Refrigerant Leak Management System

Abstract

When the operation of the refrigeration cycle device is stopped for a long period of time, it is difficult to check whether or not there is a refrigerant leak. [Solution] A refrigerant leakage management system 1 includes a timer 20 and a control unit 100. The timer 20 counts the period during which operation of a refrigeration cycle device 10 is stopped. The control unit 100 determines whether the period during which operation of the refrigeration cycle device 10 is stopped exceeds a predetermined first period. When the control unit 100 determines that the period during which operation of the refrigeration cycle device 10 is stopped exceeds the first period, it operates the refrigeration cycle device 10 or notifies the manager of the refrigeration cycle device 10.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This relates to a refrigerant leakage management system. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, as disclosed in Patent Document 1 (JP 2021-055956 A), a device is known that determines whether or not a refrigerant leaks by acquiring data from a refrigeration cycle device during operation. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] In the device disclosed in Patent Document 1, if the operation of the refrigeration cycle device is stopped for a long period of time, it is difficult to check whether or not there is a refrigerant leak. [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] A refrigerant leakage management system according to a first aspect includes a timer and a control unit. The timer counts a period during which operation of a refrigeration cycle device is stopped. The control unit determines whether the period during which operation of the refrigeration cycle device is stopped exceeds a predetermined first period. When the control unit determines that the period during which operation of the refrigeration cycle device is stopped exceeds the first period, the control unit operates the refrigeration cycle device or notifies a manager of the refrigeration cycle device.

[0005] In the refrigerant leakage management system according to the first aspect, the refrigeration cycle device can be operated periodically. Alternatively, the administrator can be notified that the refrigeration cycle device has not been operating for a predetermined period of time, thereby prompting the administrator to operate the refrigeration cycle device. This configuration prevents the operation of the refrigeration cycle device from being stopped for a long period of time. Therefore, data on the refrigeration cycle device during operation can be periodically acquired. This makes it possible to periodically check for the presence or absence of refrigerant leakage.

[0006] A refrigerant leakage management system according to a second aspect is the system according to the first aspect, wherein the first period is shorter than the second period. The second period is a period specified by regulations. The second period is a period during which inspection of the refrigeration cycle device is permitted by a method other than manual inspection.

[0007] There are various rules regarding the inspection of refrigeration cycle devices, and some of these rules may require manual inspection of the refrigeration cycle device if the device has been out of operation for a predetermined period of time or longer.

[0008] In the refrigerant leakage management system according to the second aspect, the refrigeration cycle device can be operated before the second period specified by the regulations elapses. Alternatively, the manager can be prompted to operate the refrigeration cycle device before the second period specified by the regulations elapses. This prevents the operation stop period of the refrigeration cycle device from exceeding the second period. Therefore, the refrigeration cycle device can be continuously inspected by a method other than manual inspection.

[0009] A refrigerant leakage management system according to a third aspect is a system according to the second aspect, in which the control unit notifies an administrator that the refrigeration cycle device must be inspected manually if the period of shutdown of the refrigeration cycle device exceeds the second period.

[0010] In the refrigerant leakage management system according to the third aspect, the manager can be prompted to operate the refrigeration cycle device before the second period has elapsed, and therefore, it can be expected that the operation of the refrigeration cycle device will be started before the second period has elapsed.

[0011] A refrigerant leakage management system according to a fourth aspect is a system according to the second or third aspect, wherein the control unit resets the timer count when it detects that the refrigeration cycle device has been operated before the second period has elapsed.

[0012] In the refrigerant leakage management system according to the fourth aspect, the period during which the operation of the refrigeration cycle device is stopped is accurately counted.

[0013] A refrigerant leakage management system according to a fifth aspect is the system according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the control unit notifies a manager of the refrigeration cycle device when determining that the operation suspension period of the refrigeration cycle device has exceeded a third period. The third period is a period shorter than the first period.

[0014] In the refrigerant leakage management system according to the fifth aspect, it is expected that the operation of the refrigeration cycle device will start before the second period has elapsed.

[0015] A refrigerant leakage management system according to a sixth aspect is the system according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, further comprising a detection unit. The detection unit detects a state of refrigerant in a refrigerant circuit of the refrigeration cycle device. The control unit determines whether or not there is a refrigerant leakage from the refrigerant circuit based on the detection result of the detection unit.

