Apparatus management system and refrigerant quantity estimation method

Abstract

To provide an apparatus management system for accurately estimating a refrigerant quantity in an apparatus in an actual use environment, and a refrigerant quantity estimation method.SOLUTION: An apparatus management system comprises: an apparatus having a refrigerant; an acquisition part for acquiring a refrigerant temperature in the apparatus, an electrical characteristic of the apparatus, and measurement information indicating a measurement result of environment information around the apparatus; and an estimation part for estimating a refrigerant quantity in the apparatus on the basis of the measurement information acquired by the acquisition part, apparatus information related to a preset apparatus, and apparatus installation information related to an installation environment of the apparatus.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an equipment management system and a refrigerant amount estimation method. [Background technology]

[0002] An air conditioner has been disclosed that estimates the amount of refrigerant in the equipment by adjusting the temperature so that the temperature of a target space satisfies predetermined judgment temperature conditions and measuring the refrigerant temperature under stable conditions (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2007-198710 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the conventional technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, it is possible to estimate the amount of refrigerant when the air conditioning load of the outdoor unit and the indoor unit is constant, the compressor frequency is constant, and the refrigeration cycle is stable. However, since the outdoor temperature is not constant throughout the day, and the air conditioning load on the indoor unit varies depending on the number of people in the room, or the activity of the people in the room, there is no realistic environment where the air conditioning load is constant. Therefore, in the conventional technology, it is difficult to estimate the amount of refrigerant in an actual usage environment, and special operation is required to estimate the amount of refrigerant.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and has as an object to provide an equipment management system and a refrigerant amount estimation method that accurately estimate the amount of refrigerant in equipment in an actual usage environment without requiring special operation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The equipment management system of the present disclosure comprises an equipment having a refrigerant, an acquisition unit that acquires measurement information indicating measurement results of the refrigerant temperature in the equipment, the electrical characteristics of the equipment, and environmental information surrounding the equipment, and an estimation unit that estimates the amount of refrigerant in the equipment based on the measurement information acquired by the acquisition unit, preset equipment information about the equipment, and equipment installation information about the installation environment of the equipment, wherein the equipment installation information includes at least one of a location including latitude and longitude of the installation location of the equipment, building specifications, and installation direction.

[0007] In addition, the refrigerant amount estimation method of the present disclosure for estimating the amount of refrigerant in an equipment having a refrigerant includes a step in which an acquisition unit acquires measurement information indicating measurement results of the refrigerant temperature in the equipment, the electrical characteristics of the equipment, and environmental information around the equipment, and a step in which an estimation unit estimates the amount of refrigerant in the equipment based on the measurement information acquired by the acquisition unit, preset equipment information regarding the equipment, and equipment installation information regarding the installation environment of the equipment, wherein the equipment installation information includes at least one of a location including latitude and longitude of the installation location of the equipment, building specifications, and installation direction. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to accurately estimate the amount of refrigerant in equipment in an actual usage environment without requiring special operation. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an example of a device management system according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a refrigerant circuit of a device according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of measurement locations of temperature measurement points shown in FIG. 2 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 1 is a diagram showing an example of a refrigerant circuit of a multi-type air conditioner according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a Mollier diagram immediately after startup according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a Mollier diagram in a stable state according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of an electric circuit of the device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of data items of device acquired data according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] 5 is a diagram showing an example of device acquisition data transmitted by a device according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of data items of device information according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of data items of device installation information according to the first embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a device management device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 13] 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a refrigerant amount estimation process according to the first embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a calculation method for an estimated refrigerant amount according to the first embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 11 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an example of a device management system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 13 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an example of a device management system according to a third embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of time-series data held by a device management apparatus according to the third embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of time-series data of each of a plurality of devices held by a device management apparatus according to a third embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between the amount of refrigerant and the performance of equipment according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a comparative example of the relationship between the performance of the device according to the fourth embodiment and the temperature, compared with catalog values. [Figure 21] FIG. 13 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an example of a device management system according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 22] 13A and 13B are views showing examples of a display displayed on a general-purpose device according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 23] 13A to 13C are diagrams showing examples of a display displayed on a general-purpose device according to the sixth embodiment. [Figure 24] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a refrigerant circuit of a water heater as a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. <First embodiment> First, the first embodiment will be described. [Overview of the equipment management system] Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a device management system according to this embodiment. The device management system SYS shown in this figure includes a device 1 having a refrigerant, and a device management device 2 capable of communicating with the device 1. The device 1 is, for example, an air conditioner including an outdoor unit 100 and an indoor unit 200. The device management device 2 is a data management destination that stores communication data from the device 1, and estimates the amount of refrigerant in the device 1. Here, an external terminal 3 and a cloud 4 are shown as examples of the device management device 2.

[0011] The external terminal 3 is a terminal device such as a smartphone or a PC (Personal Computer). In addition to communicating with the device 1, the external terminal 3 may communicate with a cloud 4 and transmit communication data from the device 1 to the cloud 4. The cloud 4 is a group of arithmetic processing devices connected via a communication network such as a public line. The device management device 2 may be the external terminal 3 or the cloud 4.

[0012] In the equipment management system SYS, an equipment management device 2, such as an external terminal 3 or a cloud 4, which is communicatively connected to the equipment 1, estimates the amount of refrigerant in the equipment 1 based on equipment acquisition data 10 acquired by the equipment 1, equipment information 20 related to the equipment 1, and equipment installation information 30 related to the installation environment in which the equipment 1 is installed.

[0013] For example, the device acquired data 10 includes measurement information such as a measurement value of the refrigerant temperature in the device 1 (hereinafter referred to as “refrigerant temperature 11”), a measurement value of an electrical characteristic in the device 1 (hereinafter referred to as “electrical input 12”), and a measurement value of environmental information such as the temperature or humidity around the device 1 (hereinafter referred to as “environmental information 13”). The device 1 transmits the device acquired data 10 to the device management device 2.

[0014] The equipment management device 2 acquires equipment acquisition data 10 transmitted from the equipment 1. The equipment management device 2 also has preset equipment information 20 and equipment installation information 30. The equipment information 20 includes inspection data before shipment. For example, the equipment information 20 includes the refrigerant temperature in the equipment 1 under specific inspection conditions, the electrical characteristics in the equipment 1, or inspection data of environmental information (steady data or time-series data), the inspection conditions, and the specifications (configuration) of the equipment 1 at the time of inspection. The equipment installation information 30 includes the environment or installation state of the place where the equipment is installed. Details of the equipment acquisition data 10, the equipment information 20, and the equipment installation information 30 will be described later.

[0015] [Configuration of refrigerant circuit of device 1] 2 is a diagram showing an example of a refrigerant circuit of the device according to this embodiment. The outdoor unit 100 and the indoor unit 200 are connected by the indoor / outdoor connection pipes 301 and 302. Refrigerant in a gaseous state passes through the indoor / outdoor connection pipe 301. Refrigerant in a liquid state passes through the indoor / outdoor connection pipe 302. A four-way valve 101 provided in the outdoor unit 100 is switched to switch the refrigerant circulation direction, thereby switching between heating operation and cooling operation. The direction of the solid arrow indicates the direction of the refrigerant flow during cooling operation, and the direction of the dashed arrow indicates the direction of the refrigerant flow during heating operation.

[0016] In the heating operation, the refrigerant in a gaseous state compressed by the compressor 102 of the outdoor unit 100 flows through the four-way valve 101 and the indoor / outdoor connecting piping 301 to the indoor heat exchanger 201 of the indoor unit 200. The refrigerant in the indoor heat exchanger 201 exchanges heat with the surrounding air to warm the surrounding air. The refrigerant that has become liquid as a result of the heat exchange flows through the indoor / outdoor connecting piping 302 to the expansion valve 103 of the outdoor unit 100, and flows into the outdoor heat exchanger 104 through the expansion valve 103. The refrigerant in the outdoor heat exchanger 104 exchanges heat with the surrounding air. The refrigerant that has become gaseous as a result of the heat exchange returns to the compressor 102 through the four-way valve 101.

[0017] In the cooling operation, the refrigerant in a gaseous state compressed by the compressor 102 of the outdoor unit 100 flows through the four-way valve 101 into the outdoor heat exchanger 104. The refrigerant in the outdoor heat exchanger 104 exchanges heat with the surrounding air. The refrigerant that has become a liquid state through the heat exchange flows through the expansion valve 103 and the indoor / external connecting piping 302 into the indoor heat exchanger 201 of the indoor unit 200. The refrigerant in the indoor heat exchanger 201 exchanges heat with the surrounding air to cool it. The refrigerant that has become a gaseous state through the heat exchange returns to the compressor 102 of the outdoor unit 100 through the indoor / external connecting piping 301 and the four-way valve 101.

