Server device, refrigeration cycle system, management method, and management program

Abstract

The present invention achieves a mechanism for the rental of a refrigerant. This server device comprises a control unit and a storage unit, the control unit: acquiring a refrigerant amount of a refrigerant sealed in a refrigeration cycle device, and an identifier for identifying the refrigeration cycle device; determining a cost corresponding to the refrigerant amount; and storing the refrigerant amount, the cost, and the identifier in association with each other in the storage unit.

Description

Server device, refrigeration cycle system, management method and management program

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a server device, a refrigeration cycle system, a management method, and a management program.

[0002] With the global trend toward fluorocarbon regulations, it is expected that raw materials for fluorocarbon-based refrigerants will become scarce, and market prices are currently rising. For this reason, there is a demand for efficient refrigerant recycling in refrigeration cycle systems.

[0003] One possible mechanism for efficiently recycling refrigerants is to rent refrigerants to users of refrigeration cycle systems, because separating the equipment and the refrigerant in a refrigeration cycle system makes it easier to manage the amount of refrigerant.

[0004] Meanwhile, various techniques have been proposed so far as techniques for managing the amount of refrigerant.

[0005] International Publication No. 2019 / 234824

[0006] However, conventional management techniques only focus on the decline in refrigeration capacity that accompanies a decrease in the amount of refrigerant after operation has started, and do not manage the initial amount of refrigerant that should be managed when renting the refrigerant. As a result, conventional management techniques have the problem of being unable to determine the rental fee, which should be determined at the time of renting the refrigerant before operation begins.

[0007] The present disclosure provides a server device, a refrigeration cycle system, a management method, and a management program for realizing a refrigerant rental mechanism.

[0008] A first aspect of the present disclosure is a server device including a control unit and a memory unit, wherein the control unit acquires a refrigerant amount of a refrigerant sealed in a refrigeration cycle device and an identifier that identifies the refrigeration cycle device, determines a cost corresponding to the refrigerant amount, and stores the refrigerant amount, the cost, and the identifier in association with each other in the memory unit.

[0009] According to the first aspect of the present disclosure, a server device that realizes a refrigerant rental system can be provided.

[0010] A second aspect of the present disclosure is the server device according to the first aspect, wherein the control unit notifies a manager of the refrigeration cycle device of the cost.

[0011] A third aspect of the present disclosure is the server device according to the first or second aspect, wherein the control unit acquires the amount of refrigerant to be used in the refrigeration cycle device from among the refrigerants sealed in the refrigeration cycle device before starting operation of the refrigeration cycle device.

[0012] A fourth aspect of the present disclosure is the server device according to the third aspect, wherein the amount of refrigerant sealed in the refrigeration cycle device includes the amount of refrigerant that was previously filled in the refrigeration cycle device before the refrigeration cycle device was installed and the amount of refrigerant that was replenished before the refrigeration cycle device was installed and started to operate.

[0013] A fifth aspect of the present disclosure is a server device according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the control unit permits operation of the refrigeration cycle device on condition that the fee has been paid, and the refrigeration cycle device starts operation when operation is permitted.

[0014] A sixth aspect of the present disclosure is a refrigeration cycle system including: a first control unit that manages a refrigeration cycle device; and a server device having a second control unit that communicates with the first control unit and a memory unit, wherein the second control unit acquires, via the first control unit, the amount of refrigerant of the refrigerant sealed in the refrigeration cycle device and an identifier that identifies the refrigeration cycle device; determines a cost corresponding to the amount of refrigerant; and stores the amount of refrigerant, the cost, and the identifier in association with each other in the memory unit.

[0015] According to the sixth aspect of the present disclosure, a refrigeration cycle system that realizes a refrigerant rental mechanism can be provided.

[0016] A seventh aspect of the present disclosure is the refrigeration cycle system according to the sixth aspect, wherein the refrigeration cycle device measures the amount of refrigerant in the sealed refrigerant, associates the measured amount of refrigerant with the identifier, and transmits the measured amount of refrigerant to the second control unit via the first control unit.

[0017] An eighth aspect of the present disclosure is a refrigeration cycle according to the sixth or seventh aspect, wherein the amount of refrigerant sealed in the refrigeration cycle device includes the amount of refrigerant that was previously filled in the refrigeration cycle device before the refrigeration cycle device was installed and the amount of refrigerant that was replenished before the refrigeration cycle device was installed and started to operate.

[0018] A ninth aspect of the present disclosure is a management method, in which a control unit acquires an amount of refrigerant sealed in a refrigeration cycle device and an identifier that identifies the refrigeration cycle device, determines a cost corresponding to the amount of refrigerant, and stores the amount of refrigerant, the cost, and the identifier in a memory unit in association with each other.

[0019] According to a ninth aspect of the present disclosure, a management method for realizing a refrigerant rental system can be provided.

[0020] A tenth aspect of the present disclosure is a management program that causes a control unit to execute the following process: acquire a refrigerant amount of a refrigerant sealed in a refrigeration cycle device and an identifier that identifies the refrigeration cycle device; determine a cost corresponding to the refrigerant amount; and store the refrigerant amount, the cost, and the identifier in a memory unit in association with each other.

[0021] According to a tenth aspect of the present disclosure, a management program for realizing a refrigerant rental system can be provided.

[0022] FIG. 1 is a first diagram showing an example of a system configuration of a refrigeration cycle system. FIG. 2A is a diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of a refrigeration cycle device. FIG. 2B is a diagram showing an example of a system configuration of a refrigeration cycle device. FIG. 3A is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a server device and a network terminal. FIG. 3B is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a controller of a refrigeration cycle device. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of a server device. FIG. 5 is a first diagram showing a specific example of a cost calculation process performed by a refrigerant amount acquisition unit, a cost determination unit, and a notification unit of the server device. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a specific example of an operation permission / refusal management process performed by a payment information acquisition unit and an operation management unit of the server device. FIG. 7 is an example of a first sequence diagram showing a processing flow of a refrigeration cycle system. FIG. 8 is a second diagram showing an example of a system configuration of a refrigeration cycle system. FIG. 9 is a second diagram showing a specific example of a cost calculation process performed by a refrigerant amount acquisition unit, a cost determination unit, and a notification unit of the server device. FIG. 10 is an example of a second sequence diagram showing a processing flow of a refrigeration cycle system.

