REFRIGERATION DEVICE

Abstract

Frame parts are arranged in a row, and in each of which a compressor, an air heat exchanger, a receiver, and a system-side electric component box corresponding to each other are installed as a single unit.

Claims

1. A refrigeration apparatus comprising: a plurality of refrigerant circuits to each of which a compressor, an air heat exchanger and a receiver are connected; a plurality of system-side electric component boxes each having an electric component corresponding to an associated one of the compressors; and a support having a plurality of support parts arranged in a row, wherein the compressor, the air heat exchanger, the receiver, and the system-side electric component box corresponding to each other are installed as a single unit in each of the support parts.

2. The refrigeration apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a water circuit to which a water heat exchanger allowing a refrigerant and water to exchange heat, and a water pump transporting water are connected; and an operation-side electric component box containing an operation unit, wherein the plurality of support parts includes a first end support part and a second end support part, the operation-side electric component box containing the operation unit is installed in the first end support part, and the water pump is installed in the second end support part.

3. The refrigeration apparatus of claim 2, wherein the plurality of support parts include at least one intermediate support part arranged between the first end support part and the second end support part.

4. The refrigeration apparatus of claim 2, wherein in the second end support part, the system-side electric component box, the compressor, and the water pump are arranged in this order from the first end support part toward the second end support part.

5. The refrigeration apparatus of claim 3, wherein in at least one of the intermediate support parts, the system-side electric component box, the compressor, and the water heat exchanger are arranged in this order from the first end support part toward the second end support part.

6. The refrigeration apparatus of claim 1, wherein a maintenance port is formed in at least one of side surfaces of the support extending in a direction in which the support parts are arranged, and the compressor is arranged closer to the maintenance port than the receiver in at least one of the plurality of support parts.

7. The refrigeration apparatus of claim 6, wherein the system-side electric component box is arranged closer to the maintenance port than the receiver in at least one of the plurality of support parts.

8. The refrigeration apparatus of claim 6, wherein a withdrawable bottom plate on which the compressor is placed is provided at a bottom of each of the plurality of support parts, the withdrawable bottom plate being withdrawable toward the maintenance port.

9. The refrigeration apparatus of claim 1, wherein the single unit installed in each of the support parts includes a refrigerant cooling unit which is connected to the refrigerant circuit and cools the electric component in the corresponding system-side electric component box with a refrigerant.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] FIG. 1 is a general perspective view illustrating front and right sides of a chiller apparatus.

[0037] FIG. 2 is a general perspective view illustrating front and left sides of the chiller apparatus.

[0038] FIG. 3 is a piping diagram of the chiller apparatus.

[0039] FIG. 4 is a front view of the chiller apparatus.

[0040] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line V-V of FIG. 4.

[0041] FIG. 6 is a schematic view illustrating a portion of a side of a first air heat exchanger in an enlarged scale.

[0042] FIG. 7 is a schematic view illustrating a portion of a side of a second air heat exchanger in an enlarged scale.

[0043] FIG. 8 is a plan view illustrating the layout of main components in a machine chamber.

[0044] FIG. 9 is a front view illustrating a plurality of chiller apparatuses arranged in a horizontal direction.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0045] An embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. The embodiment described below is merely an exemplary one in nature, and is not intended to limit the scope, applications, or use of the invention.

<<Embodiment of Invention>>

[0046] A refrigeration apparatus of the present invention is a cold/hot water chiller apparatus (1) which cools and heats water with a refrigerant. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the chiller apparatus (1) includes, for example, four heat source units (5A, 5B, 5C, 5D) arranged in a row.

Piping System of Chiller Apparatus

[0047] A piping system of the chiller apparatus (1) will be described with reference to FIG. 3. The chiller apparatus (1) has four refrigerant circuits (10), a single water circuit (40), and two water heat exchangers (35, 36) connected to the refrigerant circuits (10) and the water circuit (40). In each of the refrigerant circuits (10), a refrigerant is circulated to perform a vapor compression refrigeration cycle. Water is supplied from a predetermined water supply source into the water circuit (40). After being heated or cooled in the water circuit (40), water is supplied to a predetermined target of temperature regulation. Note that the number of the refrigerant circuits (10), the number of the water heat exchangers (35, 36), and the number of the water circuit (40) are merely examples, and may be any number.

<Refrigerant Circuit>

[0048] Each of the refrigerant circuits (10) includes a heat source circuit (11) and a utilization circuit (30) connected together. The four heat source circuits (11) respectively correspond to the four heat source units (5A, 5B, 5C, 5D). The heat source circuits (11) and the utilization circuits (30) are configured basically in the same manner. Thus, FIG. 3 shows the detailed configuration of the heat source circuit (11) of the first heat source unit (5A), and the detailed configuration of the heat source circuits (11) of the other heat source units (5B, 5C, 5D) are omitted.

[Heat Source Circuit]

[0049] The heat source circuits (11) are respectively provided for the corresponding heat source units (5A, 5B, 5C, 5D). A compressor (12), a first air heat exchanger (50), a second air heat exchanger (60), a first expansion valve (13), a second expansion valve (14), a receiver (15), and a four-way switching valve (16) are connected to each heat source circuit (11).

[0050] The compressor (12) sucks and compresses a refrigerant, and discharges the compressed refrigerant. The first air heat exchanger (50) and the second air heat exchanger (60) are fin-and-tube heat exchangers. In each of the air heat exchangers (50, 60), the air transported by the fan (17) and the refrigerant exchange heat. Each of the first expansion valve (13) and the second expansion valve (14) is a motor-operated valve whose opening degree is variable. The first air heat exchanger (50) and the second air heat exchanger (60) adjacent to each other constitute a heat exchange section (48) in which the refrigerant and the air exchange heat.

