EP3869123A1 - Appareil de conditionnement d'air - Google Patents

Appareil de conditionnement d'air Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3869123A1
EP3869123A1 EP21157496.7A EP21157496A EP3869123A1 EP 3869123 A1 EP3869123 A1 EP 3869123A1 EP 21157496 A EP21157496 A EP 21157496A EP 3869123 A1 EP3869123 A1 EP 3869123A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
opening
closing device
controller
closing
refrigerant
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.)
Granted
Application number
EP21157496.7A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP3869123C0 (fr
EP3869123B1 (fr
Inventor
Yoshimi Hayashi
Ryuji KAWABATA
Shougo Shimizu
Masanobu Hirota
Masaru Matsui
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.)
Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co Ltd
Original Assignee
Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co 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 Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co Ltd filed Critical Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co Ltd
Publication of EP3869123A1 publication Critical patent/EP3869123A1/fr
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP3869123C0 publication Critical patent/EP3869123C0/fr
Publication of EP3869123B1 publication Critical patent/EP3869123B1/fr
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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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
    • F25B41/00—Fluid-circulation arrangements
    • F25B41/20—Disposition of valves, e.g. of on-off valves or flow control valves
    • F25B41/24—Arrangement of shut-off valves for disconnecting a part of the refrigerant cycle, e.g. an outdoor part
    • 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
    • F25B49/00—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices
    • F25B49/005—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices of safety devices
    • 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
    • F25B2500/00—Problems to be solved
    • F25B2500/06—Damage
    • 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
    • F25B2500/00—Problems to be solved
    • F25B2500/22—Preventing, detecting or repairing leaks of refrigeration fluids
    • F25B2500/221—Preventing leaks from developing
    • 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
    • F25B2500/00—Problems to be solved
    • F25B2500/22—Preventing, detecting or repairing leaks of refrigeration fluids
    • F25B2500/222—Detecting refrigerant leaks
    • 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
    • F25B2600/01—Timing
    • 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
    • F25B2600/2519—On-off valves

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an air conditioning apparatus.
  • the opening and closing device is not closed unless refrigerant leakage occurs. This may cause sticking due to not closing the opening and closing device for a long time. If the sticking of the opening and closing device occurs, the opening and closing device cannot be closed when refrigerant leakage occurs, and the amount of refrigerant leakage from an indoor unit may increase.
  • the present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances and has an object to provide an air conditioning apparatus which suppresses sticking of an opening and closing device and suppresses the amount of refrigerant leakage from an indoor unit.
  • the present invention is an air conditioning apparatus including an outdoor unit having a compressor, an indoor unit having a use side heat exchanger, a refrigerant pipe connecting the outdoor unit and the indoor unit, an opening and closing device disposed in the refrigerant pipe, and a controller, wherein the controller executes a sticking prevention operation in which the opening and closing device is opened and closed when a refrigerant is not leaking.
  • the opening and closing device is opened and closed, so that sticking of the opening and closing device can be suppressed.
  • sticking of the opening and closing device can be suppressed, so that it becomes easier to appropriately operate the opening and closing device when refrigerant leakage occurs, thereby effectively suppressing the refrigerant amount leaking from the indoor unit.
  • a first invention is an air conditioning apparatus including an outdoor unit having a compressor, an indoor unit having a use side heat exchanger, a refrigerant pipe connecting the outdoor unit and the indoor unit, an opening and closing device disposed in the refrigerant pipe, and a controller, wherein the controller executes a sticking prevention operation in which the opening and closing device is opened and closed when a refrigerant is not leaking.
  • the refrigerant pipe has a liquid side pipe and a gas side pipe
  • the opening and closing device has a first opening and closing device that opens and closes the liquid side pipe connected to the indoor unit, and a second opening and closing device that opens and closes the gas side pipe connected to the indoor unit.
  • the controller executes the sticking prevention operation in which the first opening and closing device and the second opening and closing device are opened and closed.
  • the liquid side pipe is provided with an expansion device that controls a refrigerant flow rate between the first opening and closing device and the use side heat exchanger.
  • the refrigerant flow rate flowing through the use side heat exchanger can be controlled by the expansion device.
  • a fifth invention provided is a plurality of the indoor units disposed in parallel, wherein the first opening and closing device and the second opening and closing device are provided in each of the indoor units, and the expansion device is provided in each of the indoor units.
  • the air conditioning apparatus including the plurality of indoor units disposed in parallel can effectively suppress the refrigerant amount leaking from each of the indoor units.
  • the controller when executing the sticking prevention operation, if the compressor is stopped, executes the sticking prevention operation of the opening and closing devices of all of the indoor units.
  • the sticking prevention operation of the opening and closing devices can be executed.
  • the controller when executing the sticking prevention operation, if the compressor is in operation and the indoor unit out of operation is present, controls opening of the expansion device of the indoor unit out of operation, controls closing of the expansion device of the indoor unit in operation, and executes the sticking prevention operation of the opening and closing device of the indoor unit in operation.
  • the opening and closing device corresponding to the indoor unit in operation can be opened and closed so as to be less likely to receive an impact from the refrigerant flow. Furthermore, the refrigerant can flow by using the indoor unit out of operation, so that an excessive pressure rise of a refrigerant circuit can be suppressed even when the opening and closing device is opened and closed.
  • the controller when executing the sticking prevention operation, if the compressor is in operation and there is a plurality of the indoor units in operation, controls closing of the expansion device of a first indoor unit in operation and executes the sticking prevention operation of the opening and closing device of the first indoor unit in operation, then the controller controls closing of the expansion device of a second indoor unit in operation and executes the sticking prevention operation of the opening and closing device of the second indoor unit in operation.
  • the sticking prevention operation when executed, if the compressor is in operation and there is the plurality of indoor units in operation, the indoor units are divided into the first indoor unit in operation and the second indoor unit in operation, and the sticking prevention operation is executed.
  • the sticking prevention operation of the opening and closing device of one of the first and second indoor units in operation when executed, the refrigerant can flow by using the other of the first and second indoor units in operation, so that an excessive pressure rise of the refrigerant circuit can be suppressed.
  • the controller when executing the sticking prevention operation, executes the sticking prevention operation of the opening and closing device of the indoor unit out of operation.
  • the controller after elapse of a first predetermined time from execution of the sticking prevention operation, executes the sticking prevention operation again.
  • the sticking prevention operation can be executed at an interval of the first predetermined time, and the sticking prevention operation can be executed at a necessary and sufficient frequency.
  • the controller when an operation frequency of the compressor is equal to or less than a predetermined value, executes the sticking prevention operation.
  • the opening and closing device is easily opened and closed in a state where the refrigerant flow rate is small, and the opening and closing device is less likely to receive an impact from the refrigerant flow.
  • an input unit that inputs permission to shift to the sticking prevention operation, wherein the controller, when detecting an input of the input unit, executes the sticking prevention operation.
  • the permission to shift to the sticking prevention operation can be input to the controller. This can permit the controller to shift to the sticking prevention operation, at any timing.
  • the controller executes abnormality determination control in which closing of at least one of the first opening and closing device and the second opening and closing device is controlled in a state where the expansion device is opened and in which an abnormal state of an opening and closing device controlled to close out of the first opening and closing device and the second opening and closing device is determined.
  • the abnormal states of the first opening and closing device and the second opening and closing device can be determined by whether the refrigerant flowing through the indoor unit is blocked by the opening and closing device controlled to close.
