Control device, heat exchange system, and recording medium

Abstract

The present application provides a control device, a heat exchange system, and a recording medium, which can change setting information from an outdoor control substrate. The control device includes: an outdoor control substrate (40) including a storage medium (41) for storing setting information used in control of operation, and performing operation control using the setting information; and an NFC substrate (50) including a storage medium (51) for storing setting information used in control of operation, and communicating with an external device. The outdoor control substrate (40) and the NFC substrate (50) perform synchronization processing of setting information stored in the storage medium (41) and setting information stored in the storage medium (51), and the NFC substrate (50) transmits the changed setting information to the outdoor control substrate (40) in the synchronization processing when the setting information stored in the storage medium (51) is changed according to a request from the external device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a control device for controlling the operation of a heat exchange system, a heat exchange system, and a program for causing a computer to perform the control. Background Technology

[0002] The air conditioning unit stores settings such as horsepower, type of refrigerant, and refrigerant charge in the outdoor unit on its outdoor control board. This information, along with data from various sensors, is used to control operation. Operation control includes regulating the compressor speed and expansion valve opening within the outdoor unit.

[0003] When an outdoor control board is replaced due to a malfunction, it's necessary to re-enter setting information into the new board, which is time-consuming and laborious. Furthermore, the pre-malfunction setting status is often unknown. And because settings are performed manually, errors are possible.

[0004] Therefore, the following technology is proposed: before the substrate malfunctions, setting information is stored in a removable storage medium; in the event of a substrate malfunction, the storage medium is installed on a new substrate, and the setting information is sent from the storage medium to the new substrate to restore the state before the substrate was replaced (for example, see Patent Document 1).

[0005] However, in the existing technologies described above, if the setting is not the initial value, the setting information cannot be sent from the storage medium to the substrate. Therefore, if the setting needs to be changed after replacing the substrate (control unit), the setting cannot be changed from outside the control unit.

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2013-234763 Summary of the Invention

[0007] In view of the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a control device for controlling the operation of a heat exchange system in which a fluid exchanges heat with a heat medium. The control device includes: a control unit that includes a first storage medium for storing setting information used in the control of operation and uses the setting information to perform operation control; and a communication unit that includes a second storage medium for storing the setting information used in the control of operation and communicates with an external device. The control unit and the communication unit perform synchronization processing of the setting information stored in the first storage medium and the setting information stored in the second storage medium. When the communication unit changes the setting information stored in the second storage medium according to a request from an external device, it sends the changed setting information to the control unit during the synchronization processing.

[0008] According to the present invention, the setting information can also be changed from outside the control unit. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 An example of a heat exchange system is shown, namely, the structure of an air conditioning unit.

[0010] Figure 2 The refrigerant circuit of the air conditioning unit is explained.

[0011] Figure 3 This describes a structural example of a control device for controlling the operation of an outdoor unit.

[0012] Figure 4 This is a flowchart representing the synchronous processing flow that has been powered on.

[0013] Figure 5 It is a flowchart showing the setting process when the power is turned on.

[0014] Figure 6 Instructions for handling when replacing the outdoor control board.

[0015] Figure 7 Explain the procedures for replacing the NFC substrate. Detailed Implementation

[0016] The heat exchange system of this embodiment is a system that allows a fluid to exchange heat with a heat medium. It circulates the heat medium within a closed system, allowing the taken-in fluid to exchange heat with the circulating heat medium, thereby heating or cooling the fluid before discharge. The fluid can be a gas such as air, or a liquid such as water or a solution. To heat or cool the heat medium within the system, the heat exchange system includes a compressor, a heat exchanger, and an expansion valve. Examples of heat exchange systems equipped with such a compressor, heat exchanger, and expansion valve include air conditioning units, cooling units (cooling water circulation systems), and refrigeration units.

[0017] Figure 1 This section illustrates a structural example of an air conditioning unit. Here, the heat exchange system is described as an air conditioning unit. The air conditioning unit 10 includes an indoor unit 11 installed in the space where air conditioning is performed (indoors), an outdoor unit 12 installed outdoors, and a remote control 13 operated by the user. Refrigerant, serving as a heat transfer medium, circulates between the indoor unit 11 and the outdoor unit 12, exchanging heat with the indoor air, thereby achieving air conditioning. Therefore, the indoor unit 11 and the outdoor unit 12 are connected by two refrigerant pipes 14 and 15 for refrigerant circulation.

[0018] The indoor unit 11 and the outdoor unit 12 can each consist of two or more units, or one outdoor unit 12 can be connected to two or more indoor units 11. As a refrigerant, chlorofluorocarbons (HFCs) can be used, and examples of HFCs include R-410A and R-32.

