Outdoor unit control device, outdoor unit, heat pump device, and outdoor unit control method

Abstract

Provided is an outdoor unit control device and an outdoor unit control method that can reliably reduce the risk of ignition due to refrigerant leakage into the outdoor unit. [Solution] The outdoor unit control device 50 includes a control unit 51 that controls the rotation of a fan 61 provided in the outdoor unit, and a memory unit 52 that stores information on refrigerant leakage detected from a refrigerant detection sensor that detects refrigerant leakage into the outdoor unit.When the outdoor unit is turned on, the control unit 51 starts the rotation of the fan 61 if the memory unit 52 stores information on refrigerant leakage detected from the refrigerant detection sensor.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an outdoor unit control device, an outdoor unit, a heat pump device, and an outdoor unit control method. [Background technology]

[0002] A technology has been reported in which a refrigerant detection sensor is provided to detect leaked refrigerant, and when the refrigerant detection sensor detects a gas concentration equal to or higher than a predetermined level, the blower fan is operated at a first rotation speed (Patent Document 1). Also, Patent Document 2 reports a technology in which a stirring fan provided outside the housing of the repeater is operated at the start of operation. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 7484082 [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 7243132 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the technology in Patent Document 1 does not operate the fan until a refrigerant leak is detected, which causes the problem of maintaining the ignition concentration during that time. In particular, the refrigerant detection sensor does not function while the outdoor unit is turned off, so the fan cannot operate after the power is turned on until detection occurs. Furthermore, when an abnormality message appears due to refrigerant detection, users may turn off the power and restart the unit without fully understanding the message, further increasing the risk.

[0005] Furthermore, when natural refrigerants are used, the refrigerant detection sensor needs time to initialize in order to distinguish it from other natural refrigerants. Therefore, it may take time (e.g., 80 seconds) before it detects the refrigerant. Furthermore, in order to eliminate false positives, the refrigerant detection sensor must perform continuous detections before determining whether there is a leak, which can be a problem (e.g., 20 seconds).

[0006] Furthermore, Patent Document 2 is a technology that rotates a stirring fan provided outside the housing of the repeater, and is not a technology that focuses on the fan of the outdoor unit.

[0007] As described above, there has been a demand for technology that reduces the risk of ignition due to refrigerant leakage into the outdoor unit.

[0008] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and aims to provide an outdoor unit control device, an outdoor unit, a heat pump device, and an outdoor unit control method that can reliably reduce the risk of ignition due to refrigerant leakage into the outdoor unit. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In order to solve the above problem, the control device for an outdoor unit of the present disclosure includes a control unit that controls the rotation of a fan provided in the outdoor unit, and a memory unit that stores information indicating that a refrigerant leak has been detected from a refrigerant detection sensor that detects leakage of the refrigerant into the outdoor unit, and when the power supply of the outdoor unit is turned on, if the memory unit stores information indicating that a refrigerant leak has been detected from the refrigerant detection sensor, the control unit ,before The fan starts rotating. When the storage unit stores the information that the refrigerant leakage is detected, the storage unit stores the time when the information that the refrigerant leakage is detected is stored, and when the power supply of the outdoor unit is turned on, if a certain time has passed since the time, the control unit does not start rotation of the fan. .

[0010] Further, a control method for an outdoor unit of the present disclosure is a control method for an outdoor unit equipped with a fan and a refrigerant detection sensor that detects refrigerant leakage into the outdoor unit, and includes a control step of controlling rotation of the fan and a storage step of storing information indicating that refrigerant leakage has been detected from the refrigerant detection sensor, and in the control step, if the information indicating that refrigerant leakage has been detected from the refrigerant detection sensor has been stored in the storage step when the power supply of the outdoor unit is turned on, ,before The fan starts rotating. In the storage step, when the information on the detection of the refrigerant leakage is stored, the time when the information on the detection of the refrigerant leakage is stored is stored, and in the control step, if a certain time has passed since the time when the power of the outdoor unit is turned on, the rotation of the fan is not started. . [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] The outdoor unit control device disclosed herein detects a refrigerant leak before the outdoor unit is powered off, and if there is a risk of ignition due to a refrigerant leak, it can quickly start rotating the fan, thereby reliably reducing the risk of ignition due to a refrigerant leak inside the outdoor unit. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing an outdoor unit according to a first embodiment as a reference example of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the outdoor unit of FIG. [Figure 3] 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a control system of a control device for an outdoor unit according to a first embodiment as a reference example of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] 5 is a flowchart showing a control method performed by the control device for the outdoor unit according to the first embodiment as a reference example of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] 6 is a flowchart showing a control method by a control device for an outdoor unit according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart showing a control method by a control device for an outdoor unit according to a third embodiment as a reference example of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Hereinafter, an embodiment of an outdoor unit control device, an outdoor unit, a heat pump device, and an outdoor unit control method according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0014] [First embodiment] The following is a description of the present disclosure. As a reference example The first embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. An outdoor unit 1 used in a heat pump device is shown in Fig. 1. The outdoor unit 1 in Fig. 1 is shown in a state where a panel of a machine room 7 has been removed.