[0051] The first air heat exchanger (61) and the first expansion valve (13) are connected to a first parallel circuit (18), and the second air heat exchanger (60) and the second expansion valve (14) are connected to a second parallel circuit (19). The first parallel circuit (18) and the second parallel circuit (19) are parallel refrigerant circuits which are parallel with each other.

[0052] The receiver (15) is a hollow, vertically elongated hermetic container, and constitutes a refrigerant regulator. A surplus of the refrigerant is stored in the receiver (15).

[0053] The four-way switching valve (16) has first to fourth ports. In the four-way switching valve (16), the first port is connected to a discharge portion of the compressor (12), the second port is connected to a suction portion of the compressor (12), the third port is connected to a gas-side end of each of the air heat exchangers (50, 60), and the fourth port is connected to a gas line (31) of the utilization circuit (30). The four-way switching valve (16) switches between a state in which the first port and the third port communicate with each other and the second port and the fourth port communicate with each other (a first state indicated by solid curves in FIG. 3), and a state in which the first port and the fourth port communicate with each other and the second port and the third port communicate with each other (a second state indicated by broken curves in FIG. 3).

[0054] A subcooling unit (20) and a refrigerant cooling unit (25) are connected to the heat source circuit (11).

[0055] The subcooling unit (20) has a subcooling heat exchanger (21), an injection circuit (22), and a first motor-operated valve (23). The subcooling heat exchanger (21) has a first flow path (21a) communicating with the receiver (15), and a second flow path (21b) connected to the injection circuit (22). The injection circuit (22) has an inlet end connected between the receiver (15) and the subcooling unit (20), and an outlet end communicating with the suction portion of the compressor (12). The first motor-operated valve (23) is connected to the injection circuit (22) upstream of the second flow path (21b). The first motor-operated valve (23) is an electronic expansion valve whose opening degree is variable. In the subcooling heat exchanger (21), a liquid refrigerant flowing through the first flow path (21a) and a refrigerant flowing through the second flow path (21b) exchange heat. As a result, the liquid refrigerant flowing through the first flow path (21a) is cooled in the subcooling heat exchanger (21).

[0056] The refrigerant cooling unit (25) has a cooling circuit (26) and a heat transfer member (27). One end of the cooling circuit (26) is branched into two. One of the two branches of the cooling circuit (26) is connected to the first parallel circuit (18) between the first air heat exchanger (50) and the first expansion valve (13). The other of the two branches of the cooling circuit (26) is connected to the second parallel circuit (19) between the second air heat exchanger (60) and the second expansion valve (14). The other end of the cooling circuit (26) is connected between the receiver (15) and the two expansion valves (13, 14). A second motor-operated valve (28), which is an electronic expansion valve, for example, is connected to the cooling circuit (26).

[0057] The heat transfer member (27) is made of, for example, a material having a high thermal conductivity such as flat plate-shaped aluminum. A heat transfer tube constituting the cooling circuit (26) is in thermal contact with one of the surfaces of the heat transfer member (27). An electric component (81a) (e.g., an inverter board including a switching element) is in thermal contact with the other surface of the heat transfer member (27). Thus, the refrigerant in the refrigerant cooling unit (25) is used to cool the electric component (81a).

[0058] Various sensors are provided for each heat source circuit (11). Specifically, a first refrigerant temperature sensor (29a) is connected to the gas-side end of the first air heat exchanger (50). A second refrigerant temperature sensor (29b) is connected to the gas-side end of the second air heat exchanger (60). A suction pressure sensor (29c) is connected to the suction portion of the compressor (12). The first refrigerant temperature sensor (29a) detects the temperature of the refrigerant that has flowed out of the first air heat exchanger (50) serving as an evaporator. The second refrigerant temperature sensor (29b) detects the temperature of the refrigerant that has flowed out of the second air heat exchanger (60) serving as an evaporator. The suction pressure sensor (29c) detects the pressure of the refrigerant (low pressure refrigerant) sucked into the compressor (12).

[Utilization Circuit]

[0059] Each utilization circuit (30) is connected between an associated one of the heat source units (5A, 5B, 5C, 5D) and an associated one of the water heat exchangers (35, 36). Specifically, the utilization circuit (30) corresponding to the first heat source unit (5A) is connected to a first refrigerant-side flow path (35a) of the first water heat exchanger (35). The utilization circuit (30) corresponding to the second heat source unit (5B) is connected to a second refrigerant-side flow path (35b) of the first water heat exchanger (35). The utilization circuit (30) corresponding to the third heat source unit (5C) is connected to a third refrigerant-side flow path (36a) of the second water heat exchanger (36). The utilization circuit (30) corresponding to the fourth heat source unit (5D) is connected to a fourth refrigerant-side flow path (36b) of the second water heat exchanger (36).

[0060] Each of the utilization circuits (30) has a gas line (31) and a liquid line (32). The gas line (31) is connected between the gas-side end of the water heat exchanger (35, 36) and the fourth port of the four-way switching valve (16). The liquid line (32) is connected between the liquid-side end of the water heat exchanger (35, 36) and the subcooling heat exchanger (21). A third expansion valve (33), which is an electronic expansion valve, for example, is connected to the liquid line (32).