[0018] Temperature sensors for measuring refrigerant temperatures are provided in various parts of the outdoor unit 100 and the indoor unit 200. Fig. 3 is an explanatory diagram of temperature measurement points T1 to T8 shown in Fig. 2. Temperature sensors are provided on both the outlet side and the inlet side of the compressor 102, with measurement point T1 on the outlet side being the measurement point for the discharge temperature and measurement point T8 on the inlet side being the measurement point for the suction temperature.

[0019] Further, the expansion valve 103 and the outdoor heat exchanger 104 of the outdoor unit 100 and the indoor heat exchanger 201 of the indoor unit 200 are each provided with temperature sensors at three locations: the outlet side, the inlet side, and the intermediate location between the outlet and the inlet. The outdoor heat exchanger 104 functions as a condenser during cooling operation. Measurement points T2, T2-3, and T3 are measurement points for the inlet temperature, intermediate temperature, and outlet temperature of the condenser during cooling operation, respectively. On the other hand, the outdoor heat exchanger 104 functions as an evaporator during heating operation. Measurement points T2, T2-3, and T3 are measurement points for the outlet temperature, intermediate temperature, and inlet temperature of the evaporator during heating operation, respectively.

[0020] The indoor heat exchanger 201 functions as an evaporator during cooling operation. Measurement points T6, T6-7, and T7 are measurement points for the inlet temperature, intermediate temperature, and outlet temperature of the evaporator during cooling operation, respectively. On the other hand, the indoor heat exchanger 201 functions as a condenser during heating operation. Measurement points T6, T6-7, and T7 are measurement points for the outlet temperature, intermediate temperature, and inlet temperature of the condenser during heating operation, respectively.

[0021] Furthermore, measurement point T4 is a measurement point for the inlet temperature of expansion valve 103 during cooling operation, and is a measurement point for the outlet temperature of expansion valve 103 during heating operation. Measurement point T5 is a measurement point for the outlet temperature of expansion valve 103 during cooling operation, and is a measurement point for the inlet temperature of expansion valve 103 during heating operation.

[0022] The device 1 may be a multi-type air conditioner (a so-called packaged air conditioner) in which a plurality of indoor units 200 are connected to one outdoor unit 100.

[0023] Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a refrigerant circuit of a multi-type air conditioner. Fig. 4 shows an example of a refrigerant circuit in which two indoor units 200 are connected to an outdoor unit 100. In Fig. 4, components corresponding to those in Fig. 2 are given the same reference numerals. The configuration of the illustrated refrigerant circuit is similar to the example of the refrigerant circuit shown in Fig. 2, except that the number of indoor units 200 is different. Note that the number of indoor units 200 is not limited to two.

[0024] Since a multi-type air conditioner has multiple indoor units 200, the indoor units 200 are set to unit numbers, for example, No. 1, No. 2, .... Then, unit numbers are assigned, such as "discharge temperature of Unit No. 1, inlet temperature of the condenser, ...", "discharge temperature of Unit No. 2, inlet temperature of the condenser, ...", and the refrigerant temperature is handled separately for each unit number.

[0025] In this embodiment, whether the indoor unit 200 is one or multiple, the number of devices 1 is basically one for one outdoor unit 100.

[0026] 5 and 6 are schematic diagrams showing an example of a Mollier diagram during cooling operation. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a Mollier diagram immediately after start-up (at the beginning of operation). FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a Mollier diagram during stable operation. In general, at the beginning of operation, all of the measurement points T1 to T8 are in the gas-liquid two-phase region (two-phase region) (see FIG. 5). Thereafter, the refrigerant gas is gradually compressed by the compressor 102, so that the pressure difference between the condenser and the evaporator increases, and at the measurement point T1 of the discharge temperature, the refrigerant gas is gasified and transitions to the gas phase region (see FIG. 6). At the measurement point T3 of the condenser outlet temperature, the enthalpy decreases due to heat exchange with the air by the condenser. If the amount of refrigerant gas and the amount of heat exchange in the condenser are sufficient, the measurement point T3 transitions to the liquid phase region (see FIG. 6). On the other hand, if the amount of refrigerant gas is insufficient, the heat exchange in the condenser and the evaporator becomes insufficient.

[0027] [Electrical circuit configuration of device 1] Next, an example of a main electric circuit of the device 1 will be described with reference to FIG. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of an electric circuit of the device 1 according to this embodiment. In Fig. 7, components corresponding to those in Fig. 2 are given the same reference numerals.

[0028] The outdoor unit 100 is equipped with an outdoor unit control unit 110. The outdoor unit control unit 110 is configured to include a microcomputer, and controls each part of the outdoor unit 100 and acquires measurement values ​​of various sensors provided in the outdoor unit 100. For example, the outdoor unit control unit 110 acquires measurement values ​​of temperature sensors provided at each of the refrigerant temperature measurement points T1, T2, T2-3, T3, T4, T5, and T8 described in Figures 2 and 3.

[0029] In addition, the outdoor unit control unit 110 controls switching of the refrigerant flow direction in the four-way valve 101, controls the compressor 102, controls the opening degree of the expansion valve 103, and controls the rotation of an outdoor fan 105 that blows air to an outdoor heat exchanger 104.

[0030] The compressor 102 includes a compression section 102a and a compressor motor 102b. The compression section 102a has a compression mechanism such as a rotary type or scroll type, compresses the refrigerant sucked from the inlet side, and discharges it from the outlet side. The compressor motor 102b includes a three-phase motor whose rotation can be controlled by an inverter 120, and drives the compression mechanism of the compression section 102a. The outdoor unit control section 110 controls the inverter 120 to control the rotation of the compressor motor 102b and thereby control the compression mechanism of the compression section 102a.

[0031] The indoor unit 200 is equipped with an indoor unit control unit 210. The indoor unit control unit 210 is configured to include a microcomputer, and controls each part of the indoor unit 200 and acquires measurement values ​​of various sensors provided in the indoor unit 200. For example, the indoor unit control unit 210 acquires measurement values ​​of temperature sensors provided at each of the refrigerant temperature measurement points T6, T6-7, and T7 described in Figures 2 and 3. The indoor unit control unit 210 also controls the rotation of the indoor fan 202 that blows air to the indoor heat exchanger 201, etc.

[0032] The indoor unit 200 also includes a wireless device 220. The wireless device 220 is, for example, one of device-associated devices added as an option to the indoor unit 200. The wireless device 220 connects to a communication network such as a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) or the Internet by wireless communication, and performs data communication with the device management device 2 (the external terminal 3 or the cloud 4).

[0033] The indoor unit control unit 210 is connected to the outdoor unit control unit 110 via an internal / external communication line 310. The indoor unit control unit 210 generates device acquisition data 10 based on data acquired from the outdoor unit control unit 110 via the internal / external communication line 310 and data acquired by the indoor unit control unit 210 itself. Then, the indoor unit control unit 210 transmits the device acquisition data 10 to the device management device 2 (the external terminal 3 or the cloud 4) via the wireless device 220.

[0034] Here, in conventional air conditioners, it is necessary to fix the compressor frequency and obtain various refrigerant temperatures or pressures from the air conditioner when the refrigeration cycle is stable. This is because, in order to accurately estimate the mass of the liquid phase region and the gas-liquid two-phase region of the refrigerant when estimating the amount of refrigerant, it is necessary to know the pressure in the gas-liquid two-phase region of the condenser and the subcooled region on the outlet side of the condenser due to the characteristics of the refrigeration cycle.

[0035] That is, in a conventional air conditioner, it was possible to estimate the amount of refrigerant when the air conditioning load of the outdoor unit and the indoor unit was constant, the compressor frequency was constant, and the refrigeration cycle was stable.

[0036] However, in reality, there is no environment where the air conditioning load of the outdoor unit and the indoor unit is constant, such as a test room. For example, when focusing on the outdoor unit, the air conditioning load on the outdoor unit changes depending on the outside temperature not being constant throughout the day. Also, when focusing on the indoor unit, the air conditioning load on the indoor unit changes depending on the number of people in the room or the activity level of those people.

[0037] Generally, when controlling the compressor of an air conditioner to keep the indoor temperature (or humidity) constant, the compressor frequency changes variably, making it difficult to estimate the amount of refrigerant when considering the actual usage environment. Therefore, special operation is required to estimate the amount of refrigerant.

[0038] In addition, in the conventional technology, in order to estimate the amount of refrigerant, it is necessary to define parameters by experiments or numerical simulations, but it is necessary to evaluate all of them depending on the number of specifications of the equipment. Therefore, there is also a problem that the development cost increases. On the other hand, there is also a problem that the estimation accuracy of the amount of refrigerant decreases when the specifications of the equipment are defined to be a general-purpose common model.

[0039] 1, in this embodiment, an equipment management device 2 (external terminal 3 or cloud 4) communicatively connected to the equipment 1 estimates the amount of refrigerant in the equipment 1 based on equipment acquisition data 10, equipment information 20, and equipment installation information 30. This allows the equipment management system SYS to accurately estimate the amount of refrigerant in the equipment 1 in an actual usage environment without requiring special operation. This will be described in detail below.

