JP2018179488A - Refrigerant leakage detection device and refrigeration cycle device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a refrigerant leakage detection device capable of determining whether or not refrigerant leakage is abnormal leakage, and a refrigeration cycle device.SOLUTION: A refrigerant leakage detection device 30 includes a first leakage amount calculation section 30a for calculating a leakage amount of a refrigerant in a circulation circuit 200 on the basis of a refrigerant state amount including a temperature and a pressure of the refrigerant circulating in the circulation circuit 200. The refrigerant leakage detection device 30 also includes a second leakage amount calculation section 30b for calculating a leakage amount of the refrigerant on the basis of an environment state amount including a temperature around the circulation circuit 200. The refrigerant leakage detection device 30 further includes an abnormality determination section 30c for determining whether or not a leakage state of the refrigerant is an abnormal leakage state by comparing a first refrigerant leakage amount CL1 calculated by the first leakage amount calculation section 30a with a second refrigerant leakage amount CL2 calculated by the second leakage amount calculation section 30b.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

  The present disclosure relates to a refrigerant leak detection device and a vapor compression refrigeration cycle device including the refrigerant leak detection device.

  In the vapor compression refrigeration cycle apparatus, if the amount of refrigerant charged in the circulation circuit in which the refrigerant circulates is insufficient, problems such as a decrease in cooling capacity occur. In addition, when the amount of refrigerant charged in the circulation circuit is excessive, problems such as stagnation of liquid refrigerant in the condenser and suction of liquid refrigerant into the compressor occur. Therefore, various methods have been proposed to fill the refrigerant circulation circuit of the refrigeration cycle apparatus with an appropriate amount of refrigerant (for example, see Patent Document 1).

JP, 2008-232579, A

  By the way, in a refrigeration cycle apparatus used for air conditioning of a house or a building, etc., a highly airtight hermetic compressor is employed, various pipes are joined by welding, and a refrigerant leak does not substantially occur. It has become.

  On the other hand, in a refrigeration cycle apparatus mounted on a mobile object such as a vehicle, a semi-hermetic or open type compressor is adopted for maintenance convenience, or a circulation circuit is used to absorb vibration during movement of the mobile object. It is necessary to adopt rubber piping as a part. In this type of refrigeration cycle apparatus, a slight amount of refrigerant leak (so-called slow leak) from a part of the compressor or the pipe can not be avoided.

  For this reason, in a refrigeration cycle apparatus mounted on a moving body, at the time of design, the amount of refrigerant in advance is estimated in consideration of the amount of refrigerant leakage in consideration of the lifetime of the product and the amount of refrigerant leakage within the maintenance period. It is common.

  However, even if the amount of refrigerant in which the amount of refrigerant leakage is expected is filled in advance, if an abnormal leak occurs in which the actual amount of refrigerant leakage is larger than the amount assumed in advance, refrigerant shortage will occur in the circulation circuit. I will.

  Here, in the configuration that can calculate the amount of refrigerant in the circulation circuit as in Patent Document 1, it is possible to compare the current amount of refrigerant with the appropriate amount of refrigerant, so it is determined that the refrigerant is insufficient It can be judged whether or not it is.

  However, even if the refrigerant shortage state can be detected, it can not be specified whether the refrigerant leakage is due to a normally assumed refrigerant leakage such as a slow leak or the like or an abnormal leakage.

  An object of the present disclosure is to provide a refrigerant leak detection device and a refrigeration cycle device capable of determining whether a refrigerant leak is an abnormal leak in view of the above-described points.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 1 is
A refrigerant leak detection device mounted on a moving body (1) and applied to a vapor compression refrigeration cycle apparatus (20) having a refrigerant circulation circuit (200),
A first leakage amount calculation unit (30a) that calculates the amount of refrigerant leakage in the circulation circuit based on the refrigerant state amount including the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant in the circulation circuit;
A second leakage amount calculation unit (30b) that calculates the leakage amount of refrigerant assumed in advance;
The refrigerant leakage state in the circulation circuit is based on the first refrigerant leakage amount (CL1) calculated by the first leakage amount calculation unit and the second refrigerant leakage amount (CL2) calculated by the second leakage amount calculation unit. And an abnormality determination unit (30c) that determines whether or not there is an abnormal leakage state.

  Then, the second leakage amount calculation unit calculates the second refrigerant leakage amount based on the environmental condition amount including the temperature around the circulation circuit.

Also, the invention according to claim 12 is
A vapor compression refrigeration cycle apparatus mounted on a moving body (1), comprising:
A circulation circuit (200) in which the refrigerant circulates,
And a refrigerant leak detection device (30) for detecting a refrigerant leak from the circulation circuit.

The refrigerant leak detection device
A first leakage amount calculation unit (30a) that calculates the amount of refrigerant leakage in the circulation circuit based on the refrigerant state amount including the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant in the circulation circuit;
A second leak amount calculation unit (30b) that calculates a refrigerant leak amount based on an environmental state amount including a temperature around the circulation circuit;
The refrigerant leakage state in the circulation circuit is based on the first refrigerant leakage amount (CL1) calculated by the first leakage amount calculation unit and the second refrigerant leakage amount (CL2) calculated by the second leakage amount calculation unit. An abnormality determination unit (30c) that determines whether or not there is an abnormal leakage state;
Is composed including.

  When the refrigerant leakage state is an abnormal leakage state, the first refrigerant leakage amount corresponding to the actual refrigerant leakage amount is larger than the second refrigerant leakage amount corresponding to the refrigerant leakage amount assumed in advance. Therefore, by comparing the first refrigerant leakage amount and the second refrigerant leakage amount, it can be determined whether the refrigerant leakage state in the circulation circuit is an abnormal leakage state.

  Problems such as a decrease in cooling capacity in the refrigeration cycle apparatus occur after an abnormal leak state continues for a predetermined period. For this reason, in the structure which can grasp | ascertain an abnormal leak state, there exists an advantage of becoming easy to prevent malfunctions, such as a fall of the cooling capacity in a refrigerating cycle apparatus.

  Here, the amount of refrigerant leakage at normal times such as slow leakage is not constant, but fluctuates due to the influence of the temperature around the circulation circuit and the like. In consideration of this, in the refrigerant leak detection device and the refrigeration cycle device of the present disclosure, the second refrigerant leakage amount, which is the leakage amount of the refrigerant assumed in advance, is based on the environmental condition amount including the temperature around the circulation circuit. It is configured to calculate. According to this, since the prediction accuracy of the second refrigerant leak amount is enhanced, it is possible to improve the determination accuracy of whether or not the refrigerant leak state is an abnormal leak state.

  In addition, the code | symbol in the parenthesis of each means described by this column and the claim shows an example of the correspondence with the specific means as described in embodiment mentioned later.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS It is a schematic diagram which shows the vehicle by which the refrigerating-cycle apparatus of 1st Embodiment was mounted. It is a schematic diagram which shows schematic structure of the refrigerating-cycle apparatus of 1st Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the refrigerant | coolant leak detection apparatus of 1st Embodiment. It is a Mollier diagram which shows the state of the refrigerant | coolant in a refrigerating-cycle apparatus. It is an explanatory view for explaining a leak of a refrigerant in each polymer piping. It is an explanatory view for explaining a temporal change of the amount of refrigerant in a circulation circuit. It is a characteristic view showing change of the amount of leaks of the refrigerant when the pressure of the refrigerant which flows through each polymer piping etc changes. It is a characteristic view showing change of energy in a chemical reaction. It is a characteristic view showing change of the amount of leaks of refrigerant at the time of subject ambient temperature changing. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the control processing which the refrigerant | coolant leak detection apparatus of 1st Embodiment performs. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating an example of the calculation method of 2nd refrigerant | coolant leak amount. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the control processing which the refrigerant | coolant leak detection apparatus of 2nd Embodiment performs. It is an explanatory view for explaining change of the amount of refrigerant in a circulation circuit after abnormalities generating. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the refrigerant | coolant leak detection apparatus of 3rd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the control processing which the refrigerant | coolant leak detection apparatus of 3rd Embodiment performs. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the abnormal site | part estimation process which the refrigerant | coolant leak detection apparatus of 3rd Embodiment performs. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the control processing which the refrigerant | coolant leak detection apparatus of 4th Embodiment performs.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiments, parts that are the same as or equivalent to the items described in the preceding embodiments may be given the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof may be omitted. In addition, when only a part of the components is described in the embodiment, the components described in the preceding embodiments can be applied to other parts of the components. The following embodiments can be partially combined with each other even if they are not particularly specified as long as there is no problem in particular in the combination.

First Embodiment
The present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. As shown in FIG. 1, in the present embodiment, an example in which the refrigeration cycle apparatus 20 of the present disclosure is mounted on an automobile 1 as a mobile body will be described. An engine 10 functioning as a drive source for traveling and a drive source of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 20 is mounted on the automobile 1 of the present embodiment.

