Air conditioning system

Abstract

This air conditioning system (1000) is provided with: an indoor unit (40); an outdoor unit (20); a refrigerant circuit for circulating a refrigerant between the indoor unit (40) and the outdoor unit (20); a control device (50) for controlling the operation of the indoor unit (40) and the outdoor unit (20); and a memory (32) for registering the floor area of a space to be air-conditioned. Upon receiving an operation instruction, the control device (50) confirms that the floor area is registered in the memory (32), and then executes control of the operation according to the instruction.

Description

air conditioning system

[0001] The present disclosure relates to air conditioning systems.

[0002] Due to European refrigerant regulations and other factors, refrigerants used in the refrigeration cycle of air conditioning systems are now required to have low Global Warming Potential (GWP). A lower GWP generally means that the refrigerant is more flammable. For example, R32 is classified as an A2L refrigerant (slightly flammable), R152a as an A2 refrigerant (weakly flammable), and R290 (propane) as an A3 refrigerant (flammable).

[0003] In air conditioning systems that use such flammable refrigerants, safety is particularly important. For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2022-169326 (Patent Document 1) describes providing a safety device in a target space where there is a high risk of danger associated with refrigerant leakage.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2022-169326

[0005] Incidentally, the international standard (IEC 60335-2-40 Edition 7) specifies the minimum installation floor area for air conditioning units that use A2L refrigerants, A3 refrigerants, etc. Therefore, it is necessary to take such international standards into consideration when placing an air conditioning unit in an appropriate size space to be air-conditioned.

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a technique for ensuring safety in air conditioning systems in which flammable refrigerants may be used.

[0007] The present disclosure relates to an air conditioning system that includes an indoor unit, an outdoor unit, a refrigerant circuit that circulates refrigerant between the indoor unit and the outdoor unit, a control device that controls the operation of the indoor unit and the outdoor unit, and a memory for registering the floor area of ​​a space to be air-conditioned, and when the control device receives an operation command, it confirms that the floor area has been registered in the memory and then controls the operation in accordance with the command.

[0008] According to the present disclosure, safety can be ensured in air conditioning systems in which flammable refrigerants may be used.

[0009] 1 is a diagram showing the configuration related to the refrigerant circuit of an air conditioner. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an air conditioning system including an air conditioner. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the appearance of an outdoor unit. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the content displayed by a display member. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing information included in a database. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a calculation formula (1) for the minimum installation floor area. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a calculation formula (2) for the minimum installation floor area. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a calculation formula (3) for the required stirring air volume. FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining processing related to communication between a mobile terminal and a server, and processing related to communication between a control device and a server. FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining processing executed in the control device. FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining processing executed in the control device. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a display for prompting input of the installation area. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a display for prompting re-input of the installation area. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a modified example related to an air conditioning system. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a flowchart related to the modified example.

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will not be repeated. The following drawings may differ in size from the actual size of each component.

[0011] [Air Conditioning Apparatus 100] Fig. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration relating to the refrigerant circuit 80 of the air conditioning apparatus 100. As shown in Fig. 1, the air conditioning apparatus 100 includes an outdoor unit 20, an indoor unit 40, and a control device 50. The control device 50 may be included in the outdoor unit 20 or the indoor unit 40. The control device 50 may be provided in a location separate from the indoor unit 40 and the outdoor unit 20, as long as the control device 50 is configured to be able to communicate with the outdoor unit 20 and the indoor unit 40.

[0012] The outdoor unit 20 and the indoor unit 40 include a refrigerant circuit 80 capable of circulating a refrigerant. The refrigerant circuit 80 includes a compressor 1, an outdoor heat exchanger 2, an expansion valve 3, a four-way valve 5, an indoor heat exchanger 4, and refrigerant piping 8. The refrigerant piping 8 connects the compressor 1, the outdoor heat exchanger 2, the expansion valve 3, the four-way valve 5, and the indoor heat exchanger 4. The refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant circuit 80 is, for example, a flammable refrigerant. The flammable refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant circuit 80 may be, for example, a flammable refrigerant (A3 refrigerant) such as propane, a low flammable refrigerant (A2 refrigerant), or a slightly flammable refrigerant (A2L refrigerant).

