Inspection method for safety devices, and refrigeration and air conditioning systems

Abstract

This invention provides a method for inspecting safety devices and a refrigeration and air conditioning system that allows for easy scheduling of inspection dates and times for safety devices. [Solution] The inspection method for a safety device is an inspection method for a safety device for ensuring safety against refrigerant leakage in a refrigeration and air conditioning system, and comprises the steps of setting inspection date and time selection conditions, and setting a date and time that conforms to the set inspection date and time selection conditions as a candidate for the inspection date and time of the safety device.

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] The present disclosure relates to a method for inspecting a safety device and a refrigeration and air conditioning system.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, inspections have been conducted to determine whether a safety device for ensuring safety against refrigerant leakage operates normally. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses the following. An operation screen for maintenance workers includes a screen related to refrigerant leakage detection operation. The screen related to refrigerant leakage detection operation includes a screen for starting the refrigerant leakage detection operation and a screen for accepting input of setting of a schedule (detection schedule) of the refrigerant leakage detection operation (detection schedule setting screen). The detection schedule is a schedule regarding the date and time for executing the refrigerant leakage detection operation mode.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, Patent Document 1 does not describe how to set the inspection date and time. Since the inspection date and time need to be set considering various circumstances, it takes time and effort.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a method for inspecting a safety device and a refrigeration and air conditioning system that can easily set the inspection date and time of the safety device.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The inspection method for a safety device of a refrigeration and air conditioning system is an inspection method for a safety device for ensuring safety against refrigerant leakage, and comprises the steps of: setting inspection date and time selection conditions; and setting a date and time that conforms to the set inspection date and time selection conditions as a candidate for the inspection date and time of the safety device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to this disclosure, the inspection date and time for safety devices can be easily set. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a diagram showing the configuration of the refrigeration and air conditioning system 100. [Figure 2] This is a diagram showing the configuration of the refrigeration and air conditioning system 1. [Figure 3] This is a flowchart illustrating the inspection procedure for the safety device of the embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a flowchart illustrating the contents of steps S101 and S102 in Embodiment 1. [Figure 5] This is an example of a screen for setting the date and time of an examination. [Figure 6] This diagram shows examples of possible dates for the inspection. [Figure 7] This diagram shows examples of possible dates and times for the inspection. [Figure 8] This is a flowchart illustrating the contents of step S101 in Embodiment 2. [Figure 9] This is a flowchart illustrating the contents of step S101 in Embodiment 3. [Figure 10] This diagram shows an example of a ventilation fan included in a safety device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0010] Embodiment 1.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of the refrigeration and air conditioning system 100. The refrigeration and air conditioning system 100 includes a refrigeration and air conditioning device 1, a control device 2, a setting device 3, a communication device 5, a display device 4, and an input device 6.

[0012] The control device 2 controls the operation of the refrigeration and air conditioning device 1.

[0013] The setting device 3 sets the inspection date and time selection conditions for the safety countermeasure device to ensure safety against refrigerant leakage in the refrigeration and air conditioning device 1, and sets the date and time that meets the set inspection date and time selection conditions as candidates for the inspection date and time of the safety countermeasure device.

[0014] The display device 4 displays a screen for setting the inspection date and time of the safety countermeasure device. The input device 6 receives an input for determining the inspection date and time of the safety countermeasure device from the administrator. The communication device 5 is configured to be communicable with the building management system 92, the system controller 93, and the related person terminal 91.

[0015] The setting device 3, the communication device 5, the display device 4, and the input device 6 may be provided in a monitoring center located at a position remote from the refrigeration and air conditioning device 1, or may be built in a remote control for operating the refrigeration and air conditioning device 1. The control device 2 and the setting device 3 may be constituted by a memory for storing a program and a processor for executing the program.

[0016] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of the refrigeration and air conditioning device 1. In FIG. 2, the first indoor unit 20a and the second indoor unit 20b are shown, but the number of indoor units may be one or more.

[0017] The refrigeration and air conditioning device 1 includes an outdoor unit 10, a first indoor unit 20a and a second indoor unit 20b, a first liquid shut-off valve 25a and a first gas shut-off valve 26a for blocking the connection between the outdoor unit 10 and the first indoor unit 20a, a second liquid shut-off valve 25b and a second gas shut-off valve 26b for blocking the connection between the outdoor unit 10 and the second indoor unit 20b, and a liquid pipe 41 and a gas pipe 42 connecting the outdoor unit 10 to the first indoor unit 20a and the second indoor unit 20b. When refrigerant leakage is detected in the first indoor unit 20a, the first liquid shut-off valve 25a and the first gas shut-off valve 26a close. When refrigerant leakage is detected in the second indoor unit 20b, the second liquid shut-off valve 25b and the second gas shut-off valve 26b close.