  • a fourteenth invention provided are a first temperature sensor which is disposed in the liquid side pipe between the first opening and closing device and the use side heat exchanger and detects a refrigerant temperature, and a second temperature sensor which is disposed in the gas side pipe between the second opening and closing device and the use side heat exchanger and detects a refrigerant temperature, wherein in the abnormality determination control, the controller controls opening of one of the first opening and closing device and the second opening and closing device, controls closing of the other opening and closing device, and determines that, when a differential value between the temperatures detected by the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor is higher than a predetermined temperature, the other opening and closing device is in the abnormal state.
  • the controller throttles the expansion device, controls opening of an opening and closing device on an upstream side of a refrigerant flow direction between the first opening and closing device and the second opening and closing device, controls closing of an opening and closing device on a downstream side of the refrigerant flow direction between the first opening and closing device and the second opening and closing device, and determines whether the opening and closing device on the downstream side is in the abnormal state.
  • the closing of the opening and closing device on the downstream side of the refrigerant flow direction is controlled in a state where the refrigerant flow rate flowing to the opening and closing device on the downstream side is reduced by the expansion device, so that an impact which the opening and closing device receives from the refrigerant can be suppressed.
  • the controller in the abnormality determination control, controls opening of the opening and closing device on the downstream side, controls closing of the opening and closing device on the upstream side, and determines whether the opening and closing device on the upstream side is in the abnormal state.
  • This also enables to determine the abnormal state of the opening and closing device on the upstream side of the refrigerant flow direction.
  • the controller when determining that the opening and closing device is in the abnormal state, notifies that the opening and closing device is in the abnormal state.
  • the controller when an operation frequency of the compressor is equal to or less than a predetermined value, if a second predetermined time has elapsed from execution of the abnormality determination control, executes the abnormality determination control again.
  • the opening and closing device is opened and closed, so that the abnormality determination control can be executed. Furthermore, excessive execution of the abnormality determination control can be suppressed.
  • a second input unit that inputs permission to shift to the abnormality determination control, wherein the controller, when detecting an input of the second input unit, executes the abnormality determination control.
  • the controller when determining that at least one of the first opening and closing device and the second opening and closing device is in the abnormal state, controls closing of the expansion device.
  • the closing of the expansion device is controlled, so that the refrigerant flow can be regulated.
  • the indoor unit includes a refrigerant leakage sensor that detects a refrigerant concentration, and the controller, when the concentration detected by the refrigerant leakage sensor is equal to or more than a predetermined value, controls an operation frequency of the compressor so as to be equal to or less than a predetermined value and then closes the opening and closing device.
  • the closing of the opening and closing device is controlled in a state where the operation frequency of the compressor is lowered and the refrigerant flow rate flowing through the refrigerant circuit is small, so that an impact of the refrigerant which is transmitted to the opening and closing device is suppressed.
  • a risk of damage to the opening and closing device can be reduced, and action reliability of the opening and closing device can be enhanced.
  • the controller when the concentration detected by the refrigerant leakage sensor is equal to or more than a predetermined value, controls closing of the expansion device and then closes the opening and closing device.
  • the closing of the opening and closing device is controlled in a state where the closing of the expansion device is controlled and the refrigerant flow rate flowing through the refrigerant circuit is small, so that an impact of the refrigerant which is transmitted to the opening and closing device is suppressed.
  • the risk of damage to the opening and closing device can be reduced, and the action reliability of the opening and closing device can be enhanced.
  • Fig. 1 is a view illustrating a configuration of an air conditioning apparatus 1 according to a first embodiment.
  • the air conditioning apparatus 1 includes an outdoor unit 20 and a plurality of indoor units 30a, 30b, and 30c.
  • the indoor units 30a, 30b, and 30c are each connected to the outdoor unit 20 in parallel by a liquid side pipe 11 and a gas side pipe 12.
  • the liquid side pipe 11 includes liquid side pipes 13a, 13b, and 13c which branch therefrom and are connected to the respective indoor units 30a, 30b, and 30c.
  • the gas side pipe 12 includes gas side pipes 14a, 14b, and 14c which branch therefrom and are connected to the respective indoor units 30a, 30b, and 30c.
  • the air conditioning apparatus 1 causes a refrigerant compressed in the outdoor unit 20 to flow between the outdoor unit 20 and the indoor units 30a, 30b, and 30c and air-conditions a conditioning target space in which the indoor units 30a, 30b, and 30c are installed.
  • the indoor units 30a, 30b, and 30c are configured similarly, in the following description, corresponding elements in the indoor units 30a, 30b, and 30c are denoted by the same numeral signs and distinguished from each other by being denoted by subscripts a, b, and c. Furthermore, when there is no need to specifically distinguish such corresponding elements, only the numeral signs are used, and the subscripts a, b, and c may be omitted.
  • the outdoor unit 20 includes a compressor 201 that compresses a refrigerant, an outdoor heat exchanger 202 that exchanges heat of the refrigerant, an outdoor fan 203, an expansion valve 204, and a switching valve 205.
  • the compressor 201 draws the refrigerant from a suction pipe 208 and compresses and discharges the refrigerant.
  • the outdoor heat exchanger 202 exchanges heat between the refrigerant and outdoor air in the outdoor unit 20.
  • the outdoor fan 203 sends air to the outdoor heat exchanger 202.
  • the expansion valve 204 decompresses and expands a high-pressure refrigerant.
  • the expansion valve 204 is configured so that an opening degree thereof is adjustable.
  • the opening degree of the expansion valve 204 is controlled by a controller 100.
  • the expansion valve 204 may be a valve whose opening degree is adjustable and which can block the refrigerant.
  • the switching valve 205 is configured by, for example, a four-way valve.
  • the switching valve 205 switches flows of the discharged refrigerant of the compressor 201 and a refrigerant returning to the compressor 201.
  • the switching valve 205 switches a cooling operation mode and a heating operation mode of the air conditioning apparatus 1.
  • the indoor unit 30 includes an indoor heat exchanger 301, an indoor fan 302, an indoor expansion valve 304, a first temperature sensor 305, a second temperature sensor 306, and a refrigerant leakage sensor 307.
  • the indoor heat exchanger 301 exchanges heat between a refrigerant supplied through the liquid side pipe 11 or the gas side pipe 12 from the outdoor unit 20 and indoor air.
  • the indoor heat exchanger 301 corresponds to an example of a use side heat exchanger.
  • the indoor fan 302 sends air to the indoor heat exchanger 301.
  • the indoor expansion valve 304 is an expansion valve disposed in the liquid side pipe 11 between the expansion valve 204 and the indoor heat exchanger 301.
  • the indoor expansion valve 304 is disposed in the liquid side pipe 13 connected to the indoor heat exchanger 301.
  • the indoor expansion valve 304 is configured similarly to the expansion valve 204.
  • the indoor expansion valve 304 corresponds to an example of an expansion device.
  • the liquid side pipe 13 of the indoor heat exchanger 301 is provided with the first temperature sensor 305.
  • the first temperature sensor 305 is provided in a connection unit by which the liquid side pipe 13 is connected to the indoor heat exchanger 301.
  • the first temperature sensor 305 detects a refrigerant temperature and inputs a detection signal to the controller 100.
  • the gas side pipe 14 of the indoor heat exchanger 301 is provided with the second temperature sensor 306.
  • the second temperature sensor 306 is provided in a connection unit by which the gas side pipe 14 is connected to the indoor heat exchanger 301.
  • the second temperature sensor 306 detects a refrigerant temperature and inputs a detection signal to the controller 100.
  • the refrigerant leakage sensor 307 is disposed in the vicinity of the indoor heat exchanger 301.
  • the refrigerant leakage sensor 307 detects a refrigerant concentration and inputs a detection signal to the controller 100. When the refrigerant concentration is equal to or more than a predetermined value, refrigerant leakage is detected.
