Deterioration information system and program

Abstract

A deterioration information system (1) calculates information correlated with deterioration of a compressor (2), the deterioration information system (1) comprising a control unit. The control unit has: a calculation function for calculating, from waveform data obtained from the compressor (2), a feature amount correlated with deterioration of the compressor (2); and a selection function for outputting a feature amount at which the operation condition of the compressor (2) at the time of waveform data acquisition is within a prescribed range.

Description

Deterioration information systems and programs

[0001] Degradation information systems and programs.

[0002] Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2022-101344) discloses a power conversion device that can diagnose deterioration or abnormality of an AC motor with a simpler configuration.

[0003] However, the diagnosis based on the monitoring results shown in Patent Document 1 may not provide high diagnostic accuracy.

[0004] The present disclosure proposes a degradation information system and program that outputs a suitable feature quantity correlated with degradation.

[0005] A deterioration information system according to a first aspect is a deterioration information system that calculates information correlated with compressor deterioration and includes a control unit. The control unit has a calculation function that calculates a feature value correlated with compressor deterioration from waveform data obtained from the compressor, and a selection function that outputs a feature value for which the operating conditions of the compressor at the time the waveform data was obtained fall within a predetermined range.

[0006] The control unit of this deterioration information system has a calculation function for calculating feature quantities correlated with compressor deterioration and a selection function for outputting feature quantities for which the compressor operating conditions fall within a predetermined range. Therefore, this deterioration information system can output feature quantities suitable for diagnosing deterioration.

[0007] A degradation information system according to a second aspect is the degradation information system according to the first aspect, further comprising a storage device that stores feature quantities of the plurality of compressors.

[0008] A degradation information system according to a third aspect is the degradation information system according to the second aspect, in which the storage device is a server or a cloud, and the feature values ​​stored in the storage device are selected based on the operating conditions of the compressor when the waveform data used in the calculation was acquired.

[0009] A deterioration information system according to a fourth aspect is the deterioration information system according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the waveform data is current waveform data showing a waveform of a current of a motor of the compressor. The feature amount is the magnitude of a frequency component that is N times or N / M times the rotation speed of the motor. N and M are integers. M is greater than N.

[0010] A deterioration information system according to a fifth aspect is the deterioration information system according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the compressor has a motor driven by a motor drive device. The motor drive device has a DC generator and a converter. The DC generator generates a DC voltage according to a power supply voltage supplied from an external power supply. The converter converts the DC voltage generated by the DC generator into an AC voltage through a switching operation and supplies the AC voltage to the motor. The operating conditions are at least one of the rotation speed of the motor included in the compressor, the pressure of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor, the pressure of the refrigerant drawn into the compressor, the temperature of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor, the temperature of the refrigerant drawn into the compressor, a frequency component of the rotation speed of the torque of the compressor, and the DC voltage. The predetermined range is a range of operating conditions when the compressor is operating in a steady state.

[0011] A deterioration information system according to a sixth aspect is the deterioration information system according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the operating conditions are at least one of the rotation speed of a motor of the compressor, the pressure of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor, the pressure of the refrigerant drawn into the compressor, the temperature of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor, and the temperature of the refrigerant drawn into the compressor. The predetermined range is a range of operating conditions that is set in advance.

[0012] A degradation information system according to a seventh aspect is the degradation information system according to any one of the first aspect to the sixth aspect, in which the predetermined range is externally changeable.

[0013] The program of an eighth aspect is a program for causing a computer of a control device that calculates information correlated with compressor deterioration to execute a calculation function and a selection function. The calculation function is a function for calculating a feature correlated with compressor deterioration from waveform data obtained from the compressor. The selection function is a function for outputting a feature that corresponds to the operating conditions of the compressor at the time the waveform data was obtained and falls within a predetermined range.

[0014] A program according to a ninth aspect is the program according to the eighth aspect, further causing the program to execute a storage function of storing feature quantities of a plurality of compressors in a storage device.

[0015] According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a program for calculating a temperature and humidity of a vehicle, the program being related to the ninth aspect, wherein the storage device is a server or a cloud. The feature quantities stored in the storage device are selected based on the operating conditions of the compressor when the waveform data used in the calculation was acquired.

[0016] A program according to an eleventh aspect is the program according to any one of the eighth to tenth aspects, wherein the waveform data is current waveform data showing a waveform of a current of a motor of the compressor. The feature amount is the magnitude of a frequency component that is N times or N / M times the rotation speed of the motor. N and M are integers. M is greater than N.

[0017] A twelfth aspect of the program is the program of any one of the eighth to eleventh aspects, wherein the compressor has a motor driven by a motor drive device. The motor drive device has a DC generator and a converter. The DC generator generates a DC voltage according to a power supply voltage supplied from an external power supply. The converter converts the DC voltage generated by the DC generator into an AC voltage through a switching operation and supplies the AC voltage to the motor. The operating conditions are at least one of the rotation speed of the motor of the compressor, the pressure of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor, the pressure of the refrigerant drawn into the compressor, the temperature of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor, the temperature of the refrigerant drawn into the compressor, a frequency component of the rotation speed of the torque of the compressor, and the DC voltage. The predetermined range is a range of operating conditions when the compressor is operating in a steady state.

[0018] A thirteenth aspect of the present invention is a program according to any one of the eighth to twelfth aspects, wherein the operating conditions are at least one of a rotation speed of a motor included in the compressor, a pressure of refrigerant discharged from the compressor, a pressure of refrigerant drawn into the compressor, a temperature of refrigerant discharged from the compressor, and a temperature of refrigerant drawn into the compressor. The predetermined range is a range of operating conditions that is set in advance.

[0019] A fourteenth aspect of the present invention is a program according to any one of the eighth to thirteenth aspects, wherein the predetermined range is externally changeable.

[0020] A deterioration information system according to a fifteenth aspect is the deterioration information system according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, wherein the selection function includes a first selection function and a second selection function. The first selection function selects waveform data whose compressor operating conditions fall within a predetermined range. The second selection function selects, from among the feature quantities calculated by the calculation function from the waveform data selected by the first selection function, a feature quantity whose compressor operating conditions are closest to preset operating conditions.

[0021] 1 is a schematic diagram showing a deterioration information system 1. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a compressor 2. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a control device 11. FIG. 2 is a graph showing the case where oil shortage occurs. FIG. 3 is a graph showing the case where liquid compression occurs. FIG. 4 is a graph showing the case where insulation degradation occurs. FIG. 5 is a graph showing V0 when there is wear. FIG. 6 is a graph showing VF when there is wear. FIG. 7 is a graph showing Vfr when there is wear. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a terminal 13. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the deterioration information system 1. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a control device 11. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the operation of the deterioration information system 1. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a terminal 13. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the operation of the deterioration information system 1. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of a terminal 13. FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of a deterioration information system 3. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a control device 31. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the operation of the deterioration information system 3. FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram of a deterioration information system 4. FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram of a control device 41. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the operation of the deterioration information system 4.

[0022] First Embodiment A deterioration information system 1 according to a first embodiment will be described. The deterioration information system 1 is a system that calculates information correlated with deterioration of a compressor 2.

[0023] (1) Overall Configuration The overall configuration of the degraded information system 1 will be described. FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing the degraded information system 1. The degraded information system 1 includes a control device 11, a storage device 12, and a terminal 13. The degraded information system 1 may include multiple control devices 11. The degraded information system 1 may include multiple storage devices 12. The degraded information system 1 may include multiple terminals 13. In this embodiment, the control device 11 and the terminal 13 form a control unit.

[0024] (1-1) Control Device 11 The control device 11 is connected to the compressor 2 and the storage device 12 by wire or wirelessly. The detailed configuration of the control device 11 will be described later.

[0025] (1-2) Storage Device 12 The storage device 12 stores features correlated with deterioration of the compressor 2, etc. Details of the features will be described later. The storage device 12 can be used as a database. Examples of the storage device 12 include HDDs, SSDs, EEPROMs, and flash memories. The storage device 12 is connected to the control device 11 by wire or wirelessly. The storage device 12 is connected to the terminal 13 by wire or wirelessly in response to an operation by a user of the terminal 13.

[0026] (1-3) Terminal 13 The terminal 13 is a tablet terminal. The terminal 13 may be any of a notebook computer, a smartphone, and a desktop computer. The terminal 13 is connected to the storage device 12 via a wired or wireless connection by an operation of the user of the terminal 13. An example of the user of the terminal 13 is a service engineer. The detailed configuration of the terminal 13 will be described later.

[0027] (1-4) Compressor 2 The compressor 2 is provided in a refrigeration cycle device (not shown). The refrigeration cycle device is a device that uses a vapor compression refrigeration cycle to condition the air of a space to be air-conditioned. Examples of air conditioning include cooling, freezing, heating, humidification, dehumidification, air purification, ventilation, etc.

[0028] 2 is a configuration diagram of the compressor 2. The compressor 2 mainly includes a motor drive device 21 and a motor 22 driven by the motor drive device 21. The motor drive device 21 mainly includes a DC generator 211 and a converter 212.

