JP2020118310A - Coolant leakage detection system, heat pump, heat pump system, and coolant leakage notification system - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a coolant leakage detection system, etc., which easily identifies a location of coolant leakage.SOLUTION: A detection system 30 detects coolant leakage from a periphery of a joint 80 in an air conditioning facility comprising one-side piping 83, other-side piping 84 and the joint 80 connecting the one-side piping 83 and the other-side piping 84. The detection system 30 comprises: a state change part in which a state is changed when a coolant and oil are leaked from the peripheral part; and a control part which identifies the state of the state change part. The state change part is constituted of a surface, at the side of a peripheral part 88, covering at least a portion of the peripheral part in a film 51 constituted of a photoconductor of which a resistance value is changed on the basis of quantity of received light, for example.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

The present disclosure relates to a refrigerant leak detection system that detects a refrigerant leak from around a connecting portion of a pipe included in a heat pump. The present disclosure also relates to a heat pump, and further to a heat pump system including a heat pump and a refrigerant leak detection system. Further, the present disclosure relates to a refrigerant leak notification system capable of reporting a refrigerant leak from around a plurality of connecting portions.

As described in Patent Document 1, a heat pump such as an air conditioner includes a compressor, a condenser, an expansion unit, an evaporator, and pipes connecting them, and the pipes evaporate even at a very low temperature. It is filled with a refrigerant having the characteristic of The compressor compresses the refrigerant to generate high temperature and high pressure, and sends it out. The condenser is a heat exchanger that liquefies the refrigerant gas and releases heat to the outside, and the expansion section expands the refrigerant to a low temperature and low pressure. The evaporator is a heat exchanger that absorbs heat from the outside to evaporate the refrigerant, and the refrigerant is a medium that carries heat, and changes its state to liquid or gas by pressure or temperature, Move. During the heating operation, the heat pump condenses the refrigerant discharged from the compressor in the condenser and changes it from gas to liquid. At the time of this condensation, heating is performed by the heat released by the refrigerant. On the other hand, during the cooling operation, the refrigerant that has flowed out of the expansion section is evaporated by the evaporator and changed from liquid to gas. During this evaporation, the refrigerant absorbs heat to perform cooling.

JP-A-11-037575

The refrigerant leakage from the heat pump can be detected by measuring the pressure of the refrigerant filled in the circulation passage of the heat pump, but it is not easy to identify the location of the refrigerant leakage.

Therefore, it is an object of the present disclosure to provide a refrigerant leak detection system, a heat pump, and a heat pump system in which the location of refrigerant leakage can be easily specified. Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a refrigerant leak notification system that allows one or more predetermined display devices to be notified of the location of refrigerant leakage.

In order to solve the above problems, the refrigerant leakage detection system according to the present disclosure is provided with a first pipe, a second pipe, and a connecting portion that connects the first pipe and the second pipe from a peripheral portion of the connecting portion in a heat pump. A refrigerant leak detection system for detecting a refrigerant leak, which is arranged so as to cover at least a part of the peripheral portion, and a state change portion that changes when refrigerant and oil leak from the peripheral portion, and the state change portion. And a state specifying unit that specifies the above state.

According to the present disclosure, it is possible to identify the peripheral portion of the connection portion where the refrigerant has leaked and to stop the refrigerant leakage only by identifying the state change portion that has caused the predetermined state change in the state identification portion.

Further, the state changing portion is a surface on the peripheral portion side that covers at least a part of the peripheral portion in a film made of a photoconductor whose resistance value changes based on the amount of received light, and The state specifying unit may include a resistance specifying unit that specifies the resistance value.

According to this configuration, the state change portion includes a part of the film made of the photoconductor, but when the refrigerant leaks, the refrigerant leaks to the outside together with the lubricating oil (hereinafter simply referred to as oil) of the compressor. So part of the film darkens due to oil leaks. Therefore, it becomes difficult for the film to receive light, and the resistance value of the film changes. Therefore, the refrigerant leakage can be objectively detected only by specifying the resistance value of the film by the resistance specifying unit, and the location of the refrigerant leakage can be specified accurately and significantly easily.