[0013] The outdoor unit 20 includes a compressor 1, an outdoor heat exchanger 2, an expansion valve 3, a four-way valve 5, and a fan 21 provided corresponding to the outdoor heat exchanger 2. The indoor unit 40 includes an indoor heat exchanger 4 and a fan 41 provided corresponding to the indoor heat exchanger 4. As shown in Fig. 1, the indoor unit 40 may be provided with a leakage sensor 42 for detecting refrigerant leakage from the indoor heat exchanger 4. The leakage sensor 42 is, for example, a semiconductor gas sensor that is sensitive to all reducing gases.

[0014] The four-way valve 5 has ports P1 to P4. The expansion valve 3 is, for example, an electronic expansion valve (LEV: Linear Expansion Valve).

[0015] The compressor 1 is configured to change the operation frequency in response to a control signal received from the control device 50. The control device 50 adjusts the output of the compressor 1 by changing the operation frequency of the compressor 1.

[0016] The control device 50 controls the four-way valve 5 to switch the operation mode between a cooling operation mode and a heating operation mode.

[0017] More specifically, in the cooling operation mode, the control device 50 controls the four-way valve 5 so that the ports P1 and P4 communicate with each other and the ports P2 and P3 communicate with each other, as shown by the solid arrows in Fig. 1. In the heating operation mode, the control device 50 controls the four-way valve 5 so that the ports P1 and P3 communicate with each other and the ports P2 and P4 communicate with each other, as shown by the dashed arrows in Fig. 1.

[0018] [System including air conditioning device 100] Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an air conditioning system 1000 including the air conditioning device 100. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing the appearance of the outdoor unit 20. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing the content displayed by the display member 190.

[0019] As shown in Figure 2, the air conditioning system 1000 includes an air conditioning device 100, a mobile terminal 60, a remote controller 70, and a server 30. The indoor unit 40 is installed in a room, and the outdoor unit 20 is installed outdoors. The room in which the indoor unit 40 is installed is an example of a space to be air-conditioned. Hereinafter, the floor area of ​​the room in which the indoor unit 40 is installed is referred to as A (square meters). Hereinafter, the floor area of ​​the room in which the indoor unit 40 is installed is referred to as the "installation floor area."

[0020] The outdoor unit 20 includes a microcomputer 24, and the indoor unit 40 includes a microcomputer 44. The microcomputer 24 communicates with the control device 50, and the microcomputer 44 communicates with the control device 50 and a remote controller 70. A user uses the remote controller 70 to select an operation mode and adjust the room temperature. When the control device 50 is disposed in the outdoor unit 20, the control device 50 may function as the microcomputer 24. Similarly, when the control device 50 is disposed in the indoor unit 40, the control device 50 may function as the microcomputer 44.

[0021] The control device 50 includes a processor 51, a memory 52, and a communication interface 53. The processor 51 is an example of a control circuit. The memory 52 includes a read-only memory (ROM) and a random access memory (RAM). The processor 51 loads a program non-temporarily stored in the ROM into the RAM and executes it. The program stored in the ROM is a program that describes the processing procedures of the control device 50. The control device 50 performs various controls in accordance with these programs.

[0022] The control device 50 is not limited to software-based processing, and may execute various controls using dedicated hardware (electronic circuits).

[0023] A wireless receiver 90 is attached to the control device 50. The control device 50 accesses the cloud 300 via the wireless receiver 90. The cloud 300 includes a server 30. A database 31 is constructed in the server 30, in which information relating to the installation locations of the air conditioning devices 100 is registered. The database 31 is stored in a memory 32 provided in the server 30.

[0024] The outdoor unit 20 is equipped with a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver 22. The GPS receiver 22 receives signals from GPS satellites and transmits position information to the control device 50. The processor 51 identifies the position of the outdoor unit 20 based on the position information.

[0025] The outdoor unit 20 is provided with a display member 190. As shown in FIG. 3 , the display member 190 is attached to the top of the outdoor unit 20. For example, the display member 190 is a sticker that can be peeled off from the outdoor unit 20. As shown in FIG. 4 , the display member 190 displays a two-dimensional code 191 and a message 192. The two-dimensional code 191 includes an ID for identifying the outdoor unit 20 and address information required to access the server 30. The ID is, for example, the serial number of the outdoor unit 20. As shown in FIG. 2 , the two-dimensional code 191 is read by a mobile terminal 60. It is assumed here that the mobile terminal 60 is carried by a worker who installs the outdoor unit 20. Here, the mobile terminal 60 is an example of an information input device.

