Management device, method for management, and program

Abstract

To realize a service of offering a coolant for rent.SOLUTION: A management device having a control unit acquires the amount of a coolant filled in a refrigeration cycle device, determines the fee regarding the coolant on the basis of the usage years of the refrigeration cycle device and the rotation time of a compressor, and determines the amount to be charged to a customer on the basis of the coolant amount and the fee on the coolant.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] Some refrigeration cycle equipment uses refrigerants that contain fluorocarbons, which are greenhouse gases. As a measure against global warming, regulations on fluorocarbons are being implemented, and the market price of refrigerants is rising. Refrigerant recycling is an effective way to suppress greenhouse gas emissions and address rising refrigerant prices. In order to advance refrigerant recycling, it is important to recover refrigerants from refrigeration cycle equipment that has been discontinued.

[0003] There is known a technique for calculating the usage fee for a refrigeration cycle device. Patent Document 1 discloses a refrigeration cycle system having a refrigerant circuit in which a compressor, a condenser, an evaporator, and an expansion valve are connected and a refrigerant circulates, and a fee calculation means for calculating the usage fee for the refrigeration cycle system based on the refrigeration capacity used. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2019 / 234824 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, the conventional technology calculates the usage fee for a refrigeration cycle device filled with a refrigerant, and does not assume that only the refrigerant will be provided for rental.

[0006] The present disclosure provides a technique for realizing a service of renting refrigerants. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A management device according to a first aspect of the present disclosure is a management device having a control unit, which acquires the amount of refrigerant filled in a refrigeration cycle device, determines a fee for the refrigerant based on the number of years the refrigeration cycle device has been in use and the rotation time of the compressor, and determines an amount to be charged to a customer based on the amount of refrigerant and the fee for the refrigerant.

[0008] According to the first aspect of the present disclosure, a service of providing refrigerants on a rental basis can be realized.

[0009] A second aspect of the present disclosure is the management device according to the first aspect, wherein the control unit permits operation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus when the bill is paid by the customer.

[0010] According to the second aspect of the present disclosure, the amount claimed can be collected more reliably.

[0011] A third aspect of the present disclosure is a management device relating to the first or second aspect, wherein the control unit outputs to a first display device a message indicating that the refrigeration cycle device should be updated when a fee for the refrigerant exceeds a first threshold.

[0012] According to the third aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to notify at an appropriate timing that the refrigeration cycle device should be updated.

[0013] A fourth aspect of the present disclosure is a management device related to the third aspect, wherein the control unit outputs to a second display device a suggestion that the refrigeration cycle equipment should be updated when the fee for the refrigerant exceeds a second threshold value that is higher than the first threshold value.

[0014] According to the fourth aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to notify at an appropriate timing that a refrigeration cycle device should be updated.

[0015] A fifth aspect of the present disclosure is a management device relating to any of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the control unit predicts a fee for the refrigerant or the billing amount based on a trend in the fee for the refrigerant, and outputs a predicted value of the fee for the refrigerant or the predicted value of the billing amount.

[0016] According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, future refrigerant fees or charges may be presented to the customer.

[0017] A sixth aspect of the present disclosure is the management device according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the control unit determines a fee for the refrigerant based on a type of the refrigerant.

[0018] According to the sixth aspect of the present disclosure, a fee for the refrigerant can be determined based on the type of refrigerant filled in the refrigeration cycle device.

[0019] A seventh aspect of the present disclosure is a management device according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, wherein the control unit determines a fee for the refrigerant based on a usage state of the refrigeration cycle device.

[0020] According to the seventh aspect of the present disclosure, a fee for the refrigerant can be determined based on the usage state of the refrigeration cycle device.

[0021] An eighth aspect of the present disclosure is the management device according to the seventh aspect, wherein the usage state includes a maintenance state of the refrigeration cycle device.

[0022] According to the eighth aspect of the present disclosure, a fee for the refrigerant can be determined based on the maintenance state of the refrigeration cycle device.

[0023] A ninth aspect of the present disclosure is the management device according to the seventh or eighth aspect, wherein the usage state includes an installation state of the refrigeration cycle apparatus.

[0024] According to the ninth aspect of the present disclosure, a fee for the refrigerant can be determined based on the installation state of the refrigeration cycle device.

[0025] In a management method according to a tenth aspect of the present disclosure, a control unit of a management device acquires the amount of refrigerant filled in a refrigeration cycle device, determines a fee for the refrigerant based on the number of years the refrigeration cycle device has been in use and the rotation time of the compressor, and determines an amount to be billed to a customer based on the amount of refrigerant and the fee for the refrigerant.

[0026] A program according to an eleventh aspect of the present disclosure causes a control unit of a management device to execute processing to acquire the amount of refrigerant filled in a refrigeration cycle device, determine a fee for the refrigerant based on the number of years the refrigeration cycle device has been in use and the rotation time of the compressor, and determine the amount to be charged to a customer based on the amount of refrigerant and the fee for the refrigerant. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0027] [Figure 1] FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a refrigerant rental service. [Diagram 2] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of an overall configuration of a management system. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an air conditioning device. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a computer. [Diagram 5] 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a management method. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of device information. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of billing information. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a billing confirmation screen. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0028] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure 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.

[0029] [Embodiment] An embodiment of the present disclosure is a management system for managing a refrigeration cycle device. The management system in this embodiment has a function for realizing a service for renting a refrigerant (hereinafter, also referred to as a "refrigerant rental service").

[0030] The refrigerant rental service is a service that rents out refrigerant to be filled into a refrigeration cycle device to a user of the refrigeration cycle device (an example of a customer). In other words, in the refrigerant rental service, the user of the refrigeration cycle device is permitted to use the refrigeration cycle device by periodically paying a refrigerant usage fee to the refrigerant rental service provider. At this time, the ownership of the refrigerant is held by the refrigerant rental service provider.

