Refrigeration cycle device, and power management device

Abstract

To provide a refrigerant cycle device that can easily establish compatibility between dealing with a power adjustment demand response and safety, and a power management device.SOLUTION: A refrigerant cycle device according to the present disclosure comprises a compressor, uses a working medium containing ethylene-based fluoroolefin, and comprises a DR receiving unit for receiving a DR signal for a power adjustment demand response, and a control unit for controlling the refrigerant cycle device on the basis of the DR signal received by the DR receiving unit. The control unit determines a response to the DR signal in accordance with the temperature of the working medium discharged from the compressor.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a refrigeration cycle device and a power management device. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an air conditioner that supports a power adjustment demand response service. This air conditioner controls the operating frequency of the compressor taking into account a comfortable temperature range. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2021 / 214858 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present disclosure provides a refrigeration cycle device and a power management device that can easily achieve both safety and compliance with power adjustment demand response. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The refrigeration cycle device of the present disclosure is a refrigeration cycle device equipped with a compressor and using a working fluid containing an ethylene-based fluoroolefin, and is equipped with a DR receiving unit that receives a DR signal for power adjustment demand response, and a control unit that controls the refrigeration cycle device based on the DR signal received by the DR receiving unit, and the control unit determines a response to the DR signal depending on the temperature of the working fluid discharged from the compressor.

[0006] The power management device of the present disclosure is a power management device that controls a refrigeration cycle device equipped with a compressor that compresses a working medium containing an ethylene-based fluoroolefin, and includes a DR receiving unit that receives a DR signal for power adjustment demand response, a discharge temperature receiving unit that receives the temperature of the working medium discharged from the compressor, and a determination unit that, when the DR signal is received, determines the response of the refrigeration cycle device to the DR signal based on the temperature of the working medium discharged from the compressor. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] The refrigeration cycle apparatus and power management device according to the present disclosure can determine a response to a DR signal for power adjustment demand response by taking into account the temperature of the working fluid discharged from the compressor, thereby suppressing disproportionation reactions of the working fluid, making it easier to achieve both a response to power adjustment demand response and safety. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a configuration of a refrigeration cycle system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] Refrigeration cycle diagram of refrigeration cycle device [Figure 3] A block diagram showing the configuration of a control system for a refrigeration cycle device, a power management device, and a power management server. [Figure 4] Flowchart showing processing executed by the refrigeration cycle device [Figure 5] Remote control plan view [Figure 6] Remote control plan view [Figure 7] Sequence diagram showing the operation of the power management server and the refrigeration cycle system [Figure 8] Flowchart showing processing executed by the refrigeration cycle device [Figure 9] Remote control plan view [Figure 10] Remote control plan view DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] (Findings that formed the basis of this disclosure) At the time the inventors arrived at the idea of ​​the present disclosure, refrigeration cycle devices that support operating power adjustment demand response by adjusting the operating frequency of a compressor had been proposed. Furthermore, signals (DR signals) transmitted in power adjustment demand response generally included a signal requesting a reduction in power consumption (a decrease DR) and a signal requesting an increase in power consumption (an increase DR). Under these circumstances, the inventors discovered a problem in that, particularly in the case of an increase DR, the temperature of the working fluid discharged from the compressor is likely to rise, making the working fluid more likely to undergo disproportionation reactions and the like. To solve this problem, the present disclosure constitutes the subject matter of the present disclosure. The present disclosure provides a refrigeration cycle device and a power management device that can easily achieve both safety and compliance with power adjustment demand response.

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, unnecessary detailed description may be omitted. For example, detailed description of well-known matters or redundant description of substantially the same configuration may be omitted. This is to avoid unnecessary redundancy in the following description and to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art. The accompanying drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0011] (Embodiment 1) Hereinafter, a refrigeration cycle device 1 according to a first embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. [1-1.Configuration] [1-1-1. Configuration of refrigeration cycle device] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a refrigeration cycle system 100 according to the first embodiment. The refrigeration cycle system 100 includes a refrigeration cycle device 1. The refrigeration cycle device 1 is connected to a network NW. In this embodiment, the refrigeration cycle device 1 is connected to the network NW via a power management device 80. The refrigeration cycle device 1 may be configured to be connected to the network NW without via the power management device 80. The network NW is a network configured of a public line network, a dedicated line, other communication circuits, etc.

[0012] The refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 is an air conditioning apparatus including an indoor unit 10, an outdoor unit 30, and a remote control 50. When the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 is operated, it performs air conditioning such as heating and cooling on an indoor space S. The indoor unit 10 and the outdoor unit 30 are connected to each other by a gas pipe 20 and a liquid pipe 40, respectively. The indoor space S corresponds to an example of a "space to be conditioned" in this disclosure.

[0013] The indoor unit 10 is a device that is installed in a building such as a private home or a building, or in a mobile object such as a ship, and that conditions the air for the indoor space S. The indoor unit 10 has a display unit 12a, an audio output unit 12b, and a warning light 12c.

[0014] The display unit 12a is a display configured, for example, by a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL panel. The display unit 12a displays characters and figures under control of the control unit 70, which will be described later. The audio output unit 12b is configured, for example, by a speaker built into the indoor unit 10. The audio output unit 12b outputs audio to the space S under control of the control unit 70. The warning light 12c is configured, for example, by an LED (Light Emitting Diode), and turns on or off under control of the control unit 70. In addition, the blinking patterns and their meanings are printed near the warning light 12c, so that the user U can immediately understand the meaning of the blinking of the warning light 12c.

[0015] The outdoor unit 30 is a device installed outdoors, and rotates an outdoor blower 37 to cause a working medium flowing through an outdoor heat exchanger 35 (described later) to exchange heat with outside air.

[0016] The remote control 50 is a device that accepts operations from a user U in the indoor space S, and has an operation unit 51 and a remote control display unit 53. The operation unit 51 is composed of a plurality of switches that instruct, for example, to start cooling operation, start heating operation, change the set temperature, and stop air conditioning operation, and accepts operations from the user U when each switch is pressed. The remote control display unit 53 is a display composed of, for example, a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL panel, and displays the air conditioning operation settings and air conditioning operation status of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1. The remote control 50 is configured to be able to communicate bidirectionally with the indoor unit 10, and transmits signals corresponding to operations from the user U to the indoor unit 10, or receives signals transmitted from the indoor unit 10.

[0017] The refrigeration cycle system 100 has a power management device 80. The power management device 80 is a device that is connected to various devices such as the refrigeration cycle device 1, washing machines, refrigerators, and lighting fixtures in a building where the refrigeration cycle device 1 is installed, via wireless or wired communication. The power management device 80 is connected to a power management server 90 via a network NW. The power management device 80 receives a DR signal, described below, from the power management server 90 via the network NW. The power management device 80 is configured to be able to transmit the received DR signal to each device such as the refrigeration cycle device 1. The power management device 80 may also directly control each device such as the refrigeration cycle device 1 in accordance with the received DR signal.

[0018] The power management server 90 is a server device that transmits a signal requesting an increase or decrease in power demand, i.e., a DR signal for power adjustment demand response, to each consumer in a specified area. Refrigeration cycle systems 100 are installed in the specified area where the power management server 90 manages power demand. While Fig. 1 shows an example of the power management server 90 communicating with two refrigeration cycle systems 100 via a network NW, the number of refrigeration cycle systems 100 communicating with the power management server 90 may be one or more.

[0019] [1-1-2. Refrigeration cycle circuit configuration] FIG. 2 is a refrigeration cycle diagram of the refrigeration cycle device 1. The refrigeration cycle device 1 uses a working fluid containing an ethylene-based fluoroolefin in its refrigeration cycle. Many working fluids containing ethylene-based fluoroolefin have a low global warming potential, which indicates the degree of contribution to climate change, and are therefore environmentally friendly. On the other hand, working fluids containing ethylene-based fluoroolefin are known to cause disproportionation reactions when exposed to discharge phenomena under high temperature and high pressure. The occurrence of a disproportionation reaction can cause a sudden increase in pressure within the refrigeration cycle. Details of the working fluid will be described later.