[0026] After completing the installation of the outdoor unit 20 and the indoor unit 40, the worker may remove the display member 190 from the outdoor unit 20. The display member 190 may be a sticker or a plate that can be attached and detached using a tool. The display member 190 may be attached to the indoor unit 40 in addition to the outdoor unit 20. The display member 190 may be attached to the indoor unit 40 instead of the outdoor unit 20.

[0027] The message 192 on the display member 190 is primarily intended for the worker installing the outdoor unit 20. For example, while installing an outdoor unit 20 newly purchased by a user, the worker looks at the message 192, which reads, "Please read the QR code (registered trademark) and register your installation information. Operation will not be permitted without registration." The worker follows the message 192 and reads the two-dimensional code 191 with a camera attached to the mobile terminal 60. When the mobile terminal 60 reads the two-dimensional code, it displays a screen on its display prompting the worker to enter the installation information in accordance with the two-dimensional code. The worker enters the installation floor area A of the room as the installation information into the mobile terminal 60. The mobile terminal 60 transmits the entered installation information and the ID of the outdoor unit 20 to the server 30 based on the address information included in the two-dimensional code. The server 30 registers the installation information and the ID in the database 31.

[0028] Each time one of the multiple air conditioning apparatuses 100 is installed, the server 30 registers the installation information and ID in the database 31. Therefore, a database 31 containing installation information registered by ID is constructed in the memory 32 of the server 30.

[0029] The air conditioning system 1000 may not include at least one of the mobile terminal 60 and the remote controller 70. Alternatively, the mobile terminal 60 may be provided with the functionality of the remote controller 70.

[0030] Fig. 5 is a diagram showing information contained in the database 31. As shown in Fig. 5, installation information and location information are registered in the database 31 for the ID of the air conditioning apparatus 100. The installation information is the installation floor area of ​​the space to be air-conditioned by the air conditioning apparatus 100. The location information indicates the location where the outdoor unit 20 of the air conditioning apparatus 100 is installed. The installation information and location information make up the equipment information.

[0031] As shown in Fig. 2, the ID of the outdoor unit 20 is stored in the memory 52 of the control device 50. The control device 50 accesses the server 30 and reads out the installation information corresponding to the ID stored in the memory 52 from the database 31. The control device 50 determines whether the installation floor area of ​​the air-conditioned space identified by the installation information satisfies the standard regarding the flammable refrigerant of the air conditioning device 100. If the installation floor area of ​​the air-conditioned space identified by the installation information does not satisfy the standard regarding the flammable refrigerant of the air conditioning device 100, the control device 50 displays a screen on the remote controller 70 indicating that the standard is not satisfied. The remote controller 70 is an example of an information output device.

[0032] Therefore, before using the remote controller 70 to test run the air conditioning unit 100, workers involved in installing the air conditioning unit 100 can easily check whether the installation floor area of ​​the space to be air-conditioned meets the standards regarding the flammable refrigerant of the air conditioning unit 100 by looking at the screen of the remote controller 70.

[0033] The standards for flammable refrigerants include a minimum installation floor area. The minimum installation floor area of ​​the air conditioning device 100 differs depending on whether or not a leak sensor 42 is installed. When a refrigerant leak is detected by the leak sensor 42, the air conditioning device 100 operates the fan 41 to agitate the air in the space to be air-conditioned. The air volume required to agitate the air in the space to be air-conditioned is referred to as the required agitation air volume. Below, methods for calculating the minimum installation floor area and the required agitation air volume are described.

[0034] [Minimum Installation Floor Area] The area required as the installation floor area of ​​the space to be air-conditioned (minimum installation floor area) is calculated in the air conditioning device 100. In one implementation example, the method for calculating the minimum installation floor area complies with the international standard (IEC 60335-2-40 Edition 7).

