Air conditioning system

Abstract

To facilitate specification of a utilization unit where a refrigerant has leaked, in the case where a plurality of refrigerant sensors has detected the leakage of the refrigerant.SOLUTION: An air conditioning system includes a plurality of utilization units, a heat source unit, a plurality of refrigerant sensors, and a control part. The plurality of utilization units is installed in the same indoor space. The plurality of refrigerant sensors is provided at each utilization unit, and detects the leakage of a refrigerant in the utilization unit. The control part is connected with the plurality of refrigerant sensors. In the case where the plurality of refrigerant sensors has detected the leakage of the refrigerant in at least two utilization units out of the plurality of utilization units, the control part receives detection information which is the information regarding the detected leakage of the refrigerant from the refrigerant sensor which has detected the leakage of the refrigerant out of the plurality of refrigerant sensors. The control part allows specific information which is the information for specifying the utilization unit where the refrigerant has leaked generated based on the detection information to be notified by a notification device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] Regarding air conditioning systems. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 (JP 2023-119146 A) discloses an air conditioning system that can quickly issue a notification instruction for a refrigerant leak. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] Patent Document 1 does not disclose how to easily identify the utilization unit from which the refrigerant has leaked.

[0004] The present disclosure proposes an air conditioning system that makes it easy to identify a utilization unit that has a refrigerant leak. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The air conditioning system of the first aspect includes a plurality of utilization units, a heat source unit, a plurality of refrigerant sensors, and a control unit. The plurality of utilization units are utilization units that exchange heat between a refrigerant and air in an indoor space, and are installed in the same indoor space. The heat source unit exchanges heat between the refrigerant and a fluid as a heat source. The plurality of refrigerant sensors are provided for each utilization unit, and detect refrigerant leakage in the utilization unit. The control unit is connected to the plurality of refrigerant sensors. When the plurality of refrigerant sensors detect refrigerant leakage in at least two utilization units among the plurality of utilization units, the control unit receives detection information, which is information regarding the detected refrigerant leakage, from a refrigerant sensor among the plurality of refrigerant sensors that detected the refrigerant leakage. The control unit causes an alarm device to alarm with identification information, which is information for identifying the utilization unit from which the refrigerant has leaked, generated based on the detection information.

[0006] The air conditioning system according to the present disclosure includes a control unit that, when a refrigerant leak is detected in at least two utilization units, receives detection information related to the detected refrigerant leak. The control unit causes an alarm device to notify the user of specific information for identifying the utilization unit from which the refrigerant has leaked. Thus, the air conditioning system of the present disclosure makes it easy to identify the utilization unit from which the refrigerant has leaked.

[0007] An air conditioning system according to a second aspect is the air conditioning system according to the first aspect, wherein the identification information includes information for identifying the utilization unit in which a refrigerant leak was first detected, among the plurality of utilization units.

[0008] An air conditioning system of a third aspect is an air conditioning system of the first or second aspect, wherein the identification information includes information for identifying the utilization unit in which a refrigerant leak was detected second among the multiple utilization units.

[0009] An air conditioning system according to a fourth aspect is the air conditioning system according to any one of the first aspect to the third aspect, in which the detection information includes time information indicating the time when the refrigerant leakage was detected.

[0010] An air conditioning system according to a fifth aspect is the air conditioning system according to any one of the first aspect to the fourth aspect, in which the detection information includes position information indicating the position of the utilization unit in which a refrigerant leak was detected.

[0011] An air conditioning system of a sixth aspect is an air conditioning system of any of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the detection information includes operating information indicating whether the utilization unit in which a refrigerant leak was detected is operating or not.

[0012] An air conditioning system of a seventh aspect is an air conditioning system of any of the first aspect to the sixth aspect, wherein the detection information includes wind information which is information indicating at least one of the wind direction of the utilization unit and the air volume of the utilization unit.

[0013] An air conditioning system according to an eighth aspect is the air conditioning system according to any one of the first aspect to the seventh aspect, wherein the specific information includes estimated information that is information indicating a utilization unit from which a refrigerant leak is estimated.

[0014] The air conditioning system of a ninth aspect is the air conditioning system of the eighth aspect, in which the estimated information is information that is output by inputting the detected information into an estimation model generated using the detected information as an explanatory variable and the utilization unit from which the refrigerant has leaked as an objective variable.

[0015] The air conditioning system of a tenth aspect is the air conditioning system of the eighth aspect, in which the estimated information is information that is output by inputting the detection information into an airflow simulation that is generated by simulating the airflow in the indoor space based on the detection information.

