Refrigeration Cycle Equipment

Abstract

To solve the problem that a temperature sensor is required for each of refrigerant flow passages when a flow rate of a refrigerant is adjusted on the basis of a temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant flow passage.SOLUTION: A refrigeration cycle device includes a heat exchanger body 331, a plurality of flow rate adjustment units 332a-332i, and a control unit. The heat exchanger body 331 has a plurality of refrigerant flow passages 333a-333i including a first refrigerant flow passage 333 and a second refrigerant flow passage 333. The flow rate adjustment unit 332 adjusts a flow rate of a refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant flow passage 333. The control unit adjusts the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant flow passage 333 by controlling an opening of the flow rate adjustment unit 332. The control unit controls the opening of the flow rate adjustment unit 332 on the basis of a first value or a second value. The first value is a value representative of whole efficiency of a refrigeration cycle. The second value is a value representative of whole efficiency of the heat exchanger body 331.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This relates to a refrigeration cycle device. [Background technology]

[0002] As shown in Patent Document 1 (JP 2008-128628 A), there is a technology in a heat exchanger having multiple refrigerant flow paths that adjusts the flow rate of the refrigerant based on the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant flow paths, thereby preventing uneven flow of the refrigerant flowing through the heat exchanger. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] When the flow rate of the refrigerant is adjusted based on the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant flow path, as in Patent Document 1, there is a problem in that a temperature sensor is required for each refrigerant flow path. [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] A refrigeration cycle device according to a first aspect includes a heat exchanger, a plurality of flow rate adjustment units, and a control unit. The heat exchanger has a plurality of refrigerant flow paths including a first refrigerant flow path and a second refrigerant flow path. The plurality of flow rate adjustment units adjust the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through each refrigerant flow path. The control unit adjusts the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant flow path by controlling the opening of the flow rate adjustment units. The control unit controls the opening of each flow rate adjustment unit based on a first value or a second value. The first value is a value representing the overall efficiency of the refrigeration cycle. The second value is a value representing the overall efficiency of the heat exchanger.

[0005] In the refrigeration cycle device of the first aspect, the control unit controls the opening degree of each flow rate adjustment unit based on a first value or a second value. The first value is a value representing the overall efficiency of the refrigeration cycle. The second value is a value representing the overall efficiency of the heat exchanger. As a result, the refrigeration cycle device can adjust the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through each refrigerant flow path using fewer sensors than the number of refrigerant flow paths, thereby preventing uneven flow of the refrigerant flowing through the heat exchanger.

[0006] A refrigeration cycle device according to a second aspect is the refrigeration cycle device according to the first aspect, wherein the first value includes a power consumption value of a compressor that compresses the refrigerant, or a pressure value of the refrigerant flowing through the heat exchanger.

[0007] With such a configuration, the refrigeration cycle apparatus of the second aspect can estimate the uneven flow state of the refrigerant flowing through the heat exchanger and adjust the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through each refrigerant flow path.

[0008] A refrigeration cycle device of a third aspect is the refrigeration cycle device of the first or second aspect, wherein the second value includes an outlet temperature of the heat exchanger after the refrigerant exiting the first refrigerant flow path and the refrigerant exiting the second refrigerant flow path are joined together.

[0009] With such a configuration, the refrigeration cycle apparatus of the third aspect can estimate the uneven flow state of the refrigerant flowing through the heat exchanger and adjust the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through each refrigerant flow path.

[0010] A refrigeration cycle apparatus according to a fourth aspect is the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to either the second or third aspect, wherein the first value or the second value further includes a temperature of air that exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the heat exchanger.

[0011] With such a configuration, the refrigeration cycle apparatus of the fourth aspect can estimate with higher accuracy the uneven flow state of the refrigerant flowing through the heat exchanger, and adjust the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through each refrigerant flow path.

[0012] A refrigeration cycle device of a fifth aspect is a refrigeration cycle device of any one of the second aspect to the fourth aspect, wherein the first value or the second value further includes a rotation speed of a fan that generates an air flow that exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the heat exchanger.

[0013] With such a configuration, the refrigeration cycle apparatus of the fifth aspect can estimate with higher accuracy the uneven flow state of the refrigerant flowing through the heat exchanger, and adjust the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through each refrigerant flow path.

[0014] A refrigeration cycle device according to a sixth aspect is the refrigeration cycle device according to any one of the second aspect to the fifth aspect, wherein the first value or the second value further includes a rotation speed of the compressor.

[0015] With such a configuration, the refrigeration cycle apparatus of the sixth aspect can estimate with higher accuracy the uneven flow state of the refrigerant flowing through the heat exchanger, and adjust the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through each refrigerant flow path.

[0016] A refrigeration cycle device according to a seventh aspect is the refrigeration cycle device according to any one of the second aspect to the sixth aspect, wherein the first value or the second value further includes an opening degree of an expansion valve that adjusts the flow rate of the refrigerant.

[0017] With such a configuration, the refrigeration cycle apparatus of the seventh aspect can estimate with higher accuracy the uneven flow state of the refrigerant flowing through the heat exchanger, and adjust the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through each refrigerant flow path.

[0018] A refrigeration cycle apparatus according to an eighth aspect is the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, further comprising a learning device. The learning device learns a combination of opening degrees of the plurality of flow rate control units, associating them with a first value or a second value when the opening degrees of the plurality of flow rate control units are that combination of opening degrees. The learning device classifies the combination of opening degrees according to the heat exchange capacity of the heat exchanger estimated from the first value or the second value. The control unit controls the opening degrees of each flow rate control unit using a combination of opening degrees that has been classified by the learning device into a class in which the heat exchange capacity of the heat exchanger is higher than a predetermined value.

[0019] The refrigeration cycle device of the eighth aspect can use machine learning to efficiently calculate a combination of opening degrees of the flow rate adjustment units that will increase the heat exchange capacity of the heat exchanger (reduce uneven flow of the refrigerant flowing through the heat exchanger).

[0020] A ninth aspect of the refrigeration cycle apparatus is the refrigeration cycle apparatus of any one of the first to seventh aspects, further comprising a learning device. The learning device learns a combination of opening degrees of the plurality of flow rate adjustment units, associating them with a first value or a second value when the opening degrees of the plurality of flow rate adjustment units are that combination of opening degrees. The learning device calculates a combination of opening degrees that increases the heat exchange capacity of the heat exchanger estimated from the first value or the second value. The control unit controls the opening degrees of each flow rate adjustment unit using the combination of opening degrees calculated by the learning device.

[0021] The refrigeration cycle device of the ninth aspect can efficiently calculate a combination of opening degrees of the flow rate adjusting units that results in a high heat exchange capacity of the heat exchanger by using machine learning. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a refrigeration cycle device. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an outdoor heat exchanger. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a control block diagram of the air conditioning apparatus. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a control block diagram of the learning device. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a learning process of the learning device. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a flow rate adjustment process. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a flow rate adjustment process. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a schematic configuration diagram of an indoor heat exchanger in Modification 1E. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] (1) Overall structure The refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 forms a vapor compression refrigeration cycle and performs air conditioning (cooling or heating) of a target space. In this embodiment, the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 is a so-called multi-type air conditioning system for a building. FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1. As shown in FIG. 1, the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 mainly includes an air conditioning apparatus 2 and a learning device 10.

[0024] The air conditioning apparatus 2 has an indoor unit 20 and an outdoor unit 30. The indoor unit 20 and the outdoor unit 30 are connected via a liquid refrigerant connection pipe 51 and a gas refrigerant connection pipe 52 to form a refrigerant circuit 50. The indoor unit 20 and the outdoor unit 30 are connected to each other so that they can communicate with each other via a communication line 81. The outdoor unit 30 and the learning device 10 are connected to each other so that they can communicate with each other via a communication line 82.

[0025] Hereinafter, for example, when there is no need to distinguish between the refrigerant flow paths 333a to 333i, etc., they may be referred to as the refrigerant flow paths 333, etc.

