Control device, refrigeration cycle device comprising same, refrigeration cycle system comprising same, control method, and control program

Abstract

Provided are a control device capable of detecting the erroneous input of a freezing temperature by a user, a refrigeration cycle device comprising the same, a refrigeration cycle system comprising the same, a control method, and a control program. This control device (5) is for a refrigeration cycle device (2) that supplies a heat-exchange fluid having a desired temperature by causing heat exchange between a refrigerant and the heat-exchange fluid in a heat exchanger HE. The control device comprises: a setting information acquisition unit (52) that acquires setting information, which includes the type and concentration of the heat-exchange fluid, and a set freezing temperature, which is a freezing temperature for the heat-exchange fluid that is set by the user; a freezing temperature calculation unit (58) that uses the setting information to calculate a calculated freezing temperature, which is the freezing temperature of the heat-exchange fluid; and an erroneous input detection unit (59a) that detects an erroneous input by the user by determining whether or not the difference between the set freezing temperature and the calculated freezing temperature is greater than or equal to a predetermined value.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a control device, a refrigeration cycle device including the control device, a refrigeration cycle system including the refrigeration cycle device, a control method, and a control program.Background Art

[0002] In the related art, as a refrigeration cycle device that supplies a heat-exchange fluid (for example, brine) cooled to a desired temperature, systems described in PTLS 1 and 2, for example, are known.

[0003] In such a refrigeration cycle device, it is common that a type and a concentration of the heat-exchange fluid used in a brine chiller differ among users. When using the brine chiller, a user needs to set a freezing temperature of the heat-exchange fluid.Citation ListPatent Literature

[0004] [PTL 1] Japanese Patent No. 5289475 [PTL 2] Japanese Patent No. 5058324 Summary of InventionTechnical Problem

[0005] Here, in these refrigeration cycle devices, the freezing temperature of the heat-exchange fluid is set by the user. Protection control or the like of the refrigeration cycle device is performed based on the set freezing temperature. However, in a case where the user incorrectly sets the freezing temperature, there is no means to detect this error, which may prevent an intended operation or cause a unit to fail.

[0006] Even when the freezing temperature is correctly set at a beginning of an operation of the refrigeration cycle device, as the operation is continued, the concentration of the heat-exchange fluid changes due to evaporation of the heat-exchange fluid or moisture absorption, and the freezing temperature also changes. Accordingly, the user or an inspector needs to regularly perform maintenance and check the concentration of the heat-exchange fluid.

[0007] The present disclosure has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present disclosure is to provide a control device capable of detecting an erroneous input of a freezing temperature by a user, a refrigeration cycle device including the control device, a refrigeration cycle system including the refrigeration cycle device, a control method, and a control program.Solution to Problem

[0008] A control device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is a control device for a refrigeration cycle device that supplies a heat-exchange fluid having a desired temperature by causing heat exchange between a refrigerant and the heat-exchange fluid in a heat exchanger, the control device including: a setting information acquisition unit that acquires setting information including a type and a concentration of the heat-exchange fluid, and a set freezing temperature which is a freezing temperature of the heat-exchange fluid that is set by a user; a freezing temperature calculation unit that calculates a calculated freezing temperature which is a freezing temperature of the heat-exchange fluid, by using the setting information; and an erroneous input detection unit that detects an erroneous input by the user by determining whether or not a difference in freezing temperature between the set freezing temperature and the calculated freezing temperature is equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

[0009] A control device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is a control device for a refrigeration cycle device that supplies a heat-exchange fluid having a desired temperature by causing heat exchange between a refrigerant and the heat-exchange fluid in a heat exchanger, the control device including: a setting information acquisition unit that acquires setting information including a type and a concentration of the heat-exchange fluid; an operating state information acquisition unit that acquires operating state information including physical quantities of the refrigerant and the heat-exchange fluid; a first capacity calculation unit that calculates a first heat exchange amount which is a heat exchange amount of the refrigerant in the heat exchanger, based on the setting information and the operating state information; a second capacity calculation unit that calculates a second heat exchange amount which is a heat exchange amount of the heat-exchange fluid in the heat exchanger, based on the setting information and the operating state information; and a concentration change detection unit that detects a concentration change in the heat-exchange fluid, based on a difference in heat exchange amount between the first heat exchange amount and the second heat exchange amount.

[0010] A refrigeration cycle device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure includes any one of the control devices.

[0011] A refrigeration cycle system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure includes the refrigeration cycle device, and a control device for a fluid circuit in which the heat-exchange fluid circulates.

[0012] A control method according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is a control method for a refrigeration cycle device that supplies a heat-exchange fluid having a desired temperature by causing heat exchange between a refrigerant and the heat-exchange fluid in a heat exchanger, the control method including: a setting information acquisition step of acquiring setting information including a type and a concentration of the heat-exchange fluid, and a set freezing temperature which is a freezing temperature of the heat-exchange fluid that is set by a user; a freezing temperature calculation step of calculating a calculated freezing temperature which is a freezing temperature of the heat-exchange fluid, by using the setting information; and an erroneous input detection step of detecting an erroneous input by the user by determining whether or not a difference in freezing temperature between the set freezing temperature and the calculated freezing temperature is equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

[0013] A control method according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is a control method for a refrigeration cycle device that supplies a heat-exchange fluid having a desired temperature by causing heat exchange between a refrigerant and the heat-exchange fluid in a heat exchanger, the control method including: a setting information acquisition step of acquiring setting information including a type and a concentration of the heat-exchange fluid; an operating state information acquisition step of acquiring operating state information including physical quantities of the refrigerant and the heat-exchange fluid; a first capacity calculation step of calculating a first heat exchange amount which is a heat exchange amount of the refrigerant in the heat exchanger, based on the setting information and the operating state information; a second capacity calculation step of calculating a second heat exchange amount which is a heat exchange amount of the heat-exchange fluid in the heat exchanger, based on the setting information and the operating state information; and a concentration change detection step of detecting a concentration change in the heat-exchange fluid, based on a difference in heat exchange amount between the first heat exchange amount and the second heat exchange amount.

[0014] A control program according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is a control program for a refrigeration cycle device that supplies a heat-exchange fluid having a desired temperature by causing heat exchange between a refrigerant and the heat-exchange fluid in a heat exchanger, the control program causing a computer to execute: a setting information acquisition process of acquiring setting information including a type and a concentration of the heat-exchange fluid, and a set freezing temperature which is a freezing temperature of the heat-exchange fluid that is set by a user; a freezing temperature calculation process of calculating a calculated freezing temperature which is a freezing temperature of the heat-exchange fluid, by using the setting information; and an erroneous input detection process of detecting an erroneous input by the user by determining whether or not a difference in freezing temperature between the set freezing temperature and the calculated freezing temperature is equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

[0015] A control program according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is a control program for a refrigeration cycle device that supplies a heat-exchange fluid having a desired temperature by causing heat exchange between a refrigerant and the heat-exchange fluid in a heat exchanger, the control program causing a computer to execute: a setting information acquisition process of acquiring setting information including a type and a concentration of the heat-exchange fluid; an operating state information acquisition process of acquiring operating state information including physical quantities of the refrigerant and the heat-exchange fluid; a first capacity calculation process of calculating a first heat exchange amount which is a heat exchange amount of the refrigerant in the heat exchanger, based on the setting information and the operating state information; a second capacity calculation process of calculating a second heat exchange amount which is a heat exchange amount of the heat-exchange fluid in the heat exchanger, based on the setting information and the operating state information; and a concentration change detection process of detecting a concentration change in the heat-exchange fluid, based on a difference in heat exchange amount between the first heat exchange amount and the second heat exchange amount.Advantageous Effects of Invention

[0016] According to the present disclosure, an effect is achieved in that it is possible to detect the erroneous input of the freezing temperature by the user.Brief Description of Drawings

[0017] FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing a configuration of a refrigeration cycle system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a control device of a refrigeration cycle device of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a graph showing characteristics of a freezing temperature corresponding to a type and a concentration of a heat-exchange fluid. FIG. 4 is a graph showing characteristics of specific gravity corresponding to the type and concentration of the heat-exchange fluid. Description of Embodiments

[0018] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a control device, a refrigeration cycle device including the control device, a refrigeration cycle system including the refrigeration cycle device, a control method, and a control program according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.(Configuration of Refrigeration Cycle Device)

[0019] FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing a configuration of a refrigeration cycle system 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 1, the refrigeration cycle system 1 includes a fluid circuit 4 and a refrigeration cycle device 2.(Fluid Circuit)

[0020] The fluid circuit 4 is a fluid circuit in which the heat-exchange fluid circulates, and as will be described later, the heat-exchange fluid that is heat-exchanged with a refrigerant circulating in a refrigerant circuit 3 in a heat exchanger HE and has a desired temperature is supplied to an equipment load 42. The fluid circuit 4 is provided with, for example, a pump 41, pressure sensors P1 and P2, and temperature sensors (temperature measurement units) T1 and T2. The heat-exchange fluid is, for example, a fluid such as water, and may be simply water or brine or the like obtained by mixing an additive that lowers the freezing point. Here, in the present embodiment, the heat-exchange fluid is brine, and for example, ethylene glycol, Nybrine Z1, Nybrine NFP, Showbrine Blue, Showbrine PFP, or the like may be used.

[0021] The pump 41 sends the heat-exchange fluid such that the heat-exchange fluid circulates in the fluid circuit 4. Here, the means for sending the heat-exchange fluid is not limited to a pump, and may be other types of sending means as long as the means serves the same role.

[0022] The pressure sensors P1 and P2 are provided, for example, at each of an inlet and an outlet of the heat exchanger HE in the fluid circuit 4. The pressure sensor P1 measures the pressure of the heat-exchange fluid flowing into the heat exchanger HE. The pressure sensor P2 measures the pressure of the heat-exchange fluid flowing out of the heat exchanger HE. Each measured pressure is transmitted to a control device 5 and is used for calculating the flow rate of the heat-exchange fluid. A differential pressure gauge that measures a differential pressure between the pressure of the heat-exchange fluid flowing into the heat exchanger HE and the pressure of the heat-exchange fluid flowing out of the heat exchanger HE may be used instead of the pressure sensors P1 and P2.

[0023] The temperature sensors T1 and T2 are provided, for example, at each of the inlet and outlet of the heat exchanger HE in the fluid circuit 4. The temperature sensor (first temperature measurement unit) T1 measures the temperature of the heat-exchange fluid flowing into the heat exchanger HE. The temperature sensor (second temperature measurement unit) T2 measures the temperature of the heat-exchange fluid flowing out of the heat exchanger HE. Each measured temperature is transmitted to the control device 5 and is used for calculating the flow rate of the heat-exchange fluid. In a case where the temperature difference between the inlet and the outlet of the heat exchanger HE is small, of the temperature sensors T1 and T2, only the temperature sensor T1 for measuring the temperature of the heat-exchange fluid flowing into the heat exchanger HE may be provided.(Refrigeration Cycle Device)

[0024] The refrigeration cycle device 2 includes the refrigerant circuit 3, the control device 5, a storage unit 6, and a notification unit 7. Detail of each configuration will be described below.(Refrigerant Circuit)

[0025] The refrigerant circuit 3 is a fluid circuit in which a refrigerant circulates, and includes a compressor 31, a heat exchanger 32, a pressure-reducing device 33, and the heat exchanger HE. For example, Hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants such as R410A, R407C, and R404A, Hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) refrigerants such as R22 and R134a, or natural refrigerants such as hydrocarbons and helium can be used as the refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant circuit 3. The refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant circuit 3 is not limited thereto, and may be a refrigerant other than the above as long as it has the same refrigerant action.

[0026] The compressor 31 compresses the refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant circuit 3. The compressor 31 is a compressor whose operating capacity can be changed, and is composed of, for example, a positive-displacement compressor driven by a motor controlled by an inverter. The compressor 31 may have a configuration in which two or more compressors are connected in parallel or in series.

[0027] The heat exchanger 32 is specifically a condenser in which the refrigerant and the heat-exchange medium exchange heat with each other. The heat exchanger 32 is, for example, a fin-and-tube type heat exchanger configured to include a heat transfer tube and a large number of fins. The heat-exchange medium is, for example, a fluid such as air, and is supplied to the heat exchanger 32 by sending means such as a fan.

[0028] The pressure-reducing device 33 adjusts the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant circuit 3, for example. As the pressure-reducing device 33, an electronic expansion valve capable of adjusting the opening degree of the orifice by a stepping motor (not shown), a mechanical expansion valve using a diaphragm in a pressure-sensing section, a capillary tube, or the like may be used.

[0029] The heat exchanger HE is a heat exchanger in which a refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant circuit 3 pressure-reduced by the pressure-reducing device 33 and the heat-exchange fluid circulating in the fluid circuit 4 exchange heat with each other. The heat exchanger HE is specifically an evaporator, and for example, a fin-and-tube type heat exchanger is used. The heat exchanger HE is a component of the refrigerant circuit 3 and is a component of the fluid circuit 4.

[0030] Pressure sensors P3 and P4 are provided, for example, at each of an inlet and an outlet of the compressor 31 in the refrigerant circuit 3. The pressure sensor P3 measures the pressure of the refrigerant flowing into the compressor 31. The pressure sensor P4 measures the pressure of the refrigerant flowing out of the compressor 31. The measured pressure is used for calculation of a heat exchange amount to be described later. A differential pressure gauge that measures a differential pressure between the pressure of the refrigerant flowing into the compressor 31 and the pressure of the refrigerant flowing out of the compressor 31 may be used instead of the pressure sensors P3 and P4.

[0031] The temperature sensors T3 and T4 are provided, for example, at each of the inlet and outlet of the heat exchanger HE in the refrigerant circuit 3. The temperature sensor T1 measures the temperature of the heat-exchange fluid flowing into the heat exchanger HE. The temperature sensor T2 measures the temperature of the heat-exchange fluid flowing out of the heat exchanger HE. Each measured temperature is transmitted to the control device 5 and is used for calculating the flow rate or the heat exchange amount of the refrigerant. In a case where the temperature difference between the inlet and the outlet of the heat exchanger HE is small, of the temperature sensors T1 and T2, only the temperature sensor T1 for measuring the temperature of the heat-exchange fluid flowing into the heat exchanger HE may be provided.(Control Device)

[0032] The control device 5 calculates the freezing temperature of the heat-exchange fluid, the heat exchange amount in the refrigerant circuit 3, and the heat exchange amount in the fluid circuit 4 by using parameters including each pressure measured by the pressure sensors P1, P2, P3, and P4, each temperature measured by the temperature sensors T1, T2, T3, and T4, and setting information on the type and concentration of the heat-exchange fluid that is input by a user, and performs drive control of the compressor 31 and the pressure-reducing device 33 which are included in the refrigerant circuit 3 and the pump 41 included in the fluid circuit 4. The control device 5 includes an operating state information acquisition unit 51, a setting information acquisition unit 52, a physical property value calculation unit 53, a state value calculation unit 54, a refrigerant flow rate calculation unit 55a, a fluid-side flow rate calculation unit 55b, a refrigerant capacity calculation unit (first capacity calculation unit) 56a, a fluid-side capacity calculation unit (second capacity calculation unit) 56b, a set freezing temperature storage unit 57, a freezing temperature calculation unit 58, a detection unit 59, and a device drive control unit 60.

