Refrigeration equipment

Abstract

To provide a technology that can fill an appropriate amount of odorous components into a refrigerant circuit. The refrigeration device 1 has a refrigerant circuit 10, and tetrahydrothiophene, an odorous component, is sealed in the refrigerant circuit 10 together with a refrigerant and refrigerating machine oil. The refrigeration device 1 measures the amount of refrigerant leaking from the refrigerant circuit 10 in 4 minutes at a leakage rate of 0.001 kg / h. leak1 [kg], the amount of odorous component charged into the refrigerant circuit 10 is M od [kg], the amount of refrigerant oil filled is M oil [kg], and the solubility of odorous components in refrigeration oil is S oil [ppm by weight], the amount of refrigerant charged into the refrigerant circuit 10 is M ref [kg], and the volume of the living space LS is V [m 3 ], and the density of the odor component is ρ [kg / m 3 ], the following formula (1) is satisfied. TIFF0007811680000010.tif35169

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to refrigeration devices. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, refrigeration systems have been known in which a highly flammable refrigerant with a low global warming potential (GWP) is sealed in the refrigerant circuit. In this type of refrigeration system, it is important to quickly detect refrigerant leakage from the refrigerant circuit and prevent refrigerant combustion.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a refrigeration cycle device in which, in addition to the refrigerant, an odorous component, a sulfur-based odorant, is sealed in the refrigerant circuit. When the refrigerant leaks from the refrigerant circuit, the odorous component also leaks, allowing people nearby to recognize the abnormality and take the necessary measures. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 7162786 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, when filling a refrigerant circuit with odorous components, it is difficult to balance an amount of odorous components that does not cause a person to notice an abnormality because the amount of refrigerant leakage does not fall within the flammable range, and an amount of odorous components that causes a person to notice an abnormality because the amount of refrigerant leakage falls within the flammable range. For example, if a large amount of odorous components is sealed in the refrigerant circuit, there is a concern that people who are sensitive to odorous components may perceive a small leak of refrigerant and odorous components that does not fall within the flammable range as an abnormality and make an inquiry. Conversely, if a small amount of odorous components is sealed in the refrigerant circuit, there is a concern that people who are insensitive to odorous components may not notice an abnormality even if the amount of refrigerant leaking from the refrigerant circuit falls within the flammable range.

[0006] Furthermore, refrigeration oil, which is filled into the refrigerant circuit to lubricate the compressor, tends to dissolve odorous components more easily than refrigerants. Therefore, it has been difficult to determine the amount of odorous components to be filled, even in light of the relationship between odorous components and refrigeration oil.

[0007] The present disclosure provides a technology that allows an appropriate amount of odorous components to be charged into a refrigerant circuit. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a refrigeration device having a refrigerant circuit in which tetrahydrothiophene, an odorous component, is sealed together with a refrigerant and refrigerating machine oil in the refrigerant circuit, and the amount of refrigerant leaking from the refrigerant circuit in 4 minutes at a leakage rate of 0.001 kg / h is measured as M leak1 [kg], the amount of the odorous component charged into the refrigerant circuit is M od [kg], the amount of refrigerating machine oil filled is M oil [kg], and the solubility of the odorous component in the refrigerating machine oil is S oil [ppm by weight], the amount of refrigerant charged into the refrigerant circuit is M ref [kg], and the volume of the living space is V [m 3 ], and the density of the odor component is ρ [kg / m 3 ], the following formula (1) is satisfied. Note that the unit of the left term in formula (1) is [ppb by volume].

[0009]

number

[0010] According to the above, by satisfying formula (1), the refrigeration system can fill the refrigerant circuit with an appropriate amount of odorous components. In other words, even if a slight leak that does not reach the flammable range occurs in the refrigeration system, the refrigeration system will fill with an amount of odorous components that will not cause abnormalities to people who are sensitive to the smell of tetrahydrothiophene, an odorous component. This makes it possible to optimize the operation of the refrigeration system, such as by reducing inquiries to service companies.

[0011] In addition, the amount of refrigerant leaking from the refrigerant circuit in 4 minutes at a leakage rate of 3 kg / h is M leak2 [kg], the amount of the odorous component charged into the refrigerant circuit is M od [kg], the amount of refrigerating machine oil filled is M oil [kg], and the solubility of the odorous component in the refrigerating machine oil is S oil [ppm by weight], the amount of refrigerant charged into the refrigerant circuit is M ref [kg], and the volume of the living space is V [m 3 ], and the density of the odor component is ρ [kg / m 3 ], the following formula (2) is satisfied. Note that the unit of the left term in formula (2) is [ppb by volume].

[0012]

number

[0013] By satisfying formula (2) in this way, the refrigeration equipment can be designed to fill with an odorous component that will make even people who are insensitive to the odorous component tetrahydrothiophene aware of something abnormal if a flammable refrigerant leak occurs in the refrigerant circuit.

[0014] In addition, if the rated cooling capacity is 2.0 kW or less, and the volume of the room space is 56.5 m 3 The following is the result.

[0015] This allows the amount of odorous components to be appropriately designed for refrigeration equipment with a rated cooling capacity of 2.0 kW or less.

[0016] In addition, if the rated cooling capacity is more than 2.0kW and less than 2.5kW, the volume of the room space is 21.8m 3 ~70.6m 3 The following is the result.

[0017] This allows the amount of odorous component to be appropriately designed for refrigeration equipment with a rated cooling capacity of more than 2.0 kW and not more than 2.5 kW.

[0018] In addition, if the rated cooling capacity is more than 2.5kW and less than 3.5kW, the volume of the room space is 27.3m 3 ~98.8m 3 is.

[0019] This allows the amount of odorous component to be appropriately designed for refrigeration equipment with a rated cooling capacity of more than 2.5 kW and not more than 3.5 kW.

[0020] In addition, if the rated cooling capacity is more than 3.5kW and less than 5.0kW, and the volume of the living space is 38.2m 3 ~141.2m 3 is.

[0021] This allows the amount of odorous component to be appropriately designed for refrigeration equipment with a rated cooling capacity of more than 3.5 kW and not more than 5.0 kW.

[0022] In addition, if the rated cooling capacity exceeds 5.0 kW, the volume V of the living space is 54.5 m 3 That's all.

[0023] This allows the amount of odorous components to be appropriately designed for refrigeration equipment with a rated cooling capacity of over 5.0 kW.

[0024] The refrigerant is a hydrocarbon refrigerant.

[0025] This allows the refrigeration device to optimize the amount of odorous components filled in the refrigerant circuit when the refrigeration device is configured to fill the refrigerant circuit with a hydrocarbon refrigerant. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0026] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an air conditioning apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2(A) is a table showing the six-level odor intensity indication method, and Figure 2(B) is a table showing the evaluation items in a questionnaire regarding how odorous components are perceived. [Figure 3]FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic diagram of a test device for an odor sensory test. [Figure 4] Figure 4(A) is a graph showing the relationship between odor intensity and how the odor is perceived, and Figure 4(B) is a graph showing the relationship between the diffused concentration of odorous components and odor intensity. [Figure 5] Figure 5(A) is a table showing the odor intensity and diffusion concentration of odorous components for people who are insensitive to the smell, and Figure 5(B) is a table showing the odor intensity and diffusion concentration of odorous components for people who are sensitive to the smell. [Figure 6] This is an example of the THT concentration distribution when a THT leaks from a refrigerant circuit at a leakage rate of 3 kg / h for 4 minutes from an air conditioning unit installed in a room that is not in operation. [Figure 7] 1 is a table illustrating the relationship between the rated cooling capacity and the range of the volume of a room space. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0027] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same components are designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicate explanations may be omitted. Furthermore, in each drawing, dimensions, ratios, or numbers may be exaggerated or simplified as necessary to facilitate understanding of the invention.