[0040] [Specific examples of equipment acquisition data] First, specific examples of data items included in the device acquired data 10 will be described. 8 is a diagram showing an example of data items of the device acquisition data 10 according to the present embodiment. As described above, the device acquisition data 10 includes the refrigerant temperature 11, the electric power input 12, and the environmental information 13.

[0041] Refrigerant temperature 11 includes, for example, the discharge temperature, temperatures at any point from the inlet to the outlet of the condenser and evaporator (e.g., inlet temperature, intermediate temperature, outlet temperature), the temperature of expansion valve 103 (e.g., inlet temperature, outlet temperature), suction temperature, etc. Note that refrigerant temperature 11 may include the temperatures of all or some of the above points. When refrigerant temperature 11 includes some of the above, it is preferable that it includes at least the discharge temperature. Furthermore, when refrigerant temperature 11 does not include all of the inlet temperature, intermediate temperature, and outlet temperature of the condenser and evaporator, it is preferable that it includes at least the intermediate temperature.

[0042] Temperature sensors may also be provided in the internal and external connection pipes 301, 302, and the temperature of the internal and external connection pipe 301 (for example, the inlet temperature and the outlet temperature) may be included in the refrigerant temperature 11. The refrigerant temperature 11 is not limited to the temperatures at the above locations, and may include the refrigerant temperature at any location that can be acquired by the device 1. The more locations at which the refrigerant temperature measurements are included in the refrigerant temperature 11, the higher the accuracy of estimating the amount of refrigerant.

[0043] The electrical input 12 includes, for example, the voltage (bus voltage, line voltage, phase voltage), current (bus current, line current, phase current), rotation speed (current rotation speed, command rotation speed), power consumption, etc. of the outdoor fan 105 and the indoor fan 202. The electrical input 12 also includes, for example, the voltage (bus voltage, line voltage, phase voltage), current (bus current, line current, phase current), frequency (current frequency, command frequency), power consumption, etc. of the compressor 102. The electrical input 12 also includes, for example, the opening (current opening, command opening), power consumption, etc. of the expansion valve 103. The electrical input 12 also includes, for example, the voltage (primary voltage) and current (primary current) on the power source side, and power consumption of devices associated with the device (for example, the wireless device 220, the heater, the air cleaning device, etc.).

[0044] In addition, the power consumption of the device associated with the equipment is used to indirectly estimate the voltage, current, or power that cannot be obtained from the total of the equipment 1 when the voltage, current, or power of the outdoor fan 105, the indoor fan 202, or the compressor 102 cannot be obtained directly.

[0045] The electrical input 12 may include all or some of the above data items. For example, the electrical input 12 preferably includes at least the rotation speeds (current rotation speeds) of the outdoor fan 105 and the indoor fan 202, the bus current and current frequency of the compressor 102, and the current opening of the expansion valve 103.

[0046] In addition to the above data items, the electrical input 12 may include any electrical characteristics of the device 1 that can be acquired by the device 1. The more data items included in the electrical input 12, the higher the accuracy of estimating the amount of refrigerant.

[0047] The environmental information 13 includes, for example, the surrounding temperature (outdoor temperature, indoor temperature) and humidity (outdoor humidity, indoor humidity) acquired by the outdoor unit 100 and the indoor unit 200. The environmental information 13 may include all or some of the above data items. For example, it is preferable that the environmental information 13 includes at least the indoor temperature.

[0048] In addition to the above data items, the environmental information 13 may include other environmental information obtainable by the device 1. The more data items included in the environmental information 13, the higher the accuracy of estimating the amount of refrigerant.

[0049] The device 1 transmits the device acquisition data 10 described with reference to Fig. 8 to the device management device 2. Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the device acquisition data 10 transmitted by the device 1. For example, as shown in Fig. 9, the device 1 transmits time-series data of the device acquisition data 10 measured at regular time intervals. Note that the device 1 may transmit data of a fixed point under certain conditions when transmitting the device acquisition data 10.

[0050] [Specific examples of device information] Next, specific examples of data items included in the device information 20 will be described. 10 is a diagram showing an example of data items of the device information 20 according to the present embodiment. As described above, the device information 20 includes pre-shipment inspection data, inspection conditions, and specifications (configuration) of the device 1 at the time of inspection.

[0051] 10, the common items include the specifications (configuration) of the device 1 at the time of inspection. For example, the common items include the inspection date and time (No. 1), the test room used for the inspection (No. 2), manufacturing information and product specifications of the inspected device 1. The manufacturing information includes the lot number (No. 3) and manufacturing year (No. 6). The product specifications include the model (No. 4) and capacity (No. 5) of the device 1, as well as the power supply specifications, the type and amount of refrigerant charged, the type and amount of refrigeration oil, the model of the compressor 102, the stroke volume, the specifications of the compressor motor 102b, the internal volume of the compressor 102, the internal volume of the outdoor heat exchanger 104, the internal volume of the indoor heat exchanger 201, and the internal volume of the receiver (Nos. 7 to 18).

[0052] The receiver is provided, for example, near the connection between the expansion valve 103 of the outdoor unit 100 and the indoor / outdoor connecting pipe 302. This receiver is provided to store surplus refrigerant since the amount of refrigerant required differs between cooling operation and heating operation. In general, the internal volume of the outdoor unit 100 is larger than that of the indoor unit 200, and during heating operation, the amount of refrigerant in the indoor unit 200, which serves as a condenser, decreases compared to when the outdoor unit 100 is in cooling operation.

[0053] Furthermore, the pre-shipment inspection data is inspection data (steady state data or time series data) of the refrigerant temperature in the device 1 under specific inspection conditions, electrical characteristics in the device 1, or environmental information.

[0054] 10, items No. 1 to No. 5 among the items of inspection data are common inspection conditions regardless of the type of device 1. The common inspection conditions include test conditions (e.g., cooling standard or heating standard), outdoor DB (Dry Bulb), outdoor WB (Wet Bulb), indoor DB, indoor WB, etc.

[0055] Furthermore, among the inspection data items, items No. 8 to No. 11 are inspection conditions that differ for each piece of equipment or for each capacity band of equipment, and include control settings for the equipment during inspection that differ for each piece of equipment, such as the command frequency of the compressor 102, the command rotation speeds of the indoor fan 202 and the outdoor fan 105, and the command opening of the expansion valve 103.

[0056] Among the test data items, items No. 6 to No. 7 and No. 12 to No. 19 are test data (steady data or time-series data) under the above test conditions. For example, the test data includes the capacity (indoor capacity) of the indoor unit 200, power consumption, thermal characteristics of the outdoor heat exchanger 104 and the indoor heat exchanger 201, discharge temperature, inlet temperature and outlet temperature of the condenser and evaporator, and intake temperature.

[0057] The device information 20 may include all or some of the above data items. For example, the device information 20 preferably includes at least the refrigerant type and the volume of the space through which the refrigerant can flow. The volume of the space through which the refrigerant can flow refers to the internal volume of the compressor 102, the internal volume of the outdoor heat exchanger 104, the internal volume of the indoor heat exchanger 201, the internal volume of the receiver, etc. The volume of the space through which the refrigerant can flow may include some or all of the internal volumes of the compressor 102, the internal volume of the outdoor heat exchanger 104, the internal volume of the indoor heat exchanger 201, and the internal volume of the receiver.

[0058] In addition to the above data items, any information that can be measured at the time of inspection may be included in the device information 20. The more data items included in the device information 20, the higher the accuracy of estimating the amount of refrigerant.

[0059] Generally, before product shipment, sampling inspection is performed in addition to 100% inspection. In the sampling inspection, for example, the most recent lot is used as a representative value.

[0060] [Specific examples of equipment installation information] Next, specific examples of data items included in the equipment installation information 30 will be described. 11 is a diagram showing an example of data items of the device installation information 30 according to this embodiment. As described above, the device installation information 30 includes information on the installation location or installation environment of the device 1.

[0061] For example, the device installation information 30 includes, as information on the installation location or environment, the location (latitude, longitude) of the device 1, building specifications, installation direction (north-facing, south-facing, etc.), installation method of the outdoor unit 100 (rooftop, ground-mounted, ceiling-mounted, wall-mounted, etc.), height of the indoor unit 200 (height from floor), size of the indoor space, length and diameter of the indoor / outdoor connection pipes 301, 302 connecting the outdoor unit 100 and the indoor unit 200, and elevation difference (indoor / outdoor elevation difference) between the outdoor unit 100 and the indoor unit 200. Here, the building specifications are elements necessary to define the insulation performance of the building itself, such as a wooden structure, reinforced concrete, apartment building, or detached house, and are parameters necessary for calculating the load on the indoor unit 200. The indoor / outdoor height difference is the height difference between the position where the indoor / outdoor connection pipes 301, 302 are connected to the outdoor unit 100 and the position where the indoor / outdoor connection pipes 301, 302 are connected to the indoor unit 200.