[0020] As shown in Fig. 2, the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 includes an indoor unit 10 and an outdoor unit 30. Although Fig. 2 shows an example of a refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 having one outdoor unit 30 and four indoor units 10, the number of indoor units 10 and outdoor units 30 in the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 may be one or more.

[0021] The indoor units 10 have an indoor heat exchanger 11 and an indoor blower 13. The indoor heat exchanger 11 is, for example, a fin-tube heat exchanger, and exchanges heat between the working medium flowing inside and the air. The indoor blower 13 is, for example, a crossflow fan, and drives a built-in motor to draw air from the indoor space S into the indoor unit 10, and then flows the drawn air through the indoor heat exchanger 11 before blowing it out into the space S. The indoor units 10 also have flow control valves 17 that adjust the amount of refrigerant flowing into each indoor unit 10.

[0022] The outdoor unit 30 includes a compressor 31, a four-way valve 33, an outdoor heat exchanger 35, an outdoor blower 37, and an expansion valve 39. The compressor 31, for example, is a scroll compressor, and is a mechanical device that draws in a working medium through a suction port, compresses it, and discharges the compressed working medium through a discharge port. The working medium discharged from the compressor 31 is high-temperature, and its temperature is measured by a working medium temperature sensor 32 installed in a pipe near the discharge port of the compressor 31. The four-way valve 33 is a device whose internal flow paths are connected to the discharge port of the compressor 31, the suction port of the compressor 31, the indoor heat exchanger 11, and the outdoor heat exchanger 35, respectively. The four-way valve 33 can switch its flow paths electronically, and by switching the flow paths, the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 switches between cooling operation and heating operation. The expansion valve 39, whose opening can be adjusted electronically, reduces the pressure of the working medium passing through it.

[0023] The four-way valve 33 is connected to the indoor heat exchanger 11 by the above-mentioned gas pipe 20. The gas pipe 20 is a pipe through which a working medium, mainly a gas, flows. The expansion valve 39 is connected to the indoor heat exchanger 11 by the above-mentioned liquid pipe 40. The liquid pipe 40 is a pipe through which a working medium, mainly a liquid, flows.

[0024] [1-1-3. Control configuration] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control system of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1, the power management apparatus 80, and the power management server 90. As shown in FIG. The indoor unit 10 of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 is equipped with an indoor communication unit 14 that communicates with the outdoor unit 30 via control wiring. The indoor communication unit 14 is composed of communication hardware such as connectors and communication circuits that comply with a predetermined communication standard. The indoor unit 10 also has an indoor wireless communication unit 15 that communicates wirelessly with the remote control 50. The indoor wireless communication unit 15 is equipped with hardware that complies with the wireless communication standard, such as an antenna and communication circuits, and communicates bidirectionally with the remote control 50.

[0025] The remote control 50 has a remote control communication unit 55 and a remote control control unit 57. The remote control communication unit 55 has hardware compatible with wireless communication standards, such as an antenna and a communication circuit, and communicates bidirectionally with the indoor wireless communication unit 15 according to the control of the remote control control unit 57. The remote control control unit 57 has a processor such as a CPU or MPU, and a memory that stores programs and data. The processor reads and executes programs stored in the memory, causing the remote control control unit 57 to control the remote control display unit 53 and the remote control communication unit 55. The remote control control unit 57 also receives operations from the user U via the operation unit 51, and controls the remote control display unit 53 and the remote control communication unit 55 according to the received operations.

[0026] The outdoor unit 30 has an outdoor communication unit 34. The outdoor communication unit 34 is configured with communication hardware such as connectors and communication circuits that comply with a predetermined communication standard, and communicates with the indoor communication unit 14 via control wiring.

[0027] The outdoor unit 30 also includes a control unit 70 that controls each part of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1. The control unit 70 has an outdoor unit memory 71, an outdoor unit processor 73, and an outdoor unit interface 75.

[0028] The outdoor unit memory 71 is a memory that stores programs and data. The outdoor unit memory 71 stores a control program 71a and data to be processed by the outdoor unit processor 73. The outdoor unit memory 71 has a non-volatile storage area. The outdoor unit memory 71 may also have a volatile storage area and constitute a work area for the outdoor unit processor 73.

[0029] The outdoor unit processor 73 is a processor such as a CPU or an MPU. The outdoor unit processor 73 reads and executes a control program 71a stored in the outdoor unit memory 71, thereby functioning as a device control unit 73a, a determination unit 73b, and a notification unit 73c.

[0030] The outdoor unit interface 75 is an interface equipped with communication hardware that complies with a predetermined communication standard, such as a connector, a communication circuit, etc. The outdoor unit interface 75 communicates with the outdoor communication unit 34, the compressor 31, the four-way valve 33, the outdoor blower 37, the expansion valve 39, and the working medium temperature sensor 32.

[0031] The device control unit 73a receives signals representing operations performed by the user U on the operation unit 51 of the remote control 50 and controls each device of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 according to the received signals to perform air conditioning operation. The device control unit 73a controls each part of the outdoor unit, such as the outdoor communication unit 34, compressor 31, four-way valve 33, outdoor blower 37, and expansion valve 39, via the outdoor unit interface 75. The device control unit 73a also controls each part of the indoor unit 10, such as the indoor blower 13, display unit 12a, audio output unit 12b, warning light 12c, flow control valve 17, and first communication unit 19, via the outdoor communication unit 34 and the indoor communication unit 14. The device control unit 73a also acquires a measurement value from an indoor temperature sensor 18 provided in the indoor unit 10. The indoor temperature sensor 18 measures the room temperature of the space S, which is the conditioned space in which the indoor unit 10 is provided.

[0032] The determination unit 73b receives temperature data of the working medium discharged from the compressor 31 from the working medium temperature sensor 32, and based on the received temperature data, restricts the air-conditioning operation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1. The determination unit 73b also makes a determination based on a DR signal received from the power management server 90 or the like.

[0033] The notification unit 73c controls the display unit 12a, the audio output unit 12b, and the warning light 12c to provide various notifications to the user U. The notification unit 73c also controls the remote control display unit 53 via the indoor wireless communication unit 15 to provide notifications to the user U. Furthermore, the notification unit 73c controls the first communication unit 19 to transmit a notification signal to the power management server 90 via the power management device 80 and the network NW.

[0034] The first communication unit 19 is configured with communication hardware such as a connector, an antenna, and a communication circuit that conforms to a predetermined communication standard, and communicates with the power management device 80 wirelessly or via a wire.

[0035] The power management device 80 includes a management device control unit 81. The management device control unit 81 includes a management device memory 82, a management device processor 83, and a management device interface 84.

[0036] The management device memory 82 is a memory that stores programs and data. The management device memory 82 stores a control program 82a and data to be processed by the management device processor 83. The management device memory 82 has a non-volatile storage area. The management device memory 82 may also have a volatile storage area and constitute a work area for the management device processor 83.

[0037] The management device processor 83 is a processor such as a CPU or an MPU. The management device processor 83 reads and executes a control program 82a stored in the management device memory 82, thereby functioning as an equipment control unit 83a, a determination unit 83b, a notification unit 83c, and a power adjustment calculation unit 83d.

[0038] The management device interface 84 is an interface equipped with communication hardware that complies with a predetermined communication standard, such as a connector, a communication circuit, etc. The management device interface 84 communicates with a management device display unit 85, a second communication unit 86, and a third communication unit 87.

[0039] The management device display unit 85 is a display configured, for example, by a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL panel. The second communication unit 86 and the third communication unit 87 are configured by communication hardware such as connectors, antennas, and communication circuits that comply with a predetermined communication standard. The second communication unit 86 communicates with the first communication unit 19 of the indoor unit 10 wirelessly or via a wired connection. The second communication unit 86 also communicates with each device in the building in which the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 is installed wirelessly or via a wired connection. The third communication unit 87 is connected to the network NW wirelessly or via a wired connection, and communicates with the power management server 90 via the network NW. The second communication unit 86 and the third communication unit 87 may be configured as a single inseparable device.

[0040] The equipment control unit 83a controls each part of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 and causes the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 to operate. The equipment control unit 83a controls each part of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 via the management device interface 84, the second communication unit 86, and the first communication unit 19.