[0026] (2) Detailed configuration (2-1) Indoor unit The indoor unit 20 is installed in a space to be air-conditioned, such as the interior of a building in which the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 is installed. The indoor unit 20 may be, for example, a ceiling-embedded unit, a ceiling-suspended unit, or a floor-standing unit. As shown in Fig. 1 , the indoor unit 20 mainly includes an indoor heat exchanger 21, an indoor fan 22, an indoor expansion valve 23, an indoor control unit 29, an indoor temperature sensor 61, a gas-side temperature sensor 62, and a liquid-side temperature sensor 63. The indoor unit 20 also includes a liquid refrigerant pipe 53a that connects the liquid side end of the indoor heat exchanger 21 to the liquid refrigerant connection pipe 51, and a gas refrigerant pipe 53b that connects the gas side end of the indoor heat exchanger 21 to the gas refrigerant connection pipe 52.

[0027] (2-1-1) Indoor heat exchanger The indoor heat exchanger 21 is not limited in structure, but may be, for example, a cross-fin fin-and-tube heat exchanger composed of a heat transfer tube (not shown) and a number of fins (not shown). The indoor heat exchanger 21 exchanges heat between the refrigerant flowing through the indoor heat exchanger 21 and the air in the target space.

[0028] The indoor heat exchanger 21 functions as an evaporator during cooling operation and as a condenser during heating operation.

[0029] (2-1-2) Indoor fan The indoor fan 22 draws air from the target space into the indoor unit 20 and supplies it to the indoor heat exchanger 21. After exchanging heat with the refrigerant in the indoor heat exchanger 21, the air is supplied to the target space. The indoor fan 22 is a centrifugal fan such as a turbo fan or a sirocco fan. The indoor fan 22 is driven by an indoor fan motor 22m. The rotation speed of the indoor fan motor 22m can be controlled by an inverter.

[0030] (2-1-3) Indoor expansion valve The indoor expansion valve 23 is a mechanism for adjusting the pressure and flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through the liquid refrigerant pipe 53a. The indoor expansion valve 23 is provided on the liquid refrigerant pipe 53a. In this embodiment, the indoor expansion valve 23 is an electronic expansion valve whose opening degree can be adjusted.

[0031] (2-1-4) Sensor The indoor temperature sensor 61 measures the temperature of the air in the target space (room temperature). The indoor temperature sensor 61 is provided near the air intake port of the indoor unit 20.

[0032] The gas side temperature sensor 62 measures the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the gas refrigerant pipe 53b. The gas side temperature sensor 62 is provided in the gas refrigerant pipe 53b.

[0033] The liquid-side temperature sensor 63 measures the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the liquid refrigerant pipe 53a. The liquid-side temperature sensor 63 is provided in the liquid refrigerant pipe 53a.

[0034] The indoor temperature sensor 61, the gas side temperature sensor 62, and the liquid side temperature sensor 63 are, for example, thermistors.

[0035] (2-1-5) Indoor control unit The indoor control unit 29 controls the operation of each part that constitutes the indoor unit 20.

[0036] The indoor control unit 29 is electrically connected to various devices included in the indoor unit 20, including the indoor expansion valve 23 and the indoor fan motor 22m. The indoor control unit 29 is also connected to be able to communicate with various sensors provided in the indoor unit 20, including the indoor temperature sensor 61, the gas-side temperature sensor 62, and the liquid-side temperature sensor 63.

[0037] The indoor control unit 29 has a control and arithmetic device, a storage device, and a network interface device. The control and arithmetic device is a processor such as a CPU or GPU. The storage device is a storage medium such as a RAM, a ROM, or a flash memory. The control and arithmetic device controls the operation of each part of the indoor unit 20 by reading out a program stored in the storage device and performing predetermined arithmetic processing in accordance with the program. The control and arithmetic device can also write calculation results to the storage device and read out information stored in the storage device in accordance with the program. The network interface device is configured to communicate with the outdoor unit 30 via a communication line 81. The indoor control unit 29 also has a timer.

[0038] The indoor control unit 29 is configured to be able to receive various signals transmitted from an operation remote control (not shown). The various signals include, for example, signals instructing the start and stop of operation, and signals related to various settings. The signals related to various settings include, for example, signals related to the set temperature and set humidity. The indoor control unit 29 also exchanges control signals, measurement signals, signals related to various settings, and the like with the outdoor control unit 39 of the outdoor unit 30 via a communication line 81.

[0039] The indoor control unit 29 and the outdoor control unit 39 work together to function as a control unit 70. The function of the control unit 70 will be described later.

[0040] (2-2) Outdoor unit The outdoor unit 30 is installed outside the target space, such as on the roof of the building in which the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 is installed. As shown in Fig. 1, the outdoor unit 30 mainly includes a compressor 31, a flow path switching valve 32, an outdoor heat exchanger 33, an outdoor expansion valve 34, an accumulator 35, an outdoor fan 36, a liquid-side shut-off valve 37, a gas-side shut-off valve 38, an outdoor control unit 39, a suction pressure sensor 64, a discharge pressure sensor 65, an outdoor temperature sensor 66, a gas-side temperature sensor 67, and a liquid-side temperature sensor 68. The outdoor unit 30 also includes a suction pipe 54a, a discharge pipe 54b, a first gas refrigerant pipe 54c, a liquid refrigerant pipe 54d, and a second gas refrigerant pipe 54e.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 1 , the suction pipe 54a connects the flow path switching valve 32 and the suction side of the compressor 31. The accumulator 35 is provided in the suction pipe 54a. The discharge pipe 54b connects the discharge side of the compressor 31 and the flow path switching valve 32. The first gas refrigerant pipe 54c connects the flow path switching valve 32 and the gas side of the outdoor heat exchanger 33. The liquid refrigerant pipe 54d connects the liquid side of the outdoor heat exchanger 33 and the liquid refrigerant connection pipe 51. The liquid refrigerant pipe 54d is provided with the outdoor expansion valve 34. A liquid-side shut-off valve 37 is provided at the connection between the liquid refrigerant pipe 54d and the liquid refrigerant connection pipe 51. The second gas refrigerant pipe 54e connects the flow path switching valve 32 and the gas refrigerant connection pipe 52. A gas-side shut-off valve 38 is provided at the connection between the second gas refrigerant pipe 54e and the gas refrigerant connection pipe 52.

[0042] (2-2-1) Compressor As shown in FIG. 1, the compressor 31 is a device that draws in low-pressure refrigerant in a refrigeration cycle from a suction pipe 54a, compresses the refrigerant using a compression mechanism (not shown), and discharges the compressed refrigerant to a discharge pipe 54b.

[0043] The compressor 31 is, for example, a rotary type or scroll type volumetric compressor. The compression mechanism of the compressor 31 is driven by a compressor motor 31m. The rotation speed of the compressor motor 31m can be controlled by an inverter.

[0044] (2-2-2) Flow path switching valve The flow path switching valve 32 is a mechanism that switches the refrigerant flow path between a first state and a second state. In the first state, the flow path switching valve 32 connects the suction pipe 54a to the second gas refrigerant pipe 54e and the discharge pipe 54b to the first gas refrigerant pipe 54c, as shown by the solid lines in the flow path switching valve 32 in Fig. 1. In the second state, the flow path switching valve 32 connects the suction pipe 54a to the first gas refrigerant pipe 54c and the discharge pipe 54b to the second gas refrigerant pipe 54e, as shown by the dashed lines in the flow path switching valve 32 in Fig. 1.

[0045] During cooling operation, the flow path switching valve 32 sets the refrigerant flow path to the first state. At this time, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 31 flows through the refrigerant circuit 50 in the order of the outdoor heat exchanger 33, the outdoor expansion valve 34, the indoor expansion valve 23, and the indoor heat exchanger 21, before returning to the compressor 31. In the first state, the outdoor heat exchanger 33 functions as a condenser, and the indoor heat exchanger 21 functions as an evaporator.

[0046] During heating operation, the flow path switching valve 32 sets the refrigerant flow path to the second state. At this time, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 31 flows through the refrigerant circuit 50 in the order of the indoor heat exchanger 21, the indoor expansion valve 23, the outdoor expansion valve 34, and the outdoor heat exchanger 33, before returning to the compressor 31. In the second state, the outdoor heat exchanger 33 functions as an evaporator, and the indoor heat exchanger 21 functions as a condenser.

