28 or the first communication path 36, the electric components are cooled by the function of the second air conditioning system 30. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to continuously cool the electric components.

[3. Fluid Circuit Inside VTOL Aircraft 10]

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the first air conditioning system 28, the second air conditioning system 30, a heat utilization circuit 64, and a cooling circuit 66. The heat utilization circuit 64 can heat the cabin 24 with waste heat from at least one of the component compartment 26 or the battery 68. The cooling circuit 66 can cool a plurality of the batteries 68. The plurality of batteries 68 are power sources of the plurality of rotors (the VTOL rotors 20 and the cruise rotors 22).

The heat utilization circuit 64 includes a compressor 70, the internal condenser 46, an external condenser 72, the first evaporator 44, the second evaporator 54, a chiller 74, an accumulator 76, a plurality of valves, and a plurality of flow paths. The respective components of the heat utilization circuit 64 form circulation paths for a refrigerant (heating medium). The respective components of the heat utilization circuit 64 are connected as follows.

A discharge port of the compressor 70 and an inflow port of the internal condenser 46 are connected by a first flow path 92-1. An outflow port of the internal condenser 46 and an inflow port of a three-way valve 78 are connected by a second flow path 92-2. A first outflow port of the three-way valve 78 and an inflow port of the external condenser 72 are connected by a third flow path 92-3. An outflow port of the external condenser 72 and a primary port of a third check valve 90 are connected by a fourth flow path 92-4. A secondary port of the third check valve 90, a second outflow port of the three-way valve 78, an inflow port of a first expansion valve 80, an inflow port of a second expansion valve 82, and an inflow port of a third expansion valve 84 are connected by a fifth flow path 92-5. An outflow port of the first expansion valve 80 and an inflow port of the first evaporator 44 are connected by a sixth flow path 92-6. An outflow port of the first evaporator 44 and a primary port of a first check valve 86 are connected by a seventh flow path 92-7. An outflow port of the second expansion valve 82 and an inflow port of the second evaporator 54 are connected by an eighth flow path 92-8. An outflow port of the second evaporator 54 and a primary port of a second check valve 88 are connected by a ninth flow path 92-9. An outflow port of the third expansion valve 84 and a first inflow port of the chiller 74 are connected by a tenth flow path 92-10. A secondary port of the first check valve 86, a secondary port of the second check valve 88, a first outflow port of the chiller 74, and a primary port of the accumulator 76 are connected by an eleventh flow path 92-11. A secondary port of the accumulator 76 and a suction port of the compressor 70 are connected by a twelfth flow path 92-12.

As described above, the first evaporator 44 and the internal condenser 46 of the heat utilization circuit 64 are disposed on the first circulation path 42 of the first air conditioning system 28. In addition, as described above, the second evaporator 54 of the heat utilization circuit 64 is disposed on the second circulation path 52 of the second air conditioning system 30.

A first main path 94 and a first bypass path 96 are formed in a part of the first circulation path 42 of the first air conditioning system 28. The first bypass path 96 bypasses the first main path 94. The first blower fan 48 is disposed upstream of the first main path 94 and the first bypass path 96. The first evaporator 44 is disposed downstream of the first blower fan 48 and upstream of the first main path 94 and the first bypass path 96. The internal condenser 46 is disposed on the first main path 94. A first flap 98 is provided in the vicinity of the first main path 94 and the first bypass path 96. The first flap 98 adjusts the opening degree of the first main path 94 and the opening degree of the first bypass path 96. An actuator for opening and closing the first flap 98 is controlled by a controller (not shown).

A second main path 100 and a second bypass path 102 are formed in a part of the second circulation path 52 of the second air conditioning system 30. The second blower fan 58 is disposed upstream of the second main path 100 and the second bypass path 102. The second bypass path 102 bypasses the second main path 100. The second evaporator 54 is disposed on the second main path 100. A second flap 104 is provided in the vicinity of the outlet of the second bypass path 102. The second flap 104 is opened and closed by a pressure difference between the upstream side and the downstream side of the second bypass path 102 (and the second evaporator 54). The second flap 104 basically closes the second bypass path 102. When the second evaporator 54 freezes and becomes clogged, the pressure on the upstream side of the second bypass path 102 (and the second evaporator 54) becomes higher than the pressure on the downstream side of the second bypass path 102 (and the second evaporator 54). In this state, the second flap 104 receives the pressure on the upstream side of the second bypass path 102 and opens the second bypass path 102.