[0028] <Configuration of refrigeration equipment> As shown in FIG. 1 , a refrigeration apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is an air conditioner that adjusts the temperature of air in a living space LS. Hereinafter, the refrigeration apparatus 1 will also be referred to as the air conditioner 1. The air conditioner 1 is used for cooling and heating operations of the living space LS by performing a vapor compression refrigeration cycle operation. In cooling operation, the air conditioner 1 cools the air in the living space LS to adjust the temperature. In heating operation, the air conditioner 1 heats the air in the living space LS to adjust the temperature.

[0029] The air conditioner 1 includes a refrigerant circuit 10 containing a refrigerant, an outdoor unit 20 which is a heat source unit installed in the outdoor space, and an indoor unit 30 which is a utilization unit installed in the living space LS. The refrigerant circuit 10 performs cooling operation and heating operation by circulating the refrigerant between the outdoor unit 20 and the indoor unit 30. The air conditioner 1 according to this embodiment is a pair type in which one outdoor unit 20 and one indoor unit 30 are connected. However, the air conditioner 1 may also be configured in such a way that one outdoor unit 20 is connected to multiple indoor units 30, or in such a way that multiple outdoor units 20 are connected to one indoor unit 30.

[0030] The refrigerant circuit 10 includes a first connection pipe 11 and a second connection pipe 12 that connect the outdoor unit 20 and the indoor unit 30. The first connection pipe 11 and the second connection pipe 12 connect the living space LS with the outdoor space, allowing the refrigerant to circulate. The first connection pipe 11 is one or more gas pipes that allow the refrigerant to circulate in a gaseous state. The second connection pipe 12 is one or more liquid pipes that allow the refrigerant to circulate in a liquid state.

[0031] The refrigerant circuit 10 also has an outdoor path 13 connected to one end of the first connecting pipe 11 and one end of the second connecting pipe 12 inside the outdoor unit 20. The refrigerant circuit 10 also has an indoor path 14 connected to the other end of the first connecting pipe 11 and the other end of the second connecting pipe 12 inside the indoor unit 30. The refrigerant circuit 10 forms an endless circulation circuit by the first connecting pipe 11, the second connecting pipe 12, the outdoor path 13, and the indoor path 14.

[0032] <Outdoor unit> The outdoor unit 20 has an outdoor path 13 installed inside a housing 20a, and thereby constitutes a part of the refrigerant circuit 10. The outdoor unit 20 includes a compressor 21, an outdoor heat exchanger 22, an expansion valve 23, a four-way switching valve 24, and an outdoor fan 25. The compressor 21, the outdoor heat exchanger 22, the expansion valve 23, and the four-way switching valve 24 are connected to the outdoor path 13 of the outdoor unit 20.

[0033] During refrigeration cycle operation, the compressor 21 compresses low-pressure refrigerant drawn in through the suction connection end 21i to a high pressure, and discharges the high-pressure refrigerant from the discharge connection end 21o. For example, the compressor 21 may be a rotary device in which a sealed compression element is rotationally driven by a compressor motor 21m to pressurize the refrigerant. The suction connection end 21i and the discharge connection end 21o of the compressor 21 are connected to a four-way switching valve 24 through the outdoor path 13.

[0034] The outdoor heat exchanger 22 is a heat source-side heat exchanger (condenser) that dissipates heat from the refrigerant by exchanging heat between the refrigerant flowing therethrough and the outdoor air during refrigeration cycle operation in cooling mode. A fin-and-tube mechanism, for example, can be used as the outdoor heat exchanger 22. A gas connection end 22G of the outdoor heat exchanger 22 is connected to the four-way switching valve 24 through the outdoor path 13. A liquid connection end 22L of the outdoor heat exchanger 22 is connected to the expansion valve 23 through the outdoor path 13.

[0035] The outdoor fan 25 blows outdoor air to the outdoor heat exchanger 22. As the outdoor fan 25, for example, a propeller fan having a motor and a propeller (not shown) can be used.

[0036] The expansion valve 23 is a pressure reducing device that reduces the pressure of the refrigerant that has flowed in through the outdoor path 13 to lower its temperature. An electronic valve or a temperature sensing valve that adjusts the opening of an internal flow path is used as this expansion valve 23. The expansion valve 23 may also be provided in the indoor unit 30.

[0037] The four-way switching valve 24 reverses the flow of refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit 10 to selectively perform cooling operation or heating operation. The four-way switching valve 24 can be switched between a first state shown by the solid lines in Fig. 1 and a second state shown by the dashed lines in Fig. 1.

[0038] The four-way switching valve 24 has a first port 241, a second port 242, a third port 243, and a fourth port 244 to which multiple pipes constituting the refrigerant circuit 10 can be connected. The first port 241 of the four-way switching valve 24 is connected to the discharge connection end 21o of the compressor 21 via the piping of the outdoor path 13. The second port 242 of the four-way switching valve 24 is connected to the gas connection end 22G of the outdoor heat exchanger 22 via the piping of the outdoor path 13. The third port 243 of the four-way switching valve 24 is connected to the piping of the outdoor path 13, which is connected to the first connecting piping 11. The third port 243 is connected to the gas connection end 31G of the indoor heat exchanger 31 via the first connecting piping 11. The fourth port 244 of the four-way switching valve 24 is connected to the suction connection end 21i of the compressor 21 via the piping of the outdoor path 13.

[0039] 1 , the four-way selector valve 24 can establish a first state in which the first port 241 and the second port 242 are in communication with each other and the third port 243 and the fourth port 244 are in communication with each other. As a result, in the first state, the four-way selector valve 24 communicates the discharge connection end 21o of the compressor 21 with the gas connection end 22G of the outdoor heat exchanger 22, while also communicating the suction connection end 21i of the compressor 21 with the first connection pipe 11 outside the outdoor unit 20. In this first state, as the compressor 21 is driven, refrigerant flows from the first connection pipe 11 into the outdoor path 13 of the outdoor unit 20. The refrigerant is compressed to a high pressure by the compressor 21 and moves through the four-way selector valve 24 to the outdoor heat exchanger 22. The refrigerant dissipates heat in the outdoor heat exchanger 22, and is further reduced in pressure in the expansion valve 23, becoming a low-pressure, low-temperature liquid, which then moves to the second connecting pipe 12. In other words, the air conditioning device 1 can perform cooling operation by drawing in high-temperature refrigerant via the first connecting pipe 11 and sending out low-temperature refrigerant to the indoor unit 30 via the second connecting pipe 12.

[0040] 1 , the four-way switching valve 24 can establish a second state in which the first port 241 and the third port 243 are communicated with each other and the second port 242 and the fourth port 244 are communicated with each other. As a result, in the second state, the four-way switching valve 24 communicates the discharge connection end 21o of the compressor 21 with the first connecting pipe 11 outside the outdoor unit 20, and also communicates the suction connection end 21i of the compressor 21 with the gas connection end 22G of the outdoor heat exchanger 22. In this second state, refrigerant flows from the second connecting pipe 12 into the outdoor path 13 of the outdoor unit 20 based on the operation of the compressor 21. The refrigerant moves through the expansion valve 23 to the outdoor heat exchanger 22 and then from the outdoor heat exchanger 22 to the compressor 21. The refrigerant is compressed in the compressor 21 to become a high-pressure, high-temperature gas, and moves to the first connecting pipe 11 through the four-way switching valve 24. In other words, the air conditioner 1 can perform heating operation by drawing in low-temperature refrigerant via the second connecting pipe 12 and sending high-temperature refrigerant to the indoor unit 30 via the first connecting pipe 11.