[0029] (1-4-1) DC Generator 211 The DC generator 211 generates a DC voltage in response to a power supply voltage supplied from an external power supply. For example, it is configured with a diode bridge circuit in which a plurality of rectifier diodes are connected in a bridge shape, and a DC section having a capacitor and smoothing the output of the diode bridge circuit.

[0030] (1-4-2) Conversion Unit 212 The conversion unit 212 converts the DC voltage generated by the DC generation unit 211 into an AC voltage through a switching operation and supplies the AC voltage to the motor 22. The rotation speed of the compressor 2 changes depending on the frequency of the AC voltage output by the conversion unit 212. The conversion unit 212 controls the rotation speed of the compressor 2 through a switching operation so that it becomes a command value.

[0031] (1-5) Hardware Configuration The control device 11 and the terminal 13 are realized by a computer. The control device 11 and the terminal 13 include a control and arithmetic device and a storage device. The control and arithmetic device can use a processor such as a CPU or a GPU. The control and arithmetic device reads a program stored in the storage device and performs predetermined image processing and arithmetic processing in accordance with the program. Furthermore, the control and arithmetic device can write the results of calculations to the storage device and read information stored in the storage device in accordance with the program.

[0032] (2) Detailed Configuration (2-1) Control Device 11 The detailed configuration of the control device 11 will be described. Fig. 3 is a configuration diagram of the control device 11. Fig. 3 shows various functions realized by the control arithmetic device. The control device 11 has an acquisition unit 111, a first selection unit 112, a calculation unit 113, a time information generation unit 114, and a recording unit 115.

[0033] (2-1-1) Acquisition Unit 111 The acquisition unit 111 acquires operating conditions and waveform data based on information obtained from various sensors provided in the compressor 2 and the refrigeration cycle device. The operating conditions include at least one of the rotation speed of the motor 22, the pressure of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 2, the pressure of the refrigerant drawn into the compressor 2, the temperature of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 2, the temperature of the refrigerant drawn into the compressor 2, the frequency component of the rotation speed of the torque of the compressor 2, and the DC voltage generated by the DC generation unit 211. Some compressors 2 have two ports, a suction port and an injection port, through which the refrigerant is drawn. In this case, the pressure of the refrigerant drawn into the compressor 2 refers to either the pressure of the suction port or the pressure of the injection port, or both. The temperature of the refrigerant drawn into the compressor 2 refers to either the temperature of the suction port or the temperature of the injection port, or both.

[0034] The waveform data is current waveform data that indicates the waveform of the current of the motor 22. The current waveform data is obtained from current sensors attached to the three windings of the motor. Alternatively, the current waveform data may be derived from the DC current detected by a shunt resistor provided in the DC section and the switching pattern. The waveform data may be either sound waveform data that indicates the waveform of the sound of the compressor 2 or vibration waveform data that indicates the waveform of the vibration of the compressor 2. An example of the sound of the compressor 2 is sound acquired from a microphone near the compressor 2. Examples of the vibration of the compressor 2 are vibration acquired from a vibration sensor on the housing of the compressor 2, vibration acquired from a vibration sensor on the suction pipe of the compressor 2, and vibration acquired from a vibration sensor on the discharge pipe of the compressor 2.

[0035] The acquisition unit 111 acquires, at predetermined time intervals, the operating conditions and waveform data from the compressor 2. For example, the acquisition unit 111 acquires, at one second intervals, the operating conditions and waveform data from the compressor 2.

[0036] (2-1-2) First Selection Unit 112 The first selection unit 112 selects waveform data for which the operating conditions of the compressor 2 at the time of waveform data acquisition fall within a predetermined range. The "time of waveform data acquisition" indicates the time when the acquisition unit 111 acquired the waveform data. Alternatively, the "time of waveform data acquisition" may be the time period when the acquisition unit 111 acquired the waveform data.

[0037] Examples of the "operating conditions of the compressor 2 when the waveform data was acquired" include an average value of the operating conditions for a predetermined period of time and the operating conditions at a predetermined time. An example of the predetermined period is a time period during which the acquisition unit 111 acquired the waveform data. An example of the predetermined time is a specific time during the time period during which the acquisition unit 111 acquired the waveform data, or the time at which the acquisition unit 111 acquired the waveform data.

[0038] When the waveform data selected by the first selection unit 112 is data that includes time, examples of the time include a time that is the same as a time that includes "the time of waveform data acquisition", a time that is different from the time that includes "the time of waveform data acquisition", etc. When the waveform data selected by the first selection unit 112 is data that includes time, examples of the time include a time that is the same as "the time of waveform data acquisition", a time that is different from "the time of waveform data acquisition", etc.

[0039] In addition, when calculating feature quantities using sequential estimation such as a Kalman filter, current feature quantities are calculated from previously calculated feature quantities and waveform data from a predetermined period A. In this case, the current feature quantity is also influenced by waveform data from a period prior to the predetermined period A, with the influence of waveform data from a period close to the predetermined period A being greater and the influence of waveform data from a period far from the predetermined period A being relatively smaller. From the above, in calculating feature quantities using sequential estimation, the time of waveform data acquisition is defined as the time period from a predetermined time before the feature quantity calculation time to the feature quantity calculation time. For example, the predetermined time is five minutes.

[0040] The state where "the operating conditions of the compressor 2 are within a predetermined range" means that the operating conditions are within a steady state. Alternatively, the state where "the operating conditions of the compressor 2 are within a predetermined range" means that the operating conditions are within a preset range of operating conditions. The predetermined range refers to the range in which the operating state of the compressor 2 is within a steady state, or the preset range of operating conditions.

[0041] The predetermined range is written in an EEPROM or flash memory and can be changed externally. For example, a service engineer or administrator rewrites the predetermined range when performing maintenance on-site or remotely. The predetermined range may be changed based on driving conditions accumulated through the driving of one or more users over a certain period of time. For example, the predetermined range may be changed based on driving conditions that occur more frequently than a certain rate among the driving conditions accumulated through the driving of one or more users over a certain period of time. For example, when the rotation speed is divided into increments of 5 rps, the range of rotation speeds with the highest occurrence rate is determined. The predetermined range is changed to the determined range of rotation speeds. By changing the predetermined range in this way, it is possible to avoid the risk of the driving conditions not falling within the predetermined range and making it difficult to obtain waveform data for feature calculation.

[0042] An example of setting the "preset operating condition range" will be described. Assume that the feature quantity is a current frequency component that correlates with the magnitude of torque pulsation occurring during the compression process of the compressor 2. In this case, the "preset operating condition range" is set to a low rotation speed range. Specifically, the "preset operating condition range" is set to a rotation speed range of 50% or less of the maximum rotation speed of the compressor 2. The reason for this is that as wear of the components constituting the compression mechanism of the compressor 2 increases, the frequency component of the torque of the compressor 2 that is N times the rotation speed changes, and due to the influence of inertia, the higher the frequency component in the transfer characteristic from the torque to the current of the compressor 2, the more attenuated it becomes. By setting the "preset operating condition range" to a rotation speed range of 50% or less of the maximum rotation speed of the compressor 2, it is possible to focus on low-frequency components with little attenuation, and the feature quantity changes significantly when wear occurs, making it suitable for observing the state of wear.

[0043] The steady state of the compressor 2 will now be described in detail.

[0044] (2-1-2-1) Steady State of the Rotational Speed ​​of the Motor 22 The rotational speed of the motor is detected by a sensor or estimated sensorlessly. The steady state of the rotational speed of the motor 22 is, for example, a state in which the difference between the rotational speed command value and the actual measured rotational speed value is within a predetermined difference. For example, the predetermined difference is 0.1 rps. The steady state of the rotational speed of the motor 22 may also be a state in which the difference between the current value and the previous value of the actual measured rotational speed is within a predetermined difference. For example, the previous value is the actual measured rotational speed value acquired one second before the current value, and the predetermined difference is 0.1 rps.

[0045] Note that a rotation speed command value may be used instead of the above-described actual rotation speed value. For example, the steady state of the rotation speed of the motor 22 may be a state in which the difference between the current rotation speed command value and the previous rotation speed command value is within a predetermined difference.

[0046] Alternatively, the steady state of the rotational speed of the motor 22 may be a state in which neither the acceleration flag nor the deceleration flag for the rotational speed held in the control device 11 is set. The control device 11 may set the acceleration flag for the rotational speed held in the control device 11 when increasing the rotational speed of the motor 22, and may clear the acceleration flag when not increasing the rotational speed of the motor 22. Furthermore, the control device 11 may set the deceleration flag for the rotational speed held in the control device 11 when decreasing the rotational speed of the motor 22, and may clear the deceleration flag when not increasing the rotational speed of the motor 22.

[0047] (2-1-2-2) Steady State of the Pressure of the Refrigerant Discharged from the Compressor 2 The pressure of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 2 is detected by a discharge pressure sensor attached to the discharge pipe of the compressor. The steady state of the pressure of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 2 is, for example, a state in which the difference between the current value and the previous value of the pressure of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 2 is within a predetermined difference. For example, the previous value is the pressure of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 2 acquired one second before the current value, and the predetermined difference is 0.1 MPa.

