Refrigerant management system and refrigerant management method

Abstract

One or more computers (20) of a refrigerant management system (100) have an acquisition unit (21) and a generation unit (23). The acquisition unit (21) acquires first information, acquires a refrigerant filling amount, and acquires a refrigerant usage amount. The generation unit (23) generates second information. The first information includes device identification information for identifying a refrigerant-using device (30), manufacturer information related to a manufacturer that performs business related to the refrigerant-using device, and refrigerant additional filling amount information including a refrigerant additional filling amount, wherein the refrigerant additional filling amount is the amount of refrigerant additionally filled into the refrigerant-using device. The refrigerant filling amount is the amount of refrigerant pre-filled in the refrigerant-using device. The refrigerant usage amount is the amount of refrigerant used in the refrigerant-using device. The second information is information associating the refrigerant usage amount with the manufacturer. The acquisition unit (21) acquires the first information at least one of when the refrigerant-using device is installed and when it is maintained. The acquisition unit (21) acquires the refrigerant filling amount based on the device identification information of the acquired first information. The acquisition unit (21) acquires the refrigerant usage amount by summing the acquired refrigerant filling amount and the refrigerant additional filling amount included in the acquired refrigerant additional filling amount information of the first information. The generation unit (23) generates the second information using the refrigerant usage amount and the manufacturer information of the first information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Systems and methods for managing refrigerants Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there is known a system for managing refrigerants for the purpose of refrigerant reuse based on information on freon refrigerants delivered or scheduled to be delivered to a freon recycling manufacturer, as disclosed in Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2015-125672). Summary of the invention

[0003] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0004] There are problems such as difficulty in managing the refrigerant even before delivery to a recycling manufacturer and difficulty in appropriately providing the refrigerant to those who need the refrigerant.

[0005] Means for solving problems

[0006] The refrigerant management system of the first aspect has one or more computers. The computer has an acquisition unit and a generation unit. The acquisition unit acquires the first information, acquires the refrigerant filled amount, and acquires the refrigerant used amount. The generation unit generates the second information. The first information has equipment identification information for identifying the refrigerant-using equipment, manufacturer information related to the manufacturer that conducts business related to the refrigerant-using equipment, and refrigerant additional filling amount information including the refrigerant additional filling amount, wherein the refrigerant additional filling amount is the amount of refrigerant additionally filled in the refrigerant-using equipment. The refrigerant filled amount is the amount of refrigerant pre-filled in the refrigerant-using equipment. The refrigerant used amount is the amount of refrigerant used in the refrigerant-using equipment. The second information is information that associates the refrigerant used amount with the manufacturer. The acquisition unit acquires the first information at least one of the time of installation and maintenance of the refrigerant-using equipment. The acquisition unit acquires the refrigerant filled amount based on the equipment identification information of the acquired first information. The acquiring unit acquires the refrigerant usage amount by summing the acquired refrigerant filling amount and the refrigerant additional filling amount included in the acquired refrigerant additional filling amount information of the first information. The generating unit generates the second information using the refrigerant usage amount acquired by the acquiring unit and the manufacturer information of the first information acquired by the acquiring unit.

[0007] The refrigerant management system according to the first aspect can manage the refrigerant before delivery to a recycling manufacturer.

[0008] The refrigerant management system of the second aspect is the system of the first aspect, wherein the computer further comprises a storage unit. The storage unit stores the refrigerant filling amount in association with the device identification information. The acquisition unit acquires the refrigerant filling amount stored in the storage unit based on the device identification information of the acquired first information.

[0009] The refrigerant management system according to the second aspect can acquire the amount of refrigerant used in the refrigerant-using equipment.

[0010] A refrigerant management system according to a third aspect is the system according to the first aspect, wherein the acquisition unit acquires capacity information related to the capacity of the refrigerant-using equipment based on the equipment identification information of the acquired first information, and acquires the refrigerant filled amount based on the acquired capacity information.

[0011] The refrigerant management system according to the third aspect can obtain a predicted value of the amount of refrigerant previously filled in the refrigerant-using equipment.

[0012] A refrigerant management system according to a fourth aspect is the system according to the first aspect, wherein the acquisition unit acquires input data including capacity information related to the capacity of the refrigerant-using equipment, and acquires the refrigerant filled amount based on the capacity information included in the input data.

[0013] The refrigerant management system according to the fourth aspect can obtain a predicted value of the amount of refrigerant previously filled in the refrigerant-using equipment.

[0014] The refrigerant management system of the fifth aspect is the system of the first aspect, wherein, when the refrigerant filled amount is stored in association with the device identification information, the acquisition unit acquires the stored refrigerant filled amount based on the device identification information of the acquired first information. When the refrigerant filled amount is not stored in association with the device identification information, the computer acquires capacity information related to the capacity of the refrigerant-using device based on the device identification information of the acquired first information, and acquires the refrigerant filled amount based on the acquired capacity information.

[0015] The refrigerant management system according to the fifth aspect can acquire an appropriate value that can be used as the amount of refrigerant to be pre-filled in the refrigerant-using equipment.

[0016] The refrigerant management system of the sixth aspect is any one of the systems of the first aspect to the fifth aspect, wherein the acquisition unit acquires the total amount of refrigerant usage of a plurality of refrigerant-using devices as business targets of the manufacturer based on a plurality of first information. The generation unit further generates information associating the total amount acquired by the acquisition unit with the manufacturer as the second information.

[0017] The refrigerant management system according to the sixth aspect can manage the amount of refrigerant used and filled in all refrigerant-using equipment that is the business target of each manufacturer by associating the manufacturer with the manufacturer.

[0018] The refrigerant management system of the seventh aspect is any one of the systems in the first aspect to the sixth aspect, wherein the acquisition unit acquires a planned amount of refrigerant recovery based on the first information, the planned amount of refrigerant recovery being the amount of refrigerant planned to be recovered from the refrigerant-using equipment within a predetermined period. The generation unit further generates information as the second information that associates the planned amount of refrigerant recovery acquired by the acquisition unit with the manufacturer.

[0019] The refrigerant management system according to the seventh aspect can manage the amount of refrigerant expected to be recovered from the refrigerant-using equipment.

[0020] The refrigerant management system of the eighth aspect is the system of the seventh aspect, wherein the first information further includes third information. The acquisition unit acquires the expected amount of refrigerant recovery based on the third information. The third information includes a work day or a work month of at least one of an installation work when installing the refrigerant-using equipment and a maintenance work when maintaining the refrigerant-using equipment.

[0021] The refrigerant management system according to the eighth aspect can use the expected amount of refrigerant recovery as an appropriate estimated value of the amount of refrigerant recovered from the refrigerant-using equipment within a predetermined period.

[0022] The refrigerant management system according to a ninth aspect is the system according to the eighth aspect, wherein the acquisition unit acquires the expected refrigerant recovery amount based on the amount of refrigerant used in the refrigerant-using equipment within a predetermined period from the work day or work month included in the third information.

[0023] The refrigerant management system according to the ninth aspect can use the expected amount of refrigerant recovery as an appropriate estimated value of the amount of refrigerant recovered from the refrigerant-using equipment within a predetermined period.

[0024] The refrigerant management system of the tenth aspect is any one of the systems of the first aspect to the sixth aspect, wherein the computer further comprises an evaluation unit. The evaluation unit evaluates the manufacturer based on at least one of the number of refrigerant-using equipment that is the business target of the manufacturer and the amount of refrigerant used, wherein the amount of refrigerant used is the amount of refrigerant used in the refrigerant-using equipment that is the business target of the manufacturer.

[0025] The refrigerant management system according to the tenth aspect can appropriately supply refrigerant to a manufacturer that needs refrigerant.

[0026] A refrigerant management system according to an eleventh aspect is the system according to the tenth aspect, wherein the evaluation unit evaluates the manufacturer based on the second information generated by the generation unit.

[0027] The refrigerant management system according to the eleventh aspect can appropriately calculate the amount of refrigerant that can be supplied to each manufacturer.

[0028] The refrigerant management system of the twelfth aspect is the system of the eleventh aspect, wherein the acquisition unit acquires a predetermined amount of refrigerant recovery based on the acquired amount of refrigerant used, the predetermined amount of refrigerant recovery being the amount of refrigerant expected to be recovered from the refrigerant-using equipment within a predetermined period. The generation unit further generates information as the second information that associates the predetermined amount of refrigerant recovery acquired by the acquisition unit with the manufacturer. The evaluation unit evaluates the manufacturer based on the predetermined amount of refrigerant recovery.

[0029] The refrigerant management system according to the twelfth aspect can appropriately calculate the amount of refrigerant that can be supplied to each manufacturer.

[0030] The refrigerant management system of the 13th aspect is the system of the 12th aspect, wherein the first information further includes third information including a work day or work month when at least one of an installation work when installing the refrigerant-using equipment and a maintenance work when maintaining the refrigerant-using equipment is performed. The acquisition unit acquires the expected refrigerant recovery amount based on the amount of refrigerant used in the refrigerant-using equipment during a predetermined period of time from the work day or work month included in the third information.

[0031] The refrigerant management system according to the thirteenth aspect can use the expected amount of refrigerant recovery as an appropriate estimated value of the amount of refrigerant recovered from the refrigerant-using equipment within a predetermined period.

[0032] A refrigerant management system according to a fourteenth aspect is the system according to the twelfth aspect or the thirteenth aspect, wherein the evaluation unit calculates the amount of refrigerant that can be provided to the manufacturer based on the expected amount of refrigerant recovery.

[0033] The refrigerant management system according to the fourteenth aspect can appropriately calculate the amount of refrigerant that can be supplied to each manufacturer.

[0034] The refrigerant management system of the fifteenth aspect is any one of the systems of the twelfth to fourteenth aspects, wherein the acquisition unit acquires a refrigerant recovery amount, which is the amount of refrigerant recovered from the refrigerant-using equipment, and the evaluation unit evaluates the manufacturer based on the refrigerant recovery amount and the refrigerant recovery planned amount, and calculates the amount of refrigerant that can be provided to the manufacturer.

[0035] The refrigerant management system according to the fifteenth aspect can appropriately supply refrigerant to manufacturers who need refrigerant.

[0036] The refrigerant management system of the 16th aspect is the system of the 15th aspect, wherein the acquisition unit acquires the refrigerant supply amount, which is the amount of refrigerant provided to the manufacturer. The evaluation unit evaluates the manufacturer based on the refrigerant recovery amount, the refrigerant supply amount, and the refrigerant recovery planned amount, and calculates the amount of refrigerant that can be provided to the manufacturer.

[0037] The refrigerant management system according to the sixteenth aspect can appropriately supply refrigerant to manufacturers that need refrigerant.

[0038] The refrigerant management system of the seventeenth aspect is any one of the systems of the eleventh to sixteenth aspects, wherein the acquisition unit acquires a refrigerant regeneration amount related to an amount of refrigerant recovered and regenerated from the refrigerant using equipment, and the evaluation unit evaluates the manufacturer based on the refrigerant regeneration amount and the refrigerant usage amount.

[0039] The refrigerant management system according to the seventeenth aspect can appropriately supply refrigerant to manufacturers that need refrigerant.

[0040] The refrigerant management method of the 18th aspect obtains the first information, obtains the refrigerant filled amount, obtains the refrigerant used amount, and generates the second information. The first information includes equipment identification information for identifying the refrigerant-using equipment, manufacturer information related to the manufacturer that performs business related to the refrigerant-using equipment, and refrigerant additional filling amount information including the refrigerant additional filling amount, wherein the refrigerant additional filling amount is the amount of refrigerant additionally filled in the refrigerant-using equipment. The refrigerant filled amount is the amount of refrigerant pre-filled in the refrigerant-using equipment. The refrigerant used amount is the amount of refrigerant used in the refrigerant-using equipment. The second information is information that associates the refrigerant used amount with the manufacturer. In this method, the first information is obtained at least one of the time of installation and maintenance of the refrigerant-using equipment. In this method, the refrigerant filled amount is obtained based on the equipment identification information of the obtained first information. In this method, the refrigerant used amount is obtained by summing the obtained refrigerant filled amount and the refrigerant additional filling amount included in the refrigerant additional filling amount information of the obtained first information. In this method, the second information is generated using the acquired refrigerant usage amount and the acquired manufacturer information of the first information.

[0041] The refrigerant management method according to the eighteenth aspect can manage the refrigerant before delivery to a recycling manufacturer. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0042] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the refrigerant cycle.

[0043] Figure 2 is a diagram showing a network configuration of the refrigerant management system 100 .

[0044] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing the overall structure of the refrigerant management system 100 .

[0045] Figure 4 It is a block diagram of the input terminals 10 a , 10 b , . . . , the administrator terminal 80 , and the management server 20 .

[0046] Figure 5 This is a diagram for explaining the device information database DB1.

[0047] Figure 6 This is a table showing the business contents of each manufacturer.

[0048] Figure 7 This is a flowchart of the process of obtaining the refrigerant filling amount.

[0049] Figure 8 This is a diagram for explaining the second information generated based on the first information acquired by the management server 20 based on the input of the installation manufacturer C1.

[0050] Fig. 9 This is a diagram for explaining the second information generated based on the first information acquired by the management server 20 based on the input of the maintenance manufacturer C1.

[0051] Fig.10 This is a diagram for explaining the first information acquired by the management server 20 based on the input of the recycling manufacturer C1.

[0052] Fig.11 This is a diagram for explaining the first information acquired by the management server 20 based on the input of the reproducing manufacturer C4.

[0053] Fig.12 This is a diagram for explaining the first information acquired by the management server 20 based on the input of the distribution manufacturer C5.

[0054] Fig.13 This is a diagram for explaining an example of the second information that only the administrator S has the right to view.

