Heat pump system management support device and management support program

Abstract

To allow a manager of a heat pump system to grasp a sign of a failure of a unit prior to the occurrence of the failure at the unit, and to allow the manager to grasp a sign of a failure of a system prior to the occurrence of the failure at the system.SOLUTION: A heat pump system 12 is constituted by including a unit group 14, and a system 16 including a plurality of units 14a is defined. A state data acquisition unit 48 acquires a detection value of a unit sensor 18 as unit state data, and acquires a detection value of a system sensor 20 as system state data. A pre-alarm output unit 54 outputs a pre-alarm prior to the occurrence of failures at the units 14a when an operation state indicated by the unit state data satisfies a unit pre-alarm condition 42, or outputs a pre-alarm prior to the occurrence of a failure at the system 16 when an operation state indicated by the system state data satisfies a system pre-alarm condition 44.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a management support device and a management support program for a heat pump system.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, it has been proposed to give a prior notice before a failure occurs in a heat pump or a similar device based on operation data thereof.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a monitoring system for an air conditioner that discriminates signs of refrigerant shortage, filter dirt, and other abnormalities of the air conditioner based on operation data of the air conditioner and outputs a preliminary signal.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] By the way, consider a heat pump system including a unit group that heats or cools a heat medium and circulates it, and in which a system including a plurality of units is defined. A system means a group of units that are units of control.

[0006] Even in such a heat pump system, when a sign of failure is found in a unit based on data indicating the operating state of each unit, it is useful to notify the administrator of the heat pump system or the like before a failure occurs in the unit. Thereby, it is possible to prevent failures of each unit.

[0007] Furthermore, in such heat pump systems, it is desirable to be able to notify the system in advance of a failure if signs of failure are observed in the system. This is because even if the system as a whole is not operating normally and is showing signs of failure, individual units may not show signs of failure, and even if a unit included in the system shows signs of failure, this does not necessarily mean that the system as a whole is failing.

[0008] In this specification, a failure means that a unit or system is unable to perform as expected. This includes the unit or system ceasing to operate.

[0009] The object of the present invention is to enable managers of heat pump systems to recognize signs of failure in a unit before a failure occurs in the unit, and to recognize signs of failure in a system before a failure occurs in the system. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The present invention comprises a group of units that heat or cool a heat transfer medium and circulate it, and defines a system comprising multiple units, from which unit status data indicating the operating status of each unit and the system The system obtained from the operating status of multiple units included in the system The heat pump system management support device is characterized by comprising: a status data acquisition unit that acquires system status data indicating the operating status of a unit; an operating status determination unit that determines whether the operating status indicated by the unit status data satisfies the pre-alarm conditions for the unit, and whether the operating status indicated by the system status data satisfies the pre-alarm conditions for the system; and a pre-alarm output unit that outputs a pre-alarm before a failure occurs in the unit when the operating status indicated by the unit status data satisfies the pre-alarm conditions for the unit, or outputs a pre-alarm before a failure occurs in the system when the operating status indicated by the system status data satisfies the pre-alarm conditions for the system.

[0011] Preferably, the pre-alarm conditions for the unit and the pre-alarm conditions for the system are different from each other.

[0012] Preferably, the system further includes a display control unit that displays a layout diagram of the facility in which the heat pump system is installed on a display, and displays a unit icon representing the unit at a position on the layout diagram corresponding to the installation location of the unit, wherein the pre-alarm output unit highlights the unit icon corresponding to the unit whose operating state satisfies the pre-alarm conditions for the unit.

[0013] Preferably, the system further includes a display control unit that displays a layout diagram of the facility in which the heat pump system is installed on a display, and displays a system icon indicating the system at a position on the layout diagram corresponding to the installation position of a plurality of units included in the system, wherein the pre-alarm output unit highlights the system icon corresponding to the system whose operating state satisfies the pre-alarm conditions for the system.

[0014] Preferably, the pre-alarm conditions for the unit include a plurality of conditions with a priority order, and the pre-alarm output unit outputs a pre-alarm in a manner that indicates the priority order of the plurality of conditions satisfied by the operating state when the operating state indicated by the unit status data satisfies the plurality of conditions of the pre-alarm conditions for the unit.

[0015] Preferably, the system pre-alarm conditions include a plurality of conditions with a priority order, and the pre-alarm output unit outputs a pre-alarm in a manner that indicates the priority order of the plurality of conditions satisfied by the operating state when the operating state indicated by the system status data satisfies the plurality of conditions of the system pre-alarm conditions.

[0016] Preferably, the pre-alarm output unit is characterized in that, when the operating state indicated by the unit status data satisfies the pre-alarm conditions for the unit, it outputs information indicating what should be checked regarding the unit, or when the operating state indicated by the system status data satisfies the pre-alarm conditions for the system, it outputs information indicating what should be checked regarding the system.

[0017] Preferably, the system further comprises a pre-alarm condition setting unit for setting at least one of the pre-alarm conditions for the unit or the pre-alarm conditions for the system.

[0018] Preferably, the pre-alarm condition setting unit is characterized by setting pre-alarm conditions for the unit based on the operating state of the unit during normal operation, or setting pre-alarm conditions for the system based on the operating state of the system during normal operation.

[0019] Preferably, the system further includes an operating condition modification unit that modifies the operating conditions of a unit based on the operating state when the operating state indicated by the unit status data satisfies the pre-alarm conditions for the unit, or modifies the operating conditions of a system based on the operating state when the operating state indicated by the system status data satisfies the pre-alarm conditions for the system.

