Fault diagnosis support device and fault diagnosis support method

Abstract

To solve a problem that even when an apparatus is normal, there is a possibility that a predetermined difference between a first state value and a second state value might cause a user to misunderstand failure of the apparatus.SOLUTION: A failure diagnosis support device 1 includes an output section 13 and a control section 19. The output section 13 displays a state of an apparatus included in a refrigeration cycle device 2. The control section 19 displays a first state value and a second state value on the output section 13. The first state value is an actual value of a state value. The second state value is a prediction value of a state value when the refrigeration cycle device 2 is performing a normal operation. The control section 19 determines whether or not the apparatus is normal. When there is a predetermined difference between the first state value and the second state value and when the apparatus is normal, the control section 19 displays first information 80 on the output section 13. The first information 80 is information indicating that the apparatus is normal.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a failure diagnosis support device and a failure diagnosis support method.

Background Art

[0002] As shown in Patent Document 1 (International Publication No. 2021-245898), there is a technique for displaying a first state value that is an actual value of a state value indicating the state of a device included in a diagnosis target, and a second state value that is a predicted value of the state value when the diagnosis target is operating normally.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] Even when the device is normal, a predetermined deviation may occur between the first state value and the second state value due to other factors. At this time, the user may misunderstand that the device is malfunctioning due to a predetermined deviation between the first state value and the second state value.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0004] The failure diagnosis support device according to the first aspect includes an output unit and a control unit. The output unit displays the state of the device included in the refrigeration cycle device. The control unit causes the output unit to display the first state value and the second state value. The first state value is the actual value of the state value. The state value indicates the state of the device. The second state value is the predicted value of the state value when the refrigeration cycle device is operating normally. The control unit determines whether the device is normal. When there is a predetermined deviation between the first state value and the second state value and the device is normal, the control unit causes the output unit to display the first information. The first information is information indicating that the device is normal. The device includes a sensor or a first device that operates based on an instruction value.

[0005] In the fault diagnosis support device of the first perspective, the control unit displays first information on the output unit when there is a predetermined discrepancy between the first state value and the second state value and the equipment is functioning normally. The first information is information indicating that the equipment is functioning normally. As a result, the fault diagnosis support device can prevent the user from mistakenly believing that the equipment is faulty when there is a predetermined discrepancy between the first state value and the second state value and the equipment is functioning normally.

[0006] The fault diagnosis support device of the second perspective is the fault diagnosis support device of the first perspective, wherein the status value includes a measurement value from a sensor, a value calculated from the measurement value from the sensor, or an indicated value.

[0007] A fault diagnosis support device of the third perspective is a fault diagnosis support device of the first or second perspective, in which the control unit identifies the reason for the predetermined discrepancy between the first and second state values ​​when there is a predetermined discrepancy between the first and second state values ​​and the equipment is functioning normally. The first information includes the reason for the discrepancy.

[0008] The third-party fault diagnosis support device, with this configuration, can provide the user with evidence that the equipment is functioning correctly.

[0009] The fourth-perspective fault diagnosis support device is a fault diagnosis support device for any one of the first, second, or third perspectives, and the control unit calculates the predicted range of state values ​​when the refrigeration cycle device is operating normally. The control unit displays the predicted range on the output unit.

[0010] The fourth-perspective fault diagnosis support device, with this configuration, can provide the user with further information to determine if an equipment malfunction has occurred.

[0011] The fifth-perspective fault diagnosis support device is a fault diagnosis support device for any one of the first, second, or fourth perspectives, and the control unit predicts the probability that the equipment is faulty. The control unit displays the probability on the output unit.

[0012] The fifth-perspective fault diagnosis support device, with this configuration, can provide the user with further information to determine if an equipment malfunction has occurred.

[0013] The sixth aspect of the fault diagnosis support method is a fault diagnosis support method performed by a fault diagnosis support device. The fault diagnosis support device comprises an output unit and a control unit. The output unit displays the status of the equipment included in the refrigeration cycle system. The fault diagnosis support method comprises a first step, a second step, and a third step. The first step displays a first status value and a second status value on the output unit. The first status value is the actual value of the status value. The status value indicates the status of the equipment. The second status value is a predicted value of the status value when the refrigeration cycle system is operating normally. The second step determines whether the equipment is normal or not. The third step displays first information on the output unit if there is a predetermined discrepancy between the first status value and the second status value and the equipment is normal. The first information is information indicating that the equipment is normal. The equipment includes a sensor or a first device that operates based on an indicated value. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] [Figure 1] This is a functional block diagram of the fault diagnosis support system. [Figure 2] This is a functional block diagram of the refrigeration cycle system. [Figure 3] This is a diagram showing the refrigerant circuit of a refrigeration cycle system. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of the output display. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of the output section displaying the failure probability. [Figure 6] This is a flowchart explaining the process of a fault diagnosis support system. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of the output section displaying the prediction range. [Figure 8] This figure shows another example of the output section displaying the prediction range. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0015] (1) Overall structure The fault diagnosis support device 1 assists in the fault diagnosis of equipment included in the refrigeration cycle device 2. Figure 1 is a functional block diagram of the fault diagnosis support device 1. Figure 2 is a functional block diagram of the refrigeration cycle device 2. As shown in Figure 1-2, the fault diagnosis support device 1 and the refrigeration cycle device 2 are communicated with each other via a network NW. The network NW is, for example, the Internet.

[0016] (2) Detailed configuration (2-1) Refrigeration cycle equipment The refrigeration cycle device 2 constitutes a vapor compression type refrigeration cycle and performs air conditioning of the target space. In this embodiment, the refrigeration cycle device 2 is a so-called multi-type air conditioning system for buildings. The refrigeration cycle device 2 may also be, for example, a water heater or the like.

[0017] Figure 3 shows the refrigerant circuit 50 of the refrigeration cycle device 2. As shown in Figure 3, the refrigeration cycle device 2 mainly comprises one or more indoor units 20, an outdoor unit 30, and a control unit 40. In Figure 3, one indoor unit 20 is depicted as a representative example. The indoor unit 20 and the outdoor unit 30 are connected by liquid refrigerant connecting pipes 51 and gas refrigerant connecting pipes 52, thereby forming the refrigerant circuit 50. The indoor unit 20 and the outdoor unit 30 are connected in a way that allows them to communicate with each other by a communication line 90.