[0048] Alternatively, the steady state of the pressure of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 2 may be a state in which the difference between the current value and the previous value of the saturation temperature of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 2 is within a predetermined difference. Hereinafter, the saturation temperature of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 2 will be referred to as the "discharge saturation temperature." For example, the previous value is the discharge saturation temperature of the compressor 2 acquired one second before the current value, and the predetermined difference is 0.1°C.

[0049] Alternatively, the steady state of the pressure of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 2 may be a state in which the difference between the "moving average value of the pressure of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 2 within a first time period" and the "moving average value of the pressure of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 2 within a second time period" is within a predetermined difference. The second time period is shorter than the first time period. For example, the moving average value within the first time period is a moving average value over a 3-minute period, and the moving average value within the second time period is a moving average value over a 10-second period, and the predetermined difference is 1°C.

[0050] (2-1-2-3) Steady State of Pressure of Refrigerant Sucked into Compressor 2 The pressure of the refrigerant sucked into the compressor 2 is detected by a suction pressure sensor attached to the suction pipe of the compressor. The steady state of the pressure of the refrigerant sucked into the compressor 2 may be a state in which the difference between the current value and the previous value of the saturation temperature of the refrigerant sucked into the compressor 2 is within a predetermined difference. Hereinafter, the saturation temperature of the refrigerant sucked into the compressor 2 will be referred to as the "suction saturation temperature." For example, the previous value is the suction saturation temperature of the compressor 2 acquired one second before the current value, and the predetermined difference is 0.1°C.

[0051] Alternatively, the steady state of the pressure of the refrigerant drawn into the compressor 2 may be a state in which the difference between the "moving average value of the pressure of the refrigerant drawn into the compressor 2 within a first time period" and the "moving average value of the pressure of the refrigerant drawn into the compressor 2 within a second time period" is within a predetermined difference. The second time period is shorter than the first time period. For example, the moving average value within the first time period is a moving average value over a 3-minute period, and the moving average value within the second time period is a moving average value over a 10-second period, and the predetermined difference is 1°C.

[0052] (2-1-2-4) Steady State of Temperature of Refrigerant Discharged from Compressor 2 The temperature of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 2 is detected by a temperature sensor attached around the discharge port of the compressor. The steady state of the temperature of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 2 is, for example, a state in which the difference between the current value and the previous value of the temperature of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 2 is within a predetermined difference. For example, the previous value is the value acquired one second before the current value, and 0.1°C is used as the predetermined difference.

[0053] Alternatively, the steady state of the temperature of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 2 may be a state in which the difference between the "moving average value of the temperature of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 2 within a first time period" and the "moving average value of the temperature of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 2 within a second time period" is within a predetermined difference. The second time period is shorter than the first time period. For example, a moving average value over a three-minute period may be used as the moving average value within the first time period, a moving average value over a ten-second period may be used as the moving average value within the second time period, and 1°C may be used as the predetermined difference.

[0054] (2-1-2-5) Steady State of the Temperature of the Refrigerant Sucked into the Compressor 2 The temperature of the refrigerant sucked into the compressor 2 is detected by a temperature sensor attached around the suction port of the compressor. The steady state of the temperature of the refrigerant sucked into the compressor 2 is, for example, a state in which the difference between the current value and the previous value of the temperature of the refrigerant sucked into the compressor 2 is within a predetermined difference. For example, the previous value is the temperature of the refrigerant sucked into the compressor 2 acquired one second before the current value. Furthermore, 0.1°C is used as the predetermined difference.

[0055] Alternatively, the steady state of the temperature of the refrigerant drawn into the compressor 2 may be a state in which the difference between the "moving average value of the temperature of the refrigerant drawn into the compressor 2 within a first time period" and the "moving average value of the temperature of the refrigerant drawn into the compressor 2 within a second time period" is within a predetermined difference. The second time period is shorter than the first time period. For example, a moving average value over a three-minute period may be used as the moving average value within the first time period, a moving average value over a ten-second period may be used as the moving average value within the second time period, and 1°C may be used as the predetermined difference.

[0056] (2-1-2-6) Steady State of the DC Voltage Generated by the DC Generator 211 The steady state of the DC voltage generated by the DC generator 211 is, for example, a state in which the absolute value of the AC component extracted from the instantaneous waveform of the DC voltage generated by the DC generator 211 is calculated and the instantaneous value is equal to or less than a threshold. The threshold is set to, for example, a value obtained by calculating the average value of the absolute value of the AC component extracted from the instantaneous waveform of the DC voltage generated by the DC generator 211 and multiplying the calculated average value by a predetermined coefficient. If the DC voltage is non-steady, the waveform will be disturbed and the feature values ​​will be affected. However, in this case, waveform data in which the DC voltage is steady and has little disturbance can be selected, and therefore, feature values ​​that can be used to diagnose deterioration with high accuracy can be calculated and output from the waveform data.

[0057] (2-1-2-7) Steady State of Frequency Component of Rotational Speed ​​of Torque of Compressor 2 An example of the "frequency component of the rotational speed of the torque of compressor 2" is the first-order mechanical angle component (unit: ampere) of the current vector amplitude. The current vector amplitude is a value expressed as the square root of the sum of the squares of the three phase currents of the input of compressor 2.

[0058] An example of a steady state of the frequency component of the rotational speed of the torque of the compressor 2 is a state in which the first-order mechanical angle component of the current vector amplitude is within a specific range. Examples of the specific range include the range of the first-order mechanical angle component of the current vector amplitude in a state in which no oil shortage occurs, and the range of the first-order mechanical angle component of the current vector amplitude in a state in which no liquid compression occurs.

[0059] FIG. 4 is a graph showing the relationship between VF and T before and after oil shortage occurs. VF is the first-order mechanical angle component of the current vector amplitude. T is time. Time T1 is the time when oil shortage occurs. Before oil shortage occurs, the value of VF is VF1. When oil shortage occurs, the value of VF changes to VF2. If a steady state is defined as a state in which the first-order mechanical angle component of the current vector amplitude is within a specific range (a range near VF1), when oil shortage occurs, the first-order mechanical angle component of the current vector amplitude falls outside the specific range, resulting in an unsteady state.

[0060] FIG. 5 is a graph showing the relationship between VF and T before and after liquid compression occurs. Time T2 is the time when liquid compression occurs. Before liquid compression occurs, the value of VF is VF3. When liquid compression occurs, the value of VF changes. If a steady state is defined as a state in which the first-order mechanical angle component of the current vector amplitude is within a specific range (a range near VF3), when liquid compression occurs, the first-order mechanical angle component of the current vector amplitude falls outside the specific range, resulting in an unsteady state.

[0061] Therefore, when the frequency component of the rotation speed of the torque of the compressor 2 is in a steady state, the first sorting unit 112 can sort waveform data when oil shortage or liquid compression is not occurring. When oil shortage or liquid compression occurs, the waveform becomes distorted and affects the feature values. However, in this case, waveform data with little disturbance when oil shortage or liquid compression is not occurring is sorted, and from that waveform data, feature values ​​that can be used to diagnose deterioration with high accuracy can be found and output.

[0062] (2-1-3) Calculation Unit 113 The calculation unit 113 calculates a feature quantity correlated with deterioration of the compressor 2 from the waveform data selected by the first selection unit 112. The "function of calculating a feature quantity correlated with deterioration of the compressor 2 from waveform data obtained from the compressor 2" is referred to as the calculation function. The calculation unit 113 realizes the calculation function. Examples of methods by which the calculation unit 113 calculates the feature quantity include Fourier transform, Fourier series expansion, and Kalman filter.

[0063] The feature quantity is the magnitude of a frequency component that is N or N / M times the rotation speed of the motor 22, or a value other than a frequency component. N and M are integers. M is greater than N. Specific examples of the feature quantity (the magnitude of a frequency component) include the third-order component of the phase current electrical angle, the first-order component of the mechanical angle of the current vector amplitude, and the fractional frequency component of the current vector amplitude. Specific examples of the feature quantity (values ​​other than frequency components) include the zeroth-order component of the current vector amplitude and the effective value of the phase current. The effective value of the phase current is the square root of the average value (the value obtained by integrating the instantaneous value of the phase current over one period and dividing by the period) of the squared value. Note that the feature quantity may also be the magnitude of the frequency component of sound, vibration, voltage, or power. The feature quantity is information correlated with deterioration. Examples of deterioration include insulation deterioration and wear. The correlation between each feature quantity and deterioration of the compressor 2 is described below.

[0064] (2-1-3-1) Correlation between Insulation Deterioration and Feature Quantity FIG. 6 is a graph showing the relationship between the degree of deterioration and the third-order component of the phase current electrical angle when insulation deterioration of the windings of the motor 22 causes a short circuit. D is the degree of deterioration (the proportion of the number of short-circuited turns in the windings of the motor 22, in units of percent). PT is the third-order component of the phase current electrical angle (in units of amperes). The greater the degree of deterioration, the more advanced the deterioration. D and PT show a positive correlation. The deterioration (insulation deterioration) of the compressor 2 and the feature quantity (third-order component of the phase current electrical angle) are correlated.