[0041] The outdoor path 13 of the outdoor unit 20 can be divided into a gas line 13G that mainly circulates gasified refrigerant and a liquid line 13L that mainly circulates liquid refrigerant. The gas line 13G refers to a path that connects the connection point with the first connecting pipe 11 to the compressor 21 and the gas connection end 22G of the outdoor heat exchanger 22. The liquid line 13L refers to a path that connects the connection point with the second connecting pipe 12 to the expansion valve 23 and the liquid connection end 22L of the outdoor heat exchanger 22.

[0042] A first shut-off valve 41 is provided at the connection point between the gas line 13G and the first connecting pipe 11. The first shut-off valve 41 opens and closes the flow path of the gas line 13G based on the operation of an operator. A second shut-off valve 42 is provided at the connection point between the liquid line 13L and the second connecting pipe 12. The second shut-off valve 42 opens and closes the flow path of the liquid line 13L based on the operation of an operator.

[0043] Furthermore, the first shut-off valve 41 has a gas service port 44. The second shut-off valve 42 has a liquid service port 45. The gas service port 44 is larger than the liquid service port 45. The gas service port 44 and the liquid service port 45 are used when filling the refrigerant circuit 10 of the air conditioner 1 with refrigerant, when discharging refrigerant from the outdoor unit 20, when measuring the pressure of the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit 10, etc.

[0044] <Indoor unit> On the other hand, the indoor unit 30 is installed in the living space LS. The indoor unit 30 has an indoor path 14 inside a housing 30a, and thereby constitutes a part of the refrigerant circuit 10. The indoor unit 30 has an indoor heat exchanger 31 and an indoor fan 32. The indoor path 14 of the indoor unit 30 is connected to the indoor heat exchanger 31.

[0045] The indoor heat exchanger 31 is a user-side heat exchanger (evaporator) that exchanges heat between the refrigerant flowing therethrough and the indoor air during refrigeration cycle operation. As a result, the indoor heat exchanger 31 can absorb heat from the indoor air to cool it when the refrigerant is at a lower temperature than the indoor air, and can release heat to the indoor air to warm it when the refrigerant is at a higher temperature than the indoor air. For example, a fin-and-tube mechanism can be used for this indoor heat exchanger 31. A gas connection end 31G of the indoor heat exchanger 31 is connected to the first connecting pipe 11 through the indoor path 14. A liquid connection end 31L of the indoor heat exchanger 31 is connected to the second connecting pipe 12 through the indoor path 14.

[0046] The indoor fan 32 blows indoor air to the indoor heat exchanger 31. For example, a cross-flow fan having a motor and a cylindrical impeller (not shown) is used as the indoor fan 32. The indoor air transported by the indoor fan 32 passes through the indoor heat exchanger 31 and is then blown from the indoor heat exchanger 31 into the living space LS.

[0047] The indoor unit 30 also has a power supply circuit connected to a commercial power source. The air conditioning apparatus 1 operates the indoor unit 30 based on the supply of power from the commercial power source, and also operates the outdoor unit 20 via a power line (not shown).

[0048] <Air conditioner control unit> The air conditioning apparatus 1 has a control unit 90 that controls the operation of each component. The control unit 90 is made up of a first control device 91, a second control device 92, and a remote controller 93. The remote controller 93 is a device that allows a person (user) to operate various instructions to the air conditioning apparatus 1, and may be a dedicated controller or a mobile terminal such as a smartphone or tablet.

[0049] Each of the first control device 91, the second control device 92, and the remote controller 93 is a computer (more specifically, an MCU: Micro Control Unit) having a processor, a memory, an input / output interface, and a communication interface. The processor is one or a combination of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), a circuit made up of a plurality of discrete semiconductors, etc. The memory includes non-volatile memory and volatile memory. The memory stores programs that control various processes, and the processor controls various operations by reading and executing the programs stored in the memory.

[0050] The first control device 91 is provided in the outdoor unit 20 and controls each component of the outdoor unit 20. The second control device 92 is provided in the indoor unit 30 and controls each component of the indoor unit 30. The first control device 91 and the second control device 92 can send and receive information to and from each other via wired communication or wireless communication. The second control device 92 and the remote controller 93 can send and receive information to and from each other via wired communication or wireless communication. The control unit 90 selectively performs cooling operation or heating operation in response to an operation command from the remote controller 93 by a person (user).

[0051] <Refrigerant> The refrigerant to be filled in the refrigerant circuit 10 should preferably have a GWP value as small as possible and have a low environmental impact. Examples of this type of refrigerant material include refrigerants whose main component is a hydrocarbon having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, such as R290 (propane), R1270 (propylene), and R600a (isobutane). These refrigerant materials are highly flammable refrigerants that are more flammable than hydrofluorocarbons. In this embodiment, a case where propane is used as the refrigerant will be described. Note that the refrigerant may also be methane (R50), ethane (R170), butane (R600), ammonia (R717), or the like.

[0052] <Odor components> As described above, the air conditioner 1 encloses an odorous component together with the refrigerant to alert people to a highly flammable refrigerant leak from the refrigerant circuit 10. An example of this odorous component is tetrahydrothiophene (THT), a sulfur-based odorant that is a sulfur-based compound. Hereinafter, tetrahydrothiophene may also be referred to as THT.

[0053] <Refrigerating machine oil> Furthermore, the air conditioner 1 has refrigerating machine oil sealed in the refrigerant circuit 10 together with the refrigerant and THT. The refrigerating machine oil is stored mainly at the bottom of the compressor 21 in the refrigerant circuit 10, and can be circulated to the compression elements in the compressor 21 to maintain the lubrication of sliding parts. A portion of the refrigerating machine oil circulates in the refrigerant circuit 10 together with the refrigerant and THT. In other words, the refrigerating machine oil is mixed with the refrigerant and THT and used as a working fluid for the refrigeration system. The proportion of the refrigerating machine oil sealed in the total amount of working fluid for the refrigeration system is preferably 10% by weight or more and 70% by weight or less, and more preferably 20% by weight or more and 60% by weight or less.

[0054] Examples of refrigerating machine oils include oxygen-containing synthetic oils (ester-based refrigerating machine oils, ether-based refrigerating machine oils, polyalkylene glycol oils, etc.), hydrocarbon-based refrigerating machine oils, etc. Among these, polyalkylene glycol oils (PAG oils) are preferred for hydrocarbon refrigerants from the viewpoint of compatibility. One type of refrigerating machine oil may be used alone, or two or more types may be used in combination.

[0055] <Designing the amount of odor component filling> The air conditioner 1 described above can perform cooling and heating operations by filling and sealing the refrigerant and odor components into the refrigerant circuit 10 during manufacturing at a factory, or by filling and sealing the refrigerant and odor components into the refrigerant circuit 10 by an operator after the device is installed. As mentioned above, when filling with odor components, there is a problem in that it is difficult to achieve both an amount of odor components that does not make people aware of an abnormality because the amount of refrigerant leakage does not fall within the flammable range, and an amount of odor components that does make people aware of an abnormality because the amount of refrigerant leakage falls within the flammable range.

