Leakage detection system, air conditioning system, program for leakage detection system, and external terminal

Abstract

To provide a leakage detection system that can detect a location where a leakage is generated in piping, and to provide an air conditioning system, a program for a leakage detection system, and an external terminal.SOLUTION: A leakage detection system 1 includes: a plurality of detectors 10 disposed on a piping route through which a fluid flows to downstream from upstream; and a monitoring device 20 for collecting quantities of fluid states detected by the plurality of detectors 10. The monitoring device 20 can detect locations of fluid leakages in the piping route on the basis of each quantity of state.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a leak detection system, an air conditioning system, a program for the leak detection system, and an external terminal. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, a refrigeration apparatus is known that detects refrigerant leakage based on the temperature of an indoor unit-side heat exchanger (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-009857 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In conventional refrigeration systems, refrigerant leaks are detected based on the temperature of the indoor unit heat exchanger, so if a refrigerant leak occurs in the refrigerant piping, there is a problem in that it is not possible to determine where in the piping the leak has occurred.

[0005] In order to solve the above problem, the present disclosure aims to provide a leak detection system, an air conditioning system, a program for the leak detection system, and an external terminal that can detect the location of a leak in a pipe. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The leak detection system according to the present disclosure comprises a plurality of detectors arranged on a piping path through which a fluid flows from upstream to downstream, and a monitoring device that collects the state quantities of the fluid detected by the plurality of detectors, and the monitoring device can detect the location of a fluid leak in the piping path based on each state quantity.

[0007] The air conditioning system according to the present disclosure comprises the leak detection system according to the present disclosure, an outdoor unit, an outward piping, a return piping, a plurality of indoor units, and a refrigerant, the outward piping connects the outdoor unit to each of the indoor units, the return piping connects the outdoor unit to each of the indoor units, the outdoor unit supplies refrigerant to each of the indoor units via the outward piping, and the refrigerant is returned from each of the indoor units via the return piping, allowing the refrigerant to be circulated, and two or more detectors are installed on the path of the outward piping, and two or more detectors are installed on the path of the return piping.

[0008] The program for the leak detection system according to the present disclosure is installed in an external terminal provided with the leak detection system according to the present disclosure, and enables the external terminal to perform the following functions: acquire the status quantities detected by each detector and the location of the leak detected by the monitoring device from the monitoring device; display a piping system diagram on the monitor, display the status quantities of each detector at the corresponding location on the piping system diagram; and, if a leak location is detected, indicate the location of the leak on the piping system diagram.

[0009] The external terminal according to the present disclosure has a program for the leak detection system according to the present disclosure installed therein. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] The leak detection system, air conditioning system, program for the leak detection system, and external terminal of the present disclosure can detect the location of a leak in a pipe. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram showing a leak detection system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the monitoring device of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the display of the monitor in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] 3 is a schematic diagram showing another display of the monitor of FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 5] 2 is a configuration diagram showing a first example of a processing circuit that realizes the functions of a monitoring device and an external terminal of the leak detection system according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 6] 4 is a configuration diagram showing a second example of a processing circuit that realizes the functions of the monitoring device and the external terminal of the leak detection system according to the first embodiment. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Embodiment 1 1 is a schematic diagram showing a leak detection system 1 according to embodiment 1. The leak detection system 1 is provided in an air conditioning system 100 installed in a building or the like.

[0013] The air conditioning system 100 includes a leak detection system 1, one outdoor unit 101, three indoor units 110, an outbound pipe 120 as a piping path, and a return pipe 130 as a piping path. The piping path is a fluid path formed by piping, and the fluid placed in the piping flows along the piping path.

[0014] The outgoing piping 120 connects the outdoor unit 101 and each indoor unit 110. The outgoing piping 120 has an outgoing main pipe 120a and three outgoing branch pipes 120b branching off from three branch points of the outgoing main pipe 120a. Each indoor unit 110 is connected to the outgoing branch pipe 120b, i.e., each indoor unit 110 is connected to the outgoing main pipe 120a via the outgoing branch pipes 120b.