[0035] Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a method for calculating the minimum installation floor area. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing another example of a method for calculating the minimum installation floor area. The method for calculating the minimum installation floor area differs depending on whether the air conditioning apparatus 100 is equipped with a leak sensor 42.

[0036] More specifically, when an air conditioning apparatus 100 equipped with a leak sensor 42 detects a refrigerant leak, it agitates the air in the air-conditioned space with a fan 41. In the case of an air conditioning apparatus 100 that does not have a leak sensor 42, the minimum installation floor area is calculated as Amin shown in formula (1) in Fig. 6. On the other hand, in the case of an air conditioning apparatus 100 that does have a leak sensor 42, the minimum installation floor area is calculated as Amin shown in formula (2) in Fig. 7.

[0037] In formulas (1) and (2), mc represents the refrigerant charge amount [kg], and LFL represents the lower flammability limit [kg / m3] of the refrigerant.

[0038] In formula (1), the value 0.35 is used as an example of the value of the Concentration factor (CF). h0 represents the installation height [m] of the indoor unit 40.

[0039] In equation (2), CF represents the concentration factor, which is a coefficient of 0.5 or less. The value of 2.2 is used as an example of the installation height [m].

[0040] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the minimum installation floor area depends on the LFL of the refrigerant. The LFL of the refrigerant depends on the type of refrigerant. Therefore, the minimum installation floor area value varies depending on the type of refrigerant. The minimum installation floor area value also varies depending on whether the air conditioning device 100 is equipped with a leak sensor 42.

[0041] [Required Stirring Air Volume] When a refrigerant leak is detected by the leak sensor 42, the air conditioning apparatus 100 stirs the air in the air-conditioned space with the fan 41. The air volume required when stirring the air in the air-conditioned space with the fan 41 (required stirring air volume) is calculated in accordance with, for example, the international standard IEC 60335-2-40 edition 7.

[0042] Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a method for calculating the required agitation air volume. According to the international standard IEC60335-2-40_edition7, the required agitation air volume is calculated as the required agitation air volume Qmin [m3 / min] according to formula (3) in Fig. 8.

[0043] In equation (3), Y represents a coefficient having a value of 1 or 1.5. A0 represents the area [m2] of the indoor unit's air outlet. mc represents the refrigerant charge [kg], as in equation (1). LFL represents the lower flammability limit concentration [kg / m3] of the refrigerant, as described above for equations (1) and (2). CF represents the same value as used in equation (2).

[0044] 8, the required agitation airflow depends on the LFL of the refrigerant, which in turn depends on the type of refrigerant. Therefore, the required agitation airflow value varies based on the type of refrigerant.

[0045] The minimum installation floor area and required amount of agitation for the air conditioning apparatus 100 according to this embodiment are determined based on equations (1) to (3).

[0046] [Flowchart] Hereinafter, the operations of the server 30, the control device 50, and the mobile terminal 60 will be described in detail using a flowchart.

[0047] FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining the process related to the communication between the mobile terminal 60 and the server 30 and the process related to the communication between the control device 50 and the server 30.

[0048] First, the mobile terminal 60 reads the two-dimensional code 191 provided on the indoor unit 40 based on the operation of the worker (step S1). The two-dimensional code 191 contains the ID of the outdoor unit 20. Next, the mobile terminal 60 accepts input of a password (step S2). The worker inputs the password into the mobile terminal 60.

[0049] Next, a process for checking the password is executed between the mobile terminal 60 and the server 30 (step S3). More specifically, the mobile terminal 60 transmits the input password to the server 30, and the server 30 checks the validity of the received password. Furthermore, the server 30 transmits the check result to the mobile terminal 60.

[0050] The password may be a random string of alphanumeric characters. Alternatively, instead of a password, the worker may input the worker's name, employee number, company name, etc.

[0051] Next, the mobile terminal 60 determines whether the entered password is correct based on the check result received from the server 30 (step S4). If the entered password is incorrect, the mobile terminal 60 prompts the user to enter the password again. If the entered password is correct, the mobile terminal 60 displays a screen prompting the user to enter installation information (installation floor area) of the air conditioning device 100 (step S5).

[0052] In this way, in this embodiment, on the condition that the entered password is correct, the installation information is allowed to be entered into the mobile terminal 60. This prevents a person other than the operator from entering incorrect information into the mobile terminal 60.