[0016] In the refrigerant leakage management system according to the sixth aspect, the control unit can detect refrigerant leakage in the refrigerant circuit. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of a refrigeration cycle device. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control unit. [Figure 3] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing performed by a control unit. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a refrigerant leakage management system according to Modification 1F. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a refrigerant leakage management system according to Modification 1G. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] The refrigerant leakage management system 1 according to the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings as appropriate. However, the following description may omit more detailed information than necessary. For example, detailed descriptions of well-known matters and redundant descriptions of substantially identical configurations may be omitted. This is to avoid unnecessary redundancy in the following description and to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art.

[0019] First Embodiment (1) Overall structure An overview of the refrigerant leakage management system 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. Fig. 1 is a diagram schematically showing the overall configuration of a refrigeration cycle apparatus 10 as an example of the refrigerant leakage management system 1. Fig. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of a control unit 100.

[0020] 1, the refrigeration cycle apparatus 10 mainly has one outdoor unit 70 and multiple indoor units 120, 130, and 140 connected thereto. The outdoor unit 70 and the indoor units 120, 130, and 140 are connected via a liquid refrigerant communication pipe 151 and a gas refrigerant communication pipe 152 to form a refrigerant circuit 11.

[0021] (2-1) Indoor unit The following describes the configurations of the indoor units 120, 130, and 140. In this embodiment, the configuration of the indoor unit 120 is substantially the same as the configurations of the indoor units 130 and 140. Therefore, only the configuration of the indoor unit 120 will be described here, and the configurations of the indoor units 130 and 140 will be assigned reference numbers in the 130s or 140s instead of the reference numbers in the 120s that indicate the respective parts of the indoor unit 120, and description of the respective parts will be omitted.

[0022] The indoor unit 120 is a user-side unit that is installed on the ceiling of the indoor space, etc. The indoor unit 120 mainly includes an indoor expansion valve 121, an indoor heat exchanger 122, and an indoor fan 123. The indoor unit 120 also includes an indoor refrigerant circuit 11a that is part of the refrigerant circuit 11.

[0023] The indoor expansion valve 121 is an electronic expansion valve connected to the liquid side of the indoor heat exchanger 122, and adjusts the pressure and flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through the indoor refrigerant circuit 11a. Note that the indoor expansion valve 121 is not limited to an electronic expansion valve, and any mechanism generally used as an expansion mechanism in a refrigeration cycle device may be appropriately selected.

[0024] The indoor heat exchanger 122 is a device for exchanging heat between air and a refrigerant. During cooling operation, the indoor heat exchanger 122 functions as a refrigerant evaporator and cools the indoor air. During heating operation, the indoor heat exchanger 122 functions as a refrigerant condenser and heats the indoor air. The indoor heat exchanger 122 according to this embodiment is, for example, a cross-fin fin-and-tube heat exchanger composed of a heat transfer tube and a number of fins.

[0025] The indoor fan 123 is a blower that draws indoor air into a casing (not shown) of the indoor unit 120 and supplies the indoor air to the indoor heat exchanger 122. The indoor air that has exchanged heat with the refrigerant flowing through the indoor heat exchanger 122 is supplied to the room. As the indoor fan 123, for example, a centrifugal fan or a multi-blade fan can be used.

[0026] The indoor unit 120 also has an indoor control unit 127 that controls the operation of each component of the indoor unit 120. The indoor control unit 127 has a microcomputer, a storage device, and the like that are provided to control the indoor unit 120, and can communicate control signals with a remote control (not shown) that operates the indoor unit 120 individually, and can communicate control signals with the outdoor unit 70 via a transmission line 150.

[0027] (2-2) Outdoor unit The outdoor unit 70 is a heat source unit installed on the roof or basement of a building. The outdoor unit 70 constitutes an outdoor refrigerant circuit 11d, which is part of the refrigerant circuit 11. The outdoor unit 70 mainly includes a compressor 71, a flow path switching valve 72, an outdoor heat exchanger 73, an outdoor expansion valve 74, an accumulator 75, an outdoor fan 76, a liquid-side shut-off valve 77, a gas-side shut-off valve 78, and a timer 20. The outdoor unit 70 also includes a memory unit 40 and a control unit 100. The memory unit 40 and the control unit 100 will be described in detail below.

