Air conditioner

Abstract

The purpose of the present disclosure is to improve work efficiency until an operation state in trial operation stabilizes when inspecting an air conditioner. An air conditioner (100) according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes an outdoor unit (1) and one or more indoor units (3a-3d) connected to the outdoor unit (1). The air conditioner (100) comprises: a control unit that controls the operations of the outdoor unit (1) and the indoor units (3a) to (3d); a memory (92) that stores an operation program for the outdoor unit (1) and the indoor units (3a) to (3d); and a notification unit (7) that notifies a user of a determination result of an operation state determined by the control unit (6). The control unit (6) starts a trial operation of the air conditioner (100) in accordance with the operation program, determines that the operation state is stable when the state of the air conditioner (100) satisfies a stability condition, and determines that the operation state is a startup abnormality when the operation state is deviated from an operation criterion before determining that the operation state is stable.

Description

air conditioner

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an air conditioner having a function for performing a test run.

[0002] In the air conditioner disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 07-063447 (Patent Document 1), a service technician uses a fault detection function to check for faults. However, in the periodic inspection before the cooling and heating season, the service technician needs to thoroughly check the condition of the air conditioner.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 07-063447

[0004] When a service technician inspects an air conditioner, they must start it up through a test run and wait until the operating state stabilizes before performing any necessary inspections. Therefore, if the operating state of the air conditioner does not stabilize easily due to its condition, there is a need to wait to inspect the air conditioner, which increases the inspection time. Furthermore, even if the service technician waits a long time for the operating state to stabilize due to the condition of the air conditioner, the operating state may not stabilize. Therefore, if the operating state of the air conditioner does not stabilize for a long time, it is difficult for the service technician to decide whether to wait until the operating state of the air conditioner stabilizes or not.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to improve work efficiency until the operating condition of a trial run stabilizes when inspecting an air conditioner.

[0006] An air conditioner according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes an outdoor unit and at least one indoor unit connected to the outdoor unit. The air conditioner includes a control unit that controls operation of the outdoor unit and the indoor unit, a memory unit that stores operating programs for the outdoor unit and the indoor unit, and a notification unit that notifies a user of the operating state determined by the control unit. The control unit starts a test run of the air conditioner in accordance with the operating program, determines the operating state to be stable if the state of the air conditioner satisfies a stability condition, and determines the operating state to be a startup abnormality if the state of the air conditioner deviates from the operating standard before determining the operating state to be stable.

[0007] According to the air conditioner of the present disclosure, if the operating state deviates from the operating standard before the control unit determines that the operating state is stable, the operating state is determined to be a startup abnormality, thereby improving work efficiency when inspecting the air conditioner until the operating state of the trial run stabilizes.

[0008] Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an air conditioner according to embodiment 1. Fig. 2 is a refrigerant circuit diagram of the air conditioner according to embodiment 1. Fig. 3 is a functional block diagram for explaining the functions of a control unit of the air conditioner according to embodiment 1. Fig. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the processing at start-up of the air conditioner according to embodiment 1. Fig. 5 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the air conditioner at start-up. Fig. 6 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the air conditioner in trial operation mode. Fig. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the processing at start-up of an air conditioner according to embodiment 2. Fig. 8 is a flowchart for explaining the processing at start-up of an air conditioner according to embodiment 3.

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals, and their description will not be repeated in principle.

[0010] Embodiment 1. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an air conditioner 100 pertaining to embodiment 1. As shown in Figure 1, the air conditioner 100 of this embodiment is, for example, a multi-air conditioner for a building, and includes an outdoor unit 1 and multiple indoor units 3a to 3d. The outdoor unit 1 and each of the indoor units 3a to 3d are connected by refrigerant piping 4. The refrigerant piping 4 includes refrigerant piping 4a and 4b, which will be described later (Figure 2). The air conditioner 100 of this embodiment includes four indoor units 3a to 3d, but the number of indoor units may be one to three, or may be five or more.