[0041] The determination unit 83b receives temperature data of the working medium discharged from the compressor 31 from the working medium temperature sensor 32 via the first communication unit 19, the second communication unit 86, and the management device interface 84. The determination unit 83b also makes a determination based on the temperature data received from the working medium temperature sensor 32 and the DR signal received from the power management server 90 or the like.

[0042] The notification unit 83c controls the display unit 12a, the audio output unit 12b, the warning light 12c, the remote control display unit 53, the management device display unit 85, etc., and provides various notifications to the user U. The notification unit 73c also controls the third communication unit 87 and transmits a notification signal to the power management server 90 via the network NW.

[0043] The power adjustment calculation unit 83d calculates the power to be allocated to each device including the refrigeration cycle device 1 connected to the power management device 80 for communication.

[0044] The power management server 90 includes a server control unit 91 and a server-side communication unit 95 . The server control unit 91 includes a server memory 92 , a server processor 93 , and a server interface 94 .

[0045] The server memory 92 is a memory that stores programs and data. The server memory 92 stores a control program 92a and data to be processed by the server processor 93. The server memory 92 has a non-volatile storage area. The server memory 92 may also have a volatile storage area and constitute a work area for the server processor 93.

[0046] The server processor 93 is a processor such as a CPU, an MPU, etc. The server processor 93 reads and executes a control program 92a stored in the server memory 92, thereby functioning as a district power adjustment calculation unit 93a.

[0047] The server interface 94 is an interface that includes communication hardware that conforms to a predetermined communication standard, such as a connector, a communication circuit, etc. The server interface 94 communicates with a server-side communication unit 95.

[0048] The server-side communication unit 95 is configured with communication hardware such as a connector, antenna, and communication circuit that conforms to a predetermined communication standard. The server-side communication unit 95 is connected to the network NW wirelessly or via a wire, and communicates with each power management device 80 via the network NW.

[0049] The regional power adjustment calculation unit 93a determines what kind of request to make to each consumer in a specific region, depending on a request from a power company or the like to increase or decrease the power demand in the specific region, or a power plan, etc. The above-mentioned DR signal has content that corresponds to the request to each consumer determined by the regional power adjustment calculation unit 93a.

[0050] [1-1-4. Working medium] The refrigerant used in the refrigeration cycle device 1 is a working medium containing an ethylene-based fluoroolefin. The ethylene-based fluoroolefin includes, for example, one or more of 1,1,2-trifluoroethylene (HFO1123), trans-1,2-difluoroethylene (HFO1132(E)), cis-1,2-difluoroethylene (HFO-1132(Z)), 1,1-difluoroethylene (HFO-1132a), tetrafluoroethylene (CF2=CF2, HFO1114), and monofluoroethylene (HFO-1141).

[0051] The working fluid may contain two or more refrigerant components. That is, it may contain an ethylene-based fluoroolefin (e.g., 1,1,2-trifluoroethylene) selected from the examples above and a second refrigerant component. The second refrigerant component may include one or more refrigerants selected from hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs), saturated hydrocarbons, carbon dioxide, or other refrigerants. Examples of the hydrofluorocarbon include difluoromethane, difluoroethane, trifluoroethane, tetrafluoroethane, pentafluoroethane, pentafluoropropane, hexafluoropropane, heptafluoropropane, pentafluorobutane, and heptafluorocyclopentane. Examples of the hydrofluoroolefin include monofluoropropene, trifluoropropene, tetrafluoropropene, pentafluoropropene, and hexafluorobutene. Examples of saturated hydrocarbons include ethane, n-propane, cyclopropane, n-butane, cyclobutane, isobutane (2-methylpropane), methylcyclopropane, n-pentane, isopentane (2-methylbutane), neopentane (2,2-dimethylpropane), and methylcyclobutane, but other hydrocarbons may also be used. The second refrigerant component may contain multiple components. That is, the second refrigerant component may contain two or more refrigerant components selected from hydrofluorocarbons, hydrofluoroolefins, saturated hydrocarbons, carbon dioxide, and other refrigerants.

[0052] The working fluid used as a refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle device 1 may contain a disproportionation inhibitor in addition to the refrigerant components. The disproportionation inhibitor is, for example, a saturated hydrocarbon. The working fluid may contain a disproportionation inhibitor consisting of one or more components. Examples of saturated hydrocarbons used as disproportionation inhibitors include ethane, n-propane, cyclopropane, n-butane, cyclobutane, isobutane (2-methylpropane), methylcyclopropane, n-pentane, isopentane (2-methylbutane), neopentane (2,2-dimethylpropane), and methylcyclobutane, but other saturated hydrocarbons may also be used. A particularly preferred disproportionation inhibitor is n-propane.

[0053] The disproportionation inhibitor may be, for example, a haloalkane having either one or two carbon atoms. Examples of haloalkanes having one carbon atom, i.e., halomethanes, that can be used as disproportionation inhibitors include (mono)iodomethane (CHI), diiodomethane (CHI), dibromomethane (CHBr), bromomethane (CHBr), dichloromethane (CHCl), chloroiodomethane (CHClI), dibromochloromethane (CHBrCl), tetraiodomethane (CI), carbon tetrabromide (CBr), bromotrichloromethane (CBrCl), dibromodichloromethane (CBrCl), tribromofluoromethane (CBrF), fluorodiiodomethane (CHFI), difluoroiodomethane (CHFI), difluorodiiodomethane (CFI), dibromodifluoromethane (CBrF), and trifluoroiodomethane (CFI), but other halomethanes may also be used. Examples of haloalkanes having two carbon atoms, i.e., haloethanes, that can be used as disproportionation inhibitors include 1,1,1-trifluoro-2-iodoethane (CF3CH2I), monoiodoethane (CH3CH2I), monobromoethane (CH3CH2Br), and 1,1,1-triiodoethane (CH3CI3).

[0054] The working fluid may contain a plurality of disproportionation inhibitors selected from the saturated hydrocarbons and haloalkanes. The working fluid may contain one type of saturated hydrocarbon, or two or more types of saturated hydrocarbons. The working fluid may contain one type of haloalkane, or two or more types of haloalkanes.

[0055] A preferred example of the working medium is a mixture containing 1,1,2-trifluoroethylene and n-propane. This working medium may contain the second refrigerant component described above, or may contain other components.

[0056] Each of the above working fluids may contain inevitable impurities, such as various additives including stabilizers added for the purpose of stabilizing the fluid during transportation or storage, residues or by-products of the raw materials used to synthesize the refrigerant components, and substances that are mixed in for other reasons.

[0057] The mass ratio of 1,1,2-trifluoroethylene to n-propane contained in the working fluid can be changed as needed. The capacity of the refrigeration cycle correlates with the mass ratio of the refrigerant components contained in the working fluid. Therefore, in order to maintain the capacity of the refrigeration cycle, it is desirable to configure the working fluid so that the mass of n-propane, which is a disproportionation inhibitor, is 40 mass% or less.

[0058] [1-2. Operation] The operation and function of the refrigeration cycle system 100 configured as above will be described below. [1-2-1. Operation of refrigeration cycle equipment during air conditioning operation] The first temperature T1 and the second temperature T2 used in the following description are determined, for example, according to the heat resistance of insulating paper inserted between a magnet wire that generates a magnetic field when current is applied and an electromagnetic steel sheet in the stator of a motor constituting the compressor 31. For example, if the insulating paper has heat resistance class B specified in JIS C 4003, the heat resistance temperature is 130°C. If the insulating paper is placed under a temperature condition higher than this heat resistance temperature, the insulation between the magnet wire and the electromagnetic steel sheet will break down, increasing the possibility of a discharge phenomenon that causes a disproportionation reaction. Because the insulating paper is placed under a temperature condition approximately equal to the discharge temperature (T) of the working fluid discharged from the compressor 31, the refrigeration cycle device 1 operates to limit air-conditioning operation based on the discharge temperature T, which is the first temperature T1 and the second temperature T2.