[0018] The outdoor unit 10 includes a compressor 11, a condenser 12, an outdoor fan 13, a high-pressure pressure sensor 16, a low-pressure pressure sensor 18, a compressor discharge temperature sensor 51, and a condenser outlet temperature sensor 53. The compressor 11 compresses the refrigerant. The condenser 12 exchanges heat between the refrigerant flowing out from the compressor 11 and air. The outdoor fan 13 sends air to the condenser 12. The high-pressure pressure sensor 16 detects the pressure of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11. The low-pressure pressure sensor 18 detects the pressure of the refrigerant flowing into the compressor 11. The compressor discharge temperature sensor 51 detects the temperature of the pipe through which the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11 flows. The condenser outlet temperature sensor 53 detects the temperature of the pipe through which the refrigerant flowing out from the condenser 12 flows.

[0019] The first indoor unit 20a includes an expansion valve 21a, an evaporator 22a, an indoor fan 23a, an evaporator gas-side temperature sensor 61a, an evaporator liquid-side temperature sensor 62a, and a refrigerant leak detection sensor 65a. The expansion valve 21a expands the refrigerant. The evaporator 22a exchanges heat between the refrigerant flowing out of the expansion valve 21a and air. The indoor fan 23a supplies air to the evaporator 22a. The evaporator gas-side temperature sensor 61a detects the temperature of the piping through which the refrigerant flowing out of the evaporator 22a flows. The evaporator liquid-side temperature sensor 62a detects the temperature of the piping through which the refrigerant flowing into the evaporator 22a flows. The refrigerant leak detection sensor 65a detects refrigerant leakage. The refrigerant leak detection sensor 65a is configured, for example, by an infrared sensor. The alarm 71a generates an alarm when refrigerant leakage is detected by the refrigerant leak detection sensor 65a. The compressor 11, condenser 12, expansion valve 21a, and evaporator 22a constitute the first refrigerant circuit.

[0020] The second indoor unit 20b includes an expansion valve 21b, an evaporator 22b, an indoor fan 23b, an evaporator gas-side temperature sensor 61b, an evaporator liquid-side temperature sensor 62b, and a refrigerant leak detection sensor 65b. The expansion valve 21b expands the refrigerant. The evaporator 22b exchanges heat between the refrigerant flowing out of the expansion valve 21b and air. The indoor fan 23b sends air to the evaporator 22b. The evaporator gas-side temperature sensor 61b detects the temperature of the refrigerant flowing out of the evaporator 22b. The evaporator liquid-side temperature sensor 62b detects the temperature of the refrigerant flowing into the evaporator 22b. The refrigerant leak detection sensor 65b detects refrigerant leakage. The refrigerant leak detection sensor 65b is configured, for example, by an infrared sensor. The alarm 71b generates an alarm when refrigerant leakage is detected by the refrigerant leak detection sensor 65b. The compressor 11, condenser 12, expansion valve 21b, and evaporator 22b constitute the second refrigerant circuit.

[0021] The refrigeration and air conditioning system 1 includes, as safety measures to ensure safety against refrigerant leaks of the refrigeration and air conditioning system 1, refrigerant leak detection sensors 65a and 65b, alarms 71a and 71b, a first liquid shut-off valve 25a and a first gas shut-off valve 26a, and a second liquid shut-off valve 25b and a second gas shut-off valve 26b.

[0022] Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating the inspection procedure for the safety device of the embodiment.

[0023] In step S101, the setting device 3 sets the inspection date and time selection conditions.

[0024] In step S102, the setting device 3 sets a date and time that conforms to the set inspection date and time selection conditions as a candidate for the inspection date and time of the safety device.

[0025] In step S103, the setting device 3 displays candidate inspection dates and times on the display device 4.

[0026] In step S104, if the administrator selects an inspection date and time from the candidates via the input device 6, the setting device 3 proceeds to step S105; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S110.

[0027] In step S110, the setting device 3 changes the inspection date and time selection conditions.

[0028] In step S105, the setting device 3 determines the inspection date and time selected by the administrator and displays the inspection date and time on the display device 4.

[0029] In step S106, the setting device 3 notifies the relevant parties (inspector, building owner, tenant, etc.) of the inspection date and time via email or other means.

[0030] In step S107, the inspection worker performs the inspection.

[0031] In step S108, the inspector reports the inspection results to the setting device 3 and the administrator's mobile terminal via email or other means.