[0016] An air conditioning system of an eleventh aspect is the air conditioning system of any one of the first aspect to the tenth aspect, further comprising a connecting pipe, a shutoff valve, and a pressure sensor. The connecting pipe connects the heat source unit and the utilization unit. The shutoff valve is provided in the connecting pipe and shuts off the refrigerant flowing to the utilization unit. The pressure sensor is provided between the shutoff valve and the utilization unit and detects the pressure of the refrigerant. The control unit causes an alarm device to alarm the detection result of the pressure sensor corresponding to the utilization unit from which refrigerant has leaked, as indicated in the specific information. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an air conditioning system 1. FIG. [Diagram 2] 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an air conditioning system 1. FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a control block diagram showing a control device 200. [Figure 4] 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the air conditioning system 1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0018] (1) Overall structure An air conditioning system 1 of the present disclosure will be described. Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 are schematic configuration diagrams showing the air conditioning system 1. The air conditioning system 1 is placed in a building B, and performs air conditioning of an indoor space I. Examples of air conditioning include cooling, refrigeration, heating, humidification, dehumidification, air purification, ventilation, etc. The indoor space I is a space provided in the building B, and is a space in which multiple utilization units are installed.

[0019] The air conditioning system 1 includes a refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 and a control device 200. The refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 and the control device 200 are electrically connected. The refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 performs air conditioning by utilizing a vapor compression refrigeration cycle.

[0020] (2) Detailed configuration (2-1) Refrigeration cycle device 100 The refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 has utilization units 110A, 110B, 110C, 110D, a heat source unit 120, a gas side connecting pipe 131, a liquid side connecting pipe 132, a refrigerant sensor 160A, a refrigerant sensor 160B, a refrigerant sensor 160C, a refrigerant sensor 160D, and a remote control 171. The number of utilization units included in the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 is not limited to four, and may be two, three, or five or more.

[0021] The utilization unit 110A is installed in the indoor space I and has a utilization side flow path 111A. The utilization unit 110B is installed in the indoor space I and has a utilization side flow path 111B. The utilization unit 110C is installed in the indoor space I and has a utilization side flow path 111C. The utilization unit 110D is installed in the indoor space I and has a utilization side flow path 111D. In other words, the utilization unit 110A, the utilization unit 110B, the utilization unit 110C, and the utilization unit 110D are installed in the same indoor space I. The heat source unit 120 has a heat source side flow path 121.

[0022] The utilization side flow paths 111A, the utilization side flow paths 111B, the utilization side flow paths 111C, the utilization side flow paths 111D, the heat source side flow path 121, the gas side connection pipe 131, and the liquid side connection pipe 132 configure a refrigerant circuit 150. The refrigerant circuit 150 is filled with refrigerant.

[0023] The refrigerant filled in the refrigerant circuit 150 is, but is not limited to, a fluorocarbon refrigerant such as R32 or R410A having a slightly flammable rating (A2L). The refrigerant may be flammable or toxic.

[0024] The remote control 171 is an example of the notification device. The refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 may have a device capable of notifying in at least one of a visual manner and an auditory manner as the notification device. For example, the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 may have at least one of a display device, a tablet terminal, a smartphone, a speaker provided in the utilization unit, and a display device provided in the utilization unit as the notification device.

[0025] (2-1-1) Usage unit 110A The utilization unit 110A mainly includes a utilization side flow path 111A, a heat exchanger 112A, an expansion mechanism 113A, a gas side connection part 114A, and a liquid side connection part 115A.

[0026] The utilization side flow path 111A is formed by connecting a heat exchanger 112A and an expansion mechanism 113A via a refrigerant piping.

[0027] The heat exchanger 112A exchanges heat between the refrigerant flowing inside the heat exchanger 112A and the air in the indoor space I. The heat exchanger 112A functions as an evaporator of the refrigerant during cooling operation, and functions as a radiator of the refrigerant during heating operation. One end of the heat exchanger 112A is connected to the gas side connection part 114A via a refrigerant pipe. The other end of the heat exchanger 112A is connected to the expansion mechanism 113A via a refrigerant pipe.

[0028] The expansion mechanism 113A adjusts the pressure and flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant circuit 150. The expansion mechanism 113A is an electronic expansion valve whose opening is adjusted by an actuator (not shown). The expansion mechanism 113A is connected to the heat exchanger 112A and the liquid side connection part 115A via a refrigerant pipe. The opening of the expansion mechanism 113A is controlled by the control device 200.

[0029] The gas side connector 114A is one end of the utilization side flow path 111 A. The gas side connector 114A is connected to the gas side communication pipe 131.

[0030] The liquid side connection part 115A is the other end of the utilization side flow path 111 A. The liquid side connection part 115A is connected to the liquid side communication pipe 132.

[0031] (2-1-2) Utilization units 110B, 110C, 110D The utilization unit 110B mainly includes a utilization side flow path 111B, a heat exchanger 112B, an expansion mechanism 113B, a gas side connection part 114B, and a liquid side connection part 115B. The utilization unit 110C mainly includes a utilization side flow path 111C, a heat exchanger 112C, an expansion mechanism 113C, a gas side connection part 114C, and a liquid side connection part 115C. The utilization unit 110D mainly includes a utilization side flow path 111D, a heat exchanger 112D, an expansion mechanism 113D, a gas side connection part 114D, and a liquid side connection part 115D.

