Air conditioner control system, information processing apparatus, and air conditioner control method

Abstract

To provide an air conditioner control system that performs simple and accurate refrigerant leakage detection, an information processor and air conditioner control method.SOLUTION: An air conditioner control system has a control unit that controls an air conditioner. The control unit executes refrigerant leakage prediction by a first refrigerant detection control of an air conditioner performed at predetermined intervals, and when the result of refrigerant leakage prediction by the first refrigerant detection control indicates the possibility of refrigerant leakage, executes a second refrigerant detection control to detect refrigerant leakage of the air conditioner while operating the air conditioner for refrigerant leak detection.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an air conditioner control system, an information processing apparatus, and an air conditioner control method.

Background Art

[0002] There has been conventionally known a refrigerant amount determination system capable of remotely monitoring whether or not refrigerant has leaked outside the refrigerant circuit by automatically or manually switching the operation mode of a refrigeration cycle device from a normal operation mode to a refrigerant amount determination operation mode when a cooling operation or a heating operation has elapsed for a certain period of time (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Patent Document 1 switches the operation mode of a refrigeration cycle device from a normal operation mode to a refrigerant amount determination operation mode to detect refrigerant leakage during a time period when air conditioning is not required, such as on holidays or late at night. However, Patent Document 1 does not describe how to simply detect refrigerant leakage.

[0005] The present disclosure When the result of refrigerant leakage prediction by simple first refrigerant detection control indicates the possibility of refrigerant leakage, perform second refrigerant leakage detection that is more accurate than the refrigerant leakage prediction by the first refrigerant detection control aims to provide an air conditioner control system, an information processing apparatus, and an air conditioner control method.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A first aspect of the present disclosure is an air conditioner control system having a control unit for controlling an air conditioner, wherein the control unit executes refrigerant leakage prediction by first refrigerant detection control of the air conditioner performed at each predetermined period, and when the result of the refrigerant leakage prediction by the first refrigerant detection control indicates a possibility of refrigerant leakage, second refrigerant detection control is executed to detect refrigerant leakage of the air conditioner while performing an operation for detecting refrigerant leakage of the air conditioner.

[0007] According to the first aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an air conditioner control system that performs refrigerant leakage detection with simplicity and accuracy.

[0008] A second aspect of the present disclosure is the air conditioner control system according to the first aspect, wherein the first refrigerant detection control is a control for predicting refrigerant leakage based on the refrigerant pressure when the operation of the air conditioner is stopped.

[0009] A third aspect of the present disclosure is the air conditioner control system according to the first aspect or the second aspect, wherein the second refrigerant detection control is a control for detecting refrigerant leakage of the air conditioner from the state of the refrigerant of the air conditioner while performing an operation with a load of a predetermined value or more.

[0010] A fourth aspect of the present disclosure is the air conditioner control system according to the first aspect or the second aspect, wherein the second refrigerant detection control is a control for detecting refrigerant leakage of the air conditioner from the state of the refrigerant of the air conditioner while performing an operation with a load of 70% or more of the capacity of the air conditioner.

[0011] A fifth aspect of the present disclosure is the air conditioner control system according to the third aspect or the fourth aspect, wherein the second refrigerant detection control is a control for detecting refrigerant leakage of the air conditioner from the state of the refrigerant of the air conditioner after the refrigerant of the air conditioner has stabilized after performing the operation with the load for a predetermined time or more.

[0012] A sixth aspect of the present disclosure is the air conditioner control system according to any one of the third aspect to the fifth aspect, wherein the second refrigerant detection control performs refrigerant leakage detection of the air conditioner using a larger number of items than the number of items used by the first refrigerant detection control for refrigerant leakage prediction.

[0013] The seventh aspect of the present disclosure is the air conditioner control system of the first aspect, wherein the first refrigerant detection control is a control for predicting refrigerant leakage by operating the outdoor unit of the air conditioner without operating the indoor unit of the air conditioner.

[0014] The eighth aspect of the present disclosure is the air conditioner control system of the first aspect, wherein the first refrigerant detection control is a control for predicting refrigerant leakage from the state of the refrigerant of the air conditioner after performing an operation with a load applied for a predetermined number of minutes.

[0015] The ninth aspect of the present disclosure is the air conditioner control system of the seventh aspect or the eighth aspect, wherein the second refrigerant detection control is a control for detecting refrigerant leakage of the air conditioner from the state of the refrigerant of the air conditioner while performing an operation with a load of 70% or more applied.

[0016] The tenth aspect of the present disclosure is the air conditioner control system of the ninth aspect, wherein the second refrigerant detection control is a control for detecting refrigerant leakage of the air conditioner from the state of the refrigerant of the air conditioner after the refrigerant of the air conditioner has stabilized by performing the operation with the load applied for a predetermined time or more.

