EP3483524A1 - Steuerungsvorrichtung einer mehrfachklimatisierungsvorrichtung, mehrfachklimatisierungsvorrichtung, verfahren zur steuerung einer mehrfachklimatisierungsvorrichtung und computerprogramm zur steuerung einer mehrfachklimatisierungsvorrichtung - Google Patents

Steuerungsvorrichtung einer mehrfachklimatisierungsvorrichtung, mehrfachklimatisierungsvorrichtung, verfahren zur steuerung einer mehrfachklimatisierungsvorrichtung und computerprogramm zur steuerung einer mehrfachklimatisierungsvorrichtung Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3483524A1
EP3483524A1 EP18204568.2A EP18204568A EP3483524A1 EP 3483524 A1 EP3483524 A1 EP 3483524A1 EP 18204568 A EP18204568 A EP 18204568A EP 3483524 A1 EP3483524 A1 EP 3483524A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
indoor
refrigerant
indoor unit
electronic expansion
stop
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP18204568.2A
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Inventor
Masayuki Takigawa
Takahiro Kato
Tatsuhiro Yasuda
Tomohiro SAKAGUCHI
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Thermal Systems Ltd
Original Assignee
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Thermal Systems Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Thermal Systems Ltd filed Critical Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Thermal Systems Ltd
Publication of EP3483524A1 publication Critical patent/EP3483524A1/de
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
    • F25B13/00—Compression machines, plants or systems, with reversible cycle
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
    • F25B2313/00—Compression machines, plants or systems with reversible cycle not otherwise provided for
    • F25B2313/023—Compression machines, plants or systems with reversible cycle not otherwise provided for using multiple indoor units
    • F25B2313/0233—Compression machines, plants or systems with reversible cycle not otherwise provided for using multiple indoor units in parallel arrangements
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
    • F25B2313/00—Compression machines, plants or systems with reversible cycle not otherwise provided for
    • F25B2313/031—Sensor arrangements
    • F25B2313/0314—Temperature sensors near the indoor heat exchanger
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
    • F25B2600/00—Control issues
    • F25B2600/25—Control of valves
    • F25B2600/2513—Expansion valves

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a control device of a multiple-type air conditioning device, the multiple-type air conditioning device, a method of controlling multiple-type air conditioning device, and a computer program of controlling the multiple-type air conditioning device.
  • a necessary amount of refrigerant varies with, for example, operating conditions at cooling, heating, and the like, and air conditions such as the temperature and the humidity.
  • the necessary amount of refrigerant varies also with the number of indoor units in operation in addition to the above-described conditions. An appropriate amount of refrigerant needs to be supplied to each indoor unit in operation, but when the supply is not correct, the amount of refrigerant becomes excessive or insufficient, which potentially leads to performance degradation of the indoor unit in operation.
  • refrigerant is accumulated in a receiver when the amount of refrigerant is excessive. When the amount of refrigerant is insufficient, the refrigerant is collected from the receiver to achieve refrigerant adjustment.
  • the volume of the receiver needs to be set in accordance with the variation of the amount of refrigerant.
  • the problem is solved by increasing the volume of the receiver.
  • the size of an outdoor unit is restricted.
  • cost increase is caused by, for example, redesigning of the outdoor unit and increase of the size of the outdoor unit.
  • the present invention is intended to solve the above-described problem by providing a control device of a multiple-type air conditioning device configured to perform control to adjust refrigerant when a necessary amount of refrigerant varies, the multiple-type air conditioning device, a method of controlling the multiple-type air conditioning device, and a computer program of controlling the multiple-type air conditioning device.
  • a control device of a multiple-type air conditioning device, the multiple-type air conditioning device, a method of controlling the multiple-type air conditioning device, and a computer program of controlling the multiple-type air conditioning device according to the present invention employ the following means.
  • a control device of a multiple-type air conditioning device is a control device of a multiple-type air conditioning device including at least one outdoor unit, and a plurality of indoor units each including an indoor electronic expansion valve.
  • Each indoor unit in operation is referred to as an operation indoor unit
  • each operation indoor unit in heating operation is referred to as a heating operation indoor unit
  • each indoor unit at a stop is referred to as a stop indoor unit.
  • control is performed to close the indoor electronic expansion valves of all stop indoor units.
  • the present aspect provides a control device of a multiple-type air conditioning device including at least one outdoor unit, and a plurality of indoor units each including an indoor electronic expansion valve.
  • Each indoor unit in operation is referred to as an operation indoor unit
  • each operation indoor unit in heating operation is referred to as a heating operation indoor unit
  • each indoor unit at a stop is referred to as a stop indoor unit.
  • control is performed to close the indoor electronic expansion valves of all stop indoor units.
  • the indoor electronic expansion valves of all stop indoor units are closed and refrigerant is accumulated in the indoor heat exchangers of the stop indoor units.
  • the indoor electronic expansion valve of each stop indoor unit is typically slightly opened to avoid refrigerant accumulation so that the amount of refrigerant is prevented from becoming insufficient.
  • the control device performs control to close the indoor electronic expansion valves of all stop indoor units. Accordingly, refrigerant is accumulated in the indoor heat exchangers of all stop indoor units, and thus an appropriate amount of refrigerant is supplied to the operation indoor unit, thereby preventing performance degradation.
  • the amount of refrigerant can be adjusted by controlling the electronic expansion valves, and thus the capacity of the receiver of the outdoor unit does not need be increased, which leads to cost reduction.
  • the charge amount of refrigerant is determined based on the number of indoor units and the length of the refrigerant pipe.
  • the amount of refrigerant can be adjusting by controlling the electronic expansion valves, and thus the present invention is applicable to a case in which the charge amount is set to be larger than an appropriate amount.
  • the outdoor unit may include an outdoor electronic expansion valve, and when the opening degree of the outdoor electronic expansion valve of the outdoor unit becomes equal to or higher than a predetermined opening degree and the amount of refrigerant at each operation indoor unit is sensed to be insufficient while the indoor electronic expansion valves of one or more of the stop indoor units are closed, control may be performed to slightly open the indoor electronic expansion valve of any one of the stop indoor units.
  • the opening degree of the outdoor electronic expansion valve of the outdoor unit becomes equal to or higher than a predetermined opening degree and the amount of refrigerant at each operation indoor unit is sensed to be insufficient while the indoor electronic expansion valves of one or more of the stop indoor units are closed, control is performed to slightly open the indoor electronic expansion valve of any one of the stop indoor units.
  • control is performed to slightly open the indoor electronic expansion valve of any one of the stop indoor units to collect the refrigerant accumulated in the indoor heat exchanger. Accordingly, the amount of refrigerant at the operation indoor unit can be corrected.
  • an appropriate amount of refrigerant is supplied to the operation indoor unit, thereby achieving reliable operation of the multiple-type air conditioning device.
  • the electronic expansion valve of the evaporator When a correct amount of refrigerant is supplied to each operation indoor unit, the electronic expansion valve of the evaporator, in other words, the outdoor electronic expansion valve of the outdoor unit is set to a predetermined opening degree.
  • the opening degree of the outdoor electronic expansion valve of the outdoor unit is set to be equal to or higher than the predetermined opening degree.
  • the predetermined opening degree is, for example, the maximum opening degree of the outdoor electronic expansion valve. Since the amount of refrigerant is sensed to be insufficient when the outdoor electronic expansion valve is set to be equal to or higher than the predetermined opening degree, the amount of refrigerant at the operation indoor unit can be sensed to be insufficient by a simple method.
  • a control device of a multiple-type air conditioning device is a control device of a multiple-type air conditioning device including at least one outdoor unit, a plurality of indoor units each including an indoor electronic expansion valve, and a plurality of distribution controllers corresponding to the respective indoor units.