[0015] The return pipe 130 connects each indoor unit 110 and the outdoor unit 101. The return pipe 130 has three return branch pipes 130b connected to each of the three indoor units 110, and a return main pipe 130a where the three return branch pipes 130b converge. That is, each indoor unit 110 is connected to the return main pipe 130a via the return branch pipes 130b.

[0016] In the present disclosure, in the outward piping 120, the outdoor unit 101 side is upstream and each indoor unit 110 side is downstream, and in the return piping 130, each indoor unit 110 side is upstream and the outdoor unit 101 side is downstream.

[0017] Refrigerant is supplied from the outdoor unit 101 to each indoor unit 110 via the outbound piping 120. The arrows in Fig. 1 indicate the direction of refrigerant flow. Each indoor unit 110 is installed, for example, in a room of a building, and performs heat exchange between the air in the room and the supplied refrigerant to air-condition the room. That is, refrigerant is placed as a fluid in each of the outbound piping 120 and the return piping 130, which are piping paths, and the refrigerant flows through the piping paths.

[0018] The refrigerant that has undergone heat exchange is returned from each indoor unit 110 to the outdoor unit 101 via the return pipe 130. The outdoor unit 101 is installed, for example, in an exposed state in the outdoor space of a building. The outdoor unit 101 exchanges heat between the refrigerant and outside air and supplies the refrigerant again to the return pipe 120. In other words, the refrigerant circulates.

[0019] In this way, the outdoor unit 101 exchanges heat with the refrigerant that has exchanged heat with the indoor air in each indoor unit 110, and then supplies it back to each indoor unit 110, and each indoor unit 110 exchanges heat between the indoor air and the refrigerant, thereby air-conditioning the indoors of the building.

[0020] The leak detection system 1 comprises a total of eighteen detectors 10, nine installed on the route of the outbound piping 120 and nine installed on the route of the return piping 130, a monitoring device 20, and an external terminal 30.

[0021] Detector 10 can detect a state quantity of a fluid flowing through a pipe. In the first embodiment, detector 10 is a pressure gauge that can detect the pressure, which is a state quantity of a refrigerant, which is a fluid passing through a pipe. Note that detector 10 may also detect other state quantities of the fluid.

[0022] For example, the flow velocity of the fluid in the pipe may be detected as the state quantity of the fluid, in which case the detector 10 may be a flow meter. Alternatively, the temperature of the fluid in the pipe may be detected as the state quantity of the fluid, in which case the detector 10 may be a thermometer.

[0023] In the first embodiment, eighteen detectors 10 are provided. Six detectors 10a to 10f are arranged in the outgoing main pipe 120a. Detectors 10a, 10c, and 10e are arranged upstream of each branch point of the outgoing main pipe 120a. Detectors 10b, 10d, and 10f are arranged at each branch point of the outgoing main pipe 120a. Three detectors 10g, 10h, and 10i are installed immediately before each indoor unit 110 in the outgoing branch pipe 120b.

[0024] Detectors 10l, 10m, and 10n are installed near each indoor unit 110 on the return branch pipe 130b connected to each indoor unit 110. Detectors 10o, 10p, and 10q are located at each branch point of the return main pipe 130a. Detectors 10r, 10s, and 10t are located downstream of each branch point of the return branch pipe 130b.

[0025] The monitoring device 20 is installed inside the outdoor unit 101. However, the installation location of the monitoring device 20 can be selected as appropriate. Each detector 10 and the monitoring device 20 are connected by wire or wirelessly to enable information communication. The state quantities of the fluid detected by each detector 10 are constantly input to the monitoring device 20.

[0026] Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the monitoring device 20 of Fig. 1. The monitoring device 20 has a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, and an input / output unit 23. The control unit 21 can store the state quantities input from each detector 10 via the input / output unit 23 in the storage unit 22. In other words, the monitoring device 20 can collect the state quantities of the fluid detected by the multiple detectors 10.

[0027] The monitoring device 20 has a leak detection function. As the leak detection function, the monitoring device 20 can detect the location of a leak, which is the location of a refrigerant leak, based on the state quantities of the fluid detected by each detector 10. Specifically, the control unit 21 constantly monitors the state quantities detected by each detector 10, and can detect the location of a leak based on changes in the state quantities.