  The refrigeration cycle apparatus 20 is applied to a vehicle air conditioner that air-conditions a vehicle interior space of the automobile 1. The refrigeration cycle apparatus 20 functions to cool the air blown into the vehicle interior space to a desired temperature.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the refrigeration cycle apparatus 20 is configured as a vapor compression refrigeration cycle including a circulation circuit 200 in which a refrigerant circulates, a compressor 21, a radiator 22, a decompression device 23, and an evaporator 24.

  The refrigeration cycle apparatus 20 employs R134a, which is an HFC-based refrigerant, as a refrigerant. In the refrigerant, oil for lubricating the compressor 21 (that is, refrigeration oil) is mixed. A portion of the oil circulates in the circulation circuit 200 together with the refrigerant.

  The compressor 21 is a device that compresses and discharges the sucked refrigerant. The compressor 21 is configured to include a reciprocating compression mechanism. The compressor 21 may be configured to include a rotary compression mechanism.

  The compressor 21 of the present embodiment is configured to be driven by the rotational driving force output from the external engine 10. The compressor 21 of the present embodiment is configured as an open-type compressor. Specifically, the compressor 21 according to the present embodiment includes the power transmission mechanism 213 such as a pulley and a belt so that the shaft 212 which penetrates the housing 211 and protrudes to the outside is rotated by the driving force from the engine 10. It is connected to the output shaft 10a of the engine 10 via the same.

  Furthermore, the compressor 21 of the present embodiment is provided with an electromagnetic clutch 214 that turns on / off transmission of rotational drive force from the engine 10. The compressor 21 of the present embodiment is configured to stop its operation when the electromagnetic clutch 214 is turned off.

  Here, in the compressor 21 of the present embodiment, a portion where the shaft 212 penetrates the housing 211 is sealed by a seal member 215 such as a mechanical seal or a lip seal. The seal member 215 is made of a polymer material containing a resin. The polymer material has gas permeability. For this reason, in the compressor 21, the refrigerant in the housing 211 may be gradually transmitted to the outside through the seal member 215.

  Subsequently, the radiator 22 exchanges the heat of the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor 21 with the outside air introduced from the outdoor blower 221 or the outside air introduced by the ram pressure during traveling of the automobile 1. It is a heat exchanger that radiates heat. The radiator 22 of the present embodiment is disposed in the front portion of the engine room to which the outside air is introduced by the ram pressure when the automobile 1 travels. The refrigerant flowing into the radiator 22 is condensed by heat exchange with the outside air. Note that the outside air passes through the radiator 22 as indicated by the dashed arrow AFo in FIG.

  Subsequently, the decompression device 23 is an expansion valve that decompresses and expands the refrigerant that has passed through the radiator 22. As the decompression device 23, for example, a temperature type expansion valve configured to be able to adjust the temperature on the outlet side of the evaporator 24 to a predetermined temperature is employed.

  Subsequently, the evaporator 24 is a heat exchanger that evaporates the low-temperature low-pressure refrigerant decompressed by the decompression device 23 by heat exchange with the blowing air supplied from the indoor blower 241 for blowing air to the vehicle interior space. . The blown air supplied from the indoor fan 241 passes through the evaporator 24 as indicated by a dashed arrow AFc in FIG. When passing through the evaporator 24, the blown air supplied from the indoor blower 241 is cooled to a desired temperature by the latent heat of evaporation of the refrigerant and then blown out into the vehicle compartment.

  Subsequently, the circulation circuit 200 is a closed circuit configured by sequentially connecting the compressor 21, the radiator 22, the pressure reducing device 23, and the evaporator 24 by a plurality of pipes 201 to 204. Specifically, the circulation circuit 200 connects the refrigerant discharge side of the compressor 21 and the refrigerant inlet side of the radiator 22, and the refrigerant outlet side of the radiator 22 and the refrigerant inlet side of the pressure reducing device 23 And a second high-pressure pipe 202 connecting them. Further, the circulation circuit 200 connects the first low pressure pipe 203 connecting the refrigerant outlet side of the pressure reducing device 23 and the refrigerant inlet side of the evaporator 24, and connects the refrigerant outlet side of the evaporator 24 and the refrigerant suction side of the compressor 21. The second low pressure pipe 204 is included.

  The high pressure pipes 201 and 202 and the low pressure pipes 203 and 204 are basically formed of metal pipes. However, in order to absorb the vibration of the engine 10 and the compressor 21, the first high-pressure pipe 201 is a first polymer pipe including a polymer material (for example, rubber, resin), a part of which is excellent in flexibility. It consists of 201a. Similarly, the second low-pressure pipe 204 is a second polymer including a polymer material (for example, rubber, resin), a part of which is excellent in flexibility in order to absorb vibrations of the engine 10 and the compressor 21. It comprises piping 204a.

  Each of the polymer pipes 201a and 204a has higher gas permeability than a portion formed of metal pipe, so that the refrigerant flowing inside may gradually permeate to the outside. In particular, since the high-pressure refrigerant compressed by the compressor 21 flows through the first polymer pipe 201a, the refrigerant tends to easily leak to the outside.

  In the refrigeration cycle apparatus 20 of the present embodiment, the slow leak of the refrigerant from the seal member 215 of the compressor 21, the polymer pipes 201a, 204a and the like can not be avoided. Therefore, the refrigeration cycle apparatus 20 includes a refrigerant leak detection device 30 that detects a refrigerant leak.

  The refrigerant leak detection device 30 shown in FIG. 3 includes a known microcomputer having a storage unit 31 such as a processor, a ROM, a RAM, and the like, and peripheral circuits thereof. The storage unit 31 of the refrigerant leak detection device 30 is configured of a non-transitional substantial storage medium.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the refrigerant leak detection device 30 has an outside air temperature sensor 301 for detecting the outside air temperature at its input side, an air conditioning control device 40 for controlling the refrigeration cycle device 20, an engine control device 50 for controlling the engine 10, etc. Is connected.

  The refrigerant leak detection device 30 is connected to the air conditioning control device 40 and the engine control device 50 so that the air conditioning control information of the air conditioning control device 40 and the traveling control information of the engine control device 50 can be acquired. .

  The air conditioning control device 40 is connected at its input side to various sensors that detect the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant flowing through the circulation circuit 200. Specifically, a high pressure side pressure sensor 41 and a high pressure side temperature sensor 42 for detecting the pressure and temperature of the high pressure refrigerant flowing out of the radiator 22 are connected to the air conditioning control device 40. Further, in the air conditioning control device 40, a low pressure side pressure sensor 43 and a low pressure side temperature sensor 44 that detect the pressure and temperature of the low pressure refrigerant flowing out of the evaporator 24 are connected.

  The refrigerant leak detection device 30 of the present embodiment can obtain information detected by the high pressure side pressure sensor 41, the high pressure side temperature sensor 42, the low pressure side pressure sensor 43, and the low pressure side temperature sensor 44 from the air conditioning control device 40 as air conditioning control information. It has become.

  On the input side of the engine control device 50, a rotation speed sensor 51 for detecting the rotation speed of the engine 10, a vehicle speed sensor 52 for detecting the traveling speed of the automobile 1, and the like are connected. The refrigerant leak detection device 30 according to the present embodiment can obtain information detected by the rotation speed sensor 51 and the vehicle speed sensor 52 from the engine control device 50 as engine control information.

  Here, the refrigeration cycle apparatus 20 is configured such that the compressor 21 is driven by the rotational driving force output from the engine 10. For this reason, the rotational speed of the engine 10 is a factor that greatly affects the operation of the compressor 21 of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 20.

  Further, the refrigeration cycle apparatus 20 is configured such that the radiator 22 is introduced into the outside air by the ram pressure when the automobile 1 travels. For this reason, the traveling speed of the automobile 1 is a factor that affects the heat release amount of the radiator 22 in the refrigeration cycle apparatus 20.

  As described above, the information detected by the rotation speed sensor 51 and the vehicle speed sensor 52 becomes a state quantity having relevance to the operation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 20 in the operating state of the automobile 1. In the present embodiment, the information detected by the rotation speed sensor 51 and the vehicle speed sensor 52 corresponds to the moving object state quantity having relevance to the operation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 20 in the operating state of the moving object.

  On the output side of the refrigerant leak detection device 30, the electromagnetic clutch 214 of the compressor 21, a notification device 60 for notifying the user of an abnormality, and the like are connected. Although not shown, the notification device 60 has a display panel for visually displaying various abnormality information of the refrigeration cycle device 20. The notification device 60 displays information indicating the abnormal leak on the display panel when the abnormal signal indicating the abnormal leak of the refrigerant is input from the refrigerant leak detection device 30. The notification device 60 is not limited to the configuration for visually notifying the abnormality information, but may be configured to aurally notify the abnormality information.