[0065] (2-1-3-2) Correlation between Wear and Feature Amounts When wear occurs in the compressor 2, the degree of deterioration of the compressor 2 increases. When wear occurs in the compressor 2, the waveform of the compression torque changes, and the current waveform and vibration waveform also change. For example, the second or third multiple or subharmonic of the rotational frequency component of the vibration waveform changes. For this reason, wear in the compressor 2 can be detected from the vibration waveform and current waveform. Below, an example of a change in current when wear occurs will be explained.

[0066] FIG. 7 is a graph showing V0 in the case of wear. V is the current vector amplitude (unit: amperes, omitted below). f is the frequency (unit: hertz, omitted below). V0 is the zeroth component of the current vector amplitude. The solid line S shows the relationship between V and f in the case of wear. The dotted line W shows the relationship between V and f in a normal state. V0S, which is the zeroth component of the current vector amplitude in the case of wear, increases more than V0W, which is the zeroth component of the current vector amplitude in a normal state. Deterioration (wear) of the compressor 2 and the characteristic quantity (zeroth component of the current vector amplitude) are correlated.

[0067] 8 is a graph showing VF (first-order component of the mechanical angle of the current vector amplitude) when the compressor 2 is worn. VFS, which is the first-order component of the mechanical angle of the current vector amplitude when the compressor 2 is worn, is lower than VFW, which is the first-order component of the mechanical angle of the current vector amplitude when the compressor 2 is normal. There is a correlation between the deterioration (wear) of the compressor 2 and the characteristic quantity (first-order component of the mechanical angle of the current vector amplitude).

[0068] 9 is a graph showing Vfr when there is wear. Vfr is the fractional frequency component of the current vector amplitude. When there is wear, Vfr increases. There is a correlation between the deterioration (wear) of the compressor 2 and the characteristic quantity (fractional frequency component of the current vector amplitude).

[0069] (2-1-4) Time Information Generator 114 When the calculator 113 calculates the feature amount, the time information generator 114 generates time information. The time information generator 114 may generate the time information at regular intervals. Here, the time information is information indicating the cumulative operating time of the compressor 2. The time information may be information indicating the time when the calculator 113 calculated the feature amount, and information indicating the cumulative order and recording period in which the recorder 115 recorded the feature amount, etc. The time information generator 114 realizes the time information generation function.

[0070] (2-1-5) Recording Unit 115 The recording unit 115 links the feature calculated by the calculation unit 113 and the time information generated by the time information generation unit 114 to the compressor individual information stored in the storage device 12. Then, the recording unit 115 records the linked feature, time information, and compressor individual information in the storage device 12.

[0071] Examples of the compressor individual information include unique identification information of the compressor 2 and information indicating the model and model number of the machine in which the compressor 2 is installed. The compressor individual information is stored in the storage device 12 in advance.

[0072] The recording unit 115 links the feature amount and the time information every hour and records them in the storage device 12. Note that the recording unit 115 may link the feature amount and the time information and record them in the storage device 12 for each preset recording cycle.

[0073] (2-2) Terminal 13 The detailed configuration of the terminal 13 will be described. Fig. 10 is a configuration diagram of the terminal 13. Fig. 10 shows various functions realized by the control and arithmetic device. The terminal 13 has a receiving unit 131, a degradation information generating unit 132, and an output unit 133.

[0074] (2-2-1) Reception Unit 131 The reception unit 131 receives an output instruction input by a user of the terminal 13. The output instruction is an instruction to output deterioration information. The deterioration information is information in which feature amounts, time information, actual service information, and compressor individual information are linked together. Since the deterioration information includes feature amounts that correlate with deterioration, it can also be said to be information that correlates with deterioration.

[0075] The actual service information is information that links information about the timing of compressor 2 failures, such as error code history and maintenance history, with property information and compressor individual information. Examples of property information include information indicating the name of the property, a property ID, the property address, a user name, and an email address. The actual service information is recorded in an external storage device (not shown) by a service engineer, for example, when the service engineer performs maintenance (service) on the compressor 2.

[0076] The receiving unit 131 may receive an output instruction from an external component that transmits an output instruction to the receiving unit 131 when the feature amount exceeds a predetermined value. An example of the predetermined value is a value set in advance by a service engineer.

[0077] (2-2-2) Degradation Information Generation Unit 132 The degradation information generation unit 132 generates degradation information when the reception unit 131 receives an output instruction. The degradation information generation unit 132 realizes a degradation information generation function. The specific process by which the degradation information generation unit 132 generates degradation information will be described below.

[0078] The degradation information generation unit 132 acquires information in which feature amounts, time information, and compressor individual information are linked from the storage device 12. The degradation information generation unit 132 acquires actual service information including the compressor individual information from an external storage device based on the compressor individual information acquired from the storage device 12. The degradation information generation unit 132 links the information in which feature amounts, time information, and compressor individual information are linked, acquired from the storage device 12, with the actual service information acquired from the external storage device. In this way, the degradation information generation unit 132 generates degradation information.

[0079] (2-2-3) Output Unit 133 When the receiving unit 131 receives an output instruction, the output unit 133 outputs the degradation information generated by the degradation information generating unit 132. Examples of output include display on a display device, notification by a speaker, printing by a printer, and email delivery. The output unit 133 realizes an output function.

[0080] (2-3) As described above, in the control device 11, the first sorting unit 112 sorts out waveform data for which the operating conditions of the compressor 2 at the time the waveform data was acquired fall within a predetermined range. The calculation unit 113 then calculates, from the waveform data sorted by the first sorting unit 112, a feature quantity correlated with deterioration of the compressor 2. In addition, the output unit 133 outputs deterioration information including the feature quantity calculated by the calculation unit 113. In other words, the first sorting unit 112, the calculation unit 113, and the output unit 133 "output feature quantities for which the operating conditions of the compressor 2 at the time the waveform data was acquired fall within a predetermined range." The function of acquiring feature quantities for which the operating conditions of the compressor 2 at the time the waveform data was acquired fall within a predetermined range is referred to as a sorting function. The first sorting unit 112, the calculation unit 113, and the output unit 133 realize the sorting function.

[0081] (3) Operation The following describes the operation of the degraded information system 1. FIG.

[0082] The acquisition unit 111 acquires operating conditions and waveform data from the compressor 2 (step S1). The first selection unit 112 selects waveform data whose operating conditions of the compressor 2 at the time of waveform data acquisition fall within a predetermined range (step S2).

[0083] The calculation unit 113 calculates a feature quantity correlated with the deterioration of the compressor 2 from the waveform data selected in step S2 (step S3). The time information generation unit 114 generates time information (step S4).

[0084] The recording unit 115 links the feature calculated in step S3, the time information generated in step S4, and the compressor individual information stored in the storage device 12, and records them in the storage device 12 (step S5). The feature, time information, and compressor individual information are stored in the storage device 12 in a linked manner.

[0085] The storage device 12 and the terminal 13 are connected by an operation of the user of the terminal 13. Thereafter, the user of the terminal 13 inputs an output instruction to the terminal 13. The receiving unit 131 receives the output instruction from the user of the terminal 13 (step S6).

[0086] The degradation information generating unit 132 generates degradation information from the information linking the feature amount, time information, and compressor individual information, and the actual service information acquired from the external storage device (step S7).

[0087] The output unit 133 outputs the degradation information generated by the degradation information generation unit 132 (step S8).

[0088] (4) Features (4-1) The deterioration information system 1 is a deterioration information system 1 that calculates information correlated with deterioration of the compressor 2, and includes a control unit. The control unit has a calculation function that calculates a feature amount correlated with deterioration of the compressor 2 from waveform data obtained from the compressor 2, and a selection function that outputs a feature amount for which the operating conditions of the compressor 2 at the time the waveform data was obtained fall within a predetermined range.

[0089] The control unit of the deterioration information system 1 has a calculation function for calculating a feature quantity correlated with deterioration of the compressor 2 and a selection function for outputting a feature quantity for which the operating conditions of the compressor 2 fall within a predetermined range. Therefore, the deterioration information system 1 can output a feature quantity suitable for diagnosing deterioration of the compressor 2.

[0090] It is also possible to calculate and output feature values ​​correlated with compressor deterioration regardless of whether the operating conditions are within a specified range. These feature values ​​are significantly affected not only by compressor deterioration but also by operating conditions. To accurately diagnose compressor deterioration using these feature values, it is necessary to correct for the effects of operating conditions. The accuracy of the correction formula is a trade-off between the amount of data and the amount of data required, and obtaining a highly accurate correction formula requires acquiring a large amount of data. A small amount of data may result in a low accuracy of the correction formula due to correction errors. Even if the equipment has a test mode (a function for creating operating conditions for data collection) and the feature values ​​calculated from the waveform data acquired in that test mode are enhanced, unnecessary operation in the test mode can, for example, interfere with the comfort and energy efficiency of the air conditioning system.

[0091] Therefore, compared to when a feature correlated with deterioration is output regardless of whether the driving conditions fall within a predetermined range, the deterioration information system 1 outputs a feature suitable for diagnosing deterioration with high accuracy.

