Air conditioner control system, information processing device, and air conditioner control method

Abstract

An air conditioner control system includes a control unit for controlling the air conditioner, the control unit executing first refrigerant detection control for detecting refrigerant leaks in the air conditioner based on the state of the refrigerant when the air conditioner is in operation or the refrigerant pressure when the air conditioner is stopped, every first given period, and executing second refrigerant detection control for detecting refrigerant leaks in the air conditioner while performing refrigerant leak detection operation, if a second given period has passed since the air conditioner was last operated.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an air conditioner control system, an information processing device and an air conditioner control method. Background Art

[0002] In the past, a refrigerant quantity determination system was known that automatically or manually switches the operation mode of the refrigeration cycle device from the normal operation mode to the refrigerant quantity determination operation mode when a certain period of cooling operation or heating operation has passed, and can remotely monitor whether the refrigerant has leaked from the refrigerant circuit to the outside (for example, see Patent Document 1).

[0003] <Prior Art Literature>

[0004] <Patent Document>

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-079842 Summary of the Invention

[0006] <Problems to be Solved by the Invention>

[0007] Patent Document 1 describes switching the refrigeration cycle device's operating mode from normal operation to refrigerant quantity determination operation mode during periods when air conditioning is not required, such as weekends or late at night, to detect refrigerant leaks. However, Patent Document 1 does not describe a simplified method for detecting refrigerant leaks.

[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide an air conditioner control system, an information processing device, and an air conditioner control method that can perform refrigerant leakage detection with ease.

[0009] <Methods used to solve the problem>

[0010] A first embodiment of the present invention is an air conditioner control system, which has a control unit for controlling the air conditioner, wherein the control unit executes a first refrigerant detection control for detecting refrigerant leakage of the air conditioner according to the state of the refrigerant when the air conditioner is in operation or the refrigerant pressure when the air conditioner is in shutdown at intervals of a first given period, and executes a second refrigerant detection control for detecting refrigerant leakage of the air conditioner while performing an operation for detecting refrigerant leakage of the air conditioner when a second given period has passed since the air conditioner was last operated.

[0011] According to the first aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide an air conditioner control system that can perform refrigerant leakage detection with ease.

[0012] According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the air conditioner control system of the first aspect, if the control unit does not perform refrigerant leakage detection of the air conditioner based on the state of the refrigerant when the air conditioner is in operation within the first given period, the control unit performs refrigerant leakage detection of the air conditioner based on the refrigerant pressure when the air conditioner is in a stopped state.

[0013] According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the air conditioner control system of the first or second aspect, the control unit performs control for notifying a notification destination of the refrigerant leakage or recommending inspection of the air conditioner when the result of the second refrigerant detection control indicates that there is a refrigerant leakage.

[0014] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in an air conditioner control system described in any one of the first to third aspects, the second refrigerant detection control is a control for refrigerant leakage detection of the air conditioner according to the state of the refrigerant in the air conditioner while operating the air conditioner with a load of more than 70% of its capacity.

[0015] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the air conditioner control system of the fourth aspect, the second refrigerant detection control is a control for detecting refrigerant leakage of the air conditioner based on a state of the refrigerant in the air conditioner after the operation with the load applied has been performed for a third predetermined time or longer.

[0016] A sixth aspect of the present invention is the air conditioner control system according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the second predetermined period is less than three months.

[0017] A seventh aspect of the present invention is the air conditioner control system according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, wherein the control unit records information indicating that the second refrigerant detection control is executed.

[0018] An eighth embodiment of the present invention is an information processing device comprising a control unit for controlling an air conditioner, the control unit executing a first refrigerant detection control for detecting refrigerant leakage of the air conditioner based on the state of the refrigerant when the air conditioner is in operation or the refrigerant pressure when the air conditioner is in operation every first given period, and executing a second refrigerant detection control for detecting refrigerant leakage of the air conditioner while performing an operation for detecting refrigerant leakage of the air conditioner when a second given period has passed since the air conditioner was last operated.

[0019] According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide an information processing device that can perform refrigerant leakage detection with ease.