[0028] Normally, when a fluid is supplied to a piping system by applying pressure from upstream, if the piping breaks at any point and a leak occurs, the pressure in the piping downstream of the break will drop rapidly, and it is also thought that the pressure in the piping immediately upstream of the break will drop as well.

[0029] Furthermore, for example, if a refrigerant leak occurs from the outward branch pipe 120b, the pressure in detector 10h, one of the pair of detectors 10, detector 10d and detector 10h, which are installed on either side of the outward branch pipe 120b, will drop significantly, which suggests that there is a leak in the corresponding outward branch pipe 120b.

[0030] On the other hand, if it can be inferred from the state quantities detected by the detectors 10d and 10h that there is a low possibility that there is a leak in the outward branch pipe 120b, it can be inferred that there is a leak in the outward main pipe 120a.

[0031] Regarding the return branch pipe 130b, for example, if the pressures, which are state quantities detected by the detectors 10m and 10p, drop first, it can be inferred that there is a leak in the return branch pipe 130b between the detectors 10m and 10p. Conversely, if the pressures, which are state quantities of the detectors 10m and 10p, do not drop and the behavior of the state quantities of the other detectors 10 is abnormal, it can be inferred that there is little possibility of a leak in the corresponding return branch pipe 130b, and that there is a leak in another return piping 130.

[0032] Software based on this judgment concept is pre-stored in the monitoring device 20. The control unit 21 can detect the location of the leak using this software. For example, if the fluid pressure value, which is the state quantity detected by the detectors 10e, 10f, and 10i, drops, the control unit 21 recognizes that a refrigerant leak has occurred on the downstream side of the detector 10e in the outgoing main pipe 120a.

[0033] Furthermore, the control unit 21 determines that a leak exists downstream of the detector 10e, and also determines that a leak may have occurred in the outbound piping 120 immediately upstream of the detector 10e, thereby enabling the monitoring device 20 to detect the location of the leak.

[0034] When a flow meter is used as the detector 10, the monitoring device 20 can detect the location of a leak based on a change in the flow velocity as a state quantity. If there is a leak, i.e., a crack in the pipe, the refrigerant will flow out from the crack, and the flow rate of the refrigerant upstream of the crack will be faster.

[0035] Therefore, it can be determined that there is a leak downstream of the detector 10 where the flow velocity has increased. A program based on this determination concept is pre-stored in the monitoring device 20, and the control unit 21 can detect the location of the leak using this program.

[0036] When a thermometer is used as the detector 10, the monitoring device 20 can detect the location of a leak based on a change in temperature as a state quantity. If there is a leak, i.e., a crack in the pipe, the refrigerant will flow out from the crack, and the temperature of the refrigerant will drop due to adiabatic cooling.

[0037] Therefore, it can be determined that there is a leak near the detector 10 where the refrigerant temperature has dropped. A program based on this determination concept is pre-stored in the monitoring device 20, and the control unit 21 can detect the location of the leak using this program.

[0038] The external terminal 30 is a personal computer such as a laptop or desktop computer. Note that a portable terminal such as a tablet terminal or a smartphone may also be used as the external terminal 30. A leak detection system program corresponding to the leak detection system 1 is installed in the external terminal 30.

[0039] By starting the leak detection system program on the external terminal 30, the worker can check the state quantities detected by each detector 10 and the location of the leak detected by the monitoring device 20 on the external terminal 30.

[0040] The external terminal 30 has a terminal control unit 31, a monitor 32, and a terminal storage unit (not shown). The external terminal 30 is connected to the monitoring device 20 via a wired or wireless connection so as to be able to communicate information. A leak detection system program pre-installed by an operator is stored in the terminal storage unit of the external terminal 30.

[0041] A leak detection system program is started by an operator on the external terminal 30. The leak detection system program may be started automatically on the started external terminal 30.

[0042] The leak detection system program can cause the terminal control unit 31 to perform the following processes when started on the external terminal 30. The processes performed by the terminal control unit 31, which will be described below, are processes that the leak detection system program started on the external terminal 30 causes the terminal control unit 31 to perform. In other words, the leak detection system program causes the external terminal 30 to realize the functions of performing the following processes.

