Refrigeration cycle apparatus

Abstract

To provide a refrigerating cycle device capable of accurately detecting a state of an electrolytic capacitor used for a control device of the refrigerating cycle device and improving safety.SOLUTION: A refrigeration cycle device includes a control device having a plurality of electronic components including at least one electrolytic capacitor and configured to control a refrigerant circuit, an infrared sensor having high detection accuracy and configured to detect an surface temperature of the at least one electrolytic capacitor, and a notification device configured to notify a state of the at least one electrolytic capacitor based on a temperature detected by the infrared sensor. The control device causes the notification device to issue an alarm when the surface temperature of the at least one electrolytic capacitor detected by the infrared sensor is equal to or higher than a preset first reference value, and stops an operation of the refrigeration cycle device when the surface temperature of the at least one electrolytic capacitor detected by the infrared sensor is equal to or higher than a preset second reference value that is set to a temperature higher than the first reference value.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a refrigeration cycle device including a control device and an infrared sensor. [Background technology]

[0002] A control device for a refrigeration cycle device uses multiple electronic components, including an electrolytic capacitor. Depending on the state of deterioration, the electrolytic capacitor may generate heat or sparks. Incidentally, a refrigeration cycle device may contain a slightly flammable or flammable refrigerant in its refrigerant circuit. In the unlikely event of a leak of such a refrigerant in a refrigeration cycle device, it is necessary to accurately detect the state of the electrolytic capacitor so that the deterioration of the electrolytic capacitor does not affect the leaked refrigerant. Particularly when a flammable refrigerant is contained in the refrigeration cycle device's refrigerant circuit, it is necessary to accurately grasp the temperature of the electrolytic capacitor in order to grasp its state. Therefore, a conventional method for detecting the state of an electrolytic capacitor involves measuring the surface temperature of the electrolytic capacitor using a contact sensor, such as a thermistor or a temperature element (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 4508163 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The device of Patent Document 1 uses a thermistor as a temperature sensor, but when measuring the surface temperature of an electrolytic capacitor using a contact sensor such as a thermistor, variations in thermal resistance can reduce detection accuracy, potentially making it difficult to accurately detect the state of the electrolytic capacitor. As described above, in cases where a flammable refrigerant is sealed in the refrigeration cycle device's refrigerant circuit, it is necessary to accurately determine the temperature of the electrolytic capacitor in order to understand the state of the electrolytic capacitor. Therefore, there is a demand for a refrigeration cycle device that can accurately detect the state of the electrolytic capacitor and improve safety.

[0005] The present disclosure is intended to solve the above-mentioned problem, and aims to provide a refrigeration cycle device that can accurately detect the state of an electrolytic capacitor used in a control device of the refrigeration cycle device, thereby improving safety. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The refrigeration cycle device of the present disclosure is a refrigeration cycle device in which a refrigerant circulates through a refrigerant circuit formed by sequentially connecting a compressor, a heat source heat exchanger, an expansion valve, and a load heat exchanger with refrigerant piping, and is equipped with a control device having a plurality of electronic components including at least one electrolytic capacitor and controlling the refrigerant circuit, an infrared sensor with high detection accuracy that detects the surface temperature of the at least one electrolytic capacitor, and an alarm device that notifies the state of the at least one electrolytic capacitor based on the temperature detected by the infrared sensor, and the control device issues an alarm via the alarm device when the surface temperature of the at least one electrolytic capacitor detected by the infrared sensor is equal to or higher than a predetermined first threshold, and stops operation of the refrigeration cycle device when the surface temperature of the at least one electrolytic capacitor detected by the infrared sensor is equal to or higher than a predetermined second threshold that is set to a temperature higher than the first threshold. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a refrigeration cycle device that can accurately detect the state of an electrolytic capacitor used in a control device of the refrigeration cycle device, thereby improving safety. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a refrigerant circuit diagram that schematically illustrates an example of the configuration of a refrigeration cycle device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 2 is an enlarged view of a first example of a control device portion of the refrigeration cycle device according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 3] 4 is an enlarged view of a second example of a control device portion of the refrigeration cycle device according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a configuration of an example of an electrolytic capacitor. [Figure 5] 2 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the control device shown in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 6] 3 is a conceptual side view of the control device and the infrared sensor of FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 7] 4 is a conceptual side view of the control device and the infrared sensor of FIG. 3. FIG. [Figure 8] 8 is a conceptual side view of a control device and an infrared sensor according to a modification of FIG. 7. FIG. [Figure 9] 4 is a diagram showing the relationship between time (T) and surface temperature (° C.) in the refrigeration cycle device according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 10] 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a process for determining the state of an electrolytic capacitor in the refrigeration cycle device according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a refrigerant circuit diagram that schematically illustrates an example of the configuration of a refrigeration cycle device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of a control device portion of a refrigeration cycle device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram of an agitator of a refrigeration cycle device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 14]FIG. 10 is a refrigerant circuit diagram of a first modified example, schematically illustrating an example of the configuration of a refrigeration cycle device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a refrigerant circuit diagram of a second modified example, schematically illustrating an example of the configuration of the refrigeration cycle device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a control device in a refrigeration cycle device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 17] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a process for determining the state of an electrolytic capacitor in a refrigeration cycle device according to a second embodiment. FIG. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of a first example of a control device portion of a refrigeration cycle device according to a third embodiment. [Figure 19] 19 is a conceptual side view of the control device and the infrared sensor of FIG. 18. FIG. [Figure 20] FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of a second example of a control device portion of a refrigeration cycle device according to a third embodiment. [Figure 21] 21 is a conceptual side view of the control device and the infrared sensor of FIG. 20. FIG. [Figure 22] FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing an example of a process for determining the states of a plurality of electronic components in the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to the third embodiment. [Figure 23] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing another example of the process of determining the states of a plurality of electronic components in the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to the third embodiment. [Figure 24] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the relationship between time (T) and surface temperature (° C.) in the refrigeration cycle device according to the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Hereinafter, in the following drawings, including FIG. 1, components denoted with the same reference numerals are identical or equivalent, and are common throughout the following embodiments. In each embodiment, components that are identical or equivalent to those described in the preceding embodiment may be denoted with the same reference numerals, and their description may be omitted. The forms of components shown throughout the specification are merely examples and are not limited to the forms described in the specification. The following embodiments may be partially combined with each other, even if not specifically stated, as long as there is no particular problem with the combination.

[0010] Embodiment 1 [Configuration of refrigeration cycle device 100] 1 is a refrigerant circuit diagram schematically showing a configuration example of a refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 1. The refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 is an apparatus that utilizes a refrigeration cycle, and is, for example, an apparatus used for refrigeration or air conditioning purposes, such as a refrigeration apparatus such as a refrigerator, a freezer or other freezing apparatus, a vending machine, an air conditioner, or a hot water supply apparatus.

[0011] The refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 includes a heat source device 1 and a load device 2.

[0012] The heat source device 1 includes a first housing 1A that forms an outer shell, and a compressor 10, a heat-source heat exchanger 11, and a control device 12 that are housed inside the first housing 1A. In the example shown in FIG. 1 , the heat source device 1 includes an infrared sensor 40 with high detection accuracy that detects the surface temperature of at least one electrolytic capacitor 35 (described later). The heat source device 1 also includes an alarm device 50 that notifies the state of the at least one electrolytic capacitor 35 based on the temperature detected by the infrared sensor 40. That is, the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 includes the control device 12, the infrared sensor 40, and the alarm device 50.

[0013] The load device 2 includes a second housing 2A that forms an outer shell, and an expansion valve 20 and a load heat exchanger 21 housed inside the second housing 2A. That is, the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 includes a compressor 10, a heat source heat exchanger 11, a control device 12, the expansion valve 20, and the load heat exchanger 21.

[0014] In the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100, a compressor 10, a heat source heat exchanger 11, an expansion valve 20, and a load heat exchanger 21 are connected by a refrigerant piping 3 through which the refrigerant flows, thereby constituting a refrigerant circuit 4 through which the refrigerant circulates. In the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100, the refrigerant circulates through the refrigerant circuit 4, which is configured by sequentially connecting the compressor 10, the heat source heat exchanger 11, the expansion valve 20, and the load heat exchanger 21 by the refrigerant piping 3. The refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant circuit 4 is, for example, a flammable refrigerant or a slightly flammable refrigerant. Examples of flammable refrigerants include propane and isobutane, and examples of slightly flammable refrigerants include R32 and HFO refrigerants.

[0015] In the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100, the expansion valve 20 may be provided in the first housing 1A of the heat source apparatus 1 instead of the load apparatus 2, or may be provided outside the heat source apparatus 1 and the load apparatus 2. Furthermore, in FIG. 1, the alarm device 50 is used in the heat source apparatus 1, but may be used in the load apparatus 2 or may be used outside the heat source apparatus 1 and the load apparatus 2. Furthermore, in FIG. 1, the control device 12 is used in the heat source apparatus 1, but may be used in the load apparatus 2. The infrared sensor 40 is used together with the control device 12.