[0031] In this embodiment, as an example, the refrigerant rental service includes a maintenance service for the refrigerant and a collection service for used refrigerant. The maintenance service provides, for example, refrigerant leakage monitoring (regular inspection), refilling when a refrigerant leaks, and repairs when a refrigerant leaks. The collection service provides, for example, removal and disposal of refrigeration cycle equipment that is no longer in use, and collection of the refrigerant.

[0032] The refrigerant rental service in this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the refrigerant rental service.

[0033] In step S1, a customer C purchases a refrigeration cycle device from a provider P. The customer C pays the provider P for the refrigeration cycle device.

[0034] Conventionally, the price of a refrigeration cycle device includes the price of the refrigerant to be filled into the refrigeration cycle device. With the refrigerant rental service, the price of the refrigeration cycle device does not include the price of the refrigerant. Therefore, with the refrigerant rental service, customer C can purchase the refrigeration cycle device at a lower price than before.

[0035] Customer C is an entity that acquires ownership of the refrigeration cycle equipment and uses the refrigerant rental service. Customer C may be an individual or a corporation. Customer C may be an entity that uses the refrigeration cycle equipment itself, or an entity that allows others to use the refrigeration cycle equipment. For example, customer C may be an individual that installs an air conditioner, which is an example of a refrigeration cycle equipment, in the building in which he or she lives. Also, for example, customer C may be an entity that installs an air conditioner in a building that he or she owns and allows people living in the building to use the air conditioner.

[0036] The provider P is an entity that holds the ownership of the refrigerant and provides a refrigerant rental service. The provider P may be an individual or a corporation. The provider P may be, for example, a manufacturing company that manufactures refrigeration cycle equipment, a sales agent that sells refrigeration cycle equipment purchased from a manufacturing company, or a management company that maintains and manages refrigeration cycle equipment. The provider P may be an entity that has been entrusted with the work by a manufacturing company, a sales agent, a management company, etc.

[0037] In step S2, the provider P installs the refrigeration cycle device purchased by the customer C in step S1 at a location designated by the customer C. The installation of the refrigeration cycle device may be performed by the provider P or a contractor designated by the customer C.

[0038] In step S3, the provider P fills the refrigerant into the refrigeration cycle device. The refrigeration cycle device shipped from the manufacturer is pre-filled with a standard amount of refrigerant, but the amount of refrigerant may need to be adjusted depending on the installation conditions. For example, if the distance between the indoor unit and the outdoor unit is long, additional refrigerant is charged according to the length of the refrigerant piping.

[0039] In step S4, the provider P registers equipment information related to the refrigeration cycle device in a management device that manages the refrigerant rental service. The equipment information includes the amount of refrigerant filled in the refrigeration cycle device. The equipment information may also include the usage environment or installation state of the refrigeration cycle device.

[0040] In step S5, customer C starts using the refrigeration cycle device. When the refrigeration cycle device starts operating, the refrigeration cycle device periodically transmits operation data to the management device. As a result, information regarding the operating state of the refrigeration cycle device is registered in the equipment information. The operating state includes, for example, the period of use of the refrigeration cycle device and the rotation time of the compressor provided in the refrigeration cycle device. The rotation time of the compressor is the total rotation time since the use of the refrigeration cycle device was started.

[0041] In step S6, the provider P bills the customer C for the refrigerant usage fee. The refrigerant usage fee is calculated based on the refrigerant unit price and the amount of refrigerant used. The refrigerant unit price is calculated based on the operating state of the refrigeration cycle equipment. The refrigerant unit price may be calculated based on the type of refrigerant, the market price of the refrigerant, the operating environment of the refrigeration cycle equipment, the maintenance state or construction state, etc. in addition to the operating state.

[0042] In step S7, the customer C pays the refrigerant usage fee billed in step S6 to the provider P. When the provider P confirms the payment of the refrigerant usage fee, it permits the customer C to use the refrigeration cycle device. On the other hand, if the provider P cannot confirm the payment of the refrigerant usage fee within a specified payment period, it may not permit the customer C to use the refrigeration cycle device.

[0043] When the provider P disallows the use of the refrigeration cycle device, the provider P may add a late fee to the refrigerant usage fee and bill the customer C again. Also, when the provider P disallows the use of the refrigeration cycle device, the provider P may control the refrigeration cycle device to be stopped.

[0044] Steps S6 and S7 are performed periodically. For example, steps S6 and S7 may be performed monthly, or may be performed at any interval, such as every three months, six months, or one year.

[0045] In step S8, the provider P provides a maintenance service to the customer C. The provider P periodically inspects the refrigerant cycle device for refrigerant leakage, and if a refrigerant leakage is found, the provider P refills the refrigerant, identifies the leakage location, and repairs the leakage location.

[0046] The provider P may irregularly inspect for refrigerant leakage in response to a request from the customer C. For example, when the customer C discovers an event that is suspected to be a refrigerant leakage, the customer C may request the provider P to inspect the refrigeration cycle device. When a refrigerant leakage occurs, various abnormalities may occur in the refrigeration cycle device. For example, when a refrigerant leakage occurs and the amount of refrigerant decreases, the power consumption of the refrigeration cycle device may suddenly increase.

[0047] When the provider P performs the maintenance service, the provider P registers the record of the service in the management device. As a result, the maintenance status of the refrigeration cycle device is registered in the device information.

[0048] In step S9, customer C notifies provider P of the end of use of the refrigeration cycle device. Provider P stops billing for the refrigerant usage fee. Customer C stops operation of the refrigeration cycle device. Customer C may request provider P to stop operation of the refrigeration cycle device, and provider P may stop operation of the refrigeration cycle device.

[0049] In step S10, the provider P provides a collection service to the customer C. The provider P removes the refrigeration cycle device that has stopped operating. The provider P can collect the refrigerant from the removed refrigeration cycle device. The removal of the refrigeration cycle device and the collection of the refrigerant may be performed by a recycler designated by the provider P.