[0092] A user of the deterioration information system 1 can collect multiple feature quantities (e.g., multiple feature quantities of the same type) from each of multiple compressors 2. The multiple compressors 2 are, for example, compressors that have been in operation for a certain period of time (e.g., 10 or 12 years). The feature quantities from the multiple compressors 2 vary depending on various variables. Considering that the feature quantities correlate with deterioration, a user of the deterioration information system 1 can set a threshold for the feature quantities using the average value and standard deviation of the multiple feature quantities. For example, a user of the deterioration information system 1 can set a threshold for the feature quantity by adding the average value of the multiple feature quantities and the value obtained by multiplying the standard deviation of the multiple feature quantities by 6. If the feature quantity is equal to or greater than the threshold, a user of the deterioration information system 1 can estimate that "the compressor 2 is likely to fail."

[0093] (4-2) In the deterioration information system 1, the waveform data is current waveform data that indicates the waveform of the current of the motor 22 of the compressor 2. The feature amount is the magnitude of the frequency component that is N times or N / M times the rotation speed of the motor 22. N and M are integers. M is greater than N.

[0094] It is known that a specific frequency component (such as an N / M times frequency component) can change significantly when a compressor deteriorates. The deterioration information system 1 outputs a feature quantity that can change significantly due to the deterioration of the compressor 2. Therefore, a user of the deterioration information system 1 can more easily diagnose the deterioration based on the output feature quantity.

[0095] (4-3) In the deterioration information system 1, the compressor 2 has a motor 22 driven by a motor drive device 21. The motor drive device 21 has a DC generator 211 and a converter 212. The DC generator 211 generates a DC voltage according to a power supply voltage supplied from an external power supply. The converter 212 converts the DC voltage generated by the DC generator 211 into an AC voltage through a switching operation and supplies the AC voltage to the motor 22. The operating conditions are at least one of the rotation speed of the motor 22 of the compressor 2, the pressure of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 2, the pressure of the refrigerant drawn into the compressor 2, the temperature of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 2, the temperature of the refrigerant drawn into the compressor 2, the frequency component of the rotation speed of the torque of the compressor 2, and the DC voltage. The predetermined range is a range of operating conditions when the operating state of the compressor 2 is steady.

[0096] For example, if the feature quantity is the frequency component of the current of the compressor 2, it is a feature quantity that can accurately diagnose deterioration, but it is easily affected by inertia. If the rotation speed of the compressor 2 changes significantly due to the influence of inertia, the feature quantity, which is the frequency component of the current, also changes significantly. Furthermore, if the pressure or temperature changes, the waveform of the load torque changes, and the feature quantity, which is the frequency component of the current, also changes significantly. Therefore, it becomes difficult to determine deterioration with a feature quantity that is significantly affected by inertia. In view of this, the deterioration information system 1 minimizes the influence of inertia by limiting the operating state to steady states, thereby outputting a suitable feature quantity that can accurately determine deterioration.

[0097] (4-4) The deterioration information system 1 uses, as the operating conditions, at least one of the rotation speed of the motor 22 of the compressor 2, the pressure of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 2, the pressure of the refrigerant drawn into the compressor 2, the temperature of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 2, and the temperature of the refrigerant drawn into the compressor 2. The predetermined range is a range of operating conditions that is set in advance.

[0098] The deterioration information system 1 outputs a feature quantity when the operating conditions of the compressor 2 are within a preset range. Because changes in the feature quantity due to differences in operating conditions can be suppressed, the deterioration information system 1 outputs a feature quantity that allows for highly accurate deterioration diagnosis.

[0099] (4-5) The predetermined range of the deterioration information system 1 can be changed externally. Therefore, the deterioration information system 1 can later adjust the predetermined range to driving conditions with a high occurrence rate based on data collected over a certain period of time. Furthermore, the deterioration information system 1 can change the predetermined range to one in which deterioration is more easily visible, and can output feature quantities that make deterioration more easily visible.

[0100] (4-6) The program is a program for causing a calculation function and a selection function to be executed by the computer of the control device 11, which calculates information correlated with deterioration of the compressor 2. The calculation function is a function for calculating a feature quantity correlated with deterioration of the compressor 2 from waveform data obtained from the compressor 2. The selection function is a function for outputting a feature quantity for which the operating conditions of the compressor 2 at the time the waveform data was obtained fall within a predetermined range.

[0101] The program executes a calculation function for calculating a feature quantity correlated with deterioration of the compressor 2 and a selection function for outputting a feature quantity for which the operating conditions of the compressor 2 fall within a predetermined range. Thus, the program outputs a feature quantity for diagnosing deterioration.

[0102] (4-7) The waveform data related to the program is current waveform data that indicates the waveform of the current of the motor 22 of the compressor 2. The feature amount is the magnitude of the frequency component that is N times or N / M times the rotation speed of the motor 22. N and M are integers. M is greater than N.

[0103] The program outputs characteristic quantities that may change significantly due to deterioration of the compressor 2. Therefore, a person who executes the program can more easily diagnose deterioration based on the output characteristic quantities.

[0104] (4-8) The compressor 2 has a motor 22 driven by a motor drive device 21. The motor drive device 21 has a DC generator 211 and a converter 212. The DC generator 211 generates a DC voltage in response to a power supply voltage supplied from an external power supply. The converter 212 converts the DC voltage generated by the DC generator 211 into an AC voltage through a switching operation and supplies the AC voltage to the motor 22. The operating conditions are at least one of the rotation speed of the motor 22 of the compressor 2, the pressure of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 2, the pressure of the refrigerant drawn into the compressor 2, the temperature of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 2, the temperature of the refrigerant drawn into the compressor 2, the frequency component of the rotation speed of the torque of the compressor 2, and the DC voltage. The predetermined range is a range of operating conditions when the compressor 2 is operating in a steady state.

[0105] For example, if the feature quantity is a frequency component, the value of the feature quantity can change significantly when the rotation speed changes due to the influence of inertia. Also, changes in pressure and temperature can change the load torque waveform, which can change the feature quantity significantly. By limiting the program to cases where the operating state is steady, it can output feature quantities that can accurately determine deterioration.

[0106] (4-9) The operating conditions related to the program are at least one of the rotation speed of the motor 22 of the compressor 2, the pressure of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 2, the pressure of the refrigerant drawn into the compressor 2, the temperature of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 2, and the temperature of the refrigerant drawn into the compressor 2. The predetermined range is a range of operating conditions that is set in advance.

[0107] The program outputs the characteristic quantities when the operating conditions of the compressor 2 are within a preset range. Because changes in the characteristic quantities due to differences in operating conditions can be suppressed, the program outputs characteristic quantities that can be used to diagnose deterioration with high accuracy.

[0108] (4-10) The predetermined range for the program can be changed externally. Therefore, the program can be later adjusted to operating conditions with a high occurrence rate based on data collected over a certain period of time. In addition, the program can change the predetermined range to one that makes deterioration more visible, and output features that make deterioration more visible.

[0109] (4-11) The problems of the conventional technology related to the degradation information system 1 and the program according to this embodiment will be explained in a different way from the above explanation.

[0110] It has long been known that the effective value of the motor current changes when the pressure of the refrigerant drawn from the compressor changes. Taking advantage of this fact, it is conceivable to monitor the steady state of the effective value of the motor current instead of the steady state of the pressure of the refrigerant drawn from the compressor. However, the change in the effective value of the motor current is small compared to the change in the current frequency component, which is a characteristic parameter caused by changes in the pressure of the refrigerant drawn from the compressor. As an example, consider a case where the characteristic parameter is the motor rotation frequency component of the current vector amplitude. When wear occurs in the compressor, the motor rotation frequency component of the current vector amplitude decreases by about 20% compared to normal. Under conditions of a discharge saturation temperature of 45°C, a rotation speed of 70 rps, and R410A refrigerant, if the suction saturation temperature changes from 5°C to 10°C, the magnitude of the change in the motor rotation frequency component of the current vector amplitude changes by 19%. This change is similar to the change associated with wear. However, the change in the effective value of the motor current at this time is about 0.5%, making it difficult to detect. From the above, it is not possible to output a feature quantity suitable for diagnosing deterioration of a compressor by using a method of selecting a current frequency component when the effective value of the motor current is in a steady state.

[0111] The same is true for the pressure of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor; the method of selecting the current frequency component when the effective value of the motor current is in a steady state cannot output a suitable feature for diagnosing compressor deterioration.

[0112] Furthermore, when the motor rotation speed changes, the effective value of the motor current changes. Taking advantage of this, it is conceivable to monitor the steady state of the effective value of the motor current instead of the steady state of the motor rotation speed. However, the change in the effective value of the motor current is small compared to the change in the current frequency component, which is a feature quantity caused by changes in the motor rotation speed. As an example, consider a case where the feature quantity is the motor rotation frequency component of the current vector amplitude. When compressor wear occurs, the motor rotation frequency component of the current vector amplitude decreases by about 20% compared to normal. Under conditions of a discharge saturation temperature of 45°C, a suction saturation temperature of 5°C, and R410A refrigerant, if the motor rotation speed changes from 45 rps to 49 rps, the magnitude of the change in the motor rotation frequency component of the current vector amplitude is approximately 29%, which is greater than the change due to compressor wear. However, the change in the effective value of the motor current at this time is about 0.4%, making it difficult to detect. From the above, it is not possible to output a feature quantity suitable for diagnosing deterioration of a compressor by using a method of selecting a current frequency component when the effective value of the motor current is in a steady state.