[0016] (Compressor 10) The compressor 10 draws in low-temperature, low-pressure gas refrigerant from the refrigerant pipe 3, compresses it, and discharges it into the refrigerant pipe 3 as high-temperature, high-pressure gas refrigerant. The compressor 10 is a scroll type, rotary type, reciprocating type, screw type, or other compressor. The compressor 10 may be equipped with an inverter device, and the capacity, which is the amount of discharge per unit time, may be controlled by changing the operating frequency. The operating frequency of the compressor 10 may be controlled by a control device 12. The refrigerant discharged from the compressor 10 flows into the heat source heat exchanger 11.

[0017] (Heat source heat exchanger 11) The heat source heat exchanger 11 is, for example, a fin-tube heat exchanger, and performs heat exchange between air supplied by a heat source blower 11A including a fan and the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant circuit 4, thereby cooling and condensing the refrigerant. The heat source heat exchanger 11 condenses the refrigerant by dissipating heat from the refrigerant flowing inside the heat source heat exchanger 11 into the air surrounding the heat source heat exchanger 11. The heat source heat exchanger 11 may be an air-cooled heat exchanger, or may be a water-cooled heat exchanger such as a plate-type heat exchanger. The heat source blower 11A generates an airflow and supplies air to the heat source heat exchanger 11.

[0018] When the heat source heat exchanger 11 is a water-cooled heat exchanger, the heat source heat exchanger 11 exchanges heat between water supplied by a water pump or the like (not shown) and the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant circuit 4. The refrigerant discharged from the compressor 10 and flowing into the heat source heat exchanger 11 becomes a low-temperature, high-pressure liquid refrigerant in the heat source heat exchanger 11, flows out of the heat source heat exchanger 11, and then flows into the expansion valve 20.

[0019] (Expansion valve 20) The expansion valve 20 is, for example, an electronic expansion valve capable of adjusting the aperture opening, and controls the pressure of the refrigerant flowing into the load heat exchanger 21 by adjusting the valve opening. The valve opening of the expansion valve 20 is controlled, for example, by the control device 12. The expansion valve 20 reduces the pressure of the liquid refrigerant that has flowed out of the heat source heat exchanger 11 and flowed into the expansion valve 20, causing it to expand. The liquid refrigerant reduced in pressure by the expansion valve 20 flows out of the expansion valve 20 and then flows into the load heat exchanger 21.

[0020] (Load heat exchanger 21) The load heat exchanger 21 is, for example, a fin-tube heat exchanger, and performs heat exchange between air in a target space supplied by a load blower 21A including a fan and refrigerant that flows out of the expansion valve 20 and into the load heat exchanger 21, thereby evaporating the refrigerant. The target space is, for example, the interior space of a refrigerator, a freezer, or the like. The target space may also be an indoor space to be air-conditioned. The load device 2 may include a load blower 21A that generates an airflow and supplies air to the load heat exchanger 21.

[0021] In the load heat exchanger 21, the refrigerant absorbs heat from the air in the target space and cools the air. The load heat exchanger 21 evaporates the refrigerant flowing inside the load heat exchanger 21, and the heat of evaporation cools the air present around the load heat exchanger 21. The refrigerant flowing out of the load heat exchanger 21 flows into the compressor 10.

[0022] (Control device 12) The control device 12 controls each device constituting the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100. That is, the control device 12 controls the refrigerant circuit 4. The control device 12 controls the operation of the entire refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 based on various information received from each device of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100. The control device 12 controls the operating frequency of the compressor 10, the valve opening of the expansion valve 20, etc. based on, for example, measurement results of all or some of the sensors in the sensor group.

[0023] Fig. 2 is an enlarged view of a first example of the control device 12 portion of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment. Fig. 3 is an enlarged view of a second example of the control device 12 portion of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 3, the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 has a controller 121 formed in a box shape. The control device 12 is housed inside the controller 121.

[0024] 2 and 3, the control device 12 has a plurality of electronic components 30 including at least one electrolytic capacitor 35. The control device 12 also has a substrate 31 on which at least one electrolytic capacitor 35 is mounted. The substrate 31 has a plurality of electronic components 30 mounted thereon.

[0025] Fig. 4 is a conceptual diagram showing the configuration of an example of electrolytic capacitor 35. Fig. 4 shows an example of a snap-in type electrolytic capacitor 35. Electrolytic capacitor 35 is formed in a columnar shape. Electrolytic capacitor 35 is formed in, for example, a cylindrical shape. Electrolytic capacitor 35 has an element 35A, an aluminum tab 35B, a sealing plate 35C, a terminal 35D, an aluminum case 35E, and a sleeve 35F.

[0026] Electrolytic capacitor 35 has element 35A and aluminum tab 35B housed inside aluminum case 35E, and the opening of aluminum case 35E is sealed with sealing plate 35C. Terminal 35D protrudes outside aluminum case 35E, and element 35A and terminal 35D are connected by aluminum tab 35B. The outside of aluminum case 35E is covered by sleeve 35F.

[0027] The control device 12 includes, for example, a CPU 12A (Central Processing Unit) that executes programs and a memory 12B that stores data and programs required for control. The control device 12 may also include an input / output interface circuit (not shown) for inputting and outputting various signals.

[0028] The memory 12B includes, for example, a read-only memory (ROM) and a random access memory (RAM). For example, a non-volatile semiconductor memory such as a read-only memory (ROM), a flash memory, an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), or an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) may be used as the memory 12B. Alternatively, a volatile semiconductor memory such as a random access memory (RAM) may be used as the memory 12B.

[0029] Furthermore, the memory 12B may be a removable recording medium such as a magnetic disk, a flexible disk, an optical disk, a CD (Compact Disc), an MD (Mini Disc), or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc).

[0030] In the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100, a program indicating the processing procedures of the control device 12 is stored, for example, in a ROM. The CPU 12A loads the program into a RAM and executes it, whereby the control device 12 executes various processes such as control of the compressor 10.

[0031] The memory 12B stores in advance programs, data, etc. necessary as control information used by the control device 12. The memory 12B stores information, etc. necessary when the control device 12 controls the devices that make up the refrigeration cycle device 100. The memory 12B may also store various setting information input to an input unit (not shown).

[0032] All or part of the functions of the control device 12 may be achieved by dedicated hardware, such as a Complex Programmable Logic Device (CPLD) or a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), or an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC).

[0033] Fig. 5 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the control device 12 shown in Fig. 1. As shown in Fig. 5, the control device 12 includes an operating state determination unit 12A1, a timing unit 12A2, a compressor control unit 12A3, an expansion valve control unit 12A4, and an alarm device control unit 12A5.

[0034] The operating state determination unit 12A1 controls the operation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 based on, for example, operating information of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 supplied from the compressor 10, the expansion valve 20, the infrared sensor 40, etc., and control information predetermined in the memory 12B. The operating information and control information of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 include, for example, the operating frequency of the compressor 10, the valve opening of the expansion valve 20, and the temperature of the electrolytic capacitor 35 of the control device 12 detected by the infrared sensor 40.

[0035] Operation information of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 may be supplied from the compressor 10, the expansion valve 20, etc. by communication, or may utilize the current state of each device set in the control device 12. That is, the control device 12 may utilize the operation frequency of the compressor 10 and the valve opening of the expansion valve 20, etc., currently set in the control device 12, as operation information of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100. The control device 12 controls the operation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 by adjusting the operation frequency of the compressor 10, the valve opening of the expansion valve 20, etc.

[0036] The timing unit 12A2 is, for example, a timer or a real-time clock, and is used to acquire the current time and measure a set time. The timing unit 12A2 may measure, for example, the compressor operation time or the compressor stop time, and can be responsible for measuring all times related to the control of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100.

[0037] Compressor control unit 12A3 controls the operating frequency of compressor 10 to control the rotation speed of compressor 10 based on information from operating state determination unit 12A1. Expansion valve control unit 12A4 controls the opening of expansion valve 20 based on information from operating state determination unit 12A1. Alarm device control unit 12A5 controls the issuance of an alarm by alarm device 50 based on information from operating state determination unit 12A1. Although FIG. 5 illustrates operating state determination unit 12A1, compressor control unit 12A3, expansion valve control unit 12A4, and alarm device control unit 12A5 as having different configurations, these configurations may be integrated.

[0038] The refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 may have a flow path switching device (not shown) in addition to the above configuration. The flow path switching device is, for example, a four-way valve, which switches the flow direction of the refrigerant. When the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 has a four-way valve as the flow path switching device, the four-way valve may be connected as follows. The four-way valve is connected to a pipe connected to the discharge port of the compressor 10, a pipe connected to the suction port of the compressor 10, a pipe connected to the heat source heat exchanger 11, and a pipe connected to the load heat exchanger 21.

[0039] The flow path switching by the flow path switching device is performed by the control device 12. When the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 is an air conditioner, the control device 12 switches between cooling operation and heating operation of the air conditioner by switching the flow path in the flow path switching device. When the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 has a flow path switching device, the heat source heat exchanger 11 may function as an evaporator by switching the flow path by the flow path switching device. Also, when the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 has a flow path switching device, the load heat exchanger 21 may function as a condenser by switching the flow path by the flow path switching device.

[0040] (Infrared sensor 40) The infrared sensor 40 is an infrared sensor with high detection accuracy, and detects the surface temperature of at least one electrolytic capacitor 35. Alternatively, the infrared sensor 40 may be an infrared sensor with high detection accuracy, and may detect the surface temperatures of multiple electronic components 30. The infrared sensor 40 is, for example, a thermal diode type sensor.

