Device management system and notification method

Abstract

This device management system comprises: a device that has a refrigerant; an acquisition unit that acquires measurement information which indicates measurement results for environment information pertaining to the surroundings of the device, an electrical property of the device, and the refrigerant temperature in the device; an estimation unit which estimates the refrigerant amount inside the device on the basis of the measurement information acquired by the acquisition unit and of device installation information pertaining to the installation environment of the device and device information which pertains to a preset device; and a notification unit which notifies a user of the device of information based on the refrigerant amount in the device estimated by the estimation unit.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a device management system and a notification method. [Background technology]

[0002] An air conditioner has been disclosed that estimates the amount of refrigerant in the equipment by adjusting the temperature so that the temperature of a target space satisfies predetermined judgment temperature conditions and measuring the refrigerant temperature under stable conditions (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2007-198710 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the conventional technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, it is possible to estimate the amount of refrigerant when the air conditioning load of the outdoor unit and the indoor unit is constant, the compressor frequency is constant, and the refrigeration cycle is stable. However, since the outdoor temperature is not constant throughout the day, the air conditioning load on the indoor unit changes depending on the number of people in the room, or the activity of the people in the room, there is no realistic environment in which the air conditioning load is constant. Therefore, in the conventional technology, it is difficult to estimate the amount of refrigerant in an actual usage environment, and special operation is required to estimate the amount of refrigerant. As such, since there was no mechanism to easily grasp the amount of refrigerant in the equipment, it was difficult to grasp the state of the equipment.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and has as an object to provide a device management system and a notification method that allow a user to easily grasp the status of a device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The device management system according to the present disclosure includes a device having a refrigerant, an acquisition unit that acquires measurement information indicating measurement results of the refrigerant temperature in the device, electrical characteristics of the device, and environmental information around the device, and based on the measurement information acquired by the acquisition unit, preset device information about the device, and device installation information about the installation environment of the device, In an environment where the air conditioning load changes, an estimation unit that estimates an amount of refrigerant in the device, and based on the estimated amount of refrigerant in the device, the device information, and the device installation information, estimates performance of the device; and based on the performance of the device estimated by the estimation unit, when there is a possibility that the environment in which the device is used will exceed the capacity of the device, The performance of the equipment is calculated based on the estimated amount of refrigerant in the equipment. a processing unit that operates the device in advance in a pre-cooling or pre-warming mode; and a notification unit that notifies a user of the device of information based on the amount of refrigerant in the device estimated by the estimation unit; Equipped with.

[0007] A notification method in a device management system according to the present disclosure includes a step of: an acquisition unit acquiring measurement information indicating measurement results of a refrigerant temperature in a device having a refrigerant, electrical characteristics of the device, and environmental information around the device; and an estimation unit estimating, based on the measurement information acquired by the acquisition unit, preset device information related to the device, and device installation information related to the installation environment of the device, In an environment where the air conditioning load changes, a step of estimating an amount of refrigerant in the device, and estimating performance of the device based on the estimated amount of refrigerant in the device, the device information, and the device installation information; and a processing unit, when it is determined that there is a possibility that the environment in which the device is used exceeds the capacity of the device based on the performance of the device estimated by the estimation unit, The performance of the equipment is calculated based on the estimated amount of refrigerant in the equipment. The method includes a step of operating the equipment in advance in pre-cooling or pre-warming mode, and a step in which a notification unit notifies a user of the equipment of information based on the amount of refrigerant in the equipment estimated by the estimation unit. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present disclosure, a user can easily grasp the status of a device. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an example of a device management system according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a refrigerant circuit of a device according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of measurement locations of temperature measurement points shown in FIG. 2 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 1 is a diagram showing an example of a refrigerant circuit of a multi-type air conditioner according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a Mollier diagram immediately after startup according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a Mollier diagram in a stable state according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of an electric circuit of the device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of data items of device acquired data according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] 5 is a diagram showing an example of device acquisition data transmitted by a device according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of data items of device information according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of data items of device installation information according to the first embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a device management device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 13] 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a refrigerant amount estimation process according to the first embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a calculation method for an estimated refrigerant amount according to the first embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 11 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an example of a device management system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 13 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an example of a device management system according to a third embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of time-series data held by a device management apparatus according to the third embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of time-series data of each of a plurality of devices held by a device management apparatus according to a third embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between the amount of refrigerant and the performance of equipment according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a comparative example of the relationship between the performance of the device according to the fourth embodiment and the temperature, compared with catalog values. [Figure 21] FIG. 13 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an example of a device management system according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 22] 13A and 13B are views showing examples of a display displayed on a general-purpose device according to the fifth embodiment. [Diagram 23] 13A to 13C are diagrams showing examples of a display displayed on a general-purpose device according to the sixth embodiment. [Figure 24] FIG. 23 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an example of a device management system according to an eighth embodiment. [Diagram 25] FIG. 23 is a schematic block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a device management device according to an eighth embodiment. [Figure 26] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of equipment refrigerant data according to the eighth embodiment. [Figure 27] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing another example of the equipment refrigerant data according to the eighth embodiment. [Figure 28] FIG. 23 is a view showing a first example of display of information regarding the refrigerant amount according to the eighth embodiment. [Figure 29] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a second example of display of information regarding the refrigerant amount according to the eighth embodiment. [Diagram 30] FIG. 23 is a view showing a third example of display of information regarding the refrigerant amount according to the eighth embodiment. [Diagram 31] FIG. 23 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an example of a device management system according to a ninth embodiment. [Diagram 32] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of equipment refrigerant data according to the ninth embodiment. [Diagram 33] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of changes in the amount of refrigerant and performance of a device according to the tenth embodiment. [Diagram 34] FIG. 23 is a view showing a first example of a display of a general-purpose device according to the tenth embodiment. [Diagram 35]FIG. 23 is a view showing a second example of a display of a generic device according to the tenth embodiment. [Diagram 36] FIG. 23 is a view showing a third example of a display of a general-purpose device according to the tenth embodiment. [Figure 37] FIG. 23 is a view showing a fourth example of a display of a general-purpose device according to the tenth embodiment. [Figure 38] FIG. 23 is a view showing a fifth example of a display of a general-purpose device according to the tenth embodiment. [Figure 39] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a refrigerant circuit of a water heater as a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. <First embodiment> First, the first embodiment will be described. [Overview of the equipment management system] Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a device management system according to this embodiment. The device management system SYS shown in this figure includes a device 1 having a refrigerant, and a device management device 2 capable of communicating with the device 1. The device 1 is, for example, an air conditioner including an outdoor unit 100 and an indoor unit 200. The device management device 2 is a data management destination that stores communication data from the device 1, and estimates the amount of refrigerant in the device 1. Here, an external terminal 3 and a cloud 4 are shown as examples of the device management device 2.

[0011] The external terminal 3 is a terminal device such as a smartphone or a PC (Personal Computer). In addition to communicating with the device 1, the external terminal 3 may communicate with a cloud 4 and transmit communication data from the device 1 to the cloud 4. The cloud 4 is a group of arithmetic processing devices connected via a communication network such as a public line. The device management device 2 may be the external terminal 3 or the cloud 4.

[0012] In the equipment management system SYS, an equipment management device 2, such as an external terminal 3 or a cloud 4, which is communicatively connected to the equipment 1, estimates the amount of refrigerant in the equipment 1 based on equipment acquisition data 10 acquired by the equipment 1, equipment information 20 related to the equipment 1, and equipment installation information 30 related to the installation environment in which the equipment 1 is installed.

[0013] For example, the device acquired data 10 includes measurement information such as a measurement value of the refrigerant temperature in the device 1 (hereinafter referred to as “refrigerant temperature 11”), a measurement value of an electrical characteristic in the device 1 (hereinafter referred to as “electrical input 12”), and a measurement value of environmental information such as the temperature or humidity around the device 1 (hereinafter referred to as “environmental information 13”). The device 1 transmits the device acquired data 10 to the device management device 2.

[0014] The equipment management device 2 acquires equipment acquisition data 10 transmitted from the equipment 1. The equipment management device 2 also has preset equipment information 20 and equipment installation information 30. The equipment information 20 includes inspection data before shipment. For example, the equipment information 20 includes the refrigerant temperature in the equipment 1 under specific inspection conditions, the electrical characteristics in the equipment 1, or inspection data of environmental information (steady data or time-series data), the inspection conditions, and the specifications (configuration) of the equipment 1 at the time of inspection. The equipment installation information 30 includes the environment or installation state of the place where the equipment is installed. Details of the equipment acquisition data 10, the equipment information 20, and the equipment installation information 30 will be described later.

[0015] [Configuration of refrigerant circuit of device 1] 2 is a diagram showing an example of a refrigerant circuit of the device according to this embodiment. The outdoor unit 100 and the indoor unit 200 are connected by the indoor / outdoor connection pipes 301 and 302. Refrigerant in a gaseous state passes through the indoor / outdoor connection pipe 301. Refrigerant in a liquid state passes through the indoor / outdoor connection pipe 302. A four-way valve 101 provided in the outdoor unit 100 is switched to switch the refrigerant circulation direction, thereby switching between heating operation and cooling operation. The direction of the solid arrow indicates the direction of the refrigerant flow during cooling operation, and the direction of the dashed arrow indicates the direction of the refrigerant flow during heating operation.

[0016] In the heating operation, the refrigerant in a gaseous state compressed by the compressor 102 of the outdoor unit 100 flows through the four-way valve 101 and the indoor / outdoor connecting piping 301 to the indoor heat exchanger 201 of the indoor unit 200. The refrigerant in the indoor heat exchanger 201 exchanges heat with the surrounding air to warm the surrounding air. The refrigerant that has become liquid as a result of the heat exchange flows through the indoor / outdoor connecting piping 302 to the expansion valve 103 of the outdoor unit 100, and flows into the outdoor heat exchanger 104 through the expansion valve 103. The refrigerant in the outdoor heat exchanger 104 exchanges heat with the surrounding air. The refrigerant that has become gaseous as a result of the heat exchange returns to the compressor 102 through the four-way valve 101.

[0017] In the cooling operation, the refrigerant in a gaseous state compressed by the compressor 102 of the outdoor unit 100 flows through the four-way valve 101 into the outdoor heat exchanger 104. The refrigerant in the outdoor heat exchanger 104 exchanges heat with the surrounding air. The refrigerant that has become a liquid state through the heat exchange flows through the expansion valve 103 and the indoor / external connecting piping 302 into the indoor heat exchanger 201 of the indoor unit 200. The refrigerant in the indoor heat exchanger 201 exchanges heat with the surrounding air to cool it. The refrigerant that has become a gaseous state through the heat exchange returns to the compressor 102 of the outdoor unit 100 through the indoor / external connecting piping 301 and the four-way valve 101.

[0018] Temperature sensors for measuring refrigerant temperatures are provided in various parts of the outdoor unit 100 and the indoor unit 200. Fig. 3 is an explanatory diagram of temperature measurement points T1 to T8 shown in Fig. 2. Temperature sensors are provided on both the outlet side and the inlet side of the compressor 102, with measurement point T1 on the outlet side being the measurement point for the discharge temperature and measurement point T8 on the inlet side being the measurement point for the suction temperature.

[0019] Further, the expansion valve 103 and the outdoor heat exchanger 104 of the outdoor unit 100 and the indoor heat exchanger 201 of the indoor unit 200 are each provided with temperature sensors at three locations: the outlet side, the inlet side, and the intermediate location between the outlet and the inlet. The outdoor heat exchanger 104 functions as a condenser during cooling operation. Measurement points T2, T2-3, and T3 are measurement points for the inlet temperature, intermediate temperature, and outlet temperature of the condenser during cooling operation, respectively. On the other hand, the outdoor heat exchanger 104 functions as an evaporator during heating operation. Measurement points T2, T2-3, and T3 are measurement points for the outlet temperature, intermediate temperature, and inlet temperature of the evaporator during heating operation, respectively.

[0020] The indoor heat exchanger 201 functions as an evaporator during cooling operation. Measurement points T6, T6-7, and T7 are measurement points for the inlet temperature, intermediate temperature, and outlet temperature of the evaporator during cooling operation, respectively. On the other hand, the indoor heat exchanger 201 functions as a condenser during heating operation. Measurement points T6, T6-7, and T7 are measurement points for the outlet temperature, intermediate temperature, and inlet temperature of the condenser during heating operation, respectively.

[0021] Furthermore, measurement point T4 is a measurement point for the inlet temperature of expansion valve 103 during cooling operation, and is a measurement point for the outlet temperature of expansion valve 103 during heating operation. Measurement point T5 is a measurement point for the outlet temperature of expansion valve 103 during cooling operation, and is a measurement point for the inlet temperature of expansion valve 103 during heating operation.

[0022] The device 1 may be a multi-type air conditioner (a so-called packaged air conditioner) in which a plurality of indoor units 200 are connected to one outdoor unit 100.

[0023] Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a refrigerant circuit of a multi-type air conditioner. Fig. 4 shows an example of a refrigerant circuit in which two indoor units 200 are connected to an outdoor unit 100. In Fig. 4, components corresponding to those in Fig. 2 are given the same reference numerals. The configuration of the illustrated refrigerant circuit is similar to the example of the refrigerant circuit shown in Fig. 2, except that the number of indoor units 200 is different. Note that the number of indoor units 200 is not limited to two.