[0019] The indoor unit 11 communicates wirelessly with the remote control 13 using infrared or similar methods, receiving various signals such as operation commands, stop commands, temperature setting change commands, and operation mode change commands. The indoor unit 11 is connected to the outdoor unit 12 via a communication cable, and works with the outdoor unit 12 to regulate the indoor air.

[0020] Indoor unit 11 receives an operation command from remote control 13 and starts up, instructing outdoor unit 12 to start as well. After starting, outdoor unit 12 adjusts the compressor speed, expansion valve opening, and other parameters, and controls the refrigerant circulation to bring the indoor temperature to the set temperature.

[0021] Reference Figure 2 A brief explanation of the refrigerant circuit of the air conditioning unit 10 will be provided. Figure 2 The arrows indicate the flow of refrigerant during cooling operation, and the explanation focuses on the operation during cooling. During heating operation, the refrigerant flows in the opposite direction.

[0022] The indoor unit 11 includes an indoor heat exchanger 20, an indoor fan 21, and an indoor fan drive motor 22. The indoor fan 21, driven by the indoor fan drive motor 22, draws in indoor air and delivers it to the indoor heat exchanger 20. The indoor heat exchanger 20 has heat-conducting pipes through which refrigerant flows, and the delivered air comes into contact with the surface of the heat-conducting pipes to exchange heat. The air that has undergone heat exchange through the indoor heat exchanger 20 is then exhausted into the room.

[0023] In addition, the indoor unit 11 may also be equipped with various sensors, expansion valves, etc. for measuring indoor temperature.

[0024] The outdoor unit 12 includes a compressor 30, a receiver 31, a four-way valve 32, an expansion valve 33, an outdoor heat exchanger 34, an outdoor fan 35, and a drive motor 36 for the outdoor fan. The compressor 30, driven by the compressor drive motor, compresses low-pressure gaseous refrigerant and discharges it as high-pressure gaseous refrigerant. The receiver 31 is a container for storing liquid return during the transition period, adjusting the refrigerant to a suitable dryness. Dryness refers to the proportion of vapor in a mixture of vapor and tiny liquid droplets in wet vapor.

[0025] The four-way valve 32 is a valve that switches the refrigerant flow path according to the operating state (operating mode) of the air conditioning unit 10. Operating modes include cooling mode, heating mode, and fan mode. The expansion valve 33 is a valve that reduces the pressure of the high-pressure refrigerant to allow it to expand. The outdoor fan 35 is driven by an outdoor fan motor 36, drawing in outdoor air and sending it into the outdoor heat exchanger 34. Similar to the indoor heat exchanger 20, the outdoor heat exchanger 34 is configured with heat-conducting pipes through which refrigerant flows, and the incoming air exchanges heat with the surface of the heat-conducting pipes. The air that has undergone heat exchange through the outdoor heat exchanger 34 is then discharged outdoors.

[0026] The outdoor unit 12 also includes a control device 37. The control device 37 is connected to the compressor 30, four-way valve 32, expansion valve 33, indoor fan drive motor 22, and outdoor fan drive motor 36, and controls them. Specifically, it controls the speed of the compressor 30, the opening degree of the expansion valve 33, and the speeds of the indoor fan drive motor 22 and the outdoor fan drive motor 36. Various sensors are also installed on the outdoor unit 12 to control them. The control device 37 performs its control based on information detected by these sensors.

[0027] During refrigeration operation, the indoor heat exchanger 20 is used as an evaporator, and the outdoor heat exchanger 34 is used as a condenser. Therefore, as indicated by the arrow, the control device 37 causes the refrigerant enclosed in the system to circulate in the following order: compressor 30, outdoor heat exchanger 34, expansion valve 33, indoor heat exchanger 20, four-way valve 32, receiver 31, and compressor 30.

[0028] The compressor 30 compresses the refrigerant (refrigerant gas) in a low-temperature, low-pressure gaseous state, discharging it as a high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant gas. The outdoor heat exchanger 34 exchanges heat with the outdoor air, cooling the refrigerant gas and causing it to condense. The expansion valve 33 depressurizes the refrigerant, causing a portion to vaporize. Therefore, refrigerant is supplied to the indoor unit 11 in a gas-liquid mixture state. The opening of the expansion valve 33 is adjusted by the control device 37 to ensure an appropriate amount of liquid.

[0029] The indoor heat exchanger 20 exchanges heat with the indoor air, and the condensed liquid refrigerant is completely vaporized and returned to the outdoor unit 12 as refrigerant gas. The refrigerant gas returning from the indoor heat exchanger 20 is transported to the liquid receiver 31 through the four-way valve 32 and then returned to the compressor 30.

