Server device, refrigeration cycle system, method of management, and management program

Abstract

To improve recovery rate of a refrigerant.SOLUTION: A server device includes a controller. The controller acquires a value relating to a refrigerant amount of the refrigerant encapsulated in a refrigeration cycle device including a compressor and a value relating to operation efficiency of the refrigeration cycle device and displays a value relating to the refrigerant amount and a value relating to the operation efficiency on a display device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a server device, a refrigeration cycle system, a management method, and a management program. [Background technology]

[0002] In the midst of the global trend towards fluorocarbon regulations, it is expected that raw materials for refrigerants that use fluorocarbons will become scarce, and market prices are currently rising. For this reason, there is a demand for efficient recycling of refrigerants in refrigeration cycle systems.

[0003] In order to efficiently recycle refrigerants, it is important to reduce the amount of refrigerant that leaks during use and to improve the recovery rate of refrigerants. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2022-069305 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Here, causes of refrigerant leakage during use include poor construction, deterioration of piping, etc. However, leakage caused by these factors can be improved through maintenance, and by taking prompt action, the amount of leakage can be reduced and the recovery rate of the refrigerant can be improved.

[0006] The present disclosure provides a server device, a refrigeration cycle system, a management method, and a management program that improve a refrigerant recovery rate. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The first aspect of the present disclosure is A server device including a control unit, The control unit is A value related to a refrigerant amount of a refrigerant filled in a refrigeration cycle device having a compressor and a value related to an operating efficiency of the refrigeration cycle device are obtained; The value relating to the amount of refrigerant and the value relating to the operating efficiency are displayed on a display device.

[0008] According to the first aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to improve the recovery rate of the refrigerant.

[0009] A second aspect of the present disclosure is the server device according to the first aspect, The value related to the amount of refrigerant includes a cost equivalent to the amount of leaked refrigerant, which is the difference between the amount of refrigerant sealed when the refrigeration cycle device was installed and the amount of refrigerant currently sealed in the refrigeration cycle device, or the amount of carbon dioxide emissions equivalent to the amount of leaked refrigerant.

[0010] A third aspect of the present disclosure is a server device according to the first or second aspect, The value relating to the amount of refrigerant includes a rate of change in the amount of refrigerant from the time when the refrigeration cycle apparatus was installed.

[0011] A fourth aspect of the present disclosure is a server device according to any one of the first to third aspects, The values ​​relating to the operating efficiency include the power consumption value of the refrigeration cycle device, the COP value, the amount of change in the power consumption value since the installation of the refrigeration cycle device, or the amount of change in the COP value since the installation of the refrigeration cycle device.

[0012] A fifth aspect of the present disclosure is a server device according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, The control unit is The value relating to the amount of refrigerant or the value relating to the operating efficiency of the refrigeration cycle device is displayed on the display device together with a criterion for determining the necessity of maintenance.

[0013] A sixth aspect of the present disclosure is a server device according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, The control unit is When the amount of leaked refrigerant, which is the difference between the amount of refrigerant sealed when the refrigeration cycle device was installed and the amount of refrigerant currently sealed in the refrigeration cycle device, exceeds a predetermined threshold value, an administrator of the refrigeration cycle device is notified via the display device.

[0014] A seventh aspect of the present disclosure is the server device according to the sixth aspect, The predetermined threshold value is a value determined between an owner of the refrigeration cycle device and an owner of the refrigerant.

[0015] An eighth aspect of the present disclosure is the server device according to the seventh aspect, The control unit is If maintenance is not performed within a predetermined period of time after the amount of leaked refrigerant exceeds the predetermined threshold, operation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus is stopped.

[0016] A ninth aspect of the present disclosure is a refrigeration cycle system, A refrigeration cycle device having a compressor; and a server device according to any one of the first to eighth aspects.

[0017] According to the ninth aspect of the present disclosure, the recovery rate of the refrigerant can be improved.

[0018] A tenth aspect of the present disclosure is a management method, comprising: The control unit: A value related to a refrigerant amount of a refrigerant filled in a refrigeration cycle device having a compressor and a value related to an operating efficiency of the refrigeration cycle device are obtained; displaying the value related to the refrigerant amount and the value related to the operating efficiency on a display device; Execute the process.

[0019] According to the tenth aspect of the present disclosure, the recovery rate of the refrigerant can be improved.

[0020] An eleventh aspect of the present disclosure is a management program, In the control section, A value related to a refrigerant amount of a refrigerant filled in a refrigeration cycle device having a compressor and a value related to an operating efficiency of the refrigeration cycle device are obtained; displaying the value related to the refrigerant amount and the value related to the operating efficiency on a display device; Execute the process.

[0021] According to the eleventh aspect of the present disclosure, the recovery rate of the refrigerant can be improved. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration of a refrigeration cycle system. [Figure 2A] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of a refrigeration cycle device. [Figure 2B] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration of a refrigeration cycle device. [Figure 3A] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a server device and a network terminal. [Figure 3B] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a controller of the refrigeration cycle apparatus. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a functional configuration of a server device. [Diagram 5] 11 is a diagram showing a specific example of a refrigerant amount acquired by a refrigerant amount acquisition unit of the server device; FIG. [Figure 6] 11 is a diagram showing a specific example of power consumption values ​​acquired by a power amount information acquisition unit of the server device; FIG. [Figure 7] 13 is an example of a display screen generated by a notification information generating unit of the server device. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a first diagram showing a detailed example of a refrigerant amount display screen. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a first diagram showing a detailed example of an operation efficiency display screen. [Figure 10] 4 is an example of a first flowchart showing a flow of a monitoring process performed by the refrigeration cycle system. [Figure 11] 10 is an example of a second flowchart showing the flow of a monitoring process by the refrigeration cycle system. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a second diagram showing a detailed example of the refrigerant amount display screen. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a second diagram showing a detailed example of the operation efficiency display screen. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0023] Hereinafter, each embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this specification and the drawings, components having substantially the same functional configurations are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0024] [First embodiment] <System configuration of refrigeration cycle system> First, a system configuration of a refrigeration cycle system according to a first embodiment will be described. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a system configuration of a refrigeration cycle system. As shown in Fig. 1, a refrigeration cycle system 100 includes a server device 110, a network terminal 120, refrigeration cycle devices 130_1 to 130_N (N is an integer of 2 or more), and watthour meters 131_1 to 131_N.

[0025] In the refrigeration cycle system 100, the server device 110 and the network terminal 120 are communicatively connected to each other via a network 150. In addition, in the refrigeration cycle system 100, the network terminal 120, the refrigeration cycle devices 130_1 to 130_N, and the watt-hour meters 131_1 to 131_N are communicatively connected to each other via a network (not shown).