  Further, the refrigerant leak detection device 30 of the present embodiment is connected to a wireless communication device 70 mounted on the automobile 1. The wireless communication device 70 is configured to be able to communicate with the external server 90 via the base station 80 and the Internet 85.

  The refrigerant leak detection device 30 according to the present embodiment is configured to be able to output various information and the like stored in the storage unit 31 to the external server 90 via the wireless communication device 70. In the present embodiment, the external server 90 functions as an external data storage device.

  The refrigerant leak detection device 30 configured as described above performs arithmetic processing of various signals and the like input from the input side according to a program stored in advance in the storage unit 31, and outputs the output side based on the result of the arithmetic processing and the like. Control various control target devices connected to

  Specifically, the refrigerant leak detection device 30 calculates the refrigerant leak amount from the input information, and determines whether the refrigerant leak from the circulation circuit 200 is an abnormal leak based on the refrigerant leak amount. Do.

  Further, when the refrigerant leak state becomes an abnormal leak state, the refrigerant leak detection device 30 of the present embodiment uses the various control target devices connected to the output side to take a predetermined countermeasure against the abnormal leak state. Run.

  Furthermore, the refrigerant leak detection device 30 according to the present embodiment uses the wireless communication device 70, the Internet 85, and the like as external server 90 for determining various information used to determine whether the refrigerant leak is an abnormal leak. Output to

  Here, the refrigerant leak detection device 30 includes a processing execution unit configured by hardware and software that executes various arithmetic processing, a control unit configured by hardware and software that controls various control target devices, and the like. It is aggregated.

  In the refrigerant leak detection device 30, a first leakage amount calculation unit 30a that calculates the leakage amount of the refrigerant in the circulation circuit 200 based on the refrigerant state amount including the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant in the circulation circuit 200, and the refrigerant assumed in advance The second leak amount calculation unit 30b that calculates the leak amount of the second is integrated. For convenience of explanation, in the present embodiment, the leakage amount of the refrigerant calculated by the first leakage amount calculation unit 30a is referred to as a first refrigerant leakage amount CL1, and the leakage amount of the refrigerant calculated by the second leakage amount calculation unit 30b is It may be called 2 refrigerant leak amount CL2.

  Further, in the refrigerant leak detection device 30, an abnormality determination unit 30c that determines whether the refrigerant leakage state from the circulation circuit 200 is an abnormal leakage state, and performs predetermined measures when an abnormal leakage state occurs. The countermeasure execution unit 30d is integrated.

  Further, the refrigerant leak detection device 30 outputs various information and the like used when determining whether or not the refrigerant leak is an abnormal leak to the external server 90 using the wireless communication device 70 or the like. Are aggregated.

  Next, the operation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 20 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. When the operation of the vehicle air conditioner is started with the engine 10 in operation, the air conditioning controller 40 turns on the electromagnetic clutch 214 to operate the compressor 21.

  As a result, as indicated by the solid line in FIG. 4, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 21 (that is, point A1 in FIG. 4) flows into the radiator 22 and is dissipated by heat exchange with the outside air in the radiator 22 (Ie, point A1 → point A2 in FIG. 4).

  The refrigerant (that is, point A2 in FIG. 4) that has flowed out of the radiator 22 flows into the pressure reducing device 23 and is decompressed and expanded to a predetermined pressure in the pressure reducing device 23 (that is, point A2 → point A3 in FIG. 4). ).

  The refrigerant (that is, point A3 in FIG. 4) that has flowed out of the decompression device 23 flows into the evaporator 24 and absorbs heat from the air blown into the passenger compartment in the evaporator 24 to evaporate (that is, point A3 in FIG. 4 → A4 point). Thereby, the blowing air to the vehicle interior is cooled. Then, the refrigerant flowing out of the evaporator 24 (that is, point A4 in FIG. 4) flows to the refrigerant suction side of the compressor 21 and is compressed again by the compressor 21 (ie, point A4 in FIG. 4). → A1).

  Here, in the refrigeration cycle apparatus 20, when the amount of refrigerant in the circulation circuit 200 decreases, the pressure of the refrigerant drawn into the compressor 21 decreases and the refrigerant outlet of the evaporator 24 as shown by the broken line in FIG. The degree of superheat SH of the refrigerant on the side increases (that is, point A4 → point B4 in FIG. 4). According to the findings of the present inventors, the decrease amount ΔPL of the pressure of the low pressure refrigerant and the increase amount ΔSH of the degree of superheat SH of the refrigerant tend to increase as the leakage amount of the refrigerant in the circulation circuit 200 increases.

  In addition, when the pressure of the refrigerant sucked into the compressor 21 decreases due to the decrease in the amount of refrigerant, the pressure of the high pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor 21 decreases, and the degree of supercooling of the refrigerant at the refrigerant outlet side of the radiator 22 SC becomes smaller (that is, point A2 → point B2 in FIG. 4). According to the findings of the present inventors, the decrease amount ΔPH of the pressure of the high pressure refrigerant and the decrease amount ΔSC of the subcooling degree SC of the refrigerant tend to increase as the leakage amount of the refrigerant in the circulation circuit 200 increases. .

  Thus, in the refrigeration cycle apparatus 20, there is a strong correlation between the amount of refrigerant leakage in the circulation circuit 200 and the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant in the circulation circuit 200.

  Next, a change with time of the amount of refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle apparatus 20 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 9. As described above, in the refrigeration cycle apparatus 20 of the present embodiment, a pipe having refrigerant permeability is adopted as a part of the circulation circuit 200, and the open-type compressor 21 is adopted. For this reason, for example, as shown in FIG. 5, permeation of the refrigerant from the polymer pipes 201a, 204a and the like to the outside (that is, refrigerant leakage) can not be avoided.

  Specifically, in the refrigeration cycle apparatus 20 of the present embodiment, as shown by the solid line in FIG. 6, the amount of refrigerant Ca in the circulation circuit 200 decreases with time. In other words, in the refrigeration cycle apparatus 20 of the present embodiment, the leakage amount CLs of the refrigerant, which is the reduction amount from the initial filling amount of the refrigerant, increases with time.

  Here, the normally assumed leakage amount CLs of the refrigerant is, for example, as shown in FIG. 7, the refrigerant pressure Pc flowing through each of the polymer pipes 201a, 204a and the pressure Pa around each of the polymer pipes 201a, 204a. It tends to increase as the pressure difference ΔP becomes larger.

  The refrigerant leakage amount CLs, which is usually assumed, tends to increase as the refrigerant resistance (i.e., the barrier property) of each of the polymer pipes 201a, 204a and the like decreases due to the deterioration of the material.

  Here, the deterioration of the polymer material proceeds by a chemical reaction such as decomposition, oxidation or polymerization. This chemical reaction occurs when collisions between molecules occur and the energy possessed by the molecules is larger than the activation energy Ea shown in FIG. Such chemical reactions tend to increase in reaction rate as the temperature rises.

  For this reason, as shown in FIG. 9, the leakage amount CLs of the refrigerant caused by the deterioration of the polymer material tends to increase according to the temperature. This tendency is also clearly shown by the Arrhenius equation shown in the following equations F1 and F2.

K (T) = A × exp {(−B × C) / T} (F1)
B = Ea / R (F2)
Here, K (T) in Formula F1 is a refrigerant permeation coefficient that indicates the ease of refrigerant leakage. A of Formula F1 is a frequency coefficient. T in equation F1 is the absolute temperature of the material of interest. C in Formula F1 is a correction coefficient. Moreover, Ea of Formula F2 is activation energy. R in the formula F2 is a Boltzmann constant. The frequency coefficient A and the activation energy Ea are constants specific to the reaction.

  Thus, there is a strong correlation between the refrigerant permeability coefficient K (T) having temperature dependency and the refrigerant pressure Pc at a predetermined location, and the refrigerant permeation coefficient CL, which is usually assumed due to deterioration of the material, etc. It becomes predictable based on K (T) and the refrigerant pressure Pc.

  By the way, as indicated by a broken line in FIG. 6, when an abnormal leak occurs in which the refrigerant amount Ca from the circulation circuit 200 becomes larger than the refrigerant leakage amount assumed in advance, the refrigerant amount Ca of the circulation circuit 200 is assumed. Also, the lower limit Cath is reached quickly. That is, when the leakage state of the refrigerant in the circulation circuit 200 becomes an abnormal leakage state, the refrigerant shortage in the circulation circuit 200 occurs.

  On the other hand, it is determined whether the refrigerant shortage state is the refrigerant shortage state by calculating the current refrigerant amount Ca in the circulation circuit 200 and comparing the refrigerant amount Ca with the allowable lower limit value Cath. Can.

  However, even if the refrigerant shortage state can be detected, it can not be distinguished whether the refrigerant leakage is due to a previously assumed refrigerant leakage such as slow leak or the like or an abnormal leakage.

