Management system and management method for refrigeration cycle device

Abstract

A management system (100) is directed to a refrigeration cycle device (1) provided with an outdoor unit (10) and a cooling unit (60). The management system (100) comprises a processing section (111) and a storage section (116). The processing section (111) acquires a physical quantity related to a refrigerant in a refrigerant circuit at an acquisition time, and calculates an acquisition-time capability of the outdoor unit (10) on the basis of the acquired physical quantity. The storage section (116) stores operation information based on an acquisition-time outside air temperature and the acquisition-time capability.

Description

Management System and Management Method for Refrigeration Cycle Device

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

[0002] A refrigeration cycle device including a heat source side unit and a utilization side unit is known. Patent Document 1 discloses a refrigeration cycle device including one outdoor unit (heat source side unit) and a plurality of showcases (utilization side units). The refrigeration cycle device of Patent Document 1 includes a controller control unit that communicates with the outdoor unit and the showcases.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2022-43465

[0004] When configuring a refrigeration cycle device, a heat source side unit that exhibits a cooling capacity according to the usage status of the refrigeration cycle device is selected. The usage status of the refrigeration cycle device includes the number of utilization side units, the type of utilization side units, the climate of the installation location of the refrigeration cycle device, and the like.

[0005] The actual usage status after installing the refrigeration cycle device includes matters that were unknown before installing the refrigeration cycle device. Therefore, when configuring a refrigeration cycle device, in order to avoid a shortage of the cooling capacity of the heat source side unit, a heat source side unit that exhibits an excessive cooling capacity with respect to the predicted cooling load is often selected. As a result, in the refrigeration cycle device after installation, it is considered that the heat source side unit exhibits only a cooling capacity significantly lower than the maximum capacity during most of the year. However, until now, the state of the heat source side unit in the refrigeration cycle device after installation has not been accurately grasped.

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to grasp the state of the heat source side unit in the refrigeration cycle device after installation.

[0007] A first aspect of this disclosure is a management system (100) for a refrigeration cycle device (1) having a refrigerant circuit (6) having a heat source side unit (10) having a heat exchanger (13) for exchanging heat between outdoor air and a refrigerant, and a utilization side unit (60), comprising: a processing unit (111) that acquires physical quantities relating to the refrigerant of the refrigerant circuit (6) and calculates the acquisition capacity, which is the cooling capacity exerted by the heat source side unit (10) at the time the physical quantities were acquired, based on the acquired physical quantities; and a storage unit (116) that stores the acquisition outside air temperature, which is the temperature of the outdoor air at the time the physical quantities were acquired, and operating information based on the acquisition capacity calculated by the processing unit (111).

[0008] In the first embodiment, the processing unit (111) calculates the capacity of the heat source unit (10) at the time of acquisition. The storage unit (116) stores the operating information. The operating information is based on the ambient temperature and capacity at the time of acquisition. Therefore, it is possible to understand the state of the heat source unit (10) in the refrigeration cycle system (1) that is installed and actually in operation.

[0009] A second aspect of this disclosure is that, in the first aspect, the maximum cooling capacity that the heat source unit (10) can exert at the ambient temperature at the time of acquisition is the maximum capacity at the time of acquisition, and the operating information includes a capacity index showing the relationship between the capacity at the time of acquisition and the maximum capacity at the time of acquisition.

[0010] In a second embodiment, the memory unit (116) stores driving information including performance indicators.

[0011] A third aspect of this disclosure is, in the second aspect described above, the capability indicator is the ratio of the acquisition capability to the acquisition maximum capability, or the difference between the acquisition maximum capability and the acquisition capability.

[0012] In the third embodiment, the capability indicator included in the driving information is the "ratio of the acquired capability to the acquired maximum capability" or the "difference between the acquired maximum capability and the acquired capability."

[0013] A fourth aspect of this disclosure is that, in any one of the first to third aspects described above, the processing unit (111) acquires the physical quantity at each of the multiple acquisition time points, calculates the acquisition time capacity at each of the multiple acquisition time points, and the operating information is information based on the acquisition time ambient temperature and acquisition time capacity at each of the multiple acquisition time points.

[0014] In a fourth embodiment, the processing unit (111) calculates the acquisition capacity at each of the multiple acquisition points. The storage unit (116) stores operating information based on the acquisition time ambient temperature and acquisition time capacity at each of the multiple acquisition points.

[0015] A fifth aspect of the present disclosure is, in the second or third aspect described above, the processing unit (111) acquires the physical quantity at each of the multiple acquisition time points, calculates the acquisition time capacity at each of the multiple acquisition time points, and the operating information is a bivariate frequency distribution of the acquisition time ambient temperature and the capacity index at each of the multiple acquisition time points, with the acquisition time ambient temperature being the first variable and the capacity index being the second variable.

[0016] In the fifth embodiment, the processing unit (111) calculates the acquisition capacity at each of the multiple acquisition points. The storage unit (116) stores the bivariate frequency distribution of the acquisition ambient temperature and capacity index at each of the multiple acquisition points as operating information.

[0017] A sixth aspect of this disclosure is that, in the fourth or fifth aspect described above, the processing unit (111) periodically acquires the physical quantity.

[0018] In the sixth embodiment, the processing unit (111) periodically acquires physical quantities related to the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit (6).

[0019] A seventh aspect of this disclosure is that, in the fourth, fifth, or sixth aspect, the refrigerant circuit (6) of the refrigeration cycle device (1) in question has a plurality of user-side units (60), each of which switches between a cooling state that cools the object and a resting state that does not cool the object, and the acquisition time is the time when all of the user-side units (60) are in the cooling state.

[0020] In the seventh embodiment, the processing unit (111) acquires physical quantities relating to the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit (6) at the time of acquisition when all user-side units (60) are in a cooled state.

[0021] An eighth aspect of the present disclosure is that, in the second, third, or fifth aspect, the storage unit (116) stores characteristic information showing the correlation between the temperature of the outdoor air and the cooling capacity of the heat source side unit (10), and the processing unit (111) calculates the maximum capacity at the time of acquisition based on the outdoor air temperature at the time of acquisition and the characteristic information.

[0022] In the eighth embodiment, the processing unit (111) calculates the maximum capacity at the time of acquisition based on the characteristic information stored in the storage unit (116) and the ambient temperature at the time of acquisition.

[0023] A ninth aspect of the present disclosure, in any one of the first to eighth aspects, includes a control unit (110) that communicates with the heat source unit (10) based on a first communication protocol and with the user unit (60) based on a second communication protocol, wherein the control unit (110) includes the processing unit (111), and the processing unit (111) acquires the physical quantity by communicating with the heat source unit (10).

[0024] In the ninth aspect, the management system (100) includes a control unit (110). A processing unit (111) provided in the control unit (110) acquires physical quantities relating to the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit (6) by communicating with the heat source side unit (10).