Further, a leakage determination unit that determines a refrigerant leakage when the resistance value becomes equal to or higher than a predetermined value may be provided.

According to this configuration, it is easy to objectively distinguish between the darkening of the state change portion unrelated to the refrigerant leakage and the darkening of the photoconductor caused by the refrigerant leakage, and it is easy to prevent erroneous detection of the refrigerant leakage.

In addition, a leakage amount estimation unit that estimates the leakage amount of the refrigerant based on the resistance value may be provided.

The leakage amount of the refrigerant is likely to show a correlation with the degree of darkening of the film, and due to this, also easily shows a correlation with the resistance value of the film. According to this configuration, the leak amount estimation unit estimates the leak amount of the refrigerant based on the resistance value of the film. Therefore, the leakage amount of the refrigerant can be estimated.

A light source that irradiates light to at least a part of the state change unit may be provided.

In the case of a commercial air conditioner installed in an office building or the like, a pipe connecting portion is often installed behind a ceiling or a wall of a building that is not exposed to light. However, according to this configuration, it is possible to irradiate at least a part of the state change portion with the light emitted from the light source. Therefore, it is possible to irradiate a part of the photoconductor forming the state change portion with light, and it is possible to detect a change in resistance value of a part of the photoconductor. Alternatively, for example, the state changing unit may be the light receiving surface of the light receiving element, and the state specifying unit may be a current detection unit that detects the current generated by the light receiving element. Alternatively, for example, the state change unit may be a white cloth or cardboard that is contaminated by oil, and the state specifying unit may be a photographing device (camera) that photographs the stain. Even in these cases, by irradiating at least a part of the state changing portion with light, the change in the state changing portion can be specified. Therefore, it is possible to objectively and accurately check the refrigerant leaks behind the ceiling or the back of the wall of the building, which makes it difficult for workers to enter and makes maintenance and inspection difficult. Can be reduced.

Moreover, you may provide the operation part which operates lighting and light extinction of the said light source.

According to this configuration, the light source can be turned on only when confirming the refrigerant leakage. Therefore, it is possible to save the electricity bill based on the lighting of the light source and suppress the deterioration of the light source.

Moreover, you may provide the alerting|reporting part which alert|reports the information which can specify the location of the said refrigerant|coolant leak.

According to this configuration, the building manager or the like can automatically and easily know the location of the refrigerant leakage by the notification by the notification unit. Therefore, for example, the manager or the like can promptly notify the maintenance company or the like of the refrigerant leakage from the heat pump.

Further, the heat pump of the present disclosure, a refrigerant filled in an annular passage, a compressor that causes the refrigerant to flow in the annular passage, a condenser that liquefies the refrigerant to release heat to the outside, Around an expansion part that expands the refrigerant to a low temperature and low pressure, an evaporator that absorbs heat from the outside to evaporate the refrigerant, and a connection part that connects two pipes that partially define the annular passage to each other. And a leakage determining member including a state changing portion that changes state when refrigerant and oil leak from the peripheral portion, and the state changing portion is visible from the outside.

According to the present disclosure, a person can confirm the state change of the state change unit. Therefore, a person can easily determine the presence/absence of refrigerant leakage from the location where the leakage determination member is arranged.

Further, the heat pump system of the present disclosure, a refrigerant filled in the annular passage, a compressor that causes the refrigerant to flow in the annular passage, a condenser that liquefies the refrigerant to release heat to the outside, An expansion unit that expands the refrigerant to a low temperature and a low pressure and an evaporator that absorbs heat from the outside to evaporate the refrigerant are provided, and each of the first pipe and the second pipe defines a part of the annular passage. Further, a heat pump having a connecting portion connecting the first pipe and the second pipe, and the refrigerant leakage detection system of the present disclosure are provided.

According to the present disclosure, it is easy to identify the location of refrigerant leakage.

