Patent ID: 11807796

Abstract:
The position of the stabilizer container 7 in the circulation route is not limited. The stabilizer container 7 is preferably disposed between the evaporator and the condenser between which the refrigerant flows in the circulation route as a liquid refrigerant. Specifically, the stabilizer container 7 is preferably disposed between the outdoor heat exchanger 4 and the expansion mechanism 5 or between the indoor heat exchanger 6 and the expansion mechanism 5. During cooling, the outdoor heat exchanger 4 functions as a condenser and the indoor heat exchanger 6 functions as an evaporator. During heating, the outdoor heat exchanger 4 functions as an evaporator and the indoor heat exchanger 6 functions as a condenser. In either case of cooling or heating, the liquid refrigerant is present between the expansion mechanism 5 and the outdoor heat exchanger 4 or between the expansion mechanism 5 and the indoor heat exchanger 6 depending on the refrigerant circulation direction, and the stabilizer container 7 is located where the liquid refrigerant is present (i.e., between the expansion mechanism and whichever heat exchanger 4, 6 serves as the evaporator in the refrigerant circulation direction). Thus, as the liquid refrigerant passes through the stabilizer container 7, oxidation of the refrigerant can be efficiently prevented and acids in the circulation route can be efficiently scavenged.