[0055] Fig.14 This is a diagram for explaining the first information acquired by the management server 20 based on the input of the discarding manufacturer C9.

[0056] Fig.15 This is a diagram for explaining the second information in variant example B.

[0057] Fig.16 This is a diagram for explaining the second information in variant example C.

[0058] Fig.17 This is a diagram for explaining the second information in variant example C.

[0059] Fig.18 : is a graph showing the relationship between the evaluation points and the refrigerant supplyable amount in Modification J.

[0060] Fig.19This is a flowchart of the process of calculating the refrigerant supplyable amount in Modification M. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0061] (1) Overall structure

[0062] The refrigerant management system 100 is a system for managing refrigerants used in refrigerant-using equipment. Refrigerant-using equipment refers to equipment having a vapor compression refrigeration cycle using refrigerants. Refrigerant-using equipment is, for example, an air conditioning device, an air purification device, a heat pump hot water supply device, a freezing device, or a refrigeration device. Refrigerants used in refrigerant-using equipment are, for example, R32, R452B, R410A, R454B, HFO-based mixed refrigerants (for example, a mixed refrigerant of HFO-1123 and R32), CO2 or CF3I (monomer or a mixed refrigerant thereof).

[0063] The refrigerant management performed by the refrigerant management system 100 is to centrally grasp the refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant cycle or to provide the grasped refrigerant information to each manufacturer. Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the refrigerant cycle. The refrigerant cycle mainly consists of the production stage, distribution stage, installation stage, maintenance stage, recovery stage, regeneration stage and disposal stage. Figure 1 In the figure, the flow of the refrigerant is shown by arrows. The refrigerant is circulated in a state filled in a dedicated container such as a storage bottle or in a refrigerant-using device. Figure 1 2 shows the flow of a container R1 filled with refrigerant and a refrigerant-using device R2 filled with refrigerant.

[0064] In the production stage, new refrigerants are produced by refrigerant manufacturers. In the distribution stage, the newly produced refrigerant is filled into special storage bottles and the like and shipped out of the factory. The refrigerant's shipping destination is, for example, the manufacturer of the refrigerant-using equipment (hereinafter referred to as the "equipment manufacturer"), the installer of the refrigerant-using equipment, and the maintenance manufacturer of the refrigerant-using equipment. The equipment manufacturer, the installer, and the maintenance manufacturer may be the same manufacturer or different manufacturers. When manufacturing the refrigerant-using equipment or when shipping the refrigerant-using equipment, the equipment manufacturer fills the refrigerant-using equipment with refrigerant as needed.

[0065] In the distribution stage, the refrigerant distribution manufacturer distributes the newly produced refrigerant or the recycled refrigerant. The distribution manufacturer, for example, buys the refrigerant produced by the refrigerant manufacturer or the recycled refrigerant, and then sells it to at least one of the equipment manufacturer, the installation manufacturer, and the maintenance manufacturer. The distribution manufacturer can be a refrigerant sales manufacturer. The distribution manufacturer can also be a manufacturer that distributes refrigerant-using equipment filled with refrigerant.

[0066] During the installation phase, the installation manufacturer installs the refrigerant-using equipment at a specified installation location. The specified installation location is, for example, a building or other property used or owned by the owner of the refrigerant-using equipment. When installing the refrigerant-using equipment, the installation manufacturer fills the refrigerant-using equipment and refrigerant pipes with refrigerant using a storage bottle filled with refrigerant as needed.

[0067] During the maintenance phase, the maintenance manufacturer performs maintenance management of the installed refrigerant-using equipment. Specifically, the maintenance manufacturer performs inspection work or repair work on the refrigerant-using equipment. The maintenance manufacturer uses a storage bottle filled with refrigerant to replace the refrigerant filled in the refrigerant-using equipment or refill the refrigerant into the refrigerant-using equipment as needed. The refrigerant replacement work is performed, for example, when a predetermined period has passed after the refrigerant-using equipment is installed. The refrigerant refilling work is performed, for example, when it is found that the amount of refrigerant filled in the refrigerant-using equipment is insufficient during inspection.

[0068] In the recovery stage, refrigerant recovery companies recover refrigerant from refrigerant-using equipment or refrigerant-using equipment and refrigerant piping installed in properties. Recovery companies recover refrigerant when repairing, relocating or discarding refrigerant-using equipment. Refrigerant recovery methods include a method of collecting refrigerant filled in refrigerant piping into refrigerant-using equipment for recovery and a method of recovering refrigerant in refrigerant-using equipment and refrigerant piping by filling them into dedicated storage bottles. When replacing refrigerant filled in refrigerant-using equipment, recovery companies also take out refrigerant from refrigerant-using equipment and recover it.

[0069] In the regeneration stage, the refrigerant regenerator regenerates the refrigerant recovered by the recycling manufacturer. The refrigerant regeneration process includes, for example, the process of removing impurities from the recovered refrigerant and the process of reproducing the refrigerant using the recovered refrigerant as a raw material. The regeneration manufacturer receives a storage bottle filled with the refrigerant to be regenerated from the recycling manufacturer and regenerates the refrigerant. The regenerated refrigerant is filled in a dedicated storage bottle.

[0070] In the disposal stage, the disposal manufacturer discards part of the refrigerant collected by the recycling manufacturer. The disposal of refrigerant refers to operations such as chemical destruction of the refrigerant to convert it into a substance that is less likely to cause adverse effects on the human body and the environment, and storage of the refrigerant so that it will not be used. The disposal manufacturer receives refrigerant-using equipment and storage bottles filled with the refrigerant to be disposed of from the recycling manufacturer and discards the refrigerant.

[0071] Hereinafter, "manufacturer" refers to equipment manufacturers, refrigerant manufacturers, installers, maintenance manufacturers, recycling manufacturers, regeneration manufacturers, and distribution manufacturers, unless otherwise specified. At least some of these manufacturers may be the same manufacturer. For example, the equipment manufacturer, installer, maintenance manufacturer, and recycling manufacturer may be the same manufacturer, and the regeneration manufacturer and distribution manufacturer may be the same manufacturer. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the installer, maintenance manufacturer, and recycling manufacturer are the same manufacturer. Each manufacturer is assigned a login ID required to access the refrigerant management system 100. The same login ID will not be assigned to multiple different manufacturers. Manufacturers can access the refrigerant management system 100 by performing a login process using their own login ID.

[0072] Figure 2 is a diagram showing a network configuration of the refrigerant management system 100 . Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing the overall structure of the refrigerant management system 100 . Figure 3 The arrows shown represent the flow of data processed by the refrigerant management system 100 .

[0073] The refrigerant management system 100 is mainly composed of a plurality of input terminals 10a, 10b, ..., a management server 20, a manager terminal 80, and a network 90 connecting them. The network 90 is, for example, the Internet.

[0074] The input terminals 10a, 10b, ... are client computers used and managed by manufacturers. The input terminals 10a, 10b, ... are, for example, portable terminals such as smartphones and tablet computers. In the case where the manufacturer is a group such as a legal person, the actual operator of the input terminals 10a, 10b, ... is an individual belonging to the manufacturer such as a service personnel of the manufacturer. Hereinafter, the term "manufacturer" also refers to a person who actually operates the input terminals 10a, 10b, ... When the manufacturer performs operations related to the refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant cycle, the manufacturer operates the input terminals 10a, 10b, ... and inputs specified data into the input terminals 10a, 10b, .... The input terminals 10a, 10b, ... have a function of sending the data input by the manufacturer to the management server 20 via the network 90. ​​The input terminals 10a, 10b, ... have a function of receiving specified data from the management server 20 as needed. As Figure 3As shown, in the refrigerant management system 100, the first manufacturer C1, the recycling manufacturer C4, the distribution manufacturer C5, the equipment manufacturer C6, the refrigerant manufacturer C7, and the waste manufacturer C9 respectively have input terminals 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e, and 10f. In this embodiment, the first manufacturer C1 is a manufacturer that also serves as an installation manufacturer, a maintenance manufacturer, and a recycling manufacturer. The recycling manufacturer C4, the distribution manufacturer C5, the equipment manufacturer C6, the refrigerant manufacturer C7, and the waste manufacturer C9 are different manufacturers from each other and are different manufacturers from the first manufacturer C1.

[0075] The management server 20 is a server computer managed by the manager S of the refrigerant management system 100. As the management server 20, a rental server or a virtual server using a cloud service can be used. The management server 20 performs operations such as storing and processing data received from the input terminals 10a, 10b, ..., relaying the network 90, and managing the network 90. ​​The management server 20 has a function of sending and receiving predetermined data between the input terminals 10a, 10b, ... via the network 90. Figure 2 As shown, the management server 20 stores administrator data 20a and user data 20b. The administrator data 20a refers to data that only the administrator S of the refrigerant management system 100 has the right to read. The user data 20b refers to data that the manufacturer has the right to read. The management server 20 stores the user data 20b for each manufacturer. The manufacturer who logs in to the refrigerant management system 100 can access his own user data 20b using his own input terminal 10a, 10b, ... The administrator S has the right to read the user data 20b of all manufacturers.

[0076] The manager terminal 80 is a computer used by the manager S of the refrigerant management system 100. The manager S uses the manager terminal 80 to access the management server 20 and manage the refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant cycle. For example, the manager S uses the manager terminal 80 to obtain predetermined data from the management server 20 and provides information and services related to the refrigerant managed by the refrigerant management system 100 to the manufacturer.

[0077] The manufacturer can operate the input terminals 10a, 10b, ... and directly input the specified data to the management server 20. The management server 20 can obtain and store the first information based on the data input to the management server 20 by the manufacturer operating the input terminals 10a, 10b, ... In the case where the manufacturer also serves as the manager S, the manufacturer has both the login ID for the manager and the login ID for the manufacturer. The management server 20 can obtain and store the first information based on the data input to the management server 20 by the manufacturer operating the manager terminal 80. The management server 20 can generate and store the second information based on the obtained first information. The details of the first information and the second information will be described later.

[0078] (2) Detailed structure

[0079] Figure 4 It is a block diagram of the input terminals 10 a , 10 b , . . . , the administrator terminal 80 , and the management server 20 .

[0080] (2-1) Input terminal

[0081] The input terminals 10 a , 10 b , . . . mainly include an input unit 11 , a transmission unit 12 , a reception unit 13 , a display unit 14 , a storage unit 15 , and a control unit 16 .

[0082] The input unit 11 receives the operation of the input terminals 10a, 10b, ... by the manufacturer. The transmission unit 12 transmits data to the management server 20 via the network 90. ​​The receiving unit 13 receives data from the management server 20 via the network 90. ​​The data received by the receiving unit 13 is, for example, the first information and the second information stored in the management server 20. The display unit 14 causes the display of the input terminal 10a, 10b, ... to display predetermined data. The data displayed by the display unit 14 is, for example, the data input to the management server 20 by the manufacturer operating the input terminal 10 and the data received from the management server 20. The storage unit 15 stores the data received from the management server 20 and the like. The control unit 16 controls the input unit 11, the transmission unit 12, the receiving unit 13, the display unit 14, and the storage unit 15.

[0083] (2-2) Administrator terminal

[0084] The administrator terminal 80 mainly includes an input unit 81 , a transmission unit 82 , a reception unit 83 , a display unit 84 , a storage unit 85 , and a control unit 86 .

[0085] The input unit 81 receives an operation of the administrator terminal 80 by the administrator S. The transmission unit 82 transmits data to the management server 20 via the network 90. ​​The receiving unit 83 receives data from the management server 20 via the network 90. ​​The data received by the receiving unit 83 is, for example, the first information and the second information stored in the management server 20. The display unit 84 causes the display of the administrator terminal 80 to display predetermined data. The data displayed by the display unit 84 is, for example, data input to the management server 20 by the administrator S operating the administrator terminal 80 and data received from the management server 20. The storage unit 85 stores data received from the management server 20 and the like. The control unit 86 controls the input unit 81, the transmission unit 82, the receiving unit 83, the display unit 84, and the storage unit 85.

[0086] (2-3) Management Server

[0087] The management server 20 mainly includes a control unit 26 , a storage unit 22 , a transmission unit 24 , and a reception unit 25 .

[0088] The control unit 26 is a microcontroller or CPU that can read and execute programs. The control unit 26 mainly includes an acquisition unit 21, a generation unit 23, and an evaluation unit 27. The acquisition unit 21, the generation unit 23, and the evaluation unit 27 correspond to functions realized by the program read and executed by the control unit 26.

[0089] The acquisition unit 21 acquires the first information based on the data inputted into the management server 20 by the manufacturer's operation input terminal 10a, 10b, ... or the administrator's terminal 80. The acquisition unit 21 acquires the first information at at least one of the time of installation and maintenance of the refrigerant-using equipment. Figure 1 The first information is acquired in at least one of an installation phase and a maintenance phase of the refrigerant cycle shown.

[0090] The generating unit 23 generates the second information based on the first information acquired by the acquiring unit 21 .

[0091] The evaluation unit 27 evaluates the manufacturer based on at least one of the number of refrigerant-using devices 30 that are the business targets of the manufacturer and the amount of refrigerant used in the refrigerant-using devices 30 that are the business targets of the manufacturer, based on the first information stored in the storage unit 22. Specifically, the evaluation unit 27 evaluates the manufacturer based on the amount of refrigerant expected to be recovered from the refrigerant-using devices 30 and the amount of refrigerant recovered from the refrigerant-using devices 30, which are included in the second information generated based on the first information and stored in the storage unit 22. In the present embodiment, the evaluation refers to at least one of assigning merits and demerits to each manufacturer, assigning points to each manufacturer, judging whether each manufacturer is good or bad, judging whether a service can be provided to the manufacturer, and judging what kind of service to provide to the manufacturer.

