Air conditioning system change proposal device and air conditioning system change proposal method

Abstract

Provided is an air conditioning system change proposal device that includes a control unit, wherein the control unit: acquires a result of a refrigerant regulation determination and existing air conditioning operation data about an air conditioning facility that has a plurality of air conditioning systems; determines the content of a proposal to be adopted from an air conditioning design specification of the air conditioning facility and the content of a proposal for changing the air conditioning systems, on the basis of the result of the refrigerant regulation determination and the existing air conditioning operation data; and outputs the determined content of the proposal.

Description

Air conditioning system change proposal device and air conditioning system change proposal method

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an air conditioning system change proposing device and an air conditioning system change proposing method.

[0002] Conventionally, air conditioners have been selected based on the thermal load of a building. For example, in selecting an air conditioner to be installed in a building, a selection method that minimizes energy consumption or life cycle costs while satisfying the required capacity has been known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] JP 2009-20640 A

[0004] Previously, when proposing to replace air conditioning equipment across multiple air conditioning systems, the existing operating data of the customer's air conditioning equipment was not utilized.When proposing to replace air conditioning equipment across multiple air conditioning systems without utilizing the existing operating data of the customer's air conditioning equipment, the proposal was made based on the experience and expectations of the worker.

[0005] The present disclosure aims to provide an air conditioning system change proposal device and an air conditioning system change proposal method that utilize existing air conditioning operation data of air conditioning equipment having multiple air conditioning systems to output proposals for changing the air conditioning system.

[0006] A first aspect of the present disclosure is an air conditioning system change proposal device having a control unit, wherein the control unit acquires the results of a refrigerant regulation determination and existing air conditioning operation data of an air conditioning facility having multiple air conditioning systems, determines the proposal content to be adopted from the air conditioning design specifications of the air conditioning facility and the proposed changes to the air conditioning system based on the results of the refrigerant regulation determination and the existing air conditioning operation data, and outputs the determined proposal content.

[0007] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an air conditioning system change proposing device that utilizes existing air conditioning operation data of air conditioning equipment having multiple air conditioning systems to output proposals for changing the air conditioning systems.

[0008] A second aspect of the present disclosure is the air conditioning system change proposal device of the first aspect, wherein the control unit determines that the proposed change to the air conditioning system is to integrate, rearrange, or split the multiple air conditioning systems.

[0009] According to the second aspect of the present disclosure, integration, rearrangement, or division of a plurality of air conditioning systems can be determined as a proposed change to the air conditioning systems.

[0010] A third aspect of the present disclosure is the air conditioning system change proposal device of the first or second aspect, wherein, when the result of the refrigerant regulation determination satisfies the refrigerant regulation, the control unit determines that the integration of the multiple air conditioning systems is to be proposed as a change to the air conditioning system.

[0011] According to the third aspect of the present disclosure, when the result of the refrigerant regulation determination indicates that the refrigerant regulation is satisfied, it is possible to determine that the integration of a plurality of air conditioning systems is a proposed change of the air conditioning system.

[0012] A fourth aspect of the present disclosure is the air conditioning system change proposal device according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein, when the result of the refrigerant regulation determination does not satisfy the refrigerant regulation, the control unit determines that the proposed change to the air conditioning system is to rearrange or split the multiple air conditioning systems.

[0013] According to the fourth aspect of the present disclosure, when the result of the refrigerant regulation determination indicates that the refrigerant regulation is not satisfied, it is possible to determine that the recombination or division of a plurality of air conditioning systems is the content of the proposed change to the air conditioning systems.

[0014] A fifth aspect of the present disclosure is the air conditioning system change proposal device of the third aspect, wherein the control unit determines the content of the proposal for integrating the multiple air conditioning systems based on outdoor unit information included in the existing air conditioning operation data.

[0015] According to the fifth aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to determine the content of proposals for integrating a plurality of air conditioning systems based on outdoor unit information included in the existing air conditioning operation data.

[0016] A sixth aspect of the present disclosure is an air conditioning system change proposal device of the fifth aspect, wherein the control unit determines the air conditioning systems to be integrated so that integrating the multiple air conditioning systems reduces the air conditioning load of the air conditioning equipment during peak hours.

[0017] According to the sixth aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to determine which air conditioning systems to integrate so that the air conditioning load on the air conditioning equipment during peak hours is reduced by integrating multiple air conditioning systems.

[0018] A seventh aspect of the present disclosure is the air conditioning system change proposal device of the fourth aspect, wherein the control unit determines the proposed content for rearranging or dividing the multiple air conditioning systems based on indoor unit information included in the existing air conditioning operation data.

[0019] According to the seventh aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to determine the content of proposals for rearranging or dividing multiple air conditioning systems based on indoor unit information included in the existing air conditioning operation data.

[0020] An eighth aspect of the present disclosure is the air conditioning system change proposal device of the seventh aspect, wherein the control unit determines the proposed content for rearranging or dividing the multiple air conditioning systems so as to group indoor units with similar changes in air conditioning load.

[0021] According to the eighth aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to determine the proposed recombination or division of a plurality of air conditioning systems so as to group indoor units whose changes in air conditioning load are similar.