[0011] The outdoor unit 1 is installed outside the space to be air-conditioned, such as outside a building, and supplies heat or cold to the indoor units 3a to 3d. The indoor units 3a to 3d are installed in the space to be air-conditioned, such as a room within the building, and cool or heat the space to be air-conditioned. In the example of Figure 1, the indoor units 3a and 3b are installed in room 201, the indoor unit 3c is installed in room 202, and the indoor unit 3d is installed in room 203.

[0012] The control unit 6 is connected to be able to communicate with the outdoor unit 1 and the multiple indoor units 3a to 3d. The control unit 6 is provided in a control room or the like of the building in which the air conditioner 100 is installed, and controls the operation of the air conditioner 100 in accordance with an operating program. When performing maintenance on the air conditioner 100, such as for regular inspections before the cooling and heating season, a service technician operates the control unit 6 to start the air conditioner 100 in trial operation mode (first trial operation mode).

[0013] FIG. 2 is a refrigerant circuit diagram of an air conditioner according to Embodiment 1. This is a refrigerant circuit diagram of an air conditioner 100 according to Embodiment 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the refrigerant circuit of the air conditioner 100 is configured by connecting an outdoor unit 1 and each of the indoor units 3a to 3d via refrigerant pipes 4a and 4b. The type of refrigerant used in the refrigerant circuit of the air conditioner 100 is not particularly limited. For example, the air conditioner 100 may use natural refrigerants such as carbon dioxide, hydrocarbons, or helium; chlorine-free alternative refrigerants such as HFC410A, HFC407C, or HFC404A; or fluorocarbon refrigerants such as R22 or R134a that are used in existing products.

[0014] The outdoor unit 1 includes a compressor 11, a flow path switching valve 12, an outdoor heat exchanger 13, an outdoor fan 14, and an accumulator 15. The compressor 11 draws in low-temperature, low-pressure gas refrigerant, compresses it, and discharges it as high-temperature, high-pressure gas refrigerant. The compressor 11 circulates the refrigerant within the refrigerant circuit. The compressor 11 is, for example, an inverter-type compressor whose capacity can be controlled.

[0015] The flow path switching valve 12 is, for example, a four-way valve. The flow path switching valve 12 switches the flow path of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11 depending on the operation of the indoor units 3a to 3d. The flow path switching valve 12 switches to the flow path shown by the solid line in Fig. 2 during heating operation, and switches to the flow path shown by the dashed line in Fig. 2 during cooling operation. The flow path switching valve 12 may be a combination of a three-way valve or a two-way valve.

[0016] The outdoor heat exchanger 13 is, for example, a fin-tube heat exchanger. The outdoor heat exchanger 13 exchanges heat between the refrigerant and air supplied by the outdoor fan 14. The outdoor heat exchanger 13 functions as a condenser during cooling operation, condensing and liquefying the refrigerant. The outdoor heat exchanger 13 also functions as an evaporator during heating operation, evaporating and gasifying the refrigerant.

[0017] The outdoor fan 14 is, for example, a propeller fan. The outdoor fan 14 supplies air around the outdoor unit 1 to the outdoor heat exchanger 13. The rotation speed of the outdoor fan 14 is controlled by the control unit 6, thereby controlling the condensing capacity or evaporating capacity of the outdoor heat exchanger 13. The accumulator 15 is provided on the suction side of the compressor 11, and has the function of separating the liquid refrigerant from the gas refrigerant and the function of storing excess refrigerant.

[0018] The indoor units 3a to 3d supply cold or hot heat from the outdoor unit 1 to the cooling load or heating load of the space to be air-conditioned. Each of the indoor units 3a to 3d is equipped with an indoor heat exchanger 31, an expansion valve 32, and an indoor fan 33. The indoor heat exchanger 31 is, for example, a fin-tube type heat exchanger. The indoor heat exchanger 31 exchanges heat between the air supplied by the indoor fan 33 and the refrigerant. During heating operation, the indoor heat exchanger 31 functions as a condenser, condensing and liquefying the refrigerant. During cooling operation, the indoor heat exchanger 31 functions as an evaporator, evaporating and gasifying the refrigerant.