[0092] The evaluation unit 27 determines the service to be provided to the manufacturer regarding the refrigerant used in the refrigerant-using device 30 based on the evaluation result of the manufacturer. For example, the evaluation unit 27 calculates the amount of at least one of the refrigerant recovered and regenerated from the refrigerant-using device 30 and the refrigerant used and newly produced in the refrigerant-using device 30 that can be provided to the manufacturer. In this case, the service provided to the manufacturer is a service related to the supply of the refrigerant.

[0093] The storage unit 22 is an auxiliary storage device such as a HDD or an SSD. The storage unit 22 stores the first information acquired by the acquisition unit 21 and the second information generated based on the first information. Figure 4 As shown, the storage unit 22 includes a device information database DB1 , a refrigerant information database DB2 , an account information database DB3 , an account management database DB4 , an event information database DB5 , and a refrigerant management information database DB6 .

[0094] The sending unit 24 and the receiving unit 25 are network devices. The sending unit 24 sends the first information or the second information generated by the generating unit 23 to the manager S or the manufacturer. Specifically, for example, the sending unit 24 sends the first information or the second information to the terminal used by the manager S or the manufacturer. The receiving unit 25 receives data from the input terminals 10a, 10b, ... and the manager terminal 80 via the network 90.

[0095] (2-4) Details of the management server

[0096] (2-4-1) Database

[0097] Each database included in the storage unit 22 of the management server 20 will be described.

[0098] Figure 5 This is a diagram for explaining the device information database DB1. The device information database DB1 stores information related to the refrigerant-using device 30 registered in the refrigerant management system 100. Each record of the device information database DB1 includes at least a device ID, a model name, a device manufacturer ID, a refrigerant type, a refrigerant filling amount, and capacity information. As a master key of the device information database DB1, the device ID can be used.

[0099] The device ID refers to the ID assigned to the refrigerant-using device 30 when the refrigerant-using device 30 is registered in the refrigerant management system 100. The device ID may also be the manufacturing number of the refrigerant-using device 30, etc. The model name is a character string indicating the model of the refrigerant-using device 30. The device manufacturer ID refers to the manufacturer ID assigned to the device manufacturer C6 that manufactures the refrigerant-using device 30. The refrigerant category is a character string indicating the type of refrigerant used in the refrigerant-using device 30. The refrigerant filled amount refers to the amount of refrigerant pre-filled in the refrigerant-using device 30. The amount of refrigerant is expressed by the weight of the refrigerant. The unit of the amount of refrigerant is kilograms. The capacity information refers to the horsepower of the refrigerant-using device 30.

[0100] The device information stored in the device information database DB1 is information registered in the management server 20 when the device manufacturer C6 manufactures or ships the device. The installation manufacturer C1 or the maintenance manufacturer C2 can access the management server 20 to register device information not registered in the device information database DB1.

[0101] In the present embodiment, the management server 20 includes the device information database DB1 in the storage unit 22 , but the management server 20 may acquire the device information by accessing a database owned by the device manufacturer C6 via a network.

[0102] The refrigerant information database DB2 stores information on storage bottles used in the circulation of the refrigerant registered in the refrigerant management system 100. Each record of the refrigerant information database DB2 includes at least a storage bottle ID, a distribution manufacturer ID, a refrigerant type, and a refrigerant amount.

[0103] The account information database DB3 stores information related to each manufacturer and manager registered in the refrigerant management system 100. Each record of the account information database DB3 includes at least a manufacturer ID, a manufacturer name, business content, and a login ID. The manufacturer ID is an ID assigned to a manufacturer when registering a manufacturer such as the first manufacturer C1 to the refrigerant management system 100. When registering a manufacturer, the management server 20 assigns a manufacturer ID to the manufacturer and registers the manufacturer in such a way that the manufacturer ID does not overlap with the manufacturer ID assigned to the registered manufacturer. Business content is a character string indicating business content such as installation business and maintenance business. The login ID refers to the ID used by the manufacturer when accessing the management server 20. The login ID and the manufacturer ID are associated and stored in the account information database DB3.

[0104] The account management database DB4 stores authority information for each manufacturer registered in the refrigerant management system 100. Specifically, the account management database DB4 stores information on business content, authority to view information stored in the storage unit 22, and authority to access the management server 20 for each manufacturer. Figure 6 is a table showing the business contents of each manufacturer. Figure 6 The types of business that each manufacturer can provide are shown in Figure 6 In the above, distribution business, installation business, maintenance business, recycling business, regeneration business and disposal business refer to Figure 1 The operations performed by manufacturers at the distribution, installation, maintenance, recycling, regeneration and disposal stages.

[0105] For example, in Figure 6 In the example, the first manufacturer C1 whose manufacturer ID is "CA006" can perform installation services, maintenance services, and recycling services. In this case, the management server 20 determines that the first manufacturer C1 can access the device information database DB1 and the like registered in the management server 20 based on the types of services that the first manufacturer C1 can perform. Then, the management server 20 reads the specified data from the device information database DB1 and the like in response to the request from the first manufacturer C1 and transmits it to the input terminal 10a of the first manufacturer C1.

[0106] In addition, for example, Figure 6 In this case, the management server 20 determines that the regeneration manufacturer C4 cannot access the device information database DB1 registered in the management server 20 based on the types of services that the regeneration manufacturer C4 can perform.

[0107] The event information database DB5 stores the contents of the business performed by each manufacturer registered in the refrigerant management system 100. Each record of the event information database DB5 contains at least the business content, property ID, equipment holder ID, equipment installation location, and the additional refrigerant filling amount. The property ID refers to the ID assigned to the property where the target business was performed. The equipment holder ID refers to the ID assigned to the owner of the refrigerant-using equipment 30. The equipment ID refers to the ID assigned to the equipment that is the target of the business. The equipment installation location is a character string representing the address of the property where the target business was performed. The additional refrigerant filling amount refers to the amount of refrigerant additionally filled into the equipment or refrigerant piping when performing the target business.

[0108] The refrigerant management information database DB6 stores first information and second information.

[0109] (2-4-2) Method for obtaining the amount of refrigerant filled

[0110] The acquisition unit 21 of the management server 20 acquires the refrigerant filling amount, which is the refrigerant amount filled in the refrigerant-using equipment 30 that is the business target of each manufacturer when shipped. Figure 7 A flowchart of the process of obtaining the amount of refrigerant filled is shown in FIG. Figure 7 The processing of steps S11 to S20 is shown in . The processing of acquiring the refrigerant filling amount is performed when each manufacturer accesses the management server 20 to register the business content and when the generation unit 23 of the management server 20 generates the second information.

[0111] When each manufacturer accesses the management server 20 to start registering business content, Figure 7 In step S11, the manufacturer operates the input terminal 10a, 10b, ... to input the device ID of the refrigerant-using device 30 to be acquired for the refrigerant filling amount to the management server 20. Steps S12 to S19 are processed by the acquisition unit 21 of the management server 20.

[0112] In step S12, it is determined whether the refrigerant filling amount of the refrigerant-using device 30 corresponding to the device ID input in step S11 is registered in the device information database DB1. If it is determined in step S12 that it is registered, in step S13, the refrigerant filling amount of the refrigerant-using device 30 is obtained from the device information database DB1. If it is determined in step S12 that it is not registered, in step S14, it is determined whether input data including the capacity information of the refrigerant-using device 30 is input, or whether the capacity information of the refrigerant-using device 30 is registered in the device information database DB1.

[0113] When it is determined in step S14 that the input data including the capability information has been input or the capability information has been registered in the device information database DB1, in step S15, the refrigerant filling amount is predicted based on the capability information included in the input data or the registered capability information, and the predicted value is obtained as the refrigerant filling amount. For example, when the capability is 8 horsepower, the refrigerant filling amount is predicted to be 20 kg, when the capability is 10 horsepower, the refrigerant filling amount is predicted to be 21 kg, when the capability is 12 horsepower, the refrigerant filling amount is predicted to be 23 kg, and when the capability is 14 horsepower, the refrigerant filling amount is predicted to be 24 kg, thereby obtaining the refrigerant filling amount. When it is determined in step S14 that the input data including the capability information has not been input and the capability information has not been registered in the device information database DB1, it is determined in step S16 whether the refrigerant filling amount of the refrigerant-using device 30 has been input. When it is determined in step S16 that it has been input, it is determined in step S17 whether the input value of the refrigerant filling amount is appropriate. For example, it is determined whether the amount of refrigerant filled is within a specified range. The specified range may be, for example, between 18 kg and 26 kg, which allows the value predicted based on the capacity information to have a surplus. If it is determined in step S17 that the input value is appropriate, in step S18, the input value is obtained as the amount of refrigerant filled.

[0114] If it is determined in step S16 that no input is made, or if it is determined in step S17 that the input value is inappropriate, a default value of the refrigerant filling amount is obtained in step S19. In step S20, the storage unit 22 of the management server 20 stores the refrigerant filling amount obtained in steps S13, S15, S18, and S19 as the refrigerant filling amount of the refrigerant-using device 30.

[0115] (2-5) First information and second information

[0116] The first information and the second information, which are data handled by the management server 20 , will be described.

[0117] The manufacturer operates the input terminals 10a, 10b, ... to access the management server 20, and inputs required data in a predetermined format created by the management server 20. The first information is information acquired by the management server 20 based on the data input by the manufacturer.

[0118] The second information is information that associates the amount of refrigerant used in the refrigerant-using device 30, that is, the refrigerant usage amount, with the manufacturer information acquired as the first information. The "refrigerant used in the refrigerant-using device 30" is the refrigerant filled in the refrigerant-using device 30 for use and the refrigerant filled in the refrigerant piping connected to the refrigerant-using device 30. The acquisition unit 21 of the management server 20 acquires the refrigerant usage amount by summing up the refrigerant already filled amount and the refrigerant additional filling amount.

[0119] Next, the first information acquired by the management server 20 based on the data input to the management server 20 by the first manufacturer C1, the reproducing manufacturer C4, and the distributing manufacturer C5 respectively operating the input terminals 10a, 10b, and 10c, and the second information generated based on the first information will be described.

[0120] To facilitate understanding, the first manufacturer C1 as an installation manufacturer is referred to as installation manufacturer C1, the first manufacturer C1 as a maintenance manufacturer is referred to as maintenance manufacturer C1, and the first manufacturer C1 as a recycling manufacturer is referred to as recycling manufacturer C1 as needed.

[0121] (2-5-1) The first information obtained by the management server through the input of the installation manufacturer and the second information generated based on the first information

[0122] Figure 8 This is a diagram for explaining the second information T11 and T12 generated based on the first information obtained by the management server 20 through the input of the installation manufacturer C1. The installation manufacturer C1 inputs the installation information to the management server 20 when the installation work is completed. After the first manufacturer C1 logs in to the management server 20, it selects the installation business as the type of business to be implemented, and as the installation manufacturer C1, it inputs the equipment ID, equipment owner ID, property ID, equipment installation location information, and refrigerant additional filling amount to the management server 20. The input data are respectively stored in the event information database DB5 of the storage unit 22.

[0123] The first information obtained by the management server 20 through the input of the installation manufacturer C1 includes at least device identification information, manufacturer information, and refrigerant additional filling amount information. The device identification information refers to information used to identify the refrigerant-using device 30, and in this embodiment, it is the device ID. The manufacturer information refers to information related to the manufacturer who conducts business related to the refrigerant-using device 30, and in this embodiment, it is the manufacturer ID recorded in the implementer ID. The refrigerant additional filling amount information refers to information related to the refrigerant additional filling amount, which is the amount of refrigerant additionally filled in the refrigerant-using device 30 or the refrigerant piping connected to the refrigerant-using device 30.

[0124] When the installation manufacturer C1 logs in to the management server 20 , the management server 20 obtains the manufacturer ID stored in the account information database DB3 based on the login ID of the installation manufacturer C1 , and stores it as the implementer ID.

[0125] The management server 20 obtains the model name and the device manufacturer information from the device information database DB1 according to the device ID input by the installation manufacturer C1. Figure 7 The refrigerant filling amount is obtained by following the process of obtaining the refrigerant filling amount.

[0126] When the installation manufacturer C1 inputs the installation information into the management server 20 and decides to register the installation information, the management server 20 acquires the date when the installation information is registered as the implementation year, month and day.

[0127] Furthermore, when the property ID is registered in the event information database DB5 , the management server 20 can obtain the equipment installation location information based on the property ID, and thus the equipment installation location information can also be obtained based on the property ID.

[0128] The generation unit 23 of the management server 20 obtains the information such as the amount of refrigerant filled after the first information is obtained through the input of the installation manufacturer C1. Figure 8 As shown, the second information T11 and T12 are generated and stored in the refrigerant management information database DB6.

[0129] exist Figure 8 In the second information T12 shown, the amount of refrigerant used is associated with the implementer ID included in the second information T11. Figure 8 In FIG. 1 , the implementation date, the equipment ID, the refrigerant type, the refrigerant filling amount, and the refrigerant additional filling amount included in the second information T11 are also shown as the second information T12 .

[0130] (2-5-2) The management server obtains the first information through the input of the maintenance manufacturer and generates the second information based on the first information

[0131] Fig. 9 This is a diagram for explaining the second information T21 and T22 generated from the first information obtained by the management server 20 through the input of the maintenance manufacturer C1. The maintenance manufacturer C1 inputs the maintenance information to the management server 20 when the maintenance work is completed. After the first manufacturer C1 performs the login process, it selects the maintenance business as the type of business to be implemented, and as the maintenance manufacturer C1, inputs the equipment ID, equipment owner ID, property ID and refrigerant additional filling amount to the management server 20. The inputted data are respectively stored in the event information database DB5 of the storage unit 22.

[0132] The first information acquired by the management server 20 in response to the input of the maintenance manufacturer C1 includes at least equipment identification information, manufacturer information, and refrigerant additional filling amount information.

