Control device for outdoor unit, outdoor unit, heat pump system, and method for controlling outdoor unit

Abstract

The present invention provides an outdoor unit control device and an outdoor unit control method that can reliably reduce the risk of ignition caused by refrigerant leakage into the outdoor unit. [Solution] The outdoor unit control device 50 includes a control unit 51 that controls the rotation of a fan 61 provided on the outdoor unit, and a storage unit 52 that stores information about refrigerant leakage detected from a refrigerant detection sensor that detects refrigerant leakage into the outdoor unit. When the power to the outdoor unit is turned ON, if the storage unit 52 has stored information about refrigerant leakage detected from the refrigerant detection sensor, the control unit 51 starts the rotation of the fan 61.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a control device for an outdoor unit, an outdoor unit, a heat pump device, and a control method for an outdoor unit.

Background Art

[0002] There has been reported a technique in which a refrigerant detection sensor for detecting a leaked refrigerant is provided, and when the refrigerant detection sensor detects a gas concentration equal to or higher than a predetermined level, a blower fan is operated at a first rotational speed (Patent Document 1). Further, Patent Document 2 reports a technique in which a stirring fan provided outside the housing of a repeater is operated at the start of operation.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the technique of Patent Document 1, since the fan is not rotated until the leakage of the refrigerant is detected, there is a problem that the ignition concentration is maintained during that time. In particular, since the refrigerant detection sensor does not work while the power supply of the outdoor unit is OFF, the fan cannot be operated until detection after the power supply is turned ON. Further, when an abnormality display appears due to refrigerant detection, the user may turn off the power without fully understanding the content of the abnormality display and restart it, and in such a case, the risk is further expanded.

[0005] Furthermore, when using natural refrigerants, initializing the refrigerant detection sensor takes time to distinguish it from other natural refrigerants. Consequently, it may take some time to detect the refrigerant (for example, 80 seconds). Additionally, to eliminate false positives from the refrigerant detection sensor, continuous detection is required before determining whether a leak has occurred, which can be time-consuming (for example, 20 seconds).

[0006] Furthermore, Patent Document 2 describes a technology for rotating a stirring fan installed on the outside of the repeater's casing, and does not focus on the fan of the outdoor unit.

[0007] As described above, there was a need for technology to reduce the risk of ignition caused by refrigerant leakage into the outdoor unit.

[0008] This disclosure is made in view of these circumstances and aims to provide an outdoor unit control device, an outdoor unit, a heat pump device, and an outdoor unit control method that can reliably reduce the risk of ignition due to refrigerant leakage into the outdoor unit. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] To solve the above problems, the outdoor unit control device of this disclosure comprises a control unit that controls the rotation of a fan provided on the outdoor unit, and a storage unit that stores information on the detection of refrigerant leakage from a refrigerant detection sensor that detects refrigerant leakage into the outdoor unit, wherein the control unit starts the rotation of the fan when the power of the outdoor unit is turned ON and the storage unit has stored information on the detection of refrigerant leakage from the refrigerant detection sensor.

[0010] Furthermore, the control method for an outdoor unit of the present disclosure is a control method for an outdoor unit comprising a fan and a refrigerant detection sensor for detecting refrigerant leakage into the unit, comprising a control step for controlling the rotation of the fan and a storage step for storing information that the refrigerant leakage from the refrigerant detection sensor has been detected, wherein in the control step, when the power of the outdoor unit is turned ON, if the storage step has stored information that the refrigerant leakage from the refrigerant detection sensor has been detected, the rotation of the fan is started. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] With the outdoor unit control device described in this disclosure, refrigerant leakage can be detected before the outdoor unit's power is turned off, and if there is a risk of ignition due to refrigerant leakage, the fan can be quickly started to rotate. This reliably reduces the risk of ignition due to refrigerant leakage inside the outdoor unit. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing an outdoor unit according to the first embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the outdoor unit. [Figure 3] This figure shows the configuration of the control system by the control device for the outdoor unit according to the first embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 4] This is a flowchart showing the control method by the control device for the outdoor unit according to the first embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 5] This is a flowchart showing a control method by a control device for an outdoor unit according to a second embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 6] This is a flowchart showing a control method by the control device for an outdoor unit according to the third embodiment of this disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0013] An embodiment of the control device for an outdoor unit, an outdoor unit, a heat pump system, and a control method for an outdoor unit according to this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0014] [First Embodiment] A first embodiment relating to this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 shows the outdoor unit 1 used in a heat pump system. The outdoor unit 1 in Figure 1 is shown with the panel of the machine room 7 removed.

