows into the hot water supply pipe 62 by three-way valve 71. Thus, the water flows along the closed loop in which second heat-exchanger 23, water collection tank 34, water pump 36, three-way valve 71, and hot water supply pipe 62 are connected to each other. In such a circulation process, the water introduced through water inflow part 411 of hot water supply tank 41 is heated and then discharged through water discharge part 412, thereby supplying the water to the user.

When the heating mode of cooling/heating part 5 is selected, water flows into cooling/heating pipe 63 by three-way valve 71. Thus, the water flows in a closed loop that includes second heat-exchanger 23, water collection tank 34, water tank 36, three-way valve 71, and cooling/heating pipe 63. The water flowing along cooling/heating pipe 63 flows into air cooling/heating unit 52 or floor cooling/heating unit 51.

The hot water supply mode and the heating mode of the cooling/heating part may be selected at the same time. In this case, the water flows into hot water supply pipe 62 and cooling/heating pipe 63 by three-way valve 71.

As described above, when the respective refrigerant systems are operated in the heating mode, the first heat-exchanger 13 of first refrigerant system 1 serves as an evaporator. Thus, when the first refrigerant system is continuously operated in the heating mode, frost may be generated on the first heat-exchanger. Therefore, a defrosting process is required.

FIG. 2 shows operations included in one embodiment of a defrosting method performed for a water circulation apparatus associated with a refrigerant system, such as shown, for example, in FIG. 1.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, water circulation apparatus S is operated in a mode set by a user in operation S1. Since the defrosting operation of the first heat-exchanger 13 is a focus of this embodiment, a case in which the respective refrigerant systems 1 and 2 are operated in the heating mode will be described.

When the respective refrigerant systems 1 and 2 are operated in the heating mode, branch valves 304 and 305 of branch pipe 303 are opened. Thus, one portion of water flowing into inlet pipe 301 flows into second heat-exchanger 23 and another portion of the water flows into branch pipe 303.

The water flowing from the inlet pipe to second heat-exchanger 25 is heat-exchanged with the second refrigerant, and the water branched by branch pipe 303 is heat-exchanged with the first refrigerant in intermediate heat-exchanger 25. At this time, it may be easily seen that a temperature of the water heat-exchanged with the second refrigerant is greater than that of the water heat-exchanged with the first refrigerant.

In operation S2, it is determined whether a defrosting operation condition is satisfied during the preset mode of water circulation apparatus S. Whether the defrosting condition is satisfied may be determined, for example, by comparing a temperature of a pipe outlet-side of first heat-exchanger 13 to an indoor room temperature. In other embodiments, satisfaction of the defrosting condition may be determined using other techniques.

According to the determination result in operation S2, when the defrosting condition is satisfied, first refrigerant system 1 is operated in defrosting mode in operation S3, and second refrigerant system 2 is maintained in a present operation mode (e.g., heating mode). In this embodiment, when the first refrigerant system is operated in defrosting mode regardless of the operation mode of the second refrigerant system, the water circulation apparatus is operated in the defrosting mode.

In this embodiment, a state in which the first refrigerant system is operated in defrosting mode represents a state in which the first refrigerant system is operated in the cooling mode.

When the first refrigerant system is operated in defrosting mode, intermediate heat-exchanger 25 serves as an evaporator with respect to refrigerant systems 1 and 2, and the first heat-exchanger serves as a condenser for the refrigerant systems. Thus, during defrosting mode of the first refrigerant system, a defrosting operation of first heat-exchanger 13 is performed based on high temperature refrigerant flowing into the first heat-exchanger.

At this time, because intermediate heat-exchanger 25 serves as the evaporator with respect to the refrigerant systems, low temperature refrigerants are heat-exchanged with each other to reduce vapor pressures of the respective refrigerant systems. Thus, cycle performances of the refrigerant systems may deteriorate and their respective compressors may be damaged.