[0133] When the maintenance manufacturer C1 inputs the maintenance information into the management server 20 and decides to register the maintenance information, the management server 20 acquires the date when the maintenance information is registered as the implementation year, month and day.

[0134] The generating unit 23 of the management server 20 obtains information such as the amount of refrigerant filled from the second information T11 and T12 created during the installation work and the maintenance information input during the maintenance work, such as Fig. 9 As shown, the second information T21 and T22 are generated and stored in the refrigerant management database DB6.

[0135] The second information T22 is data automatically generated by the generation unit 23 of the management server 20 based on the second information T21. The maintenance manufacturer C1 can obtain the second information T22 from the management server 20 using the input terminal 10a. The second information T22 has at least information that associates the refrigerant usage with the manufacturer. The refrigerant usage refers to the amount of refrigerant used in the refrigerant-using device 30 during maintenance. In the case of the second information T22, the refrigerant usage refers to the total amount of refrigerant filled in the refrigerant-using device 30 after the maintenance manufacturer C1 additionally fills the refrigerant into the refrigerant-using device 30. Therefore, the refrigerant usage is the same as the refrigerant usage when the installation work is completed. Additional filling of refrigerant during maintenance work means that the refrigerant in the refrigerant-using device leaks during the period from the installation work to the maintenance work. Therefore, even if the refrigerant is additionally filled during the maintenance work, the refrigerant usage after the additional filling is the same as the amount when the installation work is completed.

[0136] exist Fig. 9 In the second information T22 shown, the amount of refrigerant used is associated with the implementer ID included in the second information T21. Fig. 9 In the example, the implementation date, device ID, refrigerant type, and refrigerant filling amount included in the second information T21 are also shown as the second information T22. Fig. 9 In the example, the total additional refrigerant filling amount is shown as the second information T22. The total additional refrigerant filling amount is the total amount of refrigerant additionally filled during installation work and the amount of refrigerant additionally filled during maintenance work. The total additional refrigerant filling amount is obtained from the event information DB5 based on the operation history performed in the past for the device ID input as maintenance information, and is calculated based on the amount of refrigerant additionally filled during the past operation.

[0137] In the case where the installation manufacturer and the maintenance manufacturer are the same manufacturer as in the present embodiment, it can be that when logging in to the management server 20, the management server 20 recognizes that they are the same manufacturer, and when the maintenance manufacturer selects maintenance business as the type of business to be implemented, the management server 20 allows the maintenance manufacturer to select the maintenance object equipment or property. In this case, since the management server 20 can obtain the equipment ID and property ID from the event information DB5 by itself, sometimes the maintenance manufacturer only needs to input the additional refrigerant filling amount. In addition, the maintenance manufacturer C1 can also register the maintenance content in the management server. The maintenance content refers to the specific content of the maintenance management operation of the refrigerant-using equipment 30 implemented by the maintenance manufacturer C1. The maintenance content is, for example, the operation of repairing the leaking refrigerant in the case of finding that the refrigerant is leaking from the refrigerant-using equipment 30, the operation of replenishing the refrigerant in the case of finding that the amount of refrigerant filled in the refrigerant-using equipment 30 is insufficient, and the operation of replacing at least a part of the refrigerant filled in the refrigerant-using equipment 30.

[0138] (2-5-3) The management server obtains the first information by collecting the manufacturer's input

[0139] Fig.10 1 is a diagram for explaining the first information T31 obtained by the management server 20 through the input of the recycling manufacturer C1. The recycling manufacturer C1 inputs the refrigerant recovery information to the management server 20 when the recovery operation is completed. After the first manufacturer C1 performs the login process, it selects the recovery business as the type of business implemented, and as the recycling manufacturer C1, inputs the equipment ID, equipment holder ID, property ID and refrigerant recovery amount to the management server 20. The inputted data are respectively stored in the event information database DB5 of the storage unit 22. The recycling manufacturer C1 receives the recovery storage bottle 50 from the storage bottle manufacturer C8. The recovery storage bottle 50 is a container for filling the refrigerant recovered by the recycling manufacturer C1 from the refrigerant using equipment 30. At the moment when the recycling manufacturer C1 receives the recovery storage bottle 50 from the storage bottle manufacturer C8, the recovery storage bottle 50 is not filled with refrigerant.

[0140] The first information T31 obtained by the management server 20 through the input of the recycling manufacturer C1 includes at least equipment identification information, manufacturer information, and refrigerant recovery amount information. The refrigerant recovery amount information refers to information including the refrigerant recovery amount, which is the total amount of the refrigerant filled in the recovered refrigerant using device 30 and the amount of the refrigerant recovered from the refrigerant piping connected to the refrigerant using device 30. The recovered refrigerant is filled in the recovery storage bottle 50, and the recovery storage bottle 50 filled with the refrigerant and the refrigerant using device 30 are delivered to the recycling manufacturer C4 or the refrigerant disposal manufacturer C9.

[0141] When the management server 20 determines to register the refrigerant recovery information after the recovery manufacturer C1 inputs the recovery information to the management server 20 , the management server 20 acquires the date when the refrigerant recovery information is registered as the implementation year, month and day.

[0142] The management server 20 obtains information such as the amount of refrigerant recovery from the second information T11, T12, T21, T22 created during installation or maintenance work and the recovery information input by the recovery manufacturer C1 during recovery work, such as Fig.10 As shown, the first information T31 is generated and stored in the refrigerant management database DB6.

[0143] When the installation manufacturer, maintenance manufacturer, and recycling manufacturer are the same manufacturer as in the present embodiment, the management server 20 may recognize that they are the same manufacturer when logging in to the management server 20, and when the recycling manufacturer selects recycling business as the type of business to be implemented, the management server 20 allows the recycling manufacturer to select the recycling target equipment or property. In this case, the management server 20 can obtain the equipment ID and property ID from the event information DB5 by itself, so sometimes the recycling manufacturer only needs to input the refrigerant recovery amount.

[0144] (2-5-4) The first information obtained by the management server through the input of the reproduction manufacturer

[0145] Fig.11 This is a diagram for explaining the first information T41 obtained by the management server 20 through the input of the regeneration manufacturer C4. The regeneration manufacturer C4 inputs the regeneration information to the management server 20 when the regeneration operation is completed. The regeneration manufacturer C4 receives the refrigerant using device 30 or the recovery storage bottle 50 from the recycling manufacturer C1. The regeneration manufacturer C4 takes out all the refrigerant recovered by the recycling manufacturer C1 from the refrigerant using device 30 or the recovery storage bottle 50, regenerates the refrigerant taken out, and then fills the refrigerant obtained by regeneration into the refrigerant container 60. The refrigerant container 60 is a special container filled with the refrigerant obtained by regeneration. The refrigerant container 60 is, for example, a large storage bottle or a tank truck. The regeneration manufacturer C4 delivers the refrigerant container 60 filled with the regenerated refrigerant to the distribution manufacturer C5.

[0146] like Fig.11 As shown, the first information T41 obtained by the management server 20 through the input of the regeneration manufacturer C4 includes at least refrigerant recovery information and refrigerant regeneration information. The refrigerant recovery information refers to information related to the refrigerant before regeneration by the regeneration manufacturer C4. The refrigerant regeneration information refers to information related to the refrigerant after regeneration by the regeneration manufacturer C4.

[0147] The refrigerant recovery information includes at least the implementer ID which is the manufacturer ID of the recovery manufacturer C1, the refrigerant type, and the refrigerant amount before regeneration. The refrigerant type is the type of refrigerant that was once filled in the recovery storage bottle 50 or the refrigerant using device 30. The refrigerant recovery amount is the amount of refrigerant recovered by the recovery manufacturer C1. The refrigerant recovery information includes data for each recovery manufacturer C1 and for each refrigerant type. In addition, since the amount of refrigerant filled in the recovered refrigerant using device 30 may not be accurate, the amount of refrigerant actually recovered from the refrigerant using device 30 by the recovery manufacturer C4 is used as the refrigerant amount before regeneration.

[0148] The refrigerant regeneration information includes at least an implementer ID which is a manufacturer ID of the regeneration manufacturer C4, a refrigerant category, a refrigerant regeneration amount, and an implementation date. The refrigerant category is a category of a refrigerant obtained by regeneration by the regeneration manufacturer C4. The refrigerant regeneration amount is the amount of refrigerant obtained by regeneration by the regeneration manufacturer C4. The refrigerant regeneration information includes data for each refrigerant category. The refrigerant regeneration amount is less than the refrigerant amount before regeneration. For example, the refrigerant regeneration amount is about 90% of the refrigerant amount before regeneration.

[0149] When the management server 20 determines to register the refrigerant regeneration information after the regeneration manufacturer C4 inputs the refrigerant regeneration information to the management server 20 , the management server 20 acquires the date when the refrigerant regeneration information is registered as the implementation year, month and day.

[0150] In the case where the recycling manufacturer and the regenerating manufacturer are different as in the present embodiment, after the regenerating manufacturer C4 logs in to the management server 20, the management server 20 provides the equipment ID, the storage bottle ID, and the property ID as the second information to the regenerating manufacturer C4. The management server 20 obtains the second information provided to the regenerating manufacturer C4 and the information such as the refrigerant regeneration amount input during the regeneration operation, such as Fig.11 As shown, the first information T41 is generated and stored in the refrigerant management database DB6.

[0151] (2-5-5) The first information obtained by the management server through the input of the distribution manufacturer

[0152] Fig.12This is a diagram for explaining the first information T51 obtained by the management server 20 through the input of the distribution manufacturer C5. The distribution manufacturer C5 inputs the distribution information to the management server 20 when the distribution work is completed. The distribution manufacturer C5 receives the refrigerant container 60 from the refrigerant manufacturer C7 or the regeneration manufacturer C4. The refrigerant container 60 received by the distribution manufacturer C5 is filled with the refrigerant manufactured by the refrigerant manufacturer C7 or the refrigerant regenerated by the regeneration manufacturer C4. The distribution manufacturer C5 fills the refrigerant filled in the refrigerant container 60 into the refrigerant storage bottle 40 or the regeneration storage bottle 70. The distribution manufacturer C5 distributes the refrigerant storage bottle 40 or the regeneration storage bottle 70 filled with the refrigerant to the first manufacturer C1 (installation manufacturer C1 or maintenance manufacturer C1) as needed.

[0153] like Fig.12 As shown, the first information T51 obtained by the management server 20 through the input of the distribution manufacturer C5 includes at least refrigerant factory information and refrigerant allocation information. The refrigerant factory information refers to information related to the refrigerant that the distribution manufacturer C5 fills in the refrigerant storage bottle 40 or the regeneration storage bottle 70 and ships. The refrigerant allocation information refers to information related to the refrigerant that the distribution manufacturer C5 allocates to the first manufacturer C1.

[0154] The refrigerant shipment information includes at least an implementer ID which is a manufacturer ID of the allocation manufacturer C5, a refrigerant type, and a refrigerant shipment amount. The refrigerant type is a type of refrigerant shipped by the allocation manufacturer C5. The refrigerant shipment amount is the amount of refrigerant shipped by the allocation manufacturer C5. The refrigerant shipment information includes data for each refrigerant type.

[0155] The refrigerant allocation information includes at least an implementer ID which is the manufacturer ID of the allocation manufacturer C5, an allocation destination ID, a refrigerant type, a refrigerant allocation amount, and an implementation date. The allocation destination ID is the manufacturer ID of the first manufacturer C1 to which the refrigerant is allocated. The refrigerant type is the type of the refrigerant allocated by the allocation manufacturer C5. The refrigerant allocation amount is the amount of the refrigerant allocated by the allocation manufacturer C5. The refrigerant allocation information includes data for each allocation destination ID and for each refrigerant type. When the management server 20 decides to register the refrigerant allocation information after the allocation manufacturer C5 inputs the refrigerant allocation information into the management server 20, the date on which the refrigerant allocation information is registered is obtained as the implementation date.

[0156] The management server 20 obtains the information input by the distribution manufacturer C5 and the implementation date and time registered by the management server 20, such as Fig.12 As shown, the first information T51 is generated and stored in the refrigerant management database DB6.

[0157] (2-6) Second information that only administrators have access to

[0158] The management server 20 generates second information T92 related to the amount of refrigerant handled by each manufacturer based on the first information and the second information stored in the refrigerant management information database DB6. The management server 20 registers the generated second information T92 in the refrigerant management information database DB6 of the storage unit 22. The manufacturer can use the input terminals 10a, 10b, ... to confirm the second information T92 stored in the management server 20. The second information that the manufacturer can confirm is the second information that the manufacturer has the right to read, for example, the second information T11, T12, T21, T22, ... generated based on the first information obtained by the management server 20 based on the data input by the manufacturer to the management server 20. The manager S can use the manager terminal 80 to confirm all the second information stored in the management server 20. The management server 20 Figure 8 , 9 In addition to the second information shown, second information T92 that only the administrator S has the right to view is generated based on the acquired first information.

[0159] Fig.13 This is a diagram for explaining an example of the second information T92 on the amount of refrigerant handled by each manufacturer, which only the manager S has the authority to view. Fig.13 The second information T92 shown is information that associates information related to the manufacturer in the entire refrigerant management system 100 with information related to the refrigerant used in the refrigerant-using equipment 30 that is the business target of the manufacturer.

[0160] The "information related to the manufacturer" included in the second information T92 is equivalent to Fig.13 This is the ID of the first manufacturer C1 or the like. Specifically, the "Manufacturer ID" is Figures 8 to 12 The implementer ID is shown. Fig.13 In the example, "CA006" and "CA015" are the manufacturer IDs of the first manufacturer C1 that performs installation, maintenance, and recycling operations. "GA019" is the manufacturer ID of the recycling manufacturer C4. "HA019" is the manufacturer ID of the allocation manufacturer C5.