[0026] The server device 110 manages the refrigeration cycle devices 130_1 to 130_N. Specifically, in the first embodiment, the server device 110 manages the refrigeration cycle devices 130_1 to 130_N by installing each of the refrigeration cycle devices 130_1 to 130_N and starting operation of the devices. The amount of refrigerant measured in each of the refrigeration cycle devices 130_1 to 130_N is acquired from the network terminal at predetermined intervals. Note that the method for each of the refrigeration cycle devices 130_1 to 130_N to measure the amount of refrigerant in the device itself is arbitrary, and a conventionally known method, for example, the method disclosed in JP 2011-64410 A, etc. may be used. At each predetermined period, an average power consumption value per predetermined time (hereinafter simply referred to as a power consumption value) is acquired from the network terminal 120. The network terminal 120 calculates the power consumption value of each of the refrigeration cycle devices 130_1-130_N by converting the amount of power measured by each of the watt-hour meters 131_1-131_N.

[0027] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, server device 110 acquires a value relating to the amount of coolant based on the amount of coolant acquired at each predetermined period. The value relating to the amount of coolant includes, for example, the following (1) to (5). Server device 110 may acquire any one of the following (1) to (5) as the value relating to the amount of coolant, or may acquire a plurality of values. Note that in the first embodiment, server device 110 acquires all of the following values ​​(1) to (5). (1) The currently acquired amount of refrigerant among the amounts of refrigerant acquired at each specified cycle; (2) Amount of leaked refrigerant (the difference between the initially acquired amount of refrigerant (the amount of refrigerant filled at the time of installation) and the currently acquired amount of refrigerant (the amount of refrigerant currently filled) among the amounts of refrigerant acquired at each specified interval), (3) The cost equivalent to the amount of leaked refrigerant (the value obtained by multiplying the unit price of refrigerant per unit amount by the amount of leaked refrigerant, or the value obtained by multiplying the unit price of refrigerant per unit amount by the amount of leaked refrigerant plus the labor cost to replenish the amount of leaked refrigerant), (4) The amount of carbon dioxide emissions equivalent to the amount of leaked refrigerant (the value obtained by multiplying the amount of leaked refrigerant by a coefficient predetermined for each type of refrigerant), (5) Rate of change of the amount of refrigerant (the amount of refrigerant currently charged, among the amount of refrigerant obtained at each specified period, divided by the amount of refrigerant charged at the time of installation).

[0028] In the above (3), an example is given in which the cost is derived by multiplying the unit price of refrigerant per unit amount by the amount of leaked refrigerant, but the method of deriving the cost corresponding to the amount of leaked refrigerant is not limited to this. For example, the cost corresponding to the amount of leaked refrigerant may be derived by comparing the amount of leaked refrigerant with a table that specifies the relationship between the amount of refrigerant and the amount. The table that specifies the relationship between the amount of refrigerant and the amount refers to a table in which an amount is assigned to each range of refrigerant amounts, such as "XX yen" for a range of refrigerant amounts from 5 kg to 10 kg.

[0029] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the server device 110 acquires a value related to operation efficiency based on the power consumption value acquired at each predetermined period. The value related to operation efficiency includes, for example, the following (1) to (4). The server device 110 may acquire any one of the following (1) to (4) as the value related to operation efficiency, or may acquire a plurality of values. Note that in the first embodiment, the server device 110 acquires all of the following values ​​(1) to (4). (1) The currently acquired power consumption value among the power consumption values ​​acquired at a predetermined interval; (2) The currently calculated COP value among the COP (Coefficient of Performance) values ​​calculated at each predetermined interval; (3) Amount of change in power consumption value (the difference between the first power consumption value (power consumption value at the time of installation) and the currently acquired power consumption value (current power consumption value) among the power consumption values ​​acquired at each predetermined cycle), (4) The amount of change in the COP value (the difference between the initially calculated COP value (the COP value at the time of installation) and the currently calculated COP value (the current COP value) among the COP values ​​calculated at each specified period).

[0030] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the server device 110 controls to display the acquired value related to the refrigerant amount and the value related to the operating efficiency together with a predetermined judgment index on the owner terminal 140 owned by the owner 141. The predetermined judgment index is a criterion for the owner 141 to judge the necessity of maintenance. The criterion for judging the necessity of maintenance indicates that the refrigeration cycle device is in a state where maintenance is necessary when the acquired value related to the refrigerant amount or the value related to the operating efficiency exceeds the criterion. The predetermined judgment index for the value related to the refrigerant amount includes, for example, the following (1) to (3). The server device 110 may acquire any one of the following (1) to (3) as the predetermined judgment index for the value related to the refrigerant amount, or may acquire a plurality of them. Note that the server device 110 does not necessarily need to acquire the predetermined judgment index for the value related to the refrigerant amount. However, in the first embodiment, the server device 110 acquires all of the following values ​​(1) to (3). (1) The amount of leaked refrigerant that requires refrigerant replenishment work, as determined in advance in a contract between the owner 141 and the refrigerant owner; (2) The amount of leaked refrigerant required by law to require maintenance; (3) The combined value includes the carbon dioxide emissions calculated for systems owned by the owner 141 other than the refrigeration cycle system 100 and for which carbon dioxide emissions are to be calculated. The owner of the refrigerant refers to the seller of the refrigeration cycle system 100, for example.

[0031] In addition, the predetermined judgment index for the value related to the operation efficiency may be, for example, The average power consumption of the same model of refrigeration cycle equipment 130_1 to 130_N, It should be noted that the server device 110 does not necessarily need to obtain a predetermined judgment index for a value related to the operating efficiency.

[0032] The network terminal 120 transmits the information received from each of the refrigeration cycle apparatuses 130_1 to 130_N to the server device 110 via the network 150. In addition, the network terminal 120 transmits the information received from the server device 110 via the network 150 to the refrigeration cycle apparatuses 130_1 to 130_N.

[0033] For example, the network terminal 120 acquires the amount of refrigerant measured at each predetermined period in each of the refrigeration cycle devices 130_1 to 130_N, and transmits the amount of refrigerant to the server device 110.

[0034] Furthermore, the network terminal 120 acquires the amount of power measured at each of the watt-hour meters 131_1-131_N at predetermined intervals, converts it into a power consumption value of each of the refrigeration cycle devices 130_1-130_N, and transmits it to the server device 110.

[0035] The refrigeration cycle devices 130_1 to 130_N are devices that condition the air in a target space by utilizing a refrigeration cycle that circulates thermal energy. As described above, the refrigeration cycle devices 130_1 to 130_N are filled with refrigerant in advance, and a required amount of refrigerant is replenished using a refrigerant filling device 160 at the time of installation. When the operation of the refrigeration cycle devices 130_1 to 130_N is started, the refrigeration cycle devices 130_1 to 130_N measure the amount of refrigerant sealed in the device at predetermined intervals and transmit the amount to the network terminal 120.

[0036] The watt-hour meters 131_1-131_N measure the amount of electric power during operation of each of the refrigeration cycle apparatuses 130_1-130_N and transmit the amount to the network terminal 120. In the example of FIG. 1, the watt-hour meters 131_1-131_N are provided separately from the refrigeration cycle apparatuses 130_1-130_N. However, the watt-hour meters 131_1-131_N may be provided in the refrigeration cycle apparatuses 130_1-130_N. In this case, the measured amount of electric power may be transmitted to the network terminal 120 via the refrigeration cycle apparatuses 130_1-130_N. In the first embodiment, it is sufficient to calculate at least the power consumption value of the compressor as the power consumption value. This is because the power consumption value of the compressor is the largest among the power consumption values ​​of the refrigeration cycle apparatuses. In addition, the method of calculating the power consumption value is not limited to the one using the watt-hour meters 131_1-131_N, and may be calculated by a conventionally known method. An example of a conventionally known method is a method disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-147819, in which the evaporation temperature and condensation temperature of a refrigerant are substituted into a characteristic function to calculate a power consumption value.