[0050] If the above-mentioned refrigerant rental service is realized, the following advantages can be obtained. First, the provider P can manage the refrigerant leakage state in the refrigeration cycle equipment. If a refrigerant leakage can be detected early, repairs and other measures can be taken early, and the amount of refrigerant leakage can be reduced. Second, the customer C will no longer need to manage refrigerant leakage or carry out repairs when a refrigerant leakage occurs. This reduces the operating costs of the refrigeration cycle equipment.

[0051] Thirdly, it becomes easy for the provider P to collect the refrigerant after the use of the refrigeration cycle equipment has ended. Since the refrigerant rental service includes a collection service and the refrigerant usage fee is charged periodically, the provider P can be notified in a timely manner when the customer C has finished using the refrigeration cycle equipment. Furthermore, since the provider P holds the ownership of the refrigerant in the refrigerant rental service, the customer C cannot dispose of the refrigeration cycle equipment that is still filled with refrigerant without the consent of the provider P.

[0052] <Overall composition> The overall configuration of the management system in this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of the management system.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 2, the management system 1000 in this embodiment includes a management device 10, one or more refrigeration cycle devices 20 (20-1 to 20-3), one or more communication devices 30 (30-1 to 30-2), a customer terminal 40, and a provider terminal 50.

[0054] Hereinafter, when there are multiple refrigeration cycle devices 20, they will be distinguished from one another by using sub-numbers such as "refrigeration cycle device 20-1," "refrigeration cycle device 20-2," etc. Similarly, when there are multiple communication devices 30, they will be distinguished from one another by using sub-numbers such as "communication device 30-1," "communication device 30-2," etc.

[0055] The management device 10, the communication device 30, the customer terminal 40, and the provider terminal 50 are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate data with each other via a communication network N1 such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or the Internet. The communication network N1 may include, for example, a wireless LAN, a mobile communication network, or a network using short-distance wireless communication.

[0056] The refrigeration cycle apparatus 20 and the communication device 30 are connected to each other via a wired or wireless communication path so as to be able to communicate data with each other. The refrigeration cycle apparatus 20 is connected to one of the communication devices 30. The communication device 30 may be connected to a plurality of the refrigeration cycle apparatuses 20.

[0057] FIG. 1 shows an example in which the refrigeration cycle apparatuses 20-1 and 20-2 are connected to the communication device 30-1, and the refrigeration cycle apparatus 20-3 is connected to the communication device 30-2, but the combination of the refrigeration cycle apparatuses 20 and the communication devices 30 can be set arbitrarily.

[0058] The management device 10 is an information processing device such as a personal computer, a server, or a workstation that manages the refrigeration cycle apparatus 20. The management device 10 stores equipment information related to the refrigeration cycle apparatus 20, and provides a refrigerant rental service based on the equipment information.

[0059] The refrigeration cycle device 20 is equipment that performs a refrigeration cycle operation. One example of the refrigeration cycle device 20 is an air conditioner that performs air conditioning of a predetermined target space. The air conditioner connects an indoor unit installed in the target space and an outdoor unit installed outside the target space with a refrigerant pipe, and performs air conditioning including at least one of cooling, heating, humidification, or dehumidification for the target space by performing a refrigeration cycle operation.

[0060] The refrigerant circuit of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 20 is filled with a refrigerant stored in a refrigerant cylinder R. For example, an outdoor unit of an air conditioner is provided with a service port for filling with refrigerant. When the provider P installs the refrigeration cycle apparatus 20 or when a refrigerant leak is found in the refrigeration cycle apparatus 20, the provider P can fill the refrigerant into the refrigeration cycle apparatus 20 by transporting the refrigerant cylinder R to the installation location of the outdoor unit and connecting the refrigerant cylinder R to the service port.

[0061] The communication device 30 is a communication device that is connected to the refrigeration cycle apparatus 20 and provides the refrigeration cycle apparatus 20 with a function of communicating with an external device. The communication device 30 may be built in the refrigeration cycle apparatus 20. In this embodiment, the communication device 30 transmits operation data accumulated in the refrigeration cycle apparatus 20 to the management device 10. In addition, the communication device 30 transmits a control signal received from the management device 10 to the refrigeration cycle apparatus 20.

[0062] The customer terminal 40 is an information processing device such as a personal computer, a smartphone, or a tablet terminal operated by a customer C who uses the refrigerant rental service. The customer C may be an individual who owns the refrigeration cycle apparatus 20, or an employee of a corporation that owns the refrigeration cycle apparatus 20.

[0063] The provider terminal 50 is an information processing device such as a personal computer, a smartphone, or a tablet terminal operated by a provider P who provides a refrigerant rental service. The provider P may be an individual who provides the refrigerant rental service, or an employee of a corporation that provides the refrigerant rental service.

[0064] The overall configuration of the management system 1000 shown in Fig. 2 is an example, and various system configuration examples are possible depending on the application and purpose. For example, the management system 1000 may include multiple units of one or more of the management device 10, the customer terminal 40, and the provider terminal 50. For example, the management device 10 may be realized by multiple computers, or may be realized as a cloud computing service. The division of devices such as the management device 10, the refrigeration cycle device 20, the communication device 30, the customer terminal 40, and the provider terminal 50 shown in Fig. 2 is an example.

[0065] <Refrigeration cycle equipment> An air conditioner, which is an example of a refrigeration cycle apparatus in this embodiment, will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an example of an air conditioner.

[0066] The air conditioner 201 shown in Fig. 3 is a device that conditions the air in a target space by performing a vapor compression refrigeration cycle. In the air conditioner 201, a refrigerant sealed in a refrigerant circuit 210 performs a refrigeration cycle in which the refrigerant is compressed, releases heat, is depressurized, evaporated, and then compressed again. The air conditioner 201 is filled with a refrigerant.

[0067] The air conditioner 201 has an outdoor unit 202, an indoor unit 203, a liquid side refrigerant connection pipe 207, a gas side refrigerant connection pipe 208, and a controller 204. The liquid side refrigerant connection pipe 207 and the gas side refrigerant connection pipe 208 connect the outdoor unit 202 and the indoor unit 203. The controller 204 has an outdoor unit control unit 204a that controls the operation of each part that constitutes the outdoor unit 202, and an indoor unit control unit 204b that controls the operation of each part that constitutes the indoor unit 203.

