Air conditioning system modification proposal device and air conditioning system modification proposal method

Abstract

To provide an air conditioning system change proposal device and an air conditioning system change proposal method that utilize existing air conditioning operation data of an air conditioning system having multiple air conditioning systems to output proposed changes to the air conditioning system. [Solution] An air conditioning system modification proposal device having a control unit, the control unit acquires the results of refrigerant regulation determination and existing air conditioning operation data for an air conditioning system having multiple air conditioning systems, and based on the results of refrigerant regulation determination and existing air conditioning operation data, determines which proposal content to adopt from the air conditioning design specifications of the air conditioning system and the proposed content for modification of the air conditioning system, and outputs the determined proposal content.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an air conditioning system change proposal device and an air conditioning system change proposal method.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, air conditioners have been selected based on the heat load of a building. For example, in the selection of an air conditioner installed in a building or the like, a selection method that minimizes energy consumption or life cycle cost while satisfying the required capacity has been conventionally known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Conventionally, when making a proposal for the renewal of air conditioning equipment across multiple air conditioning systems, the existing air conditioning operation data of the customer's air conditioning equipment has not been utilized. When making a proposal for the renewal of air conditioning equipment across multiple air conditioning systems without utilizing the existing air conditioning operation data of the customer's air conditioning equipment, it has been carried out based on the experience and expectations of the operator.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an air conditioning system change proposal device and an air conditioning system change proposal method that output proposal contents for changing an air conditioning system by utilizing the existing air conditioning operation data of air conditioning equipment having multiple air conditioning systems.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A first aspect of this disclosure is an air conditioning system modification proposal device having a control unit, wherein the control unit acquires the results of refrigerant regulation determination and existing air conditioning operation data for an air conditioning system having a plurality of air conditioning systems, determines which proposed content to adopt from the air conditioning design specifications of the air conditioning system and the proposed content for modification of the air conditioning system based on the results of the refrigerant regulation determination and the existing air conditioning operation data, and outputs the determined proposed content.

[0007] According to a first aspect of this disclosure, an air conditioning system change proposal device can be provided that outputs proposed changes to air conditioning systems by utilizing existing air conditioning operation data of an air conditioning facility having multiple air conditioning systems.

[0008] A second aspect of this disclosure is an air conditioning system modification proposal device of the first aspect, wherein the control unit determines the integration, rearrangement, or division of the plurality of air conditioning systems as the proposed modification of the air conditioning system.

[0009] According to a second aspect of this disclosure, the integration, rearrangement, or division of multiple air conditioning systems can be determined as a proposed change to the air conditioning system.

[0010] A third aspect of this disclosure is an air conditioning system modification proposal device according to the first or second aspect, wherein the control unit determines, if the result of the refrigerant regulation determination satisfies the refrigerant regulation, to be the integration of the plurality of air conditioning systems as the proposed modification of the air conditioning system.

[0011] According to a third aspect of this disclosure, if the result of the refrigerant regulation determination is that the refrigerant regulations are met, the integration of multiple air conditioning systems can be determined as a proposed change to the air conditioning system.

[0012] A fourth aspect of this disclosure is an air conditioning system modification proposal device according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the control unit determines, if the result of the refrigerant regulation determination does not satisfy the refrigerant regulation, to rearrange or divide the plurality of air conditioning systems as the proposed modification of the air conditioning system.

[0013] According to a fourth aspect of this disclosure, if the result of the refrigerant regulation determination is that the refrigerant regulations are not met, the rearrangement or division of multiple air conditioning systems can be determined as the proposed modification of the air conditioning system.

[0014] A fifth aspect of this disclosure is an air conditioning system modification proposal device according to the third aspect, wherein the control unit determines the proposed content for integrating the plurality of air conditioning systems based on the outdoor unit information included in the existing air conditioning operation data.

[0015] According to a fifth aspect of this disclosure, the proposed integration of multiple air conditioning systems can be determined based on outdoor unit information included in existing air conditioning operation data.

[0016] A sixth aspect of this disclosure is an air conditioning system modification proposal device according to the fifth aspect, wherein the control unit determines which air conditioning systems to integrate so as to reduce the peak air conditioning load of the air conditioning equipment by integrating the plurality of air conditioning systems.

[0017] According to a sixth aspect of this disclosure, it is possible to determine which air conditioning systems to integrate so as to reduce the peak air conditioning load of the air conditioning equipment by integrating multiple air conditioning systems.

[0018] A seventh aspect of this disclosure is an air conditioning system modification proposal device of the fourth aspect, wherein the control unit determines the proposed content of rearranging or dividing the plurality of air conditioning systems based on indoor unit information included in the existing air conditioning operation data.

[0019] According to a seventh aspect of this disclosure, it is possible to determine the proposed rearrangement or division of multiple air conditioning systems based on indoor unit information included in existing air conditioning operation data.

[0020] An eighth aspect of this disclosure is an air conditioning system modification proposal device of the seventh aspect, wherein the control unit determines the proposed rearrangement or division of the plurality of air conditioning systems so as to group indoor units whose changes in air conditioning load are similar.

[0021] According to the eighth aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to determine the proposed content of recombination or division of a plurality of air conditioning systems so as to group indoor units whose changes in air conditioning load approximate each other.

