Air conditioning system, air conditioning device, and identification method for air conditioning device

Abstract

An air conditioning system (1) is capable of suppressing environmental degradation caused by the shutdown of air conditioning equipment and performing identification processing of air conditioning equipment. Multiple air conditioning equipment (10a-d, 20a-d, 30a-d) belonging to the same refrigerant system (A, B, C, D) are connected via communication lines (6a-d) within the system, and multiple air conditioning equipment (10a-d) belonging to different refrigerant systems (A, B, C, D) are connected via communication lines (5) outside the system. For multiple air conditioning equipment (10a-d, 20a-d, 30a-d) belonging to the same refrigerant system (A, B, C, D), air conditioning control processing and identification processing can be performed through transmission at least via the communication lines (6a) within the system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to air conditioning systems, air conditioning equipment, and methods for identifying air conditioning equipment. Background Technology

[0002] Previously, air conditioning systems with multiple refrigerant systems were used, which consisted of multiple air conditioning devices such as outdoor units and indoor units connected in a way that allowed refrigerant to circulate among them.

[0003] In an air conditioning system with multiple air conditioning units, each unit is assigned a unique address for management and control. Furthermore, by establishing a correspondence between the refrigerant system information and the address of each unit, management and control of each refrigerant system can be implemented.

[0004] For example, in Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2003-90585), in such an air conditioning system, after all the air conditioning equipment has been stopped, any one outdoor unit is started to verify the temperature of various refrigerants, thereby determining the refrigerant system to which each air conditioning equipment belongs. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0006] However, in the method described in the aforementioned reference 1, all air conditioning equipment was stopped in order to control the refrigerant system. Therefore, air conditioning could not be performed until the refrigerant system was controlled.

[0007] Methods for solving problems

[0008] In the air conditioning system of the first aspect, multiple air conditioning units belonging to the same refrigerant system are connected via communication lines within the system, and multiple air conditioning units belonging to different refrigerant systems are connected via communication lines outside the system. In this air conditioning system, for multiple air conditioning units belonging to the same refrigerant system, control processing and identification processing can be performed simultaneously through transmission via at least the communication lines within the system.

[0009] In addition, the air conditioning system can also perform control processing and identification processing simultaneously through transmission between the communication lines inside and outside the system.

[0010] In this air conditioning system, it is possible to perform control processing of the air conditioning equipment and identification processing of the air conditioning equipment at the same time.

[0011] The second aspect of the air conditioning system, based on the first aspect of the air conditioning system, uses time-division multiplexing transmission for control and identification processing.

[0012] In this air conditioning system, the environmental degradation of the object space can be suppressed by performing control processing of the air conditioning equipment, while the identification processing of the air conditioning equipment is performed simultaneously.

[0013] The third type of air conditioning system, based on the first or second type of air conditioning system, performs control and identification processing through frequency division multiplexing transmission.

[0014] In this frequency division multiplexing transmission, the frequency used for control processing is different from the frequency used for identification processing. For example, a high frequency can be used in control processing and a low frequency can be used in identification processing.

[0015] In this air conditioning system, the environmental degradation of the target space can be effectively suppressed by performing control processing of the air conditioning equipment, while the identification processing of the air conditioning equipment is performed simultaneously.

[0016] The fourth aspect of the air conditioning system, based on the first or second aspect of the air conditioning system, in the identification process, when the transmission between air conditioning devices belonging to different refrigerant systems via external communication lines is cut off, one air conditioning device performs the following process: by transmitting via internal communication lines, it identifies the existence of other air conditioning devices belonging to the same refrigerant system as itself.

[0017] In this air conditioning system, it is possible to reliably prevent air conditioning units belonging to different refrigerant systems from being mistakenly identified as belonging to the same refrigerant system.

[0018] The fifth aspect of the air conditioning system, based on the air conditioning system of any one of the first to fourth aspects, at least during the period from the confirmation of the unidentified air conditioning equipment during the execution of the identification process until the identification process of the unidentified air conditioning equipment is completed, does not execute the control process of the refrigerant system to which the unidentified air conditioning equipment belongs.

[0019] In addition, an unidentified air conditioning unit can be an air conditioning unit that is not identified by any other air conditioning unit besides itself.

[0020] In addition, the identification of unidentified air conditioning equipment includes cases where new air conditioning equipment has been added or connected, or cases where components such as the control board of an existing air conditioning equipment have been replaced.

[0021] In this air conditioning system, when an unidentified air conditioning device is connected to an identified air conditioning device via a communication line, it is possible to perform identification processing in the refrigerant system to which the unidentified air conditioning device belongs, and to perform control processing on air conditioning devices in refrigerant systems to which the unidentified air conditioning device does not belong.

[0022] The sixth aspect of the air conditioning system is based on the air conditioning systems of any one of the first to fifth aspects, and the identification process is initiated by sending a start request from an unidentified air conditioning device.

[0023] There are no particular limitations on the start request; for example, it can be broadcast to all air conditioning units connected by communication lines in the air conditioning system as objects, and a start request can be sent to an unidentified air conditioning unit.

[0024] In this air conditioning system, when an unidentified air conditioning device is connected, the identification process for the unidentified air conditioning device can be easily initiated.

[0025] The seventh aspect of the air conditioning system, based on the air conditioning systems of any one of the first to sixth aspects, involves identification processing performed by having the unidentified air conditioning equipment store the ID of other air conditioning equipment belonging to the same refrigerant system as itself.

[0026] In this air conditioning system, unidentified air conditioning equipment can identify its own refrigerant system by storing the IDs of other air conditioning equipment belonging to the same refrigerant system as itself.

[0027] The air conditioning system of the eighth aspect is based on the air conditioning system of any one of the first to seventh aspects, wherein the air conditioning equipment is assigned an ID based on the identifier inherent to the air conditioning equipment.

[0028] In this air conditioning system, control processing targeting the identified air conditioning equipment can be performed more reliably.

[0029] The ninth aspect of the air conditioning system, based on the air conditioning system of any one of the first to eighth aspects, includes at least one control process in the control processing of capacity control of the air conditioning equipment and selection control mode control of the air conditioning equipment.