[0024] Since a multi-type air conditioner has multiple indoor units 200, the indoor units 200 are set to unit numbers, for example, No. 1, No. 2, .... Then, unit numbers are assigned, such as "discharge temperature of Unit No. 1, inlet temperature of the condenser, ...", "discharge temperature of Unit No. 2, inlet temperature of the condenser, ...", and the refrigerant temperature is handled separately for each unit number.

[0025] In this embodiment, whether the indoor unit 200 is one or multiple, the number of devices 1 is basically one for one outdoor unit 100.

[0026] 5 and 6 are schematic diagrams showing an example of a Mollier diagram during cooling operation. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a Mollier diagram immediately after start-up (at the beginning of operation). FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a Mollier diagram during stable operation. In general, at the beginning of operation, all of the measurement points T1 to T8 are in the gas-liquid two-phase region (two-phase region) (see FIG. 5). Thereafter, the refrigerant gas is gradually compressed by the compressor 102, so that the pressure difference between the condenser and the evaporator increases, and at the measurement point T1 of the discharge temperature, the refrigerant gas is gasified and transitions to the gas phase region (see FIG. 6). At the measurement point T3 of the condenser outlet temperature, the enthalpy decreases due to heat exchange with the air by the condenser. If the amount of refrigerant gas and the amount of heat exchange in the condenser are sufficient, the measurement point T3 transitions to the liquid phase region (see FIG. 6). On the other hand, if the amount of refrigerant gas is insufficient, the heat exchange in the condenser and the evaporator becomes insufficient.

[0027] [Electrical circuit configuration of device 1] Next, an example of a main electric circuit of the device 1 will be described with reference to FIG. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of an electric circuit of the device 1 according to this embodiment. In Fig. 7, components corresponding to those in Fig. 2 are given the same reference numerals.

[0028] The outdoor unit 100 is equipped with an outdoor unit control unit 110. The outdoor unit control unit 110 is configured to include a microcomputer, and controls each part of the outdoor unit 100 and acquires measurement values ​​of various sensors provided in the outdoor unit 100. For example, the outdoor unit control unit 110 acquires measurement values ​​of temperature sensors provided at each of the refrigerant temperature measurement points T1, T2, T2-3, T3, T4, T5, and T8 described in Figures 2 and 3.

[0029] In addition, the outdoor unit control unit 110 controls switching of the refrigerant flow direction in the four-way valve 101, controls the compressor 102, controls the opening degree of the expansion valve 103, and controls the rotation of an outdoor fan 105 that blows air to an outdoor heat exchanger 104.

[0030] The compressor 102 includes a compression section 102a and a compressor motor 102b. The compression section 102a has a compression mechanism such as a rotary type or scroll type, compresses the refrigerant sucked from the inlet side, and discharges it from the outlet side. The compressor motor 102b includes a three-phase motor whose rotation can be controlled by an inverter 120, and drives the compression mechanism of the compression section 102a. The outdoor unit control section 110 controls the inverter 120 to control the rotation of the compressor motor 102b and thereby control the compression mechanism of the compression section 102a.

[0031] The indoor unit 200 is equipped with an indoor unit control unit 210. The indoor unit control unit 210 is configured to include a microcomputer, and controls each part of the indoor unit 200 and acquires measurement values ​​of various sensors provided in the indoor unit 200. For example, the indoor unit control unit 210 acquires measurement values ​​of temperature sensors provided at each of the refrigerant temperature measurement points T6, T6-7, and T7 described in Figures 2 and 3. The indoor unit control unit 210 also controls the rotation of the indoor fan 202 that blows air to the indoor heat exchanger 201, etc.

[0032] The indoor unit 200 also includes a wireless device 220. The wireless device 220 is, for example, one of device-associated devices added as an option to the indoor unit 200. The wireless device 220 connects to a communication network such as a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) or the Internet by wireless communication, and performs data communication with the device management device 2 (the external terminal 3 or the cloud 4).

[0033] The indoor unit control unit 210 is connected to the outdoor unit control unit 110 via an internal / external communication line 310. The indoor unit control unit 210 generates device acquisition data 10 based on data acquired from the outdoor unit control unit 110 via the internal / external communication line 310 and data acquired by the indoor unit control unit 210 itself. Then, the indoor unit control unit 210 transmits the device acquisition data 10 to the device management device 2 (the external terminal 3 or the cloud 4) via the wireless device 220.

[0034] Here, in conventional air conditioners, it is necessary to fix the compressor frequency and obtain various refrigerant temperatures or pressures from the air conditioner when the refrigeration cycle is stable. This is because, in order to accurately estimate the mass of the liquid phase region and the gas-liquid two-phase region of the refrigerant when estimating the amount of refrigerant, it is necessary to know the pressure in the gas-liquid two-phase region of the condenser and the subcooled region on the outlet side of the condenser due to the characteristics of the refrigeration cycle.

[0035] That is, in a conventional air conditioner, it was possible to estimate the amount of refrigerant when the air conditioning load of the outdoor unit and the indoor unit was constant and the compressor frequency was constant so that the refrigeration cycle was stable.

[0036] However, in reality, there is no environment where the air conditioning load of the outdoor unit and the indoor unit is constant, such as a test room. For example, when focusing on the outdoor unit, the air conditioning load on the outdoor unit changes depending on the outside temperature not being constant throughout the day. Also, when focusing on the indoor unit, the air conditioning load on the indoor unit changes depending on the number of people in the room or the activity level of those people.

[0037] Generally, when controlling the compressor of an air conditioner to keep the indoor temperature (or humidity) constant, the compressor frequency changes variably, making it difficult to estimate the amount of refrigerant when considering the actual usage environment. Therefore, special operation is required to estimate the amount of refrigerant.

[0038] In addition, in the conventional technology, in order to estimate the amount of refrigerant, it is necessary to define parameters by experiments or numerical simulations, but it is necessary to evaluate all of them depending on the number of specifications of the equipment. Therefore, there is also a problem that the development cost increases. On the other hand, there is also a problem that the estimation accuracy of the amount of refrigerant decreases when the specifications of the equipment are defined to be a general-purpose common model.

[0039] 1, in this embodiment, an equipment management device 2 (external terminal 3 or cloud 4) communicatively connected to the equipment 1 estimates the amount of refrigerant in the equipment 1 based on equipment acquisition data 10, equipment information 20, and equipment installation information 30. This allows the equipment management system SYS to accurately estimate the amount of refrigerant in the equipment 1 in an actual usage environment without requiring special operation. This will be described in detail below.

[0040] [Specific examples of equipment acquisition data] First, specific examples of data items included in the device acquired data 10 will be described. 8 is a diagram showing an example of data items of the device acquisition data 10 according to the present embodiment. As described above, the device acquisition data 10 includes the refrigerant temperature 11, the electric power input 12, and the environmental information 13.

[0041] Refrigerant temperature 11 includes, for example, the discharge temperature, temperatures at any point from the inlet to the outlet of the condenser and evaporator (e.g., inlet temperature, intermediate temperature, outlet temperature), the temperature of expansion valve 103 (e.g., inlet temperature, outlet temperature), suction temperature, etc. Note that refrigerant temperature 11 may include the temperatures of all or some of the above points. When refrigerant temperature 11 includes some of the above, it is preferable that it includes at least the discharge temperature. Furthermore, when refrigerant temperature 11 does not include all of the inlet temperature, intermediate temperature, and outlet temperature of the condenser and evaporator, it is preferable that it includes at least the intermediate temperature.

[0042] Temperature sensors may also be provided in the internal and external connection pipes 301, 302, and the temperature of the internal and external connection pipe 301 (for example, the inlet temperature and the outlet temperature) may be included in the refrigerant temperature 11. The refrigerant temperature 11 is not limited to the temperatures at the above locations, and may include the refrigerant temperature at any location that can be acquired by the device 1. The more locations at which the refrigerant temperature measurements are included in the refrigerant temperature 11, the higher the accuracy of estimating the amount of refrigerant.

[0043] The electrical input 12 includes, for example, the voltage (bus voltage, line voltage, phase voltage), current (bus current, line current, phase current), rotation speed (current rotation speed, command rotation speed), power consumption, etc. of the outdoor fan 105 and the indoor fan 202. The electrical input 12 also includes, for example, the voltage (bus voltage, line voltage, phase voltage), current (bus current, line current, phase current), frequency (current frequency, command frequency), power consumption, etc. of the compressor 102. The electrical input 12 also includes, for example, the opening (current opening, command opening), power consumption, etc. of the expansion valve 103. The electrical input 12 also includes, for example, the voltage (primary voltage) and current (primary current) on the power source side, and power consumption of devices associated with the device (for example, the wireless device 220, the heater, the air cleaning device, etc.).

[0044] In addition, the power consumption of the device associated with the equipment is used to indirectly estimate the voltage, current, or power that cannot be obtained from the total of the equipment 1 when the voltage, current, or power of the outdoor fan 105, the indoor fan 202, or the compressor 102 cannot be obtained directly.

[0045] The electrical input 12 may include all or some of the above data items. For example, the electrical input 12 preferably includes at least the rotation speeds (current rotation speeds) of the outdoor fan 105 and the indoor fan 202, the bus current and current frequency of the compressor 102, and the current opening of the expansion valve 103.

[0046] In addition to the above data items, the electrical input 12 may include any electrical characteristics of the device 1 that can be acquired by the device 1. The more data items included in the electrical input 12, the higher the accuracy of estimating the amount of refrigerant.

[0047] The environmental information 13 includes, for example, the surrounding temperature (outdoor temperature, indoor temperature) and humidity (outdoor humidity, indoor humidity) acquired by the outdoor unit 100 and the indoor unit 200. The environmental information 13 may include all or some of the above data items. For example, it is preferable that the environmental information 13 includes at least the indoor temperature.

[0048] In addition to the above data items, the environmental information 13 may include other environmental information obtainable by the device 1. The more data items included in the environmental information 13, the higher the accuracy of estimating the amount of refrigerant.

[0049] The device 1 transmits the device acquisition data 10 described with reference to Fig. 8 to the device management device 2. Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the device acquisition data 10 transmitted by the device 1. For example, as shown in Fig. 9, the device 1 transmits time-series data of the device acquisition data 10 measured at regular time intervals. Note that the device 1 may transmit data of a fixed point under certain conditions when transmitting the device acquisition data 10.

[0050] [Specific examples of device information] Next, specific examples of data items included in the device information 20 will be described. 10 is a diagram showing an example of data items of the device information 20 according to the present embodiment. As described above, the device information 20 includes pre-shipment inspection data, inspection conditions, and specifications (configuration) of the device 1 at the time of inspection.

[0051] 10, the common items include the specifications (configuration) of the device 1 at the time of inspection. For example, the common items include the inspection date and time (No. 1), the test room used for the inspection (No. 2), manufacturing information and product specifications of the inspected device 1. The manufacturing information includes the lot number (No. 3) and manufacturing year (No. 6). The product specifications include the model (No. 4) and capacity (No. 5) of the device 1, as well as the power supply specifications, the type and amount of refrigerant charged, the type and amount of refrigeration oil, the model of the compressor 102, the stroke volume, the specifications of the compressor motor 102b, the internal volume of the compressor 102, the internal volume of the outdoor heat exchanger 104, the internal volume of the indoor heat exchanger 201, and the internal volume of the receiver (Nos. 7 to 18).

[0052] The receiver is provided, for example, near the connection between the expansion valve 103 of the outdoor unit 100 and the indoor / outdoor connecting pipe 302. This receiver is provided to store surplus refrigerant since the amount of refrigerant required differs between cooling operation and heating operation. In general, the internal volume of the outdoor unit 100 is larger than that of the indoor unit 200, and during heating operation, the amount of refrigerant in the indoor unit 200, which serves as a condenser, decreases compared to when the outdoor unit 100 is in cooling operation.

[0053] Furthermore, the pre-shipment inspection data is inspection data (steady state data or time series data) of the refrigerant temperature in the device 1 under specific inspection conditions, electrical characteristics in the device 1, or environmental information.

[0054] 10, items No. 1 to No. 5 among the items of inspection data are common inspection conditions regardless of the type of device 1. The common inspection conditions include test conditions (e.g., cooling standard or heating standard), outdoor DB (Dry Bulb), outdoor WB (Wet Bulb), indoor DB, indoor WB, etc.

[0055] Furthermore, among the inspection data items, items No. 8 to No. 11 are inspection conditions that differ for each piece of equipment or for each capacity band of equipment, and include control settings for the equipment during inspection that differ for each piece of equipment, such as the command frequency of the compressor 102, the command rotation speeds of the indoor fan 202 and the outdoor fan 105, and the command opening of the expansion valve 103.

[0056] Among the test data items, items No. 6 to No. 7 and No. 12 to No. 19 are test data (steady data or time-series data) under the above test conditions. For example, the test data includes the capacity (indoor capacity) of the indoor unit 200, power consumption, thermal characteristics of the outdoor heat exchanger 104 and the indoor heat exchanger 201, discharge temperature, inlet temperature and outlet temperature of the condenser and evaporator, and intake temperature.