[0030] The control device 37 is installed on the outdoor unit 12, but is not limited to this; it can also be installed on the indoor unit 11, or on other central control panels, etc.

[0031] Furthermore, the operation control of the air conditioning unit 10 executed by the control device 37 varies depending on the horsepower of the air conditioning unit 10, the type of refrigerant, and the amount of refrigerant enclosed in the system. This is because horsepower affects air conditioning capacity, and the type of refrigerant and the amount of refrigerant enclosed affect heat exchange efficiency. This information is stored as model settings and other setting information in the storage medium of the control device 37. When the control device 37 performs operation control, it reads the data from the storage medium and sets it together with the received data from the indoor unit 11 and the sensor data obtained from the sensors of the outdoor unit 12 as internal data for operation control.

[0032] Examples of received data and sensor data from the indoor unit 11 include the indoor set temperature, indoor temperature, surface temperature of the heat pipe of the indoor heat exchanger 20 or the outdoor heat exchanger 34 (refrigerant temperature), refrigerant gas suction temperature of the compressor 30, suction pressure, discharge temperature, and discharge pressure.

[0033] Conventionally, the control device 37 is configured as an outdoor control board, which stores setting information in its storage medium. This setting information is reflected in internal data for controlling the operation of the air conditioning unit 10. If the outdoor control board malfunctions, the setting information cannot be read from the storage medium. Therefore, after replacing it with a new outdoor control board, it is necessary to re-enter the setting information from before the malfunction. This is a time-consuming and laborious task. Furthermore, if the setting information from before the malfunction is not remembered, it cannot be entered. Thus, restoring the setting information is not easy.

[0034] Therefore, the control device 37 is set as Figure 3 The structure shown. Figure 3 This describes a structural example of the control device in this embodiment. The control device 37 consists of an outdoor control board 40 and an NFC (Near Field Communication) board 50, which serves as an outdoor sub-board. The outdoor control board 40 functions as a control unit and includes a storage medium 41 for storing setting information, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 42, a communication unit 43, a dual in-line package switch 44, and a rotary switch 45.

[0035] The CPU 42 controls the operation of the indoor fan drive motor 22, compressor 30, four-way valve 32, expansion valve 33, outdoor fan drive motor 36, etc. of the air conditioning unit 10 by executing the program stored in the storage medium 41, and obtains information from the dual in-line package switch 44 and rotary switch 45. In addition, the CPU 42 performs synchronization processing with the NFC board 50 via the communication unit 43. This processing is not limited to programs, but can also be configured to be executed via dedicated circuitry or the like.

[0036] The communication unit 43 is a communication I / F unit that connects to the NFC substrate 50 via a transmission line and performs serial communication with the NFC substrate 50. Communication between the outdoor control substrate 40 and the NFC substrate 50 is not limited to wired communication via a transmission line; it can also be wireless communication such as WiFi (registered trademark). The dual in-line switch 44 and rotary switch 45 are small switches used to set various configuration information.

[0037] The NFC substrate 50 functions as a communication unit and includes a storage medium 51 for storing setting information, a CPU 52, a communication unit 53, and an NFC antenna 54.

[0038] CPU 52 executes the program stored in storage medium 51, receives changes to the setting information via NFC antenna 54, modifies the setting information stored in storage medium 51, and cooperates with CPU 42 to perform synchronous processing. These processes are not limited to programs, but can also be executed via dedicated circuitry or the like.

[0039] The communication unit 53 is a communication I / F unit, connected to the communication unit 43 of the outdoor control board 40 via a transmission line, thereby enabling serial communication with the communication unit 43. The NFC antenna 54 conducts near-field wireless communication with external devices such as smartphones and tablets, receiving request changes to settings from these external devices. Therefore, a dedicated application is installed on the external device for changing settings and sending change requests. Figure 3 In this process, an external device is designated as a communication terminal 60, which is configured to have an NFC antenna 61 and to perform NFC communication with the NFC antenna 54 provided on the NFC substrate 50.

[0040] In the NFC substrate 50, after receiving information transmitted and received via NFC communication with the communication terminal 60 through the NFC antenna 54, the information is transmitted and received via the storage medium 51 and the CPU 52. Alternatively, after transmitting and receiving with the CPU 52, the information can be stored in the storage medium 51.

[0041] Unlike the outdoor control board 40, the NFC board 50 does not control the air conditioning unit 10. The communication unit 53 is only connected to the communication unit 43 of the outdoor control board 40 and does not control the operation of the indoor fan drive motor 22, compressor 30, four-way valve 32, expansion valve 33, outdoor fan drive motor 36, etc. of the air conditioning unit 10.