  As shown in FIG. 6, when the refrigerant leakage state is an abnormal leakage state, the refrigerant leakage amount CLf at a predetermined time tα is the refrigerant at the same time tα when the refrigerant leakage state is a normal leakage state such as a slow leak. Compared to the amount of leakage CLs. The refrigerant leak amounts CLf and CLs are reduction amounts from the initial refrigerant charge amount. Further, the normal leak state is a state in which a refrigerant leak assumed beforehand such as a slow leak has occurred.

  Taking these into consideration, the refrigerant leak detection device 30 according to the present embodiment compares the first refrigerant leakage amount CL1 based on the current refrigerant state amount with the second refrigerant leakage amount CL2 assumed in advance, and the circulation circuit 200 It is determined whether or not the leakage state of the refrigerant at the point is an abnormal leakage state.

  Hereinafter, a specific refrigerant leak detection process in the refrigerant leak detection device 30 according to the present embodiment will be described. The refrigerant leak detection device 30 executes control processing for detecting a refrigerant leak when the refrigeration cycle apparatus 20 is in operation. In the present embodiment, an outline of control processing executed by the refrigerant leak detection device 30 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. Each control step of the control processing shown in FIG. 10 constitutes a function realizing unit that realizes various functions executed by the refrigerant leak detection device 30.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the refrigerant leak detection device 30 acquires various signals from the outside air temperature sensor 301, the air conditioning control device 40, the engine control device 50, etc. connected to the input side in step S100.

  Then, in step S110, the refrigerant leak detection device 30 calculates a first refrigerant leak amount CL1 based on the various signals acquired in step S100. At this time, the refrigerant leak detection device 30 stores the first refrigerant leak amount CL1 in the storage unit 31.

  As described above, in the refrigeration cycle apparatus 20, there is a strong correlation between the leakage amount CL of the refrigerant in the circulation circuit 200 and the refrigerant state amount including the temperature and the pressure of the refrigerant. Therefore, the refrigerant leak detection device 30 calculates the first refrigerant leakage amount C1 based on the refrigerant state amount in the circulation circuit 200.

  Specifically, the refrigerant leak detection device 30 substitutes the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant on the refrigerant outlet side of the radiator 22 and the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant on the refrigerant outlet side of the evaporator 24 in a predetermined calculation formula. The first refrigerant leakage amount CL1 is calculated.

  As a formula for calculating the first refrigerant leakage amount CL1, for example, with the first refrigerant leakage amount CL1 as a target variable, the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant at the refrigerant outlet side of the radiator 22 and the temperature of the refrigerant at the refrigerant outlet side of the evaporator 24 And a regression equation obtained by regression analysis with pressure as an explanatory variable can be adopted.

  Here, as described above, the refrigerant leakage amount CL1 also has a strong correlation with the degree of supercooling SC on the refrigerant outlet side of the radiator 22 and the degree of superheat SH on the refrigerant outlet side of the evaporator 24. For this reason, it is desirable to adopt a regression equation in which the degree of subcooling SC and the degree of superheat SH are added as explanatory variables as the calculation formula of the refrigerant leak amount CL1. The degree of subcooling SC on the refrigerant outlet side of the radiator 22 can be calculated from the vapor pressure curve of the refrigerant and the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant on the refrigerant outlet side of the radiator 22. The degree of superheat SH on the refrigerant outlet side of the evaporator 24 can be calculated from the vapor pressure curve of the refrigerant and the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant on the refrigerant outlet side of the evaporator 24.

  Further, the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant at the refrigerant outlet side of the radiator 22 and the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant at the refrigerant outlet side of the evaporator 24 are fluctuations of the outside air temperature, the traveling speed of the automobile 1, the rotation speed of the engine 10, etc. It changes with

  For this reason, it is desirable that a calculation formula of the first refrigerant leakage amount CL adopt a regression formula in which the outside air temperature, the traveling speed of the automobile 1, and the rotational speed of the engine 10 are added as explanatory variables. That is, the refrigerant leak detection device 30 is based on the outside air temperature which is environmental information around the refrigeration cycle device 20, the traveling speed of the automobile 1 indicating the operating state of the automobile 1, and the state quantity including the rotational speed of the engine 10. It is desirable that the first refrigerant leak amount CL1 be calculated. According to this, it is possible to improve the calculation accuracy of the first refrigerant leak amount CL1 in the refrigerant leak detection device 30.

  Subsequently, in step S120, the refrigerant leak detection device 30 calculates a second refrigerant leak amount CL2 based on the various signals acquired in step S100. At this time, the refrigerant leak detection device 30 stores the second refrigerant leakage amount CL2 in the storage unit 31.

  As described above, there is a strong correlation between the refrigerant permeability coefficient K (T) having temperature dependency and the refrigerant pressure Pc at a predetermined location, which is assumed to be the refrigerant leakage amount CL normally assumed due to material deterioration and the like. Therefore, the refrigerant leak detection device 30 calculates the second refrigerant leakage amount CL2 based on the refrigerant permeability coefficient K (T) and the refrigerant pressure Pc.

  Here, FIG. 11 is an explanatory view for explaining an example of a method of calculating the second refrigerant leak amount CL2 by the refrigerant leak detection device 30. FIG. As shown in FIG. 11, the refrigerant leak detection device 30 measures the refrigerant transmission coefficient K of each of the polymer pipes 201a and 204a and the seal member 215 based on the target ambient temperature T, which is an environmental state quantity, and the above-mentioned equation F1. Calculate (T). The target ambient temperature T is a temperature obtained by converting the outside air temperature detected by the outside air temperature sensor 301 into an absolute temperature. Further, various constants and the like in the formula F1 are set in advance in accordance with the respective polymer pipes 201a and 204a and the seal member 215.

  Subsequently, the refrigerant leak detection device 30 substitutes the refrigerant permeability coefficient K (T) and the refrigerant pressure Pc into the following mathematical formula F3, and leaks the refrigerant per predetermined period in each of the polymer pipes 201a, 204a and the seal member 215. A unit leak amount ΔCL2 which is an amount is calculated.

ΔCL2 = K (T) × Pc (F3)
Subsequently, the refrigerant leak detection device 30 calculates, as the second refrigerant leakage amount CL2, an integrated value obtained by integrating the unit leakage amounts ΔCL2 calculated in all the periods after the circulation circuit 200 is filled with the refrigerant.

  Here, the target ambient temperature T and the refrigerant pressure used when calculating the second refrigerant leakage amount CL2 may fluctuate depending on the traveling speed of the automobile 1 or the like. Therefore, it is desirable that the refrigerant leak detection device 30 be configured to calculate the second refrigerant leak amount CL2 in consideration of the state amount indicating the operating state of the vehicle 1. According to this, it is possible to improve the calculation accuracy of the second refrigerant leak amount CL2 in the refrigerant leak detection device 30.

  Returning to FIG. 10, in step S130, the refrigerant leak detection device 30 outputs the data calculated in the control process to the external server 90 using the wireless communication device 70 and the like. Specifically, the refrigerant leak detection device 30 uses the wireless communication device 70 or the like in the state where the first refrigerant leakage amount CL1 is associated with the refrigerant state amount used to calculate the first refrigerant leakage amount CL1. Output to the server 90. In addition, the refrigerant leak detection device 30 sends the second refrigerant leakage amount CL2 to the external server 90 using the wireless communication device 70 or the like in a state in which the second refrigerant leakage amount CL2 is associated with the environmental condition amount used for calculating the second refrigerant leakage amount CL2. Output.

  Subsequently, in step S140, the refrigerant leak detection device 30 determines whether the first refrigerant leakage amount CL1 is equal to or less than the second refrigerant leakage amount CL2. As a result, when the first refrigerant leakage amount CL1 is equal to or less than the second refrigerant leakage amount CL2, the refrigerant leakage detection device 30 sets the refrigerant leakage state to the normal leakage state in step S150.

  Then, the refrigerant leak detection device 30 determines in step S160 whether or not the first refrigerant leak amount CL1 is equal to or less than the preset allowable refrigerant leak amount CLth. The allowable refrigerant leak amount CLth is a reference refrigerant leak amount set in advance, and is set to, for example, the refrigerant leak amount from which the operation (for example, the cooling capacity) of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 20 starts to be affected.

  If it is determined that the first refrigerant leak amount CL1 is equal to or less than the allowable refrigerant leak amount CLth as a result of the determination process of step S160, it is considered that no problem due to the refrigerant leak will occur, so the refrigerant leak detection device 30 leaves this control process.

  When the first refrigerant leakage amount CL1 is larger than the allowable refrigerant leakage amount CLth as a result of the determination processing in step S160, the refrigerant leakage detection device 30 performs operation restriction processing for restricting the operation of the refrigeration cycle device 20 in step S170. Run. In this operation limiting process, the electromagnetic clutch 214 is turned off to stop the operation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 20. According to this, various problems which occur in the refrigeration cycle apparatus 20 due to the shortage of the refrigerant can be suppressed.