[0025] A tenth aspect of the present disclosure is a management method for a refrigeration cycle device (1) equipped with a refrigerant circuit (6) having a heat source side unit (10) having a heat exchanger (13) for exchanging heat between outdoor air and a refrigerant, and a utilization side unit (60), the method comprising: a processing step of acquiring a physical quantity relating to the refrigerant of the refrigerant circuit (6) at the time of acquisition, and calculating the acquisition capacity, which is the cooling capacity exerted by the heat source side unit (10) at the time of acquisition, based on the acquired physical quantity; and a storage step of storing the acquisition outside air temperature, which is the temperature of the outdoor air at the time of acquisition, and operating information based on the acquisition capacity calculated in the processing step, in a storage medium.

[0026] In the tenth embodiment, the processing step calculates the acquisition capacity of the heat source unit (10) at the time of acquisition. In the storage step, operating information is recorded on a storage medium. The operating information is based on the ambient temperature and acquisition capacity at the time of acquisition. Therefore, the state of the heat source unit (10) in the refrigeration cycle device (1) that is installed and actually in operation can be grasped.

[0027] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the general configuration of the management system and the refrigeration cycle device. Figure 2 is a piping diagram showing the configuration of the refrigerant circuit of the refrigeration cycle device. Figure 3 is a Mollier diagram (pressure-enthalpy diagram) showing the refrigeration cycle performed by the refrigeration cycle device. Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the management system. Figure 5 is a flow diagram showing the processing performed by the management system. Figure 6 is an example of a bivariate frequency distribution stored as operating information in the memory unit of the management system. Figure 7 is a piping diagram showing the configuration of the refrigerant circuit of the refrigeration cycle device of the first modified example.

[0028] Embodiments will be described.

[0029] As shown in Figure 1, the management system (100) of this embodiment comprises a control unit (110) and a storage unit (115). The management system (100) of this embodiment is intended for a refrigeration cycle device (1).

[0030] -Refrigeration Cycle Device- The refrigeration cycle device (1), which is the target of the management system (100) of this embodiment, will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2.

[0031] The refrigeration cycle system (1) is installed in stores such as supermarkets. The refrigeration cycle system (1) comprises one outdoor unit (10) and multiple cooling units (60). Note that the number of cooling units (60) shown in Figures 1 and 2 is merely an example.

[0032] The outdoor unit (10) is a heat source unit installed outdoors. The cooling unit (60) is a user-side unit installed indoors. The cooling unit (60) cools the air, which is the object to be cooled. Examples of the cooling unit (60) include refrigerated display cases, freezer display cases, and unit coolers installed inside refrigerators.

[0033] The refrigeration cycle device (1) includes a refrigerant circuit (6). In the refrigerant circuit (6), one outdoor unit (10) and multiple cooling units (60) are connected via liquid communication piping (4) and gas communication piping (5). In the refrigerant circuit (6), the multiple cooling units (60) are connected in parallel to each other.

[0034] The refrigerant circuit (6) is filled with carbon dioxide as the refrigerant. However, the refrigerant filled in the refrigerant circuit (6) is not limited to carbon dioxide. The refrigerant circuit (6) may also be filled with so-called fluorocarbon refrigerants.

[0035] -Outdoor Unit- The outdoor unit (10) includes an outdoor circuit (11), an outdoor controller (45), an outdoor fan (12), and a blower fan (17a). The outdoor fan (12) is a fan for supplying outdoor air to the outdoor heat exchanger (13), which will be described later. The blower fan (17a) is a fan for supplying outdoor air to the intermediate cooler (17), which will be described later. The outdoor circuit (11) and the outdoor controller (45) will be described later.

[0036] <Outdoor Circuit> The outdoor circuit (11) includes a low-stage compressor (22), a high-stage compressor (21), an outdoor heat exchanger (13), an outdoor expansion valve (14a), a receiver (15), a subcooling heat exchanger (16), an intercooler (17), a liquid-side shut-off valve (18a), and a gas-side shut-off valve (18b). The outdoor circuit (11) also includes an injection pipe (38), a gas vent pipe (37), and low-stage piping (24b).

[0037] The liquid-side shut-off valve (18a) is located at one end of the outdoor circuit (11). The gas-side shut-off valve (18b) is located at the other end of the outdoor circuit (11). In the outdoor circuit (11), the low-stage compressor (22), the intermediate cooler (17), the high-stage compressor (21), the outdoor heat exchanger (13), the outdoor expansion valve (14a), the receiver (15), and the subcooling heat exchanger (16) are arranged in order from the gas-side shut-off valve (18b) to the liquid-side shut-off valve (18a).

[0038] The high-stage compressor (21) and the low-stage compressor (22) are rotary compressors whose compression mechanism is driven by a motor. These compressors (21, 22) are, for example, fully enclosed scroll compressors. The high-stage compressor (21) and the low-stage compressor (22) are configured as variable-capacity compressors in which the rotational speed of the compression mechanism can be changed.

[0039] The outdoor heat exchanger (13) is a heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the refrigerant and the outdoor air. The outdoor heat exchanger (13) is a fin-and-tube type air heat exchanger. The outdoor heat exchanger (13) exchanges heat between the refrigerant discharged from the high-stage compressor (21) and the outdoor air.

[0040] The outdoor expansion valve (14a) is an electronically controlled expansion valve with adjustable opening. The receiver (15) is a container-shaped member for storing refrigerant.

[0041] The subcooled heat exchanger (16) is, for example, a plate heat exchanger. The subcooled heat exchanger (16) has a first flow path (16a) and a second flow path (16b). The first flow path (16a) is provided in the piping connecting the receiver (15) and the liquid-side shut-off valve (18a). The second flow path (16b) is provided in the injection pipe (38). The subcooled heat exchanger (16) exchanges heat between the refrigerant flowing through the first flow path (16a) and the refrigerant flowing through the second flow path (16b).

[0042] The intercooler (17) is a heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the refrigerant and the outside air. The intercooler (17) is a fin-and-tube type air heat exchanger. The intercooler (17) exchanges heat between the refrigerant discharged from the low-stage compressor (22) and the outside air.

[0043] One end of the injection tube (38) is connected to the piping that connects the first flow path (16a) of the subcooled heat exchanger (16) to the liquid-side shut-off valve (18a). The other end of the injection tube (38) is connected to the piping that connects the intercooler (17) to the high-stage compressor (21). As described above, the injection tube (38) is provided with the second flow path (16b) of the subcooled heat exchanger (16).

[0044] A pressure reducing valve (40) is provided in the injection tube (38). In the injection tube (38), the pressure reducing valve (40) is located upstream of the subcooled heat exchanger (16). The pressure reducing valve (40) is an electronically controlled expansion valve whose opening degree can be adjusted.