  • Both sides of the indoor heat exchanger 301 of the indoor unit 30 are provided with a first opening and closing device 101 and a second opening and closing device 102 which adjust the refrigerant flow rate to the indoor unit 30.
  • the first opening and closing device 101 is provided in the liquid side pipe 13 connected to the indoor heat exchanger 301.
  • the first opening and closing device 101 of the present embodiment is configured by an opening and closing valve such as an electric valve or an electromagnetic valve.
  • the first opening and closing device 101 is switchable between an opened state in which the refrigerant flows and a closed state in which the refrigerant flow is blocked.
  • the first opening and closing device 101 is configured so that the opening and closing can be controlled by the controller 100. Furthermore, the first opening and closing device 101 is configured to be closed during a power failure.
  • first opening and closing device 101 may be a valve which can set a state between the opened state and the closed state or may be configured so that an opening degree of the first opening and closing device 101 is controlled by the controller 100.
  • the second opening and closing device 102 is provided in the gas side pipe 14 connected to the indoor heat exchanger 301.
  • the second opening and closing device 102 is configured similarly to the first opening and closing device 101.
  • the refrigerant flows in a flow direction F1
  • the refrigerant flows through the compressor 201, the switching valve 205, the outdoor heat exchanger 202, the expansion valve 204, the indoor expansion valve 304, the indoor heat exchanger 301, and the switching valve 205 in this order and returns to the suction pipe 208 from the switching valve 205.
  • the refrigerant flows in a flow direction F2, and the refrigerant flows through the compressor 201, the switching valve 205, the indoor heat exchanger 301, the indoor expansion valve 304, the expansion valve 204, the outdoor heat exchanger 202, and the switching valve 205 in this order and returns to the suction pipe 208 from the switching valve 205.
  • Fig. 2 is a block diagram of the controller 100 of the air conditioning apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment.
  • the air conditioning apparatus 1 includes the controller 100.
  • the controller 100 is wiredly or wirelessly connected to an operation unit 100a configured by a remote control, an operation panel, or the like.
  • the operation unit 100a is provided with a display unit 100b.
  • the display unit 100b is configured to display an operation state of the operation unit 100a and an operation state of the air conditioning apparatus 1.
  • the operation unit 100a corresponds to an example of an input unit.
  • the display unit 100b corresponds to an example of notification means.
  • the controller 100 executes operation control of the compressor 201, control of opening degrees and opening and closing of the expansion valve 204 and the indoor expansion valve 304, control of switching of a flow path of the switching valve 205, and control of operations and stop of the outdoor fan 203 and the indoor fan 302. Furthermore, the controller 100 executes control of opening and closing of the first opening and closing device 101 and the second opening and closing device 102.
  • the controller 100 operates the expansion valve 204, the indoor expansion valve 304, and the switching valve 205 to switch the cooling operation mode and the heating operation mode of the air conditioning apparatus 1. Furthermore, the controller 100, in accordance with a target temperature set by an operation on the operation unit 100a, executes control of an operation frequency, an operation, and stop of the compressor 201 and control of the outdoor fan 203 and the indoor fan 302 to air-condition the conditioning target space in accordance with the target temperature.
  • the controller 100 executes processing of a sticking prevention action.
  • the controller 100 in order to execute the processing of the sticking prevention action, executes processing of a sticking prevention shifting determination action of the air conditioning apparatus 1.
  • controller 100 executes processing of an abnormality detection action of the opening and closing device.
  • the controller 100 in order to execute the processing of the abnormality detection action of the opening and closing device, executes processing of an abnormality detection shifting determination action of the air conditioning apparatus 1.
  • controller 100 executes processing of a refrigerant leakage detection action of the air conditioning apparatus 1.
  • Examples of the refrigerant used in the air conditioning apparatus 1 include various types. As so-called alternatives for chlorofluorocarbon, refrigerants such as hydrocarbon, ammonia, and R32 have been recently used in air conditioning apparatuses. These alternatives for chlorofluorocarbon are low flammable or flammable. When a low flammable or flammable refrigerant leaks, suppression of the amount of refrigerant leakage is required so that a refrigerant concentration of the conditioning target space of the indoor unit 30 does not reach a lower flammability limit (LFL). In particular, it is desirable to suppress the amount of refrigerant leakage from the indoor unit 30 installed in the conditioning target space or in the vicinity thereof.
  • LFL lower flammability limit
  • Fig. 3 is a flowchart illustrating the sticking prevention shifting determination action of the air conditioning apparatus 1 of the first embodiment.
  • Fig. 4 is a flowchart illustrating the sticking prevention action of the air conditioning apparatus 1. The actions of Figs. 3 and 4 are executed by the controller 100 controlling each unit of the air conditioning apparatus 1.
  • the controller 100 upon starting the processing of the sticking prevention shifting determination action, the controller 100 starts measurement of a first predetermined time (step ST11).
  • the first predetermined time is a time for setting an interval for executing the sticking prevention action.
  • the first predetermined time allows the first opening and closing device 101 and the second opening and closing device 102 to open and close at a necessary and sufficient frequency and can suppress wear of the opening and closing devices 101 and 102 due to excessive opening and closing.
  • the first predetermined time is set to one week.
  • the controller 100 determines whether the first predetermined time has elapsed (step ST12).
  • step ST12 When determining that the first predetermined time has not elapsed (NO in step ST12), the controller 100 executes the processing of step ST12.
  • step ST12 When determining that the first predetermined time has elapsed (YES in step ST12), the controller 100 executes the sticking prevention action illustrated in Fig. 4 (step ST13).
  • step ST11 Upon executing the sticking prevention action, a return is made to step ST11, and the controller 100 starts the measurement of the first predetermined time (step ST11). Namely, the controller 100 executes the sticking prevention action at an interval of the first predetermined time.
  • the controller 100 determines whether the compressor 201 is in operation (ON) (step ST21).
  • step ST21 the controller 100 determines whether the number of the indoor units 30 in operation is one (step ST22).
  • the controller 100 When the number of the indoor units 30 in operation is one (YES in step ST22), the controller 100 fully opens the indoor expansion valve 304 of the indoor unit 30 out of operation, as an example of opening control (step ST23).
  • the indoor expansion valves 304 of all of the indoor units 30 out of operation are fully opened. This allows the refrigerant to flow through the indoor unit 30 out of operation. Since the refrigerant can flow through the indoor unit 30 out of operation, if the refrigerant flow is blocked in the indoor unit 30 in operation, an excessive pressure rise of a refrigerant circuit is suppressed.
  • a configuration may be employed in which the indoor expansion valves 304 of some of the indoor units 30 out of operation are fully opened.
  • the indoor units 30a and 30b on the outdoor unit 20 side may be fully opened.
  • the controller 100 controls closing of the indoor expansion valve 304 of the indoor unit 30 in operation (step ST24).
  • the closing control of step ST24 controls the opening degree of the indoor expansion valve 304 so that the opening degree of the indoor expansion valve 304 is brought into a more fully closed side than the current one. This suppresses the refrigerant flow rate flowing through the indoor unit 30 in operation and suppresses an impact which the opening and closing devices 101 and 102 receive from the refrigerant flow during opening and closing.
  • the controller 100 closes the first opening and closing device 101 corresponding to the indoor unit 30 in operation (step ST25).
  • the controller 100 opens the first opening and closing device 101 corresponding to the indoor unit 30 in operation (step ST26).
  • the controller 100 closes the second opening and closing device 102 corresponding to the indoor unit 30 in operation (step ST27).
  • the controller 100 opens the second opening and closing device 102 corresponding to the indoor unit 30 in operation (step ST28).