[0047] (2-2-3) Outdoor heat exchanger Fig. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of the outdoor heat exchanger 33. As shown in Fig. 2, the outdoor heat exchanger 33 mainly includes a heat exchanger main body 331 and a plurality of flow rate adjusters 332a to 332i.

[0048] (2-2-3-1) Heat exchanger body The heat exchanger body 331 has a plurality of refrigerant flow paths 333a to 333i, including a first refrigerant flow path 333 and a second refrigerant flow path 333. As shown in Fig. 2, the heat exchanger body 331 is divided into a plurality of sections 331a to 331i, and the refrigerant flow paths 333a to 333i pass through the respective sections 331a to 331i. The heat exchanger body 331 exchanges heat between the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant flow paths 333 and the outdoor air. The heat exchanger body 331 functions as a condenser during cooling operation and as an evaporator during heating operation.

[0049] (2-2-3-2) Flow rate adjustment section 2, the flow rate adjusters 332a to 332i adjust the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant flow paths 333a to 333i so that the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant flow paths 333a to 333i become uniform. In other words, the flow rate adjusters 332a to 332i adjust the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant flow paths 333a to 333i so that uneven flow of the refrigerant does not occur in the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant flow paths 333a to 333i. The flow rate adjuster 332 is configured to be able to adjust the opening degree.

[0050] (2-2-3-3) Flow divider 2, during heating operation, the flow divider 334 divides the refrigerant that flows from the outdoor expansion valve 34 side into the outdoor heat exchanger 33 (in the direction of the solid arrow in FIG. 2) into refrigerant flow paths 333a-333i. During cooling operation, the flow divider 334 merges the refrigerant that flows from the compressor 31 side into the outdoor heat exchanger 33 (in the direction of the dashed arrow in FIG. 2) and has been divided into the refrigerant flow paths 333a-333i by a header 335, which will be described later.

[0051] (2-2-3-4) Header 2, during heating operation, the header 335 merges the refrigerant that flows from the outdoor expansion valve 34 side into the outdoor heat exchanger 33 (in the direction of the solid arrow in FIG. 2) and has been diverted to the refrigerant flow paths 333a to 333i by the flow diverter 334. During cooling operation, the header 335 diverts the refrigerant that flows from the compressor 31 side into the outdoor heat exchanger 33 (in the direction of the dashed arrow in FIG. 2) into the refrigerant flow paths 333a to 333i.

[0052] (2-2-4) Outdoor expansion valve The outdoor expansion valve 34 is a mechanism for adjusting the pressure and flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through the liquid refrigerant pipe 54d. In this embodiment, the outdoor expansion valve 34 is an electronic expansion valve whose opening degree is adjustable.

[0053] (2-2-5) Accumulator The accumulator 35 is a container having a gas-liquid separation function that separates the refrigerant that flows in into the accumulator 35 into gas refrigerant and liquid refrigerant. The refrigerant that flows into the accumulator 35 is separated into gas refrigerant and liquid refrigerant, and the gas refrigerant that collects in the upper space flows into the compressor 31.

[0054] (2-2-6) Outdoor fan The outdoor fan 36 is a fan that draws outdoor air into the outdoor unit 30, supplies it to the outdoor heat exchanger 33, and discharges the outdoor air that has exchanged heat with the refrigerant in the outdoor heat exchanger 33 out of the outdoor unit 30. The outdoor fan 36 is, for example, an axial fan such as a propeller fan. The outdoor fan 36 is driven by an outdoor fan motor 36m. The rotation speed of the outdoor fan motor 36m can be controlled by an inverter.

[0055] (2-2-7) Sensor The suction pressure sensor 64 is a sensor that measures the suction pressure. The suction pressure sensor 64 is provided in the suction pipe 54a. The suction pressure is a low pressure value in the refrigeration cycle.

[0056] The discharge pressure sensor 65 is a sensor that measures the discharge pressure. The discharge pressure sensor 65 is provided in the discharge pipe 54b. The discharge pressure is a high pressure value in the refrigeration cycle.

[0057] The outdoor temperature sensor 66 measures the temperature of the air outside the target space (outdoor temperature). The outdoor temperature sensor 66 is provided near the air intake port of the outdoor unit 30.

[0058] The gas side temperature sensor 67 measures the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the first gas refrigerant pipe 54c. The gas side temperature sensor 67 is provided in the first gas refrigerant pipe 54c.

[0059] The liquid-side temperature sensor 68 measures the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the liquid refrigerant pipe 54d. The liquid-side temperature sensor 63 is provided in the liquid refrigerant pipe 54d.

[0060] The outdoor temperature sensor 66, the gas side temperature sensor 67, and the liquid side temperature sensor 68 are, for example, thermistors.

[0061] (2-2-8) Liquid-side shut-off valve and gas-side shut-off valve 1, the liquid side shutoff valve 37 is a valve provided at the connection between the liquid refrigerant pipe 54d and the liquid refrigerant connection pipe 51. The gas side shutoff valve 38 is a valve provided at the connection between the second gas refrigerant pipe 54e and the gas refrigerant connection pipe 52. The liquid side shutoff valve 37 and the gas side shutoff valve 38 are, for example, valves that are manually operated.

[0062] (2-2-9) Outdoor control unit The outdoor control unit 39 controls the operation of each part that constitutes the outdoor unit 30.

[0063] The outdoor control unit 39 is electrically connected to various devices of the outdoor unit 30, including the compressor motor 31m, the flow path switching valve 32, the flow rate adjustment unit 332, the outdoor expansion valve 34, and the outdoor fan motor 36m. The outdoor control unit 39 is also connected to be able to communicate with various sensors provided in the outdoor unit 30, including the suction pressure sensor 64, the discharge pressure sensor 65, the outdoor temperature sensor 66, the gas-side temperature sensor 67, and the liquid-side temperature sensor 68.

[0064] The outdoor control unit 39 has a control and arithmetic device, a storage device, and two network interface devices. The control and arithmetic device is a processor such as a CPU or GPU. The storage device is a storage medium such as a RAM, a ROM, or a flash memory. The control and arithmetic device reads out programs stored in the storage device and performs predetermined arithmetic processing in accordance with the programs, thereby controlling the operation of each part of the outdoor unit 30. The control and arithmetic device can also write calculation results to the storage device and read out information stored in the storage device in accordance with the programs. One of the network interface devices is configured to communicate with the indoor unit 20 via a communication line 81. The other network interface device is configured to communicate with the learning device 10 via a communication line 82. The outdoor control unit 39 also has a timer.

[0065] The outdoor control unit 39 exchanges control signals, measurement signals, signals related to various settings, etc. with the indoor control unit 29 of the indoor unit 20 via a communication line 81. The outdoor control unit 39 also exchanges control signals, measurement signals, signals related to various settings, etc. with the learning control unit 19 of the learning device 10 via a communication line 82.

[0066] The outdoor control unit 39 and the indoor control unit 29 work together to function as a control unit 70. The function of the control unit 70 will be described later.

[0067] (2-3) Control Unit The control unit 70 is made up of an indoor control unit 29 and an outdoor control unit 39.

[0068] FIG. 3 is a control block diagram of the air conditioner 2. As shown in FIG. 3, the control unit 70 is communicatively connected to the indoor temperature sensor 61, the gas-side temperature sensor 62, the liquid-side temperature sensor 63, the suction pressure sensor 64, the discharge pressure sensor 65, the outdoor temperature sensor 66, the gas-side temperature sensor 67, and the liquid-side temperature sensor 68. The control unit 70 receives measurement signals transmitted from the various sensors. The control unit 70 is also electrically connected to the indoor expansion valve 23, the indoor fan motor 22m, the compressor motor 31m, the flow path switching valve 32, the flow rate adjuster 332, the outdoor expansion valve 34, and the outdoor fan motor 36m. In response to control signals transmitted from the operation remote controller, the control unit 70 controls the operation of the various devices of the air conditioner 2, including the indoor expansion valve 23, the indoor fan motor 22m, the compressor motor 31m, the flow path switching valve 32, the flow rate adjuster 332, the outdoor expansion valve 34, and the outdoor fan motor 36m, based on the measurement signals transmitted from the various sensors.

[0069] The control unit 70 mainly performs cooling operation and heating operation.