To prevent the vapor pressures of the refrigerant systems from being reduced, during the defrosting mode of the first refrigerant system the branch valves 304 and 305 are closed in operation S4. Thus, water does not flow into branch pipe 303 and the first refrigerant is heat-exchanged with the hot water within the branch pipe. Since the first refrigerant heat-exchanged with the hot water is heat-exchanged with the second refrigerant, each of the refrigerants may increase in temperature to minimize the reduction of the vapor pressures of the refrigerant systems.

In operation S5, it is determined whether the defrosting operation is finished during the defrosting mode of the first refrigerant system.

In operation S6, when the defrosting operation is finished, the closed branch valves 304 and 305 are opened.

In operation S7, the first refrigerant system is operated in the previous mode. As a result, the first refrigerant system is operated in the heating mode.

According to this embodiment, during the defrosting mode of the first refrigerant system, because the second refrigerant system is operated in the heating mode, the hot water may be obtained and the indoor room may be heated using the hot water. Also, because the hot water is heat-exchanged with the first refrigerant flowing into intermediate heat-exchanger 25 to increase a temperature of the first refrigerant, the reduction of the vapor pressures of the respective refrigerant systems may be minimized. Thus, the performance deterioration of the respective refrigerant systems may be minimized.

FIG. 3 shows operations in a second embodiment of a defrosting method. The second embodiment is similar to the first embodiment except for operation of a branch valve. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 3, a water circulation apparatus according to the second embodiment is operated in a mode set by a selection of a user in operation S11. Since a defrosting operation of first heat-exchanger 13 is a focus in this embodiment, a case in which refrigerant systems operate in a heating mode will be described.

When refrigerant systems 1 and 2 operate in heating mode, branch valves 304 and 305 of a branch pipe 303 are closed. Thus, all water flowing into an inlet pipe 301 flows into a second heat-exchanger 23 to heat-exchange with a second refrigerant. When the second refrigerant system 2 operate in heating mode, water flowing into inlet pipe 301 and water flowing into outlet pipe 303 continuously increase in temperature.

In operation S12, it is determined whether a defrosting condition is satisfied when water circulation apparatus S is operated in the set mode. According to the determination result in operation S12, when the defrosting operation condition is satisfied, first refrigerant system 1 is operated in defrosting mode, and the second refrigerant system is maintained in the present operation mode (the heating mode).

When the first refrigerant system operates in the defrosting mode, intermediate heat-exchanger 25 serves as an evaporator with respect to the refrigerant systems, and the first heat-exchanger serves as a condenser with respect to the refrigerant systems. Thus, when the first refrigerant system operates in defrosting mode, the defrosting operation of first heat-exchange 13 is performed based on a high-temperature refrigerant flowing into the first heat-exchanger.

When the first refrigerant system operates in the defrosting mode, the branch valves 304 and 305 are opened in operation S14. When the branch valves 304 and 305 are opened, a portion of the water of inlet pipe 301 flows into intermediate heat-exchanger 25, and thus a heat-exchange operation is performed between the hot water and the first refrigerant. Then, the first refrigerant heat-exchanged with the hot water is heat-exchanged with the second refrigerant to increase the temperatures of the respective refrigerants. As a result, the reduction of vapor pressures of the refrigerant systems may be minimized.

In operation S15, it is determined whether the defrosting operation is finished during the defrosting mode of the first refrigerant system. When the defrosting operation is finished, branch valves 304 and 305 are closed in operation S16. And, in operation S17, the first refrigerant system is operated in the previous mode. In this embodiment, the first refrigerant system will be operated in the heating mode.

The following embodiment in addition to the previously described two embodiments may be further performed.

In case where the first refrigerant system is operated in the defrosting mode during the heating mode operation of each of the refrigerant systems, if branch valves 304 and 305 were in the closed state, the branch valves are opened. When the defrosting operation is finished, the branch valves may be closed. On the other hand, when the branch valves are in the opened state, the branch valves may be maintained in the opened state during the defrosting mode operation of the first refrigerant system.

FIG. 4 shows operations included in a third embodiment of a defrosting operation method of a water circulation apparatus. The third embodiment is similar to the previously described embodiments except that a second refrigerant system is also operated in a defrosting mode when the first refrigerant system is operated in the defrosting mode.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 4, water circulation apparatus S is operated in a mode set by a selection of a user in operation S21. Since a defrosting operation of first heat-exchanger 13 is a focus in this embodiment, a case in which refrigerant systems 1 and 2 are operated in a heating mode will be described.