[0062] The equipment installation information 30 may include all or some of the above data items. For example, the equipment installation information 30 preferably includes the length and diameter of the internal and external connection pipes 301, 302, which are related to the volume of the space through which the refrigerant can flow.

[0063] Any information other than the above data items regarding the environment of the installation location or the installation state may be included in the equipment installation information 30. The more data items included in the equipment installation information 30, the higher the accuracy of estimating the amount of refrigerant.

[0064] For example, the installation location or environment of the device 1 differs depending on the user. The difference in the installation location or environment also affects the estimation of the amount of refrigerant. For example, regarding the installation location of the device 1, when the outdoor unit 100 is installed on the first floor, the height of the indoor unit 200 relative to the outdoor unit 100 generally differs by about 5 m between when the indoor unit 200 is installed on the first floor and when the indoor unit 200 is installed on the third floor. Therefore, even if the amount of refrigerant in the device 1 excluding the internal and external connection pipes 301 and 302 is the same, it is assumed that the refrigeration cycle will show different behaviors because the lengths of the internal and external connection pipes 301 and 302 are different. Therefore, it is considered that the installation location of the device 1 will affect the estimation of the amount of refrigerant.

[0065] Even if the height difference between the outdoor unit 100 and the indoor unit 200 is the same, the lengths of the inside and outside connection pipes 301, 302 may differ. In that case, since the refrigerant is distributed in the inside and outside connection pipes 301, 302, if additional refrigerant is not charged for the length of the inside and outside connection pipes 301, 302, the amount of refrigerant in the device 1 excluding the inside and outside connection pipes may decrease overall, resulting in a gas shortage. In addition, regarding the installation environment of the device 1, the length of the inside and outside connection pipes 301, 302 differs depending on whether the outdoor unit 100 is hung from the ceiling, placed on the ground, or placed on the roof. In addition, even if the outdoor unit 100 is placed on the ground, the air conditioning load differs depending on whether it is installed facing south and exposed to direct sunlight and whether it is installed facing north and in the shade, which affects the refrigeration cycle. Therefore, the installation environment of the device 1 may also affect the estimation of the refrigerant amount.

[0066] Regarding the installation environment of the device 1, the thermal insulation performance differs depending on whether the building in which the device 1 is installed is made of wood or reinforced concrete. For example, if the building is made of wood and has poor thermal insulation, the air conditioning load will be large, which will affect the refrigeration cycle and the estimation of the amount of refrigerant.

[0067] Therefore, by using the device installation information 30, the device management device 2 can estimate the amount of refrigerant depending on the installation location or installation environment of the device 1, even if the installation location or installation environment of the device 1 is not fixed.

[0068] Next, the configuration of the device management device 2 and the operation of the refrigerant amount estimation process for estimating the refrigerant amount will be described. 12 is a schematic block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the device management device 2 according to this embodiment. As described above, the device management device 2 is the external terminal 3 or the cloud 4, and includes, for example, a storage unit 401, a communication unit 402, and a processing unit 403.

[0069] The storage unit 401 stores various data and control programs for controlling each unit of the device management device 2. For example, the storage unit 401 includes a dynamic random access memory (DRAM), an electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM), a flash ROM, a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), etc. For example, the device information 20 (see FIG. 10) and the device installation information 30 (see FIG. 11) are stored in advance in the storage unit 401.

[0070] The communication unit 402 performs data communication with the device 1 or other devices via wireless communication. For example, the communication unit 402 connects to a communication network such as a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) or the Internet via wireless communication and performs data communication with the device 1 or other devices. Note that the communication unit 402 may also support wired communication.

[0071] The processing unit 403 includes an acquisition unit 404, an estimation unit 405, and an output unit 406 as a functional configuration for performing a refrigerant amount estimation process for estimating a refrigerant amount by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) executing a control program stored in the storage unit 401. The acquisition unit 404 acquires device acquisition data 10 (see FIG. 8) from the device 1 (e.g., the indoor unit 200) via the communication unit 402, and stores the data in the storage unit 401. The estimation unit 405 estimates the refrigerant amount in the device 1. Here, the estimated refrigerant amount is referred to as an "estimated refrigerant amount 40". For example, the estimation unit 405 calculates the estimated refrigerant amount 40 in the device 1 based on the device acquisition data 10 acquired by the acquisition unit 404, and the device information 20 and device installation information 30 stored in the storage unit 401. The output unit 406 outputs the estimation result of the refrigerant amount by the estimation unit 405.

[0072] Next, the operation of the refrigerant amount estimation process executed in the device management system SYS will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 13. Fig. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the refrigerant amount estimation process according to this embodiment.

[0073] The device 1 (e.g., the indoor unit 200) transmits device acquisition data 10 to the device management device 2 periodically (e.g., every five minutes), either spontaneously by the device 1 or passively by a user operating the device 1. The device management device 2 receives the device acquisition data 10 transmitted from the device 1 (step S101).

[0074] When the device management apparatus 2 receives the device acquisition data 10 transmitted from the device 1, the device management apparatus 2 acquires the device acquisition data 10 every time the data is received, and stores and accumulates the data in the storage unit 401 (step S103).

[0075] Furthermore, the device management device 2 estimates the amount of refrigerant in the device 1 at any timing other than the internal periodic processing. The device management device 2 determines whether it is the timing to estimate the amount of refrigerant (step S105). If it is not the timing to estimate the amount of refrigerant (NO), the process returns to step S101, and the device management device 2 periodically receives device acquisition data 10 from the device 1 (step S103).

[0076] If it is the timing to estimate the refrigerant amount (YES), the equipment management device 2 estimates the amount of refrigerant in the equipment 1 (step S107). Specifically, the equipment management device 2 calculates the estimated refrigerant amount 40 based on the accumulated equipment acquisition data 10 and the equipment information 20 and equipment installation information 30 previously held internally. Then, the equipment management device 2 outputs the estimated refrigerant amount (estimated refrigerant amount 40) (step S109).

[0077] Here, a method for calculating the estimated refrigerant amount 40 will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 14. Fig. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a method for calculating the estimated refrigerant amount according to this embodiment. As shown in this figure, the equipment management device 2 calculates the estimated refrigerant amount 40 by, for example, the sum of a converted refrigerant amount 41, a dissolved refrigerant amount 42, and a retained refrigerant amount 43. Note that the estimated refrigerant amount 40 may be directly set when it can be determined from a refrigerant charging operation or the like in addition to a calculated value.

[0078] The converted refrigerant amount 41 is the amount of refrigerant in the main refrigerant state in each component constituting the device 1. For example, when the volume ratio of the gas phase to the liquid phase at the condenser inlet is 95:5, the converted refrigerant amount 41 indicates the amount of refrigerant in the gas phase. On the other hand, when the volume ratio of the gas phase to the liquid phase at the condenser inlet is 5:95, the converted refrigerant amount 41 indicates the amount of refrigerant in the gas phase. Also, when the volume ratio of the gas phase to the liquid phase at the condenser inlet is the same ratio, the converted refrigerant amount 41 indicates the amount of refrigerant using the two-phase average density. For example, the converted refrigerant amount 41 is calculated by the product of the internal volume of each component of the device 1 and the refrigerant density. For example, as shown in FIG. 14, the converted refrigerant amount 41 is calculated by the product of the internal volume 31 of the internal and external connection pipes 301 and 302 obtained from the device installation information 30 (the length and diameter of the internal and external connection pipes 301 and 302), the internal volume 51 of each component in the device 1 included in the device information 20, and the refrigerant density 50 in each component.

[0079] Here, the refrigerant density in each component can be found from the relationship between pressure and density by converting the refrigerant temperature in the equipment acquired data 10 into pressure. The relationship between pressure and density is determined depending on the type of refrigerant. If refrigerant pressure data can be directly acquired from the equipment 1, it can be found based on the acquired refrigerant pressure or pressure data. Each component described here is a component that constitutes the equipment 1 and has a space through which the refrigerant can flow, such as the compressor 102, the outdoor heat exchanger 104, the indoor heat exchanger 201, the receiver, and the indoor / outdoor connecting pipes 301 and 302.

[0080] The dissolved refrigerant amount 42 is the amount of refrigerant dissolved in the refrigeration oil used in the device 1. For example, as shown in FIG. 14, the dissolved refrigerant amount 42 is calculated by the sum of the products of the retained oil amount 52 of each component and the oil dissolution ratio 53 of each component for each component. Here, the total amount of oil in the device 1 is the value of the oil amount in the device information 20 shown in FIG. 10. The retained oil amount 52 retained in each component out of the amount of oil in the device 1 is determined by experiment or numerical calculation for each operating condition (cooling, heating, etc.) based on the device acquisition data 10, the device information 20, and the device installation information 30. For example, the retained oil amount 52 in each component determined by this experiment or numerical calculation is further included in the device information 20.