[0028] The compressor 71 is a device that compresses a low-pressure refrigerant in a refrigeration cycle to a high-pressure refrigerant. Here, a hermetically sealed compressor is used as the compressor 71, in which a rotary or scroll type or other positive displacement compression element (not shown) is rotationally driven by a compressor motor (not shown). The rotation speed of the motor can be controlled by an inverter. The capacity of the compressor 71 is controlled by controlling the rotation speed (operating frequency) of the motor. While FIG. 1 illustrates an example of the outdoor unit 70 having one compressor 71, the configuration of the compressor 71 is not limited to this. For example, the outdoor unit 70 may have multiple compressors 71 connected in parallel. Furthermore, if the outdoor unit 70 compresses the refrigerant in multiple stages, the outdoor unit 70 may have multiple compressors 71 connected in series.

[0029] The flow path switching valve 72 switches the flow direction of the refrigerant to change the state of the outdoor heat exchanger 73 between a first state in which it functions as a condenser and a second state in which it functions as an evaporator. When the flow path switching valve 72 sets the state of the outdoor heat exchanger 73 in the first state, each of the indoor heat exchangers 122, 132, and 142 functions as an evaporator. When the flow path switching valve 72 sets the state of the outdoor heat exchanger 73 in the second state, each of the indoor heat exchangers 122, 132, and 142 functions as a condenser.

[0030] The outdoor heat exchanger 73 is a device for exchanging heat between air and a refrigerant. The outdoor heat exchanger 73 functions as a refrigerant condenser during cooling operation and as a refrigerant evaporator during heating operation. The gas side of the outdoor heat exchanger 73 is connected to the flow path switching valve 72, and the liquid side is connected to the outdoor expansion valve 74. The outdoor heat exchanger 73 according to this embodiment is, for example, a cross-fin type fin-and-tube heat exchanger.

[0031] The outdoor expansion valve 74 is an electronic expansion valve that adjusts the pressure, flow rate, etc. of the refrigerant flowing in the outdoor refrigerant circuit 11d. The outdoor expansion valve 74 is disposed upstream of the outdoor heat exchanger 73 in the refrigerant flow direction during heating operation (here, it is connected to the liquid side of the outdoor heat exchanger 73).

[0032] The accumulator 75 is a container having a gas-liquid separation function that separates the refrigerant that flows in into the accumulator 75 into gas refrigerant and liquid refrigerant. The accumulator 75 also has a function of storing excess refrigerant that occurs in response to fluctuations in the operating load of the indoor units 120, 130, and 140. The refrigerant that flows into the accumulator 75 is separated into gas refrigerant and liquid refrigerant, and the gas refrigerant that collects in the upper space flows out to the compressor 71.

[0033] The outdoor fan 76 is a blower that draws outdoor air into a casing (not shown) of the outdoor unit 70. The outdoor air drawn into the casing exchanges heat with a refrigerant in the outdoor heat exchanger 73, and then is discharged outside the casing. The outdoor fan 76 according to this embodiment is, for example, a propeller fan.

[0034] The liquid side shut-off valve 77 and the gas side shut-off valve 78 are valves provided at connection ports to external equipment and piping (specifically, the liquid refrigerant communication pipe 151 and the gas refrigerant communication pipe 152). The liquid side shut-off valve 77 and the gas side shut-off valve 78 according to this embodiment are, for example, valves that are manually operated.

[0035] The timer 20 is a clock that can measure information about the current time or the elapsed time from a certain point in time. The operation of the timer 20 is controlled by the control unit 100. For example, the control unit 100 starts counting by the timer 20 when the operation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 10 stops, and resets the count by the timer 20 when the operation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 10 starts. This allows the timer 20 to count the period during which the operation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 10 is stopped. In this embodiment, the period counted by the timer 20 (the period during which the operation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 10 is stopped) is acquired by the control unit 100. Details will be described later.

[0036] The outdoor unit 70 is also provided with various sensors serving as the detection unit 12. Specifically, the outdoor unit 70 is provided with a discharge pressure sensor 79 that detects the discharge pressure Hp of the compressor 71 and an outlet temperature sensor 80 that detects the outlet temperature Tb, which is the refrigerant temperature at the outlet side of the outdoor heat exchanger 73. However, the sensors provided in the refrigeration cycle apparatus 10 are not limited to the above-described sensors 79 and 80. The refrigeration cycle apparatus 10 may be provided with one or more sensors that can detect, for example, indoor temperature and humidity, outdoor temperature and humidity, suction pressure (evaporation saturation temperature), suction gas temperature, discharge gas temperature, refrigerant temperature at the inlet side of the indoor heat exchanger, refrigerant temperature at the outlet side of the indoor heat exchanger, refrigerant temperature at the inlet side of the outdoor heat exchanger, the rotation speed of the compressor 71, and the current value of the compressor 71. In this embodiment, the detection results detected by the detection unit 12 are acquired by the control unit 100. Details will be described later.