<Water Circuit>

[0061] The water circuit (40) has an inflow pipe (41), a relay pipe (42), and an outflow pipe (43) arranged in this order from the upstream side toward the downstream side. The inflow pipe (41) is connected to an inlet end of a first water flow path (35c) of the first water heat exchanger (35). The relay pipe (42) is connected between the first water flow path (35c) of the first water heat exchanger (35) and a second water flow path (36c) of the second water heat exchanger (36). The outflow pipe (43) is connected to an outlet end of the second water flow path (36c) of the second water heat exchanger (36). A water pump (44) transporting water of the water circuit (40) is connected to the inflow pipe (41).

<Control Unit>

[0062] The chiller apparatus (1) has a control unit (81b) for controlling each component of the refrigerant circuit (10). The control unit (81b) has, for example, a microcomputer and a memory, and controls the opening degrees of the first expansion valve (13) and the second expansion valve (14). Specifically, in a heating operation described later, the control unit (81b) controls the opening degree of the first expansion valve (13) so that an index indicating the degree of superheat of the refrigerant flowing out of the first air heat exchanger (50) approaches a target value. Further, in the heating operation, the control unit (81b) controls the opening degree of the second expansion valve (14) so that an index indicating the degree of superheat of the refrigerant flowing out of the second air heat exchanger (60) approaches a target value.

Operation of Chiller Apparatus

[0063] A fundamental operation of the chiller apparatus (1) will be described with reference to FIG. 3. The chiller apparatus (1) switches between a cooling operation of cooling water and a heating operation of heating water.

<Cooling Operation>

[0064] In the cooling operation, a refrigeration cycle is performed in which the four-way switching valve (16) is in the first state, each of the air heat exchangers (50, 60) serves as a radiator or a condenser, and the water heat exchanger (35, 36) serves as an evaporator. Specifically, the refrigerant compressed in the compressor (12) is diverged into the first air heat exchanger (50) and the second air heat exchanger (60). In each of the air heat exchangers (50, 60), the refrigerant dissipates heat to the outdoor air to condense. The refrigerant that has dissipated heat in the first air heat exchanger (50) passes through the first expansion valve (13) which is fully opened. The refrigerant that has dissipated heat in the second air heat exchanger (60) passes through the second expansion valve (14) which is fully opened. The refrigerant merged in the receiver (15) passes through the subcooling heat exchanger (21), has its pressure reduced by the third expansion valve (33), and then flows through the water heat exchangers (35, 36). In the water heat exchangers (35, 36), the refrigerant absorbs heat from water in the water circuit (40) to evaporate, thereby cooling the water. The refrigerant evaporated in each of the water heat exchangers (35, 36) is sucked into the compressor (12) to be compressed.

<Heating Operation>

[0065] In the heating operation, a refrigeration cycle is performed in which the four-way switching valve (16) is in the second state, each of the water heat exchangers (35, 36) serves as a radiator or a condenser, and each of the air heat exchangers (50, 60) serves as an evaporator. Specifically, the refrigerant compressed in the compressor (12) flows through the water heat exchangers (35, 36). In the water heat exchangers (35, 36), the refrigerant dissipates heat to water in the water circuit (40) to condense, thereby heating the water. The refrigerant condensed in each water heat exchanger (35, 36) passes through the fully-opened third expansion valve (33), the subcooling heat exchanger (21), and the receiver (15) in this order, and is diverged into the first expansion valve (13) and the second expansion valve (14). The refrigerant that has had its pressure reduced by the first expansion valve (13) evaporates in the first air heat exchanger (50). The refrigerant that has had its pressure reduced by the second expansion valve (14) evaporates in the second air heat exchanger (60). The refrigerants evaporated in the air heat exchangers (50, 60) merge together, and the merged refrigerant is sucked into the compressor (12) and is compressed.

[0066] In the heating operation, the control unit (81b) individually regulates the opening degree of the first expansion valve (13) and the opening degree of the second expansion valve (14). Specifically, the opening degree of the first expansion valve (13) is regulated so that the degree of superheat of the refrigerant flowing out of the first air heat exchanger (50) reaches a predetermined value. The opening degree of the second expansion valve (14) is regulated so that the degree of superheat of the refrigerant flowing out of the second air heat exchanger (60) reaches a predetermined value. The degree of superheat of the refrigerant flowing out of the first air heat exchanger (50) is obtained, for example, from the difference between the temperature of the refrigerant detected by the first refrigerant temperature sensor (29a) and a saturation temperature corresponding to the pressure of the refrigerant detected by the suction pressure sensor (29c). Likewise, the degree of superheat of the refrigerant flowing out of the second air heat exchanger (60) is obtained, for example, from the difference between the temperature of the refrigerant detected by the second refrigerant temperature sensor (29b) and a saturation temperature corresponding to the pressure of the refrigerant detected by the suction pressure sensor (29c). Instead of directly calculating the degree of superheat, the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant can be directly used as indices of the degree of superheat.

[0067] In this way, the degree of superheat of the refrigerant flowing out of the first air heat exchanger (50) and the degree of superheat of the refrigerant flowing out of the second air heat exchanger (60) are individually controlled, so that the refrigerant can reliably evaporate to a predetermined degree of superheat in each of the air heat exchangers (50, 60). Specifically, this can reliably avoid the refrigerant from flowing out of each air heat exchanger (50, 60) in a wet state or in an excessively dried state. This can ensure a sufficient evaporation capacity of each of the air heat exchangers (50, 60). Further, this can reliably avoid the compressor (12) from sucking the liquid refrigerant. Configuration of Chiller Apparatus

[0068] Next, a detailed configuration of the chiller apparatus (1) will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 8. In the following description, the directions front, rear, right, left, top, and bottom refer to those shown in FIG. 1 as a rule.