[0056] Therefore, the air conditioner 1 according to the embodiment is configured to calculate the fill amount of odorous components (THT) using the following formulas (1) and (2), and to fill this calculated fill amount of THT into the refrigerant circuit 10. Below, formulas (1) and (2) for setting the fill amount of THT will be explained.

[0057]

number

[0058]

number

[0059] Equation (1) is a function for calculating the amount of THT to be filled that will not cause abnormal sensation in people who are sensitive to the odor component THT. The value on the left side of equation (1) indicates the diffusion concentration of THT [volume ppb], and is calculated based on the diffusion concentration setting method described below.

[0060] Also, M in Eq. (1) leak1 is a constant that indicates the amount of refrigerant leakage when the refrigerant and THT leak in the living space LS over a long period of time (a small leak, a slow leak). A small leak of refrigerant will eventually leak out completely, but will eventually disappear through ventilation of the living space. In the case of this small leak of refrigerant, there is sufficient margin for the generation of a flammable range. Therefore, when assuming a small leak of refrigerant, it is advisable to set this to a value that will not cause people who are sensitive to the smell of THT to inquire about the odor components. Here, a typical cause of a small leak of refrigerant in the living space LS is ant nest corrosion in the tubes of the indoor heat exchanger 31. It is known that this ant nest corrosion of the indoor heat exchanger 31 has a leak rate of approximately 0.001 kg / h.

[0061] In addition, the IEC standard (IEC60335-2-40) that regulates the "safety of household and similar electrical appliances" regulates the amount of refrigerant leakage that assumes the generation of a flammable region, and the condition for leakage is that the total amount leaks within four minutes. leak1 It is recommended to set this to the amount [kg] of refrigerant leaking from the refrigerant circuit 10 in 4 minutes at a leakage rate of 0.001 kg / h. The actual amount of refrigerant leaking in 4 minutes due to corrosion of the ant nest is 0.0000667 kg.

[0062] M in equation (1) odis a variable (parameter) indicating the amount [kg] of odor component (THT) filled in the refrigerant circuit 10. The amount of THT filled in the refrigerant circuit 10 is determined by this M od will be finally calculated.

[0063] M in equation (1) oil is a variable indicating the amount [kg] of refrigerating machine oil to be filled into the refrigerant circuit 10. oil is a variable indicating the solubility (ppm by weight) of THT in refrigerating machine oil. This solubility is a value indicating the amount of THT that dissolves in a predetermined amount (for example, 100 g) of refrigerating machine oil. That is, a portion of the THT filled in the refrigerant circuit 10 dissolves in the refrigerating machine oil, while the other portion of the THT evaporates or dissolves in the refrigerant. This solubility S oil changes depending on the type of refrigeration oil. oil ×S oil corresponds to the amount of THT dissolved in the refrigerating machine oil.

[0064] M in equation (1) ref is a variable indicating the amount [kg] of refrigerant charged into the refrigerant circuit 10. The above IEC standard (IEC60335-2-40) stipulates that the upper limit of the amount of refrigerant charged when a refrigerant (propane (R290)) is used in a domestic refrigeration device 1 is approximately 1 kg. Therefore, the charging amount M ref is set to a maximum of 1 kg.

[0065] That is, (M od -M oil ×S oil ) / M ref The term is the amount of THT after subtracting the amount of THT dissolved in the refrigerant oil, expressed as the amount of refrigerant charged M ref In other words, this term represents the concentration of odorant contained in the refrigerant and THT leak.

[0066] Furthermore, V in equation (1) is the volume [m ] of the room space LS that corresponds to the rated cooling capacity set for each model of air conditioning unit 1. 3The relationship between the rated cooling capacity and the volume of the living space LS will be explained in detail later.

[0067] ρ in equation (1) is the gas density of the odor component [kg / m 3 ], which is a value determined by the type and composition of the odor component. When the odor component is THT, its density ρ is 3.66 [kg / m 3 ].

[0068] By the way, the density of THT is 1.29 kg / m 3 ] is about three times higher than the refrigerant density of 1.85 [kg / m 3 ] (R290). Furthermore, when the air conditioning apparatus 1 is stopped, the air in the room is not stirred by the fan inside the air conditioning apparatus 1, as it is when the apparatus is operating. In other words, particularly when the air conditioning apparatus 1 is stopped, the THT that flows into the room along with the leaked refrigerant is less likely to diffuse than the refrigerant and is heavier than air, so it can be assumed that it will remain stagnant in the lower part of the room for a long period of time. Figure 6 shows the results of a CFD analysis of the THT concentration distribution four minutes after the start of refrigerant leakage from the air conditioning apparatus 1 (indoor unit 30) installed in a room that is stopped. Note that in Figure 6, the lighter the gradation color, the lighter the THT concentration, while the darker the gradation color, the darker the THT concentration.

[0069] Figure 6 shows that the THT concentration stagnates at the bottom of the room, with a boundary layer of stagnation at approximately 1 / 4 of the room height. People typically sit on the floor or in a chair while working, or lie down on their bedding, and at the height where stagnation occurs, they are in a position where they can sense odors. Even when standing, their movements can be expected to have a complementary diffusion effect on the stagnant concentration. For these reasons, V was multiplied by a coefficient of 0.25 to calculate the appropriate concentration for a volume 1 / 4 the height of the room.

[0070] On the other hand, formula (2) is a function for calculating the amount of THT to be filled that will alert people who are insensitive to the odor component THT to an abnormality and encourage them to take evacuation action. The value on the left side of formula (2) is a value that indicates the diffusion concentration [volume ppb], just like formula (1), and is a value calculated based on the method for setting the diffusion concentration described below.

[0071] M in equation (2) leak2 is a constant that indicates the amount of refrigerant and THT leaking in a short period of time in the living space LS. When refrigerant leaks in a short period of time, it is advisable to set the value so that even people who are insensitive to the smell of THT will sense something abnormal with THT before a flammable area is created, and encourage evacuation. As mentioned above, the IEC standard (IEC60335-2-40) requires a total leak of the refrigerant over four minutes, and if a flammable area is created with this total leak over four minutes, ventilation effects cannot be expected. If this flammable area is created widely on the floor, the leakage rate will be 3 kg / h or more. From this, M leak2 It is advisable to set the value to the amount [kg] of refrigerant leaking from the refrigerant circuit 10 in 4 minutes at a leakage rate of 3 kg / h. In this case, the leakage amount is 0.2 kg.

[0072] Also, M in equation (2) od , M oil , S oil , M ref , V and ρ are constants or variables similar to those in equation (1) above.

[0073] From the above, formula (1) can calculate the amount of THT to be filled that will not cause complaints, etc., because people who are sensitive to the smell of THT will not notice anything abnormal if a small amount of THT leaks. Also, formula (2) can calculate the amount of THT to be filled that will cause people who are insensitive to the smell of THT to notice something abnormal and encourage evacuation, if a large amount of THT leaks.

[0074] In the formulas (1) and (2), the amount of refrigerant leaking from the refrigerant circuit 10, M leak1 , M leak2 Therefore, in reality, the amount of THT to be filled M satisfies both the formula (1) and the formula (2). odThe designer who fills and seals the refrigerant and THT into the refrigerant circuit during manufacturing at the factory, or the worker who fills the refrigerant and THT after the equipment is installed, can calculate the range of the THT filling amount M derived from Equation (1) and Equation (2). od The refrigerant circuit 10 is filled with THT by adjusting the charging amount of THT so that it is within the range. In this way, the air conditioning device 1 can reduce the chances that people who are sensitive to the smell of THT will sense something is wrong when a slight leak of refrigerant that is not in the flammable range occurs from the refrigerant circuit 10. On the other hand, when a leak of refrigerant that is in the flammable range occurs from the refrigerant circuit 10, the air conditioning device 1 can make even people who are insensitive to the smell of THT sense something is wrong and encourage them to take evacuation action.