[0081] In addition, the oil solubility ratio 53 of each part can be calculated using a Daniel chart that shows the amount of refrigerant dissolved in refrigeration oil according to temperature and pressure by an experimental method. For example, the current oil solubility ratio 53 of each part can be calculated using the measured value of the refrigerant temperature of each part included in the equipment acquisition data 10 and the Daniel chart. When using the Daniel chart, it may be calculated using an approximation formula.

[0082] The amount of retained oil 52 in each component may be calculated by counting only the components that have a large internal volume and tend to retain refrigeration oil, and may exclude components that tend to retain less refrigeration oil. For example, refrigeration oil tends to retain in the compressor 102, the outdoor heat exchanger 104, and the indoor heat exchanger 201, and is present in large amounts therein.

[0083] The amount of retained refrigerant 43 is the amount of refrigerant retained in liquid form in each component (receiver, internal / external connection pipes 301, 302, etc.) in the gas-liquid two-phase region. If the cross-sectional area of ​​the refrigerant flow path of each component is small, the refrigerant flow rate is fast and the refrigerant is less likely to retain, and if the cross-sectional area is large, the refrigerant flow rate is slow and the refrigerant is more likely to retain. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 14, for example, the amount of retained refrigerant 43 can be found by experiment or numerical calculation based on the cross-sectional area of ​​the refrigerant flow path of each component and the refrigerant flow rate circulating inside the device 1, based on the device acquisition data 10, device information 20, and device installation information 30.

[0084] In addition, since most of the liquid remains in the downstream parts of the components with height differences, other components may be excluded. Also, the amount of retained refrigerant 43 is intended for a transient phenomenon in the refrigeration cycle, and may be ignored when the refrigeration cycle is in a stable state.

[0085] The flow rate of the refrigerant circulating inside the device 1 is determined by the frequency of the compressor 102 and the density of the suction refrigerant. The density of the suction refrigerant can be uniquely calculated from the amount of heat exchanged between the condenser and the evaporator in the device 1. It can also be calculated from the suction temperature or pressure obtained by the device 1.

[0086] Furthermore, the amount of heat exchange between the condenser and the evaporator is determined by the outdoor or indoor environmental load, and can be obtained from the equipment acquisition data 10 and the equipment installation information 30 at this time.

[0087] As described above, in the device management system SYS according to this embodiment, the device management device 2 acquires device acquisition data 10 (measurement information) indicating the measurement results of the refrigerant temperature in the device 1, the electrical input (electrical characteristics) of the device 1, and environmental information around the device 1. Then, the device management device 2 calculates an estimated refrigerant amount 40 based on the acquired device acquisition data 10 and preset device information 20 and device installation information 30, and estimates the refrigerant amount in the device 1. Note that, for example, this estimation of the refrigerant amount may be performed by the external terminal 3, may be performed by the cloud 4, or may be performed by the cloud 4 via the external terminal 3.

[0088] As a result, unlike conventional estimation of the amount of refrigerant, the device management system SYS can estimate the amount of refrigerant in the device 1 during normal operation. That is, the device management system SYS can accurately estimate the amount of refrigerant in the device in an actual usage environment without requiring special operation.

[0089] For example, the device information 20 includes at least information on the volume of the space through which the refrigerant can flow within the device 1 and the type of refrigerant possessed by the device 1. This allows the device management system SYS to estimate the amount of refrigerant within the space through which the refrigerant can flow within the device 1 according to the type of refrigerant.

[0090] Furthermore, the equipment management device 2 calculates the amount of refrigerant in the equipment 1 based on the volume of the space through which the refrigerant can flow within the equipment 1 and the refrigerant density calculated based on the refrigerant temperature and type of refrigerant within the equipment 1. This allows the equipment management system SYS to accurately estimate the amount of refrigerant in the equipment 1.

[0091] Furthermore, the equipment management device 2 further calculates the amount of refrigerant in the equipment 1 by adding the amount of refrigerant dissolved in the refrigeration oil used in the equipment 1 (dissolved refrigerant amount 42) and the amount of refrigerant in the liquid stagnant portion (stagnant refrigerant amount 43) to the amount of refrigerant calculated from the volume of the space in the equipment 1 through which the refrigerant can flow and the refrigerant density (converted refrigerant amount 41). In other words, the equipment management device 2 calculates the estimated refrigerant amount 40 by the sum of the converted refrigerant amount 41, the dissolved refrigerant amount 42, and the stagnant refrigerant amount 43. This allows the equipment management system SYS to accurately estimate the amount of refrigerant in the equipment 1 even in a transient phenomenon.

[0092] In addition, the device 1 is configured such that an outdoor unit 100 equipped with a compressor 102, an outdoor heat exchanger 104, and an expansion valve 103, and an indoor unit 200 equipped with an indoor heat exchanger 201 are connected by using indoor / outdoor connection pipes 301, 302 through which a refrigerant flows. The device installation information 30 includes information on at least the volume of the indoor / outdoor connection pipes 301, 302 (for example, the diameter and length of the indoor / outdoor connection pipes 301, 302). This allows the device management system SYS to accurately estimate the amount of refrigerant in the device 1, including the connection portion between the outdoor unit 100 and the indoor unit 200.

[0093] Furthermore, the environmental information around the device 1 includes at least information related to the ambient temperature of the device 1. For example, the ambient temperature is the temperature (indoor temperature) of the environment (indoors) in which the indoor unit 200 is installed or the temperature (outdoor temperature) of the environment (outdoors) in which the outdoor unit 100 is installed. This allows the device management system SYS to accurately estimate the amount of refrigerant in the device 1, taking into account the ambient temperature of the device 1.

[0094] Moreover, the device management system SYS includes an external terminal 3 or a cloud 4 capable of communicating with the device 1 as the device management device 2. As a result, the device management system SYS does not need to provide the device 1 with a function required for estimating the amount of refrigerant, and can therefore be easily applied to various devices 1.

[0095] In addition, in the equipment management system SYS of this embodiment, a refrigerant amount estimation method for estimating the amount of refrigerant in equipment 1 having refrigerant includes a step in which the equipment management device 2 acquires equipment acquisition data 10 (measurement information) indicating measurement results of the refrigerant temperature in equipment 1, the electrical input (electrical characteristics) of equipment 1, and environmental information around equipment 1, and a step in which the equipment management device 2 estimates the amount of refrigerant in equipment 1 based on the acquired equipment acquisition data 10, predetermined equipment information 20 and equipment installation information 30.

[0096] As a result, unlike conventional estimation of the amount of refrigerant, the device management system SYS can estimate the amount of refrigerant in the device 1 during normal operation. That is, the device management system SYS can accurately estimate the amount of refrigerant in the device in an actual usage environment without requiring special operation.

[0097] <Second embodiment> Next, a second embodiment will be described. The basic configuration of this embodiment is similar to that of the first embodiment, but differs in that a plurality of devices 1 are connected to the device management device 2.

[0098] Fig. 15 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a device management system according to this embodiment. The device management system SYS shown in this figure includes a plurality of devices 1 having a refrigerant, and a device management device 2 capable of communicating with each of the devices 1. Note that, although this figure shows an example in which there are three devices 1, there may be two devices, or there may be four or more devices.

[0099] The configuration and operation of the refrigerant amount estimation process in the equipment management system SYS are the same as those in the first embodiment. For example, in the equipment management device 2, the acquisition unit 404 acquires equipment acquisition data 10 from each of the multiple equipment 1. The estimation unit 405 calculates the refrigerant amount (total amount of refrigerant) in the multiple equipment 1 based on the equipment acquisition data 10 acquired by the acquisition unit 404 and the equipment information 20 and equipment installation information 30 that are set in advance.

[0100] In this way, the device management system SYS can estimate the total amount of refrigerant (total amount of refrigerant) of the multiple devices 1 by collectively managing the device acquisition data 10, device information 20, and device installation information 30 of each of the multiple devices 1. The device management system SYS can also estimate the amount of refrigerant of each of the multiple devices 1 individually.

[0101] <Third embodiment> Next, a third embodiment will be described. The basic configuration of the device management system SYS according to this embodiment is similar to that of the first and second embodiments. Also, the basic operation of the device management system SYS according to this embodiment is similar to that of the first and second embodiments, but differs in that a refrigerant management value is used.

[0102] The impact on the global environment varies depending on the type of refrigerant used in the device 1, and generally, there is a tendency for refrigerants with high global warming potential (GWP) to be gradually reduced in use in the market. For example, refrigerants in use on the market include R410a and R32, with the GWP of R410a being 2090 and the GWP of R32 being 675. In other words, R410a is a refrigerant type that has about three times the impact on global warming compared to R32. Therefore, when R410a is used, the impact on the global environment (global warming) is made the same by limiting the amount of refrigerant to one-third of the amount of refrigerant when R32 is used.