[0017] The eleventh aspect of the present disclosure is the air conditioner control system of the ninth aspect or the tenth aspect, wherein the second refrigerant detection control performs refrigerant leakage detection of the air conditioner using a larger number of items than the number of items used by the first refrigerant detection control for refrigerant leakage prediction.

[0018] The twelfth aspect of the present disclosure is the air conditioner control system according to any one of the seventh aspect to the eleventh aspect, wherein the first refrigerant detection control is a control for predicting refrigerant leakage by operating the outdoor unit of the air conditioner during the nighttime hours.

[0019] The thirteenth aspect of the present disclosure is the air conditioner control system according to any one of the first aspect to the twelfth aspect, wherein the control unit determines whether it is necessary to execute the second refrigerant detection control of the air conditioner, and when it is determined that the execution of the second refrigerant detection control is necessary, performs control for inquiring the user about the execution of the second refrigerant detection control.

[0020] A 14th aspect of the present disclosure is the air conditioner control system according to any one of the 1st to 13th aspects, wherein the control unit controls the air conditioner to perform first refrigerant detection control, and controls to transmit the result of refrigerant leakage prediction by the first refrigerant detection control to a server device.

[0021] A 15th aspect of the present disclosure is the air conditioner control system according to any one of the 1st to 14th aspects, wherein the predetermined period is one day.

[0022] A 16th aspect of the present disclosure is the air conditioner control system according to any one of the 1st to 15th aspects, wherein when the result of the second refrigerant detection control indicates that there is refrigerant leakage, the control unit performs control to notify the notification destination that there is refrigerant leakage or to propose inspection of the air conditioner.

[0023] A 17th aspect of the present disclosure is the air conditioner control system according to any one of the 1st to 16th aspects, wherein when the result of the refrigerant leakage prediction by the first refrigerant detection control indicates that there is refrigerant leakage and the result of the refrigerant leakage prediction by the second refrigerant detection control indicates no refrigerant leakage continuously, the control unit performs control to propose inspection of the air conditioner to the notification destination.

[0024] An 18th aspect of the present disclosure is an information processing device having a control unit for controlling an air conditioner, wherein the control unit executes refrigerant leakage prediction by first refrigerant detection control of the air conditioner performed at predetermined intervals, and when the result of the refrigerant leakage prediction by the first refrigerant detection control indicates a possibility of refrigerant leakage, executes second refrigerant detection control for detecting refrigerant leakage of the air conditioner while performing an operation for detecting refrigerant leakage of the air conditioner.

[0025] According to the 18th aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an information processing device that performs refrigerant leakage detection with simplicity and accuracy.

[0026] A 19th aspect of the present disclosure is an air conditioner control method executed by a control unit of an air conditioner control system having a control unit for controlling an air conditioner. The method includes performing refrigerant leakage prediction by first refrigerant detection control of the air conditioner at each predetermined period, and when the result of the refrigerant leakage prediction by the first refrigerant detection control indicates a possibility of refrigerant leakage, performing second refrigerant detection control for detecting refrigerant leakage of the air conditioner while performing an operation for detecting refrigerant leakage of the air conditioner.

[0027] According to the 19th aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an air conditioner control method that performs refrigerant leakage detection with simplicity and accuracy.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0028]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0029] Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0030] [First Embodiment] <System Configuration> FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an example of an air conditioner control system according to the present embodiment. The air conditioner control system 1 includes an air conditioner 10, an edge device 20, a server device 30, and an administrator terminal 40. The air conditioner 10 and the edge device 20 are communicably connected via a dedicated communication line or the like. The edge device 20, the server device 30, and the administrator terminal 40 are communicably connected via a network 50 such as the Internet, for example.

[0031] The air conditioner 10 includes one or more indoor units 12 and one or more outdoor units 14. The numbers of the indoor units 12 and the outdoor units 14 included in the air conditioner 10 in FIG. 1 are examples. The indoor units 12 and the outdoor units 14 included in the air conditioner 10 are communicably connected. The air conditioner 10 is an example of a device that performs a refrigeration cycle by circulating a refrigerant such as freon.

[0032] In order to detect the occurrence of refrigerant leakage at an early stage, equipment using freon as a refrigerant is obliged to perform simple inspections and regular inspections in accordance with the freon emission suppression method. As a method of simple inspection, it is allowed to utilize an IoT (Internet of Things) system. When using an IoT system, it is stated that "measure the state values necessary to detect pressure, temperature, and other leaks for each refrigerant system according to the type of Class I Specified Product for Management. The measurement frequency shall be once or more a day."

[0033] The edge device 20 transmits the data output by the air conditioner 10 to the server device 30 via the network 50. Further, the edge device 20 transmits the data output by the server device 30 via the network 50 to the air conditioner 10.