[0030] As for capability control, there are no particular limitations. For example, in the case of controlling air conditioning equipment based on a set temperature, one could exemplify controlling the compressor speed based on the set temperature. Similarly, as for control mode selection control, there are no particular limitations. For example, one could exemplify control that allows selecting a specific control mode from multiple control modes such as cooling and heating modes.

[0031] In this air conditioning system, it is possible to perform capacity control or control mode selection control of the air conditioning equipment while simultaneously performing identification processing.

[0032] The tenth aspect is an air conditioning device in an air conditioning system, in which multiple air conditioning devices belonging to the same refrigerant system are connected via communication lines within the system, and multiple air conditioning devices belonging to different refrigerant systems are connected via communication lines outside the system. In this air conditioning device, control processing and identification processing can be performed simultaneously through transmission at least via communication lines within the system with other air conditioning devices belonging to the same refrigerant system.

[0033] In addition, the air conditioning equipment can perform control processing and identification processing simultaneously through transmission between the communication lines inside and outside the system.

[0034] Furthermore, as an air conditioning device, it can also perform control processing in its own refrigerant system when identification processing is performed in a refrigerant system other than its own, and not perform control processing in its own refrigerant system when identification processing is performed in its own refrigerant system.

[0035] This air conditioning device is capable of performing control processing and identification processing.

[0036] The eleventh aspect is the identification method of air conditioning equipment in an air conditioning system. In this air conditioning system, multiple air conditioning equipment belonging to the same refrigerant system are connected via communication lines within the system, and multiple air conditioning equipment belonging to different refrigerant systems are connected via communication lines outside the system. For multiple air conditioning equipment belonging to the same refrigerant system, control processing and identification processing are performed simultaneously through transmission via at least the communication lines within the system.

[0037] In addition, in the identification method of air conditioning equipment, the control processing can be performed and the identification processing can be performed simultaneously through the transmission between the communication lines inside the system and the communication lines outside the system.

[0038] In this method for identifying air conditioning equipment, it is possible to perform control processing and identification processing of air conditioning equipment simultaneously. Attached Figure Description

[0039] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing the electrical connections of multiple air conditioning units.

[0040] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection relationships related to the refrigerant cycle of multiple air conditioning units.

[0041] Figure 3 This is a hardware structure diagram of an air conditioning system.

[0042] Figure 4This is a functional block structure diagram of an air conditioning system.

[0043] Figure 5 This is a flowchart of the system's identification process.

[0044] Figure 6 This is an explanatory diagram showing the electrical connections before the new air conditioning unit is connected.

[0045] Figure 7 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the scenario where a start request is sent from a new air conditioning unit.

[0046] Figure 8 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating a scenario for determining communication between multiple outdoor units that is responsible for identification.

[0047] Figure 9 This is an explanatory diagram showing a scenario where a system identification signal is transmitted from an outdoor unit responsible for identification.

[0048] Figure 10 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the situation where a response signal, i.e., a participation request, is sent from an indoor unit connected to the outdoor unit responsible for identification.

[0049] Figure 11 This is an explanatory diagram showing a situation where the outdoor unit responsible for identification sends a participation permission signal to the indoor unit that sent the participation request.

[0050] Figure 12 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the situation where a signal is sent from the indoor unit connected to the outdoor unit that is subsequently responsible for identification, i.e., a participation request signal. Detailed Implementation

[0051] The following example illustrates the processing of air conditioning control and system identification in an air conditioning system.

[0052] (1) Overview of Air Conditioning System 1

[0053] Figure 1 The electrical connections of multiple air conditioning units (outdoor unit and indoor unit) are shown. Figure 2 The diagram shows the connections related to the refrigerant cycle of multiple air conditioning units (outdoor unit, indoor unit). Figure 3 The hardware structure diagram of air conditioning system 1 is shown. Figure 4 The functional block structure diagram of air conditioning system 1 is shown.

[0054] The air conditioning system 1 is configured to include multiple refrigerant systems A, B, C, and D. Each refrigerant system A, B, C, and D includes multiple air conditioning units.

[0055] Refrigerant system A includes outdoor unit 10a, indoor unit 20a, and indoor unit 30a, with refrigerant circulating among them. Refrigerant system B includes outdoor unit 10b, indoor unit 20b, and indoor unit 30b, with refrigerant circulating among them. Refrigerant system C includes outdoor unit 10c, indoor unit 20c, and indoor unit 30c, with refrigerant circulating among them. Refrigerant system D includes outdoor unit 10d, indoor unit 20d, and indoor unit 30d, with refrigerant circulating among them.

[0056] Outdoor unit 10a, indoor unit 20a, and indoor unit 30a belonging to refrigerant system A are electrically connected in a bus-type wiring configuration, enabling communication via communication line 6a within refrigerant system A. Outdoor unit 10b, indoor unit 20b, and indoor unit 30b belonging to refrigerant system B are electrically connected in a bus-type wiring configuration, enabling communication via communication line 6b within refrigerant system B. Outdoor unit 10c, indoor unit 20c, and indoor unit 30c belonging to refrigerant system C are electrically connected in a bus-type wiring configuration, enabling communication via communication line 6c within refrigerant system C. Outdoor unit 10d, indoor unit 20d, and indoor unit 30d belonging to refrigerant system D are electrically connected in a bus-type wiring configuration, enabling communication via communication line 6d within refrigerant system D.

[0057] The air conditioning units belonging to refrigerant systems A, B, C, and D are electrically connected in a manner that enables communication via communication lines 5 outside the system. In this embodiment, outdoor unit 10a belonging to refrigerant system A, outdoor unit 10b belonging to refrigerant system B, outdoor unit 10c belonging to refrigerant system C, and outdoor unit 10d belonging to refrigerant system D are connected in a bus-type wiring configuration via communication lines 5 outside the system.

[0058] Furthermore, these refrigerant systems A, B, C, and D are connected to the central controller 9 via communication line 9a. The central controller 9 is capable of managing and controlling the air conditioning equipment belonging to each refrigerant system A, B, C, and D.