[0070] (2-3-1) Cooling operation When the control unit 70 receives an instruction from the operation remote controller to cause the indoor unit 20 to perform cooling operation, it controls the flow path switching valve 32 so that the inside of the flow path switching valve 32 is in the state shown by the solid line in Fig. 1. At this time, the refrigerant flow path is in the first state.

[0071] The control unit 70 opens the outdoor expansion valve 34 in stages and adjusts the opening of the indoor expansion valve 23 so that the degree of superheat of the refrigerant at the gas-side outlet of the indoor heat exchanger 21 becomes a predetermined target degree of superheat. The degree of superheat of the refrigerant at the gas-side outlet of the indoor heat exchanger 21 is calculated, for example, by subtracting the evaporation temperature converted from the measurement value (suction pressure) of the suction pressure sensor 64 from the measurement value of the gas-side temperature sensor 62.

[0072] Furthermore, the control unit 70 controls the operating capacity of the compressor 31 so that the evaporation temperature converted from the measurement value of the suction pressure sensor 64 approaches a predetermined target evaporation temperature. The operating capacity of the compressor 31 is controlled by controlling the rotation speed of the compressor motor 31m.

[0073] Furthermore, the control unit 70 cooperates with the learning device 10 to adjust the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant flow paths 333a-333i by controlling the opening rates of the flow rate adjustment units 332a-332i (hereinafter, this may be referred to as a flow rate adjustment process). The control unit 70 controls the opening rates of the respective flow rate adjustment units 332a-332i based on a first value. The first value is a value that represents the overall efficiency of the refrigeration cycle. In this embodiment, the first value is a pressure value of the refrigerant flowing through the outdoor heat exchanger 33 (hereinafter, this may be referred to as an outdoor pressure value), a temperature of the air that exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the outdoor heat exchanger 33 (hereinafter, this may be referred to as an outdoor temperature), and a rotation speed of the outdoor fan motor 36m (hereinafter, this may be referred to as an outdoor fan rotation speed). The outdoor pressure value during cooling operation is a pressure value on the high-pressure side. The outdoor pressure value during cooling operation is acquired, for example, from the discharge pressure sensor 65. The outdoor temperature is acquired from the outdoor temperature sensor 66, for example.

[0074] The control unit 70 receives information (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as opening degree information) about the setting range of the opening degree of the flow rate adjustment units 332a-332i every predetermined time T2 (e.g., 24 hours) from the learning device 10. The control unit 70 sets the opening degree of the flow rate adjustment units 332a-332i every predetermined time T1 (e.g., 10 minutes) within the setting range of the received opening degree information. In other words, the control unit 70 changes the opening degree of the flow rate adjustment units 332a-332i within the setting range of the opening degree information every predetermined time T1. Each time the control unit 70 sets the opening degree of the flow rate adjustment units 332a-332i, it waits until the refrigerant pressure and temperature and the operation of the various devices stabilize (until the air conditioner 2 reaches a steady state), and after the air conditioner 2 reaches a steady state, it transmits the opening degrees of the flow rate adjustment units 332a-332i and the outdoor pressure value at that time (hereinafter, these may be referred to as learning data 131) to the learning device 10. In this embodiment, the control unit 70 determines that the air conditioner 2 has reached a steady state when the outdoor temperature and outdoor fan rotation speed stabilize. In other words, the outdoor temperature and outdoor fan rotation speed, which are among the first values, are used to determine whether the air conditioner 2 is in a steady state.

[0075] As described above, the control unit 70 controls various devices so as to bring the room temperature of the target space closer to the set temperature, and during cooling operation, the refrigerant flows through the refrigerant circuit 50 as follows.

[0076] When the compressor 31 is started, low-pressure gas refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle is sucked into the compressor 31 and compressed by the compressor 31 to become high-pressure gas refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle.

[0077] The high-pressure gas refrigerant passes through the flow path switching valve 32, flows through the first gas refrigerant pipe 54c, and is sent to the outdoor heat exchanger 33. The high-pressure gas refrigerant sent to the outdoor heat exchanger 33 flows into the header 335, and then branches off to the refrigerant flow paths 333a-333i. The refrigerant flowing through the branched refrigerant flow paths 333a-333i exchanges heat with outdoor air supplied by the outdoor fan 36 in the heat exchanger main body 331, and condenses to become high-pressure liquid refrigerant. The flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant flow paths 333a-333i that has passed through the heat exchanger main body 331 is adjusted by the flow rate adjustment units 332a-332i to prevent uneven flow. The refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant flow paths 333a-333i that has passed through the flow rate adjustment units 332a-332i is joined at the flow divider 334 and flows out of the outdoor heat exchanger 33. The high-pressure liquid refrigerant that has passed through the outdoor heat exchanger 33 flows through the liquid refrigerant pipe 54d, passes through the outdoor expansion valve 34, and is sent to the indoor unit 20.

[0078] The high-pressure liquid refrigerant sent to the indoor unit 20 is reduced in pressure by the indoor expansion valve 23 to near the suction pressure of the compressor 31, and is sent as a two-phase gas-liquid refrigerant to the indoor heat exchanger 21. In the indoor heat exchanger 21, the two-phase gas-liquid refrigerant exchanges heat with air in the target space that is supplied to the indoor heat exchanger 21 by the indoor fan 22, evaporating and becoming a low-pressure gas refrigerant. The low-pressure gas refrigerant is sent to the outdoor unit 30 via the gas refrigerant communication pipe 52 and flows into the accumulator 35 via the flow path switching valve 32. The low-pressure gas refrigerant that has flowed into the accumulator 35 is again drawn into the compressor 31. The temperature of the air supplied to the indoor heat exchanger 21 is lowered by heat exchange with the refrigerant flowing through the indoor heat exchanger 21, and the air cooled by the indoor heat exchanger 21 is blown out into the target space.

[0079] (2-3-2) Heating operation When the control unit 70 receives an instruction from the operation remote controller to cause the indoor unit 20 to perform heating operation, it controls the flow path switching valve 32 so that the inside of the flow path switching valve 32 is in the state shown by the dashed line in Fig. 1. At this time, the refrigerant flow path is in the second state.

[0080] The control unit 70 adjusts the opening degree of the indoor expansion valve 23 so that the degree of subcooling of the refrigerant at the liquid-side outlet of the indoor heat exchanger 21 becomes a predetermined target degree of subcooling. The degree of subcooling of the refrigerant at the liquid-side outlet of the indoor heat exchanger 21 is calculated, for example, by subtracting the measurement value of the liquid-side temperature sensor 63 from the condensing temperature converted from the measurement value (discharge pressure) of the discharge pressure sensor 65.

[0081] Furthermore, the control unit 70 adjusts the opening degree of the outdoor expansion valve 34 so that the pressure of the refrigerant flowing into the outdoor heat exchanger 33 is reduced to a pressure at which the refrigerant can evaporate in the outdoor heat exchanger 33 .

[0082] Furthermore, the control unit 70 controls the operating capacity of the compressor 31 so that the condensing temperature converted from the measurement value of the discharge pressure sensor 65 approaches a predetermined target condensing temperature. The operating capacity of the compressor 31 is controlled by controlling the rotation speed of the compressor motor 31m.

[0083] Similarly to the cooling operation, the control unit 70 cooperates with the learning device 10 to adjust the opening degree of the flow rate adjustment units 332a-332i to adjust the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant flow paths 333a-333i. However, the outdoor pressure value during heating operation is a pressure value on the low-pressure side. The outdoor pressure value during heating operation is obtained from, for example, the suction pressure sensor 64.

[0084] As described above, the control unit 70 controls various devices so as to bring the room temperature of the target space closer to the set temperature, and during heating operation, the refrigerant flows through the refrigerant circuit 50 as follows.