[0032] The utilization side flow paths 111B, 111C, and 111D are the same as the utilization side flow paths 111A. The heat exchangers 112B, 112C, and 112D are the same as the heat exchanger 112A. The expansion mechanism 113B, 113C, and 113D are the same as the expansion mechanism 113A. The gas side connection part 114B, 114C, and 114D are the same as the gas side connection part 114A. The liquid side connection part 115B, 115C, and 115D are the same as the liquid side connection part 115A.

[0033] (2-1-3) Heat source unit 120 The heat source unit 120 is disposed outside the indoor space I. In this embodiment, the heat source unit 120 is disposed on the roof of the building B. The heat source unit 120 may be installed adjacent to the building B. The heat source unit 120 has a heat source side flow path 121.

[0034] The heat source side flow path 121 is formed by connecting a compressor 122, a heat exchanger 123, an expansion mechanism 124, a flow path switching mechanism 125, a gas side connection part 126, and a liquid side connection part 127 via a refrigerant pipe 121a. The refrigerant pipe 121a includes a first refrigerant pipe 121b, a second refrigerant pipe 121c, and a third refrigerant pipe 121d.

[0035] The compressor 122 draws in low-pressure refrigerant in a refrigeration cycle from a suction pipe 122a, compresses the refrigerant with a compression mechanism (not shown), and discharges the compressed refrigerant to a discharge pipe 122b. The operation of the compressor 122 is controlled by the control device 200.

[0036] The heat exchanger 123 exchanges heat between the refrigerant flowing inside the heat exchanger 123 and the air at the installation location of the heat source unit 120 (heat source air, outdoor air O in FIG. 1). The "air at the installation location of the heat source unit 120" is an example of a fluid as a heat source. The heat exchanger 123 functions as a refrigerant radiator during cooling operation, and functions as a refrigerant evaporator during heating operation. One end of the heat exchanger 123 is connected to the flow path switching mechanism 125 via a refrigerant piping. The other end of the heat exchanger 123 is connected to the expansion mechanism 124 via a refrigerant piping.

[0037] The expansion mechanism 124 adjusts the pressure and flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant circuit 150. The expansion mechanism 124 is an electronic expansion valve whose opening is adjusted by an actuator (not shown). The opening of the expansion mechanism 124 is controlled by the control device 200. The expansion mechanism 124 is connected to the heat exchanger 123 and the liquid side connection part 127 via a refrigerant piping.

[0038] The flow path switching mechanism 125 changes the state of the refrigerant circuit 150 between a first state and a second state by switching the flow direction of the refrigerant. When the refrigerant circuit 150 is in the first state, the heat exchanger 123 functions as a radiator of the refrigerant, and the heat exchanger 112 functions as an evaporator of the refrigerant. When the refrigerant circuit 150 is in the second state, the heat exchanger 123 functions as an evaporator of the refrigerant, and the heat exchanger 112 functions as a radiator of the refrigerant. The flow path switching mechanism 125 is controlled by the control device 200. In this embodiment, the flow path switching mechanism 125 is a four-way switching valve. However, the flow path switching mechanism 125 is not limited to a four-way switching valve. For example, the flow path switching mechanism 125 may be configured by combining a plurality of solenoid valves and refrigerant pipes so as to realize switching of the flow direction of the refrigerant as described below.

[0039] During cooling operation, the flow path switching mechanism 125 sets the state of the refrigerant circuit 150 to a first state. In other words, during cooling operation, the flow path switching mechanism 125 connects the suction pipe 122a to the gas side connector 126 and connects the discharge pipe 122b to the heat exchanger 123 (see the dashed lines in the flow path switching mechanism 125 in FIG. 2). During heating operation, the flow path switching mechanism 125 sets the state of the refrigerant circuit 150 to a second state. In other words, during heating operation, the flow path switching mechanism 125 connects the suction pipe 122a to the heat exchanger 123 and connects the discharge pipe 122b to the gas side connector 126 (see the solid lines in the flow path switching mechanism 125 in FIG. 2).

[0040] The gas side connection part 126 is one end of the heat source side flow passage 121. To the gas side connection part 126, a gas side communication pipe 131 is connected.

[0041] The liquid side connection part 127 is the other end of the heat source side flow path 121. The liquid side connection part 127 is connected to a liquid side communication pipe 132.

[0042] The first refrigerant pipe 121b connects the flow path switching mechanism 125 and the gas side connection part 126. The second refrigerant pipe 121c connects the heat exchanger 123 and the expansion mechanism 124. The third refrigerant pipe 121d connects the expansion mechanism 124 and the liquid side connection part 127.