[0019] The expansion valve 32 is, for example, a solenoid valve whose opening is variably controlled. The expansion valve 32 is connected in series with the indoor heat exchanger 31, and reduces the pressure of the refrigerant flowing out of the indoor heat exchanger 31 or the refrigerant flowing into the indoor heat exchanger 31 to expand it.

[0020] The indoor fan 33 is, for example, a cross-flow fan. The indoor fan 33 supplies air from the space to be air-conditioned to the indoor heat exchanger 31. The rotation speed of the indoor fan 33 is controlled by the control unit 6, thereby controlling the condensation capacity or evaporation capacity of the indoor heat exchanger 31.

[0021] The air conditioner 100 of this embodiment performs cooling operation and heating operation. In Figure 2, solid arrows indicate the flow of refrigerant during heating operation, and dashed arrows indicate the flow of refrigerant during cooling operation. The flow of refrigerant during each operation is described below.

[0022] During heating operation, high-temperature, high-pressure gas refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11 flows out of the outdoor unit 1 through the flow switching valve 12 and passes through the refrigerant pipe 4b to flow into each of the indoor units 3a to 3d. The refrigerant that flows into each of the indoor units 3a to 3d exchanges heat with air supplied by the indoor fan 33 in the indoor heat exchanger 31, where it condenses and liquefies. At this time, the refrigerant dissipates heat from the air in the space to be air-conditioned, thereby heating the rooms 201, 202, and 203 in which the indoor units 3a to 3d are installed, respectively. The refrigerant that flows out of the indoor heat exchanger 31 is decompressed by the expansion valve 32, flows out of the indoor units 3a to 3d, and flows into the outdoor unit 1 through the refrigerant pipe 4a.

[0023] The refrigerant that has flowed into the outdoor unit 1 flows into the outdoor heat exchanger 13. The refrigerant that has flowed into the outdoor heat exchanger 13 exchanges heat with air supplied by the outdoor fan 14, evaporates, and gasifies. The refrigerant that has flowed out of the outdoor heat exchanger 13 passes through the flow path switching valve 12 and the accumulator 15 and is sucked back into the compressor 11.

[0024] During cooling operation, high-temperature, high-pressure gas refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11 flows through the flow path switching valve 12 into the outdoor heat exchanger 13. The refrigerant that flows into the outdoor heat exchanger 13 exchanges heat with air supplied by the outdoor fan 14, condenses, and liquefies. The refrigerant that flows out of the outdoor heat exchanger 13 flows into each of the indoor units 3a to 3d through the refrigerant pipes 4a.

[0025] The refrigerant that flows into each of the indoor units 3a to 3d is decompressed by the expansion valve 32, becomes a low-temperature gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant, and flows into the indoor heat exchanger 31. The refrigerant that flows into the indoor heat exchanger 31 exchanges heat with air supplied by the indoor fan 33, evaporates, and gasifies. At this time, the refrigerant absorbs heat from the air in the space to be air-conditioned, thereby cooling the rooms 201, 202, and 203 in which the indoor units 3a to 3d are installed, respectively.

[0026] The refrigerant flowing out of the indoor heat exchanger 31 passes through the refrigerant pipe 4b and flows into the outdoor unit 1. The refrigerant flowing into the outdoor unit 1 passes through the flow path switching valve 12 and the accumulator 15 and is sucked into the compressor 11 again.

[0027] Next, Figure 3 is a functional block diagram for explaining the functions of the control unit 6 of the air conditioner 100 according to Embodiment 1. As shown in Figure 3, the control unit 6 has a CPU 91 and a memory 92. Specifically, the CPU 91 controls the operation of the outdoor unit 1 and the indoor units 3a to 3d by executing an operation program stored in the memory 92.

[0028] The CPU 91 is a processor that can read and execute programs (for example, an OS and an operating program) stored in the memory 92. The CPU 91 executes various programs read from the memory 92.