[0085] When the compressor 31 is started, low-pressure gas refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle is drawn into the compressor 31 and compressed by the compressor 31 to become high-pressure gas refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle. The high-pressure gas refrigerant is sent to the indoor heat exchanger 21 via the flow path switching valve 32, where it exchanges heat with air in the target space supplied by the indoor fan 22 and condenses to become high-pressure liquid refrigerant. The temperature of the air supplied to the indoor heat exchanger 21 increases through heat exchange with the refrigerant flowing through the indoor heat exchanger 21, and the air heated by the indoor heat exchanger 21 is blown into the target space. The high-pressure liquid refrigerant that has passed through the indoor heat exchanger 21 is decompressed by passing through the indoor expansion valve 23. The refrigerant decompressed by the indoor expansion valve 23 is sent to the outdoor unit 30 via the liquid refrigerant connection pipe 51 and flows into the liquid refrigerant pipe 54d. The refrigerant flowing through the liquid refrigerant pipe 54d is decompressed to near the suction pressure of the compressor 31 as it passes through the outdoor expansion valve 34, and flows into the outdoor heat exchanger 33 as a two-phase gas-liquid refrigerant. The low-pressure refrigerant in a gas-liquid two-phase state that flows into the outdoor heat exchanger 33 flows into the flow divider 334, and then is divided into refrigerant flow paths 333a to 333i. The flow rates of the refrigerant flowing through the divided refrigerant flow paths 333a to 333i are adjusted by flow rate adjusters 332a to 332i to prevent uneven flow. The refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant flow paths 333a to 333i that has passed through the flow rate adjusters 332a to 332i exchanges heat with outdoor air supplied by the outdoor fan 36 in the heat exchanger main body 331, evaporating and becoming low-pressure gas refrigerant. The refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant flow paths 333a to 333i that has passed through the heat exchanger main body 331 join together in the header 335 and flows out of the outdoor heat exchanger 33. The low-pressure gas refrigerant that has passed through the outdoor heat exchanger 33 flows into the accumulator 35 via the flow path switching valve 32. The low-pressure gas refrigerant that has flowed into the accumulator 35 is sucked into the compressor 31 again.

[0086] (2-4) Learning device The learning device 10 cooperates with the control unit 70 to learn appropriate opening degrees of the flow rate adjustment units 332a-332i so as to prevent uneven flow of the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant flow paths 333a-333i. In this embodiment, the learning device 10 is a computer installed in a server room or the like of a building. However, the learning device 10 may also be installed in a cloud data center or the like. In this case, the communication line 82 includes a line such as the Internet. FIG. 4 is a control block diagram of the learning device 10. As shown in FIG. 4, the learning device 10 mainly includes a learning input unit 11, a learning display unit 12, a learning memory unit 13, a learning communication unit 14, and a learning control unit 19.

[0087] (2-4-1) Learning input section The learning input unit 11 is a keyboard and a mouse. Various commands and information for the learning device 10 can be input using the learning input unit 11.

[0088] (2-4-2) Learning display section The learning display unit 12 is a monitor. The learning display unit 12 can display, for example, learning data 131, a learning status, and the like.

[0089] (2-4-3) Learning and memory section The learning storage unit 13 is a storage device such as a RAM, a ROM, and an HDD (hard disk drive), etc. The learning storage unit 13 stores programs executed by the learning control unit 19, data required for executing the programs, and the like.

[0090] The learning storage unit 13 particularly stores learning data 131 and a learning model 132, which will be described later. Table 1 below shows an example of the learning data 131 in cooling operation. [Table 1]

[0091] One record of the learning data 131 corresponds to one setting of the opening of the flow rate adjustment units 332a to 332i by the control unit 70. In Table 1, the items "Opening a" to "Opening i" respectively indicate the opening of the flow rate adjustment units 332a to 332i set by the control unit 70.

[0092] (2-4-4) Learning and Communication Department The learning communication unit 14 is a network interface device for performing communication via the communication line 82 .

[0093] (2-4-5) Learning control unit The learning control unit 19 is a processor such as a CPU or a GPU. The learning control unit 19 reads and executes programs stored in the learning memory unit 13 to realize various functions of the learning device 10. Furthermore, the learning control unit 19 can write calculation results to the learning memory unit 13 and read information stored in the learning memory unit 13 according to the programs. The learning control unit 19 also has a timer.

[0094] The learning control unit 19 learns the association between combinations of the opening degrees of the plurality of flow rate control units 332a to 332i and the outdoor pressure values ​​when the opening degrees of the plurality of flow rate control units 332a to 332i are the combinations of opening degrees. In other words, the learning control unit 19 creates a learning model 132 using learning data 131 such as that shown in Table 1. The learning model 132 of this embodiment is a classification model. For example, a neural network, a logistic regression, a support vector machine, or the like can be used for the learning model 132 of this embodiment.

[0095] Specifically, as a preprocessing step, the learning control unit 19 first estimates the heat exchange capacity of the outdoor heat exchanger 33 from the outdoor pressure value. In the case of cooling operation, the lower the outdoor pressure value (pressure value on the high pressure side), the higher the heat exchange capacity of the outdoor heat exchanger 33 is estimated to be. Therefore, the learning control unit 19, for example, specifies a predetermined percentage (e.g., 20%) of the records in the learning data 131, starting from those with the lowest outdoor pressure values, and estimates that the heat exchange capacity of the outdoor heat exchanger 33 in these records is high and the heat exchange capacity of the outdoor heat exchanger 33 in the other records is low. In the case of heating operation, the higher the outdoor pressure value (pressure value on the low pressure side), the higher the heat exchange capacity of the outdoor heat exchanger 33 is estimated to be. Therefore, the learning control unit 19, for example, specifies a predetermined percentage (e.g., 20%) of the records in the learning data 131, starting from those with large outdoor pressure values, and infers that the heat exchange capacity of the outdoor heat exchanger 33 in these records is high and the heat exchange capacity of the outdoor heat exchanger 33 in the other records is low. Table 2 below is an example of preprocessing the learning data 131 in Table 1. [Table 2]

[0096] Since Table 1 is the learning data 131 for cooling operation, in Table 2, the smaller the outdoor pressure value, the more likely the heat exchange capacity is to be "high."

[0097] Next, the learning control unit 19 classifies the combinations of the opening degrees of the flow rate adjustment units 332a to 332i according to the heat exchange capacity of the outdoor heat exchanger 33 estimated from the outdoor pressure value. In other words, the learning control unit 19 creates a learning model 132 using the combinations of the opening degrees of the flow rate adjustment units 332a to 332i as explanatory variables and the heat exchange capacity as a target variable, and classifies the combinations of the opening degrees of the flow rate adjustment units 332a to 332i. In yet other words, the learning control unit 19 creates a learning model 132 that divides an opening space (here, a nine-dimensional space with the values ​​of opening degree a to opening degree i as axes) in which each point represents a combination of the opening degrees of the flow rate adjustment units 332a to 332i, into a region where the heat exchange capacity is estimated to be "high" and a region where the heat exchange capacity is estimated to be "low."

[0098] Fig. 5 is a diagram for explaining the learning process of learning device 10. For visualization purposes, Fig. 5 shows only a two-dimensional plane consisting of the "opening degree a" axis and the "opening degree b" axis out of the nine-dimensional opening degree space.

[0099] In the upper left diagram of Fig. 5, four points are plotted corresponding to the values ​​of "opening degree a" and "opening degree b" of each record of the learning data 131. In the upper left diagram of Fig. 5, points with hatching inside indicate that the heat exchange capacity is "high." Points without hatching inside indicate that the heat exchange capacity is "low."

[0100] The upper center diagram in Figure 5 shows the state in which the opening space is divided into regions R1 and R2 by boundary BR1 defined by learning model 132. Region R1 (hatched) indicates the region where the heat exchange capacity is estimated to be "high." Region R2 indicates the region where the heat exchange capacity is estimated to be "low."

[0101] When the learning control unit 19 determines the region (region R1) where the heat exchange capacity is estimated to be "high", it transmits information about the region as opening degree information to the control unit 70. In other words, the opening degree information is information about the combination of opening degrees of the flow rate adjustment units 332a to 332i that have been classified by the learning device 10 into a class in which the heat exchange capacity of the outdoor heat exchanger 33 is higher than a predetermined value.

[0102] Thereafter, the control unit 70 uses the opening degree information received from the learning device 10 to control the opening degree of each of the flow rate adjustment units 332a-332i within a range (region R1) where the heat exchange capacity is estimated to be "high." The control unit 70 transmits learning data 131 to the learning device 10 every time it sets the opening degree of the flow rate adjustment units 332a-332i. In the upper right diagram of FIG. 5, four points corresponding to records of newly received learning data 131 are plotted in region R1. In the upper right diagram of FIG. 5, points with hatched interiors indicate that the heat exchange capacity is "high."