  • Each indoor unit in operation is referred to as an operation indoor unit
  • each operation indoor unit in heating operation is referred to as a heating operation indoor unit
  • each indoor unit at a stop is referred to as a stop indoor unit.
  • control is performed to close the indoor electronic expansion valves of all stop indoor units, or at cooling, control is performed to switch four-way switching valves of the distribution controllers corresponding to all stop indoor units and close the indoor electronic expansion valves of all stop indoor units.
  • the present aspect provides a control device of a multiple-type air conditioning device including at least one outdoor unit, a plurality of indoor units each including an indoor electronic expansion valve, and a plurality of distribution controllers corresponding to the respective indoor units.
  • Each indoor unit in operation is referred to as an operation indoor unit
  • each operation indoor unit in heating operation is referred to as a heating operation indoor unit
  • each indoor unit at a stop is referred to as a stop indoor unit.
  • the indoor electronic expansion valves of all stop indoor units are closed and refrigerant is accumulated in the indoor heat exchangers of the stop indoor units.
  • the indoor electronic expansion valve of each stop indoor unit is typically slightly opened to avoid refrigerant accumulation so that the amount of refrigerant is prevented from becoming insufficient.
  • the control device performs control to close the indoor electronic expansion valves of all stop indoor units. Accordingly, refrigerant is accumulated in the indoor heat exchangers of all stop indoor units, and thus an appropriate amount of refrigerant is supplied to the operation indoor unit, thereby preventing performance degradation.
  • the amount of refrigerant can be adjusted by controlling the electronic expansion valves, and thus the capacity of the receiver of the outdoor unit does not need be increased, which leads to cost reduction.
  • the charge amount of refrigerant is determined based on the number of indoor units and the length of the refrigerant pipe.
  • the amount of refrigerant can be adjusting by controlling the electronic expansion valves, and thus the present invention is applicable to a case in which the charge amount is set to be larger than an appropriate amount.
  • control is performed to switch the four-way switching valves of the distribution controllers corresponding to all stop indoor units and close the indoor electronic expansion valves of all stop indoor units.
  • the four-way switching valves of the distribution controllers are switched to close the indoor electronic expansion valves.
  • refrigerant is accumulated in the indoor heat exchangers of the stop indoor units, and thus an appropriate amount of refrigerant can be supplied to each operation indoor unit.
  • control when the opening degree of an outdoor electronic expansion valve of the outdoor unit becomes equal to or higher than a predetermined opening degree and the amount of refrigerant at the operation indoor unit is sensed to be insufficient while the indoor electronic expansion valves of one or more of the stop indoor units are closed, control may be performed to slightly open the indoor electronic expansion valve of any one of the stop indoor units; and at cooling, when the opening degree of the outdoor electronic expansion valve of the outdoor unit becomes equal to or higher than a predetermined opening degree and the amount of refrigerant at the operation indoor unit is sensed to be insufficient while the indoor electronic expansion valves of one or more of the stop indoor units are closed, control may be performed to switch the four-way switching valve of the distribution controller corresponding to any one of the stop indoor units or control may be performed to slightly open the indoor electronic expansion valve of any one of the stop indoor units.
  • control is performed to slightly open the indoor electronic expansion valve of any one of the stop indoor units.
  • control is performed to slightly open the indoor electronic expansion valve of any one of the stop indoor units to collect the refrigerant accumulated in the indoor heat exchangers. Accordingly, the amount of refrigerant at the operation indoor unit can be corrected. In addition, through repetition of the correction, a correct amount of refrigerant is supplied to the operation indoor unit, thereby achieving reliable operation of the multiple-type air conditioning device.
  • control is performed to switch the four-way switching valve of the distribution controller corresponding to any one of the stop indoor units or control is performed to slightly open the indoor electronic expansion valve of any one of the stop indoor units.
  • refrigerant accumulated in the indoor heat exchangers is collected, similarly to heating, by switching the four-way switching valve of any one of the distribution controllers or by slightly opening the indoor electronic expansion valve of any one of the stop indoor units, similarly to heating, and an appropriate amount of refrigerant can be supplied to each operation indoor unit.
  • the electronic expansion valve of the evaporator in other words, the outdoor electronic expansion valve of the outdoor unit, or the indoor electronic expansion valve of each indoor unit is set to a predetermined opening degree.
  • the opening degree of the outdoor electronic expansion valve of the outdoor unit or the indoor electronic expansion valve of each indoor unit is set to be equal to or higher than the predetermined opening degree.
  • the predetermined opening degree is, for example, the maximum opening degree of the outdoor electronic expansion valve. Since the amount of refrigerant is sensed to be insufficient when the opening degree of the outdoor electronic expansion valve becomes equal to or higher than the predetermined opening degree, the amount of refrigerant at the operation indoor unit can be sensed to be insufficient by a simple method.
  • the electronic expansion valve of the evaporator In cooling operation, when a correct amount of refrigerant is supplied to each operation indoor unit, the electronic expansion valve of the evaporator, in other words, the indoor electronic expansion valve of the operation indoor unit is set to a predetermined opening degree.
  • the opening degree of the indoor electronic expansion valve of the operation indoor unit is set to be equal to or higher than the predetermined opening degree.
  • the predetermined opening degree is, for example, the maximum opening degree of the indoor electronic expansion valve. Since the amount of refrigerant is sensed to be insufficient when the opening degree of the indoor electronic expansion valve becomes equal to or higher than the predetermined opening degree, the amount of refrigerant at the operation indoor unit can be sensed to be insufficient by a simple method.
  • the opening degree of the indoor electronic expansion valve of the stop indoor unit when slightly opened may be an opening degree at which the refrigerant flow rate of the indoor electronic expansion valve is 10 to 20 kg/h.
  • the opening degree of the indoor electronic expansion valve of each stop indoor unit when slightly opened is an opening degree at which the refrigerant flow rate of the indoor electronic expansion valve is 10 to 20 kg/h. This prevents change of indoor environment in which the stop indoor unit is installed due to a large opening degree of the indoor electronic expansion valve and refrigerant accumulation in the indoor heat exchanger of the stop indoor unit due to a small opening degree of the indoor electronic expansion valve, thereby achieving an appropriate opening degree.
  • the amount of refrigerant at each operation indoor unit may be sensed to be excessive when the difference between each of set temperatures of one or more of the operation indoor units and an indoor temperature is continuously equal to or larger than a second temperature difference for a time equal to or longer than a predetermined time and the difference between an exit temperature and a central-part temperature of an indoor heat exchanger included in each heating operation indoor unit is equal to or smaller than a first temperature difference.
  • the amount of refrigerant at each operation indoor unit is sensed to be excessive when the difference between each of the set temperatures of one or more of the operation indoor units and the indoor temperature is continuously equal to or larger than the second temperature difference for a time equal to or longer than a predetermined time and the difference between the exit temperature and the central-part temperature of the indoor heat exchanger included in each heating operation indoor unit is equal to or smaller than the first temperature difference.
  • the difference between the set temperature of each operation indoor unit and the indoor temperature is equal to or larger than the second temperature difference, the difference between a temperature set by a user through an indoor controller or the like and the actual indoor temperature is large.
  • the multiple-type air conditioning device is in a non-heating state in a case of heating or in a non-cooling state in a case of cooling.
  • the receiver When the difference between the exit temperature and the central-part temperature of the indoor heat exchanger included in each heating operation indoor unit is equal to or smaller than the first temperature difference, the receiver is overfilled so that the amount of refrigerant has become excessive, and refrigerant is accumulated in the indoor heat exchanger of the heating operation indoor unit so that the exit temperature and the central-part temperature have become substantially equal to each other.
  • the amount of refrigerant at each operation indoor unit is sensed to be excessive when the operation indoor unit is in a non-heating state and the amount of refrigerant is excessive. Accordingly, frequent setting change is not performed, and unnecessary control can be prevented.