[0029] The memory 92 is composed of, for example, a nonvolatile storage device such as a ROM or flash memory. In addition to an OS for realizing basic functions, the memory 92 stores an operation program for controlling the operation of the outdoor unit 1 and the indoor units 3a to 3d, stability conditions for determining that the operation state is stable, operation standards for determining that the operation state is abnormal at startup, and the like. The operation program includes multiple test run modes for test runs that are started during inspection. The multiple test run modes include, for example, a load reduction mode (third test run mode) that reduces the number of operating indoor units 3a to 3d, and a fixed rotation speed mode (fourth test run mode) that sets the rotation speed of the compressor 11 to a fixed value.

[0030] The control unit 6 is communicably connected not only to the outdoor unit 1 and the plurality of indoor units 3a to 3d, but also to a notification unit 7. The notification unit 7 is an output device such as a display or speaker, and notifies a user (for example, a serviceman) of the operating status and information from various sensors monitored by the control unit 6.

[0031] Next, control during a test run of the air conditioner 100 will be described. First, the air conditioner 100 is inspected by a service technician during periodic inspections, such as those before the cooling and heating season. When a service technician inspects the air conditioner 100, the technician must wait until the operating state stabilizes after starting the air conditioner 100 for a test run before performing the necessary inspection. Therefore, if the operating state of the air conditioner 100 does not stabilize easily due to the state of the air conditioner 100, a waiting time occurs before the air conditioner 100 can be inspected, lengthening the inspection time. Furthermore, not only may it take a long time for the operating state to stabilize depending on the state of the air conditioner 100, but the operating state may also not stabilize at all. Therefore, if the operating state of the air conditioner 100 does not stabilize for a long time, it has been difficult for the service technician to determine whether to wait until the operating state of the air conditioner 100 stabilizes or not.

[0032] For example, in situations where an operational abnormality is clearly recognizable, such as when an abnormality occurs in the outdoor fan 14 causing the compressor 11 to overheat and stop operating, or when a refrigerant shortage (leak) occurs and the expansion valve 32 is fully open, it is easy for a service technician to decide not to wait until the operating state of the air conditioner 100 stabilizes. However, in situations where the actuators (compressor 11, expansion valve 32, outdoor fan 14, etc.) are fluctuating periodically due to environmental conditions, the operating state of the air conditioner 100 becomes unstable, and it is difficult for a service technician to decide not to wait until the operating state stabilizes, so they end up waiting until the operating state of the air conditioner 100 stabilizes.

[0033] Therefore, in the air conditioner 100 according to the present embodiment, if the operating state deviates from the operating standard before the control unit 6 determines that the operating state is stable, the control unit 6 determines that the operating state is a startup abnormality, thereby making it possible to take measures to stabilize the operating state rather than simply waiting until the operating state stabilizes after the test run is started. For example, if the operating state is determined to be a startup abnormality after the test run is started, a service technician can switch from the test run mode (first test run mode) to another test run mode (second test run mode) upon receiving a notification from the notification unit 7 that the operating state is a startup abnormality, thereby operating to quickly stabilize the operating state. This improves the efficiency of work until the test run operating state stabilizes when inspecting the air conditioner 100.

[0034] The air conditioner 100 is not limited to a configuration in which a service technician switches the test operation mode based on a notification from the notification unit 7, but may also be configured to automatically switch the test operation mode based on a determination that the operating state is a startup abnormality. The process of the air conditioner 100 that automatically switches the test operation mode will be described using a flowchart. Figure 4 is a flowchart for describing the process at startup of the air conditioner 100 according to Embodiment 1.

[0035] First, when a service technician performs an operation to start the air conditioner 100 for a trial run, the control unit 6 starts a trial run of the air conditioner 100, operating all of the indoor units 3a to 3d according to the operating program and starting the outdoor unit 1 according to the indoor load (step S101).