In operation S22, it is determined whether a defrosting operation condition is satisfied when water circulation apparatus S is operated in the set mode. Based on the determination result in operation S22, when the defrosting operation condition is satisfied, the first and second refrigerant systems are operated in the defrosting mode in operation S23. In this embodiment, the defrosting mode operation of the first refrigerant system represents a cooling mode operation of the first refrigerant system.

Also, the defrosting mode operation of the second refrigerant system represents the following two cases. First, operation of the second refrigerant system is stopped. Second, the second refrigerant system is fundamentally operated in the heating mode, and also second compressor 21 is operated at a frequency (e.g., a minimum frequency) lower than an operation frequency thereof in the previous mode (the heating mode).

In the first case, when the second refrigerant system is operated in heating mode, if branch valves 304 and 305 were in an opened state, the branch valves are closed. When the branch valves are closed, hot water within a branch pipe is heat-exchanged with a first refrigerant as described in the first embodiment.

In the second case, when the second refrigerant system is operated in heating mode, the branch valves may be in a closed or opened state. The opening or closing of the branch valves when the refrigerant systems are operated in the defrosting mode may be adjusted by the methods described in the previous embodiments. According to the two cases, it may be easily seen that the reduction of the vapor pressures of the refrigerant systems is minimized.

In operation S24, it is determined whether the defrosting operation is finished during the defrosting operation of each of the refrigerant systems. When the defrosting operation is finished, the refrigerant systems are operated in the previous mode in Operation S25. In this embodiment, the refrigerant systems will be operated in the heating mode.

FIG. 5 shows operations included in a fourth embodiment of a water circulation apparatus associated with a refrigerant system. The fourth embodiment is similar to the first and second embodiments except that an amount of water flowing into a second water pipe decreases when the first refrigerant system is operated in a defrosting mode.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 5, water circulation apparatus S is operated in a mode set by a selection of a user in operation S31. Because a defrosting operation of first heat-exchanger 13 is a focus in this embodiment, a case in which the refrigerant systems are operated in a heating mode will be described.

In operation S32, it is determined whether a defrosting operation condition is satisfied when the water circulation apparatus S is operated in the set mode. Based on the determination result in operation S32, when the defrosting operation condition is satisfied, the first refrigerant system is operated in the defrosting mode and the second refrigerant system is maintained in the present operation mode (the heating mode) S33.

When the first refrigerant system is operated in the defrosting mode, intermediate heat-exchanger 25 serves as an evaporator with respect to the refrigerant systems. When the intermediate heat-exchanger serves as the evaporator for the refrigerant systems, vapor pressures of the refrigerant systems are reduced as previously described. As a result, a condensing temperature of a second refrigerant is reduced in second heat-exchanger 23. When the condensing temperature of the second refrigerant is reduced, water stored in a water collection tank 34 decreases in temperature.

When the water stored in the water collection tank decreases in temperature, water flowing into cooling/heating pipe 63 of cooling/heating part 5 may decrease in temperature to lower a temperature of an indoor room. Thus, when the first refrigerant system is operated in the frosting mode in this embodiment, operation of water pump 36 is changed such that an amount of water pumped into second water pipe 61 is reduced when compared that the first refrigerant system is operated in heating mode as in S34. In this case, because an amount of water flowing into cooling/heating pipe 63 of cooling/heating part 5 may be reduced to minimize the temperature reduction of the indoor room.

In operation S35, it is determined whether the defrosting operation is finished during the defrosting mode operation of the first refrigerant system. When the defrosting operation is finished, water pump 36 is operated in the previous state. Thus, the amount of the water flowing into second water pipe 61 is recovered to the previous state in operation S36. And, in operation S37, the first refrigerant system is operated in the previous mode.

FIG. 6 shows another embodiment of a water circulation apparatus associated with a refrigerant system. This embodiment is equal to the first embodiment except for a structure of an intermediate heat-exchanger and except for a bypass pipe which is disposed in respective ones of the refrigerant pipes.