[0037] (3) Detailed configuration of the memory unit and the control unit (3-1) Storage section The storage unit 40 is a memory configured by, for example, a ROM, a RAM, etc. Settings for the first period, the second period, and the third period are stored in advance in the storage unit 40. In addition, the storage unit 40 stores various information including a program read by a control arithmetic device (described later) and a communication protocol used when the first device 61 communicates with other devices.

[0038] (3-1-1) Second Period For convenience of explanation, the second period will be described before the first period. The second period is a period during which inspection of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 10 is permitted by means other than manual inspection. The second period is also a period determined by regulations. In this embodiment, "regulations" refer to the laws, regulations, and guidelines of each country that define matters related to the inspection of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 10. Here, an example will be described in which the second period is determined to be three months by regulations.

[0039] (3-1-2) First Period The first period is shorter than the second period. As described above, in this embodiment, the second period is set to three months. Therefore, the first period is set to, for example, two months and three weeks. As will be described in detail later, the control unit 100 according to this embodiment operates the refrigeration cycle apparatus 10 when the period during which the operation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 10 is stopped exceeds the first period.

[0040] (3-1-3) Third Period The third period is a period shorter than the first period. As described above, in this embodiment, the first period is set to two months and three weeks. Therefore, the third period is set to, for example, two months and two weeks. As will be described in detail later, the control unit 100 according to this embodiment notifies the manager of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 10 when the operation suspension period of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 10 exceeds the third period.

[0041] (3-2) Control Unit The control unit 100 included in the outdoor unit 70 will be described. The control unit 100 is realized by, for example, a computer. The control unit 100 controls the operation of various devices that make up the outdoor unit 70. The control unit 100 has a control and arithmetic device (not shown). Various processors such as a CPU or GPU can be used for the control and arithmetic device. The control and arithmetic device can read various information and programs stored in the memory unit 40 and perform predetermined arithmetic processing in accordance with the programs.

[0042] The control unit 100 is electrically connected to the compressor 71, the flow path switching valve 72, the outdoor expansion valve 74, the outdoor fan 76, the detection unit 12, and the timer 20 so as to be able to exchange control signals and information (see FIG. 2). The control unit 100 is also electrically connected to the indoor control units 127, 137, and 147 via a transmission line 150 so as to be able to exchange control signals and information. This allows the control unit 100 to control the operation of various devices constituting the outdoor unit 70 based on various detection results acquired by the detection unit 12 and commands related to the set temperature and operation mode received by the indoor control units 127, 137, and 147 from the remote controller. Additionally, the control unit 100 can switch the state of an indoor unit (e.g., indoor unit 120) between a thermo-on state and a thermo-off state based on the degree of deviation between the set temperature set by a user of the indoor unit via the remote controller and the air temperature in the space where the indoor unit is installed. The thermo-on state refers to a state in which refrigerant flows through an indoor heat exchanger (e.g., indoor heat exchanger 122) and sufficient heat exchange occurs between the refrigerant and the indoor air. The thermo-off state refers to a state in which refrigerant does not flow through the indoor heat exchanger and substantially no heat exchange occurs between the refrigerant and the indoor air.

[0043] Furthermore, the control unit 100 can perform the function of controlling the refrigeration cycle apparatus 10 in accordance with the operation stop period of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 10 by reading a program stored in the storage unit 40. This will be described in detail below.

[0044] The configuration of the control unit 100 is not limited to the above example. For example, the configuration of the control unit 100 may be realized by hardware such as a logic circuit. Alternatively, the configuration of the control unit 100 may be realized by a combination of hardware and software.