[0057] The device information 20 may include all or some of the above data items. For example, the device information 20 preferably includes at least the refrigerant type and the volume of the space through which the refrigerant can flow. The volume of the space through which the refrigerant can flow refers to the internal volume of the compressor 102, the internal volume of the outdoor heat exchanger 104, the internal volume of the indoor heat exchanger 201, the internal volume of the receiver, etc. The volume of the space through which the refrigerant can flow may include some or all of the internal volumes of the compressor 102, the internal volume of the outdoor heat exchanger 104, the internal volume of the indoor heat exchanger 201, and the internal volume of the receiver.

[0058] In addition to the above data items, any information that can be measured at the time of inspection may be included in the device information 20. The more data items included in the device information 20, the higher the accuracy of estimating the amount of refrigerant.

[0059] Generally, before product shipment, sampling inspection is performed in addition to 100% inspection. In the sampling inspection, for example, the most recent lot is used as a representative value.

[0060] [Specific examples of equipment installation information] Next, specific examples of data items included in the equipment installation information 30 will be described. 11 is a diagram showing an example of data items of the device installation information 30 according to this embodiment. As described above, the device installation information 30 includes information on the installation location or installation environment of the device 1.

[0061] For example, the device installation information 30 includes, as information on the installation location or environment, the location (latitude, longitude) of the device 1, building specifications, installation direction (north-facing, south-facing, etc.), installation method of the outdoor unit 100 (rooftop, ground-mounted, ceiling-mounted, wall-mounted, etc.), height of the indoor unit 200 (height from floor), size of the indoor space, length and diameter of the indoor / outdoor connection pipes 301, 302 connecting the outdoor unit 100 and the indoor unit 200, and elevation difference (indoor / outdoor elevation difference) between the outdoor unit 100 and the indoor unit 200. Here, the building specifications are elements necessary to define the insulation performance of the building itself, such as a wooden structure, reinforced concrete, apartment building, or detached house, and are parameters necessary for calculating the load on the indoor unit 200. The indoor / outdoor height difference is the height difference between the position where the indoor / outdoor connection pipes 301, 302 are connected to the outdoor unit 100 and the position where the indoor / outdoor connection pipes 301, 302 are connected to the indoor unit 200.

[0062] The equipment installation information 30 may include all or some of the above data items. For example, the equipment installation information 30 preferably includes the length and diameter of the internal and external connection pipes 301, 302, which are related to the volume of the space through which the refrigerant can flow.

[0063] Any information other than the above data items regarding the environment of the installation location or the installation state may be included in the equipment installation information 30. The more data items included in the equipment installation information 30, the higher the accuracy of estimating the amount of refrigerant.

[0064] For example, the installation location or environment of the device 1 differs depending on the user. The difference in the installation location or environment also affects the estimation of the amount of refrigerant. For example, regarding the installation location of the device 1, when the outdoor unit 100 is installed on the first floor, the height of the indoor unit 200 relative to the outdoor unit 100 generally differs by about 5 m between when the indoor unit 200 is installed on the first floor and when the indoor unit 200 is installed on the third floor. Therefore, even if the amount of refrigerant in the device 1 excluding the internal and external connection pipes 301 and 302 is the same, it is assumed that the refrigeration cycle will show different behaviors because the lengths of the internal and external connection pipes 301 and 302 are different. Therefore, it is considered that the installation location of the device 1 will affect the estimation of the amount of refrigerant.

[0065] Even if the height difference between the outdoor unit 100 and the indoor unit 200 is the same, the lengths of the inside and outside connection pipes 301, 302 may differ. In that case, since the refrigerant is distributed in the inside and outside connection pipes 301, 302, if additional refrigerant is not charged for the length of the inside and outside connection pipes 301, 302, the amount of refrigerant in the device 1 excluding the inside and outside connection pipes may decrease overall, resulting in a gas shortage. In addition, regarding the installation environment of the device 1, the length of the inside and outside connection pipes 301, 302 differs depending on whether the outdoor unit 100 is hung from the ceiling, placed on the ground, or placed on the roof. In addition, even if the outdoor unit 100 is placed on the ground, the air conditioning load differs depending on whether it is installed facing south and exposed to direct sunlight and whether it is installed facing north and in the shade, which affects the refrigeration cycle. Therefore, the installation environment of the device 1 may also affect the estimation of the refrigerant amount.

[0066] Regarding the installation environment of the device 1, the thermal insulation performance differs depending on whether the building in which the device 1 is installed is made of wood or reinforced concrete. For example, if the building is made of wood and has poor thermal insulation, the air conditioning load will be large, which will affect the refrigeration cycle and the estimation of the amount of refrigerant.

[0067] Therefore, by using the device installation information 30, the device management device 2 can estimate the amount of refrigerant depending on the installation location or installation environment of the device 1, even if the installation location or installation environment of the device 1 is not fixed.

[0068] Next, the configuration of the device management device 2 and the operation of the refrigerant amount estimation process for estimating the refrigerant amount will be described. 12 is a schematic block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the device management device 2 according to this embodiment. As described above, the device management device 2 is the external terminal 3 or the cloud 4, and includes, for example, a storage unit 401, a communication unit 402, and a processing unit 403.

[0069] The storage unit 401 stores various data and control programs for controlling each unit of the device management device 2. For example, the storage unit 401 includes a dynamic random access memory (DRAM), an electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM), a flash ROM, a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), etc. For example, the device information 20 (see FIG. 10) and the device installation information 30 (see FIG. 11) are stored in advance in the storage unit 401.

[0070] The communication unit 402 performs data communication with the device 1 or other devices via wireless communication. For example, the communication unit 402 connects to a communication network such as a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) or the Internet via wireless communication and performs data communication with the device 1 or other devices. Note that the communication unit 402 may also support wired communication.

[0071] The processing unit 403 includes an acquisition unit 404, an estimation unit 405, and an output unit 406 as a functional configuration for performing a refrigerant amount estimation process for estimating a refrigerant amount by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) executing a control program stored in the storage unit 401. The acquisition unit 404 acquires device acquisition data 10 (see FIG. 8) from the device 1 (e.g., the indoor unit 200) via the communication unit 402, and stores the data in the storage unit 401. The estimation unit 405 estimates the refrigerant amount in the device 1. Here, the estimated refrigerant amount is referred to as an "estimated refrigerant amount 40". For example, the estimation unit 405 calculates the estimated refrigerant amount 40 in the device 1 based on the device acquisition data 10 acquired by the acquisition unit 404, and the device information 20 and device installation information 30 stored in the storage unit 401. The output unit 406 outputs the estimation result of the refrigerant amount by the estimation unit 405.

[0072] Next, the operation of the refrigerant amount estimation process executed in the device management system SYS will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 13. Fig. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the refrigerant amount estimation process according to this embodiment.

[0073] The device 1 (e.g., the indoor unit 200) transmits device acquisition data 10 to the device management device 2 periodically (e.g., every five minutes), either spontaneously by the device 1 or passively by a user operating the device 1. The device management device 2 receives the device acquisition data 10 transmitted from the device 1 (step S101).

[0074] When the device management apparatus 2 receives the device acquisition data 10 transmitted from the device 1, the device management apparatus 2 acquires the device acquisition data 10 every time the data is received, and stores and accumulates the data in the storage unit 401 (step S103).

[0075] Furthermore, the device management device 2 estimates the amount of refrigerant in the device 1 at any timing other than the internal periodic processing. The device management device 2 determines whether it is the timing to estimate the amount of refrigerant (step S105). If it is not the timing to estimate the amount of refrigerant (NO), the process returns to step S101, and the device management device 2 periodically receives device acquisition data 10 from the device 1 (step S103).

[0076] If it is the timing to estimate the refrigerant amount (YES), the equipment management device 2 estimates the amount of refrigerant in the equipment 1 (step S107). Specifically, the equipment management device 2 calculates the estimated refrigerant amount 40 based on the accumulated equipment acquisition data 10 and the equipment information 20 and equipment installation information 30 previously held internally. Then, the equipment management device 2 outputs the estimated refrigerant amount (estimated refrigerant amount 40) (step S109).

[0077] Here, a method for calculating the estimated refrigerant amount 40 will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 14. Fig. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a method for calculating the estimated refrigerant amount according to this embodiment. As shown in this figure, the equipment management device 2 calculates the estimated refrigerant amount 40 by, for example, the sum of a converted refrigerant amount 41, a dissolved refrigerant amount 42, and a retained refrigerant amount 43. Note that the estimated refrigerant amount 40 may be directly set when it can be determined from a refrigerant charging operation or the like in addition to a calculated value.

[0078] The converted refrigerant amount 41 is the amount of refrigerant in the main refrigerant state in each component constituting the device 1. For example, when the volume ratio of the gas phase to the liquid phase at the condenser inlet is 95:5, the converted refrigerant amount 41 indicates the amount of refrigerant in the gas phase. On the other hand, when the volume ratio of the gas phase to the liquid phase at the condenser inlet is 5:95, the converted refrigerant amount 41 indicates the amount of refrigerant in the gas phase. Also, when the volume ratio of the gas phase to the liquid phase at the condenser inlet is the same ratio, the converted refrigerant amount 41 indicates the amount of refrigerant using the two-phase average density. For example, the converted refrigerant amount 41 is calculated by the product of the internal volume of each component of the device 1 and the refrigerant density. For example, as shown in FIG. 14, the converted refrigerant amount 41 is calculated by the product of the internal volume 31 of the internal and external connection pipes 301 and 302 obtained from the device installation information 30 (the length and diameter of the internal and external connection pipes 301 and 302), the internal volume 51 of each component in the device 1 included in the device information 20, and the refrigerant density 50 in each component.

[0079] Here, the refrigerant density in each component can be found from the relationship between pressure and density by converting the refrigerant temperature in the equipment acquired data 10 into pressure. The relationship between pressure and density is determined depending on the type of refrigerant. If refrigerant pressure data can be directly acquired from the equipment 1, it can be found based on the acquired refrigerant pressure or pressure data. Each component described here is a component that constitutes the equipment 1 and has a space through which the refrigerant can flow, such as the compressor 102, the outdoor heat exchanger 104, the indoor heat exchanger 201, the receiver, and the indoor / outdoor connecting pipes 301 and 302.

[0080] The dissolved refrigerant amount 42 is the amount of refrigerant dissolved in the refrigeration oil used in the device 1. For example, as shown in FIG. 14, the dissolved refrigerant amount 42 is calculated by the sum of the products of the retained oil amount 52 of each component and the oil dissolution ratio 53 of each component for each component. Here, the total amount of oil in the device 1 is the value of the oil amount in the device information 20 shown in FIG. 10. The retained oil amount 52 retained in each component out of the amount of oil in the device 1 is determined by experiment or numerical calculation for each operating condition (cooling, heating, etc.) based on the device acquisition data 10, the device information 20, and the device installation information 30. For example, the retained oil amount 52 in each component determined by this experiment or numerical calculation is further included in the device information 20.

[0081] In addition, the oil solubility ratio 53 of each part can be calculated using a Daniel chart that shows the amount of refrigerant dissolved in refrigeration oil according to temperature and pressure by an experimental method. For example, the current oil solubility ratio 53 of each part can be calculated using the measured value of the refrigerant temperature of each part included in the equipment acquisition data 10 and the Daniel chart. When using the Daniel chart, it may be calculated using an approximation formula.

[0082] The amount of retained oil 52 in each component may be calculated by counting only the components that have a large internal volume and tend to retain refrigeration oil, and may exclude components that tend to retain less refrigeration oil. For example, refrigeration oil tends to retain in the compressor 102, the outdoor heat exchanger 104, and the indoor heat exchanger 201, and is present in large amounts therein.

[0083] The amount of retained refrigerant 43 is the amount of refrigerant retained in liquid form in each component (receiver, internal / external connection pipes 301, 302, etc.) in the gas-liquid two-phase region. If the cross-sectional area of ​​the refrigerant flow path of each component is small, the refrigerant flow rate is fast and the refrigerant is less likely to retain, and if the cross-sectional area is large, the refrigerant flow rate is slow and the refrigerant is more likely to retain. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 14, for example, the amount of retained refrigerant 43 can be found by experiment or numerical calculation based on the cross-sectional area of ​​the refrigerant flow path of each component and the refrigerant flow rate circulating inside the device 1, based on the device acquisition data 10, device information 20, and device installation information 30.

[0084] In addition, since most of the liquid remains in the downstream parts of the components with height differences, other components may be excluded. Also, the amount of retained refrigerant 43 is intended for a transient phenomenon in the refrigeration cycle, and may be ignored when the refrigeration cycle is in a stable state.

[0085] The flow rate of the refrigerant circulating inside the device 1 is determined by the frequency of the compressor 102 and the density of the suction refrigerant. The density of the suction refrigerant can be uniquely calculated from the amount of heat exchanged between the condenser and the evaporator in the device 1. It can also be calculated from the suction temperature or pressure obtained by the device 1.

[0086] Furthermore, the amount of heat exchange between the condenser and the evaporator is determined by the outdoor or indoor environmental load, and can be obtained from the equipment acquisition data 10 and the equipment installation information 30 at this time.