[0023] Hereinafter, each embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this specification and drawings, components having substantially the same functional configuration are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0024] [First embodiment] <System configuration of refrigeration cycle system> First, the system configuration of a refrigeration cycle system according to the first embodiment will be described. Fig. 1 is a first diagram showing an example of the system configuration of a refrigeration cycle system. As shown in Fig. 1, a refrigeration cycle system 100 includes a server device 110, a network terminal 120, and refrigeration cycle devices 130_1 to 130_N (N is an integer of 2 or more).

[0025] In the refrigeration cycle system 100, the server device 110 and the network terminal 120 are communicatively connected via a network 150. In addition, in the refrigeration cycle system 100, the network terminal 120 and the refrigeration cycle devices 130_1 to 130_N are communicatively connected via a network (not shown).

[0026] The server device 110 manages the refrigeration cycle devices 130_1 to 130_N. In the first embodiment, the server device 110 acquires and manages the amount of refrigerant (initial amount) charged in each of the refrigeration cycle devices 130_1 to 130_N at the time of installing each of the refrigeration cycle devices 130_1 to 130_N and performing start-up processing.

[0027] At the time of performing the start-up process, the amount of refrigerant (initial charged amount) charged in each of the refrigeration cycle devices 130_1 to 130_N includes: - the amount of refrigerant that was previously filled in each of the refrigeration cycle devices 130_1 to 130_N before the installation of each of the refrigeration cycle devices 130_1 to 130_N; and - the amount of refrigerant that was replenished after the installation of each of the refrigeration cycle devices 130_1 to 130_N and before operation was started. In other words, the initial charged amount is an appropriate amount of refrigerant for operating the refrigeration cycle device.

[0028] The length and diameter of the refrigerant pipes of each of the refrigeration cycle devices 130_1 to 130_N are ultimately determined by the installation work of each of the refrigeration cycle devices 130_1 to 130_N. Therefore, if, as a result of the installation work, the length of the refrigerant pipes is longer than expected and refrigerant needs to be replenished, the worker 170 replenishes the refrigerant on site using the refrigerant charging device 160. Specifically, the refrigerant is replenished by connecting a refrigerant cylinder of the refrigerant charging device 160 to a refrigerant replenishment service port provided in the outdoor unit of each of the refrigeration cycle devices 130_1 to 130_N.

[0029] At this time, the amount of the refrigerant replenished is measured by the measuring instrument 161. The amount of the refrigerant replenished measured by the measuring instrument 161 is manually input to, for example, an operator terminal (not shown) owned by the operator 170. As a result, the amount of the refrigerant replenished is transmitted to the refrigeration cycle apparatuses 130_1 to 130_N, the network terminal 120, or the server device 110 via the operator terminal.

[0030] The server device 110 determines a cost corresponding to the initial charging amount for each of the refrigeration cycle devices 130_1 to 130_N based on the acquired initial charging amount of refrigerant. The server device 110 also stores the initial charging amount and the determined cost in association with an identifier that identifies each of the refrigeration cycle devices 130_1 to 130_N. This allows the server device 110 to manage the cost determined based on the initial charging amount as a rental fee for renting the refrigerant.

[0031] The server device 110 transmits the cost determined based on the initial charged amount to the owner terminal 140 of the owner 141 (an example of an administrator) of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 130_1 to 130_N. This allows the owner 141 of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 130_1 to 130_N to pay the rental cost for the refrigerant rental to the seller of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 130_1 to 130_N.

[0032] The network terminal 120 transmits information received from each of the refrigeration cycle apparatuses 130_1 to 130_N to the server device 110 via the network 150. In addition, the network terminal 120 transmits information received from the server device 110 via the network 150 to the refrigeration cycle apparatuses 130_1 to 130_N.

[0033] For example, when the network terminal 120 receives the amount of refrigerant that was previously filled from the refrigeration cycle apparatus 130_1, the network terminal 120 transmits the amount to the server device 110 via the network 150. Also, assume that the amount of refrigerant that was replenished, measured by the measuring device 161, is transmitted to the refrigeration cycle apparatus 130_1 via an operator terminal (not shown) owned by the operator 170. Alternatively, assume that the amount of refrigerant that was replenished, measured by the measuring device 161, is transmitted to the network terminal 120 via an operator terminal (not shown) owned by the operator 170. In this case, the network terminal 120 also transmits the amount of refrigerant that was replenished to the server device 110.

[0034] The refrigeration cycle devices 130_1 to 130_N are devices that condition the air in a target space by utilizing a refrigeration cycle that circulates thermal energy. As described above, the refrigeration cycle devices 130_1 to 130_N are pre-filled with refrigerant, and the required amount of refrigerant is replenished using a refrigerant charging device 160 during installation. When the refrigeration cycle devices 130_1 to 130_N are able to communicate with the network terminal 120 during installation, they transmit the amount of refrigerant pre-filled in their own devices to the network terminal 120. Furthermore, when the required amount of refrigerant is replenished using the refrigerant charging device 160 and the amount of refrigerant replenished is notified to the refrigeration cycle devices 130_1 to 130_N via an operator terminal (not shown) owned by an operator 170, the refrigeration cycle devices 130_1 to 130_N receive this notification. Furthermore, the refrigeration cycle devices 130_1 to 130_N also transmit the received amount of refrigerant (the amount of refrigerant replenished) to the network terminal 120.

[0035] The owner terminal 140 is a terminal owned by an owner 141 of the refrigeration cycle system 100. The owner terminal 140 communicates with the server device 110 via the network 150. As a result, the owner terminal 140 receives from the server device 110 the cost corresponding to the initial amount of refrigerant charged in each of the refrigeration cycle devices 130_1 to 130_N. The owner 141 pays the received cost to the company that owns the refrigerant as a rental fee for renting the refrigerant.