In addition, the heat pump system may include a light source that irradiates at least a part of the state changing unit with light, and the connecting unit may be arranged behind a wall of a room or behind a ceiling of a building.

According to this configuration, even if it is difficult to confirm the leakage of the refrigerant, the leakage of the refrigerant can be specified without directly confirming the leakage of the refrigerant at the difficult portion. Therefore, the labor of maintenance work can be significantly reduced.

Further, the refrigerant leakage notification system according to the present disclosure specifies a plurality of refrigerant leakage detection systems of the present disclosure that are different from each other, and identifies a peripheral portion of the connection portion where refrigerant leakage has occurred based on information from each of the refrigerant leakage detection systems. And an information processing apparatus including an output unit that outputs leakage location information including possible position information to one or more display devices.

According to the present disclosure, it is possible to automatically transmit, to one or more display devices, position information that can identify a peripheral part of a connection part where a refrigerant leak has occurred. Therefore, for example, since the position information can be automatically transmitted to the display device (smartphone, maintenance computer, etc.) carried by one or more maintenance workers, the leakage of the refrigerant can be promptly dealt with.

According to the refrigerant leakage detection system and the like of the present disclosure, the location of refrigerant leakage can be easily specified.

It is a schematic structure figure of an air-conditioning system which constitutes a heat pump system concerning a 1st embodiment of this indication. It is a schematic cross section of the flare joint as an example of a connection part. It is a top view of the 1st detection sensor of the expanded state. It is a schematic diagram when the 1st detection sensor installed in the peripheral part of a joint is seen from the side. FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the line AA of FIG. 4, and is a schematic cross-sectional view of the first detection sensor installed in the peripheral portion of the joint, taken along a plane perpendicular to the extending direction of the joint and passing through the light source. is there. It is a block diagram which shows the main structures of an information management apparatus. It is a flow chart explaining the judgment procedure of the presence or absence of refrigerant leakage using the 1st detection sensor. It is a flow chart explaining the judgment procedure of the presence or absence of refrigerant leakage using the 2nd detection sensor. It is a schematic cross section explaining a connection part other than a joint. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a refrigerant leakage notification system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of control that can be executed by the control unit of the information management device when displaying information regarding a connection unit in which a refrigerant leak has occurred on a display device. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the control which the control part of the information processing apparatus for facility management can perform, when displaying the information regarding the connection part which caused the refrigerant leak on the display device.

Embodiments according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. When a plurality of embodiments and modifications are included below, it is assumed from the beginning that a new embodiment is constructed by appropriately combining the characteristic parts. Further, in the following embodiments, the same reference numerals are given to the same components in the drawings, and duplicated description will be omitted. Further, a plurality of drawings include schematic drawings, and the dimensional ratios such as the length, the width, and the height of each member do not necessarily match between different drawings. Further, among the components described below, the components not described in the independent claim indicating the highest concept are arbitrary components and are not essential components.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an air conditioning system 1 that constitutes a heat pump system according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. In addition, in the present embodiment, a case where the number of indoor units is two will be described for the sake of simplicity, but the number of indoor units may be set according to the scale of the air conditioning equipment. In the following, the flow of the refrigerant when using the cooling function of the first and second indoor units 16A and 16B will be described as an example, and the liquid main pipe 18 is on the upstream side of the flow of the refrigerant, and the gas main pipe 28 is The case where the flow is on the downstream side of the flow of the refrigerant will be described as an example. The air conditioning system 1 is installed in a facility such as a department store, a hotel, a building, or a nursing home. The air conditioning system 1 includes an air conditioning facility 10 as an example of a heat pump, and a refrigerant leak detection system (hereinafter, simply referred to as a detection system) 30.