[0075] <Diffused concentration of odor components> Next, we will explain how to set the value of the diffusion concentration [volume ppb] set in the left term of the above formula (1) and formula (2). This diffusion concentration value is a value determined by the odor sensory test described below.

[0076] First, we will determine the relationship between the concentration of 48 malodorous substances and odor intensity (report on research commissioned by the Environment Agency, March 1980) and the odor intensity of the odorous component tetrahydrothiophene (THT). Odor intensity is a type of sensory test that quantifies odor by focusing on the strength of the odor, and in Japan, the "6-level odor intensity rating method" shown in Figure 2(A) is widely used. In this 6-level odor intensity rating method, "odorless" is rated as 0, "barely detectable odor" as 1, "weak odor that is easy to identify," as 2, "easily detectable odor," as 3, "strong odor," as 4, and "overpowering odor."

[0077] Furthermore, the "Olfactory Measurement Manual" supervised by the Ministry of the Environment states that the collection method, which conforms to the measurement of the odor index in the "Odor Intensity Survey Method," is to be carried out by a supervisor and a panel of six or more assessors, and also describes the assessment method and calculation method for the assessors. However, assessments by six or so assessors tend to produce unstable values ​​and are not reproducible. For this reason, the "Olfactory Measurement Manual for Indoor Odors" published by the Architectural Institute of Japan states that the measurement value should be the average of data (n=18 or more) judged three times by six or more people, to one decimal place. Furthermore, it states that while it is preferable for assessors to make their assessment by entering the room, if this is difficult, they should make their judgment by smelling odors prepared in "smell bags."

[0078] Therefore, in odor sensory testing, odor intensity is considered to be the scoring method used in general sensory testing, with odorless being 0 and the maximum being 5, and multiple evaluators are made to recognize that the questionnaire answer sheet is an equal interval scale based on the categories shown in the table in Figure 2(A). However, confusing expressions such as "I can tell what it smells like" are avoided in the questionnaire. Furthermore, the target number of evaluators is 18 or more, and the evaluation scale is calculated by cutting out the maximum and minimum values ​​and rounding them to 0.1 increments, and the reported value is this.

[0079] In the odor sensory test, in addition to odor intensity, participants were also asked to answer a questionnaire about how they perceived the THT odor, as shown in Figure 2(B). The options for this questionnaire were: "There is an odor, but it's hardly bothersome," "There is an odor, but it's just an everyday odor and I don't think it's abnormal," "The odor is clearly noticeable and makes me want to search for the cause of the abnormality," "The odor is strong and makes me want to leave the room, but I can tolerate it for a short time and don't feel it's urgent," and "It feels like something abnormal is happening and requires urgent action. I want to get out immediately."

[0080] Furthermore, depending on the odor component, the results may differ depending on whether the tester smells a gas prepared in a bag at a certain concentration, i.e., smells it only with their nose, or smells it with their whole face. In this odor sensory test, instead of the former bag method, the latter method was adopted, and each tester placed their eyes, nose (face) against the open part of the chamber to judge the THT odor. Specifically, a test device 50 like the one shown in Figure 3 was used.

[0081] The test device 50 uses a rectangular parallelepiped chamber 51 that is short in the horizontal direction (width and depth directions) but long in the vertical direction (height direction). The interior of this chamber 51 is a space 51s that is filled with THT. The chamber 51 also has an openable window 52 on one of the four vertically extending sides, so that the judge can open the window 52 and bring their face close to the chamber 51 to smell the odor in the space 51s inside the chamber 51.

[0082] Furthermore, the testing apparatus 50 has a plurality of stirring devices 53 installed at the bottom of the chamber 51. Each stirring device 53 has, for example, a propeller in the space 51s of the chamber 51, and stirs the gas filled in the space 51s by rotating the propeller at an appropriate rotational speed.

[0083] Furthermore, the chamber 51 has a filling port 51a for filling the space 51s with a gas (including THT), and an extraction port 51b for extracting the gas filled in the space 51s. The filling port 51a is provided near the bottom of the chamber 51. The extraction port 51b is provided at approximately the middle of the chamber 51 in the vertical direction. One end of a tube that can be filled with a gas is connected to the filling port 51a. The other end of the tube is connected to a bag into which a gas such as THT or a refrigerant is injected, and the gas such as THT or a refrigerant is injected from the bag.

[0084] A sampling bag is placed inside the vacuum chamber 56, and the extraction port 51b is connected to the opening of the sampling bag through the vacuum chamber 56. A hose 54 for removing air from inside the vacuum chamber 56 is connected to the other end of the vacuum chamber 56, and a suction pump 55 is connected to the other end of the hose 54. By operating the suction pump 55 to reduce the pressure inside the vacuum chamber 56, the sampling bag will absorb the gas in the chamber space 51s and expand.

[0085] The test apparatus 50 is basically configured as described above, and the following describes a method for an odor sensory test using this test apparatus 50. In the odor sensory test, the above-mentioned chamber 51 is prepared, a tube is connected to the filling port 51a, and a vacuum box 56 containing a sample collection bag that has been previously evacuated, a hose 54, and a suction pump 55 are connected to the extraction port 51b (first step).

[0086] In the odor sensory test, 10 μL or 100 μL of THT is injected into the bag, and the bag is left to stand at 60° C. for evaporation to prepare a gas of this THT (second step).

[0087] While operating the agitator 53 to agitate the space 51s of the chamber 51, THT gas is introduced through the filling port 51a to adjust the initial concentration so that the odor intensity is about 1.5 to 2 (third step). For example, after introducing THT and agitating the space 51s with the agitator 53, the agitator 53 is stopped (left to stand) for 5 minutes, and the odor in the space 51s is confirmed. Then, after confirming the odor, the process of preparing and filling THT again is repeated as necessary.

[0088] Thereafter, in the odor sensory test, the drive of the agitator 53 is stopped, the window 52 is opened each time, and the odor intensity is judged by multiple judges (for example, 18 to 22 people) (fourth step). After checking the odor, the judges fill out a questionnaire about the intensity of the odor they perceived.

[0089] Furthermore, in the odor sensory test, after each judge has completed their judgment, the concentration of THT filled into the space 51s of the chamber 51 is increased, and the process returns to step 3 to repeat the same adjustment and judgment as above. For example, the agitator 53 is operated to add additional THT so that the concentration of THT in the space 51s becomes approximately three times higher, and the mixture is left to stand for another five minutes or more. After this adjustment, the odor intensity is judged again by multiple judges. Furthermore, the odor sensory test described above ends, for example, when the judge's odor intensity judgment result exceeds 4.

[0090] In the odor sensory test, after the concentration is adjusted, the suction pump 55 is operated to reduce the pressure inside the decompression box 56 before and after the judge starts and finishes the judgement, so that the gas in the space 51s is extracted from the extraction port 51b into a sampling bag, and the gas in the space 51s is analyzed by a separate analyzer (not shown). The analyzer measures the concentration of THT contained in the gas extracted from the space 51s.