[0037] The owner terminal 140 is a terminal owned by an owner 141 of the refrigeration cycle system 100. The owner terminal 140 communicates with the server device 110 via the network 150. This allows the owner terminal 140 to display values ​​related to the refrigerant amount and the operating efficiency acquired by the server device 110, together with predetermined judgment indicators.

[0038] In this way, by configuring to display the value related to the refrigerant amount and the value related to the operating efficiency, according to the first embodiment, the owner 141 can monitor the value related to the refrigerant amount and the value related to the operating efficiency, and therefore can take prompt action. Also, by configuring to display the value related to the refrigerant amount and the value related to the operating efficiency together with a predetermined judgment index, according to the first embodiment, it is possible to make the owner 141 recognize the need for maintenance.

[0039] As a result, according to the first embodiment, the amount of refrigerant leakage during use of the refrigeration cycle devices 130_1 to 130_N can be reduced, and the recovery rate of the refrigerant can be improved.

[0040] The refrigerant charging device 160 is a device used for refilling the refrigerant during the period from when the refrigeration cycle devices 130_1 to 130_N are installed until the operation is started, or after the operation is started.

[0041] The reason why the refrigerant is replenished before the operation is started is because the length and thickness of the refrigerant pipe of each of the refrigeration cycle devices 130_1 to 130_N are ultimately determined by the installation work of each of the refrigeration cycle devices 130_1 to 130_N. For example, when the length of the refrigerant pipe is longer than expected as a result of the installation work and refrigerant replenishment is required, the worker 170 uses the refrigerant charging device 160 to replenish the refrigerant.

[0042] Furthermore, the reason why the refrigerant is replenished after the start of operation is because the refrigerant leaks due to poor construction, deterioration of piping, etc. For example, when the owner 141 determines that the refrigerant needs to be replenished after checking the current amount of leaked refrigerant, the worker 170 uses the refrigerant charging device 160 to replenish the refrigerant.

[0043] The worker 170 replenishes the refrigerant by, for example, connecting a refrigerant cylinder of the refrigerant charging device 160 to a service port for refrigerant replenishment provided in the outdoor unit of each of the refrigeration cycle devices 130_1 to 130_N.

[0044] <Outline of refrigeration cycle equipment> Next, a schematic configuration of the refrigeration cycle apparatuses 130_1 to 130_N will be described. In the first embodiment, the refrigeration cycle apparatuses 130_1 to 130_N are all the same type of refrigeration cycle apparatus, so that a schematic configuration of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 130_1 will be described here.

[0045] Fig. 2A is a diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of a refrigeration cycle apparatus. As shown in Fig. 2A, the refrigeration cycle apparatus 130_1 mainly has an outdoor unit 202 and an indoor unit 203. The refrigeration cycle apparatus 130_1 also has a liquid refrigerant connection pipe 206 and a gas refrigerant connection pipe 205 that connect the outdoor unit 202 and the indoor unit 203, and a controller 207 that controls the operation of the entire refrigeration cycle apparatus 130_1.

[0046] In the refrigeration cycle device 130_1, a refrigerant filled in the refrigerant circuit 200 is compressed, condensed or dissipates heat, depressurizes, evaporates, and then compressed again, to perform a refrigeration cycle. In the first embodiment, the refrigerant circuit 200 is filled with a refrigerant for performing a vapor compression refrigeration cycle.

[0047] The refrigerant filled in the refrigerant circuit 200 is A refrigerant mixture containing 1,2-difluoroethylene and one or more hydrofluorocarbons; A mixed refrigerant containing 1,2-difluoroethylene and one or more hydrofluoroolefins; A mixed refrigerant containing one or more hydrofluorocarbons and one or more hydrofluoroolefins; At least one of the above refrigerants is used.

[0048] The outdoor unit 202 is connected to the indoor unit 203 via a liquid refrigerant connection pipe 206 and a gas refrigerant connection pipe 205, and constitutes a part of the refrigerant circuit 200. The outdoor unit 202 mainly has a compressor 211, a four-way switching valve 212, an outdoor heat exchanger 213, an expansion valve 209, an outdoor fan 215, a liquid side shut-off valve 217, and a gas side shut-off valve 216.

[0049] The compressor 211 is a device that compresses a low-pressure refrigerant in a refrigeration cycle until it becomes high pressure. For example, a compressor in which a compression element such as a rotary type or scroll type is rotated and driven by a compressor motor can be used as the compressor 211. The compressor motor is for changing the capacity, and the operating frequency can be controlled by an inverter. For example, the rotation speed of the compressor 211 is controlled with a predetermined target evaporation temperature as a target value during cooling operation, and with a predetermined target condensation temperature as a target value during heating operation.

[0050] The four-way switching valve 212 switches the connection state of the refrigerant circuit 200, a first connection state in which the discharge side of the compressor 211 is connected to the outdoor heat exchanger 213 and the suction side of the compressor 211 is connected to the gas side stop valve 216; a second connection state in which the discharge side of the compressor 211 is connected to the gas side stop valve 216 and the suction side of the compressor 211 is connected to the outdoor heat exchanger 213; can be switched.

[0051] The outdoor heat exchanger 213 is a heat exchanger that functions as a condenser or radiator of high-pressure refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle during cooling operation, and functions as an evaporator of low-pressure refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle during heating operation. The outdoor heat exchanger 213 includes a plurality of heat transfer tubes (not shown) through which refrigerant flows, and a plurality of heat transfer fins (not shown) through which air flows between the gaps between the plurality of heat transfer tubes. The plurality of heat transfer tubes are aligned vertically, and each heat transfer tube extends substantially horizontally. The plurality of heat transfer fins extending vertically are aligned along the extension direction of the heat transfer tubes, with a predetermined interval between each other. The plurality of heat transfer fins and the plurality of heat transfer tubes are combined so that the plurality of heat transfer tubes penetrate each heat transfer fin.

[0052] The outdoor fan 215 supplies outdoor air to the outdoor heat exchanger 213, exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the outdoor heat exchanger 213, and generates an air flow for discharging the air to the outside of the outdoor unit 202. The outdoor fan 215 is rotationally driven by an outdoor fan motor.

[0053] The expansion valve 209 is provided between the liquid side end of the outdoor heat exchanger 213 and the liquid side stop valve 217. The expansion valve 209 is, for example, an electronic expansion valve whose valve opening degree can be adjusted by control.

[0054] The liquid-side shutoff valve 217 is a manual valve arranged at a connection portion between the outdoor unit 202 and the liquid refrigerant connection pipe 206 .

[0055] The gas-side shutoff valve 216 is a manual valve arranged at a connection portion between the outdoor unit 202 and the gas refrigerant communication pipe 205 .