[0020] Furthermore, the present invention comprises a computer configured with a group of units that heat or cool and circulate a heat transfer medium, and a heat pump system in which a system of multiple units is defined, and unit status data indicating the operating status of each unit, and the system The system obtained from the operating status of multiple units included in the systemA state data acquisition unit that acquires system state data indicating the operating state, an operating state determination unit that determines whether the operating state indicated by the unit state data satisfies the pre-alarm condition for the unit and whether the operating state indicated by the system state data satisfies the pre-alarm condition for the system, and when the operating state indicated by the unit state data satisfies the pre-alarm condition for the unit, outputs a pre-alarm prior to a failure occurring in the unit, or when the operating state indicated by the system state data satisfies the pre-alarm condition for the system, outputs a pre-alarm prior to a failure occurring in the system, and a heat pump system management support program characterized by functioning as a pre-alarm output unit.

Advantages of the Invention

[0021] According to the present invention, an administrator of a heat pump system or the like can grasp that signs of a failure can be seen in the unit prior to a failure occurring in the unit, and can grasp that signs of a failure can be seen in the system prior to a failure occurring in the system.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0022] [Figure 1] It is a schematic configuration diagram of a heat pump system according to the present embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a schematic configuration diagram of a management support device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 3] It is a diagram showing an example display of a layout diagram. [Figure 4] It is a diagram showing an example display of a unit dialog. [Figure 5] It is a diagram showing an example display of a system dialog. [Figure 6] It is a diagram showing an example display of a layout diagram in which a pre-alarm is shown. [Figure 7] It is a diagram showing an example display of a unit dialog in which a pre-alarm is shown. [Figure 8] It is a diagram showing an example display of a system dialog in which a pre-alarm is shown. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0023] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the configuration of the heat pump management support system 10 according to this embodiment. The heat pump management support system 10 is composed of a heat pump system 12. The heat pump system 12 is composed of a unit group 14. Each unit 14a included in the unit group 14 is composed of, for example, a pressure reducer, a compressor, and a heat exchanger, and is a device that heats or cools a heat transfer medium and circulates it. Specifically, unit 14a sends the heat transfer medium toward the object, heats or cools the heat transfer medium that has returned from the object, and sends it toward the object again. In this way, heat exchange takes place between the object and the heat transfer medium, and the function of maintaining a constant temperature of the object is performed. In this embodiment, each unit 14a included in the unit group 14 is a device of the same model number, but this is not necessarily required.

[0024] In this embodiment, the heat pump system 12 is an air conditioning system, and the object in question is the heat exchanger of an indoor unit for heating and cooling. However, the heat pump system 12 is not limited to an air conditioning system, nor is the object in question limited to a heat exchanger. Also, in this embodiment, water is used as the heat transfer medium, but the heat transfer medium may be a fluid other than water.

[0025] In the heat pump system 12, a system 16 containing multiple units 14a is defined. System 16 is a group that serves as a control unit by the controller 22 described later. For example, if the heat pump system 12 is installed in a shopping center with multiple buildings, multiple units 14a installed in one building are defined as one system 16. As shown in Figure 1, multiple systems 16 may be defined in the heat pump system 12. There may also be only one system 16. The definition of system 16 (which units 14a are included in which system 16) is set in advance by the administrator of the heat pump system 12 (hereinafter simply referred to as "administrator, etc.").

[0026] Each unit 14a is provided with a plurality of unit sensors 18 for acquiring data indicating the operating status of the unit 14a (referred to as "unit status data" in this specification). Examples of unit sensors 18 include a sensor for measuring the inlet water temperature, which is the temperature of the water (hereinafter simply referred to as "water") that has returned to the unit 14a as a heat transfer medium; a sensor for measuring the outlet water temperature, which is the temperature of the water discharged from the unit 14a; a sensor for measuring the flow rate of the water discharged from the unit 14a; a sensor for measuring the intake temperature, which is the temperature of the air that the unit 14a draws in for heat exchange with the water; a sensor for measuring the operating capacity, which indicates the cooling or heating capacity of the unit 14a; a sensor for measuring the high pressure of the unit 14a; or a sensor for measuring the low pressure of the unit 14a. However, the unit sensors 18 are not limited to these.

[0027] Furthermore, the heat pump system 12 is equipped with multiple system sensors 20 for acquiring data indicating the operating status of each system 16 (referred to as "system status data" in this specification). Examples of system sensors 20 include a sensor that measures the inlet water temperature, which is the temperature of the water used as a heat transfer medium that returns to system 16; a sensor that measures the outlet water temperature, which is the temperature of the water discharged from system 16; and a sensor that measures the load within the system. However, the system sensors 20 are not limited to these.

[0028] Furthermore, the heat pump system 12 includes a controller 22 that controls each unit 14a. The controller 22 is connected to each unit 14a, each unit sensor 18, and each system sensor 20 via a communication line such as a LAN (Local Area Network). The controller 22 controls each unit 14a based on settings set by an administrator or the like, the detected values ​​of the unit sensors 18, or the detected values ​​of the system sensors 20.

[0029] As described above, in the heat pump system 12, a system 16 is defined, so the controller 22 controls each unit 14a on a system 16 basis. Controlling each unit 14a on a system 16 basis means controlling multiple units 14a included in the system 16 so that the system 16 performs the desired function. For example, if the goal is to control the outlet water temperature to a predetermined temperature as a system 16, the controller 22 controls multiple units 14a included in the system 16 so that the outlet water temperature of the system 16 reaches the predetermined temperature. In this case, some of the multiple units 14a may not be in operation. Alternatively, the units 14a that are in operation may be rotated.

[0030] The heat pump management support system 10 includes a management support device 30 for the heat pump system 12. The management support device 30 is connected to each unit sensor 18, each system sensor 20, and the controller 22 via a communication line. The management support device 30 may also be integrated into the heat pump system 12. For example, the controller 22 may have the function of the management support device 30. The details of the management support device 30 will be described below.

[0031] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the configuration of the management support device 30. The management support device 30 consists of a computer, for example, installed in the control room of a facility where the heat pump system 12 is installed. However, the management support device 30 may be any device as long as it can perform the functions described below.