[0022] The ninth aspect of the present disclosure is an air conditioning system change proposal method executed by an air conditioning system change proposal device having a control unit. The control unit acquires the result of refrigerant regulation determination of an air conditioning facility having a plurality of air conditioning systems and existing air conditioning operation data, and based on the result of the refrigerant regulation determination and the existing air conditioning operation data, determines the proposed content to be adopted from the air conditioning design specifications of the air conditioning facility and the proposed content of the change of the air conditioning system, and outputs the determined proposed content.

[0023] According to the ninth aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an air conditioning system change proposal method that outputs the proposed content of the change of the air conditioning system by utilizing the existing air conditioning operation data of an air conditioning facility having a plurality of air conditioning systems.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0024] [Figure 1] It is a configuration diagram of an example of the air conditioning system change proposal system 1 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a hardware configuration diagram of an example of the computer 500 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 3] It is an explanatory diagram of an example of the air conditioning facility of the building 10 that determines the air conditioning design specifications and the proposed content of the change of the air conditioning system. [Figure 4] It is an explanatory diagram of an example that supports the consideration of an effective combination of air conditioning systems to be integrated. [Figure 5] It is an explanatory diagram of an example of the pipe arrangement constraint rule. [Figure 6] It is an explanatory diagram of an example of the air conditioning facility of the building 10 that determines the air conditioning design specifications and the proposed content of the change of the air conditioning system. [Figure 7] It is a flowchart showing an example of the processing procedure of the air conditioning system change proposal system 1 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 8] It is a flowchart showing an example of the processing procedure of the air conditioning system change proposal system 1 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 9]This flowchart shows an example of the processing procedure for the air conditioning system change proposal system 1 according to this embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0025] Next, embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail.

[0026] <System Configuration> Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the air conditioning system change proposal system 1 according to this embodiment. The air conditioning system change proposal system 1 shown in Figure 1 includes an outdoor unit 12, an indoor unit 14, an edge device 16, an air conditioning system change proposal device 30, and an existing air conditioning operation data management device 40.

[0027] The edge device 16, the air conditioning system change proposal device 30, and the existing air conditioning operation data management device 40 shown in Figure 1 are connected to each other via a communication network N. The communication network N is, for example, the Internet or a LAN (Local Area Network).

[0028] The outdoor unit 12, indoor unit 14, and edge device 16 are installed in a building 10, which is a structure such as an office building. The building 10 is an example of a space that the outdoor unit 12 and indoor unit 14 provide air conditioning for. The outdoor unit 12, indoor unit 14, and edge device 16 are connected in a communicative manner. The outdoor unit 12 and indoor unit 14 are connected by piping, which will be described later. The outdoor unit 12, indoor unit 14, and piping are an example of an air conditioning system having multiple air conditioning systems.

[0029] The edge device 16 transmits the existing air conditioning operation data of the outdoor unit 12 and indoor unit 14 to the existing air conditioning operation data management device 40. The existing air conditioning operation data is information indicating the status of the air conditioning operation of the outdoor unit 12 and indoor unit 14. The information indicating the status of the air conditioning operation of the outdoor unit 12 and indoor unit 14 is, for example, information indicating how the customer using the air conditioning uses the outdoor unit 12 and indoor unit 14. The existing air conditioning operation data includes, for example, time-series data of the air conditioning load of the outdoor unit 12 and indoor unit 14. The existing air conditioning operation data may also include, for example, information on temperature and humidity inside the building 10 and temperature and humidity outside the building 10. The existing air conditioning operation data management device 40 provides the received existing air conditioning operation data of the outdoor unit 12 and indoor unit 14 of the building 10 to the air conditioning system change proposal device 30.

[0030] The air conditioning system modification proposal device 30 acquires existing air conditioning operation data for the building's air conditioning equipment from the existing air conditioning operation data management device 40. The air conditioning system modification proposal device 30 also acquires data necessary for determining refrigerant regulations for the building's air conditioning equipment. The air conditioning system modification proposal device 30 may also accept input from an operator of the data necessary for determining refrigerant regulations for the building's air conditioning equipment.

[0031] The data required to determine the refrigerant regulation for the air conditioning system of building 10 includes information about the room where the indoor unit 14 is installed, information about the piping, and piping constraint rules. The air conditioning system change proposal device 30 performs the refrigerant regulation determination for the air conditioning system of building 10, as described later. Based on the result of the refrigerant regulation determination for the air conditioning system of building 10 and the existing air conditioning operation data of the air conditioning system of building 10, the air conditioning system change proposal device 30 determines which proposal to adopt from the air conditioning design specifications and proposed changes to the air conditioning system of building 10, as described later, and outputs the determined proposal by displaying it on an application screen, for example.

[0032] The air conditioning system modification proposal device 30 has a control unit 32. The control unit 32 is a hardware configuration that executes programs. The control unit 32 can be a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), etc. For example, the air conditioning system modification proposal device 30 can perform various processes described later by having a CPU, one example of the control unit 32, execute a program.

[0033] The configuration of the air conditioning system change proposal system 1 shown in Figure 1 is an example. For example, the air conditioning system change proposal device 30 and the existing air conditioning operation data management device 40 may be implemented by one or more information processing devices. The air conditioning system change proposal device 30 and the existing air conditioning operation data management device 40 may also be implemented as a cloud computing service.