[0113] (5) Modifications (5-1) Modification 1A (5-1-1) Configuration The control device 11 may have a second sorting unit 116 instead of the first sorting unit 112. Fig. 12 is a configuration diagram of the control device 11 of modification 1A.

[0114] The calculation unit 113 calculates a feature correlated with deterioration of the compressor 2 from the waveform data acquired by the acquisition unit 111. The second selection unit 116 selects, from the feature calculated by the calculation unit 113, a feature whose operating conditions of the compressor 2 at the time the waveform data was acquired fall within a predetermined range. The recording unit 115 links the feature selected by the second selection unit 116, the time information generated by the time information generation unit 114, and the compressor individual information stored in the storage device 12, and records them in the storage device 12. In the case of Modification 1A, the second selection unit 116 and the output unit 133 realize the selection function.

[0115] (5-1-2) Operation The operation of the degraded information system 1 according to the modified example 1A will be described below. Fig. 13 is a flowchart showing the operation of the degraded information system 1 according to the modified example 1A.

[0116] The acquisition unit 111 acquires the operating conditions and waveform data from the compressor 2 (step S11).

[0117] The calculation unit 113 calculates a feature quantity correlated with the deterioration of the compressor 2 from the waveform data acquired in step S11 (step S12).

[0118] The second selection unit 116 selects, from the feature quantities calculated in step S12, feature quantities for which the operating conditions of the compressor 2 at the time of acquiring the waveform data fall within a predetermined range (step S13). The time information generation unit 114 generates time information (step S14).

[0119] The recording unit 115 associates the feature quantities selected in step S13, the time information generated in step S14, and the compressor individual information stored in the storage device 12, and records them in the storage device 12 (step S15). The feature quantities, time information, and compressor individual information are stored in association with each other in the storage device 12.

[0120] The storage device 12 and the terminal 13 are connected by wire or wirelessly through an operation by the user of the terminal 13. Thereafter, the user of the terminal 13 inputs an output instruction to the terminal 13. The receiving unit 131 receives the output instruction from the user of the terminal 13 (step S16).

[0121] The degradation information generating unit 132 generates degradation information from the information linking the feature amount, time information, and compressor individual information, and the actual service information acquired from the external storage device (step S17).

[0122] The output unit 133 outputs the degradation information generated by the degradation information generation unit 132 (step S18).

[0123] (5-2) Modification 1B (5-2-1) Configuration Instead of the control device 11 having the first screening unit 112, the terminal 13 may have a third screening unit 134.

[0124] (5-2-1-1) Control Device 11 Fig. 14 is a configuration diagram of the control device 11 according to Modification 1B. The calculation unit 113 calculates a feature quantity correlated with deterioration of the compressor 2 from the waveform data acquired by the acquisition unit 111. The recording unit 115 links the operating conditions of the compressor 2 at the time of acquiring the waveform data, the feature quantity calculated by the calculation unit 113, the time information generated by the time information generation unit 114, and the compressor individual information stored in the storage device 12, and records them in the storage device 12.

[0125] (5-2-1-2) Terminal 13 FIG. 15 is a configuration diagram of the terminal 13 according to Modification 1B. When the receiving unit 131 receives an output instruction, the third sorting unit 134 selects, from the information stored in the storage device 12, information in which feature amounts, time information, and compressor individual unit information are linked, and in which the operating conditions of the compressor 2 at the time of waveform data acquisition fall within a predetermined range. The degradation information generating unit 132 generates degradation information using the information in which the feature amounts, time information, and compressor individual unit information selected by the third sorting unit 134 are linked, and actual service information acquired from an external storage device. In Modification 1B, the output unit 133 and the third sorting unit 134 realize the sorting function.

[0126] (5-2-2) Operation The operation of the degraded information system 1 according to the modification 1B will be described below. Fig. 16 is a flowchart showing the operation of the degraded information system 1 according to the modification 1B.

[0127] The acquisition unit 111 acquires the operating conditions and waveform data from the compressor 2 (step S21).

[0128] The calculation unit 113 calculates a feature quantity correlated with the deterioration of the compressor 2 from the waveform data acquired in step S21 (step S22). The time information generation unit 114 generates time information (step S23).

[0129] The recording unit 115 links the operating conditions of the compressor 2 when the waveform data was acquired in step S21, the feature calculated in step S22, the time information generated in step S23, and the compressor individual information stored in the memory device 12, and records them in the memory device 12 (step S24).

[0130] The storage device 12 and the terminal 13 are connected by wire or wirelessly through an operation by the user of the terminal 13. Thereafter, the user of the terminal 13 inputs an output instruction to the terminal 13. The receiving unit 131 receives the output instruction from the user of the terminal 13 (step S25).

[0131] The third selection unit 134 selects information from the information stored in the memory device 12 that is linked to features, time information, and compressor individual information, where the operating conditions of the compressor 2 at the time the waveform data was acquired fall within a predetermined range (step S26).

[0132] The degradation information generation unit 132 generates degradation information using information linking the features, time information, and compressor individual information selected by the third selection unit 134, and actual service information acquired from an external storage device (step S27).

[0133] The output unit 133 outputs the degradation information generated in step S27 (step S28).

[0134] (5-3) Modification 1C The terminal 13 may further include a correction unit 135. Fig. 17 is a configuration diagram of the terminal 13 according to Modification 1C.

[0135] When the receiving unit 131 receives an output instruction, the correction unit 135 calculates a representative value of the feature from among the information in which the feature, time information, and compressor individual information stored in the storage device 12 are linked. Examples of the representative value include an average value of the feature over a predetermined time period and a median value of the feature. For example, the average value of the feature over a 24-hour period is used as the representative value.

[0136] When calculating the representative value of the feature, the correction unit 135 calculates a correction value for the feature. For example, by substituting the operating conditions at the time of acquiring the waveform data stored in the storage device 12 into an approximation formula for calculating the feature from the operating conditions, a correction feature can be calculated. By dividing the feature stored in the storage device by this correction feature, differences in operating conditions can be corrected. The narrower the approximation range of the approximation formula, the higher the accuracy, even for a simple approximation such as a linear approximation. Therefore, compared to when the feature is not selected, variation in the feature due to differences in operating conditions can be reduced.

[0137] The correction unit 135 again associates the determined representative value with the time information and the compressor individual information, and sends them to the degradation information generation unit 132 .

[0138] The degradation information generation unit 132 generates degradation information using information linked to the representative value, time information, and compressor individual information sent from the correction unit 135, and actual service information obtained from an external storage device.

[0139] The deterioration information system 1 suppresses the influence of variations in the feature amounts due to deviations in operating conditions, and outputs representative values ​​of the feature amounts that enable the deterioration of the compressor 2 to be determined with high accuracy.

[0140] (5-4) Modification 1D The control device 11 and the storage device 12 may be connected to the compressor 2 within the property where the control device 11 and the storage device 12 are installed, and may not be connected to a network outside the property. In this case, the feature amount is output by a service engineer who visits the property.

[0141] (5-5) Modification 1E The control device 11 and the storage device 12 may be located outside or inside the refrigeration cycle device that houses the compressor 2. For example, when the compressor 2 is mounted on a heat source unit of an air conditioner or a hot water supply system, a microcomputer and an EEPROM in a control box built into the heat source unit may serve as the control device 11 and the storage device 12.

[0142] Second Embodiment (1) Configuration The configuration of the degraded information system 3 according to the second embodiment will be described. Fig. 18 is a schematic configuration diagram showing the degraded information system 3. The degraded information system 3 does not include a terminal 13, but includes multiple control devices 31 (31A to 31D) and a server 32.

[0143] The control device 31 and the server 32 constitute a control unit. The number of control devices 31 included in the degraded information system 3 is not limited to the number shown in FIG.

[0144] (1-1) Control Device 31 FIG. 19 is a configuration diagram of the control device 31. Each control device 31 includes an acquisition unit 311, a first sorting unit 312, a calculation unit 313, a time information generation unit 314, and a recording unit 315. Each control device 31 is connected to the server 32 by wire or wirelessly. Each control device 31 is connected to the compressors 2 (2A to 2D) by wire or wirelessly. The acquisition unit 311 is similar to the acquisition unit 111. The first sorting unit 312 is similar to the first sorting unit 112. The calculation unit 313 is similar to the calculation unit 113. The time information generation unit 314 is similar to the time information generation unit 114.

[0145] The recording unit 315 records information linked to the features selected by the first selection unit 312, the time information generated by the time information generation unit 314, and the compressor individual information on the server 32 every hour.

[0146] (1-2) Server 32 The server 32 stores information linking feature amounts, time information, and compressor individual information. The information stored by the server 32 is information recorded by the recording unit 315 of each control device 31. In other words, the server 32 is a storage device that stores feature amounts of multiple compressors 2. The server 32 realizes a storage function.

[0147] The server 32 realizes the same functions as the reception unit 131, the degradation information generation unit 132, and the output unit 133. The first selection unit 312, the calculation unit 313, and the server 32 realize a selection function.