[0033] Here, FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the control device 5 of the refrigeration cycle device 2 of FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the control device 5 has a computer (computer system) and includes, for example, a CPU 5a, an auxiliary storage device (ROM) 5b for storing programs executed by the CPU 5a, data referenced by these programs, and the like, a main storage device (RAM) 5c that functions as a work area when each program is executed, a communication interface 5d for connecting to a network, an input / output unit 5e that receives inputs from external devices and outputs control commands to external devices that can communicate with the control device 5, and the like. Each of these units is connected via, for example, a bus 5f. As the auxiliary storage device 5b, for example, a magnetic disk, a magneto-optical disk, a semiconductor memory, or the like can be given as an example.

[0034] As an example, a series of processes for implementing various functions which will be described later are stored in the auxiliary storage device 5b in the form of a program, the CPU 5a reads the program into the main storage device 5c to execute an information processing and calculation process, and thus, various functions are implemented. As the program, a form installed in advance in the auxiliary storage device 5b, a form which is provided in a state of being stored in another computer-readable storage medium, a form which is distributed via wired or wireless communication means, or the like may be applied. The computer-readable storage medium is a magnetic disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, a semiconductor memory, or the like.

[0035] The operating state information acquisition unit 51 acquires operating state information including physical quantities such as the pressure of the heat-exchange fluid measured by the pressure sensors P1 and P2, the temperature of the heat-exchange fluid measured by the temperature sensors T1 and T2, the pressure of the refrigerant measured by the pressure sensors P3 and P4, the temperature of the refrigerant measured by the temperature sensors T3 and T4, and the displacement and the rotation speed of the compressor 31. The acquired operating state information is output to each of the physical property value calculation unit 53, the state value calculation unit 54, the refrigerant flow rate calculation unit 55a, and the fluid-side flow rate calculation unit 55b.

[0036] In the following description, it is described that the operating state information acquisition unit 51 can acquire physical quantities such as the temperature of the refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant circuit 3 and the temperature, pressure, differential pressure, and the like of the heat-exchange fluid circulating in the fluid circuit 4. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this example, and the operating state information acquisition unit 51 may appropriately include a temperature acquisition unit that acquires at least one of the temperature of the refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant circuit 3 and the temperature of the heat-exchange fluid circulating in the fluid circuit 4, a pressure acquisition unit that acquires at least one of the pressure of the refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant circuit 3 and the pressure of the heat-exchange fluid circulating in the fluid circuit 4, and a differential pressure acquisition unit that acquires at least one of the differential pressure of the refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant circuit 3 and the differential pressure of the heat-exchange fluid circulating in the fluid circuit 4.

[0037] The setting information acquisition unit 52 acquires the setting information on the type and the concentration of the heat-exchange fluid, and the set freezing temperature which is the freezing temperature of the heat-exchange fluid that is set by the user. The setting information on the type and concentration of the heat-exchange fluid is set by the user, for example, via a user interface (not shown). Here, the setting information on the type and the concentration of the heat-exchange fluid that is set by the user is used for the calculation of the physical property value of the heat-exchange fluid. The setting information acquisition unit 52 outputs the setting information on the type and the concentration of the heat-exchange fluid and the freezing temperature to each of the physical property value calculation unit 53, the set freezing temperature storage unit 57, and the freezing temperature calculation unit.

[0038] The physical property value calculation unit 53 calculates each physical property value of the refrigerant and the heat-exchange fluid, such as density, specific heat, and kinematic viscosity thereof, by using the operating state information (pressure, temperature, and the like) received from the operating state information acquisition unit 51 and the setting information on the type and concentration of the heat-exchange fluid received from the setting information acquisition unit 52. The physical property value calculation unit 53 outputs the operating state information, the setting information, and each calculated physical property value of the refrigerant and the heat-exchange fluid to each of the refrigerant flow rate calculation unit 55a, the fluid-side flow rate calculation unit 55b, and the fluid-side capacity calculation unit 56b.

[0039] The physical property value calculation unit 53 may calculate a temperature difference between the inlet and outlet of the heat exchanger HE for the refrigerant or the heat-exchange fluid.

[0040] The state value calculation unit 54 calculates enthalpy at each of the inlet and outlet of the heat exchanger HE using the operating state information received from the operating state information acquisition unit 51, specifically, the pressure of the refrigerant measured by the pressure sensor P3 and the temperatures of the refrigerant measured by the temperature sensors T3 and T4, and further calculates an enthalpy difference between the inlet and outlet of the heat exchanger HE. Regarding the pressure used for calculating the enthalpy difference between the inlet and outlet of the heat exchanger HE, a value obtained by considering the pressure loss generated by the heat exchanger HE may be used for the measurement result measured by the pressure sensor P3. In the present disclosure, an example in which each enthalpy is calculated by using the pressure measured by the pressure sensor P3 provided on the inlet side of the compressor 31 has been described. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this example, and more preferably, each enthalpy may be calculated by using the pressure measured by the pressure sensor provided on the inlet side of the heat exchanger HE.

[0041] Regarding the calculation of the enthalpy difference between the inlet and outlet of the heat exchanger HE, a known method may be appropriately adopted, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0042] The refrigerant flow rate calculation unit 55a calculates the flow rate of the refrigerant by using each pressure and temperature of the refrigerant circuit 3 and the displacement and the rotation speed of the compressor 31 which are acquired by the operating state information acquisition unit 51, the physical property values including the density, the specific heat, and the kinematic viscosity of the refrigerant calculated by the physical property value calculation unit 53, and the state value calculated by the state value calculation unit 54. The refrigerant flow rate calculation unit 55a outputs the calculated flow rate of the refrigerant to the refrigerant capacity calculation unit 56a.

[0043] The fluid-side flow rate calculation unit 55b calculates a differential pressure between the pressure of the heat-exchange fluid flowing into the heat exchanger HE and the pressure of the heat-exchange fluid flowing out of the heat exchanger, using the operating state information, and calculates the flow rate of the heat-exchange fluid, using the calculated differential pressure and the density and kinematic viscosity of the heat-exchange fluid calculated by the physical property value calculation unit 53. The fluid-side flow rate calculation unit 55b outputs the calculated flow rate of the heat-exchange fluid to the fluid-side capacity calculation unit 56b.

[0044] Here, the refrigerant flow rate calculation unit 55a and the fluid-side flow rate calculation unit 55b may use a calculation equation for calculating the flow rate stored in the storage unit 6 (to be described later) in calculating the flow rate of the refrigerant or the heat-exchange fluid.

[0045] Further, the refrigerant flow rate calculation unit 55a and the fluid-side flow rate calculation unit 55b may output the calculation result to the outside by monitoring display or the like in order to notify the user of the calculated flow rate of the refrigerant or the heat-exchange fluid.

[0046] The refrigerant capacity calculation unit 56a calculates a first heat exchange amount, which is a heat exchange amount of the refrigerant in the heat exchanger, based on the setting information and the operating state information. Specifically, the heat exchange amount, which is the capacity of the refrigerant circuit 3, is calculated based on each calculation result of the state value calculation unit 54 and the refrigerant flow rate calculation unit 55a. The refrigerant capacity calculation unit 56a outputs the first heat exchange amount to the concentration change detection unit 59b. Further, the refrigerant capacity calculation unit 56a may output the calculation result to the outside by monitoring display or the like in order to notify the user of the current capacity of the refrigerant circuit 3 based on the calculation result.

[0047] The fluid-side capacity calculation unit 56b calculates a second heat exchange amount, which is a heat exchange amount of the heat-exchange fluid in the heat exchanger, based on the setting information and the operating state information. Specifically, the heat exchange amount, which is the capacity of the fluid circuit 4, is calculated based on each calculation result of the physical property value calculation unit 53 and the fluid-side flow rate calculation unit 55b. The fluid-side capacity calculation unit 56b outputs the second heat exchange amount to the concentration change detection unit 59b. Further, the fluid-side capacity calculation unit 56b may output the calculation result to the outside by monitoring display or the like in order to notify the user of the current capacity of the fluid circuit 4 based on the calculation result.

[0048] The fluid-side capacity calculation unit 56b calculates a change in specific gravity corresponding to a change in the density of the heat-exchange fluid, and calculates the concentration from the specific gravity of the heat-exchange fluid. Further, as will be described later, a correction amount for at least one of the setting information (type and concentration) and the set freezing temperature is calculated in response to the change in the concentration of the heat-exchange fluid detected by the concentration change detection unit 59b. The calculated correction amount is transmitted to the notification unit 7.

[0049] The set freezing temperature storage unit 57 stores the set freezing temperature received from the setting information acquisition unit 52. The set freezing temperature storage unit 57 outputs the set freezing temperature to an erroneous input detection unit 59a.

[0050] The freezing temperature calculation unit 58 calculates a calculated freezing temperature, which is the freezing temperature of the heat-exchange fluid calculated using the type and the concentration of the heat-exchange fluid received from the setting information acquisition unit 52. Details of the method for deriving the calculated freezing temperature will be described later. The freezing temperature calculation unit 58 outputs the calculated freezing temperature to the erroneous input detection unit 59a.

[0051] The detection unit 59 includes the erroneous input detection unit 59a and a concentration change detection unit 59b.

[0052] The erroneous input detection unit 59a detects an erroneous input by the user by determining whether or not a difference in freezing temperature between the set freezing temperature and the calculated freezing temperature is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. The erroneous input detection unit 59a detects, for example, an erroneous input by the user at the time of initial setting of the refrigeration cycle device. Accordingly, it is possible to perform appropriate control based on the correct type and concentration of the heat-exchange fluid.

[0053] The erroneous input detection unit 59a outputs a command to the device drive control unit 60 not to permit activation of the refrigeration cycle device 2 in a case where the difference in freezing temperature between the set freezing temperature and the calculated freezing temperature is equal to or greater than the predetermined value. The erroneous input detection unit 59a may transmit a notification signal to the notification unit 7 to notify the user of the detection result in a case where the difference in freezing temperature between the set freezing temperature and the calculated freezing temperature is equal to or greater than the predetermined value.

[0054] The concentration change detection unit 59b detects the occurrence of a concentration change in the heat-exchange fluid based on the difference in heat exchange amount between the first heat exchange amount and the second heat exchange amount. Here, the difference in heat exchange amount between the first heat exchange amount and the second heat exchange amount, which is equal to or greater than the predetermined value, occurs in a case where the second heat exchange amount changes from the operation start time, and the reason why the second heat exchange amount changes is that the concentration of the heat-exchange fluid changes from the operation start time. Therefore, the concentration change detection unit 59b can detect the occurrence of the concentration change in the heat-exchange fluid based on the difference in heat exchange amount between the first heat exchange amount and the second heat exchange amount. Further, the concentration change detection unit 59b outputs a command to the device drive control unit 60 to stop an operation of the refrigeration cycle device in a case where the difference in heat exchange amount between the first heat exchange amount and the second heat exchange amount is equal to or greater than the predetermined value.

[0055] The concentration change detection unit 59b outputs the detection result to the fluid-side capacity calculation unit 56b in a case where the difference in heat exchange amount between the first heat exchange amount and the second heat exchange amount is equal to or greater than the predetermined value. The erroneous input detection unit 59a may transmit a notification signal to the notification unit 7 to notify the user of the detection result in a case where the difference in heat exchange amount between the first heat exchange amount and the second heat exchange amount is equal to or greater than the predetermined value.

[0056] The device drive control unit 60 performs drive control on each device such as the compressor 31, the pressure-reducing device 33, and the pump 41 based on the command corresponding to each detection result of the erroneous input detection unit 59a or the concentration change detection unit 59b, in addition to the drive control of the device during normal operation.

[0057] In a case where the device drive control unit 60 receives a command for performing an emergency stop at the time of an abnormality from the erroneous input detection unit 59a or the concentration change detection unit 59b, the device drive control unit 60 may perform an emergency stop on each device included in the refrigerant circuit 3 and the fluid circuit 4 based on the command.(Storage Unit)

[0058] The storage unit 6 is configured by, for example, a memory device such as a semiconductor memory or a hard disk device. The storage unit 6 stores each calculation equation used when the physical property value calculation unit 53 calculates physical property values such as density and kinematic viscosity, and a flow rate calculation equation used when the fluid-side flow rate calculation unit 55b calculates the flow rate of the heat-exchange fluid. The storage unit 6 stores a plurality of data tables for obtaining each physical property value in which the temperature and the differential pressure are associated with each other for each combination of the type and the concentration of the heat-exchange fluid. Examples of the plurality of data tables include a density table showing a relationship between the temperature, type, and concentration and the density of the heat-exchange fluid, a viscosity table showing a relationship between the temperature, type, and concentration and the viscosity of the heat-exchange fluid, a specific heat table showing a relationship between the temperature, type, and concentration and the specific heat of the heat-exchange fluid, a specific gravity table showing a relationship between the concentration and the specific gravity of the heat-exchange fluid, and a freezing temperature table showing a relationship between the concentration and the freezing temperature of the heat-exchange fluid.

[0059] Each calculation equation used by the physical property value calculation unit 53 and the flow rate calculation equation used by the fluid-side flow rate calculation unit 55b are derived by using at least one type of the plurality of data tables. The storage unit 6 may store specifications such as dimensions of a pipe through which the heat-exchange fluid flows. The storage unit 6 may be capable of communicating with the control device 5, and each calculation unit included in the control device 5 may use each table stored in the storage unit 6 when performing calculation.

[0060] The storage unit 6 is configured by a memory device such as a semiconductor memory or a hard disk device, and is not limited to the configuration of the control device 5. The storage unit 6 may be provided to be accessible by the control device 5, and may be a cloud service, for example, an online storage or the like.(Notification Unit)

[0061] The notification unit 7 is a display screen such as a light emitting diode (LED) or a cathode ray tube (CRT), or a liquid crystal screen, and outputs information on the screen. For example, in a case where there is an abnormality in the operating state of the refrigeration cycle device 2, the abnormality is displayed and output in response to an instruction from the control device 5. Further, the notification unit 7 may include a voice output unit such as a speaker, and may output information by voice such as an alarm instead of display output on the screen or together with display output on the screen. Further, the notification unit 7 may have a communication line and may execute communication data output to a remote place.

[0062] According to the refrigeration cycle device 2 including the above-described configuration, it is possible to detect erroneous input of the freezing temperature of the heat-exchange fluid that is set by the user at the time of activation of the refrigeration cycle device 2. It is possible to detect the occurrence of a concentration change in the heat-exchange fluid while the operation of the refrigeration cycle device 2 is continued.(Detection Target 1: Freezing Temperature of Heat-Exchange Fluid)

[0063] Hereinafter, details of a method for detecting an erroneous input by the user by determining the difference between the set freezing temperature and the calculated freezing temperature will be described.