[0032] As will be explained in more detail later, the management support device 30 notifies administrators, etc., based on the operating status of unit 14a, prior to a failure occurring in unit 14a. In addition, the management support device 30 notifies administrators, etc., based on the operating status of system 16, prior to a failure occurring in system 16. In this specification, such notifications made prior to a failure occurring in unit 14a or system 16 are referred to as pre-alarms.

[0033] The communication interface 32 is configured to include, for example, a NIC (Network Interface Card). The communication interface 32 is connected to each unit sensor 18, each system sensor 20, and the controller 22 via a communication line, enabling communication between them.

[0034] The input interface 34 includes, for example, a mouse, keyboard, or touch panel. The input interface 34 is used to input instructions from an administrator or the like to the management support device 30.

[0035] The display 36 is comprised of, for example, a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) panel. Various screens are displayed on the display 36 in response to instructions from the processor 46 (particularly the display control unit 50), which will be described later.

[0036] The memory 38 is composed of components such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), eMMC (embedded Multi Media Card), ROM (Read Only Memory), or RAM (Random Access Memory). The memory 38 stores management support programs for operating each part of the management support device 30. The management support programs can also be stored on a computer-readable non-temporary storage medium such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory or CD-ROM. The management support device 30 can read and execute management support programs from such storage media. In addition, as shown in Figure 2, the memory 38 stores system information 40, unit pre-alarm conditions 42, and system pre-alarm conditions 44.

[0037] System information 40 is information relating to the heat pump system 12 targeted by the management support device 30. For example, system information 40 includes layout information showing the layout of the facility where the heat pump system 12 is installed, and unit information relating to each unit 14a included in the heat pump system 12. The unit information is a collection of interconnected information, such as a unit ID that identifies a unit 14a, the installation location of the unit 14a, and a system ID that identifies the system 16 to which the unit 14a belongs. If the unit group 14 includes multiple types of units 14a, the unit information may include the model number of the unit 14a.

[0038] The unit pre-alarm conditions 42 are conditions for outputting a pre-alarm, defined by the operating status of unit 14a. The unit pre-alarm conditions 42 may be predetermined by an administrator or the like, but they can also be set (changed) by the pre-alarm condition setting unit 56 described later.

[0039] The unit pre-alarm condition 42 may include multiple conditions. For example, the unit pre-alarm condition 42 may include the following conditions: (1) Lower limit of water flow rate The operating capacity of unit 14a is equal to or greater than the set value A1(%), and the water flow rate is equal to the set value B1(m³). 3 The following conditions persist for longer than the set value C1 (minutes): (2) Lower limit of supply water temperature During cooling, the operating capacity of unit 14a is equal to or greater than the set value A2(%), and the outlet water temperature is equal to or greater than the set value B2(°C) of the set water temperature during cooling. (3) High pressure rise 1 If the operating capacity of unit 14a during cooling is set to A3 (%) or higher, and the high pressure remains set to B3 (MPa) or higher for a period of C3 (minutes) or longer, (4) High pressure rise 2 During heating, the operating capacity of unit 14a is above the set value A4 (%), and the high pressure remains above the set value B4 (MPa) for a period of time of C4 (minutes) or longer. (5) Low pressure drop 1 If the operating capacity of unit 14a during cooling is set to A5 (%) or higher, and the low pressure remains below the set value B5 (MPa) for a period of C5 (minutes) or longer, this condition persists. (6) Low pressure drop 2 During heating, the operating capacity of unit 14a is above the set value A6 (%), and the low pressure remains below the set value B6 (MPa) for a period of C6 (minutes) or longer. (7) Intake temperature during cooling The operating capacity of unit 14a during cooling is set to A7 (%) or higher, and the outside air temperature (intake temperature) remains set to B7 (°C) or higher for a period of C7 (minutes) or longer. (8) Intake temperature during heating During heating, the operating capacity of unit 14a is above the set value A8 (%), and the condition where the outside air temperature (intake temperature) is below the set value B8 (°C) continues for a set value C8 (minutes) or longer. (9) High number of startups The number of times the compressor starts up is greater than or equal to the set value B9 (times) within the set value A9 (hours). (10) Too many times of defrosting During heating, defrosting was performed 10 times or more times within the set value A10 hours. (11) Maintenance Schedule Notice The cumulative operating time of the compressor is equal to or greater than the set value A11 (hours).

[0040] The pre-alarm conditions 42 for the unit are conditions for issuing a pre-alarm prior to a failure occurring in unit 14a. Therefore, it should be noted that each of the above conditions specified as the pre-alarm conditions 42 for the unit represents an operating state in which a failure has not occurred in unit 14a. In other words, the operating state of unit 14a specified in the pre-alarm conditions 42 for the unit is an operating state within the range that can be considered normal operation.

[0041] The multiple conditions included in the pre-alarm conditions 42 for the unit should be given priority by an administrator or similar person. For example, the conditions (1) to (11) above are given priority in the order of (1)>(2)>(3)=(4)>(5)=(6)>(7)>(8)>(9)>(10)>(11). That is, condition (1) lower limit of water flow rate has the highest priority, and condition (11) maintenance timing notice has the lowest priority. The priority of each condition is determined based on the likelihood of a failure occurring in the unit 14a when that condition is met, or whether a lower condition can be automatically resolved by repairing a higher-level condition when it is met.

[0042] The system pre-alarm conditions 44 are conditions for outputting a pre-alarm, defined by the operating status of the system 16. The system pre-alarm conditions 44 may also be predetermined by an administrator or the like, but they can also be set (changed) by the pre-alarm condition setting unit 56 described later.