[0148] (1-3) Hardware Configuration Each control device 31 and server 32 is realized by a computer. Each control device 31 and server 32 includes a control arithmetic device and a storage device. A processor such as a CPU or GPU can be used for the control arithmetic device. The control arithmetic device reads a program stored in the storage device and performs predetermined image processing and arithmetic processing in accordance with this program. Furthermore, the control arithmetic device can write the results of calculations to the storage device and read information stored in the storage device in accordance with the program.

[0149] (2) Operation The following describes the operation of the degraded information system 3. FIG.

[0150] The acquisition unit 311 of each control device 31 acquires the operating conditions and waveform data from the compressor 2 (step S31). The first selection unit 312 of each control device 31 selects waveform data whose operating conditions of the compressor 2 at the time of waveform data acquisition fall within a predetermined range (step S32).

[0151] The calculation unit 313 of each control device 31 calculates a feature quantity correlated with deterioration of the compressor 2 from the waveform data selected in step S32 (step S33). The time information generation unit 314 of each control device 31 generates time information (step S34).

[0152] The recording unit 315 of each control device 31 associates the feature calculated in step S33 with the time information and compressor individual information generated in step S34 and records them in the server 32 (step S35). The feature, time information, and compressor individual information are stored in the server 32 in an associated manner.

[0153] The user of the server 32 inputs an output instruction to the server 32. The server 32 accepts the output instruction from the user (step S36).

[0154] The degradation information generating unit 132 generates degradation information from the information linking the feature amount, time information, and compressor individual information, and the actual service information acquired from the external storage device (step S37).

[0155] The server 32 outputs the deterioration information generated in step S37 for one or more compressors 2 requested by the user (step S38).

[0156] (3) Features (3-1) The degradation information system 3 further includes a storage device that stores the feature quantities of the multiple compressors 2.

[0157] One advantage of collecting and storing the feature amounts of multiple compressors 2 in the server 32 is that it makes it easier to diagnose deterioration of the compressors 2. If information on many compressors 2 is collected in the server 32, it becomes possible to compare that information with information on the compressor 2 that is the target of the deterioration diagnosis and perform a highly accurate diagnosis.

[0158] Another advantage is that it is possible to determine whether the feature values ​​of the compressor 2 that is the target of the deterioration diagnosis correspond to deterioration by using the feature values ​​of another compressor 2 that meets similar conditions to the compressor 2 that is the target of the deterioration diagnosis. Another compressor 2 that meets similar conditions is, for example, another compressor 2 that has been in operation for the same number of years. If the feature values ​​of the compressor 2 that is the target of the deterioration diagnosis deviate from the feature values ​​of many other compressors 2 that have been in operation for the same number of years, it can be diagnosed that the compressor 2 is highly likely to be deteriorated.

[0159] (3-2) The program further executes a storage function of storing in the storage device the characteristic quantities of the plurality of compressors 2. Since the program outputs the characteristic quantities from the plurality of compressors 2, the program can be used for more accurate deterioration diagnosis.

[0160] (4) Modification 2A (4-1) Configuration (4-1-1) Control Device Each control device 31 may further include a selection unit 316 and a storage device 317. Fig. 21 is a configuration diagram of the control device 31 of modification 2A.

[0161] The first selection unit 312 has a first selection function, and selects, every second, waveform data for which the operating conditions of the compressor 2 at the time of acquiring the waveform data fall within a predetermined range.

[0162] The recording unit 315 links the operating conditions acquired by the acquisition unit 111, the feature amounts calculated by the calculation unit 313, and the time information generated by the time information generation unit 314, and records them in the storage device 317. Furthermore, the recording unit 315 links the feature amounts and the time information out of the information in which the operating conditions, feature amounts, and time information are linked, selected by the selection unit 316 (described later), and records them in the server 32.

[0163] The selection unit 316 has a second selection function, and every hour, selects information in which operating conditions, feature amounts, and time information are linked, including an operating condition that is closest to a preset operating condition, from information in which operating conditions, feature amounts, and time information are linked and that has been recorded in the storage device 317 within the most recent hour. The "operating condition that is closest to a preset operating condition" refers to an operating condition that is the smallest difference from the preset operating condition.

[0164] Instead of selecting information every hour, the selection unit 316 may employ a selection method in which the feature is overwritten each time a feature that is closer to the specified operating conditions is found, and the feature is output every hour to reset the feature.

[0165] The storage device 317 stores information in which the operating conditions, the characteristic amounts, the time information, and the compressor individual information are linked together. Examples of the storage device 317 include an HDD and an SSD.

[0166] (4-1-2) Server 32 The server 32 stores information linking feature amounts, time information, and compressor individual information. The information stored in the server 32 is information recorded by the recording unit 315 of each control device 31. In other words, the feature amounts stored in the server 32 are feature amounts selected based on the operating conditions of the compressor 2 when the waveform data used in the calculation by the calculation unit 313 was acquired.

[0167] (4-2) Operation The operation of the degraded information system 3 of the modified example 2A will be described below. Fig. 22 is a flowchart showing the operation of the degraded information system 3 of the modified example 2A.

[0168] The acquisition unit 311 of each control device 31 acquires the operating conditions and waveform data from each compressor 2 every second (step S41).

[0169] The calculation unit 313 of each control device 31 calculates a feature quantity correlated with the deterioration of each compressor 2 from the waveform data acquired in step S41 (step S42).

[0170] The time information generating unit 314 of each control device 31 generates time information (step S43).

[0171] The recording unit 315 of each control device 31 links the operating conditions acquired in step S41 with the characteristic quantities calculated in step S42 and the time information generated in step S43, and records them in the storage device 317 (step S44).

[0172] Using the second sorting function, the selection unit 316 selects (sorts) information linked to operating conditions, features, time information, and compressor individual information that includes operating conditions that are closest to the preset operating conditions from the information linked to operating conditions, features, time information, and compressor individual information that has been recorded in the storage device 317 within the last hour (step S45).

[0173] The recording unit 315 associates the feature amount, time information, and compressor individual information from the information selected by the selection unit 316 and records them in the server 32 (step S46).

[0174] The user of the server 32 inputs an output instruction to the server 32. The server 32 accepts the output instruction from the user of the server 32 (step S47).

[0175] The server 32 generates degradation information using information linked to the features, time information, and compressor individual information stored in the server 32, and actual service information acquired from an external storage device (step S48).

[0176] The server 32 outputs the degradation information generated in step S48 (step S49).

[0177] (4-3) Features (4-3-1) In the degradation information system 3, the storage device is the server 32 or the cloud. The feature amounts stored in the storage device are selected based on the operating conditions of the compressor when the waveform data used for the calculation was acquired.

[0178] The selected feature quantities are stored in a storage device, which may be the server 32 or the cloud. The feature quantities stored in the storage device (uploaded to the server 32 or the cloud) are feature quantities calculated under conditions similar to the operating conditions of the specified equipment. Because the feature quantities are selected before being uploaded to the server 32 or the cloud, the degradation information system 3 can collect feature quantities that increase the accuracy of degradation diagnosis at upload intervals that reduce communication costs.

[0179] (4-3-2) Similarly, the program can collect features that increase the accuracy of degradation diagnosis at upload intervals that reduce communication costs.

[0180] Third Embodiment (1) Configuration The configuration of a degraded information system 4 according to the third embodiment will be described. Fig. 23 is a schematic configuration diagram showing the degraded information system 4. The degraded information system 4 includes a plurality of control devices 41 (41A to 41D), a cloud 42, and a terminal 43.

[0181] The terminal 43 is similar to the terminal 13. The degraded information system 4 may include a server instead of the cloud 42. The number of control devices 41 and terminals 43 included in the degraded information system 3 is not limited to the numbers shown in FIG.

[0182] (1-1) Control Device 41 FIG. 24 is a configuration diagram of the control device 41. Each control device 41 includes an acquisition unit 411, a first sorting unit 412, a calculation unit 413, a time information generation unit 414, and a recording unit 415. Each control device 41 is connected to the cloud 42 by wire or wirelessly. Each control device 41 is connected to the compressor 2 (2A to 2D) by wire or wirelessly. The acquisition unit 411 is similar to the acquisition unit 111. The first sorting unit 412 is similar to the first sorting unit 112. The calculation unit 413 is similar to the calculation unit 113. The time information generation unit 414 is similar to the time information generation unit 114.

[0183] The recording unit 415 associates the feature amount calculated by the calculation unit 413, the time information acquired by the acquisition unit 411, and the compressor individual information, and records them in the cloud 42.

[0184] The recording unit 415 associates the feature amount with the time information every hour and records the associated data in the cloud 42. Note that the recording unit 415 may also associate the feature amount with the time information and the compressor individual information every preset recording period and record the associated data in the cloud 42.

[0185] (1-2) Cloud 42 The cloud 42 stores the characteristic amounts, time information, and compressor individual information recorded by the recording unit 415 of each control device 41.

[0186] (1-3) Hardware Configuration Each control device 41, cloud 42, and terminal 43 is realized by a computer. Each control device 41, cloud 42, and terminal 43 includes a control and arithmetic device and a storage device. A processor such as a CPU or GPU can be used for the control and arithmetic device. The control and arithmetic device reads a program stored in the storage device and performs predetermined image processing and arithmetic processing according to the program. Furthermore, the control and arithmetic device can write the results of calculations to the storage device and read information stored in the storage device according to the program.