[0020] A ninth aspect of the present invention is an air conditioner control method, which is executed by the control unit of an air conditioner control system having a control unit for controlling the air conditioner. In the air conditioner control method, a first refrigerant detection control is executed for detecting refrigerant leakage of the air conditioner according to the state of the refrigerant when the air conditioner is in operation or the refrigerant pressure when the air conditioner is in operation, every first given period. When a second given period has passed since the air conditioner last operated, a second refrigerant detection control is executed for detecting refrigerant leakage of the air conditioner while performing the operation for detecting refrigerant leakage of the air conditioner.

[0021] According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide an air conditioner control method that can perform refrigerant leakage detection with ease. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Figure 1 This is a configuration diagram of an example of an air conditioner control system according to this embodiment.

[0023] Figure 2 This is a hardware configuration diagram of an example of a computer according to this embodiment.

[0024] Figure 3 This is a flowchart of an example of air conditioner control processing performed by the air conditioner control system according to the present embodiment.

[0025] Figure 4 This is a sequence diagram of an example of air conditioner control processing performed by the air conditioner control system according to the present embodiment.

[0026] Figure 5 This is a sequence diagram of an example of air conditioner control processing performed by the air conditioner control system according to the present embodiment.

[0027] Figure 6 This is a sequence diagram of an example of air conditioner control processing performed by the air conditioner control system according to the present embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0029] [First embodiment]

[0030] System Structure

[0031] Figure 1This is a structural diagram of an example of an air conditioner control system according to this embodiment. The air conditioner control system 1 includes an air conditioner 10, an edge device 20, a server device 30, and an administrator terminal 40. The air conditioner 10 and the edge device 20 are communicatively connected via a dedicated communication line, for example. The edge device 20, the server device 30, and the administrator terminal 40 are communicatively connected via a network 50, such as the Internet.

[0032] The air conditioner 10 includes one or more indoor units 12 and one or more outdoor units 14 . Figure 1 The number of indoor units 12 and outdoor units 14 included in the air conditioner 10 is an example. The indoor units 12 and outdoor units 14 included in the air conditioner 10 are communicably connected. The air conditioner 10 is an example of a device that circulates a refrigerant such as freon to perform a refrigeration cycle.

[0033] To detect refrigerant leaks as early as possible, the Freon Emission Control Act mandates that equipment using CFCs undergo simple and regular inspections. The IoT (Internet of Things) system is one method for simple inspections. When using the IoT system, regulations stipulate that "depending on the type of first-class specified product being managed, each refrigerant system should measure pressure, temperature, and other status values ​​necessary for leak detection. Furthermore, the frequency of these inspections should be set at least once a day."

[0034] If the air conditioner 10 is operating, refrigerant leakage inspection can be performed based on the refrigerant's status during operation. Furthermore, refrigerant leakage inspection can be performed once a day based on changes in refrigerant pressure, even when the air conditioner 10 is not operating. However, if the air conditioner 10 has not been operated for more than three months, the Freon Emission Suppression Act requires inspection at the site where the air conditioner 10 is installed.

[0035] Refrigerant leak detection for an air conditioner 10 based on the refrigerant pressure when the air conditioner 10 is stopped is less accurate than refrigerant leak detection based on the refrigerant state while the air conditioner 10 is operating. Furthermore, if refrigerant leak detection for an air conditioner 10 based on the refrigerant state while the air conditioner 10 is operating has not been performed for more than three months, it is necessary to dispatch maintenance personnel to the site where the air conditioner 10 is installed to perform a spot check on the air conditioner 10.

[0036] Therefore, the air conditioner control system 1 according to this embodiment performs a simplified refrigerant leak check based on changes in refrigerant pressure while the air conditioner 10 is stopped, even when the air conditioner 10 is not in operation. This ensures that refrigerant leak checks are performed once a day, as an example of the first predetermined period. Furthermore, the air conditioner control system 1 according to this embodiment controls the air conditioner 10 so that the interval between refrigerant leak checks, performed based on the refrigerant state during operation, does not exceed three months, as an example of the second predetermined period.

[0037] Therefore, the air conditioner control system 1 involved in this embodiment will not fail to perform refrigerant leakage detection of the air conditioner 10 based on the state of the refrigerant in the operating air conditioner 10 for more than three months, and there is no need to dispatch maintenance personnel to the site where the air conditioner 10 is installed.