[0059] In this embodiment, insulating paper of heat resistance class E specified in JIS C 4003 is used, and its heat resistance temperature is 120°C. The first temperature T1 is 115°C, which is the heat resistance temperature plus a safety margin of about 5 K. The second temperature T2 is 105°C, which is the first temperature T1 plus a safety margin of about 10 K. Note that when the temperature of the working fluid exceeds 150°C, the risk of disproportionation reactions increases regardless of the heat resistance temperature of the insulating paper. Therefore, even when insulating paper with a heat resistance temperature of 150°C or higher is used, the first temperature T1 and the second temperature T2 are set to temperatures that include a safety margin from 150°C. In other words, the first temperature T1 and the second temperature T2 are set based on the lower of the temperature at which the risk of discharge increases and the temperature at which the high temperature itself increases the risk of disproportionation reactions.

[0060] Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing the processing executed by the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1, and shows the operation when the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 is performing air conditioning operation. Fig. 5 is a plan view of the remote control 50, showing a state in which the second error message M2 is displayed. Fig. 6 is a plan view of the remote control 50, showing a state in which the first error message is displayed.

[0061] 4, while the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 is performing an air-conditioning operation, the determination unit 73b receives, at a predetermined sampling rate, temperature data of the working medium discharged from the compressor 31 measured by the working medium temperature sensor 32. Based on the received temperature data, the determination unit 73b determines whether the discharge temperature T of the working medium discharged from the compressor 31 is equal to or higher than a second temperature T2 (step SA1).

[0062] If the determination unit 73b determines that the discharge temperature T of the working medium discharged from the compressor 31 is equal to or higher than the second temperature T2 (step SA1: YES), the equipment control unit 73a restricts the air conditioning operation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 (step SA2). Furthermore, almost simultaneously with step SA2, the notification unit 73c executes a second error notification to the user U (step SA3). The second error notification executed in step SA3 is a notification that notifies the user U that the air conditioning operation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 will be restricted.

[0063] In step SA2, the equipment control unit 73a restricts the operation of each device in the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1, thereby restricting the air-conditioning operation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1. The restricted operation of each device here is an operation that increases the temperature of the working medium discharged from the compressor 31. For example, using the time point at which it is determined that the discharge temperature T is equal to or higher than the second temperature T2 as a reference point, the following operations are prohibited: increasing the operating frequency of the compressor 31, reducing the opening of the expansion valve 39, reducing the rotation speeds of the indoor blower 13 and the outdoor blower 37, and switching the flow path of the four-way valve 33. Therefore, while the air-conditioning operation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 is restricted, the operating frequency of the compressor 31 is controlled not to be higher than that at the reference point, even if, for example, the temperature of the space S is far from the set temperature.

[0064] Furthermore, when the user U operates the operation unit 51 of the remote controller 50, any operation that involves the above-described restricted operations is invalidated. For example, this includes an operation to lower the set temperature while the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 is in cooling operation, an operation to raise the set temperature while the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 is in heating operation, an operation to reduce the volume of air blown out from the indoor unit 10, and an operation to switch between cooling operation and heating operation. Also, an operation that forcibly causes the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 to perform cooling operation when the outdoor temperature is low during pump-down operation to collect the working medium in the refrigeration cycle circuit into the outdoor unit 30 (forced cooling operation) is also invalidated. As described above, the operation that increases the discharge temperature T of the working medium discharged from the compressor 31, which is invalidated in step SA2, is defined as the second operation.

[0065] The process of invalidating the second operation may be executed by the remote control control unit 57 so that, when the user U performs the second operation on the operation unit 51, a signal instructing an action corresponding to the second operation is not transmitted to the indoor unit 10. Furthermore, the process of invalidating the second operation may be executed in the device control unit 73a by ignoring the signal corresponding to the second operation received by the device control unit 73a.

[0066] In step SA3, the notification unit 73c transmits a signal to the remote control unit 57 via the outdoor communication unit 34, the indoor communication unit 14, the indoor wireless communication unit 15, and the remote control communication unit 55. As shown in FIG. 5, the remote control unit 57 displays a second error message M2 on the remote control display unit 53 in accordance with the received signal. The second error message M2 is, for example, a message such as "Air conditioning operation is currently restricted."

[0067] Furthermore, in step SA3, the notification unit 73c controls the display unit 10a of the indoor unit 10 to display the second error message M2. The notification unit 73c also operates the audio output unit 12b to output the second error message M2 as a sound. The notification unit 73c also lights or flashes the warning light 12c in a predetermined pattern. That is, in this embodiment, the second error notification is executed by displaying the second error message M2 by the remote control display unit 53 and the display unit 12a, outputting the second error message M2 by the audio output unit 12b, and lighting or flashing the warning light 12c.

[0068] In step SA4, the determination unit 73b determines whether the discharge temperature T of the working medium discharged from the compressor 31 is equal to or higher than the first temperature T1. Normally, the discharge temperature T is difficult to increase due to restrictions on the air conditioning operation of the refrigeration cycle device 1 started in step SA3. Therefore, normally, the discharge temperature T is equal to or lower than the first temperature T1 (step SA4: NO), and the process proceeds to step SA5.

[0069] In step SA5, the determination unit 73b determines whether the discharge temperature T of the working medium discharged from the compressor 31 is equal to or higher than the second temperature T2. At this time, if the determination unit 73b determines that the discharge temperature T of the working medium discharged from the compressor 31 is equal to or higher than the second temperature T2 (step SA5: YES), the processes executed in steps SA2 and SA3 are continued. While the discharge temperature T is equal to or higher than the second temperature T2 and equal to or lower than the first temperature T1, the determinations in steps SA4 and SA5 are repeatedly executed.

[0070] The refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 invalidates the second operation received by the operation unit 51 during this time. At this time, for example, if the user U performs an operation on the operation unit 51 to change the set temperature included in the second operation, the set temperature displayed on the remote control display unit 53 may not be changed. Alternatively, if the user U performs an operation on the operation unit 51 to change the set temperature, the set temperature displayed on the remote control display unit 53 may change in accordance with the operation of the user U, but internally, an operation reflecting the set temperature displayed on the remote control display unit 53 may not be performed. In the latter case, for example, when step SA6 described later is completed, an operation reflecting the set temperature displayed on the remote control display unit 53 may be performed.

[0071] In step SA5, if the determination unit 73b determines that the discharge temperature T of the working medium discharged from the compressor 31 is equal to or lower than the second temperature T2 (step SA5: NO), the equipment control unit 73a ends the restriction on the air conditioning operation started in step SA2 (step SA6). In addition, the notification unit 73c ends the second error notification started in step SA3 (step SA7) and returns to the normal air conditioning operation state.

[0072] If it is determined in step SA4 that the discharge temperature T of the working medium discharged from the compressor 31 is equal to or higher than the first temperature T1 (step SA4: YES), the equipment control unit 73a stops the operation of each device of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 and stops the air-conditioning operation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 (step SA8). At this time, the determination unit 73b also stores error information in a non-volatile storage area of ​​the outdoor unit memory 71. The error information is information indicating a state after the discharge temperature T of the working medium discharged from the compressor 31 of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 has become equal to or higher than the first temperature T1.

[0073] After each device is stopped in step SA8, the device control unit 73a prohibits the operation of each device of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 and prohibits the air conditioning operation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 (step SA9). Also, almost simultaneously with step SA9, the notification unit 73c executes a first error notification to the user U (step SA10). The first error notification is a notification informing the user U that inspection of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 is necessary.

[0074] The operation of each device prohibited in step SA9 is the operation of each device that affects the state of the refrigeration cycle circuit in the refrigeration cycle device 1. For example, this includes the operation of the compressor 31, the flow path switching operation of the four-way valve 33, the opening adjustment operation of the expansion valve 39, the operation of the indoor blower 13, and the operation of the outdoor blower 37. Conversely, operations that do not affect the state of the refrigeration cycle circuit are not prohibited in the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1. For example, this includes display on the display unit 12a, sound output by the sound output unit 12b, lighting or blinking of the warning light 12c, and display on the remote control display unit 53 of the remote controller 50.