[0015] The outdoor unit 1 is connected to an indoor unit (heat utilization unit) via a water circuit using a water pipe (heat medium pipe) not shown in the figure. Water circulates between the outdoor unit 1 and the indoor unit through the water pipe. Thereby, the warm or cold heat generated by the outdoor unit 1 is sent to the indoor unit via the water pipe to provide warm or cold heat indoors.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 1, the outdoor unit 1 includes a substantially rectangular parallelepiped housing 3. The bottom of the housing 3 is a sheet metal base 4. The base 4 includes base legs 4a provided on both sides along the longitudinal direction, and a substantially flat plate portion 4b provided between the upper ends of the base legs 4a on both sides. The flat plate portion 4b extends substantially horizontally, and various devices are installed above it. The flat plate portion 4b has concavities and convexities formed by press working.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 1, inside the housing 3, above the base 4, there are provided a fan chamber 5 and a machine chamber 7 partitioned left and right by a partition wall 9.

[0018] The fan chamber 5 is located on the left side in FIG. 1. Inside the fan chamber 5, an outdoor fan (fan) 61 and an outdoor heat exchanger 30 (see FIG. 2), not shown in FIG. 1, are provided. The outdoor heat exchanger 30 has a shape bent in an L shape so as to form the side and back surfaces of the fan chamber 5. The outside air taken in by the outdoor fan 61 exchanges heat with the refrigerant flowing through the outdoor heat exchanger 30. The outside air after heat exchange with the refrigerant is discharged to the outside from the fan opening 11.

[0019] The machine chamber 7 is located on the right side in FIG. 1. In the machine chamber 7, a sub-base 13 in the form of a plate-like body is provided on the base 4 (specifically, the flat plate portion 4b). The sub-base 13 is rectangular in plan view and is sized to cover substantially the entire area below the machine chamber 7. However, a predetermined gap is formed between the four sides of the sub-base 13 and the opposing side walls and partition wall 9 of the housing 3.

[0020] As shown in Figure 2, multiple sub-base support members 15 equipped with vibration-damping rubber are provided between the base 4 and the sub-base 13. Each sub-base support member 15 supports the sub-base 13 relative to the base 4.

[0021] As shown in Figure 1, the machine room 7 is equipped with a compressor 17, a water heat exchanger 19, a gas separator 21, a control box 23, and the like, above the sub-base 13.

[0022] The compressor 17 is, for example, a rotary compressor, which compresses a flammable refrigerant such as R290. As shown in Figure 2, the compressor 17 is provided with compressor legs 17a equipped with vibration-damping rubber at its lower part. The compressor legs 17a are mounted on the sub-base 13. The compressor legs 17a equipped with vibration-damping rubber reduce the vibrations of the compressor 17 transmitted to the sub-base 13. The sub-base 13 does not have unnecessary through holes, except for holes for mounting equipment such as the sub-base support member 15 and the compressor legs 17a. Therefore, after the equipment is mounted, the sub-base 13 basically has no through holes.

[0023] The refrigerant compressed by the compressor 17 is sent to the water heat exchanger 19 or the outdoor heat exchanger 30 via a four-way valve (not shown). The compressor 17, the four-way valve (not shown), the water heat exchanger 19, the outdoor heat exchanger 30, the expansion valve (not shown), and the refrigerant piping connecting them form a refrigerant circuit through which the refrigerant circulates.

[0024] The water heat exchanger 19 exchanges heat between the refrigerant and water (heat transfer medium). After the water has exchanged heat with the refrigerant, it is separated from the gas (air, refrigerant, etc.) by the gas separator 21 and then guided to the indoor unit through the water supply pipe 25. After the water has exchanged heat with the indoor air in the indoor unit, it is returned to the water heat exchanger 19 through the water return pipe 26. In this way, the water circulates between the water heat exchanger 19 and the indoor unit via the water circuit.