[0038] Furthermore, the air conditioner control system 1 according to this embodiment performs a simple spot check for refrigerant leaks at least once a day based on the refrigerant pressure during shutdown. Furthermore, the interval between refrigerant leak detections, performed with high accuracy based on the state of the refrigerant during operation, ensures accuracy and does not exceed the second predetermined period. Therefore, even if the simple spot check results in an erroneous detection, the air conditioner control system 1 according to this embodiment can still detect refrigerant leaks with high accuracy based on the state of the refrigerant during operation before the second predetermined period has expired, thereby suppressing the amount of refrigerant leakage.

[0039] The edge device 20 transmits the data output by the air conditioner 10 to the server device 30 via the network 50 . Furthermore, the edge device 20 transmits the data output by the server device 30 to the air conditioner 10 via the network 50 .

[0040] The server device 30 receives data output from the air conditioner 10 from the edge device 20 via the network 50 . Furthermore, the server device 30 transmits data output to the air conditioner 10 to the edge device 20 .

[0041] The administrator terminal 40 is an information processing terminal operated by a user who manages the air conditioner 10 (e.g., an administrator managing the building where the air conditioner 10 is installed, or a maintenance technician responsible for the air conditioner 10). The administrator terminal 40 displays data received from the air conditioner 10, the edge device 20, or the server device 30, and notifies the user. For example, the administrator terminal 40 may display a notification of a refrigerant leak or a recommendation for inspection of the air conditioner 10. The administrator terminal 40 is an information processing terminal such as a PC, smartphone, or tablet.

[0042] The air conditioner control system 1 has a control program installed in at least one of the air conditioner 10, the edge device 20, and the server device 30. The air conditioner 10 can function as the control unit 16 by executing the control program. The edge device 20 can function as the control unit 22 by executing the control program. Furthermore, the server device 30 can function as the control unit 32 by executing the control program.

[0043] In addition, Figure 1 , the air conditioner 10, the edge device 20, and the server device 30 include an example of a control unit 16, 22, or 32, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Figure 1 The air conditioner control system 1 only needs to have a configuration including at least one of the control units 16 , 22 , and 32 .

[0044] The control units 16, 22, and 32 control the air conditioner 10. As described below, the control units 16, 22, and 32 perform refrigerant leak detection for the air conditioner 10 under a first refrigerant detection control and a second refrigerant detection control. The first refrigerant detection control performs refrigerant leak detection for the air conditioner 10 every first predetermined period based on the refrigerant state while the air conditioner 10 is operating or the refrigerant pressure while the air conditioner 10 is stopped. The second refrigerant detection control performs refrigerant leak detection for the air conditioner 10 while the air conditioner 10 is operating for refrigerant leak detection after a second predetermined period has passed since the air conditioner 10 last operated. For example, the control unit 32 of the server device 30 can remotely control the air conditioner 10 via the network 50.

[0045] Figure 1 The structure of the air conditioner control system 1 is an example, and the server device 30 can also be implemented by one or more information processing devices. The server device 30 can also be implemented as a cloud computing service. It goes without saying that Figure 1 The configuration of the air conditioner control system 1 includes various system configuration examples depending on the application and purpose.

[0046] <Hardware Structure>

[0047] Figure 1 The edge device 20, the server device 30 and the administrator terminal 40 are connected to each other through Figure 2 The computer 500 of the hardware configuration shown is implemented. In addition, the air conditioner 10 includes a controller similar to the computer 500 that can execute a control program.

[0048] Figure 2This is a hardware configuration diagram of an example of a computer according to this embodiment. Figure 2 The computer 500 includes an input device 501, a display device 502, an external I / F 503, a RAM 504, a ROM 505, a CPU 506, a communication I / F 507, and an HDD 508, which are interconnected via a bus B. The input device 501 and the display device 502 may be connected and used as needed.

[0049] The input device 501 includes a touch panel, operation keys or buttons, a keyboard, a mouse, or the like, for the user to input various signals. The display device 502 includes a display such as a liquid crystal or organic EL display for displaying a screen, and a speaker for outputting sound, music, and other audio data. The communication I / F 507 is an interface for the computer 500 to communicate data via a network.

[0050] HDD 508 is an example of a nonvolatile storage device that stores programs and data. Stored programs and data include the operating system (OS), which is the basic software that controls the entire computer 500, and application programs that provide various functions on the OS. Alternatively, computer 500 may utilize a drive device (e.g., a solid-state drive (SSD)) that uses flash memory as a storage medium, instead of HDD 508.