[0064] First, in setting the freezing temperature of the heat-exchange fluid in the refrigeration cycle device 2, there are two types of freezing temperatures of the heat-exchange fluid, that is, the set freezing temperature which is the freezing temperature of the heat-exchange fluid that is set by the user, and the calculated freezing temperature calculated by using setting information including the type and the concentration of the heat-exchange fluid that is set by the user.

[0065] Here, the freezing temperature is characterized in relation to the type and concentration of the heat-exchange fluid. FIG. 3 is a graph showing characteristics of a freezing temperature corresponding to the type and concentration of the heat-exchange fluid. In FIG. 3, the horizontal axis represents the concentration of the heat-exchange fluid, and the vertical axis represents the freezing temperature of the heat-exchange fluid. Here, the storage unit 6 may store characteristics corresponding to the type and the concentration of the heat-exchange fluid, or may store an approximation equation generated from the characteristics of the freezing temperature corresponding to the type and the concentration of the heat-exchange fluid in advance.

[0066] In the control device 5, when detecting the erroneous input of the freezing temperature of the heat-exchange fluid by the user, first, the setting information acquisition unit 52 acquires the setting information including the type and the concentration of the heat-exchange fluid, and the set freezing temperature. The set freezing temperature storage unit 57 stores the set freezing temperature output from the setting information acquisition unit 52. The freezing temperature calculation unit 58 calculates the calculated freezing temperature by using the setting information of the heat-exchange fluid and the approximation equation for calculating the freezing temperature according to the type and the concentration of the heat-exchange fluid stored in the storage unit 6.

[0067] The set freezing temperature and the calculated freezing temperature are output to the erroneous input detection unit 59a, respectively. The erroneous input detection unit 59a detects an erroneous input by the user by determining whether or not a difference in freezing temperature between the set freezing temperature and the calculated freezing temperature is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. For example, the erroneous input detection unit 59a determines that the freezing temperature set by the user is erroneous in a case where the difference in freezing temperature between the set freezing temperature and the calculated freezing temperature is equal to or greater than the predetermined value, and detects the erroneous input by the user.

[0068] When the erroneous input by the user is detected, the erroneous input detection unit 59a outputs the command not to permit the activation of the refrigeration cycle device 2 to the device drive control unit 60. The erroneous input detection unit 59a may transmit a notification signal to the notification unit 7 to notify the user of the detection result of the erroneous input by the user. The notification signal that the erroneous input detection unit 59a transmits to the notification unit 7 may simply notify that the set freezing temperature deviates from the calculated freezing temperature. Further, the notification signal may notify the user of the set freezing temperature to be input according to the difference between the set freezing temperature and the calculated freezing temperature.

[0069] As described above, the erroneous input detection unit can detect the erroneous input of the freezing temperature by the user by determining whether or not the difference in freezing temperature between the set freezing temperature and the calculated freezing temperature is equal to or greater than the predetermined value. In this way, by determining whether or not the freezing temperature set by the user and the freezing temperature calculated based on the type and the concentration of the heat-exchange fluid that is set by the user are consistent with each other, it is possible to determine whether or not there is an erroneous setting by the user.

[0070] Unlike the above-described example, in a case where the user correctly sets the freezing temperature and erroneously inputs settings for the type and concentration of the heat-exchange fluid, the erroneous input by the user regarding the setting of the heat-exchange fluid may be detected and notified by determining whether or not the difference between the set freezing temperature and the calculated freezing temperature is equal to or greater than the predetermined value.(Detection Target 2: Concentration Change of Heat-Exchange Fluid)

[0071] Hereinafter, a method for calculating the capacity of the refrigeration cycle device 2 and the concentration change in the heat-exchange fluid using the above-described configuration will be described.

[0072] First, in a case where the heat exchange between the refrigerant and the heat-exchange fluid is performed via the heat exchanger HE, the heat exchange amount in the heat exchanger HE changes according to the operating state of the refrigeration cycle device 2. The heat exchange amount of the refrigerant in the heat exchanger HE and the heat exchange amount of the heat-exchange fluid in the heat exchanger HE are equal to each other when the concentration of the heat-exchange fluid is normal. From this, in a case where the heat exchange amount in the refrigerant circuit 3 and the heat exchange amount in the fluid circuit 4 are not equal to each other, it is possible to consider that the concentration of the heat-exchange fluid has changed.

[0073] In order to check the concentration change in the heat-exchange fluid, first, the refrigerant capacity calculation unit 56a calculates a first heat exchange amount Qr in the refrigerant circuit 3 by using each calculation result of the state value calculation unit 54 and the refrigerant flow rate calculation unit 55a. Similarly, the fluid-side capacity calculation unit 56b calculates a second heat exchange amount Qb in the fluid circuit 4 by using each calculation result of the physical property value calculation unit 53 and the fluid-side flow rate calculation unit 55b. The concentration change detection unit 59b detects the occurrence of the concentration change in the heat-exchange fluid based on the difference in heat exchange amount between the first heat exchange amount and the second heat exchange amount by comparing the calculated heat exchange amounts.

[0074] Hereinafter, a method for calculating the first heat exchange amount Qr, which is a heat exchange amount in the refrigerant circuit 3, will be described.

[0075] First, the state value calculation unit 54 calculates an enthalpy difference between the inlet and outlet of the heat exchanger HE by using the operating state information (pressure and temperature) acquired by the operating state information acquisition unit 51. The refrigerant flow rate calculation unit 55a calculates the flow rate of the refrigerant by using the displacement and the rotation speed of the compressor 31 which are acquired by the operating state information acquisition unit 51 and the density of the refrigerant calculated by the physical property value calculation unit 53. Regarding the derivation of the enthalpy difference between the inlet and outlet of the heat exchanger HE, the storage unit 6 may store a p-h line diagram of the refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant circuit 3, and the p-h line diagram may be used.

[0076] Next, the refrigerant capacity calculation unit 56a calculates the first heat exchange amount Qr by using each calculation result of the state value calculation unit 54 and the refrigerant flow rate calculation unit 55a by the following Equation (1). In Equation (1), Gr is the flow rate of the refrigerant calculated by the refrigerant flow rate calculation unit 55a. Δh is an enthalpy difference between the inlet and outlet of the heat exchanger HE calculated by the state value calculation unit 54. Qr = Gr × Δ h

[0077] Next, a method for calculating the second heat exchange amount Qb, which is a heat exchange amount in the fluid circuit 4, will be described.

[0078] First, the physical property value calculation unit 53 calculates the density, specific heat, and kinematic viscosity of the heat-exchange fluid and temperature difference of the heat-exchange fluid between the inlet and outlet of the heat exchanger HE using the operating state information (pressure and temperature) acquired by the operating state information acquisition unit 51 and the setting information (type and concentration) of the heat-exchange fluid acquired by the setting information acquisition unit 52. The fluid-side flow rate calculation unit 55b calculates the flow rate of the heat-exchange fluid by using each physical property value calculated by the physical property value calculation unit 53 and the differential pressure in the inlet and outlet of the heat exchanger HE acquired by the operating state information acquisition unit 51.

[0079] Here, regarding the calculation of the flow rate of the heat-exchange fluid, the calculation may be performed using the approximation equation derived by using the physical property value of the heat-exchange fluid calculated using the setting information (type and concentration) and the temperature of the heat-exchange fluid. As a differential pressure between the inlet and outlet of the heat exchanger HE of the fluid circuit 4, a value measured by using a differential pressure gauge may be used.

[0080] Next, the fluid-side capacity calculation unit 56b calculates the first heat exchange amount Qr by using each calculation result of the physical property value calculation unit 53 and the fluid-side flow rate calculation unit 55b by the following Equation (2). In Equation (2), Gb is the flow rate of the heat-exchange fluid calculated by the fluid-side flow rate calculation unit 55b. ρ is the density of the heat-exchange fluid calculated by the physical property value calculation unit 53, V is the flow rate of the heat-exchange fluid calculated by the fluid-side flow rate calculation unit 55b, c is the specific heat of the heat-exchange fluid calculated by the physical property value calculation unit 53, and ΔT is the temperature difference of the heat-exchange fluid between the inlet and outlet of the heat exchanger HE calculated by the physical property value calculation unit 53. Qb = ρ × Q × c × Δ T

[0081] Here, in a case where the concentration change detection unit 59b detects that a difference has occurred between the first heat exchange amount Qr and the second heat exchange amount Qb, this indicates that the concentration of the heat-exchange fluid has changed from the beginning of the operation, causing the density ρ, the flow rate V, and the specific heat c of the heat-exchange fluid to change in the fluid circuit 4. That is, it is possible to detect the occurrence of the concentration change in the heat-exchange fluid from the difference between the first heat exchange amount Qr and the second heat exchange amount Qb.

[0082] In a case where the concentration change detection unit 59b detects that the concentration of the heat-exchange fluid has changed, for example, in a case where the difference in heat exchange amount between the first heat exchange amount Qr and the second heat exchange amount Qb is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the device drive control unit 60 may stop the operation of each device included in the refrigeration cycle device 2.

[0083] In a case where the concentration change detection unit 59b detects the concentration change in the heat-exchange fluid, in addition to stopping the operation of each device included in the refrigeration cycle device 2, the concentration change may be calculated, the correction amount for at least one of the setting information and the freezing temperature of the heat-exchange fluid may be calculated, and the user may be notified.

[0084] In a case where a difference occurs between the first heat exchange amount Qr and the second heat exchange amount Qb, that is, in a case where a difference occurs between the second heat exchange amount Qb at the beginning of the operation of the refrigeration cycle device 2 and the current second heat exchange amount Qb, the second heat exchange amount Qb changes since each of the density ρ, the flow rate V, and the specific heat c in the Equation (2) changes. Therefore, the concentration of the heat-exchange fluid can be calculated by using the change amounts of the density ρ, the flow rate V, and the specific heat c of the refrigeration cycle device 2 from the beginning of the operation to the present.

[0085] FIG. 4 is a graph showing characteristics of specific gravity corresponding to the type and concentration of the heat-exchange fluid. In FIG. 4, the horizontal axis represents the concentration of the heat-exchange fluid, and the vertical axis represents the specific gravity of the heat-exchange fluid. Here, the specific gravity is a ratio between the density of the heat-exchange fluid and the density of a standard substance (for example, water). Therefore, there is a correlation between density and specific gravity, and the specific gravity changes as the density changes. That is, the fluid-side capacity calculation unit 56b can calculate a change in specific gravity corresponding to a change in density, and can calculate a changed concentration from the specific gravity of the heat-exchange fluid after the change by using the relationship shown in FIG. 4. Further, the freezing temperature of the heat-exchange fluid can be derived from the concentration of the heat-exchange fluid as shown in FIG. 3. Therefore, the fluid-side capacity calculation unit 56b can calculate not only the concentration change in the heat-exchange fluid but also a change in freezing temperature of the heat-exchange fluid by calculating the difference between the first heat exchange amount Qr and the second heat exchange amount Qb.

[0086] In this way, the fluid-side capacity calculation unit 56b can calculate the concentration and the freezing temperature of the heat-exchange fluid changed from the beginning of the operation of the refrigeration cycle device 2, and thus can calculate the correction amount for at least one of the setting information and the freezing temperature of the heat-exchange fluid. The correction amount calculated by the fluid-side capacity calculation unit 56b may be notified to the user by the notification unit 7.

[0087] The fluid-side capacity calculation unit 56b can calculate the correction amount of the concentration of the heat-exchange fluid to make the capacity of the refrigeration cycle device 2 to be the same as that at the beginning of the operation even in a case where the concentration change in the heat-exchange fluid occurs, for example, in a case where the concentration changes due to evaporation or moisture absorption. Since the calculation result is notified to the user by the notification unit 7, the user can identify the concentration change in the heat-exchange fluid and can correct the concentration of the heat-exchange fluid in order to deliver a predetermined capacity to the refrigeration cycle device 2.

[0088] Even when the concentration of the heat-exchange fluid changes due to evaporation or moisture absorption of the heat-exchange fluid after the introduction of the facility, it is possible to notify of an abnormality and suppress the operation of the refrigeration cycle device 2 from being continued in a state where there is an abnormality in the physical property value of the heat-exchange fluid, and it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a failure or an accident. It is possible to eliminate the need to check the concentration of the heat-exchange fluid by regularly performing the maintenance.

[0089] In the above example, the concentration and the freezing temperature of the heat-exchange fluid are calculated by the fluid-side capacity calculation unit 56b. However, instead of this, a data table showing the relationship between the concentration and the freezing temperature of the heat-exchange fluid and a data table showing the relationship between the concentration and the freezing temperature of the heat-exchange fluid may be stored in the storage unit 6. In this case, the fluid-side capacity calculation unit 56b may determine the correction amounts of the concentration and the freezing temperature of the heat-exchange fluid by referring to each data table.

[0090] In the present embodiment, the fluid is acquired by calculation, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, a flowmeter may be provided, and a flow rate measured by the flowmeter may be used.(Additional Remarks)

[0091] The present disclosure has been described above with reference to the embodiments, but the technical scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Various modifications or improvements can be added to the above-described embodiments within the scope not departing from the concept of the present disclosure, and forms to which the modifications or the improvements are added are also included in the technical scope of the present disclosure. The above embodiments may be combined as appropriate.

[0092] The control device, the refrigeration cycle device including the control device, the refrigeration cycle system including the refrigeration cycle device, the control method, and the control program described in the above-described embodiment are understood as follows, for example.

[0093] A control device (5) according to a first aspect of the present disclosure is a control device for a refrigeration cycle device that supplies a heat-exchange fluid having a desired temperature by causing heat exchange between a refrigerant and the heat-exchange fluid in a heat exchanger, the control device including: a setting information acquisition unit (52) that acquires setting information including a type and a concentration of the heat-exchange fluid, and a set freezing temperature which is a freezing temperature of the heat-exchange fluid that is set by a user; a freezing temperature calculation unit (58) that calculates a calculated freezing temperature which is a freezing temperature of the heat-exchange fluid, by using the setting information; and an erroneous input detection unit (59a) that detects an erroneous input by the user by determining whether or not a difference in freezing temperature between the set freezing temperature and the calculated freezing temperature is equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

[0094] According to the control device of the present disclosure, the control device is a control device for the refrigeration cycle device that supplies the heat-exchange fluid having a desired temperature by causing heat exchange between the refrigerant and the heat-exchange fluid in the heat exchanger. The setting information acquisition unit acquires the setting information including the type and concentration of the heat-exchange fluid, and the set freezing temperature which is the freezing temperature of the heat-exchange fluid that is set by the user, and further, the freezing temperature calculation unit calculates the calculated freezing temperature which is the calculated freezing temperature of the heat-exchange fluid by using the setting information. The erroneous input detection unit can detect the erroneous input of the freezing temperature by the user by determining whether or not the difference in freezing temperature between the set freezing temperature and the calculated freezing temperature is equal to or greater than the predetermined value. In this way, by determining whether or not the freezing temperature set by the user and the freezing temperature calculated based on the type and the concentration of the heat-exchange fluid that is set by the user are consistent with each other, it is possible to determine whether or not there is an erroneous setting by the user.