[0042] The storage medium 51 stores the setting information sent from the communication terminal 60, so that except for the case where the setting is changed using the dual in-line switch 44 and the rotary switch 45, the latest setting information sent from the communication terminal 60 is stored.

[0043] NFC communication can be conducted at close range, within tens of centimeters. Therefore, by placing the NFC board 50 near the exterior of the device, settings can be changed from the outside without opening the device. On the other hand, the outdoor control board 40, since it does not have such location limitations related to NFC communication, can be placed in an optimal position for controlling the various parts of the air conditioning unit 10.

[0044] When powered on, the CPU 42 of the outdoor control board 40 and the CPU 52 of the NFC board 50 periodically perform synchronization processing of the setting information of the outdoor control board 40 and the NFC board 50, whether the setting information has changed or not. Regarding changes to the setting information, for the outdoor control board 40, changes can be made via a dual in-line switch 44 or similar device; for the NFC board 50, changes can be made using a communication terminal 60. Therefore, changes to the setting information are detected by receiving switching of the dual in-line switch 44 or similar device, or by receiving a request from the communication terminal 60. In the case of periodically performing synchronization processing, any time interval is acceptable, as long as it can be performed at an appropriate interval.

[0045] Reference Figure 4 The synchronization process when the circuit is powered on is explained. Synchronization is performed by accepting changes to the setting information, modifying the information of the storage medium on the substrate, and sending the modified setting information to other substrates. Figure 4 (a) indicates the synchronization process performed by the CPU42 of the outdoor control board 40. Figure 4 (b) indicates the synchronization process performed by the CPU 52 of the NFC substrate 50.

[0046] First, refer to Figure 4 Section (a) describes the synchronization process performed by the outdoor control board 40. The CPU 42 begins processing from step 100, and in step 101 determines whether there is a setting change on the outdoor control board 40. A setting change on the outdoor control board 40 is made by switching the dual in-line switch 44 or the rotary switch 45, and the setting information stored in the storage medium 41 is accompanied by this switching change. If it is determined that there is no setting change, the process proceeds to step 103 and ends.

[0047] On the other hand, if a setting change is determined in step 101, the process proceeds to step 102 to perform synchronization processing. Synchronization is performed by the CPU 42 sending the changed setting information to the NFC substrate 50 via the communication unit 43. The CPU 52 of the NFC substrate 50 receives the changed setting information via the communication unit 53 and modifies the setting information in the storage medium 51. Thus, the setting information stored in the storage media 41 and 51 becomes identical. After the synchronization processing is completed, the process proceeds to step 103 to end.

[0048] Next, refer to Figure 4 Section (b) describes the synchronization process performed by the NFC substrate 50. The CPU 52 begins processing from step 200, where it determines in step 201 whether there is a setting change on the NFC substrate 50. Changes to the setting information on the NFC substrate 50 are performed using a dedicated application of the communication terminal 60 by sending a setting information change request to the NFC substrate 50 via the NFC antenna 61. The NFC substrate 50 receives the request via the NFC antenna 54, the CPU 52 interprets the request, and based on the interpreted content, changes the setting information stored in the storage medium 51. The dedicated application can also send data such as operating information of the air conditioning unit 10 to the NFC substrate 50.

[0049] If it is determined in step 201 that no changes have been set, proceed to step 203 and end the process.

[0050] On the other hand, if a change is determined in step 201, the process proceeds to step 202 to perform synchronization processing. Synchronization is performed by the CPU 52 sending the changed setting information to the outdoor control board 40 via the communication unit 53. The CPU 42 of the outdoor control board 40 receives the changed setting information via the communication unit 43 and modifies the setting information in the storage medium 41. Thus, the setting information stored in the storage media 41 and 51 becomes identical. After the synchronization processing is completed, the process proceeds to step 203 to end.

[0051] CPU42 or CPU52 can detect changes in configuration information and perform synchronization processing when such changes occur. Synchronization processing can also be performed periodically. Figure 3 In the example shown, CPUs 42 and 52 determine whether there is a setting change and perform synchronization processing. However, either one can become the master device and obtain setting information from the other. The obtained setting information is compared with the setting information of the master device. If the setting information is different, synchronization processing is performed after determining which setting information should be changed.

[0052] The settings can include update date and time as attribute information. By referring to the update date and time, it can be determined which setting should be updated. Attribute information can be attached to each setting item separately, and the latest update date and time in the attached attribute information of each setting item can be compared to determine which setting should be updated.

[0053] The NFC board 50 can also perform other processing when connected to the communication terminal 60. For example, when the operating mode and temperature can be changed through the communication terminal 60, the NFC board 50 can obtain operating information of the air conditioning device 10, such as the operating mode, from the communication terminal 60.