[0045] (3-2-1) First, the control unit 100 acquires information about the refrigeration cycle apparatus 10. Specifically, the control unit 100 acquires information about the operation stop period of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 10 counted by the timer 20. In this embodiment, it is preferable that information about the operation stop period of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 10 is acquired at any time. In addition, the control unit 100 may acquire information about the detection results detected by the detection unit 12, the power on / off, thermo on / off, operation mode, set temperature, etc. of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 10. The information acquired by the control unit 100 is stored in a predetermined storage area of ​​the storage unit 40.

[0046] The control unit 100, which has acquired the information regarding the shutdown period of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 10, then determines whether the shutdown period of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 10 exceeds the third period. If the shutdown period of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 10 exceeds the third period, the control unit 100 notifies the manager of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 10. For example, the control unit 100 transmits a message indicating that the shutdown period of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 10 has exceeded the third period to a terminal owned by the manager. At this time, it is preferable that the control unit 100 simultaneously transmits a message indicating that the refrigeration cycle apparatus 10 must be inspected manually if the shutdown period of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 10 exceeds the second period.

[0047] Next, the control unit 100 acquires information about the refrigeration cycle apparatus 10 again. At this time, the information acquired by the control unit 100 includes information about the power on / off of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 10 and information about the operation stop period of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 10 counted by the timer 20. This allows the control unit 100 to check whether or not the operation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 10 has started. If the operation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 10 has started, the control unit 100 resets the count of the timer 20. On the other hand, it is also possible that the operation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 10 has not started.

[0048] If the operation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 10 has not started, the control unit 100 determines whether the operation stop period of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 10 has exceeded the first period. If the operation stop period of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 10 has exceeded the first period, the control unit 100 notifies the manager of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 10. For example, the control unit 100 transmits a message to a terminal owned by the manager indicating that the refrigeration cycle apparatus 10 will now be forced to operate. When a predetermined time (for example, 10 minutes) has elapsed since the transmission of the message, the control unit 100 starts the operation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 10. Here, for example, the control unit 100 operates the refrigeration cycle apparatus 10 in a cooling operation mode for about 5 minutes. At this time, the control unit 100 resets the count by the timer 20.

[0049] The control unit 100, which has started the cooling operation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 10, can perform the function of determining whether or not there is a refrigerant leak in the refrigerant circuit 11 by reading a program stored in the storage unit 40. This will be described in detail below.

[0050] (3-2-2) The control unit 100, which has started the operation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 10, determines whether or not there is a refrigerant leak in the refrigerant circuit 11, for example, based on the degree of subcooling of the refrigerant at the outlet side of the outdoor heat exchanger 73. The degree of subcooling of the refrigerant at the outlet side of the outdoor heat exchanger 73 is the temperature difference between the condensation temperature Tc and the outlet temperature Tb of the condenser (here, the outdoor heat exchanger 73), and is expressed as Tc - Tb. In this embodiment, the outlet temperature Tb of the condenser (the outdoor heat exchanger 73) can be obtained from the outlet temperature sensor 80. Also, in this embodiment, the condensation temperature Tc can be calculated from the discharge pressure Hp detected by the discharge pressure sensor 79.

[0051] After calculating the degree of subcooling from the condensing temperature Tc and the outlet temperature Tb, the control unit 100 next acquires a reference value for the degree of subcooling via the detection unit 12. The reference value can be predicted from, for example, the amount of refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit 11, the outdoor air temperature, the rotation speed of the compressor 71, the current value of the compressor 71, etc. After predicting the reference value for the degree of subcooling, the control unit 100 calculates the difference between the calculated degree of subcooling and the predicted reference value. If the difference between the calculated degree of subcooling and the predicted reference value exceeds a predetermined value stored in the memory unit 40, the control unit 100 determines that refrigerant is leaking in the refrigerant circuit 11. On the other hand, if the difference between the calculated degree of subcooling and the predicted reference value is equal to or less than the predetermined value, the control unit 100 determines that refrigerant is not leaking in the refrigerant circuit 11.

[0052] The method of determining whether or not a refrigerant leak has occurred by the control unit 100 is not limited to the above example. Therefore, for example, the control unit 100 may determine whether or not a refrigerant leak has occurred by using the indoor temperature and humidity, the outdoor temperature and humidity, the suction pressure (evaporation saturation temperature), the suction gas temperature, the discharge gas temperature, the refrigerant temperature at the inlet side of the indoor heat exchanger, the refrigerant temperature at the outlet side of the indoor heat exchanger, the refrigerant temperature at the inlet side of the outdoor heat exchanger, the rotation speed of the compressor 71, the current value of the compressor 71, etc.