[0095] In a control device according to a second aspect of the present disclosure, in the first aspect, activation of the refrigeration cycle device is not permitted in a case where the difference in freezing temperature between the set freezing temperature and the calculated freezing temperature is equal to or greater than the predetermined value.

[0096] According to the control device of the present disclosure, the control device does not permit activation of each device included in the refrigeration cycle device in a case where the difference in freezing temperature between the set freezing temperature and the calculated freezing temperature is equal to or greater than the predetermined value. Accordingly, in a case where the setting of the heat-exchange fluid is incorrect, it is possible to suppress the activation and operation of the refrigeration cycle device with the incorrect setting.

[0097] A control device according to a third aspect of the present disclosure includes, in the first aspect or the second aspect, a notification unit (7) that notifies the user of a detection result from the erroneous input detection unit.

[0098] According to the control device of the present disclosure, the control device includes the notification unit that notifies the user of the detection result from the erroneous input detection unit. In this manner, in a case where the heat-exchange fluid is set incorrectly, the user is notified of this fact, so that the user can be prompted to re-input the set freezing temperature.

[0099] A refrigeration cycle device according to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure includes, in any one of the first aspect to third aspect, an operating state information acquisition unit (51) that acquires operating state information including physical quantities of the refrigerant and the heat-exchange fluid, a first capacity calculation unit (56a) that calculates a first heat exchange amount which is a heat exchange amount of the refrigerant in the heat exchanger, based on the setting information and the operating state information, a second capacity calculation unit (56b) that calculates a second heat exchange amount which is a heat exchange amount of the heat-exchange fluid in the heat exchanger, based on the setting information and the operating state information, and a concentration change detection unit (59b) that detects an occurrence of a concentration change in the heat-exchange fluid, based on a difference in heat exchange amount between the first heat exchange amount and the second heat exchange amount.

[0100] According to the control device of the present disclosure, the operating state information acquisition unit acquires the operating state information including physical quantities of the refrigerant and the heat-exchange fluid, the first capacity calculation unit calculates the first heat exchange amount based on the setting information and the operating state information, and the second capacity calculation unit calculates the second heat exchange amount based on the setting information and the operating state information. The concentration change detection unit detects the occurrence of the concentration change in the heat-exchange fluid based on the difference in heat exchange amount between the first heat exchange amount and the second heat exchange amount. A large difference in heat exchange amount between the first heat exchange amount and the second heat exchange amount means that the concentration change in the heat-exchange fluid from the operation start time is large. In this way, in a case where the concentration of the heat-exchange fluid changes due to evaporation or moisture absorption, the concentration change detection unit can detect the concentration change in the heat-exchange fluid.

[0101] In a control device according to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, in the fourth aspect, an operation of each device included in the refrigeration cycle device is stopped in a case where the difference in heat exchange amount between the first heat exchange amount and the second heat exchange amount is equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

[0102] According to the control device of the present disclosure, the operation of each device included in the refrigeration cycle device is stopped in a case where the difference in heat exchange amount between the first heat exchange amount and the second heat exchange amount is equal to or greater than the predetermined value. Accordingly, in a case where the concentration of the heat-exchange fluid has changed due to evaporation or moisture absorption, by stopping the operation of each device included in the refrigeration cycle device, it is possible to suppress the operation of each device included in the refrigeration cycle device from being continued in a state where there is an inconsistency with the initial setting for the concentration of the heat-exchange fluid.

[0103] A control device according to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure includes, in the fourth aspect or the fifth aspect, a notification unit (7) that notifies the user of a detection result from the concentration change detection unit, in which the second capacity calculation unit calculates a correction amount for at least one of the setting information and the set freezing temperature, based on the concentration change in the heat-exchange fluid detected by the concentration change detection unit, and the notification unit notifies the user of the correction amount.

[0104] According to the control device of the present disclosure, the second capacity calculation unit calculates the correction amount for at least one of the setting information and the set freezing temperature, based on the concentration change in the heat-exchange fluid detected by the concentration change detection unit, and the notification unit notifies the user of the correction amount. Accordingly, the correction amount for at least one of the setting information (type and concentration) of the heat-exchange fluid and the set freezing temperature is notified to the user, and thus the user can correct the concentration and the freezing temperature of the heat-exchange fluid by using the notified correction amount. Therefore, even when the concentration of the heat-exchange fluid is inconsistent with the initial setting, the heat-exchange fluid can be quickly reset. In a case where it is detected that there is an abnormality in the concentration, the user is notified of the correction amount, so that it is possible to eliminate the need to check the concentration of the heat-exchange fluid by regularly performing the maintenance.

[0105] A control device according to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure is a control device for a refrigeration cycle device that supplies a heat-exchange fluid having a desired temperature by causing heat exchange between a refrigerant and the heat-exchange fluid in a heat exchanger, the control device including: a setting information acquisition unit (52) that acquires setting information including a type and a concentration of the heat-exchange fluid; an operating state information acquisition unit (51) that acquires operating state information including physical quantities of the refrigerant and the heat-exchange fluid; a first capacity calculation unit (56a) that calculates a first heat exchange amount which is a heat exchange amount of the refrigerant in the heat exchanger, based on the setting information and the operating state information; a second capacity calculation unit (56b) that calculates a second heat exchange amount which is a heat exchange amount of the heat-exchange fluid in the heat exchanger, based on the setting information and the operating state information; and a concentration change detection unit (59b) that detects a concentration change in the heat-exchange fluid, based on a difference in heat exchange amount between the first heat exchange amount and the second heat exchange amount.

[0106] According to the control device of the present disclosure, the control device is a control device for the refrigeration cycle device that supplies the heat-exchange fluid having a desired temperature by causing heat exchange between the refrigerant circulating in the refrigeration cycle device and the heat-exchange fluid in the heat exchanger included in the refrigeration cycle device. The setting information acquisition unit acquires the setting information including the type and concentration of the heat-exchange fluid, and the operating state information acquisition unit acquires the operating state information including physical quantities of the refrigerant and the heat-exchange fluid. The first capacity calculation unit calculates the first heat exchange amount based on the setting information and the operating state information, and the second capacity calculation unit calculates the second heat exchange amount based on the setting information and the operating state information. The concentration change detection unit detects the occurrence of the concentration change in the heat-exchange fluid based on the difference in heat exchange amount between the first heat exchange amount and the second heat exchange amount. A large difference in heat exchange amount between the first heat exchange amount and the second heat exchange amount means that the concentration change in the heat-exchange fluid from the operation start time is large. That is, in a case where the concentration of the heat-exchange fluid changes due to evaporation or moisture absorption, the concentration change detection unit can detect the concentration change in the heat-exchange fluid.

[0107] A refrigeration cycle device (2) according to an eighth aspect of the present disclosure includes the control device according to any one of the first aspect to the seventh aspect.

[0108] A refrigeration cycle system (1) according to a ninth aspect of the present disclosure includes the refrigeration cycle device according to the seventh aspect, and a fluid circuit (4) in which the heat-exchange fluid circulates.

[0109] A control method according to a tenth aspect of the present disclosure is a control method for a refrigeration cycle device that supplies a heat-exchange fluid having a desired temperature by causing heat exchange between a refrigerant and the heat-exchange fluid in a heat exchanger, the control method including: a setting information acquisition step of acquiring setting information including a type and a concentration of the heat-exchange fluid, and a set freezing temperature which is a freezing temperature of the heat-exchange fluid that is set by a user; a freezing temperature calculation step of calculating a calculated freezing temperature which is a freezing temperature of the heat-exchange fluid, by using the setting information; and an erroneous input detection step of detecting an erroneous input by the user by determining whether or not a difference in freezing temperature between the set freezing temperature and the calculated freezing temperature is equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

[0110] A control method according to an eleventh aspect of the present disclosure is a control method for a refrigeration cycle device that supplies a heat-exchange fluid having a desired temperature by causing heat exchange between a refrigerant and the heat-exchange fluid in a heat exchanger, the control method including: a setting information acquisition step of acquiring setting information including a type and a concentration of the heat-exchange fluid; an operating state information acquisition step of acquiring operating state information including physical quantities of the refrigerant and the heat-exchange fluid; a first capacity calculation step of calculating a first heat exchange amount which is a heat exchange amount of the refrigerant in the heat exchanger, based on the setting information and the operating state information; a second capacity calculation step of calculating a second heat exchange amount which is a heat exchange amount of the heat-exchange fluid in the heat exchanger, based on the setting information and the operating state information; and a concentration change detection step of detecting a concentration change in the heat-exchange fluid, based on a difference in heat exchange amount between the first heat exchange amount and the second heat exchange amount.

[0111] A control program according to a twelfth aspect of the present disclosure is a control program a refrigeration cycle device that supplies a heat-exchange fluid having a desired temperature by causing heat exchange between a refrigerant and the heat-exchange fluid in a heat exchanger, the control program causing a computer to execute: a setting information acquisition process of acquiring setting information including a type and a concentration of the heat-exchange fluid, and a set freezing temperature which is a freezing temperature of the heat-exchange fluid that is set by a user; a freezing temperature calculation process of calculating a calculated freezing temperature which is a freezing temperature of the heat-exchange fluid, by using the setting information; and an erroneous input detection process of detecting an erroneous input by the user by determining whether or not a difference in freezing temperature between the set freezing temperature and the calculated freezing temperature is equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

[0112] A control program according to a thirteenth aspect of the present disclosure is a control program for a refrigeration cycle device that supplies a heat-exchange fluid having a desired temperature by causing heat exchange between a refrigerant and the heat-exchange fluid in a heat exchanger, the control program causing a computer to execute: a setting information acquisition process of acquiring setting information including a type and a concentration of the heat-exchange fluid; an operating state information acquisition process of acquiring operating state information including physical quantities of the refrigerant and the heat-exchange fluid; a first capacity calculation process of calculating a first heat exchange amount which is a heat exchange amount of the refrigerant in the heat exchanger, based on the setting information and the operating state information; a second capacity calculation process of calculating a second heat exchange amount which is a heat exchange amount of the heat-exchange fluid in the heat exchanger, based on the setting information and the operating state information; and a concentration change detection process of detecting a concentration change in the heat-exchange fluid, based on a difference in heat exchange amount between the first heat exchange amount and the second heat exchange amount.Reference Signs List

[0113] 1: refrigeration cycle system 2: refrigeration cycle device 3: refrigerant circuit 4: fluid circuit 5: control device 5a: CPU 5b: auxiliary storage device (ROM) 5c: main storage device (RAM) 5d: communication interface 5e: input / output unit 5f: bus 6: storage unit 7: notification unit 31: compressor 32: heat exchanger 33: pressure-reducing device 41: pump 42: equipment load 51: operating state information acquisition unit 52: setting information acquisition unit 53: physical property value calculation unit 54: state value calculation unit 55a: refrigerant flow rate calculation unit 55b: fluid-side flow rate calculation unit 56a: refrigerant capacity calculation unit 56b: fluid-side capacity calculation unit 57: set freezing temperature storage unit 58: freezing temperature calculation unit 59: detection unit 59a: erroneous input detection unit 59b: concentration change detection unit 60: device drive control unit HE: heat exchanger P1 to P4: pressure sensor T1 to T4: temperature sensor

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0018]Hereinafter, an embodiment of a control device, a refrigeration cycle device including the control device, a refrigeration cycle system including the refrigeration cycle device, a control method, and a control program according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

(Configuration of Refrigeration Cycle Device)

[0019]FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing a configuration of a refrigeration cycle system 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 1, the refrigeration cycle system 1 includes a fluid circuit 4 and a refrigeration cycle device 2.

(Fluid Circuit)

[0020]The fluid circuit 4 is a fluid circuit in which the heat-exchange fluid circulates, and as will be described later, the heat-exchange fluid that is heat-exchanged with a refrigerant circulating in a refrigerant circuit 3 in a heat exchanger HE and has a desired temperature is supplied to an equipment load 42. The fluid circuit 4 is provided with, for e...

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a control device, a refrigeration cycle device including the control device, a refrigeration cycle system including the refrigeration cycle device, a control method, and a control program.Background Art

[0002] In the related art, as a refrigeration cycle device that supplies a heat-exchange fluid (for example, brine) cooled to a desired temperature, systems described in PTLS 1 and 2, for example, are known.

[0003] In such a refrigeration cycle device, it is common that a type and a concentration of the heat-exchange fluid used in a brine chiller differ among users. When using the brine chiller, a user needs to set a freezing temperature of the heat-exchange fluid.Citation ListPatent Literature

[0004] [PTL 1] Japanese Patent No. 5289475 [PTL 2] Japanese Patent No. 5058324 Summary of InventionTechnical Problem

[0005] Here, in these refrigeration cycle devices, the freezing temperature of the heat-exchange fluid is set by the user. Protection control or the like of the refrigeration cycle device is performed based on the set freezing temperature. However, in a case where the user incorrectly sets the freezing temperature, there is no means to detect this error, which may prevent an intended operation or cause a unit to fail.

[0006] Even when the freezing temperature is correctly set at a beginning of an operation of the refrigeration cycle device, as the operation is continued, the concentration of the heat-exchange fluid changes due to evaporation of the heat-exchange fluid or moisture absorption, and the freezing temperature also changes. Accordingly, the user or an inspector needs to regularly perform maintenance and check the concentration of the heat-exchange fluid.

[0007] The present disclosure has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present disclosure is to provide a control device capable of detecting an erroneous input of a freezing temperature by a user, a refrigeration cycle device including the control device, a refrigeration cycle system including the refrigeration cycle device, a control method, and a control program.Solution to Problem

[0008] A control device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is a control device for a refrigeration cycle device that supplies a heat-exchange fluid having a desired temperature by causing heat exchange between a refrigerant and the heat-exchange fluid in a heat exchanger, the control device including: a setting information acquisition unit that acquires setting information including a type and a concentration of the heat-exchange fluid, and a set freezing temperature which is a freezing temperature of the heat-exchange fluid that is set by a user; a freezing temperature calculation unit that calculates a calculated freezing temperature which is a freezing temperature of the heat-exchange fluid, by using the setting information; and an erroneous input detection unit that detects an erroneous input by the user by determining whether or not a difference in freezing temperature between the set freezing temperature and the calculated freezing temperature is equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

[0009] A control device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is a control device for a refrigeration cycle device that supplies a heat-exchange fluid having a desired temperature by causing heat exchange between a refrigerant and the heat-exchange fluid in a heat exchanger, the control device including: a setting information acquisition unit that acquires setting information including a type and a concentration of the heat-exchange fluid; an operating state information acquisition unit that acquires operating state information including physical quantities of the refrigerant and the heat-exchange fluid; a first capacity calculation unit that calculates a first heat exchange amount which is a heat exchange amount of the refrigerant in the heat exchanger, based on the setting information and the operating state information; a second capacity calculation unit that calculates a second heat exchange amount which is a heat exchange amount of the heat-exchange fluid in the heat exchanger, based on the setting information and the operating state information; and a concentration change detection unit that detects a concentration change in the heat-exchange fluid, based on a difference in heat exchange amount between the first heat exchange amount and the second heat exchange amount.