[0036] The control unit 6 determines whether the startup is normal or not (step S102). That is, the control unit 6 determines that the operating state is abnormal when the operating state deviates from the operating standard before determining that the operating state is stable. Specifically, Fig. 5 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the air conditioner 100 at startup. Fig. 5(a) shows the startup of a test run under normal conditions, and the operating state of the compressor 11 frequency is stable approximately 10 minutes after the start of the test run.

[0037] However, when the outdoor temperature and indoor temperature are both high, the controller 6 activates protective control (high-pressure protective control) when the compressor 11 rotation speed approaches its maximum rotation speed, causing an excessive rise in discharge gas pressure (Pd) or a high temperature difference (Td) between the indoor temperature and the evaporation temperature, resulting in an increase in the compressor 11 pressure. The frequency of the compressor 11 decreases when protective control is activated, but if the compressor 11 pressure remains high, it increases again, triggering another protective control activation, resulting in an unstable operation. For example, during cooling operation, if the condensing pressure or condensing temperature, which represents the refrigerant state of the outdoor heat exchanger 13 provided in the outdoor unit 1, exceeds a reference value, the controller 6 of the air conditioner 100 activates protective control and reduces the compressor 11 frequency. Figure 5(b) shows how the compressor 11 frequency fluctuates when the outdoor temperature and indoor temperature are both high. The frequency of the compressor 11 shown in FIG. 5(b) fluctuates greatly because the frequency near the maximum rotation speed is reduced by the operation of the protection control, and the operating state is unstable.

[0038] Furthermore, when the outdoor temperature is low and the indoor temperature is low, the control unit 6 activates protective control (low-pressure protective control) when the compressor 11 pressure drops due to the compressor 11 speed approaching minimum rotation speed, resulting in a low differential pressure and causing the expansion valve 32 to tend to close. The frequency of the compressor 11 increases when the protective control is activated, but if the compressor 11 pressure remains low, it decreases again, triggering the protective control to be activated again, resulting in an unstable operation. Figure 5(c) shows how the frequency of the compressor 11 fluctuates when the outdoor temperature is low and the indoor temperature is low. The frequency of the compressor 11 shown in Figure 5(c) fluctuates significantly because the frequency near minimum rotation speed increases due to the activation of the protective control, resulting in an unstable operating state.

[0039] 5(b) and 5(c), for example, the operation criterion can be whether or not protective control is activated before the operation state is determined to be stable. In other words, if protective control is activated in the air conditioner 100 before the operation state is determined to be stable, the control unit 6 determines the operation state to be a startup abnormality. Note that the operation criterion for determining the operation state to be a startup abnormality is not limited to whether or not protective control is activated, and may be, for example, whether or not the frequency of the compressor 11 deviates by a certain percentage (for example, ±5%) from the change in frequency of the compressor 11 during normal operation shown in FIG. 5(a).

[0040] Returning to Fig. 4, if it is determined that the start-up is not normal (the operating state is abnormal) (NO in step S102), the control unit 6 switches to the test operation mode (step S103). Specifically, Fig. 6 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the air conditioner 100 in the test operation mode. Fig. 6(a) is a comparative example, showing the change in the frequency of the compressor 11 when the test operation mode is not switched. The frequency of the compressor 11 shown in Fig. 6(a) indicates that the operating state has not stabilized even after about 30 minutes have passed since the start of the test operation, and the service technician has determined that the operating state of the air conditioner 100 is unstable.

[0041] However, if the control unit 6 determines that the operating state of the air conditioner 100 is abnormal at startup before determining that the operating state is stable, it switches the test operation mode to control the air conditioner 100 to stabilize its operating state. Figure 6(b) shows the change in the frequency of the compressor 11 when the test operation mode is switched when the outdoor temperature is high and the indoor temperature is also high. The frequency of the compressor 11 shown in Figure 6(b) is determined to be abnormal at startup due to the activation of protection control, and stabilizes due to the change in the test operation mode. In this way, by switching the test operation mode, the control unit 6 can stabilize the operating state of the air conditioner 100 in approximately 20 minutes from the start of the test operation.