[0053] Furthermore, some or all of the functions of the control unit 100 described above may be realized by the indoor side control units 127, 137, 147, a control device (not shown), or the like.

[0054] (3-2-3) Overall operation of the control unit The flow of processing performed by the control unit 100 will be briefly described with reference to Fig. 3. Note that the flow of processing shown in Fig. 3 is an example and can be modified as appropriate. For example, the order of steps may be changed within a consistent range, some steps may be executed in parallel with other steps, or other steps may be newly added.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 3, in step S1, the control unit 100 acquires information relating to the operation suspension period of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 10 (simply referred to as "information" in FIG. 3).

[0056] In step S2, the control unit 100 determines whether the operation suspension period of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 10 exceeds the third period. If the operation suspension period of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 10 exceeds the third period (Yes in step S2), the process of the control unit 100 proceeds to step S3. Otherwise (No in step S2), the process of the control unit 100 returns to step S1.

[0057] In step S3, the control unit 100 notifies the manager of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 10.

[0058] In step S4, the control unit 100 acquires information regarding the on / off state of the power supply to the refrigeration cycle device 10 and information regarding the period of time during which the refrigeration cycle device 10 is not operating as counted by the timer 20 (simply referred to as "information" in Figure 3).

[0059] In step S5, the control unit 100 checks whether or not operation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 10 has started. If operation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 10 has started (Yes in step S5), the count of the timer 20 is reset, and the process of the control unit 100 returns to step S1. Otherwise (No in step S5), the process of the control unit 100 proceeds to step S6.

[0060] In step S6, the control unit 100 determines whether the operation suspension period of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 10 exceeds the first period. If the operation suspension period of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 10 exceeds the first period (Yes in step S6), the process of the control unit 100 proceeds to step S7. Otherwise (No in step S6), the process of the control unit 100 returns to step S4.

[0061] In step S7, the control unit 100 notifies the manager of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 10. If a predetermined time has elapsed since the notification, the process of the control unit 100 proceeds to step S8.

[0062] In step S8, the control unit 100 starts the operation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 10. Also in step S8, the count by the timer 20 is reset.

[0063] In step S9, the detection unit 12 detects the state of the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit 11 of the refrigeration cycle device 10 during operation.

[0064] In step S10, the control unit 100 determines whether or not there is a refrigerant leak in the refrigerant circuit 11. If it is determined that there is no refrigerant leak (Yes in step S10), the control unit 100 proceeds to step S11. Otherwise (No in step S10), the control unit 100 proceeds to step S12.

[0065] In step S11, the control unit 100 stops the operation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 10.

[0066] In step S12, the control unit 100 notifies the administrator that a refrigerant leak has occurred, and then stops the operation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 10.

[0067] (4) Features (4-1) The refrigerant leakage management system 1 according to this embodiment includes a timer 20 and a control unit 100. The timer 20 counts the period during which the operation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 10 is stopped. The control unit 100 determines whether the period during which the operation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 10 is stopped exceeds a predetermined first period. When the control unit 100 determines that the period during which the operation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 10 is stopped exceeds the first period, it operates the refrigeration cycle apparatus 10.

[0068] In the refrigerant leakage management system 1 according to this embodiment, the refrigeration cycle apparatus 10 can be operated periodically. This configuration prevents the operation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 10 from being stopped for a long period of time. Therefore, data on the refrigeration cycle apparatus 10 during operation can be acquired periodically. This makes it possible to periodically check for the presence or absence of refrigerant leakage.

[0069] (4-2) In the refrigerant leakage management system 1 according to this embodiment, the first period is shorter than the second period. The second period is a period stipulated by regulations. The second period is a period during which inspection of the refrigeration cycle device 10 is permitted by a method other than manual inspection.

[0070] There are various rules regarding the inspection of refrigeration cycle devices, and some of these rules may require manual inspection of the refrigeration cycle device if the device has been out of operation for a predetermined period of time or longer.

[0071] In the refrigerant leakage management system 1 according to this embodiment, the refrigeration cycle apparatus 10 can be operated before the second period, which is a period stipulated by the regulations, elapses. This prevents the operation stop period of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 10 from exceeding the second period. This allows the refrigeration cycle apparatus 10 to be continuously inspected by a method other than manual inspection.