[0015] The outdoor unit 1 is connected to an indoor unit (heat utilization unit) via a water circuit using water piping (heat medium piping), not shown. Water circulates between the outdoor unit 1 and the indoor unit via the water piping. As a result, hot or cold energy generated by the outdoor unit 1 is sent to the indoor unit via the water piping to provide hot or cold energy indoors.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 1, the outdoor unit 1 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped housing 3. The bottom of the housing 3 is a base 4 made of sheet metal. The base 4 has base legs 4a provided on both sides along the longitudinal direction, and a substantially flat plate portion 4b provided between the upper ends of the base legs 4a on both sides. The plate portion 4b extends substantially horizontally, and various devices are installed above it. The plate portion 4b has projections and depressions formed by press working.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 1, the housing 3 includes, above the base 4, a fan chamber 5 and a machine chamber 7 separated into left and right sections by a partition wall 9.

[0018] The fan chamber 5 is located on the left side in Fig. 1. An outdoor fan (fan) 61 (not shown in Fig. 1) and an outdoor heat exchanger 30 (see Fig. 2) are provided inside the fan chamber 5. The outdoor heat exchanger 30 is bent into an L shape so as to form the side and back surfaces of the fan chamber 5. Outside air taken in by the outdoor fan 61 exchanges heat with the refrigerant circulating through the outdoor heat exchanger 30. After exchanging heat with the refrigerant, the outside air is discharged to the outside through the fan opening 11.

[0019] The machine room 7 is located on the right side in Fig. 1. A plate-shaped sub-base 13 is provided on the base 4 (specifically, the flat plate portion 4b) in the machine room 7. The sub-base 13 is rectangular in plan view and is large enough to cover almost the entire area below the machine room 7. However, a predetermined gap is formed around the four sides of the sub-base 13 between itself and the opposing side walls and partition wall 9 of the housing 3.

[0020] 2, a plurality of sub-base support members 15 equipped with vibration-isolating rubber are provided between the base 4 and the sub-base 13. The sub-base 13 is supported relative to the base 4 by each of the sub-base support members 15.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 1, in the machine room 7, a compressor 17, a water heat exchanger 19, a gas separator 21, a control box 23, etc. are provided above the sub-base 13.

[0022] The compressor 17 is, for example, a rotary compressor, and compresses a flammable refrigerant such as R290. As shown in FIG. 2, compressor legs 17a equipped with vibration-isolating rubber are provided at the bottom of the compressor 17. The compressor legs 17a are attached to the sub-base 13. The compressor legs 17a equipped with vibration-isolating rubber reduce vibrations of the compressor 17 that are transmitted to the sub-base 13. The sub-base 13 does not have any unnecessary through-holes except for holes for mounting devices such as the sub-base support member 15 and the compressor legs 17a. Therefore, the sub-base 13 basically has no through-holes after the devices are mounted.

[0023] The refrigerant compressed by the compressor 17 is sent to the water heat exchanger 19 or the outdoor heat exchanger 30 via a four-way valve (not shown). The compressor 17, the four-way valve (not shown), the water heat exchanger 19, the outdoor heat exchanger 30, the expansion valve (not shown), and the refrigerant piping connecting these components form a refrigerant circuit in which the refrigerant circulates.