<General Configuration>

[0069] In the chiller apparatus (1), four heat source units (5A, 5B, 5C, 5D) are arranged in a front-to-back direction. The four heat source units (5A, 5B, 5C, 5D) include a first heat source unit (5A), a second heat source unit (5B), a third heat source unit (5C), and a fourth heat source unit (5D) arranged in this order from the front side to the rear side.

[0070] Each of the heat source units (5A, 5B, 5C, 5D) has one upper casing (46) and one support part (70A, 70B, 70C, 70D). The support parts (70A, 70B, 70C, 70D) include a first support part (70A) corresponding to the first heat source unit (5A), a second support part (70B) corresponding to the second heat source unit (5B), a third support part (70C) corresponding to the third heat source unit (5C), and a fourth support part (70D) corresponding to the fourth heat source unit (5D). The support parts (70A, 70B, 70C, 70D) are connected to each other in the front-to-back direction, thereby forming an integral support (70). The first support part (70A) constitutes a first end support part which is the foremost support part. The fourth support part (70D) constitutes a second end support part (70A, 70B, 70C, 70D) which is the rearmost support part. The second support part (70B) and the third support part (70C) respectively constitute intermediate support parts arranged between the first support part (70A) and the fourth support part (70D). The number of the support parts (70A, 70B, 70C, 70D) is merely an example, and may preferably be two or more, three or more, or five or more.

[0071] The first and second air heat exchangers (50) and (60) constituting the heat exchange section (48) and intermediate frame parts (65A, 65B, 65C, 65D) covering the second air heat exchangers (60) are arranged between the upper casings (46) and the support parts (70A, 70B, 70C, 70D).

<Upper Casing>

[0072] The upper casings (46) are provided on top ends of the heat source units (5A, 5B, 5C, 5D). Each of the upper casings (46) is in the shape of a flat, hollow rectangular box. Each upper casing (46) houses the fan (17) (see FIG. 4). A circular blow-out port (46a) is formed through the top of the upper casing (46) (see FIGS. 1 and 2). When the fan (17) is operated, the air flows from the outside of the two air heat exchangers (50, 60) to the interior of the two air heat exchangers (50, 60). The air flows upward through the interior of the two air heat exchangers (50, 60), and is blown upward from the blow-out port (46a).

<First Air Heat Exchanger>

[0073] The first air heat exchanger (50) is provided for each of the heat source units (5A, 5B, 5C, 5D), or each of the support parts (70A, 70B, 70C, 70D). Each of the first air heat exchangers (50) has first to third side surfaces (51, 52, 53) through which the air passes. The first to third side surfaces (51, 52, 53) serve as a ventilation portion through which the air passes.

[0074] The first side surface (51) and the second side surface (52) are a pair of side surfaces facing each other. The first side surface (51) serves as a front surface of the first air heat exchanger (50), and the second side surface (52) serves as a rear surface of the first air heat exchanger (50). The third side surface (53) is a center side surface continuously extending between the first and second side surfaces (51) and (52), and serves as a left side surface of the first air heat exchanger (50). The four first air heat exchangers (50) are arranged adjacent to each other such that the third side surfaces (53) are aligned in a horizontal direction (front-to-back direction).

[0075] As shown in FIG. 5, each first air heat exchanger (50) is configured such that the side surfaces (51, 52, 53) are arranged in a substantially U shape when viewed in plan. The first air heat exchanger (50) has an open surface (54) where the side surfaces (51, 52, 53) are not provided. The first air heat exchanger (50) is a vertical air heat exchanger whose side surfaces (51, 52, 53) stand upright. No other member is provided around the side surfaces (51, 52, 53) of the first air heat exchanger (50). Thus, when the fan (17) is operated, the air around the first air heat exchanger (50) passes through the side surfaces (51, 52, 53) to flow into the first air heat exchanger (50).

[0076] In the first air heat exchanger (50), the first side surface (51) and the second side surface (52) are arranged substantially in the shape of V when viewed in plan. That is, the first side surface (51) and the second side surface (52) are in a reverse tapered arrangement such that a distance therebetween increases toward their lateral ends. In other words, the first side surface (51) and the second side surface (52) are inclined outward (front-to-back direction) so as to form an obtuse angle with the third side surface (53). That is, as shown in FIG. 5, in the first air heat exchanger (50), a virtual plane P1 extending along the first side surface (51) and a virtual plane P3 extending along the third side surface (53) form an angle 1 which is larger than 90 degrees. Further, in the first air heat exchanger (50), a virtual plane P2 extending along the second side surface (52) and the virtual plane P3 extending along the third side surface (53) form an angle 2 which is larger than 90 degrees.

[0077] As shown in FIG. 5, a circulation space (55) through which the air can flow is formed between a pair of first air heat exchangers (50) adjacent to each other in the front-to-back direction. The circulation space (55) is widened toward the third side surface (53) when viewed in plan. The circulation space (55) with a widened opening allows the air to easily flow into the circulation space (55).

<Second Air Heat Exchanger>

[0078] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the second air heat exchanger (60) is arranged to oppose to the open surface (54) on the right side of the first air heat exchanger (50). The second air heat exchanger (60) is substantially in the shape of a flat plate as a whole. The second air heat exchanger (60) has a sloping surface (61) which is substantially flat and inclined in the right-to-left direction on the whole area thereof. The second air heat exchanger (60) or the sloping surface (61) is inclined to be away from the open surface (54) of the first air heat exchanger (50) toward a top end thereof.