[0072] (4-3) In the refrigerant leakage management system 1 according to this embodiment, the control unit 100 notifies the administrator that the refrigeration cycle device 10 must be inspected manually if the period during which the refrigeration cycle device 10 is out of operation exceeds the second period.

[0073] In the refrigerant leakage management system 1 according to this embodiment, before the second period has elapsed, the manager can be prompted to operate the refrigeration cycle apparatus 10. Therefore, it can be expected that the operation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 10 will be started before the second period has elapsed.

[0074] (4-4) In the refrigerant leakage management system 1 according to this embodiment, the control unit 100 resets the count of the timer 20 when it detects that the refrigeration cycle device 10 has been operated before the second period has elapsed.

[0075] According to this configuration, the period during which the refrigeration cycle apparatus 10 is not in operation is accurately counted.

[0076] (4-5) In the refrigerant leakage management system 1 according to this embodiment, when the control unit 100 determines that the operation suspension period of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 10 exceeds the third period, it notifies the manager of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 10. The third period is a period shorter than the first period.

[0077] According to this configuration, it is expected that the operation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 10 will start before the second period has elapsed.

[0078] (4-6) The refrigerant leakage management system 1 according to this embodiment further includes a detection unit 12. The detection unit 12 detects the state of the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit 11 of the refrigeration cycle device 10. The control unit 100 determines whether or not there is a refrigerant leak from the refrigerant circuit 11 based on the detection result of the detection unit 12.

[0079] According to this configuration, the control unit 100 can detect refrigerant leakage in the refrigerant circuit 11.

[0080] (5) Variations Modifications of the above embodiment are shown below. The modifications may be combined as appropriate as long as they are not inconsistent with each other. Note that the same reference numerals are used to designate the same components as those in the above embodiment, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0081] (5-1) Variation 1A In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the control unit 100 operates the refrigeration cycle apparatus 10 when the operation suspension period of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 10 exceeds the first period. However, the mode of control by the control unit 100 is not limited to this.

[0082] In the refrigerant leakage management system 1 according to this modification, when the shutdown period of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 10 exceeds the first period, the control unit 100 notifies the administrator. Specifically, the control unit 100 transmits a message indicating that the shutdown period of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 10 has exceeded the first period to a terminal or the like owned by the administrator. At this time, it is preferable that the control unit 100 simultaneously transmits a message indicating that the refrigeration cycle apparatus 10 must be inspected manually if the shutdown period of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 10 exceeds the second period.

[0083] The refrigerant leakage management system 1 according to this modification can prompt the manager to operate the refrigeration cycle apparatus 10. This prevents the operation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 10 from being stopped for a long period of time.

[0084] (5-2) Variation 1B In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which settings for the first period, second period, and third period are pre-stored in the storage unit 40. However, the information stored in the storage unit 40 is not limited to this, and for example, settings for a fourth period may be stored. The fourth period is longer than the third period and shorter than the first period. Specifically, the fourth period is a period that begins three days before the first period.

[0085] In the refrigerant leakage management system 1 according to this modification, when the operation suspension period of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 10 exceeds the fourth period, the control unit 100 notifies, for example, an administrator. Specifically, the control unit 100 transmits a message indicating that the operation suspension period of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 10 exceeds the fourth period to a terminal or the like owned by the administrator.

[0086] In the refrigerant leakage management system 1 according to this modified example, it is expected that the operation of the refrigeration cycle device 10 will start.

[0087] (5-3) Variation 1C Although not described in the above embodiment, the count of the timer 20 can also be reset when the refrigeration cycle apparatus 10 is inspected manually.

[0088] (5-4) Variation 1D In the above embodiment, an example of a rule that defines the second period as three months has been described. However, the above rule is merely an example, and the rule can be changed as appropriate depending on the region and time period in which the refrigerant leakage management system according to the present disclosure is used. Therefore, the settings for the first period, second period, and third period can also be changed as appropriate.

[0089] (5-5) Variation 1E In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the control unit 100 operates the refrigeration cycle apparatus 10 for about 5 minutes when the operation stop period of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 10 exceeds the first period. However, the manner in which the control unit 100 controls the refrigeration cycle apparatus 10 is not limited to this.

[0090] In the refrigerant leakage management system 1 according to this modification, the control unit 100 operates the refrigeration cycle apparatus 10 for, for example, about 30 minutes. This configuration increases the amount of information acquired by the detection unit 12. This improves the accuracy of refrigerant leakage detection.