  • the first opening and closing device 101 and the second opening and closing device 102 of the indoor unit 30 which has been in operation are opened and closed by steps ST25 to ST28, thus preventing sticking of the first opening and closing device 101 and the second opening and closing device 102.
  • the controller 100 controls opening of the indoor expansion valve 304 of the indoor unit 30 in operation (step ST29).
  • the opening control of step ST29 controls the opening degree of the indoor expansion valve 304 so as to obtain an opening degree before the closing of the indoor expansion valve 304 is controlled in step ST24. This allows the same refrigerant flow rate as in the indoor unit 30 in operation to flow.
  • the controller 100 fully closes the indoor expansion valve 304 of the indoor unit 30 out of operation which is fully opened in step ST23 (step ST30). This blocks the refrigerant flow of the indoor unit 30 out of operation.
  • the controller 100 closes the first opening and closing device 101 corresponding to the indoor unit 30 out of operation (step ST31).
  • the controller 100 opens the first opening and closing device 101 corresponding to the indoor unit 30 out of operation (step ST32).
  • the controller 100 closes the second opening and closing device 102 corresponding to the indoor unit 30 out of operation (step ST33).
  • the controller 100 opens the second opening and closing device 102 corresponding to the indoor unit 30 out of operation (step ST34).
  • the first opening and closing device 101 and the second opening and closing device 102 corresponding to the indoor unit 30 which has been out of operation are opened and closed by steps ST31 to ST34, thus preventing sticking of the first opening and closing device 101 and the second opening and closing device 102.
  • the controller 100 ends the sticking prevention action when the number of the indoor units 30 in operation is one.
  • the controller 100 When the number of the indoor units 30 in operation is not one, namely, when the number of the indoor units 30 in the operation is plural (NO in step ST22), the controller 100 performs setting to group the indoor units 30 in operation into "preceding" and "subsequent” (step ST41). At least one or more indoor units 30 in operation may be set to each of the "preceding" and "subsequent” groups. As long as one or more are set, any method may be employed for the setting of the "preceding" and "subsequent” groups.
  • the indoor unit 30a when the indoor unit 30a is in operation, the indoor unit 30a is configured to be set to "preceding,” and the remaining indoor units 30b and 30c in operation are configured to be set to "subsequent.” Furthermore, when the indoor unit 30a is out of operation, the indoor unit 30b is configured to be set to "preceding,” and the indoor unit 30c is configured to be set to "subsequent.”
  • the "preceding" indoor unit 30 in operation corresponds to an example of a first indoor unit 30 in operation. Furthermore, the "subsequent" indoor unit 30 in operation corresponds to an example of a second indoor unit 30 in operation.
  • the controller 100 controls closing of the indoor expansion valve 304 of the "preceding" indoor unit 30 in operation (step ST42).
  • the closing control of step ST42 is the same as that of step ST24.
  • the controller 100 closes the opening and closing devices 101 and 102 corresponding to the "preceding" indoor unit 30 in operation (step ST43).
  • the controller 100 opens the opening and closing devices 101 and 102 corresponding to the "preceding" indoor unit 30 in operation (step ST44).
  • the first opening and closing device 101 and the second opening and closing device 102 corresponding to the "preceding" indoor unit 30 in operation are opened and closed by steps ST43 to ST44, thus preventing sticking of the first opening and closing device 101 and the second opening and closing device 102.
  • an excessive pressure rise of the refrigerant circuit is suppressed.
  • the controller 100 controls opening of the indoor expansion valve 304 corresponding to the "preceding" indoor unit 30 in operation (step ST45).
  • the opening control of step ST45 is the same as that of step ST29.
  • the controller 100 controls closing of the indoor expansion valve 304 corresponding to the "subsequent" indoor unit 30 in operation (step ST46).
  • the closing control of step ST46 is the same as that of step ST24.
  • the controller 100 closes the opening and closing devices 101 and 102 corresponding to the "subsequent" indoor unit 30 in operation (step ST47).
  • the controller 100 opens the opening and closing devices 101 and 102 corresponding to the "subsequent" indoor unit 30 in operation (step ST48).
  • the first opening and closing device 101 and the second opening and closing device 102 corresponding to the "subsequent" indoor unit 30 in operation are opened and closed by steps ST47 to ST48, thus preventing sticking of the first opening and closing device 101 and the second opening and closing device 102.
  • an excessive pressure rise of the refrigerant circuit is suppressed.
  • the controller 100 controls opening of the indoor expansion valve 304 corresponding to the "subsequent" indoor unit 30 in operation (step ST49).
  • the opening control of step ST49 is the same as that of step ST29.
  • the controller 100 determines whether the indoor unit 30 out of operation is absent (step ST50).
  • the controller 100 ends the sticking prevention action when there is a plurality of the indoor units 30 in operation.
  • step ST50 the controller 100 executes the processing of steps ST31 to ST34 in the indoor unit 30 out of operation. Then, the controller 100 ends the sticking prevention action when there is a plurality of the indoor units 30 in operation.
  • the controller 100 closes the first opening and closing devices 101 corresponding to all of the indoor units 30 (step ST51).
  • the controller 100 opens the first opening and closing devices 101 corresponding to all of the indoor units 30 (step ST52).
  • the controller 100 closes the second opening and closing devices 102 corresponding to all of the indoor units 30 (step ST53).
  • the controller 100 opens the second opening and closing devices 102 corresponding to all of the indoor units 30 (step ST54).
  • the first opening and closing device 101 and the second opening and closing device 102 corresponding to the indoor unit 30 out of operation are opened and closed by steps ST51 to ST54, thus preventing sticking of the first opening and closing device 101 and the second opening and closing device 102.
  • the control of the indoor expansion valve 304 is omitted.
  • the controller 100 ends the sticking prevention action when the compressor 201 is stopped.
  • the opening and closing device is not closed unless refrigerant leakage occurs. This may cause sticking due to not closing the opening and closing device for a long time. Accordingly, there is a problem in which when refrigerant leakage actually occurs, the opening and closing device does not normally function, and the refrigerant circuit cannot be blocked, increasing the amount of refrigerant leakage.
  • the opening and closing devices 101 and 102 are opened and closed by the processing of steps ST25 to ST28, steps ST31 to ST34, steps ST43 to ST44, steps ST47 to ST48, and steps ST51 to ST54.
  • This allows the opening and closing devices 101 and 102 to move between the closed state (fully closed) and the opened state (fully opened), thereby suppressing sticking of the opening and closing device.
  • the second opening and closing device 102 is opened and closed.
  • the first opening and closing device 101 may be opened and closed.
  • the first opening and closing device 101 and the second opening and closing device 102 may be opened and closed simultaneously.
  • the second opening and closing device 102 is opened and closed; however, instead of this, after the second opening and closing device 102 is opened and closed, the first opening and closing device 101 may be opened and closed, or the first opening and closing device 101 and the second opening and closing device 102 may be opened and closed simultaneously.
  • steps ST31 to ST34 all of the opening and closing devices 101 and 102 of the indoor units 30 out of operation are opened and closed simultaneously.
  • steps ST31 to ST34 may be executed in each of the indoor units 30 out of operation, and the opening and closing devices 101 and 102 may be opened and closed in the order of the indoor units 30 out of operation, so that all of the opening and closing devices 101 and 102 of the indoor units 30 out of operation may be opened and closed.
  • the air conditioning apparatus 1 of the present embodiment includes the outdoor unit 20 having the compressor 201, the indoor unit 30 having the indoor heat exchanger 301, the liquid side pipes 11 and 13 and the gas side pipes 12 and 14 which connect the outdoor unit 20 and the indoor unit 30, the opening and closing devices 101 and 102 disposed in the liquid side pipe 13 and the gas side pipe 14, and the controller 100.