[0161] In the second information T92, as "information related to the refrigerant used in the refrigerant-using device 30", Fig.13 As shown, it includes refrigerant type, refrigerant holding amount, refrigerant usage amount, refrigerant recovery scheduled amount, refrigerant recovery amount, refrigerant regeneration amount, refrigerant disposal amount, refrigerant distribution scheduled amount, and refrigerant distribution amount. The refrigerant type is the name indicating the type of refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant cycle. Information other than the refrigerant type is related to the amount of refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant cycle.

[0162] Refrigerant holdings are the total amount of refrigerant held by the manufacturer.

[0163] The refrigerant usage is the total amount of refrigerant used by the manufacturer in the refrigerant-using equipment 30 from the refrigerant holding amount. The refrigerant used by the manufacturer in the refrigerant-using equipment 30 refers to the refrigerant filled in the refrigerant-using equipment 30 and the refrigerant piping connected to the refrigerant-using equipment 30. In the case where the manufacturer is the installation manufacturer C1 or the maintenance manufacturer C1, the refrigerant usage is the total amount of refrigerant filled in all the refrigerant-using equipment 30 that are the business objects and the refrigerant piping connected to the refrigerant-using equipment 30. The refrigerant usage is the value obtained by subtracting the amount of refrigerant held by the manufacturer in the refrigerant storage bottle 40 and the regeneration storage bottle 70 from the refrigerant holding amount. The refrigerant usage is based on, for example Figure 8 , 9 It is calculated based on the "refrigerant usage amount" included in the second information T11, T12, T21, T22, ... shown.

[0164] The scheduled amount of refrigerant to be recovered is the total amount of refrigerant that is expected to be recovered from the refrigerant-using equipment 30 by the recovery manufacturer C1 within a specified period, out of the amount of refrigerant used by the installation manufacturer C1 or the maintenance manufacturer C1. The acquisition unit 21 acquires the scheduled amount of refrigerant to be recovered based on the first information. The scheduled amount of refrigerant to be recovered is, for example, the total amount of refrigerant filled in the refrigerant-using equipment 30 after a specified period has passed since the installation or the start of use. The specified period is set based on the type of refrigerant used and the model of the refrigerant-using equipment 30. For example, the refrigerant filled in the refrigerant-using equipment 30 and the refrigerant piping connected to the refrigerant-using equipment 30 after 15 years from the date of implementation of the installation business is regarded as the refrigerant scheduled to be recovered.

[0165] Specifically, the acquisition unit 21 acquires the expected amount of refrigerant recovery based on the third information included in the first information. The third information is information related to the implementation year, month, and day. Here, the implementation year, month, and day refers to the operation day or the operation month. The operation day refers to the day on which at least one of the installation information and the maintenance information is registered. The operation month refers to the month on which at least one of the installation information and the maintenance information is registered.

[0166] The amount of recovered refrigerant is the total amount of refrigerant recovered from the refrigerant using equipment 30 by the recovery manufacturer C1. Fig.11 The "pre-regeneration refrigerant amount" and Fig.10 The calculation is based on the amount of recovered refrigerant included in the first information T31 shown.

[0167] In this embodiment, the installation manufacturer C1, the maintenance manufacturer C1, and the recycling manufacturer C1 are the same first manufacturer C1. Therefore, when the manufacturer is the first manufacturer C1, the second information T92 includes the refrigerant recovery amount as information related to the refrigerant amount in addition to the refrigerant usage amount and the refrigerant recovery schedule amount.

[0168] The amount of refrigerant regeneration is the total amount of refrigerant regenerated by the regeneration manufacturer C4. The amount of refrigerant regeneration is based on, for example, Fig.11 It is calculated based on the "refrigerant regeneration amount" included in the first information T41 shown.

[0169] The amount of refrigerant discarded is the total amount of refrigerant discarded without being regenerated by the regeneration manufacturer C4.

[0170] The refrigerant allocation scheduled amount is the total amount of refrigerant scheduled to be allocated from the allocation manufacturer C5. For example, when an application related to the allocation of refrigerant is submitted from the installation manufacturer C1 and the maintenance manufacturer C1 to the allocation manufacturer C5, the refrigerant allocation scheduled amount is calculated based on the content of the application. The content of the application refers to, for example, the amount of refrigerant allocated in the past, the year, month and date of the most recent allocation of the refrigerant, and the reason for applying for the allocation of the refrigerant.

[0171] The refrigerant distribution amount is the total amount of refrigerant distributed from the distribution manufacturer C5 to the installation manufacturer C1 or the maintenance manufacturer C1. The refrigerant distribution amount is based on, for example, Fig.12 It is calculated based on the "refrigerant distribution amount" included in the first information T51 shown.

[0172] The amount of refrigerant included in the second information T92 may be the amount for each refrigerant-using device 30. In this case, the second information T92 may be information associating the device ID of the refrigerant-using device 30 with the amount of refrigerant used in the refrigerant-using device 30.

[0173] In this way, the second information T92 is information that associates information related to a manufacturer that conducts business related to the refrigerant-using equipment 30 and the amount of refrigerant used in the refrigerant-using equipment 30 that is the business object of the manufacturer, and is information that associates information related to the refrigerant-using equipment 30 and the amount of refrigerant used in the refrigerant-using equipment 30.

[0174] (2-7) Manufacturer’s evaluation

[0175] The evaluation unit 27 evaluates the manufacturer based on at least one of the number of refrigerant-using devices 30 that are business targets of the manufacturer and the amount of refrigerant used in the refrigerant-using devices 30 that are business targets of the manufacturer, that is, the amount of refrigerant used. The evaluation unit 27 generates second information that associates the amount of refrigerant used with the manufacturer based on the first information, and evaluates the manufacturer based on the second information.

[0176] Specifically, the evaluation unit 27 is based on Fig.13 The manufacturer is evaluated based on the amount of refrigerant expected to be recovered from the refrigerant-using equipment 30 and the amount of refrigerant recovered from the refrigerant-using equipment 30 included in the second information T92 shown. The amount of refrigerant expected to be recovered from the refrigerant-using equipment 30 refers to the amount of refrigerant that the manufacturer currently has and plans to recover, which is equivalent to Fig.13 The amount of refrigerant recovered from the refrigerant-using device 30 refers to the amount of refrigerant actually recovered by the manufacturer, which is equivalent to Fig.13 The evaluation unit 27 evaluates the manufacturer based on, for example, the expected amount of refrigerant to be recovered, the amount of refrigerant recovered, and the amount of refrigerant distributed included in the second information T92.

[0177] (2-8) Services provided to manufacturers

[0178] The evaluation unit 27 also based on Fig.13 The service provided to the manufacturer regarding the refrigerant used in the refrigerant-using device 30 is determined based on the second information T92 shown. The service determined by the evaluation unit 27 is, for example, a service of providing the refrigerant to the manufacturer.

[0179] Specifically, the evaluation unit 27 uses the second information T92 to calculate the refrigerant supply amount for each manufacturer. The refrigerant supply amount refers to the amount of refrigerant that can be provided to the manufacturer. The refrigerant to be supplied is at least one of the refrigerant recovered and regenerated from the refrigerant using equipment 30 and the newly produced refrigerant. For example, in the case where the evaluation unit 27 evaluates the manufacturer by assigning a priority to each manufacturer, the evaluation unit 27 calculates the refrigerant supply amount for each manufacturer in such a manner that the higher the priority, the greater the refrigerant supply amount. Manufacturers to which refrigerants are provided are, for example, the installation manufacturer C1 and the maintenance manufacturer C1.

[0180] The evaluation unit 27 calculates the refrigerant supply amount based on, for example, the expected amount of refrigerant recovery and the amount of refrigerant recovery. Specifically, the evaluation unit 27 calculates the refrigerant supply amount for each manufacturer based on the total amount of the expected amount of refrigerant recovery and the amount of refrigerant recovery included in the second information T92 and the refrigerant allocation amount included in the second information T92. The refrigerant allocation amount is the amount of refrigerant that has been provided to the manufacturer.

[0181] Next, the evaluation unit 27 provides information on the refrigerant supply amount calculated for each manufacturer to, for example, the allocating manufacturer C5. The allocating manufacturer C5 calculates the amount of refrigerant to be allocated to each manufacturer based on the information on the refrigerant supply amount calculated by the evaluation unit 27 of the management server 20, and supplies the refrigerant to the manufacturer.

[0182] (3) Effect

[0183] (3-1)

[0184] In the refrigerant management system 100, the management server 20 can centrally grasp the refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant cycle and provide information related to the refrigerant to each manufacturer. Specifically, the management server 20 can generate second information that associates the amount of refrigerant used in the refrigerant-using equipment 30 with the manufacturer's information based on the first information obtained from the information input by the manufacturer, and provide it to each manufacturer. Therefore, the refrigerant management system 100 having the management server 20 can manage the amount of refrigerant circulating in the market at each stage of the refrigerant cycle.

[0185] In particular, in the refrigerant management system 100, the management server 20 can also obtain the first information during the installation phase of the installation manufacturer C1 and the maintenance phase of the maintenance manufacturer C1. The installation phase and the maintenance phase are phases prior to the recovery phase in which the refrigerant is recovered by the recovery manufacturer C1. In other words, the management server 20 can obtain not only information related to the recovered refrigerant but also information related to the refrigerant before recovery. Therefore, the refrigerant management system 100 can manage even the amount of refrigerant before recovery by the recovery manufacturer C1, for example, the amount of refrigerant filled in the refrigerant using equipment 30 and used. As a result, it is easy for the manager S of the refrigerant management system 100 to predict the future recovery amount of refrigerant and to formulate a long-term plan for refrigerant management related to the production and distribution of refrigerant. In addition, the manager S can smoothly manage the amount of refrigerant provided to the installation manufacturer C1 and the maintenance manufacturer C1 based on the long-term plan for refrigerant management, for example, within the range of the amount of refrigerant that the refrigerant manufacturer C7 can produce.

[0186] (3-2)

[0187] The refrigerant management system 100 is a system for evaluating manufacturers that use refrigerants. In the refrigerant management system 100, the management server 20 can generate second information that associates the amount of refrigerant used in the refrigerant-using equipment 30 with the manufacturer's information based on the first information obtained from the information input from the manufacturer, and evaluate the manufacturer based on the second information. Therefore, the refrigerant management system 100 having the management server 20 can appropriately provide the refrigerant used in the refrigerant-using equipment 30 to the manufacturer based on the evaluation result of the manufacturer.

[0188] (4) Features

[0189] (4-1)

[0190] Conventionally, there is a known system for understanding or managing the amount of refrigerant used in refrigerant-using equipment based on information related to refrigerant delivered or scheduled to be delivered to a recycling company. However, in such a system, it is difficult to Figure 1 The amount of refrigerant circulating in the market is controlled or managed at each stage of the refrigerant cycle shown, and it is particularly difficult to control or manage the amount of refrigerant before it is delivered to a recycling company.

[0191] In the refrigerant management system 100 of the present embodiment, the acquisition unit 21 of the management server 20 acquires the first information at at least one of the time of installation and maintenance of the refrigerant-using device 30. The first information includes at least device identification information, manufacturer information, and refrigerant additional filling amount information. The acquisition unit 21 acquires the refrigerant filling amount based on the device identification information of the first information, and acquires the refrigerant usage amount by adding up the refrigerant filling amount and the refrigerant additional filling amount included in the refrigerant additional filling amount information of the first information. The generation unit 23 of the management server 20 uses the refrigerant usage amount and the manufacturer information of the first information to generate the second information that associates the refrigerant usage amount with the manufacturer.

[0192] In this way, the acquisition unit 21 can recover the refrigerant used in the refrigerant-using device 30 at a time earlier than the time when the refrigerant is recovered. In other words, at Figure 1 The first information required to generate the second information is obtained during the installation phase or maintenance phase of the refrigerant cycle shown in the figure. Therefore, the refrigerant management system 100 can obtain information related to the refrigerant before it is recycled by the recycling manufacturer, and manage the amount of refrigerant used in each refrigerant-using device 30 by associating it with the manufacturer.

[0193] Furthermore, the acquisition unit 21 can collect the first information related to the refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant cycle at each stage of the refrigerant cycle. Figure 1As shown, the stages of the refrigerant cycle are production stage, distribution stage, installation stage, maintenance stage, recovery stage, regeneration stage and disposal stage. The generator 23 can generate the second information based on the first information collected at each stage of the refrigerant cycle.

[0194] Therefore, the refrigerant management system 100 can manage the amount of refrigerant circulating in the market by generating the second information based on the first information collected from the manufacturer of the refrigerant used in the refrigerant-using equipment 30. Thus, for example, the manager S of the refrigerant management system 100 can grasp the information related to the amount of refrigerant circulating in the market by referring to the second information stored in the management server using the manager terminal 80, thereby obtaining an appropriate production amount of the refrigerant.

[0195] (4-2)

[0196] In the refrigerant management system 100 of the present embodiment, the storage unit 22 of the management server 20 stores the refrigerant filling amount in association with the device identification information, so that the acquisition unit 21 can acquire the stored refrigerant filling amount based on the device identification information of the acquired first information. Therefore, the refrigerant management system 100 can acquire the refrigerant usage amount based only on the first information.

[0197] (4-3)

[0198] In the refrigerant management system 100 of the present embodiment, the acquisition unit 21 can acquire the capacity information related to the capacity of the refrigerant-using device 30 based on the device identification information of the acquired first information, and acquire the refrigerant filling amount based on the acquired capacity information. Therefore, even when the refrigerant filling amount of the refrigerant-using device 30 is not registered in the management server 20, the refrigerant management system 100 can acquire the predicted value of the refrigerant filling amount based on the capacity information pre-registered in the management server 20.