[0045] One end of the venting pipe (37) is connected to the top of the receiver (15). The other end of the venting pipe (37) is connected downstream of the subcooled heat exchanger (16) in the injection pipe (38). A venting valve (39) is connected to the venting pipe (37). The venting valve (39) is an electronically controlled expansion valve with adjustable opening.

[0046] The low-stage piping (24b) is installed in parallel with the low-stage compressor (22). One end of the low-stage piping (24b) is connected to the piping that connects the low-stage compressor (22) and the gas-side shut-off valve (18b). The other end of the low-stage piping (24b) is connected to the piping that connects the low-stage compressor (22) and the intercooler (17). A check valve (CV8) is provided in the low-stage piping (24b). The check valve (CV8) allows the flow of refrigerant from one end of the low-stage piping (24b) to the other end, and blocks the flow of refrigerant in the reverse direction.

[0047] A check valve (CV1) is provided in the piping connecting the high-stage compressor (21) and the outdoor heat exchanger (13). The check valve (CV1) allows the flow of refrigerant from the high-stage compressor (21) to the outdoor heat exchanger (13) and blocks the flow of refrigerant in the reverse direction.

[0048] <Sensors> The outdoor unit (10) is equipped with multiple sensors. These multiple sensors include a high-pressure sensor (71), an intermediate-pressure sensor (72), a low-pressure sensor (73), a liquid refrigerant pressure sensor (75), a high-stage intake temperature sensor (77), a low-stage intake temperature sensor (78), a liquid refrigerant temperature sensor (76), and an outdoor air temperature sensor (79).

[0049] The high-pressure sensor (71) is connected to the discharge pipe of the high-stage compressor (21). The high-pressure sensor (71) measures the pressure of the refrigerant discharged by the high-stage compressor (21).

[0050] The intermediate pressure sensor (72) is connected to the piping that connects the intercooler (17) and the high-stage compressor (21). The intermediate pressure sensor (72) measures the pressure of the refrigerant drawn into the high-stage compressor (21).

[0051] The low-pressure sensor (73) is connected to the suction pipe of the low-stage compressor (22). The low-pressure sensor (73) measures the pressure of the refrigerant being drawn into the low-stage compressor (22).

[0052] The liquid refrigerant pressure sensor (75) is connected to the piping that connects the receiver (15) and the subcooled heat exchanger (16). The liquid refrigerant pressure sensor (75) measures the pressure of the liquid refrigerant flowing out of the receiver (15).

[0053] The high-stage suction temperature sensor (77) is attached to the suction pipe of the high-stage compressor (21). The high-stage suction temperature sensor (77) measures the temperature of the refrigerant being drawn into the high-stage compressor (21).

[0054] The low-stage suction temperature sensor (78) is attached to the suction pipe of the low-stage compressor (22). The low-stage suction temperature sensor (78) measures the temperature of the refrigerant being drawn into the low-stage compressor (22).

[0055] The liquid refrigerant temperature sensor (76) is attached to the piping connecting the subcooled heat exchanger (16) and the liquid side shut-off valve (18a). The liquid refrigerant temperature sensor (76) measures the temperature of the refrigerant that has passed through the first flow path (16a) of the subcooled heat exchanger (16).

[0056] The outdoor air temperature sensor (79) is installed in the airflow path within the outdoor unit (10). The outdoor air temperature sensor (79) measures the temperature of the outdoor air before it passes through the outdoor heat exchanger (13).

[0057] <Outdoor Controller> The outdoor controller (45) includes a microcomputer and a memory device. The memory device is a semiconductor memory. The memory device stores software for operating the microcomputer.

[0058] The outdoor controller (45) receives the measured values ​​from the sensors installed on the outdoor unit (10). The outdoor controller (45) uses the received sensor measurements to control the components of the outdoor unit (10), such as the compressors (21, 22).

[0059] The outdoor controller (45) is configured to communicate with the outside. The outdoor controller (45) communicates via wired connection with the control unit (110) of the management system (100). The outdoor controller (45) exchanges signals and data with the control unit (110).

[0060] -Cooling Unit- The cooling unit (60) includes a cooling circuit (61), a cooling fan (62), and an internal control unit (65). The cooling fan (62) is a fan for supplying internal air to the cooling heat exchanger (64), which will be described later.

[0061] <Cooling Circuit> The cooling circuit (61) is provided with a cooling expansion valve (63) and a cooling heat exchanger (64) in order from the liquid end to the gas end. The cooling expansion valve (63) is an electronically controlled expansion valve whose opening degree can be adjusted. The cooling heat exchanger (64) is a fin-and-tube type air heat exchanger. The cooling heat exchanger (64) exchanges heat between the air inside the chamber and the refrigerant.

[0062] A liquid communication pipe (4) is connected to the liquid end of the cooling circuit (61). The liquid end of the cooling circuit (61) is connected to the liquid side shut-off valve (18a) of the outdoor circuit (11) via the liquid communication pipe (4). A gas communication pipe (5) is connected to the gas end of the cooling circuit (61). The gas end of the cooling circuit (61) is connected to the gas side shut-off valve (18b) of the outdoor circuit (11) via the gas communication pipe (5).

[0063] <Internal Control Unit> The internal control unit (65) comprises a microcomputer and a memory device. The memory device is a semiconductor memory. The memory device stores software for operating the microcomputer. The internal control unit (65) controls the cooling expansion valve (63) and the cooling fan (62).

[0064] The internal controller (65) is configured to communicate with the outside. The internal controller (65) communicates via wired connection with the control unit (110) of the management system (100). The internal controller (65) exchanges signals and data with the control unit (110).

[0065] The internal control unit (65) switches the cooling unit (60) between a cooling state and a rest state so that the internal temperature is within the target range.

[0066] If the internal temperature is higher than the upper limit of the target range, the internal controller (65) opens the cooling expansion valve (63) and adjusts the degree of opening of the cooling expansion valve (63). When the cooling expansion valve (63) is open, the refrigerant passes through the cooling heat exchanger (64), and the internal air is cooled in the cooling heat exchanger (64), so the cooling unit (60) enters a cooled state.

[0067] If the internal temperature is below the lower limit of the target range, the internal controller (65) keeps the cooling expansion valve (63) closed. When the cooling expansion valve (63) is closed, the refrigerant does not pass through the cooling heat exchanger (64), and the internal air is not cooled in the cooling heat exchanger (64), so the cooling unit (60) enters a dormant state.

[0068] -Operation of the Refrigeration Cycle System- The operation of the refrigeration cycle system (1) is explained below. The refrigeration cycle system (1) performs a refrigeration cycle by circulating refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit (6). In the refrigerant circuit (6), the outdoor heat exchanger (13) of the outdoor unit (10) functions as a heat radiator, and the cooling heat exchanger (64) of the cooling unit (60) functions as an evaporator.

[0069] The refrigeration cycle performed by the refrigeration cycle device (1) will be explained with reference to the Mollier diagram in Figure 3.