  • a multiple-type air conditioning device includes the above-described control device, at least one outdoor unit, and a plurality of indoor units each including an indoor electronic expansion valve.
  • a method of controlling a multiple-type air conditioning device is a method of controlling a multiple-type air conditioning device including at least one outdoor unit, and a plurality of indoor units each including an indoor electronic expansion valve.
  • Each indoor unit in operation is referred to as an operation indoor unit
  • each operation indoor unit in heating operation is referred to as a heating operation indoor unit
  • each indoor unit at a stop is referred to as a stop indoor unit.
  • the method includes a process of closing the indoor electronic expansion valves of all stop indoor units when the difference between an exit temperature and a central-part temperature of an indoor heat exchanger included in each heating operation indoor unit becomes equal to or lower than a first temperature difference at heating and the amount of refrigerant is sensed to be excessive.
  • a computer program of controlling a multiple-type air conditioning device is a computer program of controlling a multiple-type air conditioning device including at least one outdoor unit, and a plurality of indoor units each including an indoor electronic expansion valve.
  • Each indoor unit in operation is referred to as an operation indoor unit
  • each operation indoor unit in heating operation is referred to as a heating operation indoor unit
  • each indoor unit at a stop is referred to as a stop indoor unit.
  • the computer program includes a step of closing the indoor electronic expansion valves of all stop indoor units when the difference between an exit temperature and a central-part temperature of an indoor heat exchanger included in each heating operation indoor unit becomes equal to or lower than a first temperature difference at heating and the amount of refrigerant is sensed to be excessive.
  • a method of controlling a multiple-type air conditioning device is a method of controlling a multiple-type air conditioning device including at least one outdoor unit, a plurality of indoor units each including an indoor electronic expansion valve, and a plurality of distribution controllers corresponding to the respective indoor units.
  • Each indoor unit in operation is referred to as an operation indoor unit
  • each operation indoor unit in heating operation is referred to as a heating operation indoor unit
  • each indoor unit at a stop is referred to as a stop indoor unit.
  • the method includes, when the difference between an exit temperature and a central-part temperature of an indoor heat exchanger included in each heating operation indoor unit becomes equal to or lower than a first temperature difference and the amount of refrigerant is sensed to be excessive, a process of closing the indoor electronic expansion valves of all stop indoor units at heating, and a process of switching four-way switching valves of the distribution controllers corresponding to all stop indoor units and closing the indoor electronic expansion valves of all stop indoor units at cooling.
  • a computer program of controlling a multiple-type air conditioning device is a computer program of controlling a multiple-type air conditioning device including at least one outdoor unit, a plurality of indoor units each including an indoor electronic expansion valve, and a plurality of distribution controllers corresponding to the respective indoor units.
  • Each indoor unit in operation is referred to as an operation indoor unit
  • each operation indoor unit in heating operation is referred to as a heating operation indoor unit
  • each indoor unit at a stop is referred to as a stop indoor unit.
  • the computer program includes, when the difference between an exit temperature and a central-part temperature of an indoor heat exchanger included in each heating operation indoor unit becomes equal to or lower than a first temperature difference and the amount of refrigerant is sensed to be excessive, a step of closing the indoor electronic expansion valves of all stop indoor units at heating, and a step of switching four-way switching valves of the distribution controllers corresponding to all stop indoor units and closing the indoor electronic expansion valves of all stop indoor units at cooling.
  • a correct amount of refrigerant is achieved by controlling an indoor electronic expansion valve, and thus performance degradation of an indoor unit can be prevented by simple control.
  • control device of a multiple-type air conditioning device the multiple-type air conditioning device, a method of controlling the multiple-type air conditioning device, and a computer program of controlling the multiple-type air conditioning device according to an embodiment of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic configuration diagram of a multiple-type air conditioning device according to the present embodiment.
  • a multiple-type air conditioning device 1 one outdoor unit 2 is connected in parallel with a plurality of indoor units 3A, 3B, and 3C.
  • the multiple-type air conditioning device according to the present embodiment is of a cooling and heating switching type.
  • the plurality of indoor units 3A, 3B, and 3C are connected in parallel with each other through a gas-side pipe 4 and a liquid-side pipe 5 each connected with the outdoor unit 2 with a bifurcation device 6 interposed therebetween.
  • the outdoor unit 2 includes an inverter-driven compressor 10 configured to compress refrigerant, an outdoor-side four-way switching valve 12 configured to switch the circulation direction of refrigerant, a plurality of outdoor heat exchangers (heat exchangers) 13 configured to exchange heat between refrigerant and external air, a supercooling coil 14 integrated with each outdoor heat exchanger 13, an outdoor electronic expansion valve (EEVH) 15, a receiver 16 configured to accumulate liquid refrigerant, a supercooling heat exchanger 17 configured to supercool liquid refrigerant, a supercooling expansion valve (EEVSC) 18 configured to control the amount of refrigerant bifurcated to the supercooling heat exchanger 17, an accumulator 19 configured to separate a liquid component from refrigerant gas to be taken into the compressor 10 and cause only a gas component to be taken into the compressor 10, a gas-side operation valve 20, and a liquid-side operation valve 21.
  • an inverter-driven compressor 10 configured to compress refrigerant
  • an outdoor-side four-way switching valve 12
  • the above-described instruments of the outdoor unit 2 are sequentially connected with each other through a refrigerant pipe 22 to form a well-known outdoor-side refrigerant circuit 23.
  • the outdoor unit 2 also includes an outdoor fan (not illustrated) configured to send external air to the outdoor heat exchangers 13.
  • the gas-side pipe 4 and the liquid-side pipe 5 are refrigerant pipes connected with the gas-side operation valve 20 and the liquid-side operation valve 21 of the outdoor unit 2.
  • the pipe lengths of the gas-side pipe 4 and the liquid-side pipe 5 are set as appropriate in accordance with the distance between the outdoor unit 2 and each of the plurality of indoor units 3A, 3B, and 3C connected with the outdoor unit 2 at on-site installation.
  • the bifurcation devices 6 are provided halfway through the gas-side pipe 4 and the liquid-side pipe 5, and an optional number of the indoor units 3A, 3B, and 3C are connected with the pipes through the bifurcation devices 6. This configuration forms a closed refrigeration cycle (refrigerant circuit) 7.
  • Each of the indoor units 3A, 3B, and 3C includes an indoor heat exchanger 30 configured to condition indoor air by cooling or heating refrigerant through heat exchange with indoor air, an indoor electronic expansion valve (EEVC) (electronic expansion valve) 31, an indoor fan (not illustrated) configured to circulate indoor air through the indoor heat exchanger 30, and an indoor controller (not illustrated), and is connected with the bifurcation device 6.
  • EEVC electronic expansion valve
  • EEVC electronic expansion valve
  • indoor fan not illustrated
  • indoor controller not illustrated
  • the indoor electronic expansion valve 31 is set to a predetermined stop opening degree when the corresponding indoor unit 3 is stopped in normal operation.
  • the predetermined stop opening degree in cooling operation corresponds to a fully closed state
  • the predetermined stop opening degree in heating operation corresponds to a slightly opened state close to the fully closed state.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates the example in which the three indoor units 3A, 3B, and 3C are installed, the number of installed indoor units may be optionally determined.
  • each indoor unit 3 is denoted by any one of A, B, and C at the end when the indoor unit 3 is distinguished, or A, B, and C are omitted when each indoor unit 3 is not distinguished.
  • Each indoor unit 3 in operation is referred to as an operation indoor unit 3
  • each operation indoor unit 3 in heating operation is referred to as a heating operation indoor unit 3
  • each indoor unit 3 at a stop is referred to as a stop indoor unit 3.