[0034] Figure 1 shows the control unit 32 of the air conditioning system change proposal device 30 as an example, but the edge device 16 and the existing air conditioning operation data management device 40 also have control units. The various processes described later, which are performed by the control unit 32 of the air conditioning system change proposal device 30, may also be performed by the control unit of the edge device 16 or the existing air conditioning operation data management device 40. In addition, the various processes described later, which are performed by the control unit 32 of the air conditioning system change proposal device 30, may be performed in cooperation with the control units of the edge device 16 and the existing air conditioning operation data management device 40.

[0035] It goes without saying that the configuration of the proposed air conditioning system modification system 1 shown in Figure 1 can vary depending on the application and purpose. The number of outdoor units 12 and indoor units 14 in building 10 shown in Figure 1 is just one example.

[0036] <Hardware Configuration> The air conditioning system modification proposal device 30 in Figure 1 can be implemented, for example, by a computer 500 with the hardware configuration shown in Figure 2. Furthermore, the edge device 16 and the existing air conditioning operation data management device 40 in Figure 1 may also be implemented by a computer 500 with the hardware configuration shown in Figure 2.

[0037] Figure 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of an example of a computer 500 according to this embodiment. The computer 500 includes an input device 501, a display device 502, an external interface 503, RAM (Random Access Memory) 504, ROM (Read Only Memory) 505, a CPU 506, a communication interface 507, and an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 508, and these are all interconnected via bus B. The input device 501 and the display device 502 may be connected and used only when necessary.

[0038] The input device 501 includes a touch panel, operation keys and buttons, a keyboard and mouse, etc., used by the user to input various signals. The display device 502 consists of a display such as a liquid crystal or organic EL that displays the screen, and a speaker that outputs sound data such as voice and music. The communication interface 507 is an interface for the computer 500 to communicate data via the network 50.

[0039] Furthermore, the HDD508 is an example of a non-volatile storage device that stores programs and data. The programs and data stored include the OS (Operating System), which is the basic software that controls the entire computer 500, and applications (hereinafter simply referred to as "apps") that provide various functions on the OS. Note that the computer 500 may use a drive device that uses flash memory as a storage medium (for example, a solid-state drive: SSD) instead of the HDD508.

[0040] External I / F 503 is an interface to external devices. External devices include recording media 503a. Computer 500 reads from and writes to recording media 503a via external I / F 503.

[0041] Recording media 503a include flexible disks, CDs (Compact Discs), DVDs (Digital Versatile Discs), SD (Secure Digital) memory cards, USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory, etc.

[0042] ROM505 is an example of non-volatile semiconductor memory (storage device) that can retain programs and data even when the power is turned off. ROM505 stores programs and data such as the BIOS (Basic Input Output System), OS settings, and network settings that are executed when the computer 500 starts up. RAM504 is an example of volatile semiconductor memory (storage device) that temporarily holds programs and data.

[0043] The CPU 506 is an arithmetic unit that controls and implements the functions of the entire computer 500 by reading programs and data from a storage device such as the ROM 505 or HDD 508 onto the RAM 504 and executing processing, and is an example of a control unit 32.

[0044] Figure 3 is an explanatory diagram of an example of the air conditioning system in building 10, used to determine the proposed changes to the air conditioning design specifications and air conditioning system. As shown in Figure 3, the air conditioning system in building 10 consists of an outdoor unit 12 and an indoor unit 14 connected by piping.

[0045] Figure 3(A) is an illustrative diagram of an example of an air conditioning system before integration. Figure 3(B) is an illustrative diagram of an example of an air conditioning system after integration. By connecting the main piping of the air conditioning system before integration shown in Figure 3(A), the air conditioning system after integration shown in Figure 3(B) has had its outdoor unit B eliminated.

[0046] The air conditioning system modification suggestion device 30 according to this embodiment provides the operator with a function to consider whether it is possible to select an outdoor unit 12 with a smaller equipment capacity by integrating the air conditioning system shown in Figure 3(A) before integration as shown in Figure 3(B). For example, the selection of the optimal outdoor unit A in the integrated air conditioning system shown in Figure 3(B) can be done using the selection method described in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2009-20640.

[0047] The air conditioning system change proposal device 30 according to this embodiment can support the examination of effective combinations of air conditioning systems to be integrated by considering the reduction in peak air conditioning load after system integration (hereinafter referred to as peak air conditioning load), as shown in Figure 4, for example. Figure 4 is an explanatory diagram of an example that supports the examination of effective combinations of air conditioning systems to be integrated.

[0048] Figure 4(A) shows outdoor units A and B installed on the R (rooftop) floor, and multiple indoor units installed in the living rooms. The equipment capacity of outdoor units A and B is 10 HP. HP represents the capacity of outdoor units A and B. Outdoor unit A is connected by piping to the indoor unit in the west room. Outdoor unit B is connected by piping to the indoor unit in the east room.

[0049] Figure 4(B) shows an example of time-series data for the air conditioning load in the west and east rooms where indoor units are installed. As shown in Figure 4(B), there is a time lag in the peak air conditioning load between the west and east rooms due to solar radiation, etc. For example, the peak of the total air conditioning load, which is the sum of the air conditioning loads of the west and east rooms, is 15 HP, as shown in Figure 4(B). The simple sum of the equipment capacities of outdoor units A and B in Figure 4(A) is 20 HP.