[0070] In the refrigerant circuit (6), the refrigerant in state A is drawn into the low-stage compressor (22). The refrigerant in state A is compressed in the low-stage compressor (22) to state B. The refrigerant in state B discharged from the low-stage compressor (22) dissipates heat into the outside air in the intercooler (17) to state C. In the refrigerant circuit (6), the refrigerant in state C and the refrigerant that has passed through the injection pipe (38) merge to state D. The refrigerant in state D is drawn into the high-stage compressor (21) and compressed to state E.

[0071] The refrigerant in state E flows into the outdoor heat exchanger (13) and dissipates heat into the outdoor air, becoming state F. The refrigerant in state F is depressurized as it passes through the outdoor expansion valve (14a) and becomes state G. The refrigerant in state G flows into the receiver (15) and separates into saturated liquid refrigerant in state H and saturated gaseous refrigerant in state I.

[0072] The refrigerant in state H flows into the first channel (16a) of the subcooled heat exchanger (16), and releases heat to the refrigerant flowing in the second channel (16b), becoming state J. A portion of the refrigerant in state J flows into the injection pipe (38), and the remainder flows into the liquid communication pipe (4). The refrigerant that flows into the liquid communication pipe (4) flows into the cooling circuit (61) of the cooling unit (60).

[0073] The refrigerant, in state J, that flows into the cooling circuit (61) is depressurized as it passes through the cooling expansion valve (63) and becomes state K. The refrigerant in state K flows into the cooling heat exchanger (64), absorbs heat from the air inside the chamber and evaporates, becoming state A. In the cooling unit (60), the air inside the chamber that has been cooled in the cooling heat exchanger (64) is blown out into the chamber space. The refrigerant in state A flows into the outdoor circuit (11) through the gas connection pipe (5) and is drawn into the low-stage compressor (22).

[0074] The refrigerant, in state J, that flows into the injection tube (38) is depressurized as it passes through the pressure reducing valve (40) and becomes state L. The refrigerant in state L flows into the second flow path (16b) of the subcooled heat exchanger (16), absorbs heat from the refrigerant flowing through the first flow path (16a) and evaporates, becoming state M.

[0075] The refrigerant in state I that flows from the receiver (15) into the vent pipe (37) is depressurized to state N as it passes through the vent valve (39), and then flows into the injection pipe (38). In the injection pipe (38), the refrigerant in state M that has flowed out from the second flow path (16b) of the subcooled heat exchanger (16) and the refrigerant in state N that has flowed in from the vent pipe (37) merge. The refrigerant in state M and the refrigerant in state N that have merged in the injection pipe (38) are drawn into the high-stage compressor (21) together with the refrigerant in state C that has flowed out from the intercooler (17).

[0076] -Management System- The management system (100) of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 4.

[0077] The management system (100) comprises a control unit (110) and a memory unit (115). The control unit (110) is installed in a store such as a supermarket together with the refrigeration cycle device (1) which is the target of the management system (100). The control unit (110) controls the operation of the refrigeration cycle device (1). The memory unit (115) is installed in a location separate from the store where the control unit (110) is installed. In the management system (100), the control unit (110) and the memory unit (115) are connected to communicate via a communication line (200) such as the Internet.

[0078] <Control Unit> The control unit (110) communicates via wired connection with the outdoor controller (45) of the outdoor unit (10). The control unit (110) transmits and receives signals and data with the outdoor controller (45) based on a first communication protocol. The control unit (110) also communicates via wired connection with the indoor controller (65) of each cooling unit (60). The control unit (110) transmits and receives signals and data with each indoor controller (65) based on a second communication protocol different from the first communication protocol. Therefore, the control unit (110) can communicate with both the outdoor unit (10) and the cooling units (60) even if the manufacturers of the outdoor unit (10) and the cooling units (60) are different.

[0079] The control unit (110) constituting the management system (100) of this embodiment includes a processing unit (111). The processing unit (111) is comprised of a microprocessor mounted on the control unit (110). The microprocessor functions as the processing unit (111) by executing an application program.

[0080] <Memory Unit> The memory unit (115) is composed of, for example, a personal computer, a large computer used as a server, cloud storage, etc. The memory unit (115) includes a memory section (116). The memory section (116) is composed of a storage medium. Examples of recording media that constitute the memory section (116) include HDDs (Hard Disk Drives) and SSDs (Solid State Drives).

[0081] -Processing performed by the management system- The refrigeration cycle device (1) targeted by the management system (100) of this embodiment operates continuously unless a malfunction or other trouble occurs. While the refrigeration cycle device (1) is operating, the management system (100) monitors the operating status of the refrigeration cycle device (1) by executing a management method.

[0082] <Processing performed by the control unit> The processing unit (111) of the control unit (110) performs data generation processing. Data generation processing is the process for generating data that constitutes the operation information described later. Data generation processing is a processing step of the management method executed by the management system (100).

[0083] The processing unit (111) performs data generation processing at each of the multiple acquisition points. In this embodiment, the processing unit (111) performs data generation processing periodically. The processing unit (111) performs data generation processing, for example, every hour.

[0084] As shown in Figure 5, the data generation process includes an acquisition process, first to fourth calculation processes, and a transmission process. In the data generation process, the processing unit (111) sequentially performs the acquisition process, the first calculation process, the second calculation process, the third calculation process, the fourth calculation process, and the transmission process.

[0085] (Acquisition Process) The acquisition process will now be explained. This acquisition process is a processing step of the management method executed by the management system (100).

[0086] In the acquisition process, the processing unit (111) receives the measured value P from the low-pressure sensor (73). Ａ , the measured value T of the low-stage intake temperature sensor (78)Ａ , the measured value P of the liquid refrigerant pressure sensor (75) Ｊ , and the measured value T of the liquid refrigerant temperature sensor (76) Ｊ are acquired from the outdoor unit (10).

[0087] The measured value P of the low-pressure pressure sensor (73) Ａ and the measured value T of the low-stage suction temperature sensor (78) Ａ are respectively the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant (the refrigerant in the state of point A in FIG. 3) sucked into the low-stage compressor (22). The measured value P of the liquid refrigerant pressure sensor (75) Ｊ and the measured value T of the liquid refrigerant temperature sensor (76) Ｊ are respectively the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant (the refrigerant in the state of point J in FIG. 3) supplied from the outdoor unit (10) to the cooling unit (60). These measured values P Ａ , T Ａ , P Ｊ , T Ｊ are physical quantities related to the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit (6).

[0088] Also, in the acquisition process, the processing unit (111) acquires the operating frequency f Ｌ of the low-stage compressor (22) and the measured value T Ｏ of the outdoor air temperature sensor (7) from the outdoor unit (10).