[0010] A refrigeration cycle device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure includes any one of the control devices.

[0011] A refrigeration cycle system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure includes the refrigeration cycle device, and a control device for a fluid circuit in which the heat-exchange fluid circulates.

[0012] A control method according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is a control method for a refrigeration cycle device that supplies a heat-exchange fluid having a desired temperature by causing heat exchange between a refrigerant and the heat-exchange fluid in a heat exchanger, the control method including: a setting information acquisition step of acquiring setting information including a type and a concentration of the heat-exchange fluid, and a set freezing temperature which is a freezing temperature of the heat-exchange fluid that is set by a user; a freezing temperature calculation step of calculating a calculated freezing temperature which is a freezing temperature of the heat-exchange fluid, by using the setting information; and an erroneous input detection step of detecting an erroneous input by the user by determining whether or not a difference in freezing temperature between the set freezing temperature and the calculated freezing temperature is equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

[0013] A control method according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is a control method for a refrigeration cycle device that supplies a heat-exchange fluid having a desired temperature by causing heat exchange between a refrigerant and the heat-exchange fluid in a heat exchanger, the control method including: a setting information acquisition step of acquiring setting information including a type and a concentration of the heat-exchange fluid; an operating state information acquisition step of acquiring operating state information including physical quantities of the refrigerant and the heat-exchange fluid; a first capacity calculation step of calculating a first heat exchange amount which is a heat exchange amount of the refrigerant in the heat exchanger, based on the setting information and the operating state information; a second capacity calculation step of calculating a second heat exchange amount which is a heat exchange amount of the heat-exchange fluid in the heat exchanger, based on the setting information and the operating state information; and a concentration change detection step of detecting a concentration change in the heat-exchange fluid, based on a difference in heat exchange amount between the first heat exchange amount and the second heat exchange amount.

[0014] A control program according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is a control program for a refrigeration cycle device that supplies a heat-exchange fluid having a desired temperature by causing heat exchange between a refrigerant and the heat-exchange fluid in a heat exchanger, the control program causing a computer to execute: a setting information acquisition process of acquiring setting information including a type and a concentration of the heat-exchange fluid, and a set freezing temperature which is a freezing temperature of the heat-exchange fluid that is set by a user; a freezing temperature calculation process of calculating a calculated freezing temperature which is a freezing temperature of the heat-exchange fluid, by using the setting information; and an erroneous input detection process of detecting an erroneous input by the user by determining whether or not a difference in freezing temperature between the set freezing temperature and the calculated freezing temperature is equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

[0015] A control program according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is a control program for a refrigeration cycle device that supplies a heat-exchange fluid having a desired temperature by causing heat exchange between a refrigerant and the heat-exchange fluid in a heat exchanger, the control program causing a computer to execute: a setting information acquisition process of acquiring setting information including a type and a concentration of the heat-exchange fluid; an operating state information acquisition process of acquiring operating state information including physical quantities of the refrigerant and the heat-exchange fluid; a first capacity calculation process of calculating a first heat exchange amount which is a heat exchange amount of the refrigerant in the heat exchanger, based on the setting information and the operating state information; a second capacity calculation process of calculating a second heat exchange amount which is a heat exchange amount of the heat-exchange fluid in the heat exchanger, based on the setting information and the operating state information; and a concentration change detection process of detecting a concentration change in the heat-exchange fluid, based on a difference in heat exchange amount between the first heat exchange amount and the second heat exchange amount.Advantageous Effects of Invention

[0016] According to the present disclosure, an effect is achieved in that it is possible to detect the erroneous input of the freezing temperature by the user.Brief Description of Drawings

[0017] FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing a configuration of a refrigeration cycle system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a control device of a refrigeration cycle device of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a graph showing characteristics of a freezing temperature corresponding to a type and a concentration of a heat-exchange fluid. FIG. 4 is a graph showing characteristics of specific gravity corresponding to the type and concentration of the heat-exchange fluid. Description of Embodiments

[0018] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a control device, a refrigeration cycle device including the control device, a refrigeration cycle system including the refrigeration cycle device, a control method, and a control program according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.(Configuration of Refrigeration Cycle Device)

[0019] FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing a configuration of a refrigeration cycle system 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 1, the refrigeration cycle system 1 includes a fluid circuit 4 and a refrigeration cycle device 2.(Fluid Circuit)

[0020] The fluid circuit 4 is a fluid circuit in which the heat-exchange fluid circulates, and as will be described later, the heat-exchange fluid that is heat-exchanged with a refrigerant circulating in a refrigerant circuit 3 in a heat exchanger HE and has a desired temperature is supplied to an equipment load 42. The fluid circuit 4 is provided with, for example, a pump 41, pressure sensors P1 and P2, and temperature sensors (temperature measurement units) T1 and T2. The heat-exchange fluid is, for example, a fluid such as water, and may be simply water or brine or the like obtained by mixing an additive that lowers the freezing point. Here, in the present embodiment, the heat-exchange fluid is brine, and for example, ethylene glycol, Nybrine Z1, Nybrine NFP, Showbrine Blue, Showbrine PFP, or the like may be used.

[0021] The pump 41 sends the heat-exchange fluid such that the heat-exchange fluid circulates in the fluid circuit 4. Here, the means for sending the heat-exchange fluid is not limited to a pump, and may be other types of sending means as long as the means serves the same role.

[0022] The pressure sensors P1 and P2 are provided, for example, at each of an inlet and an outlet of the heat exchanger HE in the fluid circuit 4. The pressure sensor P1 measures the pressure of the heat-exchange fluid flowing into the heat exchanger HE. The pressure sensor P2 measures the pressure of the heat-exchange fluid flowing out of the heat exchanger HE. Each measured pressure is transmitted to a control device 5 and is used for calculating the flow rate of the heat-exchange fluid. A differential pressure gauge that measures a differential pressure between the pressure of the heat-exchange fluid flowing into the heat exchanger HE and the pressure of the heat-exchange fluid flowing out of the heat exchanger HE may be used instead of the pressure sensors P1 and P2.

[0023] The temperature sensors T1 and T2 are provided, for example, at each of the inlet and outlet of the heat exchanger HE in the fluid circuit 4. The temperature sensor (first temperature measurement unit) T1 measures the temperature of the heat-exchange fluid flowing into the heat exchanger HE. The temperature sensor (second temperature measurement unit) T2 measures the temperature of the heat-exchange fluid flowing out of the heat exchanger HE. Each measured temperature is transmitted to the control device 5 and is used for calculating the flow rate of the heat-exchange fluid. In a case where the temperature difference between the inlet and the outlet of the heat exchanger HE is small, of the temperature sensors T1 and T2, only the temperature sensor T1 for measuring the temperature of the heat-exchange fluid flowing into the heat exchanger HE may be provided.(Refrigeration Cycle Device)

[0024] The refrigeration cycle device 2 includes the refrigerant circuit 3, the control device 5, a storage unit 6, and a notification unit 7. Detail of each configuration will be described below.(Refrigerant Circuit)

[0025] The refrigerant circuit 3 is a fluid circuit in which a refrigerant circulates, and includes a compressor 31, a heat exchanger 32, a pressure-reducing device 33, and the heat exchanger HE. For example, Hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants such as R410A, R407C, and R404A, Hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) refrigerants such as R22 and R134a, or natural refrigerants such as hydrocarbons and helium can be used as the refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant circuit 3. The refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant circuit 3 is not limited thereto, and may be a refrigerant other than the above as long as it has the same refrigerant action.

[0026] The compressor 31 compresses the refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant circuit 3. The compressor 31 is a compressor whose operating capacity can be changed, and is composed of, for example, a positive-displacement compressor driven by a motor controlled by an inverter. The compressor 31 may have a configuration in which two or more compressors are connected in parallel or in series.

[0027] The heat exchanger 32 is specifically a condenser in which the refrigerant and the heat-exchange medium exchange heat with each other. The heat exchanger 32 is, for example, a fin-and-tube type heat exchanger configured to include a heat transfer tube and a large number of fins. The heat-exchange medium is, for example, a fluid such as air, and is supplied to the heat exchanger 32 by sending means such as a fan.

[0028] The pressure-reducing device 33 adjusts the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant circuit 3, for example. As the pressure-reducing device 33, an electronic expansion valve capable of adjusting the opening degree of the orifice by a stepping motor (not shown), a mechanical expansion valve using a diaphragm in a pressure-sensing section, a capillary tube, or the like may be used.

[0029] The heat exchanger HE is a heat exchanger in which a refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant circuit 3 pressure-reduced by the pressure-reducing device 33 and the heat-exchange fluid circulating in the fluid circuit 4 exchange heat with each other. The heat exchanger HE is specifically an evaporator, and for example, a fin-and-tube type heat exchanger is used. The heat exchanger HE is a component of the refrigerant circuit 3 and is a component of the fluid circuit 4.

[0030] Pressure sensors P3 and P4 are provided, for example, at each of an inlet and an outlet of the compressor 31 in the refrigerant circuit 3. The pressure sensor P3 measures the pressure of the refrigerant flowing into the compressor 31. The pressure sensor P4 measures the pressure of the refrigerant flowing out of the compressor 31. The measured pressure is used for calculation of a heat exchange amount to be described later. A differential pressure gauge that measures a differential pressure between the pressure of the refrigerant flowing into the compressor 31 and the pressure of the refrigerant flowing out of the compressor 31 may be used instead of the pressure sensors P3 and P4.

[0031] The temperature sensors T3 and T4 are provided, for example, at each of the inlet and outlet of the heat exchanger HE in the refrigerant circuit 3. The temperature sensor T1 measures the temperature of the heat-exchange fluid flowing into the heat exchanger HE. The temperature sensor T2 measures the temperature of the heat-exchange fluid flowing out of the heat exchanger HE. Each measured temperature is transmitted to the control device 5 and is used for calculating the flow rate or the heat exchange amount of the refrigerant. In a case where the temperature difference between the inlet and the outlet of the heat exchanger HE is small, of the temperature sensors T1 and T2, only the temperature sensor T1 for measuring the temperature of the heat-exchange fluid flowing into the heat exchanger HE may be provided.(Control Device)

[0032] The control device 5 calculates the freezing temperature of the heat-exchange fluid, the heat exchange amount in the refrigerant circuit 3, and the heat exchange amount in the fluid circuit 4 by using parameters including each pressure measured by the pressure sensors P1, P2, P3, and P4, each temperature measured by the temperature sensors T1, T2, T3, and T4, and setting information on the type and concentration of the heat-exchange fluid that is input by a user, and performs drive control of the compressor 31 and the pressure-reducing device 33 which are included in the refrigerant circuit 3 and the pump 41 included in the fluid circuit 4. The control device 5 includes an operating state information acquisition unit 51, a setting information acquisition unit 52, a physical property value calculation unit 53, a state value calculation unit 54, a refrigerant flow rate calculation unit 55a, a fluid-side flow rate calculation unit 55b, a refrigerant capacity calculation unit (first capacity calculation unit) 56a, a fluid-side capacity calculation unit (second capacity calculation unit) 56b, a set freezing temperature storage unit 57, a freezing temperature calculation unit 58, a detection unit 59, and a device drive control unit 60.

[0033] Here, FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the control device 5 of the refrigeration cycle device 2 of FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the control device 5 has a computer (computer system) and includes, for example, a CPU 5a, an auxiliary storage device (ROM) 5b for storing programs executed by the CPU 5a, data referenced by these programs, and the like, a main storage device (RAM) 5c that functions as a work area when each program is executed, a communication interface 5d for connecting to a network, an input / output unit 5e that receives inputs from external devices and outputs control commands to external devices that can communicate with the control device 5, and the like. Each of these units is connected via, for example, a bus 5f. As the auxiliary storage device 5b, for example, a magnetic disk, a magneto-optical disk, a semiconductor memory, or the like can be given as an example.

[0034] As an example, a series of processes for implementing various functions which will be described later are stored in the auxiliary storage device 5b in the form of a program, the CPU 5a reads the program into the main storage device 5c to execute an information processing and calculation process, and thus, various functions are implemented. As the program, a form installed in advance in the auxiliary storage device 5b, a form which is provided in a state of being stored in another computer-readable storage medium, a form which is distributed via wired or wireless communication means, or the like may be applied. The computer-readable storage medium is a magnetic disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, a semiconductor memory, or the like.

[0035] The operating state information acquisition unit 51 acquires operating state information including physical quantities such as the pressure of the heat-exchange fluid measured by the pressure sensors P1 and P2, the temperature of the heat-exchange fluid measured by the temperature sensors T1 and T2, the pressure of the refrigerant measured by the pressure sensors P3 and P4, the temperature of the refrigerant measured by the temperature sensors T3 and T4, and the displacement and the rotation speed of the compressor 31. The acquired operating state information is output to each of the physical property value calculation unit 53, the state value calculation unit 54, the refrigerant flow rate calculation unit 55a, and the fluid-side flow rate calculation unit 55b.

[0036] In the following description, it is described that the operating state information acquisition unit 51 can acquire physical quantities such as the temperature of the refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant circuit 3 and the temperature, pressure, differential pressure, and the like of the heat-exchange fluid circulating in the fluid circuit 4. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this example, and the operating state information acquisition unit 51 may appropriately include a temperature acquisition unit that acquires at least one of the temperature of the refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant circuit 3 and the temperature of the heat-exchange fluid circulating in the fluid circuit 4, a pressure acquisition unit that acquires at least one of the pressure of the refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant circuit 3 and the pressure of the heat-exchange fluid circulating in the fluid circuit 4, and a differential pressure acquisition unit that acquires at least one of the differential pressure of the refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant circuit 3 and the differential pressure of the heat-exchange fluid circulating in the fluid circuit 4.

[0037] The setting information acquisition unit 52 acquires the setting information on the type and the concentration of the heat-exchange fluid, and the set freezing temperature which is the freezing temperature of the heat-exchange fluid that is set by the user. The setting information on the type and concentration of the heat-exchange fluid is set by the user, for example, via a user interface (not shown). Here, the setting information on the type and the concentration of the heat-exchange fluid that is set by the user is used for the calculation of the physical property value of the heat-exchange fluid. The setting information acquisition unit 52 outputs the setting information on the type and the concentration of the heat-exchange fluid and the freezing temperature to each of the physical property value calculation unit 53, the set freezing temperature storage unit 57, and the freezing temperature calculation unit.