[0034] The server device 30 receives the data output by the air conditioner 10 from the edge device 20 via the network 50. Further, the server device 30 transmits the data to be output to the air conditioner 10 to the edge device 20.

[0035] The administrator terminal 40 is an information processing terminal operated by a user who manages the air conditioner 10 (for example, an administrator who manages the building where the air conditioner 10 is installed, or a service technician in charge of the air conditioner 10). The administrator terminal 40 displays data received from the air conditioner 10, the edge device 20, or the server device 30 and notifies the user. For example, the administrator terminal 40 displays a notification of refrigerant leakage as described later or a proposal for inspection of the air conditioner 10. The administrator terminal 40 is an information processing terminal such as a PC, a smartphone, or a tablet terminal.

[0036] In the air conditioner control system 1, a control program is installed in at least one of the air conditioner 10, the edge device 20, and the server device 30. When the control program is executed in the air conditioner 10, it can function as the control unit 16. When the control program is executed in the edge device 20, it can function as the control unit 22. Also, when the control program is executed in the server device 30, it can function as the control unit 32.

[0037] In addition, in FIG. 1, an example in which the air conditioner 10, the edge device 20, and the server device 30 have the control units 16, 22, or 32 is shown, but the configuration is not limited to that in FIG. 1. The air conditioner control system 1 may have a configuration including at least one of the control units 16, 22, and 32.

[0038] The control units 16, 22, and 32 control the air conditioner 10. As will be described later, the control units 16, 22, and 32 execute refrigerant leakage prediction by the first refrigerant detection control of the air conditioner 10 and second refrigerant detection control for detecting refrigerant leakage of the air conditioner 10. For example, the control unit 32 of the server device 30 can control the air conditioner 10 remotely via the network 50.

[0039] The configuration of the air conditioner control system 1 in FIG. 1 is an example. For example, the server device 30 may be realized by one or more information processing devices. The server device 30 may be realized as a cloud computing service. Needless to say, there are various system configuration examples for the configuration of the air conditioner control system 1 in FIG. 1 according to the application and purpose.

[0040] <Hardware Configuration> The edge device 20, server device 30, and administrator terminal 40 in FIG. 1 are realized by, for example, a computer 500 having the hardware configuration shown in FIG. 2. Also, the air conditioner 10 has a controller similar to the computer 500 that can execute a control program.

[0041] FIG. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of an example of the computer according to the present embodiment. The computer 500 in FIG. 2 includes an input device 501, a display device 502, an external I / F 503, a RAM 504, a ROM 505, a CPU 506, a communication I / F 507, and an HDD 508, etc., and each is mutually connected by a bus B. Note that the input device 501 and the display device 502 may be in a form that is connected and used when necessary.

[0042] The input device 501 is a touch panel, operation keys or buttons, a keyboard or a mouse, etc. used by the user to input various signals. The display device 502 is composed of a display such as a liquid crystal or an organic EL that displays a screen, a speaker that outputs audio data such as voice and music, etc. The communication I / F 507 is an interface for the computer 500 to perform data communication via a network.

[0043] Also, the HDD 508 is an example of a non-volatile storage device that stores programs and data. The stored programs and data include an OS which is basic software for controlling the entire computer 500, and applications that provide various functions on the OS. Note that the computer 500 may use a drive device (for example, a solid state drive: SSD, etc.) that uses a flash memory as a storage medium instead of the HDD 508.

[0044] The external I / F 503 is an interface with an external device. Examples of the external device include a recording medium 503a. Through this, the computer 500 can read from and write to the recording medium 503a via the external I / F 503. Examples of the recording medium 503a include a flexible disk, CD, DVD, SD memory card, and USB memory.

[0045] The ROM 505 is an example of a non-volatile semiconductor memory (storage device) that can retain programs and data even when the power is turned off. Programs and data such as the BIOS executed at the startup of the computer 500, OS settings, and network settings are stored in the ROM 505. The RAM 504 is an example of a volatile semiconductor memory (storage device) that temporarily holds programs and data.

[0046] The CPU 506 is an arithmetic unit that reads programs and data from storage devices such as the ROM 505 and HDD 508 onto the RAM 504 and executes processing to realize the control and functions of the entire computer 500, and is an example of the control units 16, 22, or 32.

[0047] <Process> The air conditioner control system 1 in FIG. 1 performs air conditioner control processing as shown in FIG. 3, for example. FIG. 3 is a flowchart of an example of the air conditioner control processing performed by the air conditioner control system according to the present embodiment. Here, an example will be described in which the control unit 32 of the server device 30 remotely controls the air conditioner 10 via the network 50.