[0089] The operating frequency f Ｌ of the low-stage compressor (22) is the frequency of the alternating current supplied to the motor of the low-stage compressor (22). The measured value T Ｏ of the outdoor air temperature sensor (79) is the temperature of the outdoor air before passing through the outdoor heat exchanger (13) of the outdoor unit (10). The measured value T Ｏ of the outdoor air temperature sensor (79) at the acquisition time is the acquired outdoor air temperature.

[0090] (First calculation process) The first calculation process will be described. The first calculation process is the first calculation step of the management method executed by the management system (100).

[0091] The processing unit (111) has pre-stored the physical property data of the refrigerant (carbon dioxide in this embodiment) filled into the refrigerant circuit (6) of the refrigeration cycle device (1). The processing unit (111) then stores the measured value P of the low-pressure sensor (73) acquired in the acquisition process. Ａ and the measured value T of the low-stage intake temperature sensor (78) Ａ Using the physical property data of the refrigerant that is stored in advance, the density ρ Ａ and specific enthalpy h Ａ Calculate.

[0092] The density ρ calculated by the processing unit (111) Ａ and relative enthalpy h Ａ These are the density and specific enthalpy of the refrigerant (the refrigerant in the state at point A in Figure 3) that is drawn into the low-stage compressor (22), respectively. Also, the specific enthalpy h calculated by the processing unit (111) Ａ This is substantially equal to the specific enthalpy of the refrigerant that has flowed out of the cooling heat exchanger (64) of the cooling unit (60).

[0093] The processing unit (111) receives the measured value P from the liquid refrigerant pressure sensor (75) acquired in the acquisition process. Ｊ and the measured value T of the liquid refrigerant temperature sensor (76) Ｊ Using the physical property data of the refrigerant stored in advance, the specific enthalpy h Ｊ Calculate.

[0094] The specific enthalpy h calculated by the processing unit (111) Ｊ This is the specific enthalpy of the refrigerant supplied from the outdoor unit (10) to the cooling unit (60) (the refrigerant in the state at point J in Figure 3). Also, the specific enthalpy h calculated by the processing unit (111) is... Ｊ The specific enthalpy h of the refrigerant flowing into the cooling heat exchanger (64) of the cooling unit (60) Ｋ (h Ｊ = h Ｋ ).

[0095] (Second Calculation Process) The second calculation process will now be explained. The second calculation process is the second calculation step of the management method executed by the management system (100).

[0096] The processing unit (111) controls the volume V of refrigerant that the low-stage compressor (22) draws in per rotation.Ｌ The processing unit (111) stores the operating frequency f of the low-stage compressor (22) acquired in the acquisition process. Ｌ Based on this, the rotational speed N of the low-stage compressor (22) Ｌ Calculate.

[0097] The processing unit (111) processes the density ρ calculated in the first calculation process. Ａ And the rotational speed N calculated in the second calculation process. Ｌ And, memorize in advance V Ｌ Based on the following equation 1, the mass flow rate G of the refrigerant drawn into the low-stage compressor (22) is calculated. This mass flow rate G is equal to the sum of the mass flow rates of the refrigerant that have passed through the cooling heat exchangers (64) of each cooling unit (60). G = ρ Ａ ×N Ｌ ×V Ｌ (Equation 1)

[0098] (Third Calculation Process) The third calculation process will now be explained. The third calculation process is the third calculation step of the management method executed by the management system (100).

[0099] The processing unit (111) has pre-stored characteristic information of the outdoor unit (10) that constitutes the refrigeration cycle device (1). The characteristic information of the outdoor unit (10) stored by the processing unit (111) is information that shows the correlation between the temperature of the outdoor air and the cooling capacity of the outdoor unit (10).

[0100] More specifically, the characteristic information of the outdoor unit (10) stored in the processing unit (111) is information showing the correlation between the outdoor air temperature value and the maximum cooling capacity that the outdoor unit (10) can exert when the outdoor air temperature is that value. This characteristic information may be, for example, data that associates the outdoor air temperature with the maximum cooling capacity, or it may be a correlation formula that shows the maximum cooling capacity as a function of the outdoor air temperature.

[0101] The processing unit (111) processes the acquired outside air temperature (= measured value T of the outdoor air temperature sensor (79)) obtained during the acquisition process. Ｏ Based on the characteristics information of the outdoor unit (10) stored in advance, the maximum capacity Q at the time of acquisition is determined. ｍａｘThe following is calculated: For example, if the characteristic information is the correlation formula described above, the processing unit (111) calculates the ambient temperature T acquired in this correlation formula. Ｏ By substituting this, the maximum ability Q at acquisition ｍａｘ Calculate. Maximum ability Q at acquisition. ｍａｘ The temperature of the outdoor air is obtained when the outdoor temperature T is acquired. Ｏ This is the maximum cooling capacity that the outdoor unit (10) can exert at that time (in other words, at the time of acquisition).

[0102] Furthermore, the processing unit (111) calculates the specific enthalpy h calculated in the first calculation process. Ａ and specific enthalpy h Ｋ Then, based on the mass flow rate G calculated in the second calculation process and the following formula 2, the cooling capacity Q of the outdoor unit (10) is calculated. Q = G(h Ａ -h Ｋ ) (Equation 2)

[0103] The cooling capacity Q calculated in the third calculation process is the total amount of heat absorbed by the refrigerant from the air inside the storage chamber in the cooling heat exchanger (64) of each cooling unit (60). Furthermore, this cooling capacity Q is the capacity of the outdoor unit (10) at the time of acquisition. This capacity at the time of acquisition is the cooling capacity that the outdoor unit (10) was exhibiting at the time of acquisition.

[0104] (Fourth Calculation Process) The fourth calculation process will now be explained. The fourth calculation process is the fourth calculation step of the management method executed by the management system (100).

[0105] The processing unit (111) calculates the acquisition capacity Q and the acquisition maximum capacity Q calculated in the third calculation process. ｍａｘ Based on the following formula 3, the ability index I Ｑ The processing unit (111) of this embodiment calculates the capability index I. Ｑ This is the maximum ability Q at the time of acquisition. ｍａｘ It is the ratio to I. Ｑ = Q / Q ｍａｘ (Equation 3)

[0106] (Transmission Process) The transmission process will now be described. The transmission process is a transmission step of the management method executed by the management system (100).

[0107] The processing unit (111) receives the ambient temperature T acquired during the acquisition process. Ｏ And the ability index I calculated in the fourth calculation process Ｑ The data, paired with the other, is sent to the storage unit (115).

[0108] <Processing performed by the memory unit> The memory unit (115) performs data storage processing. Data storage processing is the process of adding data transmitted by the processing unit (111) of the control unit (110) to the operation information stored in the memory unit (116). This data storage processing is a storage step of the management method executed by the management system (100).