In this embodiment, an intermediate heat-exchanger 27 includes a first refrigerant passage 271 through which a first refrigerant flows and a second refrigerant passage 272 through which a second refrigerant flows.

When the first refrigerant system is operated in a cooling mode, a first bypass pipe 16 for bypassing the first refrigerant discharged from first compressor 11 and having a high temperature is connected to outlet-side pipe 151 of the first compressor and inlet-side pipe 152 of first refrigerant passage 271 of intermediate heat-exchanger 27. The first bypass pipe 16 includes first bypass valve 17 for regulating a flow amount of the first refrigerant.

When the second refrigerant system is operated in heating mode, a second bypass pipe 28 for bypassing the second refrigerant discharged from second compressor 21 and having a high temperature is connected to outlet-side pipe 261 of the second compressor and inlet-side pipe 262 of second refrigerant passage 272 of intermediate heat-exchanger 27.

The second bypass pipe 28 includes a second bypass valve 29 for regulating a flow amount of the second refrigerant. The respective bypass valves 17 and 29 may be opened when the first refrigerant system is operated in a defrosting mode.

In FIG. 6, a solid arrow line represents a flow of refrigerant that occurs when each of the refrigerant systems is operated in heating mode, and a dotted arrow line represents a flow of refrigerant that occurs when each of the refrigerant systems is operated in cooling mode. Also, a chain line represents a flow of refrigerant that occurs when each of the refrigerant systems is operated in defrosting mode.

FIG. 7 shows operations included in another embodiment of a defrosting operation method for a water circulation apparatus. Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, water circulation apparatus S is operated in a mode set by a selection of a user in operation S41. Because a defrosting operation of first heat-exchanger 13 is a focus in this embodiment, a case in which the refrigerant systems are operated in a heating mode will be described.

In operation S42, it is determined whether a defrosting operation condition is satisfied when the water circulation apparatus S is operated in the set mode. Based on the determination result in operation S42, when the defrosting operation condition is satisfied, the first refrigerant system is operated in the defrosting mode and the second refrigerant system is maintained in the present operation mode (the heating mode) in operation S43.

When the first refrigerant system is operated in defrosting mode, intermediate heat-exchanger 27 serves as an evaporator with respect to the refrigerant systems and first heat-exchanger 13 serves as a condenser with respect to the refrigerant systems. Thus, when the first refrigerant system is operated in defrosting mode, the defrosting operation of first heat-exchange 13 is performed by a high-temperature refrigerant flowing into the first heat-exchanger.

At this time, because intermediate heat-exchanger 27 serves as the evaporator with respect to the refrigerant systems, vapor pressures of the refrigerant systems may be reduced to deteriorate cycle performance of the refrigerant systems or damage to respective ones of the compressors may occur. To prevent vapor pressure of the intermediate heat-exchanger from being reduced, when the refrigerant systems are operated in defrosting mode, one of the bypass valves 17 and 29 is opened according to an indoor temperature.

In operation S44, it is determined whether an indoor temperature detected by an indoor temperature sensor (not shown) exceeds a first reference temperature. For example, the first reference temperature may be about 5° C.

When the indoor temperature exceeds the first reference temperature, first bypass valve 17 is operated to allow the first refrigerant having a high temperature to flow into the first bypass pipe 16 in operation S45.

On the other hand, when the indoor temperature does not exceed the first reference temperature, it is determined whether the next detected indoor temperature is between a second reference temperature lower than the first reference temperature and the first reference temperature in operation S46. For example, the second reference temperature may be about −5° C.

When the detected indoor temperature is between the second and first reference temperatures, second bypass valve 29 is operated to allow the second reference having a high temperature to flow into second bypass pipe 28 in operation S47.

On the other hand, when the detected indoor temperature is less than the second reference temperature, first and second bypass valves 17 and 29 are operated to allow the first refrigerant having the high temperature to flow into first bypass pipe 16 and the second refrigerant having the high temperature to flow into second bypass pipe 28 in operation S48.