[0043] (2-1-4) Gas side connecting pipe 131 and liquid side connecting pipe 132 The gas side communication pipe 131 and the liquid side communication pipe 132 connect the utilization side flow passage 111A, the utilization side flow passage 111B, the utilization side flow passage 111C, the utilization side flow passage 111D, and the heat source side flow passage 121. The gas side communication pipe 131 and the liquid side communication pipe 132 are an example of communication pipes.

[0044] The gas side connecting pipe 131 is connected to the gas side connection 114A of the utilization side flow path 111A, the gas side connection 114B of the utilization side flow path 111B, the gas side connection 114C of the utilization side flow path 111C, the gas side connection 114D of the utilization side flow path 111D, and the gas side connection 126 of the heat source side flow path 121.

[0045] The utilization side flow path 111A is connected to the liquid side connection 115A of the utilization side flow path 111A and the liquid side connection 127 of the heat source side flow path 121. The utilization side flow path 111B is connected to the liquid side connection 115B of the utilization side flow path 111B and the liquid side connection 127 of the heat source side flow path 121. The utilization side flow path 111C is connected to the liquid side connection 115C of the utilization side flow path 111C and the liquid side connection 127 of the heat source side flow path 121. The utilization side flow path 111D is connected to the liquid side connection 115D of the utilization side flow path 111D and the liquid side connection 127 of the heat source side flow path 121.

[0046] (2-1-5) Refrigerant sensor 160A The refrigerant sensor 160A detects refrigerant leakage from the utilization side flow paths 111A. In other words, the refrigerant sensor 160A detects refrigerant leakage in the utilization unit 110A. The refrigerant sensor 160A is installed inside a casing (not shown) of the utilization unit 110A. The refrigerant sensor 160A is not limited in type as long as it can detect refrigerant leakage from the utilization side flow paths 111A, and may be a sensor that detects refrigerant, or may detect refrigerant leakage from a sudden change in air temperature or piping temperature inside the casing of the utilization unit 110A. The refrigerant sensor 160A may be installed outside the casing of the utilization unit 110A in a manner that allows it to detect refrigerant leakage from the utilization side flow paths 111A.

[0047] (2-1-5-1) Detection information When refrigerant sensor 160A detects a refrigerant leak, it transmits detection information to control device 200. The detection information is information relating to the detected refrigerant leak. The detection information includes detection source information and time information. The detection source information is information indicating the utilization unit in which the refrigerant leak was detected. The time information is information indicating the time when the refrigerant leak was detected. The time information may be the time when the detection information was transmitted from refrigerant sensor 160A or the time when control device 200 received the detection information. The detection information may include at least any of component information indicating the detected component, refrigerant information indicating the detected refrigerant, and temperature information indicating the detected temperature.

[0048] (2-1-6) Refrigerant sensors 160B, 160C, 160D The refrigerant sensor 160B detects refrigerant leakage from the usage side flow paths 111B. In other words, the refrigerant sensor 160B detects refrigerant leakage in the usage unit 110B. The refrigerant sensor 160B is installed inside a casing (not shown) of the usage unit 110B. The refrigerant sensor 160B is not limited in type as long as it can detect refrigerant leakage from the usage side flow paths 111B, and may be a sensor that detects refrigerant, or may detect refrigerant leakage from a sudden change in air temperature or piping temperature inside the casing of the usage unit 110B. The refrigerant sensor 160B may be installed outside the casing of the usage unit 110B in a manner that allows it to detect refrigerant leakage from the usage side flow paths 111B. When the refrigerant sensor 160B detects refrigerant leakage, it transmits detection information to the control device 200.

[0049] The refrigerant sensor 160C detects refrigerant leakage from the utilization side flow paths 111C. In other words, the refrigerant sensor 160C detects refrigerant leakage in the utilization unit 110C. The refrigerant sensor 160C is installed inside a casing (not shown) of the utilization unit 110C. The refrigerant sensor 160C is not limited in type as long as it can detect refrigerant leakage from the utilization side flow paths 111C, and may be a sensor that detects refrigerant, or may detect refrigerant leakage by a sudden change in air temperature or piping temperature inside the casing of the utilization unit 110C. The refrigerant sensor 160C may be installed outside the casing of the utilization unit 110C in a manner that can detect refrigerant leakage from the utilization side flow paths 111C. When the refrigerant sensor 160C detects refrigerant leakage, it transmits detection information to the control device 200.

[0050] The refrigerant sensor 160D detects refrigerant leakage from the utilization side flow paths 111D. In other words, the refrigerant sensor 160D detects refrigerant leakage in the utilization unit 110D. The refrigerant sensor 160D is installed inside a casing (not shown) of the utilization unit 110D. The refrigerant sensor 160D is not limited in type as long as it can detect refrigerant leakage from the utilization side flow paths 111D, and may be a sensor that detects refrigerant, or may detect refrigerant leakage by a sudden change in air temperature or piping temperature inside the casing of the utilization unit 110D. The refrigerant sensor 160D may be installed outside the casing of the utilization unit 110D in a manner that can detect refrigerant leakage from the utilization side flow paths 111D. When the refrigerant sensor 160D detects refrigerant leakage, it transmits detection information to the control device 200.