[0050] Therefore, in the example in Figure 4, it is possible to consider reducing the required equipment capacity from 20 HP to 15 HP by integrating the air conditioning systems of outdoor unit A and outdoor unit B. In the example in Figure 4, it is possible to consider reducing (downsizing) two outdoor units A and B with equipment capacities of 10 HP each to one outdoor unit A with an equipment capacity of 15 HP.

[0051] The downsizing of outdoor units A and B by integrating the air conditioning systems offers benefits to customers not only in terms of reduced equipment costs due to reduced capacity or lower electricity bills due to reduced partial load operation, but also in terms of reducing the number of units covered by maintenance contracts.

[0052] Figure 5 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a piping constraint rule. The air conditioning system modification proposal device 30 according to this embodiment takes piping constraint rules into consideration, as shown in Figure 5, for example. In Figure 5, the main piping of the air conditioning system of outdoor unit A and the main piping of the air conditioning system of outdoor unit B are connected.

[0053] The piping constraint rules include the maximum length after the first branch. For example, the constraint condition for the maximum length after the first branch is that the maximum value is 90m or less. The piping constraint rules also include the height difference between indoor units 14 that are in the same air conditioning system, since indoor units that were originally in separate air conditioning systems become indoor units in the same air conditioning system. For example, the constraint condition for the height difference between indoor units 14 that are in the same air conditioning system is 30m or less. The piping constraint rules also include the relationship between the main piping and the piping after the branch, since the part that was the main piping becomes the piping after the branch. For example, the constraint condition for the relationship with the total equipment capacity of indoor units after the first branch is the relationship between the total equipment capacity of indoor units after the first branch and the piping size.

[0054] Figure 6 is an explanatory diagram of an example of the air conditioning equipment in building 10, used to determine the proposed changes to the air conditioning design specifications and air conditioning system. Figure 6 shows the air conditioning system before reconfiguration or division, and the air conditioning system after reconfiguration or division.

[0055] In Figure 6(A), "Air Conditioning System 1" consists of four indoor units "in1~in4" with a capacity of 3HP each, connected by piping to an outdoor unit with a capacity of 12HP. In Figure 6(A), "Air Conditioning System 2" consists of four indoor units "in5~in8" with a capacity of 2HP each, connected by piping to an outdoor unit with a capacity of 8HP. Figure 6(B) divides "Air Conditioning System 1" from Figure 6(A) into two "Air Conditioning System 1" and "Air Conditioning System 3". Also, Figure 6(B) divides "Air Conditioning System 2" from Figure 6(A) into two "Air Conditioning System 2" and "Air Conditioning System 4". A proposed rearrangement of the air conditioning systems would be, for example, connecting "indoor unit in4" shown in Figure 6(A) to "indoor unit in6" in "Air Conditioning System 2".

[0056] <Processing> The following describes an example of processing performed by the control unit 32 of the air conditioning system change proposal device 30.

[0057] The air conditioning system modification proposal system 1 shown in Figure 1, for example as shown in Figures 7 to 9, utilizes existing air conditioning operation data of an air conditioning facility with multiple air conditioning systems to output proposed modifications to the air conditioning system.

[0058] Figures 7 to 9 are flowcharts showing an example of the processing procedure of the air conditioning system modification proposal system 1 according to this embodiment.

[0059] In step S10 of Figure 7, the control unit 32 of the air conditioning system change proposal device 30 selects the optimal equipment capacity of the outdoor unit 12 using data of candidate air conditioning units and existing air conditioning operation data of the air conditioning equipment. The process in step S10 can be carried out using, for example, the selection method described in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2009-20640.

[0060] In step S12, the control unit 32 calculates the data necessary to determine the refrigerant restriction. The data necessary to determine the refrigerant restriction includes, for example, the floor height, ceiling height, installation floor, volume, equipment layout diagram, piping length, and piping diameter of the room in which the indoor unit 14 is installed.

[0061] In step S14, the control unit 32 determines the total amount of refrigerant in the entire air conditioning system. The total amount of refrigerant in the entire air conditioning system is the total amount of refrigerant sealed in the entire air conditioning system. The total amount of refrigerant in the entire air conditioning system is calculated, for example, by the following formula (1).

[0062] Total refrigerant amount = Refrigerant charge amount (outdoor unit) + Additional charge amount (piping) + Correction amount (indoor unit) ... (1) The refrigerant charge amount is determined, for example, from a database based on the outdoor unit. The refrigerant charge amount is, for example, the amount of refrigerant sealed into the outdoor unit 12 at the time of shipment. The additional charge amount is determined for each piping size by the amount of refrigerant per meter multiplied by the length of the piping. The amount of refrigerant per meter is, for example, from a database. The additional charge amount is the amount of refrigerant to be additionally sealed in at the site where the outdoor unit 12 is installed. The correction amount is also determined, for example, from a database based on the indoor-outdoor connection ratio of the outdoor unit 12 and the indoor unit 14.