The air conditioning equipment 10 is an air conditioning equipment for business use, and includes an outdoor unit 14, a first indoor unit 16A, a second indoor unit 16B, a circulation pipe 15, a first valve V1, a second valve V2, and a refrigerant port 38. The circulation pipe 15 connects the outdoor unit 14 and the first and second indoor units 16A and 16B, and the liquid main pipe 18, the liquid first branch pipe 20, the liquid second branch pipe 22, and the gas first branch pipe 24. , A gas second branch pipe 26, and a gas main pipe 28. The liquid refrigerant flows through the liquid main pipe 18, the liquid first branch pipe 20, and the liquid second branch pipe 22, and the gas first branch pipe 24, the gas second branch pipe 26, and the gas main pipe 28 The refrigerant in the gas state flows.

The outdoor unit 14 is installed outdoors and exchanges heat with the outside air with respect to the refrigerant that has exchanged heat with the first indoor unit 16A and the second indoor unit 16B. The outdoor unit 14 includes a compressor 37 that compresses the refrigerant and a capillary tube 34 that serves as an expansion unit that depressurizes the refrigerant. In addition, the first and second indoor units 16A and 16B are arranged, for example, in mutually different rooms, and perform heat exchange between the refrigerant and the indoor air to adjust the indoor temperature.

Each of the liquid piping and the gas piping has a branched structure, and has a structure that is divided into branch piping from the main piping to each indoor unit. The liquid main pipe 18 connected to the outdoor unit 14 is branched into a liquid first branch pipe 20 and a liquid second branch pipe 22. The liquid first branch pipe 20 is connected to the first indoor unit 16A, and the liquid second branch pipe 22 is connected to the second indoor unit 16B.

More specifically, the branch pipe 40 is connected to the downstream end of the liquid main pipe 18, and the upstream ends of the liquid first branch pipe 20 and the liquid second branch pipe 22 are connected to this branch pipe 40. The downstream ends of the liquid first branch pipe 20 and the liquid second branch pipe 22 are connected to the first and second indoor units 16A, 16B by connecting portions 39a, 39b.

Further, the gas first branch pipe 24 is connected to the first indoor unit 16A, and the gas second branch pipe 26 is connected to the second indoor unit 16B. The gas first branch pipe 24 and the gas second branch pipe 26 join the gas main pipe 28 via the branch pipe 42, and the gas main pipe 28 is connected to the outdoor unit 14. More specifically, the upstream ends of the gas first branch pipe 24 and the gas second branch pipe 26 are connected to the first and second indoor units 16A and 16B by the connecting portions 41a and 41b, respectively. The downstream ends of 24 and the gas second branch pipe 26 are connected to the branch pipe 42. Further, the upstream end of the gas main pipe 28 is connected to the branch pipe 42. The liquid main pipe 18 and the gas main pipe 28 are connected to the outdoor unit 14 by connecting portions 43 and 45. Each of the plurality of connecting portions 39a, 39b, 41a, 41b, 43, 45 includes, for example, at least one of a joint and a brazing portion.

The first valve V1 is provided in at least one of the liquid first branch pipe 20 and the gas first branch pipe 24. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the liquid first branch pipe 20 is provided with a first valve V1. The second valve V2 is provided in at least one of the liquid second branch pipe 22 and the gas second branch pipe 26. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the liquid second branch pipe 22 is provided with the second valve V2. Each of the first valve V1 and the second valve V2 is provided to control the refrigerant supply amount (flow rate) to the first and second indoor units 16A and 16B. The first valve V1 and the second valve V2 are electromagnetic valves, for example.

The refrigerant port 38 is connected to the liquid main pipe 18, for example. The refrigerant port 38 is used as a refrigerant filling port or a refrigerant recovery port. The refrigerant port 38 is also called a check joint, and includes, for example, a thin tube and valve means provided at its end. The refrigerant port 38 is assembled to the liquid main pipe 18 by, for example, brazing. The thin pipe of the refrigerant port 38 is connected to the liquid main pipe 18 by its assembly. In addition to the refrigerant port 38, another refrigerant port may be connected to the gas main pipe 28, or, instead of the refrigerant port 38, another refrigerant port may be connected to the gas main pipe 28.