  On the other hand, when the first refrigerant leakage amount CL1 is larger than the second refrigerant leakage amount CL2 as a result of the determination processing in step S140, the refrigerant leakage detection device 30 sets the refrigerant leakage state to an abnormal leakage state in step S180.

  Then, in step S190, the refrigerant leak detection device 30 executes a notification process of notifying the user that the refrigerant leak state is an abnormal leak state by the notification device 60. Specifically, the refrigerant leak detection device 30 outputs an abnormality signal indicating that the refrigerant leak state is an abnormal leak state to the notification device 60. In this notification process, in addition to the abnormal leak state, it is desirable that the notification device 60 notify the user of information that calls attention to the investigation of the leak point of the refrigerant.

  The refrigerant leakage detection device 30 described above compares the first refrigerant leakage amount CL1 with the second refrigerant leakage amount CL2 corresponding to the refrigerant leakage amount assumed in advance, so that the refrigerant leakage state in the circulation circuit 200 is small. It is determined whether or not there is an abnormal leak condition.

  Problems such as a decrease in cooling capacity in the refrigeration cycle apparatus 20 occur after the abnormal leak state continues for a predetermined period. For this reason, in the structure which can grasp | ascertain an abnormal leak state, there exists an advantage of becoming easy to prevent malfunctions, such as a fall of the cooling capacity in the refrigerating cycle apparatus 20. FIG.

  Here, the amount of leakage of the refrigerant at normal times such as slow leakage is not constant, and fluctuates due to the influence of the temperature around the circulation circuit 200 and the like. In consideration of this, in the refrigerant leak detection device 30 of the present embodiment, the second refrigerant leakage amount CL, which is the leakage amount of the refrigerant assumed in advance, is based on the environmental condition amount including the temperature around the circulation circuit 200. It is configured to calculate. According to this, since the prediction accuracy of the second refrigerant leakage amount CL2 becomes high, it is possible to improve the determination accuracy of whether the refrigerant leakage state is the abnormal leakage state.

  Specifically, when the first refrigerant leak amount CL1 is larger than the second refrigerant leak amount CL2, the refrigerant leak detection device 30 determines that an abnormal leak state exists, and the first refrigerant leak amount CL1 is a second refrigerant leak. When the amount is less than or equal to CL2, it is determined that the normal leakage state is established. According to this, since the leak state of the refrigerant can be divided into the normal leak state and the abnormal leak state, it becomes easy to prevent a defect such as a decrease in cooling capacity in the refrigeration cycle apparatus 20.

  In addition, the refrigerant leak detection device 30 is configured to execute notification processing to notify the user that the refrigerant leak state is the abnormal leak state by the notification device 60 as a countermeasure against the abnormal leak state. . As described above, in the configuration in which the abnormal leak state is notified to the user, the user can be alerted to the implementation of the refrigerant leak countermeasure before the abnormal operation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 20 occurs.

  Furthermore, the refrigerant leak detection device 30 outputs the first refrigerant leakage amount CL1 to the external server 90 using the wireless communication device 70 or the like in a state in which the first refrigerant leakage amount CL1 is associated with the refrigerant state amount using the first refrigerant leakage amount CL1. Is configured to Similarly, the refrigerant leak detection device 30 uses the wireless communication device 70 or the like in the external server 90 in a state in which the second refrigerant leakage amount CL2 is associated with the environmental state amount that is used for calculating the second refrigerant leakage amount CL2. It is configured to output.

  According to this, the data accumulation is performed in a state where the first refrigerant leak amount CL1 and the second refrigerant leak amount CL2 calculated by the refrigerant leak detection device 30 are associated with the state amounts used for the calculation of the refrigerant leak amounts CL1 and CL2. It can be stored in the external server 90 that constitutes the device. According to this, for example, the data accumulated in the external server 90 can be effectively used to grasp the tendency of the refrigerant leakage amount in the refrigeration cycle apparatus 20 mounted on the automobile 1 to change.

Second Embodiment
Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In the present embodiment, the contents of the control process performed by the refrigerant leak detection device 30 are different from those in the first embodiment. The other configuration is basically the same as that of the first embodiment. Therefore, in the present embodiment, parts different from the first embodiment are mainly described.

  The refrigerant leak detection device 30 of the present embodiment executes the control process shown in FIG. 12 instead of the control process shown in FIG. Among the steps shown in FIG. 12, steps given the same reference numerals as the steps shown in FIG. 10 have the same processing contents unless otherwise stated.

  As shown in FIG. 12, when the first refrigerant leak amount CL1 is larger than the second refrigerant leak amount CL2 as a result of the determination process of step S140, the refrigerant leak detection device 30 proceeds to step S200. That is, in step S200, the refrigerant leak detection device 30 determines whether the first refrigerant leak amount CL1 is equal to or less than the preset allowable refrigerant leak amount CLth. The allowable refrigerant leakage value CLth is a reference refrigerant leakage amount set in advance, and is set to, for example, the leakage amount of refrigerant from which the operation (for example, the cooling capacity) of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 20 starts to be affected.

  When the first refrigerant leak amount CL1 becomes equal to or less than the allowable refrigerant leak amount CLth as a result of the determination process of step S200, the refrigerant leak detection device 30 sets an abnormal leak state to an initial abnormal state in step S210. This initial abnormal state indicates an abnormal leak state before abnormal operation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 20 occurs.

  Then, in step S220, the refrigerant leak detection device 30 executes a notification process in which the notification device 60 notifies the user that the abnormal leak state is in the initial abnormal state. Specifically, the refrigerant leak detection device 30 outputs, to the notification device 60, an abnormal signal indicating that the abnormal leak state is in the initial abnormal state. In this notification process, in addition to the initial abnormal state, it is desirable that the notification device 60 notify the user of information that calls attention to the investigation of the leak point of the refrigerant.

  On the other hand, when the first refrigerant leakage amount CL1 is larger than the allowable refrigerant leakage amount CLth as a result of the determination processing in step S200, the refrigerant leakage detection device 30 sets the abnormal leakage state to the terminal abnormal state in step S230. The last abnormal state indicates an abnormal leak state in which abnormal operation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 20 occurs.

  And the refrigerant | coolant leak detection apparatus 30 performs the operation | movement restriction | limiting process which restrict | limits the operation | movement of the refrigerating-cycle apparatus 20 by step S240. In this operation limiting process, the electromagnetic clutch 214 is turned off to stop the operation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 20.

  The refrigerant leak detection device 30 described above can separate the abnormal leak state into an initial abnormal state before an abnormality occurs in the operation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 20 and a terminal abnormal state in which an abnormality occurs in the operation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 20. .

  Then, since the refrigerant leak detection device 30 is configured to notify the user that the abnormal leak state is the initial abnormal state to the user that the initial abnormal state is, the abnormal operation of the refrigeration cycle device 20 occurs. Prior to this, it is possible to call attention to the implementation of measures to prevent refrigerant leaks.

  In addition, since the refrigerant leak detection device 30 is configured to limit the operation of the refrigeration cycle device 20 when the abnormal leakage state becomes a terminal abnormal state, various problems occurring in the refrigeration cycle device 20 due to the shortage of the refrigerant are suppressed. be able to.

Third Embodiment
Next, a third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 13 to 16. In the present embodiment, the contents of the control process performed by the refrigerant leak detection device 30 are different from those in the first embodiment. The other configuration is basically the same as that of the first embodiment. Therefore, in the present embodiment, parts different from the first embodiment are mainly described.

  The leakage amount of the refrigerant from the circulation circuit 220 in the abnormal leak state changes in accordance with the abnormal portion where the abnormality occurs. For example, the leakage of the refrigerant due to the deterioration of the seal member 215 or the like of the compressor 21 has a relatively small amount of refrigerant leakage per unit time, as indicated by the dotted line L1 in FIG.

  On the other hand, for example, the leakage of the refrigerant due to the deterioration inside each of the polymer pipes 201a and 204a is, as indicated by the alternate long and short dash line L2 in FIG. The amount of refrigerant leakage increases. Furthermore, for example, as shown by a two-dot chain line L3 in FIG. 13, the leakage of the refrigerant caused by the breakage or the like of the joint portion between each of the polymer pipes 201a and 204a and the metal pipe is indicated by The amount of leakage of refrigerant per unit time increases as compared with the case where the inside of the unit deteriorates.

  Based on such a tendency, the refrigerant leak detection device 30 of the present embodiment is configured to be able to estimate an abnormal part where a refrigerant leak abnormality occurs in the circulation circuit 220. That is, the refrigerant leakage detection device 30 according to the present embodiment determines the leakage gradient ΔCL1 / ΔT, which is the leakage amount of refrigerant per unit time, from the first refrigerant leakage amount CL1 when the refrigerant leakage state becomes an abnormal leakage state. calculate. Specifically, the refrigerant leak detection device 30 calculates a difference ΔCL1 between the previously calculated first refrigerant leak amount CL1 and the currently calculated first refrigerant leak amount CL1 at a time interval ΔT at which the first refrigerant leak amount CL1 is calculated. Leakage gradient ΔCL1 / ΔT is calculated by dividing.