[0043] The terminal control unit 31 communicates with the monitoring device 20, and constantly acquires the state quantities detected by each detector 10 that are input to the monitoring device 20, and the locations of leaks detected by the monitoring device 20 using the leak detection function. In other words, the program for the leak detection system causes the external terminal 30 to realize a function of communicating with the monitoring device 20, and constantly acquiring the state quantities detected by each detector 10 that are input to the monitoring device 20, and the locations of leaks detected by the monitoring device 20 using the leak detection function.

[0044] The information acquired by the external terminal 30 from the monitoring device 20 may be stored in the terminal storage unit.

[0045] The terminal control unit 31 then displays the information acquired by the external terminal 30 from the monitoring device 20 on the monitor 32. That is, the program for the leak detection system causes the external terminal 30 to realize a function of processing to display the information acquired by the external terminal 30 from the monitoring device 20 on the monitor 32.

[0046] Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the display of the monitor 32 in Fig. 2. The monitor 32 displays the state quantities detected by each detector 10. Fig. 3 shows the monitor 32 displaying the state quantities detected by each detector 10 when each indoor unit 110 is not operating.

[0047] A piping diagram of the air conditioning system 100 is displayed on the monitor 32. Furthermore, the state quantities detected by each detector 10 are displayed at the corresponding locations of each detector 10 on the piping diagram on the monitor 32. That is, by using the leak detection system program, the terminal control unit 31 displays a schematic piping diagram of the air conditioning system 100 on the monitor 32, and displays the state quantities detected by each detector 10 near the displayed diagram.

[0048] In the air conditioning system 100, even when none of the indoor units 110 is operating, the refrigerant pressure in the outbound piping 120 and the return piping 130 is approximately 0.8 MPa to 1.0 MPa. In Fig. 3, the state quantities detected by all of the detectors 10 indicate 0.9 MPa. From this display on the monitor 32, the operator can confirm that there is no refrigerant leak in the air conditioning system 100 and that it is operating normally.

[0049] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing another display of the monitor 32 of Figure 2. Figure 4 shows the location of a leak detected by the monitoring device 20. In Figure 4, the location of the leak is indicated by an "X".

[0050] When the monitoring device 20 detects the location of a leak, the location of the leak is displayed on the piping system diagram on the monitor 32. That is, by using the leak detection system program, the terminal control unit 31 displays the location of the leak detected by the monitoring device 20 on the schematic piping system diagram of the air conditioning system 100 displayed on the monitor 32.

[0051] 4, the state quantities detected by the three detectors 10e, 10f, and 10i downstream of the outgoing pipe 120 are 0.3 MPa or less. Furthermore, the monitor 32 displays an "X" mark on the outgoing pipe 120 downstream of the detector 10e and on the outgoing pipe 120 immediately upstream of the detector 10e.

[0052] That is, this indicates that the monitoring device 20 has detected a leak in the outbound piping 120 marked with an "X." The worker can determine the location of the leak from this information on the monitor 32. A message indicating that a leak has been detected is also displayed on the monitor 32. That is, by the leak detection system program, the terminal control unit 31 displays a message on the monitor 32 indicating that a leak has been detected.

[0053] The leak detection system 1 according to the first embodiment includes a plurality of detectors 10 arranged on a piping path through which a fluid flows from upstream to downstream, and a monitoring device 20 that collects state quantities of the fluid detected by the plurality of detectors 10. The monitoring device 20 can detect the location of a fluid leak in the piping path based on each state quantity. This makes it possible to detect the location of a leak relative to the installation position of each detector 10. Therefore, it is possible to detect the location of a leak in the piping.

[0054] According to the leak detection system 1 of the first embodiment, the monitoring device 20 can detect the location of a fluid leak from a piping route based on changes in each state quantity. This makes it possible to detect the location of a leak based on changes in each state quantity that are constantly detected. Therefore, even if a leak occurs, the location of the leak can be detected immediately.

[0055] According to the leak detection system 1 in the first embodiment, each detector 10 is a pressure gauge that detects the pressure of a fluid as a state quantity. Therefore, there is no need to install a special device as the detector 10, and the versatility of the leak detection system is improved.

[0056] According to the leak detection system 1 in the first embodiment, each detector 10 is a flow meter that detects the flow velocity of a fluid as a state quantity. Therefore, there is no need to install a special device as the detector 10, and the versatility of the leak detection system is improved.