[0025] The control box 23 has a sealed structure that houses electrical equipment such as capacitors and coils inside. Furthermore, the control box 23 is equipped with a terminal block that has electrical terminals (electrical equipment) that receive power from the outside. Thus, the control box 23 is considered a potential source of ignition in which electrical energy is present.

[0026] Figure 2 also shows the same compressor 17, water heat exchanger 19, and gas separator 21 as in Figure 1. An accumulator 28 is shown to the side of the compressor 17. An outdoor heat exchanger 30 is also shown on the right side of Figure 2. The outdoor heat exchanger 30 is installed in the fan room 5 (see Figure 1) as described above.

[0027] Although not shown in the diagram, the base 4 is provided with a drain hole in a position corresponding to the fan chamber 5. The drain hole is, for example, circular in shape, with a diameter of, for example, 20 mm. The drain hole is located on the lower surface, which is the lowest position on the flat plate portion 4b of the base 4. The lower surface extends continuously across the machine chamber 7. The lower surface is inclined so that the drain hole faces downwards. This allows condensed water to adhere to equipment such as the outdoor heat exchanger 30 inside the housing 3 and flow downwards, so that the drain water can be discharged to the outside through the drain hole via the lower surface.

[0028] As shown in Figure 2, the base 4 is provided with a refrigerant discharge port 34 at a position corresponding to the machine room 7. Through the refrigerant discharge port 34, the refrigerant released into the machine room 7 is discharged to the outside (atmosphere).

[0029] The refrigerant discharge hole 34 is, for example, circular in shape, with a diameter of 30 mm or more, preferably about 60 mm. In other words, the area of ​​the refrigerant discharge hole 34 is larger than the area of ​​the drain hole.

[0030] As shown in Figure 2, the refrigerant discharge hole 34 is provided with a resin mesh 40 to prevent insects and other small animals from entering the inside of the housing 3 from the outside.

[0031] A refrigerant detection sensor 42 is installed below the machine room 7. The refrigerant detection sensor 42 detects the refrigerant (refrigerant concentration) leaked into the machine room 7. The detection output of the refrigerant detection sensor 42 is transmitted to a control device 50 (not shown in Figure 2). The refrigerant detection sensor 42 is installed below the gas separator 21. Details of the control device 50 will be described later.

[0032] A water connection pipe 46 is connected to the side of the gas separator body 21a to guide water from the water heat exchanger 19.

[0033] Figure 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of the control system by the control device for the outdoor unit according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 3, the control device 50 comprises a control unit 51 and a storage unit 52.

[0034] The control device 50 is composed of, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), and a computer-readable storage medium. A series of processes for realizing various functions are stored in the storage medium in the form of a program, for example. The CPU reads this program into the RAM and performs information processing and calculations to realize the various functions. The program may be pre-installed in the ROM or other storage medium, provided in a state where it is stored in a computer-readable storage medium, or distributed via wired or wireless communication. Computer-readable storage media include magnetic disks, magneto-optical disks, CD-ROMs, DVD-ROMs, semiconductor memory, etc.

[0035] The control unit 51 controls the rotation of the fan (outdoor fan) 61 provided on the outdoor unit 1 via the fan drive unit 62. The storage unit 52 stores information (refrigerant leak detection information) that has been detected from the refrigerant detection sensor 42.

[0036] When the power to the outdoor unit 1 is turned ON, if the storage unit 52 has stored refrigerant leak detection information from the refrigerant detection sensor 42, the control unit 51 controls the fan drive unit 62 to start the rotation of the fan 61. The storage unit 52 only stores refrigerant leak detection information (in particular, information indicating that refrigerant is leaking) that was input during the power-on cycle immediately prior to the current power-on cycle (the period from when the power is turned ON until when it is turned OFF). In other words, refrigerant leak detection information that was input during power-on cycles two or more prior to the current power-on cycle is not stored. It is also possible to change the rotation speed of the fan 61 according to the detected refrigerant concentration.

[0037] Next, an example of a control method using the control device 50 described above will be explained with reference to Figure 4. Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the control method using the control device 50 of the outdoor unit in this embodiment.

[0038] In step S101, the refrigerant detection sensor 42 detects refrigerant leaking into the machine room 7 and detects refrigerant leakage into the outdoor unit 1. The information that the refrigerant detection sensor 42 has detected a refrigerant leak (refrigerant leak detection information) is output to the control device 50.