[0187] (2) Operation The following describes the operation of the degraded information system 4. FIG.

[0188] The acquisition unit 411 of each control device 41 acquires the operating conditions and waveform data from each compressor 2 (step S61).

[0189] The first selection unit 412 of each control device 41 selects waveform data in which the operating conditions of each compressor 2 at the time of acquiring the waveform data fall within a predetermined range (step S62).

[0190] The calculation unit 413 of each control device 41 calculates a feature quantity correlated with the deterioration of each compressor 2 from the waveform data selected in step S62 (step S63).

[0191] The time information generating unit 414 of each control device 41 generates time information (step S64).

[0192] The recording unit 415 of each control device 41 associates the feature calculated in step S63 with the time information generated in step S64 and the compressor individual information, and records them in the cloud 42 (step S65).

[0193] The cloud 42 and the terminal 43 are connected by wire or wirelessly through an operation by the user of the terminal 43. Thereafter, the user of the terminal 43 inputs an output instruction to the terminal 43. The receiving unit 431 receives the output instruction from the user of the terminal 43 (step S66).

[0194] The deterioration information generation unit 432 of the terminal 43 generates deterioration information using information linked to the features, time information, and compressor individual information, and actual service information acquired from an external storage device (step S67).

[0195] The output unit 433 of the terminal 43 outputs the deterioration information (step S68).

[0196] Although the embodiments of the present disclosure 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 present disclosure as defined in the claims.

[0197] (Supplementary Note 1) A degradation information system that calculates information correlated with compressor degradation, comprising a control unit, the control unit realizing a calculation function that calculates feature quantities correlated with compressor degradation from waveform data obtained from the compressor, a selection function that selects the feature quantities whose operating conditions of the compressor at the time of acquiring the waveform data fall within a predetermined range, an actual service information acquisition function that acquires actual service information indicating whether the compressor is malfunctioning, a degradation information generation function that links at least the feature quantities with the actual service information to generate degradation information, and an output function that outputs the degradation information.

[0198] A user of the degradation information system according to Supplementary Note 1 can collect degradation information output from the degradation information system. The degradation information includes feature quantities when the operating conditions fall within a predetermined range and actual service information.

[0199] After accumulating many compressor feature values ​​and actual service information, a user of the degradation information system can obtain the distribution of feature values ​​when a compressor malfunction occurs. Then, by using this distribution of feature values ​​to evaluate the feature values ​​of the compressor being diagnosed for deterioration, the user of the degradation information system can accurately estimate the possibility of compressor malfunction. For example, a threshold value for the feature value (e.g., a value obtained by multiplying the value of the feature value in the actual malfunction by 0.8) is set in advance based on the feature value in the case of a compressor malfunction. Then, when the feature value is equal to or greater than the threshold value, the user of the degradation information system can estimate that "the compressor is highly likely to malfunction."

[0200] Furthermore, a user of the deterioration information system can grasp the feature quantity from which factors (operating conditions) that may lower the correlation coefficient of the feature quantity with respect to deterioration have been eliminated.

[0201] (Supplementary Note 2) The degradation information system according to Supplementary Note 1 further realizes a time information generation function that generates time information indicating the cumulative operating time of the compressor, wherein the degradation information generation function is a function that links at least the feature, the actual service information, and the time information to generate the degradation information.

[0202] By accumulating the degradation information, users of the degradation information system can grasp the degradation information over time. For example, users of the degradation information system can predict future time-series changes in the feature quantities from past time-series changes in the feature quantities. Alternatively, by using the actual service information contained in the degradation information, users can calculate the average value of the feature quantities one year prior to the compressor failure timing and set it as the threshold value for the feature quantities. This makes it possible to deal with failures in advance.

[0203] (Supplementary Note 3) The degradation information system according to Supplementary Note 1 or Supplementary Note 2, wherein the degradation information generation function is a function that generates the degradation information by linking the feature, the time information, compressor individual information indicating unique identification information of the compressor, and the actual service information.

[0204] A person using the deterioration information system can estimate that "there is a high possibility of compressor failure" through the following process. The deterioration information system makes it easier for the person using the deterioration information system to diagnose deterioration and can improve the accuracy of the deterioration diagnosis.

[0205] The deterioration state of a compressor varies depending on the environment in which it is installed. In other words, the characteristic quantities associated with the compressor may also change depending on the environment in which the compressor is installed. The deterioration information system generates and outputs deterioration information that also includes information about individual compressors. Therefore, a user of the deterioration information system can grasp the time-series changes for each individual compressor, allowing them to make judgments based on the deterioration state of each compressor.

[0206] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Deterioration information system 2 Compressor 3 Deterioration information system 11 Control device 21 Motor drive device 22 Motor 32 Storage device 211 DC generation unit 212 Conversion unit

[0207] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2022-101344

Claims

1. A deterioration information system (1) that calculates information correlated with deterioration of a compressor (2), comprising a control unit, the control unit having a calculation function that calculates a feature correlated with deterioration of the compressor from waveform data obtained from the compressor, and a selection function that outputs the feature when the operating conditions of the compressor at the time the waveform data was obtained fall within a specified range.

2. The degradation information system (3) according to claim 1, further comprising a storage device for storing the characteristic quantities of a plurality of the compressors.

3. The deterioration information system according to claim 2, wherein the storage device is a server (32) or a cloud, and the features stored in the storage device are features selected based on the operating conditions of the compressor when the waveform data used in the calculation was acquired.

4. The deterioration information system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the waveform data is current waveform data showing the waveform of a current of a motor (22) of the compressor, the feature amount is the magnitude of a frequency component that is N times or N / M times the rotation speed of the motor, N and M are integers, and M is greater than N.

5. A deterioration information system as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the compressor has a motor driven by a motor driving device (21), the motor driving device having a DC generating unit (211) that generates a DC voltage in response to a power supply voltage supplied from an external power supply, and a conversion unit (212) that converts the DC voltage generated by the DC generating unit into an AC voltage by switching operation and supplies it to the motor, wherein the operating conditions are at least any of the following: the rotation speed of the motor of the compressor, the pressure of refrigerant discharged from the compressor, the pressure of refrigerant sucked into the compressor, the temperature of refrigerant discharged from the compressor, the temperature of refrigerant sucked into the compressor, the frequency component of the rotation speed of the torque of the compressor, and the DC voltage, and wherein the specified range is the range of the operating conditions when the operating state of the compressor is steady.

6. A deterioration information system as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the operating conditions are at least one of: the rotation speed of a motor of the compressor; the pressure of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor; the pressure of the refrigerant sucked into the compressor; the temperature of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor; and the temperature of the refrigerant sucked into the compressor, and the specified range is a range of the operating conditions that has been set in advance.

7. The degradation information system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the predetermined range is externally changeable.

8. A program for causing a computer of a control device (11) that calculates information correlated with deterioration of a compressor (2) to execute a calculation function that calculates a feature correlated with deterioration of the compressor from waveform data obtained from the compressor, and a selection function that outputs the feature when the operating conditions of the compressor at the time the waveform data was obtained fall within a specified range.

9. The program according to claim 8, further causing the computer to execute a storage function of storing the characteristic quantities of a plurality of the compressors in a storage device.

10. The program according to claim 9, wherein the storage device is a server (32) or a cloud, and the feature stored in the storage device is a feature selected based on the operating conditions of the compressor at the time when the waveform data used in the calculation was acquired.

11. The program according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the waveform data is current waveform data showing the waveform of the current of a motor (22) of the compressor, and the feature is the magnitude of a frequency component that is N times or N / M times the rotation speed of the motor, N and M are integers, and M is greater than N.

12. The program according to any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the compressor has a motor driven by a motor driving device (21), the motor driving device having a DC generating unit (211) that generates a DC voltage in response to a power supply voltage supplied from an external power supply, and a conversion unit (212) that converts the DC voltage generated by the DC generating unit into an AC voltage by switching operation and supplies it to the motor, the operating conditions being at least any of: the rotation speed of the motor of the compressor, the pressure of refrigerant discharged from the compressor, the pressure of refrigerant sucked into the compressor, the temperature of refrigerant discharged from the compressor, the temperature of refrigerant sucked into the compressor, the frequency component of the rotation speed of the torque of the compressor, and the DC voltage, and the predetermined range is the range of the operating conditions when the operating state of the compressor is steady.

13. A program described in any one of claims 8 to 12, wherein the operating conditions are at least one of: the rotation speed of a motor of the compressor; the pressure of refrigerant discharged from the compressor; the pressure of refrigerant sucked into the compressor; the temperature of refrigerant discharged from the compressor; and the temperature of refrigerant sucked into the compressor; and the specified range is a range of the operating conditions that has been set in advance.

14. The program according to any one of claims 8 to 13, wherein the predetermined range can be changed externally.

15. A deterioration information system as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the selection function includes: a first selection function that selects the waveform data whose operating conditions of the compressor fall within a predetermined range; and a second selection function that selects, from the features calculated by the calculation function from the waveform data selected by the first selection function, the feature whose operating conditions of the compressor are closest to preset operating conditions.

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