[0051] (2-1-7) Remote Control 171 The remote control 171 is a device that is connected to the usage units 110A, 110B, 110C, and 110D by wire or wirelessly. The remote control 171 controls the air conditioning of the usage units 110A, 110B, 110C, and 110D. In this embodiment, the remote control 171 is fixed to a wall of the indoor space I. Note that the remote control 171 may be a mobile terminal that is not fixed to the wall of the indoor space I.

[0052] The remote control 171 notifies the specific information, which is generated by the control device 200 and will be described later. The remote control 171 performs the notification in at least one of a visual mode and an auditory mode. An example of the visual mode is a mode in which a message is displayed on a display device (not shown) included in the remote control 171. An example of the auditory mode is a mode in which a sound is output from a speaker (not shown) included in the remote control 171.

[0053] (2-2) Control device 200 The control device 200 controls the operation of each part constituting the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100. The control device 200 is electrically connected to the expansion mechanisms 113A-D, the refrigerant sensors 116A-D, the compressor 122, the expansion mechanism 124, and the flow path switching mechanism 125 so as to be able to exchange control signals and information with them.

[0054] For example, when the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 is installed in a building B and undergoes a test run, the control device 200 is connected to the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100. Note that the control device 200 may be attached to an already installed refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 later, and the control device 200 and the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 may be connected to each other.

[0055] 3 is a control block diagram of the control device 200. The control device 200 is an example of a control unit. The control device 200 has an air conditioning control unit 201, a receiving unit 202, a storage unit 203, a generating unit 204, and a notifying unit 205.

[0056] The control device 200 is realized by a computer. The control device 200 includes a control arithmetic device and a storage device. A processor such as a CPU or a GPU can be used for the control arithmetic device. The control arithmetic device reads out a program stored in the storage device, and performs predetermined image processing and arithmetic processing according to the program. Furthermore, the control arithmetic device can write the results of calculations to the storage device and read out information stored in the storage device according to the program. Figure 3 shows various functional blocks realized by the control arithmetic device. The storage device can be used as a database.

[0057] (2-3-1) Air conditioning control unit 201 The air conditioning control unit 201 controls the air conditioning of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 .

[0058] (2-3-2) Acceptance Department 202 Receiving unit 202 receives detection information from refrigerant sensor 160A, refrigerant sensor 160B, refrigerant sensor 160C, and refrigerant sensor 160D. Receiving unit 202 records the received detection information in storage unit 203.

[0059] (2-3-3) Storage section 203 The storage unit 203 is a device that stores the detection information and the like received by the receiving unit 202. Examples of the storage unit 203 include a hard disk drive (HDD) and a solid state drive (SSD).

[0060] (2-3-4) Generation unit 204 When the storage unit 203 stores detection information related to at least two utilization units, the generation unit 204 generates identification information based on the detection information stored in the storage unit 203. In other words, when a refrigerant leak is detected in at least two utilization units among utilization units 110A, utilization unit 110B, utilization unit 110C, and utilization unit 110D, the generation unit 204 generates identification information.

[0061] (2-3-4-1) Specific information The identification information is information for identifying the utilization unit from which the refrigerant has leaked. The identification information includes first information. The first information is information for identifying the utilization unit from among the multiple utilization units in which the refrigerant leakage was first detected. The first information includes information indicating the utilization unit in which the refrigerant leakage was first detected. The identification information may include at least any of detection source information, time information, component information, refrigerant information, and temperature information.

[0062] An example of a process in which the generating unit 204 generates identifying information will be described. The generating unit 204 reads the detection information stored in the storage unit 203. The generating unit 204 checks the time information included in the detection information to identify detection information including time information indicating the earliest time. The generating unit 204 generates identifying information based on detection source information included in the identified detection information.

[0063] (2-3-5) Notification section 205 The notification unit 205 notifies the specific information generated by the generation unit 204 via the remote control 171.

[0064] (3) Operation The operation of the air conditioning system 1 in the case where a refrigerant leaks in the utilization unit 110A will be described. It is assumed that the refrigerant sensors 160A, 160B, and 160C detect a refrigerant leak. It is assumed that the refrigerant sensor 160D does not detect a refrigerant leak. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the air conditioning system 1.

[0065] Refrigerant leaks in utilization unit 110A. Refrigerant sensor 160A detects the refrigerant leak in utilization unit 110A (step S1). Refrigerant sensor 160A transmits detection information to control device 200 (step S2). Receiving unit 202 receives the detection information from refrigerant sensor 160A and records it in memory unit 203 (step S3).

[0066] The refrigerant leaking from the utilization unit 110A spreads due to the airflow. The spread refrigerant reaches the refrigerant sensor 160B. The refrigerant sensor 160B detects the refrigerant leakage in the utilization unit 110B (step S4). The refrigerant sensor 160B transmits the detection information to the control device 200 (step S5). The receiving unit 202 receives the detection information from the refrigerant sensor 160B and records it in the storage unit 203 (step S6).