[0048] In step S10, the control unit 32 determines whether or not a predetermined period (for example, one day) has elapsed. The control unit 32 repeats the processing of step S10 until the predetermined period elapses. When it is determined that the predetermined period has elapsed, the control unit 32 proceeds to the processing of step S12 and performs refrigerant leakage prediction processing by the first refrigerant detection control of the air conditioner 10 performed every predetermined period.

[0049] The first refrigerant detection control is a control example for performing refrigerant leakage detection with simplicity. There are cases where operation for refrigerant leakage detection of the air conditioner 10 is unnecessary, and cases where simple operation for refrigerant leakage detection of the air conditioner 10 is necessary.

[0050] The first refrigerant detection control where operation for refrigerant leakage detection of the air conditioner 10 is unnecessary predicts refrigerant leakage by detecting the refrigerant pressure during the stopped operation of the air conditioner 10 with a pressure sensor. Also, the first refrigerant detection control where simple operation for refrigerant leakage detection of the air conditioner 10 is necessary may predict refrigerant leakage by operating the outdoor unit 14 (compressor) without operating the indoor unit 12 of the air conditioner 10. Further, the first refrigerant detection control where simple operation for refrigerant leakage detection of the air conditioner 10 is necessary may predict refrigerant leakage from the state of the refrigerant of the air conditioner 10 after performing the operation for refrigerant leakage detection for a predetermined number of minutes (for example, about 3 minutes). Note that it is desirable to perform the first refrigerant detection control in step S12 during the nighttime hours. The nighttime hours are an example of a time period when the air conditioner 10 is often not in use.

[0051] In step S14, if the result of the refrigerant leakage prediction by the first refrigerant detection control in step S12 does not indicate that there is a possibility of refrigerant leakage, the control unit 32 returns to the process of step S10. If the result of the refrigerant leakage prediction by the first refrigerant detection control in step S12 indicates that there is a possibility of refrigerant leakage, the control unit 32 proceeds to the process of step S16.

[0052] In step S16, the control unit 32 performs a refrigerant leakage detection process by the second refrigerant detection control of the air conditioner 10. The refrigerant leakage detection process by the second refrigerant detection control of the air conditioner 10 detects the refrigerant leakage of the air conditioner 10 while performing an operation for detecting the refrigerant of the air conditioner 10. The refrigerant leakage detection process by the second refrigerant detection control of the air conditioner 10 may detect the refrigerant leakage from the state of the refrigerant of the air conditioner 10 while performing an operation that applies a load of a predetermined value or more (for example, 70% or more). For example, the refrigerant leakage detection process by the second refrigerant detection control of the air conditioner 10 may perform an operation that applies a load to a predetermined number or more (for example, 70% or more) of the indoor units 12 for a predetermined time or more (for example, about 1 hour), and detect the refrigerant leakage of the air conditioner 10 from the state of the refrigerant of the air conditioner 10 after the refrigerant of the air conditioner 10 has stabilized. For example, the operation that applies a load of 70% or more is an operation that applies a load of 70% or more of the rated capacity of the outdoor unit 14 (an operation in which the capacity of the operating indoor unit 12 is 70% or more of the rated capacity of the outdoor unit 14). As another example, the operation that applies a load of 70% or more may be an operation of 70% or more of the number of connected indoor units 12, or an operation of a load of 70% or more of the total capacity of the indoor units 12 connected to the same system.

[0053] Note that the number of items used for the determination of the refrigerant leakage detection process by the second refrigerant detection control is larger than the number of items used for the determination of the refrigerant leakage prediction process by the first refrigerant detection control. Thus, compared with the simple refrigerant leakage prediction process by the first refrigerant detection control, the refrigerant leakage detection process by the second refrigerant detection control uses a larger number of items, has a larger load, and requires a longer processing time, but has a high accuracy of refrigerant leakage detection. On the other hand, compared with the refrigerant leakage detection process by the second refrigerant detection control, the refrigerant leakage prediction process by the first refrigerant detection control uses a smaller number of items, has a smaller load, and requires a shorter processing time, and can simply perform a refrigerant leakage prediction. For example, the items used for the determination of the refrigerant leakage prediction process by the first refrigerant detection control are the suction pressure, the discharge pressure, the outdoor temperature, and the suction pipe temperature, etc. The items used for the determination of the refrigerant leakage detection process by the second refrigerant detection control are the suction pressure, the discharge pressure, the outdoor temperature, the suction pipe temperature, the discharge pipe temperature, the liquid pipe temperature, and the opening degree of the expansion valve, etc.

[0054] In step S18, if the result of the second refrigerant detection control in step S16 indicates that there is refrigerant leakage, the control unit 32 proceeds to the process of step S22. In step S22, the control unit 32 displays a notification of refrigerant leakage or a proposal for inspection of the air conditioner 10 on the administrator terminal 40, which is an example of the notification destination. After the process of step S22, the control unit 32 returns to the process of step S10.