[0059] (2) Overview of the refrigerant circuit

[0060] Each refrigerant system A, B, C, and D has its own refrigerant circuits 2a, 2b, ... connected to its respective refrigerant equipment. The refrigerant systems can communicate with each other via external communication line 5, but these refrigerant circuits 2a, 2b, ... of each system are physically independent; refrigerant does not travel between systems. Furthermore, equipment belonging to each system is indicated with a lowercase subscript corresponding to the system name. The descriptions of equipment belonging to refrigerant systems B, C, and D (other than refrigerant system A) are understood to be descriptions of equipment corresponding to refrigerant system A, and therefore are omitted.

[0061] The refrigerant system A includes an outdoor unit 10a, an indoor unit 20a, an indoor unit 30a, a liquid refrigerant connecting pipe 4a, a gaseous refrigerant connecting pipe 3a, and an air conditioning controller 8a that controls various actions in the refrigerant system A.

[0062] The refrigerant system A regulates the air in the object space equipped with indoor unit 20a and the object space equipped with indoor unit 30a by performing a vapor compression refrigeration cycle in the refrigerant system A.

[0063] (2-1) Outdoor Unit

[0064] Outdoor unit 10a is connected to indoor units 20a and 30a via liquid refrigerant connecting pipe 4a and gaseous refrigerant connecting pipe 3a, forming part of refrigerant circuit 2a of refrigerant system A. Outdoor unit 10a mainly includes compressor 11a, four-way switching valve 12a, outdoor heat exchanger 13a, outdoor expansion valve 16a, low-pressure liquid receiver 14a, outdoor fan 15a, and outdoor controller 17a.

[0065] Compressor 11a is a device that compresses low-pressure refrigerant to high pressure in the refrigeration cycle of refrigerant system A. In this embodiment, compressor 11a, whose capacity can be varied by controlling the operating frequency, is used.

[0066] The four-way switching valve 12a switches the connection state in the refrigerant circuit 2a, enabling it to connect the discharge side of the compressor 11a to the outdoor heat exchanger 13a and the suction side of the compressor 11a to the gaseous refrigerant connection pipe 3a via the low-pressure receiver 14a (see reference). Figure 2 (The solid line), and the state in which the discharge side of compressor 11a is connected to the gaseous refrigerant connecting pipe 3a and the suction side of compressor 11a is connected to the outdoor heat exchanger 13a via low-pressure receiver 14a (refer to) Figure 2 Switch between the dashed lines.

[0067] The outdoor heat exchanger 13a functions as a condenser or radiator for the high-pressure refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle of refrigerant system A during cooling operation, and as an evaporator for the low-pressure refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle of refrigerant system A during heating operation.

[0068] The outdoor fan 15a supplies outdoor air to the outdoor heat exchanger 13a within the outdoor unit 10a. After heat exchange with the refrigerant in the outdoor heat exchanger 13a, it generates an airflow to be discharged to the outside of the outdoor unit 10a. The outdoor fan 15a is driven by an outdoor fan motor.

[0069] An outdoor expansion valve 16a is located between the liquid side end of the outdoor heat exchanger 13a and the liquid refrigerant connecting pipe 4a. The outdoor expansion valve 16a is, for example, an electronic expansion valve whose opening degree can be adjusted by control.

[0070] The low-pressure receiver 14a is disposed between one of the connection ports of the compressor 11a and the four-way switching valve 12a, and is a refrigerant container capable of storing the remaining refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit 2a as liquid refrigerant.

[0071] The outdoor controller 17a controls the operation of each component that makes up the outdoor unit 10a. For example... Figure 3As shown, the outdoor controller 17a includes a processor 171a, RAM 172a, ROM 173a, and a network interface 174a. The processor 171a is composed of one or more of the following: CPU (Central Processing Unit), MPU (Micro Processing Unit), GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), DSP (Digital Signal Processor), ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), PLD (Programmable Logic Device), and FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). RAM 172a is random access memory and is used as temporary storage or working memory. ROM 173a is read-only memory, storing programs read and executed by the processor 171a for various control and processing purposes, as well as data used by those programs. The network interface 174a is an interface for connecting the outdoor controller 17a to other devices in a communicative manner. Specifically, the network interface 174a enables communication between the outdoor controller 17a and the indoor controllers 25a and 35a via the system's communication line 6a. Furthermore, network interface 174a enables communication between outdoor controller 17a and outdoor controllers belonging to other refrigerant systems B, C, and D via external communication line 5. Additionally, network interface 174a enables communication between outdoor controller 17a and the aforementioned central controller 9 via communication line 9a. Furthermore, this network interface 174a includes a high-pass filter (HPS) 176a for communication via communication line 5. Therefore, communication between outdoor controller 17a and external devices via communication line 5 cannot be performed using a specified low-frequency signal, but only a specified high-frequency signal. Specifically, for example, outdoor controller 17a of refrigerant system A and outdoor controller 17b of refrigerant system B communicate using high-frequency signals via their respective network interfaces 174a and 174b, through the high-pass filter 176a, the external communication line 5, and the high-pass filter 176b. Furthermore, the indoor controllers 25a and 35a in the same refrigerant system as the outdoor controller 17a can communicate under either high-frequency or low-frequency signals, and the outdoor controller 17a and the central controller 9 can communicate under either high-frequency or low-frequency signals.

[0072] In addition, various sensors (not shown) are installed in the outdoor unit 10a, and the outdoor controller 17a is connected in a way that allows it to monitor the detected values.

[0073] (2-2) Indoor Unit

[0074] Indoor units 20a and 30a are installed on the walls, ceilings, etc. of an interior space that may be the same or different objects. Indoor units 20a and 30a are connected in parallel with outdoor unit 10a via liquid refrigerant connecting pipe 4a and gaseous refrigerant connecting pipe 3a, forming part of the refrigerant circuit 2a of refrigerant system A.

[0075] The indoor unit 20a includes an indoor heat exchanger 21a, an indoor fan 22a, an indoor expansion valve 26a, an indoor temperature sensor 23a, a remote controller 24a, and an indoor controller 25a.