[0051] External I / F 503 is an interface with external devices. External devices include recording media 503a, etc. Thus, computer 500 can read and write to recording media 503a via external I / F 503. Recording media 503a include floppy disks, CDs, DVDs, SD memory cards, USB memories, etc.

[0052] ROM 505 is an example of a nonvolatile semiconductor memory (storage device) that can retain programs and data even when the power is turned off. ROM 505 stores programs and data such as the BIOS, OS settings, and network settings that are executed when the computer 500 is started. RAM 504 is an example of a volatile semiconductor memory (storage device) that temporarily retains programs and data.

[0053] The CPU 506 is an arithmetic device that realizes the overall control and functions of the computer 500 by reading programs and data from a storage device such as the ROM 505 or the HDD 508 to the RAM 504 and executing the processing. The CPU 506 is an example of the control unit 16 , 22 or 32 .

[0054] <Processing>

[0055] Figure 1 The air conditioner control system 1 is as follows, for example Figure 3 The air conditioner control process is performed as shown. Figure 31 is a flowchart of an example of air conditioner control processing performed by the air conditioner control system according to the present embodiment. Here, an example in which the control unit 32 of the server device 30 remotely controls the air conditioner 10 via the network 50 will be described.

[0056] In step S10, the control unit 32 determines whether the air conditioner 10 is operating. If the air conditioner 10 is operating, the control unit 32 proceeds to step S12, where it performs a refrigerant leak detection process based on the state of the refrigerant in operation, part of the refrigerant leak detection process under the first refrigerant detection control of the air conditioner 10. If the results of the refrigerant leak detection process indicate a refrigerant leak, the control unit 32 displays a refrigerant leak notification or a recommendation for inspection of the air conditioner 10 on the administrator terminal 40, which serves as an example of a notification destination. In this way, while the air conditioner 10 is operating, the air conditioner 10 determines whether there is a refrigerant leak based on the state of the refrigerant in operation.

[0057] If the air conditioner 10 is not operating, the control unit 32 skips step S12 and proceeds to step S14. In step S14, the control unit 32 determines whether one day, an example of the first predetermined period, has elapsed. If one day has not elapsed, the control unit 32 returns to step S10.

[0058] If one day has passed, the control unit 32 proceeds to step S16. In step S16, the control unit 32 determines whether refrigerant leak detection has been performed during the one-day period. If refrigerant leak detection has been performed during the one-day period, the control unit 32 determines that a refrigerant leak inspection has been performed once a day, and the control unit 32 returns to step S10.

[0059] If the refrigerant leak detection process has not been performed during the day, it is determined that the daily refrigerant leak inspection has not been performed, and the control unit 32 proceeds to step S18. In step S18, the control unit 32 performs the refrigerant leak detection process based on the first refrigerant detection control of the air conditioner 10, which detects refrigerant leaks based on the refrigerant pressure when the air conditioner 10 is stopped.

[0060] The refrigerant leak detection process, which detects refrigerant leaks based on the refrigerant pressure while the air conditioner 10 is stopped, is a control example for performing simplified (simple) refrigerant leak detection, eliminating the need for refrigerant leak detection operation of the air conditioner 10. This process detects refrigerant leaks based on the refrigerant pressure while the air conditioner 10 is stopped by detecting the refrigerant pressure using a pressure sensor to determine a refrigerant leak. If the results of the refrigerant leak detection process indicate a refrigerant leak, the control unit 32 displays a refrigerant leak notification or a recommendation to inspect the air conditioner 10 on the administrator terminal 40, which serves as an example of a notification destination.

[0061] In step S20, the control unit 32 determines whether a second predetermined period has elapsed since the air conditioner 10 was last operated. The second predetermined period is, for example, less than three months. The second predetermined period is shorter than a period during which it would be necessary to dispatch maintenance personnel to the site where the air conditioner 10 is installed, for example, in consideration of the Freon emission control law.

[0062] If the second predetermined period has not elapsed since the air conditioner 10 last operated, the control unit 32 returns to the process of step S10. If the second predetermined period has elapsed since the air conditioner 10 last operated, the control unit 32 proceeds to the process of step S22.