[0087] As described above, in the device management system SYS according to this embodiment, the device management device 2 acquires device acquisition data 10 (measurement information) indicating the measurement results of the refrigerant temperature in the device 1, the electrical input (electrical characteristics) of the device 1, and environmental information around the device 1. Then, the device management device 2 calculates an estimated refrigerant amount 40 based on the acquired device acquisition data 10 and preset device information 20 and device installation information 30, and estimates the refrigerant amount in the device 1. Note that, for example, this estimation of the refrigerant amount may be performed by the external terminal 3, may be performed by the cloud 4, or may be performed by the cloud 4 via the external terminal 3.

[0088] As a result, unlike conventional estimation of the amount of refrigerant, the device management system SYS can estimate the amount of refrigerant in the device 1 during normal operation. That is, the device management system SYS can accurately estimate the amount of refrigerant in the device in an actual usage environment without requiring special operation.

[0089] For example, the device information 20 includes at least information on the volume of the space through which the refrigerant can flow within the device 1 and the type of refrigerant possessed by the device 1. This allows the device management system SYS to estimate the amount of refrigerant within the space through which the refrigerant can flow within the device 1 according to the type of refrigerant.

[0090] Furthermore, the equipment management device 2 calculates the amount of refrigerant in the equipment 1 based on the volume of the space through which the refrigerant can flow within the equipment 1 and the refrigerant density calculated based on the refrigerant temperature and type of refrigerant within the equipment 1. This allows the equipment management system SYS to accurately estimate the amount of refrigerant in the equipment 1.

[0091] Furthermore, the equipment management device 2 further calculates the amount of refrigerant in the equipment 1 by adding the amount of refrigerant dissolved in the refrigeration oil used in the equipment 1 (dissolved refrigerant amount 42) and the amount of refrigerant in the liquid stagnant portion (stagnant refrigerant amount 43) to the amount of refrigerant calculated from the volume of the space in the equipment 1 through which the refrigerant can flow and the refrigerant density (converted refrigerant amount 41). In other words, the equipment management device 2 calculates the estimated refrigerant amount 40 by the sum of the converted refrigerant amount 41, the dissolved refrigerant amount 42, and the stagnant refrigerant amount 43. This allows the equipment management system SYS to accurately estimate the amount of refrigerant in the equipment 1 even in a transient phenomenon.

[0092] In addition, the device 1 is configured such that an outdoor unit 100 equipped with a compressor 102, an outdoor heat exchanger 104, and an expansion valve 103, and an indoor unit 200 equipped with an indoor heat exchanger 201 are connected by using indoor / outdoor connection pipes 301, 302 through which a refrigerant flows. The device installation information 30 includes information on at least the volume of the indoor / outdoor connection pipes 301, 302 (for example, the diameter and length of the indoor / outdoor connection pipes 301, 302). This allows the device management system SYS to accurately estimate the amount of refrigerant in the device 1, including the connection portion between the outdoor unit 100 and the indoor unit 200.

[0093] Furthermore, the environmental information around the device 1 includes at least information related to the ambient temperature of the device 1. For example, the ambient temperature is the temperature (indoor temperature) of the environment (indoors) in which the indoor unit 200 is installed or the temperature (outdoor temperature) of the environment (outdoors) in which the outdoor unit 100 is installed. This allows the device management system SYS to accurately estimate the amount of refrigerant in the device 1, taking into account the ambient temperature of the device 1.

[0094] Moreover, the device management system SYS includes an external terminal 3 or a cloud 4 capable of communicating with the device 1 as the device management device 2. As a result, the device management system SYS does not need to provide the device 1 with a function required for estimating the amount of refrigerant, and can therefore be easily applied to various devices 1.

[0095] In addition, in the equipment management system SYS of this embodiment, a refrigerant amount estimation method for estimating the amount of refrigerant in equipment 1 having refrigerant includes a step in which the equipment management device 2 acquires equipment acquisition data 10 (measurement information) indicating measurement results of the refrigerant temperature in equipment 1, the electrical input (electrical characteristics) of equipment 1, and environmental information around equipment 1, and a step in which the equipment management device 2 estimates the amount of refrigerant in equipment 1 based on the acquired equipment acquisition data 10, predetermined equipment information 20 and equipment installation information 30.

[0096] As a result, unlike conventional estimation of the amount of refrigerant, the device management system SYS can estimate the amount of refrigerant in the device 1 during normal operation. That is, the device management system SYS can accurately estimate the amount of refrigerant in the device in an actual usage environment without requiring special operation.

[0097] <Second embodiment> Next, a second embodiment will be described. The basic configuration of this embodiment is similar to that of the first embodiment, but differs in that a plurality of devices 1 are connected to the device management device 2.

[0098] Fig. 15 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a device management system according to this embodiment. The device management system SYS shown in this figure includes a plurality of devices 1 having a refrigerant, and a device management device 2 capable of communicating with each of the devices 1. Note that, although this figure shows an example in which there are three devices 1, there may be two devices, or there may be four or more devices.

[0099] The configuration and operation of the refrigerant amount estimation process in the equipment management system SYS are the same as those in the first embodiment. For example, in the equipment management device 2, the acquisition unit 404 acquires equipment acquisition data 10 from each of the multiple equipment 1. The estimation unit 405 calculates the refrigerant amount (total amount of refrigerant) in the multiple equipment 1 based on the equipment acquisition data 10 acquired by the acquisition unit 404 and the equipment information 20 and equipment installation information 30 that are set in advance.

[0100] In this way, the device management system SYS can estimate the total amount of refrigerant (total amount of refrigerant) of the multiple devices 1 by collectively managing the device acquisition data 10, device information 20, and device installation information 30 of each of the multiple devices 1. The device management system SYS can also estimate the amount of refrigerant of each of the multiple devices 1 individually.

[0101] <Third embodiment> Next, a third embodiment will be described. The basic configuration of the device management system SYS according to this embodiment is similar to that of the first and second embodiments. Also, the basic operation of the device management system SYS according to this embodiment is similar to that of the first and second embodiments, but differs in that a refrigerant management value is used.

[0102] The impact on the global environment varies depending on the type of refrigerant used in the device 1, and generally, there is a tendency for refrigerants with high global warming potential (GWP) to be gradually reduced in use in the market. For example, refrigerants in use on the market include R410a and R32, with the GWP of R410a being 2090 and the GWP of R32 being 675. In other words, R410a is a refrigerant type that has about three times the impact on global warming compared to R32. Therefore, when R410a is used, the impact on the global environment (global warming) is made the same by limiting the amount of refrigerant to one-third of the amount of refrigerant when R32 is used.

[0103] The amount of refrigerant that is restricted for use in device 1 for each type of refrigerant (the standard amount of refrigerant for each type of refrigerant) is defined as the refrigerant management value described above. For example, the refrigerant management value is calculated as the sum of the amount of refrigerant charged in device 1 at the time of shipment and the amount of additional refrigerant required for device 1.

[0104] FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a device management system according to the present embodiment. The equipment management device 2 estimates the amount of refrigerant in the equipment 1 based on the equipment acquisition data 10, the equipment information 20, and the equipment installation information 30, and compares the value of the estimated refrigerant amount (estimated refrigerant amount 40) with the refrigerant management value to determine whether the amount of refrigerant in the equipment 1 is excessive or insufficient.

[0105] For example, the equipment management device 2 is configured to estimate the amount of refrigerant in the equipment 1 at any timing in addition to internal periodic processing, and therefore can hold time-series data such as that shown in Fig. 17. For example, the estimation unit 405 calculates the refrigerant management value of the equipment 1 by adding the charged refrigerant amount at the time of shipment of the equipment 1 and the additional charged refrigerant amount required for the equipment 1. Then, the estimation unit 405 compares the estimated refrigerant amount value in the equipment 1 with the refrigerant management value of the equipment 1 to determine whether the amount of refrigerant in the equipment is excessive or insufficient.

[0106] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of time series data held by the equipment management device. This diagram shows time series data of the refrigerant management value and the estimated refrigerant amount value at each time. The estimated refrigerant amount value from time t0 to t1 is an estimated value of the amount of refrigerant sealed in the equipment 1 at the time of installation, and corresponds to the amount of charged refrigerant at the time of shipping the equipment 1. Next, if the additional amount of refrigerant required for the equipment is charged into the equipment 1 from time t1 to t2, the estimated refrigerant amount value at time t2 will be close to the refrigerant management value. After that, if the amount of refrigerant in the equipment 1 decreases due to an external factor or the like after time t3, the estimated refrigerant amount value decreases after time t3, and then, after time t4, the estimated refrigerant amount value stabilizes at a certain value.

[0107] The equipment management device 2 can determine whether the amount of refrigerant in the equipment 1 is excessive or insufficient by comparing the difference between the refrigerant management value and the estimated refrigerant amount value based on time-series data such as that shown in FIG.

[0108] If it is determined that the amount of refrigerant in the device 1 is insufficient, it is determined that the refrigerant gas is leaking and decreasing, and on the other hand, if the amount of refrigerant in the device 1 is excessive, it is determined that the device 1 is overfilled. For example, if the estimated refrigerant amount value is continuously decreasing, the device management device 2 can determine that refrigerant gas is leaking.

[0109] In addition, the equipment management device 2 determines whether the amount of refrigerant in the equipment 1 is excessive or insufficient at any timing with high determination accuracy (e.g., 30 minutes after the equipment 1 is started up) or by sampling periodically (e.g., every minute), and outputs the result as an instantaneous value or time series data.

[0110] For example, when determining whether the amount of refrigerant is insufficient or excessive for one device 1, the device management device 2 simply determines whether the amount of refrigerant is insufficient or excessive within the device 1. On the other hand, when determining whether the amount of refrigerant is insufficient or excessive for multiple devices 1, the device management device 2 can also manage the amount of refrigerant used in the market.

[0111] For example, when the equipment management system SYS includes a plurality of equipment 1, the equipment management device 2 can obtain time series data of the refrigerant management value and the estimated refrigerant amount value at each time for each of the plurality of equipment 1 as shown in Fig. 18. Fig. 18 is a diagram showing an example of time series data for each of the plurality of equipment 1 (here, equipment A, equipment B, and equipment C) held by the equipment management device 2.

[0112] The device management device 2 can grasp the total amount of refrigerant in the multiple devices 1 at the time of installation by calculating the sum of the estimated refrigerant amount values ​​at time t0 when each of the multiple devices 1 was installed. In the example shown in Fig. 18, additional refrigerant was charged only in device A between time t1 and t2, and it can be seen that refrigerant gas in device A decreased between time t3 and time t4, causing a refrigerant leak. Similarly, it can be seen that refrigerant leakage occurred in device C between time t2 and time t3. Furthermore, it can be seen that if devices A to C were removed at time t4, the remaining refrigerant except for the amount of refrigerant leaked from devices A and C could be recovered.

[0113] Therefore, although the leaked refrigerant has an impact on the environment, it can be seen that the recovered refrigerant does not have an impact on the environment even if it is replaced with new equipment 1 having an equivalent amount of refrigerant. This has the effect of allowing the equipment 1 containing refrigerant to be used continuously. Furthermore, even if the new equipment 1 is an equipment containing a different type of refrigerant, it can be replaced without impacting the environment by applying the refrigerant management value according to the type of refrigerant.

[0114] <Fourth embodiment> Next, a fourth embodiment will be described. The basic configuration of the device management system SYS according to this embodiment is similar to that of the first and second embodiments. In addition, the basic operation of the device management system SYS according to this embodiment is similar to that of the first and second embodiments, but differs in that the performance of the device 1 is estimated based on the estimated refrigerant amount 40, and the estimated operating performance is compared with device information 20 of the device 1, publicly available inspection data, catalog information, or the like. The catalog information is information described in a catalog of the manufacturer of the device 1, and includes, for example, numerical values ​​related to the specifications of the device 1.

[0115] Fig. 19 is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between the amount of refrigerant and the performance of the device according to this embodiment. Fig. 20 is a diagram showing a comparative example of the relationship between the performance of the device according to this embodiment and the air temperature and catalog values. Here, the performance of the device 1 refers to, for example, the operating performance of cooling, heating, dehumidification, freezing, etc. Note that the performance of the device 1 may also be the power consumption of the device 1.

[0116] The equipment management device 2 calculates an estimated refrigerant amount 40 of equipment 1 having characteristics as shown in FIG. 19, and obtains the performance of the equipment 1 from the calculated estimated refrigerant amount 40. Then, the equipment management device 2 summarizes the calculated performance of the equipment 1 as characteristics as shown in FIG. 20. Note that the relationship between the refrigerant amount and the performance of the equipment 1 shown in FIG. 19 is determined by numerical calculation based on the equipment information 20 and the equipment installation information 30. Similarly, the example shown in FIG. 20 is also determined by numerical calculation based on the equipment information 20, the disclosed inspection data, or the catalog information. Note that the disclosed inspection data or the catalog information is included in the equipment information 20.

[0117] In this way, the device management system SYS according to this embodiment can grasp the performance of the device 1 by estimating the performance of the device 1 based on the device information 20, the device installation information 30, and the estimated refrigerant amount. Furthermore, when there are multiple devices 1, the device management system SYS can grasp the overall performance of the multiple devices 1 in addition to the performance of each device 1. Furthermore, the device management system SYS can evaluate the performance of the device 1 by comparing the estimated performance of each device 1 or the overall performance of the multiple devices 1 with the device information 20, the published inspection data, or the catalog information, and can grasp the validity of the performance of the device 1, for example.