[0024] Water heat exchanger 19 exchanges heat between the refrigerant and water (heat medium). After the water has exchanged heat with the refrigerant, gas (air, refrigerant, etc.) is separated from the water in gas separator 21, and then the water is guided to the indoor unit through water forward piping 25. After exchanging heat with indoor air in the indoor unit, the water is returned to water heat exchanger 19 through water return piping 26. In this way, water circulates between water heat exchanger 19 and the indoor unit via the water circuit.

[0025] The control box 23 has an airtight structure and houses electrical devices such as capacitors and coils inside. Furthermore, a terminal block equipped with electrical terminals (electrical devices) for receiving power from an external source is provided inside the control box 23. As such, the control box 23 is considered a potential ignition source in which electrical energy is present.

[0026] As in Fig. 1, Fig. 2 also shows the compressor 17, water heat exchanger 19, and gas separator 21. An accumulator 28 is shown to the side of the compressor 17. Also shown on the right side of Fig. 2 is the outdoor heat exchanger 30. As described above, the outdoor heat exchanger 30 is installed in the fan chamber 5 (see Fig. 1).

[0027] Although not shown, the base 4 has a drain hole at a position corresponding to the fan chamber 5. The drain hole is, for example, circular and has a diameter of, for example, 20 mm. The drain hole is provided in the lower surface, which is the lowest position of the flat plate portion 4b of the base 4. The lower surface is provided continuously throughout the machine chamber 7. The lower surface is inclined so that the drain hole faces downward. This allows the drain water to be discharged to the outside through the drain hole along the lower surface when condensed water adheres to equipment such as the outdoor heat exchanger 30 inside the housing 3 and flows downward.

[0028] 2, the base 4 is provided with one refrigerant discharge hole 34 at a position corresponding to the machine chamber 7. The refrigerant released into the machine chamber 7 is discharged to the outside (atmosphere) through the refrigerant discharge hole 34.

[0029] The refrigerant discharge hole 34 is, for example, circular, with a diameter of 30 mm or more, preferably about 60 mm. That is, the area of ​​the refrigerant discharge hole 34 is larger than the area of ​​the drain hole.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 2, the refrigerant discharge hole 34 is provided with a mesh 40 made of resin to prevent small animals such as insects from entering the inside of the housing 3 from the outside.

[0031] A refrigerant detection sensor 42 is provided below the machine room 7. The refrigerant detection sensor 42 detects the refrigerant leaked into the machine room 7 (refrigerant concentration). The detection output of the refrigerant detection sensor 42 is sent to a control device 50 (not shown in FIG. 2). The refrigerant detection sensor 42 is installed below the gas separator 21. The control device 50 will be described in detail later.

[0032] A water connection pipe 46 for introducing water from the water heat exchanger 19 is connected to the side of the gas separator body 21a.

[0033] 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of a control system of the outdoor unit control device according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the control device 50 includes a control unit 51 and a storage unit 52.

[0034] The control device 50 is composed of, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), and a computer-readable storage medium. A series of processes for realizing various functions is stored in a storage medium, for example, in the form of a program. The CPU reads this program into RAM and executes information processing and arithmetic operations to realize various functions. The program may be pre-installed in a ROM or other storage medium, provided in a state stored in a computer-readable storage medium, or distributed via wired or wireless communication means. Examples of computer-readable storage media include magnetic disks, magneto-optical disks, CD-ROMs, DVD-ROMs, and semiconductor memories.

[0035] The control unit 51 controls the rotation of a fan (outdoor fan) 61 provided in the outdoor unit 1 via the fan drive unit 62. The memory unit 52 stores information on the detection of refrigerant leakage from the refrigerant detection sensor 42 (refrigerant leakage detection information).

[0036] If the memory unit 52 stores refrigerant leakage detection information from the refrigerant detection sensor 42 when the outdoor unit 1 is powered on, the control unit 51 controls the fan drive unit 62 to start rotating the fan 61. Note that the memory unit 52 only stores refrigerant leakage detection information (especially information indicating that a refrigerant leak is occurring) that was input the previous time the power was turned on (the period from when the power was turned on to when it was turned off). In other words, the memory unit 52 does not store refrigerant leakage detection information that was input the previous time the power was turned on two or more times before the current time the power was turned on. It is also possible to change the rotation speed of the fan 61 depending on the detected refrigerant concentration.

[0037] Next, an example of a control method by the above-mentioned control device 50 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing a control method by the control device 50 of the outdoor unit of this embodiment.