[0022] A ninth aspect of the present disclosure is an air conditioning system change proposal method executed by an air conditioning system change proposal device having a control unit, in which the control unit acquires the results of a refrigerant regulation determination and existing air conditioning operation data of air conditioning equipment having multiple air conditioning systems, determines proposal content to be adopted from the air conditioning design specifications of the air conditioning equipment and proposed changes to the air conditioning system based on the results of the refrigerant regulation determination and the existing air conditioning operation data, and outputs the determined proposal content.

[0023] According to a ninth aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an air conditioning system change proposal method that utilizes existing air conditioning operation data of air conditioning equipment having multiple air conditioning systems to output proposals for changing the air conditioning systems.

[0024] 1 is a configuration diagram of an example of an air conditioning system change proposal system 1 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 1 is a hardware configuration diagram of an example of a computer 500 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of an example of air conditioning equipment of a building 10 for determining proposed changes to air conditioning design specifications and air conditioning systems. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of an example of air conditioning equipment of a building 10 for determining proposed changes to air conditioning design specifications and air conditioning systems. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of an example of support for considering an effective combination of air conditioning systems to be integrated. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of an example of support for considering an effective combination of air conditioning systems to be integrated. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a piping constraint rule. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of an example of air conditioning equipment of a building 10 for determining proposed changes to air conditioning design specifications and air conditioning systems. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of an example of air conditioning equipment of a building 10 for determining proposed changes to air conditioning design specifications and air conditioning systems.

[0025] Next, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail.

[0026] <System Configuration> Fig. 1 is a configuration diagram of an example of an air conditioning system change proposal system 1 according to this embodiment. The air conditioning system change proposal system 1 shown in Fig. 1 includes an outdoor unit 12, an indoor unit 14, an edge device 16, an air conditioning system change proposal device 30, and an existing air conditioning operation data management device 40.

[0027] 1 are communicably connected via a communication network N. The communication network N is, for example, the Internet or a local area network (LAN).

[0028] The outdoor unit 12, the indoor unit 14, and the edge device 16 are installed in a building 10, which is a structure such as a building. The building 10 is an example of a target space for air conditioning by the outdoor unit 12 and the indoor unit 14. The outdoor unit 12, the indoor unit 14, and the edge device 16 are connected to each other so that they can communicate with each other. The outdoor unit 12 and the indoor unit 14 are connected by piping, which will be described later. The outdoor unit 12, the indoor unit 14, and the piping are an example of an air conditioning facility having multiple air conditioning systems.

[0029] The edge device 16 transmits existing air conditioning operation data of the air conditioning performed by the outdoor unit 12 and the indoor unit 14 to the existing air conditioning operation data management device 40. The existing air conditioning operation data is information indicating the air conditioning operation status of the outdoor unit 12 and the indoor unit 14. The information indicating the air conditioning operation status of the outdoor unit 12 and the indoor unit 14 is, for example, information indicating how the customer who uses the outdoor unit 12 and the indoor unit 14 uses the air conditioning. The existing air conditioning operation data includes, for example, time-series data of the air conditioning load of the outdoor unit 12 and the indoor unit 14. The existing air conditioning operation data may include, for example, information on the temperature and humidity inside the building 10 and the temperature and humidity outside the building 10. The existing air conditioning operation data management device 40 provides the received existing air conditioning operation data of the outdoor unit 12 and the indoor unit 14 of the building 10 to the air conditioning system change proposal device 30.

[0030] The air conditioning system change proposal device 30 acquires existing air conditioning operation data of the air conditioning equipment in the building 10 from the existing air conditioning operation data management device 40. The air conditioning system change proposal device 30 also acquires data necessary for making a refrigerant regulation determination for the air conditioning equipment in the building 10. The air conditioning system change proposal device 30 may accept input of the data necessary for making a refrigerant regulation determination for the air conditioning equipment in the building 10 by an operator.

[0031] Data necessary for making a refrigerant regulation determination for the air conditioning equipment of the building 10 includes information about the rooms in which the indoor units 14 are installed, information about the piping, piping restriction rules, etc. As will be described later, the air conditioning system change proposal device 30 makes a refrigerant regulation determination for the air conditioning equipment of the building 10. Based on the result of the refrigerant regulation determination for the air conditioning equipment of the building 10 and the existing air conditioning operation data of the air conditioning equipment of the building 10, the air conditioning system change proposal device 30 determines the proposal content to be adopted from the air conditioning design specifications of the air conditioning equipment of the building 10 and the proposed content of changes to the air conditioning system, as will be described later, and outputs the determined proposal content by displaying it on an application screen, for example.

[0032] The air conditioning system modification proposal device 30 has a control unit 32. The control unit 32 is a hardware configuration that executes a program. The control unit 32 is a central processing unit (CPU), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or the like. For example, the air conditioning system modification proposal device 30 can perform various processes described below by having a CPU, which is an example of the control unit 32, execute a program.

[0033] The configuration of the air conditioning system change proposal system 1 in Figure 1 is an example. For example, the air conditioning system change proposal device 30 and the existing air conditioning operation data management device 40 may be realized by one or more information processing devices. The air conditioning system change proposal device 30 and the existing air conditioning operation data management device 40 may also be realized as a cloud computing service.