  • the controller 100 executes a sticking prevention operation in which the opening and closing devices 101 and 102 are opened and closed when the refrigerant is not leaking.
  • a refrigerant pipe has the liquid side pipes 11 and 13 and the gas side pipes 12 and 14.
  • the opening and closing device has the first opening and closing device 101 that opens and closes the liquid side pipe 13 connected to the indoor unit 30, and the second opening and closing device 102 that opens and closes the gas side pipe 14 connected to the indoor unit 30.
  • the controller 100 executes the sticking prevention operation in which the first opening and closing device 101 and the second opening and closing device 102 are opened and closed.
  • the liquid side pipe 11 is provided with the indoor expansion valve 304 that controls the refrigerant flow rate between the first opening and closing device 101 and the indoor heat exchanger 301.
  • the refrigerant flow rate flowing through the indoor heat exchanger 301 can be controlled by the indoor expansion valve 304.
  • the plurality of indoor units 30a, 30b, and 30c disposed in parallel; the first opening and closing devices 101a, 101b, and 101c and the second opening and closing devices 102a, 102b, and 102c are provided in the respective indoor units 30a, 30b, and 30c; and the indoor expansion valves 304a, 304b, and 304c are provided in the respective indoor units 30a, 30b, and 30c.
  • the air conditioning apparatus 1 including the plurality of indoor units 30a, 30b, and 30c disposed in parallel can effectively suppress the refrigerant amount leaking from each of the indoor units 30a, 30b, and 30c.
  • the controller 100 when executing the sticking prevention operation, if the compressor 201 is stopped, executes the sticking prevention operation of the opening and closing devices 101 and 102 of all of the indoor units 30.
  • the sticking prevention operation of the opening and closing devices 101 and 102 can be executed.
  • the controller 100 when executing the sticking prevention operation, if the compressor 201 is in operation and the indoor unit 30 out of operation is present, controls the opening of the indoor expansion valve 304 of the indoor unit 30 out of operation, controls the closing of the indoor expansion valve 304 of the indoor unit 30 in operation, and executes the sticking prevention operation of the opening and closing devices 101 and 102 of the indoor unit 30 in operation.
  • the opening and closing devices 101 and 102 corresponding to the indoor unit 30 in operation can be opened and closed so as to be less likely to receive an impact from the refrigerant flow. Furthermore, the refrigerant can flow by using the indoor unit 30 out of operation, so that an excessive pressure rise of the refrigerant circuit can be suppressed even when the opening and closing devices 101 and 102 are opened and closed.
  • the controller 100 when executing the sticking prevention operation, if the compressor 201 is in operation and there is a plurality of the indoor units 30 in operation, controls the closing of the indoor expansion valve 304 of the "preceding" indoor unit 30 in operation, and executes the sticking prevention operation of the opening and closing devices 101 and 102 of the "preceding" indoor unit 30 in operation. Thereafter, the controller 100 controls the closing of the indoor expansion valve 304 of the "subsequent" indoor unit 30 in operation and executes the sticking prevention operation of the opening and closing devices 101 and 102 of the "subsequent” indoor unit 30 in operation.
  • the sticking prevention operation when executed, if the compressor 201 is in operation and there is a plurality of the indoor units 30 in operation, the indoor units 30 are divided into the "preceding" indoor unit 30 in operation and the "subsequent" indoor unit 30 in operation, and the sticking prevention operation is executed.
  • the sticking prevention operation of the opening and closing devices 101 and 102 of one of the "preceding" and the "subsequent" indoor units 30 in operation is executed, the refrigerant can flow by using the indoor unit 30 in the other of the "preceding" and the "subsequent” indoor units 30, so that an excessive pressure rise of the refrigerant circuit can be suppressed.
  • the controller 100 when executing the sticking prevention operation, executes the sticking prevention operation of the opening and closing devices 101 and 102 of the indoor unit 30 out of operation.
  • the sticking prevention operation of the opening and closing devices 101 and 102 of the indoor unit out of operation can be executed.
  • the controller 100 after elapse of the first predetermined time from execution of the sticking prevention operation, executes the sticking prevention operation again.
  • the sticking prevention operation can be executed at an interval of the first predetermined time, and the sticking prevention operation can be executed at a necessary and sufficient frequency.
  • Fig. 5 is a flowchart illustrating the abnormality detection shifting determination action of the air conditioning apparatus 1 of the first embodiment.
  • Fig. 6 is a flowchart illustrating the abnormality detection action of the opening and closing device of the air conditioning apparatus 1.
  • Fig. 7 is a flowchart illustrating the remainder of Fig. 6 . The actions of Figs. 5 to 7 are executed by the controller 100 controlling each unit of the air conditioning apparatus 1.
  • the controller 100 upon starting the processing of the abnormality detection shifting determination action, the controller 100 starts measurement of a second predetermined time (step ST101).
  • the second predetermined time is the shortest time interval for executing the abnormality detection action. This can suppress a case where the abnormality detection action of the opening and closing device is excessively performed. Namely, it is possible to suppress wear of the opening and closing devices 101 and 102 due to excessive opening and closing of the first opening and closing device 101 and the second opening and closing device 102.
  • the second predetermined time is set to one month.
  • the controller 100 determines whether an instruction for controlling lowering of the operation frequency of the compressor 201 is present (step ST102).
  • step ST102 When the instruction for controlling lowering of the operation frequency of the compressor 201 is absent (NO in step ST102), the controller 100 executes the processing of step ST102.
  • step ST103 determines whether the operation frequency of the compressor 201 is equal to or less than a predetermined value (step ST103).
  • the predetermined value of step ST103 is set to an operation frequency in which the refrigerant flow rate is small and the opening and closing devices 101 and 102 are less likely to receive an impact from the refrigerant flow during opening and closing of the opening and closing devices 101 and 102.
  • step ST103 When determining that the operation frequency of the compressor 201 is not equal to or less than the predetermined value (NO in step ST103), the controller 100 executes the processing of step ST102.
  • the controller 100 determines whether the operation frequency is not 0 (step ST103).
  • step ST104 When determining that the operation frequency of the compressor 201 is 0 (NO in step ST104), the controller 100 stops the operation of the air conditioning apparatus 1 (step ST107) and executes the processing of step ST102.
  • step ST104 When determining that the operation frequency of the compressor 201 is not 0 (YES in step ST104), the controller 100 determines whether the second predetermined time has elapsed (step ST105). Thus, whether the second predetermined time has elapsed in a state where the refrigerant flow rate is small is determined.
  • step ST105 When determining that the second predetermined time has not elapsed (NO in step ST105), the controller 100 executes the processing of step ST102.
  • step ST105 When determining that the second predetermined time has elapsed (YES in step ST105), the controller 100 executes the abnormality detection action of the opening and closing device which is illustrated in Figs. 6 and 7 (step ST106).
  • step ST101 Upon end of the abnormality detection action of the opening and closing device, a return is made to step ST101, and the controller 100 executes the processing of step ST101.
  • the abnormality detection action of the opening and closing device is executed in each of the indoor units 30a, 30b, and 30c.
  • the flowchart of the abnormality detection action of the opening and closing device which is illustrated in Figs. 6 and 7 is repeated in the order of the indoor unit 30a, the indoor unit 30b, and the indoor unit 30c.
  • the abnormality detection action of the opening and closing device corresponds to an example of abnormality determination control of the opening and closing device.
  • the controller 100 determines whether the cooling operation mode is set (step ST110).
  • the refrigerant flow directions F1 and F2 are determined, and which of the first opening and closing device 101 and the second opening and closing device 102 is upstream of the refrigerant flow direction is determined.