[0103] The amount of refrigerant that is restricted for use in device 1 for each type of refrigerant (the standard amount of refrigerant for each type of refrigerant) is defined as the refrigerant management value described above. For example, the refrigerant management value is calculated as the sum of the amount of refrigerant charged in device 1 at the time of shipment and the amount of additional refrigerant required for device 1.

[0104] FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a device management system according to the present embodiment. The equipment management device 2 estimates the amount of refrigerant in the equipment 1 based on the equipment acquisition data 10, the equipment information 20, and the equipment installation information 30, and compares the value of the estimated refrigerant amount (estimated refrigerant amount 40) with the refrigerant management value to determine whether the amount of refrigerant in the equipment 1 is excessive or insufficient.

[0105] For example, the equipment management device 2 is configured to estimate the amount of refrigerant in the equipment 1 at any timing in addition to internal periodic processing, and therefore can hold time-series data such as that shown in Fig. 17. For example, the estimation unit 405 calculates the refrigerant management value of the equipment 1 by adding the charged refrigerant amount at the time of shipment of the equipment 1 and the additional charged refrigerant amount required for the equipment 1. Then, the estimation unit 405 compares the estimated refrigerant amount value in the equipment 1 with the refrigerant management value of the equipment 1 to determine whether the amount of refrigerant in the equipment is excessive or insufficient.

[0106] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of time series data held by the equipment management device. This diagram shows time series data of the refrigerant management value and the estimated refrigerant amount value at each time. The estimated refrigerant amount value from time t0 to t1 is an estimated value of the amount of refrigerant sealed in the equipment 1 at the time of installation, and corresponds to the amount of charged refrigerant at the time of shipping the equipment 1. Next, if the additional amount of refrigerant required for the equipment is charged into the equipment 1 from time t1 to t2, the estimated refrigerant amount value at time t2 will be close to the refrigerant management value. After that, if the amount of refrigerant in the equipment 1 decreases due to an external factor or the like after time t3, the estimated refrigerant amount value decreases after time t3, and then, after time t4, the estimated refrigerant amount value stabilizes at a certain value.

[0107] The equipment management device 2 can determine whether the amount of refrigerant in the equipment 1 is excessive or insufficient by comparing the difference between the refrigerant management value and the estimated refrigerant amount value based on time-series data such as that shown in FIG.

[0108] If it is determined that the amount of refrigerant in the device 1 is insufficient, it is determined that the refrigerant gas is leaking and decreasing, and on the other hand, if the amount of refrigerant in the device 1 is excessive, it is determined that the device 1 is overfilled. For example, if the estimated refrigerant amount value is continuously decreasing, the device management device 2 can determine that refrigerant gas is leaking.

[0109] In addition, the equipment management device 2 determines whether the amount of refrigerant in the equipment 1 is excessive or insufficient at any timing with high determination accuracy (e.g., 30 minutes after the equipment 1 is started up) or by sampling periodically (e.g., every minute), and outputs the result as an instantaneous value or time series data.

[0110] For example, when determining whether the amount of refrigerant is insufficient or excessive for one device 1, the device management device 2 simply determines whether the amount of refrigerant is insufficient or excessive within the device 1. On the other hand, when determining whether the amount of refrigerant is insufficient or excessive for multiple devices 1, the device management device 2 can also manage the amount of refrigerant used in the market.

[0111] For example, when the equipment management system SYS includes a plurality of equipment 1, the equipment management device 2 can obtain time series data of the refrigerant management value and the estimated refrigerant amount value at each time for each of the plurality of equipment 1 as shown in Fig. 18. Fig. 18 is a diagram showing an example of time series data for each of the plurality of equipment 1 (here, equipment A, equipment B, and equipment C) held by the equipment management device 2.

[0112] The device management device 2 can grasp the total amount of refrigerant in the multiple devices 1 at the time of installation by calculating the sum of the estimated refrigerant amount values ​​at time t0 when each of the multiple devices 1 was installed. In the example shown in Fig. 18, additional refrigerant was charged only in device A between time t1 and t2, and it can be seen that refrigerant gas in device A decreased between time t3 and time t4, causing a refrigerant leak. Similarly, it can be seen that refrigerant leakage occurred in device C between time t2 and time t3. Furthermore, it can be seen that if devices A to C were removed at time t4, the remaining refrigerant except for the amount of refrigerant leaked from devices A and C could be recovered.

[0113] Therefore, although the leaked refrigerant has an impact on the environment, it can be seen that the recovered refrigerant does not have an impact on the environment even if it is replaced with new equipment 1 having an equivalent amount of refrigerant. This has the effect of allowing the equipment 1 containing refrigerant to be used continuously. Furthermore, even if the new equipment 1 is an equipment containing a different type of refrigerant, it can be replaced without impacting the environment by applying the refrigerant management value according to the type of refrigerant.

[0114] <Fourth embodiment> Next, a fourth embodiment will be described. The basic configuration of the device management system SYS according to this embodiment is similar to that of the first and second embodiments. In addition, the basic operation of the device management system SYS according to this embodiment is similar to that of the first and second embodiments, but differs in that the performance of the device 1 is estimated based on the estimated refrigerant amount 40, and the estimated operating performance is compared with device information 20 of the device 1, publicly available inspection data, catalog information, or the like. The catalog information is information described in a catalog of the manufacturer of the device 1, and includes, for example, numerical values ​​related to the specifications of the device 1.

[0115] Fig. 19 is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between the amount of refrigerant and the performance of the device according to this embodiment. Fig. 20 is a diagram showing a comparative example of the relationship between the performance of the device according to this embodiment and the air temperature and catalog values. Here, the performance of the device 1 refers to, for example, the operating performance of cooling, heating, dehumidification, freezing, etc. Note that the performance of the device 1 may also be the power consumption of the device 1.

[0116] The equipment management device 2 calculates an estimated refrigerant amount 40 of equipment 1 having characteristics as shown in FIG. 19, and obtains the performance of the equipment 1 from the calculated estimated refrigerant amount 40. Then, the equipment management device 2 summarizes the calculated performance of the equipment 1 as characteristics as shown in FIG. 20. Note that the relationship between the refrigerant amount and the performance of the equipment 1 shown in FIG. 19 is determined by numerical calculation based on the equipment information 20 and the equipment installation information 30. Similarly, the example shown in FIG. 20 is also determined by numerical calculation based on the equipment information 20, the disclosed inspection data, or the catalog information. Note that the disclosed inspection data or the catalog information is included in the equipment information 20.

[0117] In this way, the device management system SYS according to this embodiment can grasp the performance of the device 1 by estimating the performance of the device 1 based on the device information 20, the device installation information 30, and the estimated refrigerant amount. Furthermore, when there are multiple devices 1, the device management system SYS can grasp the overall performance of the multiple devices 1 in addition to the performance of each device 1. Furthermore, the device management system SYS can evaluate the performance of the device 1 by comparing the estimated performance of each device 1 or the overall performance of the multiple devices 1 with the device information 20, the published inspection data, or the catalog information, and can grasp the validity of the performance of the device 1, for example.

[0118] <Fifth embodiment> Next, a fifth embodiment will be described. The basic configuration of the device management system SYS according to this embodiment is similar to that of the first and second embodiments, but differs in that it further includes a general-purpose device.

[0119] 21 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a device management system according to the present embodiment. In this diagram, a device management apparatus 2 is configured to be able to communicate with a general-purpose device 5. Here, the general-purpose device 5 is an example of an external device, such as a device having a display screen (e.g., a smartphone, a PC) or a device that emits sound (e.g., wireless earphones).

[0120] The basic operation of the equipment management system SYS in this embodiment is similar to that in embodiments 1 to 4, except that information based on the estimated refrigerant amount 40 or performance of the equipment 1 calculated by the equipment management device 2 is output from the general-purpose device 5 to provide visual or audible guidance or warning to the user.

[0121] For example, the device management device 2 may transmit information on the estimated refrigerant amount 40 or performance of the device 1 to the general-purpose device 5 to display it on the general-purpose device 5. The device management device 2 may also transmit information on the excess or deficiency of the amount of refrigerant in the device 1, determined based on a comparison result between the value of the estimated refrigerant amount 40 of the device 1 and a refrigerant management value, to the general-purpose device 5 to display it on the general-purpose device 5. The device management device 2 may also transmit information on the determination result based on a comparison between the performance of the device 1 and the device information 20, the published inspection data, or the catalog information, to the general-purpose device 5 to display it on the general-purpose device 5.

[0122] Specifically, the output unit 406 of the device management device 2 transmits the estimated refrigerant amount 40 or performance information of the device 1 to the communication unit 402, thereby transmitting it to the general-purpose device 5. The general-purpose device 5 acquires the estimated refrigerant amount 40 or performance information of the device 1 transmitted from the device management device 2, and displays it on the display screen of the general-purpose device 5. The output unit 406 also transmits information about the surplus or shortage of refrigerant amount in the device 1 to the communication unit 402, thereby transmitting it to the general-purpose device 5. The general-purpose device 5 acquires the information about the surplus or shortage of refrigerant amount in the device 1 transmitted from the device management device 2, and displays it on the display screen of the general-purpose device 5. The general-purpose device 5 may output the information transmitted from the device management device 2 by voice.