[0039] In step S102, the control device 50, having received refrigerant leak detection information from the refrigerant detection sensor 42, detects an abnormality and displays an abnormality indicator on a monitor or the like. Accordingly, the control unit 51 controls the fan 61 to start rotating via the fan drive unit 62. The control device 50 also writes (stores) the refrigerant leak detection information to the memory unit (CPU) 52 (storage process).

[0040] In step S103, the power (circuit breaker) to the outdoor unit 1 is turned OFF. One reason the power is turned OFF after step S102 is that when the user detects an error on the outdoor unit 1 due to refrigerant detection, they turn off the power without fully understanding the content of the error message. At this time, the refrigerant detection sensor 42 also stops.

[0041] In step S104, the power to outdoor unit 1 is turned ON.

[0042] In step S105, the control device 50 checks whether there is any refrigerant leak detection information in the storage unit 52. If there is no refrigerant leak detection information in the storage unit 52, the process proceeds to step S106 and the outdoor unit 1 is started as usual. On the other hand, if there is refrigerant leak detection information in the storage unit 52, the process proceeds to step S107 and the control unit 51 immediately starts the rotation of the fan 61 via the fan drive unit 62 (control process). An abnormality is also displayed on a monitor or the like.

[0043] In step S108, the refrigerant detection sensor 42 is activated. Since it takes time to activate the refrigerant detection sensor 42, in this embodiment, the fan 61 is started to rotate before the refrigerant detection sensor 42 is activated.

[0044] In step S109, the refrigerant detection sensor 42 detects a refrigerant leak into the outdoor unit 1, and the control device 50 determines whether or not there is a refrigerant leak. If a refrigerant leak is determined to be present in step S109, the process proceeds to step S110, and the fan 61 continues to rotate. After a predetermined time has elapsed since the determination of whether or not there is a refrigerant leak, the refrigerant detection sensor 42 and the control device 50 make the determination again. In this manner, steps S109 to S110 are repeated until it is determined that there is no refrigerant leak in step S109.

[0045] If no refrigerant leak is detected in step S109, the process proceeds to step S111, where the control unit 51 stops the rotation of the fan 61. The control device 50 also turns off any abnormality indicators displayed on the monitor, etc. After that, the outdoor unit 1 is started as usual.

[0046] As described above, this embodiment provides the following effects and advantages. In this embodiment, the control device 50 for the outdoor unit 1 includes a storage unit 52 that stores information about refrigerant leakage detected by a refrigerant detection sensor 42 that detects refrigerant leakage into the outdoor unit 1. Therefore, if the refrigerant detection sensor 42 detects refrigerant leakage, the storage unit 52 can store the information about the detected refrigerant leakage even if the power to the outdoor unit 1 is turned OFF. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the control unit 50 starts the rotation of the fan 61 when the power to the outdoor unit 1 is turned ON and the storage unit 52 has stored information about refrigerant leakage detected by the refrigerant detection sensor 42. Therefore, if refrigerant leakage is detected before the power to the outdoor unit 1 is turned OFF and there is a risk of ignition due to refrigerant leakage, the fan 61 can be quickly started to rotate. This reliably reduces the risk of ignition due to refrigerant leakage into the outdoor unit 1.

[0047] Furthermore, since the outdoor unit 1 of this embodiment is equipped with the control device 50 described above, the risk of ignition due to refrigerant leakage into the outdoor unit 1 can be reliably reduced.

[0048] Furthermore, since the heat pump system of this embodiment is equipped with the control device 50 described above, the risk of ignition due to refrigerant leakage into the outdoor unit 1 can be reliably reduced.

[0049] Furthermore, the control method for the outdoor unit 1 in this embodiment includes a storage step that stores information about refrigerant leakage detected by a refrigerant detection sensor 42, which detects refrigerant leakage into the outdoor unit 1. Therefore, if the refrigerant detection sensor 42 detects refrigerant leakage, the information about the detected refrigerant leakage can be stored in the storage step even if the power to the outdoor unit 1 is turned OFF. In addition, in the control method of this embodiment, if the information about refrigerant leakage detected by the refrigerant detection sensor 42 is stored in the storage step when the power to the outdoor unit 1 is turned ON, the fan 61 starts rotating. Therefore, if refrigerant leakage is detected before the power to the outdoor unit 1 is turned OFF and there is a risk of ignition due to refrigerant leakage, the fan 61 can be quickly started to rotate. This reliably reduces the risk of ignition due to refrigerant leakage into the outdoor unit 1.