[0079] The top end of the second air heat exchanger (60) is substantially at the same height as a top end of the first air heat exchanger (50). A bottom end of the second air heat exchanger (60) is substantially at the same height as a bottom end of the first air heat exchanger (50). The second air heat exchanger (60) is arranged to cover the entire open surface (54) of the first air heat exchanger (50).

<Number of Refrigerant Flow Paths (C) of First Air Heat Exchanger (50) and Second Air Heat Exchanger (60)>

[0080] As shown in FIG. 6, in the first air heat exchanger (50), the number (path number) of the refrigerant flow paths (C) arranged in a direction of air passage (the width direction of a first fin (56)) is three. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 7, in the second air heat exchanger (60), the number (path number) of refrigerant flow paths (C) arranged in the air passage direction (the width direction of a second fin (62)) is four. That is, the second air heat exchanger (60) includes a larger number of refrigerant flow paths (C) than the first air heat exchanger (50). In this embodiment, the first fin (56) of the first air heat exchanger (50) has approximately the same width as the second fin (62) of the second air heat exchanger (60).

[0081] As shown in FIG. 4, the second air heat exchanger (60) is obliquely arranged so that its outflow surface faces the fan (17). As compared with the case where the second air heat exchanger (60) is placed upright, the outflow surface of the second air heat exchanger (60) according to this embodiment is located closer to the fan (17), so that the air can flow more smoothly. This means that the second air heat exchanger (60) arranged obliquely can reduce a resistance of a flow path between the second air heat exchanger (60) and the fan (17). Accordingly, when the second air heat exchanger (60) is provided with a larger number of refrigerant flow paths (C) than the first air heat exchanger (50), the total heat transfer area of the second air heat exchanger (60) can be increased while sufficiently ensuring the air flow volume of the second air heat exchanger (60).

[0082] Note that the second air heat exchanger (60) may have the same number of (e.g., three) refrigerant flow paths (C) as the first air heat exchanger (50).

<Intermediate Frame Part>

[0083] As shown in FIG. 5 and other drawings, the four intermediate frame parts (65A, 65B, 65C, 65D) include a first intermediate frame part (65A) corresponding to the first heat source unit (5A), a second intermediate frame part (65B) corresponding to the second heat source unit (5B), a third intermediate frame part (65C) corresponding to the third heat source unit (5C), and a fourth intermediate frame part (65D) corresponding to the fourth heat source unit (5D). The intermediate frame parts (65A, 65B, 65C, 65D) are disposed to cover the second air heat exchangers (60). The four intermediate frame parts (65A, 65B, 65C, 65D) each have a frame plate (66) which is inclined along the second air heat exchanger (60). The frame plate (66) is formed in a frame shape covering the second air heat exchanger (60) from the outside, and has a vent (66a) formed in an inner portion thereof (see FIG. 1). Specifically, the sloping surface (61) of the second air heat exchanger (60) is exposed outside through the vent (66a) of the frame plate (66).

[0084] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 5 and other drawings, a first shielding plate (67) is formed on the front side of the first intermediate frame part (65A). The first shielding plate (67) extends from the front end of the frame plate (66) of the first intermediate frame part (65A) to the vicinity of the end of the first side surface (51) of the first air heat exchanger (50). The first shielding plate (67) blocks the air from flowing out of a space between the first side surface (51) of the first air heat exchanger (50) and the second air heat exchanger (60). The first shielding plate (67) is in the shape of an inverted trapezoid or a right-angled triangle whose width is narrowed downward.

[0085] As shown in FIG. 5, a second shielding plate (68) having substantially the same shape as the first shielding plate (67) is formed on the back side of the fourth intermediate frame part (65D). The second shielding plate (68) extends from the rear end of the frame plate (66) of the fourth intermediate frame part (65D) to the vicinity of the end of the second side surface (52) of the first air heat exchanger (50). The second shielding plate (68) blocks the air from flowing out of a space between the second side surface (52) of the first air heat exchanger (50) and the second air heat exchanger (60). The second shielding plate (68) is in the shape of an inverted trapezoid or a right-angled triangle whose width is narrowed downward.

[0086] Between an adjacent pair of the second air heat exchangers (60), an intermediate shielding plate (69) having substantially the same shape as the first and second shielding plates (67) and (68) is provided. In other words, the intermediate shielding plates (69) are positioned and shaped to have a plane of projection of substantially the same shape as the first shielding plate (67) and the second shielding plate (68) when viewed from the front. Each of a plurality of (three in this example) intermediate shielding plates (69) has a right end fixed to the lateral end of the adjacent frame plate (66). The left end of each intermediate shielding plate (69) is in the vicinity of the ends of a pair of the side surfaces (51, 52) of the first air heat exchangers (50) adjacent to each other. The intermediate shield plate (69) blocks the air in one of an adjacent pair of the heat source units (5A, 5B, 5C, 5D) from flowing into the other heat source unit (5A, 5B, 5C, 5D).

<Support>

[0087] The support (70) is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape which is elongated in the front-rear direction. The support (70) has first and second side frames (71a, 71b), first to fourth vertical frames (72a, 72b, 72c, 72d), and first to sixth intermediate frames (73a, 73b, 73c, 73d, 73e, 73f).