[0032] In step S109, the setting device 3 records the inspection results.

[0033] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating the contents of steps S101 and S102 in Embodiment 1.

[0034] In step S201, the setting device 3 displays a setting screen on the display device 4 for selecting the day of the week, public holidays, building and tenant holidays, and time slots, as shown in Figure 5.

[0035] In step S202, the setting device 3 accepts the administrator selection entered into the input device 6.

[0036] In step S203, the setting device 3 sets the inspection date and time selection conditions based on the selection made by the administrator. As shown in Figures 6 and 7, Sundays at 0:00, 1:00, 2:00, and 3:00 are set as the inspection date selection conditions.

[0037] In step S204, the setting device 3 sets candidate inspection dates and times that conform to the inspection date and time selection conditions (selected content).

[0038] As described above, according to this embodiment, the inspection date and time selection conditions can be set simply by selecting the items displayed on the settings screen, making it possible to easily set the inspection date and time in a short amount of time.

[0039] Embodiment 2.

[0040] Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating the contents of step S101 in Embodiment 2.

[0041] In step S300, the setting device 3 obtains past occupancy information of tenants from the building management system 92 or system controller 93, etc., via the communication device 5.

[0042] In step S301, the setting device 3 identifies the tenant's past absence dates and times based on the acquired information.

[0043] In step S302, the setting device 3 sets the tenant's past absence dates and times as inspection date and time selection conditions. For example, if the setting device 3 identifies the absence dates and times as Monday through Friday from 22:00 to 6:00 the following day, or Saturday from 18:00 to Monday from 6:00, these dates and times are set as inspection date and time selection conditions.

[0044] In step S303, the setting device 3 sets candidate inspection dates and times that meet the inspection date and time selection criteria (past absence dates and times of the tenant).

[0045] As described above, according to this embodiment, inspection date and time selection conditions can be automatically set from the tenant's past occupancy information, so the inspection date and time can be easily set in a short amount of time.

[0046] Embodiment 3.

[0047] Figure 9 is a flowchart illustrating the contents of step S101 in Embodiment 3.

[0048] In step S401, the setting device 3 obtains past usage records of the tenant's refrigeration and air conditioning unit 1 from the system controller 93 or control device 2 via the communication device 5.

[0049] In step S402, the setting device 3 uses the acquired information to identify the date and time when the tenant's refrigeration and air conditioning unit 1 did not operate in the past.

[0050] In step S403, the setting device 3 sets the dates and times when the tenant's refrigeration and air conditioning unit 1 did not operate in the past as inspection date and time selection conditions. For example, if the setting device 3 identifies the periods from 22:00 to 6:00 the following day on Mondays through Fridays from January to March, and from 18:00 on Saturdays to 6:00 on Mondays as times when the refrigeration and air conditioning unit 1 did not operate, it sets these dates and times as inspection date and time selection conditions.

[0051] In step S404, the setting device 3 sets candidate inspection dates and times that meet the inspection date and time selection conditions (dates and times when the refrigeration and air conditioning unit 1 has not operated in the past).

[0052] As described above, according to this embodiment, the inspection date and time selection conditions can be automatically set based on the past usage history of the tenant's refrigeration and air conditioning equipment, making it possible to easily set the inspection date and time in a short amount of time.

[0053] Variant expression.

[0054] The scope of this disclosure also includes the following variations:

[0055] The childbirth safety device may include a ventilation fan 70 installed in the room. The ventilation fan 70 is driven at its maximum rotational speed when a refrigerant leak is detected by refrigerant leak detection sensors 65a and 65b.

[0056] The embodiments described above are specific examples of the following appendix. (Note 1) A method for inspecting safety devices for ensuring safety against refrigerant leaks in refrigeration and air conditioning systems, Steps to set the criteria for selecting the date and time of the inspection, A method for inspecting a safety device, comprising the step of setting a date and time that conforms to the above-set inspection date and time selection conditions as a candidate for the inspection date and time of the safety device.

[0057] (Note 2) The inspection method for safety devices as described in Appendix 1, wherein the setting step includes setting the inspection date and time selection conditions based on the day of the week, public holidays, tenant or building holidays, and time of day.

[0058] (Note 3) The inspection method for a safety device as described in Appendix 1 or 2, wherein the setting step includes setting the inspection date and time selection conditions based on the tenant's past absence dates and times.

[0059] (Note 4) The inspection method for a safety device as described in any of Appendix 1 to 3, wherein the setting step includes setting the inspection date and time selection conditions based on the date and time when the refrigeration and air conditioning system did not operate in the past.