[0118] <Fifth embodiment> Next, a fifth embodiment will be described. The basic configuration of the device management system SYS according to this embodiment is similar to that of the first and second embodiments, but differs in that it further includes a general-purpose device.

[0119] 21 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a device management system according to the present embodiment. In this diagram, a device management apparatus 2 is configured to be able to communicate with a general-purpose device 5. Here, the general-purpose device 5 is an example of an external device, such as a device having a display screen (e.g., a smartphone, a PC) or a device that emits sound (e.g., wireless earphones).

[0120] The basic operation of the equipment management system SYS in this embodiment is similar to that in embodiments 1 to 4, except that information based on the estimated refrigerant amount 40 or performance of the equipment 1 calculated by the equipment management device 2 is output from the general-purpose device 5 to provide visual or audible guidance or warning to the user.

[0121] For example, the device management device 2 may transmit information on the estimated refrigerant amount 40 or performance of the device 1 to the general-purpose device 5 to display it on the general-purpose device 5. The device management device 2 may also transmit information on the excess or deficiency of the amount of refrigerant in the device 1, determined based on a comparison result between the value of the estimated refrigerant amount 40 of the device 1 and a refrigerant management value, to the general-purpose device 5 to display it on the general-purpose device 5. The device management device 2 may also transmit information on the determination result based on a comparison between the performance of the device 1 and the device information 20, the published inspection data, or the catalog information, to the general-purpose device 5 to display it on the general-purpose device 5.

[0122] Specifically, the output unit 406 of the device management device 2 transmits the estimated refrigerant amount 40 or performance information of the device 1 to the communication unit 402, thereby transmitting it to the general-purpose device 5. The general-purpose device 5 acquires the estimated refrigerant amount 40 or performance information of the device 1 transmitted from the device management device 2, and displays it on the display screen of the general-purpose device 5. The output unit 406 also transmits information about the surplus or shortage of refrigerant amount in the device 1 to the communication unit 402, thereby transmitting it to the general-purpose device 5. The general-purpose device 5 acquires the information about the surplus or shortage of refrigerant amount in the device 1 transmitted from the device management device 2, and displays it on the display screen of the general-purpose device 5. The general-purpose device 5 may output the information transmitted from the device management device 2 by voice.

[0123] 22 is a diagram showing an example of a display displayed on the general-purpose device 5 according to this embodiment. This diagram shows an example of displaying information that provides guidance or warning regarding the value of the estimated refrigerant amount 40, a shortage of the amount of refrigerant in the device 1, refrigerant leakage, performance evaluation results, etc. Note that the display example shown in this diagram is merely an example and is not limited to this.

[0124] Incidentally, the visual or audible guidance or warning is given, for example, when it is determined that the amount of refrigerant in the device 1 is continuously insufficient. In this case, since it is considered that the refrigerant gas is leaking, the purpose is to prompt the user to contact the manager or repairman of the device 1 to minimize the impact of the refrigerant gas leakage, or to prompt the user to stop the device 1 or to switch to a mode for blocking the refrigerant leakage if the device 1 is in operation.

[0125] Here, when it is assumed that all conditions except the amount of refrigerant are consistent under certain environmental conditions or operating conditions of device 1, the performance of device 1 can be expressed as a function with the amount of refrigerant as a parameter. If power consumption is taken as an example of the performance of device 1, when the amount of refrigerant is insufficient, the amount of heat exchanged in the heat exchanger decreases according to the amount of refrigerant that is reduced, and power consumption decreases accordingly. A similar tendency can be seen with respect to the operating performance of cooling, heating, dehumidification, or refrigeration.

[0126] Therefore, the equipment management device 2 can obtain the performance of the equipment 1 based on the estimated amount of refrigerant, and visually or audibly notifies or warns the user or administrator who uses the equipment 1 about the result via the general-purpose device 5. Even when multiple equipment 1 are connected, the equipment management device 2 can obtain the performance of each equipment 1 based on the amount of refrigerant estimated for each equipment 1. The equipment management device 2 compares the performance of each equipment 1 obtained at this time with the equipment information 20, published test data, or catalog information so that it can be objectively judged.

[0127] In addition, when the amount of refrigerant in equipment 1 is insufficient relative to the refrigerant management value of equipment 1 and a decrease in performance of equipment 1 is observed, equipment management device 2 provides visual or audible guidance or warning that performance is decreasing due to a shortage of refrigerant gas amount.

[0128] In this way, the device management system SYS according to this embodiment outputs visual or audible guidance or warning information via the general-purpose device 5 based on the estimation result of the refrigerant amount or performance of the device 1. In this way, the device management system SYS enables various people (for example, an unspecified number of people) such as a user who uses the device 1, a worker or repairman who maintains the device 1, or a manager to easily understand the status of the device 1.

[0129] Sixth embodiment Next, a sixth embodiment will be described. The basic configuration and operation of the device management system SYS according to this embodiment are similar to those of the fifth embodiment, and information is transmitted from the device management apparatus 2 to the general-purpose device 5 for display. In this embodiment, the content displayed on the general-purpose device 5 is different from that of the fifth embodiment.

[0130] The equipment management device 2 transmits information related to failure or maintenance of the equipment 1 to the general-purpose device 5 based on the calculated refrigerant amount or performance of the equipment 1, the equipment acquired data 10, the equipment information 20, the equipment installation information 30, etc., and causes the general-purpose device 5 to display the information. Information related to failure or maintenance is, for example, information that assists in failure or maintenance work and is useful to an operator.

[0131] Specifically, the output unit 406 of the device management device 2 outputs information related to the failure or maintenance of the device 1 to the communication unit 402, thereby transmitting the information to the general-purpose device 5. The general-purpose device 5 acquires the information related to the failure or maintenance transmitted from the device management device 2, and displays it on the display screen of the general-purpose device 5. The general-purpose device 5 may output the information transmitted from the device management device 2 by voice.

[0132] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a display example displayed on the general-purpose device 5 according to the present embodiment. In the display example shown in this figure, the operation start date, the device name, and the compressor model are displayed as information on the device 1. In addition, information on the installation location of the outdoor unit and the height at which the indoor unit is installed are displayed as installation information on the device 1. In addition, graphs of the estimated refrigerant amount value and performance of the device 1, and the estimated refrigerant amount value and the refrigerant management value are displayed. These pieces of display information are information that assist in work during failure or maintenance. Note that the display example shown in this figure is an example, and is not limited to this. For example, according to the display example shown in FIG. 23, it is possible to grasp the amount of refrigerant in the device 1 as an instantaneous value or a time series, and to confirm information that assists in work during failure or maintenance of the device 1.

[0133] In this way, the device management system SYS according to this embodiment outputs information related to failure or maintenance of the device 1 via the general-purpose device 5 based on the estimation result of the refrigerant amount or performance of the device 1. This allows the device management system SYS to check information that assists in the work of failure or maintenance of the device 1. Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to reduce the burden on workers in the case of failure or maintenance of the device 1 and to improve the efficiency of the work.

[0134] Seventh embodiment Next, a seventh embodiment will be described. The basic configuration and operation of the device management system SYS according to this embodiment are the same as those of the fourth embodiment.

[0135] As described in the fourth embodiment, the device management device 2 estimates the performance of the device 1 based on the amount of refrigerant in the device 1. In this embodiment, the device management device 2 operates the device 1 in advance with pre-cooling or pre-heating when the environment in which the device 1 is used is likely to exceed the capacity of the device 1 based on the estimated performance of the device 1.

[0136] For example, compared to device 1 with a normal charge amount (amount of refrigerant that satisfies the refrigerant management value), device 1 with a reduced amount of refrigerant has reduced performance, so control is performed such as increasing the frequency of compressor 102, but the increase in pressure caused by the increased frequency may cause intermittent shutdowns due to protective operations.

[0137] In this case, it may take longer for the device 1 to reach the set temperature in cooling operation, for example, and the room temperature may rise instead of decreasing if the air conditioning load in the room increases beyond the capacity of the device 1. Therefore, the device management device 2 has the device 1 perform pre-cooling to reduce the air conditioning load in the room, and prevents the device 1 from going into protective mode even if its performance is degraded.

[0138] For example, when a cooling or heating operation is reserved in device 1, device management device 2 (processing unit 403) acquires the reserved time from device 1 via communication unit 402 and determines whether or not the current environment (e.g., temperature) is likely to exceed the cooling or heating capacity of device 1's performance determined based on the estimated refrigerant amount value. When processing unit 403 determines that the current environment is likely to exceed the cooling or heating capacity of device 1's performance, it transmits an instruction to device 1 via communication unit 402 to cause device 1 to perform cooling or heating operation earlier than the reserved time. In response to receiving this instruction, device 1 performs pre-cooling or pre-heating operation.

[0139] In this way, the device management system SYS according to this embodiment controls the operation of the device 1 to perform pre-cooling or pre-warming based on the performance of the device 1. As a result, when the environment in which the device 1 is used exceeds the capacity of the device 1, the device management system SYS can operate the device 1 more stably than when pre-cooling or pre-warming is not performed.

[0140] For example, when the environment exceeds the capacity of the device 1, the device 1 may perform a protective operation such as stopping operation or suppressing operation in order to protect the device 1 itself because it cannot withstand the load. When the device 1 performs a protective operation, the device 1 cannot be used, which may cause discomfort to the user who uses the device 1. According to the present embodiment, the device 1 is controlled to perform pre-cooling or pre-warming operation based on the performance of the device 1, so that it is possible to suppress such a protective operation of the device 1 from occurring. For example, even if the performance of the device 1 is reduced due to factors such as a reduction in the heat exchange performance of the heat exchanger due to dirt or air passage blockage, or a shortage of refrigerant gas, the impact on use can be minimized.

[0141] In addition, the equipment management system SYS may operate the equipment 1 in a dehumidifying or freezing mode prior to the scheduled time not only for cooling or heating, but also for dehumidifying or freezing, if the environment in which the equipment 1 is used exceeds the capacity of the equipment 1.

[0142] <Eighth embodiment> Next, an eighth embodiment will be described. The basic configuration of the device management system SYS according to this embodiment is the same as that of the second embodiment, and device acquisition data 10 is acquired from a plurality of devices 1 that contain refrigerant, and the amount of refrigerant in each of the plurality of devices 1 is estimated.

[0143] Fig. 24 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an example of a device management system according to this embodiment. In this diagram, the device management system SYS includes devices 1 of multiple owners (owner A, owner B, owner C, ...) and a device management device 2 capable of communicating with each device 1. An owner is a person, organization, etc. who owns the device 1. This diagram shows the multiple devices 1 divided by owner, as opposed to the configuration example of the device management system according to the second embodiment shown in Fig. 15, but is basically similar in that the multiple devices 1 and the device management device 2 are connected so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0144] Although an example is shown in which each owner has three devices 1, the number of devices may be one or two, or four or more. The number of owners is not limited, and may include owners from other countries, not limited to domestic owners.

[0145] 21, the general-purpose device 5 is an example of an external device, and is a device having a display screen (e.g., a smartphone or a PC) or a device that emits sound (e.g., wireless earphones), etc. The general-purpose device 5 is an external device used by each of the owner A, owner B, owner C, etc., and is capable of communicating with the device management apparatus 2.

[0146] In recent years, the use of greenhouse gases has been gradually restricted in order to prevent global warming. The Kyoto Protocol, including Japan, has set a target for reducing the total GWP value of the greenhouse gas (refrigerant) R410a. The total GWP value is a value determined by multiplying the GWP (global warming potential) determined by the type of refrigerant by the amount (weight) of refrigerant used. The amount (weight) of refrigerant used is, in other words, the amount (weight) of refrigerant filled in the equipment. In addition, the F-gas (fluorocarbon gas) regulation in Europe states that the total GWP value will be reduced by 20% by 2030. Therefore, in equipment that uses refrigerants such as air conditioners, there is an accelerating movement in various countries to reduce the amount of refrigerant used in equipment and natural refrigerants with low GWP.

[0147] Therefore, since a reduction target for the total GWP value has been set, if the same refrigerant is used, it is necessary to either reduce the amount of refrigerant that can be filled into the equipment each year or to switch to a refrigerant with a lower GWP. On the other hand, equipment sold in the past remains on the market for 10 to 20 years, and it is essential for social significance to recover the refrigerant sealed in the equipment sold. In fact, the refrigerant recovery rate is 38%, and most of it is released into the atmosphere, causing adverse effects on global warming.

[0148] In addition, under European F-gas (fluorocarbon) regulations, the amount of refrigerant that can be distributed is allocated (Quota Alloation: distribution permit limit) in order to achieve the reduction target for the total GWP value. If the Quota Alloation runs out, it cannot be sold. This will cause the price of refrigerant to rise, which will affect costs. For this reason, it is necessary to utilize methods such as regenerating refrigerant by reusing refrigerant recovered from equipment.

[0149] Therefore, in the device management system SYS according to this embodiment, the device management device 2 acquires device acquisition data 10 from each of the multiple devices 1, estimates the amount of refrigerant in each of the multiple devices 1, and aggregates and manages data relating to the amount of refrigerant.