  • a control device 70 acquires, for example, a temperature set by any indoor controller or the like, the indoor temperature, a refrigerant temperature obtained by an exit-part temperature sensor 61 of each indoor heat exchanger 30 to be described later or the like, and performs, for example, control of the opening degree of each indoor electronic expansion valve 31 and switching control of the outdoor-side four-way switching valve 12.
  • the control device 70 includes, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), a random access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), and a computer-readable storage medium.
  • CPU central processing unit
  • RAM random access memory
  • ROM read only memory
  • a series of processing for achieving various kinds of functions is stored, for example, as a computer program in the storage medium or the like.
  • the various kinds of functions are achieved when the CPU reads the computer program onto the RAM or the like and executes information manipulation and arithmetic processing.
  • the computer program may be, for example, installed on a ROM or another storage medium in advance, provided while being stored in a computer-readable storage medium, or distributed through a wired or wireless communication means.
  • the computer-readable storage medium is, for example, a magnetic disk, a magneto optical disc, a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, or a semiconductor memory.
  • the control device 70 includes a sensing unit 71 and a control unit 72.
  • the sensing unit 71 senses whether the amount of refrigerant is excessive or insufficient based on a value acquired by the control device 70.
  • the control unit 72 controls each instrument of the multiple-type air conditioning device 1 to set an appropriate amount of refrigerant based on information of whether the amount of refrigerant is excessive or insufficient, which is sensed by the sensing unit 71.
  • cooling operation is performed as described below.
  • High-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant gas compressed at and discharged from the compressor 10 is circulated to the outdoor heat exchangers 13 through the outdoor-side four-way switching valve 12 and condensed into liquid through heat exchange with external air sent by the outdoor fan at the outdoor heat exchangers 13.
  • This liquid refrigerant is further cooled through the supercooling coils 14, then passes through the outdoor electronic expansion valves 15, and is temporarily accumulated in the receiver 16.
  • the liquid refrigerant, the circulation amount of which is adjusted at the receiver 16 is partially bifurcated from a liquid refrigerant pipe while being circulated on a liquid refrigerant pipe side through the supercooling heat exchanger 17, and is provided with a supercooling degree through heat exchange with refrigerant adiabatically expanded through the supercooling expansion valve 18.
  • This liquid refrigerant is guided from the outdoor unit 2 to the liquid-side pipe 5 through the liquid-side operation valve 21 and bifurcated to the indoor units 3A, 3B, and 3C through the bifurcation device 6.
  • the bifurcated liquid refrigerant flows into each of the indoor units 3A, 3B, and 3C, is adiabatically expanded to gas-liquid two-phase flow through the indoor electronic expansion valve 31, and flows into the indoor heat exchanger 30.
  • the refrigerant exchanges heat with indoor air circulated by the indoor fan (not illustrated), and the indoor air is cooled and used for indoor cooling.
  • the refrigerant is converted into gas, reaches the bifurcation device 6, and is joined with refrigerant gas from the other indoor units at the gas-side pipe 4.
  • the refrigerant gas joined at the gas-side pipe 4 returns to the outdoor unit 2, passes through the gas-side operation valve 20 and the outdoor-side four-way switching valve 12, joins refrigerant gas from the supercooling heat exchanger 17, and then is introduced into the accumulator 19.
  • a liquid component of the refrigerant gas is separated at the accumulator 19, and only a gas component is taken into the compressor 10.
  • This refrigerant is compressed at the compressor 10 again and subjected to repetition of the above-described cycle, thereby performing cooling operation.
  • Heating operation is performed as described below.
  • High-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant gas compressed at and discharged from the compressor 10 is circulated to the gas-side operation valve 20 through the outdoor-side four-way switching valve 12.
  • This high-pressure gas refrigerant is discharged from the outdoor unit 2 through the gas-side operation valve 20 and the gas-side pipe 4, and introduced to the plurality of indoor units 3A, 3B, and 3C through the bifurcation device 6.
  • the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant gas exchanges heat with indoor air circulated through the indoor fan (not illustrated) at each indoor heat exchanger 30, and the indoor air thus heated is blown out to indoor and used for heating.
  • Refrigerant condensed to liquid at each indoor heat exchanger 30 reaches the bifurcation device 6 through the indoor electronic expansion valve 31, joins refrigerant from the other indoor units, and returns to the outdoor unit 2 through the liquid-side pipe 5.
  • the opening degree of the indoor electronic expansion valve 31 is controlled so that the refrigerant exit temperature or refrigerant supercooling degree of the indoor heat exchanger 30 functioning as a condenser becomes equal to a control target value.
  • the refrigerant returned to the outdoor unit 2 reaches the supercooling heat exchanger 17 through the liquid-side operation valve 21, and thereafter flows into and temporarily accumulated in the receiver 16 so that the circulation amount of the refrigerant is adjusted.
  • This liquid refrigerant is supplied to the outdoor electronic expansion valve 15 and adiabatically expanded, and then flows into the outdoor heat exchangers 13.
  • refrigerant exchanges heat with external air sent from the outdoor fan and absorbs heat from the external air to evaporate into gas.
  • This refrigerant is introduced to the accumulator 19 from the outdoor heat exchangers 13 through the outdoor-side four-way switching valve 12.
  • a liquid component of the refrigerant gas is separated and only gas component is taken into the compressor 10 and compressed at the compressor 10 again. The above-described cycle is repeated, thereby performing heating operation.
  • FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating control of the multiple-type air conditioning device according to the present embodiment when the amount of refrigerant varies in heating operation.
  • a necessary amount of refrigerant varies with various factors such as air conditions and the number of indoor units in operation. Thus, it is sensed whether the amount of refrigerant tends to be excessive or insufficient, and control is performed so that an appropriate amount of refrigerant circulates in accordance with variation of the necessary amount of refrigerant.
  • the sensing unit 71 determines whether the amount of circulating refrigerant tends to be excessive. Whether the amount of refrigerant is excessive is determined based on the temperature difference between temperatures at an exit part and a central part of the indoor heat exchanger 30 of each operation indoor unit 3.
  • FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of each indoor heat exchanger of the multiple-type air conditioning device according to the present embodiment.
  • refrigerant circulates through the indoor heat exchanger 30 of each heating operation indoor unit 3 in a direction indicated with the arrow in FIG. 3 .
  • the indoor heat exchanger 30 of the heating operation indoor unit 3 is provided with, sequentially from the refrigerant exit side in heating operation, the exit-part temperature sensor 61, a central-part temperature sensor 62, and an entrance-part temperature sensor 63.
  • the exit-part temperature sensor 61 measures an exit temperature T1
  • the central-part temperature sensor 62 measures a central-part temperature T2
  • the entrance-part temperature sensor 63 measures an entrance temperature T3.
  • the sensing unit 71 senses that the amount of refrigerant tends to be excessive when the temperature difference
  • the first temperature difference is, for example, 5 deg.
  • the control device 70 determines whether the temperature difference
  • the process transitions to step S202.
  • the determination at step S201 is performed again.
  • the control unit 72 When the temperature difference
  • each stop indoor unit 3 is slightly opened so that refrigerant is not stored to avoid refrigerant insufficiency.
  • the indoor electronic expansion valves 31 of all stop indoor units 3 are fully closed at step S202, refrigerant circulating through the stop indoor units 3 is accumulated in the indoor heat exchangers 30. In this manner, refrigerant in an amount that tends to be excessive is collected by the indoor heat exchangers 30 of the stop indoor units 3.
  • FIG. 4 is a graph illustrating the relation between the opening degree and flow rate of each indoor electronic expansion valve of the multiple-type air conditioning device according to the present embodiment.