[0055] On the other hand, in step S18, if the result of the second refrigerant detection control in step S16 does not indicate that there is refrigerant leakage, the control unit 32 proceeds to the process of step S20.

[0056] In step S20, when the result of the refrigerant leakage prediction by the first refrigerant detection control in step S12 indicates that there is a possibility of refrigerant leakage, and the result of the second refrigerant detection control in step S16 does not indicate that there is refrigerant leakage for a continuous number of times (for example, three times), the control unit 32 determines that a proposal for inspection of the air conditioner 10 is necessary. When it is determined that a proposal for inspection of the air conditioner 10 is necessary, the control unit 32 proceeds to the process of step S24 and displays a proposal for inspection of the air conditioner 10 on the administrator terminal 40, which is an example of the notification destination. After the process of step S24, the control unit 32 returns to the process of step S10. If it is not determined that a proposal for inspection of the air conditioner 10 is necessary, the control unit 32 returns to the process of step S10.

[0057] As described above, the air conditioner control system 1 according to the present embodiment performs a refrigerant leakage prediction process by simple first refrigerant detection control at regular intervals. If there is a high possibility of refrigerant leakage occurring, it is possible to perform refrigerant leakage detection by second refrigerant detection control, which is more accurate in refrigerant leakage detection than the refrigerant leakage prediction process by the first refrigerant detection control.

[0058] FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram of an example of the air conditioner control process performed by the air conditioner control system according to the present embodiment. Here, an example in which the control unit 32 of the server device 30 remotely controls the air conditioner 10 via the network 50 will be described.

[0059] In step S30, the control unit 32 of the server device 30 requests the edge device 20 to perform refrigerant leakage prediction processing by the first refrigerant detection control of the air conditioner 10 at regular intervals. In step S32, the edge device 20 requests the air conditioner 10 to perform refrigerant leakage prediction processing by the first refrigerant detection control.

[0060] In step S34, the air conditioner 10 performs refrigerant leakage prediction processing by the first refrigerant detection control according to the request received from the edge device 20. Here, the description continues assuming that the result of the refrigerant leakage prediction by the first refrigerant detection control in step S34 did not indicate the possibility of refrigerant leakage.

[0061] In step S36, the air conditioner 10 responds to the edge device 20 that there is no possibility of refrigerant leakage. In step S38, the edge device 20 responds to the control unit 32 of the server device 30 that there is no possibility of refrigerant leakage. Since the result of the refrigerant leakage prediction by the first refrigerant detection control did not indicate the possibility of refrigerant leakage, the control unit 32 waits until the next predetermined period elapses.

[0062] In step S40, after the next predetermined period has elapsed, the control unit 32 requests the edge device 20 to perform refrigerant leakage prediction processing by the first refrigerant detection control of the air conditioner 10. In step S42, the edge device 20 requests the air conditioner 10 to perform refrigerant leakage prediction processing by the first refrigerant detection control.

[0063] In step S44, the air conditioner 10 performs refrigerant leakage prediction processing by the first refrigerant detection control according to the request received from the edge device 20. Here, the description continues assuming that the result of the refrigerant leakage prediction by the first refrigerant detection control in step S44 indicated the possibility of refrigerant leakage.

[0064] In step S46, the air conditioner 10 responds to the edge device 20 that there is a possibility of refrigerant leakage. In step S48, the edge device 20 responds to the control unit 32 of the server device 30 that there is a possibility of refrigerant leakage.

[0065] Since the result of the refrigerant leakage prediction by the first refrigerant detection control of the control unit 32 indicated that there was a possibility of refrigerant leakage, in step S50, the control unit 32 requests the edge device 20 to perform a refrigerant leakage detection process by the second refrigerant detection control of the air conditioner 10. In step S52, the edge device 20 requests the air conditioner 10 to perform a refrigerant leakage detection process by the second refrigerant detection control.

[0066] In step S54, the air conditioner 10 performs a refrigerant leakage detection process by the second refrigerant detection control according to the request received from the edge device 20. Here, the description will continue assuming that the result of the second refrigerant detection control in step S54 indicated that there was refrigerant leakage.

[0067] In step S56, the air conditioner 10 responds to the edge device 20 that there is refrigerant leakage. In step S58, the edge device 20 responds to the control unit 32 of the server device 30 that there is refrigerant leakage.

[0068] Since the result of the second refrigerant detection control in step S54 indicated that there was refrigerant leakage, in step S60, the control unit 32 performs a process of notifying the administrator terminal 40, which is an example of the notification destination, that there is refrigerant leakage. Note that the notification in step S60 may be a process of proposing an inspection of the air conditioner 10. In step S62, the administrator terminal 40 displays the notification of refrigerant leakage or the proposal of inspection of the air conditioner 10.