[0075] Furthermore, when the user U operates the operation unit 51 of the remote controller 50, any operation that involves the above-mentioned prohibited actions is invalidated. For example, this applies to an operation to start the cooling operation or heating operation of the refrigeration cycle device 1, and a forced cooling operation. These operations by the user U that are prohibited in step SA9 are defined as first operations.

[0076] The process of invalidating the first operation may be executed by the remote control control unit 57 so that, when the user U performs the first operation on the operation unit 51, a signal instructing an action corresponding to the first operation is not transmitted to the indoor unit 10. Furthermore, the process of invalidating the first operation may be executed in the device control unit 73a by ignoring the signal corresponding to the first operation received by the device control unit 73a.

[0077] In step SA10, the notification unit 73c transmits a signal to the remote control unit 57 via the outdoor communication unit 34, the indoor communication unit 14, the indoor wireless communication unit 15, and the remote control communication unit 55. As shown in FIG. 6, the remote control unit 57 displays a first error message M1 on the remote control display unit 53 in response to the received signal. The first error message M1 includes a message urging the user U to inspect the unit, such as "Please contact the following number and inspect the unit: XX-XXXX-XXXX," and information for contacting a service technician who will perform the inspection. The information for contacting the service technician may be, for example, a phone number, an email address, a web page address, or a two-dimensional barcode.

[0078] In step SA10, the notification unit 73c controls the display unit 10a of the indoor unit 10 to display a first error message M1. The notification unit 73c also controls the audio output unit 12b to output the first error message M1 as a sound. The notification unit 73c also lights or flashes the warning light 12c in a predetermined pattern. That is, in this embodiment, the first error notification is executed by displaying the first error message M1 on the remote control display unit 53 and the display unit 12a, outputting the first error message M1 by the audio output unit 12b, and lighting or flashing the warning light 12c. However, the lighting or flashing pattern of the warning light 12c is different from the lighting or flashing pattern of the warning light 12c in the second error notification.

[0079] The prohibition of air conditioning operation in step SA9 and the execution of the first error notification in step SA10 continue as long as error information is stored in the outdoor unit memory 71. Therefore, the prohibition of air conditioning operation and the execution of the first error notification are not canceled by the passage of time, restarting of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1, temporary power interruption, etc. In other words, when the discharge temperature T becomes equal to or higher than the first temperature T1, the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 stops the air conditioning operation and continues to stop the air conditioning operation until an error cancellation operation is performed.

[0080] The prohibition of air conditioning operation in step SA9 and the execution of the first error notification in step SA10 are ended (step SA12, step SA13) when the service technician has performed the error cancellation operation (step SA11: YES).

[0081] The error clearing operation is an operation performed by a service technician after the service technician inspects each device of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1, including the compressor 31. When the error clearing operation is performed, the error information stored in the outdoor unit memory 71 is invalidated. The error clearing operation is an operation that is difficult for the user U to perform. For example, the error clearing operation may be an operation of operating the operation unit 51 using a predetermined complex procedure. Alternatively, the error clearing operation may be an operation of operating a switch or the like located in a position that is difficult for the user U to access, such as inside the indoor unit 10 or the outdoor unit 30.

[0082] After steps SA12 and SA13, the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 is in a state where the air conditioning operation is stopped. In this state, for example, when the user U presses a switch on the operation unit 51 to start the cooling operation or the heating operation, the equipment control unit 73a receives a signal to start the cooling operation or the heating operation (step SA14: YES). This causes the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 to return to a state where the normal air conditioning operation is being performed.

[0083] [1-2-2. DR signal reception operation] 7 is a sequence diagram showing the operation of the power management server 90 and the refrigeration cycle system 100, and shows the operation until the DR signal transmitted by the power management server 90 is transmitted to the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1. The operation in FIG. 7 is triggered, for example, by the power management server 90 receiving a signal requesting adjustment of the power demand in the area where the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 is installed.

[0084] At the beginning of the operation of FIG. 7 , in step SB21, the district power adjustment calculation unit 93a determines what kind of request to make to each consumer in a district where power demand is to be adjusted in order to adjust the power demand in the district. For example, if it is desired to suppress the power demand in the district, it determines the extent to which the power demand of each consumer should be reduced. In this case, the content of the DR signal transmitted to each consumer is a so-called "downward DR," which requests that each consumer reduce the power they consume. Also, for example, if it is desired to increase the power demand in the district, it determines the extent to which the power demand of each consumer should be increased. In this case, the content of the DR signal transmitted to each consumer is a so-called "upward DR," which requests that each consumer increase the power they consume.

[0085] Next, in step SB22, the server control unit 91 of the power management server 90 controls the server-side communication unit 95 to transmit a DR signal to each consumer in the target area. At this time, the transmission destination of the DR signal includes the power management device 80 that communicates with the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1.

[0086] In step SC21, the management device control unit 81 of the power management device 80 receives the DR signal transmitted from the power management server 90 via the third communication unit 87.

[0087] Next, in step SC22, the management device control section 81 transmits the received DR signal to the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 using the second communication section 86.

[0088] In step SA21, the control unit 70 of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 receives the DR signal transmitted from the power management device 80 via the first communication unit 19. In this manner, the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 can receive the DR signal by the first communication unit 19. The first communication unit 19 corresponds to an example of a "DR receiving unit" in the present disclosure.

[0089] [1-2-3. Actions after receiving DR signal] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the process executed by the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1, and shows the operation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 after receiving the DR signal.

[0090] Upon receiving the DR signal, in step SA31, the determination unit 73b receives temperature data of the working medium discharged from the compressor 31 measured by the working medium temperature sensor 32. Based on the received temperature data, the determination unit 73b determines whether the discharge temperature T of the working medium discharged from the compressor 31 is equal to or higher than a first temperature T1.

[0091] When the determination unit 73b determines that the discharge temperature T of the working medium discharged from the compressor 31 is equal to or higher than the first temperature T1 (step SA31: YES), the control unit 70 performs the same operations as steps SA8 to SA13 in Fig. 4 described above. That is, the equipment control unit 73a stops the air-conditioning operation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 (step SA32), prohibits the air-conditioning operation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 (step SA33), and issues a first error notification (step SA34). In other words, when the determination unit 73b determines that the discharge temperature T of the working medium is equal to or higher than the first temperature T1 (step SA31: YES), the equipment control unit 73a disables the DR signal and stops the air-conditioning operation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 regardless of the content of the DR signal. Thereafter, the control unit 70 continues to prohibit the air-conditioning operation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 and to notify the first error while the service technician does not perform the error reset operation (step SA35: NO). At this time, the control unit 70 continues to disable the DR signal. That is, while the air-conditioning operation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 continues to be prohibited, the control unit 70 does not follow the DR signal and does not perform the air-conditioning operation. When the error cancellation operation is executed (step SA35: YES), the control unit 70 cancels the prohibition of air conditioning operation (step SA36), ends the first error notification (step SA37), and ends the operation in Figure 8. The control unit 70 cancels the invalidation of the DR signal at the same time as canceling the prohibition of air conditioning operation in step SA37. In other words, after the prohibition of air conditioning operation is canceled in step SA37, the control unit 70 can operate in accordance with the DR signal depending on the discharge temperature T.

[0092] In step SA31, if the determining unit 73b determines that the discharge temperature T of the working medium discharged from the compressor 31 is not equal to or higher than the first temperature T1, the process proceeds to step SA38.

[0093] In step SA38, the determination unit 73b determines whether the discharge temperature T of the working medium discharged from the compressor 31 is equal to or higher than the second temperature T2, based on the temperature data received in step SA31. If the determination unit 73b determines in step SA38 that the discharge temperature T is equal to or higher than the second temperature T2, the process proceeds to step SA39, and if the determination unit 73b determines that the discharge temperature T is lower than the second temperature T2, the process proceeds to step SA40.

[0094] In step SA39, the determining unit 73b determines whether or not the discharge temperature T of the working medium discharged from the compressor 31 will increase when the content of the DR signal received at the start of the operation in FIG. 8 is followed.