[0043] The system pre-alarm condition 44 may include multiple conditions. For example, the system pre-alarm condition 44 may include the following conditions: (21) Upper limit of supply water temperature During cooling operation and cluster shutdown mode, if the representative value (e.g., average value) of the outlet water temperature remains above set value A21(°C) for a period of time equal to or greater than set value B21(minutes) Furthermore, "swarm shutdown on" means that multiple units 14a included in the system 16 are under control. (22) Supply water temperature lower limit During heating operation and cluster shutdown mode, the typical value of the outlet water temperature remains below the set value A22(°C) for a period of 22(minutes) or longer. (23) High load When a cluster shutdown is activated, the operating capacity of system 16 remains at or above the set value A23(%) for a period of time equal to or greater than the set value B23(minutes). (24)Low load When a cluster shutdown is activated, the operating capacity of system 16 remains below the set value A24(%) for a period of time equal to or less than the set value B24(minutes). (25) Hot water superheating When heating is in operation and cluster shutdown is on, if the operating capacity of system 16 is 0 (%) and the typical value of the outlet water temperature is set to set value A25 (°C) or higher for a period of set value B25 (minutes) or longer, (26) Driving cost calculation bias The difference between the maximum and minimum average cumulative operating times of the compressors for each unit 14a within system 16 exceeds the set value A26 (hours).

[0044] The system pre-alarm conditions 44 are conditions for issuing a pre-alarm prior to a failure occurring in system 16. Therefore, it should be noted that each of the above conditions specified as system pre-alarm conditions 44 represents an operating state in which a failure has not occurred in system 16. In other words, the operating state of system 16 specified in system pre-alarm conditions 44 is an operating state within the range that can be considered normal operation.

[0045] It is desirable that the administrator or other relevant personnel assign priority levels to the multiple conditions included in the system pre-alarm conditions 44. For example, in each of the above conditions (21) to (26), the priority levels are assigned in the order of (21)>(22)>(23)>(24)>(25)>(26). That is, condition (22), the lower limit of the supply water temperature, has the highest priority, and condition (26), the bias in accumulated operating time, has the lowest priority. The priority level of each condition is determined based on the likelihood of a failure occurring in the system 16 if that condition is met, or whether a lower-level condition can be automatically resolved by repairs made when a higher-level condition is met.

[0046] The pre-alarm conditions 42 for the units and the pre-alarm conditions 44 for the systems are different from each other. That is, the pre-alarms for each unit 14a and the pre-alarms for each system 16 are output under different conditions. This makes it possible to set the pre-alarm conditions 42 for the units to be suitable for each unit 14a, while setting the pre-alarm conditions 44 for the systems to be suitable for each system 16, depending on the operating environment of the heat pump system 12, for example.

[0047] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the unit pre-alarm conditions 42 for each unit 14a are the same, but the unit pre-alarm conditions 42 for multiple units 14a may be different from each other. In that case, the unit ID and the unit pre-alarm conditions 42 are associated and stored in the memory 38. Also, in this embodiment, the system pre-alarm conditions 44 for each system 16 are the same, but the system pre-alarm conditions 44 for multiple systems 16 may be different from each other. In that case, the system ID and the system pre-alarm conditions 44 are associated and stored in the memory 38.

[0048] The processor 46 is comprised of at least one of the following: a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), or an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array). The processor 46 may not consist of a single processing unit, but rather of multiple processing units located in physically separate locations working together. As shown in Figure 2, the processor 46 performs the functions of a status data acquisition unit 48, a display control unit 50, an operating status determination unit 52, a pre-alarm output unit 54, a pre-alarm condition setting unit 56, and an operating condition change unit 58, according to a management support program stored in the memory 38.

[0049] The status data acquisition unit 48 acquires unit status data and system status data from the heat pump system 12.

[0050] More specifically, the status data acquisition unit 48 acquires the detection values ​​of multiple unit sensors 18 provided on unit 14a as unit status data for unit 14a. Specifically, each unit sensor 18 periodically transmits the unit ID of the unit 14a to which the unit sensor 18 is attached, the detection item of the unit sensor 18, and the detection value of the unit sensor 18 to the management support device 30. This allows the status data acquisition unit 48 to acquire unit status data (the detection value of the unit sensor 18) for unit 14a indicated by the unit ID received from the unit sensor 18. Alternatively, the status data acquisition unit 48 may send a data transmission request to each unit sensor 18, causing each unit sensor 18 to transmit the unit ID and the detection value.

[0051] Furthermore, the status data acquisition unit 48 acquires the detection value of the system sensor 20 as system status data. Specifically, each system sensor 20 periodically transmits the system ID of the system 16 to which the system sensor 20 is attached, the detection item of the system sensor 20, and the detection value of the system sensor 20 to the management support device 30. This allows the status data acquisition unit 48 to acquire system status data (the detection value of the system sensor 20) for the system 16 indicated by the system ID received from the system sensor 20. Alternatively, the status data acquisition unit 48 may send a data transmission request to each system sensor 20, causing each system sensor 20 to transmit the system ID and the detection value.

[0052] Furthermore, the status data acquisition unit 48 acquires information from the controller 22 indicating the control status of each unit 14a and each system 16. The control status of unit 14a includes, for example, the operation control status (e.g., operation in control / operation stopped), the operation mode (e.g., cooling / heating), or the defrost mode (e.g., on / off). The control status of system 16 includes, for example, the operation control status (e.g., operation in control / operation stopped), the operation mode (e.g., cooling / heating), or the set water temperature during cooling, the set water temperature during heating, etc.

[0053] The display control unit 50 controls the display 36 to display various screens. In particular, the display control unit 50 displays on the display 36 a layout diagram showing the layout of the facility in which the heat pump system 12 is installed, and the placement of each unit 14a and system 16.

[0054] Figure 3 shows an example of the display of the layout diagram 60. Based on the layout information contained in the system information 40, the display control unit 50 displays the layout diagram 60 of the facility where the heat pump system 12 is installed (a shopping center in the example of Figure 3) on the display 36. Furthermore, based on the information containing the system information 40 that indicates the installation location of each unit 14a, the display control unit 50 displays a unit icon 62 representing each unit 14a at the position on the layout diagram 60 corresponding to the installation location of each unit 14a.