[0057] According to the leak detection system 1 in the first embodiment, each detector 10 is a thermometer that detects the temperature of the fluid as a state quantity. Therefore, there is no need to install a special device as the detector 10, and the versatility of the leak detection system is improved.

[0058] The leak detection system 1 according to the first embodiment further includes an external terminal 30 having a monitor 32. This allows the state quantities of each detector 10 collected by the monitoring device 20 and the location of the leak detected by the monitoring device to be confirmed on the monitor 32. This allows the location of the leak in the piping to be grasped more specifically.

[0059] The air conditioning system 100 according to the first embodiment includes the leak detection system 1 of the present disclosure, an outdoor unit 101, an outward piping 120, a return piping 130, a plurality of indoor units 110, and a refrigerant. The outward piping 120 connects the outdoor unit 101 to each of the indoor units 110, and the return piping 130 connects the outdoor unit 101 to each of the indoor units 110. The outdoor unit 101 supplies the refrigerant to each of the indoor units 110 via the outward piping 120, and the refrigerant is returned from each of the indoor units 110 via the return piping 130, thereby circulating the refrigerant. Two or more detectors 10 are installed on the path of the outward piping 120, and two or more detectors 10 are installed on the path of the return piping 130. This makes it possible to detect leaks at the installation positions of the detectors 10 on the outward piping 120 and the return piping 130. Therefore, the location of the leak in the pipe can be detected.

[0060] According to the air conditioning system 100 of the first embodiment, the outgoing piping 120 includes an outgoing main pipe 120a and a plurality of outgoing branch pipes 120b. One end of the outgoing main pipe 120a is connected to the outdoor unit 101 on the upstream side of the outgoing piping 120. On the downstream side of the outgoing piping 120, each outgoing branch pipe 120b branches off from the outgoing main pipe 120a and is connected to a corresponding indoor unit 110. Detectors 10 are installed at each location where each outgoing branch pipe 120b branches off from the outgoing main pipe 120a. Further, detectors 10 are installed in each of the outgoing branch pipes 120b connected to the indoor unit 110. This makes it easy to detect whether or not a leak exists in each outgoing branch pipe 120b. This makes it easier to detect leaks on the outgoing piping 120.

[0061] According to the air conditioning system 100 of the first embodiment, a detector 10 is further installed upstream of each of the locations where the outgoing branch pipes 120b of the outgoing main pipe 120a branch off. This makes it easy to detect whether or not there is a leak in the outgoing main pipe 120a. Therefore, it is possible to more easily detect the location of a leak on the outgoing piping 120.

[0062] According to the air conditioning system 100 of the first embodiment, the return pipe 130 includes a return main pipe 130a and a plurality of return branch pipes 130b. One end of the return main pipe 130a is connected to the outdoor unit 101 on the downstream side of the return pipe 130. Furthermore, each return branch pipe 130b is connected to a corresponding indoor unit 110 on the upstream side of the return pipe 130, and each return branch pipe 130b is joined and connected to the return main pipe 130a. Furthermore, a detector 10 is installed at each location where each return branch pipe 130b of the return main pipe 130a joins, and a detector 10 is further installed in each return branch pipe 130b connected to each indoor unit 110. This makes it easy to detect whether or not a leak exists in each return branch pipe 130b. Therefore, it is possible to more easily detect the location of a leak on the return pipe 130.

[0063] According to the air conditioning system 100 of the first embodiment, a detector 10 is further installed downstream of each of the locations where the return branch pipes 130b of the return main pipe 130a join together. This makes it easy to detect whether or not there is a leak in the return main pipe 130a. Therefore, it is easier to detect the location of a leak on the return piping 130.

[0064] According to the leak detection system program of the first embodiment, the program is installed in the external terminal 30 included in the leak detection system 1, and causes the external terminal 30 to realize the following functions. The functions are to acquire, from the monitoring device 20 of the present disclosure, the state quantities detected by each detector 10 and the location of the leak detected by the monitoring device 20. The program also displays a piping diagram on the monitor 32, displays the state quantities of each detector 10 at the corresponding location on the piping diagram, and, if a leak location is detected, shows the leak location on the piping diagram. This allows the operator to easily grasp the location of the leak and the state quantities detected by each detector 10 on the monitor 32. Therefore, the location of a leak in the piping can be more easily detected.