[0088] The first side frame (71a) is disposed at the right end of the support (70), and the second side frame (71b) is disposed at the left end of the support (70). The first side frame (71a) and the second side frame (71b) are formed in a rod shape extending in the front-to-back direction to be parallel to each other.

[0089] The first vertical frame (72a) is fixed to a front end of the first side frame (71a), and the second vertical frame (72b) is fixed to a rear end of the first side frame (71a). The third vertical frame (72c) is fixed to a front end of the second side frame (71b), and the fourth vertical frame (72d) is fixed to a rear end of the second side frame (71b).

[0090] The first to third intermediate frames (73a, 73b, 73c) are fixed to an intermediate portion of the first side frame (71a), and arranged in the front-to-back direction. The fourth to sixth intermediate frames (73d, 73e, 73f) are fixed to an intermediate portion of the second side frame (71b), and arranged in the front-to-back direction. The first to sixth intermediate frames (73f) are formed in a vertical rod shape extending upward from the intermediate portion of each of the side frames (71a, 71b), and arranged in parallel to each other.

[0091] One base (74) is provided at the top end of the support (70). The base (74) is supported by the first to fourth vertical frames (72d) and the first to sixth intermediate frames (73f). The base (74) is in the shape of a plate or a rectangular parallelepiped elongated in the front-to-back direction, and extends in parallel with the side frames (71a, 71b). The two air heat exchangers (50, 60) (heat exchange section (48)) and the intermediate frame parts (65A, 65B, 65C, 65D) are disposed on a top surface of the base (74).

[0092] A front panel (75) is provided to stand upright on a front surface of the support (70). The front panel (75) is detachably attached to the first vertical frame (72a) and the third vertical frame (72c). A rear panel (76) is provided to stand upright on a rear surface of the support (70). The rear panel (76) is detachably attached to the second vertical frame (72b) and the fourth vertical frame (72d).

[0093] A first support side plate (77) is formed on the right side of the support (70). The first support side plate (77) is located below the open surfaces (54) of the first air heat exchangers (50). The first support side plate (77) includes first to fourth vertical side panels (77a, 77b, 77c, 77d). The first side panel (77a) is detachably attached to the first vertical frame (72a) and the first intermediate frame (73a). The second side panel (77b) is detachably attached to the first intermediate frame (73a) and the second intermediate frame (73b). The third side panel (77c) is detachably attached to the second intermediate frame (73b) and the third intermediate frame (73c). The fourth side panel (77d) is detachably attached to the third intermediate frame (73c) and the second vertical frame (72b).

[0094] A second support side plate (78) is formed on the left side of the support (70). The second support side plate (78) is located below the first air heat exchangers (50). The second support side plate (78) includes fifth to eighth vertical side panels (78a, 78b, 78c, 78d). The fifth side panel (78a) is detachably attached to the third vertical frame (72c) and the fourth intermediate frame (73d). The sixth side panel (78b) is detachably attached to the fourth intermediate frame (73d) and the fifth intermediate frame (73e). The seventh side panel (78c) is detachably attached to the fifth intermediate frame (73e) and the sixth intermediate frame (73f). The eighth side panel (78d) is detachably attached to the sixth intermediate frame (73f) and the fourth vertical frame (72d).

[0095] First to fourth machine chambers (S1, S2, S3, S4) are defined between the first and second support side plates (77) and (78) of the support (70). The first to fourth machine chambers (S1, S2, S3, S4) are rectangular parallelepiped spaces, and arranged in a row in the front-to-back direction. Specifically, the first machine chamber (S1) is defined between the first side panel (77a) and the fifth side panel (78a), and the second machine chamber (S2) is defined between the second side panel (77b) and the sixth side panel (78b). The third machine chamber (S3) is defined between the third side panel (77c) and the seventh side panel (78c), and the fourth machine chamber (S4) is defined between the fourth side panel (77d) and the eighth side panel (78d).

[0096] In the support (70), components defining the first machine chamber (S1) constitute the first support part (70A), components defining the second machine chamber (S2) constitute the second support part (70B), components defining the third machine chamber (S3) constitute the third support part (70C), and components defining the fourth machine chamber (S4) constitute the fourth support part (70D).

[0097] In this embodiment, for example, the first and second side frames (71a, 71b) and the base (74) are common components defining the machine chambers (S1, S2, S3, S4) of the support parts (70A, 70B, 70C, 70D). Note that the first and second side frames (71a, 71b) and the base (74) may be divided into portions respectively corresponding to the machine chambers (S1, S2, S3, S4) or the support parts (70A, 70B, 70C, 70D). In this way, each of the support parts (70A, 70B, 70C, 70D) can be independently moved (e.g., lifted) together with an associated one of the heat source units (5A, 5B, 5C, 5D).

<Leg>

[0098] As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 4 and other drawings, two legs (79) are provided at the bottom end of the support (70). One of the legs (79) is fixed to the bottom end of the front panel (75), and the other leg (79) is fixed to the bottom end of the rear panel (76). Each of the legs (79) extends horizontally from the bottom end of the first support side plate (77) to the right. That is, each leg (79) has a protruding portion located below the second air heat exchangers (60) or the intermediate frame parts (65A, 65B, 65C, 65D). The number of the legs (79) is not limiting, and may be three or more.

[0099] As shown in FIG. 4, the entire outer shape of the chiller apparatus (1) is formed into an inverted L shape when viewed from the front. In other words, in the chiller apparatus (1), the second air heat exchanger (60) and its peripheral components overhang outward (to the right) from the second support side plate (78). Therefore, there is a possibility that the chiller apparatus (1) falls down to the right. However, the legs (79) extend from the bottom end of the support (70) in the direction in which the second air heat exchanger (60) overhangs, so that the risk of the fall can be avoided with reliability.