[0055] The display control unit 50 may display each unit icon 62 in a manner corresponding to the control status of each unit 14a obtained from the controller 22. For example, the unit icon 62 corresponding to a unit 14a that is operating normally may be displayed in a different manner than the unit icon 62 corresponding to a unit 14a that is not operating. In the example in Figure 3, the unit icon 62 corresponding to a unit 14a that is operating normally is shown in shaded form, while the unit icon 62 corresponding to a unit 14a that is not operating is shown in white.

[0056] Furthermore, the display control unit 50 displays a system icon 64 representing the system 16 at a position on the layout diagram 60 corresponding to the installation location of the multiple units 14a included in the system 16, based on the information in the system information 40 that indicates the system 16 to which each unit 14a belongs. In the example in Figure 3, since the units 14a corresponding to the five unit icons 62 shown belong to the same system 16, the system icon 64 corresponding to that system is displayed near the five unit icons 62. In Figure 3, only one system icon 64 corresponding to one system 16 is displayed, but multiple system icons 64 may be displayed.

[0057] The display control unit 50 may display each system icon 64 in a manner corresponding to the control status of each system 16 obtained from the controller 22. For example, the system icon 64 corresponding to a system 16 that is operating normally may be displayed in a different manner than the system icon 64 corresponding to a system 16 that is not operating.

[0058] When a unit icon 62 displayed on the display 36 is selected by an administrator or the like, the display control unit 50 displays a unit dialog 70 on the display 36, as shown in Figure 4, which aggregates information about the unit 14a corresponding to the selected unit icon 62.

[0059] The unit dialog 70 displays unit status data and control status related to the unit 14a. Specifically, when the unit icon 62 is selected by an administrator or the like, the display control unit 50 displays information indicating the control status of the unit 14a (e.g., operating status, operating mode, defrosting, etc.) obtained from the controller 22 in the unit dialog 70, and also displays unit status data, i.e., the detected values ​​from each unit sensor 18 provided in the unit 14a, in the unit dialog 70. If unit status data is periodically transmitted from the unit sensors 18, the display control unit 50 should sequentially update the unit status data displayed in the unit dialog 70.

[0060] The unit dialog 70 may include a pre-alarm condition setting button 72. By operating the pre-alarm condition setting button 72, administrators or others can set the unit's pre-alarm conditions 42. The processing that occurs when the pre-alarm condition setting button 72 is operated will be described later.

[0061] Furthermore, when a system icon 64 (see Figure 3) displayed on the display 36 is selected by an administrator or the like, the display control unit 50 displays a system dialog 80 on the display 36, as shown in Figure 5, which aggregates information about the system 16 corresponding to the selected system icon 64.

[0062] The system dialog 80 displays system status data and control status related to the system 16. Specifically, when the system icon 64 is selected by an administrator or the like, the display control unit 50 displays information indicating the control status of the system 16 (e.g., operating status, operation control status, operating mode, set water temperature, etc.) obtained from the controller 22 in the system dialog 80, and also displays system status data, i.e., the detected values ​​from each system sensor 20 installed in the system 16, in the system dialog 80. If system status data is periodically transmitted from the system sensors 20, the display control unit 50 should sequentially update the system status data displayed in the system dialog 80.

[0063] The system dialog 80 may include a pre-alarm condition setting button 82. By operating the pre-alarm condition setting button 82, administrators can set the system pre-alarm conditions 44. The processing that occurs when the pre-alarm condition setting button 82 is operated will be described later.

[0064] Returning to Figure 2, the operating state determination unit 52 compares the operating state of the unit 14a, indicated by the detected values ​​(in other words, unit state data) transmitted from the multiple unit sensors 18 provided on each unit 14a, with the unit pre-alarm conditions 42 to determine whether the operating state of the unit 14a satisfies the unit pre-alarm conditions 42. The operating state determination unit 52 may perform this determination periodically based on the operating state of each unit 14a, which is acquired periodically. If the unit pre-alarm conditions 42 for multiple units 14a are different from each other, the operating state determination unit 52 should compare the operating state of the unit 14a with the unit pre-alarm conditions 42 for that unit 14a.

[0065] As described above, the operating state of unit 14a as defined in the unit pre-alarm condition 42 is an operating state in which unit 14a can be said to be operating normally. Therefore, even if the operating state of unit 14a satisfies the unit pre-alarm condition 42, unit 14a may still be operating normally.

[0066] Furthermore, the operating status determination unit 52 compares the operating status of the system 16, indicated by the detected values ​​(in other words, system status data) transmitted from multiple system sensors 20 provided in each system 16, with the system pre-alarm conditions 44 to determine whether the operating status of the system 16 satisfies the system pre-alarm conditions 44. The operating status determination unit 52 may perform this determination periodically based on the operating status of each system 16, which is acquired periodically. If the system pre-alarm conditions 44 for multiple systems 16 are different from each other, the operating status determination unit 52 should compare the operating status of the system 16 with the system pre-alarm conditions 44 for that system 16.

[0067] As described above, the operating state of system 16 as defined in the system pre-alarm condition 44 is also an operating state in which system 16 can be said to be operating normally. Therefore, even if the operating state of system 16 satisfies the system pre-alarm condition 44, system 16 may still be operating normally.

[0068] The pre-alarm output unit 54 outputs a pre-alarm before a malfunction occurs in unit 14a when the operating state determination unit 52 determines that the operating state of unit 14a satisfies the pre-alarm conditions 42 for the unit.

[0069] There can be various ways in which the pre-alarm is output. For example, as shown in Figure 6, the pre-alarm output unit 54 may output a pre-alarm by highlighting the unit icon 62 corresponding to the unit 14a that satisfies the unit pre-alarm conditions 42 in the layout diagram 60. Specifically, the unit icon 62 corresponding to the unit 14a that satisfies the unit pre-alarm conditions 42 may be displayed in a different manner than the unit icons 62 corresponding to the units 14a that are operating normally and stopped. In the example in Figure 6, the unit icon 62 corresponding to the unit 14a that satisfies the unit pre-alarm conditions 42 is shown with diagonal hatching, but the manner of highlighting is not limited to this. The pre-alarm may also be output by sound instead of, or in addition to, display on the display 36.