[0063] In step S22, the control unit 32 performs refrigerant leak detection processing based on the second refrigerant detection control of the air conditioner 10. The refrigerant leak detection processing based on the second refrigerant detection control of the air conditioner 10 is a refrigerant leak detection processing that detects refrigerant leaks in the air conditioner 10 while the air conditioner 10 is operating for refrigerant leak detection. The refrigerant leak detection processing based on the second refrigerant detection control can detect refrigerant leaks based on the state of the refrigerant in the air conditioner 10 while operating at a load of a predetermined value (e.g., 70% or more). For example, the refrigerant leak detection processing based on the second refrigerant detection control of the air conditioner 10 can operate at a load of a predetermined value (e.g., 70% or more) for a predetermined period of time (e.g., approximately one hour) or longer, and then detect refrigerant leaks in the air conditioner 10 based on the temperature and refrigerant pressure of the air conditioner 10 after the refrigerant in the air conditioner 10 stabilizes. For example, operation with a load of 70% or more means operation with a load of 70% or more of the rated capacity of the outdoor unit 14 (operation in which the capacity of the operating indoor unit 12 is 70% or more of the rated capacity of the outdoor unit 14). As another example, operation with a load of 70% or more may mean operation with a load of 70% or more of the number of connected indoor units 12, or operation with a load of 70% or more of the total capacity of the indoor units 12 connected to the same system.

[0064] If the result of the refrigerant leakage detection process indicates the presence of refrigerant leakage, the control unit 32 displays a notification of the presence of refrigerant leakage or a recommendation for inspection of the air conditioner 10 on the manager terminal 40 , which is an example of a notification destination.

[0065] In this manner, the air conditioner control system 1 according to the present embodiment performs the refrigerant leakage detection process based on the first refrigerant detection control, which includes a simple refrigerant leakage detection process for detecting refrigerant leakage based on the refrigerant pressure during shutdown, every first predetermined period, thereby ensuring a refrigerant leakage inspection once a day.

[0066] Furthermore, the air conditioner control system 1 according to this embodiment can accurately detect refrigerant leaks based on the state of the refrigerant in operation more than three months after the air conditioner 10 was last operated. The air conditioner control system 1 according to this embodiment can easily and accurately detect refrigerant leaks.

[0067] Figure 4 This is a sequence diagram of an example of air conditioner control processing performed by the air conditioner control system according to the present embodiment. Here, an example in which the control unit 32 of the server device 30 remotely controls the air conditioner 10 via the network 50 will be described.

[0068] In step S30, the air conditioner 10 notifies the edge device 20 of the start of operation. The edge device 20 notifies the control unit 32 of the server device 30 of the start of operation. In step S34, the control unit 32 requests the edge device 20 to perform a refrigerant leak detection process based on the first refrigerant detection control during operation of the air conditioner 10. In step S36, the edge device 20 requests the air conditioner 10 to perform a refrigerant leak detection process based on the first refrigerant detection control during operation.

[0069] In step S38, the air conditioner 10 performs refrigerant leakage detection processing based on the first refrigerant detection control during operation according to the request received from the edge device 20. Here, the description will be continued assuming that the result of the first refrigerant detection control during operation in step S38 does not show refrigerant leakage.

[0070] In step S40, the air conditioner 10 notifies the edge device 20 that there is no refrigerant leakage. In step S42, the edge device 20 notifies the control unit 32 of the server device 30 that there is no refrigerant leakage. The control unit 32 records the notified result of the refrigerant leakage detection process.

[0071] In step S44, the control unit 32 determines whether refrigerant leak detection processing has been performed on the air conditioner 10 during a single day, which is an example of the first predetermined period. Here, since refrigerant leak detection processing based on the first refrigerant detection control during operation was performed in step S38, the control unit 32 determines that refrigerant leak detection processing has been performed once a day. Since the control unit 32 determines that refrigerant leak detection processing has been performed once a day, it does not request the air conditioner 10 to perform refrigerant leak detection processing based on refrigerant pressure during shutdown.

[0072] In step S46, the control unit 32 determines whether refrigerant leak detection processing has been performed on the air conditioner 10 during the day. Here, it is assumed that the refrigerant leak detection processing has not been performed once a day. Since the control unit 32 has determined that the refrigerant leak detection processing has not been performed once a day, the process proceeds to step S48.

[0073] In step S48, the control unit 32 requests the edge device 20 to perform refrigerant leakage detection based on the first refrigerant detection control during shutdown. In step S50, the edge device 20 requests the air conditioner 10 to perform refrigerant leakage detection based on the first refrigerant detection control during shutdown.