[0053] Next, the mobile terminal 60 accepts input of installation information from the worker (step S6). Next, the mobile terminal 60 transmits the input installation information together with the ID to the server 30 (step S7). The server 30 registers the installation information in the database 31 in association with the ID (step S8).

[0054] The control device 50 acquires the location information of the outdoor unit 20 from the GPS receiver 22 attached to the outdoor unit 20 (step S9). Next, the control device 50 transmits the location information together with the ID stored in the memory 52 (step S10). The server 30 registers the location information in the database 31 in association with the ID (step S11). By executing steps S7 to S11, the device information (installation information and location information) is registered in the database 31 for each ID of the outdoor unit 20, as shown in FIG.

[0055] 10 and 11 are flowcharts for explaining the processing executed by the control device 50. First, the control device 50 is started by turning on the power of the air conditioning device 100 (step S21). Next, the control device 50 requests the server 30 for equipment information (installation information and location information) corresponding to the ID of the outdoor unit 20 (step S22). If the requested equipment information exists in the database 31, the server 30 transmits the equipment information to the control device 50. If the requested equipment information does not exist in the database 31, the server 30 transmits information indicating that the equipment information does not exist to the control device 50.

[0056] Next, the control device 50 determines whether or not there is installation information corresponding to the ID based on the information acquired from the server 30 (step S23).

[0057] If the installation information corresponding to the ID does not exist in the database 31 in step S23, the control device 50 displays a screen on the remote controller 70 prompting the user to input the installation floor area A (step S24).

[0058] Fig. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a display prompting the user to input the installation area. As shown in Fig. 12, the remote controller 70 includes a display 71 and an operation unit 72. The operation unit 72 is provided with buttons such as a menu button, a cooling button, a heating button, and a stop button. In step S24 of Fig. 10, a message stating "Operation command cannot be accepted. The installation floor area must be entered using the two-dimensional code attached to the outdoor unit, etc." is displayed on the display 71. The worker (the installer of the air conditioning device 100) inputs the installation information using the mobile terminal 60 (see Fig. 9).

[0059] After step S24, the control device 50 determines whether or not the installation floor area A has been input (step S25). More specifically, the control device 50 communicates with the server 30 and checks the information in the database 31 to determine whether or not the installation floor area A has been input. If the installation floor area A has not been input, the control device 50 repeats the processing of step S24. If the installation floor area A has been input, the control device 50 proceeds to step S26.

[0060] If installation information corresponding to the ID is found in step S23, the control device 50 determines whether the location information registered in the database 31 corresponding to the ID matches the current location information (step S26).

[0061] In step S26, if the location information registered in database 31 corresponding to the ID does not match the current location information, it means that the outdoor unit 20 has been moved from its original location. In this case, the air conditioning apparatus 100 including the outdoor unit 20 may have been relocated, and the relocation may have resulted in a change in the space to be air-conditioned by the air conditioning apparatus 100. Therefore, if the determination is NO in step S26, the control device 50 displays a screen on the remote controller 70 prompting the user to re-input the installation floor area A (step S27).

[0062] Here, an example has been described in which the determination in step S26 is made using the position information of the outdoor unit 20. As a result, when outdoor unit Y that has been used in another location is used in place of the failed outdoor unit X, the installation floor area of ​​the air-conditioned space corresponding to outdoor unit Y changes. If the installation floor area of ​​the air-conditioned space corresponding to outdoor unit Y becomes smaller, there is a risk that the safety of the air conditioner using a flammable refrigerant cannot be ensured. In this embodiment, the position information of the outdoor unit 20 is determined in step S26, so the safety of the air conditioner using a flammable refrigerant can be ensured. Note that the processing of step S26 may be made using the position information of the indoor unit 40 instead of the position information of the outdoor unit 20.

[0063] 13 is a diagram showing an example of a display prompting the operator to re-input the installation area. In step S27, the display 71 displays a message saying, "The installation location has been changed, so operation commands cannot be accepted. You must re-input the installation floor area using the two-dimensional code attached to the outdoor unit, etc." The operator re-inputs the installation information using the mobile terminal 60 (see FIG. 9).