[0036] In this way, in conventional refrigeration cycle systems, the cost of the pre-filled refrigerant was included in the cost of the refrigeration cycle device, so the initial amount of refrigerant charged was not managed. However, the server device 110 of the first embodiment: - Manages the initial amount of refrigerant charged, which should be managed when renting a refrigerant, and - Determines the rental fee, which should be determined at the time of renting the refrigerant before operation begins.

[0037] As a result, the server device 110 according to the first embodiment can realize a refrigerant rental system.

[0038] <Overview of Refrigeration Cycle Apparatus> Next, a description will be given of the schematic configuration of the refrigeration cycle apparatuses 130_1 to 130_N. Note that in the first embodiment, the refrigeration cycle apparatuses 130_1 to 130_N are all the same type of refrigeration cycle apparatus, so here, a description will be given of the schematic configuration of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 130_1.

[0039] Fig. 2A is a diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of a refrigeration cycle apparatus. As shown in Fig. 2A, the refrigeration cycle apparatus 130_1 mainly has an outdoor unit 202 and an indoor unit 203. The refrigeration cycle apparatus 130_1 also has a liquid refrigerant communication pipe 206 and a gas refrigerant communication pipe 205, which are refrigerant pipes connecting the outdoor unit 202 and the indoor unit 203, and a controller 207 that controls the operation of the entire refrigeration cycle apparatus 130_1.

[0040] In the refrigeration cycle device 130_1, a refrigeration cycle is performed in which the refrigerant filled in the refrigerant circuit 200 is compressed, condensed or dissipates heat, decompresses, evaporates, and then compressed again. In the first embodiment, the refrigerant circuit 200 is filled with refrigerant for performing a vapor compression refrigeration cycle.

[0041] The refrigerant filled in the refrigerant circuit 200 is at least one of the following refrigerants: a mixed refrigerant containing 1,2-difluoroethylene and one or more hydrofluorocarbons, a mixed refrigerant containing 1,2-difluoroethylene and one or more hydrofluoroolefins, and a mixed refrigerant containing one or more hydrofluorocarbons and one or more hydrofluoroolefins.

[0042] The outdoor unit 202 is connected to the indoor unit 203 via a liquid refrigerant communication pipe 206 and a gas refrigerant communication pipe 205, and constitutes part of the refrigerant circuit 200. The outdoor unit 202 mainly has a compressor 211, a four-way switching valve 212, an outdoor heat exchanger 213, an expansion valve 209, an outdoor fan 215, a liquid-side shut-off valve 217, and a gas-side shut-off valve 216.

[0043] The compressor 211 is a device that compresses a low-pressure refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle to a high pressure. The compressor 211 may be, for example, a rotary or scroll compressor in which a compression element is rotationally driven by a compressor motor. The compressor motor is used to change the capacity, and its operating frequency can be controlled by an inverter. For example, the rotation speed of the compressor 211 is controlled with a predetermined target evaporation temperature as a target value during cooling operation, and with a predetermined target condensing temperature as a target value during heating operation.

[0044] The four-way switching valve 212 can switch between the connection states in the refrigerant circuit 200, to: a first connection state in which the discharge side of the compressor 211 is connected to the outdoor heat exchanger 213 while connecting the suction side of the compressor 211 to the gas side shut-off valve 216; and a second connection state in which the discharge side of the compressor 211 is connected to the gas side shut-off valve 216 while connecting the suction side of the compressor 211 to the outdoor heat exchanger 213.

[0045] The outdoor heat exchanger 213 is a heat exchanger that functions as a condenser or radiator for high-pressure refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle during cooling operation and as an evaporator for low-pressure refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle during heating operation. The outdoor heat exchanger 213 includes a plurality of heat transfer tubes (not shown) through which refrigerant flows and a plurality of heat transfer fins (not shown) through which air flows. The plurality of heat transfer tubes are aligned vertically, and each heat transfer tube extends substantially horizontally. The plurality of heat transfer fins extending vertically are aligned at predetermined intervals along the extension direction of the heat transfer tubes. The plurality of heat transfer fins and the plurality of heat transfer tubes are combined so that the plurality of heat transfer tubes penetrate each heat transfer fin.

[0046] The outdoor fan 215 supplies outdoor air to the outdoor heat exchanger 213, exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the outdoor heat exchanger 213, and then generates an air flow that is discharged to the outside of the outdoor unit 202. The outdoor fan 215 is driven to rotate by an outdoor fan motor.

[0047] The expansion valve 209 is provided between the liquid side end of the outdoor heat exchanger 213 and the liquid side shutoff valve 217. The expansion valve 209 is, for example, an electronic expansion valve whose valve opening degree can be adjusted by control.

[0048] The liquid-side shutoff valve 217 is a manual valve arranged at the connection portion between the outdoor unit 202 and the liquid refrigerant communication pipe 206 .

[0049] The gas-side shutoff valve 216 is a manual valve arranged at the connection portion between the outdoor unit 202 and the gas refrigerant communication pipe 205 .

[0050] The outdoor unit 202 has an outdoor unit control unit 221 that controls the operation of each part that constitutes the outdoor unit 202. The outdoor unit control unit 221 is connected to an indoor unit control unit 222 of the indoor unit 203 via a communication line, and transmits and receives control signals and the like.

[0051] The outdoor unit 202 is equipped with a discharge temperature sensor 225, an intake temperature sensor 226, an outdoor heat exchanger temperature sensor 227, an outdoor air temperature sensor 228, and the like. Each of these sensors is electrically connected to the outdoor unit control unit 221 and transmits a detection signal to the outdoor unit control unit 221. The discharge temperature sensor 225 detects the temperature of refrigerant flowing through a discharge pipe 234 connecting the discharge side of the compressor 211 to one of the connection ports of the four-way switching valve 212. The intake temperature sensor 226 detects the temperature of refrigerant flowing through an intake pipe 235 in the intake flow path connecting the intake side of the compressor 211 to one of the connection ports of the four-way switching valve 212. The outdoor heat exchanger temperature sensor 227 detects the temperature of refrigerant flowing through the liquid side outlet of the outdoor heat exchanger 213, which is opposite to the side connected to the third pipe 233. The outdoor air temperature sensor 228 detects the temperature of outdoor air before passing through the outdoor heat exchanger 213.