[0070] This allows administrators to know, at the very least, that there is a unit 14a that satisfies the pre-alarm conditions 42 for the unit, and to know the installation location of that unit 14a. Therefore, administrators can take preventative measures (such as maintenance) to prevent a failure in the unit 14a before a failure occurs in the unit 14a. In other words, a failure in the unit 14a is prevented, and the unit 14a can continue to operate.

[0071] The pre-alarm output unit 54 may output a more detailed pre-alarm in the unit dialog 70 that is displayed when the unit icon 62 corresponding to the unit 14a that satisfies the unit pre-alarm conditions 42 is selected by an administrator or the like.

[0072] Specifically, as shown in Figure 7, the pre-alarm output unit 54 may display, in the operating status column 90 of the unit dialog 70, the conditions that the operating status of the unit 14a has met out of the unit pre-alarm conditions 42 which include multiple conditions.

[0073] Here, it is conceivable that the operating status of unit 14a may satisfy multiple conditions included in the unit pre-alarm conditions 42. In that case, the pre-alarm output unit 54 should output a pre-alarm in a manner that indicates the priority of the multiple conditions satisfied by the operating status of unit 14a. Typically, the pre-alarm output unit 54 displays only the condition with the highest priority among the multiple conditions satisfied by the operating status of unit 14a in the operating status column 90. For example, if the operating status of unit 14a satisfies two conditions of the unit pre-alarm conditions 42, namely (2) lower supply water temperature and (9) high number of starts, then since (2) lower supply water temperature has a higher priority than (9) high number of starts, the pre-alarm output unit 54 will display only "lower supply water temperature" in the operating status column 90. Alternatively, the pre-alarm output unit 54 may display the multiple conditions satisfied by the operating status of unit 14a in order of priority. This allows administrators and others to identify which of the multiple conditions met by the operational status of unit 14a require priority attention.

[0074] Furthermore, the pre-alarm output unit 54 may output information indicating what needs to be checked regarding unit 14a when the operating status of unit 14a satisfies the unit pre-alarm conditions 42. For example, as shown in Figure 7, the pre-alarm output unit 54 may display a message 92 in the unit dialog 70 indicating what needs to be checked based on the unit pre-alarm conditions 42 that the operating status of unit 14a has satisfied. This makes it easy for even an administrator unfamiliar with unit 14a maintenance to understand what needs to be checked.

[0075] Specifically, unit-specific confirmation information (not shown), which associates each condition included in the unit-specific pre-alarm conditions 42 with the content to be checked when that condition is met, is prepared in advance and stored in memory 38. When the operating status of unit 14a meets any of the conditions included in the unit-specific pre-alarm conditions 42, the pre-alarm output unit 54 refers to the unit-specific confirmation information to identify the content to be checked associated with the met condition and notifies the administrator or other relevant party of the identified content.

[0076] Furthermore, the pre-alarm output unit 54 outputs a pre-alarm before a failure occurs in the system 16 if the operating state determination unit 52 determines that the operating state of the system 16 satisfies the system pre-alarm conditions 44.

[0077] In this case as well, there may be various modes of output for the pre-alarm. For example, as shown in Figure 6, the pre-alarm output unit 54 may output a pre-alarm by highlighting the system icon 64 corresponding to the system 16 that satisfies the system pre-alarm conditions 44 in the layout diagram 60. Specifically, the system icon 64 corresponding to the system 16 that satisfies the system pre-alarm conditions 44 may be displayed in a different manner than the system icons 64 corresponding to systems 16 that are operating normally and systems that are stopped. In this case as well, the pre-alarm may be output by sound instead of, or in addition to, display on the display 36.

[0078] This allows administrators to know, at the very least, that there is a system 16 that satisfies the pre-alarm conditions 44 for the system, and to know the location of that system 16. Therefore, administrators can take preventative measures (such as maintenance) to prevent a failure in the system 16 before a failure occurs in that system 16. In other words, failures in the system 16 can be prevented, and the system 16 can continue to operate.

[0079] The pre-alarm output unit 54 may output a more detailed pre-alarm in the system dialog 80 that is displayed when the system icon 64 corresponding to the system 16 that satisfies the system pre-alarm conditions 44 is selected by an administrator or the like.

[0080] Specifically, as shown in Figure 8, the pre-alarm output unit 54 may display, in the operating status column 100 of the system dialog 80, the conditions that the operating status of the system 16 has met out of the system pre-alarm conditions 44 which include multiple conditions.

[0081] Here, it is conceivable that the operating status of system 16 may satisfy multiple conditions included in the system pre-alarm conditions 44. In that case, the pre-alarm output unit 54 should output a pre-alarm in a manner that indicates the priority of the multiple conditions satisfied by the operating status of system 16. Typically, the pre-alarm output unit 54 displays only the condition with the highest priority among the multiple conditions satisfied by the operating status of system 16 in the operating status column 100. For example, if the operating status of system 16 satisfies two conditions of the system pre-alarm conditions 44, (21) supply water temperature upper limit and (23) high load, since (21) supply water temperature upper limit has a higher priority than (23) high load, the pre-alarm output unit 54 will display only "supply water temperature upper limit" in the operating status column 100. Alternatively, the pre-alarm output unit 54 may display the multiple conditions satisfied by the operating status of system 16 in order of priority. This allows administrators to understand which of the multiple conditions satisfied by the operating status of system 16 need to be addressed with priority.