[0041] The infrared sensor 40 has a detection range equal to or greater than the temperature fluctuation range of the object to be detected. The infrared sensor 40 also has an operating range equal to or greater than the ambient temperature range of the installation location. The infrared sensor 40 has a detection temperature resolution (NETD: Noise Equivalent Temperature Difference) of 1K or less.

[0042] The infrared sensor 40 is an infrared sensor that can measure absolute values ​​and has high resolution (appropriate resolution), and also has a certain number of pixels or more. In other words, the infrared sensor 40 is a sensor with high detection accuracy. An infrared sensor with high detection accuracy is a sensor that satisfies two conditions: it is a sensor with "high resolution" (1K or less) and a sensor with "a certain number of pixels or more."

[0043] The infrared sensor 40 uses a sensor with a "high resolution" (1K or less) in order to prevent false detections and non-detections. The infrared sensor 40 uses a sensor with a "certain number of pixels or more" in order to distinguish which part of multiple components is the target of detection. "A certain number of pixels or more" means, for example, that a 40cm x 30cm board requires a pixel count of approximately 80 x 60 pixels. The infrared sensor 40 may use a sensor with a different number of pixels depending on the size of the board or the number of components. Even if the resolution is high, if the pixel count is low it will not be possible to detect which part of which component is generating heat, so it is desirable for the infrared sensor 40 to be a sensor with a "certain number of pixels or more."

[0044] The thermal diode type infrared sensor 40 converts the temperature measured by the thermal diode receiving infrared rays into a format that can be transmitted to the operating state determination unit 12A1, and generates temperature distribution information that indicates the temperature distribution of the surface temperatures of the electrolytic capacitors 35. The thermal diode type infrared sensor 40 may also convert the temperature measured by the thermal diode receiving infrared rays into a format that can be transmitted to the operating state determination unit 12A1, and generate temperature distribution information that indicates the temperature distribution of the surface temperatures of the plurality of electronic components 30.

[0045] 4, the surface temperature of the top surface of electrolytic capacitor 35 is low because it is sealed with sealing plate 35C. The resin portion of side surface portion 35F1 covered with sleeve 35F has high infrared radiation and can accurately detect temperature increases. Therefore, infrared sensor 40 is desirably provided at a position that measures the temperature of the resin portion of the case of electrolytic capacitor 35, i.e., side surface portion 35F1 of the case.

[0046] Fig. 6 is a conceptual side view of the control device 12 and the infrared sensor 40 in Fig. 2. Fig. 7 is a conceptual side view of the control device 12 and the infrared sensor 40 in Fig. 3. The installation position of the infrared sensor 40 will be described with reference to Figs. 2, 3, 6, and 7. As shown in Fig. 2 and other figures, the infrared sensor 40 is installed in the same space as the electrolytic capacitor 35. In other words, the infrared sensor 40 is installed in the same space as the control device 12.

[0047] The infrared sensor 40 is mounted on a sensor substrate 41. As shown in Figures 2 and 6, the sensor substrate 41 on which the infrared sensor 40 is mounted is provided so as to extend, for example, perpendicular to the substrate 31 on which the electrolytic capacitor 35 is mounted. The sensor substrate 41 is formed, for example, in the shape of a flat plate.

[0048] The infrared sensor 40 is disposed, for example, so as to face the side surface of at least one electrolytic capacitor 35. That is, the infrared sensor 40 is disposed so as to face the resin portion of the side surface portion 35F1 of one or more electrolytic capacitors 35. In the cases of the embodiments shown in FIGS. 2 and 6, when measuring the surface temperature of the electrolytic capacitor 35, it is desirable that no other electronic components 30 or the like are present between the infrared sensor 40 and the electrolytic capacitor 35.

[0049] The infrared sensor 40 is disposed so as to face the side surface of the electrolytic capacitor 35, and measures the surface temperature of the side surface portion 35F1 of the electrolytic capacitor 35.

[0050] 3 and 7, the sensor board 41 on which the infrared sensor 40 is mounted may be provided so as to face the board 31 on which the electrolytic capacitor 35 is mounted, for example. The sensor board 41 is attached to a metal plate 122 that constitutes the controller 121. The metal plate 122 on which the sensor board 41 is mounted is provided so as to face the board 31 and to cover the top of the electrolytic capacitor 35. The top of the electrolytic capacitor 35 is the opposite direction from the board 31 with respect to the electrolytic capacitor 35. The up-down direction of the electrolytic capacitor 35 is perpendicular to the board 31.

[0051] 3 and 7, the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 may be arranged such that, when the mounting side of the electrolytic capacitors 35 is downward, the infrared sensor 40 faces a portion A1 of the substrate 31 located below a side surface portion 35F1 of at least one electrolytic capacitor 35. The portion A1 of the substrate 31 is a portion that is heated by heat emitted from the side surface portion 35F1 of the electrolytic capacitor 35. The portion A1 of the substrate 31 also reflects the heat emitted from the side surface portion 35F1 of the electrolytic capacitor 35.

[0052] Fig. 8 is a conceptual side view of the control device 12 and infrared sensor 40 of the modified example of Fig. 7. With the substrate 31 side positioned below the electrolytic capacitor 35 and the side opposite the substrate 31 positioned above, as shown in Fig. 8, the infrared sensor 40 may be disposed so as to face at least one electrolytic capacitor 35 in a direction perpendicular to the substrate 31. Furthermore, the infrared sensor 40 may be disposed so as to face at least a portion of the electrolytic capacitor 35 in a direction perpendicular to the substrate 31.

[0053] 3, 7, and 8, the infrared sensor 40 measures the surface temperature of the electrolytic capacitor 35 through the substrate 31 by measuring the portion A1 of the substrate 31 that is heated by the heat emitted from the side portion 35F1 of the electrolytic capacitor 35. Alternatively, the infrared sensor 40 measures the surface temperature of the electrolytic capacitor 35 through the substrate 31 by measuring the portion A1 of the substrate 31 that reflects the heat emitted from the side portion 35F1 of the electrolytic capacitor 35. Alternatively, the infrared sensor 40 measures the surface temperature of the electrolytic capacitor 35 by measuring the side portion 35F1 of the electrolytic capacitor 35 and the air around the side portion 35F1. The infrared sensor 40 measures the surface temperature of the side portion 35F1 of the electrolytic capacitor 35 using one or more of these methods for measuring the surface temperature of the electrolytic capacitor 35.

[0054] (Alarm device 50) The alarm device 50 is a device that notifies a predetermined state of the electrolytic capacitor 35 based on the detection by the infrared sensor 40 and the control of the control device 12. The alarm device 50 is a device that notifies a person of an abnormal state of the electrolytic capacitor 35 by sound, light, or the like based on the detected surface temperature of the electrolytic capacitor 35.

[0055] As described above, the alarm device 50 notifies the state of at least one electrolytic capacitor 35 based on the temperature detected by the infrared sensor 40. The alarm device 50 and the control device 12 are connected by wire or wirelessly. For example, when the surface temperature of the electrolytic capacitor 35 detected by the infrared sensor 40 is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold and the control device 12 determines that the electrolytic capacitor 35 is abnormal, the alarm device 50 receives an alarm signal emitted from the control device 12 and issues an alert.

[0056] The alarm device 50 is, for example, a display device 51 as shown in FIG. 1 , and the alarm by the alarm device 50 is given by emitting light from the display device 51 or by displaying characters or symbols on the display device 51. As a method of giving a warning by the alarm device 50, for example, a warning light or the like on the display device 51 may be turned on or flashed to notify a person of the state of the electrolytic capacitor 35 by light. The display device 51 is, for example, a device using an LED (Light Emitting Diode). The LED may be, for example, a bullet-type LED, a surface-mounted LED, or a chip-on-board LED. Note that the display device 51 is not limited to a device using an LED, as long as it gives a visual warning.

[0057] 1, and the alarm by the alarm device 50 is made by sound emitted from the speaker 52. As a method of notification by the alarm device 50, for example, an alarm sound such as a buzzer may be emitted from the speaker 52 to notify a person of the state of the electrolytic capacitor 35 by sound. Note that as a method of notification by the alarm device 50, both the display device 51 and the speaker 52 may be used to notify a person of the state of the electrolytic capacitor 35 by both sound and light.

[0058] The state of the electrolytic capacitor 35 detected by the infrared sensor 40 may be displayed on a display unit 53A of the information processing device 53 or may be sent by email. In addition, the information processing device 53 is capable of audio output, and the state of the electrolytic capacitor 35 may be reported by audio output from the information processing device 53. The information processing device 53 is, for example, a remote control, a smart device such as a smartphone or a tablet, or a personal computer.

[0059] [Operation of the refrigeration cycle device 100] Next, the operation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 1. The refrigerant drawn into the compressor 10 is compressed by the compressor 10 and discharged in a high-temperature, high-pressure gas state. The high-temperature, high-pressure gas state refrigerant discharged from the compressor 10 passes through the refrigerant pipe 3 and flows into the heat source heat exchanger 11, which acts as a condenser.

[0060] The refrigerant that flows into the heat source heat exchanger 11 exchanges heat with the air present around the heat source heat exchanger 11. In the heat source heat exchanger 11, the refrigerant condenses and liquefies by dissipating heat to the air present around the heat source heat exchanger 11. At that time, the air present around the heat source heat exchanger 11 is warmed.