[0034] 1 shows the control unit 32 of the air conditioning system change proposal device 30 as an example, but the edge device 16 and the existing air conditioning operation data management device 40 also have control units. The various processes described below executed by the control unit 32 of the air conditioning system change proposal device 30 may be executed by the control unit of the edge device 16 or the existing air conditioning operation data management device 40. Furthermore, the various processes described below executed by the control unit 32 of the air conditioning system change proposal device 30 may be executed by the control units of the edge device 16 and the existing air conditioning operation data management device 40 in cooperation with each other.

[0035] It goes without saying that there are various system configuration examples for the configuration of the air conditioning system change proposal system 1 in Figure 1 depending on the application and purpose. The number of outdoor units 12 and indoor units 14 in the building 10 shown in Figure 1 is one example.

[0036] <Hardware Configuration> The air conditioning system change proposal device 30 in Fig. 1 is realized, for example, by a computer 500 having the hardware configuration shown in Fig. 2. Furthermore, the edge device 16 and the existing air conditioning operation data management device 40 in Fig. 1 may also be realized by the computer 500 having the hardware configuration shown in Fig. 2.

[0037] 2 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a computer 500 according to this embodiment. The computer 500 includes an input device 501, a display device 502, an external I / F 503, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 504, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 505, a CPU 506, a communication I / F 507, and an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 508, all of which are interconnected by a bus B. The input device 501 and the display device 502 may be connected and used when necessary.

[0038] The input device 501 includes a touch panel, operation keys, buttons, a keyboard, a mouse, etc., which are used by the user to input various signals. The display device 502 includes a display such as a liquid crystal or organic electroluminescence (EL) display for displaying a screen, a speaker for outputting sound data such as voice and music, etc. The communication I / F 507 is an interface that allows the computer 500 to perform data communication via the network 50.

[0039] The HDD 508 is an example of a non-volatile storage device that stores programs and data. The stored programs and data include an operating system (OS), which is basic software that controls the entire computer 500, and applications (hereinafter simply referred to as apps) that provide various functions on the OS. Note that instead of the HDD 508, the computer 500 may use a drive device that uses flash memory as a storage medium (e.g., a solid-state drive (SSD)).

[0040] The external I / F 503 is an interface with an external device. The external device may be a recording medium 503a. The computer 500 reads and writes data from and to the recording medium 503a via the external I / F 503.

[0041] The recording medium 503a is a flexible disk, a CD (Compact Disc), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), an SD (Secure Digital) memory card, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory, or the like.

[0042] The ROM 505 is an example of a non-volatile semiconductor memory (storage device) that can retain programs and data even when the power is turned off. The ROM 505 stores programs and data such as a Basic Input Output System (BIOS) that is executed when the computer 500 starts up, OS settings, and network settings. The RAM 504 is an example of a volatile semiconductor memory (storage device) that temporarily retains programs and data.

[0043] The CPU 506 is an arithmetic unit that reads programs and data from a storage device such as the ROM 505 or the HDD 508 onto the RAM 504 and executes processing to realize the overall control and functions of the computer 500 , and is an example of the control unit 32 .

[0044] 3A and 3B are explanatory diagrams of an example of an air conditioning system in a building 10 for which proposed changes to the air conditioning design specifications and the air conditioning system are determined. As shown in Fig. 3A and 3B, the air conditioning system in the building 10 has an outdoor unit 12 and an indoor unit 14 connected by piping.

[0045] Fig. 3A is an image diagram of an example of an air conditioning system before integration. Fig. 3B is an image diagram of an example of an air conditioning system after integration. By connecting the main pipes of the air conditioning systems before integration shown in Fig. 3A, outdoor unit B has been eliminated in the air conditioning system after integration shown in Fig. 3B.

[0046] The air conditioning system change proposal device 30 according to this embodiment provides the operator with a function for examining whether it is possible to select an outdoor unit 12 with a smaller equipment capacity by integrating the air conditioning systems before integration shown in Fig. 3A as shown in Fig. 3B. Note that the selection of the optimal outdoor unit A in the integrated air conditioning system shown in Fig. 3B can be performed using the selection method described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-20640, for example.

[0047] The air conditioning system change proposal device 30 according to this embodiment can support the study of an effective combination of air conditioning systems to be integrated by taking into consideration the amount of reduction in the air conditioning load during peak hours (hereinafter referred to as peak air conditioning load) after the system integration, as shown in Figures 4A and 4B. Figures 4A and 4B are explanatory diagrams of an example of support for the study of an effective combination of air conditioning systems to be integrated.

[0048] Figure 4A shows outdoor units A and B installed on the R (roof) floor and multiple indoor units installed in living rooms. The capacity of outdoor units A and B is 10 HP. HP represents the capacity of outdoor units A and B. Outdoor unit A is connected by piping to the indoor unit in the west room. Outdoor unit B is connected by piping to the indoor unit in the east room.

[0049] Figure 4B shows an example of time-series data on the air conditioning load of the west room and the east room, where indoor units are installed. As shown in Figure 4B, there is a time lag in the peak air conditioning load in the west room and the east room due to factors such as solar radiation. For example, the peak value of the total air conditioning load of the west room and the east room is 15 HP, as shown in Figure 4B. The simple total value of the equipment capacity of outdoor unit A and outdoor unit B in Figure 4A is 20 HP.