[0067] The refrigerant leaking from the utilization unit 110A spreads further due to the airflow. The spread refrigerant reaches the refrigerant sensor 160C. The refrigerant sensor 160C detects the refrigerant leakage in the utilization unit 110C (step S7). The refrigerant sensor 160C transmits the detection information to the control device 200 (step S8). The receiving unit 202 receives the detection information from the refrigerant sensor 160C and records it in the storage unit 203 (step S9).

[0068] The generating unit 204 generates identification information based on the detection information recorded in the storage unit 203 in steps S3, S6, and S9 (step S10). The first information included in the identification information indicates that the utilization unit in which the refrigerant leakage was first detected among the multiple utilization units is utilization unit 110A.

[0069] The notification unit 205 causes the remote control 171 to notify the specific information generated in step S10 (step S11). The remote control 171 notifies the content of the specific information (step S12).

[0070] (4) Features (4-1) The air conditioning system 1 includes a plurality of utilization units, a heat source unit 120, a plurality of refrigerant sensors, and a control device 200 as a control unit. The plurality of utilization units are utilization units that exchange heat between a refrigerant and the air in the indoor space I, and are installed in the same indoor space I. The heat source unit 120 exchanges heat between the refrigerant and a fluid as a heat source. The plurality of refrigerant sensors are provided for each utilization unit, and detect refrigerant leakage in the utilization unit. The control device 200 is connected to the plurality of refrigerant sensors. When the plurality of refrigerant sensors detect refrigerant leakage in at least two utilization units among the plurality of utilization units, the control device 200 receives detection information, which is information regarding the detected refrigerant leakage, from the refrigerant sensor that detected the refrigerant leakage among the plurality of refrigerant sensors. The control device 200 causes the notification device to notify the identification information, which is information for identifying the utilization unit from which the refrigerant has leaked, generated based on the detection information.

[0071] Refrigerant that leaks from a user unit in an indoor space spreads throughout the indoor space due to airflow. If multiple refrigerant sensors are installed in the indoor space, the multiple refrigerant sensors can detect the spread of refrigerant. A service engineer who responds to refrigerant leaks must respond to multiple user units. This means that the response by the service engineer takes time and money, and the efficiency of the response by the service engineer is low.

[0072] The air conditioning system 1 includes a control device 200 that, when a refrigerant leak is detected in at least two utilization units, receives detection information related to the detected refrigerant leak. The control device 200 causes an alarm device to alarm, providing specific information for identifying the utilization unit from which the refrigerant has leaked. Thus, the air conditioning system 1 makes it easy to identify the utilization unit from which the refrigerant has leaked.

[0073] (4-2) In the air conditioning system 1, the identification information includes information for identifying the utilization unit in which a refrigerant leak was first detected, among the multiple utilization units.

[0074] When multiple refrigerant sensors detect a refrigerant leak, taking into consideration that the refrigerant spreads due to air currents, the utilization unit in which the refrigerant leak is detected first is highly likely to be the one in which the refrigerant leak has occurred.

[0075] In the air conditioning system 1, the identification information includes first information. The first information is notified to a service engineer by an alarm device. When responding to a refrigerant leak, the service engineer can start with the utilization unit in which the refrigerant leak was first detected. In other words, the service engineer can start with the utilization unit that is most likely to have leaked refrigerant. Therefore, the air conditioning system 1 makes it easy to identify the utilization unit from which the refrigerant has leaked, improving the efficiency of responding to the refrigerant leak.

[0076] (4-3) In the air conditioning system 1, the detection information includes time information indicating the time when the refrigerant leakage was detected.

[0077] When multiple refrigerant sensors detect a refrigerant leak, the time at which the refrigerant leak is detected is important in identifying the utilization unit from which the refrigerant leaked, considering that the refrigerant spreads due to air currents.

[0078] The air conditioning system 1 notifies the user of the specific information generated based on the detection information including the time information. Therefore, the air conditioning system 1 makes it easy to identify the utilization unit from which the refrigerant has leaked, and improves the efficiency of responding to the refrigerant leak.

[0079] (5) Variations (5-1) Variation 1A The identification information may include information for identifying the utilization unit in which a refrigerant leak was detected second among the multiple utilization units. Information for identifying the utilization unit in which a refrigerant leak was detected second among the multiple utilization units is referred to as "second information."

[0080] In the air conditioning system 1, the identification information includes second information. The second information is notified to a service engineer by an alarm device. When responding to a refrigerant leak, the service engineer can give high priority to the utilization unit in which a refrigerant leak was detected second. In other words, the service engineer can respond starting from the utilization unit most likely to have leaked refrigerant. Therefore, the air conditioning system 1 makes it easy to identify the utilization unit from which a refrigerant leak has occurred, improving the efficiency of responding to a refrigerant leak.