[0042] When the outdoor temperature is high and the indoor temperature is also high, and the control unit 6 determines that the pressure of the compressor 11 has increased and the operating state is an abnormal start-up state, the control unit 6 switches to a test run mode, which is a load reduction mode, in which the number of operating indoor units 3a to 3d is reduced. When protective control (high-pressure protective control) is activated, the control unit 6 reduces the number of operating indoor units 3a to 3d, thereby reducing the frequency of the compressor 11 and controlling the evaporative pressure to a reference value, thereby stabilizing the operating state of the air conditioner 100.

[0043] 6(c) shows the change in the frequency of the compressor 11 when the test operation mode is switched when the outdoor temperature is low and the indoor temperature is low. The frequency of the compressor 11 shown in FIG. 6(c) is determined to be a startup abnormality due to the activation of the protection control, and is stabilized by changing the test operation mode. In this way, by switching the test operation mode, the control unit 6 can stabilize the operating state of the air conditioner 100 in about 20 minutes from the start of the test operation.

[0044] When the outdoor temperature is low and the indoor temperature is low, and the control unit 6 determines that the pressure of the compressor 11 is low and the operating state is a startup abnormality, the control unit 6 switches to a trial operation mode of a fixed rotation speed mode in which the rotation speed of the compressor 11 of the air conditioner 100 is set to a fixed value. When protection control (low pressure protection control) is activated, the control unit 6 sets the rotation speed of the compressor 11 to a fixed value, thereby controlling the evaporation pressure to a reference value by increasing the frequency of the compressor 11 to the fixed value, and can stabilize the operating state of the air conditioner 100.

[0045] Returning to FIG. 4 , if it is determined that the startup is normal (the operating state is not abnormal) (YES in step S102), the control unit 6 determines whether the operating state is stable (step S104). The control unit 6 determines that the operating state is stable if the state of the air conditioner 100 satisfies a stability condition. Specifically, the stability condition is that the fluctuation in the frequency of the compressor 11 of the air conditioner 100 is within a reference range (for example, within 5%). In other words, if the state in which the frequency of the compressor 11 fluctuates within a range of 5% continues for a certain period of time, the control unit 6 determines that the stability condition is satisfied and that the operating state is stable. Note that the method for determining that the operating state of the air conditioner 100 is stable is not limited to the method described above, and other methods, including already known methods, may be used.

[0046] If it is determined that the operating state is not stable (NO in step S104), the control unit 6 returns the process to step S104 and continues to determine whether the operating state is stable. Note that the control unit 6 may return the process to step S102 instead of returning to step S104. If it is determined that the operating state is stable (YES in step S104), the control unit 6 notifies the user of the determined operating state (stable notification) (step S105). This allows the user (serviceman) to inspect the air conditioner 100.

[0047] As described above, in the air conditioner 100 according to Embodiment 1, if the operating state deviates from the operating standard before the control unit 6 determines that the operating state is stable, the operating state is determined to be a startup abnormality. Therefore, when inspecting the air conditioner 100, even if there is a startup abnormality that requires a long time for the operating state to stabilize due to environmental conditions, it is possible to take measures such as switching to the test run mode recognized by the user. Therefore, the air conditioner 100 can improve the efficiency of work until the operating state of the test run stabilizes.

[0048] Furthermore, in the air conditioner 100 according to embodiment 1, if the control unit 6 determines that the operating state of the air conditioner 100 is a startup abnormality during the trial run of the air conditioner 100, the trial run mode can be switched, which makes it easier to stabilize the operating state of the air conditioner 100 and shortens the inspection time.

[0049] Embodiment 2 In the first embodiment, it was explained that when the air conditioner 100 is subjected to a test run, if the operating state of the air conditioner 100 becomes unstable due to environmental conditions, a startup abnormality is determined to have occurred. When the operating state of the air conditioner stabilizes, a service technician begins inspecting the air conditioner, but in the second embodiment, when it is determined that the operating state of the air conditioner has stabilized, the operating data of the air conditioner is automatically stored, thereby making the inspection more efficient and reducing the working time of the service technician.