  • the controller 100 controls closing of the indoor expansion valve 304 so that the indoor expansion valve 304 is throttled (step ST111). Throttling the indoor expansion valve 304 reduces the refrigerant flow rate, and thereafter the second opening and closing device 102 on the downstream side is closed, so that an impact on the second opening and closing device 102 in the closed state can be suppressed.
  • the controller 100 opens the first opening and closing device 101 corresponding to the upstream side and closes the second opening and closing device 102 corresponding to the downstream side (step ST112).
  • the second opening and closing device 102 functions normally, the second opening and closing device 102 is in the closed state, so that the refrigerant is blocked. Due to this, the refrigerant remains in the indoor heat exchanger 301, and the indoor heat exchanger 301 no longer exchanges heat. This reduces a temperature difference between the refrigerant of the liquid side pipe 13 on the upstream side of the indoor heat exchanger 301 and the refrigerant of the gas side pipe 14 on the downstream side of the indoor heat exchanger 301.
  • the controller 100 fully opens the indoor expansion valve 304 (step ST113). Thus, when the second opening and closing device 102 is abnormal, the refrigerant easily flows through the indoor heat exchanger 301.
  • the controller 100 determines whether a third predetermined time has elapsed (step ST114).
  • the third predetermined time of step ST114 is set to a time in which the refrigerant remaining in the indoor heat exchanger 301 no longer exchanges heat with indoor air.
  • the third predetermined time four minutes is set.
  • the controller 100 determines whether each of a refrigerant temperature of the liquid side pipe 13 of the indoor heat exchanger 301 and a refrigerant temperature of the gas side pipe 14 of the indoor heat exchanger 301 is equal to or less than a predetermined value (step ST115).
  • a differential value between the temperature detected by the first temperature sensor 305 provided in the liquid side pipe 13 and the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor 306 provided in the gas side pipe 14 is calculated. Then, whether the differential value between the detected temperatures is equal to or less than a minute predetermined value is determined.
  • the second opening and closing device 102 operates normally, the refrigerant flow is blocked, and the refrigerant remains in the indoor heat exchanger 301. Due to this, the indoor heat exchanger 301 no longer exchanges heat between the refrigerant and indoor air, reducing the refrigerant temperature difference between the liquid side pipe 13 and the gas side pipe 14.
  • the second opening and closing device 102 is abnormal, the refrigerant continues to flow through the indoor heat exchanger 301, and the indoor heat exchanger 301 continues to exchange heat between the refrigerant and indoor air. This causes a refrigerant temperature difference between the liquid side pipe 13 and the gas side pipe 14.
  • each of the refrigerant temperature of the liquid side pipe 11 of the indoor heat exchanger 301 and the refrigerant temperature of the gas side pipe 12 of the indoor heat exchanger 301 is equal to or less than the predetermined value.
  • the controller 100 When determining that each of the refrigerant temperature of the liquid side pipe 13 of the indoor heat exchanger 301 and the refrigerant temperature of the gas side pipe 14 of the indoor heat exchanger 301 is equal to or less than the predetermined value (YES in step ST115), the controller 100 closes the first opening and closing device 101 corresponding to the upstream side and opens the second opening and closing device 102 corresponding to the downstream side (step ST116).
  • Step ST117 is the same as step ST114.
  • the controller 100 determines whether each of the refrigerant temperature of the liquid side pipe 13 of the indoor heat exchanger 301 and the refrigerant temperature of the gas side pipe 14 of the indoor heat exchanger 301 is equal to or less than a predetermined value (step ST118). Step ST118 is the same as step ST115.
  • the controller 100 opens the first opening and closing device 101 (step ST119). Thus, the first opening and closing device 101 is returned to its original state.
  • the controller 100 ends the abnormality detection action of the opening and closing device.
  • the controller 100 determines that the second opening and closing device 102 is abnormal, and notifies the abnormality of the second opening and closing device 102 (step ST122).
  • Means for notifying the abnormality of the second opening and closing device 102 may be configured so that the operation screen 100b indicates that the second opening and closing device 102 is abnormal or so that a sound source as an example of notification means, which is not illustrated, is controlled to output a notification sound.
  • the controller 100 fully closes the indoor expansion valve 304 (step ST121). This blocks the refrigerant flow.
  • the controller 100 ends the abnormality detection action of the opening and closing device.
  • the controller 100 determines that the first opening and closing device 101 is abnormal, and notifies the abnormality of the first opening and closing device 101 (step ST120).
  • the controller 100 fully closes the indoor expansion valve 304 (step ST121) and ends the abnormality detection action of the opening and closing device.
  • the controller 100 controls closing of the indoor expansion valve 304 so that the indoor expansion valve 304 is throttled (step ST130 of Fig. 7 ). Throttling the indoor expansion valve 304 reduces the refrigerant flow rate.
  • the controller 100 opens the second opening and closing device 102 corresponding to the upstream side and closes the first opening and closing device 101 corresponding to the downstream side (step ST131).
  • steps ST131 to ST141 illustrated in Fig. 7 are the same as steps ST112 to ST121 except in that the opening and closing device on the upstream side and the opening and closing device on the downstream side are opposite to the opening and closing devices of steps ST112 to ST121 illustrated in Fig. 6 , detailed description thereof will be omitted.
  • the opening and closing device is not closed unless refrigerant leakage occurs, which may cause, for example, sticking of the opening and closing device, and thus there is a problem of lowering reliability of the opening and closing device.
  • the opening and closing devices 101 and 102 when the opening and closing devices 101 and 102 are closed, whether the refrigerant is normally blocked is determined by the processing of steps ST112 to ST115, steps ST116 to ST118, steps ST131 to ST134, and steps ST135 to ST137. Accordingly, when the opening and closing devices 101 and 102 are determined to be abnormal, the opening and closing devices 101 and 102 can be repaired or exchanged, and thus reliability of the opening and closing devices 101 and 102 is enhanced.
  • the air conditioning apparatus 1 of the present embodiment includes the outdoor unit 20 having the compressor 201, the indoor unit 30 having the indoor heat exchanger 301, the liquid side pipes 11 and 13 and the gas side pipes 12 and 14 which connect the outdoor unit 20 and the indoor unit 30, the first opening and closing device 101 that opens and closes the liquid side pipe 13 connected to the indoor unit 30, the second opening and closing device 102 that opens and closes the gas side pipe 14 connected to the indoor unit 30, the indoor expansion valve 304 which is provided between the first opening and closing device 101 and the indoor heat exchanger 301 and controls the refrigerant flow rate, and the controller 100.
  • the controller 100 executes the abnormality detection action in which the closing of at least one of the first opening and closing device 101 and the second opening and closing device 102 is controlled in a state where the indoor expansion valve 304 is opened and in which the abnormal state of the opening and closing device 101 and/or 102 controlled to close between the first opening and closing device 101 and the second opening and closing device 102 is determined.
  • the abnormal states of the first opening and closing device 101 and the second opening and closing device 102 can be determined by whether the refrigerant flowing through the indoor unit 30 is blocked by the opening and closing device 101 and/or 102 controlled to close.
  • the air conditioning apparatus 1 includes the first temperature sensor 305 which is disposed in the liquid side pipe 13 between the first opening and closing device 101 and the indoor heat exchanger 301 and detects the refrigerant temperature, and the second temperature sensor 306 which is disposed in the gas side pipe 14 between the second opening and closing device 102 and the indoor heat exchanger 301 and detects the refrigerant temperature.