[0091] When the results of the questionnaire obtained from the above odor sensory test were examined, it was found that there was a large variation in the questionnaire responses between judges regarding the odor intensity of THT and how THT was perceived. However, when the variation was analyzed in detail, the coefficient of determination R 2 The results of the THT questionnaire in the odor sensory test were analyzed assuming that they followed a normal distribution.

[0092] Figure 4(A) is a graph showing the relationship between odor intensity and THT perception. Figure 4(B) is a graph showing the variation in THT diffused concentration and odor intensity. The graph in Figure 4(A) shows the median, +σ to +3σ, and -σ to -3σ of standard deviation calculated based on the relationship between the results of a questionnaire about the judges' odor perception and the odor intensity at that time. The median is indicated by a double circle in the graph. +σ to +3σ indicates the spread of the normal distribution on the side of higher odor intensity relative to the median. +σ is indicated by a white circle in both graphs, +2σ is indicated by a black square in both graphs, and +3σ is indicated by a white square in both graphs. In other words, +σ to +3σ corresponds to the normal distribution of an insensitive person who has difficulty perceiving odors even when the odor intensity is high. On the other hand, -σ to -3σ indicates the spread of the normal distribution on the side of lower odor intensity relative to the median. -σ is represented by a solid circle in both graphs, -2σ is represented by an open triangle in both graphs, and -3σ is represented by a solid triangle in both graphs. In other words, -σ to -3σ corresponds to the normal distribution of sensitive people who can easily detect odors even at low odor intensities.

[0093] As shown in Figure 4(A), in the sensory evaluation of THT using a questionnaire, odor intensity does not match the perception, and there is also a large degree of individual variation. However, even people who are insensitive to THT will likely select item d on the questionnaire when the odor intensity is 4 or higher, meaning "The odor is strong and I want to leave the room, but I can tolerate it for a short time and don't feel any urgency." Conversely, even people who are sensitive to THT will likely select item c on the questionnaire when the odor intensity is 3 or lower, meaning "I can clearly detect the odor and want to search for the cause of the problem."

[0094] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4(B), the normal distribution of THT diffusion concentration [volume ppb] and odor intensity shows a regression such that the diffusion concentration increases linearly as the THT odor intensity increases. For example, the diffusion concentration from -σ to -3σ is lower than the diffusion concentration from +σ to +3σ, but the diffusion concentration increases linearly as the THT odor intensity increases.

[0095] Here, the evacuation behavior of people who are insensitive to THT includes responses in the questionnaire: d, "The smell is strong and I want to leave the room, but I can tolerate it for a short time and don't feel it's urgent," and e, "I feel like something abnormal is happening and I want to escape immediately." Even people who are insensitive to THT will be prompted to leave the room if they recognize that the smell in the living space LS is strong. The ideal scenario for evacuation behavior is for people to take the necessary measures to evacuate safely. In other words, if there is an abnormal smell, it is inevitable that they will want to open a window to ventilate the room. Taking this measure will also eliminate the flammable area that has formed, thereby eliminating the risk of subsequent ignition and explosion. Furthermore, psychological leeway is necessary for a wide range of age groups to evacuate safely without panicking. Taking these factors into consideration, we can expect actual evacuation behavior to begin when people perceive d. Figure 5(A) shows a normal distribution of responses selected by people who are insensitive to THT. A value of +1σ or less of the median is the value at which 84.1% of the judges judge the feeling as d or e, a value of +2σ or less of the median is the value at which 97.7% of the judges judge the feeling as d or e, and a value of +3σ or less of the median is the value at which 99.85% of the judges judge the feeling as d or e.

[0096] Referring to Figures 4(A) and 4(B), when the range is within +1σ of the median, the odor intensity is 4.2 or less, and the corresponding diffusion concentration is 40 [volume ppb] or less. When the range is within +2σ of the median, the odor intensity is 4.5 or less, and the corresponding diffusion concentration is 82 [volume ppb] or less. When the range is within +3σ of the median, the odor intensity is 4.8 or less, and the corresponding diffusion concentration is 170 [volume ppb] or less.

[0097] On the other hand, the sensitivity of people who are sensitive to THT and do not recognize anything abnormal is thought to fall somewhere between b, "I can smell it, but it's just a normal everyday smell and I don't think it's anything more than that," and c, "I can clearly smell it and it makes me want to look for the cause of the abnormality." Extracting a normal distribution of people who are sensitive to THT and selected sensitivity c results in the table shown in Figure 5(B). Values ​​below -1σ of the median represent values ​​where 15.9% of judges judged it to be sensitivity c, d, or e; values ​​below -2σ of the median represent values ​​where 2.3% of judges judged it to be sensitivity c, d, or e; and values ​​below -3σ of the median represent values ​​where 0.15% of judges judged it to be sensitivity c, d, or e.

[0098] 4(A) and 4(B), when the range is -1σ or less of the median, the odor intensity is 2.5 or less, and the corresponding diffusion concentration is 1 [volume ppb] or less. When the range is -2σ or less of the median, the odor intensity is 2.0 or less, and the corresponding diffusion concentration is 0.17 [volume ppb] or less. When the range is -3σ or less of the median, the odor intensity is 1.5 or less, and the corresponding diffusion concentration is approximately 0.02 [volume ppb] or less.

[0099] If the design is based on an estimated probability of 1 / 10 of failure to evacuate due to THT, it can be said that a normal distribution of ±1σ from the median is sufficient, and a ±2σ range would be even better. Therefore, the THT diffusion concentration that can encourage insensitive people to evacuate is preferably 40 ppb by volume or higher, more preferably 82 ppb by volume or higher. Furthermore, the THT diffusion concentration that does not cause sensitive people to recognize an abnormality is preferably less than 1.0 ppb by volume, more preferably less than 0.17 ppb by volume.

[0100] Based on the results of the odor sensory test, the value of the left term in the above formula (1) can be set to 1.0, and the value of the left term in the above formula (2) can be set to 40. In other words, it can be said that the diffusion concentration [volume ppb] that does not cause sensitive people to feel abnormal is preferably less than 1.0. It can also be said that the diffusion concentration [volume ppb] that prompts insensitive people to take evacuation action is preferably 40 or more.

[0101] <Regarding the volume of living space> Next, we will explain the volume V of the living space LS, which is a variable in equations (1) and (2). The living space LS to be applied to the air conditioner 1 is selected according to its rated cooling capacity. In other words, it can be said that the volume V of the living space LS changes based on the rated cooling capacity. The area of ​​the rated cooling capacity of the air conditioner 1 is determined by the heat load [w / m 2 In Japan, where the heat load is high, the heat load is 145 w / m 2 ~220w / m 2 On the other hand, in Europe, although there are large regional differences, in areas where air conditioning is widely used, it is generally set at 100 w / m 2 is the middle ground for heat load, 85W / m 2 ~125W / m 2 The height of the living space LS is approximately 2.4m.

[0102] The relationship between these heat loads and rated cooling capacity can be summarized in the table shown in Figure 7. The table in the upper left of Figure 7 shows the rated cooling capacity in Japan and the upper to lower limit range of the area of ​​the living space LS. Specifically, when the rated cooling capacity is 2.0 kW, the area of ​​the living space LS is 9.1 m. 2 ~13.8m 2 When the rated cooling capacity is 2.5kW, the area of ​​the living space LS is 11.4m 2 ~17.2m 2 When the rated cooling capacity is 3.5kW, the area of ​​the living space LS is 15.9m 2 ~24.1m 2 When the rated cooling capacity is 5.0 kW, the area of ​​the living space LS is 22.7 m2 ~34.5m 2 When the rated cooling capacity is 10.0 kW, the area of ​​the living space LS is 45.5 m 2 ~69.0m 2 The range is as follows.