Each of the first and second indoor units 16A and 16B includes evaporators 19A and 19B, and the outdoor unit 14 includes a condenser 17. Since the air conditioning equipment 10 is for business use, most of the above-mentioned piping is hidden by the wall or ceiling of the facility. Therefore, it is difficult to visually recognize most of the pipes from the room, and naturally it is not easy to visually detect the location where the refrigerant leaks in most of the pipes.

In the above configuration, the refrigerant supplied from the liquid pipe is heat-exchanged in the first indoor unit 16A and the second indoor unit 16B to become a gas and is discharged to the gas pipe. At this time, the heat of vaporization is taken from the respective chambers in which the first indoor unit 16A and the second indoor unit 16B are arranged, and these chambers are cooled. The refrigerant supplied from the gas pipe is heat-exchanged in the outdoor unit 14, returns to the liquid, and is sent to the liquid pipe again.

Next, the detection system 30 will be described. The detection system 30 includes a plurality of first refrigerant leak detection sensors (hereinafter, simply “first detection sensors”), a plurality of second refrigerant leak detection sensors (hereinafter, simply “second detection sensors”), one reference sensor, and 1 The above information management device 60 is included. The plurality of first detection sensors, the plurality of second detection sensors, and one reference sensor are installed in the air conditioning equipment 10.

Specifically, the air conditioning equipment 10 includes a plurality of passages that define at least a part of the annular passage 11 (see FIG. 1) through which the refrigerant circulates, and as described above, a connecting portion that connects each two adjacent passages. 39a, 39b, 41a, 41b, 43, 45 are included. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a flare joint 80 as an example of a connecting portion. As shown in FIG. 2, the flare type joint (hereinafter, simply referred to as joint) 80 includes an annular union pipe joint portion 81 and an annular flare nut 82. For example, the union pipe joint portion 81 is fixed to one end portion of the one-side pipe 83 by brazing, and the flare nut 82 is fixed to the other end portion of the other-side pipe 84 by brazing. The one side pipe 83 constitutes a first pipe, and the other side pipe 84 constitutes a second pipe. The union pipe joint portion 81 has an outer peripheral surface having a male screw portion 81a, and the flare nut 82 has an inner peripheral surface having a female screw portion 82a. By screwing the female screw portion 82a of the flare nut 82 into the male screw portion 81a of the union pipe joint portion 81, the one-side pipe 83 is connected to the other-side pipe 84, and the refrigerant flows from the one-side pipe 83 to the other-side pipe 84. It will be possible.

The first detection sensor is installed in the vicinity of the connection part installed in the dark in the wall or the ceiling where the light is hard to reach in the air conditioning equipment 10, and the second detection sensor is exposed to the light from the sun in the air conditioning equipment 10. It is installed around the connection part that is installed in an easy position. Further, the reference sensor has the same structure as the second detection sensor, is installed at a position where the light from the sun easily reaches in the air conditioning equipment 10, and is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the pipe other than the connection portion where the refrigerant does not leak. It is installed.

In the following, first, the structure and installation method of various detection sensors will be described in detail, taking the case where the first detection sensor is installed in the joint 80 as an example of the connection portion as an example. FIG. 3 is a plan view of the first detection sensor 50 in the unfolded state. As shown in FIG. 3, the first detection sensor 50 includes a rectangular film 51 made of a photoconductor, a small LED chip 52 as an example of a light source, a pair of first conductive wires 53, and a pair of first conductive wires 53. A second conductor 56 is included. The pair of first conductive wires 53 is used for supplying a direct current between the first location 54 and the second location 55 of the film 51, and the pair of second conductive wires 56 supplies direct current power to the LED chip 52. Used for.

As a photoconductor forming the film 51, for example, a cadmium sulfide (CdS) cell can be preferably used. The resistance value of cadmium sulfide changes in accordance with the amount of light hit, and the resistance value becomes lower as the light hits more. The resistance value of the cadmium sulfide cell is, for example, a value of about 600Ω when it is bright, while it rapidly increases to about 1 to 2 MΩ when it is dark. Therefore, by measuring the resistance value of the cadmium sulfide cell, it is possible to specify the light amount of the light striking the cadmium sulfide cell.