<Layout of Main Components in Machine Chamber>

[0100] Next, the layout of main components in the machine chamber (S1, S2, S3, S4) will be described with reference to FIG. 8. FIG. 8 does not show a refrigerant pipe of the refrigerant circuit (10).

[General Description of Layout]

[0101] In each machine chamber (S1, S2, S3, S4), the compressor (12), the receiver (15), and a system-side electric component box (81), one each, are installed. Each system-side electric component box (81) houses an electric component (81a), such as an inverter board, for supplying electric power to the corresponding compressor (12). Each machine chamber (S1, S2, S3, S4) is provided with the refrigerant cooling unit (25), (not shown in FIG. 8), for cooling the electric component (81a) in the system-side electric component box (81). Further, the system-side electric component box (81) houses a control unit (81b) for controlling the first expansion valve (13) and the second expansion valve (14) of the corresponding refrigerant circuit (10).

[0102] An operation-side electric component box (82) is installed in the first machine chamber (S1). An operation unit (82a) for operating the refrigeration apparatus is installed in the operation-side electric component box (82). The first water heat exchanger (35) is installed in the second machine chamber (S2). The second water heat exchanger (36) is installed in the third machine chamber (S3). The water pump (44) is installed in the fourth machine chamber (S4).

[Withdrawable Bottom Plate]

[0103] A withdrawable bottom plate (83) is provided for each machine chamber (S1, S2, S3, S4). The withdrawable bottom plate (83) is in the form of a rectangle which is slightly elongated in the front-to-back direction, and constitutes the bottom of the corresponding machine chamber (S1, S2, S3, S4). The withdrawable bottom plate (83) is attached to the support (70) to be slidable toward a maintenance space (85) formed on the right side of the support (70).

[First Machine Chamber]

[0104] In the first machine chamber (S1), the compressor (12), the receiver (15), the system-side electric component box (81), and the operation-side electric component box (82) are installed. The compressor (12) is arranged at a center portion of the first machine chamber (S1) in the front-to-back direction near the first support side plate (77) (near the maintenance space (85)). In the first machine chamber (S1), the operation-side electric component box (82) is arranged on the front side of the compressor (12) (toward the front panel (75)). In the first machine chamber (S1), the receiver (15) is arranged on the back side of the compressor (12) (toward the rear surface panel (76) or the fourth machine chamber (S4)). In the first machine chamber (S1), the system-side electric component box (81) is arranged on the left side of the receiver (15).

[Second Machine Chamber]

[0105] In the second machine chamber (S2), the compressor (12), the receiver (15), the system-side electric component box (81), and the first water heat exchanger (35) are installed. The system-side electric component box (81), the compressor (12), and the first water heat exchanger (35) are arranged in this order from the front side to the rear side of the second machine chamber (S2) near the first support side plate (77). In other words, in the second machine chamber (S2), the compressor (12) is arranged between the system-side electric component box (81) and the first water heat exchanger (35). In the second machine chamber (S2), a portion of the relay pipe (42) and a portion of the outflow pipe (43) are arranged. The relay pipe (42) and the outflow pipe (43) are arranged near the second support side plate (78) of the second machine chamber (S2).

[Third Machine Chamber]

[0106] In the third machine chamber (S3), the compressor (12), the receiver (15), the system-side electric component box (81), and the second water heat exchanger (36) are installed. The system-side electric component box (81), the compressor (12), and the second water heat exchanger (36) are arranged in this order from the front side to the rear side of the third machine chamber (S3) near the first support side plate (77). In other words, in the third machine chamber (S3), the compressor (12) is arranged between the system-side electric component box (81) and the second water heat exchanger (36). In the third machine chamber (S3), a portion of the inflow pipe (41), a portion of the relay pipe (42), and a portion of the outflow pipe (43) are arranged. The inflow pipe (41), the relay pipe (42), and the outflow pipe (43) are arranged near the second support side plate (78) of the third machine chamber (S3). In the third machine chamber (S3), the receiver (15) is arranged between the relay and outflow pipes (42, 43) and the system-side electric component box (81).

[Fourth Machine Chamber]

[0107] In the fourth machine chamber (S4), the compressor (12), the receiver (15), the system-side electric component box (81), and the water pump (44) are installed. The system-side electric component box (81), the compressor (12), and the water pump (44) are arranged in this order from the front side to the rear side of the fourth machine chamber (S4) near the first support side plate (77). In other words, in the fourth machine chamber (S4), the compressor (12) is arranged between the system-side electric component box (81) and the water pump (44). In the fourth machine chamber (S4), a portion of the inflow pipe (41) and a portion of the outflow pipe (43) are arranged. The inflow pipe (41) and the outflow pipe (43) are arranged near the second support side plate (78) of the fourth machine chamber (S4). In the fourth machine chamber (S4), the receiver (15) is arranged between the inflow and outflow pipes (41, 43) and the system-side electric component box (81). An inlet portion of the inflow pipe (41) extends from the fourth machine chamber (S4) to the outside through the second support side surface (fourth side panel (77d)). An outlet portion of the outflow pipe (43) extends from the fourth machine chamber (S4) to the outside through the rear panel (76).