[0056] The outdoor unit 202 has an outdoor unit control unit 221 that controls the operation of each part constituting the outdoor unit 202. The outdoor unit control unit 221 is connected to an indoor unit control unit 222 of the indoor unit 203 via a communication line, and transmits and receives control signals and the like.

[0057] The outdoor unit 202 is provided with a discharge temperature sensor 225, an intake temperature sensor 226, an outdoor heat exchanger temperature sensor 227, an outdoor air temperature sensor 228, and the like. Each of these sensors is electrically connected to the outdoor unit control unit 221 and transmits a detection signal to the outdoor unit control unit 221. The discharge temperature sensor 225 detects the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through a discharge pipe 234 connecting the discharge side of the compressor 211 and one of the connection ports of the four-way switching valve 212. The intake temperature sensor 226 detects the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the intake pipe 235 of the intake flow path connecting the intake side of the compressor 211 and one of the connection ports of the four-way switching valve 212. The outdoor heat exchanger temperature sensor 227 detects the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the liquid side outlet of the outdoor heat exchanger 213, which is opposite to the side to which the third pipe 233 is connected. The outdoor air temperature sensor 228 detects the outdoor air temperature before passing through the outdoor heat exchanger 213.

[0058] The indoor unit 203 is installed on a wall surface, ceiling, etc. of a room which is a target space. The indoor unit 203 is connected to the outdoor unit 202 via a liquid refrigerant connection pipe 206 and a gas refrigerant connection pipe 205, and constitutes a part of the refrigerant circuit 200.

[0059] The indoor unit 203 includes an indoor heat exchanger 218 and an indoor fan 219 .

[0060] The liquid side of the indoor heat exchanger 218 is connected to the liquid refrigerant connection pipe 206, and the gas side end is connected to the gas refrigerant connection pipe 205. The indoor heat exchanger 218 is a heat exchanger that functions as an evaporator of low-pressure refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle during cooling operation, and functions as a condenser or radiator of high-pressure refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle during heating operation.

[0061] The indoor fan 219 draws in indoor air, which is the target space, into the indoor unit 203, exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the indoor heat exchanger 218, and then generates an air flow for discharging the air to the outside of the indoor unit 203. The indoor fan 219 is rotationally driven by an indoor fan motor.

[0062] Moreover, the indoor unit 203 has an indoor unit control unit 222 that controls the operation of each part constituting the indoor unit 203. The indoor unit control unit 222 is connected to the outdoor unit control unit 221 via a communication line, and transmits and receives control signals and the like.

[0063] The indoor unit 203 is provided with an indoor liquid side heat exchanger temperature sensor 223, an indoor air temperature sensor 224, etc. Each of these sensors is electrically connected to the indoor unit control unit 222. The indoor liquid side heat exchanger temperature sensor 223 detects the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the liquid side outlet of the indoor heat exchanger 218, which is opposite to the side to which the gas refrigerant communication pipe 205 is connected. The indoor air temperature sensor 224 detects the temperature of the air in the room before passing through the indoor heat exchanger 218.

[0064] Next, a system configuration of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 130_1 will be described. Fig. 2B is a diagram showing an example of the system configuration of the refrigeration cycle apparatus. In the refrigeration cycle apparatus 130_1, an outdoor unit control section 221 and an indoor unit control section 222 are connected via a communication line to configure a controller 207.

[0065] Various processes and controls by the controller 207 are realized by integrally functioning each part included in the outdoor unit control part 221 and the indoor unit control part 222. The remote control 220 is placed in a room which is a target space or in a specific space of a building including the target space, and is used by a user or the like to issue an operation control command for the refrigeration cycle apparatus 130_1 and to monitor the operation state.

[0066] The remote control 220 includes a reception unit 220a such as an operation button or a touch panel that receives information input by being operated by a user or the like, and a display 220b that can display various information. The remote control 220 is connected to the outdoor unit control unit 221 and the indoor unit control unit 222 via a communication line, and can supply information received from the user at the reception unit 220a to the controller 207. In addition, the information received from the controller 207 can be output on the display 220b.

[0067] The information received by the reception unit 220a from the user, etc., is not particularly limited, but includes various information such as a command to execute a cooling operation mode, a command to execute a heating operation mode, a command to stop operation, a set temperature, etc. The information displayed on the display 220b is not particularly limited, but includes the current operation mode status (cooling or heating), the set temperature, information indicating the occurrence of various abnormalities, etc.

[0068] <Hardware configuration of each device> Next, the hardware configuration of each device (here, the server device 110, the network terminal 120, and the controller 207) constituting the refrigeration cycle system 100 will be described.

[0069] (1) Hardware configuration of server equipment and network terminals Fig. 3A is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a server device and a network terminal. As shown in (a) of Fig. 3A, the server device 110 has a processor 301, a memory 302, an auxiliary storage device 303, a connection device 304, a communication device 305, and a drive device 306. The hardware components of the server device 110 are connected to each other via a bus 307.

[0070] The processor 301 includes various arithmetic devices such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), etc. The processor 301 reads various programs (for example, a management program, etc.) onto the memory 302 and executes them.

[0071] The memory 302 has a main storage device such as a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), etc. The processor 301 and the memory 302 form a so-called computer (also called a "control unit" or a "second control unit"), and the processor 301 executes various programs read onto the memory 302, whereby the computer realizes various functions.

[0072] The auxiliary storage device 303 stores various programs and various information used when the various programs are executed by the processor 301 .

[0073] The connection device 304 connects the operation device 310 and the display device 311 to the server device 110 .

[0074] The communication device 305 is a device for connecting to the network 150 and communicating with the network terminal 120 or the owner terminal 140 .

[0075] The drive device 306 is a device for setting the recording medium 312. The recording medium 312 here includes media that record information optically, electrically, or magnetically, such as a CD-ROM, a flexible disk, a magneto-optical disk, etc. The recording medium 312 may also include semiconductor memories that record information electrically, such as ROM, flash memory, etc.

[0076] The various programs to be installed in the auxiliary storage device 303 are installed, for example, by setting the distributed recording medium 312 in the drive device 306 and reading out the various programs recorded in the recording medium 312 by the drive device 306. Alternatively, the various programs to be installed in the auxiliary storage device 303 may be installed by being downloaded from the network 150 via the communication device 305.

[0077] 3A(b), network terminal 120 includes processor 321, memory 322, auxiliary storage device 323, I / F (Interface) device 324, and communication device 325. Each piece of hardware of network terminal 120 is connected to each other via bus 326.

[0078] Of these, the processor 321 to the auxiliary storage device 323 and the communication device 325 are similar to the processor 301 to the auxiliary storage device 303 and the communication device 305 of the server device 110, respectively, and therefore description thereof will be omitted here.

[0079] However, in network terminal 120, processor 321 and memory 322 form a so-called computer (also referred to as a "first control unit"). Then, processor 321 executes various programs read onto memory 322, whereby the computer realizes various functions.

[0080] Moreover, the I / F device 324 connects the refrigeration cycle devices 130_1 to 130_N and the network terminal 120.