[0103] The table at the bottom left of Figure 7 shows the rated cooling capacity in Europe and the upper and lower limits of the area of ​​the living space LS. Specifically, when the rated cooling capacity is 2.0 kW, the area of ​​the living space LS is 16 m. 2 ~23.5m 2 If the rated cooling capacity is 2.5kW, the area of ​​the living space LS is 20m 2 ~29.4m 2 When the rated cooling capacity is 3.5kW, the area of ​​the living space LS is 28m 2 ~41.2m 2 When the rated cooling capacity is 5.0 kW, the area of ​​the living space LS is 40 m 2 ~58.8m 2 When the rated cooling capacity is 10.0 kW, the area of ​​the living space LS is 80 m 2 ~117.6m 2 The range is as follows.

[0104] From the above, the floor area of ​​the volume V of the living space LS applied to formulas (1) and (2) can be calculated by using the Japanese floor area (lower limit floor area) as the lower limit and the European floor area (upper limit floor area) as the upper limit, as shown in the table on the right of Figure 7. Then, by multiplying this floor area by the height of 2.4 m, the lower limit (lower limit volume) and upper limit (upper limit volume) of the volume of the living space LS can be calculated. Specifically, if the rated cooling capacity is 2.0 kW, the range from the lower limit volume to the upper limit volume of the living space LS is 21.8 m. 3 ~56.5m 3 When the rated cooling capacity is 2.5 kW, the range from the lower limit volume to the upper limit volume of the living space LS is 27.3 m 3 ~70.6m 3 When the rated cooling capacity is 3.5 kW, the range from the lower limit volume to the upper limit volume of the living space LS is 38.2 m 3~98.8m 3 When the rated cooling capacity is 5.0 kW, the range from the lower limit volume to the upper limit volume of the living space LS is 54.5 m 3 ~141.2m 3 When the rated cooling capacity is 10.0 kW, the range from the lower limit volume to the upper limit volume of the living space LS is 109.1 m 3 ~282.4m 3 The range is as follows.

[0105] More specifically, when the rated cooling capacity of the air conditioner 1 is 2.0 kW or less, the volume V of the living space LS is 56.5 m 3 By using this volume V of the living space LS, it is possible to fill an appropriate amount of THT into an air conditioner 1 with a rated cooling capacity of 2.0 kW or less.

[0106] In addition, if the rated cooling capacity of the air conditioner 1 is more than 2.0 kW and less than 2.5 kW, the volume V of the living space LS is 21.8 m 3 ~70.6m 3 By using this volume V of the living space LS, it is possible to fill an appropriate amount of THT into an air conditioner 1 whose rated cooling capacity is greater than 2.0 kW and less than or equal to 2.5 kW.

[0107] In addition, if the rated cooling capacity of the air conditioner 1 is more than 2.5kW and less than 3.5kW, the volume V of the living space LS is 27.3m 3 ~98.8m 3 By using this volume V of the living space LS, it is possible to fill an appropriate amount of THT into an air conditioner 1 whose rated cooling capacity is greater than 2.5 kW and less than or equal to 3.5 kW.

[0108] In addition, if the rated cooling capacity of the air conditioner 1 is more than 3.5kW and less than 5.0kW, the volume V of the living space LS is 38.2m 3 ~141.2m 3By using this volume V of the living space LS, it is possible to fill an appropriate amount of THT into an air conditioner 1 whose rated cooling capacity is greater than 3.5 kW and less than or equal to 5.0 kW.

[0109] In addition, if the rated cooling capacity of the air conditioner 1 exceeds 5.0 kW, the volume V of the living space LS is 54.5 m 3 By using this volume V of the living space LS, it is possible to fill an appropriate amount of THT into an air conditioner 1 with a rated cooling capacity of more than 5.0 kW.

[0110] As described above, the volume V of the living space LS in the formula (1) and formula (2) can be determined to have a lower limit volume and an upper limit volume that are appropriate for the rated cooling capacity of the model of the air conditioner 1. Therefore, the filling amount M of the THT that can be calculated based on formula (1) so as not to cause abnormalities in sensitive people can be calculated. od Similarly, the filling amount M of the THT, which can be calculated based on the formula (2) to make an insensitive person feel an abnormality and encourage evacuation behavior, can be calculated based on the lower limit value and the upper limit value according to the range of the lower limit volume and the upper limit volume. od Therefore, the filling amount M of the THT that satisfies both the formula (1) and the formula (2) can be calculated by using the lower limit value and the upper limit value according to the range of the lower limit volume and the upper limit volume. od is the filling amount M in equation (1). od and the filling amount M in equation (2). od The range is where the lower limit and upper limit of

[0111] When filling the refrigerant and THT at the time of installation of the air conditioning device 1, for example, an operator inputs various constants and variables into a calculation device having the formulas (1) and (2), and the calculation device calculates the filling amount M of THT. od It is preferable to automatically calculate the amount of THT to be filled, M od Alternatively, if the layout of the installation location of the air conditioning device 1 is known, the refrigerant filling amount M ref , refrigerant oil filling amount M oil, the rated cooling capacity (volume V of the living space LS), etc. can be obtained. For this reason, in the factory of the air conditioning device 1, the filling amount M of the THT can be calculated based on the acquired layout and equations (1) and (2). od may be calculated and the THT (and refrigerant) may be charged in advance.

[0112] As described above, when filling the refrigerant circuit 10 with THT, an appropriate filling amount M can be obtained by applying formula (1) or formula (2) and inputting the values ​​of each constant and each variable. od It is possible to calculate the THT concentration. This allows a THT concentration that will not cause even a person who is sensitive to the smell of THT to sense something is wrong with a slight leak, and also allows a THT concentration that is effective in causing even a person who is insensitive to the smell of THT to sense something is wrong in the flammable range. Moreover, formulas (1) and (2) include a term that represents the effect of dissolving refrigerating machine oil. Therefore, if the filling amount of THT is calculated using formulas (1) and (2), the function of THT can be stably ensured when the air conditioner 1 is filled.

[0113] The technology according to the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible. For example, the refrigeration device 1 is not limited to the air conditioner 1, but can be applied to various devices that are installed in a living space LS and have a refrigerant circuit 10 that circulates a refrigerant and THT. For example, other examples of the refrigeration device 1 include cooling devices that cool refrigerators and freezers, chiller units, heat pump water heaters, etc.

[0114] Furthermore, the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to a configuration that satisfies both the above formula (1) and formula (2), but may be a configuration that satisfies only formula (1) or only formula (2). od By obtaining this, it is possible to obtain a sufficient effect that even if a small leak of refrigerant occurs, sensitive people will not feel any abnormality. od By obtaining this, it is possible to obtain a sufficient effect that when a refrigerant leak occurs, an insensitive person can be made to feel that something is wrong and be prompted to take evacuation action.

[0115] <Aspects and Effects of the Present Disclosure> The above-disclosed embodiment has, for example, the following aspects and effects.