[0068] The outdoor unit 202 is connected to the indoor unit 203 via a liquid side refrigerant connection pipe 207 and a gas side refrigerant connection pipe 208, and constitutes a part of a refrigerant circuit 210. The outdoor unit 202 has a compressor 221, a four-way switching valve 222, an outdoor heat exchanger 235, an outdoor fan 211, a liquid side shut-off valve 231, and a gas side shut-off valve 232.

[0069] The compressor 221 is a device that compresses a low-pressure refrigerant in a refrigeration cycle until it becomes high pressure. Here, a compressor of a sealed structure in which a volumetric compression element such as a rotary type or scroll type is rotated by a compressor motor is used as the compressor 221. The compressor motor is used to change the capacity, and the operating frequency can be controlled by an inverter.

[0070] The four-way switching valve 222 can be switched between a connection state for performing cooling operation and a connection state for performing heating operation. In the connection state for performing cooling operation, the four-way switching valve 222 connects the discharge side of the compressor 221 to the outdoor heat exchanger 235, while connecting the suction side of the compressor 221 to the gas side shutoff valve 232. In the connection state for performing heating operation, the four-way switching valve 222 connects the discharge side of the compressor 221 to the gas side shutoff valve 232, while connecting the suction side of the compressor 221 to the outdoor heat exchanger 235.

[0071] The outdoor heat exchanger 235 is a heat exchanger that functions as a 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 235 has a plurality of heat transfer fins and a plurality of heat transfer tubes fixed through the fins. The outdoor heat exchanger 235 is an air heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the refrigerant and the air flowing outside.

[0072] The outdoor fan 211 draws outdoor air into the outdoor unit 202, exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the outdoor heat exchanger 235, and then generates an air flow to be discharged to the outside. The outdoor fan 211 is rotationally driven by an outdoor fan motor.

[0073] The liquid side shutoff valve 231 is a manual valve arranged at a connection portion between the outdoor unit 202 and the liquid side refrigerant connection pipe 207. The gas side shutoff valve 232 is a manual valve arranged at a connection portion between the outdoor unit 202 and the gas side refrigerant connection pipe 208.

[0074] The indoor unit 203 is connected to the outdoor unit 202 via a liquid side refrigerant connection pipe 207 and a gas side refrigerant connection pipe 208, and constitutes a part of the refrigerant circuit 210. The indoor unit 203 includes an indoor heat exchanger 252, an indoor fan 253, and the like.

[0075] The liquid side of the indoor heat exchanger 252 is connected to the liquid side refrigerant connection pipe 207, and the gas side end is connected to the gas side refrigerant connection pipe 208. The indoor heat exchanger 252 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 of high-pressure refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle during heating operation. The indoor heat exchanger 252 has a plurality of heat transfer fins and a plurality of heat transfer tubes fixed through the fins.

[0076] The indoor fan 253 draws indoor air into the indoor unit 203, exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the indoor heat exchanger 252, and then generates an air flow to be discharged to the outside.

[0077] <Hardware configuration> The management device 10, the communication device 30, the customer terminal 40, and the provider terminal 50 in this embodiment can be implemented by a computer. Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a computer.

[0078] 4, the computer 100 includes a processor 101, a memory 102, an auxiliary storage device 103, an operation device 104, a display device 105, a communication device 106, and a drive device 107. Each piece of hardware in the computer 100 is connected to each other via a bus 108.

[0079] The processor 101 includes various arithmetic devices such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), etc. The processor 101 reads out various programs installed in the auxiliary storage device 103 onto the memory 102 and executes them.

[0080] The memory 102 has a main storage device such as a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), etc. The processor 101 and the memory 102 form a so-called computer (hereinafter also referred to as a "control unit"), and the processor 101 executes various programs read onto the memory 102, whereby the computer realizes various functions.

[0081] The auxiliary storage device 103 (hereinafter also referred to as a “storage unit”) stores various programs and various data used when the processor 101 executes the various programs.

[0082] The operation device 104 is an operation device that allows a user of the computer 100 to perform various operations. The display device 105 is a display device that displays the results of various processes executed by the computer 100.

[0083] The communication unit 106 is a communication device for communicating with external devices via a network (not shown).

[0084] The drive device 107 is a device for setting the storage medium 109. The storage medium 109 here includes media that store information optically, electrically, or magnetically, such as a CD-ROM, a flexible disk, a magneto-optical disk, etc. The storage medium 109 may also include semiconductor memory that stores information electrically, such as a ROM, a flash memory, etc.

[0085] The various programs to be installed in the auxiliary storage device 103 are installed, for example, by setting the distributed storage medium 109 in the drive device 107 and reading out the various programs stored in the storage medium 109 by the drive device 107. Alternatively, the various programs to be installed in the auxiliary storage device 103 may be installed by being downloaded from a network via the communication device 106.

[0086] <Management method> A management method executed by the management system 1000 in this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the management method.

[0087] In step S11, the control unit of the management device 10 acquires device information related to the refrigeration cycle device 20. The device information is stored in the storage unit of the management device 10.

[0088] Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the device information. The device information shown in Fig. 6 is an example in which the refrigeration cycle apparatus 20 is an air conditioner.

[0089] As shown in FIG. 6, the equipment information includes data items such as device ID, refrigerant type, initial refrigerant amount, replenishment refrigerant amount, amount of refrigerant used, start date of use, compressor rotation time, outdoor unit environment, indoor unit environment, maintenance status, installation status, and usability.

[0090] The device ID is identification information for identifying the refrigeration cycle device 20. The refrigerant type is information indicating the type of refrigerant used by the refrigeration cycle device 20. The type of refrigerant may differ depending on the model of the refrigeration cycle device 20.