[0052] The indoor unit 203 is installed on a wall or ceiling of the room, which is the target space. The indoor unit 203 is connected to the outdoor unit 202 via a liquid refrigerant communication pipe 206 and a gas refrigerant communication pipe 205, and constitutes a part of the refrigerant circuit 200.

[0053] The indoor unit 203 has an indoor heat exchanger 218 and an indoor fan 219 .

[0054] The liquid side of the indoor heat exchanger 218 is connected to the liquid refrigerant communication pipe 206, and the gas side end is connected to the gas refrigerant communication pipe 205. The indoor heat exchanger 218 is a heat exchanger that functions as an evaporator of low-pressure refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle during cooling operation, and functions as a condenser or radiator of high-pressure refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle during heating operation.

[0055] The indoor fan 219 draws air from the room, which is the target space, into the indoor unit 203, exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the indoor heat exchanger 218, and then generates an air flow that is discharged to the outside of the indoor unit 203. The indoor fan 219 is driven to rotate by an indoor fan motor.

[0056] The indoor unit 203 also has an indoor unit control section 222 that controls the operation of each section that constitutes the indoor unit 203. The indoor unit control section 222 is connected to the outdoor unit control section 221 via a communication line, and transmits and receives control signals and the like.

[0057] The indoor unit 203 is provided with an indoor liquid-side heat exchanger temperature sensor 223, an indoor air temperature sensor 224, etc. These sensors are electrically connected to the indoor unit control unit 222. The indoor liquid-side heat exchanger temperature sensor 223 detects the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the liquid-side outlet of the indoor heat exchanger 218, which is opposite to the side to which the gas refrigerant communication pipe 205 is connected. The indoor air temperature sensor 224 detects the temperature of the indoor air before it passes through the indoor heat exchanger 218.

[0058] Next, the system configuration of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 130_1 will be described. Fig. 2B is a diagram showing an example of the system configuration of the refrigeration cycle apparatus. In the refrigeration cycle apparatus 130_1, an outdoor unit control unit 221 and an indoor unit control unit 222 are connected via a communication line to form a controller 207.

[0059] Various processes and controls by the controller 207 are realized by the integrated functioning of the various parts included in the outdoor unit control section 221 and the indoor unit control section 222. The remote control 220 is placed in the room which is the target space or in a specific space of the building which includes the target space, and is used by a user or the like to issue operation control commands for the refrigeration cycle apparatus 130_1 and monitor the operating status.

[0060] The remote control 220 includes a reception unit 220a such as operation buttons or a touch panel that receives information input by operation by a user or the like, and a display 220b that can display various information. The remote control 220 is connected to the outdoor unit control unit 221 and the indoor unit control unit 222 via communication lines, and can supply information received from the user at the reception unit 220a to the controller 207. In addition, information received from the controller 207 can be output on the display 220b.

[0061] The information received by the reception unit 220a from the user or the like is not particularly limited, but includes various information such as a command to execute the cooling operation mode, a command to execute the heating operation mode, a command to stop operation, a set temperature specification, etc. The information displayed on the display 220b is not particularly limited, but includes the current operation mode status (cooling or heating), the set temperature, information indicating the occurrence of various abnormalities, etc.

[0062] <Hardware Configuration of Each Device> Next, the hardware configuration of each device (here, the server device 110, the network terminal 120, and the controller 207) that constitutes the refrigeration cycle system 100 will be described.

[0063] (1) Hardware Configuration of Server Device and Network Terminal Fig. 3A is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a server device and a network terminal. As shown in (a) of Fig. 3A, the server device 110 has a processor 301, a memory 302, an auxiliary storage device 303, a connection device 304, a communication device 305, and a drive device 306. The hardware components of the server device 110 are connected to each other via a bus 307.

[0064] The processor 301 includes various computing devices such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), etc. The processor 301 reads various programs (for example, a management program) into the memory 302 and executes them.

[0065] The memory 302 has a main storage device such as a read-only memory (ROM) or a random access memory (RAM). The processor 301 and the memory 302 form a so-called computer (also referred to as a "control unit" or a "second control unit"), and the processor 301 executes various programs read onto the memory 302, thereby enabling the computer to realize various functions.

[0066] The auxiliary storage device 303 stores various programs and various information used when the processor 301 executes the various programs.

[0067] The connection device 304 connects the operation device 310 and the display device 311 to the server device 110 .

[0068] The communication device 305 is a device that connects to the network 150 and communicates with the network terminal 120 or the owner terminal 140 .

[0069] The drive device 306 is a device for loading a recording medium 312. The recording medium 312 here includes media that record information optically, electrically, or magnetically, such as a CD-ROM, a flexible disk, a magneto-optical disk, etc. The recording medium 312 may also include semiconductor memory that records information electrically, such as a ROM, a flash memory, etc.

[0070] The various programs to be installed in the auxiliary storage device 303 are installed, for example, by setting the distributed recording medium 312 in the drive device 306 and reading the various programs recorded on the recording medium 312 by the drive device 306. Alternatively, the various programs to be installed in the auxiliary storage device 303 may be installed by being downloaded from the network 150 via the communication device 305.

[0071] 3A(b), the network terminal 120 includes a processor 321, a memory 322, an auxiliary storage device 323, an I / F (Interface) device 324, and a communication device 325. The hardware components of the network terminal 120 are connected to each other via a bus 326.

[0072] Of these, the processor 321 to the auxiliary storage device 323 and the communication device 325 are similar to the processor 301 to the auxiliary storage device 303 and the communication device 305 of the server device 110, respectively, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted here.

[0073] However, in the network terminal 120, the processor 321 and the memory 322 form a so-called computer (also referred to as a "first control unit"). The processor 321 executes various programs read onto the memory 322, thereby enabling the computer to realize various functions.

[0074] Furthermore, the I / F device 324 connects the refrigeration cycle devices 130_1 to 130_N with the network terminal 120.