[0050] 4A and 4B, it is possible to consider reducing the required equipment capacity from 20 HP to 15 HP by integrating the air conditioning system of outdoor unit A and the air conditioning system of outdoor unit B. In the example of Figures 4A and 4B, it is possible to consider reducing (downsizing) the two outdoor units A and B, each with an equipment capacity of 10 HP, to one outdoor unit A, with an equipment capacity of 15 HP.

[0051] Downsizing the capacity of outdoor units A and B by integrating the air conditioning systems has the effect of lowering equipment costs due to reduced equipment capacity and electricity charges due to reduced partial load operation, as well as bringing benefits to customers such as reducing the number of units under maintenance contracts.

[0052] Fig. 5 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a piping constraint rule. The air conditioning system change proposal device 30 according to this embodiment takes into account the piping constraint rule, for example, as shown in Fig. 5. In Fig. 5, the main pipe of the air conditioning system of outdoor unit A and the main pipe of the air conditioning system of outdoor unit B are connected.

[0053] The piping constraint rules include the maximum length after the first branch. For example, a constraint on the maximum length after the first branch is a maximum value of 90 m or less. Furthermore, because indoor units that were originally in different air conditioning systems become indoor units of the same air conditioning system, the piping constraint rules also include the difference in elevation between indoor units 14 of the same air conditioning system. For example, a constraint on the difference in elevation between indoor units 14 of the same air conditioning system is 30 m or less. Furthermore, because the section that was the main piping becomes a post-branch piping, the piping constraint rules also include the relationship with the total equipment capacity of the indoor units after the first branch. For example, a constraint on the relationship with the total equipment capacity of the indoor units after the first branch is the relationship between the total equipment capacity of the indoor units after the first branch and the piping size.

[0054] 6A and 6B are explanatory diagrams of an example of air conditioning equipment in a building 10 for which proposed changes to the air conditioning design specifications and air conditioning systems are determined. Figures 6A and 6B show the air conditioning systems before rearrangement or division and the air conditioning systems after rearrangement or division.

[0055] In "air conditioning system 1" in FIG. 6A, four "indoor units in1 to in4" with an equipment capacity of 3 HP are connected by pipes to an outdoor unit with an equipment capacity of 12 HP. In "air conditioning system 2" in FIG. 6A, four "indoor units in5 to in8" with an equipment capacity of 2 HP are connected by pipes to an outdoor unit with an equipment capacity of 8 HP. In FIG. 6B, "air conditioning system 1" in FIG. 6A is divided into two "air conditioning systems": "air conditioning system 1" and "air conditioning system 3." In addition, in FIG. 6B, "air conditioning system 2" in FIG. 6A is divided into two "air conditioning systems": "air conditioning system 2" and "air conditioning system 4." Proposed rearrangements of the air conditioning systems include, for example, connecting "indoor unit in4" shown in FIG. 6A to "indoor unit in6" of "air conditioning system 2."

[0056] <Processing> An example of processing performed by the control unit 32 of the air conditioning system change proposal device 30 will be described below.

[0057] The air conditioning system change proposal system 1 shown in FIG. 1 utilizes existing air conditioning operation data of an air conditioning facility having multiple air conditioning systems to output proposals for changing the air conditioning system, as shown in, for example, FIGS. 7 to 9.

[0058] 7 to 9 are flowcharts showing an example of the processing procedure of the air conditioning system change proposal system 1 according to this embodiment.

[0059] 7, the control unit 32 of the air conditioning system change proposal device 30 uses data on candidate units of the air conditioning equipment and existing air conditioning operation data of the air conditioning equipment to select an optimal equipment capacity for the outdoor unit 12. The processing of step S10 can use, for example, the selection method described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-20640.

[0060] In step S12, the control unit 32 calculates data necessary for making a refrigerant restriction determination. The data necessary for making a refrigerant restriction determination includes, for example, the floor height, ceiling height, installation floor, volume, equipment layout diagram, piping length, and piping diameter of the room in which the indoor unit 14 is installed.

[0061] In step S14, the control unit 32 determines the total amount of refrigerant in the entire air conditioning system. The total amount of refrigerant in the entire air conditioning system is the total amount of refrigerant sealed in the entire air conditioning system. The total amount of refrigerant in the entire air conditioning system is calculated, for example, by the following formula (1).

[0062] Total refrigerant amount = refrigerant charge amount (outdoor unit) + additional charge amount (piping) + correction amount (indoor unit) ... (1) The refrigerant charge amount is determined based on the outdoor unit, for example, using a database. The refrigerant charge amount is the amount of refrigerant charged into the outdoor unit 12 at the time of shipment, for example. The additional charge amount is determined for each pipe size by multiplying the pipe length by the amount of refrigerant per meter. The refrigerant amount per meter is determined, for example, using a database. The additional charge amount is the amount of refrigerant to be charged at the site where the outdoor unit 12 is installed. The correction amount is determined, for example, using a database, based on the indoor / outdoor connection ratio of the outdoor unit 12 and the indoor unit 14.