The compressor 70 sucks the low-temperature and low-pressure gaseous refrigerant from the accumulator 76. The compressor 70 compresses the sucked refrigerant. As a result, the low-temperature and low-pressure gaseous refrigerant changes into a high-temperature and high-pressure gaseous refrigerant. The compressor 70 discharges the refrigerant.

The internal condenser 46 includes a conduit through which the refrigerant compressed to high temperature and high pressure by the compressor 70 flows. The refrigerant flowing through the conduit of the internal condenser 46 releases heat to the air flowing through the first circulation path 42. As a result, the high-temperature and high-pressure gaseous refrigerant changes into a low-temperature and high-pressure liquid refrigerant.

The three-way valve 78 can cause the refrigerant flowing in from the inflow port thereof to flow out from either the first outflow port or the second outflow port thereof. Switching of the outflow direction of the refrigerant in the three-way valve 78 is controlled by a controller (not shown).

The external condenser 72 is disposed outside the first circulation path 42 and the second circulation path 52. External air (outside air) is delivered to the external condenser 72 by a fan 106. The external condenser 72 includes a conduit through which the refrigerant flowing out of the internal condenser 46 flows. The refrigerant flowing through the conduit of the external condenser 72 releases heat to the outside air. As a result, the gaseous refrigerant that has not been liquefied in the internal condenser 46 changes into a low-temperature and high-pressure liquid refrigerant.

Each of the first expansion valve 80, the second expansion valve 82, and the third expansion valve 84 sprays and expands the refrigerant flowing out of the internal condenser 46 or the external condenser 72. The sprayed refrigerant is rapidly vaporized and absorbs heat from the surroundings. In each expansion valve, communication and disconnection between the inflow port and the outflow port can be switched. This switching is controlled by a controller (not shown).

The first evaporator 44 includes a conduit through which the refrigerant sprayed by the first expansion valve 80 flows. The refrigerant flowing through the conduit of the first evaporator 44 absorbs heat from the air flowing through the first circulation path 42. As a result, the first evaporator 44 cools the air flowing through the first circulation path 42. Further, the first evaporator 44 dehumidifies the air flowing through the first circulation path 42.

The second evaporator 54 includes a conduit through which the refrigerant sprayed by the second expansion valve 82 flows. The refrigerant flowing through the conduit of the second evaporator 54 absorbs heat from the air flowing through the second circulation path 52. As a result, the second evaporator 54 cools the air flowing through the second circulation path 52. Further, the second evaporator 54 dehumidifies the air flowing through the second circulation path 52.

The accumulator 76 stores the gaseous refrigerant and the liquid refrigerant flowing out of at least one of the first evaporator 44, the second evaporator 54, or the chiller 74. The gaseous refrigerant is sucked into the compressor 70.

Each of the check valves (the first check valve 86, the second check valve 88, and the third check valve 90) allows the refrigerant to flow from the primary port to the secondary port and does not allow the refrigerant to flow from the secondary port to the primary port.

The cooling circuit 66 includes two water pumps 108, a heater 110, the chiller 74, and a plurality of cooling flow paths. The respective components of the cooling circuit 66 form circulation paths for a coolant. The respective components of the cooling circuit 66 are connected as follows.

A discharge port of each water pump 108 and an inflow port of the heater 110 are connected by a first cooling flow path 112-1. An outflow port of the heater 110 and a second inflow port of the chiller 74 are connected by a second cooling flow path 112-2. A second outflow port of the chiller 74 and a suction port of each water pump 108 are connected by a third cooling flow path 112-3.

Each water pump 108 sucks the coolant flowing through the third cooling flow path 112-3, and discharges the coolant to the first cooling flow path 112-1. A part of the first cooling flow path 112-1 is provided around each battery 68. The coolant flowing through the first cooling flow path 112-1 can absorb heat from each battery 68 by flowing around the battery 68. Turning on and off of the heater 110 is controlled by a controller (not shown).