[0069] Note that before requesting the edge device 20 to perform a refrigerant leakage detection process by the second refrigerant detection control of the air conditioner 10 in step S50, the control unit 32 may inquire the user of the administrator terminal 40 about the feasibility of executing the refrigerant leakage detection process by the second refrigerant detection control of the air conditioner 10. For example, the control unit 32 may display a screen for inquiring about the feasibility of executing the refrigerant leakage detection process by the second refrigerant detection control of the air conditioner 10 on the administrator terminal 40 and allow the user to select the feasibility of execution.

[0070] The sequence diagram of FIG. 4 is an example in which the control unit 32 of the server device 30 determines the necessity of executing the refrigerant leakage prediction process by the first refrigerant detection control of the air conditioner 10 and the refrigerant leakage detection process by the second refrigerant detection control. Whether to execute the refrigerant leakage prediction process by the first refrigerant detection control of the air conditioner 10 and the refrigerant leakage detection process by the second refrigerant detection control may be determined by the air conditioner 10 as shown in the sequence diagram of FIG. 5, for example.

[0071] FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram of an example of the air conditioner control process performed by the air conditioner control system according to the present embodiment. Here, an example in which the control unit 16 of the air conditioner 10 determines whether to execute the refrigerant leakage prediction process by the first refrigerant detection control and the refrigerant leakage detection process by the second refrigerant detection control will be described.

[0072] In step S70, the control unit 16 of the air conditioner 10 starts the refrigerant leakage prediction process by the first refrigerant detection control performed at each predetermined period. Here, the description will continue assuming that the result of the refrigerant leakage prediction by the first refrigerant detection control in step S70 does not indicate the possibility of refrigerant leakage.

[0073] In step S72, the air conditioner 10 responds to the edge device 20 that there is no possibility of refrigerant leakage. In step S74, the edge device 20 responds to the control unit 32 of the server device 30 that there is no possibility of refrigerant leakage. The control unit 32 manages the result of the refrigerant leakage prediction by the first refrigerant detection control. Note that the processes in steps S72 and S74 may be omitted if the result of the refrigerant leakage prediction by the first refrigerant detection control is transmitted to the server device 30 as a daily report.

[0074] In step S76, after the next predetermined period has elapsed, the control unit 16 of the air conditioner 10 starts the refrigerant leakage prediction process by the first refrigerant detection control. Here, the description will continue assuming that the result of the refrigerant leakage prediction by the first refrigerant detection control in step S76 indicates the possibility of refrigerant leakage.

[0075] Since the result of the refrigerant leakage prediction by the first refrigerant detection control of the control unit 16 of the air conditioner 10 indicated that there was a possibility of refrigerant leakage, in step S78, the refrigerant leakage detection process by the second refrigerant detection control of the air conditioner 10 is started.

[0076] Here, the description will continue assuming that the result of the second refrigerant detection control in step S78 indicated that there was refrigerant leakage. In step S80, the air conditioner 10 responds to the edge device 20 that there is refrigerant leakage. In step S82, the edge device 20 responds to the server device 30 that there is refrigerant leakage.

[0077] Since the result of the second refrigerant detection control of the air conditioner 10 indicated that there was refrigerant leakage, the server device 30 performs a process of notifying the administrator terminal 40, which is an example of the notification destination, that there is refrigerant leakage in step S84. Note that the notification in step S84 may be a process of proposing an inspection of the air conditioner 10. In step S86, the administrator terminal 40 displays the notification that there is refrigerant leakage or the proposal of an inspection of the air conditioner 10.

[0078] Note that before starting the refrigerant leakage detection process by the second refrigerant detection control of the air conditioner 10 in step S78, the control unit 16 may inquire the user of the administrator terminal 40 about the feasibility of executing the refrigerant leakage detection process by the second refrigerant detection control of the air conditioner 10. For example, the control unit 16 may display a screen for inquiring about the feasibility of executing the refrigerant leakage detection process by the second refrigerant detection control of the air conditioner 10 on the administrator terminal 40 and let the user select the feasibility of execution.

[0079] For example, when the result of the second refrigerant detection control in the sequence diagram of FIG. 4 continuously indicates that there is no refrigerant leakage, as shown in the sequence diagram of FIG. 6, a proposal for inspecting the air conditioner 10 may be made.

[0080] FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram of an example of the air conditioner control process performed by the air conditioner control system according to the present embodiment. Here, an example will be described in which the control unit 32 of the server device 30 determines whether it is possible to execute the refrigerant leakage prediction process by the first refrigerant detection control and the refrigerant leakage detection process by the second refrigerant detection control.

[0081] In step S100, the control unit 32 of the server device 30 requests the edge device 20 to perform the refrigerant leakage prediction process by the first refrigerant detection control of the air conditioner 10 performed at regular intervals. In step S102, the edge device 20 requests the air conditioner 10 to perform the refrigerant leakage prediction process by the first refrigerant detection control.