  Further, the refrigerant leak detection device 30 estimates an abnormal part where the refrigerant leak is occurring in the circulation circuit 220 according to the leakage gradient ΔCL1 / ΔT. Specifically, in the refrigerant leak detection device 30 of the present embodiment, the storage unit 31 stores in advance a plurality of determination threshold values that define the correspondence relationship between the leak gradient ΔCL1 / ΔT and the abnormal part. Then, the refrigerant leak detection device 30 compares the plurality of determination threshold values stored in the storage unit 31 with the leak gradient ΔCL1 / ΔT calculated from the first refrigerant leak amount CL1, thereby causing a refrigerant leak abnormality. Estimate the abnormal site.

  In the present embodiment, first to third determination threshold values ΔCLth1 to ΔCLth3 are set as the plurality of determination threshold values. The first determination threshold value ΔCLth1 is set to, for example, a leakage gradient ΔCL1 / ΔT that is predicted when a refrigerant leak occurs at the joint portion between each of the polymer pipes 201a and 204a and the metal pipe. The second determination threshold ΔCLth2 is a value smaller than the first determination threshold ΔCLth1, and, for example, a leakage gradient ΔCL1 predicted when refrigerant leakage occurs in a pipe deterioration site such as the inside of each of the polymer pipes 201a and 204a. It is set to / ΔT. The third determination threshold ΔCLth3 is a value smaller than the second determination threshold ΔCLth2, and is set to, for example, the leakage gradient ΔCL1 / ΔT predicted when the refrigerant leaks in the seal portion provided with the seal member 215 and the like. It is done.

  Furthermore, the refrigerant leak detection device 30 of the present embodiment notifies the user of the information related to the abnormal part by the notification device 60 when the refrigerant leak state is determined as the abnormal leak state. In the refrigerant leak detection device 30 according to the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 14, an abnormal part estimation unit 30 f is integrated to estimate an abnormal part where a refrigerant leak abnormality has occurred.

  Next, the operation of the refrigerant leak detection device 30 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The refrigerant leak detection device 30 of the present embodiment executes the control process shown in FIG. 15 instead of the control process shown in FIG. Among the steps shown in FIG. 15, steps given the same reference numerals as the steps shown in FIG. 10 have the same processing contents unless otherwise stated.

  As shown in FIG. 15, after notifying the user that the refrigerant leak state is an abnormal leak state by the notification device 60 in step S190, the refrigerant leak detection device 30 proceeds to the abnormal part estimation process of step S300. Do. Details of the abnormal part estimation process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 16, in step S305, the refrigerant leak detection device 30 calculates the leakage gradient ΔCL1 / ΔT, which is the leakage amount of refrigerant per unit time, from the first refrigerant leakage amount CL1 from the first refrigerant leakage amount CL1. . Specifically, the refrigerant leak detection device 30 calculates a difference ΔCL1 between the previously calculated first refrigerant leak amount CL1 and the currently calculated first refrigerant leak amount CL1 at a time interval ΔT at which the first refrigerant leak amount CL1 is calculated. Leakage gradient ΔCL1 / ΔT is calculated by dividing.

  Subsequently, in step S310, the refrigerant leak detection device 30 determines whether the leak slope ΔCL1 / ΔT is equal to or greater than a preset first determination threshold ΔCLth1. As a result, when the leakage gradient ΔCL1 / ΔT is equal to or greater than the first determination threshold ΔCLth1, the refrigerant leak detection device 30 makes an abnormal part where a refrigerant leak has occurred in step S315 with the respective polymer pipes 201a, 204a and metal. Set at the junction with piping. Then, in step S320, the refrigerant leak detection device 30 notifies the user that the abnormal portion in which the refrigerant leak is generated by the notification device 60 is the junction portion.

  On the other hand, if the leakage gradient ΔCL1 / ΔT is less than the first determination threshold ΔCLth1, the refrigerant leak detection device 30 determines whether the leakage gradient ΔCL1 / ΔT is greater than or equal to the second determination threshold ΔCLth2 set in advance in step S325. Determine As a result, when the leakage gradient ΔCL1 / ΔT is equal to or larger than the second determination threshold ΔCLth2, the refrigerant leak detection device 30 performs the abnormal portion where the refrigerant leaks in step S330 as piping inside the respective polymer pipes 201a and 204a. Set as a degraded area. Then, in step S320, the refrigerant leak detection device 30 notifies the user that the abnormal portion in which the refrigerant leak has occurred by the notification device 60 is the pipe deterioration portion.

  If it is determined in step S325 that the leakage gradient ΔCL1 / ΔT is less than the second determination threshold ΔCLth2, the refrigerant leak detection device 30 determines that the leakage gradient ΔCL1 / ΔT is set in advance in step S335. It is determined whether it is above or not. As a result, when the leakage gradient ΔCL1 / ΔT is equal to or larger than the third determination threshold ΔCLth3, the refrigerant leak detection device 30 sets an abnormal part in which the refrigerant leak is generated as the seal part in step S340. Then, in step S320, the refrigerant leak detection device 30 notifies the user that the abnormal portion in which the refrigerant leak has occurred by the notification device 60 is the seal portion.

  If the leakage gradient ΔCL1 / ΔT is less than the second determination threshold ΔCLth2 as a result of the determination process of step S335, the refrigerant leak detection device 30 determines that the refrigerant leak is a minor abnormal leak in step S345. Then, in step S350, the refrigerant leak detection device 30 notifies the user that the refrigerant leakage is a slight abnormal leak by the notification device 60.

  The refrigerant leak detection device 30 according to the present embodiment described above can estimate the abnormal part where the refrigerant leak has occurred, and it becomes easy to identify the cause of the refrigerant leak, so that the number of man-hours required for the subsequent refrigerant leak countermeasure can be reduced. Becomes possible. Further, the refrigerant leak detection device 30 according to the present embodiment is configured to notify the information on the abnormal part to the outside by the notification device 60. According to this, there is an advantage that it becomes easy to take measures against the refrigerant leak.

(Modification of the third embodiment)
Although the above-mentioned 3rd Embodiment demonstrated the example which sets an abnormal site | part to either a seal | sticker site | part, a piping degradation site | part, and a joining site | part according to leakage gradient (DELTA) CL1 / (DELTA) T, it is not limited to this. It is necessary to determine an abnormal part where a refrigerant leak occurs after evaluating installation environments of various devices of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 20, physical properties of materials used in the various devices, and the like. For this reason, it is desirable to set an abnormal site where a refrigerant leak occurs in consideration of the installation environment of various devices of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 20, the physical properties of materials used in the various devices, and the like. For example, since the pressure of the refrigerant is higher in each of the high pressure pipes 201 and 202 than in the low pressure pipes 203 and 204, when an abnormality occurs in each of the high pressure pipes 201 and 202, an abnormality occurs in the low pressure pipes 203 and 204. In some cases, the leak slope ΔCL1 / ΔT tends to be large compared to the case. Therefore, for example, when the leak slope ΔCL1 / ΔT is large, the refrigerant leak detection device 30 determines that an abnormality occurs in the high pressure pipes 201 and 202, and when the leak slope ΔCL1 / ΔT is small, each low pressure pipe 203 , 204 may be determined to be abnormal.

  Further, in the third embodiment described above, the refrigerant leakage abnormality occurs by comparing the plurality of determination threshold values stored in the storage unit 31 with the leakage gradient ΔCL1 / ΔT calculated from the first refrigerant leakage amount CL1. Although the example which presumes the abnormal part which has been demonstrated was demonstrated, it is not limited to this. The refrigerant leak detection device 30 stores, for example, a control map in which the correspondence relationship between the leak gradient ΔCL1 / ΔT and the abnormal part is defined in the storage unit 31, and the leak gradient is referred to with reference to the control map stored in the storage unit 31. The abnormal part may be estimated based on ΔCL1 / ΔT.

Fourth Embodiment
Next, a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In the present embodiment, the contents of the control process performed by the refrigerant leak detection device 30 are different from those in the third embodiment. The other configuration is basically the same as in the first to third embodiments. Therefore, in the present embodiment, parts different from the first to third embodiments will be mainly described.

  The refrigerant leak detection device 30 of the present embodiment executes the control process shown in FIG. 17 instead of the control process shown in FIG. Among the steps shown in FIG. 17, steps given the same reference numerals as the steps shown in FIG. 12 have the same processing contents unless otherwise stated.

  As shown in FIG. 17, in step S220, the refrigerant leak detection device 30 of the present embodiment notifies the user that the abnormal leak state is in the initial abnormal state by the notification device 60, and then proceeds to step S300. After transition, an abnormal part estimation process is performed. Since this abnormal part estimation process is the same as the process described in the third embodiment, the description thereof is omitted.