[0076] The liquid side of the indoor heat exchanger 21a is connected to the liquid refrigerant connecting pipe 4a, and the gas side of the indoor heat exchanger 21a is connected to the gas refrigerant connecting pipe 3a. The indoor heat exchanger 21a functions as an evaporator for low-pressure refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle during cooling operation, and as a condenser or radiator for high-pressure refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle during heating operation.

[0077] Indoor fan 22a draws in indoor air from the air-conditioned space into indoor unit 20a. After exchanging heat with refrigerant in indoor heat exchanger 21a, it generates an airflow to be discharged to the outside of indoor unit 20a. Indoor fan 22a is driven by indoor fan motor.

[0078] An indoor expansion valve 26a is located between the liquid side end of the indoor heat exchanger 21a and the liquid refrigerant connecting pipe 4a. The indoor expansion valve 26a is, for example, an electronic expansion valve whose opening degree can be adjusted by control.

[0079] Indoor temperature sensor 23a detects the temperature of the space in which indoor unit 20a is located and transmits it to indoor controller 25a.

[0080] The remote control 24a is operated by the user, such as accepting the setting of temperature, selecting the operating mode such as cooling or heating, and transmitting the information to the indoor controller 25a.

[0081] like Figure 3As shown, the indoor controller 25a includes a processor 251a, RAM 252a, ROM 253a, and a network interface 254a. The processor 251a is composed of one or more of, for example, a CPU, MPU, GPU, DSP, ASIC, PLD, and FPGA. RAM 252a is random access memory and is used as temporary storage or working memory. ROM 253a is read-only memory, storing programs read and executed by the processor 251a for various control and processing purposes, as well as data used by those programs. The network interface 254a is an interface for connecting the indoor controller 25a to other devices in a communicative manner. Specifically, the network interface 254a enables communication between the indoor controller 25a and the indoor controller 35a via the system's communication line 6a. Furthermore, the network interface 254a enables communication between the indoor controller 25a and the outdoor controller 17a via the system's communication line 6a.

[0082] Additionally, the indoor unit 30a includes an indoor heat exchanger 31a, an indoor fan 32a, an indoor expansion valve 36a, an indoor temperature sensor 33a, a remote control 34a, and an indoor controller 35a. Furthermore, as... Figure 3 As shown, the indoor controller 35a includes a processor 351a, RAM 352a, ROM 353a, network interface 354a, etc. The devices constituting these indoor units 30a correspond to the devices constituting the aforementioned indoor unit 20a, therefore descriptions are omitted.

[0083] (2-3) Air Conditioner Controller

[0084] In refrigerant system A, outdoor controller 17a, indoor controller 25a and indoor controller 35a are connected in a communicative manner via communication line 6a within the system, thereby forming air conditioning controller 8a of refrigerant system A.

[0085] In order to meet the set temperature in the refrigerant system A, the air conditioning controller 8a performs air conditioning control processing related to each device.

[0086] (3) Functional block structure

[0087] For example, regarding refrigerant system A, outdoor controller 17a, indoor controller 25a, and indoor controller 35a are equipped with... Figure 3 The hardware structure shown thus possesses Figure 4 The functional block structure shown.

[0088] The outdoor controller 17a includes an outdoor air conditioning control unit 177a and an outdoor communication unit 178a.

[0089] The outdoor air conditioning control unit 177a controls the operation of each device belonging to refrigerant system A according to the set temperature and operating mode information from the remote controllers 24a and 34a of the same refrigerant system, or according to the instructions from the central controller 9. Specifically, the outdoor air conditioning control unit 177a performs various controls such as starting, stopping, and controlling the operating frequency of the compressor 11a, switching control of the four-way switching valve 12a, controlling the airflow of the outdoor fan 15a, and controlling the valve opening of the outdoor expansion valve 16a.

[0090] The outdoor communication unit 178a performs communication between the outdoor controller 17a and the central controller 9, between the outdoor controller 17a and the indoor controllers 25a and 35a in the same refrigerant system, and between the outdoor controller 17a and the outdoor controllers 17b, 17c, and 17d of outdoor units 10b, 10c, and 10d belonging to other refrigerant systems B, C, and D. The outdoor communication unit 178a has a self-ID storage unit 1781a, a system structure storage unit 1782a, and an outdoor identification processing unit 1783a. The self-ID storage unit 1781a stores the unique identification number (ID) of each air conditioning unit; specifically, it stores the ID of the outdoor unit 10a of refrigerant system A. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the ID of each air conditioning unit corresponds to or is determined based on the unique manufacturing number of each air conditioning unit, and they are not duplicated. The system structure storage unit 1782a stores data that links the IDs of all air conditioning units belonging to its own (here, outdoor unit 10a) refrigerant system (here, refrigerant system A). Specifically, the system structure storage unit 1782a stores these IDs in an interconnected manner so that it can be known that the IDs of outdoor unit 10a, indoor unit 20a, and indoor unit 30a belong to the same refrigerant system. The outdoor identification processing unit 1783a performs various processes to identify the refrigerant system to which the air conditioning unit equipped with the corresponding board belongs in air conditioning system 1, such as when a new air conditioning unit is introduced into air conditioning system 1, or when the outdoor controller, indoor controller, or other board is repaired or replaced. Details will be described later. Furthermore, the outdoor identification processing unit 1783a transmits signals based on a reference clock and performs transmission interruption and retransmission processing based on error detection from the receiving side.

[0091] The indoor controller 25a includes an indoor air conditioning control unit 257a and an indoor communication unit 258a.

[0092] The indoor air conditioning control unit 257a controls the operation of each device belonging to refrigerant system A according to the set temperature and operating mode information from the remote controllers 24a and 34a of the same refrigerant system, or according to the instructions from the central controller 9. Specifically, the indoor air conditioning control unit 257a performs various controls such as monitoring the detection value of the indoor temperature sensor 23a, controlling the valve opening of the indoor expansion valve 26a, and controlling the airflow of the indoor fan 22a.