[0199] (4-4)

[0200] In the refrigerant management system 100 of the present embodiment, the acquisition unit 21 can acquire input data including capability information related to the capability of the refrigerant-using device 30, and acquire the refrigerant filled amount based on the capability information included in the input data. Therefore, even when the refrigerant filled amount of the refrigerant-using device 30 is not registered in the management server 20, the refrigerant management system 100 can acquire the predicted value of the refrigerant filled amount based on the capability information input to the management server 20 by the manufacturer.

[0201] (4-5)

[0202] In the refrigerant management system 100 of this embodiment, as Figure 7 As shown in steps S12 to S15 of , the acquisition unit 21 can acquire the refrigerant filling amount based on the device identification information or the capability information. Specifically, when the refrigerant filling amount is stored in association with the device identification information, the acquisition unit 21 acquires the refrigerant filling amount based on the device identification information of the acquired first information. When the refrigerant filling amount is not stored in association with the device identification information, the acquisition unit 21 acquires the predicted value of the refrigerant filling amount based on the capability information acquired from the device identification information of the acquired first information. Therefore, the refrigerant management system 100 can acquire an appropriate value that can be used as the refrigerant filling amount based on the information registered in the management server 20.

[0203] (4-6)

[0204] In the refrigerant management system 100 of the present embodiment, the acquisition unit 21 acquires the total amount of refrigerant usage of the plurality of refrigerant-using devices 30 that are business targets of the manufacturer, and the generation unit 23 can further generate information associating the total amount of refrigerant usage with the manufacturer as the second information. Therefore, the refrigerant management system 100 can manage the amount of refrigerant filled and used in all the refrigerant-using devices 30 that are business targets of each manufacturer by associating the manufacturer with the manufacturer.

[0205] (4-7)

[0206] In the refrigerant management system 100 of the present embodiment, the acquisition unit 21 acquires the amount of refrigerant expected to be recovered from the refrigerant-using equipment 30 within a predetermined period, that is, the expected amount of refrigerant recovery, and the generation unit 23 can further generate information associating the expected amount of refrigerant recovery with the manufacturer as the second information. Therefore, the refrigerant management system 100 can manage the amount of refrigerant expected to be recovered from the refrigerant-using equipment 30 that is the business target of the installation manufacturer and the maintenance manufacturer.

[0207] (4-8)

[0208] In the refrigerant management system 100 of the present embodiment, the acquisition unit 21 acquires the expected amount of refrigerant recovery based on the third information of the operation day or operation month including at least one of the registered installation information and the maintenance information. For example, the acquisition unit 21 acquires the expected amount of refrigerant recovery based on the amount of refrigerant used in the refrigerant-using device 30 after a predetermined period has passed since the operation day or operation month included in the third information. Therefore, the refrigerant management system 100 can use the expected amount of refrigerant recovery as an appropriate estimated value of the amount of refrigerant to be recovered from the refrigerant-using device 30 within the predetermined period.

[0209] (4-9)

[0210] In the refrigerant management system 100, the acquisition unit 21 acquires the first information based on data input by a manufacturer that performs business related to the refrigerant-using equipment 30. Specifically, Figure 1 As shown, the manufacturers are the first manufacturer C1, the regeneration manufacturer C4, and the distribution manufacturer C5. These manufacturers have input terminals 10a, 10b, ... for inputting prescribed data into the management server 20. Therefore, the manufacturers can input prescribed data into the management server 20 using the input terminals 10a, 10b, ... at the site where the business related to the refrigerant used in the refrigerant-using equipment 30 is performed, during the execution of the business or just after the completion of the business.

[0211] (4-10)

[0212] In the refrigerant management system 100 , the acquisition unit 21 acquires the first information. Therefore, the manufacturer does not need to input all the information related to the business into the management server 20 , thereby shortening the time required to operate the input terminals 10 a , 10 b , . . . and suppressing input errors.

[0213] (4-11)

[0214] In the refrigerant management system 100 of the present embodiment, the acquisition unit 21 of the management server 20 acquires the first information at at least one of the time of installation and maintenance of the refrigerant-using equipment 30. The first information includes at least equipment identification information and manufacturer information. Based on the first information, the evaluation unit 27 of the management server 20 evaluates the manufacturer according to at least one of the number of refrigerant-using equipment 30 that is the business target of the manufacturer and the amount of refrigerant used in the refrigerant-using equipment 30 that is the business target of the manufacturer, that is, the amount of refrigerant used. Thus, the refrigerant management system 100 can appropriately provide the refrigerant used in the refrigerant-using equipment 30 to the manufacturer according to the evaluation result of the manufacturer.

[0215] (4-12)

[0216] In the refrigerant management system 100 of the present embodiment, the generation unit 23 of the management server 20 generates the second information that associates the refrigerant usage with the manufacturer based on the first information, and the evaluation unit 27 evaluates the manufacturer based on the second information. Thus, the refrigerant management system 100 can appropriately calculate the amount of refrigerant that can be provided to each manufacturer based on the refrigerant usage of the refrigerant-using equipment 30 that is the business target of each manufacturer, for example.

[0217] (4-13)

[0218] In the refrigerant management system 100 of the present embodiment, the generating unit 23 generates information associating the estimated amount of refrigerant recovery calculated based on the amount of refrigerant used with the manufacturer as the second information, and the evaluating unit 27 evaluates the manufacturer based on the estimated amount of refrigerant recovery of the second information. Thus, the refrigerant management system 100 can appropriately calculate the amount of refrigerant that can be provided to each manufacturer based on the amount of refrigerant expected to be recovered from the refrigerant-using equipment 30 that is the business target of the installation manufacturer and the maintenance manufacturer.

[0219] (4-14)

[0220] In the refrigerant management system 100 of the present embodiment, the acquisition unit 21 acquires the amount of refrigerant recovered from the refrigerant using equipment 30, that is, the amount of refrigerant recovered, and the evaluation unit 27 evaluates the manufacturer based on the amount of refrigerant recovered and the expected amount of refrigerant recovered. The evaluation unit 27 calculates the amount of refrigerant that can be provided to each manufacturer.

[0221] In this case, for example, Fig.13 As shown, the second information includes the amount of refrigerant expected to be recovered from the refrigerant-using device 30 (refrigerant recovery estimated amount) and the amount of refrigerant recovered from the refrigerant-using device 30 (refrigerant recovery amount). Therefore, the evaluation unit 27 can perform an evaluation based on the second information, for example, and the evaluation becomes a reference for appropriately calculating the amount of refrigerant that can be provided to each manufacturer within the range of the amount of refrigerant that can be provided by the refrigerant management system 100. Therefore, the refrigerant management system 100 can appropriately provide refrigerant to manufacturers that need refrigerant.

[0222] (4-15)

[0223] In the refrigerant management system 100, the evaluation unit 27 can Fig.13 The second information T92 shown assigns a priority to each manufacturer, and calculates the available refrigerant supply amount for each manufacturer based on the priority.

[0224] Thus, the refrigerant management system 100 enables manufacturers participating in refrigerant recovery to receive the supply of regenerated refrigerant on a priority basis. In other words, the more refrigerant is recovered, or the more refrigerant is expected to be recovered in the future, the more the manufacturer can receive the supply of refrigerant on a priority basis. Therefore, by actively participating in the recovery of refrigerant, the manufacturer can receive the supply of refrigerant on a priority basis. In this case, the manufacturer can receive the supply of refrigerant on a priority basis even before the refrigerant is recovered from the refrigerant-using equipment 30 used in its own business.

[0225] Therefore, the refrigerant management system 100 can encourage manufacturers to actively participate in the collection of refrigerants, thereby increasing the amount of refrigerants collected and regenerated in the market. As a result, the refrigerant management system 100 can suppress the amount of refrigerants that need to be newly produced in the market.

[0226] (4-16)

[0227] In a market where the total amount of refrigerant that can be circulated is limited or reduced in stages from the perspective of environmental protection, when the demand for refrigerant increases, it may become difficult to obtain refrigerant or the price of refrigerant may rise. In such a case, for example, manufacturers engaged in business related to refrigerant-using equipment will face economic issues caused by rising refrigerant prices and business issues caused by uncertain prospects for stable refrigerant supply.

[0228] In the refrigerant management system 100, the evaluation unit 27 calculates the refrigerant supply amount, so that, for example, an appropriate amount of refrigerant can be provided to a manufacturer or an appropriate amount of refrigerant can be newly produced. Therefore, a manufacturer engaged in business related to refrigerant-using equipment can effectively avoid problems caused by economic issues due to rising refrigerant prices and business issues due to uncertain prospects for stable refrigerant acquisition.

[0229] (5) Modification

[0230] (5-1) Modification A

[0231] exist Figure 1 In the regeneration stage shown, the refrigerant recovered by the recycling manufacturer is regenerated by the refrigerant recycling manufacturer. However, in the case where the recovered refrigerant cannot be regenerated, at least a portion of the recovered refrigerant may be discarded by the recycling manufacturer or the regenerating manufacturer. At least a portion of the recovered refrigerant may also be discarded by a specialized manufacturer other than the recycling manufacturer or the regenerating manufacturer. The situation where the recovered refrigerant cannot be regenerated refers to a situation where the refrigerant cannot be physically or chemically regenerated, for example, due to contamination and deterioration, or the cost of regenerating the refrigerant is high, so it is not realistic to regenerate the refrigerant for the purpose of reuse.

[0232] In this case, the disposal manufacturer C9 that performs the business of disposing the refrigerant may input predetermined information to the management server 20. The predetermined information refers to the device ID of the refrigerant-using device 30 that is the target of the business, and the like. Fig.14 This is a diagram for explaining the first information T61 acquired by the acquisition unit 21 based on the input of the waste manufacturer C9. It is assumed that the waste manufacturer C9 is a manufacturer different from the collection manufacturer C1 and the recycling manufacturer C4.

[0233] For example, the waste manufacturer C9 receives the recovery storage bottle 50 from the recycling manufacturer C1. The recovery storage bottle 50 received from the recycling manufacturer C1 is filled with refrigerant that is scheduled to be discarded because it cannot be regenerated. In this case, the recycling manufacturer C1 pre-classifies the recovery storage bottle 50 filled with the refrigerant recovered from the refrigerant using equipment 30 into the recovery storage bottle 50 for delivery to the recycling manufacturer C4 and the recovery storage bottle 50 for delivery to the waste manufacturer C9.

[0234] like Fig.14 As shown, the first information T61 acquired by the acquisition unit 21 through the input of the waste manufacturer C9 includes at least refrigerant recovery information and refrigerant disposal information. The refrigerant recovery information refers to information related to the refrigerant before being disposed of by the waste manufacturer C9. The refrigerant disposal information refers to information related to the refrigerant after being disposed of by the waste manufacturer C9.

[0235] The refrigerant recovery information includes at least an implementer ID which is a manufacturer ID of the recovery manufacturer C1, a refrigerant type, and a refrigerant recovery amount. The refrigerant type is a type of refrigerant recovered by the recovery manufacturer C1. The refrigerant recovery amount is an amount of refrigerant recovered by the recovery manufacturer C1. The refrigerant recovery information includes data for each recovery manufacturer C1 and for each refrigerant type.

[0236] The refrigerant disposal information includes at least an implementer ID which is a manufacturer ID of the disposal manufacturer C9, a refrigerant type, a refrigerant disposal amount, and an implementation date.

[0237] (5-2) Modification B

[0238] In the embodiment, the installation manufacturer, the maintenance manufacturer, and the recycling manufacturer are the same first manufacturer C1. However, the installation manufacturer, the maintenance manufacturer, and the recycling manufacturer may be different manufacturers. In this case, each manufacturer may input all information related to the business, or, as in the above embodiment, the input may be simplified by providing each manufacturer with information registered in the database of the management server 20.

[0239] Fig.15 2 is a diagram for explaining the second information that only the administrator S has the right to view in this modification. Fig.15 In the table, "CA006" is the manufacturer ID of the installation manufacturer, "DA009" is the manufacturer ID of the maintenance manufacturer, "FA012" is the manufacturer ID of the recycling manufacturer, "GA019" is the manufacturer ID of the regeneration manufacturer, and "HA019" is the manufacturer ID of the distribution manufacturer.

[0240] In this modification, the installation manufacturer and the maintenance manufacturer do not perform the business of recovering refrigerant from the refrigerant-using equipment 30. Fig.15As shown, the information related to the installation manufacturer or maintenance manufacturer includes the refrigerant usage and the refrigerant recovery scheduled amount, but does not include the refrigerant recovery amount. The information related to the recovery manufacturer only includes the refrigerant recovery amount.

[0241] In addition, any of the equipment manufacturer, refrigerant manufacturer, distribution manufacturer, installation manufacturer, maintenance manufacturer, recycling manufacturer, regeneration manufacturer, and waste manufacturer may be the same manufacturer or different manufacturers. For example, the equipment manufacturer, refrigerant manufacturer, distribution manufacturer, and installation manufacturer may be the same manufacturer, and the installation manufacturer, recycling manufacturer, regeneration manufacturer, and waste manufacturer may be the same manufacturer. In other words, it is not particularly limited which of the above manufacturers is the same manufacturer.

[0242] (5-3) Modification C

[0243] In the refrigerant management system 100, as Fig.13 As shown, the second information generated by the generating unit 23 and which only the administrator S has access rights to is information associating information on a manufacturer performing business related to the refrigerant-using equipment 30 and the refrigerant used in the refrigerant-using equipment 30 that is the business target of the manufacturer.