[0091] The initial refrigerant amount is the amount of refrigerant previously filled in the refrigeration cycle device 20. The supplemental refrigerant amount is the amount of refrigerant filled when the refrigeration cycle device 20 is installed. The usage refrigerant amount is the amount of refrigerant used in the refrigeration cycle device 20. The usage refrigerant amount is the sum (c=a+b) of the initial refrigerant amount (a) and the supplemental refrigerant amount (b).

[0092] If the amount of refrigerant pre-filled when the refrigeration cycle device 20 is installed is reduced, the initial amount of refrigerant will be less than the standard amount. If no refrigerant was charged when the refrigeration cycle device 20 was installed, the amount of refrigerant replenished will be zero.

[0093] The initial refrigerant amount and the replenishment refrigerant amount are registered in the management device 10 after the refrigeration cycle apparatus 20 is installed. The initial refrigerant amount and the replenishment refrigerant amount may be input by the provider P to the provider terminal 50, or may be input by the worker who filled the refrigerant to a terminal held by the worker. The initial refrigerant amount and the replenishment refrigerant amount input to the provider terminal 50 or the like may be transmitted to the management device 10 via the communication device 30, or may be transmitted directly from the provider terminal 50 or the like to the management device 10.

[0094] The amount of refrigerant used may be an amount of refrigerant estimated by the controller 204 of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 20 after starting the operation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 20. In this case, the initial amount of refrigerant and the amount of refrigerant replenishment may not be registered.

[0095] There are various methods for estimating the amount of refrigerant filled in the refrigeration cycle apparatus 20. For example, a receiver may be provided in the refrigerant circuit, and the amount of refrigerant may be estimated based on the liquid level of the refrigerant stored in the receiver. In addition, the amount of refrigerant may be estimated based on the density of the refrigerant passing through the refrigerant circuit and the internal volume of the refrigerant pipe.

[0096] The start date of use is the date on which use of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 20 started. The start date of use may be input in advance based on a declaration by the customer C. The start date of use may be the date on which the refrigeration cycle apparatus 20 starts operating and the management device 10 first receives operation data from the refrigeration cycle apparatus 20.

[0097] The compressor rotation time is the total rotation time of the compressor (compressor 221 shown in FIG. 3) constituting the refrigerant circuit (refrigerant circuit 210 shown in FIG. 3) of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 20. The total rotation time means the sum of the time the compressor has been rotating since the refrigeration cycle apparatus 20 started operating. Every time the management device 10 receives operation data, the compressor rotation time is updated based on the measurement data of the compressor sensor included in the operation data.

[0098] The outdoor unit environment is information indicating the environment in which the outdoor unit (outdoor unit 202 shown in FIG. 3) of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 20 is installed. For example, in salt damage areas or areas with high sulfur concentrations, the outdoor unit is prone to deterioration and there is a high risk of refrigerant leakage. When the outdoor unit is installed in an environment with a high risk of refrigerant leakage, the information is registered in the outdoor unit environment. The outdoor unit environment may be determined based on the address or latitude and longitude of the installation location of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 20.

[0099] The indoor unit environment is information indicating the environment in which the indoor unit (indoor unit 203 shown in FIG. 3) of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 20 is used. For example, in restaurants, beauty salons, pet shops, etc., heat exchangers are more likely to deteriorate and there is a higher risk of refrigerant leakage than in offices, etc. When the indoor unit is used in an environment with a high risk of refrigerant leakage, that information is registered in the indoor unit environment. When the refrigeration cycle apparatus 20 includes multiple indoor units, the indoor unit environment is registered for each indoor unit.

[0100] The maintenance status is information indicating the maintenance status of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 20. The maintenance status may include the implementation status of inspections for refrigerant leakage, the number of repairs of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 20, or the status of a maintenance contract. Inspections for refrigerant leakage may be simple inspections carried out at short intervals (e.g., every three months), or may be statutory inspections carried out at long intervals (e.g., once a year), or may be both. The number of repair requests is the number of repairs performed since the start of use of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 20. The maintenance contract is a contract for using the maintenance service for the refrigeration cycle apparatus 20. If inspections of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 20 itself are carried out regularly, the risk of refrigerant leakage is considered to be low.

[0101] The construction state is information indicating the construction state of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 20. The construction state may include information indicating the construction company that constructed the refrigeration cycle apparatus 20, information indicating the construction method of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 20, or the equipment configuration of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 20. For example, when a construction company with high construction quality is recommended by a manufacturer or the like of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 20, the refrigeration cycle apparatus 20 constructed by that construction company is considered to have a low risk of refrigerant leakage.

[0102] The construction method is information indicating whether a construction method with a high or low risk of refrigerant leakage is used. For example, if parts that require less processing are used during construction, the risk of refrigerant leakage is considered to be low. Examples of such parts include flareless joints. Also, for example, the longer the piping length, the higher the risk of refrigerant leakage. Furthermore, for example, if there are a large number of indoor units, the number of flares used or the number of piping branches will be large, and therefore the risk of refrigerant leakage is considered to be high.

[0103] The usability is a flag indicating whether or not to permit use of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 20. Either permission (for example, true or 1) or prohibition (for example, false or 0) is set as the usability.

[0104] If the refrigerant usage fee is paid, the provider P permits the customer C to use the refrigeration cycle device 20. On the other hand, if the refrigerant usage fee is not paid within a specified period of time, the provider P denies use of the refrigeration cycle device 20. If payment is confirmed after the specified period has elapsed, the provider P may re-permit use of the refrigeration cycle device 20.

[0105] Returning to Fig. 5, in step S12, the control unit of the management device 10 acquires the amount of refrigerant filled in the refrigeration cycle device 20. The amount of refrigerant may be the amount of refrigerant used, which is acquired from the device information acquired in step S11.

[0106] In step S13, the control unit of the management device 10 determines a fee for the refrigerant based on the equipment information acquired in step S11 and the amount of refrigerant acquired in step S12. The fee for the refrigerant may be, for example, a refrigerant unit price or a surcharge. The refrigerant unit price is a usage fee per unit of refrigerant amount (e.g., 1 kg). The surcharge is a fee in which an amount according to the amount of refrigerant is added to a fixed basic fee. In the following description, it is assumed that the fee for the refrigerant is the refrigerant unit price.