  • the controller 100 of the air conditioning apparatus 1 controls the opening of one of the first opening and closing device 101 and the second opening and closing device 102, controls the closing of the other of the opening and closing devices 102 and 101, and determines that, when the differential value between the temperatures detected by the first temperature sensor 305 and the second temperature sensor 306 is higher than a predetermined temperature, the other of the opening and closing devices 102 and 101 is in the abnormal state.
  • the controller 100 throttles the indoor expansion valve 304, controls the opening of the opening and closing device 101 or 102 on the upstream side of the refrigerant flow direction between the first opening and closing device 101 and the second opening and closing device 102, controls the closing of the opening and closing device 102 or 101 on the downstream side of the refrigerant flow direction between the first opening and closing device 101 and the second opening and closing device 102, and determines whether the opening and closing device 102 or 101 on the downstream side is in the abnormal state.
  • the closing of the opening and closing device 102 or 101 on the downstream side of the refrigerant flow direction is controlled in a state where the refrigerant flow rate flowing to the opening and closing device 102 or 101 on the downstream side of the refrigerant flow direction is reduced by the indoor expansion valve 304, so that an impact which the opening and closing device 102 or 101 receives from the refrigerant can be suppressed.
  • the controller 100 in the abnormality detection action, controls the opening of the opening and closing device 102 or 101 on the downstream side, controls the closing of the opening and closing device 101 or 102 on the upstream side, and determines whether the opening and closing device 101 or 102 on the upstream side is in the abnormal state.
  • This also enables abnormality determination of the opening and closing device 102 or 101 on the upstream side of the refrigerant flow direction.
  • the controller 100 when determining that the opening and closing devices 101 and 102 are in the abnormal states, notifies that the opening and closing devices 101 and 102 are in the abnormal states.
  • the controller 100 when determining that at least one of the first opening and closing device 101 and the second opening and closing device 102 is in the abnormal state, controls the closing of the indoor expansion valve 304.
  • the closing of the indoor expansion valve 304 is controlled, so that the refrigerant flow can be regulated.
  • the controller 100 when the operation frequency of the compressor 201 is equal to or less than the predetermined value, if the second predetermined time has elapsed from execution of the abnormality detection action, executes the abnormality detection action again.
  • the opening and closing devices 101 and 102 are opened and closed, so that the abnormality detection action can be executed. Furthermore, excessive execution of the abnormality detection action can be suppressed.
  • Fig. 8 is a flowchart illustrating the refrigerant leakage detection action of the air conditioning apparatus 1 of the first embodiment. The action of Fig. 8 is executed by the controller 100 controlling each unit of the air conditioning apparatus 1.
  • the controller 100 determines whether refrigerant leakage is detected, based on a detection result of the refrigerant leakage sensor 307 (step ST201).
  • step ST201 When not detecting refrigerant leakage (NO in step ST201), the controller 100 executes the processing of step ST201.
  • step ST201 When detecting refrigerant leakage (YES in step ST201), the controller 100 continues the operation of the indoor fan 302 (step ST202).
  • the refrigerant leaking indoors is conveyed by air sending of the indoor fan 302, and the refrigerant leaking indoors is easily diluted.
  • the controller 100 controls lowering of the operation frequency of the compressor 201 (step ST203).
  • the controller 100 fully closes the indoor expansion valve 304 in the indoor unit 30 in which the leakage is detected (step ST204). This can regulate the refrigerant flow.
  • the controller 100 closes the first opening and closing device 101 and the second opening and closing device 102 corresponding to the indoor unit 30 in which the leakage is detected (step ST205).
  • the controller 100 determines whether the first opening and closing device 101 and the second opening and closing device 102 corresponding to the indoor unit 30 in which the leakage is not detected are opened (step ST206).
  • step ST206 When the first opening and closing device 101 and the second opening and closing device 102 corresponding to the indoor unit 30 in which the leakage is not detected are opened (YES in step ST206), the controller 100 continues the operation (step ST207) and ends the processing of the refrigerant leakage detection action.
  • step ST206 When the first opening and closing device 101 and the second opening and closing device 102 corresponding to the indoor unit 30 in which the leakage is not detected are not opened (NO in step ST206), the controller 100 stops the operation (step ST208) and ends the processing of the refrigerant leakage detection action.
  • the opening and closing device is closed when refrigerant leakage occurs.
  • simply closing the opening and closing device transmits to the opening and closing device in the closed state an impact of the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant circuit, which may damage the opening and closing device.
  • the conventional configuration has a problem of lowering action reliability of the opening and closing device.
  • the drive frequency is reduced by step ST203 to lower the refrigerant flow rate
  • the indoor expansion valve 304 is closed by step ST204 to regulate the refrigerant flow
  • the first opening and closing device 101 and the second opening and closing device 102 are closed by step ST205.
  • step ST204 it is desirable to have the above-described step ST204, but it may be omitted. Namely, the controller 100, after executing step ST203, may proceed to step ST205.
  • the air conditioning apparatus 1 of the present embodiment includes the outdoor unit 20 having the compressor 201, the indoor unit 30, the refrigerant pipes 11, 12, 13, and 14 connecting the outdoor unit 20 and the indoor unit 30, the opening and closing devices 101 and 102 that open and close the refrigerant pipes 13 and 14, the refrigerant leakage sensor 307 that detects the refrigerant concentration, and the controller 100.
  • the controller 100 controls the operation frequency of the compressor 201 so as to be equal to or less than the predetermined value, then the opening and closing devices 101 and 102 are closed.
  • the closing of the opening and closing devices 101 and 102 is controlled in a state where the operation frequency of the compressor 201 is lowered and the refrigerant flow rate flowing through the refrigerant circuit is small, so that an impact of the refrigerant which is transmitted to the opening and closing devices 101 and 102 is suppressed.
  • the risk of damage to the opening and closing devices 101 and 102 can be reduced, and the action reliability of the opening and closing devices 101 and 102 can be enhanced.
  • the controller 100 controls the closing of the indoor expansion valve 304 and then closes the opening and closing devices 101 and 102.
  • the closing of the opening and closing devices 101 and 102 is controlled in a state where the closing of the indoor expansion valve 304 is controlled and the refrigerant flow rate flowing through the refrigerant circuit is small, so that an impact of the refrigerant which is transmitted to the opening and closing device is suppressed.
  • the risk of damage to the opening and closing devices 101 and 102 can be reduced, and the action reliability of the opening and closing devices 101 and 102 can be enhanced.
  • Fig. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a sticking prevention shifting determination action of the air conditioning apparatus 1 of a second embodiment.
  • component parts common to those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same signs, and description thereof will be omitted.
  • the controller 100 of the air conditioning apparatus 1 of the second embodiment differs from that of the first embodiment in performing, instead of the control of the flowchart illustrated in Fig. 3 , control of the flowchart illustrated in Fig. 9 .
  • step ST61 the controller 100 determines whether the operation frequency of the compressor 201 is equal to or less than a predetermined value.
  • the predetermined value of step ST61 is set to a frequency in which the refrigerant flow rate is small and the refrigerant flow is less likely to give an impact to the opening and closing devices 101 and 102.
  • step ST61 When determining that the operation frequency of the compressor 201 is not equal to or less than the predetermined value (NO in step ST61), the controller 100 executes the processing of step ST61.
  • step ST62 the controller 100 executes the sticking prevention action illustrated in Fig. 4 , and a return is made to step ST61.
  • the controller 100 when the operation frequency of the compressor 201 is equal to or less than the predetermined value, executes the sticking prevention operation.
  • the opening and closing devices 101 and 102 are easily opened and closed in a state where the refrigerant flow rate is small, and the opening and closing devices 101 and 102 are less likely to receive an impact from the refrigerant flow.
  • Fig. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a sticking prevention shifting determination action of the air conditioning apparatus 1 of a third embodiment.