[0018] (2-1-1) Indoor unit The indoor unit 20 is installed in the target space within the building where the refrigeration cycle device 2 is installed. The indoor unit 20 may be, for example, a ceiling-mounted unit, a ceiling-suspended unit, or a floor-standing unit. As shown in Figure 3, the indoor unit 20 mainly comprises an indoor heat exchanger 21, an indoor fan 22, an indoor expansion valve 23, an indoor control unit 29, and various sensors. The indoor unit 20 also has a liquid refrigerant pipe 57 connecting the liquid side end of the indoor heat exchanger 21 to a liquid refrigerant connecting pipe 51. The indoor unit 20 also has a gas refrigerant pipe 58 connecting the gas side end of the indoor heat exchanger 21 to a gas refrigerant connecting pipe 52.

[0019] The indoor heat exchanger 21 causes heat exchange between the refrigerant flowing through the indoor heat exchanger 21 and the air in the target space. The indoor heat exchanger 21 is, for example, a fin-and-tube type heat exchanger having a plurality of heat transfer fins and a plurality of heat transfer tubes.

[0020] The indoor fan 22 sucks the air in the target space into the indoor unit 20, causes heat exchange between the sucked air and the refrigerant in the indoor heat exchanger 21, and supplies the heat-exchanged air to the target space. The indoor fan 22 is, for example, a centrifugal fan such as a turbo fan or a sirocco fan. As shown in FIG. 3, the indoor fan 22 is driven by an indoor fan motor 22m. The rotational speed of the indoor fan motor 22m can be controlled by an inverter.

[0021] The indoor expansion valve 23 is a mechanism for adjusting the pressure and flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through the liquid refrigerant pipe 57. The indoor expansion valve 23 is provided in the liquid refrigerant pipe 57. The indoor expansion valve 23 is an electronic expansion valve whose opening degree can be adjusted.

[0022] The various sensors included in the indoor unit 20 include a liquid-side temperature sensor 61, a gas-side temperature sensor 62, and an indoor temperature sensor 63.

[0023] The liquid-side temperature sensor 61 measures the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the liquid refrigerant pipe 57. The liquid-side temperature sensor 61 is provided in the liquid refrigerant pipe 57. The liquid-side temperature sensor 61 is, for example, a thermistor.

[0024] The gas-side temperature sensor 62 measures the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the gas refrigerant pipe 58. The gas-side temperature sensor 62 is provided in the gas refrigerant pipe 58. The gas-side temperature sensor 62 is, for example, a thermistor.

[0025] The indoor temperature sensor 63 measures the temperature of the air in the target space sucked by the indoor unit 20. The indoor temperature sensor 63 is provided near the air suction port of the indoor unit 20. The indoor temperature sensor 63 is, for example, a thermistor.

[0026] The indoor control unit 29 is connected to various devices of the indoor unit 20, including the indoor fan motor 22m, indoor expansion valve 23, liquid-side temperature sensor 61, gas-side temperature sensor 62, and indoor temperature sensor 63, in a manner that allows communication.

[0027] The indoor control unit 29 has a control arithmetic unit and a memory device. The control arithmetic unit is a processor such as a CPU and a GPU. The memory device is a storage medium such as RAM, ROM, and flash memory. The control arithmetic unit reads a program stored in the memory device and controls the operation of various devices of the indoor unit 20 by performing predetermined calculation processing according to the program. The control arithmetic unit can also write calculation results to the memory device and read information stored in the memory device according to the program.

[0028] The indoor control unit 29 is configured to receive various signals transmitted from an operating remote control (not shown). These signals include, for example, signals to instruct the start or stop of operation, and signals related to various settings. These setting signals include, for example, signals related to the set temperature and airflow.

[0029] The indoor control unit 29 exchanges control signals and other information with the outdoor control unit 39 of the outdoor unit 30 via a communication line 90. The indoor control unit 29 and the outdoor control unit 39 work together to function as a control unit 40.

[0030] (2-1-2) Outdoor unit The outdoor unit 30 is installed on the rooftop or other location of the building where the refrigeration cycle device 2 is installed. As shown in Figure 3, the outdoor unit 30 mainly comprises a compressor 31, a flow path switching valve 32, an outdoor heat exchanger 33, an outdoor expansion valve 34, an accumulator 35, an outdoor fan 36, a liquid shut-off valve 37, a gas shut-off valve 38, an outdoor control unit 39, and various sensors. The outdoor unit 30 also has an intake pipe 54a, a discharge pipe 54b, gas refrigerant piping 54c, 54e, and liquid refrigerant piping 54d.

[0031] The suction pipe 54a connects the flow path switching valve 32 to the suction side of the compressor 31. An accumulator 35 is provided in the suction pipe 54a. The discharge pipe 54b connects the discharge side of the compressor 31 to the flow path switching valve 32. The gas refrigerant piping 54c connects the flow path switching valve 32 to the gas side end of the outdoor heat exchanger 33. The liquid refrigerant piping 54d connects the liquid side end of the outdoor heat exchanger 33 to the liquid refrigerant connecting pipe 51. An outdoor expansion valve 34 is provided in the liquid refrigerant piping 54d. A liquid shut-off valve 37 is provided at the connection between the liquid refrigerant piping 54d and the liquid refrigerant connecting pipe 51. The gas refrigerant piping 54e connects the flow path switching valve 32 to the gas refrigerant connecting pipe 52. A gas shut-off valve 38 is provided at the connection between the gas refrigerant piping 54e and the gas refrigerant connecting pipe 52. The liquid shut-off valve 37 and the gas shut-off valve 38 are valves that are opened and closed manually.

[0032] The compressor 31 draws in low-pressure refrigerant from the suction pipe 54a, compresses the refrigerant by a compression mechanism (not shown), and discharges the compressed refrigerant to the discharge pipe 54b. The compressor 31 is, for example, a positive displacement compressor such as a rotary or scroll type. The compression mechanism of the compressor 31 is driven by a compressor motor 31m. The rotational speed of the compressor motor 31m can be controlled by an inverter.

[0033] The flow path switching valve 32 is a mechanism that switches the flow path of the refrigerant between a third state and a fourth state. In the third state, the flow path switching valve 32 connects the suction pipe 54a to the gas refrigerant piping 54e and the discharge pipe 54b to the gas refrigerant piping 54c, as shown by the solid line in the flow path switching valve 32 in Figure 3. In the fourth state, the flow path switching valve 32 connects the suction pipe 54a to the gas refrigerant piping 54c and the discharge pipe 54b to the gas refrigerant piping 54e, as shown by the dashed line in the flow path switching valve 32 in Figure 3.

[0034] During cooling operation, the flow path switching valve 32 sets the refrigerant flow path to the third state. At this time, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 31 flows through the refrigerant circuit 50 in the order of outdoor heat exchanger 33, outdoor expansion valve 34, indoor expansion valve 23, indoor heat exchanger 21, and returns to the compressor 31. In the third state, the outdoor heat exchanger 33 functions as a condenser, and the indoor heat exchanger 21 functions as an evaporator.