[0063] The control unit 32 also uses the maximum refrigerant amount to determine the total refrigerant amount of the entire air conditioning system. The maximum refrigerant amount is the maximum total amount of refrigerant that may be injected into the air conditioning system. If the total refrigerant amount, which is the total amount of refrigerant sealed in the entire air conditioning system, is greater than the maximum refrigerant amount, which is the maximum total amount of refrigerant that may be injected into the air conditioning system, the control unit 32 determines that the result of the determination of the total refrigerant amount of the entire air system is NG. If the result of the determination of the total refrigerant amount of the entire air system is NG, the control unit 32 rearranges or divides the system as shown in FIG. 9 and proceeds to processing the next loop. The result of the determination of the total refrigerant amount of the entire air system is an example of the result of the refrigerant regulation determination of the air conditioning equipment.

[0064] If the total amount of refrigerant sealed in the entire air conditioning system is not greater than the maximum amount of refrigerant that may be injected into the air conditioning system, the control unit 32 determines that the result of the determination of the total amount of refrigerant in the entire air system is OK. If the result of the determination of the total amount of refrigerant in the entire air system is OK, the control unit 32 proceeds to step S16.

[0065] In step S16, the control unit 32 determines the LFL of each indoor unit room. The LFL (Lower Flammability Limit) is the lower flammability limit, which is the minimum concentration of refrigerant that can spread a fire when the refrigerant and air are uniformly mixed. The LFL of each indoor unit room is determined, for example, using the following equation (2):

[0066] Total refrigerant amount / (leakage height×floor area)≦0.25×LFL (2) The leakage height is the height from the floor where a refrigerant leak is expected. Equation (2) is used to determine whether the maximum concentration during a refrigerant leak exceeds ¼ of the LFL. The result of determining whether the maximum concentration during a refrigerant leak exceeds ¼ of the LFL is an example of the result of a refrigerant regulation determination for an air conditioning system.

[0067] If the maximum concentration during a refrigerant leak does not exceed ¼ of the LFL, the control unit 32 determines that the LFL determination result for each indoor unit room is OK. If the LFL determination result for each indoor unit room is OK, there is no need to install safety equipment for each room. If the LFL determination result for each indoor unit room is OK, the control unit 32 proceeds to step S18.

[0068] In step S18, the control unit 32 determines whether there is a proposal to integrate air conditioning systems as described using Figures 3A, 3B, 4A, and 4B, based on the existing air conditioning operation data. In the processing of step S18, the control unit 32 may determine the air conditioning systems to be integrated so that the air conditioning load during peak hours of the air conditioning equipment will be reduced by integrating multiple air conditioning systems. For example, the control unit 32 can propose reducing the equipment capacity of the outdoor units 12 after the system integration by integrating the air conditioning systems of the outdoor units 12 whose peak air conditioning loads are shifted.

[0069] If there is a proposal for integrating the air conditioning systems, the control unit 32 determines in step S20 whether there are any problems with integrating the air conditioning systems in terms of facility design, as described with reference to FIG.

[0070] If there are no problems with integrating the air conditioning systems from the equipment design perspective, the control unit 32 integrates the systems as shown in Figure 8 and proceeds to the processing of the next loop. Furthermore, if there is no proposal for integrating the air conditioning systems in step S18, the control unit 32 determines the cost required for the proposed change based on the model cost and running cost of the air conditioning equipment, and ends the processing of the flowchart in Figure 7. The running cost includes, for example, maintenance of the air conditioning equipment and electricity charges. Furthermore, if there are problems with integrating the air conditioning systems from the equipment design perspective in step S20, the control unit 32 determines the cost required for the proposed change based on the model cost and running cost of the air conditioning equipment, and ends the processing of the flowchart in Figure 7.

[0071] In step S16, if the maximum concentration during refrigerant leakage exceeds ¼ of the LFL, the control unit 32 determines that the result of the LFL determination for each indoor unit installation room is NG. If the result of the LFL determination for each indoor unit installation room is NG, it will be necessary to install safety equipment for each room, rearrange the air conditioning system, or divide the air conditioning system. If the result of the LFL determination for each indoor unit installation room is NG, the control unit 32 proceeds to step S22.

[0072] In step S22, the control unit 32 determines, based on the existing air conditioning operation data, whether there is a rearrangement or division plan for the air conditioning systems as described using Figures 6A and 6B. In the processing of step S22, the control unit 32 groups indoor units 14 with similar changes in load factor, for example, based on data on the operating time or air conditioning load of the indoor units 14 included in the existing air conditioning operation data of the multiple indoor units 14. The control unit 32 rearranges or divides the air conditioning systems so as to group indoor units 14 with similar peaks in air conditioning load. By rearranging or dividing the air conditioning systems so as to group indoor units 14 with similar peaks in air conditioning load, refrigerant temperature control works effectively, and energy savings (running cost benefits) can be improved.

[0073] If there is a proposal for rearrangement or division of the air conditioning systems, the control unit 32 rearranges or divides the systems as shown in Fig. 9 and proceeds to the processing of the next loop. If there is no proposal for rearrangement or division of the air conditioning systems, the control unit 32 determines the cost required for the proposed change as the model cost of the air conditioning equipment, running cost, and safety equipment cost, and ends the processing of the flowchart in Fig. 7.

[0074] The processing of the next loop after system integration is performed, for example, as shown in Fig. 8. In step S30 of Fig. 8, the control unit 32 of the air conditioning system change proposal device 30 uses data on candidate units of the air conditioning equipment after the system integration and existing air conditioning operation data of the air conditioning equipment after the system integration to select the optimal equipment capacity of the outdoor unit 12. The processing of step S30 can use, for example, the selection method described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-20640.