[0116] [Appendix 1] A refrigeration system (1) having a refrigerant circuit (10), in which tetrahydrothiophene, an odorous component, is sealed together with a refrigerant and a refrigerating machine oil in the refrigerant circuit (10), The amount of refrigerant leaking from the refrigerant circuit (10) for 4 minutes at a leakage rate of 0.001 kg / h is M leak1 [kg], the amount of the odorous component charged into the refrigerant circuit (10) is M od [kg], the amount of refrigerating machine oil filled is M oil [kg], and the solubility of the odorous component in the refrigerating machine oil is S oil [ppm by weight], the amount of refrigerant charged into the refrigerant circuit (10) is M ref [kg], and the volume of the living space (LS) is V [m 3 ], and the density of the odor component is ρ [kg / m 3 ], the following formula (1) is satisfied: Refrigeration equipment.

[0117]

number

[0118] [Effects of Appendix 1] According to the above, by satisfying formula (1), the refrigeration system can fill the refrigerant circuit with an appropriate amount of odorous components. In other words, even if a slight leak that does not reach the flammable range occurs in the refrigeration system, the refrigeration system will fill with an amount of odorous components that will not cause abnormalities to people who are sensitive to the smell of tetrahydrothiophene, an odorous component. This makes it possible to optimize the operation of the refrigeration system, such as by reducing inquiries to service companies.

[0119] [Appendix 2] The amount of refrigerant leaking from the refrigerant circuit (10) for 4 minutes at a leakage rate of 3 kg / h is M leak2 [kg], the amount of the odorous component charged into the refrigerant circuit (10) is Mod [kg], the amount of refrigerating machine oil filled is M oil [kg], and the solubility of the odorous component in the refrigerating machine oil is S oil [ppm by weight], the amount of refrigerant charged into the refrigerant circuit (10) is M ref [kg], and the volume of the living space (LS) is V [m 3 ], and the density of the odor component is ρ [kg / m 3 ], the following formula (2) is satisfied: 10. The refrigeration apparatus of claim 1.

[0120]

number

[0121] [Effects of Appendix 2] By satisfying formula (2) in this way, the refrigeration equipment can be designed to fill with an odorous component that will make even people who are insensitive to the odorous component tetrahydrothiophene aware of something abnormal if a flammable refrigerant leak occurs in the refrigerant circuit.

[0122] [Appendix 3] If the rated cooling capacity is 2.0 kW or less, and the volume of the living space (LS) is 56.5 m 3 Below is the 3. The refrigeration apparatus of claim 1 or 2.

[0123] [Effects of Appendix 3] This allows the amount of odorous components to be appropriately designed for refrigeration equipment with a rated cooling capacity of 2.0 kW or less.

[0124] [Appendix 4] If the rated cooling capacity is more than 2.0kW and less than 2.5kW, and the volume of the living space (LS) is 21.8m 3 ~70.6m 3 Below is the 3. The refrigeration apparatus of claim 1 or 2.

[0125] [Effects of Appendix 4] This allows the amount of odorous component to be appropriately designed for refrigeration equipment with a rated cooling capacity of more than 2.0 kW and not more than 2.5 kW.

[0126] [Appendix 5] If the rated cooling capacity is more than 2.5kW and less than 3.5kW, and the volume of the living space (LS) is 27.3m 3 ~98.8m 3 That is, 3. The refrigeration apparatus of claim 1 or 2.

[0127] [Effects of Appendix 5] This allows the amount of odorous component to be appropriately designed for refrigeration equipment with a rated cooling capacity of more than 2.5 kW and not more than 3.5 kW.

[0128] [Appendix 6] If the rated cooling capacity is more than 3.5kW and less than 5.0kW, the volume of the living space (LS) is 38.2m 3 ~141.2m 3 That is, 3. The refrigeration apparatus of claim 1 or 2.

[0129] [Effects of Appendix 6] This allows the amount of odorous component to be appropriately designed for refrigeration equipment with a rated cooling capacity of more than 3.5 kW and not more than 5.0 kW.

[0130] [Appendix 7] If the rated cooling capacity exceeds 5.0 kW, the volume V of the living space (LS) is 54.5 m 3 That's all. 3. The refrigeration apparatus of claim 1 or 2.

[0131] [Effects of Appendix 7] This allows the amount of odorous components to be appropriately designed for refrigeration equipment with a rated cooling capacity of over 5.0 kW.

[0132] [Appendix 8] The refrigerant is a hydrocarbon refrigerant. 8. A refrigeration device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

[0133] [Effects of Appendix 8] This allows the refrigeration device to optimize the amount of odorous components filled in the refrigerant circuit when the refrigeration device is configured to fill the refrigerant circuit with a hydrocarbon refrigerant.

[0134] The refrigeration device 1 according to the presently disclosed embodiment is illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The embodiment may be modified and improved in various ways without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims. The features described in the above-described embodiments may be configured differently within a consistent range, and may be combined within a consistent range. [Explanation of symbols]

[0135] 1. Refrigeration equipment (air conditioning equipment) 10 Refrigerant circuit LS Living space

Claims

1. A refrigeration system (1) having a refrigerant circuit (10) in which tetrahydrothiophene, an odorous component, is sealed together with a hydrocarbon-based refrigerant and refrigerating machine oil, The amount of refrigerant leaking from the refrigerant circuit (10) in 4 minutes at a leakage rate of 3 kg / h is M ｌｅａｋ２ [kg], the amount of the odorous component charged into the refrigerant circuit (10) is M ｏｄ [kg], the amount of refrigerating machine oil filled into the refrigerant circuit (10) is M ｏｉｌ [kg], the solubility of the odorous components in the refrigerating machine oil in the refrigerant circuit (10) is S ｏｉｌ [ppm by weight], the amount of refrigerant charged into the refrigerant circuit (10) is M ｒｅｆ [kg], and the volume of the living space (LS) is V [m ３ ], and the density of the odorous component is ρ [kg / m ３ ], the following formula (2) is satisfied: Refrigeration equipment. [Equation 1]

2. The amount of refrigerant leaking from the refrigerant circuit (10) for 4 minutes at a leakage rate of 0.001 kg / h is M ｌｅａｋ１ [kg], the amount of the odorous component charged into the refrigerant circuit (10) is M ｏｄ [kg], the amount of refrigerating machine oil filled into the refrigerant circuit (10) is M ｏｉｌ [kg], the solubility of the odorous components in the refrigerating machine oil in the refrigerant circuit (10) is S ｏｉｌ [ppm by weight], the amount of refrigerant charged into the refrigerant circuit (10) is M ｒｅｆ [kg], the volume of the living space (LS) is V [m ３ ], and the density of the odorous component is ρ [kg / m ３ ], the following formula (1) is satisfied: The refrigeration system of claim 1. [Equation 2]

3. When the rated cooling capacity is 2.0 kW or less, the volume of the living space (LS) is 56.5 m ３ Below is the 3. The refrigeration system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. When the rated cooling capacity is more than 2.0 kW and less than 2.5 kW, the volume of the living space (LS) is 21.8 m ３ ~70.6m ３ Below is the 3. The refrigeration system according to claim 1 or 2.

5. When the rated cooling capacity is more than 2.5kW and less than 3.5kW, the volume of the living space (LS) is 27.3m ３ ~98.8m ３ That is, 3. The refrigeration system according to claim 1 or 2.

6. When the rated cooling capacity is more than 3.5 kW and less than 5.0 kW, the volume of the living space (LS) is 38.2 m ３ ~141.2m ３ That is, 3. The refrigeration system according to claim 1 or 2.

7. When the rated cooling capacity exceeds 5.0 kW, the volume V of the living space (LS) is 54.5 m ３ That's all.

3. The refrigeration system according to claim 1 or 2.

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