[0035] During heating operation, the flow path switching valve 32 sets the refrigerant flow path to the fourth state. At this time, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 31 flows through the refrigerant circuit 50 in the order of indoor heat exchanger 21, indoor expansion valve 23, outdoor expansion valve 34, and outdoor heat exchanger 33, before returning to the compressor 31. In the fourth state, the outdoor heat exchanger 33 functions as an evaporator, and the indoor heat exchanger 21 functions as a condenser.

[0036] The outdoor heat exchanger 33 facilitates heat exchange between the refrigerant flowing through the outdoor heat exchanger 33 and the air surrounding the outdoor unit 30. The outdoor heat exchanger 33 is, for example, a fin-and-tube type heat exchanger having multiple heat transfer fins and multiple heat transfer tubes.

[0037] The outdoor expansion valve 34 is a mechanism for regulating the pressure and flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through the liquid refrigerant piping 54d. As shown in Figure 3, the outdoor expansion valve 34 is installed in the liquid refrigerant piping 54d. The outdoor expansion valve 34 is an electronically operated expansion valve with adjustable opening.

[0038] The accumulator 35 is a container with a gas-liquid separation function that separates the incoming refrigerant into gaseous refrigerant and liquid refrigerant. As shown in Figure 3, the accumulator 35 is installed in the suction pipe 54a. The refrigerant flowing into the accumulator 35 is separated into gaseous refrigerant and liquid refrigerant, and the gaseous refrigerant that collects in the upper space flows into the compressor 31.

[0039] The outdoor fan 36 draws outside air into the outdoor unit 30 and exchanges heat between the drawn-in air and the refrigerant in the outdoor heat exchanger 33. The outdoor fan 36 is, for example, an axial flow fan such as a propeller fan. As shown in Figure 3, the outdoor fan 36 is driven by an outdoor fan motor 36m. The rotational speed of the outdoor fan motor 36m can be controlled by an inverter.

[0040] The various sensors in the outdoor unit 30 include an intake pressure sensor 64, a discharge pressure sensor 65, an outdoor heat exchanger temperature sensor 66, an outdoor temperature sensor 67, and a current sensor 68.

[0041] The suction pressure sensor 64 measures the suction pressure of the compressor 31. The suction pressure sensor 64 is installed in the suction pipe 54a. The suction pressure is the refrigerant pressure corresponding to the evaporation pressure during cooling operation.

[0042] The discharge pressure sensor 65 measures the discharge pressure of the compressor 31. The discharge pressure sensor 65 is installed in the discharge pipe 54b. The discharge pressure is the refrigerant pressure corresponding to the condensation pressure during heating operation.

[0043] The outdoor heat exchanger temperature sensor 66 measures the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the outdoor heat exchanger 33. During cooling operation, the outdoor heat exchanger temperature sensor 66 measures the condensation temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the outdoor heat exchanger 33. During heating operation, the outdoor heat exchanger temperature sensor 66 measures the evaporation temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the outdoor heat exchanger 33. The outdoor heat exchanger temperature sensor 66 is installed in the outdoor heat exchanger 33. The outdoor heat exchanger temperature sensor 66 is, for example, a thermistor.

[0044] The outdoor temperature sensor 67 measures the temperature of the outdoor air drawn in by the outdoor unit 30. The outdoor temperature sensor 67 is installed near the air intake of the outdoor unit 30. The outdoor temperature sensor 67 is, for example, a thermistor.

[0045] The current sensor 68 measures the value of the current flowing through the compressor 31.

[0046] The outdoor control unit 39 is connected in a communication manner to various components of the outdoor unit 30, including the compressor motor 31m, flow path switching valve 32, outdoor expansion valve 34, outdoor fan motor 36m, suction pressure sensor 64, discharge pressure sensor 65, outdoor heat exchanger temperature sensor 66, outdoor temperature sensor 67, and current sensor 68.

[0047] The outdoor control unit 39 has a control arithmetic unit and a memory device. The control arithmetic unit is a processor such as a CPU and a GPU. The memory device is a storage medium such as RAM, ROM, and flash memory. The control arithmetic unit reads a program stored in the memory device and controls the operation of various devices of the outdoor unit 30 by performing predetermined calculation processing according to the program. The control arithmetic unit can also write calculation results to the memory device and read information stored in the memory device according to the program.

[0048] The outdoor control unit 39 exchanges control signals and other information with the indoor control unit 29 of the indoor unit 20 via a communication line 90. The outdoor control unit 39 and the indoor control unit 29 work together to function as a control unit 40.

[0049] (2-1-3) Control Unit The control unit 40 consists of an indoor control unit 29 and an outdoor control unit 39. The control unit 40 controls the operation of the entire refrigeration cycle system 2 by causing the control calculation devices of the indoor control unit 29 and the outdoor control unit 39 to execute programs stored in their respective memory devices.

[0050] As shown in Figure 2, the control unit 40 is communicatively connected to the indoor fan motor 22m, indoor expansion valve 23, liquid-side temperature sensor 61, gas-side temperature sensor 62, indoor temperature sensor 63, compressor motor 31m, flow path switching valve 32, outdoor expansion valve 34, outdoor fan motor 36m, suction pressure sensor 64, discharge pressure sensor 65, outdoor heat exchanger temperature sensor 66, outdoor temperature sensor 67, and current sensor 68. The control unit 40 is also communicatively connected to the fault diagnosis support device 1 via the network NW. The control unit 40 controls the operation of the equipment included in the refrigeration cycle device 2 based on signals received from the operating remote control via the indoor unit 20 and measured values ​​from various sensors.

[0051] The control unit 40 primarily performs cooling and heating operations. The control unit 40 also primarily has a data transmission function.

[0052] (2-1-3-1) Cooling operation When the control unit 40 receives an instruction to perform cooling operation via the indoor unit 20, for example from the operating remote control, it switches the flow path switching valve 32 to the third state. The control unit 40 then controls the compressor motor 31m, the outdoor expansion valve 34, the indoor expansion valve 23, etc., so that the evaporation temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the indoor heat exchanger 21 reaches the target evaporation temperature. The evaporation temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the indoor heat exchanger 21 is calculated, for example, from the measurement value (suction pressure) of the suction pressure sensor 64. The target evaporation temperature is set, for example, according to the set temperature received from the operating remote control.

[0053] As described above, by controlling the operation of various devices, the refrigerant flows through the refrigerant circuit 50 during cooling operation as follows.