[0095] In this embodiment, the contents of the DR signal can be classified into two types, the "upward DR" and the "downward DR" described above. Since the "upward DR" requests an increase in the power consumption of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1, when a DR signal whose content is "upward DR" is followed, the device control unit 73a increases the operating frequency of the compressor 31, which consumes a large amount of power. Therefore, when the content of the DR signal is "upward DR," operating the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 in accordance with the DR signal increases the discharge temperature T of the working medium discharged from the compressor 31. Since the "lower DR" is a request to reduce the power consumption of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1, when a DR signal whose content is "lower DR" is followed, the equipment control unit 73a will lower the operating frequency of the compressor 31, which consumes a large amount of power. Therefore, when the content of the DR signal is "lower DR," operating the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 according to the DR signal will lower the discharge temperature T of the working medium discharged from the compressor 31.

[0096] That is, in step SA39, the determination unit 73b determines whether the content of the DR signal is "upward DR" or "downward DR," thereby determining whether or not the discharge temperature T of the working medium discharged from the compressor 31 will increase if the content of the DR signal is followed. If the determination unit 73b determines that the discharge temperature T will increase if the content of the DR signal is followed (step SA39: YES), the process proceeds to step SA42, and if it determines that the discharge temperature T will not increase (step SA39: NO), the process proceeds to step SA40.

[0097] In step SA40, the determination unit 73b determines whether the temperature of the indoor space S, which is the space to be conditioned in the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1, is within the comfortable temperature range when following the content of the DR signal received at the start of the operation in Fig. 8. The comfortable temperature range is a temperature at which people such as the user U who are in the indoor space S can be comfortable. In other words, if the temperature of the indoor space S falls outside the comfortable temperature range, the comfort of the user U who is in the indoor space S is likely to be impaired. In this embodiment, the comfortable temperature range is stored in the outdoor unit memory 71.

[0098] For example, when the device control unit 73a increases the operating frequency of the compressor 31 in accordance with the "upward DR" to increase power consumption during operation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1, the refrigeration capacity of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 increases. Therefore, by following the "upward DR," the temperature of the indoor space S tends to decrease when the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 is in cooling operation, and tends to increase when the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 is in heating operation. Therefore, for example, if the "upward DR" is followed when the set temperature for cooling operation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 is close to the lower limit of the comfortable temperature range, or when the set temperature for heating operation is close to the upper limit of the comfortable temperature range, the temperature of the indoor space S is likely to fall outside the comfortable temperature range.

[0099] Furthermore, when the device control unit 73a follows the "downward DR" to reduce the operating frequency of the compressor 31 to reduce power consumption during operation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1, the refrigeration capacity of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 decreases. Therefore, following the "downward DR" increases the temperature of the indoor space S when the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 is in cooling operation, and decreases the temperature of the indoor space S when the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 is in heating operation. Therefore, for example, if the "downward DR" is followed when the set temperature for cooling operation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 is close to the upper limit of the comfortable temperature range, or when the set temperature for heating operation is close to the lower limit of the comfortable temperature range, the temperature of the indoor space S is likely to fall outside the comfortable temperature range.

[0100] If the determination unit 73b determines in step SA40 that the temperature of the indoor space S will be within the comfortable temperature range even when operating in accordance with the content of the DR signal (step SA40: YES), the equipment control unit 73a operates the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 in accordance with the DR signal (step SA41). After starting the operation in accordance with the DR signal in step SA41, the operation shown in FIG. 8 ends and the operation proceeds to the air-conditioning operation currently being performed shown in FIG. 4. If the determination unit 73b determines in step SA40 that the temperature of the indoor space S will be outside the comfortable temperature range when operating in accordance with the content of the DR signal (step SA40: NO), the operation proceeds to step SA42. The determination unit 73b may use the measured value of the indoor temperature sensor 18 for the determination in step SA40.

[0101] That is, based on the determinations from step SA38 to step SA40, the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 operates as follows: The refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 operates according to the DR signal when the discharge temperature T is lower than the second temperature T2 or the content of the DR signal is other than "raising DR," and when the temperature of the indoor space S is within the comfortable temperature range even when operating according to the DR signal. In other cases, the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 performs the operations from step SA42 onwards.

[0102] In step SA42, the equipment control unit 73a operates the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 without following the DR signal. That is, the equipment control unit 73a disables the DR signal. Disabling the DR signal means that the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 does not follow the DR signal.

[0103] In step SA43, notification unit 73c executes a third error notification. The third error notification is performed by any combination of display on remote control display unit 53 and display unit 12a, sound output by sound output unit 12b, or lighting of warning light 12c. In this embodiment, the third error notification is performed by displaying a third error message M3.

[0104] FIG. 9 is a plan view of the remote controller 50, showing the state in which the third error message M3 is displayed. In step SA43, the notification unit 73c transmits a signal to the remote controller control unit 57 via the outdoor communication unit 34, the indoor communication unit 14, the indoor wireless communication unit 15, and the remote controller communication unit 55. As shown in FIG. 9, the remote controller control unit 57 displays the third error message M3 on the remote controller display unit 53 in response to the received signal. The third error message M3 includes, for example, a message indicating that the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 is currently unable to respond to a power adjustment demand response, such as "Currently temporarily unable to respond to a DR request." The notification unit 73c may transmit a signal to the power management apparatus 80, causing the notification unit 83c of the power management apparatus 80 to display the third error message M3 on the management apparatus display unit 85.

[0105] Next, in step SA44, the notification unit 73c transmits a notification signal to the power management server 90, which is the sender of the DR signal, to notify that the DR signal has been temporarily disabled. The notification unit 73c controls the first communication unit 19 to transmit the notification signal including the content of the notification to the power management server 90 via the power management device 80 and the network NW. This allows the power management server 90 to know that the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 is temporarily not complying with the DR signal.

[0106] Next, in step SA45, the determination unit 73b determines whether or not the invalidation of the DR signal can be released. Specifically, in step SA45, the determination unit 73b makes the same determination as the determination made in steps SA38, SA39, and SA40. In more detail, if the discharge temperature T of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 is less than the second temperature T2 or the content of the DR signal is other than "raising DR," and if operation in accordance with the DR signal keeps the temperature of the indoor space S within the comfortable temperature range, the determination unit 73b determines that the invalidation of the DR signal can be released (step SA45: YES), and proceeds to step SA46. In other cases, the determination unit 73b determines that the invalidation of the DR signal cannot be released (step SA45: NO), and repeats the determination of step SA45.

[0107] In step SA46, the notification unit 73c ends the notification started in step SA43. Then, in step SA47, the notification unit 73c transmits a notification signal to the power management server 90, which is the sender of the DR signal, to notify that the DR signal has been validated. Then, the operation of FIG. 8 ends.

[0108] [1-2-4. Advance notification operation] As described above, in the refrigeration cycle system 100, the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 does not operate in accordance with the DR signal transmitted from the power management server 90 and the operation by the user U, and may invalidate these signals. Such behavior of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 may easily lead the user U to mistakenly believe that the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 has broken down. For this reason, the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 of this embodiment is configured to notify the user U in advance, at a timing that is easy for the user U to recognize, that the DR signal and the operation by the user U may be invalidated.

[0109] FIG. 10 is a plan view of the remote control 50, showing a state in which the advance notification message M4 is displayed. As shown in FIG. 10, when issuing an advance notification, the remote control control unit 57 causes the remote control display unit 53 to display the advance notification message M4. The advance notification message M4 includes a message to inform the user U that the DR signal and the operation by the user U may be invalidated, such as, for example, "This product may invalidate customer operations and DR requests for power adjustment. Please be aware of this." The advance notification message M4 may be configured to be displayed on the display unit 12a of the indoor unit 10 or the management device display unit 85 of the power management device 80.

[0110] The advance notification message M4 in FIG. 10 is displayed on the remote control display unit 53 or the like at a timing that allows the user U to easily recognize the advance notification message M4. The advance notification message M4 may be displayed, for example, when the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 is first powered on after being shipped from the factory. The advance notification message M4 may also be displayed when the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 starts operation for the first time after being powered on. The advance notification message M4 may be displayed after the pump-down operation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 is completed. The advance notification message M4 may also be displayed when the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 starts operation for the first time after the pump-down operation is completed. The advance notification message M4 may also be displayed after the defrosting operation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 is completed. The advance notification message M4 may also be displayed when the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 starts operation for the first time after the defrosting operation is completed. The advance notification message M4 may also be configured to be displayed when the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 switches between cooling operation and heating operation.