[0091] (5-6) Variation 1F In the above embodiment, the refrigeration cycle apparatus 10 has been described as an example of the refrigerant leakage management system 1. However, the configuration of the refrigerant leakage management system is not limited to this. For example, the refrigerant leakage management system may be a refrigerant leakage management system 1A including the refrigeration cycle apparatus 10 and a first device 61 (see FIG. 4). The first device 61 is a device having a function of centrally managing the refrigeration cycle apparatus 10 based on operation data of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 10 acquired via the communication line 50. The first device 61 is, for example, a local controller.

[0092] In the refrigerant leakage management system 1A, the storage unit 40 and the control unit 100 are included in the first device 61. Also, in the refrigerant leakage management system 1A, the outdoor unit (not shown) of the refrigeration cycle device 10 has a control device (not shown) that controls the operations of various devices that make up the outdoor unit.

[0093] The configuration according to this modification also achieves the same effects as the configuration according to the above embodiment.

[0094] (5-7) Variation 1G In the above embodiment, the refrigeration cycle apparatus 10 has been described as an example of the refrigerant leakage management system 1. However, the configuration of the refrigerant leakage management system is not limited to this. For example, the refrigerant leakage management system may be a refrigerant leakage management system 1B including the refrigeration cycle apparatus 10 and a second device 62 (see FIG. 5). The second device 62 is a device that has a function of managing the refrigeration cycle apparatus 10 by communicating with the refrigeration cycle apparatus 10 from a building different from the building in which the refrigeration cycle apparatus 10 is installed. The second device 62 is, for example, a server.

[0095] In the refrigerant leakage management system 1B, the storage unit 40 and the control unit 100 are included in the second device 62. Also, in the refrigerant leakage management system 1B, the outdoor unit (not shown) of the refrigeration cycle device 10 has a control device (not shown) that controls the operations of various devices that make up the outdoor unit.

[0096] The configuration according to this modification also achieves the same effects as the configuration according to the above embodiment.

[0097] (5-8) Variation 1H In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the control unit 100 operates the refrigeration cycle apparatus 10 in the cooling operation mode when the operation suspension period of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 10 exceeds the first period. However, the manner of control by the control unit 100 is not limited to this.

[0098] For example, the control unit 100 may operate the refrigeration cycle apparatus 10 in a heating operation mode when the operation suspension period of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 10 exceeds the first period. Alternatively, the control unit 100 may operate the refrigeration cycle apparatus 10 in an operation mode that was set the previous time the refrigeration cycle apparatus 10 was operated. Alternatively, after the control unit 100 operates the refrigeration cycle apparatus 10 in the cooling operation mode or the heating operation mode, if an administrator or user of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 10 sets the operation mode of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 10 via a remote control, the control unit 100 may switch to operation in the selected operation mode.

[0099] Alternatively, the operation mode that the control unit 100 executes when the operation suspension period of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 10 exceeds the first period may be set in advance by an administrator or a user of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 10.

[0100] <Other embodiments> Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, it will be understood that various changes in form and details can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims.

[0101] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments as they are. The present disclosure can be embodied by modifying the components in the implementation stage without departing from the spirit of the disclosure. Furthermore, the present disclosure can be formed into various disclosures by appropriately combining multiple components disclosed in the above-described embodiments. For example, some components may be omitted from all components shown in the embodiments. Furthermore, components may be appropriately combined in different embodiments. Therefore, the present embodiments should be considered to be merely illustrative and not limiting in all respects, and any modifications obvious to those skilled in the art are intended to be included in the embodiments. [Explanation of symbols]

[0102] 1, 1A, 1B Refrigerant Leakage Management System 10 Refrigeration cycle device 11 Refrigerant circuit 12 Detector 20 Timer 100 control section [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0103] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-055956

Claims

[Claim 1] a timer (20) for counting the period during which the operation of the refrigeration cycle device (10) is stopped; a control unit (100) that determines whether or not an operation stop period of the refrigeration cycle device exceeds a predetermined first period; Equipped with When the control unit determines that the operation stop period of the refrigeration cycle device has exceeded the first period, the control unit operates the refrigeration cycle device or notifies a manager of the refrigeration cycle device. Refrigerant leakage management system (1, 1A, 1B).

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