[0054] During the synchronization process, the setting information stored in the outdoor control board 40, the dual in-line switch 44 and rotary switch 45, and the NFC board 50 is all the same. However, if the outdoor control board 40 or the like malfunctions and is replaced with a new outdoor control board 40 or the like, the setting information immediately after the replacement will be in the factory shipment state, and therefore will not be the same.

[0055] If the outdoor control board 40 malfunctions, resulting in a control error, the malfunction can be detected, allowing for replacement with a new outdoor control board. On the other hand, regarding the NFC board 50, if an attempt is made to connect via the communication terminal 60 and a connection fails or settings cannot be changed, a malfunction can be detected. Therefore, if no attempt is made to connect to the communication terminal 60, the malfunction cannot be detected.

[0056] When the outdoor control board 40 is replaced, the status of the switches set on the faulty outdoor control board 40 (such as the dual in-line package switch 44 and rotary switch 45) can be visually confirmed and reflected on the new outdoor control board. However, the contents of the storage medium 41 cannot be reflected in the storage medium of the new outdoor control board. Furthermore, the setting information stored in the NFC board 50 cannot be reflected in the storage medium of the new outdoor control board. The setting information stored in the NFC board 50 and the setting information set in the dual in-line package switch 44, etc., reflects the setting information before the outdoor control board 40 malfunctioned. If this information can be set as the setting information for operation control (master setting), the state before the malfunction can be restored.

[0057] Therefore, in order to replace the faulty board, the setting information of the NFC board 50, the dual in-line switch 44, etc. can be set as the master setting during the setting process when the power is turned on.

[0058] Reference Figure 5The following details the setting process upon power-on. Processing begins at step 300 when the air conditioning unit 10 is powered on. For example, power is turned on by pressing the start button on the remote control 13. In step 301, to initiate operation control, the outdoor control board 40 reads the setting information required for operation control from the storage medium 41. Additionally, the NFC board 50 receives power and reads the setting information from the storage medium 51.

[0059] In step 302, the NFC substrate 50 confirms the connection with the outdoor control substrate 40, determining whether the outdoor control substrate 40 has been successfully identified. The outdoor control substrate 40 determines whether communication with the NFC substrate 50 has been successfully completed based on the presence or absence of a successful identification response from the NFC substrate 50. If the communication is deemed successful, the process proceeds to step 303, where the NFC substrate 50 sends the setting information read from the storage medium 51 to the outdoor control substrate 40.

[0060] In step 304, the outdoor control board 40 compares the setting information of the NFC board 50 with the setting information of the outdoor control board 40 to determine whether the two setting information are different. A case where the two setting information are different is when the outdoor control board 40 has been replaced. If they are determined to be different, the process proceeds to step 305, where the setting information of the NFC board 50 is set as the master setting, and the process ends in step 309. For example, the master setting is performed by writing the setting information of the target object to the storage medium 41 of the outdoor control board 40. Thus, the outdoor control board 40 can be restored to its setting information before the board was replaced.

[0061] If step 302 indicates a failure to complete the process normally, or if step 304 indicates that the two setting information entries are identical, the process proceeds to step 306. In this step, the setting information of the outdoor control board 40 is compared with the setting information of the dual in-line switch 44, etc., to determine if the two setting information entries are different. This is because if the process fails to complete normally, communication with the NFC board 50 cannot be established, and the setting information cannot be obtained from the NFC board 50. Conversely, if the two setting information entries are identical, the setting information of the outdoor control board 40 can be used.

[0062] If the settings are determined to be different in step 306, proceed to step 307, set the setting information of the dual in-line switch 44, etc., as the master setting, and end the process in step 309. A case where the two setting information differs is when the outdoor control board 40 has been replaced, etc.

[0063] If the settings are determined to be identical in step 306, proceed to step 308, set the setting information read from the storage medium 41 of the outdoor control board 40 as the master setting, and end the process in step 309. In this case, since the setting information is already stored in the storage medium 41, it is not necessary to write the setting information separately.

[0064] exist Figure 5 The difference in the two setting information in steps 304 and 306 is due to the replacement of the outdoor control board 40. Therefore, refer to... Figure 6 This section details the procedure for replacing the outdoor control board 40.

[0065] like Figure 6 As shown in (a), synchronization processing is performed when power is on. When power is on, since synchronization processing is performed either when settings are changed or at certain time intervals, the setting information of the outdoor control board 40 and the NFC board 50 is consistent. Even if the setting information of the outdoor control board 40 is changed via a dual in-line switch 44 or the like, the changed setting information is sent to the NFC board 50, and the setting information of the NFC board 50 is changed to the same setting information. Furthermore, if the setting information of the NFC board 50 is changed via the communication terminal 60, the changed setting information is sent to the outdoor control board 40, and the setting information of the outdoor control board 40 is changed to the same setting information.