The chiller 74 includes a first conduit through which the refrigerant flowing in from the tenth flow path 92-10 of the heat utilization circuit 64 flows. In addition, the chiller 74 includes a second conduit through which the coolant flowing in from the second cooling flow path 112-2 of the cooling circuit 66 flows. Inside the chiller 74, heat exchange is performed between the refrigerant in the first conduit and the coolant in the second conduit. The refrigerant absorbs heat from the coolant. As a result, the temperature of the refrigerant rises. On the other hand, the coolant releases heat to the refrigerant. As a result, the temperature of the coolant decreases.

[4. Heat Transfer Inside VTOL Aircraft 10]

[4-1. Cooling of Cabin 24 and Component Compartment 26]

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the state of the heat utilization circuit 64 and the state of each air conditioning system during cooling of the cabin 24 and the component compartment 26. Here, a description of the coolant flowing through the cooling circuit 66 will be omitted. In FIG. 4, portions to be described below are indicated by solid lines, and portions whose description will be omitted are indicated by broken lines. The cabin 24 is cooled and heated, whereas the component compartment 26 is constantly cooled.

During cooling of the cabin 24 and the component compartment 26, the first expansion valve 80 and the second expansion valve 82 are opened. Further, in the three-way valve 78, the first outflow port is opened and the second outflow port is closed. Therefore, the second flow path 92-2 and the third flow path 92-3 communicate with each other. In addition, in the first circulation path 42, the position of the first flap 98 is adjusted to fully open the first bypass path 96. On the other hand, the opening degree of the first main path 94 is adjusted in accordance with the set temperature of the cabin 24.

The refrigerant accumulated in the accumulator 76 is sucked into and compressed by the compressor 70. The refrigerant discharged from the compressor 70 flows through the internal condenser 46 and the external condenser 72. A portion of the refrigerant flowing out of the external condenser 72 flows through the first expansion valve 80 and the first evaporator 44 and returns to the accumulator 76. Further, a portion of the refrigerant flowing out of the external condenser 72 flows through the second expansion valve 82 and the second evaporator 54 and returns to the accumulator 76.

The air introduced into the first circulation path 42 from the cabin 24 and the first introduction opening 32 in response to the operation of the first blower fan 48 passes through the first evaporator 44. A portion of the air passes through the first bypass path 96. Further, the remaining air passes through the internal condenser 46 of the first main path 94. In the first evaporator 44, the air releases heat to the refrigerant, and the refrigerant absorbs heat from the air. In the internal condenser 46, the air absorbs heat from the refrigerant and the refrigerant releases heat to the air. As a result, the air cooled by the first evaporator 44 and the air heated by the internal condenser 46 are mixed and delivered from the outlet 42b of the first circulation path 42 to the cabin 24. The temperature of the mixed air changes according to the opening degree of the first main path 94.

The air introduced from the component compartment 26 and the second introduction opening 34 into the second circulation path 52 in response to the operation of the second blower fan 58 passes through the second evaporator 54. In the second evaporator 54, the air releases heat to the refrigerant, and the refrigerant absorbs heat from the air. As a result, the air cooled by the second evaporator 54 is delivered from the outlet 52b of the second circulation path 52 to the component compartment 26. When the second evaporator 54 is clogged due to freezing or the like, the second flap 104 opens. Thus, the air bypassing the second evaporator 54 is delivered from the outlet 52b of the second circulation path 52 to the component compartment 26.

The refrigerant flows from the internal condenser 46 into the external condenser 72 and releases heat to the external air in the external condenser 72. Thus, the refrigerant is further cooled.

[4-2. Cooling of Batteries 68]

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the state of the heat utilization circuit 64 and the state of the cooling circuit 66 during cooling of the batteries 68. Here, description of the refrigerant flowing through each evaporator of the heat utilization circuit 64 and description of the air flowing through each air conditioning system will be omitted. In FIG. 5, portions to be described below are indicated by solid lines, and portions whose description will be omitted are indicated by broken lines.