[0050] [Second Embodiment] Next, an example of a control method by the outdoor unit control device according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 5. Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the control method by the outdoor unit control device 50 of this embodiment. In this embodiment, the storage unit 52 stores refrigerant leak detection information when the concentration of refrigerant leaked into the outdoor unit 1 is above a certain level (when the concentration of refrigerant detected by the refrigerant detection sensor 42 is above a predetermined value). The storage unit 52 also stores the time when the refrigerant leak detection information was stored. The control unit 51 is configured not to start the rotation of the fan 61 if a certain amount of time has elapsed since the above time when the power to the outdoor unit 1 is turned ON.

[0051] Step S201 is the same as step S101, so its explanation is omitted. In step S202, the control device 50, having received refrigerant leak detection information from the refrigerant detection sensor 42, detects an abnormality and displays an abnormality indicator on a monitor or the like. Accordingly, the control unit 51 controls the fan 61 to start rotating via the fan drive unit 62.

[0052] In step S203, the control device 50 writes (stores) refrigerant leak detection information to the storage unit (CPU) 52 (storage step) if the concentration of refrigerant leaked into the outdoor unit 1 is above a certain level (the concentration of refrigerant detected by the refrigerant detection sensor 42 is above a predetermined value). At this time, the storage unit 52 also stores the time when the refrigerant leak detection information was stored.

[0053] Step S204 is the same as step S103, and step S205 is the same as step S104. Therefore, their explanations are omitted.

[0054] In step S206, the control device 50 checks whether there is any refrigerant leak detection information in the storage unit 52. If there is no refrigerant leak detection information in the storage unit 52, the process proceeds to step S207 and the outdoor unit 1 is started as usual.

[0055] On the other hand, if there is refrigerant leak detection information in the memory unit 52, the process proceeds to step S208, where it is checked whether a certain amount of time has elapsed since the time when the refrigerant leak detection information was stored in the memory unit 52 in step S203. The certain amount of time is set to the time at which it is determined that the refrigerant has already been agitated inside the outdoor unit 1. If the certain amount of time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S207, where the outdoor unit 1 is started as usual. On the other hand, if the certain amount of time has not elapsed, the process proceeds to step S209, where the fan 61 is started to rotate via the fan drive unit 62 under the control of the control unit 51 (control process). An abnormality is also displayed on a monitor or the like.

[0056] In step S210, the refrigerant detection sensor 42 is activated. Since it takes time to activate the refrigerant detection sensor 42, in this embodiment, the fan 61 is started to rotate before the refrigerant detection sensor 42 is activated.

[0057] In step S211, the refrigerant detection sensor 42 detects a refrigerant leak into the outdoor unit 1, and the control device 50 determines whether or not there is a refrigerant leak. If a refrigerant leak is determined to be present in step S211, the process proceeds to step S212, and the fan 61 continues to rotate. After a predetermined time has elapsed since the determination of whether or not there is a refrigerant leak, the refrigerant detection sensor 42 and the control device 50 make the determination again. In this manner, steps S211 to S212 are repeated until it is determined that there is no refrigerant leak in step S211.

[0058] If no refrigerant leak is detected in step S211, the process proceeds to step S213, where the control unit 51 stops the rotation of the fan 61. The control device 50 also turns off any abnormality indicators displayed on the monitor, etc. After that, the outdoor unit 1 is started as usual.

[0059] As described above, this embodiment provides the following effects and advantages. In the control device 50 of the outdoor unit 1 of this embodiment, the storage unit 52 stores information that a refrigerant leak has been detected when the concentration of refrigerant leaked into the outdoor unit 1 is above a certain level. That is, if the concentration of refrigerant leaked into the outdoor unit 1 is below a certain level, the risk of ignition is small, so the storage unit 52 can be configured not to store information that a refrigerant leak has been detected. As a result, the fan 61 can be configured not to rotate when the risk of ignition is small, and the fan 61 can be rotated at a more necessary time. Therefore, power consumption can be suppressed while more reliably reducing the risk of ignition due to refrigerant leakage.