[0060] (Note 5) A method for inspecting a safety device as described in any of Appendix 1 to 4, further comprising the step of displaying candidates for the inspection date and time.

[0061] (Note 6) A method for inspecting safety devices as described in any of Appendix 1 to 5, further comprising the step of determining the inspection date and time according to the administrator's selection from the aforementioned candidate inspection dates and times.

[0062] (Note 7) A method for inspecting safety devices as described in any of Appendix 1 to 6, further comprising the step of notifying the designated recipient of the aforementioned inspection date and time.

[0063] (Note 8) The safety device includes a refrigerant leak detection sensor, an alarm that emits an alarm sound when a refrigerant leak is detected by the refrigerant leak detection sensor, and a shut-off valve located in the piping between the outdoor unit and the indoor unit, which closes when a refrigerant leak is detected by the refrigerant leak detection sensor, as described in any of Appendix 1 to 7, and is an inspection method for the safety device.

[0064] (Note 9) The method for inspecting the safety device described in Appendix 8, further comprising a ventilation fan installed in a room and driven at its maximum rotational speed when a refrigerant leak is detected by the refrigerant leak detection sensor.

[0065] (Note 10) A refrigeration and air conditioning system that includes safety devices to ensure safety against refrigerant leaks, A refrigeration and air conditioning system comprising a setting device that performs the method described in any one of the appendices 1 to 9.

[0066] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims rather than by the foregoing description, and all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are intended to be included. [Explanation of symbols]

[0067] 1 Refrigeration and air conditioning unit, 2 Control device, 3 Setting device, 4 Display device, 5 Communication device, 6 Input device, 10 Outdoor unit, 11 Compressor, 12 Condenser, 13 Outdoor fan, 16 High pressure sensor, 18 Low pressure sensor, 20a First indoor unit, 20b Second indoor unit, 21a, 21b Expansion valve, 22a, 22b Evaporator, 23a, 23b Indoor fan, 25a First liquid shut-off valve, 25b Second liquid shut-off valve, 26a First gas shut-off valve, 26b Second gas shut-off valve, 41 Liquid piping, 42 Gas piping, 51 Compressor discharge temperature sensor, 53 Condenser outlet temperature sensor, 61a, 61b Evaporator gas side temperature sensor, 62a, 62b Evaporator liquid side temperature sensor, 65a, 65b Refrigerant leak detection sensor, 70 Ventilation fan, 71a, 71b Alarm, 91 Personnel terminal, 92 Building management system, 93 System controller, 100 Refrigeration and air conditioning system.

Claims

1. A method for inspecting safety devices for ensuring safety against refrigerant leaks in refrigeration and air conditioning systems, Steps to set the criteria for selecting the date and time of the inspection, A method for inspecting a safety device, comprising the step of setting a date and time that conforms to the above-mentioned set inspection date and time selection conditions as a candidate for the inspection date and time of the safety device.

2. The inspection method for a safety device according to claim 1, wherein the setting step includes setting the inspection date and time selection conditions based on the day of the week, public holidays, tenant or building holidays, and time of day.

3. The inspection method for a safety device according to claim 1, wherein the setting step includes setting the inspection date and time selection conditions based on the tenant's past absence dates and times.

4. The inspection method for a safety device according to claim 1, wherein the setting step includes setting the inspection date and time selection conditions based on the date and time when the refrigeration and air conditioning device was not in operation in the past.

5. The inspection method for a safety device according to claim 1, further comprising the step of displaying candidates for the inspection date and time.

6. The inspection method for a safety device according to claim 5, further comprising the step of determining the inspection date and time from the candidate inspection dates and times mentioned above, according to the selection of the administrator.

7. The inspection method for a safety device according to claim 6, further comprising the step of notifying a designated recipient of the inspection date and time.

8. The method for inspecting the safety device according to claim 1, wherein the safety device includes a refrigerant leak detection sensor, an alarm that emits an alarm sound when a refrigerant leak is detected by the refrigerant leak detection sensor, and a shut-off valve that is placed in the piping between the outdoor unit and the indoor unit and closes when a refrigerant leak is detected by the refrigerant leak detection sensor.

9. The method for inspecting a safety device according to claim 8, further comprising a ventilation fan installed in a room and driven at its maximum rotational speed when a refrigerant leak is detected by the refrigerant leak detection sensor.

10. A refrigeration and air conditioning system that includes safety devices to ensure safety against refrigerant leaks, A refrigeration and air conditioning system comprising a setting device for performing the method described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

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