[0081] (2) Controller hardware configuration Fig. 3B is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a controller of a refrigeration cycle apparatus. As shown in Fig. 3B, the outdoor unit control section 221 and the indoor unit control section 222 constituting the controller 207 each have a processor 331, a memory 332, an auxiliary storage device 333, a connection device 334, and an I / F device 335. The hardware components of the outdoor unit control section 221 and the indoor unit control section 222 constituting the controller 207 are connected to each other via a bus 336.

[0082] Of these, the processor 331 through the auxiliary storage device 333 and the I / F device 335 are similar to the processor 321 through the auxiliary storage device 323 and the I / F device 324 of the network terminal 120, respectively, and therefore description thereof will be omitted here.

[0083] However, in the outdoor unit control section 221 and the indoor unit control section 222 constituting the controller 207, the processor 331 and the memory 332 form a so-called computer (also referred to as a "first control section"). The processor 331 executes various programs read onto the memory 332, and the computer realizes various functions.

[0084] Further, the connection device 334 connects each sensor, each device, etc. in the refrigeration cycle apparatus 130_1 to the outdoor unit control section 221 and the indoor unit control section 222 constituting the controller 207.

[0085] <Server device functional configuration> Next, a description will be given of the functional configuration of the server device 110. As described above, a management program is installed in the server device 110. By executing the program, the server device 110 functions as a refrigerant amount acquisition unit 401, an electric power amount information acquisition unit 402, an analysis unit 411, a judgment index acquisition unit 412, a judgment unit 413, a notification information generation unit 414, and an operation management unit 415.

[0086] The refrigerant amount acquiring unit 401 acquires the refrigerant amount of each of the refrigeration cycle devices 130_1-130_N from the network terminal 120 for each predetermined period. Moreover, the refrigerant amount acquiring unit 401 stores in the storage unit 403 the refrigerant amount of each of the refrigeration cycle devices 130_1-130_N acquired for each predetermined period.

[0087] The power amount information acquiring unit 402 acquires, at predetermined intervals, the power consumption value of each of the refrigeration cycle apparatuses 130_1-130_N from the network terminal 120. Moreover, the power amount information acquiring unit 402 stores, in the storage unit 403, the power consumption value of each of the refrigeration cycle apparatuses 130_1-130_N acquired at predetermined intervals.

[0088] The analysis unit 411 acquires a value related to the amount of refrigerant and a value related to the operation efficiency based on the amount of refrigerant and the power consumption value of each of the refrigeration cycle devices 130_1 to 130_N stored in the storage unit 403 for each predetermined period, and notifies the determination unit 413. As described above, the value related to the amount of refrigerant includes -Currently acquired refrigerant volume, - Amount of leaked refrigerant, -Costs equivalent to the amount of leaked refrigerant, - Carbon dioxide emissions equivalent to the amount of leaked refrigerant, - Rate of change of refrigerant amount, As mentioned above, the values ​​related to the operating efficiency include: -Current power consumption value obtained, -Currently obtained COP value, -Changes in power consumption, -Change in COP value, Includes:

[0089] The determination index acquisition unit 412 acquires a predetermined determination index and notifies the determination unit 413. The predetermined determination index may be acquired by being input by an administrator of the server device 110, or may be acquired by being received from another device via the communication device 305.

[0090] The determination unit 413 notifies the notification information generation unit 414 of the value related to the refrigerant amount and the value related to the operating efficiency notified by the analysis unit 411 and the predetermined determination index notified by the determination index acquisition unit 412.

[0091] Furthermore, the determination unit 413 compares the value related to the refrigerant amount and the value related to the operation efficiency notified from the analysis unit 411 with a predetermined determination index notified from the determination index acquisition unit 412, and determines whether or not to permit operation of the refrigeration cycle devices 130_1 to 130_N. The determination unit 413 notifies the operation management unit 415 of the determination result on whether or not to permit operation.

[0092] The method of determining whether or not to permit operation by the determination unit 413 is arbitrary. For example, the determination unit 413 may The amount of leaked refrigerant (predetermined threshold) at which refrigerant replenishment work should be performed is determined in advance as a predetermined judgment index in a contract between the owner 141 and the owner of the refrigerant, and is acquired by the judgment index acquisition unit 412. The currently acquired power consumption value is greater than a predetermined leaked refrigerant amount (predetermined threshold value) as a predetermined judgment indicator. - Maintenance was not performed within the specified period after the limit was exceeded. Based on the above conditions, driving permission will be denied.

[0093] The notification information generation unit 414 generates a display screen including a value related to the refrigerant amount and a value related to the operating efficiency, and a predetermined judgment index, and controls the display to be displayed on the owner terminal 140. For example, when the owner terminal 140 accesses the notification information generation unit 414, the notification information generation unit 414 controls the generated display screen to be displayed on the owner terminal 140. Alternatively, the notification information generation unit 414 may control the generated display screen to be displayed on the owner terminal 140 by transmitting the generated display screen to the owner terminal 140 at predetermined intervals.

[0094] The operation management unit 415 controls the operation of the refrigeration cycle apparatuses 130_1 to 130_N based on the determination result of whether or not the operation is permitted, notified from the determination unit 413. Specifically, each of the refrigeration cycle apparatuses 130_1 to 130_N accesses the operation management unit 415 during operation, and continues operation if the operation is permitted, or stops operation if the operation is not permitted.

[0095] Alternatively, the operation management unit 415 may transmit the determination result of whether or not to permit operation (permission, non-permission) to each of the refrigeration cycle apparatuses 130_1 to 130_N. In this case, when each of the refrigeration cycle apparatuses 130_1 to 130_N receives a notification of permission during operation, it continues operation, and when it receives a notification of non-permission, it stops operation.

[0096] <Specific examples of processing by each unit of the server device> Next, a specific example of processing by each unit (here, refrigerant amount acquiring unit 401, power amount information acquiring unit 402, and notification information generating unit 414) of server device 110 will be described.

[0097] (1) Specific example of processing by the refrigerant amount acquisition unit First, a specific example of the process by the refrigerant amount acquiring unit 401 will be described. Here, for the sake of simplicity, a specific example of the process for acquiring the refrigerant amount of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 130_1 will be described. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing a specific example of the refrigerant amount acquired by the refrigerant amount acquiring unit of the server apparatus. In Fig. 5, the horizontal axis indicates the number of years that have passed since the refrigeration cycle apparatus 130_1 was installed, and the vertical axis indicates the acquired refrigerant amount of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 130_1.

[0098] As shown in FIG. 5, the amount of refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle device 130_1 gradually decreases with age.

[0099] (2) Specific examples of processing by the power information acquisition unit Next, a specific example of the process by the power amount information acquisition unit 402 will be described. Again, for the sake of simplicity, a specific example of the process of acquiring the power consumption value of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 130_1 will be described. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing a specific example of the power consumption value acquired by the power amount information acquisition unit of the server device. In Fig. 6, the horizontal axis indicates the number of years that have passed since the refrigeration cycle apparatus 130_1 and the watt-hour meter 131_1 were installed, and the vertical axis indicates the power consumption value of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 130_1.

[0100] As shown in FIG. 6, the power consumption value of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 130_1 generally increases with age.