[0109] The operating information stored in the memory unit (116) is a "bivariate frequency distribution of ambient temperature at acquisition and capacity index at each of multiple acquisition points, with ambient temperature at acquisition as the first variable and capacity index as the second variable." This operating information is based on ambient temperature at acquisition, capacity at acquisition, and maximum capacity at acquisition. This operating information also includes capacity index.

[0110] Figure 6 shows an example of the operating information stored in the memory unit (116). The operating information stored in the memory unit (116) includes the ambient temperature T at each of the multiple acquisition points. Ｏ , ability Q at acquisition, and maximum ability Q at acquisition ｍａｘ This information is based on the data and indicates the operating status of the outdoor unit (10) at the time of acquisition.

[0111] For example, the data sent by the processing unit (111) is (T Ｏ = 31℃, I Ｑ If the value is 72%, the memory unit (115) performs a data storage process that increases the number of dotted frequencies in the bivariate frequency distribution of Figure 6 stored in the memory unit (116) by one.

[0112] -Features of the Embodiment- <First Feature> In the management system (100) of this embodiment, the processing unit (111) calculates the acquisition capacity of the outdoor unit (10) at the time of acquisition. The storage unit (116) also stores the operation information. The operation information stored by the storage unit (116) of this embodiment is the acquisition outside air temperature T at the time of acquisition. Ｏ and the ability Q at acquisition and the maximum ability Q at acquisition ｍａｘ This information is based on the following. Therefore, it is possible to understand the status of the outdoor unit (10) in the refrigeration cycle system (1) that is installed and actually in operation.

[0113] <Second Feature> In the management system (100) of this embodiment, the processing unit (111) calculates the acquisition capability Q at each of the multiple acquisition points. In addition, in the management system (100) of this embodiment, the capability index I Ｑ However, “Acquisition ability Q, acquisition maximum ability Q” ｍａｘ This is the ratio to the ambient temperature T at each of the multiple acquisition points. Ｏ and competency index I Ｑ The memory unit (116) stores the bivariate frequency distribution (see Figure 6) as driving information.

[0114] If a bivariate frequency distribution like the one shown in Figure 6 is obtained, the operating status of the outdoor unit (10) in the refrigeration cycle system (1) actually installed in a store or other location can be grasped. For example, suppose the bivariate frequency distribution shown in Figure 6 is obtained as a result of the refrigeration cycle system (1) operating for one year. In this case, the capacity index I Ｑ (=Q / Q) ｍａｘ The percentage exceeded 80% only 28 times out of a year (8760 hours). Therefore, the outdoor unit (10) has a margin of about 20% of its maximum cooling capacity.

[0115] If it is determined that the outdoor unit (10) has sufficient cooling capacity, then, for example, if a store operator plans to add more refrigerated display cases, the refrigeration cycle equipment vendor can propose to the store operator that they connect the additional refrigerated display cases to the existing outdoor unit (10) instead of installing a new outdoor unit. Furthermore, if a new refrigeration cycle equipment is to be installed in the same area, the refrigeration cycle equipment vendor can propose to the store operator that they install an outdoor unit with a lower maximum cooling capacity (and therefore a lower price) than the existing outdoor unit (10). In this way, if a bivariate frequency distribution like the one shown in Figure 6 is obtained as operational information, it becomes possible to present customers with new proposals regarding the refrigeration cycle equipment business that were previously impossible.

[0116] - Modified Embodiments - The following modified embodiments may be applied to the management system (100) of the above embodiment. The following modified embodiments may be combined or substituted as appropriate, as long as they do not impair the functionality of the management system (100).

[0117] <First Modification> As shown in Figure 7, the refrigeration cycle device (1) targeted by the management system (100) of this embodiment may be equipped with both a cooling unit (60) and an air conditioning unit (50) as user-side units. The air conditioning unit (50) is a unit that provides air conditioning for spaces where people are present. In the refrigeration cycle device (1) of this modification, the air conditioning unit (50) is installed in a store and provides air conditioning for the sales floor and other areas of the store.

[0118] In the modified refrigeration cycle device (1), a plurality of air conditioning units (50) are connected to the outdoor unit (10) via a second liquid communication pipe (2) and a second gas communication pipe (3). The first liquid communication pipe (4) and the first gas communication pipe (5) of the modified refrigeration cycle device (1) correspond to the liquid communication pipe and gas communication pipe of the refrigeration cycle device (1) of Embodiment 1, respectively.

[0119] (Outdoor Unit) The differences between the outdoor unit (10) of the refrigeration cycle device (1) of this modified example and the outdoor unit (10) of Embodiment 1 will be explained.

[0120] The outdoor unit (10) of this modified example includes a second low-stage compressor (23), a second outdoor expansion valve (14b), a flow path switching mechanism (30), a second liquid-side shut-off valve (19a), and a second gas-side shut-off valve (19b). The first low-stage compressor (22), first outdoor expansion valve (14a), first liquid-side shut-off valve (18a), and first gas-side shut-off valve (18b) of the outdoor unit (10) of this modified example correspond to the low-stage compressor, outdoor expansion valve, liquid-side shut-off valve, and gas-side shut-off valve of the outdoor unit (10) of Embodiment 1, respectively.

[0121] Furthermore, the outdoor unit (10) of this modified example includes a first outdoor liquid pipe (33), a second outdoor liquid pipe (34), a first outdoor gas pipe (35), a second outdoor gas pipe (36), and a second low-level piping (24c). The first low-level piping (24b) of the outdoor unit (10) of this modified example corresponds to the low-level piping of the outdoor unit (10) of Embodiment 1.

[0122] The second low-stage compressor (23) is a fully enclosed compressor similar to the first low-stage compressor (22). The second outdoor expansion valve (14b) is an electronic expansion valve similar to the first outdoor expansion valve (14a).

[0123] The flow path switching mechanism (30) comprises a first switching valve (81) and a second switching valve (82). Each of the first switching valve (81) and the second switching valve (82) is a four-way switching valve. Each of the first switching valve (81) and the second switching valve (82) switches between a first state (shown by a solid line in Figure 7) in which the first port communicates with the third port and the second port communicates with the fourth port, and a second state (shown by a dashed line in Figure 7) in which the first port communicates with the fourth port and the second port communicates with the third port. The third port of the first switching valve (81) is sealed. The fourth port of the second switching valve (82) is sealed.

[0124] The first port of the first switching valve (81) and the first port of the second switching valve (82) are each connected to the discharge pipe of the high-stage compressor (21). The third port of the second switching valve (82) is connected to the gas end of the outdoor heat exchanger (13) via piping.

[0125] One end of the first outdoor gas pipe (35) is connected to the second gas-side shut-off valve (19b). The other end of the first outdoor gas pipe (35) is connected to the fourth port of the first switching valve (81).

[0126] One end of the second outdoor gas pipe (36) is connected to the second port of the first switching valve (81). The other end of the second outdoor gas pipe (36) is connected to the second port of the second switching valve (82). The other end of the second outdoor gas pipe (36) is connected to the suction pipe of the second low-stage compressor (23).