[0075] In step S32, data necessary for making a refrigerant restriction determination is calculated, including, for example, the floor height, ceiling height, installation floor, volume, equipment layout diagram, piping length, and piping diameter of the room in which the indoor unit 14 is installed.

[0076] In step S34, the control unit 32 determines the total refrigerant amount of the entire air conditioning system, as in step S14 described above. If the total refrigerant amount, which is the total amount of refrigerant sealed in the entire air conditioning system, is greater than the maximum refrigerant amount, which is the maximum total amount of refrigerant that may be injected into the air conditioning system, the control unit 32 determines that the result of the determination of the total refrigerant amount of the entire air volume system is NG. If the result of the determination of the total refrigerant amount of the entire air volume system is NG, the control unit 32 abandons the system integration, determines the cost required for the proposed change based on the model cost and running cost of the air conditioning equipment, and ends the processing of the flowchart in FIG. 8.

[0077] If the total amount of refrigerant sealed in the entire air conditioning system is not greater than the maximum amount of refrigerant that may be injected into the air conditioning system, the control unit 32 determines that the result of the determination of the total amount of refrigerant in the entire air system is OK. If the result of the determination of the total amount of refrigerant in the entire air system is OK, the control unit 32 proceeds to step S36.

[0078] In step S36, the control unit 32 determines the LFL for each indoor unit room in the same manner as in step S16 described above. If the maximum concentration during refrigerant leakage does not exceed ¼ of the LFL, the control unit 32 determines that the LFL determination for each indoor unit room is OK. If the LFL determination for each indoor unit room is OK, the control unit 32 proceeds to step S38.

[0079] In step S38, the control unit 32 determines whether the model cost benefit plus running cost benefit of system integration exceeds the construction cost. If the model cost benefit plus running cost benefit of system integration exceeds the construction cost, the control unit 32 proposes system integration, determines the cost required for the proposed change as the model cost, running cost, and construction cost of the air conditioning equipment, and ends the processing of the flowchart in FIG. 8.

[0080] If the model cost benefit plus running cost benefit of system integration does not exceed the construction cost, the control unit 32 determines that there is no benefit to system integration, determines the cost required for the proposed change as the model cost and running cost of the air conditioning equipment, and terminates the processing of the flowchart in Figure 8.

[0081] In step S36, if the maximum concentration during refrigerant leakage exceeds ¼ of the LFL, the control unit 32 determines that the LFL judgment result for each indoor unit installation room is NG. If the LFL judgment result for each indoor unit installation room is NG, installation of safety equipment for each room is required. If the LFL judgment result for each indoor unit installation room is NG, the control unit 32 proceeds to step S40.

[0082] In step S40, the control unit 32 determines whether the model cost benefit + running cost benefit of system integration exceeds the safety equipment cost + construction cost. If the model cost benefit + running cost benefit of system integration exceeds the safety equipment cost + construction cost, the control unit 32 proposes system integration to install safety equipment, determines the cost required for the proposed change as the model cost, running cost, safety equipment cost, and construction cost of the air conditioning equipment, and ends the processing of the flowchart in FIG. 8.

[0083] If the model cost benefit + running cost benefit of system integration does not exceed the safety equipment cost + construction cost, the control unit 32 determines that there is no benefit to system integration, determines the cost required for the proposed change as the model cost and running cost of the air conditioning equipment, and ends the processing of the flowchart in Figure 8.

[0084] According to the processing of the flowchart in Fig. 8, when considering the integration of air conditioning systems based on the operation data of existing air conditioning systems, it is possible to determine whether refrigerant regulations apply. Furthermore, according to the processing of the flowchart in Fig. 8, it is possible to compare the cost merit of system integration with the construction costs and safety device costs of system integration, and to propose system integration based on the results of determining whether there is an advantage to system integration.

[0085] The processing of the next loop after system reconfiguration or system division is performed, for example, as shown in Figure 9. In step S50 of Figure 9, the control unit 32 of the air conditioning system change proposal device 30 uses data on candidate units of the air conditioning equipment after system reconfiguration or system division and existing air conditioning operation data of the air conditioning equipment after system reconfiguration or system division to select the optimal equipment capacity of the outdoor unit 12. For the processing of step S50, for example, the selection method described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-20640 can be used.

[0086] In step S52, data necessary for making a refrigerant restriction determination is calculated. The data necessary for making a refrigerant restriction determination includes, for example, the floor height, ceiling height, installation floor, volume, equipment layout diagram, piping length, piping diameter, etc. of the room in which the indoor unit 14 is installed.

[0087] In step S54, the control unit 32 determines the total refrigerant amount of the entire air conditioning system, as in step S14 described above. If the total refrigerant amount, which is the total amount of refrigerant sealed in the entire air conditioning system, is greater than the maximum refrigerant amount, which is the maximum total amount of refrigerant that may be injected into the air conditioning system, the control unit 32 determines that the determination of the total refrigerant amount of the entire air system is NG. If the determination of the total refrigerant amount of the entire air system is NG, the control unit 32 further rearranges or divides the systems and repeats the processing of the flowchart in FIG. 9.