[0050] 7 is a flowchart for explaining the processing at the time of startup of the air conditioner 100 according to Embodiment 2. The configuration of the air conditioner 100 according to Embodiment 2 is the same as the configuration of the air conditioner 100 described in Embodiment 1, and therefore the same components are assigned the same reference numerals and detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

[0051] First, when a service technician performs an operation to start the air conditioner 100 for a trial run, the control unit 6 starts a trial run of the air conditioner 100, operating all of the indoor units 3a to 3d according to the operating program and starting the outdoor unit 1 according to the indoor load (step S101).

[0052] The control unit 6 determines whether the startup is normal (step S102). If it is determined that the startup is not normal (the operating state is abnormal at startup) (NO in step S102), the control unit 6 switches the test run mode (step S103). If it is determined that the startup is normal (the operating state is not abnormal at startup) (YES in step S102), the control unit 6 determines whether the operating state is stable (step S104).

[0053] If it is determined that the operating state is not stable (NO in step S104), the control unit 6 returns the process to step S104 and continues to determine whether the operating state is stable. The control unit 6 may return the process to step S102 instead of returning to step S104. If it is determined that the operating state is stable (YES in step S104), the control unit 6 notifies the user of the determined operating state (stable notification) (step S105). Furthermore, the control unit 6 stores the operating data of the air conditioner 100 in the memory 92 (storage unit) (automatic recording of operating data (step S106)).

[0054] The control unit 6 can make inspections more efficient and reduce the work time of service personnel by automatically storing the operating data of the air conditioner 100. In particular, because the control unit 6 can store the operating data of the air conditioner 100 immediately after determining that the operating state has stabilized, there is no wasted time compared to when the service personnel waits until the operating state has stabilized before starting to store the operating data of the air conditioner 100.

[0055] Embodiment 3. In the first embodiment, it was explained that a startup abnormality is determined if the operating state of the air conditioner 100 becomes unstable due to environmental conditions when the air conditioner 100 is undergoing a test run. In the third embodiment, an operating abnormality is determined without having to wait until the operating state of the air conditioner stabilizes, so that a service technician can quickly confirm a malfunction of the air conditioner.

[0056] 8 is a flowchart for explaining the processing at the time of startup of the air conditioner 100 according to Embodiment 3. The configuration of the air conditioner 100 according to Embodiment 3 is the same as the configuration of the air conditioner 100 described in Embodiment 1, and therefore the same components are assigned the same reference numerals and detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

[0057] First, when a service technician performs an operation to start the air conditioner 100 for a trial run, the control unit 6 starts a trial run of the air conditioner 100, operating all of the indoor units 3a to 3d according to the operating program and starting the outdoor unit 1 according to the indoor load (step S101).

[0058] The control unit 6 determines an operation abnormality in the air conditioner 100 (step S101a). Specifically, the control unit 6 determines an operation abnormality when an abnormality occurs in the outdoor fan 14, causing the compressor 11 to overpressure and stop operation, or when a refrigerant shortage (leak) occurs and the expansion valve 32 is fully open. If an operation abnormality is determined (YES in step S101a), the control unit 6 notifies the user (an abnormality notification) of the determined operation abnormality (step S101b). The control unit 6 notifies the user (service technician) of the abnormality, including the details of the operation abnormality (for example, the compressor 11 has overpressure and stopped operation). This allows the user (service technician) to receive the abnormality notification from the control unit 6 and quickly respond to the operation abnormality.

[0059] If it is determined that there is no abnormal operation (NO in step S101a), the control unit 6 determines whether the startup is normal (step S102). If it is determined that the startup is abnormal (the operating state is abnormal at startup) (NO in step S102), the control unit 6 switches the test run mode (step S103). If it is determined that the startup is normal (the operating state is not abnormal at startup) (YES in step S102), the control unit 6 determines whether the operating state is stable (step S104).