[0103] The learning control unit 19 creates a new learning model 132 based on new learning data 131. The lower left diagram in FIG. 5 shows the state in which the opening space is divided into regions R3 and R4 by boundary BR2 based on the newly created learning model 132. Region R3 (hatched) indicates a region where the heat exchange capacity is estimated to be "high." Region R4 indicates a region where the heat exchange capacity is estimated to be "low."

[0104] (3) Flow rate adjustment process An example of the flow rate adjustment process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0105] As shown in step S1, the control unit 70 starts the cooling operation or the heating operation in response to an instruction from the operation remote controller or the like.

[0106] After step S1 is completed, as shown in step S2, the control unit 70 determines whether or not new opening information has been received from the learning device 10. If new opening information has been received, the process proceeds to step S3. If new opening information has not been received, the process proceeds to step S4.

[0107] When the process proceeds from step S2 to step S3, the control unit 70 updates the old opening information with the new opening information received from the learning device 10.

[0108] When proceeding from step S2 to step S4, or when completing step S3, the control unit 70 sets the opening degrees of the flow rate adjustment units 332a to 332i within the range of the opening degree information.

[0109] After step S4, the control unit 70 waits until the air conditioner 2 reaches a steady state, as shown in step S5.

[0110] After step S5, the control unit 70 transmits the learning data 131 to the learning device 10 as shown in step S6.

[0111] After step S6 is completed, the control unit 70 waits for a predetermined time T1 as shown in step S7. The predetermined time T1 is, for example, 10 minutes. After the predetermined time T1 has elapsed, the control unit 70 proceeds to step S2, where it again determines whether new opening information has been received from the learning device 10.

[0112] On the other hand, as shown in step S8, the learning control unit 19 determines whether or not the learning data 131 has been received from the air conditioning apparatus 2. If the learning data 131 has been received, the process proceeds to step S9. If the learning data 131 has not been received, the process proceeds to step S10.

[0113] When the process proceeds from step S8 to step S9, the learning control unit 19 stores the received learning data 131 in the learning storage unit 13.

[0114] When proceeding from step S8 to step S10, or when completing step S9, the learning control unit 19 determines whether or not a predetermined time T2 has elapsed. The predetermined time T2 is, for example, 24 hours. If the predetermined time T2 has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S11. If the predetermined time T2 has not elapsed, the process proceeds to step S8, where the learning control unit 19 again determines whether or not learning data 131 has been received from the air conditioning device 2.

[0115] When the process proceeds from step S10 to step S11, the learning control unit 19 creates a learning model 132 based on the accumulated learning data 131.

[0116] After completing step S11, the learning control unit 19 transmits opening degree information based on the created learning model 132 to the air conditioner 2, as shown in step S12.

[0117] After step S12, the learning control unit 19 deletes the old learning data 131 used to create the learning model 132, as shown in step S13.

[0118] After step S13 is completed, the learning control unit 19 again accumulates new learning data 131 as shown in steps S8 and S9.

[0119] The control unit 70 and the learning control unit 19 continue this process until the cooling operation or the heating operation is stopped by an instruction from the operation remote controller or the like.

[0120] (4) Features (4-1) 2. Description of the Related Art In a heat exchanger having a plurality of refrigerant flow paths, there is a conventional technique for adjusting the flow rate of the refrigerant based on the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant flow paths to prevent uneven flow of the refrigerant flowing through the heat exchanger.

[0121] However, when adjusting the flow rate of the coolant based on the temperature of the coolant flowing through the coolant flow path, a temperature sensor is required for each coolant flow path, which is a problem.

[0122] In the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 of this embodiment, the control unit 70 controls the opening degree of each of the flow rate adjustment units 332a-332i based on a first value. The first value is a value that represents the overall efficiency of the refrigeration cycle. As a result, the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 can adjust the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through each of the refrigerant flow paths 333a-333i using fewer sensors than the number of refrigerant flow paths 333, and can prevent uneven flow of the refrigerant flowing through the outdoor heat exchanger 33.

[0123] (4-2) In the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 of this embodiment, the first value includes a pressure value of the refrigerant flowing through the indoor heat exchanger 21 (during cooling operation) or the outdoor heat exchanger 33 (during heating operation). As a result, the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 can estimate the uneven flow state of the refrigerant flowing through the outdoor heat exchanger 33, and adjust the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through each of the refrigerant flow paths 333a to 333i.

[0124] (4-3) In the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, the first value further includes the temperature of the air exchanging heat with the refrigerant in the outdoor heat exchanger 33. As a result, the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 can more accurately estimate the uneven flow state of the refrigerant flowing through the outdoor heat exchanger 33, and adjust the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through each of the refrigerant flow paths 333a to 333i.

[0125] (4-4) In the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, the first value further includes the rotation speed of the outdoor fan motor 36m in the outdoor heat exchanger 33. As a result, the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 can more accurately estimate the uneven flow state of the refrigerant flowing through the outdoor heat exchanger 33, and adjust the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through each of the refrigerant flow paths 333a to 333i.

[0126] (4-5) By using machine learning, the refrigeration cycle device 1 of this embodiment can efficiently calculate a combination of opening degrees of the flow rate adjustment units 332a to 332i that will increase the heat exchange capacity of the outdoor heat exchanger 33 (reduce uneven flow of the refrigerant flowing through the outdoor heat exchanger 33).

[0127] (5) Variations (5-1) Variation 1A In this embodiment, the outdoor pressure value is used as the first value for estimating the heat exchange capacity of the outdoor heat exchanger 33. However, instead of the outdoor pressure value, the power consumption value of the compressor 31 may be used as the first value for estimating the heat exchange capacity of the outdoor heat exchanger 33.

[0128] In both cooling operation and heating operation, it is estimated that the smaller the power consumption value of the compressor 31, the higher the heat exchange capacity of the outdoor heat exchanger 33. Therefore, the learning control unit 19, for example, specifies a predetermined percentage (e.g., 20%) of the records in the learning data 131 starting from those with the smallest power consumption value of the compressor 31, and estimates that the heat exchange capacity of the outdoor heat exchanger 33 of these records is high and that the heat exchange capacity of the outdoor heat exchanger 33 of the other records is low.

[0129] When both the outdoor pressure value and the power consumption value of the compressor 31 are used as the first value, for example, either one of them may be used to determine whether or not the air conditioner 2 is in a steady state.

[0130] (5-2) Variation 1B In this embodiment, the first values ​​are the outdoor pressure value, the outdoor temperature, and the outdoor fan rotation speed. However, the first values ​​may also include the rotation speed of the compressor motor 31m and the opening degree of the outdoor expansion valve 34. The rotation speed of the compressor motor 31m and the opening degree of the outdoor expansion valve 34 are used, for example, to determine whether the air conditioning apparatus 2 is in a steady state.

[0131] As a result, the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 can more accurately estimate the uneven flow state of the refrigerant flowing through the outdoor heat exchanger 33, and adjust the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through each of the refrigerant flow paths 333a to 333i.

[0132] (5-3) Variation 1C In the present embodiment, the control unit 70 controls the opening degree of each of the flow rate adjustment units 332a-332i based on the first value. However, the control unit 70 may control the opening degree of each of the flow rate adjustment units 332a-332i based on the second value. The second value is a value representing the overall efficiency of the outdoor heat exchanger 33. In this modification, the second value is the outlet temperature of the outdoor heat exchanger 33 after the refrigerant exiting the first refrigerant flow path 333 and the refrigerant exiting the second refrigerant flow path 333 join together (hereinafter, this may be referred to as the outdoor outlet temperature), the outdoor temperature, and the outdoor fan rotation speed. The outdoor outlet temperature in cooling operation is the condensation temperature. The outdoor outlet temperature in cooling operation is obtained, for example, from the liquid-side temperature sensor 68. The outdoor outlet temperature in heating operation is the evaporation temperature. The outdoor outlet temperature in heating operation is obtained, for example, from the gas-side temperature sensor 67. The second value may further include the rotation speed of the compressor motor 31m and the opening degree of the outdoor expansion valve 34. Note that, for example, if the outdoor heat exchanger 33 has a plurality of shunts 334 (one in this embodiment) and a liquid-side temperature sensor 68 is installed at each outlet, the average of the measured values ​​of these liquid-side temperature sensors 68 may be used as the outdoor outlet temperature during cooling operation.