[0063] Furthermore, the control unit 32 uses the maximum refrigerant amount to determine the total refrigerant amount for the entire air conditioning system. The maximum refrigerant amount is the maximum amount of refrigerant that may be injected into the air conditioning system. If the total refrigerant amount, which is the total amount of refrigerant sealed in the entire air conditioning system, is greater than the maximum refrigerant amount, which is the maximum amount of refrigerant that may be injected into the air conditioning system, the control unit 32 determines that the result of the determination of the total refrigerant amount for the entire air conditioning system is NG. If the result of the determination of the total refrigerant amount for the entire air conditioning system is NG, the control unit 32 proceeds to the next loop by rearranging or splitting the system as shown in Figure 9. The result of the determination of the total refrigerant amount for the entire air conditioning system is an example of the result of the refrigerant rule determination for air conditioning equipment.

[0064] The control unit 32 determines that the result of the determination of the total refrigerant amount for the entire air conditioning system is OK if the total refrigerant amount, which is the total amount of refrigerant sealed in the entire air conditioning system, is not greater than the maximum refrigerant amount, which is the maximum amount of total refrigerant that may be injected into the air conditioning system. If the result of the determination of the total refrigerant amount for the entire air conditioning system is OK, the control unit 32 proceeds to step S16.

[0065] In step S16, the control unit 32 determines the LFL for each indoor unit installation room. LFL (Lower Flammability Limit) is the lower limit of flammability, and is the minimum concentration of refrigerant that can propagate a fire in a state where the refrigerant and air are uniformly mixed. The determination of the LFL for each indoor unit installation room is performed, for example, by the following equation (2).

[0066] Total refrigerant volume / (leakage height × floor area) ≤ 0.25 × LFL…(2) The leakage height is the height from the floor surface where refrigerant leakage is expected. Equation (2) is used to determine whether the maximum concentration at the time of refrigerant leakage exceeds 1 / 4 of the LFL. The result of determining whether the maximum concentration at the time of refrigerant leakage exceeds 1 / 4 of the LFL is an example of the result of the refrigerant regulation determination for air conditioning equipment.

[0067] If the maximum concentration of refrigerant leaked does not exceed 1 / 4 of the LFL, the control unit 32 determines that the LFL in each indoor unit installation room is OK. If the LFL in each indoor unit installation room is OK, it is not necessary to install safety equipment in each room. If the LFL in each indoor unit installation room is OK, the control unit 32 proceeds to step S18.

[0068] In step S18, the control unit 32 determines, based on existing air conditioning operation data, whether there is a proposed integration of air conditioning systems as described using Figures 3 and 4. In the process of step S18, the control unit 32 may determine which air conditioning systems to integrate so as to reduce the peak air conditioning load of the air conditioning equipment by integrating multiple air conditioning systems. For example, the control unit 32 can propose a reduction in the equipment capacity of the outdoor unit 12 after system integration by integrating the air conditioning systems of the outdoor unit 12 whose peak air conditioning loads are shifted.

[0069] If there is a proposed integration of the air conditioning system, the control unit 32 determines in step S20 whether there are any problems with the integration of the air conditioning system in terms of equipment design, as explained with reference to Figure 5.

[0070] If there are no issues with integrating the air conditioning systems in terms of equipment design, the control unit 32 will integrate the systems as shown in Figure 8 and proceed to the next loop. Also, if there is no proposed integration of the air conditioning systems in step S18, the control unit 32 will determine the cost required for the proposed changes based on the cost of the air conditioning equipment models and running costs, and terminate the processing of the flowchart in Figure 7. Running costs include, for example, maintenance of the air conditioning equipment and electricity charges. Also, if there are issues with integrating the air conditioning systems in terms of equipment design in step S20, the control unit 32 will determine the cost required for the proposed changes based on the cost of the air conditioning equipment models and running costs, and terminate the processing of the flowchart in Figure 7.

[0071] In step S16, if the maximum concentration of refrigerant leakage exceeds 1 / 4 of the LFL, the control unit 32 determines that the LFL in each indoor unit installation room is NG. If the LFL in each indoor unit installation room is NG, it becomes necessary to install safety equipment in each room, rearrange the air conditioning system, or divide the air conditioning system. If the LFL in each indoor unit installation room is NG, the control unit 32 proceeds to step S22.

[0072] In step S22, the control unit 32 determines, based on existing air conditioning operation data, whether there are any proposed reconfiguration or division of the air conditioning system as described with reference to Figure 6. In the process of step S22, the control unit 32 groups indoor units 14 whose load rate changes are similar, for example, based on the operating time or air conditioning load data of the indoor units 14 included in the existing air conditioning operation data of multiple indoor units 14. The control unit 32 reconfigures or divides the air conditioning system so as to group indoor units 14 whose air conditioning load peaks are aligned. By reconfiguring or dividing the air conditioning system so as to group indoor units 14 whose air conditioning load peaks are aligned, refrigerant temperature control can be made more effective, improving energy efficiency (running cost benefits).

[0073] If there is a proposed reconfiguration or splitting of the air conditioning system, the control unit 32 reconfigures or splits the system as shown in Figure 9 and proceeds to the next loop. If there is no proposed reconfiguration or splitting of the air conditioning system, the control unit 32 determines the cost required for the proposed changes based on the cost of the air conditioning equipment model, running costs, and safety equipment costs, and terminates the processing shown in the flowchart in Figure 7.