<Structure for Maintenance>

[0108] As shown in FIG. 8, the front panel (75) and the first support side plate (77) of the chiller apparatus (1) constitute a main maintenance surface. When the front panel (75) is removed, the operation-side electric component box (82) is exposed to the outside through a front maintenance port (86). This makes the operation-side electric component box (82) easily accessible. When the first to fourth side panels (77a, 77b, 77c, 77d) constituting the first support side plate (77) are removed, the compressors (12) in the machine chambers (S1, S2, S3, S4) and the system-side electric component boxes (81) in the second to fourth machine chambers (S4) are exposed to the outside through a side maintenance port (87). This makes the compressors (12) in the machine chambers (S1, S2, S3, S4) and the system-side electric component boxes (81) in the second to fourth machine chambers (S4) easily accessible. Note that the system-side electric component box (81) in the first machine chamber (S1) is accessible when the fifth side panel (78a) is removed (see FIG. 2).

[0109] When the first to fourth side panels (77a, 77b, 77c, 77d) are removed (see FIG. 1), each of the withdrawable bottom plates (83) can be withdrawn toward the maintenance space (85). Thus, work can be performed after the compressors (12) and other components are withdrawn to the maintenance space (85).

[0110] As shown in FIG. 9, a plurality of chiller apparatuses (1) may be arranged in the right-to-left direction. In this case, the chiller apparatuses (1) are arranged such that the first support side plate (77) of one of an adjacent pair of the chiller apparatuses (1) faces the second support side plate (78) of the other chiller apparatus (1). In this state, a relatively wide maintenance space (85) can be formed between the adjacent supports (70) below the second air heat exchanger (60). This makes it possible to perform the maintenance of the components while reducing the distance between the plurality of chiller apparatuses (1).

Advantages of Embodiment

[0111] In the above embodiment, in each of the support parts (70A, 70B, 70C, 70D), the compressor (12), the two air heat exchangers (50, 60), and the receiver (15) which are connected to the same refrigerant circuit (10), and the system-side electric component box (81) corresponding to the compressor (12) are collectively arranged as a single unit. In addition, in each of the support parts (70A, 70B, 70C, 70D), the subcooling unit (20) and the refrigerant cooling unit (25) connected to the same refrigerant circuit (10) are also collectively arranged as a single unit. Therefore, the four support parts (70A, 70B, 70C, 70D) are the same or similar in the refrigerant pipe, electric wire, and their peripheral mounting structure. Thus, these components can be commonized. This can simplify the configuration of the refrigeration apparatus (1), and achieve cost reduction.

[0112] In the above embodiment, the second support part (70B) and the third support part (70C) are arranged between the first support part (70A) in which the operation-side electric component box (82) is installed and the fourth support part (70D) in which the water pump (44) is installed. This can increase the distance between the operation-side electric component box (82) and the water pump (44). Further, in the fourth support part (70D), the compressor (12) is arranged between the system-side electric component box (81) and the water pump (44). This can increase the distance between the system-side electric component box (81) and the water pump (44). Moreover, in the second support part (70B) and the third support part (70C), the compressor (12) is arranged between the system-side electric component box (81) and the water heat exchanger (35, 36). This can increase the distance between the system-side electric component box (81) and the water heat exchanger (35, 36). Thus, in this embodiment, the water heat exchanger (35, 36) and the water pump (44) can be arranged inside the support (70) while avoiding the malfunction of the operation-side electric component box (82) and the system-side electric component box (81) due to leakage of water from the water heat exchanger (35, 36) and the water pump (44).

[0113] When the first support side plate (77) is removed, the compressors (12) and the system-side electric component boxes (81) in the second support part (70B), the third support part (70C), and the fourth support part (70D) can be exposed to the outside through the side maintenance port (87). This can facilitate the maintenance of the compressors (12) and the system-side electric component boxes (81). Further, the maintenance space (85) reliably formed outside the side maintenance port (87) makes the compressors (12) and the system-side electric component boxes (81) easily accessible. In addition, when the withdrawable bottom plate (83) is withdrawn into the maintenance space (85) through the side maintenance port (87), the compressors (12) and other components can be maintained more easily.

[0114] In the first support part (70A), removing the front panel (75) makes the operation-side electric component box (82) easily accessible. This is also true when a plurality of refrigeration apparatuses (1) are arranged side by side as shown in FIG. 9.

<<Other Embodiments>>

[0115] The support (70) may include only two support parts (70A, 70D). In this case, the operation-side electric component box (82) may be disposed in the support part (70A) (the first end support part), and the water pump (44) may be disposed in the support part (70D) (the second end support part). In this case as well, the distance between the operation-side electric component box (82) and the water pump (44) can be increased.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

[0116] As can be seen, the present invention is useful for a refrigeration apparatus.

DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE CHARACTERS

[0117] 1 Refrigeration Apparatus [0118] 10 Refrigerant Circuit [0119] 13 First Expansion Valve [0120] 14 Second Expansion Valve [0121] 17 Fan [0122] 48 Heat Exchange Section [0123] 50 First Air Heat Exchanger [0124] 51 First Side Surface [0125] 52 Second Side Surface [0126] 53 Third Side Surface [0127] 54 Open Surface [0128] 55 Circulation Space (Space) [0129] 60 Second Air Heat Exchanger [0130] 61 Sloping Surface [0131] 70 Support [0132] 77 First Frame Side Plate (Side Plate) [0133] 79 Leg [0134] S1 First Machine Chamber [0135] S2 Second Machine Chamber [0136] S3 Third Machine Chamber [0137] S4 Fourth Machine Chamber