  The other configuration is the same as that of the first to third embodiments. The refrigerant leak detection device 30 of the present embodiment can obtain the same advantages as the first to third embodiments, with the same advantages as those of the first to third embodiments. In the present embodiment, although an example in which the abnormal part estimation process is performed when the abnormal leak state is in the initial abnormal state has been described, the present invention is not limited thereto. The refrigerant leak detection device 30 may be configured to execute the abnormal part estimation process, for example, when the abnormal leak state is in the terminal abnormal state.

(Other embodiments)
Although the representative embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be variously modified as follows, for example.

  Although the above-mentioned each embodiment demonstrated the example which calculates 1st refrigerant | coolant leak amount CL1 using the regression obtained by regression analysis, it is not limited to this. The refrigerant leak detection device 30 uses a calculation formula obtained by a method other than regression analysis for the first refrigerant leakage amount CL1, and a control map defining the relationship between the first refrigerant leakage amount CL1 and the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant. It may be configured to calculate.

  In the above embodiments, when calculating the second refrigerant leakage amount CL2, an example of calculating the refrigerant transmission coefficient K (T) based on the target ambient temperature T according to the Arrhenius equation shown in the equation F1 has been described. Not limited to this. For example, the refrigerant leak detection device 30 is configured to correct the refrigerant permeation coefficient estimated from the material characteristics and the like according to the target ambient temperature T, and calculate the second refrigerant leakage amount CL2 based on the corrected value. May be

  As in the above-described embodiments, the refrigerant leak detection device 30 is configured to calculate the refrigerant transmission coefficient K (T) of each of the polymer pipes 201 a and 204 a and the seal member 215 which are expected to cause refrigerant leakage. Is desirable, but not limited thereto. For example, when the leakage amount of the refrigerant from the seal member 215 is extremely small compared to each of the polymer pipes 201a and 204a, the refrigerant leak detection device 30 calculates the refrigerant transmission coefficient K (T) of each of the polymer pipes 201a and 204a. It may be configured to

  Although the above-mentioned 1st Embodiment demonstrated the example which performs the alerting | reporting process which alert | reports an abnormal leak state to a user, when the leak state of a refrigerant | coolant turns into an abnormal leak state, it is not limited to this. The refrigerant leak detection device 30 may be configured to execute operation restriction processing for restricting the operation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 20, for example, when the refrigerant leakage state becomes an abnormal leakage state.

  Moreover, although the above-mentioned each embodiment demonstrated the example which performs the process which turns off electromagnetic clutch 214 and stops the action | operation of the refrigerating cycle apparatus 20 as operation | movement restriction | limiting process, it is not limited to this. The operation restriction process is, for example, a degeneracy process in which the electromagnetic clutch 214 is turned off when the pressure of the high pressure refrigerant exceeds a predetermined reference pressure, and the electromagnetic clutch 214 is turned on when the pressure of the high pressure refrigerant is lower than the reference pressure. May be According to this, when the load of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 20 is low, the operation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 20 can be continued, so that the occurrence of various problems of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 20 can be suppressed while continuing the air conditioning of the vehicle interior. It becomes possible.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, an example has been described in which the refrigerant leakage amounts CL1 and CL2 and the like are output to the external server 90 before determining whether the refrigerant leakage state is the abnormal leakage state or not. It is not limited. The refrigerant leak detection device 30 may be configured to output the refrigerant leak amounts CL1, CL2 and the like to the external server 90 after determining whether or not the refrigerant leak state is an abnormal leak state. Although it is desirable that the refrigerant leak detection device 30 be configured to output the refrigerant leakage amounts CL1, CL2 and the like to the external server 90 as in the above-described embodiments, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the refrigerant leak detection device 30 may be configured to store the refrigerant leakage amounts CL1, CL2 and the like in the storage unit 31 and not output the same to the external server 90.

  Although the compressor 21 driven by the rotational driving force output from the external engine 10 is illustrated in each of the above-described embodiments, the present invention is not limited thereto. The compressor 21 may be driven by, for example, a rotational driving force output from an external motor.

  Although the above-mentioned each embodiment demonstrated the example in which the refrigerating cycle apparatus 20 was mounted in the motor vehicle 1 which is a mobile, it is not limited to this. The refrigeration cycle apparatus 20 may be mounted on, for example, a railway vehicle or a mobile unit such as a trailer.

  Although the above-mentioned each embodiment demonstrated the example which applies the refrigerant | coolant leak detection apparatus 30 to the refrigerating cycle apparatus 20, it is not limited to this.

  Although the above-mentioned each embodiment demonstrated the example which employ | adopted R134a which is a HFC type | system | group refrigerant | coolant as a refrigerant | coolant with which the circulation circuit 200 is filled, it is not limited to this. As the refrigerant, for example, R1234yf having a low global warming potential GWP may be adopted.

  It is needless to say that the elements constituting the embodiment in the above-described embodiment are not necessarily essential except when clearly shown as being essential and when it is considered to be obviously essential in principle.

  In the above embodiment, when numerical values such as the number, numerical value, amount, range and the like of the constituent elements of the embodiment are mentioned, it is clearly indicated that they are particularly essential and clearly limited to a specific number in principle. It is not limited to that particular number except in cases such as, etc.

  In the above embodiment, when referring to the shape, positional relationship, etc. of the component etc., unless otherwise specified or in principle when limited to a specific shape, positional relationship, etc., the shape, positional relationship, etc. It is not limited to etc.

(Summary)
According to the first aspect shown in part or all of the above-described embodiment, the refrigerant leak detection device calculates the first refrigerant leak based on the refrigerant state quantity, and presupposes in advance based on the environmental state quantity. The second refrigerant leak amount corresponding to the leaked refrigerant amount is calculated. Then, the refrigerant leak detection device compares the first refrigerant leak amount with the second refrigerant leak amount to determine whether the refrigerant leak state in the circulation circuit 200 is an abnormal leak state.

  According to the second aspect, when the first refrigerant leak amount is larger than the second refrigerant leak amount, the abnormality determination unit of the refrigerant leak detection device determines that the leakage state is the abnormal leakage state, and the first refrigerant is When the leakage amount is equal to or less than the second refrigerant leakage amount, it is determined that the leakage state is a normal leakage state. According to this, since the leak state of the refrigerant can be divided into the normal leak state and the abnormal leak state, it becomes easy to prevent a defect such as a decrease in cooling capacity in the refrigeration cycle apparatus.

  According to the third aspect, the refrigerant leak detection device includes a countermeasure execution unit that executes a predetermined countermeasure against an abnormal leak state. The countermeasure execution unit executes a notification process in which at least the abnormal leak condition is notified to the user by the notification device when the abnormality determination unit determines that the leak condition is an abnormal leak condition. As described above, in the configuration in which the abnormal leak state is notified to the user, it is possible to warn the user of the implementation of the refrigerant leak countermeasure before the abnormal operation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus occurs.

  According to the fourth aspect, the abnormality determination unit of the refrigerant leak detection device determines that the first refrigerant leakage amount is larger than the second refrigerant leakage amount, and the first refrigerant leakage amount is equal to or less than the predetermined allowable refrigerant leakage amount. In the case of, it is determined that the abnormal leak state is an initial abnormal state. Further, the abnormality determination unit of the refrigerant leak detection device determines that the abnormal leakage state is over when the first refrigerant leakage amount is larger than the second refrigerant leakage amount and the first refrigerant leakage amount exceeds the allowable refrigerant leakage amount. It determines that it is an abnormal state. According to this, the abnormal leak state can be divided into an initial abnormal state before an abnormality occurs in the operation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus and a terminal abnormal state in which an abnormality occurs in the operation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus.

  According to the fifth aspect, the refrigerant leak detection device includes a countermeasure execution unit that executes a predetermined countermeasure against an abnormal leak state. The countermeasure execution unit executes notification processing of notifying the user of the abnormal leakage state by the notification device when the abnormality determination unit determines that the abnormal leakage state is an initial abnormal state. The countermeasure execution unit executes an operation restriction process for restricting the operation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus when the abnormality judgment unit judges that the abnormal leak state is a terminal abnormal state.

  As described above, in the configuration in which the initial abnormal state is notified to the user when the abnormal leak state is in the initial abnormal state, the implementation of measures for preventing the refrigerant leak is warned before the abnormal operation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus occurs. It becomes possible. Further, in the configuration in which the operation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus is limited when the abnormal leak state becomes the terminal abnormal state, it is possible to suppress various problems that occur in the refrigeration cycle apparatus due to the shortage of the refrigerant.

  According to the sixth aspect, the refrigerant leak detection device calculates a leakage gradient, which is the leakage amount of refrigerant per unit time, from the first refrigerant leakage amount, and an abnormality occurs in the circulation circuit according to the leakage gradient. An abnormal part estimation unit for estimating a part is provided. According to this, it is easy to identify the cause of the refrigerant leak, so it is possible to reduce the number of man-hours required for the countermeasure for the refrigerant leak thereafter.