[0074] The process for the next loop after system integration is carried out as shown in Figure 8, for example. In step S30 of Figure 8, the control unit 32 of the air conditioning system change proposal device 30 selects the optimal equipment capacity of the outdoor unit 12 using data of candidate air conditioning equipment after system integration and existing air conditioning operation data of the air conditioning equipment after system integration. For example, the selection method described in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2009-20640 can be used for the process in step S30.

[0075] In step S32, the data necessary for determining refrigerant regulations is calculated. The data necessary for determining refrigerant regulations includes, for example, the floor height, ceiling height, installation floor, volume, equipment layout diagram, piping length, and piping diameter of the room in which the indoor unit 14 is installed.

[0076] In step S34, the control unit 32 determines the total amount of refrigerant in the entire air conditioning system, similar to step S14 described above. If the total amount of refrigerant sealed in the entire air conditioning system is greater than the maximum amount of refrigerant that can be injected into the air conditioning system, the control unit 32 determines that the result of the determination of the total amount of refrigerant in the entire air conditioning system is NG. If the result of the determination of the total amount of refrigerant in the entire air conditioning system is NG, the control unit 32 abandons the system integration, determines the cost required for the proposed changes based on the model cost and running cost of the air conditioning equipment, and terminates the process of the flowchart in Figure 8.

[0077] The control unit 32 determines that the result of the determination of the total refrigerant amount for the entire air conditioning system is OK if the total refrigerant amount, which is the total amount of refrigerant sealed in the entire air conditioning system, is not greater than the maximum refrigerant amount, which is the maximum amount of total refrigerant that may be injected into the air conditioning system. If the result of the determination of the total refrigerant amount for the entire air conditioning system is OK, the control unit 32 proceeds to step S36.

[0078] In step S36, the control unit 32 determines the LFL of each indoor unit installation room in the same manner as described in step S16. If the maximum concentration at the time of refrigerant leakage does not exceed 1 / 4 of the LFL, the control unit 32 determines that the result of the LFL determination for each indoor unit installation room is OK. If the result of the LFL determination for each indoor unit installation room is OK, the control unit 32 proceeds to step S38.

[0079] In step S38, the control unit 32 determines whether the equipment cost benefits plus running cost benefits from system integration outweigh the construction costs. If the equipment cost benefits plus running cost benefits from system integration outweigh the construction costs, the control unit 32 proposes implementing system integration, determines the costs required for the proposed changes based on the equipment cost, running costs, and construction costs of the air conditioning equipment, and terminates the process shown in the flowchart of Figure 8.

[0080] If the cost savings from system integration (including both equipment costs and running costs) do not exceed the construction costs, the control unit 32 determines that there are no benefits from system integration, determines the costs required for the proposed changes based on the equipment costs and running costs of the air conditioning equipment, and terminates the process shown in the flowchart of Figure 8.

[0081] In step S36, if the maximum concentration of refrigerant leakage exceeds 1 / 4 of the LFL, the control unit 32 determines that the LFL in each indoor unit installation room is NG. If the LFL in each indoor unit installation room is NG, the installation of safety equipment in each room is required. If the LFL in each indoor unit installation room is NG, the control unit 32 proceeds to step S40.

[0082] In step S40, the control unit 32 determines whether the cost benefits of equipment and running costs resulting from system integration outweigh the costs of safety equipment and construction. If the cost benefits of equipment and running costs resulting from system integration outweigh the costs of safety equipment and construction, the control unit 32 proposes implementing system integration that includes safety equipment, determines the costs required for the proposed changes based on the equipment costs, running costs, safety equipment costs, and construction costs of the air conditioning equipment, and then terminates the process shown in the flowchart of Figure 8.

[0083] If the cost savings from system integration (equipment cost + running cost) do not exceed the cost of safety equipment + construction costs, the control unit 32 determines that there are no benefits from system integration, determines the cost required for the proposed changes based on the equipment cost and running cost of the air conditioning equipment, and terminates the processing shown in the flowchart of Figure 8.

[0084] According to the flowchart in Figure 8, when considering the integration of air conditioning systems based on existing air conditioning operation data, it is possible to determine whether refrigerant regulations apply. Furthermore, according to the flowchart in Figure 8, by comparing the cost benefits of system integration with the construction costs and safety device costs of system integration, it is possible to propose system integration based on the results of determining whether or not system integration is beneficial.

[0085] The process for reconfiguring or splitting the system and then performing the next loop is carried out as shown in Figure 9, for example. In step S50 of Figure 9, the control unit 32 of the air conditioning system change proposal device 30 selects the optimal equipment capacity of the outdoor unit 12 using data of candidate air conditioning equipment after system reconfiguration or splitting and existing air conditioning operation data of the air conditioning equipment after system reconfiguration or splitting. For example, the selection method described in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2009-20640 can be used for the process in step S50.

[0086] In step S52, the data necessary for determining refrigerant regulations is calculated. The data necessary for determining refrigerant regulations includes, for example, the floor height, ceiling height, installation floor, volume, equipment layout diagram, piping length, and piping diameter of the room in which the indoor unit 14 is installed.

[0087] In step S54, the control unit 32 determines the total amount of refrigerant in the entire air conditioning system, similar to step S14 described above. If the total amount of refrigerant sealed in the entire air conditioning system is greater than the maximum amount of refrigerant that can be injected into the air conditioning system, the control unit 32 determines that the result of the determination of the total amount of refrigerant in the entire air conditioning system is NG. If the result of the determination of the total amount of refrigerant in the entire air conditioning system is NG, the control unit 32 further performs system reconfiguration or system division and repeats the processing of the flowchart in Figure 9.