[0061] The liquid refrigerant that flows out of the heat source heat exchanger 11 flows through the refrigerant pipe 3 and flows into the expansion valve 20. The liquid refrigerant that flows into the expansion valve 20 is decompressed and expanded to become low-temperature, low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant. The gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant that flows out of the expansion valve 20 flows into the load heat exchanger 21, which acts as an evaporator.

[0062] The refrigerant that flows into the load heat exchanger 21 exchanges heat with the air surrounding the load heat exchanger 21, evaporating and gasifying. At this time, the air surrounding the load heat exchanger 21 is cooled by heat exchange with the refrigerant. The evaporated refrigerant in a low-temperature, low-pressure gas state then flows out of the load heat exchanger 21 and is drawn into the compressor 10. The refrigerant drawn into the compressor 10 is compressed again by the compressor 10 into a high-temperature, high-pressure gas refrigerant and is discharged.

[0063] [Example of control by the control device 12] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the relationship between time (T) and surface temperature (°C) in the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment. The time (T) shown on the horizontal axis indicates elapsed time or time, with the time increasing toward the right. The vertical axis indicates the surface temperature (°C) of the electrolytic capacitor 35. That is, the surface temperature (°C) shown on the vertical axis is the temperature detected by the infrared sensor 40. The temperature increases toward the top of the vertical axis. FIG. 9 shows an example of the surface temperature of the electrolytic capacitor 35 versus elapsed time.

[0064] 9, the first threshold T1 is 120° C. and the second threshold T2 is 150° C. The second threshold T2 is a temperature higher than the first threshold T1. The first threshold T1 and the second threshold T2 are stored in advance in the memory 12B or the like and are used in control by the CPU 12A or the like.

[0065] 9, the first threshold T1 is set to 120°C and the second threshold T2 is set to 150°C as an example, but the first threshold T1 and the second threshold T2 are not limited to these temperatures. The first threshold T1 and the second threshold T2 are set by checking the case temperature of the electrolytic capacitor 35 used when the safety valve opens (electrolyte sprays out) through a life end test or the like, and taking into account a margin of error.

[0066] Fig. 10 is a flow chart showing an example of a process for determining the state of the electrolytic capacitor 35 in the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment. The process for determining the state of the electrolytic capacitor 35 by the control device 12 will be described with reference to Figs. 9 and 10. The process for determining the state of the electrolytic capacitor 35 by the control device 12 described below may be performed continuously or at predetermined intervals. The process for determining the state of the electrolytic capacitor 35 by the control device 12 may also be performed at predetermined times. Alternatively, the process for determining the state of the electrolytic capacitor 35 by the control device 12 may be performed by a person inputting a start command to the control device 12 via a switch, a remote control, or the like.

[0067] 10, in step S1, the infrared sensor 40 measures the surface temperature of the electrolytic capacitor 35. The surface temperature of the electrolytic capacitor 35 measured by the infrared sensor 40 in step S1 is used by the control device 12. That is, in step S1, the control device 12 measures the surface temperature of the electrolytic capacitor 35 using the infrared sensor 40.

[0068] In step S2, the control device 12 determines whether the surface temperature of the electrolytic capacitor 35 measured using the infrared sensor 40 is equal to or higher than the first threshold value T1. That is, the control device 12 determines whether the surface temperature of the electrolytic capacitor 35 is equal to or higher than the first threshold value T1. The first threshold value T1 is, for example, 120° C. as shown in FIG. 9.

[0069] In step S2, if the surface temperature of electrolytic capacitor 35 measured using infrared sensor 40 is less than first threshold value T1 (if step S2 is NO), the process of determining the state of electrolytic capacitor 35 by control device 12 ends. In this case, control device 12 determines that there is no abnormality in electrolytic capacitor 35.

[0070] In step S2, if the surface temperature of electrolytic capacitor 35 measured using infrared sensor 40 is equal to or higher than first threshold value T1 (YES in step S2), the process proceeds to step S3. In step S3, control device 12 determines whether the surface temperature of electrolytic capacitor 35 measured using infrared sensor 40 is equal to or higher than second threshold value T2. That is, control device 12 determines whether the surface temperature of electrolytic capacitor 35 is equal to or higher than second threshold value T2. The second threshold value T2 is, for example, 150°C as shown in FIG. 9.

[0071] In step S3, if the surface temperature of the electrolytic capacitor 35 measured using the infrared sensor 40 is less than the second threshold value T2 (if NO in step S3), the control device 12 does not stop the operation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 (step S5). Also, in step S3, if the surface temperature of the electrolytic capacitor 35 measured using the infrared sensor 40 is less than the second threshold value T2 (if NO in step S3), the control device 12 issues an alarm using the alarm device 50 (step S5).

[0072] The alarm device 50 issues an alarm by emitting the above-mentioned sound, emitting light, or displaying characters or the like. If step S3 is NO, the control device 12 issues an alarm by the alarm device 50 without stopping the operation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 (step S5), and ends the process of determining the state of the electrolytic capacitor 35 by the control device 12. In this case, the control device 12 determines that there is an abnormality in the electrolytic capacitor 35 that requires a warning.

[0073] In step S3, if the surface temperature of the electrolytic capacitor 35 measured using the infrared sensor 40 is equal to or higher than the second threshold value T2 (if step S3 is YES), the control device 12 stops the operation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 (step S4). If step S3 is YES, the control device 12 stops the operation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 (step S4), and the process of determining the state of the electrolytic capacitor 35 by the control device 12 ends.

[0074] In this case, the control device 12 determines that the state of the electrolytic capacitor 35 is abnormal enough to require immediate stopping of the operation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100. The control device 12 stops the operation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 to prevent the refrigerant from being affected by fire or the like caused by heat generation or a malfunction of the electrolytic capacitor 35, thereby improving the safety of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100.

[0075] In the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100, the control device 12 issues an alarm via the alarm device 50 when the surface temperature of at least one electrolytic capacitor 35 detected by the infrared sensor 40 is equal to or higher than a predetermined first threshold value T1. The control device 12 stops operation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 when the surface temperature of at least one electrolytic capacitor 35 detected by the infrared sensor 40 is equal to or higher than a predetermined second threshold value T2, which is set to a temperature higher than the first threshold value T1.

[0076] [Actions and Effects of the Refrigeration Cycle Device 100] The refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 is a refrigeration cycle apparatus in which a refrigerant circulates through a refrigerant circuit 4 configured by sequentially connecting a compressor 10, a heat source heat exchanger 11, an expansion valve 20, and a load heat exchanger 21 via a refrigerant pipe 3. The refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 has a plurality of electronic components 30 including at least one electrolytic capacitor 35, and is equipped with a control device 12 that controls the refrigerant circuit 4. The refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 also includes an infrared sensor 40 with high detection accuracy that detects the surface temperature of the at least one electrolytic capacitor 35. The refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 also includes an alarm device 50 that notifies the state of the at least one electrolytic capacitor 35 based on the temperature detected by the infrared sensor 40. The control device 12 issues an alarm via the alarm device 50 when the surface temperature of the at least one electrolytic capacitor 35 detected by the infrared sensor 40 is equal to or higher than a predetermined first threshold T1. The control device 12 stops operation of the refrigeration cycle device 100 when the surface temperature of at least one electrolytic capacitor 35 detected by the infrared sensor 40 is equal to or higher than a predetermined second threshold T2, which is set to a temperature higher than the first threshold T1.

[0077] The refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 includes an infrared sensor 40 with high detection accuracy, thereby enabling accurate detection of the state of the electrolytic capacitors 35. In other words, the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 can improve detection accuracy by using an infrared sensor 40 with high resolution. With this improved sensor detection accuracy, the control device 12 of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 issues an alarm via the alarm device 50 when the surface temperature of at least one electrolytic capacitor 35 detected by the infrared sensor 40 is equal to or higher than a predetermined first threshold value T1. The control device 12 stops operation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 when the surface temperature of at least one electrolytic capacitor 35 detected by the infrared sensor 40 is equal to or higher than a predetermined second threshold value T2, which is set to a temperature higher than the first threshold value T1. The refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 can recognize the possibility of a malfunction of the electrolytic capacitor 35 by issuing an alarm corresponding to the state of the electrolytic capacitor 35, and can also stop operation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 in response to the state of the electrolytic capacitor 35. The above two-stage means of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 can improve the safety of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100. Furthermore, the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 issues an alarm corresponding to the state of the electrolytic capacitor 35, allowing the user to recognize the possibility of a malfunction of the electrolytic capacitor 35 and perform the replacement of the electrolytic capacitor 35, thereby preventing malfunction of the electrolytic capacitor that may cause sparks.

[0078] To detect the deterioration state of electrolytic capacitors more accurately than contact-type sensors, it is possible to use a thermopile infrared sensor to detect the temperature of the electrolytic capacitor. In this case, due to the accuracy of the thermopile sensor, it is possible to determine the state of the electrolytic capacitor based on a relative value, i.e., the temperature difference between the electrolytic capacitor temperature and the substrate temperature, rather than the absolute value, i.e., the temperature of the electrolytic capacitor. Therefore, conventional techniques using thermopile infrared sensors do not compensate for ambient temperature, and therefore are likely to result in a detection error of several tens of degrees Celsius. Furthermore, thermopile infrared sensors generally have low resolution, i.e., a small number of pixels, making it difficult to detect heat generation from small electronic components or localized heat generation.