[0123] 22 is a diagram showing an example of a display displayed on the general-purpose device 5 according to this embodiment. This diagram shows an example of displaying information that provides guidance or warning regarding the value of the estimated refrigerant amount 40, a shortage of the amount of refrigerant in the device 1, refrigerant leakage, performance evaluation results, etc. Note that the display example shown in this diagram is merely an example and is not limited to this.

[0124] Incidentally, the visual or audible guidance or warning is given, for example, when it is determined that the amount of refrigerant in the device 1 is continuously insufficient. In this case, since it is considered that the refrigerant gas is leaking, the purpose is to prompt the user to contact the manager or repairman of the device 1 to minimize the impact of the refrigerant gas leakage, or to prompt the user to stop the device 1 or to switch to a mode for blocking the refrigerant leakage if the device 1 is in operation.

[0125] Here, when it is assumed that all conditions except the amount of refrigerant are consistent under certain environmental conditions or operating conditions of device 1, the performance of device 1 can be expressed as a function with the amount of refrigerant as a parameter. If power consumption is taken as an example of the performance of device 1, when the amount of refrigerant is insufficient, the amount of heat exchanged in the heat exchanger decreases according to the amount of refrigerant that is reduced, and power consumption decreases accordingly. A similar tendency can be seen with respect to the operating performance of cooling, heating, dehumidification, or refrigeration.

[0126] Therefore, the equipment management device 2 can obtain the performance of the equipment 1 based on the estimated amount of refrigerant, and visually or audibly notifies or warns the user or administrator who uses the equipment 1 about the result via the general-purpose device 5. Even when multiple equipment 1 are connected, the equipment management device 2 can obtain the performance of each equipment 1 based on the amount of refrigerant estimated for each equipment 1. The equipment management device 2 compares the performance of each equipment 1 obtained at this time with the equipment information 20, published test data, or catalog information so that it can be objectively judged.

[0127] In addition, when the amount of refrigerant in equipment 1 is insufficient relative to the refrigerant management value of equipment 1 and a decrease in performance of equipment 1 is observed, equipment management device 2 provides visual or audible guidance or warning that performance is decreasing due to a shortage of refrigerant gas amount.

[0128] In this way, the device management system SYS according to this embodiment outputs visual or audible guidance or warning information via the general-purpose device 5 based on the estimation result of the refrigerant amount or performance of the device 1. In this way, the device management system SYS enables various people (for example, an unspecified number of people) such as a user who uses the device 1, a worker or repairman who maintains the device 1, or a manager to easily understand the status of the device 1.

[0129] Sixth embodiment Next, a sixth embodiment will be described. The basic configuration and operation of the device management system SYS according to this embodiment are similar to those of the fifth embodiment, and information is transmitted from the device management apparatus 2 to the general-purpose device 5 for display. In this embodiment, the content displayed on the general-purpose device 5 is different from that of the fifth embodiment.

[0130] The equipment management device 2 transmits information related to failure or maintenance of the equipment 1 to the general-purpose device 5 based on the calculated refrigerant amount or performance of the equipment 1, the equipment acquired data 10, the equipment information 20, the equipment installation information 30, etc., and causes the general-purpose device 5 to display the information. Information related to failure or maintenance is, for example, information that assists in failure or maintenance work and is useful to an operator.

[0131] Specifically, the output unit 406 of the device management device 2 outputs information related to the failure or maintenance of the device 1 to the communication unit 402, thereby transmitting the information to the general-purpose device 5. The general-purpose device 5 acquires the information related to the failure or maintenance transmitted from the device management device 2, and displays it on the display screen of the general-purpose device 5. The general-purpose device 5 may output the information transmitted from the device management device 2 by voice.

[0132] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a display example displayed on the general-purpose device 5 according to the present embodiment. In the display example shown in this figure, the operation start date, the device name, and the compressor model are displayed as information on the device 1. In addition, information on the installation location of the outdoor unit and the height at which the indoor unit is installed are displayed as installation information on the device 1. In addition, graphs of the estimated refrigerant amount value and performance of the device 1, and the estimated refrigerant amount value and the refrigerant management value are displayed. These pieces of display information are information that assist in work during failure or maintenance. Note that the display example shown in this figure is an example, and is not limited to this. For example, according to the display example shown in FIG. 23, it is possible to grasp the amount of refrigerant in the device 1 as an instantaneous value or a time series, and to confirm information that assists in work during failure or maintenance of the device 1.

[0133] In this way, the device management system SYS according to this embodiment outputs information related to failure or maintenance of the device 1 via the general-purpose device 5 based on the estimation result of the refrigerant amount or performance of the device 1. This allows the device management system SYS to check information that assists in the work of failure or maintenance of the device 1. Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to reduce the burden on workers in the case of failure or maintenance of the device 1 and to improve the efficiency of the work.

[0134] Seventh embodiment Next, a seventh embodiment will be described. The basic configuration and operation of the device management system SYS according to this embodiment are the same as those of the fourth embodiment.

[0135] As described in the fourth embodiment, the device management device 2 estimates the performance of the device 1 based on the amount of refrigerant in the device 1. In this embodiment, the device management device 2 operates the device 1 in advance with pre-cooling or pre-heating when the environment in which the device 1 is used is likely to exceed the capacity of the device 1 based on the estimated performance of the device 1.

[0136] For example, compared to device 1 with a normal charge amount (amount of refrigerant that satisfies the refrigerant management value), device 1 with a reduced amount of refrigerant has reduced performance, so control is performed such as increasing the frequency of compressor 102, but the increase in pressure caused by the increased frequency may cause intermittent shutdowns due to protective operations.

[0137] In this case, it may take longer for the device 1 to reach the set temperature in cooling operation, for example, and the room temperature may rise instead of decreasing if the air conditioning load in the room increases beyond the capacity of the device 1. Therefore, the device management device 2 has the device 1 perform pre-cooling to reduce the air conditioning load in the room, and prevents the device 1 from going into protective mode even if its performance is degraded.

[0138] For example, when a cooling or heating operation is reserved in device 1, device management device 2 (processing unit 403) acquires the reserved time from device 1 via communication unit 402 and determines whether or not the current environment (e.g., temperature) is likely to exceed the cooling or heating capacity of device 1's performance determined based on the estimated refrigerant amount value. When processing unit 403 determines that the current environment is likely to exceed the cooling or heating capacity of device 1's performance, it transmits an instruction to device 1 via communication unit 402 to cause device 1 to perform cooling or heating operation earlier than the reserved time. In response to receiving this instruction, device 1 performs pre-cooling or pre-heating operation.

[0139] In this way, the device management system SYS according to this embodiment controls the operation of the device 1 to perform pre-cooling or pre-warming based on the performance of the device 1. As a result, when the environment in which the device 1 is used exceeds the capacity of the device 1, the device management system SYS can operate the device 1 more stably than when pre-cooling or pre-warming is not performed.

[0140] For example, when the environment exceeds the capacity of the device 1, the device 1 may perform a protective operation such as stopping operation or suppressing operation in order to protect the device 1 itself because it cannot withstand the load. When the device 1 performs a protective operation, the device 1 cannot be used, which may cause discomfort to the user who uses the device 1. According to the present embodiment, the device 1 is controlled to perform pre-cooling or pre-warming operation based on the performance of the device 1, so that it is possible to suppress such a protective operation of the device 1 from occurring. For example, even if the performance of the device 1 is reduced due to factors such as a reduction in the heat exchange performance of the heat exchanger due to dirt or air passage blockage, or a shortage of refrigerant gas, the impact on use can be minimized.

[0141] In addition, the equipment management system SYS may operate the equipment 1 in a dehumidifying or freezing mode prior to the scheduled time not only for cooling or heating, but also for dehumidifying or freezing, if the environment in which the equipment 1 is used exceeds the capacity of the equipment 1.

[0142] Each embodiment has been described above in detail with reference to the drawings, but the specific configuration is not limited to these embodiments, and it is possible to combine the embodiments, or to modify or omit the embodiments as appropriate.

[0143] In the above embodiment, an air conditioner capable of switching between cooling operation and heating operation has been described as an example of the device 1, but it may be a cooling-only machine or a heating-only machine. In the case of a cooling-only machine, the refrigerant circuit is for cooling only, with the four-way valve 101 removed in Fig. 2. In the case of a heating-only machine, the refrigerant circuit is for heating only, with the four-way valve 101 removed in Fig. 2.

[0144] In addition, the device 1 is not limited to an air conditioner as long as it is a device that has a refrigerant. For example, the device 1 may be a refrigerator or a freezer that has a condenser and an evaporator as a set. In the case of a refrigerator or a freezer, the refrigerant circuit is for cooling only.