When the batteries 68 are cooled, the third expansion valve 84 is opened. Further, in the three-way valve 78, the first outflow port is opened and the second outflow port is closed. Therefore, the second flow path 92-2 and the third flow path 92-3 communicate with each other. Further, the heater 110 is turned off.

The refrigerant accumulated in the accumulator 76 is sucked into and compressed by the compressor 70. The refrigerant discharged from the compressor 70 flows through the internal condenser 46 and the external condenser 72. A portion of the refrigerant flowing out of the external condenser 72 flows through the third expansion valve 84 and the chiller 74 and returns to the accumulator 76.

In response to the operation of the water pump 108, the coolant is circulated through the cooling circuit 66. In the chiller 74, the coolant releases heat to the refrigerant in the heat utilization circuit 64, and the refrigerant in the heat utilization circuit 64 absorbs heat from the coolant. The coolant absorbs heat from the batteries 68, and the batteries 68 release heat to the coolant. As a result, the batteries 68 are cooled.

The refrigerant in the heat utilization circuit 64 flows from the internal condenser 46 into the external condenser 72, and releases heat to the external air in the external condenser 72. As a result, the refrigerant is cooled.

[4-3. Heating of Batteries 68]

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the state of the cooling circuit 66 during heating of the batteries 68. In FIG. 6, portions to be described below are indicated by solid lines, and portions whose description will be omitted are indicated by broken lines. When the batteries 68 are heated, the third expansion valve 84 is closed. As a result, the cooling circuit 66 is thermally isolated from the heat utilization circuit 64. The heater 110 is turned on.

In response to the operation of the water pump 108, the coolant is circulated through the cooling circuit 66. The coolant is heated by the heater 110. The coolant releases heat to the batteries 68, and the batteries 68 absorb heat from the coolant. As a result, the batteries 68 are heated.

[4-4. Heating of Cabin 24 with Waste Heat of Batteries 68]

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the state of the heat utilization circuit 64, the state of the cooling circuit 66, and the state of each air conditioning system during heating of the cabin 24. In FIG. 7, portions to be described below are indicated by solid lines, and portions whose description will be omitted are indicated by broken lines.

When the cabin 24 is heated, at least one of the second expansion valve 82 or the third expansion valve 84 is opened. On the other hand, the first expansion valve 80 is closed. Further, in the three-way valve 78, the second outflow port is opened and the first outflow port is closed. Therefore, the second flow path 92-2 and the fifth flow path 92-5 communicate with each other. Further, in the first circulation path 42, the position of the first flap 98 is adjusted to close the first bypass path 96. On the other hand, the first main path 94 is fully opened.

The refrigerant accumulated in the accumulator 76 is sucked into and compressed by the compressor 70. The refrigerant discharged from the compressor 70 flows through the internal condenser 46. A portion of the refrigerant flowing out of the internal condenser 46 flows through the second expansion valve 82 and the second evaporator 54 and returns to the accumulator 76. Further, a portion of the refrigerant flowing out of the internal condenser 46 flows through the third expansion valve 84 and the chiller 74 and returns to the accumulator 76.

The refrigerant flowing through the heat utilization circuit 64 absorbs, in the second evaporator 54, waste heat of the electric components from the air flowing through the second circulation path 52. Further, the refrigerant flowing through the heat utilization circuit 64 absorbs, in the chiller 74, waste heat of the batteries 68 from the coolant flowing through the cooling circuit 66.

The air introduced into the first circulation path 42 from the cabin 24 and the first introduction opening 32 in response to the operation of the first blower fan 48 passes through the internal condenser 46 of the first main path 94. In the internal condenser 46, the air absorbs heat from the refrigerant and the refrigerant releases heat to the air. In the internal condenser 46, the waste heat of the electric components and the waste heat of the batteries 68 are transferred from the refrigerant to the air. As a result, the air heated by the internal condenser 46 is delivered from the outlet 42b of the first circulation path 42 to the cabin 24. In this manner, according to the present embodiment, the waste heat of the electric components and the waste heat of the batteries 68 can be effectively utilized.

[5. Inventions Obtained from Embodiment]

The inventions that can be grasped from the above embodiment will be described below.

According to an aspect of the first invention, provided is the moving object (10) including: the passenger compartment (24) configured to accommodate a person; the component compartment (