[0038] In step S101, the refrigerant detection sensor 42 detects refrigerant that has leaked into the machine chamber 7, and detects refrigerant leakage into the outdoor unit 1. Information that the refrigerant detection sensor 42 has detected refrigerant leakage (refrigerant leakage detection information) is output to the control device 50.

[0039] In step S102, the control device 50 receives the refrigerant leakage detection information from the refrigerant detection sensor 42, detects the abnormality, and displays an abnormality message on a monitor or the like. Accordingly, under the control of the control unit 51, the fan 61 starts to rotate via the fan drive unit 62. The control device 50 also writes (stores) the refrigerant leakage detection information in the memory unit (CPU) 52 (storage step).

[0040] In step S103, the power supply (breaker) of the outdoor unit 1 is turned off. One reason for turning the power supply off after step S102 is that when an abnormality is displayed on the outdoor unit 1 due to refrigerant detection, the user turns the power supply off without fully understanding the content of the abnormality display. At this time, the refrigerant detection sensor 42 also stops.

[0041] In step S104, the outdoor unit 1 is powered on.

[0042] In step S105, the control device 50 checks whether or not there is refrigerant leakage detection information in the memory unit 52. If there is no refrigerant leakage detection information in the memory unit 52, the process proceeds to step S106, where the outdoor unit 1 is started up as normal. On the other hand, if there is refrigerant leakage detection information in the memory unit 52, the process proceeds to step S107, where the control unit 51 immediately starts rotating the fan 61 via the fan drive unit 62 (control step). In addition, an abnormality message is displayed on a monitor or the like.

[0043] In step S108, the refrigerant detection sensor 42 is activated. Since it takes time to activate the refrigerant detection sensor 42, in this embodiment, the fan 61 starts rotating before the refrigerant detection sensor 42 is activated.

[0044] In step S109, refrigerant detection sensor 42 detects refrigerant leakage into outdoor unit 1, and control device 50 determines whether or not there is a refrigerant leakage. If it is determined in step S109 that there is a refrigerant leakage, the process proceeds to step S110, and fan 61 continues to rotate. After a predetermined time has elapsed since the determination of whether or not there is a refrigerant leakage, detection by refrigerant detection sensor 42 and determination by control device 50 are performed again. In this way, steps S109 to S110 are repeated until it is determined in step S109 that there is no refrigerant leakage.

[0045] If it is determined in step S109 that there is no refrigerant leakage, the process proceeds to step S111, where the control unit 51 controls the fan 61 to stop rotating. The control device 50 also turns off the abnormality display that was being displayed on the monitor, etc. Thereafter, the outdoor unit 1 is started up as normal.

[0046] With the above-described configuration, this embodiment provides the following advantageous effects. The control device 50 of the outdoor unit 1 of this embodiment is equipped with a memory unit 52 that stores information indicating a refrigerant leak detected by the refrigerant detection sensor 42, which detects a refrigerant leak into the outdoor unit 1. Therefore, if the refrigerant detection sensor 42 detects a refrigerant leak, the memory unit 52 can store the information indicating the refrigerant leak even when the outdoor unit 1 is turned off. Furthermore, in the control device 50 of this embodiment, the control unit 51 starts rotation of the fan 61 if the memory unit 52 stores information indicating a refrigerant leak detected by the refrigerant detection sensor 42 when the outdoor unit 1 is turned on. Therefore, if a refrigerant leak is detected before the outdoor unit 1 is turned off and there is a risk of ignition due to the refrigerant leak, the control unit 51 can quickly start rotation of the fan 61. This reliably reduces the risk of ignition due to a refrigerant leak into the outdoor unit 1.

[0047] Furthermore, since the outdoor unit 1 of this embodiment is equipped with the above-mentioned control device 50, the risk of ignition due to refrigerant leaking into the outdoor unit 1 can be reliably reduced.

[0048] Furthermore, since the heat pump device of this embodiment is equipped with the above-described control device 50, the risk of ignition due to refrigerant leaking into the outdoor unit 1 can be reliably reduced.