[0093] The indoor communication unit 258a performs communication between the indoor controller 25a and the outdoor controller 17a, and between the indoor controller 25a and the indoor controller 35a in the same refrigerant system. The indoor communication unit 258a has a self-ID storage unit 2581a, an outdoor unit ID storage unit 2582a, and an indoor identification processing unit 2583a. The self-ID storage unit 2581a stores the unique identification number (ID) of each air conditioning unit; specifically, it stores the ID of the indoor unit 20a of refrigerant system A. The outdoor unit ID storage unit 2582a stores the ID of the outdoor unit (here, outdoor unit 10a) belonging to the refrigerant system (here, refrigerant system A) to which it (indoor unit 20a) belongs. The indoor identification processing unit 2583a performs various processes to identify the refrigerant system to which the air conditioning unit equipped with the given board belongs in air conditioning system 1, in cases where a new air conditioning unit is introduced into air conditioning system 1, or when the outdoor controller, indoor controller, or other board is repaired or replaced; details will be described later. In addition, the indoor identification processing unit 2583a transmits signals based on a reference clock and performs transmission interruption processing and retransmission processing based on error detection from the receiving side.

[0094] The indoor controller 35a includes an indoor air conditioning control unit 357a and an indoor communication unit 358a. The indoor communication unit 358a includes a self-ID storage unit 3581a, an outdoor unit ID storage unit 3582a, and an indoor identification processing unit 3583a. These structures are the same as those described for the indoor controller 25a, so descriptions are omitted.

[0095] The above explanation uses refrigerant system A as an example, but the same applies to refrigerant systems B, C, and D, which are other refrigerant systems.

[0096] (4) Air conditioning control processing

[0097] As described above, the refrigeration cycles of each refrigerant system A, B, C, and D in the air conditioning system 1 are independent of each other and can be controlled and processed separately.

[0098] In addition, the refrigeration cycles of each refrigerant system A, B, C, and D are independent of each other. However, for example, when the outdoor units 10a, 10b, 10c, and 10d of each refrigerant system A, B, C, and D receive instructions such as start of operation or stop of operation from the central controller 9, the start of operation and the stop of operation are controlled in each refrigerant system A, B, C, and D.

[0099] Furthermore, the following explanation will use the cooling and heating operation modes in refrigerant system A as examples, but the same applies to other refrigerant systems B, C, and D.

[0100] The air conditioning controller 8a, consisting of outdoor controller 17a, indoor controller 25a and indoor controller 35a, selectively executes either cooling operation mode or heating operation mode based on instructions received from remote controllers 24a, 34a, central controller 9, etc.

[0101] In cooling operation mode, compressor 11a controls its operating frequency by setting the target evaporation temperature of the refrigerant in refrigerant circuit 2a as the target evaporation temperature. Gaseous refrigerant discharged from compressor 11a condenses in outdoor heat exchanger 13a via four-way switching valve 12a. The refrigerant flowing through outdoor heat exchanger 13a is depressurized as it passes through outdoor expansion valve 16a with its opening controlled. The depressurized refrigerant flows in liquid refrigerant connecting pipe 4a and is separately delivered to indoor unit 20a and indoor unit 30a. Then, the refrigerant is depressurized in indoor expansion valve 26a with its opening controlled and evaporates in indoor heat exchanger 21a, and depressurized in indoor expansion valve 36a with its opening controlled and evaporates in indoor heat exchanger 31a. After merging, they flow into gaseous refrigerant connecting pipe 3a. The refrigerant flowing through the gaseous refrigerant connecting pipe 3a is drawn back into the compressor 11a via the four-way switching valve 12a and the low-pressure receiver 14a.

[0102] In heating operation mode, compressor 11a controls its operating frequency by setting the target condensing temperature of the refrigerant in refrigerant circuit 2a as the target condensing temperature. Gaseous refrigerant discharged from compressor 11a flows through four-way switching valve 12a and gaseous refrigerant connecting pipe 3a, and is then separately delivered to indoor unit 20a and indoor unit 30a. The refrigerant then condenses in indoor heat exchanger 21a, is depressurized in indoor expansion valve 26a (with controlled valve opening), and condenses in indoor heat exchanger 31a, is depressurized in indoor expansion valve 36a (with controlled valve opening). After merging, it flows to liquid refrigerant connecting pipe 4a. Refrigerant delivered to outdoor unit 10a via liquid refrigerant connecting pipe 4a is depressurized in outdoor expansion valve 16a and evaporates in outdoor heat exchanger 13a. The refrigerant evaporated in outdoor heat exchanger 13a is then drawn back into compressor 11a via four-way switching valve 12a and low-pressure receiver 14a.

[0103] (5) Processing of system identification

[0104] The following is an example of the system identification process performed in air conditioning system 1.

[0105] Figure 5 The flowchart illustrates the system identification process. Figure 6-12 A diagram illustrating each stage of the system identification process is shown. Figure 6-12 In the diagram, the numbers marked with underlines in outdoor units 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d and indoor units 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d, 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d represent the IDs of each air conditioning unit.

[0106] The following, such as Figure 6 , 7 As shown, in an air conditioning system 1 where only indoor unit 20d is connected to outdoor unit 10d of refrigerant system D, the case of adding a newly installed indoor unit 30d will be explained as an example. The system identification process here is explained from the state where indoor unit 30d is added in parallel with indoor unit 20d in the refrigerant circuit of refrigerant system D, and physically connected via communication line 6d within the system. Furthermore, for each air conditioning unit in air conditioning system 1 (outdoor units 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, indoor units 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d, 30a, 30b, 30c), air conditioning control processing is set to be in progress.

[0107] In step S10, it is determined whether the indoor unit 30d, which is newly electrically connected to the air conditioning system 1, is already electrically connected in the air conditioning system 1. Specifically, it is determined whether the indoor identification processing unit 3583d of the indoor communication unit 358d of the indoor controller 35d of the indoor unit 30d is connected to the communication line 6d in the system. If it is determined that it is already connected, the process proceeds to step S20.