[0127] A second low-pressure sensor (74) is connected to the suction pipe of the second low-stage compressor (23). The second low-pressure sensor (74) measures the pressure of the refrigerant drawn into the second low-stage compressor (23). The first low-pressure sensor (73) of the outdoor unit (10) in this modified example corresponds to the low-pressure sensor of the outdoor unit (10) in Embodiment 1.

[0128] The discharge pipe of the second low-stage compressor (23) is connected to the intercooler (17). A check valve (CV3) is provided in the piping connecting the second low-stage compressor (23) to the intercooler (17). This check valve (CV3) allows the flow of refrigerant from the second low-stage compressor (23) to the intercooler (17) and blocks the flow of refrigerant in the reverse direction.

[0129] A check valve (CV2) is provided in the piping connecting the first low-stage compressor (22) to the intercooler (17). This check valve (CV2) allows the flow of refrigerant from the first low-stage compressor (22) to the intercooler (17) and blocks the flow of refrigerant in the reverse direction.

[0130] The second low-stage piping (24c) is installed in parallel with the second low-stage compressor (23). One end of the second low-stage piping (24c) is connected to the suction pipe of the second low-stage compressor (23). The other end of the second low-stage piping (24c) is connected to the discharge pipe of the second low-stage compressor (23). A check valve (CV9) is provided in the second low-stage piping (24c). The check valve (CV9) allows the flow of refrigerant from one end of the second low-stage piping (24c) to the other end, and blocks the flow of refrigerant in the reverse direction.

[0131] The first outdoor liquid pipe (33) comprises a first branch pipe (33a), a second branch pipe (33b), and a junction pipe (33c). One end of the first branch pipe (33a) is connected to the piping connecting the subcooling heat exchanger (16) and the first liquid-side shut-off valve (18a). One end of the second branch pipe (33b) is connected to the piping connecting the first outdoor expansion valve (14a) and the receiver (15). The other ends of the first branch pipe (33a) and the second branch pipe (33b) are connected to one end of the junction pipe (33c). The other end of the junction pipe (33c) is connected to the second liquid-side shut-off valve (19a).

[0132] A check valve (CV6) is provided in the first branch pipe (33a) of the first outdoor liquid pipe (33). This check valve (CV6) allows the flow of refrigerant from one end to the other of the first branch pipe (33a) and blocks the flow of refrigerant in the reverse direction. A check valve (CV7) is provided in the second branch pipe (33b) of the first outdoor liquid pipe (33). This check valve (CV7) allows the flow of refrigerant from the other end to the one end of the second branch pipe (33b) and blocks the flow of refrigerant in the reverse direction. A check valve (CV4) is provided in the piping connecting the first outdoor expansion valve (14a) and the receiver (15). This check valve (CV4) allows the flow of refrigerant from the first outdoor expansion valve (14a) to the receiver (15) and blocks the flow of refrigerant in the reverse direction.

[0133] One end of the second outdoor liquid pipe (34) is connected to the piping that connects the subcooling heat exchanger (16) and the first liquid-side shut-off valve (18a). The other end of the second outdoor liquid pipe (34) is connected to the piping that connects the first outdoor expansion valve (14a) and the check valve (CV4). The second outdoor liquid pipe (34) is equipped with the second outdoor expansion valve (14b) and the check valve (CV5) in that order from one end to the other. The check valve (CV5) allows the flow of refrigerant from one end to the other of the second outdoor liquid pipe (34) and blocks the flow of refrigerant in the reverse direction.

[0134] (Air conditioning unit) The air conditioning unit (50) has an indoor circuit (51) and an indoor fan (52). The indoor fan (52) is a fan for supplying indoor air to the indoor heat exchanger (54), which will be described later.

[0135] The indoor circuit (51) is equipped with an indoor expansion valve (53) and an indoor heat exchanger (54), arranged in order from the liquid end to the gas end. The indoor expansion valve (53) is an electronically operated expansion valve whose opening degree can be adjusted. The indoor heat exchanger (54) is a fin-and-tube type air heat exchanger. The indoor heat exchanger (54) exchanges heat between indoor air and the refrigerant.

[0136] A second liquid connecting pipe (2) is connected to the liquid end of the indoor circuit (51). The liquid end of the indoor circuit (51) is connected to the second liquid-side shut-off valve (19a) of the outdoor circuit (11) via the second liquid connecting pipe (2). A second gas connecting pipe (3) is connected to the gas end of the indoor circuit (51). The gas end of the indoor circuit (51) is connected to the second gas-side shut-off valve (19b) of the outdoor circuit (11) via the second gas connecting pipe (3).

[0137] (Operation of the refrigeration cycle device) The refrigeration cycle device (1) of this modified example selectively performs cooling operation, first heating operation, second heating operation, and third heating operation.

[0138] In cooling operation, the first switching valve (81) and the second switching valve (82) are set to the first state, and the first low-stage compressor (22), the second low-stage compressor (23), and the high-stage compressor (21) operate. In cooling operation, the outdoor heat exchanger (13) functions as a heat radiator, and the cooling heat exchanger (64) and the indoor heat exchanger (54) function as evaporators.

[0139] In the first heating operation, the first switching valve (81) is set to the second state, the second switching valve (82) is set to the first state, and the first low-stage compressor (22), the second low-stage compressor (23), and the high-stage compressor (21) are operated. In the first heating operation, the outdoor heat exchanger (13) and the indoor heat exchanger (54) function as radiators, and the cooling heat exchanger (64) functions as an evaporator.

[0140] In the second heating operation, the first switching valve (81) and the second switching valve (82) are set to the second state, the first low-stage compressor (22) and the high-stage compressor (21) operate, and the second low-stage compressor (23) is deactivated. In the second heating operation, the indoor heat exchanger (54) functions as a radiator, the cooling heat exchanger (64) functions as an evaporator, and the outdoor heat exchanger (13) is deactivated.

[0141] In the third heating operation, the first switching valve (81) and the second switching valve (82) are set to the second state, and the first low-stage compressor (22), the second low-stage compressor (23), and the high-stage compressor (21) are operated. In the third heating operation, the indoor heat exchanger (54) functions as a radiator, and the cooling heat exchanger (64) and the outdoor heat exchanger (13) function as evaporators.

[0142] <Second Modification> In the management system (100) of this embodiment, the time interval at which the processing unit (111) performs data generation processing does not have to be constant. The time interval at which the processing unit (111) performs data generation processing may differ, for example, between daytime and nighttime of a day, or between the first half of the year including summer (May to October) and the second half of the year including winter (January to April, November, December). Alternatively, the processing unit (111) may perform data generation processing only during the first half of the year including summer (May to October).