[0065] The external terminal 30 in the first embodiment has the program for the leak detection system according to the present disclosure installed therein. This allows an operator to easily determine the location of the leak and the state quantities detected by each detector 10 by using the external terminal 30 in which the program for the leak detection system is installed. This makes it easier to detect the location of the leak in the piping.

[0066] The leak detection system 1 in the first embodiment is used in an air conditioning system 100. However, the invention is not limited to this. The leak detection system 1 can be applied to any system in which a fluid flows through piping.

[0067] Furthermore, the air conditioning system 100 in the first embodiment is equipped with three indoor units 110. However, this is not limited to this. Any number of indoor units 110 may be used. However, when only one indoor unit 110 is provided, the piping connecting the outdoor unit 101 and the indoor unit 110 is often short, and even if a crack occurs in the piping, the entire piping is often replaced. For this reason, it is considered that the cost-effectiveness of installing the leak detection system 1 of the present disclosure and detecting the location of a leak is often low. Therefore, it is preferable to add the leak detection system 1 of the present disclosure to an air conditioning system 100 equipped with two or more indoor units 110.

[0068] Furthermore, in the leak detection system 1 in the first embodiment, eighteen detectors 10 are installed. However, this is not limited to this. As long as at least one detector 10 is installed in the piping route, it is possible to roughly detect the location of the leak, taking into consideration the installation location of the detector 10 in the piping route. The number of detectors 10 to be installed can be set taking into consideration the length of the piping to be detected, the installation cost of the detector 10, and the balance between the cost of management and its effectiveness.

[0069] Furthermore, in the air conditioning system 100 according to the first embodiment, a plurality of detectors 10 are installed in each of the outward piping 120 and the return piping 130. However, this is not limited to this. For example, detectors 10 may be installed only in either the outward piping 120 or the return piping 130. The number of detectors 10 to be installed can be determined taking into consideration the length of the piping to be detected, the installation costs of the detectors 10, and the balance between the costs and benefits of managing the detectors 10.

[0070] Furthermore, the leak detection system 1 in the first embodiment is provided with an external terminal 30. However, this is not limited to this. The external terminal 30 does not necessarily have to be provided. For example, the monitoring device 20 and the external terminal 30 may be connected periodically or when an abnormality is detected in the air conditioning system 100, and information accumulated by the monitoring device 20 may be checked periodically via the external terminal 30. Instead of the external terminal 30, the monitoring device 20 may be connected to a monitoring system of the building in which the air conditioning system 100 is installed. This allows for centralized management of the devices in the building.

[0071] Furthermore, in the leak detection system 1 in the first embodiment, the monitoring device 20 outputs the detection result of the leak location to the external terminal 30. However, this is not limited to this. For example, when a leak location is detected, an alert may be issued using a lamp or the like provided in each indoor unit 110, an alert may be sent to an alarm device provided in the outdoor unit 101, and an alert may be sent to the monitoring system of the building in which the air conditioning system 100 is installed. This makes it possible to more quickly notify that a leak location has been detected.

[0072] Furthermore, in the leak detection system 1 according to the first embodiment, the monitoring device 20 has a leak detection function. However, this is not limited to this. For example, the external terminal 30 may have the leak detection function. Furthermore, the monitoring system of the building in which the air conditioning system 100 is installed may have the leak detection function.

[0073] The functions of the monitoring device 20 and the external terminal 30 of the leak detection system 1 of the first embodiment may be realized by a processing circuit. Fig. 5 is a configuration diagram showing a first example of a processing circuit that realizes the functions of the monitoring device 20 and the external terminal 30 of the leak detection system 1 of the first embodiment.

[0074] Furthermore, the processing circuit 300 may be, for example, a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmed processor, a parallel programmed processor, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or a combination thereof.

[0075] 6 is a configuration diagram showing a second example of a processing circuit that realizes the functions of the monitoring device 20 and the external terminal 30 of the leak detection system 1 of embodiment 1. The processing circuit 310 of the second example includes a processor 311 and a memory 312.