[0079] If a spark occurs due to a malfunction of an electrolytic capacitor or the like when a refrigerant leaks due to a malfunction of the refrigeration cycle device, the spark may ignite the refrigerant, depending on the type of refrigerant (e.g., mildly flammable or flammable) and the concentration of the refrigerant. If a mildly flammable or flammable refrigerant is sealed in the refrigerant circuit, the accurate temperature of the electronic components 30, such as the electrolytic capacitor 35, may not be known, which could lead to fire or explosion. Therefore, the refrigeration cycle device requires the status of the electrolytic capacitor to be managed while reducing the risk of false detection by the infrared sensor.

[0080] The refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 is equipped with an infrared sensor 40 with high detection accuracy, allowing it to accurately detect the state of the electrolytic capacitor 35. With improved sensor detection accuracy, the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 can recognize the possibility of electrolytic capacitor 35 failure by issuing an alarm corresponding to the state of the electrolytic capacitor 35 and can stop operation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 in response to the state of the electrolytic capacitor 35. This two-stage mechanism improves the safety of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100. Furthermore, the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 can recognize the possibility of electrolytic capacitor 35 failure by issuing an alarm corresponding to the state of the electrolytic capacitor 35 and can replace the electrolytic capacitor 35, thereby preventing electrolytic capacitor failures such as sparks. When the surface temperature of the electrolytic capacitor 35 increases rapidly due to the application of an overcurrent equivalent to a deterioration in the life of the electrolytic capacitor 35 or a malfunction, the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 issues an alarm or stops operation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 to prevent electrolytic capacitor 35 failure.

[0081] The infrared sensor 40 is a thermal diode type sensor. A thermal diode type infrared sensor has higher resolution, i.e., a larger number of pixels, than a thermopile type infrared sensor. By using the infrared sensor 40 with high detection accuracy (high resolution), the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 can easily detect heat generation from small electronic components 30 or local heat generation. Therefore, by including the thermal diode type infrared sensor 40, the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 can accurately detect the state of the electrolytic capacitor 35. In addition to improving the detection accuracy of the sensor in this way, the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 can improve the safety of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 by using a two-stage method: issuing an alarm corresponding to the state of the electrolytic capacitor 35 and stopping operation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100.

[0082] The refrigerant used in the refrigerant circuit 4 is flammable or slightly flammable. When using such a refrigerant, if a refrigerant leaks due to a malfunction of the refrigeration cycle device and a spark occurs due to a malfunction of the electrolytic capacitor, etc., there is a risk that the spark may ignite the refrigerant, depending on the refrigerant concentration and other conditions. The refrigeration cycle device 100 is equipped with an infrared sensor 40 with high detection accuracy, which allows it to accurately detect the state of the electrolytic capacitor 35. With this improved sensor detection accuracy, the refrigeration cycle device 100 improves its safety through a two-stage mechanism: issuing an alarm corresponding to the state of the electrolytic capacitor 35 and shutting down the operation of the refrigeration cycle device 100. The refrigeration cycle device 100 uses a highly accurate thermal diode-type infrared sensor 40 to accurately measure the surface temperature of the electrolytic capacitor 35. If an abnormal temperature rise is detected, the refrigeration cycle device 100 issues an alarm or shuts down the operation of the refrigeration cycle device 100. This prevents short circuits and fires caused by the electrolytic capacitor, improving the safety of the refrigeration cycle device 100.

[0083] The control device 12 has a substrate 31 on which at least one electrolytic capacitor 35 is mounted. The infrared sensor 40 is mounted on a sensor substrate 41 that extends perpendicular to the substrate 31. The at least one electrolytic capacitor 35 is formed in a columnar shape. The infrared sensor 40 is arranged to face the side surface of the at least one electrolytic capacitor 35. As described above, the side surface portion 35F1 of the electrolytic capacitor 35 has high infrared radiation and can accurately detect temperature increases. Because the infrared sensor 40 is arranged to face the side surface of the at least one electrolytic capacitor 35, it can accurately detect the surface temperature of the electrolytic capacitor 35. By being installed opposite the electrolytic capacitor 35, the refrigeration cycle device 100 does not need to use other components such as an infrared reflector that reflects infrared rays.

[0084] The control device 12 has a substrate 31 on which at least one electrolytic capacitor 35 is mounted. The infrared sensor 40 is mounted on a sensor substrate 41 disposed opposite the substrate 31. The at least one electrolytic capacitor 35 is formed in a columnar shape. When the mounting side of the at least one electrolytic capacitor 35 is downward, the substrate 31 located below a side portion 35F1 of the at least one electrolytic capacitor 35 is disposed opposite the infrared sensor 40. As described above, the side portion 35F1 of the electrolytic capacitor 35 has high infrared radiation. By disposing the substrate 31 located below the side portion 35F1 of the at least one electrolytic capacitor 35 opposite the infrared sensor 40, the surface temperature of the electrolytic capacitor 35 can be accurately detected by utilizing the reflection and heat dissipation of the substrate 31. The infrared sensor 40 is disposed opposite the substrate 31 located below the side surface portion 35F1 of the electrolytic capacitor 35, and the infrared sensor 40 is located above the side surface portion 35F1 of the electrolytic capacitor 35, so that the surface temperature of the electrolytic capacitor 35 can be detected with high accuracy. The refrigeration cycle device 100 is installed in a direction perpendicular to the substrate 31 on which the electrolytic capacitor 35 is mounted, and therefore does not require the use of other members such as an infrared reflector that reflects infrared rays.

[0085] The infrared sensor 40 is disposed so as to face at least one electrolytic capacitor 35. Because the infrared sensor 40 is disposed so as to face the electrolytic capacitor 35, the surface temperature of the electrolytic capacitor 35 can be detected more accurately than when the infrared sensor 40 is not disposed so as to face the electrolytic capacitor 35.

[0086] The alarm device 50 is a display device 51, and an alarm from the alarm device 50 is issued by emitting light from the display device 51 or by displaying characters or symbols on the display device 51. Therefore, even if it is difficult to recognize the alarm by hearing it, for example, due to the occurrence of noise, a person can recognize the alarm from the alarm device 50 by sight.

[0087] The alarm device 50 is a speaker 52, and the alarm from the alarm device 50 is issued by a sound emitted from the speaker 52. Therefore, even if, for example, an obstacle is between the alarm device 50 and a person, making it difficult to recognize the alarm visually, the person can recognize the alarm from the alarm device 50 through their hearing.

[0088] Embodiment 2 Fig. 11 is a refrigerant circuit diagram schematically showing a configuration example of a refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 according to embodiment 2. Fig. 12 is an enlarged view of a control device 12 portion of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 according to embodiment 2. Fig. 13 is a conceptual diagram of an agitator 60 of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 according to embodiment 2. The refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 according to embodiment 2 will be described with reference to Figs. 11 to 13. Note that the same components as those in the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 described in embodiment 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0089] The refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 according to the second embodiment includes a controller 121 and at least one agitator 60. The controller 121 is formed in a box shape and houses the control device 12 therein. The agitator 60 has a motor 61 and a fan 62, and agitates the air inside the controller 121 and exhausts it to the outside of the controller 121.

[0090] In the agitator 60, a fan 62 rotates due to the rotation of a motor 61, creating an air flow. The agitator 60 is attached to the controller 121 or attached near the controller 121, agitates the air inside the controller 121, and exhausts the air from inside the controller 121 to the outside. If there are regulations or standards for the agitator 60, a device that satisfies the regulations is selected.

[0091] In Figures 11 to 13, the fan 62 is shown as an axial flow fan, but the fan 62 is not limited to an axial flow fan and may be another fan such as a centrifugal fan, a diagonal flow fan, or a cross flow fan.

[0092] If the controller 121 is installed below the refrigerant pipe 3, in the unlikely event that the refrigerant leaks due to a crack or break in the refrigerant pipe 3, the refrigerant will accumulate at the bottom of the unit and flow into the same space as the controller 121. Even if the controller 121 is enclosed by sheet metal or the like, there is a possibility that the refrigerant will flow into the controller 121 if the controller 121 has an air vent.

[0093] Also, as shown in Figure 13, in the case of a leak of refrigerant R1 that causes the refrigerant R1 to spray out from the refrigerant piping 3, if there is a controller 121 in the direction of the refrigerant R1 spraying out, there is a possibility that the control device 12 located inside the controller 121 will come into contact with the highly concentrated refrigerant for a certain period of time.

[0094] In such a case, if there is a sign of abnormality in the electronic components 30 such as the electrolytic capacitor 35, the control device 12 of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 activates the agitator 60. The sign of abnormality is determined by measuring the surface temperature of the electrolytic capacitor 35, as described above. Even if a refrigerant leaks and a slightly flammable or flammable refrigerant flows into the controller 121, the agitator 60 agitates the air inside the controller 121 and exhausts the air from inside the controller 121 to the outside.

[0095] The agitator 60 can discharge leaked refrigerant accumulated in the space of the controller 121, as shown in Fig. 12. The agitator 60 can discharge the refrigerant sprayed in the direction of the controller 121 from inside the controller 121, as shown in Fig. 13. By operating the agitator 60, the control device 12 of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 can suppress an increase in the concentration of the refrigerant in the internal space of the controller 121, and can also reduce the refrigerant concentration inside the controller 121.