When the high temperature refrigerant is bypassed into one or more of bypass pipes 16 and 28, because the first and/or second refrigerant increases in temperature, the vapor pressures of the refrigerant systems may be prevented from being reduced.

In operation S49, it is determined whether the defrosting operation is finished during the defrosting operation mode of the first refrigerant system. When the defrosting operation is finished, the opened bypass valve is closed in operation S50. And, in operation S51, the first refrigerant system is operated in the previous mode. In this embodiment, the first refrigerant system will be operated in the heating mode.

As described in the third and fourth embodiments, during the defrosting mode of the first refrigerant system according to this embodiment, the second refrigerant system may be operated in defrosting mode or an amount of water flowing into the cooling/heating pipe 63 may be reduced.

In the case where operation of the second refrigerant system is stopped, when the defrosting operation condition is satisfied, first bypass valve 17 is always operated to allow the first refrigerant to flow into first bypass pipe 16.

FIG. 8 shows another embodiment of a water circulation apparatus for a refrigerant system. The water circulation apparatus S may include bypass pipes 16 and 28 and bypass valves 17 and 29.

According to this embodiment, because heat is transmitted to a first refrigerant and/or a the second refrigerant by hot water of branch pipe 303 and high temperature refrigerant of a bypass pipe, the reduction of the vapor pressures of the respective refrigerant systems may be further minimized.

The embodiments described herein provide a water circulation apparatus associated with a refrigerant system.

In one embodiment, a water circulation apparatus associated with a refrigerant system includes: a first refrigerant system including a first compressor and a first heat-exchanger in which air is heat-exchanged with a first refrigerant, the first refrigerant system performing a refrigerant cycle in which the first refrigerant flows; a second refrigerant system including a second compressor, the second refrigerant system performing a refrigerant cycle in which a second refrigerant flows; an intermediate heat-exchanger in which the first refrigerant is heat-exchanged with the second refrigerant while the first and second refrigerant flow; and a water circulation unit in which water is heat-exchanged with the second refrigerant while the water is circulated, the water circulation unit performing a water circulation cycle, wherein the water circulation unit includes a water pipe through which the water flows, a branch pipe branched from the water pipe to pass through the intermediate heat-exchanger, and a valve disposed in the branch pipe to regulate a flow of the water, wherein, when a defrosting operation condition for defrosting the first heat-exchanger is satisfied during heating mode operations of the first refrigerant system and the second refrigerant system, the first refrigerant system is operated in a cooling mode, and water within the branch pipe is heat-exchanged with one or more refrigerants flowing into the intermediate heat-exchanger.

In another embodiment, a water circulation apparatus associated with a refrigerant system includes: a first refrigerant system including a first compressor and a first heat-exchanger in which air is heat-exchanged with a first refrigerant, the first refrigerant system performing a refrigerant cycle in which the first refrigerant flows; a second refrigerant system including a second compressor, the second refrigerant system performing a refrigerant cycle in which a second refrigerant flows; an intermediate heat-exchanger in which the first refrigerant is heat-exchanged with the second refrigerant while the first and second refrigerant flow, the intermediate heat-exchanger including a first refrigerant passage and a second refrigerant passage; and a water circulation unit in which water is heat-exchanged with the second refrigerant while the water is circulated, the water circulation unit performing a water circulation cycle, wherein a bypass pipe bypassing the first refrigerant and the second refrigerant into the intermediate heat-exchanger is disposed at an outlet-side of the first compressor or the second compressor, and a bypass valve regulating a flow amount of the refrigerant is disposed in the bypass pipe, wherein, when a defrosting operation condition for defrosting the first heat-exchanger is satisfied during heating mode operations of the first refrigerant system and the second refrigerant system, the first refrigerant system is operated in a cooling mode and the bypass valve is opened.

According to the aforementioned embodiments, because the second refrigerant heat-exchanged with the first refrigerant of the first refrigerant system is heat-exchanged with water, high temperature water may be obtained. Also, when the indoor temperature is very low, the refrigerant systems may be stably operated and high temperature water may be obtained.