  • the vertical axis represents the flow rate
  • the horizontal axis represents the expansion valve opening degree
  • the opening degree is sufficiently small relative to the maximum opening degree of the valve, and is larger than an opening degree at which refrigerant is accumulated in the indoor unit 3 and smaller than an opening degree at which indoor environment is changed due to refrigerant circulation.
  • the flow rate in this case is F as illustrated in FIG. 4 .
  • the expansion valve opening degree in this case is da as illustrated in FIG. 4 .
  • the opening degree of the indoor electronic expansion valve 31 of the stop indoor unit 3 when slightly opened may be an opening degree at which the refrigerant flow rate is 10 to 20 kg/h.
  • the sensing unit 71 determines whether the amount of circulating refrigerant tends to be insufficient. Whether the amount of refrigerant is insufficient is determined based on the opening degree of the expansion valve of an evaporator (in the present embodiment, the outdoor heat exchanger 13).
  • the electronic expansion valve of the evaporator in other words, the outdoor electronic expansion valve 15 of the outdoor unit 2 is set to a predetermined opening degree (for example, 100 to 200 pulses).
  • a predetermined opening degree for example, 100 to 200 pulses.
  • the opening degree of the outdoor electronic expansion valve 15 of the outdoor unit 2 is set to be equal to or higher than the predetermined opening degree.
  • the predetermined opening degree is, for example, the maximum opening degree of the outdoor electronic expansion valve 15.
  • the control device 70 determines whether the opening degree of the outdoor electronic expansion valve 15 of each outdoor heat exchanger 13 of the outdoor unit 2 is equal to the maximum opening degree. When the opening degree of the outdoor electronic expansion valve 15 is equal to the maximum opening degree, the process transitions to step S204. When the opening degree of the outdoor electronic expansion valve 15 is smaller than the maximum opening degree, the process transitions to step S206.
  • the control unit 72 slightly opens the fully closed indoor electronic expansion valve 31 of any one of the stop indoor units 3 (S204).
  • each stop indoor unit 3 When the indoor electronic expansion valve 31 of each stop indoor unit 3 is fully closed and refrigerant is accumulated in the indoor heat exchanger 30, the amount of refrigerant that tends to be excessive decreases.
  • the control unit 72 performs control to slightly open the indoor electronic expansion valve 31 of any one of the stop indoor units 3 to collect the refrigerant accumulated in the indoor heat exchangers 30.
  • the sensing unit 71 determines whether the operation has become stable. Specifically, the sensing unit 71 determines whether the amount of refrigerant does not tend to be excessive nor tend to be insufficient. When the amount of refrigerant does not tend to be excessive nor tend to be insufficient, the sensing unit 71 determines that the operation has become stable. When it is determined by the sensing unit 71 that the operation has become stable, the process transitions to step S206. When it is determined by the sensing unit 71 that the operation has not become stable, the process returns to step S204.
  • step S205 When it is determined at step S205 that the operation has become stable or when it is determined at step S203 that the amount of refrigerant does not tend to be insufficient, the operation is continued (S206). Thereafter, the control illustrated in this flowchart is repeated.
  • control at steps S203 to S205 is correction control performed to avoid frequent repetition between excessive and insufficient amounts of refrigerant, in other words, frequent repetition between the fully closed and slightly opened states of the indoor electronic expansion valve 31 of any stop indoor unit 3.
  • FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the operation state of each indoor unit of the multiple-type air conditioning device according to the present embodiment in heating operation.
  • the indoor units 3 are five indoor units 3A to 3E.
  • “operational” indicates a normal operation (heating operation)
  • “slightly opened” indicates that the corresponding indoor unit 3 is at a stop and the indoor electronic expansion valve 31 is slightly opened
  • “stopped” indicates that the corresponding indoor unit 3 is at a stop and the indoor electronic expansion valve 31 is fully closed
  • performance degradation (excessive) indicates that the corresponding indoor unit 3 is operational and the performance has degraded due to an excessive amount of refrigerant
  • performance degradation (insufficient)” indicates that the corresponding indoor unit 3 is operational and the performance has degraded due to an insufficient amount of refrigerant.
  • an upward arrow indicates that the corresponding indoor unit 3 is in a state same as that of the above column.
  • the indoor units 3A and 3B are operation indoor units 3, the indoor units 3C, 3D, and 3E are stop indoor units 3, and the indoor units 3C, 3D, and 3E are "slightly opened". Accordingly, the indoor electronic expansion valves 31 of the stop indoor units 3C, 3D, and 3E are slightly opened.
  • the indoor unit 3B becomes the state of "performance degradation (excessive)". Accordingly, the sensing unit 71 of the control device 70 senses the amount of refrigerant to be excessive, and the control unit 72 performs control to fully close the indoor electronic expansion valves 31 of all stop indoor units 3C, 3D and 3E (S3).
  • the indoor units 3C, 3D, and 3E become the state of "stopped”. Specifically, the indoor electronic expansion valves 31 of the stop indoor units 3C, 3D, and 3E are fully closed. Accordingly, refrigerant is accumulated in the indoor heat exchangers 30 of the stop indoor units 3C, 3D, and 3E.
  • step S4 since refrigerant in an excessive amount is accumulated in the indoor heat exchangers 30 of the stop indoor units 3C, 3D, and 3E, the excessiveness of the amount of refrigerant at the operation indoor unit 3B is solved, and the operation indoor unit 3B becomes the state of "operational". In this state, the indoor electronic expansion valves 31 of the stop indoor units 3C, 3D, and 3E remain fully closed, and refrigerant is continuously accumulated in the indoor heat exchangers 30 of the stop indoor units 3C, 3D, and 3E.
  • the operation indoor unit 3B becomes the state of "performance degradation (insufficient)". Accordingly, the sensing unit 71 of the control device 70 senses the amount of refrigerant to be insufficient, and the control unit 72 performs control to slightly open any one of the stop indoor units 3, in this case, the stop indoor unit 3E being fully closed (S6).
  • the indoor unit 3E becomes the state of "slightly opened". Specifically, the indoor electronic expansion valve 31 of the stop indoor unit 3E is slightly opened. Accordingly, refrigerant accumulated in the indoor heat exchanger 30 of the stop indoor unit 3E is collected, and the amount of circulating refrigerant increases.
  • step S7 since refrigerant in an insufficient amount is collected from the indoor heat exchanger 30 of the stop indoor unit 3E, the insufficiency of the amount of refrigerant at the operation indoor unit 3B is solved, and the operation indoor unit 3B becomes the state of "operational". In this state, the indoor electronic expansion valves 31 of the stop indoor units 3C and 3D remain fully closed, and refrigerant is continuously accumulated in the indoor heat exchangers 30 of the stop indoor units 3C and 3D.
  • control is performed to fully close the indoor electronic expansion valves 31 of all stop indoor units 3 when the amount of refrigerant is excessive, and control is performed to slightly open the indoor electronic expansion valve 31 of any one of the stop indoor units 3 when the amount of refrigerant is insufficient.
  • the correction at the above-described steps S2 to S6 is performed to determine the opening state of each indoor electronic expansion valve 31 in which a necessary amount of refrigerant circulates.
  • step S201 in FIG. 2 the amount of refrigerant is sensed to be excessive based on the temperature difference, but an additional condition may be provided.
  • the amount of refrigerant at each operation indoor unit 3 may be sensed to be excessive when the difference between the set temperature of the operation indoor unit 3 and the indoor temperature is continuously equal to or larger than a second temperature difference for a time equal to or longer than a predetermined time and the difference between the exit temperature T1 and the central-part temperature T2 of the indoor heat exchanger 30 included in each heating operation indoor unit 3 is equal to or smaller than the first temperature difference.
  • the difference between the set temperature of the operation indoor unit 3 and the indoor temperature is equal to or larger than the second temperature difference, the difference between the set temperature, which is set by a user through the indoor controller or the like, and the actual indoor temperature is large.