[0150] Fig. 25 is a schematic block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the device management device 2 according to this embodiment. In this figure, the same reference numerals are used for the components corresponding to those in Fig. 12. As described above, the device management device 2 is the external terminal 3 or the cloud 4, and includes, for example, a storage unit 401, a communication unit 402, and a processing unit 403, similar to the example shown in Fig. 12.

[0151] The processing unit 403 includes an acquisition unit 404, an estimation unit 405, an output unit 406, and a data management unit 407 as a functional configuration for estimating the refrigerant amount and managing data by the CPU executing a control program stored in the storage unit 401. The acquisition unit 404 acquires device acquisition data 10 (see FIG. 8) from the multiple devices 1 via the communication unit 402 and stores it in the storage unit 401. The estimation unit 405 estimates the refrigerant amount in each of the multiple devices 1. For example, the estimation unit 405 calculates the estimated refrigerant amount 40 in each of the multiple devices 1 based on the device acquisition data 10 acquired by the acquisition unit 404 and the device information 20 and device installation information 30 stored in the storage unit 401. The output unit 406 visually or audibly outputs information based on data managed by the data management unit 407 described later via the general-purpose device 5.

[0152] The data management unit 407 associates each of the refrigerant amounts in the multiple devices 1 estimated by the estimation unit 405 with the refrigerant type and stores them in the storage unit 401. The refrigerant type is the type of refrigerant used in each device 1. The data management unit 407 refers to the device information 20 to identify the type of refrigerant used in each device 1.

[0153] For example, the data management unit 407 stores in the storage unit 401 device refrigerant information, such as information on the amount of refrigerant in the multiple devices 1 estimated by the estimation unit 405, in association with the type of refrigerant for each device 1. Furthermore, the data management unit 407 determines whether the amount of refrigerant for each device 1 is within the regulated value based on the amount of refrigerant for each device 1 and a regulated value of the upper limit of the amount of refrigerant that can be used in the space in which each of the multiple devices 1 is installed, and stores determination information based on the determination result in the storage unit 401.

[0154] Furthermore, the data management unit 407 determines whether or not the refrigerant for each device 1 is to be collected based on the refrigerant type for each device 1, and stores determination information based on the determination result in the storage unit 401. For example, when the refrigerant type used in the device 1 is prohibited from use by regulations, the data management unit 407 determines that the refrigerant is to be collected.

[0155] The data management unit 407 stores and manages equipment refrigerant information associated with the refrigerant type for each of these devices 1, regulated values, determination information as to whether the refrigerant amount for each device 1 is within the regulated values, and determination information as to whether the refrigerant for each device 1 is eligible for recovery in the memory unit 401 as equipment refrigerant data 410.

[0156] Next, the equipment refrigerant data 410 stored in the storage unit 401 will be described. 26 is a diagram showing an example of the equipment refrigerant data 410 according to this embodiment. Here, an example of data is shown for a case where one equipment 1 is installed in one space (for example, a room).

[0157] The equipment refrigerant data 410 stores equipment refrigerant information, regulation values, judgment information, etc., associated with each equipment 1 of each owner. The equipment refrigerant information includes the refrigerant type, the GWP of that refrigerant type, and the amount of refrigerant in the equipment. The amount of refrigerant in the equipment is the amount of refrigerant used for each equipment 1 (amount of filled refrigerant), and is the value of the estimated refrigerant amount 40 estimated by the estimation unit 405. The total GWP value is a value calculated by "GWP x amount of refrigerant in the equipment".

[0158] The regulation values ​​include the GWP total quantity regulation value, the refrigerant quantity regulation value, etc. The GWP total quantity regulation value is the regulation value of the upper limit of the GWP total quantity value. For example, the GWP total quantity regulation value is determined by "GWP determined by the type of refrigerant filled in device 1" x "upper limit of the amount (weight) of refrigerant that can be used in the space in which device 1 is installed." As an example, the GWP total quantity regulation value is set according to the size of the space in which device 1 is installed, based on the reduction target of the GWP total quantity value of refrigerant R410a. The refrigerant quantity regulation value is the conversion of the GWP total quantity regulation value into the regulation value of the refrigerant quantity, and is calculated as "GWP total quantity regulation value / GWP of the refrigerant used in device 1."

[0159] The data management unit 407 compares the GWP total amount value with the GWP total amount regulation value for each device 1, and judges whether the GWP total amount value is within the GWP total amount regulation value. Then, based on the judgment result of whether the GWP total amount value is within the GWP total amount regulation value, if the GWP total amount value exceeds the GWP total amount regulation value, the data management unit 407 stores judgment information indicating that the regulation value is exceeded ("regulation") in the device refrigerant data 410.

[0160] The data management unit 407 may compare the amount of refrigerant in the equipment with the refrigerant amount regulation value for each equipment 1, and determine whether the amount of refrigerant in the equipment is within the refrigerant amount regulation value. For example, if the amount of refrigerant in the equipment exceeds the refrigerant amount regulation value based on the result of determining whether the amount of refrigerant in the equipment is within the refrigerant amount regulation value, the data management unit 407 may store determination information indicating that the regulation value is exceeded ("regulation") in the equipment refrigerant data 410.

[0161] Furthermore, the data management unit 407 determines whether or not each refrigerant is subject to collection based on the type of refrigerant used (filled refrigerant) for each device 1. For example, if the type of refrigerant used (filled refrigerant) in device 1 is a refrigerant type (e.g., R22) whose use is prohibited by regulations, the data management unit 407 determines that it is subject to collection. Then, if the data management unit 407 determines that it is subject to collection based on the determination result, it stores determination information indicating that it is subject to collection ("subject to collection") in the equipment refrigerant data 410.

[0162] Next, with reference to FIG. 27, a data example of the device refrigerant data 410 in the case where a plurality of devices 1 are installed in one space (for example, a room) will be described. 27 is a diagram showing another example of the equipment refrigerant data 410 according to this embodiment. Here, an example of the equipment refrigerant data 410 is shown for a case where a plurality of equipment 1 are installed in one space (for example, a room).

[0163] The equipment refrigerant data 410 shown in this figure shows an example in which three equipment 1 (two equipments of model ZW and one equipment of model EW) are installed in room A. The GWP total amount regulation value is set for one space (here, room A). Therefore, the data management unit 407 calculates the "GWP total amount value per space" by adding up the "GWP total amount value per equipment" of each of the three equipment 1 installed in room A, and judges whether the "GWP total amount value per space" is within the GWP total amount regulation value. Then, based on the judgment result of whether the "GWP total amount value per space" is within the GWP total amount regulation value, if the "GWP total amount value per space" exceeds the GWP total amount regulation value, the data management unit 407 stores judgment information ("regulation") indicating that the regulation value is exceeded in the equipment refrigerant data 410.

[0164] In addition, if all of the equipment 1 installed in room A uses the same refrigerant type, it may be determined whether the total amount of refrigerant in each equipment 1 is within a value obtained by dividing the total GWP value of room A by the GWP of the refrigerant type (i.e., the refrigerant amount regulation value for room A).

[0165] Next, an example of output based on the device refrigerant data 410 managed by the device management device 2 will be described. Based on the device refrigerant data 410 managed by the data management unit 407, the output unit 406 of the device management device 2 outputs information on the amount of refrigerant of each device 1 to the communication unit 402, thereby transmitting the information to the general-purpose device 5 of the owner of each device 1. For example, the owner pre-registers user information, information on the device 1 set by the owner, information on the installation location, etc., and the device management device 2 refers to the registered information and transmits information on the amount of refrigerant of each device 1 to the general-purpose device 5 of the owner of each device 1.

[0166] The general-purpose device 5 visually or audibly outputs the information on the amount of refrigerant in the device 1 transmitted from the device management apparatus 2. Here, as an example of visual output, an example of display on the display screen of the general-purpose device 5 will be described. Note that when the general-purpose device 5 outputs audibly, the information may be output by sound from a speaker or sound output terminal (e.g., an earphone jack) of the general-purpose device 5.

[0167] FIG. 28 is a diagram showing a first example of display of information related to the amount of refrigerant according to this embodiment. This diagram shows an example in which information related to the amount of refrigerant of the device 1 installed in room A is displayed on the display screen of the general-purpose device 5 of the owner A. In this example, the refrigerant type and the amount of refrigerant in the device (estimated refrigerant amount 40) used in each of the three devices 1 installed in room A are displayed. In addition, the refrigerant type and the total amount of refrigerant used in the devices 1 in room A, the regulated value for the size of room A (the value regulated by law for this refrigerant type), and the determination result of whether the total amount of refrigerant used in room A (total amount of refrigerant) is within the regulated value are displayed. If the total amount of refrigerant (total amount of refrigerant) is within the regulated value, for example, "The total amount of refrigerant is within the standard" is displayed as information indicating that it is within the regulated value.

[0168] Fig. 29 is a diagram showing a second example of the display of information related to the amount of refrigerant according to this embodiment. As in Fig. 28, this diagram shows an example in which information related to the amount of refrigerant in the devices 1 installed in room A is displayed on the display screen of the general-purpose device 5 of owner A, but shows a display example in which the total amount of refrigerant (total amount of refrigerant) exceeds the regulated value. When the total amount of refrigerant (total amount of refrigerant) exceeds the regulated value, for example, "The total amount of refrigerant has exceeded the regulated value" is displayed as information indicating that the regulated value has been exceeded.

[0169] Fig. 30 is a diagram showing a third example of the display of information related to the refrigerant amount according to this embodiment. As with Figs. 28 and 29, this diagram shows an example in which information related to the refrigerant amount of the device 1 installed in room A is displayed on the display screen of the general-purpose device 5 of the owner A, but shows a display example in which there is a refrigerant to be collected. Here, two of the three devices 1 installed in room A use refrigerant R32, but one uses refrigerant R22, the use of which is prohibited. Therefore, for example, "There is a refrigerant to be collected" is displayed as information indicating that there is a refrigerant to be collected.

[0170] 28 to 30 show display examples in which three devices 1 are installed in one space (for example, room A), but when one device 1 is installed in one space, information on the amount of refrigerant for one device is displayed. In the case of an owner having multiple spaces in which one device 1 is installed, information on the amount of refrigerant for multiple devices 1 may be displayed in a list, and the determination result as to whether the amount of refrigerant is within the regulated value or not, or the determination result as to whether there is any refrigerant to be collected or not may be displayed for each device 1.

[0171] As described above, in the device management system SYS according to this embodiment, the device management device 2 acquires device acquisition data 10 (measurement information) from each of the multiple devices 1 having a refrigerant, which indicates the measurement results of the refrigerant temperature in the device 1, the electrical input (electrical characteristics) of the device 1, and the environmental information around the device 1. Then, the device management device 2 estimates the amount of refrigerant in each of the multiple devices 1 based on the acquired device acquisition data 10 and the preset device information 20 and device installation information 30. Furthermore, the device management device 2 associates each of the estimated amounts of refrigerant in the multiple devices 1 with the type of refrigerant and stores them in the storage unit 401. Note that the estimation of the amount of refrigerant by the device management device 2 and the storage of the estimated amount of refrigerant may be performed, for example, by the external terminal 3, the cloud 4, or the cloud 4 via the external terminal 3.

[0172] This allows the equipment management system SYS to easily grasp the amount of refrigerant in multiple equipment 1 installed in the market. Also, the equipment management system SYS can easily grasp the type of refrigerant used in multiple equipment 1 installed in the market.

[0173] Furthermore, the device management device 2 stores in the storage unit 401 information associating each of the estimated refrigerant amounts in the multiple devices 1 with the refrigerant type for each device 1. Furthermore, the device management device 2 determines whether the refrigerant amount for each device 1 is within the regulated value based on the refrigerant amount for each device 1 and a regulated value of the upper limit of the refrigerant amount that can be used in the space in which each of the multiple devices 1 is installed, and stores determination information based on the determination result in the storage unit 401.

[0174] This allows the device management system SYS to easily grasp whether or not the amount of refrigerant in each of the devices 1 installed in the market exceeds the regulated value.

[0175] In addition, when multiple devices 1 are installed in one space (e.g., a room), the equipment management device 2 determines whether the total amount of refrigerant in one space is within the regulated value based on the total amount of refrigerant for each of the multiple devices 1 installed in one space and a regulated value of the upper limit of the amount of refrigerant that can be used in one space, and stores determination information based on the determination result in the memory unit 401.

[0176] This allows the equipment management system SYS to easily determine whether the amount of refrigerant in multiple equipment 1 installed in the market exceeds the regulated value for each space (e.g., room) in which the equipment is installed.

[0177] Furthermore, the equipment management device 2 determines whether or not the refrigerant of each equipment 1 is a target for collection based on the refrigerant type of each equipment 1, and stores in the storage unit 401 the determination information based on the determination result.

[0178] This enables the device management system SYS to easily grasp whether the type of refrigerant used in each of the multiple devices 1 installed in the market is subject to collection.

[0179] Furthermore, the equipment management apparatus 2 outputs information on the amount and type of refrigerant in the equipment 1 stored in the storage unit 401 visually or audibly via the general-purpose device 5 (an example of an external equipment).

[0180] This allows the device management system SYS to easily notify users (such as owners) of the type and amount of refrigerant in multiple devices 1 installed in the market. The user who notifies may be the owner or a user (a person in the space where the device 1 is installed).