[0244] However, the second information that only the administrator S has the right to view may be information that associates information related to the refrigerant-using device 30 with the refrigerant used in the refrigerant-using device 30. In this case, Fig.16 As shown, the second information that only the administrator S has the right to view may be information that associates the property ID of the property where the refrigerant-using device 30 is installed, which is an example of information related to the refrigerant-using device 30, with information related to the amount of refrigerant in the refrigerant-using device 30 installed in the property. Fig.16 , the refrigerant type and the refrigerant amount are shown as information related to the amount of refrigerant in the refrigerant-using device 30. Here, the refrigerant amount refers to, for example, the amount of refrigerant filled in the refrigerant-using device 30 installed in the corresponding property and the refrigerant piping connected to the refrigerant-using device 30.

[0245] In addition, if Fig.17 As shown, the second information that only the administrator S has the right to read may be information that associates the device owner ID of the owner of the refrigerant-using device 30 as an example of information related to the refrigerant-using device 30 with information related to the amount of refrigerant in the refrigerant-using device 30 owned by the owner. Fig.17 In FIG. 1 , as information related to the amount of refrigerant in the refrigerant-using device 30 , the refrigerant type and the refrigerant amount are shown.

[0246] The information related to the refrigerant-using device 30 is not limited to the above information, and may be, for example, at least one of a device ID, a device manufacturer ID, a device owner ID, and device installation location information.

[0247] The second information, which only the administrator S has access to, may also include information that associates information related to a manufacturer performing business related to the refrigerant-using equipment 30 and the refrigerant used in the refrigerant-using equipment 30 that is the business object of the manufacturer, and information that associates information related to the refrigerant-using equipment 30 and the refrigerant used in the refrigerant-using equipment 30.

[0248] (5-4) Modification D

[0249] In the refrigerant management system 100, the management server 20 is managed by a manager S of the refrigerant management system 100. Here, the manager S may be the same as the manufacturer using the input terminals 10a, 10b, ... For example, in the embodiment, the manager S may belong to the first manufacturer C1.

[0250] (5-5) Modification E

[0251] In an embodiment, the acquisition unit 21 of the management server 20 uses the device ID of the refrigerant-using device 30 to access the device information database DB1, thereby being able to obtain the refrigerant filling amount of the refrigerant-using device 30. When the refrigerant filling amount is not registered in the device information database DB1, the refrigerant filling amount of the refrigerant-using device 30 is obtained by making a prediction based on the capability information.

[0252] In this modification, when the refrigerant filling amount of the refrigerant-using device 30 is input in step S16, the manufacturer may operate the input terminal 10a, 10b, ... to directly input the refrigerant filling amount to the management server 20. Alternatively, the manufacturer may operate the input terminal 10a, 10b, ... to select an appropriate refrigerant filling amount from a plurality of options related to the refrigerant filling amount.

[0253] In addition, the acquisition unit 21 may infer the capacity of the refrigerant-using device 30 based on the model name or device ID of the refrigerant-using device 30, and acquire the refrigerant filling amount based on the inferred capacity. In addition, the acquisition unit 21 may prompt the manufacturer to input the capacity information of the refrigerant-using device 30, and acquire the refrigerant filling amount based on the input capacity information.

[0254] (5-6) Modification F

[0255] In the embodiment, after the manufacturer logs in to the management server 20, the manufacturer directly inputs information related to the business to the management server 20. However, the information may be input to the management server 20 by sending information input by the manufacturer to the terminal or the like.

[0256] (5-7) Modification G

[0257] In the embodiment, after the installation manufacturer inputs the installation information, the maintenance manufacturer and the recycling worker input the maintenance information and the recycling information respectively. However, the maintenance manufacturer may also register the maintenance information of the refrigerant-using equipment or property for which no installation information exists to the management server 20.

[0258] (5-8) Modification H

[0259] In the refrigerant management system 100, the evaluation unit 27 performs the following operations based on the Fig.13 The manufacturer is evaluated based on the second information T92 shown. The second information T92 includes the amount of refrigerant expected to be recovered from the refrigerant-using equipment 30 and the amount of refrigerant recovered from the refrigerant-using equipment 30. However, the second information T92 may include information related to the start of use of the refrigerant-using equipment 30, which is the business object of the manufacturer, instead of the amount of refrigerant expected to be recovered from the refrigerant-using equipment 30. In this case, the evaluation unit 27 can obtain the amount of refrigerant expected to be recovered from the refrigerant-using equipment 30 based on the information related to the start of use of the refrigerant-using equipment 30. The information related to the start of use refers to, for example, the amount of refrigerant filled in the refrigerant-using equipment 30 and the refrigerant piping connected to the refrigerant-using equipment 30 when the refrigerant-using equipment 30 starts to be used.

[0260] Fig.13 The second information T92 shown may also include other information used to evaluate the manufacturer. For example, the second information T92 may also include information such as the refrigerant supply amount, the refrigerant regeneration amount, and the number of equipment owned as parameters for evaluating the manufacturer. The refrigerant supply amount refers to the amount of refrigerant provided to each manufacturer from the allocation manufacturer C5. The refrigerant regeneration amount refers to the amount of refrigerant recovered and regenerated from the refrigerant-using equipment 30 that is the business object of the manufacturer. The number of equipment owned refers to the number of refrigerant-using equipment 30 that is the business object of the manufacturer.

[0261] In this modification, the evaluation unit 27 may evaluate the manufacturer based on the refrigerant recovery amount, refrigerant supply amount, and refrigerant recovery scheduled amount included in the second information T92, and calculate the amount of refrigerant that can be provided to the manufacturer. In this case, for example, for a manufacturer with a large amount of refrigerant supply, in other words, for a manufacturer that has already received a large amount of refrigerant from the allocated manufacturer C5, the evaluation unit 27 may reduce the amount of refrigerant to be newly provided.

[0262] In addition, in this modification, the evaluation unit 27 may evaluate the manufacturer based on the refrigerant regeneration amount and the refrigerant usage amount included in the second information T92, and calculate the amount of refrigerant that can be provided to the manufacturer. In this case, for example, for a manufacturer with a large amount of refrigerant regeneration, in other words, for a manufacturer with a large amount of refrigerant recovered and regenerated in the past, the evaluation unit 27 can increase the amount of refrigerant newly provided.

[0263] (5-9) Modification Example I

[0264] In the refrigerant management system 100, the evaluation unit 27 performs the following operations based on the Fig.13 The evaluation unit 27 evaluates the manufacturer based on the second information T92 shown in FIG. 2. The second information T92 includes the amount of refrigerant expected to be recovered from the refrigerant-using device 30 (refrigerant recovery estimated amount) and the amount of refrigerant recovered from the refrigerant-using device 30 (refrigerant recovery amount). The evaluation unit 27 assigns priority to the manufacturer based on the second information T92, for example, and evaluates the manufacturer based on the priority. In this case, the priority may be assigned based on information other than the second information T92.

[0265] The manufacturer operates the input terminals 10a, 10b, ... and inputs information related to the refrigerant-using equipment 30 used in its own business into the management server 20. The evaluation unit 27 may also perform processing to increase the priority of the manufacturer that has input information related to the refrigerant-using equipment 30. The amount of refrigerant expected to be recovered from the refrigerant-using equipment 30 used by the manufacturer in the business is increased by the manufacturer registering the new refrigerant-using equipment 30 to the management server 20. Thus, the evaluation unit 27 can give high priority to manufacturers that are expected to have a large amount of refrigerant recovered from the refrigerant-using equipment 30 (the expected amount of refrigerant recovery), and can urge the manufacturer to register information related to the refrigerant-using equipment 30 used in the business to the management server 20.

[0266] The evaluation unit 27 may also lower the priority of the manufacturer as needed. For example, after the allocation manufacturer C5 provides refrigerant to the manufacturer, the evaluation unit 27 may lower the priority of the manufacturer provided with refrigerant according to the supply amount of refrigerant. In this way, it is possible to prevent the situation where it is difficult to provide refrigerant to manufacturers with low priority and the refrigerant cannot be properly allocated among multiple manufacturers.

[0267] (5-10) Modification J

[0268] In the refrigerant management system 100, the evaluation unit 27 performs the evaluation based on, for example, Fig.13 The manufacturers are given priorities based on the second information T92 shown, and the available refrigerant supply amount for the manufacturers is calculated based on the priorities.

[0269] However, the evaluation unit 27 may assign a grade to the evaluation target manufacturer based on the second information T92 instead of assigning a priority to the manufacturer, and calculate the refrigerant supply amount for the manufacturer based on the grade. Alternatively, the evaluation unit 27 may assign points to the evaluation target manufacturer based on the second information T92 instead of assigning a priority to the manufacturer, and calculate the refrigerant supply amount for the manufacturer based on the points.

[0270] Next, as a specific example, points (hereinafter referred to as “evaluation points”) given to a manufacturer by the evaluation unit 27 based on the second information T92 in order to evaluate the manufacturer will be described.

[0271] Evaluation points are given to manufacturers that participate in the recycling of refrigerants and manufacturers that are expected to participate in the recycling of refrigerants. In other words, the more actively a manufacturer participates in the recycling of refrigerants, the higher the evaluation points will be. The higher the evaluation points given to a manufacturer, the more priority will be given to supply refrigerants to that manufacturer.

[0272] The evaluation points assigned to a manufacturer are determined, for example, based on the manufacturer's refrigerant recovery volume and the planned refrigerant recovery volume. The refrigerant recovery volume is used when the manufacturer is the recycling manufacturer C1. Specifically, the refrigerant recovery volume refers to the total amount of refrigerant recovered by the recycling manufacturer C1 from the refrigerant using equipment 30 that is its business target. The more refrigerant recovery volume of the recycling manufacturer C1, the more actively the manufacturer participates in the recycling of refrigerants, and therefore the higher the evaluation points are assigned to the manufacturer.

[0273] The scheduled amount of refrigerant to be recovered is used when the manufacturer is the installation manufacturer C1 or the maintenance manufacturer C1. The scheduled amount of refrigerant to be recovered specifically refers to the amount of refrigerant expected to be recovered by the recovery manufacturer C1 out of the total amount of refrigerant used by the refrigerant-using equipment 30 that is the business object of the manufacturer. The scheduled amount of refrigerant to be recovered is, for example, the total amount of refrigerant filled in the refrigerant-using equipment 30 after a prescribed period has passed since installation or the start of use. The prescribed period is set based on the type of refrigerant used and the model of the refrigerant-using equipment 30. The more the scheduled amount of refrigerant to be recovered by the installation manufacturer C1 or the maintenance manufacturer C1, the more actively the manufacturer participates in the recovery of refrigerants, and therefore a higher evaluation point is given to the manufacturer.

[0274] The evaluation unit 27 may add up the amount of recovered refrigerant and the expected amount of recovered refrigerant for each manufacturer and assign evaluation points to each manufacturer.

[0275] Fig.18 This is a graph showing the relationship between the evaluation points given to the manufacturer and the refrigerant supply amount calculated based on the evaluation points. Fig.18Two lines L1 and L2 are shown in FIG. Each line L1 and L2 respectively represents a method for the evaluation unit 27 to calculate the refrigerant supply amount based on the evaluation points. Fig.18 As shown, the higher the evaluation point, the greater the amount of refrigerant that can be supplied.

[0276] like Fig.18 As shown by the line L1, the evaluation unit 27 can calculate the refrigerant supply amount in a manner that the evaluation points given to the manufacturer are proportional to the refrigerant supply amount. Fig.18 As shown by the line L2, the evaluation unit 27 may calculate the refrigerant supplyable amount so that the higher the evaluation points given to the manufacturer, the higher the increase rate of the refrigerant supplyable amount.

[0277] This modification example can apply the modification example H. In other words, the evaluation points given to the manufacturer may be given based on other criteria besides the amount of refrigerant recovered or the expected amount of refrigerant recovered.

[0278] For example, when a manufacturer inputs information related to a new refrigerant-using device 30 used in its business into the input terminal 10 and sends and registers it to the management server 20, the evaluation unit 27 can perform processing to increase the evaluation points of the manufacturer. The amount of refrigerant expected to be recovered from the refrigerant-using device 30 used by the manufacturer in the business increases when the manufacturer registers the new refrigerant-using device 30 in the management server 20. Thus, the evaluation unit 27 can give high evaluation points to manufacturers that expect a large amount of refrigerant to be recovered from the refrigerant-using device 30 (refrigerant recovery schedule), and can promote manufacturers to register information related to the refrigerant-using device 30 used in the business, etc., to the management server 20.

[0279] The evaluation unit 27 may also lower the evaluation points of the manufacturer as needed. For example, after the allocation manufacturer C5 provides the manufacturer with refrigerant, the evaluation unit 27 may lower the evaluation points of the manufacturer provided with refrigerant according to the supply amount of refrigerant. In this way, it is possible to prevent the situation where it is difficult to provide refrigerant to manufacturers with low evaluation points and the refrigerant cannot be properly allocated among multiple manufacturers.

[0280] (5-11) Modification K

[0281] The storage unit 22 stores Fig.13 However, the storage unit 22 may also store information related to services provided to manufacturers and implemented regarding the refrigerant used in the refrigerant-using device 30. For example, when the service is related to the supply of refrigerant, the storage unit 22 may also store information related to the amount of refrigerant provided to each manufacturer as a service.

[0282] (5-12) Modification Example L

[0283] Evaluation department 27 based on Fig.13 The refrigerant supply amount for each manufacturer is calculated based on the total amount of the refrigerant recovery schedule and the refrigerant recovery amount included in the second information T92 shown, and the refrigerant allocation amount included in the second information T92. Not all of the refrigerant used in the refrigerant-using device 30 will be recovered, and not all of the recovered refrigerant will be regenerated. Therefore, the refrigerant supply amount is less than the total amount of the refrigerant recovery schedule and the refrigerant recovery amount. Therefore, as an example, the refrigerant supply amount can be calculated based on the following formula.