  • the multiple-type air conditioning device 1 is in a non-heating state in a case of heating or a non-cooling state in a case of cooling.
  • the amount of refrigerant at the operation indoor unit 3 may be sensed to be excessive when the operation indoor unit 3 is in the non-heating state and the amount of refrigerant is excessive. Accordingly, frequent setting change is not performed, and unnecessary control can be prevented.
  • the second temperature difference is, for example, 3 deg
  • the predetermined time is, for example, five minutes.
  • a control device of a multiple-type air conditioning device, the multiple-type air conditioning device, a method of controlling the multiple-type air conditioning device, and a computer program of controlling the multiple-type air conditioning device according to the present embodiment as described above achieve the following effects.
  • the present embodiment provides the control device 70 of the multiple-type air conditioning device 1 including at least one outdoor unit 2, and a plurality of indoor units 3 each including the indoor electronic expansion valve 31.
  • Each indoor unit 3 in operation is referred to as an operation indoor unit 3
  • each operation indoor unit 3 in heating operation is referred to as a heating operation indoor unit 3
  • each indoor unit 3 at a stop is referred to as a stop indoor unit 3.
  • control is performed to close the indoor electronic expansion valves 31 of all stop indoor units 3.
  • the indoor electronic expansion valves 31 of all stop indoor units 3 are closed so that refrigerant is accumulated in the indoor heat exchangers 30 of the stop indoor units 3.
  • the indoor electronic expansion valve 31 of each stop indoor unit 3 is typically slightly opened to avoid refrigerant accumulation so that the amount of refrigerant is prevented from becoming insufficient.
  • the control device 70 performs control to close the indoor electronic expansion valves 31 of all stop indoor units 3. Accordingly, refrigerant is accumulated in the indoor heat exchangers 30 of all stop indoor units 3, and an appropriate amount of refrigerant is supplied to each operation indoor unit 3, thereby preventing performance degradation.
  • the amount of refrigerant can be adjusted by controlling the indoor electronic expansion valve 31, it is not needed to increase the capacitor of the receiver 16 of the outdoor unit 2, which leads to cost reduction.
  • the charge amount of refrigerant is determined based on the number of indoor units 3 and the length of the refrigerant pipe. According to the present embodiment, the amount of refrigerant can be adjusted by controlling the indoor electronic expansion valve 31, and thus the present invention is applicable to a case in which the charge amount is set to be larger than an appropriate amount.
  • control is performed to slightly open the indoor electronic expansion valve 31 of any one of the stop indoor units 3.
  • control is performed to slightly open the indoor electronic expansion valve 31 of any one of the stop indoor units 3 to collect the refrigerant accumulated in the indoor heat exchangers 30.
  • the amount of refrigerant at the operation indoor unit 3 can be corrected. Through repetition of the correction, an appropriate amount of refrigerant is supplied to the operation indoor unit 3, thereby achieving reliable operation of the multiple-type air conditioning device 1.
  • the electronic expansion valve of the evaporator in other words, the outdoor electronic expansion valve 15 of the outdoor unit 2 is set to a predetermined opening degree.
  • the opening degree of the outdoor electronic expansion valve 15 of the outdoor unit 2 is set to be equal to or higher than the predetermined opening degree.
  • the predetermined opening degree is, for example, the maximum opening degree of the outdoor electronic expansion valve 15.
  • the amount of refrigerant is sensed to be insufficient when the opening degree of the outdoor electronic expansion valve 15 becomes equal to or higher than the predetermined opening degree, the amount of refrigerant at the operation indoor unit 3 can be sensed to be insufficient by a simple method.
  • the opening degree of the indoor electronic expansion valve 31 of the stop indoor unit 3 when slightly opened is an opening degree at which the refrigerant flow rate of the indoor electronic expansion valve 31 is 10 to 20 kg/h. This prevents change of indoor environment in which the stop indoor unit 3 is installed due to a too large opening degree of the indoor electronic expansion valve 31, and refrigerant accumulation at the indoor heat exchanger 30 of the stop indoor unit 3 due to a too small opening degree of the indoor electronic expansion valve 31, thereby achieving an appropriate opening degree.
  • the difference between each of the set temperatures of the one or more operation indoor units 3 and the indoor temperature is continuously equal to or larger than the second temperature difference for a time equal to or longer than a predetermined time and the difference between the exit temperature T1 and the central-part temperature T2 of the indoor heat exchanger 30 included in each heating operation indoor unit 3 is equal to or smaller than the first temperature difference, the amount of refrigerant at the operation indoor units 3 is sensed to be excessive.
  • the difference between the set temperature of each operation indoor unit 3 and the indoor temperature is equal to or larger than the second temperature difference, the difference between a temperature set by the user through the indoor controller or the like and the actual indoor temperature is large.
  • the multiple-type air conditioning device 1 When this state continues for a time equal to or longer than the predetermined time, the multiple-type air conditioning device 1 is in the non-heating state in a case of heating or the non-cooling state in a case of cooling.
  • the difference between the exit temperature T1 and the central-part temperature T2 of the indoor heat exchanger 30 included in the heating operation indoor unit 3 is equal to or smaller than the first temperature difference, the receiver 16 is overfilled so that the amount of refrigerant is excessive, and refrigerant is accumulated in the indoor heat exchanger 30 of the heating operation indoor unit 3 so that the exit temperature T1 and the central-part temperature T2 are substantially equal to each other.
  • the amount of refrigerant at the operation indoor unit 3 is sensed to be excessive when the operation indoor unit 3 is in the non-heating state and the amount of refrigerant is excessive. Accordingly, frequent setting change is not performed, and unnecessary control can be prevented.
  • a multiple-type air conditioning device is of a cooling and heating switching type
  • a multiple-type air conditioning device is of a cooling and heating simultaneous type.
  • Other features are identical to those of the first embodiment, and thus an identical component is denoted by an identical reference sign and description thereof will be omitted.
  • FIG. 6 illustrates a schematic configuration diagram of the multiple-type air conditioning device according to the present embodiment.
  • the multiple-type air conditioning device 1 is an air conditioning device (also referred to as “cooling and heating simultaneous type” or “cooling and heating free”; hereinafter, also referred to as “cooling and heating simultaneous type”) in which simultaneous automatic operation of cooling and heating at a plurality of indoor units is achieved with one outdoor unit.
  • air conditioning device also referred to as “cooling and heating simultaneous type” or “cooling and heating free”; hereinafter, also referred to as “cooling and heating simultaneous type
  • simultaneous automatic operation of cooling and heating at a plurality of indoor units is achieved with one outdoor unit.
  • the multiple-type air conditioning device 1 includes the one outdoor unit 2, the plurality (for example, five) of indoor units 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, and 3E, a high-pressure gas pipe 4H, a low-pressure gas pipe 4L, and the liquid-side pipe 5 connecting these components, and the control device 70.
  • the outdoor unit 2 includes, for example, the one compressor 10, two outdoor heat exchangers 13A and 13B, and two outdoor-side four-way switching valves 12A and 12B.
  • components indicated as, for example, the outdoor heat exchangers 13A and 13B and the outdoor-side four-way switching valves 12A and 12B are indicated as the outdoor heat exchangers 13 and the outdoor-side four-way switching valve 12 with reference signs such as A and B being omitted.
  • the outdoor-side four-way switching valves 12 are provided for the respective outdoor heat exchangers 13, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration.
  • the multiple-type air conditioning device 1 may include three outdoor heat exchangers 13 and two outdoor-side four-way switching valve 12, one of the outdoor-side four-way switching valves 12 may be connected with two of the outdoor heat exchangers 13, and the other outdoor-side four-way switching valve 12 may be connected with the remaining one outdoor heat exchanger 13.
  • the description is made with an exemplary configuration in which four-way switching valves are used, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration.