[0038] The physical property value calculation unit 53 calculates each physical property value of the refrigerant and the heat-exchange fluid, such as density, specific heat, and kinematic viscosity thereof, by using the operating state information (pressure, temperature, and the like) received from the operating state information acquisition unit 51 and the setting information on the type and concentration of the heat-exchange fluid received from the setting information acquisition unit 52. The physical property value calculation unit 53 outputs the operating state information, the setting information, and each calculated physical property value of the refrigerant and the heat-exchange fluid to each of the refrigerant flow rate calculation unit 55a, the fluid-side flow rate calculation unit 55b, and the fluid-side capacity calculation unit 56b.

[0039] The physical property value calculation unit 53 may calculate a temperature difference between the inlet and outlet of the heat exchanger HE for the refrigerant or the heat-exchange fluid.

[0040] The state value calculation unit 54 calculates enthalpy at each of the inlet and outlet of the heat exchanger HE using the operating state information received from the operating state information acquisition unit 51, specifically, the pressure of the refrigerant measured by the pressure sensor P3 and the temperatures of the refrigerant measured by the temperature sensors T3 and T4, and further calculates an enthalpy difference between the inlet and outlet of the heat exchanger HE. Regarding the pressure used for calculating the enthalpy difference between the inlet and outlet of the heat exchanger HE, a value obtained by considering the pressure loss generated by the heat exchanger HE may be used for the measurement result measured by the pressure sensor P3. In the present disclosure, an example in which each enthalpy is calculated by using the pressure measured by the pressure sensor P3 provided on the inlet side of the compressor 31 has been described. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this example, and more preferably, each enthalpy may be calculated by using the pressure measured by the pressure sensor provided on the inlet side of the heat exchanger HE.

[0041] Regarding the calculation of the enthalpy difference between the inlet and outlet of the heat exchanger HE, a known method may be appropriately adopted, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0042] The refrigerant flow rate calculation unit 55a calculates the flow rate of the refrigerant by using each pressure and temperature of the refrigerant circuit 3 and the displacement and the rotation speed of the compressor 31 which are acquired by the operating state information acquisition unit 51, the physical property values including the density, the specific heat, and the kinematic viscosity of the refrigerant calculated by the physical property value calculation unit 53, and the state value calculated by the state value calculation unit 54. The refrigerant flow rate calculation unit 55a outputs the calculated flow rate of the refrigerant to the refrigerant capacity calculation unit 56a.

[0043] The fluid-side flow rate calculation unit 55b calculates a differential pressure between the pressure of the heat-exchange fluid flowing into the heat exchanger HE and the pressure of the heat-exchange fluid flowing out of the heat exchanger, using the operating state information, and calculates the flow rate of the heat-exchange fluid, using the calculated differential pressure and the density and kinematic viscosity of the heat-exchange fluid calculated by the physical property value calculation unit 53. The fluid-side flow rate calculation unit 55b outputs the calculated flow rate of the heat-exchange fluid to the fluid-side capacity calculation unit 56b.

[0044] Here, the refrigerant flow rate calculation unit 55a and the fluid-side flow rate calculation unit 55b may use a calculation equation for calculating the flow rate stored in the storage unit 6 (to be described later) in calculating the flow rate of the refrigerant or the heat-exchange fluid.

[0045] Further, the refrigerant flow rate calculation unit 55a and the fluid-side flow rate calculation unit 55b may output the calculation result to the outside by monitoring display or the like in order to notify the user of the calculated flow rate of the refrigerant or the heat-exchange fluid.

[0046] The refrigerant capacity calculation unit 56a calculates a first heat exchange amount, which is a heat exchange amount of the refrigerant in the heat exchanger, based on the setting information and the operating state information. Specifically, the heat exchange amount, which is the capacity of the refrigerant circuit 3, is calculated based on each calculation result of the state value calculation unit 54 and the refrigerant flow rate calculation unit 55a. The refrigerant capacity calculation unit 56a outputs the first heat exchange amount to the concentration change detection unit 59b. Further, the refrigerant capacity calculation unit 56a may output the calculation result to the outside by monitoring display or the like in order to notify the user of the current capacity of the refrigerant circuit 3 based on the calculation result.

[0047] The fluid-side capacity calculation unit 56b calculates a second heat exchange amount, which is a heat exchange amount of the heat-exchange fluid in the heat exchanger, based on the setting information and the operating state information. Specifically, the heat exchange amount, which is the capacity of the fluid circuit 4, is calculated based on each calculation result of the physical property value calculation unit 53 and the fluid-side flow rate calculation unit 55b. The fluid-side capacity calculation unit 56b outputs the second heat exchange amount to the concentration change detection unit 59b. Further, the fluid-side capacity calculation unit 56b may output the calculation result to the outside by monitoring display or the like in order to notify the user of the current capacity of the fluid circuit 4 based on the calculation result.

[0048] The fluid-side capacity calculation unit 56b calculates a change in specific gravity corresponding to a change in the density of the heat-exchange fluid, and calculates the concentration from the specific gravity of the heat-exchange fluid. Further, as will be described later, a correction amount for at least one of the setting information (type and concentration) and the set freezing temperature is calculated in response to the change in the concentration of the heat-exchange fluid detected by the concentration change detection unit 59b. The calculated correction amount is transmitted to the notification unit 7.

[0049] The set freezing temperature storage unit 57 stores the set freezing temperature received from the setting information acquisition unit 52. The set freezing temperature storage unit 57 outputs the set freezing temperature to an erroneous input detection unit 59a.

[0050] The freezing temperature calculation unit 58 calculates a calculated freezing temperature, which is the freezing temperature of the heat-exchange fluid calculated using the type and the concentration of the heat-exchange fluid received from the setting information acquisition unit 52. Details of the method for deriving the calculated freezing temperature will be described later. The freezing temperature calculation unit 58 outputs the calculated freezing temperature to the erroneous input detection unit 59a.

[0051] The detection unit 59 includes the erroneous input detection unit 59a and a concentration change detection unit 59b.

[0052] The erroneous input detection unit 59a detects an erroneous input by the user by determining whether or not a difference in freezing temperature between the set freezing temperature and the calculated freezing temperature is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. The erroneous input detection unit 59a detects, for example, an erroneous input by the user at the time of initial setting of the refrigeration cycle device. Accordingly, it is possible to perform appropriate control based on the correct type and concentration of the heat-exchange fluid.

[0053] The erroneous input detection unit 59a outputs a command to the device drive control unit 60 not to permit activation of the refrigeration cycle device 2 in a case where the difference in freezing temperature between the set freezing temperature and the calculated freezing temperature is equal to or greater than the predetermined value. The erroneous input detection unit 59a may transmit a notification signal to the notification unit 7 to notify the user of the detection result in a case where the difference in freezing temperature between the set freezing temperature and the calculated freezing temperature is equal to or greater than the predetermined value.

[0054] The concentration change detection unit 59b detects the occurrence of a concentration change in the heat-exchange fluid based on the difference in heat exchange amount between the first heat exchange amount and the second heat exchange amount. Here, the difference in heat exchange amount between the first heat exchange amount and the second heat exchange amount, which is equal to or greater than the predetermined value, occurs in a case where the second heat exchange amount changes from the operation start time, and the reason why the second heat exchange amount changes is that the concentration of the heat-exchange fluid changes from the operation start time. Therefore, the concentration change detection unit 59b can detect the occurrence of the concentration change in the heat-exchange fluid based on the difference in heat exchange amount between the first heat exchange amount and the second heat exchange amount. Further, the concentration change detection unit 59b outputs a command to the device drive control unit 60 to stop an operation of the refrigeration cycle device in a case where the difference in heat exchange amount between the first heat exchange amount and the second heat exchange amount is equal to or greater than the predetermined value.

[0055] The concentration change detection unit 59b outputs the detection result to the fluid-side capacity calculation unit 56b in a case where the difference in heat exchange amount between the first heat exchange amount and the second heat exchange amount is equal to or greater than the predetermined value. The erroneous input detection unit 59a may transmit a notification signal to the notification unit 7 to notify the user of the detection result in a case where the difference in heat exchange amount between the first heat exchange amount and the second heat exchange amount is equal to or greater than the predetermined value.

[0056] The device drive control unit 60 performs drive control on each device such as the compressor 31, the pressure-reducing device 33, and the pump 41 based on the command corresponding to each detection result of the erroneous input detection unit 59a or the concentration change detection unit 59b, in addition to the drive control of the device during normal operation.

[0057] In a case where the device drive control unit 60 receives a command for performing an emergency stop at the time of an abnormality from the erroneous input detection unit 59a or the concentration change detection unit 59b, the device drive control unit 60 may perform an emergency stop on each device included in the refrigerant circuit 3 and the fluid circuit 4 based on the command.(Storage Unit)

[0058] The storage unit 6 is configured by, for example, a memory device such as a semiconductor memory or a hard disk device. The storage unit 6 stores each calculation equation used when the physical property value calculation unit 53 calculates physical property values such as density and kinematic viscosity, and a flow rate calculation equation used when the fluid-side flow rate calculation unit 55b calculates the flow rate of the heat-exchange fluid. The storage unit 6 stores a plurality of data tables for obtaining each physical property value in which the temperature and the differential pressure are associated with each other for each combination of the type and the concentration of the heat-exchange fluid. Examples of the plurality of data tables include a density table showing a relationship between the temperature, type, and concentration and the density of the heat-exchange fluid, a viscosity table showing a relationship between the temperature, type, and concentration and the viscosity of the heat-exchange fluid, a specific heat table showing a relationship between the temperature, type, and concentration and the specific heat of the heat-exchange fluid, a specific gravity table showing a relationship between the concentration and the specific gravity of the heat-exchange fluid, and a freezing temperature table showing a relationship between the concentration and the freezing temperature of the heat-exchange fluid.

[0059] Each calculation equation used by the physical property value calculation unit 53 and the flow rate calculation equation used by the fluid-side flow rate calculation unit 55b are derived by using at least one type of the plurality of data tables. The storage unit 6 may store specifications such as dimensions of a pipe through which the heat-exchange fluid flows. The storage unit 6 may be capable of communicating with the control device 5, and each calculation unit included in the control device 5 may use each table stored in the storage unit 6 when performing calculation.

[0060] The storage unit 6 is configured by a memory device such as a semiconductor memory or a hard disk device, and is not limited to the configuration of the control device 5. The storage unit 6 may be provided to be accessible by the control device 5, and may be a cloud service, for example, an online storage or the like.(Notification Unit)

[0061] The notification unit 7 is a display screen such as a light emitting diode (LED) or a cathode ray tube (CRT), or a liquid crystal screen, and outputs information on the screen. For example, in a case where there is an abnormality in the operating state of the refrigeration cycle device 2, the abnormality is displayed and output in response to an instruction from the control device 5. Further, the notification unit 7 may include a voice output unit such as a speaker, and may output information by voice such as an alarm instead of display output on the screen or together with display output on the screen. Further, the notification unit 7 may have a communication line and may execute communication data output to a remote place.

[0062] According to the refrigeration cycle device 2 including the above-described configuration, it is possible to detect erroneous input of the freezing temperature of the heat-exchange fluid that is set by the user at the time of activation of the refrigeration cycle device 2. It is possible to detect the occurrence of a concentration change in the heat-exchange fluid while the operation of the refrigeration cycle device 2 is continued.(Detection Target 1: Freezing Temperature of Heat-Exchange Fluid)

[0063] Hereinafter, details of a method for detecting an erroneous input by the user by determining the difference between the set freezing temperature and the calculated freezing temperature will be described.

[0064] First, in setting the freezing temperature of the heat-exchange fluid in the refrigeration cycle device 2, there are two types of freezing temperatures of the heat-exchange fluid, that is, the set freezing temperature which is the freezing temperature of the heat-exchange fluid that is set by the user, and the calculated freezing temperature calculated by using setting information including the type and the concentration of the heat-exchange fluid that is set by the user.

[0065] Here, the freezing temperature is characterized in relation to the type and concentration of the heat-exchange fluid. FIG. 3 is a graph showing characteristics of a freezing temperature corresponding to the type and concentration of the heat-exchange fluid. In FIG. 3, the horizontal axis represents the concentration of the heat-exchange fluid, and the vertical axis represents the freezing temperature of the heat-exchange fluid. Here, the storage unit 6 may store characteristics corresponding to the type and the concentration of the heat-exchange fluid, or may store an approximation equation generated from the characteristics of the freezing temperature corresponding to the type and the concentration of the heat-exchange fluid in advance.

[0066] In the control device 5, when detecting the erroneous input of the freezing temperature of the heat-exchange fluid by the user, first, the setting information acquisition unit 52 acquires the setting information including the type and the concentration of the heat-exchange fluid, and the set freezing temperature. The set freezing temperature storage unit 57 stores the set freezing temperature output from the setting information acquisition unit 52. The freezing temperature calculation unit 58 calculates the calculated freezing temperature by using the setting information of the heat-exchange fluid and the approximation equation for calculating the freezing temperature according to the type and the concentration of the heat-exchange fluid stored in the storage unit 6.

[0067] The set freezing temperature and the calculated freezing temperature are output to the erroneous input detection unit 59a, respectively. The erroneous input detection unit 59a detects an erroneous input by the user by determining whether or not a difference in freezing temperature between the set freezing temperature and the calculated freezing temperature is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. For example, the erroneous input detection unit 59a determines that the freezing temperature set by the user is erroneous in a case where the difference in freezing temperature between the set freezing temperature and the calculated freezing temperature is equal to or greater than the predetermined value, and detects the erroneous input by the user.

[0068] When the erroneous input by the user is detected, the erroneous input detection unit 59a outputs the command not to permit the activation of the refrigeration cycle device 2 to the device drive control unit 60. The erroneous input detection unit 59a may transmit a notification signal to the notification unit 7 to notify the user of the detection result of the erroneous input by the user. The notification signal that the erroneous input detection unit 59a transmits to the notification unit 7 may simply notify that the set freezing temperature deviates from the calculated freezing temperature. Further, the notification signal may notify the user of the set freezing temperature to be input according to the difference between the set freezing temperature and the calculated freezing temperature.

[0069] As described above, the erroneous input detection unit can detect the erroneous input of the freezing temperature by the user by determining whether or not the difference in freezing temperature between the set freezing temperature and the calculated freezing temperature is equal to or greater than the predetermined value. In this way, by determining whether or not the freezing temperature set by the user and the freezing temperature calculated based on the type and the concentration of the heat-exchange fluid that is set by the user are consistent with each other, it is possible to determine whether or not there is an erroneous setting by the user.

[0070] Unlike the above-described example, in a case where the user correctly sets the freezing temperature and erroneously inputs settings for the type and concentration of the heat-exchange fluid, the erroneous input by the user regarding the setting of the heat-exchange fluid may be detected and notified by determining whether or not the difference between the set freezing temperature and the calculated freezing temperature is equal to or greater than the predetermined value.(Detection Target 2: Concentration Change of Heat-Exchange Fluid)

[0071] Hereinafter, a method for calculating the capacity of the refrigeration cycle device 2 and the concentration change in the heat-exchange fluid using the above-described configuration will be described.