[0064] After step S27, the control device 50 determines whether the installation floor area A has been re-input (step S28). More specifically, the control device 50 communicates with the server 30 and checks the information in the database 31 to determine whether the installation floor area A different from the original value has been input.

[0065] If the installation floor area A has not been re-input, the control device 50 repeats the processing of step S27. If the installation floor area A has been re-input, the control device 50 communicates with the server 30 and updates the information in the database 31 with the current location information of the outdoor unit 20 (step S29). This updates the equipment information in the database 31. That is, of the equipment information, the installation information is updated by the information input by the worker to the mobile terminal 60, and of the equipment information, the location information is updated in step S29. Thereafter, the control device 50 proceeds to the processing of step S30.

[0066] In step S26, if the location information registered in the database 31 corresponding to the ID matches the current location information, it is assumed that the air conditioning apparatus 100 has not been relocated and the space to be air-conditioned by the air conditioning apparatus 100 has not changed. In this case, there is no need to update the installation information. Therefore, the control device 50 proceeds to step S30 without displaying a screen on the remote controller 70 prompting the user to re-enter the installation floor area.

[0067] In step S30, the control device 50 determines whether or not the indoor unit 40 is equipped with a leak sensor 42. If the indoor unit 40 is not equipped with a leak sensor 42, the control device 50 calculates the minimum installation floor area Amin based on the above-mentioned formula (1) and determines whether or not "installation floor area A > Amin" holds (step S36). If "installation floor area A > Amin" does not hold, the control device 50 displays a screen on the remote controller 70 indicating that the installation floor area of ​​the air-conditioned space does not satisfy the standard for flammable refrigerant of the air conditioning apparatus 100 (step S37).

[0068] If the determination in step S36 is YES, or after step S37, the control device 50 changes the settings of the air conditioning device 100 so that it will accept an operation command for the air conditioning device 100 (step S33). Note that the worker who checks the screen of the remote controller 70 is expected to take necessary measures depending on the situation.

[0069] If the control device 50 determines in step S30 that the indoor unit 40 is equipped with a leakage sensor 42, it calculates the minimum installation floor area Amin based on the above-mentioned formula (2) and determines whether or not "installation floor area A > Amin" holds (step S31). If "installation floor area A > Amin" does not hold, the control device 50 displays a screen on the remote controller 70 indicating that the installation floor area of ​​the air-conditioned space does not satisfy the standard for flammable refrigerant of the air conditioning device 100 (step S34).

[0070] If the determination in step S31 is YES, or after step S34, the control device 50 calculates the required stirring air volume Qmin based on the above-mentioned formula (3) and determines whether or not "air volume Q of the air conditioning device 100 > Qmin" is true (step S32). Here, "air volume Q" is, for example, the set value of the air volume of the fan 41 when the leak sensor 42 detects a leak.

[0071] If the condition "air volume Q of the air conditioning apparatus 100 > Qmin" is not met, the control device 50 changes the minimum fan rotation speed of the fan 41 of the air conditioning apparatus 100 so that the air volume of the fan 41 exceeds Qmin (step S35). The control device 50 then changes the settings of the air conditioning apparatus 100 so that it can accept operation commands for the air conditioning apparatus 100 (step S33), and ends the processing based on this flowchart.

[0072] In steps S34 and S37, the control device 50 executes control to issue an alarm as described above. The control device 50 may notify the user or worker by sound, light, or the like from the indoor unit 40 that the installation floor area of ​​the air-conditioned space does not satisfy the standard for flammable refrigerant of the air conditioning device 100. In addition, a message may be displayed on the screen of the remote controller 70 indicating that sources of ignition should not be placed in the room.

[0073] If the control device 50 determines in step S31 or step S36 that the installation floor area of ​​the air-conditioned space does not satisfy the standard for the flammable refrigerant of the air conditioning device 100, it may perform control so as not to accept an operation command. More specifically, as shown by the dashed line in Figure 11, after processing of step S34 or step S37, the control device 50 may end the processing based on the flowchart without executing step S33. In this way, the control device 50 may control operation in accordance with the operation command on the condition that the installation floor area of ​​the air-conditioned space is equal to or greater than the minimum installation floor area based on the type of refrigerant (flammable refrigerant) flowing through the refrigerant circuit 80 (YES in step S31 or step S36).