[0082] Furthermore, the pre-alarm output unit 54 may output information indicating what needs to be checked regarding system 16 when the operating status of system 16 satisfies the system pre-alarm conditions 44. For example, as shown in Figure 8, the pre-alarm output unit 54 may display a message 102 in the system dialog 80 indicating what needs to be checked based on the system pre-alarm conditions 44 that the operating status of system 16 has satisfied. This makes it easy for administrators who are unfamiliar with system 16 maintenance to understand what needs to be checked.

[0083] Specifically, system-specific confirmation information (not shown), which associates each condition included in the system-specific pre-alarm conditions 44 with the content to be checked when that condition is met, is prepared in advance and stored in memory 38. When the operating status of the system 16 meets any of the conditions included in the system-specific pre-alarm conditions 44, the pre-alarm output unit 54 refers to the system-specific confirmation information to identify the content to be checked associated with the met condition and notifies the administrator or other relevant party of the identified content.

[0084] Returning to Figure 2, the pre-alarm condition setting unit 56 sets the unit pre-alarm conditions 42. More specifically, the pre-alarm condition setting unit 56 can set the unit pre-alarm conditions 42 based on input from an administrator or the like. For example, in the unit dialog 70 shown in Figure 4, when an administrator or the like operates the pre-alarm condition setting button 72, the display control unit 50 displays a screen for inputting the unit pre-alarm conditions 42 on the display 36. The administrator or the like enters the desired conditions on this screen, and the pre-alarm condition setting unit 56 sets the unit pre-alarm conditions 42 according to that input.

[0085] Furthermore, the pre-alarm condition setting unit 56 may be configured to automatically set the unit pre-alarm conditions 42 based on the operating state of the unit 14a during normal operation. Specifically, first, the status data acquisition unit 48 acquires unit status data of the unit 14a during normal operation from the unit sensor 18 provided on the unit 14a, which has been confirmed to be operating normally. Note that the unit status data during normal operation may vary depending on the operating environment of the heat pump system 12 or each unit 14a. The pre-alarm condition setting unit 56 sets the unit pre-alarm conditions 42 based on the unit status data of the unit 14a during normal operation. For example, (1) Lower limit of water flow rate The operating capacity of unit 14a is equal to or greater than the set value A1(%), and the water flow rate is equal to the set value B1(m³). 3 The following conditions persist for longer than the set value C1 (minutes): Under these conditions, the set value B1 can be set to a value that is a predetermined value lower than the water flow rate X during normal operation. This allows for the setting of appropriate pre-alarm conditions 42 for the unit, depending on the operating environment of the heat pump system 12 or unit 14a.

[0086] Furthermore, the pre-alarm condition setting unit 56 sets the system pre-alarm conditions 44. Specifically, the pre-alarm condition setting unit 56 can set the system pre-alarm conditions 44 based on input from an administrator or the like. For example, in the system dialog 80 shown in Figure 5, when an administrator or the like operates the pre-alarm condition setting button 82, the display control unit 50 displays a screen for inputting the system pre-alarm conditions 44 on the display 36. The administrator or the like enters the desired conditions on this screen, and the pre-alarm condition setting unit 56 sets the system pre-alarm conditions 44 according to the input.

[0087] Furthermore, the pre-alarm condition setting unit 56 may be configured to automatically set the system pre-alarm conditions 44 based on the operating state of the system 16 during normal operation. Specifically, first, the status data acquisition unit 48 acquires system status data of the system 16 during normal operation from the system sensor 20 installed in the system 16 that has been confirmed to be operating normally. Note that the system status data during normal operation may vary depending on the operating environment of the heat pump system 12 or each system 16. The pre-alarm condition setting unit 56 sets the system pre-alarm conditions 44 based on the system status data of the system 16 during normal operation. For example, (21) Upper limit of supply water temperature During cooling operation and cluster shutdown mode, if the representative value (e.g., average value) of the outlet water temperature remains above set value A21(°C) for a period of time equal to or greater than set value B21(minutes) Under these conditions, the set value A21 can be set to a value that is a predetermined value higher than the typical value Y of the outlet water temperature during normal operation. This allows for the setting of appropriate pre-alarm conditions 44 for the system, depending on the operating environment of the heat pump system 12 or the system 16.

[0088] The operating condition change unit 58 changes the operating conditions of unit 14a based on the operating state when the operating state determination unit 52 determines that the operating state of unit 14a satisfies the pre-alarm conditions 42 for the unit. Specifically, the operating condition change unit 58 changes the operating conditions of unit 14a to conditions that make it less likely for unit 14a to fail, in other words, conditions that extend the operating time until a failure occurs, based on the operating state that satisfies the pre-alarm conditions 42 for the unit. This makes it possible to extend the operating time from when a pre-alarm is output until a failure occurs in unit 14a.

[0089] Specifically, unit operation condition information (not shown) is prepared in advance and stored in memory 38, which associates each condition included in the unit pre-alarm conditions 42 with the operating conditions of unit 14a when those conditions are met. When the operating state of unit 14a meets any of the conditions included in the unit pre-alarm conditions 42, the operation condition change unit 58 refers to the unit operation condition information to identify the operating conditions associated with the met condition, and operates unit 14a with the identified operating conditions.

[0090] Furthermore, depending on the usage environment of unit 14a, it may be desirable that the operating conditions of unit 14a remain unchanged even when the operating status of unit 14a satisfies the unit pre-alarm condition 42. Therefore, it would be beneficial if an administrator or other user could configure whether or not to allow the operating conditions of unit 14a to be changed by the operating conditions change unit 58.

[0091] Furthermore, the operating condition change unit 58 changes the operating conditions of system 16 based on the operating state when the operating state determination unit 52 determines that the operating state of system 16 satisfies the system pre-alarm conditions 44. Specifically, the operating condition change unit 58 changes the operating conditions of system 16 to an operating state that satisfies the system pre-alarm conditions 44, so that failures are less likely to occur in system 16, in other words, so that the operating time until a failure occurs is extended. This makes it possible to extend the operating time from when a pre-alarm is output until a failure occurs in system 16.