[0072] First, in a case where the heat exchange between the refrigerant and the heat-exchange fluid is performed via the heat exchanger HE, the heat exchange amount in the heat exchanger HE changes according to the operating state of the refrigeration cycle device 2. The heat exchange amount of the refrigerant in the heat exchanger HE and the heat exchange amount of the heat-exchange fluid in the heat exchanger HE are equal to each other when the concentration of the heat-exchange fluid is normal. From this, in a case where the heat exchange amount in the refrigerant circuit 3 and the heat exchange amount in the fluid circuit 4 are not equal to each other, it is possible to consider that the concentration of the heat-exchange fluid has changed.

[0073] In order to check the concentration change in the heat-exchange fluid, first, the refrigerant capacity calculation unit 56a calculates a first heat exchange amount Qr in the refrigerant circuit 3 by using each calculation result of the state value calculation unit 54 and the refrigerant flow rate calculation unit 55a. Similarly, the fluid-side capacity calculation unit 56b calculates a second heat exchange amount Qb in the fluid circuit 4 by using each calculation result of the physical property value calculation unit 53 and the fluid-side flow rate calculation unit 55b. The concentration change detection unit 59b detects the occurrence of the concentration change in the heat-exchange fluid based on the difference in heat exchange amount between the first heat exchange amount and the second heat exchange amount by comparing the calculated heat exchange amounts.

[0074] Hereinafter, a method for calculating the first heat exchange amount Qr, which is a heat exchange amount in the refrigerant circuit 3, will be described.

[0075] First, the state value calculation unit 54 calculates an enthalpy difference between the inlet and outlet of the heat exchanger HE by using the operating state information (pressure and temperature) acquired by the operating state information acquisition unit 51. The refrigerant flow rate calculation unit 55a calculates the flow rate of the refrigerant by using the displacement and the rotation speed of the compressor 31 which are acquired by the operating state information acquisition unit 51 and the density of the refrigerant calculated by the physical property value calculation unit 53. Regarding the derivation of the enthalpy difference between the inlet and outlet of the heat exchanger HE, the storage unit 6 may store a p-h line diagram of the refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant circuit 3, and the p-h line diagram may be used.

[0076] Next, the refrigerant capacity calculation unit 56a calculates the first heat exchange amount Qr by using each calculation result of the state value calculation unit 54 and the refrigerant flow rate calculation unit 55a by the following Equation (1). In Equation (1), Gr is the flow rate of the refrigerant calculated by the refrigerant flow rate calculation unit 55a. Δh is an enthalpy difference between the inlet and outlet of the heat exchanger HE calculated by the state value calculation unit 54. Qr = Gr × Δ h

[0077] Next, a method for calculating the second heat exchange amount Qb, which is a heat exchange amount in the fluid circuit 4, will be described.

[0078] First, the physical property value calculation unit 53 calculates the density, specific heat, and kinematic viscosity of the heat-exchange fluid and temperature difference of the heat-exchange fluid between the inlet and outlet of the heat exchanger HE using the operating state information (pressure and temperature) acquired by the operating state information acquisition unit 51 and the setting information (type and concentration) of the heat-exchange fluid acquired by the setting information acquisition unit 52. The fluid-side flow rate calculation unit 55b calculates the flow rate of the heat-exchange fluid by using each physical property value calculated by the physical property value calculation unit 53 and the differential pressure in the inlet and outlet of the heat exchanger HE acquired by the operating state information acquisition unit 51.

[0079] Here, regarding the calculation of the flow rate of the heat-exchange fluid, the calculation may be performed using the approximation equation derived by using the physical property value of the heat-exchange fluid calculated using the setting information (type and concentration) and the temperature of the heat-exchange fluid. As a differential pressure between the inlet and outlet of the heat exchanger HE of the fluid circuit 4, a value measured by using a differential pressure gauge may be used.

[0080] Next, the fluid-side capacity calculation unit 56b calculates the first heat exchange amount Qr by using each calculation result of the physical property value calculation unit 53 and the fluid-side flow rate calculation unit 55b by the following Equation (2). In Equation (2), Gb is the flow rate of the heat-exchange fluid calculated by the fluid-side flow rate calculation unit 55b. ρ is the density of the heat-exchange fluid calculated by the physical property value calculation unit 53, V is the flow rate of the heat-exchange fluid calculated by the fluid-side flow rate calculation unit 55b, c is the specific heat of the heat-exchange fluid calculated by the physical property value calculation unit 53, and ΔT is the temperature difference of the heat-exchange fluid between the inlet and outlet of the heat exchanger HE calculated by the physical property value calculation unit 53. Qb = ρ × Q × c × Δ T

[0081] Here, in a case where the concentration change detection unit 59b detects that a difference has occurred between the first heat exchange amount Qr and the second heat exchange amount Qb, this indicates that the concentration of the heat-exchange fluid has changed from the beginning of the operation, causing the density ρ, the flow rate V, and the specific heat c of the heat-exchange fluid to change in the fluid circuit 4. That is, it is possible to detect the occurrence of the concentration change in the heat-exchange fluid from the difference between the first heat exchange amount Qr and the second heat exchange amount Qb.

[0082] In a case where the concentration change detection unit 59b detects that the concentration of the heat-exchange fluid has changed, for example, in a case where the difference in heat exchange amount between the first heat exchange amount Qr and the second heat exchange amount Qb is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the device drive control unit 60 may stop the operation of each device included in the refrigeration cycle device 2.

[0083] In a case where the concentration change detection unit 59b detects the concentration change in the heat-exchange fluid, in addition to stopping the operation of each device included in the refrigeration cycle device 2, the concentration change may be calculated, the correction amount for at least one of the setting information and the freezing temperature of the heat-exchange fluid may be calculated, and the user may be notified.

[0084] In a case where a difference occurs between the first heat exchange amount Qr and the second heat exchange amount Qb, that is, in a case where a difference occurs between the second heat exchange amount Qb at the beginning of the operation of the refrigeration cycle device 2 and the current second heat exchange amount Qb, the second heat exchange amount Qb changes since each of the density ρ, the flow rate V, and the specific heat c in the Equation (2) changes. Therefore, the concentration of the heat-exchange fluid can be calculated by using the change amounts of the density ρ, the flow rate V, and the specific heat c of the refrigeration cycle device 2 from the beginning of the operation to the present.

[0085] FIG. 4 is a graph showing characteristics of specific gravity corresponding to the type and concentration of the heat-exchange fluid. In FIG. 4, the horizontal axis represents the concentration of the heat-exchange fluid, and the vertical axis represents the specific gravity of the heat-exchange fluid. Here, the specific gravity is a ratio between the density of the heat-exchange fluid and the density of a standard substance (for example, water). Therefore, there is a correlation between density and specific gravity, and the specific gravity changes as the density changes. That is, the fluid-side capacity calculation unit 56b can calculate a change in specific gravity corresponding to a change in density, and can calculate a changed concentration from the specific gravity of the heat-exchange fluid after the change by using the relationship shown in FIG. 4. Further, the freezing temperature of the heat-exchange fluid can be derived from the concentration of the heat-exchange fluid as shown in FIG. 3. Therefore, the fluid-side capacity calculation unit 56b can calculate not only the concentration change in the heat-exchange fluid but also a change in freezing temperature of the heat-exchange fluid by calculating the difference between the first heat exchange amount Qr and the second heat exchange amount Qb.

[0086] In this way, the fluid-side capacity calculation unit 56b can calculate the concentration and the freezing temperature of the heat-exchange fluid changed from the beginning of the operation of the refrigeration cycle device 2, and thus can calculate the correction amount for at least one of the setting information and the freezing temperature of the heat-exchange fluid. The correction amount calculated by the fluid-side capacity calculation unit 56b may be notified to the user by the notification unit 7.

[0087] The fluid-side capacity calculation unit 56b can calculate the correction amount of the concentration of the heat-exchange fluid to make the capacity of the refrigeration cycle device 2 to be the same as that at the beginning of the operation even in a case where the concentration change in the heat-exchange fluid occurs, for example, in a case where the concentration changes due to evaporation or moisture absorption. Since the calculation result is notified to the user by the notification unit 7, the user can identify the concentration change in the heat-exchange fluid and can correct the concentration of the heat-exchange fluid in order to deliver a predetermined capacity to the refrigeration cycle device 2.

[0088] Even when the concentration of the heat-exchange fluid changes due to evaporation or moisture absorption of the heat-exchange fluid after the introduction of the facility, it is possible to notify of an abnormality and suppress the operation of the refrigeration cycle device 2 from being continued in a state where there is an abnormality in the physical property value of the heat-exchange fluid, and it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a failure or an accident. It is possible to eliminate the need to check the concentration of the heat-exchange fluid by regularly performing the maintenance.

[0089] In the above example, the concentration and the freezing temperature of the heat-exchange fluid are calculated by the fluid-side capacity calculation unit 56b. However, instead of this, a data table showing the relationship between the concentration and the freezing temperature of the heat-exchange fluid and a data table showing the relationship between the concentration and the freezing temperature of the heat-exchange fluid may be stored in the storage unit 6. In this case, the fluid-side capacity calculation unit 56b may determine the correction amounts of the concentration and the freezing temperature of the heat-exchange fluid by referring to each data table.

[0090] In the present embodiment, the fluid is acquired by calculation, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, a flowmeter may be provided, and a flow rate measured by the flowmeter may be used.(Additional Remarks)

[0091] The present disclosure has been described above with reference to the embodiments, but the technical scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Various modifications or improvements can be added to the above-described embodiments within the scope not departing from the concept of the present disclosure, and forms to which the modifications or the improvements are added are also included in the technical scope of the present disclosure. The above embodiments may be combined as appropriate.

[0092] The control device, the refrigeration cycle device including the control device, the refrigeration cycle system including the refrigeration cycle device, the control method, and the control program described in the above-described embodiment are understood as follows, for example.

[0093] A control device (5) according to a first aspect of the present disclosure is a control device for a refrigeration cycle device that supplies a heat-exchange fluid having a desired temperature by causing heat exchange between a refrigerant and the heat-exchange fluid in a heat exchanger, the control device including: a setting information acquisition unit (52) that acquires setting information including a type and a concentration of the heat-exchange fluid, and a set freezing temperature which is a freezing temperature of the heat-exchange fluid that is set by a user; a freezing temperature calculation unit (58) that calculates a calculated freezing temperature which is a freezing temperature of the heat-exchange fluid, by using the setting information; and an erroneous input detection unit (59a) that detects an erroneous input by the user by determining whether or not a difference in freezing temperature between the set freezing temperature and the calculated freezing temperature is equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

[0094] According to the control device of the present disclosure, the control device is a control device for the refrigeration cycle device that supplies the heat-exchange fluid having a desired temperature by causing heat exchange between the refrigerant and the heat-exchange fluid in the heat exchanger. The setting information acquisition unit acquires the setting information including the type and concentration of the heat-exchange fluid, and the set freezing temperature which is the freezing temperature of the heat-exchange fluid that is set by the user, and further, the freezing temperature calculation unit calculates the calculated freezing temperature which is the calculated freezing temperature of the heat-exchange fluid by using the setting information. The erroneous input detection unit can detect the erroneous input of the freezing temperature by the user by determining whether or not the difference in freezing temperature between the set freezing temperature and the calculated freezing temperature is equal to or greater than the predetermined value. In this way, by determining whether or not the freezing temperature set by the user and the freezing temperature calculated based on the type and the concentration of the heat-exchange fluid that is set by the user are consistent with each other, it is possible to determine whether or not there is an erroneous setting by the user.

[0095] In a control device according to a second aspect of the present disclosure, in the first aspect, activation of the refrigeration cycle device is not permitted in a case where the difference in freezing temperature between the set freezing temperature and the calculated freezing temperature is equal to or greater than the predetermined value.

[0096] According to the control device of the present disclosure, the control device does not permit activation of each device included in the refrigeration cycle device in a case where the difference in freezing temperature between the set freezing temperature and the calculated freezing temperature is equal to or greater than the predetermined value. Accordingly, in a case where the setting of the heat-exchange fluid is incorrect, it is possible to suppress the activation and operation of the refrigeration cycle device with the incorrect setting.

[0097] A control device according to a third aspect of the present disclosure includes, in the first aspect or the second aspect, a notification unit (7) that notifies the user of a detection result from the erroneous input detection unit.

[0098] According to the control device of the present disclosure, the control device includes the notification unit that notifies the user of the detection result from the erroneous input detection unit. In this manner, in a case where the heat-exchange fluid is set incorrectly, the user is notified of this fact, so that the user can be prompted to re-input the set freezing temperature.

[0099] A refrigeration cycle device according to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure includes, in any one of the first aspect to third aspect, an operating state information acquisition unit (51) that acquires operating state information including physical quantities of the refrigerant and the heat-exchange fluid, a first capacity calculation unit (56a) that calculates a first heat exchange amount which is a heat exchange amount of the refrigerant in the heat exchanger, based on the setting information and the operating state information, a second capacity calculation unit (56b) that calculates a second heat exchange amount which is a heat exchange amount of the heat-exchange fluid in the heat exchanger, based on the setting information and the operating state information, and a concentration change detection unit (59b) that detects an occurrence of a concentration change in the heat-exchange fluid, based on a difference in heat exchange amount between the first heat exchange amount and the second heat exchange amount.

[0100] According to the control device of the present disclosure, the operating state information acquisition unit acquires the operating state information including physical quantities of the refrigerant and the heat-exchange fluid, the first capacity calculation unit calculates the first heat exchange amount based on the setting information and the operating state information, and the second capacity calculation unit calculates the second heat exchange amount based on the setting information and the operating state information. The concentration change detection unit detects the occurrence of the concentration change in the heat-exchange fluid based on the difference in heat exchange amount between the first heat exchange amount and the second heat exchange amount. A large difference in heat exchange amount between the first heat exchange amount and the second heat exchange amount means that the concentration change in the heat-exchange fluid from the operation start time is large. In this way, in a case where the concentration of the heat-exchange fluid changes due to evaporation or moisture absorption, the concentration change detection unit can detect the concentration change in the heat-exchange fluid.

[0101] In a control device according to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, in the fourth aspect, an operation of each device included in the refrigeration cycle device is stopped in a case where the difference in heat exchange amount between the first heat exchange amount and the second heat exchange amount is equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

[0102] According to the control device of the present disclosure, the operation of each device included in the refrigeration cycle device is stopped in a case where the difference in heat exchange amount between the first heat exchange amount and the second heat exchange amount is equal to or greater than the predetermined value. Accordingly, in a case where the concentration of the heat-exchange fluid has changed due to evaporation or moisture absorption, by stopping the operation of each device included in the refrigeration cycle device, it is possible to suppress the operation of each device included in the refrigeration cycle device from being continued in a state where there is an inconsistency with the initial setting for the concentration of the heat-exchange fluid.