[0088] The control unit 32 determines that the result of the determination of the total refrigerant amount for the entire air conditioning system is OK if the total refrigerant amount, which is the total amount of refrigerant sealed in the entire air conditioning system, is not greater than the maximum refrigerant amount, which is the maximum amount of total refrigerant that can be injected into the air conditioning system. If the result of the determination of the total refrigerant amount for the entire air conditioning system is OK, the control unit 32 proceeds to step S56.

[0089] In step S56, the control unit 32 determines the LFL for each indoor unit installation room, similar to step S16 described above. The control unit 32 determines that the LFL for each indoor unit installation room is OK if the maximum concentration at the time of refrigerant leakage does not exceed 1 / 4 of the LFL. If the LFL for each indoor unit installation room is OK, the control unit 32 proceeds to step S58 and determines whether the cost benefits of the equipment plus the running costs from system reconfiguration or system splitting outweigh the construction costs. If the cost benefits of the equipment plus the running costs from system reconfiguration or system splitting outweigh the construction costs, the control unit 32 proposes implementing system reconfiguration or system splitting that does not require safety equipment, determines the cost required for the proposed change based on the equipment cost, running costs, and construction costs of the air conditioning equipment, and terminates the process shown in the flowchart of Figure 9.

[0090] If the cost benefits of the equipment plus the running costs resulting from system reconfiguration or system splitting do not exceed the construction costs, the control unit 32 determines that there are no benefits from system reconfiguration or system splitting, determines the costs required for the proposed changes based on the equipment costs, running costs, and safety equipment costs of the air conditioning equipment, and terminates the processing shown in the flowchart of Figure 9.

[0091] In step S56, if the maximum concentration of refrigerant leakage exceeds 1 / 4 of the LFL, the control unit 32 determines that the LFL in each indoor unit installation room is NG. If the LFL in each indoor unit installation room is NG, the installation of safety equipment in each room is required. If the LFL in each indoor unit installation room is NG, the control unit 32 proceeds to step S60.

[0092] In step S60, the control unit 32 determines, based on existing air conditioning operation data, whether there are any proposed reconfiguration or division of the air conditioning system as described in Figure 6. If there are proposed reconfiguration or division of the air conditioning system, the control unit 32 reconfigures or divides the system as shown in Figure 9 and proceeds to the next loop.

[0093] Furthermore, if there is no proposed reconfiguration or division of the air conditioning system, the control unit 32 determines the cost required for the proposed change based on the cost of the air conditioning equipment, running costs, safety equipment costs, and construction costs, and then terminates the processing shown in the flowchart of Figure 9.

[0094] According to the flowchart shown in Figure 9, when considering reconfiguration or division of an air conditioning system based on existing air conditioning operation data, a determination of refrigerant regulations can be made. Furthermore, according to the flowchart shown in Figure 9, by comparing the cost benefits of system reconfiguration or division with the construction costs and safety device costs of system reconfiguration or division, a proposal for system reconfiguration or division can be made based on the results of determining whether or not there are benefits to system reconfiguration or division.

[0095] As described above, the air conditioning system change proposal system 1 according to this embodiment provides an air conditioning system change proposal device and an air conditioning system change proposal method that output proposed changes to air conditioning systems by utilizing existing air conditioning operation data of an air conditioning facility having multiple air conditioning systems.

[0096] [Effect] This embodiment is an air conditioning system change proposal device having a control unit, the control unit acquires the refrigerant regulation determination results and existing air conditioning operation data of an air conditioning system having multiple air conditioning systems, and based on the refrigerant regulation determination results and existing air conditioning operation data, determines which proposal content to adopt from the air conditioning design specifications of the air conditioning system and the proposed content for air conditioning system changes, and outputs the determined proposal content. The control unit is, for example, a control unit 32. The air conditioning system change proposal device is, for example, an air conditioning system change proposal device 30.

[0097] In this embodiment, based on the refrigerant regulation determination results and existing air conditioning operation data, the system determines which proposed changes to the air conditioning design specifications and air conditioning system of the air conditioning equipment to adopt, and outputs the determined proposed changes. According to this embodiment, it is possible to output proposed changes to the air conditioning system by utilizing existing air conditioning operation data of air conditioning equipment having multiple air conditioning systems. The proposed changes output by the air conditioning system change proposal device according to this embodiment can be used when proposing air conditioning equipment upgrades to customers using the air conditioning equipment.

[0098] Furthermore, the control unit determines whether to integrate, rearrange, or separate multiple air conditioning systems as proposed changes to the air conditioning system.

[0099] According to this embodiment, the integration, rearrangement, or division of multiple air conditioning systems can be output as a proposed change to the air conditioning system.

[0100] Furthermore, if the refrigerant regulation determination result indicates that the refrigerant regulations are met, the control unit determines that integrating multiple air conditioning systems is the proposed change to the air conditioning system.

[0101] According to this embodiment, if the refrigerant regulation determination result satisfies the refrigerant regulations, the integration of multiple air conditioning systems can be output as a proposed change to the air conditioning system.