[0060] Even if the memory unit 52 stores information that it has detected a refrigerant leak, if a certain amount of time has elapsed since the time the information about the refrigerant leak was stored when the power to the outdoor unit 1 is turned ON, the refrigerant may already be agitated inside the outdoor unit 1. In this case, since the risk of ignition is small, the control unit 51 can be configured not to start the rotation of the fan 61. In other words, in this case, the outdoor unit 1 is started as usual. Therefore, power consumption can be suppressed while more reliably reducing the risk of ignition due to refrigerant leakage.

[0061] [Third Embodiment] Next, an example of a control method by the control device for the outdoor unit according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 6. Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the control method by the control device 50 for the outdoor unit according to this embodiment. In this embodiment, the control unit 51 starts rotating the fan 61 when the power to the outdoor unit 1 is turned ON. That is, in this embodiment, the control unit 51 starts rotating the fan 61 immediately when the power to the outdoor unit 1 is turned ON, without relying on refrigerant leak detection information from the refrigerant detection sensor 42. Therefore, in this embodiment, the storage unit 52 in the first and second embodiments is not an essential component.

[0062] In step S301, the power to the outdoor unit 1 is turned ON. In step S302, the control unit 51 controls the fan 61 to start rotating via the fan drive unit 62 (control step). In other words, in this embodiment, the control unit 51 immediately starts the fan 61 to rotate without relying on refrigerant leak detection information from the refrigerant detection sensor 42.

[0063] In step S303, the refrigerant detection sensor 42 is activated. Since it takes time to activate the refrigerant detection sensor 42, in this embodiment, the fan 61 is started to rotate before the refrigerant detection sensor 42 is activated.

[0064] In step S304, the refrigerant detection sensor 42 detects a refrigerant leak into the outdoor unit 1, and the control device 50 determines whether or not there is a refrigerant leak. If a refrigerant leak is determined to be present in step S304, the process proceeds to step S305, and the fan 61 continues to rotate. Accordingly, the control device 50 displays an abnormality indicator on a monitor or the like. After a predetermined time has elapsed since the determination of whether or not there is a refrigerant leak, the detection by the refrigerant detection sensor 42 and the determination by the control device 50 are performed again. In this manner, steps S304 to S305 are repeated until it is determined that there is no refrigerant leak in step S304.

[0065] If no refrigerant leak is detected in step S304, the process proceeds to step S306, where the control unit 51 stops the rotation of the fan 61. The control device 50 also turns off any abnormality indicators displayed on the monitor, etc. After that, the outdoor unit 1 is started as usual.

[0066] As described above, this embodiment provides the following effects and advantages. In the control device 50 of the outdoor unit 1 of this embodiment, the control unit 51 starts rotating the fan 61 when the power to the outdoor unit 1 is turned ON. In this way, the control device 50 of this embodiment rotates the fan regardless of whether or not there is a refrigerant leak into the outdoor unit 1, thus reliably reducing the risk of ignition due to a refrigerant leak into the outdoor unit 1.

[0067] Furthermore, in the control method for the outdoor unit 1 of this embodiment, the fan 61 starts rotating when the power to the outdoor unit 1 is turned ON during the control process. In this way, the control method of this embodiment rotates the fan regardless of whether or not there is a refrigerant leak into the outdoor unit 1, thus reliably reducing the risk of ignition due to a refrigerant leak into the outdoor unit 1.

[0068] <Note> The control device for the outdoor unit described in the above-described embodiment can be understood, for example, as follows. A control device (50) for an outdoor unit according to a first aspect of the present disclosure includes a control unit (51) that controls the rotation of a fan (61) provided on an outdoor unit (1), and a storage unit (52) that stores information on the detection of refrigerant leakage from a refrigerant detection sensor (42) that detects refrigerant leakage into the outdoor unit, wherein the control unit starts the rotation of the fan when the power to the outdoor unit is turned ON and the storage unit has stored information on the detection of refrigerant leakage from the refrigerant detection sensor.