[0143] <Third Modification> In this embodiment, the processing unit (111) of the management system (100) performs the first to fourth calculation processes and the transmission process each time an acquisition process is performed during the data generation process. However, the processing unit (111) does not have to perform the first to fourth calculation processes and the transmission process each time an acquisition process is performed during the data generation process.

[0144] The processing unit (111) of this modified example performs only acquisition processing over a predetermined period (for example, one week), and the data acquired by the acquisition processing within that predetermined period (P Ａ ,T Ａ ,P Ｊ ,T Ｊ ,f Ｌ ,T Ｏ The data is recorded on a recording medium such as a memory device. After a predetermined period has elapsed, the processing unit (111) performs the first to fourth calculation processes using the data obtained at each acquisition point during the acquisition process within that predetermined period, and calculates the capability index I at each acquisition point within that predetermined period. Ｑ The processing unit (111) then calculates the ambient temperature T at each acquisition point within a predetermined period during the transmission process. Ｏ and ability index I ＱThe data, paired with the other, is sent to the storage unit (115).

[0145] <Fourth Modification> The refrigeration cycle device (1) targeted by the management system (100) of this embodiment may be equipped with an air conditioning unit (50) as a user-side unit instead of a cooling unit (60). Similar to the first modification, the air conditioning unit (50) is a unit that provides air conditioning for the space where people are present. The installation location of the refrigeration cycle device (1) in this modification is not limited to a store, but may be an office building, for example.

[0146] <Fifth Modification> In the management system (100) of this embodiment, the processing unit (111) of the control unit (110) calculates the capability index I in the fourth calculation process. Ｑ This is "Maximum ability Q upon acquisition". ｍａｘ It may also be "the difference between and the ability Q at the time of acquisition" (I Ｑ = Q ｍａｘ -Q).

[0147] <Sixth Modification> In the management system (100) of this embodiment, the processing unit (111) performs data generation processing at all acquisition points. However, the processing unit (111) may perform data generation processing at some acquisition points. In this modification, for example, the processing unit (111) performs data generation processing only at acquisition points when all cooling units (60) provided in the refrigeration cycle device (1) are in a cooled state, and does not perform data generation processing at acquisition points when some of the cooling units (60) provided in the refrigeration cycle device (1) are in a idle state.

[0148] <Seventh Modification> In the management system (100) of this embodiment, the storage unit (115) may be installed together with the control unit (110) in the store where the refrigeration cycle device (1) is installed. In this case, the control unit (110) and the storage unit (115) communicate via a LAN (Local Area Network) or the like.

[0149] Furthermore, in the management system (100) of this embodiment, the storage unit (115) may be integrated with the control unit (110). In this case, the control unit (110) includes both a processing unit (111) and a storage unit (116), and also functions as the storage unit (115).

[0150] While embodiments and modifications have been described above, it should be understood that various changes in form and details are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims. Furthermore, elements of the embodiments, modifications, and other embodiments described above may be combined or substituted as appropriate. In addition, the designations "First," "Second," etc. in the specification and claims are used to distinguish the phrases to which these designations are given, and do not limit the number or order of such phrases.

[0151] As described above, this disclosure is useful for management systems and management methods for refrigeration cycle equipment.

[0152] 1 Refrigeration cycle unit 6 Refrigerant circuit 10 Outdoor unit (heat source side unit) 13 Outdoor heat exchanger (heat exchanger) 60 Cooling unit (user side unit) 100 Management system 111 Processing unit 116 Memory unit

Claims

1. A management system (100) for a refrigeration cycle device (1) having a refrigerant circuit (6) having a heat source side unit (10) having a heat exchanger (13) for exchanging heat between outdoor air and a refrigerant, and a utilization side unit (60), comprising: a processing unit (111) that acquires physical quantities relating to the refrigerant of the refrigerant circuit (6), and calculates the acquisition capacity, which is the cooling capacity exerted by the heat source side unit (10) at the time the physical quantities were acquired, based on the acquired physical quantities; and a storage unit (116) that stores the acquisition outside air temperature, which is the temperature of the outdoor air at the time the physical quantities were acquired, and operating information based on the acquisition capacity calculated by the processing unit (111).

2. The management system according to claim 1, wherein the maximum cooling capacity that the heat source unit (10) can exert at the above-mentioned ambient temperature at the time of acquisition is the maximum capacity at the time of acquisition, and the operating information includes a capacity index showing the relationship between the capacity at the time of acquisition and the maximum capacity at the time of acquisition.

3. The management system according to claim 2, wherein the above capability indicator is the ratio of the capability at the time of acquisition to the maximum capability at the time of acquisition, or the difference between the maximum capability at the time of acquisition and the capability at the time of acquisition.

4. The management system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the processing unit (111) acquires the physical quantity at each of the multiple acquisition time points, calculates the acquisition time capacity at each of the multiple acquisition time points, and the operation information is information based on the acquisition time ambient temperature and acquisition time capacity at each of the multiple acquisition time points.

5. The management system according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the processing unit (111) acquires the physical quantity at each of the multiple acquisition time points, calculates the acquisition time capacity at each of the multiple acquisition time points, and the operating information is a bivariate frequency distribution of the acquisition time ambient temperature and the capacity index at each of the multiple acquisition time points, with the acquisition time ambient temperature being the first variable and the capacity index being the second variable.

6. The management system according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the processing unit (111) periodically acquires the physical quantity.

7. The management system according to claim 4, 5, or 6, wherein the refrigerant circuit (6) of the target refrigeration cycle device (1) has a plurality of user-side units (60), each of the plurality of user-side units (60) switches between a cooling state that cools the target object and a rest state that does not cool the target object, and the acquisition time is the time when all of the user-side units (60) were in the cooling state.

8. The management system according to claim 2, 3, or 5, wherein the storage unit (116) stores characteristic information showing the correlation between the temperature of the outdoor air and the cooling capacity of the heat source side unit (10), and the processing unit (111) calculates the maximum capacity at the time of acquisition based on the outdoor air temperature at the time of acquisition and the characteristic information.

9. A management system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, comprising a control unit (110) that communicates with the heat source side unit (10) based on a first communication protocol and with the user side unit (60) based on a second communication protocol, wherein the control unit (110) comprises a processing unit (111), and the processing unit (111) acquires the physical quantity by communicating with the heat source side unit (10).

10. A management method for a refrigeration cycle device (1) equipped with a refrigerant circuit (6) having a heat source side unit (10) having a heat exchanger (13) for exchanging heat with outdoor air and a refrigerant, the management method comprising: a processing step of acquiring physical quantities relating to the refrigerant of the refrigerant circuit (6) at the time of acquisition, and calculating the acquisition capacity, which is the cooling capacity exerted by the heat source side unit (10) at the time of acquisition, based on the acquired physical quantities; and a storage step of storing the acquisition outside air temperature, which is the temperature of the outdoor air at the time of acquisition, and operating information based on the acquisition capacity calculated in the processing step, in a storage medium.

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