[0076] In the processing circuit 310, the functions of the monitoring device 20 and the external terminal 30 are realized by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware. The software and firmware are written as programs and stored in the memory 312. The processor 311 realizes the functions by reading and executing the programs recorded in the memory 312.

[0077] It can also be said that the programs stored in memory 312 cause the computer to execute the procedures or methods of the above-mentioned sections. Here, memory 312 refers to non-volatile or volatile semiconductor memory, such as RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), flash memory, EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), and EEPROM (Electrically Erasable and Programmable Read Only Memory). Magnetic disks, flexible disks, optical disks, compact disks, minidisks, DVDs, and the like also fall under memory 312.

[0078] It should be noted that the functions of the monitoring device 20 and the external terminal 30 described above may be partially realized by dedicated hardware and partially realized by software or firmware.

[0079] In this way, the processing circuit can realize the functions of the monitoring device 20 and the external terminal 30 described above by using hardware, software, firmware, or a combination of these.

[0080] Various aspects of the present disclosure are summarized below as appendices.

[0081] (Appendix 1) a plurality of detectors arranged on a piping route through which a fluid flows from upstream to downstream; a monitoring device that collects state quantities of the fluid detected by the plurality of detectors; Equipped with The monitoring device can detect a location of a fluid leak in the piping path based on each of the state quantities. Leak detection system. (Appendix 2) The monitoring device can detect the location of the fluid leak from the piping path based on the change in each of the state quantities. 10. The leak detection system of claim 1. (Appendix 3) Each of the detectors is a pressure gauge that detects the pressure of the fluid as the state quantity. 1. A leak detection system as described in Appendix 2. (Appendix 4) Each of the detectors is a flow meter that detects a flow velocity of the fluid as the state quantity. 1. A leak detection system as described in Appendix 2. (Appendix 5) Each of the detectors is a thermometer that detects the temperature of the fluid as the state quantity. 1. A leak detection system as described in Appendix 2. (Appendix 6) further comprising an external terminal having a monitor; 6. The leak detection system of any one of claims 1 to 5. (Appendix 7) A system including the leak detection system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, an outdoor unit, an outward piping, a return piping, a plurality of indoor units, and a refrigerant, The outgoing piping connects the outdoor unit and each of the indoor units, The return pipe connects the outdoor unit and each of the indoor units, The outdoor unit supplies the refrigerant to each of the indoor units via the outward piping, and the refrigerant is returned from each of the indoor units via the return piping, thereby circulating the refrigerant, Two or more of the detectors are installed on the route of the outgoing piping, Two or more of the detectors are installed on the return piping. Air conditioning system. (Appendix 8) The outgoing piping includes an outgoing main pipe and a plurality of outgoing branch pipes, On the upstream side of the outgoing piping, one end of the outgoing main pipe is connected to the outdoor unit, On the downstream side of the outgoing piping, each of the outgoing branch pipes branches off from the outgoing main pipe and is connected to a corresponding one of the indoor units, The detector is installed at each of the locations where the outgoing branch pipes of the outgoing main pipe branch off, The detector is further installed in each of the outward branch pipes connected to the indoor unit. 7. An air conditioning system as described in Appendix 7. (Appendix 9) the detector is further installed upstream of each of the locations where the outgoing branch pipes branch off from the outgoing main pipe; 1. An air conditioning system as described in Appendix 8. (Appendix 10) The return pipe includes a main return pipe and a plurality of branch return pipes, The downstream side of the return pipe is connected to the outdoor unit at one end of the return main pipe, The upstream side of the return pipe is connected to the indoor unit corresponding to each of the return branch pipes, Each of the return branch pipes is joined to and connected to the return main pipe, The detector is installed at each of the locations where the return branch pipes of the return main pipe join together, The detector is further installed in each of the return branch pipes connected to the indoor unit. 10. The air conditioning system according to any one of claims 7 to 9. (Appendix 11) the detector is further installed downstream of each of the locations where the return branch pipes join the return main pipe; 11. An air conditioning system as described in claim 10. (Appendix 12) The leak detection system according to claim 6 is installed in the external terminal, a function of acquiring, from the monitoring device, the state quantities detected by each of the detectors and the locations of the leaks detected by the monitoring device; a function of displaying a piping system diagram on the monitor, displaying the state quantities of the detectors at corresponding locations on the piping system diagram, and, when a leak location is detected, indicating the location of the leak on the piping system diagram; A program for a leak detection system for causing the external terminal to realize the above. (Appendix 13) The leak detection system program described in Appendix 12 is installed. External terminal. [Explanation of symbols]