[0088] If the total amount of refrigerant sealed in the entire air conditioning system is not greater than the maximum amount of refrigerant that may be injected into the air conditioning system, the control unit 32 determines that the result of the determination of the total amount of refrigerant in the entire air system is OK. If the result of the determination of the total amount of refrigerant in the entire air system is OK, the control unit 32 proceeds to step S56.

[0089] In step S56, the control unit 32 determines the LFL for each indoor unit-equipped room, as in step S16 described above. If the maximum concentration during refrigerant leakage does not exceed ¼ of the LFL, the control unit 32 determines that the result of the LFL determination for each indoor unit-equipped room is OK. If the result of the LFL determination for each indoor unit-equipped room is OK, the control unit 32 proceeds to step S58 and determines whether the model cost benefit plus running cost benefit of system reconfiguration or system division exceeds the construction cost. If the model cost benefit plus running cost benefit of system reconfiguration or system division exceeds the construction cost, the control unit 32 proposes system reconfiguration or system division that does not require safety equipment, determines the cost required for the proposed change based on the model cost, running cost, and construction cost of the air conditioning equipment, and ends the processing of the flowchart in FIG. 9.

[0090] If the model cost benefit plus running cost benefit of system reconfiguration or system division does not exceed the construction cost, the control unit 32 determines that there is no benefit to system reconfiguration or system division, determines the cost required for the proposed change as the model cost of the air conditioning equipment, running cost, and safety equipment cost, and ends the processing of the flowchart in Figure 9.

[0091] In step S56, if the maximum concentration during refrigerant leakage exceeds ¼ of the LFL, the control unit 32 determines that the LFL judgment result for each indoor unit installation room is NG. If the LFL judgment result for each indoor unit installation room is NG, installation of safety equipment for each room is required. If the LFL judgment result for each indoor unit installation room is NG, the control unit 32 proceeds to step S60.

[0092] In step S60, the control unit 32 determines whether there is a plan to rearrange or split the air conditioning systems as described using Figures 6A and 6B, based on the existing air conditioning operation data. If there is a plan to rearrange or split the air conditioning systems, the control unit 32 performs the system rearrangement or system split shown in Figure 9 and proceeds to the processing of the next loop.

[0093] Furthermore, if there is no proposal for rearrangement or division of the air conditioning system, the control unit 32 determines the costs required for the proposed changes as the model cost of the air conditioning equipment, running costs, safety equipment costs, and construction costs, and ends the processing of the flowchart in Figure 9.

[0094] According to the processing of the flowchart shown in Fig. 9, it is possible to determine whether refrigerant regulations apply when considering rearrangement or division of air conditioning systems based on existing air conditioning operation data. Furthermore, according to the processing of the flowchart shown in Fig. 9, it is possible to compare the cost merits of system rearrangement or division with the construction costs and safety device costs of system rearrangement or division, and to propose system rearrangement or division based on the results of determining whether there are any benefits to system rearrangement or division.

[0095] As described above, the air conditioning system change proposal system 1 according to this embodiment can provide an air conditioning system change proposal device and an air conditioning system change proposal method that utilize existing air conditioning operation data of air conditioning equipment having multiple air conditioning systems to output proposals for changing the air conditioning system.

[0096] [Operation] This embodiment is an air conditioning system change proposal device having a control unit, in which the control unit acquires the results of a refrigerant restriction determination and existing air conditioning operation data of an air conditioning facility having multiple air conditioning systems, determines the proposed content to be adopted from the air conditioning design specifications of the air conditioning facility and the proposed content of changes to the air conditioning system based on the results of the refrigerant restriction determination and the existing air conditioning operation data, and outputs the determined proposed content. The control unit is, for example, the control unit 32. The air conditioning system change proposal device is, for example, the air conditioning system change proposal device 30.

[0097] In this embodiment, the proposed changes to the air conditioning system are determined based on the results of the refrigerant regulation determination and the existing air conditioning operation data, and the proposed changes to the air conditioning design specifications of the air conditioning equipment and the proposed changes to the air conditioning system are output. According to this embodiment, the proposed changes to the air conditioning system can be output by utilizing the existing air conditioning operation data of an air conditioning equipment having multiple air conditioning systems. The proposed changes output by the air conditioning system change proposal device according to this embodiment can be used when proposing air conditioning equipment updates to customers who use the air conditioning equipment.

[0098] The control unit also determines that the proposed changes to the air conditioning systems include integrating, rearranging, or dividing a plurality of air conditioning systems.

[0099] According to this embodiment, integration, rearrangement, or division of a plurality of air conditioning systems can be output as a proposal for changing the air conditioning systems.

[0100] Furthermore, when the result of the refrigerant regulation determination indicates that the refrigerant regulation is satisfied, the control unit determines that the integration of multiple air conditioning systems is a proposed change of the air conditioning system.

[0101] According to this embodiment, when the result of the refrigerant regulation determination indicates that the refrigerant regulation is satisfied, integration of multiple air conditioning systems can be output as a proposal for changing the air conditioning system.

[0102] Furthermore, when the result of the refrigerant regulation determination indicates that the refrigerant regulation is not satisfied, the control unit determines that the proposed changes to the air conditioning systems include rearrangement or division of the multiple air conditioning systems.