[0054] When the compressor 31 is started, low-pressure gaseous refrigerant is drawn into the compressor 31 and compressed by the compressor 31 to become high-pressure gaseous refrigerant. The high-pressure gaseous refrigerant is sent to the outdoor heat exchanger 33 via the flow path switching valve 32, where it exchanges heat with the air around the outdoor unit 30 supplied by the outdoor fan 36 and condenses to become high-pressure liquid refrigerant. The high-pressure liquid refrigerant flows through the liquid refrigerant piping 54d and passes through the outdoor expansion valve 34. The high-pressure liquid refrigerant sent to the indoor unit 20 is reduced in pressure at the indoor expansion valve 23 to near the intake pressure of the compressor 31, becoming a gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant and sent to the indoor heat exchanger 21. In the indoor heat exchanger 21, the gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant exchanges heat with the air in the target space supplied to the indoor heat exchanger 21 by the indoor fan 22 and evaporates to become low-pressure gaseous refrigerant. Low-pressure gaseous refrigerant is sent to the outdoor unit 30 via the gaseous refrigerant communication pipe 52, and flows into the accumulator 35 via the flow path switching valve 32. The low-pressure gaseous refrigerant that flows into the accumulator 35 is again drawn into the compressor 31. The temperature of the air supplied to the indoor heat exchanger 21 decreases by heat exchange with the refrigerant flowing through the indoor heat exchanger 21, and the air cooled by the indoor heat exchanger 21 is blown into the target space.

[0055] (2-1-3-2) Heating operation When the control unit 40 receives an instruction to perform heating operation, for example, from the operating remote control via the indoor unit 20, it switches the flow path switching valve 32 to the fourth state. The control unit 40 then controls the compressor motor 31m, outdoor expansion valve 34, indoor expansion valve 23, etc., so that the condensation temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the indoor heat exchanger 21 reaches the target condensation temperature. The condensation temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the indoor heat exchanger 21 is calculated, for example, from the measured value (discharge pressure) of the discharge pressure sensor 65. The target condensation temperature is set, for example, according to the set temperature received from the operating remote control.

[0056] As described above, the operation of various devices is controlled so that during heating operation, the refrigerant flows through the refrigerant circuit 50 as follows.

[0057] When the compressor 31 is started, low-pressure gaseous refrigerant is drawn into the compressor 31 and compressed by the compressor 31 to become high-pressure gaseous refrigerant. The high-pressure gaseous refrigerant is sent to the indoor heat exchanger 21 via the flow path switching valve 32, where it exchanges heat with the air in the target space supplied to the indoor heat exchanger 21 by the indoor fan 22 and condenses to become high-pressure liquid refrigerant. The temperature of the air supplied to the indoor heat exchanger 21 rises as it exchanges heat with the refrigerant flowing through the indoor heat exchanger 21, and the air heated in the indoor heat exchanger 21 is blown out into the target space. The high-pressure liquid refrigerant that has passed through the indoor heat exchanger 21 is depressurized in the indoor expansion valve 23. The depressurized liquid refrigerant is sent to the outdoor unit 30 via the liquid refrigerant connecting pipe 51 and flows into the liquid refrigerant pipe 54d. The refrigerant flowing through the liquid refrigerant pipe 54d is depressurized to near the intake pressure of the compressor 31 in the outdoor expansion valve 34, becoming a gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant and flowing into the outdoor heat exchanger 33. The low-pressure, two-phase gas-liquid refrigerant that flows into the outdoor heat exchanger 33 exchanges heat with the air surrounding the outdoor unit 30 supplied by the outdoor fan 36, evaporating and becoming low-pressure gaseous refrigerant. The low-pressure gaseous refrigerant flows into the accumulator 35 via the flow path switching valve 32. The low-pressure gaseous refrigerant that flows into the accumulator 35 is then drawn back into the compressor 31.

[0058] (2-1-3-3) Data transmission function The control unit 40 transmits the operating data 83 of the equipment included in the refrigeration cycle unit 2 to the fault diagnosis support device 1. Hereinafter, the equipment that transmits the operating data 83 may be referred to as the target equipment.

[0059] The operating data 83 transmitted to the fault diagnosis support device 1 includes measured values ​​from sensors such as the liquid side temperature sensor 61, the gas side temperature sensor 62, the indoor temperature sensor 63, the suction pressure sensor 64, the discharge pressure sensor 65, the outdoor heat exchanger temperature sensor 66, the outdoor temperature sensor 67, and the current sensor 68. Hereinafter, sensors included in the target equipment group may be referred to as sensor A, sensor B, sensor C, etc.

[0060] Furthermore, the operating data 83 transmitted to the fault diagnosis support device 1 includes actual command values ​​for the first equipment that operates based on command values, such as the actual rotational speed of the indoor fan motor 22m, the actual opening degree of the indoor expansion valve 23, the actual rotational speed of the compressor motor 31m, the actual opening degree of the outdoor expansion valve 34, and the actual rotational speed of the outdoor fan motor 36m. Hereinafter, the first equipment included in the target equipment group may be referred to as the first equipment A, etc.

[0061] The control unit 40 transmits, for example, operating data 83 to the fault diagnosis support device 1 every 30 seconds.

[0062] (2-2) Fault diagnosis support device As shown in Figure 1, the fault diagnosis support device 1 mainly comprises a storage unit 11, an input unit 12, an output unit 13, a communication unit 14, and a control unit 19.

[0063] (2-2-1) Storage section The memory unit 11 is a storage device such as RAM, ROM, and HDD. The memory unit 11 stores programs executed by the control unit 19, as well as data necessary for program execution.

[0064] The memory unit 11 stores, in particular, the first prediction model 81 (described later), the second prediction model 82 (described later), operating data 83, and failure information 84 for each device included in the target device group. The failure information 84 includes the failure period for each device included in the target device group.

[0065] (2-2-2) Input section The input unit 12 consists of a keyboard and a mouse. Various commands and information can be input to the fault diagnosis support device 1 using the input unit 12.

[0066] The user uses the input unit 12 to input one or more devices from the target device group whose status is to be displayed on the output unit 13. Hereinafter, devices whose status is displayed on the output unit 13 may be referred to as diagnostic devices.

[0067] The user may input one or more sensors as diagnostic equipment, one or more first devices, or both sensors and first devices.

[0068] (2-2-3) Output section The output unit 13 is a monitor. The output unit 13 can display various data stored in the storage unit 11.

[0069] The output unit 13 displays the status of the diagnostic equipment (equipment included in the refrigeration cycle unit 2). The status of the diagnostic equipment is indicated by the status value in the first period P1. The first period P1 is a predetermined period of time preceding the time of the most recent operating data 83 acquired by the acquisition unit 191. If the diagnostic equipment is a sensor, the status value is the sensor's measured value. If the diagnostic equipment is the first device, the status value is the instruction value to the first device.