[0069] The outdoor unit control device of this disclosure includes a storage unit that stores information on refrigerant leakage detected by a refrigerant detection sensor that detects refrigerant leakage into the outdoor unit. Therefore, if the refrigerant detection sensor detects refrigerant leakage, the storage unit can store the information on the detected refrigerant leakage even if the outdoor unit's power is turned off. Furthermore, in the outdoor unit control device of this disclosure, the control unit starts the fan rotation when the outdoor unit's power is turned on and the storage unit has stored information on the detection of refrigerant leakage from the refrigerant detection sensor. Therefore, if refrigerant leakage is detected before the outdoor unit's power is turned off and there is a risk of ignition due to the refrigerant leakage, the fan rotation can be started quickly. This reliably reduces the risk of ignition due to refrigerant leakage into the outdoor unit.

[0070] In the first embodiment, the control device for an outdoor unit according to a second aspect of the present disclosure stores information that a refrigerant leak has been detected when the concentration of the refrigerant leaked into the outdoor unit is above a certain level.

[0071] In the outdoor unit control device of this disclosure, the memory unit stores information detecting a refrigerant leak when the concentration of refrigerant leaked into the outdoor unit is above a certain level. That is, if the concentration of refrigerant leaked into the outdoor unit is below a certain level, the risk of ignition is small, so the memory unit can be configured not to store information detecting a refrigerant leak. This allows the fan to not be turned on when the risk of ignition is small, and the fan to be turned on at a more necessary time. Therefore, power consumption can be suppressed while more reliably reducing the risk of ignition due to refrigerant leaks.

[0072] In the third aspect of the present disclosure, the control device for an outdoor unit, in the first or second aspect, stores the time when it stores information that it has detected a refrigerant leak, and the control unit does not start the rotation of the fan if a certain amount of time has elapsed since that time when the power to the outdoor unit is turned ON.

[0073] Even if the memory unit stores information that a refrigerant leak has been detected, if a certain amount of time has passed since the time the refrigerant leak was detected and stored when the outdoor unit's power is turned on, the refrigerant may already be agitated inside the outdoor unit. In this case, since the risk of ignition is small, the control unit can be configured not to start rotating the fan as described above. In other words, in this case, the outdoor unit starts up as usual. Therefore, power consumption can be suppressed while more reliably reducing the risk of ignition due to refrigerant leakage.

[0074] A control device for an outdoor unit according to a fourth aspect of this disclosure includes a control unit that controls the rotation of a fan provided on the outdoor unit, and the control unit starts the rotation of the fan when the power to the outdoor unit is turned ON.

[0075] In the outdoor unit control device of this disclosure, the control unit starts the fan rotating when the power to the outdoor unit is turned ON. In this way, the control device of this disclosure rotates the fan regardless of whether or not there is a refrigerant leak into the outdoor unit, thereby reliably reducing the risk of ignition due to a refrigerant leak into the outdoor unit.

[0076] The outdoor unit according to the fifth aspect of this disclosure comprises a fan, a refrigerant detection sensor for detecting refrigerant leakage into the interior, and a control device for the outdoor unit according to any of the first to fourth aspects.

[0077] Since the outdoor unit of this disclosure is equipped with the control device described above, the risk of ignition due to refrigerant leakage into the outdoor unit can be reliably reduced.

[0078] A heat pump system according to the sixth aspect of this disclosure comprises an outdoor unit, a fan provided on the outdoor unit, a refrigerant detection sensor provided on the outdoor unit for detecting refrigerant leakage into the outdoor unit, a control device for the outdoor unit according to any of the first to fourth aspects, and a heat utilization unit connected to the outdoor unit.

[0079] The heat pump system of this disclosure is equipped with the control device described above, and therefore the risk of ignition due to refrigerant leakage into the outdoor unit can be reliably reduced.

[0080] A control method for an outdoor unit according to a seventh aspect of this disclosure is a control method for an outdoor unit comprising a fan and a refrigerant detection sensor for detecting refrigerant leakage into the unit, comprising a control step for controlling the rotation of the fan and a storage step for storing information that the refrigerant leakage from the refrigerant detection sensor has been detected, wherein in the control step, when the power of the outdoor unit is turned ON, the storage step has stored information that the refrigerant leakage from the refrigerant detection sensor has been detected, the rotation of the fan is started.