[0145] Also, for example, the device 1 may be a water heater (ATW: Air To Water). Fig. 24 is a diagram showing an example of a refrigerant circuit when the device 1 is a water heater. In Fig. 24, the same reference numerals are used for configurations corresponding to the parts in Fig. 2. When calculating the heat exchange amount of the gas cooler 205 of the device 1 (water heater), the inlet and outlet temperatures T6', T7' of the water circuit may be used instead of the inlet and outlet temperatures T6, T7 of the gas cooler 205 of the refrigerant.

[0146] Also, the examples of Mollier diagrams shown in Figures 5 and 6 differ depending on the type of refrigerant. For example, the CO2 refrigerant used in water heaters becomes supercritical during operation and there is no distinction between the liquid phase and the gas phase, but the relationship between pressure and enthalpy change is similar to the example shown in Figure 6. Also, in water heaters, if the refrigerant temperature at the gas cooler 205 cannot be measured, it can be converted from the refrigerant circulation amount, the water amount in the water circuit, the inlet and outlet temperatures T6' and T7' of the water circuit, and the heat exchange efficiency.

[0147] In the above embodiment, the device management device 2 is the external terminal 3 or the cloud 4, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the device management device 2 may be provided in the device 1.

[0148] Note that a program for implementing the functions of the device management device 2 may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the program recorded on the recording medium may be read into a computer system and executed to perform processing of the device management device 2. Note that the term "computer system" here includes the OS and hardware such as peripheral devices.

[0149] In addition, the term "computer-readable recording medium" refers to portable media such as flexible disks, optical magnetic disks, ROMs, and CD-ROMs, and storage devices such as hard disks built into computer systems. Furthermore, the term "computer-readable recording medium" refers to those that dynamically hold a program for a short period of time, such as a communication line when transmitting a program via a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line, and those that hold a program for a certain period of time, such as a volatile memory inside a computer system that is the server or client in that case. The above program may be for realizing part of the above-mentioned functions, or may be capable of realizing the above-mentioned functions in combination with a program already recorded in the computer system. The above program may be stored in a specified server, and the program may be distributed (downloaded, etc.) via a communication line in response to a request from another device.

[0150] In addition, some or all of the functions of the device management device 2 may be realized as an integrated circuit such as an LSI (Large SCale Integration). Each function may be individually processed, or some or all of the functions may be integrated into a processor. The integrated circuit method is not limited to LSI, and may be realized by a dedicated circuit or a general-purpose processor. Furthermore, if an integrated circuit technology that can replace LSI appears due to advances in semiconductor technology, an integrated circuit based on that technology may be used. [Explanation of symbols]

[0151] 1 equipment 2 Equipment management device 3 External Terminal 4. Cloud 5. Generic Devices 10. Equipment Acquisition Data 11 Refrigerant temperature 12 Electrical Input 13 Environmental information 20 Device information 30 Equipment installation information 31 Internal volume of internal and external connecting piping 40 Estimated refrigerant volume 41 Equivalent refrigerant amount 42 Dissolved refrigerant amount 43 Retained refrigerant amount 50 Refrigerant Density 51 Internal volume of each part in the device 52 Remaining oil amount 53 Oil dissolution ratio 100 Outdoor unit 101 Four-way valve 102 Compressor 102a Compression section 102b Compressor motor 103 Expansion valve 104 Outdoor heat exchanger 105 Outdoor fan 110 Outdoor unit control section 120 Inverter 200 indoor unit 201 Indoor heat exchanger 202 Indoor fan 210 Indoor unit control section 220 Radio equipment 301,302 Internal and external connection piping 310 Internal and external communication line 401 Storage section 402 Communications Department 403 Processing section 404 Acquisition Department 405 Estimation section 406 Output section SYS Equipment Management System

Claims

1. An apparatus having a refrigerant; an acquisition unit that acquires measurement information indicating measurement results of a refrigerant temperature in the device measured by a temperature sensor, electrical characteristics of the device, and environmental information around the device; an estimation unit that estimates an amount of refrigerant in the equipment based on the measurement information acquired by the acquisition unit, preset equipment information related to the equipment, and equipment installation information related to an installation environment of the equipment; Equipped with The device installation information includes at least one of a location including latitude and longitude of an installation location of the device, building specifications, and an installation direction. Equipment management system.

2. An apparatus having a refrigerant; an acquisition unit that acquires measurement information indicating measurement results of a refrigerant temperature in the device measured by a temperature sensor, electrical characteristics of the device, and environmental information around the device; an estimation unit that estimates an amount of refrigerant in the equipment based on the measurement information acquired by the acquisition unit, time-series data including measurement values ​​of the refrigerant temperature in the equipment, electrical characteristics in the equipment, and the temperature and humidity around the equipment under specific inspection conditions acquired before shipment, equipment information including the inspection conditions, and equipment installation information regarding the installation environment of the equipment; An equipment management system comprising:

3. The device has an outdoor unit and an indoor unit, The indoor unit and the outdoor unit are connected by a first connecting pipe and a second connecting pipe, The equipment installation information includes information regarding the volumes of the first connecting pipe and the second connecting pipe, and an elevation difference between a position where the first connecting pipe and the second connecting pipe are connected to the outdoor unit and a position where the first connecting pipe and the second connecting pipe are connected to the indoor unit. The device management system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The equipment information includes at least information regarding a volume of a space in the equipment through which a refrigerant can flow and a type of refrigerant contained in the equipment. The device management system according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The estimation unit is Calculating the amount of refrigerant in the equipment based on a volume of a space in the equipment through which the refrigerant can flow and a refrigerant density calculated based on a refrigerant temperature in the equipment and the type of refrigerant; The device management system according to claim 4.

6. The device includes an outdoor unit having a compressor and an outdoor heat exchanger, and an indoor unit having an indoor heat exchanger, the estimation unit calculates an amount of refrigeration oil remaining in the compressor, the outdoor heat exchanger, and the indoor heat exchanger, among the refrigeration oil used in the equipment, based on the measurement information, the equipment information, the equipment installation information, and an operating condition of the equipment; The estimation unit estimates the amount of refrigerant dissolved in the refrigeration oil by a product of the oil amount and an oil dissolution ratio calculated based on refrigerant temperatures in the compressor, the outdoor heat exchanger, and the indoor heat exchanger. The device management system according to claim 1 or 2.

7. The device includes an outdoor unit and an indoor unit, The indoor unit and the outdoor unit are connected by a first connecting pipe and a second connecting pipe, The estimation unit estimates an amount of refrigerant remaining in liquid form in the first connecting pipe and the second connecting pipe based on a cross-sectional area of ​​a refrigerant flow path in the first connecting pipe and the second connecting pipe and a flow rate of refrigerant circulating inside the device. The device management system according to claim 1 or 2.

8. The device includes an outdoor unit having a compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger, and an expansion valve, and an indoor unit having an indoor heat exchanger, The refrigerant temperature includes at least one of a discharge temperature and a suction temperature of the compressor, a temperature on the inlet side, a temperature on the outlet side, and a temperature intermediate between the outlet and the inlet of the indoor heat exchanger, a temperature on the inlet side, a temperature on the outlet side, and a temperature intermediate between the outlet and the inlet of the outdoor heat exchanger, and a temperature of the expansion valve. The device management system according to claim 1 or 2.

9. The device includes an outdoor unit and an indoor unit, The outdoor unit includes an expansion valve, 3. The equipment management system according to claim 1, wherein the electrical characteristics of the equipment include at least one of an opening degree of the expansion valve, a command opening degree of the expansion valve, and a power consumption of the expansion valve.

10. The estimation unit is Calculating a refrigerant control value indicating a reference refrigerant amount for each refrigerant type based on the device information. The device management system according to claim 1 or 2.

11. The estimation unit calculates the refrigerant management value by adding an amount of refrigerant sealed in the equipment at the time of shipment and an amount of refrigerant additionally charged in the equipment. The device management system according to claim 10.

12. The estimation unit is determining whether the amount of refrigerant in the equipment is excessive or insufficient by comparing the estimated amount of refrigerant in the equipment with the refrigerant control value; The device management system according to claim 10.

13. The estimation unit is estimating performance of the equipment based on the equipment information, the equipment installation information, and the estimated amount of refrigerant of the equipment; The device management system according to claim 1 or 2.

14. A method for estimating a refrigerant amount in a device having a refrigerant, comprising: An acquisition unit acquires measurement information indicating measurement results of a refrigerant temperature in the device, electrical characteristics of the device, and environmental information around the device; An estimation unit estimates an amount of refrigerant in the equipment based on the measurement information acquired by the acquisition unit, preset equipment information related to the equipment, and equipment installation information related to an installation environment of the equipment; Including, The device installation information includes at least one of a location including latitude and longitude of an installation location of the device, building specifications, and an installation direction. Refrigerant quantity estimation method.

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