[0074] As described above, when the control device 50 receives an operation command, it confirms that the installation floor area is registered in the memory 32 of the server 30 (step S23), and then controls the operation in accordance with the command (step S33). This makes it possible to reliably have the installer of the air conditioning device 100 input the installation floor area information. As a result, safety can be ensured in the air conditioning system 1000 that uses a flammable refrigerant. Note that, here, an example has been described in which the installation information and location information are registered in the database 31 configured in the cloud 300. However, the installation information and location information may also be registered in the memory 52 of the control device 50 instead of the cloud 300.

[0075] [Modification] Fig. 14 is a diagram showing a modification of the air conditioning system 1000. The air conditioning system 1000 shown in Fig. 14 further includes a camera 45 compared to the air conditioning system 1000 of Fig. 2 .

[0076] The camera 45 is an example of a status sensor that detects the status of the air-conditioned space. More specifically, the camera 45 captures an image of the room in which the indoor unit 40 is installed. In one implementation example, the air conditioning system 1000 may calculate the installation floor area A by analyzing the image captured by the camera 45 to identify a portion of the image that corresponds to the floor and converting that portion into the area of ​​the actual floor. The installation height of the indoor unit 40 may be used for the conversion. A default value (e.g., 1.8 m) may be used as the installation height. In this modification, the air conditioning system 1000 calculates the installation floor area A using the detection value of the sensor.

[0077] Fig. 15 is a flowchart relating to a modified example, in which steps S51 to S53 are adopted instead of steps S24, S25, and S27 to S29 of the flowchart shown in Fig. 10.

[0078] In a modified example, if the control device 50 determines NO in either step S23 or step S26, it executes steps S51 to S53. More specifically, the control device 50 acquires an image of the room from the camera 45 (step S51). Next, the control device 50 calculates the installation floor area A of the room by analyzing the image acquired from the camera 45 (step S52). Next, the control device 50 communicates with the server 30 and updates the information in the database 31 with the calculated installation floor area A (installation information) and the current location information of the outdoor unit 20 (step S53). As a result, the latest installation information and location information of the air conditioning device 100 are registered in the database 31.

[0079] According to this modification, the worker is freed from the cumbersome task of inputting the installation floor area A. Furthermore, compared to the installation floor area A input by the worker, the installation floor area A calculated by image analysis can be said to be an objective value that is free from variations due to the worker's skill, etc. Note that a sensor that captures thermal images may be used instead of the camera 45. In this case, the control device 50 may determine the installation floor area from the arrival time of the airflow, etc.

[0080] (Summary) The present embodiment will be summarized below.

[0081] (1) The present disclosure relates to an air conditioning system (1000) including an indoor unit (40), an outdoor unit (20), a refrigerant circuit (80) that circulates refrigerant between the indoor unit and the outdoor unit, a control device (50) that controls operation of the indoor unit and the outdoor unit, and a memory (32) for registering the floor area of ​​a space to be air-conditioned, and when the control device receives an operation command, it confirms that the floor area has been registered in the memory (step S23) and then controls operation in accordance with the command (step S33).

[0082] (2) The air conditioning system described in paragraph 1 further includes a display element (190) that indicates that the control of operation according to the command will be executed after the floor area is registered, and the display element is detachably provided on the outdoor unit.

[0083] (3) In the air conditioning system described in paragraph 1 or paragraph 2, the control device is configured to register the location information of the outdoor unit in memory (step S10), and if the location information acquired from the outdoor unit differs from the location information registered in memory, the control device outputs a message to the information output device (70) prompting the user to re-register the floor area (step S27).

[0084] (4) In the air conditioning system described in paragraph 3, after the floor area is re-registered in the memory (step S28), the control device executes control of operation in accordance with the command, and the message includes a message indicating that control of operation in accordance with the command will be executed after the floor area is re-registered (FIG. 13).

[0085] (5) In the air conditioning system described in any one of paragraphs 1 to 4, an information input device (60) for inputting floor area is further provided, and the information input device confirms the legitimacy of the operator based on the information input by the operator (step S4), and then executes a process for registering the floor area input by the operator in memory.