[0111] [1-3. Effects, etc.] As described above, in this embodiment, the refrigeration cycle device 1 includes a compressor 31, and the refrigeration cycle device 1 uses a working fluid containing an ethylene-based fluoroolefin. The refrigeration cycle device 1 includes a first communication unit 19 that receives a DR signal for power adjustment demand response, and a control unit 70 that controls the refrigeration cycle device 1 based on the DR signal received by the first communication unit 19. The control unit 70 may be configured to determine a response to the DR signal depending on the temperature of the working fluid discharged from the compressor 31. This allows the response to the DR signal for power adjustment demand response to be determined taking into account the temperature of the working fluid discharged from the compressor 31, thereby suppressing the disproportionation reaction of the working fluid. This makes it easier to balance response to power adjustment demand response with safety. It also makes it easier to reduce the environmental impact of the working fluid.

[0112] As in this embodiment, in the refrigeration cycle device 1, the control unit 70 stops operation of the refrigeration cycle device 1 when the temperature of the working medium discharged from the compressor 31 is equal to or higher than a first temperature T1, and disables the DR signal when the temperature of the working medium discharged from the compressor 31 is equal to or higher than a second temperature T2 that is lower than the first temperature T1. This makes it possible to suppress changes in the discharge temperature in response to the DR signal when the discharge temperature of the working medium from the compressor 31 is equal to or higher than the second temperature T2. This makes it easier to achieve both a response to the power adjustment demand response and safety.

[0113] As in the present embodiment, the control unit 70 may be configured to notify the user U that the DR signal will be invalidated. This prevents the user U from mistaking the operation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 when the DR signal is disabled as a malfunction. This makes it easier to achieve both safety and a response to the power adjustment demand response without compromising the sense of security of the user U.

[0114] As in the present embodiment, the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 may be configured such that the control unit 70 notifies the source of the DR signal that the DR signal will be invalidated. As a result, the power management server 90 or the like that is the sender of the DR signal can understand that the DR signal sent to the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 has been invalidated. This makes it easier to improve the accuracy of power plan execution within the jurisdiction of the power management server 90 or the like, while also making it easier to balance safety with responding to power adjustment demand responses.

[0115] As in this embodiment, the control unit 70 may be configured to disable the DR signal when the DR signal received by the first communication unit 19 has content that will lead to an increase in the temperature of the working medium discharged from the compressor 31, and when the temperature of the working medium discharged from the compressor 31 is equal to or higher than the second temperature T2. As a result, when the discharge temperature T of the working medium from the compressor 31 is equal to or higher than the second temperature T2, it is possible to suppress an increase in the discharge temperature T in response to the DR signal. This makes it easier to achieve both a response to the power adjustment demand response and safety.

[0116] As in this embodiment, the control unit 70 may be configured not to invalidate the DR signal if the DR signal received by the first communication unit 19 does not have content that will lead to an increase in the temperature of the working medium discharged from the compressor 31, even if the temperature of the working medium discharged from the compressor 31 is equal to or higher than the second temperature T2. As a result, even when the discharge temperature T of the working fluid is equal to or higher than the second temperature T2, control according to the DR signal can be realized as long as the working fluid does not tend to undergo a disproportionation reaction in response to the DR signal. This makes it easier to achieve both a response to the power adjustment demand response and safety.

[0117] As in this embodiment, the refrigeration cycle device 1 is an air conditioning device, and the control unit 70 may be configured to determine a response to the DR signal so that the temperature of the indoor space S, which is the space to be conditioned by the refrigeration cycle device 1, is within a comfortable temperature range. This prevents the temperature of the indoor space S, which is the space to be conditioned, from falling outside the comfortable temperature range due to the response to the DR signal. Therefore, it is possible to easily achieve both safety and a response to the power adjustment demand response while ensuring comfort in the indoor space S.

[0118] (Other embodiments) As described above, the first embodiment has been described as an example of the technology disclosed in the present application. However, the technology in the present disclosure is not limited to this, and can be applied to embodiments in which modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc. are made. Furthermore, it is also possible to combine the components described in the first embodiment above to create new embodiments. Therefore, other embodiments will be exemplified below.

[0119] In the first embodiment, it has been described that the control unit 70 provided in the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 controls the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 when receiving a DR signal, but this is just an example.

[0120] For example, the operation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 after receiving the DR signal shown in Fig. 8 may be configured to be executed under the control of the management device control unit 81 of the power management device 80. That is, the operation mainly performed by the control unit 70 in Fig. 8 and its functional units, namely, the device control unit 73a, the determination unit 73b, and the notification unit 73c, may be mainly performed by the management device control unit 81 and its functional units, namely, the device control unit 83a, the determination unit 83b, and the notification unit 83c. In this case, the device control unit 83a may perform the same control as the device control unit 73a, the determination unit 83b may perform the same control as the determination unit 73b, and the notification unit 83c may perform the same control as the notification unit 73c. ​​Also, in this case, in the power management device 80, the third communication unit 87 receives the DR signal from the power management server 90, and data on the discharge temperature T of the working medium discharged from the compressor 31 is transmitted from the refrigeration cycle device 1 and received by the second communication unit 86. That is, in this case, the second communication unit 86 corresponds to the "discharge temperature receiving unit" in this disclosure, and the third communication unit 87 corresponds to the "DR receiving unit" in this disclosure.

[0121] That is, the power management device 80 may be configured to control a refrigeration cycle device 1 equipped with a compressor 31 that compresses a working medium containing an ethylene-based fluoroolefin, and to include a third communication unit 87 that receives a DR signal for power adjustment demand response, a second communication unit 86 that receives the temperature of the working medium discharged from the compressor 31, and a determination unit 83b that, when a DR signal is received, determines the response of the refrigeration cycle device to the DR signal based on the temperature of the working medium discharged from the compressor 31. This allows the response of the refrigeration cycle device to the DR signal for power adjustment demand response to be determined taking into account the temperature of the working fluid discharged from the compressor, thereby suppressing disproportionation reactions of the working fluid. This makes it easier to achieve both response to power adjustment demand response and safety. It also makes it easier to reduce the environmental impact of the working fluid.

[0122] In the first embodiment, an air conditioner has been described as an example of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1, but this is just one example. The refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 may be, for example, a refrigerator, a refrigerated showcase, or a heat pump water heater, as long as it has a compressor that compresses a working medium.

[0123] The outdoor unit processor 73, the management device processor 83, and the server processor 93 may be configured with a single processor or multiple processors. These processors may be hardware programmed to realize the corresponding functional units. That is, these processors may be configured with, for example, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0124] The configurations of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1, power management device 80, and power management server 90 shown in Figure 3 are merely examples, and the specific implementation form is not particularly limited. In other words, it is not necessarily necessary to implement hardware corresponding to each unit individually, and it is also possible to implement a configuration in which a single processor executes a program to realize the functions of each unit. Furthermore, some of the functions realized by software in the above-mentioned embodiment may be implemented by hardware, or some of the functions realized by hardware may be implemented by software.

[0125] The step units of the operations shown in Figures 4, 7, and 8 are divided according to the main processing content to make the operations easier to understand, and the operation is not limited by the way the processing units are divided or the names of the processing units. The operations may be divided into more step units depending on the processing content. Furthermore, one step unit may be divided so that it includes more processing. Furthermore, the order of the steps may be changed as appropriate within the scope that does not interfere with the purpose of this disclosure.

[0126] It should be noted that the above-described embodiments are intended to illustrate the technology of the present disclosure, and various modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc. may be made within the scope of the claims or their equivalents.