Also, because the second refrigerant system is operated in heating mode during defrosting mode operation of the first refrigerant system, the high temperature water may be obtained and the indoor room may be heated using the high temperature water.

Also, when the first refrigerant system is operated in defrosting mode, because the first or second refrigerant absorbs heat from the hot water or the high temperature refrigerant discharged from the compressor, the refrigerants may increase in temperature to minimize the reduction of the vapor pressures of the respective refrigerant systems.

Any reference in this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “example embodiment,” etc., means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the invention. The appearances of such phrases in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with any embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the purview of one skilled in the art to effect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other ones of the embodiments.

Although embodiments have been described with reference to a number of illustrative embodiments thereof, it should be understood that numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled in the art that will fall within the spirit and scope of the principles of this disclosure. More particularly, various variations and modifications are possible in the component parts and/or arrangements of the subject combination arrangement within the scope of the disclosure, the drawings and the appended claims. In addition to variations and modifications in the component parts and/or arrangements, alternative uses will also be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A water circulation apparatus associated with a refrigerant system, comprising:

a first refrigerant system which includes a first compressor and a first heat-exchanger in which air is heat-exchanged with a first refrigerant, the first refrigerant system performing a refrigerant cycle in which the first refrigerant flows;

a second refrigerant system which includes a second compressor, the second refrigerant system performing a refrigerant cycle in which a second refrigerant flows;

an intermediate heat-exchanger to perform a heat-exchange operation between the first refrigerant and the second refrigerant during flow of the first and second refrigerants and

a water circulator to circulate water which is heat-exchanged with the second refrigerant while the water is circulated, wherein:

the water circulator includes a water pipe through which the water flows, a branch pipe branched from the water pipe to pass through the intermediate heat-exchanger, and a valve disposed in the branch pipe to regulate a flow of the water,

when a defrosting condition for defrosting the first heat-exchanger is satisfied during heating mode operations of the first refrigerant system and the second refrigerant system, the first refrigerant system is operated in a cooling mode and a heat-exchange operation is performed between water in the branch pipe and one or more refrigerants flowing into the intermediate heat-exchanger.

2. The water circulation apparatus of claim 1, wherein:

the valve is opened during the heating mode operations of the first and second refrigerant systems and

the valve is closed when the defrosting condition is satisfied.

3. The water circulation apparatus of claim 2, wherein operation of the second refrigerant system is stopped when the defrosting condition is satisfied.

4. The water circulation apparatus of claim 1, wherein:

the valve is closed during the heating mode operations of the first and second refrigerant systems, and

the valve is opened when the defrosting condition is satisfied.

5. The water circulation apparatus of claim 1, wherein the valve is maintained in an opened state regardless of an operation mode of the second refrigerant system.

6. The water circulation apparatus of claim 1, wherein when the defrosting condition is satisfied:

the second refrigerant system is operated in a defrosting mode, and

an operation frequency of the second compressor during the defrosting mode operation of the second refrigerant system is less than that of the second compressor during the heating mode operation of the second refrigerant system.

7. The water circulation apparatus of claim 1, wherein:

the water circulator includes an inverter pump regulating a flow amount of water pumped into the water pipe, and

when the defrosting condition is satisfied, the inverter pump is operated to reduce the flow amount of the water pipe than that of the water pipe in the heating mode.

8. The water circulation apparatus of claim 1, wherein:

the water circulator includes a water collection tank in which the water passing through the second heat-exchanger is stored, and

the water pipe includes an inlet pipe of the second heat-exchanger and an outlet pipe of the second heat-exchanger,

the outlet pipe of the second heat-exchanger is connected to the water collection tank.

9. The water circulation apparatus of claim 8, wherein the branch pipe is branched from the inlet pipe and joint at the outlet pipe.

10. The water circulation apparatus of claim 8, wherein the branch pipe is branched from the inlet pipe, passes through the intermediate heat-exchanger, and is connected to the water collection tank.