[0108] In step S20, the newly electrically connected indoor unit 30d sends a system identification start request signal to all air conditioning units (outdoor units 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, indoor units 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d, 30a, 30b, 30c) electrically connected to the air conditioning system 1, excluding itself. The sending of the system identification start request signal is not particularly limited; for example, ... Figure 7 As shown, this is done via broadcast. Furthermore, in this embodiment, since outdoor units 10a, 10b, 10c, and 10d are equipped with a high-pass filter 176a, a signal using a specified low frequency is transmitted. Here, the indoor identification processing unit 3583d of the indoor communication unit 358d of the indoor controller 35d of the indoor unit 30d sends a system identification start request signal triggered by connection to the communication line 6d within the system. Each outdoor unit 10a, 10b, 10c, and 10d receives the system identification start request signal. Moreover, during the transmission of the system identification start request signal, by using time-division multiplexing communication via each communication line 5, 6a, 6b, 6c, and 6d, the air conditioning control processing of all refrigerant systems A, B, C, and D, except for indoor unit 30d, continues. This air conditioning control processing includes capability control such as controlling the desired evaporation temperature, target condensation temperature, and desired set temperature, as well as mode selection control for cooling and heating operation modes (the same applies below).

[0109] In step S30, as Figure 8 As shown, upon receiving the system identification start request signal, the outdoor identification processing units 1783a, 1783b, 1783c, and 1783d of all outdoor units 10a, 10b, 10c, and 10d send predetermined high-frequency signals to each other, thereby determining the outdoor unit responsible for identification based on predetermined rules. The determination rules are not particularly limited; for example, identification can be performed according to the numbering order of the IDs possessed by the outdoor units 10a, 10b, 10c, and 10d. Furthermore, during the communication phase for determining the responsible identification unit, time-division multiplexing is used in the communication via the external communication line 5. Except for indoor unit 30d, the air conditioning control processing of all refrigerant systems A, B, C, and D continues.

[0110] In step S40, the process of confirming that the outdoor unit, which was determined to be responsible for identification in step S30, belongs to the indoor unit of its own refrigerant system is carried out.

[0111] For example, if the outdoor unit that is determined to be responsible for identification is outdoor unit 10a, such as Figure 9 As shown, firstly, the outdoor identification processing unit 1783a of outdoor unit 10a sends a predetermined low-frequency signal to indoor units 20a and 30a via communication line 6a within the refrigerant system A as a pre-system identification signal. Furthermore, since each outdoor unit 10a, 10b, 10c, and 10d has a high-pass filter 176a, 176b, 176c, and 176d, this low-frequency signal is cut off from the communication line 5 outside the system. Afterward, the outdoor identification processing unit 1783a of outdoor unit 10a also sends a predetermined high-frequency signal to all air conditioning units via communication lines 5, 6a-d, not limited to the air conditioning units belonging to its own refrigerant system A. Here, the outdoor identification processing unit 1783a includes in the high-frequency signal an inquiry about whether the previously sent pre-system identification signal has been received, i.e., a system identification inquiry. The high-frequency signal containing the system identification inquiry also includes information representing the ID of outdoor unit 10a itself, i.e., identification number "11", stored in its own ID storage unit 1781a.

[0112] Furthermore, the indoor identification processing units 2583a and 3583a of the indoor units 20a and 30a, which have received prior signals and system identification inquiries, respectively store the identification number "11" representing the ID of the outdoor unit 10a in the outdoor unit ID storage units 2582a and 3582a, or overwrite the information if it has already been stored. Then, as Figure 10 As shown, the indoor identification processing units 2583a and 3583a of indoor units 20a and 30a, which have received prior signals and system identification inquiries, respectively transmit signals indicating their response to the system identification inquiries, i.e., participation requests, as predetermined high-frequency signals. Here, the indoor identification processing unit 2583a of indoor unit 20a includes in its participation request signal information stored in its own ID storage unit 2581a, representing the indoor unit 20a's own ID, i.e., identification number "1". Similarly, the indoor identification processing unit 3583a of indoor unit 30a includes in its participation request signal information stored in its own ID storage unit 3581a, representing the indoor unit 30a's own ID, i.e., identification number "7".

[0113] The outdoor identification processing unit 1783a, which receives participation request signals from each indoor unit 20a and 30a, stores the IDs of each indoor unit 20a and 30a contained in the participation request signals in its own system structure storage unit 1782a, or overwrites the stored information if it already exists. Then, as... Figure 11 As shown, the outdoor identification processing unit 1783a of the outdoor unit 10a, upon receiving a signal requesting participation, sends a signal allowing participation as a specified high-frequency signal to each indoor unit 20a, 30a.

[0114] As described above, the outdoor unit 10a, indoor unit 20a, and indoor unit 30a belonging to refrigerant system A are identified as belonging to the same refrigerant system, and the system identification process for refrigerant system A ends.

[0115] Furthermore, during the phase of exchanging low-frequency signals as prior signals, high-frequency signals containing system identification queries, and signals requesting participation and granting participation, the air conditioning control processing of refrigerant system A continues by using time-division multiplexing communication via communication line 6a within the system. That is, by sharing the time while separating the timing of the transmission path usage during transmission, the air conditioning control processing continues. Additionally, for other refrigerant systems B, C, and D, the air conditioning control processing continues similarly except for indoor unit 30d by using time-division multiplexing communication via communication lines 5 and 6b-d.

[0116] In step S50, it is determined whether there are any unidentified indoor units in the system identification process of step S40. If no unidentified indoor unit is found, the process proceeds to step S70. For example, in the system identification process for the refrigerant system A described above, indoor units 20a and 30a are already installed, and outdoor unit 10a is not unidentified, so the process proceeds to step S70.

[0117] In step S60, for a refrigerant system where an unidentified indoor unit is confirmed to exist, the outdoor air conditioning control unit and the indoor air conditioning control unit stop the air conditioning control process, and the outdoor identification processing unit and the indoor identification processing unit perform system identification processing for the unidentified indoor unit.

[0118] In step S70, the outdoor identification processing units 1783a, 1783b, 1783c, and 1783d of each outdoor unit 10a, 10b, 10c, and 10d determine, through mutual communication, whether the system identification processing for all refrigerant systems has been completed. If it is determined that the system identification processing for all refrigerant systems has been completed, the system identification processing ends. If it cannot be determined that the system identification processing for all systems has been completed, the process proceeds to step S80.