[0082] In step S104, the air conditioner 10 performs the refrigerant leakage prediction process by the first refrigerant detection control according to the request received from the edge device 20. Here, the description will continue on the assumption that the result of the refrigerant leakage prediction by the first refrigerant detection control in step S104 indicates that there is a possibility of refrigerant leakage.

[0083] In step S106, the air conditioner 10 responds to the edge device 20 that there is a possibility of refrigerant leakage. In step S108, the edge device 20 responds to the control unit 32 of the server device 30 that there is a possibility of refrigerant leakage. Since the result of the refrigerant leakage prediction by the first refrigerant detection control indicates that there is a possibility of refrigerant leakage, in step S110, the control unit 32 requests the edge device 20 to perform the refrigerant leakage detection process by the second refrigerant detection control of the air conditioner 10. In step S112, the edge device 20 requests the air conditioner 10 to perform the refrigerant leakage detection process by the second refrigerant detection control.

[0084] In step S114, the air conditioner 10 performs the refrigerant leakage detection process by the second refrigerant detection control according to the request received from the edge device 20. Here, the description will continue on the assumption that the result of the second refrigerant detection control in step S114 does not indicate that there is refrigerant leakage. In step S116, the air conditioner 10 responds to the edge device 20 that there is no refrigerant leakage. In step S118, the edge device 20 responds to the control unit 32 of the server device 30 that there is no refrigerant leakage.

[0085] Since the result of the second refrigerant detection control in step S114 indicates no refrigerant leakage, the control unit 32 determines whether the result of the second refrigerant detection control has continuously shown no refrigerant leakage. If the control unit 32 determines that the result of the second refrigerant detection control has not continuously shown no refrigerant leakage, it waits until the next predetermined period elapses.

[0086] In step S120, after the next predetermined period has elapsed, the control unit 32 requests the edge device 20 to perform a refrigerant leakage prediction process by the first refrigerant detection control of the air conditioner 10. In step S122, the edge device 20 requests the air conditioner 10 to perform a refrigerant leakage prediction process by the first refrigerant detection control.

[0087] In step S124, the air conditioner 10 performs a refrigerant leakage prediction process by the first refrigerant detection control according to the request received from the edge device 20. Here, the description continues assuming that the result of the refrigerant leakage prediction by the first refrigerant detection control in step S124 indicates that there may be refrigerant leakage.

[0088] In step S126, the air conditioner 10 responds to the edge device 20 that there may be refrigerant leakage. In step S128, the edge device 20 responds to the control unit 32 of the server device 30 that there may be refrigerant leakage. Since the result of the refrigerant leakage prediction by the first refrigerant detection control indicates that there may be refrigerant leakage, in step S130, the control unit 32 requests the edge device 20 to perform a refrigerant leakage detection process by the second refrigerant detection control of the air conditioner 10. In step S132, the edge device 20 requests the air conditioner 10 to perform a refrigerant leakage detection process by the second refrigerant detection control.

[0089] In step S134, the air conditioner 10 performs a refrigerant leakage detection process by second refrigerant detection control according to the request received from the edge device 20. Here, the description will continue assuming that the result of the second refrigerant detection control in step S134 does not indicate refrigerant leakage. In step S136, the air conditioner 10 responds to the edge device 20 that there is no refrigerant leakage. In step S138, the edge device 20 responds to the control unit 32 of the server device 30 that there is no refrigerant leakage.

[0090] Since the result of the second refrigerant detection control in step S134 indicates no refrigerant leakage, the control unit 32 determines whether the result of the second refrigerant detection control has continuously indicated no refrigerant leakage. The control unit 32 determines that the result of the second refrigerant detection control has continuously indicated no refrigerant leakage.

[0091] Since the result of the refrigerant leakage prediction by the first refrigerant detection control indicates the possibility of refrigerant leakage and the result of the second refrigerant detection control in step S16 has continuously indicated no refrigerant leakage, the control unit 32 determines that it is necessary to propose an inspection of the air conditioner 10.

[0092] In step S140, the control unit 32 performs a process of proposing an inspection of the air conditioner 10 to the administrator terminal 40, which is an example of the notification destination. In step S142, the administrator terminal 40 displays the proposal for inspecting the air conditioner 10.

[0093] In the sequence diagrams of FIGS. 4 to 6, an example is shown in which the control unit 32 of the server device 30 or the control unit 16 of the air conditioner 10 determines the necessity of executing the refrigerant leakage prediction process by the first refrigerant detection control and the refrigerant leakage detection process by the second refrigerant detection control of the air conditioner 10, but it may be performed by the control unit 22 of the edge device 20.