[0107] The control unit of the management device 10 may, for example, determine the refrigerant unit price based on the usage period of the refrigeration cycle device 20 and the rotation time of the compressor. The usage period of the refrigeration cycle device 20 is the difference between the usage start date included in the equipment information and the current time. The rotation time of the compressor is the latest compressor rotation time registered in the equipment information. The longer the usage period of the refrigeration cycle device 20 and the rotation time of the compressor, the higher the risk of refrigerant leakage. Therefore, the longer the usage period of the refrigeration cycle device 20 and the rotation time of the compressor, the higher the refrigerant unit price should be.

[0108] The control unit of the management device 10 may determine the refrigerant unit price based on the type of refrigerant in addition to the usage period of the refrigeration cycle device 20 and the rotation time of the compressor. For example, if the refrigerant does not contain fluorocarbon, the refrigerant unit price may be low regardless of the risk of refrigerant leakage. Also, for example, if the refrigerant has been on the market for a long time and is no longer manufactured, the refrigerant unit price may be high.

[0109] The control unit of the management device 10 may determine the refrigerant unit price based on the usage period of the refrigeration cycle device 20 and the rotation time of the compressor, as well as the market price of the refrigerant. The higher the market price of the refrigerant, the higher the refrigerant unit price should be. The market price of the refrigerant may be periodically input to the management device 10 by the provider P, or if there are services that publish market prices of refrigerant, the market prices obtained from those services may be automatically registered in the management device 10.

[0110] The control unit of the management device 10 may determine the refrigerant unit price based on the outdoor unit environment or the indoor unit environment in addition to the usage period and the rotation time of the compressor of the refrigeration cycle device 20. If the outdoor unit environment or the indoor unit environment indicates an environment with a high risk of refrigerant leakage, it is preferable to increase the refrigerant unit price.

[0111] The control unit of the management device 10 may determine the refrigerant unit price based on the usage period of the refrigeration cycle device 20 and the rotation time of the compressor, as well as the usage state of the refrigeration cycle device 20. The usage state of the refrigeration cycle device 20 includes at least one of the maintenance state and the construction state included in the equipment information. If the maintenance state or the construction state indicates a state with a high risk of refrigerant leakage, it is preferable to increase the refrigerant unit price.

[0112] The control unit of the management device 10 may, for example, calculate the refrigerant unit price based on a mathematical model. In the mathematical model, the refrigerant unit price can be calculated by weighting and adding each variable used in the calculation of the refrigerant unit price using a predetermined coefficient. As another example, the control unit of the management device 10 may calculate the refrigerant unit price based on a trained machine learning model.

[0113] In step S14, the control unit of management device 10 compares the refrigerant unit price calculated in step S13 with a predetermined first threshold. If the refrigerant unit price is greater than the first threshold (YES), the control unit of management device 10 proceeds to step S15. On the other hand, if the refrigerant unit price is equal to or less than the first threshold (NO), the control unit of management device 10 skips steps S15 to S17 and proceeds to step S18.

[0114] In step S15, the control unit of the management device 10 transmits information indicating that the refrigeration cycle device 20 should be updated to the customer terminal 40. The customer terminal 40 displays the information indicating that the refrigeration cycle device 20 should be updated on the display device 105 (an example of a first display device).

[0115] The control unit of the management device 10 may transmit information indicating that the refrigeration cycle device 20 should be updated to the refrigeration cycle device 20. The refrigeration cycle device 20 displays, on a display (another example of the first display device) of a remote control connected to the indoor unit, that the refrigeration cycle device 20 should be updated.

[0116] The customer C can know that the refrigeration cycle apparatus 20 needs to be updated when operating the customer terminal 40 or the remote control of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 20. Therefore, the management device 10 can notify the customer C that the refrigeration cycle apparatus 20 needs to be updated.

[0117] The customer C can request the provider P to update the refrigeration cycle device 20. The customer C may consider updating to a model that uses a new refrigerant that does not contain fluorocarbon, for example.

[0118] In step S16, the control unit of management device 10 compares the refrigerant unit price calculated in step S13 with a predetermined second threshold. The second threshold is set to be greater than the first threshold. If the refrigerant unit price is greater than the second threshold (YES), the control unit of management device 10 proceeds to step S17. On the other hand, if the refrigerant unit price is equal to or less than the second threshold (NO), the control unit of management device 10 skips step S17 and proceeds to step S18.

[0119] In step S17, the control unit of the management device 10 transmits information indicating that the update of the refrigeration cycle device 20 should be proposed to the provider terminal 50. The provider terminal 50 displays the indication that the update of the refrigeration cycle device 20 should be proposed on the display device 105 (an example of a second display device).

[0120] When the provider P operates the provider terminal 50, the provider P can know that it is a situation where the provider should propose updating the refrigeration cycle apparatus 20. Therefore, the management device 10 can notify the customer C that the provider should propose updating the refrigeration cycle apparatus 20.

[0121] The provider P can propose to the customer C to update the refrigeration cycle device 20. For example, the provider P may propose updating to a model that uses a new refrigerant that does not contain fluorocarbon.

[0122] In step S18, the control unit of the management device 10 determines the amount to be billed to customer C based on the amount of refrigerant acquired in step S12 and the refrigerant unit price determined in step S13. The amount to be billed includes a refrigerant usage fee. The refrigerant usage fee may be an amount obtained by multiplying the refrigerant unit price and the amount of refrigerant. The amount to be billed may include a fixed fee determined in advance based on various expenses for operating the refrigerant rental service.

[0123] In step S19, the control unit of the management device 10 predicts the future refrigerant unit price based on the transition of the refrigerant unit price. The time points to be predicted are one or more time points a predetermined period of time has elapsed from the current time. For example, the control unit may predict the refrigerant unit price one year from now. The time points to be predicted may be multiple time points. For example, the control unit may predict the refrigerant unit price for multiple years at one-year intervals, such as one year from now, two years from now, three years from now, etc.