[0081] The outdoor unit control method of this disclosure includes a storage step that stores information about refrigerant leakage detected by a refrigerant detection sensor that detects refrigerant leakage into the outdoor unit. Therefore, if the refrigerant detection sensor detects refrigerant leakage, the information about the detected refrigerant leakage can be stored in the storage step even if the power to the outdoor unit is turned OFF. Furthermore, in the control method of this disclosure, if the information about refrigerant leakage detected by the refrigerant detection sensor is stored in the storage step when the power to the outdoor unit is turned ON, the fan starts rotating. Therefore, if refrigerant leakage is detected before the power to the outdoor unit is turned OFF and there is a risk of ignition due to refrigerant leakage, the fan can be started rotating quickly. This reliably reduces the risk of ignition due to refrigerant leakage into the outdoor unit.

[0082] A control method for an outdoor unit according to an eighth aspect of this disclosure is a control method for an outdoor unit comprising a fan and a refrigerant detection sensor for detecting refrigerant leakage into the unit, the method comprising a control step for controlling the rotation of the fan, wherein in the control step, the rotation of the fan is started when the power to the outdoor unit is turned ON.

[0083] In the control method for the outdoor unit of this disclosure, the fan starts rotating when the power to the outdoor unit is turned ON during the control process. In this way, the control method of this disclosure rotates the fan regardless of whether or not there is a refrigerant leak into the outdoor unit, thus reliably reducing the risk of ignition due to a refrigerant leak into the outdoor unit. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0084] 1 Outdoor unit 3 cabinets 4 bases 4a Base Legs 4b Flat plate part 5. Fan Room 7 Machine room 9 Partition wall 11 Fan opening 13 Sub-base 15 Subbase support member 17 Compressor 17a Compressor legs 19 Water heat exchanger 21 Gas Separator 21a Gas separator body 23 Control Box 25 Water supply piping 26 Water return piping 28 Accumulator 30 Outdoor heat exchanger 34 Refrigerant discharge hole 40 mesh 42 Refrigerant detection sensor 46 Water connection pipe 50 Control device 51 Control Unit 52 Storage section 61. Fan (Outdoor fan) 62 Fan drive unit

Claims

1. A control unit that controls the rotation of the fan installed on the outdoor unit, A storage unit that stores information about the detection of refrigerant leakage from a refrigerant detection sensor that detects refrigerant leakage into the outdoor unit, Equipped with, The control unit is a control device for an outdoor unit that, when the power to the outdoor unit is turned ON, starts the rotation of the fan if the storage unit has stored information that it has detected a leak of the refrigerant from the refrigerant detection sensor.

2. The control device for an outdoor unit according to claim 1, wherein the storage unit stores information indicating that a leak of the refrigerant has been detected when the concentration of the refrigerant leaked into the outdoor unit is above a certain level.

3. When the storage unit stores information indicating that a refrigerant leak has been detected, it stores the time when the information indicating that a refrigerant leak has been detected was stored. The control unit for an outdoor unit according to claim 1, wherein the control unit does not start the rotation of the fan if a certain amount of time has elapsed since the time when the power of the outdoor unit is turned ON.

4. It is equipped with a control unit that controls the rotation of the fan located on the outdoor unit. The control unit is a control device for the outdoor unit that starts the rotation of the fan when the power to the outdoor unit is turned ON.

5. Fans, A refrigerant detection sensor that detects refrigerant leakage into the interior, A control device for an outdoor unit according to any one of claims 1 to 4, An outdoor unit equipped with an air conditioner.

6. Outdoor unit and The fan installed on the outdoor unit, A refrigerant detection sensor is provided in the outdoor unit to detect refrigerant leakage into the outdoor unit, The outdoor unit is provided with the control device for the outdoor unit according to any one of claims 1 to 4, A heat utilization unit connected to the aforementioned outdoor unit, A heat pump device equipped with the following features.

7. Fans, A refrigerant detection sensor that detects refrigerant leakage into the interior, A control method for an outdoor unit equipped with, A control step for controlling the rotation of the aforementioned fan, A storage step for storing information that indicates a leak of the refrigerant from the refrigerant detection sensor, It has, A control method for an outdoor unit in which, in the control step, if the power to the outdoor unit is turned ON and the information that a leak of the refrigerant from the refrigerant detection sensor was detected in the storage step is stored, the fan is started to rotate.

8. Fans, A refrigerant detection sensor that detects refrigerant leakage into the interior, A control method for an outdoor unit equipped with, The control process includes controlling the rotation of the fan, A control method for an outdoor unit, wherein the fan starts rotating when the power to the outdoor unit is turned ON during the control process.

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