[0075] (2) Hardware Configuration of Controller Fig. 3B is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the controller of the refrigeration cycle apparatus. As shown in Fig. 3B, the outdoor unit control unit 221 and the indoor unit control unit 222 constituting the controller 207 each have a processor 331, a memory 332, an auxiliary storage device 333, a connection device 334, and an I / F device 335. The hardware components of the outdoor unit control unit 221 and the indoor unit control unit 222 constituting the controller 207 are connected to each other via a bus 336.

[0076] Of these, the processor 331 to the auxiliary storage device 333 and the I / F device 335 are similar to the processor 321 to the auxiliary storage device 323 and the I / F device 324 of the network terminal 120, respectively, and therefore description thereof will be omitted here.

[0077] However, in the outdoor unit control section 221 and the indoor unit control section 222 that constitute the controller 207, the processor 331 and the memory 332 form a so-called computer (also referred to as a "first control section"). The processor 331 executes various programs read onto the memory 332, and the computer realizes various functions.

[0078] Furthermore, the connection device 334 connects the sensors, devices, etc. in the refrigeration cycle device 130_1 to the outdoor unit control section 221 and the indoor unit control section 222 that constitute the controller 207.

[0079] <Functional Configuration of Server Device> Next, a description will be given of the functional configuration of server device 110. As described above, a management program is installed in server device 110, and by executing this program, server device 110 functions as a refrigerant amount acquisition unit 401, a cost determination unit 402, a notification unit 403, a payment information acquisition unit 411, and an operation management unit 412.

[0080] The refrigerant amount acquisition unit 401 acquires the amount of refrigerant (initial charged amount) sealed in each of the refrigeration cycle devices 130_1 to 130_N in association with an identifier that identifies each of the refrigeration cycle devices 130_1 to 130_N. As described above, the amount of refrigerant (initial charged amount) sealed in each of the refrigeration cycle devices 130_1 to 130_N includes: the amount of refrigerant that was previously filled in each of the refrigeration cycle devices 130_1 to 130_N before each of the refrigeration cycle devices 130_1 to 130_N was installed; and the amount of refrigerant that was replenished in each of the refrigeration cycle devices 130_1 to 130_N before each of the refrigeration cycle devices 130_1 to 130_N was installed and started to operate.

[0081] As described above, the methods for acquiring the initial charged amount of refrigerant acquired by the refrigerant amount acquisition unit 401 include: - Acquiring from the network terminal 120; - Acquiring from the network terminal 120 the amount of refrigerant that was pre-filled, and acquiring from the operator terminal held by the operator 170 the amount of refrigerant that was replenished before the start of operation.

[0082] The refrigerant amount acquisition unit 401 notifies the cost determination unit 402 of the acquired initial charged amount of refrigerant and the identifier of the refrigeration cycle device.

[0083] The cost determination unit 402 stores the initial charged amount and the identifier notified by the refrigerant amount acquisition unit 401 in the cost storage unit 404. Furthermore, the cost determination unit 402 calculates the cost corresponding to the initial charged amount of refrigerant, for example, by multiplying the initial charged amount notified by the refrigerant amount acquisition unit 401 by the unit price per unit amount of refrigerant, and stores the cost in the cost storage unit 404. In this case, it is assumed that the unit price per unit amount of refrigerant is set in advance in the cost determination unit 402.

[0084] Alternatively, the cost determination unit 402 derives the cost corresponding to the initial charged amount of refrigerant by, for example, comparing the initial charged amount notified by the refrigerant amount acquisition unit 401 with a table that defines the relationship between the refrigerant amount and the amount, and stores the cost in the cost storage unit 404. In this case, the cost determination unit 402 is assumed to have stored in advance a table that assigns an amount to each range of refrigerant amount, such as "XX yen" for a "range from 5 kg to 10 kg."

[0085] In addition, the cost determination unit 402 reads out the cost corresponding to the initial amount of refrigerant charged and the identifier of the refrigeration cycle device from the cost memory unit 404 at an appropriate timing when performing the start-up process of the refrigeration cycle devices 130_1 to 130_N, and notifies the notification unit 403.

[0086] The notification unit 403 transmits the cost corresponding to the initial charged amount of refrigerant and the identifier of the refrigeration cycle device to the owner terminal 140 of the owner 141 of the refrigeration cycle device 130_1 to 130_N, and prompts the owner 141 to pay the rental cost for the refrigerant. The notification unit 403 also notifies the payment information acquisition unit 411 of the cost corresponding to the initial charged amount of refrigerant and the identifier of the refrigeration cycle device.

[0087] FIG. 5 is a first diagram showing a specific example of cost calculation processing by a refrigerant amount acquisition unit, a cost determination unit, and a notification unit of a server device. Here, a specific example of cost calculation processing for the refrigeration cycle device 130_1 is shown. As indicated by reference numeral 501, the refrigerant amount acquisition unit 401 acquires the following information: - Identifier of the refrigeration cycle device 130_1 = "ID001", - Amount of refrigerant pre-filled in the refrigeration cycle device 130_1 = "a １ ", Amount of refrigerant replenished to the refrigeration cycle device 130_1="b １ ", and as shown by the reference numeral 502, the initial charging amount of the refrigerant = "c １ "(a １ +b １ ) is calculated.

[0088] As shown by the reference numeral 503, the cost determination unit 402 determines the initial amount of refrigerant to be charged = "c １ " is multiplied by the unit price per unit amount of refrigerant = "α", to obtain the cost corresponding to the initial amount of refrigerant = "C １ " is determined.

[0089] Returning to the description of FIG. 4 , when the owner 141 pays the rental fee for renting the refrigerant in response to the notification unit 403 transmitting the fee corresponding to the initial amount of refrigerant to the owner terminal 140, the payment information acquisition unit 411 acquires a notification of payment completion. For example, the payment information acquisition unit 411 acquires a notification of payment completion of the rental fee for renting the refrigerant for each of the refrigeration cycle devices 130_1 to 130_N from a transfer destination institution or the like. In addition, the payment information acquisition unit 411 stores the notification of payment completion in the payment information storage unit 413.

[0090] The operation management unit 412 determines whether or not to permit operation of each of the refrigeration cycle apparatuses 130_1 to 130_N based on the notification of payment completion stored in the payment information storage unit 413. The operation management unit 412 monitors the payment status of the owner 141, for example, by accessing the payment information storage unit 413 at a predetermined interval, and permits operation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus for which payment has been completed.