[0094] According to the air conditioner control system 1 of the present embodiment, refrigerant leakage prediction by simple first refrigerant detection control is performed at regular intervals, and when the result of the refrigerant leakage prediction by simple first refrigerant detection control indicates the possibility of refrigerant leakage, refrigerant leakage detection by second refrigerant detection control that is more accurate than the refrigerant leakage prediction by the first refrigerant detection control can be performed.

[0095] Although the present embodiment has been described above, it will be understood that various changes in form and details are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0096] 1 Air conditioning control system 10 Air conditioner 12 Indoor unit 14 Outdoor unit 16, 22, 32 Control unit 20 Edge device 30 Server device 40 Administrator terminal 50 Network

Claims

1. An air conditioner control system having a control unit for controlling an air conditioner, wherein the control unit executes refrigerant leakage prediction by first refrigerant detection control of the air conditioner performed every predetermined period, when the result of the refrigerant leakage prediction by the first refrigerant detection control indicates a possibility of refrigerant leakage, executes second refrigerant detection control for detecting refrigerant leakage of the air conditioner while performing an operation for detecting refrigerant leakage of the air conditioner, the first refrigerant detection control is a control for predicting refrigerant leakage based on the refrigerant pressure while the operation of the air conditioner is stopped, the second refrigerant detection control is a control for detecting refrigerant leakage of the air conditioner from the state of the refrigerant of the air conditioner while performing an operation applying a load of a predetermined value or more Air conditioner control system.

2. The second refrigerant detection control is a control for detecting refrigerant leakage of the air conditioner from the state of the refrigerant of the air conditioner while performing an operation applying a load of 70% or more of the capacity of the air conditioner The air conditioner control system according to claim 1.

3. The second refrigerant detection control is a control for detecting refrigerant leakage of the air conditioner from the state of the refrigerant of the air conditioner after the refrigerant of the air conditioner has stabilized by performing the operation applying the load for a predetermined time or more The air conditioner control system according to claim 1.

4. The second refrigerant detection control detects refrigerant leakage of the air conditioner using a larger number of items than the number of items used by the first refrigerant detection control for refrigerant leakage prediction The air conditioner control system according to claim 1.

5. The control unit judges whether it is necessary to execute the second refrigerant detection control of the air conditioner, and when it is judged that it is necessary to execute the second refrigerant detection control, performs control for inquiring the user about the execution of the second refrigerant detection control The air conditioner control system according to claim 1.

6. The control unit controls the air conditioner to perform the first refrigerant detection control, and performs control to transmit the result of the refrigerant leakage prediction by the first refrigerant detection control to the server device The air conditioner control system according to claim 1.

7. The predetermined period is one day The air conditioner control system according to claim 1.

8. The control unit when the result of the second refrigerant detection control indicates refrigerant leakage, performs control for notifying the notification destination of refrigerant leakage or proposing inspection of the air conditioner The air conditioner control system according to claim 1.

9. The control unit When the result of predicting refrigerant leakage by the first refrigerant detection control indicates that there is refrigerant leakage and the result of predicting refrigerant leakage by the second refrigerant detection control indicates that there is no refrigerant leakage continuously, control is performed to propose inspection of the air conditioner to the notification destination. The air conditioner control system according to claim 1.

10. An information processing apparatus having a control unit for controlling an air conditioner, The control unit, Executes prediction of refrigerant leakage by first refrigerant detection control of the air conditioner performed every predetermined period, When the result of predicting refrigerant leakage by the first refrigerant detection control indicates a possibility of refrigerant leakage, second refrigerant detection control is executed to detect refrigerant leakage of the air conditioner while performing an operation for detecting refrigerant leakage of the air conditioner. The first refrigerant detection control is control for predicting refrigerant leakage based on the refrigerant pressure while the air conditioner is stopped. The second refrigerant detection control is control for detecting refrigerant leakage of the air conditioner from the state of the refrigerant of the air conditioner while performing an operation applying a load equal to or greater than a predetermined value. Information processing apparatus.

11. An air conditioner control method executed by the control unit of an air conditioner control system having a control unit for controlling an air conditioner, Executes prediction of refrigerant leakage by first refrigerant detection control of the air conditioner performed every predetermined period, When the result of predicting refrigerant leakage by the first refrigerant detection control indicates a possibility of refrigerant leakage, second refrigerant detection control is executed to detect refrigerant leakage of the air conditioner while performing an operation for detecting refrigerant leakage of the air conditioner. The first refrigerant detection control is control for predicting refrigerant leakage based on the refrigerant pressure while the air conditioner is stopped. The second refrigerant detection control is control for detecting refrigerant leakage of the air conditioner from the state of the refrigerant of the air conditioner while performing an operation applying a load equal to or greater than a predetermined value. Air conditioner control method.

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