[0049] The control method for the outdoor unit 1 of this embodiment also includes a storage step for storing information indicating that a refrigerant leak has occurred from the refrigerant detection sensor 42, which detects refrigerant leakage into the outdoor unit 1. Therefore, if the refrigerant detection sensor 42 detects a refrigerant leak, the information indicating the refrigerant leak can be stored in the storage step even if the outdoor unit 1 is turned off. In the control method of this embodiment, if the information indicating the refrigerant leak has been stored in the storage step when the outdoor unit 1 is turned on, the fan 61 starts rotating. Therefore, if a refrigerant leak is detected before the outdoor unit 1 is turned off and there is a risk of ignition due to the refrigerant leak, the fan 61 can be quickly started rotating. This reliably reduces the risk of ignition due to a refrigerant leak into the outdoor unit 1.

[0050] [Second embodiment] Next, an example of a control method by the outdoor unit control device according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing a control method by the outdoor unit control device 50 of this embodiment. In this embodiment, the memory unit 52 stores refrigerant leakage detection information when the concentration of refrigerant leaked into the outdoor unit 1 is equal to or higher than a certain concentration (when the concentration of refrigerant detected by the refrigerant detection sensor 42 is equal to or higher than a predetermined value). When the memory unit 52 stores the refrigerant leakage detection information, it also stores the time when the refrigerant leakage detection information was stored. The control unit 51 is configured not to start rotation of the fan 61 if a certain time has passed since the time when the outdoor unit 1 was powered on.

[0051] Step S201 is the same as step S101, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted. In step S202, the control device 50, which has received the refrigerant leakage detection information from the refrigerant detection sensor 42, detects an abnormality and displays an abnormality message on a monitor or the like. Accordingly, under the control of the control unit 51, the fan 61 starts to rotate via the fan drive unit 62.

[0052] In step S203, if the concentration of the refrigerant leaked into the outdoor unit 1 is equal to or higher than a certain concentration (if the concentration of the refrigerant detected by the refrigerant detection sensor 42 is equal to or higher than a predetermined value), the control device 50 writes (stores) the refrigerant leakage detection information in the memory unit (CPU) 52 (storage step). At this time, the memory unit 52 also stores the time when the refrigerant leakage detection information was stored.

[0053] Step S204 is the same as step S103, and step S205 is the same as step S104, so a description of these steps will be omitted.

[0054] In step S206, the control device 50 checks whether or not there is refrigerant leakage detection information in the memory unit 52. If there is no refrigerant leakage detection information in the memory unit 52, the process proceeds to step S207, and the outdoor unit 1 is started up as usual.

[0055] On the other hand, if refrigerant leak detection information is stored in memory unit 52, the process proceeds to step S208, where it is confirmed whether a certain period of time has passed since the time when the refrigerant leak detection information stored in memory unit 52 in step S203 was stored. The certain period of time is set to be the period of time at which it is determined that the refrigerant has already been stirred in outdoor unit 1. If the certain period of time has passed, the process proceeds to step S207, where the outdoor unit 1 is started as usual. On the other hand, if the certain period of time has not passed, the process proceeds to step S209, where rotation of fan 61 is started via fan drive unit 62 under the control of control unit 51 (control step). In addition, an abnormality message is displayed on a monitor or the like.

[0056] In step S210, the refrigerant detection sensor 42 is activated. Since it takes time to activate the refrigerant detection sensor 42, in this embodiment, the fan 61 starts rotating before the refrigerant detection sensor 42 is activated.

[0057] In step S211, the refrigerant detection sensor 42 detects a refrigerant leak into the outdoor unit 1, and the control device 50 determines whether a refrigerant leak exists. If it is determined in step S211 that a refrigerant leak exists, the process proceeds to step S212, where the fan 61 continues to rotate. After a predetermined time has elapsed since the determination of whether a refrigerant leak exists, detection by the refrigerant detection sensor 42 and determination by the control device 50 are performed again. In this way, steps S211 to S212 are repeated until it is determined in step S211 that no refrigerant leak exists.

[0058] If it is determined in step S211 that there is no refrigerant leakage, the process proceeds to step S213, where the control unit 51 controls the fan 61 to stop rotating. The control device 50 also turns off the abnormality display that was being displayed on the monitor, etc. Thereafter, the outdoor unit 1 is started up as normal.