[0124] The transition of the refrigerant unit price is the refrigerant unit price determined in step S13 at multiple past points in time. The past refrigerant unit prices may be stored in the storage unit of the management device 10. In this embodiment, the refrigerant unit price is included in the billing information for billing customer C for the refrigerant usage fee and stored in the storage unit.

[0125] Next, the control unit of the management device 10 predicts a future billing amount based on the predicted value of the refrigerant unit price. The future billing amount includes a future refrigerant usage fee. The future refrigerant usage fee may be an amount obtained by multiplying the predicted value of the refrigerant unit price by the refrigerant amount. The refrigerant amount may be the refrigerant amount acquired in step S12. The future billing amount may include a fixed fee that is determined in advance based on various expenses. The fixed fee may be an amount at the current time.

[0126] In step S20, the control unit of the management device 10 stores in the storage unit billing information including the billing amount determined in step S18. The billing information may include the refrigerant amount acquired in step S12, the refrigerant unit price determined in step S13, and the predicted refrigerant unit price and billing amount predicted in step S19.

[0127] Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of billing information. As shown in Fig. 7, the billing information has, as data items, a device ID, a billing amount, a refrigerant unit price, a billing date, a payment deadline, a predicted refrigerant unit price, a predicted billing amount, a payment status, and a payment date.

[0128] The device ID is the device ID of the equipment information. The billing amount is the billing amount determined in step S18. The refrigerant unit price is the refrigerant unit price determined in step S13. The billing date is the date on which the billing amount was billed to customer C. The payment deadline is the deadline by which customer C must pay the billed amount. The predicted refrigerant unit price is the predicted value of the refrigerant unit price predicted in step S19. The predicted billing amount is the predicted value of the billing amount predicted in step S19. If the refrigerant unit price or billing amount at multiple points in time are predicted in step S19, the predicted refrigerant unit price or predicted billing amount includes multiple predicted values.

[0129] The payment status is a flag that indicates whether the invoice amount has been paid. Either paid (e.g., true or 1) or unpaid (e.g., false or 0) is set as the payment status. The payment status is initially set to unpaid, and is updated to paid when payment of the invoice amount is confirmed. The payment date is the date when payment of the invoice amount was confirmed.

[0130] The control unit of the management device 10 bills the customer C for the refrigerant usage fee based on the billing information stored in the memory unit. The control unit may, for example, notify the customer terminal 40 that new billing information has been registered. This notification may be made through electronic means such as email or messenger. The control unit of the management device 10 may also bill the customer C for the refrigerant usage fee through physical means such as mailing an invoice or transfer slip with the billing amount printed on it to the customer C.

[0131] The billing information may be referred to by customer C through a billing confirmation screen. The billing confirmation screen may display, for example, the billing amount, and may display information used to calculate the billing amount. The information used to calculate the billing amount includes, for example, the billing unit price and the amount of refrigerant. In addition, for example, the billing confirmation screen may display a predicted future refrigerant unit price or a predicted future billing amount, or may display a message indicating that the refrigeration cycle apparatus 20 should be updated.

[0132] 8 is a diagram showing an example of a billing confirmation screen. As shown in Fig. 8, a billing confirmation screen 300 has a refrigerant unit price display field 301, a refrigerant amount display field 302, a billing amount display field 303, a transition display field 304, and a notification display field 307.

[0133] The refrigerant unit price display field 301 displays the refrigerant unit price included in the billing information. The refrigerant amount display field 302 displays the refrigerant usage amount included in the device information. The billing amount display field 303 displays the billing amount included in the billing information.

[0134] The trend display field 304 displays past refrigerant unit price trends 305 and future refrigerant unit price trends 306. The past refrigerant unit price trends 305 are plotted based on time series data in which the refrigerant unit prices included in the billing information stored in the memory are arranged in time series. The future refrigerant unit price trends 306 are plotted based on the predicted refrigerant unit price included in the latest billing information.

[0135] The trend of the past billed amount and the trend of the future billed amount may be displayed in the trend display field 304. In addition, the bill confirmation screen 300 may display a trend display field 304 that displays the trend of the refrigerant unit price and a trend display field 304 that displays the trend of the billed amount.

[0136] The notification display field 307 displays a message that the refrigeration cycle apparatus 20 should be updated. The message that the refrigeration cycle apparatus 20 should be updated is displayed when the customer terminal 40 receives information indicating that the refrigeration cycle apparatus 20 should be updated from the management device 10 in step S15. The notification display field 307 may display other information to be notified to the customer C.

[0137] The information displayed on the billing confirmation screen 300 is an example, and any item may be displayed on the billing confirmation screen 300. For example, the market price of the refrigerant used in calculating the refrigerant unit price, the period of use of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 20, the compressor rotation speed, etc. may be displayed on the billing confirmation screen.

[0138] Returning to FIG. 5, in step S21, the control unit of the management device 10 determines whether or not the billing amount determined in step S18 has been paid. The control unit of the management device 10 may determine whether or not payment has been made for billing information whose payment deadline has passed. If payment has been made (YES), the control unit of the management device 10 proceeds to step S22. On the other hand, if payment has not been made (NO), the control unit of the management device 10 proceeds to step S23.

[0139] In step S22, the control unit of the management device 10 permits operation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 20. Specifically, the control unit of the management device 10 updates the permission / prohibition of use of the equipment information regarding the refrigeration cycle apparatus 20 for which the payment has been confirmed to permission.

[0140] The refrigeration cycle apparatus 20 transitions to an operable state when the operation is permitted by the management device 10. If the operation has already started, the refrigeration cycle apparatus 20 continues the operation. The control for transitioning the refrigeration cycle apparatus 20 to an operable state may be performed by the management device 10 or may be performed by the refrigeration cycle apparatus 20 itself.