[0066] If, while the power is on, the outdoor control board 40 malfunctions for some reason, such as... Figure 6 As shown in (b), synchronization processing is not performed. When a malfunction occurs, control becomes impossible, and the user is notified of the malfunction through error displays, etc. Therefore, the user realizes that the outdoor control board 40 needs to be replaced.

[0067] like Figure 6 As shown in (c), when the outdoor control board 40 is replaced, the storage medium 51 of the NFC board 50 stores the setting information before the board replacement. However, the storage medium 41 of the replaced outdoor control board 40 is in the factory shipment state, so the setting information stored in the two storage media is different.

[0068] After replacing the outdoor control board 40, when the power is first turned on, as follows: Figure 6 As shown in (d), the NFC substrate 50 sends the setting information prior to the substrate replacement to the replaced outdoor control substrate 40. The outdoor control substrate 40 stores the setting information of the NFC substrate 50 in its own storage medium 41, prioritizing the reflection of that setting. Thus, the outdoor control substrate 40 can be restored to the settings prior to the substrate replacement.

[0069] Figure 6 The example shown illustrates a scenario where the outdoor control board 40 malfunctions, but there are also cases where the NFC board 50 malfunctions. (Refer to...) Figure 7 This document explains how to handle the replacement of a faulty NFC substrate 50.

[0070] When the power is on, such as Figure 6 As shown in (a), synchronization processing is performed. When powered on, since synchronization processing is performed when settings are changed or at certain time intervals, the setting information of the outdoor control board 40 and the NFC board 50 is consistent.

[0071] If, while the power is on, the outdoor control board 40 malfunctions for some reason, such as... Figure 7 As shown in (a), synchronization processing is not performed. The user can communicate with the NFC substrate 50 using the communication terminal 60, but if the NFC substrate 50 malfunctions, communication with the communication terminal 60 is impossible. Thus, the user recognizes that the NFC substrate 50 has malfunctioned.

[0072] like Figure 7 As shown in (b), when the NFC substrate 50 is replaced, the storage medium 41 of the outdoor control substrate 40 stores the setting information before the substrate replacement, but the storage medium 51 of the replaced NFC substrate 50 retains the initial setting (initial value 0) unchanged, so the setting information stored in the two storage media is different.

[0073] After replacing the NFC substrate 50, when the power is first turned on, as follows: Figure 7 As shown in (c), similarly to the case where the outdoor control board 40 has been replaced, setting information is sent from the NFC board 50 to the outdoor control board 40. In this case, the outdoor control board 40 determines whether the predetermined setting value in the received setting information has no value (setting value 0), and if there is no value, it is determined to be an initial setting. For example, the model setting value can be cited as a predetermined setting value. An alarm is issued when the model setting value is 0, so the user will not intentionally set it to 0. Therefore, by referring to this value, it is possible to determine whether it is an initial setting.

[0074] When the outdoor control board 40 determines that it is an initial setting, it does not write the received setting information (the setting information sent from the NFC board 50) into its own storage medium 41. Then, as... Figure 7 As shown in (d), the outdoor control board 40 sends the setting information stored in its own storage medium 41 to the NFC board 50. The NFC board 50 writes the received setting information back to its own storage medium 51, restoring the setting information to its state before the board was replaced.

[0075] After restoration, the settings of the NFC board 50 can be changed via the communication terminal 60 or the settings of the outdoor control board 40 can be changed via the dual in-line switch 44, etc.

[0076] As explained above, in the event of a substrate replacement, the system can automatically restore the settings to their previous state, eliminating the hassle of resetting and reducing errors in reading and setting the faulty substrate. Furthermore, even if settings changes to the outdoor control substrate 40 are required after substrate replacement, these changes can be made from an external device to the NFC substrate 50, and subsequent synchronization processing will reflect these changes to the outdoor control substrate 40.

[0077] Thus far, the control device, heat exchange system, and program of the present invention have been described in detail through the above embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and can be modified within the scope that those skilled in the art can conceive of. For example, it can be implemented in other embodiments or can be added, modified, or deleted. Any method that achieves the function and effect of the present invention is included within the scope of the present invention.

[0078] For example, the outdoor control board 40 and the NFC board 50 can also be mounted on the same board without being separated. In this case, if any of the storage medium 41, CPU 42, or communication unit 43, or the wiring connecting them, fails, that is, if the structural element used to control the air conditioning unit fails, the act of replacing the faulty part with a new structural element is also included in the replacement of the outdoor control board 40 mentioned here.