  According to the seventh aspect, in the refrigerant leak detection device, when the abnormality determination unit determines that the leak state is the abnormal leak state by the abnormality determination unit, the notification device reports information about the abnormal portion to the outside. . According to this, there is an advantage that it becomes easy to take measures against the refrigerant leak.

  According to the eighth aspect, in the refrigerant leak detection device, at least one of the refrigerant state amount and the environmental state amount includes the moving body state amount having relevance to the operation of the moving body. According to this, it is possible to improve the calculation accuracy of the leakage amount of the refrigerant in the refrigerant leakage detection device.

  According to the ninth aspect, the refrigerant leak detection device outputs the first refrigerant leakage amount to the external data storage device in a state in which the first refrigerant leakage amount is associated with the refrigerant state amount, and associates the second refrigerant leakage amount with the environmental state amount. An output unit for outputting data to the data storage device in the state is provided.

  According to this, the amount of refrigerant leakage calculated by the refrigerant leakage detection device may be stored in the external data storage device in a state in which the amount of refrigerant state associated with the amount of refrigerant state and the amount of environmental state used in calculation of refrigerant leakage amount. it can. According to this, for example, the data stored in the external data storage device can be effectively used to grasp the tendency of the leakage amount of the refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle device mounted on the moving body to change.

  According to the tenth aspect, the refrigerant leak detection device is configured by including in the circulation circuit a polymer pipe having flexibility and being made of a polymer material whose refrigerant permeation resistance is lowered due to deterioration over time. ing. The second leak amount calculation unit calculates the refrigerant permeation coefficient in the polymer pipe based on the temperature around the polymer pipe, and the second refrigerant leak based on at least the refrigerant permeability coefficient and the pressure of the refrigerant flowing through the polymer pipe Calculate the quantity.

  As described above, the second refrigerant leakage amount is predicted based on the temperature around the polymer piping having a strong correlation with the leakage amount of the refrigerant at normal times such as slow leak and the pressure of the refrigerant flowing through the polymer piping. Then, the refrigerant leakage detection device can accurately predict the second refrigerant leakage amount.

  According to the eleventh aspect, the refrigerant leak detection device is applied to a refrigeration cycle device including a compressor, a radiator, a pressure reducing device, and an evaporator. Then, the first leakage amount calculation unit calculates the first refrigerant leakage amount based on at least the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant at the refrigerant outlet side of the radiator and the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant at the refrigerant outlet side of the evaporator.

  Thus, the first refrigerant leakage amount is calculated based on the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant at the refrigerant outlet side of the radiator having a strong correlation with the leakage amount of refrigerant and the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant at the refrigerant outlet side of the evaporator. With this configuration, the first refrigerant leak amount can be accurately calculated by the refrigerant leak detection device.

  According to a twelfth aspect, a refrigeration cycle apparatus includes a circulation circuit and a refrigerant leak detection device. The refrigerant leak detection device calculates the first refrigerant leak based on the refrigerant state amount, and calculates the second refrigerant leak amount corresponding to the refrigerant leakage amount estimated in advance based on the environmental state amount. Then, the refrigerant leak detection device compares the first refrigerant leak amount with the second refrigerant leak amount to determine whether the refrigerant leak state in the circulation circuit 200 is an abnormal leak state.

1 Car (mobile)
Reference Signs List 20 refrigeration cycle apparatus 200 circulation circuit 30 refrigerant leak detection apparatus 30a first leak amount calculation unit 30b second leak amount calculation unit 30c abnormality determination unit

Claims (12)

A refrigerant leak detection device mounted on a moving body (1) and applied to a vapor compression refrigeration cycle apparatus (20) having a refrigerant circulation circuit (200),
A first leak amount calculation unit (30a) for calculating a leak amount of the refrigerant in the circulation circuit based on a refrigerant state amount including a temperature and a pressure of the refrigerant in the circulation circuit;
A second leakage amount calculation unit (30b) that calculates the leakage amount of refrigerant assumed in advance;
The amount of refrigerant in the circulation circuit based on the first refrigerant leakage amount (CL1) calculated by the first leakage amount calculation unit and the second refrigerant leakage amount (CL2) calculated by the second leakage amount calculation unit An abnormality determination unit (30c) that determines whether the leakage state is an abnormal leakage state;
The refrigerant leak detection device according to claim 1, wherein the second leakage amount calculation unit calculates the second refrigerant leakage amount based on an environmental condition amount including a temperature around the circulation circuit.   When the first refrigerant leakage amount is larger than the second refrigerant leakage amount, the abnormality determination unit determines that the leakage state is the abnormal leakage state, and the first refrigerant leakage amount is the second refrigerant. 2. The refrigerant leak detection device according to claim 1, wherein it is determined that the leak state is a normal leak state when the leak amount is less than or equal to the leak amount. A countermeasure execution unit (30d) for executing a predetermined countermeasure against the abnormal leak condition;
The countermeasure execution unit executes a notification process in which at least the abnormal leak condition is notified to the user by a notification device (60) when the abnormality determination unit determines that the leak condition is the abnormal leak condition. The refrigerant | coolant leak detection apparatus as described in 1 or 2. The abnormality determination unit
The abnormal leak state is an initial abnormal state when the first refrigerant leak amount is larger than the second refrigerant leak amount and the first refrigerant leak amount is equal to or less than a predetermined allowable refrigerant leak amount. Judge
When the first refrigerant leak amount is larger than the second refrigerant leak amount and the first refrigerant leak amount exceeds the allowable refrigerant leak amount, it is determined that the abnormal leak state is a terminal abnormal state The refrigerant | coolant leak detection apparatus of Claim 1 or 2. A countermeasure execution unit (30d) for executing a predetermined countermeasure against the abnormal leak condition;
The countermeasure execution unit
When the abnormality determination unit determines that the abnormal leak state is the initial abnormal state, a notification process is performed to notify the user of the abnormal leak state by a notification device (60);
5. The refrigerant leak detection device according to claim 4, wherein an operation restriction process for restricting the operation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus is executed when the abnormality judgment unit judges that the abnormal leakage state is the terminal abnormal state.   An abnormal part estimation unit (30f) which calculates a leakage gradient which is a leakage amount of refrigerant per unit time from the first refrigerant leakage amount, and estimates an abnormal part where an abnormality occurs in the circulation circuit according to the leakage gradient The refrigerant leak detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising:   The said abnormal part estimation part alert | reports the information regarding the said abnormal part outside by the alerting | reporting apparatus (60), when the said leakage determination state is determined by the said abnormality determination part as the said abnormal leakage state. Refrigerant leak detection device.   The refrigerant leak detection according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein at least one of the refrigerant state quantity and the environmental state quantity includes a mobile body state quantity relevant to the operation of the mobile body. apparatus.   While outputting the first refrigerant leakage amount to the external data storage device (90) in a state in which the first refrigerant leakage amount is associated with the refrigerant state amount, the data storage device in the state in which the second refrigerant leakage amount is related to the environmental state amount. The refrigerant leak detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising an output unit (30e) for outputting. The circulation circuit includes a polymer pipe (201a, 204a) having flexibility and being made of a polymer material whose resistance to refrigerant permeation decreases due to deterioration over time,
The second leak amount calculation unit calculates the refrigerant permeation coefficient in the polymer pipe based on the temperature around the polymer pipe, and at least based on the refrigerant permeation coefficient and the pressure of the refrigerant flowing through the polymer pipe. The refrigerant leak detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the second refrigerant leak amount is calculated. The refrigeration cycle apparatus includes a compressor (21), a radiator (22), a pressure reducing device (23), and an evaporator (24).
The first leakage amount calculation unit calculates the first refrigerant leakage amount based on at least the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant on the refrigerant outlet side of the radiator and the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant on the refrigerant outlet side of the evaporator. The refrigerant | coolant leak detection apparatus as described in any one of claim | item 1 thru | or 10. A vapor compression refrigeration cycle apparatus mounted on a moving body (1), comprising:
A circulation circuit (200) in which the refrigerant circulates,
A refrigerant leak detection device (30) for detecting a refrigerant leak from the circulation circuit;
The refrigerant leak detection device
A first leak amount calculation unit (30a) for calculating a leak amount of the refrigerant in the circulation circuit based on a refrigerant state amount including a temperature and a pressure of the refrigerant in the circulation circuit;
A second leak amount calculation unit (30b) that calculates a refrigerant leak amount based on an environmental condition amount including a temperature around the circulation circuit;
The amount of refrigerant in the circulation circuit based on the first refrigerant leakage amount (CL1) calculated by the first leakage amount calculation unit and the second refrigerant leakage amount (CL2) calculated by the second leakage amount calculation unit An abnormality determination unit (30c) that determines whether the leakage state is an abnormal leakage state;
A refrigeration cycle apparatus comprising:

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