[0059] With the above-described configuration, this embodiment provides the following advantageous effects. In the control device 50 of the outdoor unit 1 of this embodiment, the memory unit 52 stores information indicating that a refrigerant leak has been detected when the concentration of the refrigerant leaked into the outdoor unit 1 is equal to or higher than a certain concentration. In other words, when the concentration of the refrigerant leaked into the outdoor unit 1 is below a certain concentration, the risk of ignition is low, so the memory unit 52 can be configured not to store information indicating that a refrigerant leak has been detected. This allows the fan 61 to be configured not to rotate when the risk of ignition is low, and therefore allows the fan 61 to be rotated at a more necessary timing. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably reduce the risk of ignition due to a refrigerant leak while suppressing power consumption.

[0060] Even if the memory unit 52 stores information indicating that a refrigerant leak has been detected, if a certain amount of time has passed since the time the information indicating that a refrigerant leak was detected was stored when the outdoor unit 1 was turned on, the refrigerant may already be stirring inside the outdoor unit 1. In this case, the risk of ignition is low, so the control unit 51 can be configured not to start the rotation of the fan 61. That is, in this case, the outdoor unit 1 starts up as usual. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably reduce the risk of ignition due to a refrigerant leak while suppressing power consumption.

[0061] [Third embodiment] next, As a reference example An example of a control method performed by the outdoor unit control device according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing a control method performed by the outdoor unit control device 50 according to this embodiment. In this embodiment, the control unit 51 starts the rotation of the fan 61 when the outdoor unit 1 is powered on. That is, in this embodiment, the control unit 51 starts the rotation of the fan 61 immediately when the outdoor unit 1 is powered on, regardless of refrigerant leakage detection information from the refrigerant detection sensor 42. Therefore, in this embodiment, the memory unit 52 in the first and second embodiments is not an essential component.

[0062] In step S301, the power supply to the outdoor unit 1 is turned on. In step S302, the control unit 51 controls the fan drive unit 62 to start rotating the fan 61 (control step). That is, in this embodiment, the control unit 51 immediately starts rotating the fan 61 regardless of refrigerant leakage detection information from the refrigerant detection sensor 42.

[0063] In step S303, the refrigerant detection sensor 42 is activated. Since it takes time to activate the refrigerant detection sensor 42, in this embodiment, the fan 61 starts rotating before the refrigerant detection sensor 42 is activated.

[0064] In step S304, the refrigerant detection sensor 42 detects a refrigerant leak into the outdoor unit 1, and the control device 50 determines whether a refrigerant leak has occurred. If it is determined in step S304 that a refrigerant leak has occurred, the process proceeds to step S305, where the fan 61 continues to rotate. Accordingly, the control device 50 displays an abnormality message on a monitor or the like. After a predetermined time has elapsed since the determination of whether a refrigerant leak has occurred, the refrigerant detection sensor 42 and the control device 50 perform detection again. In this way, steps S304 to S305 are repeated until it is determined in step S304 that no refrigerant leak has occurred.

[0065] If it is determined in step S304 that there is no refrigerant leakage, the process proceeds to step S306, where the control unit 51 controls the fan 61 to stop rotating. The control device 50 also turns off the abnormality display that was being displayed on the monitor, etc. Thereafter, the outdoor unit 1 is started up as normal.

[0066] With the above-described configuration, this embodiment provides the following advantageous effects. In the control device 50 of the outdoor unit 1 of this embodiment, the control unit 51 starts rotation of the fan 61 when the power of the outdoor unit 1 is turned on. In this way, in the control device 50 of this embodiment, the fan is rotated regardless of whether or not there is a refrigerant leak into the outdoor unit 1, so the risk of ignition due to a refrigerant leak into the outdoor unit 1 can be reliably reduced.

[0067] Furthermore, in the control method for the outdoor unit 1 of this embodiment, the fan 61 starts to rotate when the power of the outdoor unit 1 is turned on in the control step. As such, in the control method of this embodiment, the fan rotates regardless of whether or not there is a refrigerant leak into the outdoor unit 1, so the risk of ignition due to a refrigerant leak into the outdoor unit 1 can be reliably reduced.

[0068] <Additional Notes> The outdoor unit control device described in the above-described embodiment can be understood, for example, as follows. The outdoor unit control device (50) according to the first aspect of the present disclosure includes a control unit (51) that controls rotation of a fan (61) provided in an outdoor unit (1), and a memory unit (52) that stores information indicating that a refrigerant leak has been detected from a refrigerant detection sensor (42) that detects leakage of the refrigerant into the outdoor unit. When the outdoor unit is powered on, if the memory unit stores information indicating that the refrigerant leak has been detected from the refrigerant detection sensor, the control unit starts rotation of the fan.