[0074] In step S52, the air conditioner 10 performs refrigerant leakage detection processing using the first refrigerant detection control during shutdown in response to a request received from the edge device 20. Here, the description will be continued assuming that the result of the first refrigerant detection control during shutdown in step S52 does not show refrigerant leakage.

[0075] In step S54, the air conditioner 10 notifies the edge device 20 that there is no refrigerant leakage. In step S56, the edge device 20 notifies the control unit 32 of the server device 30 that there is no refrigerant leakage. The control unit 32 records the notified refrigerant leakage detection result.

[0076] In step S58, the control unit 32 determines whether the second predetermined period has elapsed since the last operation of the air conditioner 10. Here, it is assumed that the second predetermined period has elapsed since the last operation of the air conditioner 10.

[0077] In step S60, the control unit 32 requests the edge device 20 to perform refrigerant leakage detection processing based on the second refrigerant detection control. In step S62, the edge device 20 requests the air conditioner 10 to perform refrigerant leakage detection processing based on the second refrigerant detection control.

[0078] In step S64, the air conditioner 10 performs refrigerant leakage detection processing using the second refrigerant detection control in response to the request received from the edge device 20. Here, the description will be continued assuming that the result of the second refrigerant detection control in step S64 indicates refrigerant leakage.

[0079] In step S66, the air conditioner 10 notifies the edge device 20 of the refrigerant leakage. In step S68, the edge device 20 notifies the control unit 32 of the server device 30 of the refrigerant leakage.

[0080] Since the result of the second refrigerant detection control in step S64 indicates a refrigerant leak, the control unit 32 performs a process of notifying the administrator terminal 40, which is an example of a notification destination, of the refrigerant leak in step S70. Alternatively, the notification in step S70 may be a process of recommending an inspection of the air conditioner 10. In step S72, the administrator terminal 40 displays a notification of the refrigerant leak or a recommendation for an inspection of the air conditioner 10. Alternatively, the notification in step S70 may be a notification that the air conditioner 10 has executed refrigerant leak detection based on the second refrigerant detection control.

[0081] Furthermore, before requesting the edge device 20 to perform the refrigerant leak detection process based on the second refrigerant detection control of the air conditioner 10 in step S60, the control unit 32 may inquire of the user of the administrator terminal 40 whether the refrigerant leak detection process based on the second refrigerant detection control of the air conditioner 10 can be executed. For example, the control unit 32 may cause the administrator terminal 40 to display a screen inquiring whether the refrigerant leak detection process based on the second refrigerant detection control of the air conditioner 10 can be executed, allowing the user to select whether to perform the process.

[0082] Figure 4 The sequence diagram is an example of the control unit 32 of the server device 30 determining whether the refrigerant leakage detection process based on the first refrigerant detection control of the air conditioner 10 and the refrigerant leakage detection process based on the second refrigerant detection control need to be executed. Whether the refrigerant leakage detection process based on the first refrigerant detection control of the air conditioner 10 and the refrigerant leakage detection process based on the second refrigerant detection control need to be executed can also be determined, for example, as follows Figure 5 The air conditioner 10 makes the determination as shown in the sequence diagram.

[0083] Figure 5 This is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of air conditioner control processing performed by the air conditioner control system according to this embodiment. This example describes an example in which the controller 16 of the air conditioner 10 determines whether or not refrigerant leak detection processing based on the first refrigerant detection control and refrigerant leak detection processing based on the second refrigerant detection control can be executed.

[0084] In step S90, the control unit 16 of the air conditioner 10 performs refrigerant leakage detection processing based on the first refrigerant detection control during operation when the operation starts. Here, the description continues assuming that the result of the first refrigerant detection control during operation in step S90 does not show refrigerant leakage.

[0085] In step S92, the air conditioner 10 notifies the edge device 20 that there is no refrigerant leakage. In step S94, the edge device 20 notifies the control unit 32 of the server device 30 that there is no refrigerant leakage. The control unit 32 records the notified refrigerant leakage detection result.

[0086] In step S96, the control unit 16 determines whether the refrigerant leak detection process has been performed during a period of one day, which is an example of the first predetermined period. Here, since the refrigerant leak detection process based on the first refrigerant detection control during operation has been performed in step S90, it is determined that the refrigerant leak detection process has been performed once a day. Figure 5 In the example of , since it is determined that the refrigerant leakage detection process is performed once a day, the refrigerant leakage detection process of detecting refrigerant leakage based on the refrigerant pressure during shutdown is not performed.