[0082] 1 leak detection system, 10, 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e, 10f, 10g, 10h, 10i, 10l, 10m, 10n, 10o, 10p, 10q, 10r, 10s, 10t detector, 20 monitoring device, 21 control unit, 22 memory unit, 23 input / output unit, 30 external terminal, 31 terminal control unit, 32 monitor, 100 air conditioning system, 101 outdoor unit, 110 indoor unit, 120 forward piping (piping route), 120a forward main pipe, 120b forward branch pipe, 130 return piping (piping route), 130a return main pipe, 130b return branch pipe.

Claims

1. a plurality of detectors arranged on a piping route through which a fluid flows from upstream to downstream; a monitoring device that collects state quantities of the fluid detected by the plurality of detectors; Equipped with The monitoring device can detect a location of a fluid leak in the piping path based on each of the state quantities. Leak detection system.

2. The monitoring device can detect the location of the fluid leak from the piping path based on the change in each of the state quantities. The leak detection system of claim 1 .

3. Each of the detectors is a pressure gauge that detects the pressure of the fluid as the state quantity. The leak detection system of claim 2 .

4. Each of the detectors is a flow meter that detects the flow velocity of the fluid as the state quantity. The leak detection system of claim 2 .

5. Each of the detectors is a thermometer that detects the temperature of the fluid as the state quantity. The leak detection system of claim 2 .

6. further comprising an external terminal having a monitor; The leak detection system of claim 1 .

7. A system comprising the leak detection system of claim 1, an outdoor unit, an outward piping, a return piping, a plurality of indoor units, and a refrigerant, The outgoing piping connects the outdoor unit and each of the indoor units, The return pipe connects the outdoor unit and each of the indoor units, The outdoor unit supplies the refrigerant to each of the indoor units via the outward piping, and the refrigerant is returned from each of the indoor units via the return piping, thereby circulating the refrigerant, Two or more of the detectors are installed on the route of the outgoing piping, Two or more of the detectors are installed on the return piping. Air conditioning system.

8. The outgoing piping includes an outgoing main pipe and a plurality of outgoing branch pipes, On the upstream side of the outgoing piping, one end of the outgoing main pipe is connected to the outdoor unit, On the downstream side of the outgoing piping, each of the outgoing branch pipes branches off from the outgoing main pipe and is connected to a corresponding one of the indoor units, The detector is installed at each of the locations where the outgoing branch pipes of the outgoing main pipe branch off, The detector is further installed in each of the outward branch pipes connected to the indoor unit.

8. The air conditioning system of claim 7.

9. the detector is further installed upstream of each of the locations where the outgoing branch pipes branch off from the outgoing main pipe; 9. The air conditioning system of claim 8.

10. The return pipe includes a main return pipe and a plurality of branch return pipes, The downstream side of the return pipe is connected to the outdoor unit at one end of the return main pipe, The upstream side of the return pipe is connected to the indoor unit corresponding to each of the return branch pipes, Each of the return branch pipes is joined to and connected to the return main pipe, The detector is installed at each of the locations where the return branch pipes of the return main pipe join together, The detector is further installed in each of the return branch pipes connected to the indoor unit.

8. The air conditioning system of claim 7.

11. the detector is further installed downstream of each of the locations where the return branch pipes join the return main pipe; 11. The air conditioning system of claim 10.

12. The leak detection system according to claim 6 is installed in the external terminal, a function of acquiring, from the monitoring device, the state quantities detected by each of the detectors and the locations of the leaks detected by the monitoring device; a function of displaying a piping system diagram on the monitor, displaying the state quantities of the detectors at corresponding locations on the piping system diagram, and, when a leak location is detected, indicating the location of the leak on the piping system diagram; A program for a leak detection system for causing the external terminal to realize the above.

13. A computer system having the leak detection system program according to claim 12 installed thereon. External terminal.

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