[0091] When each of the refrigeration cycle devices 130_1 to 130_N receives an instruction to start operation, it accesses the operation management unit 412 and starts operation if operation is permitted, or controls the device not to start operation if operation is not permitted.

[0092] Alternatively, the operation management unit 412 may transmit the determination result (permitted or not permitted) as to whether or not to permit operation to each of the refrigeration cycle apparatuses 130_1 to 130_N. In this case, when each of the refrigeration cycle apparatuses 130_1 to 130_N receives an instruction to start operation, if a notification of permission has been received, the refrigeration cycle apparatuses 130_1 to 130_N control the refrigeration cycle apparatuses 130_1 to 130_N to start operation, and if a notification of not permission has been received, the refrigeration cycle apparatuses 130_1 to 130_N control the refrigeration cycle apparatuses 130_1 to 130_N not to start operation.

[0093] Alternatively, the operation management unit 412 may notify the operator terminal (not shown) held by the operator 170 of the determination result of whether or not to permit operation (permitted, not permitted), and the operator 170 may directly set the refrigeration cycle devices 130_1 to 130_N to be operable or inoperable.

[0094] The instruction to start operation is given, for example, by the user of the refrigeration cycle apparatuses 130_1 to 130_N.

[0095] 6A and 6B are diagrams showing a specific example of the operation permission / denial management process by the payment information acquisition unit and operation management unit of the server device. Here, a specific example of the operation permission / denial management process for the refrigeration cycle device 130_1 is shown. As indicated by reference numeral 601 in FIG. 6A, when the payment information acquisition unit 411 is notified by the notification unit 403 of the cost corresponding to the initial amount of refrigerant charged and the identifier of the refrigeration cycle device, the payment information acquisition unit 411 stores the payment status as "unpaid" in the payment information storage unit 413.

[0096] Thereafter, when the owner 141 completes payment of the rental fee for the refrigerant rental and receives a notification of payment completion, the payment information acquisition unit 411 updates the payment status to "payment completed" as indicated by the reference numeral 602.

[0097] The driving management unit 412 also periodically accesses the payment information storage unit 413 to check the payment status and retains the driving permission / denial determination result. Reference numeral 611 in Fig. 6(b) indicates the determination result when the payment information storage unit 413 is accessed at the timing when the payment status indicated by reference numeral 601 is stored. In this case, the driving management unit 412 determines that driving is not permitted, and therefore, as indicated by reference numeral 611, "not permitted" is retained as the driving permission / denial.

[0098] 6(b) indicates the determination result when the payment information storage unit 413 is accessed at the timing when the payment status indicated by the reference numeral 602 is stored. In this case, the driving management unit 412 determines that driving is permitted, and therefore, as indicated by the reference numeral 612, "permitted" is held in the driving permission field.

[0099] In this way, the operation management unit 412 allows the operation of the refrigeration cycle device on the condition that the rental fee for renting the refrigerant has been paid in response to the transmission of the fee corresponding to the initial amount of refrigerant charged.

[0100] <Processing Flow of the Refrigeration Cycle System> Next, a processing flow of the refrigeration cycle system 100 from the installation of the refrigeration cycle devices 130_1 to 130_N to the start of operation will be described. Fig. 7 is an example of a first sequence diagram showing the processing flow of the refrigeration cycle system.

[0101] In step S701, the operator 170 uses the refrigerant charging device 160 to replenish refrigerant into the refrigeration cycle apparatuses 130_1 to 130_N and measures the amount of the refrigerant replenished. The operator 170 associates the amount of the refrigerant replenished with the identifier of each of the refrigeration cycle apparatuses 130_1 to 130_N and transmits the amount to the server device 110. The operator 170 transmits the amount and identifier of the refrigerant replenished to the server device 110 using the operator terminal 720. Alternatively, the operator 170 transmits the amount and identifier of the refrigerant replenished to the server device 110 via the network terminal 120 using the operator terminal 720. Alternatively, the operator 170 transmits the amount and identifier of the refrigerant replenished to the server device 110 via the refrigeration cycle apparatuses 130_1 to 130_N and the network terminal 120 using the operator terminal 720.

[0102] In step S702, the refrigeration cycle devices 130_1 to 130_N transmit the amount of refrigerant with which they have been filled in advance to the server device 110 via the network terminal 120.

[0103] In step S703, the server device 110 acquires the initial amount of refrigerant charged for each of the refrigeration cycle devices 130_1 to 130_N.

[0104] In step S704, the server device 110 determines the cost corresponding to the initial charging amount of refrigerant and stores it in the cost storage unit 404.

[0105] In step S705, the server device 110 stores default information ("not yet") in the payment status in the payment information storage unit 413, and holds default information ("not permitted") in the driving permission.

[0106] In step S706, the refrigeration cycle devices 130_1 to 130_N perform start-up processing.

[0107] In step S707, the refrigeration cycle devices 130_1 to 130_N determine whether or not an instruction to start operation has been received. If it is determined in step S707 that an instruction to start operation has not been received (NO in step S707), the refrigeration cycle devices 130_1 to 130_N wait until an instruction to start operation is received. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S707 that an instruction to start operation has been received (YES in step S707), the process proceeds to step S713.

[0108] On the other hand, in step S708, the server device 110 transmits to the owner terminal 140 the identifiers of the refrigeration cycle devices 130_1 to 130_N and the cost corresponding to the initial amount of refrigerant charged.

[0109] In step S709, the owner 141 who has the owner terminal 140 pays the rental fee for the refrigerant rental by transferring the fee to the transfer destination institution 710.

[0110] In step S710, the transfer destination institution 710 notifies the server device 110 that the owner 141 has completed payment of the fee.

[0111] In step S711, in response to receiving the notification of payment completion, the server device 110 updates the payment status stored in the payment information storage unit 413 from "unpaid" to "payment completed."

[0112] In step S712, the server device 110 updates the driving permission / prohibition status from "not permitted" to "permitted" in response to updating the payment status.