[0087] In step S98, the control unit 16 determines whether refrigerant leak detection processing has been performed during the day. Here, it is assumed that the refrigerant leak detection processing has not been performed once a day. If the control unit 16 determines that the refrigerant leak detection processing has not been performed once a day, the process proceeds to step S100.

[0088] In step S100, the control unit 16 performs refrigerant leakage detection processing based on the first refrigerant detection control during shutdown. Here, the description will be continued assuming that the result of the first refrigerant detection control during shutdown in step S100 does not show refrigerant leakage.

[0089] In step S102, the air conditioner 10 notifies the edge device 20 that there is no refrigerant leakage. In step S104, the edge device 20 notifies the control unit 32 of the server device 30 that there is no refrigerant leakage. The control unit 32 records the notified refrigerant leakage detection result.

[0090] In step S106, the control unit 16 determines whether the second predetermined period has elapsed since the last operation of the air conditioner 10. Here, it is assumed that the second predetermined period has elapsed since the last operation of the air conditioner 10.

[0091] In step S108, the control unit 16 performs refrigerant leakage detection processing based on the second refrigerant detection control. Here, the description is continued assuming that the result of the second refrigerant detection control in step S108 indicates refrigerant leakage.

[0092] In step S110, the control unit 16 notifies the edge device 20 of the presence of a refrigerant leak. In step S112, the edge device 20 notifies the control unit 32 of the server device 30 of the presence of a refrigerant leak.

[0093] Since the result of the second refrigerant detection control in step S108 indicates a refrigerant leak, the control unit 32 performs a process of notifying the administrator terminal 40, which is an example of a notification destination, of the refrigerant leak in step S114. Alternatively, the notification in step S114 may be a process of recommending an inspection of the air conditioner 10. In step S116, the administrator terminal 40 displays a notification of the refrigerant leak or a recommendation to inspect the air conditioner 10.

[0094] The control unit 32 of the server device 30 manages the refrigerant leakage detection by the first refrigerant detection control and the results of the first refrigerant detection control. Result notifications from the air conditioner 10 to the server device 30 may be collectively sent to the server device 30 as a daily report.

[0095] Whether the refrigerant leakage detection process based on the first refrigerant detection control of the air conditioner 10 and the refrigerant leakage detection process based on the second refrigerant detection control need to be performed can also be determined as follows: Figure 6 As shown, the control is performed in a distributed manner by the control unit 16 of the air conditioner 10 and the control unit 32 of the server device 30 . Figure 6 This is a sequence diagram of an example of air conditioner control processing performed by the air conditioner control system according to the present embodiment.

[0096] In addition, the processing of steps S130 to S144 is the same as Figure 5 Steps S90 to S104 are the same, so their description is omitted.

[0097] In step S146, the control unit 32 determines whether the second predetermined period has elapsed since the last operation of the air conditioner 10. Here, it is assumed that the second predetermined period has elapsed since the last operation of the air conditioner 10.

[0098] In step S148, the control unit 32 requests the edge device 20 to perform refrigerant leakage detection processing based on the second refrigerant detection control. In step S150, the edge device 20 requests the air conditioner 10 to perform refrigerant leakage detection processing based on the second refrigerant detection control.

[0099] In step S152, the air conditioner 10 performs refrigerant leakage detection processing using the second refrigerant detection control in response to the request received from the edge device 20. Here, the description will be continued assuming that the result of the second refrigerant detection control in step S152 indicates refrigerant leakage.

[0100] In step S154, the air conditioner 10 notifies the edge device 20 of the refrigerant leakage. In step S156, the edge device 20 notifies the control unit 32 of the server device 30 of the refrigerant leakage.

[0101] Since the result of the second refrigerant detection control in step S152 indicates a refrigerant leak, the control unit 32 performs a process in step S158 to notify the administrator terminal 40, which is an example of a notification destination, of the refrigerant leak. Alternatively, the notification in step S158 may be a process of recommending an inspection of the air conditioner 10. In step S160, the administrator terminal 40 displays a notification of the refrigerant leak or a recommendation to inspect the air conditioner 10.