[0101] (3) Specific examples of processing by the notification information generating unit Next, a specific example of the process by the notification information generating unit 414 will be described. Again, for the sake of simplicity, a specific example of the process in the case of generating a display screen for the refrigeration cycle apparatus 130_1 will be described. Fig. 7 shows an example of the display screen generated by the notification information generating unit of the server device.

[0102] As shown in FIG. 7, the display screen generated by the notification information generating unit 414 includes the following: A refrigerant amount display screen 710 including values ​​related to the refrigerant amount and predetermined judgment indicators; An operating efficiency display screen 720 including values ​​related to operating efficiency and predetermined judgment indicators; Includes:

[0103] <Details of the refrigerant amount display screen> Next, a description will be given of details of the refrigerant amount display screen 710. Fig. 8 is a first diagram showing an example of details of the refrigerant amount display screen.

[0104] 8, the refrigerant amount display screen 710 displays a transition 800 of the refrigerant amount acquired at each predetermined period from the time of installation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 130_1 to the present. The refrigerant amount display screen 710 also displays a refrigerant amount 811 of the refrigerant charged at the time of installation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 130_1. The refrigerant amount display screen 710 also displays a refrigerant amount 812 of the refrigerant currently charged in the refrigeration cycle apparatus 130_1.

[0105] In addition, the refrigerant amount display screen 710 displays the refrigerant amount 811 and the refrigerant amount 812, Amount of leaked refrigerant 831, rate of change in amount of leaked refrigerant 832, cost corresponding to amount of leaked refrigerant 833, Refrigerant change rate 841, - Carbon dioxide emissions equivalent to the amount of leaked refrigerant: 851 is displayed.

[0106] In this way, by displaying various values ​​including values ​​relating to the amount of refrigerant, the owner 141 can monitor the values ​​relating to the amount of refrigerant, and therefore can take prompt action.

[0107] The values ​​displayed on the refrigerant amount display screen 710 have the following relationship.

[0108] (Amount of leaked refrigerant 831) = (Amount of refrigerant 811) - (Amount of refrigerant 812) (Rate of change in amount of leaked refrigerant 832) = {(amount of refrigerant 811) - (amount of refrigerant 812)} / (amount of refrigerant 811) (Cost equivalent to the amount of leaked refrigerant 833) = {(amount of refrigerant 811) - (amount of refrigerant 812)} x (unit price of refrigerant per unit amount), or {(amount of refrigerant 811) - (amount of refrigerant 812)} x (unit price of refrigerant per unit amount) + (labor cost) (Rate of change in refrigerant amount 841) = (refrigerant amount 812) / (refrigerant amount 811) (Carbon dioxide emissions equivalent to the amount of leaked refrigerant 851) = {(amount of refrigerant 811) - (amount of refrigerant 812)} x (coefficient determined in advance for each type of refrigerant) (Total carbon dioxide emission amount 852) = {(refrigerant amount 811) - (refrigerant amount 812)} x (predetermined coefficient for each type of refrigerant) + (carbon dioxide emission amount in other systems).

[0109] As shown in FIG. 8, the refrigerant amount display screen 710 displays the following as a judgment index: The amount of leaked refrigerant 821 for which refrigerant replenishment work should be performed, which is determined in advance in a contract between the owner 141 and the owner of the refrigerant; - The amount of leaked refrigerant that requires maintenance as specified by law is 822, Combined carbon dioxide emissions of 852, is displayed.

[0110] In this way, by displaying the value related to the amount of refrigerant together with the criteria for determining the necessity of maintenance, the owner 141 can be made aware of the necessity of maintenance.

[0111] Although not shown in the refrigerant amount display screen 710 in Fig. 8, when the leaking refrigerant amount 831 exceeds the leaking refrigerant amount 821 (a predetermined threshold value), a warning is issued to the owner 141. In this case, for example, the owner 141 is notified that maintenance of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 130 is necessary. Furthermore, when maintenance is not performed within a predetermined period after the leaking refrigerant amount 831 exceeds the leaking refrigerant amount 821, it is determined that operation is not permitted, and the operation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 130_1 is stopped.

[0112] <Details of the operation efficiency display screen> Next, a description will be given of details of the operation efficiency display screen 720. Fig. 9 is a first diagram showing an example of details of the operation efficiency display screen.

[0113] 9, the operation efficiency display screen 720 displays transitions 911 and 912 of the power consumption value and COP value of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 130_1 acquired at predetermined intervals from the installation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 130_1 to the present. The operation efficiency display screen 720 also displays a power consumption value 921 and a COP value 931 acquired at the time of installation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 130_1, and a current power consumption value 922 and a current COP value 932 of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 130_1.

[0114] In addition, the operation efficiency display screen 720 displays the following calculated using the power consumption value 921 and the power consumption value 922: - Change in power consumption value 941, - Change in COP value: 951 is displayed.

[0115] In this way, by displaying various values ​​including values ​​related to the operating efficiency, the owner 141 can monitor values ​​related to the operating efficiency, and therefore can take prompt action. For example, the owner 141 can be made aware of the danger of rising operating costs, and the owner 141 will take prompt action.

[0116] The values ​​displayed on the driving efficiency display screen 720 have the following relationship.

[0117] (Change in power consumption value 941) = (Power consumption value 922) - (Power consumption value 921) (Change in COP value 951) = (COP value 932) - (COP value 931).

[0118] As shown in FIG. 9, the driving efficiency display screen 720 displays the following as a judgment index: · Average power consumption value 961 of the refrigeration cycle device of the same model as the refrigeration cycle device 130_1, is displayed.

[0119] In this way, by displaying the value related to the operating efficiency together with the criteria for determining the necessity of maintenance, the owner 141 can be made aware of the necessity of maintenance. For example, since the COP value is improved by cleaning the filter or the heat exchanger, the owner 141 can use it as a guide for the timing of maintenance.

[0120] <Monitoring process flow (values ​​related to refrigerant amount)> Next, a description will be given of the flow of a monitoring process of a value related to the amount of refrigerant, including the process by the refrigerant amount acquisition unit 401 and the process by the notification information generation unit 414. Fig. 10 is an example of a first flowchart showing the flow of a monitoring process by the refrigeration cycle system.

[0121] In step S1001, the server device 110 acquires a judgment index.

[0122] In step S1002, server device 110 starts acquiring the amount of refrigerant for each predetermined period.

[0123] In step S1003, the server device 110 acquires the current amount of refrigerant.

[0124] In step S1004, server device 110 acquires values ​​relating to the amount of refrigerant, such as the amount of leaked refrigerant, the cost corresponding to the amount of leaked refrigerant, the amount of carbon dioxide emissions corresponding to the amount of leaked refrigerant, and the rate of change in the amount of refrigerant from the time of installation.

[0125] In step S1005, the server device 110 compares the value relating to the amount of refrigerant with the judgment index.

[0126] In step S1006, server device 110 determines whether a warning is necessary. Server device 110 determines that a warning is necessary, for example, when the current amount of leaked refrigerant exceeds a contractually predetermined amount of leaked refrigerant (a predetermined threshold value) at which refrigerant replenishment work should be performed.