[0284] Refrigerant supply amount = (refrigerant recovery amount × a) + (refrigerant recovery schedule amount × b) + refrigerant regeneration amount

[0285] In the above formula, coefficients a and b are values ​​greater than 0 and less than 1, and are appropriately set by the manager of the refrigerant management system 100. For example, when coefficient a is 0.9, it means that 90% of the refrigerant recovered by the recycling manufacturer C1 can be regenerated and provided in the future. When coefficient b is 0.3, it means that 30% of the refrigerant being used by the refrigerant using device 30 can be recovered and regenerated in the future and provided. Coefficients a and b can be set to different values ​​depending on the type of refrigerant. In the above formula, the entire amount of refrigerant regeneration can be provided.

[0286] In order to calculate the available refrigerant supply amount, information other than the refrigerant recovery amount, the refrigerant recovery scheduled amount, and the refrigerant regeneration amount may also be used. For example, the available refrigerant supply amount may also be calculated using information related to the refrigerant used in the refrigerant-using equipment 30 that will be discontinued or discarded in the future. In addition, the available refrigerant supply amount may also be calculated using the amount of refrigerant already provided to the manufacturer, that is, the refrigerant supply amount. In this case, for example, the available refrigerant supply amount may also be calculated in such a manner that the manufacturer with a larger refrigerant supply amount has a smaller refrigerant supply amount of the manufacturer.

[0287] (5-13) Modification M

[0288] Evaluation department 27 based on Fig.13 The refrigerant supply amount is calculated based on the refrigerant recovery schedule and the refrigerant recovery amount included in the second information T92 shown. However, the evaluation unit 27 may further consider other factors such as the manufacturer's refrigerant regeneration performance and the amount of refrigerant held by the manufacturer to calculate the refrigerant supply amount. Next, an example of a method for calculating the refrigerant supply amount is described.

[0289] Fig.19 4 is a flowchart of the process of calculating the refrigerant supplyable amount S. Fig.19The processing of steps S21 to S25 is shown in FIG. Fig.19 The processing shown is performed for each manufacturer, and the refrigerant supplyable amount S is calculated for each manufacturer. The manufacturer is a manufacturer to which the refrigerant is supplied, and is an installation manufacturer C1 and a maintenance manufacturer C1.

[0290] In step S21, the recoverable refrigerant amount A of each manufacturer is calculated. The recoverable refrigerant amount A refers to the total amount of refrigerant filled in all refrigerant-using equipment 30 that are the business objects of the manufacturer and the objects of refrigerant recovery. The refrigerant-using equipment 30 that is the object of refrigerant recovery refers to the refrigerant-using equipment 30 that has passed the prescribed use period from the installation year and month date and the refrigerant-using equipment 30 that has passed the prescribed use period from the installation year and month date on a prescribed day. The prescribed use period varies depending on the model of the refrigerant-using equipment 30, and is, for example, 10 years. The prescribed day refers to, for example, one year from now. Regarding the amount of refrigerant filled in the refrigerant-using equipment 30, specifically, the refrigerant usage amount contained in the second information T22, which is the sum of the refrigerant already filled amount and the total refrigerant additional filling amount.

[0291] In step S22, the predicted refrigerant regeneration amount P of each manufacturer is calculated based on the recoverable refrigerant amount A. The predicted refrigerant regeneration amount P is the amount of refrigerant predicted to be regenerated before a predetermined date in the recoverable refrigerant amount A. The predicted refrigerant regeneration amount P is calculated using the following formula.

[0292] Predicted amount of refrigerant regeneration P = recoverable refrigerant amount A × actual regeneration performance rate r

[0293] Regeneration performance rate r = latest regeneration amount W / latest filling amount R

[0294] The most recent charge amount R refers to the amount of refrigerant charged in all refrigerant-using devices 30 from which the refrigerant has been recovered within the most recent prescribed period. The most recent regeneration amount W is the amount of refrigerant recovered and regenerated within the most recent prescribed period, out of the most recent charge amount R. The most recent prescribed period is, for example, a period within the past year.

[0295] In step S23 , the total predicted refrigerant regeneration amount SP, which is the total value of the predicted refrigerant regeneration amounts P of all manufacturers registered in the refrigerant management system, is calculated.

[0296] In step S24, the refrigerant supply amount S of each manufacturer is calculated based on the total refrigerant regeneration predicted amount SP. The refrigerant supply amount S is calculated using the following formula.

[0297] Refrigerant supply amount S = (total refrigerant regeneration prediction amount SP + refrigerant storage amount α) × share rate p

[0298] The refrigerant storage amount α is, for example, the amount of refrigerant that the allocation manufacturer C5 reserves and can provide to manufacturers. The share rate is determined for each manufacturer. The higher the share rate p, the more refrigerant is provided. The share rate p is determined based on various parameters. For example, the share rate p can be determined based on the scheduled amount of refrigerant recovery, the amount of refrigerant recovery, the amount of refrigerant regeneration, the amount of refrigerant supply, the above-mentioned regeneration performance rate, the type of business of the manufacturer, and the sales ratio. The refrigerant supply amount refers to the amount of refrigerant provided to the manufacturer within the most recent specified period. The sales ratio refers to, for example, the proportion of refrigerant-using equipment 30 manufactured by a specified equipment manufacturer in all refrigerant-using equipment 30 that are the business objects of the manufacturer. The share rate p can also be determined based on the above-mentioned priority order and evaluation points assigned to each manufacturer.

[0299] (5-14) Modification N

[0300] In the embodiment, the implementation year, month and day is the operation day or the operation month. In the embodiment, the operation day or the operation month is the day or month on which at least one of the installation information and the maintenance information is registered. However, the operation day may be at least one of the day on which the installation manufacturer C1 performs the actual installation work and the day on which the maintenance manufacturer C1 performs the actual maintenance work, and the operation month may be at least one of the month on which the installation manufacturer C1 performs the actual installation work and the month on which the maintenance manufacturer C1 performs the actual maintenance work. In this case, the management server 20 may allow the installation manufacturer C1 and the maintenance manufacturer C1 to input the operation day or the operation month.

[0301] (6) Summary

[0302] Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, it should be understood that various modifications of the embodiments and details can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure described in the claims.

[0303] Industrial Applicability

[0304] A refrigerant management system can be used to manage the amount of refrigerant used in a refrigerant-using device.

[0305] Refrigerant management systems can be used to properly deliver refrigerant to those who need it.

[0306] Description of symbols

[0307] 20: Management server (computer); 21: Acquisition unit; 22: Storage unit; 23: Generation unit; 27: Evaluation unit; 30: Refrigerant-using equipment; 100: Refrigerant management system.

[0308] Prior art literature

[0309] Patent Literature

[0310] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2015-125672.

Claims

1. A refrigerant management system (100), comprising one or more computers (20), wherein the one or more computers have an acquisition unit (21) and a generation unit (23), The acquisition unit acquires first information at least one of when the refrigerant-using equipment (30) is installed and when it is maintained, the first information including equipment identification information for identifying the refrigerant-using equipment, manufacturer information related to a manufacturer that performs business related to the refrigerant-using equipment, and refrigerant additional filling amount information including the refrigerant additional filling amount, wherein: The additional refrigerant filling amount is the amount of refrigerant additionally filled into the refrigerant-using device. The acquisition unit acquires a refrigerant filling amount based on the device identification information of the acquired first information, the refrigerant filling amount being an amount of the refrigerant previously filled in the refrigerant-using device, The acquisition unit acquires a refrigerant usage amount by summing the acquired refrigerant filling amount and the refrigerant additional filling amount included in the refrigerant additional filling amount information acquired in the first information, the refrigerant usage amount being the amount of refrigerant used in the refrigerant using device. The generating unit generates second information that associates the refrigerant usage amount with the manufacturer, using the refrigerant usage amount acquired by the acquiring unit and the manufacturer information of the first information acquired by the acquiring unit.

2. The refrigerant management system according to claim 1, wherein: The one or more computers also have a storage unit (22), The storage unit stores the refrigerant filling amount in association with the device identification information. The acquisition unit acquires the refrigerant filling amount stored in the storage unit based on the device identification information of the acquired first information.

3. The refrigerant management system according to claim 1, wherein: The acquisition unit acquires capability information related to capability of the refrigerant-using device based on the device identification information of the acquired first information, and acquires the refrigerant filled amount based on the acquired capability information.

4. The refrigerant management system according to claim 1, wherein: The acquisition unit acquires input data including capability information related to the capability of the refrigerant-using equipment, and acquires the refrigerant filled amount based on the capability information included in the input data.

5. The refrigerant management system according to claim 1, wherein: When the refrigerant filling amount is stored in association with the device identification information, the acquisition unit acquires the stored refrigerant filling amount based on the device identification information acquired as the first information, When the refrigerant filling amount is not stored in association with the device identification information, the acquisition unit acquires capability information related to the capability of the refrigerant-using device based on the acquired device identification information of the first information, and acquires the refrigerant filling amount based on the acquired capability information.

6. The refrigerant management system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The acquisition unit acquires the total amount of the refrigerant usage of the plurality of refrigerant-using devices that are business targets of the manufacturer based on the plurality of first information, The generating unit further generates information as the second information in which the total amount acquired by the acquiring unit is associated with the manufacturer.

7. The refrigerant management system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The acquisition unit acquires a planned amount of refrigerant recovery based on the first information, the planned amount of refrigerant recovery being a planned amount of refrigerant to be recovered from the refrigerant-using equipment within a predetermined period. The generating unit further generates information as the second information in which the planned amount of refrigerant to be recovered acquired by the acquiring unit is associated with the manufacturer.

8. The refrigerant management system according to claim 7, wherein: The first information further includes third information including a work day or a work month when at least one of an installation work when installing the refrigerant-using equipment and a maintenance work when maintaining the refrigerant-using equipment is performed, The acquisition unit acquires the expected amount of refrigerant to be recovered based on the third information.

9. The refrigerant management system according to claim 8, wherein: The acquisition unit acquires the expected refrigerant recovery amount based on the amount of refrigerant used in the refrigerant-using equipment within a predetermined period of time from the work day or the work month included in the third information.

10. The refrigerant management system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The one or more computers further comprise an evaluation unit (27), The evaluation unit evaluates the manufacturer based on the first information acquired by the acquisition unit according to at least one of the number of refrigerant-using equipment that is the business target of the manufacturer and the amount of refrigerant used, wherein the amount of refrigerant used is the amount of refrigerant used in the refrigerant-using equipment that is the business target of the manufacturer.

11. The refrigerant management system according to claim 10, wherein: The evaluation unit evaluates the manufacturer based on the second information generated by the generation unit.

12. The refrigerant management system according to claim 11, wherein: The acquisition unit acquires a planned amount of refrigerant recovery based on the acquired amount of refrigerant used, the planned amount of refrigerant recovery being a planned amount of refrigerant to be recovered from the refrigerant-using equipment within a predetermined period. The generating unit further generates information as the second information in which the planned amount of refrigerant recovery acquired by the acquiring unit is associated with the manufacturer, The evaluation unit evaluates the manufacturer based on the expected amount of refrigerant recovery.

13. The refrigerant management system according to claim 12, wherein: The first information further includes third information including a work day or a work month when at least one of an installation work when installing the refrigerant-using equipment and a maintenance work when maintaining the refrigerant-using equipment is performed, The acquisition unit acquires the expected refrigerant recovery amount based on the amount of refrigerant used in the refrigerant-using equipment within a predetermined period of time from the work day or the work month included in the third information.

14. The refrigerant management system according to claim 12 or 13, wherein: The evaluation unit calculates an amount of refrigerant that can be provided to the manufacturer based on the expected amount of refrigerant recovery.

15. The refrigerant management system according to claim 12 or 13, wherein: The acquisition unit acquires a refrigerant recovery amount, the refrigerant recovery amount being an amount of refrigerant recovered from the refrigerant using equipment. The evaluation unit evaluates the manufacturer based on the refrigerant recovery amount and the expected refrigerant recovery amount, and calculates an amount of refrigerant that can be provided to the manufacturer.

16. The refrigerant management system according to claim 15, wherein: The acquisition unit acquires a refrigerant supply amount, the refrigerant supply amount being an amount of the refrigerant provided to the manufacturer. The evaluation unit evaluates the manufacturer based on the refrigerant recovery amount, the refrigerant supply amount, and the expected refrigerant recovery amount, and calculates an amount of refrigerant that can be supplied to the manufacturer.

17. The refrigerant management system according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein: The acquisition unit acquires a refrigerant regeneration amount related to an amount of refrigerant recovered and regenerated from the refrigerant using equipment. The evaluation unit evaluates the manufacturer based on the refrigerant regeneration amount and the refrigerant usage amount.

18. A refrigerant management method, wherein: At least one of installation and maintenance of a refrigerant-using device (30), first information is obtained, the first information including device identification information for identifying the refrigerant-using device, manufacturer information related to a manufacturer that performs business related to the refrigerant-using device, and refrigerant additional filling amount information including a refrigerant additional filling amount, wherein the refrigerant additional filling amount is an amount of refrigerant additionally filled into the refrigerant-using device, Based on the device identification information of the acquired first information, the refrigerant filling amount is acquired, the refrigerant filling amount being the amount of the refrigerant previously filled in the refrigerant-using device; The refrigerant usage amount is obtained by summing the obtained refrigerant filled amount and the refrigerant additional filling amount included in the refrigerant additional filling amount information obtained in the first information, wherein the refrigerant usage amount is the amount of refrigerant used in the refrigerant using device. The second information that associates the refrigerant usage amount with the manufacturer is generated using the acquired refrigerant usage amount and the acquired manufacturer information of the first information.

19. The refrigerant management method according to claim 18, wherein: The refrigerant filling amount is associated with the equipment determination information and stored.

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