[0070] The status value consists of a first status value and a second status value. The first status value is the actual value of the status. The first status value is acquired by the acquisition unit 191. If the diagnostic device is a sensor, the first status value is the actual measured value of the sensor. If the diagnostic device is the first device, the first status value is the actual instruction value to the first device. The second status value is a predicted value of the status when the refrigeration cycle device 2 is operating normally. The second status value is predicted by the prediction unit 193. If the diagnostic device is a sensor, the second status value is a predicted value of the measured value of the sensor (normal predicted value of the sensor) when the refrigeration cycle device 2 is operating normally. If the diagnostic device is the first device, the second status value is a predicted value of the instruction value to the first device when the refrigeration cycle device 2 is operating normally.

[0071] (2-2-4) Communications Department The communication unit 14 is a network interface device for communicating with the refrigeration cycle device 2 via the network NW.

[0072] (2-2-5) Control Unit The control unit 19 is a processor such as a CPU or GPU. The control unit 19 reads and executes programs stored in the memory unit 11, and realizes various functions of the fault diagnosis support device 1. The control unit 19 can write calculation results to the memory unit 11 or read information stored in the memory unit 11 according to the program.

[0073] As shown in Figure 1, the control unit 19 mainly comprises an acquisition unit 191, a generation unit 192, a prediction unit 193, a determination unit 194, and a display unit 195 as functional blocks.

[0074] (2-2-5-1) Acquisition section The acquisition unit 191 acquires operating data 83 from the refrigeration cycle device 2. In other words, the acquisition unit 191 acquires the first state values ​​of the equipment included in the target equipment group from the refrigeration cycle device 2. To put it another way, the acquisition unit 191 acquires the measured values ​​of the sensors included in the target equipment group, and the actual instruction values ​​to the first equipment included in the target equipment group, from the refrigeration cycle device 2.

[0075] The acquisition unit 191 acquires the operation data 83 each time it is transmitted from the refrigeration cycle device 2 using the data transmission function of the control unit 40.

[0076] (2-2-5-2) Generation part The generation unit 192 generates a first prediction model 81 for each device included in the target device group. The first prediction model 81 predicts the second state value of the device included in the target device group.

[0077] If the target device is sensor A, the first prediction model 81 predicts the second state value of sensor A from, for example, the first state value of a device included in the group of target devices other than sensor A. At this time, the generation unit 192 generates the first prediction model 81 by learning the correspondence between the first state values ​​of the devices included in the group of target devices other than sensor A, which are acquired by the acquisition unit 191, and the first state value of sensor A.

[0078] If the target device is sensor A, the first prediction model 81 predicts the second state value of sensor A from, for example, the first state value of sensors included in the group of target devices other than sensor A. At this time, the generation unit 192 generates the first prediction model 81 by learning the correspondence between the first state values ​​of sensors included in the group of target devices other than sensor A, which are acquired by the acquisition unit 191, and the first state value of sensor A.

[0079] If the target device is the first device A, the first prediction model 81 predicts the second state value of the first device A from, for example, the first state values ​​of the devices included in the group of target devices other than the first device A. At this time, the generation unit 192 generates the first prediction model 81 by learning the correspondence between the first state values ​​of the devices included in the group of target devices other than the first device A, which are acquired by the acquisition unit 191, and the first state value of the first device A.

[0080] If the target device is the first device A, for example, the first prediction model 81 predicts the second state value of the first device A from the first state value of the first device included in the group of target devices other than the first device A. At this time, the generation unit 192 generates the first prediction model 81 by learning the correspondence between the first state value of the first device included in the group of target devices other than the first device A, which is acquired by the acquisition unit 191, and the first state value of the first device A.

[0081] Furthermore, the generation unit 192 generates a second prediction model 82. The second prediction model 82 predicts the failure probability (the probability that the equipment is failing) of each piece of equipment included in the target equipment group during the first period P1.

[0082] The second prediction model 82 predicts the failure probability of each device in the target device group during the first period P1, for example, based on the degree of deviation of each device in the target device group during the first period P1. The degree of deviation during the first period P1 is calculated, for example, by averaging the difference between the first state value and the second state value over the first period P1. The generation unit 192 generates the second prediction model 82 by learning, for example, the degree of deviation of each device in the target device group during a predetermined period and the failure information 84 of each device in the target device group during a predetermined period, in association with each other. The degree of deviation of each device in the target device group during a predetermined period is calculated using the first state value during the predetermined period acquired by the acquisition unit 191 and the second state value during the predetermined period predicted by the prediction unit 193.

[0083] The second prediction model 82 may, for example, predict the failure probability of each sensor included in the target equipment group during the first period P1 based on the degree of deviation of each sensor included in the target equipment group during the first period P1. Alternatively, the second prediction model 82 may, for example, predict the failure probability of each first device included in the target equipment group during the first period P1 based on the degree of deviation of each first device included in the target equipment group during the first period P1.

[0084] (2-2-5-3) Prediction Section The prediction unit 193 uses the first prediction model 81 to predict the second state value of each device included in the target device group.

[0085] The prediction unit 193 predicts a second state value for a predetermined period by inputting, for example, a first state value for a predetermined period acquired by the acquisition unit 191 into the first prediction model 81.

[0086] (2-2-5-4) Judgment section The determination unit 194 determines whether the diagnostic device is functioning correctly. In this embodiment, the determination unit 194 determines whether the diagnostic device is functioning correctly based on the first state value and the second state value.

[0087] The determination unit 194 calculates, for example, the degree of deviation for each device included in the target device group during the first period P1. The determination unit 194 inputs the degree of deviation for each device included in the target device group during the first period P1 into the second prediction model 82 to predict the failure probability of the diagnostic device during the first period P1. If the failure probability of the diagnostic device is less than the first threshold, the determination unit 194 determines that the diagnostic device is normal. If the failure probability of the diagnostic device is greater than or equal to the first threshold, the determination unit 194 determines that the diagnostic device is malfunctioning.

[0088] The determination unit 194 determines whether there is a predetermined discrepancy between the first state value and the second state value of the diagnostic device during the first period P1. For example, the determination unit 194 determines that there is a predetermined discrepancy between the first state value and the second state value if the degree of discrepancy in the first period P1 of the diagnostic device is greater than the second threshold. The determination unit 194 may also determine whether there is a predetermined discrepancy between the first state value and the second state value using, for example, a statistical index or relative error.

[0089] The determination unit 194 generates first information 80 if, during the first period P1, there is a predetermined discrepancy between the first state value and the second state value of the diagnostic device, and the diagnostic device is functioning normally. The first information 80 is information indicating that the diagnostic device is functioning normally.