  • two three-way valves may be used to achieve a function same as that achieved by the four-way switching valves.
  • the description is made with an exemplary configuration in which the multiple-type air conditioning device 1 includes five indoor units 3, but the number of indoor units 3 is not particularly limited.
  • the outdoor heat exchangers 13 exchange heat with outdoor air, is integrated with the supercooling coil 14, and operates as a condenser or an evaporator in accordance with the state of refrigerant passing therethrough.
  • An outdoor electronic expansion valve (EEVH) 15A or 15B is provided near the outdoor heat exchanger 13A or 13B, respectively, on the refrigerant pipe 22 between each of the outdoor heat exchangers 13A and 13B and the receiver 16.
  • the compressor 10 is operated in accordance with requested performance.
  • the compressor 10 compresses low-temperature and low-pressure gas refrigerant from the outdoor heat exchangers 13 to produce high-temperature and high-pressure gas refrigerant.
  • the refrigerant is compressed to high-pressure gas refrigerant by the compressor 10 and discharged to the high-pressure gas pipe 4H.
  • the high-pressure gas pipe 4H positioned in the outdoor unit 2 bifurcates at a bifurcation point, and the bifurcated pipes are connected with the outdoor-side four-way switching valves 12A and 12B at high-pressure gas pipe ports 12-1.
  • the outdoor-side four-way switching valves 12A and 12B each include an outdoor heat exchanger side port 12-2 connected with the outdoor heat exchanger 13A or 13B, respectively, a low-pressure gas pipe side port 12-3 connected with a low-pressure gas bifurcated pipe joining the low-pressure gas pipe 4L at a bifurcation point on the low-pressure gas pipe 4L, and a bypass pipe side port 12-4 connected with the low-pressure gas bifurcated pipe through a strainer and a capillary tube.
  • the outdoor-side four-way switching valves 12A and 12B switch the outdoor heat exchangers 13 connected therewith to the high-pressure side or the low-pressure side.
  • the low-pressure gas pipe 4L positioned in the outdoor unit 2 is connected with the compressor 10 through the accumulator 19. Liquid refrigerant collected at the accumulator 19 is returned to the compressor 10 through a liquid refrigerant return line.
  • the outdoor heat exchangers 13A and 13B are each connected with the refrigerant pipe 22 on a side opposite to a side connected with the outdoor-side four-way switching valve 12A or 12B, respectively.
  • the refrigerant pipe 22 in the outdoor unit 2 is provided with the receiver 16 configured to accumulate liquid refrigerant, and the supercooling heat exchanger 17 configured to supercool refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant pipe 22 in cooling operation.
  • the supercooling heat exchanger 17 takes out part of liquid refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant pipe 22, and supercools the liquid refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant pipe 22 by using refrigerant cooled through expansion and vaporization at the supercooling expansion valve (EEVSC) 18.
  • EEVSC supercooling expansion valve
  • the above-described instruments of the outdoor unit 2 are sequentially connected with each other through the refrigerant pipe 22 to form the well-known the outdoor-side refrigerant circuit 23.
  • the outdoor unit 2 also includes an outdoor fan (not illustrated) configured to send external air to the outdoor heat exchangers 13.
  • the low-pressure gas pipe 4L, the high-pressure gas pipe 4H, and the liquid-side pipe 5 are refrigerant pipes connected with the gas-side operation valve 20 and the liquid-side operation valve 21 of the outdoor unit 2.
  • the pipe lengths thereof are set as appropriate in accordance with the distance between the outdoor unit 2 and each of the plurality of indoor units 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, and 3E connected with the outdoor unit 2 at on-site installation.
  • Bifurcation devices (not illustrated) are provided halfway through the low-pressure gas pipe 4L, the high-pressure gas pipe 4H, and the liquid-side pipe 5, and an optional number of indoor units 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, and 3E are connected with the pipes through the bifurcation devices.
  • This configuration forms the well-known closed refrigeration cycle (refrigerant circuit) 7.
  • the plurality of provided indoor units 3 have equivalent configurations.
  • Each indoor unit 3 includes the indoor heat exchanger 30 configured to perform heat exchange with indoor air.
  • the indoor electronic expansion valve 31 is provided on a liquid-refrigerant bifurcated pipe connecting the indoor heat exchanger 30 and the liquid-side pipe 5.
  • Each indoor unit 3 is provided with a distribution controller 8 configured to perform switching between the high-pressure gas pipe 4H and the low-pressure gas pipe 4L.
  • the distribution controller 8 includes an indoor side four-way switching valve 81.
  • the indoor side four-way switching valve 81 includes a high-pressure gas pipe port 81-1 connected with a high-pressure gas bifurcated pipe bifurcated from a main pipe of the high-pressure gas pipe 4H, an indoor heat exchanger side port 81-2 connected with the indoor heat exchanger 30, a low-pressure gas pipe port 81-3 connected with an indoor side low-pressure gas bifurcated pipe bifurcated from a main pipe of the low-pressure gas pipe 4L, and a low-pressure bypass pipe port 81-4 connected with a low-pressure bypass pipe joining the indoor side low-pressure gas bifurcated pipe at a halfway position.
  • the indoor side four-way switching valve 81 communicates the high-pressure gas pipe port 81-1 and the indoor heat exchanger side port 81-2 and communicates the low-pressure gas pipe port 81-3 and the low-pressure bypass pipe port 81-4. Accordingly, high-pressure gas is supplied to the indoor heat exchanger 30 in heating operation.
  • the indoor side four-way switching valve 81 communicates the high-pressure gas pipe port 81-1 and the low-pressure bypass pipe port 81-4 and communicates the indoor heat exchanger side port 81-2 and the low-pressure gas pipe port 81-3. Accordingly, low-pressure gas is supplied to the indoor heat exchanger 30 in cooling operation.
  • a high-pressure gas bifurcated pipe on-off valve is provided on the high-pressure gas bifurcated pipe upstream of the indoor side four-way switching valve 81.
  • a high-pressure gas bifurcated pipe bypass flow path is formed to bypass the high-pressure gas bifurcated pipe on-off valve and provided with a first capillary tube.
  • a second capillary tube is provided on the low-pressure bypass pipe downstream of the indoor side four-way switching valve 81.
  • a high-low-pressure bypass pipe (bypass pipe) is provided between the high-pressure gas bifurcated pipe upstream of the high-pressure gas bifurcated pipe bypass flow path and the indoor side low-pressure gas bifurcated pipe downstream of the low-pressure bypass pipe (downstream of the halfway position).
  • the high-low-pressure bypass pipe is provided with a high-low-pressure bypass pipe on-off valve and a third capillary tube sequentially from the high-pressure gas bifurcated pipe side toward the indoor side low-pressure gas bifurcated pipe side.
  • the following describes control of the multiple-type air conditioning device 1 according to the present embodiment when the amount of refrigerant varies in cooling operation.
  • the sensing unit 71 determines whether the amount of circulating refrigerant tends to be excessive. Whether the amount of refrigerant is excessive is determined based on the temperature difference between temperatures at the exit part and the central part of the indoor heat exchanger 30 of each heating operation indoor unit 3.
  • refrigerant circulates through the indoor heat exchanger 30 of the heating operation indoor unit 3 in the direction of the arrow.
  • the indoor heat exchanger 30 of the heating operation indoor unit 3 is provided with, sequentially from the refrigerant exit side in heating operation, the exit-part temperature sensor 61, the central-part temperature sensor 62, and the entrance-part temperature sensor 63.
  • the exit-part temperature sensor 61 measures the exit temperature T1
  • the central-part temperature sensor 62 measures the central-part temperature T2
  • the entrance-part temperature sensor 63 measures the entrance temperature T3.