[0119] In step S80, the outdoor unit responsible for identification is changed to an outdoor unit belonging to another refrigerant system, and the process proceeds to step S40.

[0120] Following the above processing, after system identification of outdoor unit 10a of refrigerant system A, system identification processing for refrigerant system B, for example, targeting outdoor unit 10b of refrigerant system B, is then performed. This process is repeated; for example, system identification processing for refrigerant system C, targeting outdoor unit 10c of refrigerant system C, is then performed, followed by system identification processing for refrigerant system D, targeting outdoor unit 10d of refrigerant system D.

[0121] Additionally, if the system identification process for the refrigerant system D, which is responsible for identification by the outdoor unit 10d, is performed in step S40, then... Figure 12 As shown, upon receiving both a prior signal from the outdoor identification processing unit 1783d of the outdoor unit 10d and a system identification inquiry, the indoor identification processing unit 3583d of the indoor unit 30d responds to the outdoor unit 10d by including the information representing the indoor unit 30d's own ID, i.e., identification number "8", stored in its own ID storage unit 3581d in the participation request signal. Here, the outdoor identification processing unit 1783d of the outdoor unit 10d, upon receiving the participation request from the indoor unit 30d, determines, based on the fact that its own system structure storage unit 1782d only stores the IDs of existing indoor units 20d other than the newly connected indoor unit 30d, that there is an unidentified new indoor unit 30d connected in its refrigerant system D, or that there is an unidentified new indoor unit 30d due to repair or component replacement. Thus, if the system identification process in step S40 confirms the existence of an unidentified indoor unit, the judgment result of "Does an unidentified indoor unit exist?" in step S50 is "Yes", and the process proceeds to step S60.

[0122] In addition, in each of the above steps S40, S50, and S60, except for the unidentified indoor unit (indoor unit 30d in this case), the air conditioning control process of each refrigerant system continues by using time-division multiplexing communication method in communication via each communication line 5, 6a, 6b, 6c, and 6d.

[0123] Furthermore, if it is confirmed that a new indoor unit 30d has been connected as described above, then step S60 is performed, as follows: Figure 12As shown, the air conditioning control processing for refrigerant systems A, B, and C continues, while the air conditioning control processing for refrigerant system D is stopped. Specifically, the compressor 11d and outdoor fan 15d of outdoor unit 10d and indoor fan 22a of indoor unit 20d of refrigerant system D are stopped. In addition, indoor unit 30d remains stopped. Furthermore, the indoor identification processing unit 3583d of indoor unit 30d stores the ID, i.e., identification number "14", of outdoor unit 10d of its own refrigerant system D in its outdoor unit ID storage unit 3582d. Moreover, the outdoor identification processing unit 1783d of outdoor unit 10d, in its system structure storage unit 1782d, in addition to the already stored ID, i.e. identification number "2" of indoor unit 20d, also newly stores the ID, i.e. identification number "8" of indoor unit 30d. As described above, outdoor unit 10d, indoor unit 20d, and indoor unit 30d belonging to refrigerant system D can be identified as belonging to the same refrigerant system, and the system identification process for refrigerant system D ends.

[0124] Furthermore, after completing the system identification process for the newly added indoor unit 30d, the outdoor identification processing unit 1783d of the outdoor unit 10d performs an initial transmission of information including information for performing various initial settings to each indoor unit 20d and 30d. After completing the initial settings using known methods, the air conditioning control process for the refrigerant system D, including the indoor unit 30d, is started again.

[0125] (6) Features of the implementation method

[0126] According to the air conditioning system 1 of this embodiment, even when an unidentified air conditioning device (indoor unit 30d) is connected and system identification processing is performed on the unidentified air conditioning device (indoor unit 30d), the air conditioning control processing of the refrigerant system (refrigerant system A, B, C) to which the unidentified air conditioning device (indoor unit 30d) does not belong can continue.

[0127] In addition, for the refrigerant system (refrigerant system D) to which the unidentified air conditioning unit (indoor unit 30d) belongs, the operation of the existing air conditioning units (outdoor unit 10d, indoor unit 20d) can continue until the system identification process for the unidentified air conditioning unit (indoor unit 30d) begins.

[0128] Specifically, by using time-division multiplexing communication on communication lines 5 and 6a-d, during the timing of sending signals for air conditioning control processing, the transmission of signals for system identification processing is temporarily delayed. If no signals for air conditioning control processing are sent, the signals for system identification processing are retransmitted. This allows system identification processing to proceed without interrupting air conditioning control processing.

[0129] Based on the above, even when system identification is performed on unidentified air conditioning equipment, the deterioration of comfort in the air-conditioned space can be minimized by continuing air conditioning control processing based on the existing air conditioning equipment.

[0130] Furthermore, in this embodiment, communication across the refrigerant system (limited to signals using a specified high frequency) and communication within the refrigerant system are distinguished, allowing signals to be sent only to the refrigerant system, thus making system identification of air conditioning equipment existing within the refrigerant system easier.

[0131] (7) Other implementation methods

[0132] In the above embodiments, the case in which air conditioning control processing and system identification processing are performed simultaneously through time-division multiplexing transmission is described as an example.

[0133] In contrast, the transmission method for ensuring uninterrupted air conditioning control processing is not limited to this; known communication methods such as half-duplex communication to avoid collisions, the winner mode of CSMA / CD (Carrier Sense Multiple Access / Collision Detection), and AMI coding can be used. For example, frequency division multiplexing communication can also be used by setting the frequency of the signal used in the air conditioning control processing and the frequency of the signal used in the system identification processing to different frequency bands.

[0134] (Postscript)

[0135] The embodiments of this disclosure have been described above, but it should be understood that various changes in manner and details can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure as set forth in the claims.