[0079] On the other hand, if any one of the storage medium 51, CPU 52, communication unit 53, NFC antenna 54 or the wiring connecting them fails, that is, if the component used to store setting information fails, the act of replacing the faulty part with a new component is also included in the replacement of the NFC substrate 50 mentioned here.

[0080] The dual in-line package switch 44 and rotary switch 45 can also be installed outside the outdoor control board 40.

[0081] The replacement of the substrate is not limited to situations where the synchronization of the outdoor control substrate 40 and the NFC substrate 50 cannot be performed, but also includes various situations such as the failure of components constituting the outdoor control substrate 40 or the NFC substrate 50 or the passage of a certain period of time.

[0082] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0083] 10... Air conditioning unit

[0084] 11...Indoor unit

[0085] 12...Outdoor unit

[0086] 13...Remote Control

[0087] 20...Indoor heat exchanger

[0088] 21...Indoor fan

[0089] 22...Drive motor for indoor fans

[0090] 30...compressor

[0091] 31... Liquid reservoir

[0092] 32... Four-way valve

[0093] 33...Expansion valve

[0094] 34...Outdoor heat exchanger

[0095] 35...Outdoor fan

[0096] 36...Drive motor for outdoor fans

[0097] 37...Control device

[0098] 40...Outdoor control board

[0099] 41... Storage Media

[0100] 42...CPU

[0101] 43...Ministry of Communications

[0102] 44...Dual in-line package switch

[0103] 45... Rotary switch

[0104] 50...NFC substrate

[0105] 51... Storage medium

[0106] 52...CPU

[0107] 53...Ministry of Communications

[0108] 54...NFC antenna

[0109] 60... communication terminal

[0110] 61...NFC antenna.

Claims

1. A control device for controlling the operation of a heat exchange system that enables heat exchange between a fluid and a heat medium, characterized in that, The control device includes: A control unit includes a first storage medium for storing setting information used in the control of the operation, and uses the setting information to perform the control of the operation; as well as The communication unit includes a second storage medium for storing setting information used in the control of the operation, and communicates with external devices. The control unit and the communication unit are installed in the same outdoor unit, the same indoor unit, or the same central control panel. The control unit and the communication unit perform synchronization processing of the setting information stored in the first storage medium and the setting information stored in the second storage medium. When the communication unit changes the setting information stored in the second storage medium according to a request from the external device, it sends the changed setting information to the control unit during the synchronization process. The control unit includes one or more switches that can be set with configuration information used in the control of the operation. After the control unit fails and is replaced, when the power to the heat exchange system is turned on, the communication unit determines whether it can communicate with the replaced control unit. If it determines that communication is possible, it sends the setting information stored in the second storage medium to the replaced control unit. The replaced control unit determines whether the setting information stored in its own first storage medium is different from the setting information received from the communication unit. If they are different, the control unit writes the setting information received from the communication unit into its own first storage medium as the setting information used for the operation control of the heat exchange system. When the communication unit determines that communication is not possible, or when the replaced control unit determines that the setting information is the same, the replaced control unit determines whether the setting information stored in its own first storage medium is different from the setting information set by the one or more switches. If they are different, the setting information set by the one or more switches is written into the first storage medium of the replaced control unit as the setting information used for the operation control of the heat exchange system. If they are the same, the setting information read from its own first storage medium is set as the setting information used for the operation control of the heat exchange system.

2. A control device for controlling the operation of a heat exchange system that enables heat exchange between a fluid and a heat medium, characterized in that, The control device includes: A control unit includes a first storage medium for storing setting information used in the control of the operation, and uses the setting information to perform the control of the operation; as well as The communication unit includes a second storage medium for storing setting information used in the control of the operation, and communicates with external devices. The control unit and the communication unit perform synchronization processing of the setting information stored in the first storage medium and the setting information stored in the second storage medium, at least by sending setting information from the first storage medium of the control unit to the second storage medium of the communication unit for synchronization. When the communication unit changes the setting information stored in the second storage medium according to a request from the external device, it sends the changed setting information to the control unit during the synchronization process. The control unit includes one or more switches that can be set with configuration information used in the control of the operation. After the control unit fails and is replaced, when the power to the heat exchange system is turned on, the communication unit determines whether it can communicate with the replaced control unit. If it determines that communication is possible, it sends the setting information stored in the second storage medium to the replaced control unit. The replaced control unit determines whether the setting information stored in its own first storage medium is different from the setting information received from the communication unit. If they are different, the control unit writes the setting information received from the communication unit into its own first storage medium as the setting information used for the operation control of the heat exchange system. When the communication unit determines that communication is not possible, or when the replaced control unit determines that the setting information is the same, the replaced control unit determines whether the setting information stored in its own first storage medium is different from the setting information set by the one or more switches. If they are different, the setting information set by the one or more switches is written into the first storage medium of the replaced control unit as the setting information used for the operation control of the heat exchange system. If they are the same, the setting information read from its own first storage medium is set as the setting information used for the operation control of the heat exchange system.