[0102] Furthermore, if the refrigerant regulation determination result indicates that the refrigerant regulations are not met, the control unit determines that rearranging or splitting multiple air conditioning systems is the proposed modification for the air conditioning system.

[0103] According to this embodiment, if the refrigerant regulation determination result does not meet the refrigerant regulations, the rearrangement or division of multiple air conditioning systems can be output as a proposed change to the air conditioning system.

[0104] Furthermore, the control unit determines the proposed integration of multiple air conditioning systems based on the outdoor unit information included in the existing air conditioning operation data.

[0105] According to this embodiment, based on the outdoor unit information included in the existing air conditioning operation data, a proposal for integrating multiple air conditioning systems can be output.

[0106] Furthermore, the control unit determines which air conditioning systems to integrate so that the peak air conditioning load of the air conditioning equipment is reduced by integrating multiple air conditioning systems.

[0107] According to this embodiment, the air conditioning systems to be integrated can be output in such a way that the peak air conditioning load of the air conditioning equipment is reduced by integrating multiple air conditioning systems.

[0108] Furthermore, the control unit determines the proposed rearrangement or division of multiple air conditioning systems based on the indoor unit information included in the existing air conditioning operation data.

[0109] According to this embodiment, based on indoor unit information included in existing air conditioning operation data, it is possible to output suggestions for rearranging or dividing multiple air conditioning systems.

[0110] Furthermore, the control unit determines the proposed rearrangement or division of multiple air conditioning systems so as to group indoor units whose air conditioning load changes are similar.

[0111] According to this embodiment, it is possible to output suggestions for rearranging or dividing multiple air conditioning systems so as to group indoor units whose changes in air conditioning load are similar.

[0112] Furthermore, this embodiment is an air conditioning system change proposal method executed by an air conditioning system change proposal device having a control unit, wherein the control unit acquires the refrigerant restriction determination results and existing air conditioning operation data of an air conditioning system having multiple air conditioning systems, determines which proposal content to adopt from the air conditioning design specifications of the air conditioning system and the proposed changes to the air conditioning system based on the refrigerant restriction determination results and existing air conditioning operation data, and outputs the determined proposal content.

[0113] In this embodiment, based on the refrigerant regulation determination results and existing air conditioning operation data, the system determines which proposed changes to the air conditioning design specifications and air conditioning system of the air conditioning equipment to adopt, and outputs the determined proposed changes. According to this embodiment, it is possible to output proposed changes to the air conditioning system by utilizing existing air conditioning operation data of air conditioning equipment having multiple air conditioning systems. The proposed changes output by the air conditioning system change proposal device according to this embodiment can be used when proposing air conditioning equipment upgrades to customers using the air conditioning equipment.

[0114] As described above, this embodiment can be understood to be capable of various modifications to its form and details without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0115] 1. Air Conditioning System Modification Proposal System 10 Buildings 12 Outdoor unit 14 Indoor unit 16 Edge device 30. Air conditioning system modification proposal device 32 Control Unit 40 Existing air conditioning operation data management device N Communication Network

Claims

1. An air conditioning system modification proposal device having a control unit, The control unit, The results of refrigerant regulation determinations for air conditioning equipment with multiple air conditioning systems and existing air conditioning operation data are acquired. Based on the results of the refrigerant regulation determination and the existing air conditioning operation data, the proposed changes to the air conditioning design specifications and air conditioning system of the air conditioning equipment will be selected to be adopted. Output the proposed content that was determined. A device for proposing changes to the air conditioning system.

2. The control unit determines whether to integrate, rearrange, or separate the multiple air conditioning systems as a proposed change to the air conditioning system. The air conditioning system modification proposal device according to claim 1.

3. The control unit, if the result of the refrigerant regulation determination satisfies the refrigerant regulation, determines that the integration of the multiple air conditioning systems is the proposed change to the air conditioning system. The air conditioning system modification proposal device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. If the result of the refrigerant regulation determination does not satisfy the refrigerant regulation, the control unit determines that rearranging or dividing the multiple air conditioning systems is the proposed change to the air conditioning system. The air conditioning system modification proposal device according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The control unit determines the proposed integration of the multiple air conditioning systems based on the outdoor unit information included in the existing air conditioning operation data. The air conditioning system modification proposal device according to claim 3.

6. The control unit determines which air conditioning system to integrate so that the peak air conditioning load of the air conditioning equipment is reduced by integrating the multiple air conditioning systems. The air conditioning system modification proposal device according to claim 5.

7. The control unit determines the proposed rearrangement or division of the multiple air conditioning systems based on the indoor unit information included in the existing air conditioning operation data. The air conditioning system modification proposal device according to claim 4.

8. The control unit determines the proposed rearrangement or division of the multiple air conditioning systems so as to group indoor units whose air conditioning load changes are similar. The air conditioning system modification proposal device according to claim 7.

9. A method for proposing an air conditioning system change, which is performed by an air conditioning system change proposal device having a control unit, The control unit, The results of refrigerant regulation determinations for air conditioning equipment with multiple air conditioning systems and existing air conditioning operation data are acquired. Based on the results of the refrigerant regulation determination and the existing air conditioning operation data, the proposed changes to the air conditioning design specifications and air conditioning system of the air conditioning equipment will be selected to be adopted. Output the proposed content that was determined. Method for proposing changes to the air conditioning system.

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