[0136] Label Explanation

[0137] 1: Air conditioning system

[0138] 5: External communication lines

[0139] 6a-d: Communication lines within the system

[0140] 10a-d: Outdoor unit (air conditioning equipment)

[0141] 20a-d: Indoor unit (air conditioning equipment)

[0142] 30a-c: Indoor unit (air conditioning equipment)

[0143] 30d: Indoor unit (unidentified air conditioning unit)

[0144] A~D: Refrigerant System

[0145] Existing technical documents

[0146] Patent documents

[0147] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2003-90585

Claims

1. An air conditioning system (1) having multiple refrigerant systems (A, B, C, D), wherein the refrigerant circuits of each refrigerant system (A, B, C, D) are independent of each other, and multiple air conditioning units (10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d, 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d) belonging to the same refrigerant system (A, B, C, D) are connected via communication lines (6a, 6b, 6c, 6d) within the system, and multiple air conditioning units (10a, 10b, 10c, 10d) belonging to different refrigerant systems are connected via communication lines (5) outside the system, characterized in that, For multiple air conditioning units belonging to the same refrigerant system, control processing and identification processing can be performed simultaneously via transmission at least through communication lines within the system. The identification process is initiated by the unidentified air conditioning device (30d) sending a start request. The identification process involves the following steps: When the communication between air conditioning units belonging to different refrigerant systems via external communication lines is interrupted, one air conditioning unit identifies the presence of other air conditioning units belonging to the same refrigerant system by transmitting data via internal communication lines. In the identification process, the air conditioning unit belonging to the refrigerant system of the unconnected and unidentified air conditioning unit (30d) circulates the refrigerant by continuing the control process. At least during the execution of the identification process, from the confirmation of the unidentified air conditioning unit (30d) until the completion of the identification process for the unidentified air conditioning unit, the control process in the refrigerant system to which the unidentified air conditioning unit belongs is not executed. In the identification process where no unidentified refrigerant system of the air conditioning unit (30d) is confirmed, the identification process is performed while the control process is being executed via transmission through the communication line within the system.

2. The air conditioning system according to claim 1, wherein, The identification process is performed by having the air conditioning unit store the IDs of other air conditioning units belonging to the same refrigerant system as itself.

3. The air conditioning system according to claim 1, wherein, The control processing and the identification processing are performed through time-division multiplexed transmission.

4. The air conditioning system according to claim 1, wherein, The control processing and the identification processing are performed through frequency division multiplexing transmission.

5. The air conditioning system according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein, The air conditioning unit is assigned an ID based on an identifier inherent to the air conditioning unit.

6. The air conditioning system according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein, The control process includes at least one of the following: capacity control of the air conditioning equipment and selection control of the control mode of the air conditioning equipment.

7. An air conditioning device, which is an air conditioning device in an air conditioning system (1), the air conditioning system (1) having multiple refrigerant systems (A, B, C, D), the refrigerant circuits of each refrigerant system (A, B, C, D) being independent of each other, and multiple air conditioning devices (10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d, 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d) belonging to the same refrigerant system (A, B, C, D) being connected via communication lines (6a, 6b, 6c, 6d) within the system, and multiple air conditioning devices (10a, 10b, 10c, 10d) belonging to different refrigerant systems being connected via communication lines (5) outside the system, characterized in that, Between the air conditioning unit and other air conditioning units belonging to the same refrigerant system, control processing and identification processing can be performed simultaneously via transmission, at least through communication lines within the system. The identification process is initiated by the unidentified air conditioning device (30d) sending a start request. The identification process includes the following steps: When the communication between air conditioning units belonging to different refrigerant systems via external communication lines is interrupted, the air conditioning unit identifies the presence of other air conditioning units belonging to the same refrigerant system by transmitting data via internal communication lines. In the identification process, the air conditioning unit belonging to the refrigerant system of the unconnected and unidentified air conditioning unit (30d) circulates the refrigerant by continuing the control process. At least during the execution of the identification process, from the confirmation of the unidentified air conditioning unit (30d) until the completion of the identification process for the unidentified air conditioning unit, the control process in the refrigerant system to which the unidentified air conditioning unit belongs is not executed. In the identification process where no unidentified refrigerant system of the air conditioning unit (30d) is confirmed, the identification process is performed while the control process is being executed via transmission through the communication line within the system.

8. The air conditioning equipment according to claim 7, wherein, The identification process is performed by having the air conditioning unit store the IDs of other air conditioning units belonging to the same refrigerant system as itself.

9. A method for identifying air conditioning equipment, which is a method for identifying air conditioning equipment in an air conditioning system (1), wherein the air conditioning system (1) has multiple refrigerant systems (A, B, C, D), the refrigerant circuits of each refrigerant system (A, B, C, D) are independent of each other, and multiple air conditioning equipment (10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d, 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d) belonging to the same refrigerant system (A, B, C, D) are connected via communication lines (6a, 6b, 6c, 6d) within the system, and multiple air conditioning equipment (10a, 10b, 10c, 10d) belonging to different refrigerant systems are connected via communication lines (5) outside the system, characterized in that, For multiple air conditioning units belonging to the same refrigerant system, control processing and identification processing are performed simultaneously via transmission at least through communication lines within the system. The identification process is initiated by the unidentified air conditioning device (30d) sending a start request. The identification process involves the following steps: When the communication between air conditioning units belonging to different refrigerant systems via external communication lines is interrupted, one air conditioning unit identifies the presence of other air conditioning units belonging to the same refrigerant system by transmitting data via internal communication lines. In the identification process, the air conditioning unit belonging to the refrigerant system of the unconnected and unidentified air conditioning unit (30d) circulates the refrigerant by continuing the control process. At least during the execution of the identification process, from the confirmation of the unidentified air conditioning unit (30d) until the completion of the identification process for the unidentified air conditioning unit, the control process in the refrigerant system to which the unidentified air conditioning unit belongs is not executed. In the identification process where no unidentified refrigerant system of the air conditioning unit (30d) is confirmed, the identification process is performed while the control process is being executed via transmission through the communication line within the system.

10. The method for identifying air conditioning equipment according to claim 9, wherein, The identification process is performed by having the air conditioning unit store the IDs of other air conditioning units belonging to the same refrigerant system as itself.

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