[0096] 14 is a refrigerant circuit diagram of a first modified example, which is a schematic diagram of a configuration example of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 2. When the suppression of an increase in the refrigerant concentration or the reduction of the concentration is not sufficient by simply stirring the airflow in the installation space of the controller 121, the stirring device 60 may be installed as follows.

[0097] For example, as shown in a stirring device 60A in Fig. 14, the stirring device 60A is installed at a position communicating with the outside of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 so as to discharge air containing refrigerant outside the installation space of the controller 121 (for example, into the atmosphere outside the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100). Alternatively, as shown in a stirring device 60 in Fig. 14, the stirring device 60 is additionally installed so as to discharge air containing refrigerant outside the installation space of the controller 121 (for example, into the atmosphere outside the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100), and the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 has a plurality of stirring devices 60.

[0098] Fig. 15 is a refrigerant circuit diagram of a second modified example, which schematically illustrates a configuration example of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 2. As shown in Fig. 15, the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 may use a heat-source blower 11A as the agitation device 60. The refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 may perform agitation and discharge of air by operating the heat-source blower 11A in the existing refrigeration cycle apparatus 100.

[0099] Fig. 16 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the control device 12 in the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 according to the second embodiment. As shown in Fig. 16, the control device 12 includes an operating state determination unit 12A1, a timer unit 12A2, a compressor control unit 12A3, an expansion valve control unit 12A4, an alarm device control unit 12A5, and an agitator control unit 12A6. The agitator control unit 12A6 controls the stop and operation of the agitator 60 based on information from the operating state determination unit 12A1. The agitator control unit 12A6 controls the rotation speed of the motor 61 in the agitator 60 based on information from the operating state determination unit 12A1.

[0100] 17 is a flow chart showing an example of a process for determining the state of the electrolytic capacitor 35 in the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 according to the second embodiment. The process for determining the state of the electrolytic capacitor 35 by the control device 12, which will be described below, may be performed continuously or at predetermined intervals. The process for determining the state of the electrolytic capacitor 35 by the control device 12 may also be performed at predetermined times. Alternatively, the process for determining the state of the electrolytic capacitor 35 by the control device 12 may be performed by a person inputting a start command to the control device 12 via a switch, a remote control, or the like.

[0101] 17, in step S1, the infrared sensor 40 measures the surface temperature of the electrolytic capacitor 35. The surface temperature of the electrolytic capacitor 35 measured by the infrared sensor 40 in step S1 is used by the control device 12. That is, in step S1, the control device 12 measures the surface temperature of the electrolytic capacitor 35 using the infrared sensor 40.

[0102] In step S2, the control device 12 determines whether the surface temperature of the electrolytic capacitor 35 measured using the infrared sensor 40 is equal to or higher than the first threshold value T1. That is, the control device 12 determines whether the surface temperature of the electrolytic capacitor 35 is equal to or higher than the first threshold value T1. The first threshold value T1 is, for example, 120°C.

[0103] In step S2, if the surface temperature of electrolytic capacitor 35 measured using infrared sensor 40 is less than first threshold value T1 (if step S2 is NO), the process of determining the state of electrolytic capacitor 35 by control device 12 ends. In this case, control device 12 determines that there is no abnormality in electrolytic capacitor 35.

[0104] In step S2, if the surface temperature of electrolytic capacitor 35 measured using infrared sensor 40 is equal to or higher than first threshold value T1 (YES in step S2), the process proceeds to step S3. In step S3, control device 12 determines whether the surface temperature of electrolytic capacitor 35 measured using infrared sensor 40 is equal to or higher than second threshold value T2. In other words, control device 12 determines whether the surface temperature of electrolytic capacitor 35 is equal to or higher than second threshold value T2. The second threshold value T2 is, for example, 150°C.

[0105] In step S3, if the surface temperature of the electrolytic capacitor 35 measured using the infrared sensor 40 is less than the second threshold value T2 (if NO in step S3), the control device 12 does not stop the operation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 (step S5). Also, in step S3, if the surface temperature of the electrolytic capacitor 35 measured using the infrared sensor 40 is less than the second threshold value T2 (if NO in step S3), the control device 12 issues an alarm using the alarm device 50 (step S5).

[0106] The alarm device 50 issues an alarm by emitting the above-mentioned sound, emitting light, or displaying characters or the like. If step S3 is NO, the control device 12 issues an alarm by the alarm device 50 without stopping the operation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 (step S5), and ends the process of determining the state of the electrolytic capacitor 35 by the control device 12. In this case, the control device 12 determines that there is an abnormality in the electrolytic capacitor 35 that requires a warning.

[0107] In step S3, if the surface temperature of the electrolytic capacitor 35 measured using the infrared sensor 40 is equal to or higher than the second threshold value T2 (if YES in step S3), the control device 12 stops the operation of the refrigeration cycle device 100 (step S4). Also, in step S3, if the surface temperature of the electrolytic capacitor 35 measured using the infrared sensor 40 is equal to or higher than the second threshold value T2 (if YES in step S3), the control device 12 activates the stirring device 60 (step S4).

[0108] If step S3 is YES, the control device 12 stops the operation of the refrigeration cycle device 100 and activates the agitator 60 (step S4), and the process of determining the state of the electrolytic capacitor 35 by the control device 12 ends.

[0109] In this case, the control device 12 determines that the state of the electrolytic capacitor 35 is abnormal enough that it is necessary to immediately stop the operation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100. The control device 12 improves the safety of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 by stopping the operation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 to prevent the refrigerant from being affected by fire or the like caused by heat generation or a failure of the electrolytic capacitor 35. In addition, the control device 12 operates the agitator 60 to suppress an increase in the refrigerant concentration inside the controller 121 and to reduce the refrigerant concentration inside the controller 121.

[0110] 17, in the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100, the control device 12 issues an alarm via the alarm device 50 when the surface temperature of at least one electrolytic capacitor 35 detected by the infrared sensor 40 is equal to or higher than a preset first threshold value T1. When the surface temperature of at least one electrolytic capacitor 35 detected by the infrared sensor 40 is equal to or higher than a second threshold value T2, the control device 12 stops the operation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 and activates at least one agitator 60.

[0111] [Actions and Effects of the Refrigeration Cycle Device 100] The refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 includes a box-shaped controller 121 that houses the control device 12 therein, and at least one agitator 60 that has a motor 61 and a fan 62, agitates the air inside the controller 121, and exhausts the air to the outside of the controller 121. When the surface temperature of at least one electrolytic capacitor 35 detected by the infrared sensor 40 is equal to or higher than a second threshold value T2, the control device 12 stops operation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 and activates the at least one agitator 60.

[0112] In the unlikely event that a refrigerant leak occurs and a slightly flammable or flammable refrigerant flows into the controller 121, the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 uses the agitator 60 to agitate the air inside the controller 121 and discharge the air from inside the controller 121 to the outside. When the surface temperature of the electrolytic capacitor 35 becomes equal to or higher than the second threshold T2, the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 stops operation and activates the agitator 60 installed in the same space, thereby suppressing an increase in the refrigerant concentration in the same space even if a leak of a slightly flammable or flammable refrigerant simultaneously occurs.

[0113] The control device 12 of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 can suppress an increase in refrigerant concentration in the internal space of the controller 121 by operating the agitator 60 and can also reduce the refrigerant concentration inside the controller 121. The refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 can suppress an increase in refrigerant concentration even in the event of a leak of a mildly flammable refrigerant or a flammable refrigerant by operating the agitator 60 installed in the same space as the controller 121. The refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 can suppress an increase in refrigerant concentration in the same space by operating the agitator 60 when detecting a temperature rise in the electrolytic capacitor 35. The refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 can prevent the electrolytic capacitor 35 from affecting the refrigerant by reducing the refrigerant concentration using the agitator 60 even in the event of a refrigerant leak or a malfunction of the electrolytic capacitor 35. The refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 can activate the agitator 60 installed in the same space when detecting an abnormal temperature rise in an electronic component 30 such as the electrolytic capacitor 35. By operating the agitator 60, the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 reduces the risk of an explosion inside the apparatus due to a fire caused by a malfunction of the electronic component 30 and a leakage of a slightly flammable or combustible refrigerant. Therefore, the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 can improve safety compared to a case where the agitator 60 is not provided.

[0114] Embodiment 3 Fig. 18 is an enlarged view of a first example of the control device 12 portion of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 according to embodiment 3. Fig. 19 is a conceptual side view of the control device 12 and the infrared sensor 40 of Fig. 18. Fig. 20 is an enlarged view of a second example of the control device 12 portion of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 according to embodiment 3. Fig. 21 is a conceptual side view of the control device 12 and the infrared sensor 40 of Fig. 20. The refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 according to embodiment 3 will be described with reference to Figs. 18 to 21. Note that the same components as those of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 described in embodiments 1 and 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0115] The infrared sensor 40 can simultaneously detect all components that fit within the sensor's angle of view. Therefore, the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 detects the surface temperature of each electronic component 30 other than the electrolytic capacitor 35 in the same space as the infrared sensor 40, and issues an alarm, for example, when the surface temperature exceeds a threshold value set for each component. Examples of electronic components 30 include relays, DCLs, circuit board circuit patterns, and pins at the connection points between the IPM and the board. In addition to the above, electronic components 30 to be detected by the infrared sensor 40 may also be selected to include components that may fail due to excessive temperature rise.