[0103] According to this embodiment, when the result of the refrigerant regulation determination indicates that the refrigerant regulation is not satisfied, rearrangement or division of a plurality of air conditioning systems can be output as a proposal for changing the air conditioning systems.

[0104] The control unit also determines the content of the proposal for integrating multiple air conditioning systems based on the outdoor unit information included in the existing air conditioning operation data.

[0105] According to this embodiment, it is possible to output proposals for integrating a plurality of air conditioning systems based on outdoor unit information included in the existing air conditioning operation data.

[0106] Furthermore, the control unit determines which air conditioning systems to integrate so that the air conditioning load on the air conditioning equipment during peak hours is reduced by integrating the multiple air conditioning systems.

[0107] According to this embodiment, it is possible to output the air conditioning systems to be integrated so that the air conditioning load during peak hours on the air conditioning equipment is reduced by integrating multiple air conditioning systems.

[0108] Furthermore, the control unit determines the proposed reorganization or division of the multiple air conditioning systems based on the indoor unit information included in the existing air conditioning operation data.

[0109] According to this embodiment, it is possible to output proposals for rearranging or dividing multiple air conditioning systems based on indoor unit information included in the existing air conditioning operation data.

[0110] Furthermore, the control unit determines the proposed reorganization or division of the multiple air conditioning systems so as to group indoor units whose changes in air conditioning load are similar.

[0111] According to this embodiment, it is possible to output proposals for rearranging or dividing a plurality of air conditioning systems so as to group indoor units whose changes in air conditioning load are similar.

[0112] Furthermore, this embodiment is an air conditioning system change proposal method executed by an air conditioning system change proposal device having a control unit, in which the control unit acquires the results of refrigerant regulation determination and existing air conditioning operation data of air conditioning equipment having multiple air conditioning systems, determines the proposal content to be adopted from the air conditioning design specifications of the air conditioning equipment and the proposed changes to the air conditioning system based on the results of refrigerant regulation determination and the existing air conditioning operation data, and outputs the determined proposal content.

[0113] In this embodiment, the proposed changes to the air conditioning system are determined based on the results of the refrigerant regulation determination and the existing air conditioning operation data, and the proposed changes to the air conditioning design specifications of the air conditioning equipment and the proposed changes to the air conditioning system are output. According to this embodiment, the proposed changes to the air conditioning system can be output by utilizing the existing air conditioning operation data of an air conditioning equipment having multiple air conditioning systems. The proposed changes output by the air conditioning system change proposal device according to this embodiment can be used when proposing air conditioning equipment updates to customers who use the air conditioning equipment.

[0114] Although the present embodiment has been described above, it will be understood that various modifications in form and details are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims. While the present invention has been described above based on examples, the present invention is not limited to the above examples and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. This application claims priority from basic application No. 2024-153802, filed with the Japan Patent Office on September 6, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0115] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Air conditioning system change proposal system 10 Building 12 Outdoor unit 14 Indoor unit 16 Edge device 30 Air conditioning system change proposal device 32 Control unit 40 Existing air conditioning operation data management device N Communication network

Claims

1. An air conditioning system change proposal device having a control unit, wherein the control unit acquires the results of a refrigerant regulation determination for air conditioning equipment having multiple air conditioning systems and existing air conditioning operation data, determines the proposal content to be adopted from the air conditioning design specifications of the air conditioning equipment and the proposed changes to the air conditioning system based on the results of the refrigerant regulation determination and the existing air conditioning operation data, and outputs the determined proposal content.

2. The air conditioning system change proposing device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit determines integration, rearrangement, or division of the plurality of air conditioning systems as the proposed change content of the air conditioning system.

3. The air conditioning system change proposal device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control unit determines that the integration of the multiple air conditioning systems is the content of the proposed change to the air conditioning system when the result of the refrigerant regulation determination satisfies the refrigerant regulation.

4. The air conditioning system change proposal device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the control unit determines that the recombination or division of the plurality of air conditioning systems is to be proposed as a change to the air conditioning system when the result of the refrigerant regulation determination does not satisfy the refrigerant regulation.

5. The air conditioning system change proposing device according to claim 3, wherein the control unit determines the content of the proposal for integrating the plurality of air conditioning systems based on outdoor unit information included in the existing air conditioning operation data.

6. The air conditioning system change proposing device according to claim 5, wherein the control unit determines the air conditioning systems to be integrated so that the air conditioning load during peak hours of the air conditioning equipment is reduced by integrating the plurality of air conditioning systems.

7. The air conditioning system change proposal device according to claim 4, wherein the control unit determines the proposed content for rearranging or dividing the plurality of air conditioning systems based on indoor unit information included in the existing air conditioning operation data.

8. The air conditioning system change proposing device according to claim 7, wherein the control unit determines the proposed content for rearranging or dividing the plurality of air conditioning systems so as to group indoor units whose changes in air conditioning load are similar.

9. An air conditioning system change proposal method executed by an air conditioning system change proposal device having a control unit, wherein the control unit acquires the results of refrigerant regulation determination and existing air conditioning operation data for air conditioning equipment having multiple air conditioning systems, determines the proposal content to be adopted from the air conditioning design specifications of the air conditioning equipment and the proposed changes to the air conditioning system based on the results of refrigerant regulation determination and the existing air conditioning operation data, and outputs the determined proposal content.

Images