3. The control device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The control unit determines, based on specific information in the setting information received from the communication unit, whether to set the setting information received from the communication unit as the setting information used in the operation control of the heat exchange system. If it determines that it should not be set, it sets the setting information stored in the first storage medium as the setting information used in the operation control of the heat exchange system.

4. The control device according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that, The control unit and the communication unit perform synchronization processing if the setting information of either one changes, or perform synchronization processing at certain time intervals.

5. A heat exchange system, characterized in that, The heat exchange system includes a control device as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, which enables heat exchange between the fluid and the heat medium, and whose operation is controlled by the control device.

6. A recording medium storing a program for instructing a computer to control the operation of a heat exchange system that causes a fluid to exchange heat with a heat medium, characterized in that, The computer includes a first storage medium and a second storage medium for storing setting information used in controlling the operation of the heat exchange system. The first storage medium is equipped in a control unit that uses the setting information to perform the operation, and the second storage medium is equipped in a communication unit that communicates with external devices. The control unit and the communication unit are installed in the same outdoor unit, the same indoor unit, or the same central control panel. The program causes the computer to perform the following steps: The step of performing synchronization processing of the setting information stored in the first storage medium and the second storage medium; as well as The step of changing the setting information stored in the second storage medium according to a request from the external device. The synchronization process includes sending the modified setting information to the first storage medium after the setting information stored in the second storage medium has been changed. The control unit includes one or more switches that can be set with configuration information used in the control of the operation. The program causes the computer to perform the following steps: After the control unit fails and is replaced, when the power of the heat exchange system is turned on, the communication unit determines whether it can communicate with the replaced control unit. If it determines that communication is possible, it sends the setting information stored in the second storage medium to the replaced control unit. The replaced control unit determines whether the setting information stored in its own first storage medium is different from the setting information received from the communication unit. If the setting information is different, it writes the setting information received from the communication unit into its own first storage medium as the setting information used for the operation control of the heat exchange system. When the communication unit determines that communication is not possible, or when the replaced control unit determines that the setting information is the same, the replaced control unit determines whether the setting information stored in its own first storage medium is different from the setting information set by the one or more switches. If they are different, the setting information set by the one or more switches is written into the first storage medium of the replaced control unit as the setting information used for the operation control of the heat exchange system. If they are the same, the setting information read from its own first storage medium is set as the setting information used for the operation control of the heat exchange system.

7. A recording medium storing a program for instructing a computer to control the operation of a heat exchange system that causes a fluid to exchange heat with a heat medium, characterized in that, The computer includes a first storage medium and a second storage medium for storing setting information used in controlling the operation of the heat exchange system. The first storage medium is equipped in a control unit that uses the setting information to perform the operation, and the second storage medium is equipped in a communication unit that communicates with external devices. The program causes the computer to perform the following steps: The step of performing synchronization processing of the setting information stored in the first storage medium and the second storage medium; as well as The step of changing the setting information stored in the second storage medium according to a request from the external device. The synchronization process includes sending the modified setting information to the first storage medium after the setting information stored in the second storage medium has been changed. The program causes the computer to also perform at least one step of sending setting information from the first storage medium of the control unit to the second storage medium of the communication unit for synchronization. The control unit includes one or more switches that can be set with configuration information used in the control of the operation. The program causes the computer to perform the following steps: After the control unit fails and is replaced, when the power of the heat exchange system is turned on, the communication unit determines whether it can communicate with the replaced control unit. If it determines that communication is possible, it sends the setting information stored in the second storage medium to the replaced control unit. The replaced control unit determines whether the setting information stored in its own first storage medium is different from the setting information received from the communication unit. If the setting information is different, the control unit writes the setting information received from the communication unit into its own first storage medium as the setting information used for the operation control of the heat exchange system. When the communication unit determines that communication is not possible, or when the replaced control unit determines that the setting information is the same, the replaced control unit determines whether the setting information stored in its own first storage medium is different from the setting information set by the one or more switches. If they are different, the setting information set by the one or more switches is written into the first storage medium of the replaced control unit as the setting information used for the operation control of the heat exchange system. If they are the same, the setting information read from its own first storage medium is set as the setting information used for the operation control of the heat exchange system.

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