[0060] If the control unit 6 determines that the operating state is unstable (NO in step S104), it returns the process to step S104 and continues to determine whether the operating state is stable. The control unit 6 may return the process to step S102 instead of returning to step S104. If the control unit 6 determines that the operating state is stable (YES in step S104), it notifies the user of the determined operating state (stable notification) (step S105). Furthermore, when the control unit 6 issues an abnormality notification (step S101b) or a stable notification (step S105), it stores the operating data of the air conditioner 100 in the memory 92 (storage unit) (automatic recording of operating data (step S106)). By storing the operating data of the air conditioner 100 in the memory 92 (storage unit) after issuing the abnormality notification (step S101b), the operating data can be used to analyze operating abnormalities. Of course, if there is no need to store operating data in the event of an operating abnormality, the control unit 6 may terminate processing without storing the operating data of the air conditioner 100 in memory 92 (storage unit) when it issues an abnormality notification (step S101b).

[0061] The embodiments disclosed herein are intended to be combined appropriately within the scope of compatibility. The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative and not restrictive in all respects. The scope of the present disclosure is defined by the claims, not the above description, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims.

[0062] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 outdoor unit, 3a to 3d indoor units, 4, 4a, 4b refrigerant piping, 6 control unit, 7 notification unit, 11 compressor, 12 flow path switching valve, 13 outdoor heat exchanger, 14 outdoor fan, 15 accumulator, 31 indoor heat exchanger, 32 expansion valve, 33 indoor fan, 92 memory, 100 air conditioner, 201 to 203 rooms.

Claims

1. An air conditioner including an outdoor unit and at least one indoor unit connected to the outdoor unit, comprising: a control unit that controls the operation of the outdoor unit and the indoor unit; a memory unit that stores operation programs for the outdoor unit and the indoor unit; and a notification unit that notifies a user of the operating state determination result determined by the control unit, wherein the control unit starts a trial run of the air conditioner in accordance with the operation program, determines the operating state to be stable if the state of the air conditioner satisfies a stability condition, and determines the operating state to be a startup abnormality if the operating state deviates from the operating standard before being determined to be stable.

2. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the stability condition includes a condition in which fluctuations in compressor frequency of the air conditioner are within a reference range.

3. An air conditioner as described in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein deviations from the operating standards include when the protection control of the compressor of the air conditioner is activated, or when deviations from historical information showing changes in the compressor frequency of the air conditioner during normal test operation occur.

4. An air conditioner as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the operation program includes a plurality of trial operation modes, the plurality of trial operation modes include a first trial operation mode and a second trial operation mode, and the control unit switches to the second trial operation mode when it determines that the operating state during operation in the first trial operation mode is a startup abnormality.

5. An air conditioner as described in claim 4, wherein the plurality of trial operation modes include a third trial operation mode in which the pressure of the compressor of the air conditioner is reduced, and a fourth trial operation mode in which the pressure of the compressor of the air conditioner is increased, and wherein the control unit switches operation of the air conditioner to the third trial operation mode when the pressure of the compressor of the air conditioner increases and the operating state is determined to be abnormal at startup, and switches operation of the air conditioner to the fourth trial operation mode when the pressure of the compressor of the air conditioner decreases and the operating state is determined to be abnormal at startup.

6. An air conditioner as described in claim 5, wherein the third test operation mode is a load reduction mode in which the number of operating indoor units is reduced, and the fourth test operation mode is a fixed rotation speed mode in which the rotation speed of the compressor of the air conditioner is set to a fixed value.

7. An air conditioner as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the control unit stores the operating data of the air conditioner in the memory unit when it determines that the air conditioner is in a stable state during trial operation.

8. An air conditioner as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the control unit is capable of determining an operational abnormality of the air conditioner, and if it determines that an operational abnormality has occurred during a test run of the air conditioner, it outputs the determination result and stops the test run of the air conditioner.

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