[0090] The determination unit 194 identifies a reason for the discrepancy 85 that caused the predetermined discrepancy between the first state value and the second state value of the diagnostic device during the first period P1, provided that the diagnostic device is functioning normally. The first information 80 includes the reason for the discrepancy 85.

[0091] When the diagnostic device is functioning correctly, a predetermined discrepancy between the first and second state values ​​of the diagnostic device may occur, for example, due to a change in control of the diagnostic device caused by a malfunction in another device. In this case, the reason for the discrepancy 85 may be, for example, "a malfunction in sensor C caused the measured value of sensor C to increase, resulting in an increase in the actual instruction value to the first device A, and therefore the measured value of sensor A is greater than the normal predicted value."

[0092] When the diagnostic equipment is functioning correctly, a predetermined discrepancy between the first state value and the second state value of the diagnostic equipment occurs, for example, due to an abnormality in the refrigerant state. In this case, the reason for the discrepancy 85 is, for example, "due to a refrigerant deficiency, the degree of refrigerant superheating increased, causing the measured value of sensor A to be greater than the normal predicted value."

[0093] When the diagnostic equipment is functioning correctly, a predetermined discrepancy between the first and second state values ​​of the diagnostic equipment may occur due to relatively specific conditions, for example. In this case, the reason for the discrepancy 85 might be, for example, "due to low ambient temperature operation, the prediction accuracy of the normal predicted value has decreased, resulting in the measured value of sensor A being greater than the normal predicted value."

[0094] When the diagnostic equipment is functioning correctly, a predetermined discrepancy between the first and second state values ​​of the diagnostic equipment may occur due to, for example, temporary behavior or noise. In this case, the reason for the discrepancy 85 is, for example, "due to control reasons, the measured value of sensor A is temporarily greater than the normal predicted value."

[0095] When the diagnostic equipment is functioning correctly, a predetermined discrepancy between the first and second state values ​​of the diagnostic equipment occurs, for example, by inputting the measured value of a faulty sensor into the first prediction model 81 or the second prediction model 82. In this case, the reason for the discrepancy 85 is, for example, "due to a failure of sensor C, the measured value of sensor C becomes larger, and because the enlarged measured value of sensor C was used to calculate the predicted normal value of sensor A, there is a discrepancy between the measured value of sensor A and the predicted normal value."

[0096] The determination unit 194 may, for example, identify the reason for the deviation 85 using a correspondence table between the degree of deviation and the determination result for each device included in the target device group, which is stored in the memory unit 11 in advance, and the phenomenon that is occurring. The determination unit 194 may also identify the reason for the deviation 85 using, for example, statistical causal inference, SHAP analysis, etc. The determination unit 194 may also identify the reason for the deviation 85 using, for example, a statistical model, machine learning model, or deep learning model, etc., which has been prepared in advance, where the input is the first state value, second state value, or degree of deviation for each device included in the target device group, and the output is the reason for the deviation 85.

[0097] (2-2-5-5)Display section The display unit 195 displays the first and second state values ​​of the diagnostic device during the first period P1 on the output unit 13. The display unit 195 also displays the judgment result from the judgment unit 194 on the output unit 13.

[0098] Figure 4 shows an example of the display of the output unit 13. In Figure 4, the diagnostic device is sensor A. In graph G1 shown in Figure 4, the horizontal axis represents time, and the vertical axis represents the sensor's measured value (the state value of the diagnostic device). In graph G1, the actual measured value V1 of sensor A (the first state value of the diagnostic device) is shown by a solid line, and the normal predicted value V2 of sensor A (the second state value of the diagnostic device) is shown by a dashed line. Outside of graph G1, the judgment result of the judgment unit 194, "Normal," is displayed.

[0099] If, during the first period P1, there is a predetermined discrepancy between the first state value and the second state value of the diagnostic device, and the diagnostic device is functioning normally, the display unit 195 displays the first information 80 on the output unit 13.

[0100] The reason for deviation 85 may be displayed outside the graph showing the status of the diagnostic equipment, or it may be displayed when the user selects a simplified icon indicating the reason for deviation 85, or it may be displayed when the user selects a specific location.

[0101] In Figure 4, assuming there is a predetermined discrepancy between the measured value V1 of sensor A and the normal predicted value V2, and that sensor A is functioning normally, the reason for the discrepancy 85, "Due to a malfunction in sensor C, the measured value of sensor C increased, causing the actual instruction value to the first device A to rise, and therefore the measured value of sensor A is greater than the normal predicted value," is displayed outside of graph G1.

[0102] The display unit 195 may further display the failure probability of the diagnostic device during the first period P1, as predicted by the determination unit 194. Figure 5 shows an example of the display of the output unit 13 where the failure probability is displayed. In Figure 5, the failure probability is added to the determination result in Figure 4.

[0103] (3) Processing An example of the processing performed by the fault diagnosis support device 1 will be explained using the flowchart in Figure 6. As a prerequisite, the fault diagnosis support device 1 periodically acquires operating data 83 from the refrigeration cycle device 2.

[0104] As shown in step S1, the fault diagnosis support device 1 receives diagnostic equipment input from the user.

[0105] After completing step S1, as shown in step S2, the fault diagnosis support device 1 displays the first state value of the diagnostic equipment during the first period P1, acquired by the acquisition unit 191, on the output unit 13.

[0106] After completing step S2, as shown in step S3, the fault diagnosis support device 1 inputs the first state value for the diagnostic equipment during the first period P1, other than the diagnostic equipment, acquired by the acquisition unit 191, into the first prediction model 81 to predict the second state value for the diagnostic equipment during the first period P1, and displays the predicted second state value on the output unit 13.

[0107] Upon completion of step S3, as shown in step S4, the fault diagnosis support device 1 predicts the failure probability of the diagnostic device during the first period P1 by inputting the degree of deviation of each device included in the target device group during the first period P1 into the second prediction model 82.

[0108] After completing step S4, as shown in step S5, the fault diagnosis support device 1 determines whether the failure probability of the diagnostic equipment is less than the first threshold. If the failure probability of the diagnostic equipment is less than the first threshold, the process proceeds to step S6. If the failure probability of the diagnostic equipment is greater than or equal to the first threshold, the process proceeds to step S9.

[0109] When the system proceeds from step S5 to step S6, the fault diagnosis support device 1 determines that the diagnostic equipment is functioning normally and displays the determination result "normal" on the output unit 13.

[0110] After completing step S6, as shown in step S7, the fault diagnosis support device 1 determines whether the deviation of the diagnostic equipment during the first period P1 is greater than the second threshold. If the deviation of the diagnostic equipment during the first period P1 is greater than the second threshold, the process proceeds to step S8.