[0113] In step S713, the refrigeration cycle apparatuses 130_1 to 130_N access the server device 110 and confirm whether operation is permitted. If the confirmation result shows that operation permission="not permitted", the refrigeration cycle apparatuses 130_1 to 130_N do not start operation. On the other hand, if operation permission="permitted", the refrigeration cycle apparatuses 130_1 to 130_N start operation in step S714.

[0114] <Summary> As is clear from the above explanation, the server device 110 according to the first embodiment: Acquires the initial amount of refrigerant charged in the refrigeration cycle device (the amount of refrigerant that was pre-filled and the amount of refrigerant that was replenished) and an identifier that identifies the refrigeration cycle device. Determines the cost corresponding to the initial amount of refrigerant. Stores the initial amount of refrigerant, the cost corresponding to the initial amount of refrigerant, and the identifier in the cost storage unit in association with each other.

[0115] In this way, the server device 110 according to the first embodiment manages the initial amount of refrigerant charged, which should be managed when renting a refrigerant, and determines the rental fee, which should be determined at the time of renting the refrigerant before operation starts. As a result, the server device 110 according to the first embodiment can realize a refrigerant rental system.

[0116] Second Embodiment In the first embodiment, the amount of refrigerant replenished in the refrigeration cycle devices 130_1 to 130_N using the refrigerant charging device 160 is transmitted via the operator terminal 720 of the operator 170. However, the method by which the server device 110 acquires the initial charged amount of refrigerant is not limited to this.

[0117] For example, after refrigerant is refilled using the refrigerant charging device 160, when the refrigeration cycle devices 130_1 to 130_N perform start-up processing, each of the refrigeration cycle devices 130_1 to 130_N may be configured to measure the amount of refrigerant in its own device. This allows the server device 110 to acquire the amount of refrigerant measured by each of the refrigeration cycle devices 130_1 to 130_N as the initial charged amount. The second embodiment will be described below, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment.

[0118] <System Configuration of Refrigeration Cycle System> First, the system configuration of a refrigeration cycle system according to a second embodiment will be described. Fig. 8 is a second diagram showing an example of the system configuration of a refrigeration cycle system. Differences from the system configuration described using Fig. 1 in the first embodiment include the following: there is no configuration in which the operator 170 transmits the amount of refrigerant of the refrigerant replenished, measured using the measuring instrument 161, to the refrigeration cycle apparatus 130_1, the network terminal 120, or the server device 110 via the operator terminal; and the refrigeration cycle apparatuses 130_1 to 130_N transmit the amount of refrigerant measured during startup processing to the server device 110 via the network terminal 120 as the initial charged amount, instead of transmitting the amount of refrigerant that was previously filled.

[0119] <Specific example of cost calculation process> Next, a specific example of cost calculation process by the refrigerant amount acquisition unit 401, cost determination unit 402, and notification unit 403 of the server device 110 will be described. FIG. 9 is a second diagram showing a specific example of cost calculation process by the refrigerant amount acquisition unit, cost determination unit, and notification unit of the server device. As indicated by reference numeral 901, in the second embodiment, the refrigerant amount acquisition unit 401 acquires the following information: Identifier of the refrigeration cycle device 130_1="ID001", Initial charged amount of refrigerant="c １ ", get.

[0120] As shown by the reference numeral 902, the cost determination unit 402 determines the initial amount of refrigerant to be charged = "c １ " is multiplied by the unit price per unit amount of refrigerant = "α", to obtain the cost corresponding to the initial amount of refrigerant = "C １ " is determined.

[0121] <Processing Flow of the Refrigeration Cycle System> Next, the processing flow of the refrigeration cycle system 100 from the installation of the refrigeration cycle devices 130_1 to 130_N to the start of operation will be described. Fig. 10 is an example of a second sequence diagram showing the processing flow of the refrigeration cycle system. The difference from the first sequence diagram described using Fig. 10 in the first embodiment is steps S1001 to S1003.

[0122] In step S1001, the refrigeration cycle devices 130_1 to 130_N perform start-up processing.

[0123] In step S1002, the refrigeration cycle devices 130_1 to 130_N measure the amount of refrigerant in their own devices. Note that any method may be used to measure the amount of refrigerant in their own devices, and a conventionally known method, such as the method disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-64410, may be used.

[0124] In step S1003, the refrigeration cycle devices 130_1 to 130_N transmit the measured amount of refrigerant to the server device 110 via the network terminal 120 as the initial charged amount of refrigerant.

[0125] <Summary> As is clear from the above explanation, the server device 110 according to the second embodiment: Acquires the initial amount of refrigerant charged in the refrigeration cycle device (the amount of refrigerant measured by the refrigeration cycle device) and an identifier for identifying the refrigeration cycle device. Determines a cost corresponding to the initial amount of refrigerant. Stores the initial amount of refrigerant, the cost corresponding to the initial amount of refrigerant, and the identifier in a cost storage unit in association with each other.

[0126] As a result, the server device 110 according to the second embodiment can realize a refrigerant rental mechanism, similar to the first embodiment.

[0127] In the first embodiment, it has been described that the refrigerant pre-filled in the refrigeration cycle devices 130_1 to 130_N at the time of installation of each of the refrigeration cycle devices 130_1 to 130_N is all used during operation. However, it is not always the case that the refrigerant pre-filled in the refrigeration cycle devices 130_1 to 130_N is all used during operation, and there are cases where some of the refrigerant is not used.

[0128] For example, suppose that the refrigeration cycle devices 130_1 to 130_N are models that can accommodate refrigerant pipes with a piping length of Lm or less. In this case, the refrigeration cycle devices 130_1 to 130_N are pre-filled with refrigerant of Lm, but at the actual installation site of the refrigeration cycle devices 130_1 to 130_N, the piping length of the refrigerant pipes may be shorter than Lm.

[0129] In such a case, a portion of the refrigerant pre-filled in the refrigeration cycle apparatuses 130_1 to 130_N is not used and is stored in a container, for example. In this case, the operator 170 transmits the amount of refrigerant to be actually used to the refrigeration cycle apparatus 130_1, the network terminal 120, or the server device 110 via the operator terminal 720.