[0133] As in the case of the first value, the control unit 70 receives opening degree information from the learning device 10 at predetermined time intervals T2. The control unit 70 sets the opening degrees of the flow rate adjustment units 332a-332i at predetermined time intervals T1 within the setting range of the received opening degree information. Each time the control unit 70 sets the opening degrees of the flow rate adjustment units 332a-332i, the control unit 70 waits until the air conditioner 2 reaches a steady state. After the air conditioner 2 reaches a steady state, the control unit 70 transmits the opening degrees of the flow rate adjustment units 332a-332i and the outdoor outlet temperature at that time (these become learning data 131) to the learning device 10. In this modification, the control unit 70 determines that the air conditioner 2 has reached a steady state when the outdoor temperature and outdoor fan rotation speed have stabilized. The control unit 70 may further determine that the air conditioner 2 has reached a steady state when the rotation speed of the compressor motor 31m and the opening degree of the outdoor expansion valve 34 have stabilized.

[0134] The learning control unit 19 estimates the heat exchange capacity of the outdoor heat exchanger 33 from the outdoor outlet temperature. In cooling operation, the lower the outdoor outlet temperature, the higher the heat exchange capacity of the outdoor heat exchanger 33 is estimated to be. Therefore, the learning control unit 19, for example, specifies a predetermined percentage (e.g., 20%) of the records in the learning data 131 from those with low outdoor outlet temperatures, and estimates that the heat exchange capacity of the outdoor heat exchanger 33 of these records is high and the heat exchange capacity of the outdoor heat exchanger 33 of the other records is low. In heating operation, the higher the outdoor outlet temperature, the higher the heat exchange capacity of the outdoor heat exchanger 33 is estimated to be. Therefore, the learning control unit 19, for example, specifies a predetermined percentage (e.g., 20%) of the records in the learning data 131 from those with high outdoor outlet temperatures, and estimates that the heat exchange capacity of the outdoor heat exchanger 33 of these records is high and the heat exchange capacity of the outdoor heat exchanger 33 of the other records is low.

[0135] (5-4) Variation 1D In this embodiment, the learning control unit 19 uses a classification-type learning model 132. However, the learning control unit 19 may use a regression-type learning model 133. The regression-type learning model 133 may be, for example, a neural network, linear regression, or the like.

[0136] An example of the flow rate adjustment process when the regression learning model 133 is used will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0137] As a premise, when the control unit 70 controls the opening degree of each of the flow rate adjustment units 332a-332i based on a first value, the first value is the outdoor pressure value, the outdoor temperature, and the outdoor fan rotation speed. When the control unit 70 controls the opening degree of each of the flow rate adjustment units 332a-332i based on a second value, the second value is the outdoor outlet temperature, the outdoor temperature, and the outdoor fan rotation speed.

[0138] Furthermore, the learning control unit 19 previously learns the correspondence between combinations of the opening degrees of the plurality of flow rate adjustment units 332a-332i and the outdoor pressure value or the outdoor outlet temperature when the opening degrees of the plurality of flow rate adjustment units 332a-332i are that combination. In other words, the learning control unit 19 previously creates a learning model 133 using the combinations of the opening degrees of the flow rate adjustment units 332a-332i as explanatory variables and the outdoor pressure value or the outdoor outlet temperature as objective variables. Furthermore, the control unit 70 previously determines the initial values ​​of the opening degrees of the flow rate adjustment units 332a-332i when starting cooling operation or heating operation.

[0139] As shown in step S101, the control unit 70 starts the cooling operation or the heating operation in response to an instruction from the operation remote controller or the like.

[0140] After step S101, the control unit 70 sets the opening degrees of the flow rate adjustment units 332a to 332i to initial values ​​as shown in step S102.

[0141] After step S102 is completed, the control unit 70 waits until the air conditioning device 2 reaches a steady state, as shown in step S103. In this modified example, the control unit 70 determines that the air conditioning device 2 has reached a steady state when the outdoor temperature and the outdoor fan rotation speed have stabilized.

[0142] Upon completion of step S103, as shown in step S104, the control unit 70 transmits the learning data 131 to the learning device 10. In other words, the control unit 70 transmits to the learning device 10 the combination of the opening degrees of the flow rate adjustment units 332a to 332i and the outdoor pressure value or the outdoor outlet temperature when the air conditioning apparatus 2 reaches a steady state.

[0143] When the learning control unit 19 receives the learning data 131 from the air conditioner 2, it updates the learning model 133 using the learning data 131, as shown in step S105.

[0144] After completing step S105, as shown in step S106, the learning control unit 19 calculates a combination of the opening degrees of the flow rate adjustment units 332a-332i that will increase the heat exchange capacity of the outdoor heat exchanger 33 estimated from the outdoor pressure value or the outdoor outlet temperature, based on the combination of opening degrees of the flow rate adjustment units 332a-332i (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the reference opening degree) in the learning data 131 received from the learning device 10 and the updated learning model 133. Specifically, the learning control unit 19 calculates the best point (the best opening degree of the flow rate adjustment units 332a-332i) that is estimated to have the highest heat exchange capacity of the outdoor heat exchanger 33 from among points neighboring the point corresponding to the reference opening degree in the opening degree space. More specifically, when the learning model 133 estimates the outdoor pressure value, the best point is determined to be the neighboring point where the lowest outdoor pressure value is estimated in cooling operation, and the neighboring point where the highest outdoor pressure value is estimated in heating operation. In addition, when the learning model 133 estimates the outdoor outlet temperature, the best point is the nearby point where the lowest outdoor outlet temperature is estimated in cooling operation, and the nearby point where the highest outdoor outlet temperature is estimated in heating operation.

[0145] After step S106 is completed, the learning control unit 19 transmits the best combination of the opening degrees of the flow rate adjustment units 332a to 332i to the air conditioner 2, as shown in step S107.

[0146] When the control unit 70 receives the combination of the opening degrees of the flow rate adjustment units 332a to 332i from the learning device 10, it waits for a predetermined time T3 as shown in step S108. The predetermined time T3 is, for example, 10 minutes.

[0147] After completing step S108, as shown in step S109, the control unit 70 controls the opening degrees of each of the flow rate adjustment units 332a to 332i using the combination of opening degrees calculated by the learning device 10. In other words, the control unit 70 sets the combination of opening degrees received from the learning device 10 to the flow rate adjustment units 332a to 332i.

[0148] After step S109, the control unit 70 waits until the air conditioner 2 enters a steady state again, as shown in step S103.

[0149] The control unit 70 and the learning control unit 19 continue this process until the cooling operation or the heating operation is stopped by an instruction from the operation remote controller or the like.

[0150] (5-5) Variation 1E In the present embodiment, the control unit 70 controls the opening degrees of the respective flow rate adjustment units 332a to 332i so as to prevent uneven flow of the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant flow paths 333a to 333i of the outdoor heat exchanger 33. However, if the indoor heat exchanger 21 has a plurality of flow rate adjustment units 212a to 212i and a plurality of refrigerant flow paths 213a to 213i, similar to the outdoor heat exchanger 33, the control unit 70 may further control the opening degrees of the respective flow rate adjustment units 212a to 212i so as to prevent uneven flow of the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant flow paths 213a to 213i of the indoor heat exchanger 21.

[0151] (5-5-1) Indoor heat exchanger configuration Fig. 8 is a schematic configuration diagram of the indoor heat exchanger 21 in this modified example. As shown in Fig. 8, the indoor heat exchanger 21 mainly has a heat exchanger main body 211 and a plurality of flow rate adjustment units 212a to 212i.

[0152] The heat exchanger body 211 has a plurality of refrigerant flow paths 213a to 213i including a first refrigerant flow path 213 and a second refrigerant flow path 213. As shown in Fig. 8, the heat exchanger body 211 is divided into a plurality of sections 211a to 211i, and the refrigerant flow paths 213a to 213i pass through the respective sections 211a to 211i. The heat exchanger body 211 exchanges heat between the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant flow paths 213 and the air in the target space. The heat exchanger body 211 functions as an evaporator during cooling operation and as a condenser during heating operation.