[0111] When the process proceeds from step S7 to step S8, the fault diagnosis support device 1 identifies a reason 85 for a predetermined discrepancy between the first state value and the second state value of the diagnostic device, and displays the identified reason 85 on the output unit 13.

[0112] When the system proceeds from step S5 to step S9, the fault diagnosis support device 1 determines that the diagnostic equipment is faulty and displays the determination result "faulty" on the output unit 13.

[0113] (4) Features (4-1) Conventionally, there is a technology that displays a first state value, which is the actual value of the state value indicating the status of the equipment included in the diagnostic target, and a second state value, which is the predicted value of the state value when the diagnostic target is operating normally.

[0114] Even when the equipment is functioning correctly, a predetermined discrepancy may occur between the first and second state values ​​due to other factors. In this case, the user may mistakenly believe that the equipment is malfunctioning because of the predetermined discrepancy between the first and second state values.

[0115] The fault diagnosis support device 1 of this embodiment comprises an output unit 13 and a control unit 19. The output unit 13 displays the status of the equipment included in the refrigeration cycle device 2. The control unit 19 displays a first status value and a second status value on the output unit 13. The first status value is the actual value of the status value. The status value indicates the status of the equipment. The second status value is a predicted value of the status value when the refrigeration cycle device 2 is operating normally. The control unit 19 determines whether the equipment is normal or not. If there is a predetermined discrepancy between the first status value and the second status value and the equipment is normal, the control unit 19 displays first information 80 on the output unit 13. The first information 80 is information indicating that the equipment is normal. The equipment includes a sensor or a first device that operates based on an indicated value.

[0116] In the fault diagnosis support device 1 of this embodiment, the control unit 19 displays first information 80 on the output unit 13 if there is a predetermined discrepancy between the first state value and the second state value and the equipment is functioning normally. The first information 80 is information indicating that the equipment is functioning normally.

[0117] As a result, the fault diagnosis support device 1 can prevent the user from mistakenly believing that the equipment is faulty when there is a predetermined discrepancy between the first state value and the second state value and the equipment is functioning normally.

[0118] (4-2) In the fault diagnosis support device 1 of this embodiment, the status value includes the sensor measurement value or the instruction value to the first device.

[0119] (4-3) In the fault diagnosis support device 1 of this embodiment, the control unit 19 identifies a reason 85 for the discrepancy that occurred between the first state value and the second state value, if there is a predetermined discrepancy between the first state value and the second state value and the equipment is functioning normally. The first information 80 includes the reason 85 for the discrepancy.

[0120] As a result, the fault diagnosis support device 1 can show the user evidence that the equipment is functioning correctly.

[0121] (4-4) In the fault diagnosis support device 1 of this embodiment, the control unit 19 predicts the failure probability (the probability that the equipment is malfunctioning). The control unit 19 displays the failure probability on the output unit 13.

[0122] As a result, the fault diagnosis support device 1 can provide the user with further information to determine if the equipment is faulty.

[0123] (4-5) The fault diagnosis support method of this embodiment is a fault diagnosis support method performed by a fault diagnosis support device 1. The fault diagnosis support device 1 comprises an output unit 13 and a control unit 19. The output unit 13 displays the status of the equipment included in the refrigeration cycle device 2. The fault diagnosis support method has a first step S2 to S3, a second step S4 to S6, S9, and a third step S7 to S8. In the first step S2, S3, a first status value and a second status value are displayed on the output unit 13. The first status value is the actual value of the status value. The status value indicates the status of the equipment. The second status value is a predicted value of the status value when the refrigeration cycle device 2 is operating normally. In the second step S4 to S6, S9, it is determined whether the equipment is normal or not. In the third step S7, S8, if there is a predetermined discrepancy between the first status value and the second status value and the equipment is normal, first information 80 is displayed on the output unit. The first piece of information 80 is information indicating that the device is functioning correctly. The device includes a sensor or a first device that operates based on indicated values.

[0124] (5) Variant (5-1) Variation 1A In this embodiment, the state value was either a sensor measurement or an instruction value to the first device. However, the state value may also be a value calculated from the sensor measurement. Values ​​calculated from the sensor measurement include, for example, the degree of superheating of the refrigerant, the degree of subcooling of the refrigerant, and COP (Coefficient of Performance). In this case, the first state value is calculated from the actual sensor measurement, and the second state value is calculated from the sensor's normal predicted value.

[0125] For example, if the value calculated from the sensor measurement is the refrigerant discharge superheat (discharge temperature - high-pressure equivalent saturation temperature), the second state value of the refrigerant discharge superheat may be calculated by "normal predicted value of discharge temperature - normal predicted value of high-pressure equivalent saturation temperature," or it may be calculated using a machine learning model that predicts the second state value of the refrigerant discharge superheat.

[0126] When the diagnostic equipment is functioning correctly, a predetermined discrepancy between the first and second state values ​​of the diagnostic equipment occurs, for example, when the measured value of a faulty sensor is used to calculate the COP. In this case, the reason for the discrepancy 85 is, for example, "due to the failure of sensor C, the measured value of sensor C becomes larger, and because the enlarged measured value of sensor C was used to calculate the actual value of COP, the actual value of COP is larger than the normal predicted value."

[0127] (5-2) Variation 1B In this embodiment, the fault diagnosis support device 1 predicted the failure probability of the diagnostic equipment using the second prediction model 82. However, the fault diagnosis support device 1 may also predict the failure probability of the diagnostic equipment by designing a scoring system for each failure based on the type of failure, the frequency of failure, the magnitude of the impact of the failure, etc. Alternatively, the fault diagnosis support device 1 may also predict the failure probability of the diagnostic equipment by using statistical indicators.

[0128] (5-3) Modification 1C In this embodiment, the fault diagnosis support device 1 displayed the reason for the discrepancy 85 as the first information 80. However, the display of the first information 80 may also include updating the display of the second status value to hide it, or updating the display of the second status value to gray out.

[0129] (5-4) Modification 1D The control unit 19 may calculate the predicted range of the state value when the refrigeration cycle device 2 is operating normally and display the predicted range on the output unit 13. The predicted range is displayed around the second state value as an interval representing the degree of confidence. The interval representing the degree of confidence indicates how accurate the prediction is or how much uncertainty is included in a particular prediction.

[0130] The control unit 19 calculates the prediction range using statistical methods, for example, by using the data distribution, standard deviation, and other statistical indicators.

[0131] Figure 7 shows an example of the display of the output unit 13, which displays the prediction range. In Figure 7, a diagonal line indicating the prediction range R1 is added to the normal prediction value V2 (second state value of the diagnostic device) of sensor A in Figure 4.