[0086] (6) In the air conditioning system described in any one of paragraphs 1 to 5, a status sensor (45) is further provided for detecting the status of the space to be air-conditioned, and the control device calculates the floor area based on the detected value of the status sensor and registers the calculated floor area in memory (steps S51 to S53).

[0087] (7) In the air conditioning system described in any one of paragraphs 1 to 6, the control device executes control to issue an alarm when the floor area is less than the minimum installation floor area based on the type of refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant circuit (steps S34 and S37).

[0088] (8) In the air conditioning system described in any one of paragraphs 1 to 7, the control device controls operation in accordance with the instructions, provided that the floor area is equal to or greater than the minimum installation floor area based on the type of refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant circuit (variant example of step S34 and step S37 (dashed line portion in Figure 11)).

[0089] (9) In the air conditioning system described in paragraph (8), the control device varies the minimum installation floor area depending on whether the air conditioning system is equipped with a leak sensor (42) that detects refrigerant leaks.

[0090] (10) The air conditioning system described in any one of paragraphs 1 to 8 further includes a leakage sensor (42) that detects refrigerant leakage, and a fan (41) that agitates the air in the space to be air-conditioned when the leakage sensor detects refrigerant leakage, and the control device controls the operation of the fan to achieve the required agitation air volume based on the type of refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant circuit (step S35).

[0091] (11) In the air conditioning system described in paragraph 2, a two-dimensional code (191) including identification information of the outdoor unit is formed on the display member.

[0092] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present disclosure is defined by the claims, not by the description of the above embodiments, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims.

[0093] REFRIGERATION SYSTEM, 90 WIRELESS RECEIVERS, 100 AIR CONDITIONING APPARATUS, 190 DISPLAY MEMBERS, 191 TWO-DIMENSIONAL CODE, 192 MESSAGE, 300 CLOUD, 1000 AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM.

Claims

1. An air conditioning system comprising: an indoor unit; an outdoor unit; a refrigerant circuit that circulates refrigerant between the indoor unit and the outdoor unit; a control device that controls the operation of the indoor unit and the outdoor unit; and a memory for registering the floor area of ​​a space to be air-conditioned, wherein when the control device receives an operation command, it confirms that the floor area has been registered in the memory and then controls the operation in accordance with the command.

2. The air conditioning system of claim 1, further comprising a display member for displaying that the control of operation in accordance with the command is executed after the floor area is registered, the display member being detachably provided on the outdoor unit.

3. An air conditioning system as described in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the control device is configured to register location information of the outdoor unit in the memory, and when the location information obtained from the outdoor unit differs from the location information registered in the memory, the control device outputs a message to an information output device prompting the user to re-register the floor area.

4. The air conditioning system of claim 3, wherein the control device executes control of the operation in accordance with the instructions after the floor area is re-registered in the memory, and the message includes a message indicating that control of the operation in accordance with the instructions will be executed after the floor area is re-registered.

5. An air conditioning system as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising an information input device for inputting the floor area, wherein the information input device executes a process for registering the floor area input by the operator in the memory after verifying the legitimacy of the operator based on information input by the operator.

6. An air conditioning system as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a status sensor for detecting the status of the space to be air-conditioned, wherein the control device calculates the floor area based on the detection value of the status sensor and registers the calculated floor area in the memory.

7. An air conditioning system as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the control device executes control to issue an alarm when the floor area is less than a minimum installation floor area based on the type of refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant circuit.

8. An air conditioning system as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the control device executes control of the operation in accordance with the instructions, on the condition that the floor area is equal to or greater than a minimum installation floor area based on the type of refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant circuit.

9. The air conditioning system according to claim 8, wherein the control device varies the minimum installation floor area depending on whether the air conditioning system is equipped with a leakage sensor that detects refrigerant leakage.

10. An air conditioning system as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a leakage sensor that detects refrigerant leakage, and a fan that agitates the air in the space to be air-conditioned when the leakage sensor detects a refrigerant leakage, wherein the control device controls the operation of the fan so as to achieve a required agitation air volume based on the type of refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant circuit.

11. The air conditioning system according to claim 2, wherein the display member is formed with a two-dimensional code including identification information of the outdoor unit.

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