[0181] Furthermore, the equipment management device 2 visually or aurally outputs the determination information stored in the storage unit 401 via the general-purpose device 5 (an example of an external device). For example, the equipment management device 2 visually or aurally outputs, via the general-purpose device 5 (an example of an external device), determination information based on the determination result of whether or not the amount of refrigerant for each equipment 1 is within a regulated value, determination information based on the determination result of whether or not the total amount of refrigerant in one space is within a regulated value, or determination information based on the determination result of whether or not the refrigerant for each equipment 1 is a target for collection.

[0182] This allows the device management system SYS to easily notify users (such as owners) whether the refrigerants in multiple devices 1 installed in the market are to be collected. The user who notifies may be the owner or a user (a person in the space where the device 1 is installed).

[0183] In addition, the management method in the equipment management system SYS of this embodiment includes a step in which the equipment management device 2 acquires equipment acquisition data 10 (measurement information) from multiple equipment 1 having refrigerant, the equipment acquisition data 10 indicating measurement results of the refrigerant temperature in the equipment 1, the electrical input (electrical characteristics) of the equipment 1, and environmental information surrounding the equipment 1, a step in which the equipment management device 2 estimates the amount of refrigerant in each of the multiple equipment 1 based on the acquired equipment acquisition data 10, predetermined equipment information 20 and equipment installation information 30, and a step in which the estimated amount of refrigerant in each of the multiple equipment 1 is associated with a refrigerant type and stored in the memory unit 401.

[0184] This allows the equipment management system SYS to easily grasp the amount of refrigerant in multiple equipment 1 installed in the market. Also, the equipment management system SYS can easily grasp the type of refrigerant used in multiple equipment 1 installed in the market.

[0185] <Ninth embodiment> Next, a ninth embodiment will be described. The basic configuration of the equipment management system SYS in this embodiment is similar to that of the second and eighth embodiments, and equipment acquisition data 10 is acquired from multiple equipment 1 containing refrigerant, and the amount of refrigerant in each of the multiple equipment 1 is estimated. However, it differs in that the amount of refrigerant is managed for each refrigerant type in all of the multiple equipment 1 shipped to the market.

[0186] Fig. 31 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an example of an equipment management system according to this embodiment. This diagram differs from the configuration shown in Fig. 24 in that an equipment management device 2 is capable of communicating with a service terminal 6 and a recycling factory 7. The service terminal 6 is a portable terminal carried by a serviceman of a recovery company that recovers refrigerant from the market (e.g., equipment 1).

[0187] The service terminal 6 may be a general-purpose device such as a smartphone or a tablet PC, or may be a dedicated device. The service terminal 6 transmits to the equipment management device 2 information on the refrigerant type and amount of the recovered refrigerant that is input by a service technician when recovering the refrigerant.

[0188] The regeneration factory 7 is a factory where refrigerant recovered by a recovery company (hereinafter referred to as "recovered refrigerant") is delivered, the delivered recovered refrigerant is regenerated, and the regenerated refrigerant (hereinafter referred to as "regenerated refrigerant") is shipped. When the regenerated refrigerant is shipped, the regeneration factory 7 transmits information on the refrigerant type and the refrigerant amount of the shipped regenerated refrigerant to the equipment management device 2.

[0189] The basic configuration of the equipment management device 2 according to this embodiment is similar to the configuration shown in Fig. 2. The acquisition unit 404 acquires equipment acquisition data 10 (see Fig. 8) from the multiple equipment 1 via the communication unit 402, as well as information on the refrigerant type and amount of the recovered refrigerant transmitted from the service terminal 6 and information on the refrigerant type and amount of the regenerated refrigerant transmitted from the regeneration factory 7, and stores and manages the information in the storage unit 401.

[0190] The estimation unit 405 calculates the estimated refrigerant amount 40 in each of the multiple devices 1 based on the device acquisition data 10 acquired by the acquisition unit 404 and the device information 20 and device installation information 30 stored in the memory unit 401.

[0191] The data management unit 407 adds up the refrigerant amounts in the multiple devices 1 estimated by the estimation unit 405 for each refrigerant type, associates the total amount of refrigerant in the device (hereinafter referred to as the "total amount in device") with each refrigerant type, and stores the total amount in the memory unit 401. The data management unit 407 also associates the amount of recovered refrigerant and the amount of regenerated refrigerant acquired by the acquisition unit 404 with each refrigerant type, and stores the total amount in the memory unit 401.

[0192] Furthermore, the data management unit 407 calculates the amount of refrigerant remaining in the market for each refrigerant type based on the total amount in the equipment and the amount of recovered refrigerant. Furthermore, the data management unit 407 calculates the proportion of recovered refrigerant that was shipped as recycled refrigerant based on the amount of recovered refrigerant and the amount of regenerated refrigerant (amount of regenerated refrigerant minus amount of recovered refrigerant). The data management unit 407 stores and manages information related to these refrigerants in the memory unit 401 as equipment refrigerant data 410.

[0193] Fig. 32 is a diagram showing an example of equipment refrigerant data 410 according to this embodiment. The equipment refrigerant data 410 is associated with information such as the total amount of refrigerant in the equipment in the market, the amount of recovered refrigerant (recovered amount), the amount of refrigerant remaining in the market (market remaining amount), whether or not it is regulated, and the proportion of the recovered refrigerant that has been shipped as recycled refrigerant (recycled refrigerant). In this figure, refrigerant types associated with "regulated" in whether or not it is regulated are refrigerant types that are subject to recovery (i.e., refrigerant types whose use is prohibited). Refrigerant types that are subject to recovery are not shipped as recycled refrigerant.

[0194] As described above, in the equipment management system SYS of this embodiment, the equipment management device 2 acquires information on the refrigerant type and amount of refrigerant recovered from any of the multiple equipment 1, and stores in the memory unit 401 the estimated total amount of refrigerant in the multiple equipment 1 and the recovered amount of refrigerant in association with each refrigerant type.

[0195] This allows the equipment management system SYS to easily grasp the amount of refrigerant recovered from multiple equipment 1 installed in the market. Therefore, the equipment management system SYS can easily grasp the status of the response to the environmental load in the market, and can also appeal to the market about its environmental response.

[0196] In addition, the equipment management device 2 acquires information on the amount of regenerated refrigerant that has been shipped after regenerating refrigerant recovered from any of the multiple equipment 1, for each refrigerant type, and stores the amount of regenerated refrigerant that has been shipped in the memory unit 401, further associating it with each refrigerant type.

[0197] This allows the equipment management system SYS to easily grasp the proportion of refrigerant recovered from multiple equipment 1 installed in the market that is being used as recycled refrigerant. Therefore, the equipment management system SYS can easily grasp the status of the response to the environmental load in the market, and can also appeal to the market about its environmental response.

[0198] <Tenth embodiment> Next, a tenth embodiment will be described. The basic configuration of the device management system SYS according to this embodiment is similar to that of the fifth or eighth embodiment, and notifies a user of information relating to the amount of refrigerant or performance in the multiple devices 1 by visually or audibly outputting the information from an external device. The external device is, for example, the general-purpose device 5 described above. The general-purpose device 5 outputs the information visually or audibly by displaying the information on a display screen of the general-purpose device 5 or by outputting the information by sound.

[0199] In the past, even if there was a factor that could cause a breakdown in the equipment, it was not noticed, and the user (owner, operator, etc.) of the equipment would continue to use it until it broke down. In addition, the main cause of the deterioration of equipment performance is the leakage of refrigerant gas into the atmosphere, and early action is necessary to prevent global warming.

[0200] Therefore, the device management system SYS estimates the amount of refrigerant in the device 1 and notifies the user of a decrease in the amount of refrigerant, a decrease in performance, or insufficient performance, and promotes maintenance or replacement of the device 1. Furthermore, based on the type of refrigerant used in the device 1, the device management system SYS notifies the user if the model is subject to environmental laws and regulations (for example, a model using a refrigerant whose use is prohibited by regulations), and promotes maintenance or replacement of the device 1.

[0201] For example, the equipment management device 2 estimates the amount of refrigerant in the equipment 1 periodically or at any timing, and stores the data of the estimated amount of refrigerant in a time series. A correlation equation between the amount of refrigerant and performance is stored, and the performance is calculated from the estimated amount of refrigerant. Furthermore, when the estimated amount of refrigerant decreases from one time to another, the equipment management device 2 predicts a decrease in the performance of the equipment from the time difference Δt.

[0202] FIG. 33 is a diagram showing an example of changes in the amount of refrigerant and performance of the device 1 according to this embodiment. (A) of FIG. 33 is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between the amount of refrigerant and the performance of the device, similar to the example shown in FIG. 19. As the amount of refrigerant decreases, the performance of the device 1 decreases from an optimum value (100% performance) to a current value (80% performance). The device management device 2 predicts future performance degradation from the time difference Δt from the time of the optimum value (100% performance) to the time of the current value (80% performance), as shown in (B) of FIG. 33.

[0203] For example, the output unit 406 of the equipment management apparatus 2 transmits information on performance, maintenance or replacement (purchase of a new equipment) to the user of the equipment 1 based on this prediction of performance degradation, and causes the general-purpose device 5 to output the information. That is, the output unit 406 functions as a notification unit to notify the user of the equipment 1 of information based on the amount of refrigerant in the equipment 1 (information on performance, maintenance or replacement, etc.) so that the user can easily grasp the status of the equipment 1. In this way, the equipment management system SYS can notify the user of the equipment 1 of the performance and other status of the equipment 1, and recommend maintenance or replacement (purchase of a new equipment) of the equipment 1 if the performance is degraded.

[0204] 26, for example, the refrigerant type of device 1 with model name EEE of owner B is R410, and the amount of refrigerant in device 1 exceeds the regulated value. Therefore, the output unit 406 may transmit information to the general-purpose device 5 to prompt the general-purpose device 5 to change the refrigerant from R410, which has a GWP of 2090, to R32, which has a GWP of 675, thereby causing the general-purpose device 5 to output the information. By changing to a refrigerant type with a lower GWP, the total GWP value can be reduced and brought within the total GWP regulated value.

[0205] Furthermore, when the refrigerant in the device 1 is to be collected, the output unit 406 may transmit information indicating that the refrigerant is to be collected to the general-purpose device 5, thereby causing the general-purpose device 5 to output the information. Furthermore, when the refrigerant in the device 1 is to be collected, in addition to the information indicating that the refrigerant is to be collected, the output unit 406 may transmit information encouraging the user to replace the device to the general-purpose device 5, thereby causing the general-purpose device 5 to output the information.

[0206] For example, the general-purpose device 5 displays these pieces of information on a display screen of the general-purpose device 5. The general-purpose device 5 may output these pieces of information by voice. Here, examples of displays on the general-purpose device 5 will be described with reference to Figs. 34 to 38.

[0207] FIG. 34 is a diagram showing a first example of the display of the general-purpose device 5 according to this embodiment. In this figure, the display screen of the general-purpose device 5 displays "The model name CCC is a device that contains the refrigerant R22 currently being collected" as information indicating that the device 1 uses a refrigerant to be collected. In addition, the display screen of the general-purpose device 5 displays "If you are replacing your device, click here" as information encouraging the user to replace the device. In "here", a link is set to jump to a site introducing replacement models or a replacement site. In addition, the display screen of the general-purpose device 5 may display campaign information to encourage the user to replace the device, such as "If you are replacing your device with our product, you can purchase it at a special price."

[0208] In this figure, the display screen of the general-purpose device 5 displays information about a model 1 that is overfilled with refrigerant among other models 1 owned by the same owner, such as "Model name BBB is overfilled. Due to overfilling, power consumption may have increased." Also, the display screen of the general-purpose device 5 displays "For maintenance requests <here>" as information encouraging maintenance. "<here>" contains a link that jumps to the site of the maintenance request center.

[0209] 35 is a diagram showing a second example of the display of a general-purpose device according to this embodiment. In this diagram, the display screen of the general-purpose device 5 displays information indicating the type of refrigerant filled in each of the three devices 1 installed in room A and the devices to be recovered. Here, "This device is a target for refrigerant recovery" is displayed in association with the device 1 filled with refrigerant R22.

[0210] Fig. 36 is a diagram showing a third example of a display of a general-purpose device according to this embodiment. In this figure, the display screen of the general-purpose device 5 displays the power consumption based on the amount of refrigerant for each of the three devices 1 installed in room A. Here, it is shown that the power consumption of two of the three devices 1 is 100%, which is normal, and the power consumption of the other device is 120%, which is rising. In addition, in association with the device 1 with a power consumption of 120%, "Request maintenance <here>" is displayed as information encouraging maintenance. "<here>" contains a link to jump to the site of the maintenance request destination.

[0211] FIG. 37 is a diagram showing a fourth example of the display of the general-purpose device according to this embodiment. In this figure, the display screen of the general-purpose device 5 displays the capacities of the three devices 1 installed in room A based on the amount of refrigerant. Here, it is shown that the capacities of two of the three devices 1 are 120% and normal, and the capacity of one device is 80% and reduced. In addition, in association with the device 1 with a capacity of 80%, "Request maintenance <here>" is displayed as information encouraging maintenance. A link to jump to the site of the maintenance request destination is set in "<here>". In addition, the display screen of the general-purpose device 5 displays information indicating that the total capacity of the three devices 1 is sufficient for the entire room A.