[0141] When the management device 10 controls the refrigeration cycle apparatus 20 to be in an operable state, the control unit of the management device 10 transmits a control signal to notify the operation permission to the refrigeration cycle apparatus 20 that has been permitted to be used. Upon receiving the control signal, the refrigeration cycle apparatus 20 transitions to a state in which the refrigeration cycle operation can be started.

[0142] When the refrigeration cycle apparatus 20 controls itself to be in an operable state, the refrigeration cycle apparatus 20 requests information indicating whether or not it can be used from the management device 10 at a predetermined time interval. When the availability of the equipment information is updated to be permitted, the refrigeration cycle apparatus 20 transitions to a state in which it can start refrigeration cycle operation.

[0143] In addition, in step S22, if the control unit of the management device 10 permits operation of the refrigeration cycle equipment 20, the management device 10 notifies the provider terminal 50 that operation of the refrigeration cycle equipment 20 is permitted, and a worker requested by the provider P who has confirmed the notification may change the refrigeration cycle equipment 20 to a state where it can be operated directly at the installation location of the refrigeration cycle equipment 20.

[0144] In step S23, the control unit of the management device 10 does not permit operation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 20. Specifically, the control unit of the management device 10 updates the permission of use of the equipment information related to the refrigeration cycle apparatus 20 whose payment deadline has passed to "prohibited."

[0145] The refrigeration cycle apparatus 20 stops operation when the management device 10 does not permit operation. If the operation has already been stopped, the refrigeration cycle apparatus 20 continues the stopped state. The control for stopping the operation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 20 may be performed by the management device 10 or by the refrigeration cycle apparatus 20 itself, similar to the control for starting the operation in step S22.

[0146] <Summary> As described above, according to each embodiment of the present disclosure, a service of providing a refrigerant on a rental basis can be realized. The management device 10 in this embodiment acquires the amount of refrigerant filled in the refrigeration cycle apparatus 20, determines a fee for the refrigerant based on the years of use of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 20 and the rotation time of the compressor, and determines the amount to be charged to the customer C based on the amount of refrigerant and the fee for the refrigerant. In other words, the management device 10 can determine the fee for renting and using the refrigerant filled in the refrigeration cycle apparatus 20. Therefore, according to this embodiment, a service of providing a refrigerant on a rental basis can be realized.

[0147] The management device 10 may permit operation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 20 when the billed amount is paid by the customer C. If the customer C delays payment of the billed amount, the customer C will not be able to continue using the refrigeration cycle apparatus 20. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the billed amount can be collected more reliably.

[0148] When the fee for the refrigerant exceeds the first threshold, the management device 10 may output a message to the display device 105 of the customer terminal 40 indicating that the refrigeration cycle device 20 should be updated. Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to notify the customer C that the refrigeration cycle device 20 should be updated at an appropriate timing.

[0149] When the fee for the refrigerant exceeds the second threshold, the management device 10 may output to the display device 105 of the provider terminal 50 a message to the effect that the provider should propose updating the refrigeration cycle apparatus 20. Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to notify the provider P that the provider should propose updating the refrigeration cycle apparatus 20 at an appropriate timing.

[0150] The management device 10 may predict the fee or billing amount for the refrigerant based on the change in the fee for the refrigerant, and output the predicted value of the fee or billing amount for the refrigerant. Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to present the fee or billing amount for the refrigerant in the future.

[0151] The management device 10 may determine the fee for the refrigerant based on the type of refrigerant or the usage state of the refrigeration cycle device 20. The usage state of the refrigeration cycle device 20 may include the maintenance state or the construction state. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the fee for the refrigerant can be appropriately determined.

[0152] [supplement] Each function of the above-described embodiments can be realized by one or more processing circuits. Here, the term "processing circuit" in this specification includes a processor programmed to execute each function by software, such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) implemented by an electronic circuit, and an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), DSP (Digital Signal Processor), FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), conventional circuit module, and other devices designed to execute each function described above.

[0153] 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]

[0154] 10 Management device 20 Refrigeration cycle equipment 30 Communication Equipment 40 Customer terminal 50 Provider Terminal 1000 Management Systems

Claims

1. A management device having a control unit, The control unit is The amount of refrigerant filled in the refrigeration cycle device is acquired, determining a fee for the refrigerant based on the usage period of the refrigeration cycle device and the rotation time of the compressor; determining a bill to be charged to the customer based on the amount of refrigerant and a charge for the refrigerant; Management device.

2. The control unit is permitting operation of the refrigeration cycle device when the invoice amount is paid by the customer; The management device according to claim 1 .

3. The control unit is when the fee for the refrigerant exceeds a first threshold, outputting a message to the first display device indicating that the refrigeration cycle device should be updated; The management device according to claim 1 .

4. The control unit is when the fee for the refrigerant exceeds a second threshold value that is higher than the first threshold value, outputting, on a second display device, a message suggesting that the refrigeration cycle device should be updated; The management device according to claim 3 .

5. The control unit is predicting a price or the billing amount for the refrigerant based on a change in the price for the refrigerant; outputting a predicted value of the charge for the refrigerant or a predicted value of the billing amount; The management device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The control unit is determining a fee for the refrigerant based on the type of refrigerant; The management device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

7. The control unit is determining a fee for the refrigerant based on a usage state of the refrigeration cycle device; The management device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

8. The usage state includes a maintenance state of the refrigeration cycle device. The management device according to claim 7.

9. The usage state includes the installation state of the refrigeration cycle device, The management device according to claim 7.

10. A control unit included in the management device The amount of refrigerant filled in the refrigeration cycle device is acquired, determining a fee for the refrigerant based on the usage period of the refrigeration cycle device and the rotation time of the compressor; determining a bill to be charged to the customer based on the amount of refrigerant and a charge for the refrigerant; Management method.

11. A control unit of the management device includes: The amount of refrigerant filled in the refrigeration cycle device is acquired, determining a fee for the refrigerant based on the usage period of the refrigeration cycle device and the rotation time of the compressor; determining a bill to be charged to the customer based on the amount of refrigerant and a charge for the refrigerant; A program for executing a process.

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