[0116] The infrared sensor 40 is mounted on a sensor substrate 41. As shown in Figures 18 and 19, the sensor substrate 41 on which the infrared sensor 40 is mounted is provided so as to extend perpendicularly to the substrate 31 on which the plurality of electronic components 30 including the electrolytic capacitor 35 are mounted, for example.

[0117] The infrared sensor 40 is arranged, for example, to face the side surface of at least one electrolytic capacitor 35. The infrared sensor 40 is arranged to face the side surfaces of the plurality of electronic components 30. The infrared sensor 40 is arranged to face the side surface of the electrolytic capacitor 35 and measures the surface temperature of a side surface portion 35F1 of the electrolytic capacitor 35. The infrared sensor 40 is also arranged to face the side surfaces of the plurality of electronic components 30 and measures the surface temperatures of the side surface portions of the plurality of electronic components 30.

[0118] 20 and 21 , a sensor board 41 on which an infrared sensor 40 is mounted may be provided so as to face a board 31 on which a plurality of electronic components 30 including, for example, an electrolytic capacitor 35 are mounted. A metal plate 122 on which the sensor board 41 is attached is provided so as to face the board 31 and to cover above the plurality of electronic components 30. The above of the plurality of electronic components 30 is the opposite direction from the board 31 with respect to the plurality of electronic components 30.

[0119] As shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, the infrared sensor 40 is disposed so as to face the plurality of electronic components 30 in a direction perpendicular to the substrate 31.

[0120] 20 and 21 , the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 may be arranged such that, when the mounting side of the plurality of electronic components 30 is downward, the infrared sensor 40 faces the portion of the substrate 31 located below the side surface portions 35F1 of the plurality of electronic components 30. This portion of the substrate 31 is heated by the heat emitted from the plurality of electronic components 30. This portion of the substrate 31 also reflects the heat emitted from the plurality of electronic components 30.

[0121] FIG. 22 is a flow chart showing an example of a process for determining the states of the plurality of electronic components 30 in the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 according to the third embodiment. FIG. 23 is a flow chart showing another example of a process for determining the states of the plurality of electronic components 30 in the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 according to the third embodiment. The process for determining the states of the plurality of electronic components 30 by the control device 12 described below may be performed continuously or at predetermined intervals. The process for determining the states of the plurality of electronic components 30 by the control device 12 may also be performed at predetermined times. Alternatively, the process for determining the states of the plurality of electronic components 30 by the control device 12 may be performed by a person inputting a start command to the control device 12 via a switch, a remote control, or the like.

[0122] 22 and 23, in step S1, the infrared sensor 40 measures the surface temperatures of the plurality of electronic components 30. The surface temperatures of the plurality of electronic components 30 measured by the infrared sensor 40 in step S1 are used by the control device 12. That is, in step S1, the control device 12 measures the surface temperatures of the plurality of electronic components 30 using the infrared sensor 40.

[0123] In step S2, the control device 12 determines whether the surface temperature of each of the plurality of electronic components 30 measured using the infrared sensor 40 is equal to or higher than the first threshold value T1. That is, the control device 12 determines whether the surface temperature of each of the plurality of electronic components 30 is equal to or higher than the first threshold value T1. The first threshold value T1 is set in advance for each of the plurality of electronic components 30.

[0124] In step S2, if the surface temperatures of the plurality of electronic components 30 measured using the infrared sensor 40 are less than the first threshold value T1 (if step S2 is NO), the process of determining the state of the plurality of electronic components 30 by the control device 12 ends. In this case, the control device 12 determines that the plurality of electronic components 30 are in a normal state.

[0125] In step S2, if the surface temperature of each of the plurality of electronic components 30 measured using the infrared sensor 40 is equal to or higher than the first threshold value T1 (YES in step S2), the process proceeds to step S3. In step S3, the control device 12 determines whether the surface temperature of each of the plurality of electronic components 30 measured using the infrared sensor 40 is equal to or higher than the second threshold value T2. That is, the control device 12 determines whether the surface temperature of each of the plurality of electronic components 30 is equal to or higher than the second threshold value T2. The second threshold value T2 is set in advance for each of the plurality of electronic components 30.

[0126] In step S3, if the surface temperature of each of the plurality of electronic components 30 measured using the infrared sensor 40 is less than the second threshold value T2 (if NO in step S3), the control device 12 does not stop the operation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 (step S5). Also, in step S3, if the surface temperature of each of the plurality of electronic components 30 measured using the infrared sensor 40 is less than the second threshold value T2 (if NO in step S3), the control device 12 issues an alarm using the alarm device 50 (step S5).

[0127] The alarm device 50 issues an alarm by emitting the above-mentioned sound, emitting light, or displaying characters or the like. If step S3 is NO, the control device 12 issues an alarm by the alarm device 50 without stopping the operation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 (step S5), and ends the process of determining the states of the plurality of electronic components 30 by the control device 12. In this case, the control device 12 determines that one or more of the plurality of electronic components 30 has an abnormality in a state requiring a warning.

[0128] In step S3, if the surface temperature of each of the plurality of electronic components 30 measured using the infrared sensor 40 is equal to or higher than the second threshold value T2 (if YES in step S3), the control device 12 stops operation of the refrigeration cycle device 100 (step S4). Also, as shown in Fig. 23, in step S3, if the surface temperature of each of the plurality of electronic components 30 measured using the infrared sensor 40 is equal to or higher than the second threshold value T2 (if YES in step S3), the control device 12 may operate the stirring device 60 (step S4).

[0129] 22, if step S3 is YES, the control device 12 stops the operation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 (step S4), and ends the process of determining the states of the plurality of electronic components 30 by the control device 12. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 23, if step S3 is YES, the control device 12 stops the operation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 and activates the agitator 60 (step S4), and ends the process of determining the states of the plurality of electronic components 30 by the control device 12.

[0130] In this case, the control device 12 determines that the state of one or more of the multiple electronic components 30 is abnormal to the extent that operation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 needs to be immediately stopped. The control device 12 improves the safety of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 by stopping the operation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 to prevent the refrigerant from being affected by fire or the like caused by heat generation or failure of the multiple electronic components 30. In addition, the control device 12 operates the agitator 60 to suppress an increase in the refrigerant concentration inside the controller 121 and to reduce the refrigerant concentration inside the controller 121.

[0131] 22 and 23 , in the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 according to the third embodiment, the infrared sensor 40 detects the surface temperatures of the electronic components 30 of the control device 12. When the surface temperatures of the electronic components 30 detected by the infrared sensor 40 are equal to or higher than the respective threshold values ​​preset for the electronic components 30, the control device 12 issues an alarm via the alarm device 50.

[0132] The refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 according to the third embodiment includes a configuration shown in a block diagram in FIG. 5 or FIG.

[0133] FIG. 24 is a diagram showing the relationship between time (T) and surface temperature (°C) in the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 according to the third embodiment. The time (T) on the horizontal axis indicates elapsed time or time, with the time increasing toward the right. The vertical axis indicates the surface temperature (°C) of the multiple electronic components 30. The temperature increases toward the top of the vertical axis. The first component P1, second component P2, third component P3, fourth component P4, and fifth component P5 shown in FIG. 24 indicate the temperature of the multiple electronic components 30 over time. Although FIG. 24 shows five electronic components 30, the number is not limited to five, and the number of electronic components 30 may be six or more or four or less.

[0134] 5 and 16, the control device 12 has a clock unit 12A2 that acquires the current time. The control device 12 also has a memory 12B that stores the time acquired by the clock unit 12A2 and the temperature distribution of the surface temperatures of each of the plurality of electronic components 30 detected by the infrared sensor 40, and stores the temperature distribution along with the passage of time. The temperature distribution may be a diagram such as that shown in FIG. 24, or may be a diagram associated with a pixel image obtained from the infrared sensor 40.

[0135] [Actions and Effects of the Refrigeration Cycle Device 100] The infrared sensor 40 detects the surface temperatures of the electronic components 30 of the control device 12. The control device 12 issues an alarm via the alarm device 50 when the surface temperatures of the electronic components 30 detected by the infrared sensor 40 are equal to or higher than respective threshold values ​​preset for the electronic components 30.

[0136] The refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 issues an alarm corresponding to the state of each of the plurality of electronic components 30, thereby making it possible to recognize the possibility of failure of the electronic components 30 and to replace the electronic components 30, etc. The refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 can ensure the safety of the entire electronic components 30 by detecting abnormal heat generation not only in the electrolytic capacitor 35 but also in other electronic components 30 that are mounted on the same board. Therefore, the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 can prevent failure of the entire apparatus before it occurs and improve safety.

[0137] The control device 12 includes a timer 12A2 that acquires the current time. The control device 12 also includes a memory 12B that stores the time acquired by the timer 12A2 and the temperature distribution of the surface temperatures of each of the electronic components 30 detected by the infrared sensor 40, and stores the temperature distribution along with the passage of time. The control device 12 uses the timer 12A2 and the memory 12B to store the temperature distribution along with the passage of time, thereby enabling the control device 12 to recognize the deterioration state of each of the electronic components 30. The control device 12 also uses the timer 12A2 and the memory 12B to store the temperature distribution along with the passage of time, thereby enabling the control device 12 to predict the deterioration state of each of the electronic components 30. Therefore, the refrigeration cycle device 100 can prevent breakdowns of the entire device and improve safety.