[0092] Specifically, system operation condition information (not shown) is prepared in advance and stored in memory 38, which associates each condition included in the system pre-alarm conditions 44 with the operating conditions of system 16 when those conditions are met. When the operating state of system 16 meets any of the conditions included in the system pre-alarm conditions 44, the operation condition change unit 58 refers to the system operation condition information to identify the operating conditions associated with the met condition, and operates system 16 with the identified operating conditions.

[0093] Furthermore, depending on the usage environment of system 16, it may be desirable that the operating conditions of system 16 remain unchanged even when the operating status of system 16 satisfies the system pre-alarm conditions 44. Therefore, it would be beneficial if an administrator or other user could configure whether or not to allow the operating conditions of system 16 to be changed by the operating conditions change unit 58.

[0094] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0095] 10 Heat pump management line-of-sight system, 12 Heat pump system, 14 Unit group, 14a Unit, 16 System, 18 Unit sensor, 20 System sensor, 22 Controller, 30 Management support device, 32 Communication interface, 34 Input interface, 36 Display, 38 Memory, 40 System information, 42 Pre-alarm conditions for unit, 44 Pre-alarm conditions for system, 46 Processor, 48 Status data acquisition unit, 50 Display control unit, 52 Operating status determination unit, 54 Pre-alarm output unit, 56 Pre-alarm condition setting unit, 58 Operating condition change unit, 60 Layout diagram, 62 Unit icon, 64 System icon, 70 Unit dialog, 72,82 Pre-alarm condition setting button, 80 System dialog, 90,100 Operating status field, 92,102 Message.

Claims

1. A state data acquisition unit acquires unit state data indicating the operating status of each unit, and system state data indicating the operating status of the system obtained from the operating status of the multiple units included in the system, from a heat pump system which is configured to include a group of units that heat or cool and circulate a heat transfer medium, and a system including multiple units is defined. An operating state determination unit that determines whether the operating state indicated by the unit state data satisfies the pre-alarm conditions for the unit, and whether the operating state indicated by the system state data satisfies the pre-alarm conditions for the system, A pre-alarm output unit that outputs a pre-alarm before a failure occurs in a unit when the operating state indicated by the unit status data satisfies the pre-alarm conditions for the unit, or outputs a pre-alarm before a failure occurs in a system when the operating state indicated by the system status data satisfies the pre-alarm conditions for the system, A management support device for a heat pump system, characterized by comprising the following features.

2. The pre-alarm conditions for the unit and the pre-alarm conditions for the system are different from each other. A management support device for a heat pump system according to feature 1.

3. A display control unit that displays a layout diagram of the facility in which the heat pump system is installed on a display, and displays a unit icon representing the unit at a position on the layout diagram corresponding to the installation location of the unit. Furthermore, The pre-alarm output unit highlights the unit icon corresponding to the unit whose operating state satisfies the pre-alarm conditions for the unit. A management support device for a heat pump system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. A display control unit that displays a layout diagram of the facility in which the heat pump system is installed on a display, and displays system icons indicating the system at positions on the layout diagram corresponding to the installation positions of the multiple units included in the system. Furthermore, The pre-alarm output unit highlights the system icon corresponding to the system whose operating state satisfies the system pre-alarm conditions. A management support device for a heat pump system according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The pre-alarm conditions for the unit include a number of conditions with priority, The pre-alarm output unit outputs a pre-alarm in a manner that indicates the priority order of the multiple conditions that the operating state satisfies when the operating state indicated by the unit status data satisfies multiple conditions of the pre-alarm conditions for the unit. A management support device for a heat pump system according to claim 1 or 2.

6. The aforementioned pre-alarm conditions for the system include a plurality of conditions with priority assigned to them. The pre-alarm output unit outputs a pre-alarm in a manner that indicates the priority order of the multiple conditions that the operating state satisfies when the operating state indicated by the system status data satisfies multiple conditions for the system pre-alarm conditions. A management support device for a heat pump system according to claim 1 or 2.

7. The pre-alarm output unit outputs information indicating what needs to be checked for a unit when the operating status indicated by the unit status data satisfies the pre-alarm conditions for the unit, or outputs information indicating what needs to be checked for a system when the operating status indicated by the system status data satisfies the pre-alarm conditions for the system. A management support device for a heat pump system according to claim 1 or 2.

8. A pre-alarm condition setting unit for setting at least one of the pre-alarm conditions for the unit or the pre-alarm conditions for the system. A management support device for a heat pump system according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising the above.

9. The pre-alarm condition setting unit sets pre-alarm conditions for the unit based on the operating state of the unit during normal operation, or sets pre-alarm conditions for the system based on the operating state of the system during normal operation. The management support device for a heat pump system according to feature 8.

10. An operating condition changing unit that, when the operating state indicated by the unit status data satisfies the pre-alarm conditions for the unit, changes the operating conditions of the unit based on that operating state, or when the operating state indicated by the system status data satisfies the pre-alarm conditions for the system, changes the operating conditions of the system based on that operating state. A management support device for a heat pump system according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising the above.

11. Computers, A state data acquisition unit acquires unit state data indicating the operating status of each unit, and system state data indicating the operating status of the system obtained from the operating status of the multiple units included in the system, from a heat pump system comprising a group of units that heat or cool and circulate a heat transfer medium, wherein the system comprises a heat pump system in which multiple units are defined into a system, An operating state determination unit that determines whether the operating state indicated by the unit state data satisfies the pre-alarm conditions for the unit, and whether the operating state indicated by the system state data satisfies the pre-alarm conditions for the system, A pre-alarm output unit that outputs a pre-alarm before a failure occurs in a unit when the operating state indicated by the unit status data satisfies the pre-alarm conditions for the unit, or outputs a pre-alarm before a failure occurs in a system when the operating state indicated by the system status data satisfies the pre-alarm conditions for the system, A management support program for a heat pump system, characterized by its function as such.

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