[0069] The outdoor unit control device disclosed herein includes a memory unit that stores information indicating a refrigerant leak detected by a refrigerant detection sensor that detects refrigerant leaks into the outdoor unit. Therefore, if the refrigerant detection sensor detects a refrigerant leak, the memory unit can store the information indicating the refrigerant leak even when the outdoor unit is turned off. Furthermore, in the outdoor unit control device disclosed herein, the control unit starts the fan if the memory unit stores information indicating a refrigerant leak detected by the refrigerant detection sensor when the outdoor unit is turned on. Therefore, if a refrigerant leak is detected before the outdoor unit is turned off and there is a risk of ignition due to the refrigerant leak, the control unit can quickly start the fan. This reliably reduces the risk of ignition due to a refrigerant leak inside the outdoor unit.

[0070] In the control device for an outdoor unit according to the second aspect of the present disclosure, in the first aspect, the memory unit stores information indicating that the refrigerant has leaked when the concentration of the refrigerant leaked into the outdoor unit is equal to or higher than a certain concentration.

[0071] In the outdoor unit control device disclosed herein, the memory unit stores information indicating that a refrigerant leak has been detected when the concentration of refrigerant leaked into the outdoor unit is equal to or greater than a certain concentration. In other words, if the concentration of refrigerant leaked into the outdoor unit is less than a certain concentration, the risk of ignition is low, so the memory unit can be configured not to store information indicating that a refrigerant leak has been detected. This allows the fan to be configured not to run when the risk of ignition is low, allowing the fan to be run at a more appropriate timing. This makes it possible to more reliably reduce the risk of ignition due to a refrigerant leak while suppressing power consumption.

[0072] In the outdoor unit control device according to the third aspect of the present disclosure, in the first or second aspect, when the memory unit stores information that a refrigerant leak has been detected, the memory unit stores the time when the information that a refrigerant leak has been detected, and the control unit does not start rotation of the fan if a certain amount of time has passed since the time when the outdoor unit is turned on.

[0073] Even if the memory unit stores information indicating a refrigerant leak, if a certain amount of time has passed since the time the information indicating the refrigerant leak was stored when the outdoor unit is turned on, the refrigerant may already be stirring inside the outdoor unit. In this case, the risk of ignition is low, so the control unit can be configured not to start the fan as described above. In other words, in this case, the outdoor unit starts up normally. Therefore, the risk of ignition due to a refrigerant leak can be more reliably reduced while suppressing power consumption.

[0074] The control device for an outdoor unit according to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure includes a control unit that controls the rotation of a fan provided in the outdoor unit, and the control unit starts the rotation of the fan when the outdoor unit is powered on.

[0075] In the outdoor unit control device disclosed herein, the control unit starts rotating the fan when the outdoor unit is powered on. In this way, the control device disclosed herein rotates the fan regardless of whether or not refrigerant is leaking into the outdoor unit, thereby reliably reducing the risk of ignition due to refrigerant leaking into the outdoor unit.

[0076] An outdoor unit according to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure includes a fan, a refrigerant detection sensor that detects leakage of refrigerant into the interior, and the outdoor unit control device according to any one of the first to fourth aspects.

[0077] The outdoor unit of the present disclosure is equipped with the above-described control device, and therefore can reliably reduce the risk of ignition due to refrigerant leaking into the outdoor unit.

[0078] A heat pump device according to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure includes an outdoor unit, a fan provided in the outdoor unit, a refrigerant detection sensor provided in the outdoor unit that detects leakage of refrigerant into the outdoor unit, an outdoor unit control device according to any one of the first to fourth aspects provided in the outdoor unit, and a heat utilization machine connected to the outdoor unit.

[0079] The heat pump device of the present disclosure includes the above-described control device, and therefore can reliably reduce the risk of ignition due to refrigerant leaking into the outdoor unit.