[0130] In the above-described first embodiment, it has been described that each of the refrigeration cycle apparatuses 130_1 to 130_N transmits the amount of refrigerant that has been pre-filled to the server device 110 via the network terminal 120. However, the method of transmitting the amount of refrigerant that has been pre-filled to the server device 110 is not limited to this, and for example, an administrator of the server device 110 may input the amount of refrigerant to the server device 110 via the operation device 310.

[0131] In the first embodiment, the notification unit 403 is described as transmitting the cost corresponding to the initial amount of refrigerant charged for each refrigeration cycle apparatus to the owner terminal 140. However, the method of transmission to the owner terminal 140 is not limited to this, and for example, the costs corresponding to the initial amount of refrigerant charged for each of the multiple refrigeration cycle apparatuses 130_1 to 130_N may be added up and transmitted to the owner terminal 140. In this case, the operation management unit 412 maintains operation permission="not permitted" for all of the refrigeration cycle apparatuses 130_1 to 130_N until the payment status is updated to "payment completed".

[0132] Furthermore, in the above-described first embodiment, no mention was made of the function of the controller 207 when the operator 170 transmits the amount of refrigerant of the refrigeration cycle device 130_1, for example, but the controller 207 may, for example, execute a plurality of modes.

[0133] Specifically, the controller 207 may execute a start-up mode. In this case, when the refrigeration cycle apparatus 130_1 is started in the start-up mode, the controller 207 transmits the amount of refrigerant previously filled in the refrigeration cycle apparatus 130_1 to the server apparatus 110 via the network terminal 120, together with the identifier of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 130_1. The controller 207 also communicates with the operator terminal 720 of the operator 170, and receives the amount of refrigerant that has been replenished. The controller 207 then transmits the received amount of refrigerant to the server apparatus 110 via the network terminal 120, together with the identifier of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 130_1.

[0134] In this way, by starting the controller 207 in startup mode, the refrigeration cycle device 130_1 can transmit the initial amount of refrigerant charged (the amount of refrigerant that was pre-filled, the amount of refrigerant that was replenished) to the server device 110 in association with the identifier of its own device.

[0135] In the first embodiment, the refrigerant is replenished to each of the refrigeration cycle devices 130_1 to 130_N. However, if the length of the refrigerant pipe is shorter than expected as a result of installation work, the refrigerant is not replenished. In this case, the amount of refrigerant that has been filled in advance becomes the initial amount of refrigerant. For example, in the example of FIG. 5, if the initial amount of refrigerant = "c １ "=" a １ "

[0136] Furthermore, in the above first and second embodiments, the refrigeration cycle system 100 has been described as having a plurality of refrigeration cycle devices 130_1 to 130_N, but the refrigeration cycle system 100 may have a single refrigeration cycle device.

[0137] In the above first and second embodiments, the case where the plurality of refrigeration cycle apparatuses 130_1 to 130_N communicate with the server device 110 via the network terminal 120 has been described. However, the plurality of refrigeration cycle apparatuses 130_1 to 130_N may communicate with the server device 110 without going through the network terminal 120.

[0138] Although the embodiments have been described above, it will be understood that various changes in form and details can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims.

[0139] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-148637, filed on September 13, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0140] 100: Refrigeration cycle system 120: Network terminal 130_1 to 130_N: Refrigeration cycle device 140: Owner terminal 160: Refrigerant charging device 207: Controller 401: Refrigerant amount acquisition unit 402: Cost determination unit 403: Notification unit 411: Payment information acquisition unit 412: Operation management unit 720: Operator terminal

Claims

1. A server device comprising: a control unit; and a memory unit, wherein the control unit acquires an amount of refrigerant sealed in a refrigeration cycle device and an identifier that identifies the refrigeration cycle device, determines a cost corresponding to the amount of refrigerant, and stores the amount of refrigerant, the cost, and the identifier in the memory unit in association with each other.

2. The server device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit notifies an administrator of the refrigeration cycle device of the cost.

3. A server device as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the control unit acquires the amount of refrigerant to be used in the refrigeration cycle device from the refrigerant sealed in the refrigeration cycle device before starting operation of the refrigeration cycle device.

4. A server device as described in claim 3, wherein the amount of refrigerant sealed in the refrigeration cycle device includes the amount of refrigerant that was previously filled in the refrigeration cycle device before the refrigeration cycle device was installed and the amount of refrigerant that was replenished before the refrigeration cycle device was installed and started to operate.

5. A server device as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the control unit permits operation of the refrigeration cycle device on condition that the fee has been paid, and the refrigeration cycle device starts operation when operation is permitted.

6. A refrigeration cycle system comprising: a first control unit that manages a refrigeration cycle device; and a server device having a second control unit and a memory unit that communicates with the first control unit, wherein the second control unit acquires, via the first control unit, an amount of refrigerant of a refrigerant sealed in the refrigeration cycle device and an identifier that identifies the refrigeration cycle device, determines a cost corresponding to the amount of refrigerant, and stores the amount of refrigerant, the cost, and the identifier in association with each other in the memory unit.

7. The refrigeration cycle system of claim 6, wherein the refrigeration cycle device measures the amount of refrigerant contained in the refrigerant, associates the measured amount of refrigerant with the identifier, and transmits the amount to the second control unit via the first control unit.

8. A refrigeration cycle system as described in claim 6 or 7, wherein the amount of refrigerant sealed in the refrigeration cycle device includes the amount of refrigerant that was previously filled in the refrigeration cycle device before the refrigeration cycle device was installed and the amount of refrigerant that was replenished before the refrigeration cycle device was installed and started to operate.

9. A management method, comprising: a control unit acquiring an amount of refrigerant sealed in a refrigeration cycle device and an identifier for identifying the refrigeration cycle device; determining a cost corresponding to the amount of refrigerant; and storing the amount of refrigerant, the cost, and the identifier in a memory unit in association with each other.

10. A management program for causing a control unit to execute a process of acquiring an amount of refrigerant sealed in a refrigeration cycle device and an identifier for identifying the refrigeration cycle device, determining a cost corresponding to the amount of refrigerant, and storing the amount of refrigerant, the cost, and the identifier in a memory unit in association with each other.

Images