  • component parts common to those of the first and second embodiments are denoted by the same signs, and description thereof will be omitted.
  • the operation unit 100a of the air conditioning apparatus 1 of the third embodiment is configured to input to the controller 100 permission to shift to the sticking prevention operation.
  • the operation unit 100a corresponds to an example of an input unit.
  • the controller 100 of the air conditioning apparatus 1 of the third embodiment differs from that of the first embodiment in performing, instead of the control of the flowchart illustrated in Fig. 3 , control of the flowchart illustrated in Fig. 10 .
  • the controller 100 detects a presence or absence of the input of the operation unit 100a and determines whether the sticking prevention operation is input (step ST71).
  • step ST71 When not detecting the input of the sticking prevention operation (NO in step ST71), the controller 100 executes the processing of step ST71.
  • step ST72 the controller 100 executes the sticking prevention action illustrated in Fig. 4 , and a return is made to step ST71.
  • the operation unit 100a that inputs the permission to shift to the sticking prevention operation, and the controller 100, when detecting the input of the operation unit 100a, executes the sticking prevention operation.
  • the permission to shift to the sticking prevention operation can be input to the controller 100. This can permit the controller 100 to shift to the sticking prevention operation, at any timing.
  • Fig. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an abnormality detection shifting determination action of the air conditioning apparatus 1 of a fourth embodiment.
  • component parts common to those of the first to third embodiments are denoted by the same signs, and description thereof will be omitted.
  • the operation unit 100a of the air conditioning apparatus 1 of the fourth embodiment is configured to input to the controller 100 permission to shift to the abnormality detection action of the opening and closing device.
  • the operation unit 100a corresponds to an example of a second input unit.
  • the controller 100 of the air conditioning apparatus 1 of the fourth embodiment differs from that of the first embodiment in performing, instead of the control of the flowchart illustrated in Fig. 5 , control of the flowchart illustrated in Fig. 11 .
  • the controller 100 detects a presence or absence of the input of the operation unit 100a and determines whether the permission to shift to the abnormality detection action of the opening and closing device is input (step ST181).
  • step ST181 When not detecting the input of the permission to shift to the abnormality detection action of the opening and closing device (NO in step ST181), the controller 100 executes the processing of step ST181.
  • step ST182 When detecting the input of the permission to shift to the abnormality detection action of the opening and closing device (YES in step ST181), in step ST182, the controller 100 executes the abnormality detection action of the opening and closing device which is illustrated in Figs. 6 and 7 , and a return is made to step ST181.
  • the operation unit 100a that inputs the permission to shift to the abnormality detection action of the opening and closing device, and the controller 100, when detecting the input of the operation unit 100a, executes the abnormality detection action of the opening and closing device.
  • the sticking prevention action is configured to be executed based on the first predetermined time in the first embodiment, executed based on the operation frequency of the compressor 201 in the second embodiment, and executed based on the input of the operation unit 100a in the third embodiment.
  • the sticking prevention action may be configured to be executed based on the first predetermined time and executed based on the operation frequency of the compressor 201.
  • the sticking prevention action may be configured to be executed based on the operation frequency of the compressor 201 and executed based on the input of the operation unit 100a.
  • the flowchart illustrated in Fig. 3 of the first embodiment, the flowchart illustrated in Fig. 9 of the second embodiment, and the flowchart illustrated in Fig. 10 of the third embodiment not limited to a configuration in which they are processed by the controller 100 separately, may be configured to be processed by the controller 100 in parallel.
  • the abnormality detection action of the opening and closing device is configured to be executed based on the second predetermined time and the operation frequency of the compressor 201 in the first to third embodiments, and executed based on the input of the operation unit 100a in the fourth embodiment.
  • the abnormality detection action of the opening and closing device may be configured to be executed based on the second predetermined time and the operation frequency of the compressor 201 and executed based on the input of the operation unit 100a.
  • the flowchart illustrated in Fig. 5 of the first to third embodiments and the flowchart illustrated in Fig. 11 of the fourth embodiment not limited to a configuration in which they are processed by the controller 100 separately, may be configured to be processed by the controller 100 in parallel.
  • the air conditioning apparatus 1 has a configuration of a packaged air conditioner (PAC) including one outdoor unit 20 and three indoor units 30, the present invention is not limited to this.
  • the present invention may be applied to a configuration of a room air conditioner (RAC) including one outdoor unit 20 and one indoor unit 30, a packaged air conditioner (PAC) in which a plurality of indoor units is connected to a plurality of outdoor units, or a multi-air-conditioner for building (VRF).
  • RAC room air conditioner
  • PAC packaged air conditioner
  • VRF multi-air-conditioner for building
  • the air conditioning apparatus according to the present invention can be preferably used as an air conditioning apparatus capable of, even when refrigerant leakage occurs, suppressing the leaking refrigerant amount.

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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)
EP21157496.7A 2020-02-20 2021-02-16 Appareil de conditionnement d'air Active EP3869123B1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP2020027296A JP7457966B2 (ja) 2020-02-20 2020-02-20 空気調和装置

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EP3869123A1 true EP3869123A1 (fr) 2021-08-25
EP3869123C0 EP3869123C0 (fr) 2024-04-03
EP3869123B1 EP3869123B1 (fr) 2024-04-03

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US11231198B2 (en) 2019-09-05 2022-01-25 Trane International Inc. Systems and methods for refrigerant leak detection in a climate control system
JP2022115492A (ja) * 2021-01-28 2022-08-09 パナソニックＩｐマネジメント株式会社 空気調和装置
US12117191B2 (en) 2022-06-24 2024-10-15 Trane International Inc. Climate control system with improved leak detector

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JP2009144943A (ja) * 2007-12-12 2009-07-02 Corona Corp 貯湯式給湯装置
EP2202835A1 (fr) * 2007-10-01 2010-06-30 Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha Système de pile à combustible
JP6120979B2 (ja) * 2013-02-28 2017-04-26 三菱電機株式会社 空気調和装置
WO2017203606A1 (fr) 2016-05-24 2017-11-30 三菱電機株式会社 Climatiseur
WO2018216127A1 (fr) * 2017-05-24 2018-11-29 三菱電機株式会社 Système de climatisation

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JPH04369370A (ja) * 1991-06-14 1992-12-22 Hitachi Ltd 冷凍装置
JPH08123554A (ja) * 1994-10-24 1996-05-17 Matsushita Seiko Co Ltd 流量弁の制御装置
JP2005321145A (ja) 2004-05-10 2005-11-17 Tokyo Gas Co Ltd 冷媒搬送装置
JP6138585B2 (ja) 2013-05-24 2017-05-31 ジョンソンコントロールズ ヒタチ エア コンディショニング テクノロジー（ホンコン）リミテッド 空気調和機
WO2016088167A1 (fr) 2014-12-01 2016-06-09 三菱電機株式会社 Dispositif de conditionnement d'air
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EP2202835A1 (fr) * 2007-10-01 2010-06-30 Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha Système de pile à combustible
JP2009144943A (ja) * 2007-12-12 2009-07-02 Corona Corp 貯湯式給湯装置
JP6120979B2 (ja) * 2013-02-28 2017-04-26 三菱電機株式会社 空気調和装置
WO2017203606A1 (fr) 2016-05-24 2017-11-30 三菱電機株式会社 Climatiseur
WO2018216127A1 (fr) * 2017-05-24 2018-11-29 三菱電機株式会社 Système de climatisation

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EP3869123C0 (fr) 2024-04-03
JP2024051172A (ja) 2024-04-10
JP7457966B2 (ja) 2024-03-29
EP3869123B1 (fr) 2024-04-03

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