[0132] Figure 8 shows another example of the display of the output unit 13 where the prediction range is displayed. In Figure 8, the diagnostic device is sensor B. In the graph G2 shown in Figure 8, the measured value V3 of sensor B is shown by a solid line, and the normal predicted value V4 of sensor B is shown by a dashed line. In Figure 8, a diagonal line is drawn to indicate the prediction range R2, and the first information 80 is shown, which states, "Statistically, the measured value V3 of sensor B is within the range that the normal predicted value V4 of sensor B can take, therefore sensor B is normal."

[0133] As a result, the fault diagnosis support device 1 can provide the user with further information to determine if the equipment is faulty. For example, even if the first state value and the second state value are out of sync, the fault diagnosis support device 1 can indicate to the user that there is a high probability that the diagnostic equipment is functioning correctly if the first state value falls within the predicted range of the second state value.

[0134] (5-5) Modification 1E In this embodiment, the determination unit 194 predicts the failure probability of the diagnostic device in the first period P1 using the second prediction model 82, and determines whether the diagnostic device is functioning normally by comparing the failure probability with the first threshold. However, the determination unit 194 may also determine whether the diagnostic device is functioning normally using a third prediction model that directly predicts whether the diagnostic device is functioning normally.

[0135] The third prediction model predicts, for example, whether each device in the target device group is functioning normally during the first period P1, based on the degree of deviation of each device in the first period P1.

[0136] (5-6) Modification 1F In this embodiment, the determination unit 194 determined whether the diagnostic device was functioning normally based on the first and second state values. However, the determination unit 194 may determine whether the diagnostic device is functioning normally by other means.

[0137] The determination unit 194 may, for example, determine whether the diagnostic device is functioning normally based on a rule-based approach, as shown in Non-Patent Document 1. The determination unit 194 predicts whether the diagnostic device is functioning normally by, for example, processing the first state value of each device included in the target device group using a rule-based approach. The determination unit 194 may further identify the failure factors of the diagnostic device that it has determined to be malfunctioning, using a rule-based approach.

[0138] The determination unit 194 may determine whether the diagnostic device is functioning normally based on a first state value using statistical methods, machine learning, or deep learning, for example, as shown in Patent Document 2. The determination unit 194 predicts whether the diagnostic device is functioning normally by inputting the first state value of each device included in the target device group into a statistical model, machine learning model, or deep learning model. The determination unit 194 may also predict the failure probability of the diagnostic device by inputting the first state value of each device included in the target device group into a statistical model, machine learning model, or deep learning model, and determine whether the diagnostic device is functioning normally by comparing the failure probability with a third threshold. The determination unit 194 may further identify the failure factors of the diagnostic device that it has determined to be malfunctioning using statistical methods, machine learning, or deep learning.

[0139] (5-7) While embodiments of this disclosure have been described above, it should be understood that various modifications to the form and details are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure as described in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0140] 1. Fault diagnosis support device 2. Refrigeration cycle device 13 Output section 19 Ministry of Control 22m, 23, 31m, 34, 36m Machine No. 1 61~68 センサ 80 First Intelligence 85 Reasons for Deviation S2~S3 1st ステップ S4~S6,S9 2nd ステップ S7~S8 3rd ステップ [Preliminary Technology Documents] [License]

[0141] [License 1] International Publication No. 2021-245898 [License 2] International Publication No. 2018-092258 [Non-licensed Document 1] S.Katipamula,D.Ph.,R.Pratt,D.Chassin,Z.Taylor,K.Gowri,EP,Michael R.Brambley "Automated Fault Detection and Diagnostics for Outdoor-Air Ventilation Systems and Economizers: Methodology and Results from Field Testing" Published 1998 Engineering,Environmental Science

Claims

1. An output unit (13) that displays the status of the equipment included in the refrigeration cycle device (2), Control unit (19) and Equipped with, The control unit, The output unit displays a first state value, which is the actual value of the state value indicating the state of the equipment, and a second state value, which is a predicted value of the state value when the refrigeration cycle device is operating normally. Determine whether the aforementioned device is functioning correctly. If there is a predetermined discrepancy between the first state value and the second state value, and the device is functioning normally, first information (80) indicating that the device is functioning normally is displayed on the output unit. The aforementioned device includes sensors (61-68) or first devices (22m, 23, 31m, 34, 36m) that operate based on indicated values. The control unit, if there is a predetermined discrepancy between the first state value and the second state value and the device is functioning normally, identifies the reason (85) for the predetermined discrepancy between the first state value and the second state value. The first information includes the reason for the discrepancy, The control unit uses the first state value and the second state value of each of the devices included in the device to identify the reason for the discrepancy of the second device included in the device. The control unit determines that there is a predetermined discrepancy between the first state value and the second state value when the degree of discrepancy between the first state value and the second state value is greater than the second threshold, The control unit determines whether the device is functioning normally by inputting the degree of deviation into a prediction model. Fault diagnosis support device (1).

2. The state value includes the measured value of the sensor, a value calculated from the measured value of the sensor, or the indicated value. The fault diagnosis support device (1) according to claim 1.

3. The control unit, The predicted range of the state value is calculated when the refrigeration cycle device is operating normally. The prediction range is displayed on the output unit. The fault diagnosis support device (1) according to claim 1.

4. The control unit, Predict the probability that the aforementioned equipment is malfunctioning. The aforementioned probability is displayed on the output unit. The fault diagnosis support device (1) according to claim 1.

5. A fault diagnosis support method performed by a fault diagnosis support device (1) comprising an output unit (13) for displaying the status of equipment included in a refrigeration cycle device (2) and a control unit (19), A first step (S2 to S3) is to display on the output unit a first state value, which is the actual value of the state value indicating the state of the equipment, and a second state value, which is a predicted value of the state value when the refrigeration cycle device is operating normally. A second step (S4 to S6, S9) to determine whether the aforementioned device is functioning correctly, If there is a predetermined discrepancy between the first state value and the second state value, and the device is functioning normally, the third step (S7-S8) is to display first information (80) indicating that the device is functioning normally on the output unit, It has, The aforementioned device includes sensors (61-68) or first devices (22m, 23, 31m, 34, 36m) that operate based on indicated values. If there is a predetermined discrepancy between the first state value and the second state value, and the device is functioning normally, the reason for the discrepancy (85) between the first state value and the second state value is identified. The first information includes the reason for the discrepancy, Using the first state value and the second state value of each of the devices included in the aforementioned device, the reason for the discrepancy of the second device included in the aforementioned device is identified. If the degree of deviation between the first state value and the second state value is greater than the second threshold, it is determined that there is a predetermined deviation between the first state value and the second state value. By inputting the aforementioned deviation into a prediction model, it is determined whether or not the device is functioning normally. Fault diagnosis support methods.

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