11. The water circulation apparatus of claim 1, wherein:

a bypass pipe bypassing the first refrigerant or the second refrigerant into the intermediate heat-exchanger is disposed at an outlet-side of the first compressor or the second compressor, and

a bypass valve regulating a flow amount of the refrigerant is in the bypass pipe,

when the defrosting condition for defrosting the first heat-exchanger is satisfied, the bypass valve is opened.

12. The water circulation of claim 11, wherein the bypass pipe comprises:

a first bypass pipe to allow the refrigerant discharged from the first compressor to be bypassed toward the intermediate heat-exchanger, and

a second bypass pipe to allow the refrigerant discharged from the second compressor to be bypassed toward the intermediate heat-exchanger, and

wherein the bypass valve comprises:

a first bypass valve and a second bypass valve disposed in respective ones of the first and second bypass pipes, and wherein, when the defrosting condition is satisfied, the number of opened bypass valves is varied based on an outdoor temperature.

13. The water circulation apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first refrigerant includes R410a refrigerant and the second refrigerant includes R134a refrigerant.

14. A water circulation apparatus for a refrigerant system, comprising:

a first refrigerant system which includes a first compressor and a first heat-exchanger in which air is heat-exchanged with a first refrigerant, the first refrigerant system performing a refrigerant cycle in which the first refrigerant flows;

a second refrigerant system which includes a second compressor, the second refrigerant system performing a refrigerant cycle in which a second refrigerant flows;

an intermediate heat-exchanger to perform a heat-exchange operation between the first refrigerant and the second refrigerant while the first and second refrigerants flow, the intermediate heat-exchanger including a first refrigerant passage and a second refrigerant passage; and

a water circulator to circulate water that is heat-exchanged with the second refrigerant while the water is circulated, wherein:

at least one bypass pipe to allow at least one of the first refrigerant or the second refrigerant to bypass into the intermediate heat-exchanger, the at least one bypass pipe disposed at an outlet-side of at least one of the first or second compressor, and

at least one bypass valve to regulate a flow amount of refrigerant in the at least one bypass pipe,

when a defrosting condition for defrosting the first heat-exchanger is satisfied during heating mode operations of the first and second refrigerant systems, the first refrigerant system is operated in a cooling mode and the bypass valve is opened.

15. The water circulation apparatus of claim 14, wherein the at least one bypass pipe comprises:

a first bypass pipe to allow the refrigerant discharged from the first compressor to be bypassed toward an inlet-side of the first refrigerant passage, and

a second bypass pipe to allow the refrigerant discharged from the second compressor to be bypassed toward an inlet-side of the second refrigerant passage,

the at least one bypass valve comprises:

a first bypass valve and a second bypass valve disposed in the bypass pipes respectively, wherein a number of opened bypass valves is varied according to an outdoor temperature when the defrosting condition is satisfied.

16. The water circulation apparatus of claim 15, wherein:

when an outdoor temperature is greater than a first reference temperature, the first bypass valve is opened,

when the outdoor temperature is between a second reference temperature less than the first reference temperature and the first reference temperature, the second bypass valve is opened, and

when the outdoor temperature is less than the second reference temperature, the first and second bypass valves are opened.

17. The water circulation apparatus of claim 14, wherein when the defrosting condition is satisfied:

the second refrigerant system is operated in a defrosting mode, and

an operation frequency of the second compressor during the defrosting mode operation of the second refrigerant system is less than that of the second compressor during the heating mode operation of the second refrigerant system.

18. The water circulation apparatus of claim 14, wherein:

the water circulator includes an inverter pump regulating a flow amount of water pumped into the water pipe, and

when the defrosting condition is satisfied, the inverter pump is operated to reduce the flow amount of the water pipe than that of the water pipe in the heating mode.

19. The water circulation apparatus of claim 14, wherein the first refrigerant includes R410a refrigerant and the second refrigerant includes R134a refrigerant.

20. The water circulation apparatus of claim 14, wherein:

when each of the refrigerant systems is operated in the heating mode, the intermediate heat-exchanger serves as a condenser with respect to the first refrigerant system and an evaporator with respect to the second refrigerant system, and

when the first refrigerant system is operated in the defrosting mode, the intermediate heat-exchanger serves as an evaporator with respect to the respective refrigerant systems.