[0081] (5-2) Variation 1B The detection information may include location information indicating the location of the utilization unit in which the refrigerant leak was detected.

[0082] When multiple refrigerant sensors detect a refrigerant leak, the location of the utilization unit is important in identifying the utilization unit from which the refrigerant has leaked, considering that the refrigerant spreads due to air currents.

[0083] The air conditioning system 1 notifies the user of the specific information generated based on the detection information including the position information. Therefore, the air conditioning system 1 makes it easy to identify the utilization unit from which the refrigerant has leaked, and improves the efficiency of responding to the refrigerant leak.

[0084] (5-3) Variation 1C The detection information may include operation information indicating whether the utilization unit in which the refrigerant leakage was detected is operating or not.

[0085] When a utilization unit is operating, airflow is generated around the utilization unit by the suction and blowing of the utilization unit. When multiple refrigerant sensors detect a refrigerant leak, considering that the refrigerant spreads due to the airflow, whether or not the utilization unit is operating is important in identifying the utilization unit from which the refrigerant has leaked.

[0086] The air conditioning system 1 notifies the user of the specific information generated based on the detection information including the operation information. Therefore, the air conditioning system 1 makes it easy to identify the utilization unit from which the refrigerant has leaked, and improves the efficiency of responding to the refrigerant leak.

[0087] (5-4) Variation 1D The detection information may include wind information. The wind information is information indicating at least one of a wind direction and an air volume of the utilization unit. The specific information may include estimation information. The estimation information is information indicating a utilization unit from which a refrigerant leak is estimated.

[0088] The generation unit 204 generates the estimated information by the estimation model or the airflow simulation. Hereinafter, the generation of the estimated information by the estimation model or the airflow simulation will be described in detail.

[0089] (5-4-1) Estimation model The estimation model is generated in advance using the detection information as an explanatory variable and the utilization unit from which the refrigerant has leaked as an objective variable. The estimation information is information that is output by inputting the detection information into the estimation model. In other words, the generation unit 204 inputs the detection information into the estimation model to generate the estimation information.

[0090] (5-4-2) Airflow simulation The airflow simulation is generated by simulating the airflow in the indoor space I based on the detection information. For example, the generation unit 204 generates the airflow simulation by simulating the airflow in the indoor space I based on the position information included in the detection information and the wind information included in the detection information. Note that the generation unit 204 may generate the airflow simulation by simulating the airflow in the indoor space I based on the position information included in the detection information, the wind information included in the detection information, and information indicating the indoor space I.

[0091] The estimated information is information that is output by inputting the detection information to the airflow simulation. In other words, the generating unit 204 inputs the detection information (detection source information, time information, etc.) to the airflow simulation to generate the estimated information.

[0092] (5-4-3) Features (5-4-3-1) The detection information includes wind information that indicates at least one of the wind direction of the utilization unit and the wind volume of the utilization unit.

[0093] The utilization unit generates an airflow in the indoor space I by sucking in and blowing out air. The leaked refrigerant spreads throughout the indoor space I due to the airflow in the indoor space I. The air conditioning system 1 notifies of specific information generated based on detection information including wind information. Thus, the air conditioning system 1 makes it easy to identify the utilization unit from which refrigerant has leaked, improving the efficiency of responding to the refrigerant leak.

[0094] (5-4-3-2) The specific information includes estimation information, which is information indicating the utilization unit from which the refrigerant is estimated to have leaked.

[0095] When a refrigerant leaks from a user unit, multiple refrigerant sensors may detect the leak based on various variables. It is not easy for a service engineer to estimate which user unit has leaked the refrigerant by performing calculations based on the various variables. This means that it takes time and money for the service engineer to respond, and the efficiency of the service engineer's response is low.

[0096] The air conditioning system 1 notifies the user of the specific information including the estimated information. Therefore, the air conditioning system 1 makes it easy to identify the utilization unit from which the refrigerant has leaked, and improves the efficiency of responding to the refrigerant leak.

[0097] (5-4-3-3) The estimated information is information that is output by inputting the detected information into an estimation model that is generated using the detected information as an explanatory variable and the utilization unit from which refrigerant has leaked as a target variable.

[0098] The air conditioning system 1 notifies the user of specific information including estimated information output by a pre-generated estimation model. Therefore, the air conditioning system 1 makes it easy to identify the utilization unit from which the refrigerant has leaked, and improves the efficiency of responding to the refrigerant leak.

[0099] (5-4-3-4) The estimated information is information that is output by inputting the detection information into an airflow simulation that is generated by simulating the airflow in the indoor space based on the detection information.

[0100] The leaked refrigerant spreads due to the airflow in the indoor space I. By using an airflow simulation, it is possible to estimate the flow path of the leaked refrigerant up to the refrigerant sensor. Therefore, the air conditioning system 1 makes it easy to identify the utilization unit from which the refrigerant has leaked, and improves the efficiency of responding to the refrigerant leak.