[0127] If it is determined in step S1006 that a warning is necessary (YES in step S1006), the process proceeds to step S1007. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1006 that a warning is not necessary (NO in step S1006), the process proceeds to step S1011.

[0128] In step S1007, server device 110 generates a warning indicating that maintenance is required.

[0129] In step S1008, it is determined whether or not a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the warning was issued. If it is determined in step S1008 that the predetermined period of time has elapsed (YES in step S1008), the process proceeds to step S1009. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1008 that the predetermined period of time has not elapsed (NO in step S1008), the process waits for a predetermined time and then repeats the process of step S1008.

[0130] In step S1009, server device 110 determines whether maintenance has been performed within a predetermined period of time since the issuance of the warning. If it is determined in step S1009 that maintenance has been performed within the predetermined period of time (YES in step S1009), the process proceeds to step S1011. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1009 that maintenance has not been performed within the predetermined period of time (NO in step S1009), the process proceeds to step S1010.

[0131] In step S1010, the server device 110 does not permit the corresponding refrigeration cycle apparatus to operate, thereby stopping the operation of the corresponding refrigeration cycle apparatus.

[0132] In step S1011, the server device 110 generates a refrigerant amount display screen and controls the owner terminal 140 to display it.

[0133] In step S1012, the server device 110 judges whether or not to end the monitoring process. If it is judged in step S1012 that the monitoring process should be continued (if NO in step S1012), the process returns to step S1003. On the other hand, if it is judged in step S1012 that the monitoring process should be ended (if YES in step S1012), the monitoring process is ended. The server device 110 judges that the monitoring process should be ended when the server device 110 has not permitted the operation of the refrigeration cycle device in step S1010. In other cases, the server device 110 judges in step S1012 that the monitoring process should be continued.

[0134] The contents of the refrigerant amount display screen generated by server device 110 in step S1011 will be described below.

[0135] If server device 110 determines that a warning is not necessary (NO in step S1006), it generates a refrigerant amount display screen including values ​​related to the refrigerant amount in step S1011 and controls owner terminal 140 to display it.

[0136] If, in step S1008, it is determined that the predetermined period has not elapsed since server device 110 issued a warning, the process of step S1008 is repeated, but until the predetermined period has elapsed, server device 110 may generate a refrigerant amount display screen including a value related to the refrigerant amount and the warning, and may perform control so as to display this on owner terminal 140. In this case, server device 110 may periodically perform the processes of steps S1003 to S1005, and display the latest information on owner terminal 140.

[0137] In addition, if the server device 110 determines that maintenance has been performed within the specified period (if the answer is YES in step S1009), it generates a refrigerant amount display screen including information that maintenance has been performed, and controls the screen to be displayed on the owner terminal 140.

[0138] Furthermore, when the server device 110 determines that maintenance has not been performed within a predetermined period (when NO in step S1009), it generates a refrigerant amount display screen including a value related to the refrigerant amount and information indicating that the operation of the corresponding refrigeration cycle device has been stopped. Furthermore, the server device 110 controls so that the generated refrigerant amount display screen is displayed on the owner terminal 140. In this case, the server device 110 determines YES in step S1012 and ends the monitoring process.

[0139] <Monitoring process flow (values ​​related to operating efficiency)> Next, a description will be given of a flow of a monitoring process of a value related to operation efficiency, including a process by the power amount information acquisition unit 402 and a process by the notification information generation unit 414. Fig. 11 is an example of a second flowchart showing a flow of a monitoring process by the refrigeration cycle system.

[0140] In step S1101, the server device 110 acquires a judgment index.

[0141] In step S1102, the server device 110 starts acquiring the power consumption value at predetermined intervals.

[0142] In step S1103, the server apparatus 110 acquires the current power consumption value.

[0143] In step S1104, the server device 110 acquires, as values ​​related to the operating efficiency, the power consumption value, the COP value, the amount of change in the power consumption value since installation, and the amount of change in the COP value since installation.

[0144] In step S1105, the server device 110 generates a driving efficiency display screen and controls the owner terminal 140 to display it.

[0145] In step S1106, server device 110 judges whether or not to end the monitoring process. If it is judged in step S1106 that the monitoring process should be continued (NO in step S1106), the process returns to step S1103. On the other hand, if it is judged in step S1106 that the monitoring process should be ended (YES in step S1106), the monitoring process is ended.

[0146] <Summary> As is clear from the above description, the server device 110 according to the first embodiment: A value related to the amount of refrigerant filled in each of the refrigeration cycle devices 130_1 to 130_N having a compressor and a value related to the operation efficiency of each of the refrigeration cycle devices 130_1 to 130_N are obtained. · Values ​​related to the amount of refrigerant and values ​​related to the operating efficiency are displayed on the display device.

[0147] In this way, by configuring to display the value related to the refrigerant amount and the value related to the operation efficiency, according to the first embodiment, the owner 141 can monitor the value related to the refrigerant amount and the value related to the operation efficiency, and therefore can take prompt action. As a result, according to the first embodiment, the amount of refrigerant leakage during use of the refrigeration cycle devices 130_1 to 130_N can be suppressed, and the recovery rate of the refrigerant can be improved.

[0148] [Second embodiment] In the above first embodiment, it has been described that the refrigerant amount display screen 710 displays a transition 800 of the refrigerant amount acquired at every predetermined period from the time of installation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 130_1 to the present. Also, in the above first embodiment, it has been described that the operation efficiency display screen 720 displays a transition 911 and a transition 912 of the power consumption value and the COP value of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 130_1 acquired at every predetermined period from the time of installation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 130_1 to the present.

[0149] However, there is no limitation to this in the display contents displayed on the refrigerant amount display screen 710 and the operating efficiency display screen 720. The second embodiment will be described below, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment.

[0150] <Details of the refrigerant amount display screen> First, a description will be given of another detailed example of the refrigerant amount display screen 710. Fig. 12 is a second diagram showing a detailed example of the refrigerant amount display screen.

[0151] The difference from the detailed example shown in Figure 8 is that in the case of Figure 12, In addition to the transition 800 of the refrigerant amount of the refrigeration cycle device 130_1 from the time of installation of the refrigeration cycle device 130_1 to the present time, which is acquired at every predetermined period, a predicted value 1210 of the refrigerant amount of the refrigeration cycle device 130_1 to be acquired in the future is displayed. It is a point.

[0152] The prediction method for the predicted value 1210 is arbitrary, and the server device 110 predicts the value based on the transition 800 .

[0153] <Details of the operation efficiency display screen> Next, a description will be given of another detailed example of the operation efficiency display screen 720. Fig. 13 is a second diagram showing a detailed example of the operation efficiency display screen.

[0154] The difference from the detailed example shown in Figure 9 is that in the case of Figure 13, In addition to the transition 911 of the power consumption value of the refrigeration cycle device 130_1 acquired at predetermined intervals from the time of installation of the refrigeration cycle device 130_1 to the present, a predicted value 1311 of the power consumption value of the refrigeration cycle device 130_1 to be acquired in the future is displayed; In addition to the transition 912 of the COP value acquired at each predetermined period from the time of installation of the refrigeration cycle device 130_1 to the present, a predicted value 1312 of the COP value of the refrigeration cycle device 130_1 to be acquired in the future is displayed; It is.