[0102] exist Figures 4 to 6 The sequence diagram shows an example in which the control unit 32 of the server device 30 or the control unit 16 of the air conditioner 10 determines whether the refrigerant leakage detection processing based on the first refrigerant detection control of the air conditioner 10 and the refrigerant leakage detection processing based on the second refrigerant detection control need to be executed, but it can also be performed by the control unit 22 of the edge device 20.

[0103] According to the air conditioner control system 1 of this embodiment, for example, on days when the air conditioner 10 is operating, refrigerant leak detection is performed based on the state of the refrigerant during operation. Furthermore, according to the air conditioner control system 1 of this embodiment, for example, on days when the air conditioner 10 is not operating, refrigerant leak detection is performed based on the refrigerant pressure during shutdown.

[0104] When the air conditioner 10 continues to be inoperative, the second refrigerant detection control for performing refrigerant leakage detection operation can be executed so that the days of refrigerant leakage detection based on the refrigerant pressure during inoperative operation do not exceed the second predetermined period.

[0105] The present embodiment is described above, but it will be understood that various changes in mode and detail can be made without departing from the subject matter and scope of the claims. The present invention is described above based on the embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope described in the claims. This application claims priority to basic application No. 2022-158318 filed with the Japan Patent Office on September 30, 2022, and all of its contents are incorporated herein by reference.

[0106] Explanation of symbols

[0107] 1: Air conditioner control system

[0108] 10: Air conditioner

[0109] 12: Indoor unit

[0110] 14: Outdoor unit

[0111] 16, 22, 32: Control Department

[0112] 20: Edge Devices

[0113] 30: Server device

[0114] 40: Administrator terminal

[0115] 50: Network.

Claims

1. An air conditioner control system comprising a control unit for controlling an air conditioner, The control unit executes a first refrigerant detection control for detecting refrigerant leakage of the air conditioner based on a refrigerant state when the air conditioner is in operation or a refrigerant pressure when the air conditioner is stopped, every first predetermined period. When a second predetermined period greater than the first predetermined period has elapsed since the air conditioner last operated, the control unit executes second refrigerant detection control for detecting refrigerant leakage of the air conditioner while performing an operation for detecting refrigerant leakage of the air conditioner.

2. The air conditioner control system according to claim 1, wherein: If the control unit does not perform refrigerant leakage detection of the air conditioner based on the refrigerant state of the air conditioner during operation within the first predetermined period, the control unit performs refrigerant leakage detection of the air conditioner based on the refrigerant pressure of the air conditioner during shutdown.

3. The air conditioner control system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The control unit performs control for notifying a notification destination of the refrigerant leakage or recommending inspection of the air conditioner when the result of the second refrigerant detection control indicates that there is a refrigerant leakage.

4. The air conditioner control system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The second refrigerant detection control is control for detecting refrigerant leakage of the air conditioner based on the state of the refrigerant in the air conditioner while performing operation at a load of 70% or more of the capacity of the air conditioner.

5. The air conditioner control system according to claim 4, wherein: The second refrigerant detection control is control for detecting refrigerant leakage in the air conditioner based on a state of refrigerant in the air conditioner after the operation with the load applied is performed for a third predetermined time or longer.

6. The air conditioner control system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The second given period is less than 3 months.

7. The air conditioner control system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The control unit records information indicating that the first refrigerant detection control has been executed.

8. An information processing device comprising a control unit for controlling an air conditioner, The control unit executes a first refrigerant detection control for detecting refrigerant leakage of the air conditioner based on a refrigerant state when the air conditioner is in operation or a refrigerant pressure when the air conditioner is stopped, every first predetermined period. When a second predetermined period greater than the first predetermined period has elapsed since the air conditioner last operated, the control unit executes second refrigerant detection control for detecting refrigerant leakage of the air conditioner while performing an operation for detecting refrigerant leakage of the air conditioner.

9. An air conditioner control method, the method being executed by the control unit of an air conditioner control system having a control unit for controlling an air conditioner, wherein: executing a first refrigerant detection control for detecting refrigerant leakage of the air conditioner based on a refrigerant state when the air conditioner is in operation or a refrigerant pressure when the air conditioner is stopped, every first predetermined period; When a second predetermined period greater than the first predetermined period has elapsed since the air conditioner last operated, second refrigerant detection control is executed to detect refrigerant leakage in the air conditioner while performing an operation for detecting refrigerant leakage in the air conditioner.

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