[0153] 8, the flow rate adjusters 212a to 212i adjust the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant flow paths 213a to 213i so that the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant flow paths 213a to 213i become uniform. In other words, the flow rate adjusters 212a to 212i adjust the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant flow paths 213a to 213i so that uneven flow of the refrigerant does not occur in the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant flow paths 213a to 213i. The flow rate adjuster 212 is configured to be able to adjust the opening degree.

[0154] As shown in Fig. 8, during heating operation, the flow divider 214 divides the refrigerant that flows from the compressor 31 side into the indoor heat exchanger 21 (in the direction of the solid arrow in Fig. 8) into the refrigerant flow paths 213a to 213i. During cooling operation, the flow divider 214 merges the refrigerant that flows from the indoor expansion valve 23 side into the indoor heat exchanger 21 (in the direction of the dashed arrow in Fig. 8) and has been divided into the refrigerant flow paths 213a to 213i by the header 215, which will be described later.

[0155] As shown in Fig. 8, during heating operation, the header 215 merges the refrigerant that flows from the compressor 31 side into the indoor heat exchanger 21 (in the direction of the solid arrow in Fig. 8) and has been diverted to the refrigerant flow paths 213a to 213i by the flow diverter 214. Furthermore, during cooling operation, the header 215 diverts the refrigerant that flows from the indoor expansion valve 23 side into the indoor heat exchanger 21 (in the direction of the dashed arrow in Fig. 8) into the refrigerant flow paths 213a to 213i.

[0156] (5-5-2) Flow rate adjustment process The control unit 70 cooperates with the learning device 10 to control the opening degree of the flow rate adjustment units 212a to 212i, thereby adjusting the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant flow paths 213a to 213i.

[0157] (5-5-2-1) Flow rate adjustment process based on the first value When the control unit 70 controls the opening degree of each of the flow rate adjustment units 212a to 212i based on a first value, the first value may be the pressure value of the refrigerant flowing through the indoor heat exchanger 21 (hereinafter may be referred to as the indoor pressure value), the temperature of the air exchanging heat with the refrigerant in the indoor heat exchanger 21 (hereinafter may be referred to as the indoor temperature), and the rotation speed of the indoor fan motor 22m (hereinafter may be referred to as the indoor fan rotation speed). The first value may further include the rotation speed of the compressor motor 31m and the opening degree of the indoor expansion valve 23.

[0158] The indoor pressure value during cooling operation is the pressure value on the low pressure side. The indoor pressure value during cooling operation is obtained, for example, from the suction pressure sensor 64. The indoor temperature is obtained, for example, from the indoor temperature sensor 61. In the case of cooling operation, it is estimated that the higher the indoor pressure value, the higher the heat exchange capacity of the indoor heat exchanger 21.

[0159] The indoor pressure value during heating operation is the pressure value on the high pressure side. The indoor pressure value during heating operation is acquired, for example, from the discharge pressure sensor 65. During heating operation, it is estimated that the smaller the indoor pressure value, the higher the heat exchange capacity of the indoor heat exchanger 21.

[0160] In both cooling operation and heating operation, the control unit 70 can determine that the air conditioner 2 has reached a steady state when the indoor temperature and indoor fan rotation speed have stabilized. The control unit 70 may further determine that the air conditioner 2 has reached a steady state when the rotation speed of the compressor motor 31m and the opening degree of the indoor expansion valve 23 have stabilized.

[0161] (5-5-2-2) Flow rate adjustment process based on the second value When the control unit 70 controls the opening degree of each of the flow rate adjustment units 212a to 212i based on the second value, the second value may be the outlet temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 21 after the refrigerant that has flowed out the first refrigerant flow path 213 and the refrigerant that has flowed out the second refrigerant flow path 213 join together (hereinafter, may be referred to as the indoor outlet temperature), the indoor temperature, and the indoor fan rotation speed. The second value may further include the rotation speed of the compressor motor 31m and the opening degree of the indoor expansion valve 23.

[0162] The indoor outlet temperature during cooling operation is the evaporation temperature. The indoor outlet temperature during cooling operation is acquired, for example, from the gas-side temperature sensor 62. In the case of cooling operation, it is estimated that the higher the indoor outlet temperature is, the higher the heat exchange capacity of the indoor heat exchanger 21 is.

[0163] The indoor outlet temperature during heating operation is the condensation temperature. The indoor outlet temperature during heating operation is acquired, for example, from the liquid-side temperature sensor 63. During heating operation, it is estimated that the lower the indoor outlet temperature is, the higher the heat exchange capacity of the indoor heat exchanger 21 is.

[0164] In both cooling operation and heating operation, the control unit 70 can determine that the air conditioner 2 has reached a steady state when the indoor temperature and indoor fan rotation speed have stabilized. The control unit 70 may further determine that the air conditioner 2 has reached a steady state when the rotation speed of the compressor motor 31m and the opening degree of the indoor expansion valve 23 have stabilized.

[0165] (5-6) Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, it will be understood that various changes in form and details can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0166] 1 Refrigeration cycle device 10 Learning Device 23 Indoor expansion valve (expansion valve) 31 Compressor 34 Outdoor expansion valve (expansion valve) 70 Control Unit 211,331 Heat exchanger body (heat exchanger) 212,332 Flow rate adjustment section 213,333 Refrigerant flow path [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0167] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2008-128628

Claims

1. a heat exchanger (331, 211) having a plurality of refrigerant flow paths (333a to 333i, 213a to 213i) including a first refrigerant flow path (333, 213) and a second refrigerant flow path (333, 213); a plurality of flow rate adjusting units (332a to 332i, 212a to 212i) that adjust the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through each of the refrigerant flow paths; A control unit (70); Equipped with The control unit The flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant flow path is adjusted by controlling the opening degree of the flow rate adjustment unit; controlling the opening degrees of the flow rate adjusting units based on a first value representing an overall efficiency of the refrigeration cycle or a second value representing an overall efficiency of the heat exchanger; Refrigeration cycle device (1).

2. The first value includes a power consumption value of a compressor (31) that compresses a refrigerant or a pressure value of the refrigerant flowing through the heat exchanger. Refrigeration cycle device (1) according to claim 1.

3. The second value includes an outlet temperature of the heat exchanger after the refrigerant that has exited the first refrigerant flow path and the refrigerant that has exited the second refrigerant flow path are joined together. A refrigeration cycle device (1) according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The first value or the second value further includes a temperature of air that exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the heat exchanger.

4. A refrigeration cycle device (1) according to claim 2 or 3.

5. the first value or the second value further includes a rotation speed of a fan (36, 22) that generates a flow of air that exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the heat exchanger. A refrigeration cycle device (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 4.

6. The first value or the second value further includes a rotation speed of the compressor. A refrigeration cycle device (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 5.

7. The first value or the second value further includes an opening degree of an expansion valve (34, 23) that adjusts the flow rate of the refrigerant. A refrigeration cycle device (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 6.

8. a learning device (10) that learns a combination of the opening degrees of the plurality of flow rate adjustment units in association with the first value or the second value when the opening degrees of the plurality of flow rate adjustment units are the combination of the opening degrees; Furthermore, the learning device classifies the combinations of opening degrees according to the level of the heat exchange capacity of the heat exchanger estimated from the first value or the second value; the control unit controls the apertures of the flow rate adjusting units using the combination of apertures classified by the learning device into a class in which the heat exchange capacity of the heat exchanger is higher than a predetermined value. A refrigeration cycle device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. a learning device (10) that learns a combination of the opening degrees of the plurality of flow rate adjustment units in association with the first value or the second value when the opening degrees of the plurality of flow rate adjustment units are the combination of the opening degrees; Furthermore, the learning device calculates a combination of the opening degrees that increases the heat exchange capacity of the heat exchanger estimated from the first value or the second value; the control unit controls the opening degrees of the flow rate adjusting units using the combination of the opening degrees calculated by the learning device. A refrigeration cycle device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

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