[0080] A control method for an outdoor unit according to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure is a control method for an outdoor unit equipped with a fan and a refrigerant detection sensor that detects refrigerant leakage into the unit, and includes a control step of controlling the rotation of the fan and a storage step of storing information on the detection of refrigerant leakage from the refrigerant detection sensor, and in the control step, when the power supply of the outdoor unit is turned on, if the storage step has stored information on the detection of refrigerant leakage from the refrigerant detection sensor, the fan starts rotating.

[0081] The outdoor unit control method of the present disclosure includes a storage step of storing information indicating a refrigerant leak detected by a refrigerant detection sensor that detects a refrigerant leak into the outdoor unit. Therefore, if the refrigerant detection sensor detects a refrigerant leak, the information indicating the refrigerant leak can be stored in the storage step even if the outdoor unit is turned off. Furthermore, in the control step, if the storage step stores information indicating a refrigerant leak detected by the refrigerant detection sensor when the outdoor unit is turned on, the control step starts the fan. Therefore, if a refrigerant leak is detected before the outdoor unit is turned off and there is a risk of ignition due to the refrigerant leak, the fan can be quickly started. This reliably reduces the risk of ignition due to a refrigerant leak into the outdoor unit.

[0082] A control method for an outdoor unit according to an eighth aspect of the present disclosure is a control method for an outdoor unit equipped with a fan and a refrigerant detection sensor that detects leakage of refrigerant into the outdoor unit, and includes a control step of controlling the rotation of the fan, in which the rotation of the fan starts when the outdoor unit is powered on.

[0083] In the control method for the outdoor unit of the present disclosure, the fan starts rotating when the power of the outdoor unit is turned on in the control step. In this way, the control method of the present disclosure rotates the fan regardless of whether or not refrigerant is leaking into the outdoor unit, thereby reliably reducing the risk of ignition due to refrigerant leaking into the outdoor unit. [Explanation of symbols]

[0084] 1 Outdoor unit 3. Housing 4. Bass 4a Base legs 4b Flat plate part 5 Fan Room 7 Machine room 9 Partition Wall 11 Fan opening 13 Sub-Bass 15 Sub-base support member 17 Compressor 17a Compressor legs 19 Water heat exchanger 21 Gas separator 21a Gas separator body 23 Control Box 25 Water supply pipe 26 Water return pipe 28 Accumulator 30 Outdoor heat exchanger 34 Refrigerant discharge hole 40 mesh 42 Refrigerant detection sensor 46 Water connection pipe 50 Control device 51 Control section 52 Storage section 61 Fan (outdoor fan) 62 Fan drive unit

Claims

1. a control unit that controls the rotation of a fan provided in the outdoor unit; a storage unit configured to store information indicating that a refrigerant leak has been detected from a refrigerant detection sensor configured to detect a refrigerant leak into the outdoor unit; Equipped with the control unit starts rotation of the fan when the storage unit stores information indicating that the refrigerant has leaked from the refrigerant detection sensor when the outdoor unit is powered on; the storage unit stores, when storing the information on the detection of the refrigerant leakage, a time when the information on the detection of the refrigerant leakage was stored; The control unit is a control device for an outdoor unit that does not start rotation of the fan if a certain time has passed since the time when the outdoor unit is turned on.

2. With fans, a refrigerant detection sensor that detects refrigerant leakage into the interior; The outdoor unit control device according to claim 1; An outdoor unit equipped with

3. The outdoor unit and a fan provided in the outdoor unit; a refrigerant detection sensor provided in the outdoor unit that detects leakage of refrigerant into the outdoor unit; The outdoor unit control device according to claim 1, which is provided in the outdoor unit; a heat utilization machine connected to the outdoor unit; A heat pump device comprising:

4. With fans, a refrigerant detection sensor that detects refrigerant leakage into the interior; A control method for an outdoor unit comprising: a control step of controlling the rotation of the fan; a storage step of storing information indicating that the refrigerant leaks from the refrigerant detection sensor has been detected; and In the control step, when the power supply of the outdoor unit is turned on, if the information indicating that the refrigerant leakage from the refrigerant detection sensor has been detected is stored in the storage step, the rotation of the fan is started, In the storing step, when the information on the detection of the refrigerant leakage is stored, the time when the information on the detection of the refrigerant leakage is stored is stored; In the control step, if a predetermined time has elapsed since the time when the power supply to the outdoor unit is turned on, the fan does not start rotating.

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