[0103] A control device according to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure includes, in the fourth aspect or the fifth aspect, a notification unit (7) that notifies the user of a detection result from the concentration change detection unit, in which the second capacity calculation unit calculates a correction amount for at least one of the setting information and the set freezing temperature, based on the concentration change in the heat-exchange fluid detected by the concentration change detection unit, and the notification unit notifies the user of the correction amount.

[0104] According to the control device of the present disclosure, the second capacity calculation unit calculates the correction amount for at least one of the setting information and the set freezing temperature, based on the concentration change in the heat-exchange fluid detected by the concentration change detection unit, and the notification unit notifies the user of the correction amount. Accordingly, the correction amount for at least one of the setting information (type and concentration) of the heat-exchange fluid and the set freezing temperature is notified to the user, and thus the user can correct the concentration and the freezing temperature of the heat-exchange fluid by using the notified correction amount. Therefore, even when the concentration of the heat-exchange fluid is inconsistent with the initial setting, the heat-exchange fluid can be quickly reset. In a case where it is detected that there is an abnormality in the concentration, the user is notified of the correction amount, so that it is possible to eliminate the need to check the concentration of the heat-exchange fluid by regularly performing the maintenance.

[0105] A control device according to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure is a control device for a refrigeration cycle device that supplies a heat-exchange fluid having a desired temperature by causing heat exchange between a refrigerant and the heat-exchange fluid in a heat exchanger, the control device including: a setting information acquisition unit (52) that acquires setting information including a type and a concentration of the heat-exchange fluid; an operating state information acquisition unit (51) that acquires operating state information including physical quantities of the refrigerant and the heat-exchange fluid; a first capacity calculation unit (56a) that calculates a first heat exchange amount which is a heat exchange amount of the refrigerant in the heat exchanger, based on the setting information and the operating state information; a second capacity calculation unit (56b) that calculates a second heat exchange amount which is a heat exchange amount of the heat-exchange fluid in the heat exchanger, based on the setting information and the operating state information; and a concentration change detection unit (59b) that detects a concentration change in the heat-exchange fluid, based on a difference in heat exchange amount between the first heat exchange amount and the second heat exchange amount.

[0106] According to the control device of the present disclosure, the control device is a control device for the refrigeration cycle device that supplies the heat-exchange fluid having a desired temperature by causing heat exchange between the refrigerant circulating in the refrigeration cycle device and the heat-exchange fluid in the heat exchanger included in the refrigeration cycle device. The setting information acquisition unit acquires the setting information including the type and concentration of the heat-exchange fluid, and the operating state information acquisition unit acquires the operating state information including physical quantities of the refrigerant and the heat-exchange fluid. The first capacity calculation unit calculates the first heat exchange amount based on the setting information and the operating state information, and the second capacity calculation unit calculates the second heat exchange amount based on the setting information and the operating state information. The concentration change detection unit detects the occurrence of the concentration change in the heat-exchange fluid based on the difference in heat exchange amount between the first heat exchange amount and the second heat exchange amount. A large difference in heat exchange amount between the first heat exchange amount and the second heat exchange amount means that the concentration change in the heat-exchange fluid from the operation start time is large. That is, in a case where the concentration of the heat-exchange fluid changes due to evaporation or moisture absorption, the concentration change detection unit can detect the concentration change in the heat-exchange fluid.

[0107] A refrigeration cycle device (2) according to an eighth aspect of the present disclosure includes the control device according to any one of the first aspect to the seventh aspect.

[0108] A refrigeration cycle system (1) according to a ninth aspect of the present disclosure includes the refrigeration cycle device according to the seventh aspect, and a fluid circuit (4) in which the heat-exchange fluid circulates.

[0109] A control method according to a tenth aspect of the present disclosure is a control method for a refrigeration cycle device that supplies a heat-exchange fluid having a desired temperature by causing heat exchange between a refrigerant and the heat-exchange fluid in a heat exchanger, the control method including: a setting information acquisition step of acquiring setting information including a type and a concentration of the heat-exchange fluid, and a set freezing temperature which is a freezing temperature of the heat-exchange fluid that is set by a user; a freezing temperature calculation step of calculating a calculated freezing temperature which is a freezing temperature of the heat-exchange fluid, by using the setting information; and an erroneous input detection step of detecting an erroneous input by the user by determining whether or not a difference in freezing temperature between the set freezing temperature and the calculated freezing temperature is equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

[0110] A control method according to an eleventh aspect of the present disclosure is a control method for a refrigeration cycle device that supplies a heat-exchange fluid having a desired temperature by causing heat exchange between a refrigerant and the heat-exchange fluid in a heat exchanger, the control method including: a setting information acquisition step of acquiring setting information including a type and a concentration of the heat-exchange fluid; an operating state information acquisition step of acquiring operating state information including physical quantities of the refrigerant and the heat-exchange fluid; a first capacity calculation step of calculating a first heat exchange amount which is a heat exchange amount of the refrigerant in the heat exchanger, based on the setting information and the operating state information; a second capacity calculation step of calculating a second heat exchange amount which is a heat exchange amount of the heat-exchange fluid in the heat exchanger, based on the setting information and the operating state information; and a concentration change detection step of detecting a concentration change in the heat-exchange fluid, based on a difference in heat exchange amount between the first heat exchange amount and the second heat exchange amount.

[0111] A control program according to a twelfth aspect of the present disclosure is a control program a refrigeration cycle device that supplies a heat-exchange fluid having a desired temperature by causing heat exchange between a refrigerant and the heat-exchange fluid in a heat exchanger, the control program causing a computer to execute: a setting information acquisition process of acquiring setting information including a type and a concentration of the heat-exchange fluid, and a set freezing temperature which is a freezing temperature of the heat-exchange fluid that is set by a user; a freezing temperature calculation process of calculating a calculated freezing temperature which is a freezing temperature of the heat-exchange fluid, by using the setting information; and an erroneous input detection process of detecting an erroneous input by the user by determining whether or not a difference in freezing temperature between the set freezing temperature and the calculated freezing temperature is equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

[0112] A control program according to a thirteenth aspect of the present disclosure is a control program for a refrigeration cycle device that supplies a heat-exchange fluid having a desired temperature by causing heat exchange between a refrigerant and the heat-exchange fluid in a heat exchanger, the control program causing a computer to execute: a setting information acquisition process of acquiring setting information including a type and a concentration of the heat-exchange fluid; an operating state information acquisition process of acquiring operating state information including physical quantities of the refrigerant and the heat-exchange fluid; a first capacity calculation process of calculating a first heat exchange amount which is a heat exchange amount of the refrigerant in the heat exchanger, based on the setting information and the operating state information; a second capacity calculation process of calculating a second heat exchange amount which is a heat exchange amount of the heat-exchange fluid in the heat exchanger, based on the setting information and the operating state information; and a concentration change detection process of detecting a concentration change in the heat-exchange fluid, based on a difference in heat exchange amount between the first heat exchange amount and the second heat exchange amount.Reference Signs List

[0113] 1: refrigeration cycle system 2: refrigeration cycle device 3: refrigerant circuit 4: fluid circuit 5: control device 5a: CPU 5b: auxiliary storage device (ROM) 5c: main storage device (RAM) 5d: communication interface 5e: input / output unit 5f: bus 6: storage unit 7: notification unit 31: compressor 32: heat exchanger 33: pressure-reducing device 41: pump 42: equipment load 51: operating state information acquisition unit 52: setting information acquisition unit 53: physical property value calculation unit 54: state value calculation unit 55a: refrigerant flow rate calculation unit 55b: fluid-side flow rate calculation unit 56a: refrigerant capacity calculation unit 56b: fluid-side capacity calculation unit 57: set freezing temperature storage unit 58: freezing temperature calculation unit 59: detection unit 59a: erroneous input detection unit 59b: concentration change detection unit 60: device drive control unit HE: heat exchanger P1 to P4: pressure sensor T1 to T4: temperature sensor

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0018]Hereinafter, an embodiment of a control device, a refrigeration cycle device including the control device, a refrigeration cycle system including the refrigeration cycle device, a control method, and a control program according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

(Configuration of Refrigeration Cycle Device)

[0019]FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing a configuration of a refrigeration cycle system 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 1, the refrigeration cycle system 1 includes a fluid circuit 4 and a refrigeration cycle device 2.

(Fluid Circuit)

[0020]The fluid circuit 4 is a fluid circuit in which the heat-exchange fluid circulates, and as will be described later, the heat-exchange fluid that is heat-exchanged with a refrigerant circulating in a refrigerant circuit 3 in a heat exchanger HE and has a desired temperature is supplied to an equipment load 42. The fluid circuit 4 is provided with, for e...

Claims

1. A control device for a refrigeration cycle device that supplies a heat-exchange fluid having a desired temperature by causing heat exchange between a refrigerant and the heat-exchange fluid in a heat exchanger, the control device comprising: a setting information acquisition unit that acquires setting information including a type and a concentration of the heat-exchange fluid, and a set freezing temperature which is a freezing temperature of the heat-exchange fluid that is set by a user; a freezing temperature calculation unit that calculates a calculated freezing temperature which is a freezing temperature of the heat-exchange fluid, by using the setting information; and an erroneous input detection unit that detects an erroneous input by the user by determining whether or not a difference in freezing temperature between the set freezing temperature and the calculated freezing temperature is equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

2. The control device according to Claim 1, wherein activation of the refrigeration cycle device is not permitted in a case where the difference in freezing temperature between the set freezing temperature and the calculated freezing temperature is equal to or greater than the predetermined value.

3. The control device according to Claim 1, further comprising: a notification unit that notifies the user of a detection result from the erroneous input detection unit.

4. The control device according to Claim 1, further comprising: an operating state information acquisition unit that acquires operating state information including physical quantities of the refrigerant and the heat-exchange fluid; a first capacity calculation unit that calculates a first heat exchange amount which is a heat exchange amount of the refrigerant in the heat exchanger, based on the setting information and the operating state information; a second capacity calculation unit that calculates a second heat exchange amount which is a heat exchange amount of the heat-exchange fluid in the heat exchanger, based on the setting information and the operating state information; and a concentration change detection unit that detects an occurrence of a concentration change in the heat-exchange fluid, based on a difference in heat exchange amount between the first heat exchange amount and the second heat exchange amount.

5. The control device according to Claim 4, wherein an operation of each device included in the refrigeration cycle device is stopped in a case where the difference in heat exchange amount between the first heat exchange amount and the second heat exchange amount is equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

6. The control device according to Claim 4, further comprising: a notification unit that notifies the user of a detection result from the concentration change detection unit, wherein the second capacity calculation unit calculates a correction amount for at least one of the setting information and the set freezing temperature, based on the concentration change in the heat-exchange fluid detected by the concentration change detection unit, and the notification unit notifies the user of the correction amount.

7. A control device for a refrigeration cycle device that supplies a heat-exchange fluid having a desired temperature by causing heat exchange between a refrigerant and the heat-exchange fluid in a heat exchanger, the control device comprising: a setting information acquisition unit that acquires setting information including a type and a concentration of the heat-exchange fluid; an operating state information acquisition unit that acquires operating state information including physical quantities of the refrigerant and the heat-exchange fluid; a first capacity calculation unit that calculates a first heat exchange amount which is a heat exchange amount of the refrigerant in the heat exchanger, based on the setting information and the operating state information; a second capacity calculation unit that calculates a second heat exchange amount which is a heat exchange amount of the heat-exchange fluid in the heat exchanger, based on the setting information and the operating state information; and a concentration change detection unit that detects a concentration change in the heat-exchange fluid, based on a difference in heat exchange amount between the first heat exchange amount and the second heat exchange amount.

8. A refrigeration cycle device comprising: the control device according to Claim 1 or 7.

9. A refrigeration cycle system comprising: the refrigeration cycle device according to Claim 8; and a fluid circuit in which the heat-exchange fluid circulates.

10. A control method for a refrigeration cycle device that supplies a heat-exchange fluid having a desired temperature by causing heat exchange between a refrigerant and the heat-exchange fluid in a heat exchanger, the control method comprising: a setting information acquisition step of acquiring setting information including a type and a concentration of the heat-exchange fluid, and a set freezing temperature which is a freezing temperature of the heat-exchange fluid that is set by a user; a freezing temperature calculation step of calculating a calculated freezing temperature which is a freezing temperature of the heat-exchange fluid, by using the setting information; and an erroneous input detection step of detecting an erroneous input by the user by determining whether or not a difference in freezing temperature between the set freezing temperature and the calculated freezing temperature is equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

11. A control method for a refrigeration cycle device that supplies a heat-exchange fluid having a desired temperature by causing heat exchange between a refrigerant and the heat-exchange fluid in a heat exchanger, the control method comprising: a setting information acquisition step of acquiring setting information including a type and a concentration of the heat-exchange fluid; an operating state information acquisition step of acquiring operating state information including physical quantities of the refrigerant and the heat-exchange fluid; a first capacity calculation step of calculating a first heat exchange amount which is a heat exchange amount of the refrigerant in the heat exchanger, based on the setting information and the operating state information; a second capacity calculation step of calculating a second heat exchange amount which is a heat exchange amount of the heat-exchange fluid in the heat exchanger, based on the setting information and the operating state information; and a concentration change detection step of detecting a concentration change in the heat-exchange fluid, based on a difference in heat exchange amount between the first heat exchange amount and the second heat exchange amount.

12. A control program for a refrigeration cycle device that supplies a heat-exchange fluid having a desired temperature by causing heat exchange between a refrigerant and the heat-exchange fluid in a heat exchanger, the control program causing a computer to execute: a setting information acquisition process of acquiring setting information including a type and a concentration of the heat-exchange fluid, and a set freezing temperature which is a freezing temperature of the heat-exchange fluid that is set by a user; a freezing temperature calculation process of calculating a calculated freezing temperature which is a freezing temperature of the heat-exchange fluid, by using the setting information; and an erroneous input detection process of detecting an erroneous input by the user by determining whether or not a difference in freezing temperature between the set freezing temperature and the calculated freezing temperature is equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

13. A control program for a refrigeration cycle device that supplies a heat-exchange fluid having a desired temperature by causing heat exchange between a refrigerant and the heat-exchange fluid in a heat exchanger, the control program causing a computer to execute: a setting information acquisition process of acquiring setting information including a type and a concentration of the heat-exchange fluid; an operating state information acquisition process of acquiring operating state information including physical quantities of the refrigerant and the heat-exchange fluid; a first capacity calculation process of calculating a first heat exchange amount which is a heat exchange amount of the refrigerant in the heat exchanger, based on the setting information and the operating state information; a second capacity calculation process of calculating a second heat exchange amount which is a heat exchange amount of the heat-exchange fluid in the heat exchanger, based on the setting information and the operating state information; and a concentration change detection process of detecting a concentration change in the heat-exchange fluid, based on a difference in heat exchange amount between the first heat exchange amount and the second heat exchange amount.

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