[0127] (Addendum) The above description of the embodiments discloses the following techniques. (Technology 1) A refrigeration cycle device equipped with a compressor and using a working fluid containing an ethylene-based fluoroolefin, comprising: a DR receiving unit that receives a DR signal for power adjustment demand response; and a control unit that controls the refrigeration cycle device based on the DR signal received by the DR receiving unit, wherein the control unit determines a response to the DR signal depending on the temperature of the working fluid discharged from the compressor. This allows the response to the DR signal for power adjustment demand response to be determined taking into account the temperature of the working fluid discharged from the compressor, thereby suppressing disproportionation reactions of the working fluid. This makes it easier to achieve both response to power adjustment demand response and safety. It also makes it easier to reduce the environmental impact of the working fluid.

[0128] (Technology 2) The refrigeration cycle device according to Technology 1, wherein the control unit stops operation of the refrigeration cycle device when the temperature of the working medium discharged from the compressor is equal to or higher than a first temperature, and disables the DR signal when the temperature of the working medium discharged from the compressor is equal to or higher than a second temperature that is lower than the first temperature. This makes it possible to suppress changes in the discharge temperature in response to the DR signal when the discharge temperature of the working medium from the compressor is equal to or higher than the second temperature, thereby making it easier to achieve both a response to power adjustment demand response and safety.

[0129] (Technology 3) The refrigeration cycle device according to Technology 2, wherein the control unit notifies a user that the DR signal will be invalidated. This prevents users from mistaking the operation of the refrigeration cycle device when the DR signal is disabled for a malfunction, making it easier to achieve both safety and a response to power adjustment demand response without compromising the user's sense of security.

[0130] (Technical Aspect 4) The refrigeration cycle apparatus according to Technical Aspect 2 or 3, wherein the control unit notifies a source of the DR signal that the DR signal will be invalidated. This allows the power management server or the like that is the sender of the DR signal to know that the DR signal sent to the refrigeration cycle device has been invalidated, making it easier to improve the accuracy of power plan execution within the jurisdiction of the power management server or the like, while also making it easier to balance safety with responding to power adjustment demand response.

[0131] (Technology 5) In the refrigeration cycle device described in any one of Technologies 2 to 4, when the DR signal received by the DR receiving unit has content that will lead to an increase in the temperature of the working medium discharged from the compressor, the control unit disables the DR signal when the temperature of the working medium discharged from the compressor is equal to or higher than the second temperature. This makes it possible to suppress an increase in the discharge temperature in response to a DR signal when the discharge temperature of the working medium from the compressor is equal to or higher than the second temperature, thereby making it easier to achieve both a response to a power adjustment demand response and safety.

[0132] (Technology 6) In the refrigeration cycle device described in Technology 5, when the DR signal received by the DR receiving unit does not have content that would lead to an increase in the temperature of the working medium discharged from the compressor, the control unit does not invalidate the DR signal even if the temperature of the working medium discharged from the compressor is equal to or higher than the second temperature. As a result, even when the discharge temperature of the working fluid is equal to or higher than the second temperature, control according to the DR signal can be realized as long as the working fluid does not tend to undergo a disproportionation reaction in response to the DR signal, making it easier to achieve both a response to a power adjustment demand response and safety.

[0133] (Technology 7) The refrigeration cycle device is an air conditioning device, and the control unit determines a response to the DR signal so that the temperature of the space to be conditioned by the refrigeration cycle device is within a comfortable temperature range. This is a refrigeration cycle device described in any one of Technologies 1 to 6. This prevents the temperature of the conditioned space from falling outside the comfortable temperature range in response to the DR signal, making it easier to balance safety with the response to the power adjustment demand response while ensuring comfort in the conditioned space.

[0134] (Technology 8) A power management device for controlling a refrigeration cycle device equipped with a compressor that compresses a working medium containing an ethylene-based fluoroolefin, the power management device comprising: a DR receiving unit that receives a DR signal for power adjustment demand response; a discharge temperature receiving unit that receives the temperature of the working medium discharged from the compressor; and a determination unit that, when the DR signal is received, determines the response of the refrigeration cycle device to the DR signal based on the temperature of the working medium discharged from the compressor. This allows the response of the refrigeration cycle device to the DR signal for power adjustment demand response to be determined taking into account the temperature of the working fluid discharged from the compressor, thereby suppressing disproportionation reactions of the working fluid. This makes it easier to achieve both response to power adjustment demand response and safety. It also makes it easier to reduce the environmental impact of the working fluid. [Industrial Applicability]

[0135] The present disclosure is applicable to refrigeration cycle devices and power management devices that control refrigeration cycle devices. Specifically, the present disclosure is applicable to air conditioners, refrigerators, refrigerated showcases, heat pump water heaters, and power management devices that control these devices. [Explanation of symbols]

[0136] 1 Refrigeration cycle device 10 Indoor unit 11 Indoor heat exchanger 12a Display section 12b Audio output section 12c warning light 13 Indoor fan 14 Indoor communication unit 15 Indoor wireless communication unit 17 Flow control valve 18 Indoor temperature sensor 19 First communication unit (DR receiving unit) 20 Gas Pipe 30 Outdoor unit 31 Compressor 32 Working medium temperature sensor 33 Four-way valve 34 Outdoor communication unit 35 Outdoor heat exchanger 37 Outdoor blower 39 Expansion valve 40 Liquid pipe 50 Remote Control 51 Operation section 53 Remote control display 55 Remote control communication unit 57 Remote control unit 70 Control Unit 71 Outdoor unit memory 71a Control Program 73 Outdoor unit processor 73a Equipment control unit 73b Judgment part 73c Notification Department 75 Outdoor unit interface 80 Power management device 81 Management device control section 82 Management device memory 82a Control Program 83 Management Device Processor 83a Equipment control unit 83b Judgment part 83c Notification Department 83d Power adjustment calculation section 84 Management Device Interface 85 Management device display section 86 Second communication unit (discharge temperature receiving unit) 87 Third communication unit (DR receiving unit) 90 Power Management Server 91 Server control unit 92 Server Memory 92a Control Program 93 Server Processors 93a District power adjustment calculation section 94 Server Interface 95 Server-side communication unit 100 Refrigeration Cycle System NW Network S space

Claims

1. A refrigeration cycle device equipped with a compressor and using a working fluid containing an ethylene-based fluoroolefin, a DR receiving unit that receives a DR signal for a power adjustment demand response; a control unit that controls the refrigeration cycle device based on the DR signal received by the DR receiving unit, The control unit determines a response to the DR signal in accordance with a temperature of the working medium discharged from the compressor. Refrigeration cycle equipment.

2. The control unit If the temperature of the working medium discharged from the compressor is equal to or higher than a first temperature, the operation of the refrigeration cycle device is stopped; Disabling the DR signal when the temperature of the working medium discharged from the compressor is equal to or higher than a second temperature that is lower than the first temperature. The refrigeration cycle device according to claim 1.

3. The control unit notifies a user that the DR signal will be invalidated. The refrigeration cycle device according to claim 2.

4. The control unit notifies a transmission source of the DR signal that the DR signal will be invalidated. The refrigeration cycle device according to claim 2.

5. When the DR signal received by the DR receiving unit has content that leads to an increase in the temperature of the working medium discharged from the compressor, the control unit disables the DR signal when the temperature of the working medium discharged from the compressor is equal to or higher than the second temperature. The refrigeration cycle device according to any one of claims 2 to 4.

6. When the DR signal received by the DR receiving unit does not have content that leads to an increase in the temperature of the working medium discharged from the compressor, the control unit does not invalidate the DR signal even if the temperature of the working medium discharged from the compressor is equal to or higher than the second temperature. The refrigeration cycle device according to claim 5.

7. the refrigeration cycle device is an air conditioning device, The control unit determines a response to the DR signal so that the temperature of the space to be conditioned by the refrigeration cycle device is within a comfortable temperature range. The refrigeration cycle device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

8. A power management device for controlling a refrigeration cycle device having a compressor that compresses a working medium containing an ethylene-based fluoroolefin, a DR receiving unit that receives a DR signal for a power adjustment demand response; a discharge temperature receiving unit that receives the temperature of the working medium discharged from the compressor; a determination unit that, when receiving the DR signal, determines a response of the refrigeration cycle device to the DR signal based on the temperature of the working medium discharged from the compressor. Power management device.

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