  • the sensing unit 71 senses that the amount of refrigerant tends to be excessive when the temperature difference
  • the first temperature difference is, for example, 5 deg.
  • each indoor side four-way switching valve 81 is switched while the indoor electronic expansion valves 31 of all stop indoor units 3 are fully closed. Specifically, the high-pressure gas pipe port 81-1 and the indoor heat exchanger side port 81-2 are communicated with each other, and the low-pressure gas pipe port 81-3 and the low-pressure bypass pipe port 81-4 are communicated with each other.
  • the indoor side four-way switching valve 81 of any one of the stop indoor units 3 is switched. Specifically, the indoor side four-way switching valve 81 communicates the high-pressure gas pipe port 81-1 and the low-pressure bypass pipe port 81-4, and communicates the indoor heat exchanger side port 81-2 and the low-pressure gas pipe port 81-3.
  • control may be performed to slightly open the indoor electronic expansion valve 31 of any one of the stop indoor units 3.
  • control same as that of the first embodiment is performed.
  • a control device of a multiple-type air conditioning device achieve the following effects.
  • the present embodiment provides the control device 70 of the multiple-type air conditioning device 1 including at least one outdoor unit 2, the plurality of indoor units 3 each including the indoor electronic expansion valve 31, and the plurality of distribution controllers 8 corresponding to the respective indoor units 3.
  • Each indoor unit 3 in operation is referred to as an operation indoor unit 3
  • each operation indoor unit 3 in heating operation is referred to as a heating operation indoor unit 3
  • each indoor unit 3 at a stop is referred to as a stop indoor unit 3.
  • the control device 70 When the difference between the exit temperature T1 and the central-part temperature T2 of the indoor heat exchanger 30 included in each heating operation indoor unit 3 is equal to or lower than the first temperature difference and the amount of refrigerant is sensed to be excessive, at heating, the control device 70 performs control to close the indoor electronic expansion valves 31 of all stop indoor units 3.
  • the control device 70 performs control to close the indoor electronic expansion valves 31 of all stop indoor units 3.
  • the control device 70 performs control to close the indoor electronic expansion valves 31 of all stop indoor units 3.
  • the multiple-type air conditioning device 1 of a cooling and heating simultaneous type when the amount of refrigerant at the operation indoor units 3 becomes excessive and performance degradation is sensed at heating, the indoor electronic expansion valves 31 of all stop indoor units 3 are closed, and refrigerant is accumulated in the indoor heat exchangers 30 of the stop indoor units 3.
  • the indoor electronic expansion valve 31 of each stop indoor unit 3 is typically slightly opened to avoid refrigerant accumulation so that the amount of refrigerant is prevented from becoming insufficient.
  • the control device 70 performs control to close the indoor electronic expansion valves 31 of all stop indoor units 3. Accordingly, refrigerant is accumulated in the indoor heat exchangers 30 of all stop indoor units 3, and an appropriate amount of refrigerant is supplied to each operation indoor unit 3, thereby preventing performance degradation. Since the amount of refrigerant can be adjusted by controlling the indoor electronic expansion valve 31, it is not needed to increase the capacitor of the receiver 16 of the outdoor unit 2, which leads to cost reduction.
  • the charge amount of refrigerant is determined based on the number of indoor units 3 and the length of the refrigerant pipe.
  • the amount of refrigerant can be adjusted by controlling the indoor electronic expansion valve 31, and thus the present invention is applicable to a case in which the charge amount is set to be larger than an appropriate amount.
  • control is performed to switch the indoor side four-way switching valves 81 of the distribution controllers 8 corresponding to all stop indoor units 3 and close the indoor electronic expansion valves 31 of all stop indoor units 3.
  • the indoor side four-way switching valves 81 of the distribution controllers 8 are switched to close the indoor electronic expansion valves 31.
  • refrigerant is accumulated in the indoor heat exchanger 30 of each stop indoor unit 3, and an appropriate amount of refrigerant can be supplied to the operation indoor unit 3.
  • control is performed to slightly open the indoor electronic expansion valve 31 of any one of the stop indoor units 3.
  • control is performed to slightly open the indoor electronic expansion valve 31 of any one of the stop indoor units 3 to collect the refrigerant accumulated in the indoor heat exchangers 30. In this manner, the amount of refrigerant at the operation indoor unit 3 can be corrected. Through repetition of the correction, a correct amount of refrigerant is supplied to the operation indoor unit 3, thereby achieving reliable operation of the multiple-type air conditioning device 1.
  • control is performed to switch the indoor side four-way switching valve 81 of the distribution controller 8 corresponding to any one of the stop indoor units 3 or control is performed to slightly open the indoor electronic expansion valve 31 of any one of the stop indoor units 3.
  • refrigerant accumulated in the indoor heat exchanger 30 can be collected by switching the indoor side four-way switching valve 81 of any one of the distribution controllers 8 or by slightly opening the indoor electronic expansion valve 31 of any one of the stop indoor units 3, similarly to heating, so that an appropriate amount of refrigerant is supplied to the operation indoor unit 3 similarly to heating.
  • the electronic expansion valve of the evaporator in other words, the outdoor electronic expansion valve 15 of the outdoor unit 2, or the indoor electronic expansion valve 31 of the indoor unit 3 is set to a predetermined opening degree.
  • the opening degree of the outdoor electronic expansion valve 15 of the outdoor unit 2 or the indoor electronic expansion valve 31 of the indoor unit 3 is set to be equal to or higher than the predetermined opening degree.
  • the predetermined opening degree is, for example, the maximum opening degree of the outdoor electronic expansion valve 15.
  • the electronic expansion valve of the evaporator In cooling operation, when a correct amount of refrigerant is supplied to the operation indoor unit 3, the electronic expansion valve of the evaporator, in other words, the indoor electronic expansion valve 31 of the operation indoor unit 3 is set to a predetermined opening degree.
  • the opening degree of the indoor electronic expansion valve 31 of the operation indoor unit 3 is set to be equal to or higher than the predetermined opening degree.
  • the predetermined opening degree is, for example, the maximum opening degree of the indoor electronic expansion valve 31.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Air Conditioning Control Device (AREA)
  • Compression-Type Refrigeration Machines With Reversible Cycles (AREA)
EP18204568.2A 2017-11-09 2018-11-06 Steuerungsvorrichtung einer mehrfachklimatisierungsvorrichtung, mehrfachklimatisierungsvorrichtung, verfahren zur steuerung einer mehrfachklimatisierungsvorrichtung und computerprogramm zur steuerung einer mehrfachklimatisierungsvorrichtung Withdrawn EP3483524A1 (de)

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JP2017216456A JP2019086251A (ja) 2017-11-09 2017-11-09 マルチ型空気調和装置の制御装置、マルチ型空気調和装置、マルチ型空気調和装置の制御方法及びマルチ型空気調和装置の制御プログラム

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CN112628901A (zh) * 2021-01-21 2021-04-09 中国建筑西北设计研究院有限公司 一种基于分区式能源站的区域供冷实现方法
CN114992811A (zh) * 2022-06-16 2022-09-02 宁波奥克斯电气股份有限公司 一种空调器出风温度的控制方法、空调器、可读存储介质

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CN110567128A (zh) * 2019-09-23 2019-12-13 宁波奥克斯电气股份有限公司 一种多联机空调及其控制方法
CN112762509B (zh) * 2020-12-31 2022-06-17 浙江中广电器集团股份有限公司 一种无水地暖多联机制热时制冷剂的储存控制方法
CN114216202B (zh) * 2021-12-13 2022-11-25 珠海格力电器股份有限公司 一种检测空调冷媒含量的方法及控制装置、空调
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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN111947279A (zh) * 2020-07-13 2020-11-17 海信（山东）空调有限公司 控制空调器的方法、线控器以及空调器和存储介质
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