[0155] The prediction method for the predicted value 1210 is arbitrary, and the server device 110 predicts the predicted value 1210 based on the transitions 911 and 912 .

[0156] <Summary> As is clear from the above description, the server device 110 according to the second embodiment has the following functions in addition to those of the server device 110 according to the first embodiment: The predicted values ​​of the refrigerant amount and the predicted values ​​of the operating efficiency are predicted and displayed on the display device.

[0157] As a result, like the first embodiment, according to the second embodiment, the owner 141 can monitor values ​​related to the refrigerant amount and values ​​related to the operation efficiency, and can take prompt action. As a result, according to the second embodiment, the amount of refrigerant leakage during use of the refrigeration cycle devices 130_1 to 130_N can be reduced, and the recovery rate of the refrigerant can be improved.

[0158] [Third embodiment] In the above first and second embodiments, a case has been described in which the average power consumption value (average power consumption value 961 in FIG. 9) of the refrigeration cycle apparatus of the same model as each of the refrigeration cycle apparatuses 130_1 to 130_N is displayed as a judgment index on the operating efficiency display screen 720.

[0159] However, the judgment index displayed on the operation efficiency display screen 720 is not limited to this. For example, an average COP value of the refrigeration cycle apparatus of the same model as each of the refrigeration cycle apparatuses 130_1 to 130_N may be displayed. Alternatively, an average change in power consumption value according to the number of years elapsed since installation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus of the same model as each of the refrigeration cycle apparatuses 130_1 to 130_N may be displayed. Alternatively, an average change in COP value according to the number of years elapsed since installation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus of the same model as each of the refrigeration cycle apparatuses 130_1 to 130_N may be displayed.

[0160] In the above first and second embodiments, a warning is issued to the owner 141 when the current amount of leaked refrigerant exceeds the amount of leaked refrigerant (predetermined threshold) at which refrigerant replenishment work should be performed, as previously determined by the contract. However, the notification to the owner 141 is not limited to a warning, and for example, a message encouraging maintenance may be issued.

[0161] In the above first and second embodiments, the display screen 700 is generated for each of the refrigeration cycle devices 130_1 to 130_N. However, the method of generating the display screen 700 is not limited to this, and the display screens of a plurality of refrigeration cycle devices may be collectively displayed on one display screen. Alternatively, the display screens of the refrigeration cycle devices which are likely to issue a warning or the display screens of the refrigeration cycle devices which have issued a warning may be extracted and collectively displayed. Alternatively, the display screens of the refrigeration cycle devices which are likely to issue a warning or the display screens of the refrigeration cycle devices which have issued a warning may be displayed preferentially over the display screens of the other refrigeration cycle devices.

[0162] In the above first and second embodiments, the display screen 700 has been described as being displayed on the owner terminal 140, but the display destination of the display screen 700 is not limited to the owner terminal 140. For example, the display screen 700 may be displayed on any display device, such as the remote control 220 or another terminal.

[0163] Although the first and second embodiments do not refer to a specific method for displaying the display screen 700, the method for displaying the display screen 700 is arbitrary. For example, the display screen 700 may be displayed as a Web page, or a dedicated application may be installed in a display destination device and the dedicated application may display the display screen 700.

[0164] Further, in the above first and second embodiments, the refrigeration cycle system 100 has been described as having a plurality of refrigeration cycle devices 130_1 to 130_N, but the refrigeration cycle system 100 may have one refrigeration cycle device.

[0165] In the above first and second embodiments, the case has been described where the multiple refrigeration cycle apparatuses 130_1 to 130_N communicate with the server device 110 via the network terminal 120. However, the multiple refrigeration cycle apparatuses 130_1 to 130_N may communicate with the server device 110 without going through the network terminal 120.

[0166] Although the embodiments have been described above, it will be understood that various changes in form and details are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0167] 100: Refrigeration cycle system 120: Network terminal 130_1~130_N: Refrigeration cycle equipment 131_1~131_N: Electric energy meter 140: Owner terminal 160: Refrigerant charging equipment 207: Controller 401: Refrigerant amount acquisition unit 402: Electric energy information acquisition unit 411:Analysis Department 412: Judgment index acquisition section 413: Judgment section 414: Notification information generation unit 415: Operation Management Department 700:Display screen 710: Refrigerant amount display screen 720: Operation efficiency display screen

Claims

1. A server device including a control unit, The control unit is A value related to a refrigerant amount of a refrigerant filled in a refrigeration cycle device having a compressor and a value related to an operating efficiency of the refrigeration cycle device are obtained; displaying the value related to the refrigerant amount and the value related to the operating efficiency on a display device; Server device.

2. The server device according to claim 1, wherein the value relating to the amount of refrigerant includes a cost equivalent to an amount of leaked refrigerant, which is the difference between the amount of refrigerant filled at the time of installation of the refrigeration cycle device and the amount of refrigerant currently filled in the refrigeration cycle device, or a carbon dioxide emission amount equivalent to the amount of leaked refrigerant.

3. The server device according to claim 1 , wherein the value relating to the amount of refrigerant includes a rate of change in the amount of refrigerant from when the refrigeration cycle device was installed.

4. The server device according to claim 1, wherein the value relating to the operating efficiency includes any one of a power consumption value of the refrigeration cycle device, a COP value, an amount of change in the power consumption value since installation of the refrigeration cycle device, or an amount of change in the COP value since installation of the refrigeration cycle device.

5. The control unit is The server device according to claim 1 , wherein the display device displays the value relating to the amount of refrigerant or the value relating to the operating efficiency of the refrigeration cycle device together with a criterion for determining the necessity of maintenance.

6. The control unit is 2. The server device according to claim 1, wherein when a leaked refrigerant amount, which is the difference between the amount of refrigerant sealed at the time of installation of the refrigeration cycle device and the amount of refrigerant currently sealed in the refrigeration cycle device, exceeds a predetermined threshold, the server device notifies an administrator of the refrigeration cycle device via the display device.

7. The server device according to claim 6 , wherein the predetermined threshold value is a value determined between an owner of the refrigeration cycle device and an owner of the refrigerant.

8. The control unit is The server device according to claim 7 , wherein the server device stops operation of the refrigeration cycle device when no maintenance is performed within a predetermined period of time after the amount of leaking refrigerant exceeds the predetermined threshold value.

9. A refrigeration cycle device having a compressor; The server device according to claim 1 ; A refrigeration cycle system having

10. The control unit: A value related to a refrigerant amount of a refrigerant filled in a refrigeration cycle device having a compressor and a value related to an operating efficiency of the refrigeration cycle device are obtained; displaying the value related to the refrigerant amount and the value related to the operating efficiency on a display device; The management method by which the action is carried out.

11. In the control section, A value related to a refrigerant amount of a refrigerant filled in a refrigeration cycle device having a compressor and a value related to an operating efficiency of the refrigeration cycle device are obtained; displaying the value related to the refrigerant amount and the value related to the operating efficiency on a display device; A management program for executing processes.

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