[0212] FIG. 38 is a diagram showing a fifth example of the display of a general-purpose device according to this embodiment. In this diagram, the display screen of the general-purpose device 5 displays that the amount of refrigerant in device 1 installed in room A has dropped to 80%, and displays "Request maintenance <here>" as information encouraging maintenance. A link to jump to the site of the maintenance request destination is set in "<here>". In addition, the display screen of the general-purpose device 5 displays information indicating that the amount of refrigerant has decreased (shortage) and that there is a possibility that the refrigerant is leaking. Note that here, data showing changes in the amount of refrigerant and performance of device 1 shown in FIG. 33 is displayed as details of the information showing the state of device 1.

[0213] Note that the display examples shown in Figures 34 to 38 are just examples, and the contents of the information to be displayed can be changed as desired. For example, the display example shown in Figure 22 in the fourth embodiment can also be used as a display example. Moreover, the display examples shown in Figures 28 to 30 in the eighth embodiment can also be used as display examples.

[0214] As described above, in the device management system SYS according to this embodiment, the device management device 2 acquires device acquisition data 10 (measurement information) from a device 1 having a refrigerant, which indicates the measurement results of the refrigerant temperature in the device 1, the electrical input (electrical characteristics) of the device 1, and environmental information around the device 1. The device management device 2 then estimates the amount of refrigerant in the device 1 based on the acquired device acquisition data 10, preset device information 20 related to the device 1, and device installation information 30 related to the installation environment of the device 1. The device management device 2 also notifies the user (owner, user, etc.) of the device 1 of information based on the estimated amount of refrigerant in the device 1.

[0215] As a result, the device management system SYS estimates the amount of refrigerant in the device 1 and notifies the user of information based on the estimated amount of refrigerant, allowing the user to easily grasp the state of the device 1.

[0216] For example, the equipment management device 2 estimates the performance of the equipment 1 based on preset equipment information 20 and equipment installation information 30 and the estimated amount of refrigerant in the equipment 1, and notifies the user of the equipment 1 of the information regarding the estimated performance of the equipment 1.

[0217] In this way, the device management system SYS allows the user to easily grasp the performance status of the device 1.

[0218] Furthermore, when the refrigerant used in the device 1 is a refrigerant type that is subject to collection, the device management device 2 notifies the user of the device 1 of information indicating that the refrigerant type is subject to collection.

[0219] As a result, when the refrigerant in the device 1 is to be collected, the device management system SYS allows the user to easily understand that the refrigerant is to be collected.

[0220] Furthermore, the device management device 2 notifies the user of the device 1 of information relating to the maintenance of the device 1 based on the estimated performance of the device 1 or the type of refrigerant used in the device 1.

[0221] As a result, the device management system SYS can urge the user to perform maintenance on the device 1 when the performance of the device 1 has deteriorated or when the refrigerant in the device 1 is to be recovered.

[0222] Furthermore, the device management device 2 notifies the user of the device 1 of information regarding replacement of the device 1 based on the estimated performance of the device 1 or the type of refrigerant used in the device 1.

[0223] As a result, the device management system SYS can encourage the user to replace the device 1 when the performance of the device 1 has deteriorated or when the refrigerant in the device 1 is to be recovered.

[0224] Furthermore, the device management apparatus 2 outputs information to be notified to the user of the device 1 visually or audibly via a general-purpose device 5 (an example of an external device).

[0225] This allows the equipment management system SYS to easily notify users (such as owners) of the performance of the equipment 1 installed in the market or the status of the equipment 1, such as whether the filled refrigerant is subject to collection. The equipment management system SYS can also promote maintenance or replacement of the equipment 1 installed in the market.

[0226] The device management device 2 may visually or audibly output information to be notified to the user of the device 1 from the device management device 2 itself (for example, the external terminal 3) instead of or in addition to the general-purpose device 5. The device management device 2 may visually or audibly output information to be notified to the user of the device 1 via the device 1 (for example, the indoor unit 200) instead of or in addition to the general-purpose device 5. The device management device 2 may visually or audibly output information to be notified to the user of the device 1 via a remote controller (not shown) of the device 1 instead of or in addition to the general-purpose device 5.

[0227] In addition, the notification method in the equipment management system SYS of this embodiment includes a step in which the equipment management device 2 acquires equipment acquisition data 10 (measurement information) from the equipment 1 having a refrigerant, the equipment acquisition data 10 indicating measurement results of the refrigerant temperature in the equipment 1, the electrical input (electrical characteristics) of the equipment 1, and the environmental information surrounding the equipment 1, a step in which the equipment management device 2 estimates the amount of refrigerant in the equipment 1 based on the acquired equipment acquisition data 10, previously set equipment information 20 regarding the equipment 1, and equipment installation information 30 regarding the installation environment of the equipment 1, and a step in which the equipment management device 2 notifies the user of the equipment 1 of information based on the estimated amount of refrigerant in the equipment 1.

[0228] As a result, the device management system SYS estimates the amount of refrigerant in the device 1 and notifies the user of information based on the estimated amount of refrigerant, allowing the user to easily grasp the state of the device 1.

[0229] In addition, the device management system SYS according to this embodiment can create jobs for maintenance workers involved in refrigerant recovery and refrigerant filling operations, as well as jobs for development and sales associated with the replacement of devices 1.

[0230] Each embodiment has been described above in detail with reference to the drawings, but the specific configuration is not limited to these embodiments, and it is possible to combine the embodiments, or to modify or omit the embodiments as appropriate.

[0231] In the above embodiment, an air conditioner capable of switching between cooling operation and heating operation has been described as an example of the device 1, but it may be a cooling-only machine or a heating-only machine. In the case of a cooling-only machine, the refrigerant circuit is for cooling only, with the four-way valve 101 removed in Fig. 2. In the case of a heating-only machine, the refrigerant circuit is for heating only, with the four-way valve 101 removed in Fig. 2.

[0232] In addition, the device 1 is not limited to an air conditioner as long as it is a device that has a refrigerant. For example, the device 1 may be a refrigerator or a freezer that has a condenser and an evaporator as a set. In the case of a refrigerator or a freezer, the refrigerant circuit is for cooling only.

[0233] Also, for example, the device 1 may be a water heater (ATW: Air To Water). Fig. 39 is a diagram showing an example of a refrigerant circuit when the device 1 is a water heater. In Fig. 39, the same reference numerals are used for configurations corresponding to the parts in Fig. 2. When calculating the heat exchange amount of the gas cooler 205 of the device 1 (water heater), the inlet and outlet temperatures T6', T7' of the water circuit may be used instead of the inlet and outlet temperatures T6, T7 of the gas cooler 205 of the refrigerant.

[0234] Also, the examples of Mollier diagrams shown in Figures 5 and 6 differ depending on the type of refrigerant. For example, the CO2 refrigerant used in water heaters becomes supercritical during operation and there is no distinction between the liquid phase and the gas phase, but the relationship between pressure and enthalpy change is similar to the example shown in Figure 6. Also, in water heaters, if the refrigerant temperature at the gas cooler 205 cannot be measured, it can be converted from the refrigerant circulation amount, the water amount in the water circuit, the inlet and outlet temperatures T6' and T7' of the water circuit, and the heat exchange efficiency.

[0235] In the above embodiment, the device management device 2 is the external terminal 3 or the cloud 4, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the device management device 2 may be provided in the device 1.

[0236] Note that a program for implementing the functions of the device management device 2 may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the program recorded on the recording medium may be read into a computer system and executed to perform processing of the device management device 2. Note that the term "computer system" here includes the OS and hardware such as peripheral devices.

[0237] In addition, the term "computer-readable recording medium" refers to portable media such as flexible disks, optical magnetic disks, ROMs, and CD-ROMs, and storage devices such as hard disks built into computer systems. Furthermore, the term "computer-readable recording medium" refers to those that dynamically hold a program for a short period of time, such as a communication line when transmitting a program via a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line, and those that hold a program for a certain period of time, such as a volatile memory inside a computer system that is the server or client in that case. The above program may be for realizing part of the above-mentioned functions, or may be capable of realizing the above-mentioned functions in combination with a program already recorded in the computer system. The above program may be stored in a specified server, and the program may be distributed (downloaded, etc.) via a communication line in response to a request from another device.

[0238] In addition, some or all of the functions of the device management device 2 may be realized as an integrated circuit such as an LSI (Large SCale Integration). Each function may be individually processed, or some or all of the functions may be integrated into a processor. The integrated circuit method is not limited to LSI, and may be realized by a dedicated circuit or a general-purpose processor. Furthermore, if an integrated circuit technology that can replace LSI appears due to advances in semiconductor technology, an integrated circuit based on that technology may be used. [Explanation of symbols]

[0239] 1 equipment 2 Equipment management device 3 External Terminal 4. Cloud 5. Generic Devices 6 Service terminal 7 Recycle Factory 10. Equipment Acquisition Data 11 Refrigerant temperature 12 Electrical Input 13 Environmental information 20 Device information 30 Equipment installation information 31 Internal volume of internal and external connecting piping 40 Estimated refrigerant volume 41 Equivalent refrigerant amount 42 Dissolved refrigerant amount 43 Retained refrigerant amount 50 Refrigerant Density 51 Internal volume of each part in the device 52 Remaining oil amount 53 Oil dissolution ratio 100 Outdoor unit 101 Four-way valve 102 Compressor 102a Compression section 102b Compressor motor 103 Expansion valve 104 Outdoor heat exchanger 105 Outdoor fan 110 Outdoor unit control section 120 Inverter 200 indoor unit 201 Indoor heat exchanger 202 Indoor fan 210 Indoor unit control section 220 Radio equipment 301,302 Internal and external connection piping 310 Internal and external communication line 401 Storage section 402 Communications Department 403 Processing section 404 Acquisition Department 405 Estimation section 406 Output section 407 Data Management Department 410 Equipment Refrigerant Data SYS Equipment Management System

Claims

1. An apparatus having a refrigerant; an acquisition unit that acquires measurement information indicating measurement results of a refrigerant temperature in the device, electrical characteristics of the device, and environmental information around the device; an estimation unit that estimates an amount of refrigerant in the equipment in an environment where an air-conditioning load changes based on the measurement information acquired by the acquisition unit, preset equipment information related to the equipment, and equipment installation information related to an installation environment of the equipment, and further estimates performance of the equipment based on the estimated amount of refrigerant in the equipment, the equipment information, and the equipment installation information; a processing unit that operates the device in advance in a pre-cooling or pre-heating mode according to the performance of the device calculated based on the estimated amount of refrigerant in the device when there is a possibility that the environment in which the device is used will exceed the capacity of the device based on the performance of the device estimated by the estimation unit; a notification unit that notifies a user of the equipment of information based on the amount of refrigerant in the equipment estimated by the estimation unit; An equipment management system comprising:

2. The notification unit is If the refrigerant used in the equipment is a refrigerant type that is subject to collection, information indicating that the refrigerant type is subject to collection is further notified to a user of the equipment. The device management system according to claim 1 .

3. The notification unit is Furthermore, information on the type of refrigerant used in the device is notified to a user of the device. The device management system according to claim 2 .

4. The notification unit is outputting information to be notified to a user of the device visually or audibly via an external device; The device management system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The equipment information includes at least information regarding a volume of a space in the equipment through which a refrigerant can flow and a type of refrigerant contained in the equipment. The device management system according to claim 1 .

6. The estimation unit is Calculating the amount of refrigerant in the equipment based on a volume of a space in the equipment through which the refrigerant can flow and a refrigerant density calculated based on a refrigerant temperature in the equipment and the type of refrigerant; The device management system according to claim 5 .

7. The estimation unit is Furthermore, the amount of refrigerant dissolved in the refrigerating machine oil used in the equipment and the amount of refrigerant in the liquid stagnant portion are added to the calculated amount of refrigerant to calculate the amount of refrigerant in the equipment. The device management system according to claim 6.

8. The device includes an outdoor unit including a compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger, and an expansion valve, and an indoor unit including an indoor heat exchanger, the outdoor unit and the indoor unit being connected by a connection pipe through which a refrigerant flows; The equipment installation information includes at least information regarding the volume of the connection pipe. The device management system according to claim 1 .

9. The environmental information surrounding the device includes at least information regarding the ambient temperature of the device. The device management system according to claim 1 .

10. A notification method in a device management system, comprising: An acquisition unit acquires measurement information indicating measurement results of a refrigerant temperature in a device having a refrigerant, electrical characteristics of the device, and environmental information around the device; an estimation unit estimating an amount of refrigerant in the equipment in an environment where an air-conditioning load changes based on the measurement information acquired by the acquisition unit, preset equipment information related to the equipment, and equipment installation information related to an installation environment of the equipment, and further estimating performance of the equipment based on the estimated amount of refrigerant in the equipment, the equipment information, and the equipment installation information; a processing unit, when it is determined based on the performance of the device estimated by the estimation unit that the environment in which the device is used is likely to exceed the capacity of the device, operating the device in advance in a pre-cooling or pre-heating mode based on the performance of the device calculated based on the estimated amount of refrigerant in the device; a notification unit notifying a user of the equipment of information based on the amount of refrigerant in the equipment estimated by the estimation unit; Notification methods, including:

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