[0101] (5-5) Variation 1E (5-5-1) Configuration The air conditioning system 1 may further include a shutoff valve and a pressure sensor.

[0102] Shutoff valves (not shown) are provided in the gas side connecting pipe 131 and the liquid side connecting pipe 132. The shutoff valves shut off the refrigerant flowing through the utilization units 100A, 100B, 100C, and 100D.

[0103] Pressure sensors (not shown) are provided between the shutoff valve and utilization unit 100A, between the shutoff valve and utilization unit 100B, between the shutoff valve and utilization unit 100C, and between the shutoff valve and utilization unit 100D. The pressure sensors detect the pressure of the refrigerant and transmit pressure information to the control device 200. The pressure information is information indicating the pressure of the refrigerant (detection result of the pressure sensor).

[0104] The receiving unit 202 receives the pressure information transmitted by the pressure sensor, and records it in the storage unit 203. The storage unit 203 further stores the pressure information.

[0105] The generating unit 204 generates the identification information based on the detection information and the pressure information. The identification information further includes the pressure information.

[0106] (5-5-2) Features The air conditioning system 1 further includes a shutoff valve and a pressure sensor. The shutoff valve is provided in the communication pipe and shuts off the refrigerant flowing to the utilization unit. The pressure sensor is provided between the shutoff valve and the utilization unit and detects the pressure of the refrigerant. The control unit causes the alarm device to notify the detection result of the pressure sensor corresponding to the utilization unit from which the refrigerant has leaked, which is indicated in the specific information.

[0107] When a service engineer responds to a refrigerant leak, it is necessary to check the pressure in order to confirm the presence of a location from which the refrigerant is leaking (such as a pinhole in the refrigerant circuit 150). The air conditioning system 1 notifies the detection result of the pressure sensor by an alarm device. Thus, the air conditioning system 1 makes it easy to respond to a utilization unit from which a refrigerant is leaking.

[0108] Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, it will be understood that various changes in form and details can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure described in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0109] 1. Air conditioning system 120 Heat source unit 200 Control device (control unit) I Indoor space [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0110] [Patent Document 1] JP 2023-119146 A

Claims

1. A plurality of utilization units that exchange heat between a refrigerant and air in an indoor space (I), the utilization units being installed in the same indoor space; A heat source unit (120) that exchanges heat between a refrigerant and a fluid serving as a heat source; a plurality of refrigerant sensors provided for each of the utilization units, the refrigerant sensors detecting leakage of the refrigerant in the utilization unit; A control unit (200) connected to the plurality of refrigerant sensors; Equipped with When the plurality of refrigerant sensors detect a refrigerant leak in at least two of the plurality of utilization units, the control unit receives detection information, which is information regarding the detected refrigerant leak, from the refrigerant sensor that detected the refrigerant leak among the plurality of refrigerant sensors; a notification device notifying the user of specific information generated based on the detection information, the specific information being information for identifying the user unit from which the refrigerant has leaked; Air conditioning system (1).

2. The identification information includes information for identifying the utilization unit in which a refrigerant leak was first detected among the plurality of utilization units. The air conditioning system of claim 1 .

3. the identification information includes information for identifying the utilization unit in which a refrigerant leak was detected second among the plurality of utilization units, 3. An air conditioning system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The detection information includes time information indicating a time when the refrigerant leakage was detected.

3. An air conditioning system according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The detection information includes position information indicating a position of the utilization unit where a refrigerant leak is detected.

3. An air conditioning system according to claim 1 or 2.

6. The detection information includes operation information indicating whether the utilization unit in which the refrigerant leakage is detected is operating.

3. An air conditioning system according to claim 1 or 2.

7. The detection information includes wind information indicating at least one of a wind direction of the utilization unit and an air volume of the utilization unit.

3. An air conditioning system according to claim 1 or 2.

8. The specific information includes estimated information that is information indicating the utilization unit from which a refrigerant is estimated to have leaked.

3. An air conditioning system according to claim 1 or 2.

9. The estimation information is information that is output by inputting the detection information into an estimation model that is generated using the detection information as an explanatory variable and the utilization unit from which a refrigerant has leaked as an objective variable. The air conditioning system according to claim 8.

10. The estimated information is information that is output by inputting the detection information into an airflow simulation that is generated by simulating the airflow in the indoor space based on the detection information. The air conditioning system according to claim 8.

11. A communication pipe connecting the heat source unit and the utilization unit; a shutoff valve provided in the communication pipe for shutting off the refrigerant flowing to the utilization unit; a pressure sensor provided between the shutoff valve and the utilization unit to detect a pressure of the refrigerant; The control unit causes the notification device to notify the detection result of the pressure sensor corresponding to the utilization unit from which the refrigerant has leaked, the detection result being indicated in the specific information.

3. An air conditioning system according to claim 1 or 2.

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