[0138] By installing the infrared sensor 40 perpendicular to the substrate 31 on which multiple electronic components 30, such as electrolytic capacitors 35, are mounted, the temperatures of the multiple electronic components 30 within the space of the controller 121 can be detected collectively. Alternatively, by installing the infrared sensor 40 facing the multiple electronic components 30, the temperatures of the multiple electronic components 30 within the space of the controller 121 can be detected collectively. Therefore, the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 can prevent failure of the electronic components 30 and the entire apparatus from failing by detecting the temperatures of the multiple electronic components 30 within the space of the controller 121 collectively, thereby improving safety. By arranging the infrared sensors 40 three-dimensionally relative to the multiple electronic components 30, the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 can also manage the temperatures of the multiple electronic components 30 collectively and prevent failure of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100.

[0139] Although the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 has been described above based on the embodiments, the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 is not limited to the configuration of the above-described embodiments. The above-described first to third embodiments can be implemented in combination with each other. The configuration of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 described above is an example, and other components may be included, or some components may be omitted. In short, the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 includes a range of design modifications and application variations that are normally made by a person skilled in the art, within the scope that does not deviate from the technical concept thereof.

[0140] Various aspects of the present disclosure are summarized below as appendices.

[0141] (Appendix 1) A refrigeration cycle device in which a refrigerant circulates through a refrigerant circuit configured by sequentially connecting a compressor, a heat source heat exchanger, an expansion valve, and a load heat exchanger with refrigerant piping, a control device having a plurality of electronic components including at least one electrolytic capacitor and controlling the refrigerant circuit; an infrared sensor with high detection accuracy that detects the surface temperature of the at least one electrolytic capacitor; an alarm device that notifies a state of the at least one electrolytic capacitor based on the temperature detected by the infrared sensor; Equipped with The control device issuing an alarm from the alarm device when the surface temperature of the at least one electrolytic capacitor detected by the infrared sensor is equal to or higher than a predetermined first threshold value; A refrigeration cycle device that stops operation when the surface temperature of the at least one electrolytic capacitor detected by the infrared sensor is equal to or higher than a second threshold value that is set in advance and is higher than the first threshold value. (Appendix 2) The infrared sensor 2. The refrigeration cycle device according to claim 1, wherein the sensor is a thermal diode type sensor. (Appendix 3) The refrigerant is 3. The refrigeration cycle device according to claim 1, wherein the refrigerant is a flammable or slightly flammable refrigerant. (Appendix 4) The control device a substrate on which the at least one electrolytic capacitor is mounted; The infrared sensor The sensor is mounted on a sensor substrate that extends perpendicular to the substrate, The at least one electrolytic capacitor It is formed in a columnar shape, The infrared sensor 4. The refrigeration cycle device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the electrolytic capacitor is disposed so as to face a side surface of the at least one electrolytic capacitor. (Appendix 5) The control device a substrate on which the at least one electrolytic capacitor is mounted; The infrared sensor The sensor is mounted on a sensor substrate provided so as to face the substrate, The at least one electrolytic capacitor It is formed in a columnar shape, When the mounting side of the at least one electrolytic capacitor is downward, 4. The refrigeration cycle device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the substrate located below a side surface portion of the at least one electrolytic capacitor and the infrared sensor are arranged to face each other. (Appendix 6) The infrared sensor 6. The refrigeration cycle device according to claim 5, wherein the electrolytic capacitor is disposed so as to face the at least one electrolytic capacitor. (Appendix 7) The notification device is 7. The refrigeration cycle apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the alarm device is a display device, and the alarm is given by emitting light from the display device or displaying characters or symbols on the display device. (Appendix 8) The notification device is 7. The refrigeration cycle apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the notification device is a speaker, and the alarm is given by a sound emitted from the speaker. (Appendix 9) a controller formed in a box shape to house the control device therein; At least one stirring device having a motor and a fan, stirring the air inside the controller and discharging it to the outside of the controller; Equipped with The control device A refrigeration cycle device according to any one of appendices 1 to 8, wherein, when the surface temperature of the at least one electrolytic capacitor detected by the infrared sensor is equal to or higher than the second threshold value, operation of the refrigeration cycle device is stopped and the at least one stirring device is activated. (Appendix 10) The infrared sensor detecting the surface temperatures of the plurality of electronic components of the control device; The control device 10. A refrigeration cycle apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the alarm device issues an alarm when the surface temperatures of the electronic components detected by the infrared sensor are equal to or higher than respective threshold values ​​preset for each of the electronic components. (Appendix 11) The control device a timekeeping unit for acquiring the current time; a memory that stores the time acquired by the timer unit and the temperature distribution of the surface temperatures of the electronic components detected by the infrared sensor, and stores the temperature distribution along with the passage of time; 11. The refrigeration cycle device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, comprising: [Explanation of symbols]

[0142] 1 heat source device, 1A first housing, 2 load device, 2A second housing, 3 refrigerant piping, 4 refrigerant circuit, 10 compressor, 11 heat source heat exchanger, 11A heat source blower, 12 control device, 12A CPU, 12A1 operating state determination unit, 12A2 timing unit, 12A3 compressor control unit, 12A4 expansion valve control unit, 12A5 alarm device control unit, 12A6 mixing device control unit, 12B memory, 20 expansion valve, 21 load heat exchanger, 21A load blower, 30 electronic components, 31 circuit board, 35 electrolytic capacitor, 35A element, 35B aluminum tab, 35C sealing plate, 35D terminal, 35E aluminum case, 35F sleeve, 35F1 side portion, 40 infrared sensor, 41 sensor board, 50 alarm device, 51 display device, 52 Speaker, 53 information processing device, 53A display unit, 60 agitator, 60A agitator, 61 motor, 62 fan, 100 refrigeration cycle device, 121 controller, 122 sheet metal.

Claims

1. A refrigeration cycle device in which a refrigerant circulates through a refrigerant circuit configured by sequentially connecting a compressor, a heat source heat exchanger, an expansion valve, and a load heat exchanger with refrigerant piping, a control device having a plurality of electronic components including at least one electrolytic capacitor and controlling the refrigerant circuit; an infrared sensor with high detection accuracy that detects the surface temperature of the at least one electrolytic capacitor; an alarm device that notifies a state of the at least one electrolytic capacitor based on the temperature detected by the infrared sensor; Equipped with The control device When the surface temperature of the at least one electrolytic capacitor detected by the infrared sensor is equal to or higher than a predetermined first threshold value, an alarm is issued by the alarm device; A refrigeration cycle device that stops operation when the surface temperature of the at least one electrolytic capacitor detected by the infrared sensor is equal to or higher than a predetermined second threshold value, the second threshold value being set to a temperature higher than the first threshold value.

2. The infrared sensor 2. The refrigeration cycle device according to claim 1, wherein the sensor is a thermal diode type sensor.

3. The refrigerant is 3. The refrigeration cycle device according to claim 1, wherein the refrigerant is a flammable or slightly flammable refrigerant.

4. The control device a substrate on which the at least one electrolytic capacitor is mounted; The infrared sensor The sensor is mounted on a sensor substrate that extends perpendicular to the substrate, The at least one electrolytic capacitor It is formed in a columnar shape, The infrared sensor 3. The refrigeration cycle device according to claim 1, wherein the second electrode is disposed opposite a side surface of the at least one electrolytic capacitor.

5. The control device a substrate on which the at least one electrolytic capacitor is mounted; The infrared sensor The sensor is mounted on a sensor substrate provided so as to face the substrate, The at least one electrolytic capacitor It is formed in a columnar shape, When the mounting side of the at least one electrolytic capacitor is downward, 3. The refrigeration cycle device according to claim 1, wherein the substrate located below a side surface of the at least one electrolytic capacitor and the infrared sensor are disposed so as to face each other.

6. The infrared sensor The refrigeration cycle device according to claim 5, wherein the electrolytic capacitor is disposed opposite the at least one electrolytic capacitor.

7. The notification device is 3. The refrigeration cycle apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the alarm device is a display device, and the alarm is given by emitting light from the display device or by displaying characters or symbols on the display device.

8. The notification device is 3. The refrigeration cycle apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the alarm device is a speaker, and the alarm is given by a sound emitted from the speaker.

9. a controller formed in a box shape to house the control device therein; At least one stirring device having a motor and a fan, stirring the air inside the controller and discharging it to the outside of the controller; Equipped with The control device 3. The refrigeration cycle device according to claim 1, wherein when the surface temperature of the at least one electrolytic capacitor detected by the infrared sensor is equal to or higher than the second threshold value, the operation of the refrigeration cycle device is stopped and the at least one stirring device is activated.

10. The infrared sensor detecting the surface temperatures of the plurality of electronic components of the control device; The control device 3. The refrigeration cycle apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the alarm device issues an alarm when the surface temperatures of the electronic components detected by the infrared sensor are equal to or higher than respective threshold values ​​preset for each of the electronic components.

11. The control device a timekeeping unit for acquiring the current time; a memory that stores the time acquired by the timer unit and the temperature distribution of the surface temperatures of the electronic components detected by the infrared sensor, and stores the temperature distribution along with the passage of time; The refrigeration cycle device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising:

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