As shown in FIG. 3, the LED chip 52 is installed by being fixed to the central portion in the width direction at one end portion in the longitudinal direction of the film 51 with an adhesive or the like. Further, the LED chip 52 emits light to the other side in the longitudinal direction, and the optical axis L of the light is substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction. Moreover, one 53a of the pair of first conducting wires 53 is electrically joined to the first location 54 near the LED chip 52 in the film 51 by soldering or the like, and the other 53b of the pair of first conducting wires 53 is the first location. It is electrically joined to the second portion 55 opposed to 54 in the longitudinal direction by soldering or the like. Each of the pair of first conducting wires 53 and the pair of second conducting wires 56 extends, for example, to an information management apparatus described later in a state where the pair of first conductive wires 53 and the pair of second conductive wires 56 are housed in the same cable cover 57 and the damage is suppressed, and a predetermined amount of the information management apparatus. It is electrically connected to the terminal.

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of the first detection sensor 50 installed in the peripheral portion of the joint 80 when viewed from the side. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the line AA of FIG. 4, in which the first detection sensor 50 installed in the peripheral portion of the joint 80 passes through the LED chip 52 perpendicular to the extending direction of the joint 80. It is a schematic cross section when it cut|disconnects by the plane. In addition, in FIG. 5, illustration of the first and second conducting wires 53 and 56 is omitted.

As shown in FIG. 4, the film 51 has a region in the length range from the connecting portion 86 of the one-side pipe 83 and the joint 80 to the connecting portion 87 of the other-side pipe 84 and the joint 80 (hereinafter, this region is referred to as a joint inclusion region. It is installed so as to cover all 88). The joint inclusion area 88 is an example of a peripheral portion of the connection portion. Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the film 51 is preferably arranged so as to cover the entire circumferential region of the joint inclusion region 88.

More specifically, the film 51 surrounds the joint 80 over the entire area in the circumferential direction, and is formed into a tubular shape so that one end and the other end in the width direction (the width direction of the film 51) overlap each other, and then the overlapping portion. Are fixed with an adhesive or the like. Then, after that, the peripheral portion of the partial area 89 in the circumferential direction that is farthest from the LED chip 52 in the film 51 is covered with a double-sided tape or the like having an insulating property over a part or the entire area in the longitudinal direction of the film 51. It is fixed to a part of the outer peripheral surface. In this way, the film 51 is fixed to the joint inclusion area. It should be noted that if the inner surface of the peripheral portion of the partial region 89 including the fixing portion for the joint 80 in the tubular film 51 is coated with an insulating material, it is ensured that the film 51 and the joint 80 are electrically connected. It is preferable because it can be prevented. Further, instead of the double-sided tape or in addition to the double-sided tape, the film 51 may be fixed to the joint inclusion region 88 by using a fixing means such as an adhesive having an insulating property.

The inner diameter of the tubular film 51 is larger than the maximum outer diameter of the joint 80. Further, as described above, the portion of the film 51 that is most distant from the LED chip 52 in the circumferential direction is fixed to the joint inclusion region 88. As a result, as shown in FIG. 5, the LED chip 52 radially faces the outer peripheral surface of the joint containing area 88 with a space, and a part of the film 51 and a part of the outer peripheral surface of the joint containing area 88. And define a longitudinally extending space 92. The surface 91 of the part of the film 51 on the joint inclusion region 88 side constitutes the state change portion 58. It is important that a part of the film and a part of the outer peripheral surface of the joint inclusion region define a space extending in the longitudinal direction, and the film has a non-annular and substantially cylindrical shape with no overlap margin. It may be installed in the peripheral portion of the joint 80 in the shape of a circle.

Although not described in detail, the second detection sensor differs from the first detection sensor 50 only in that the light source such as the LED chip 52 and the second conducting wire 56 are not present. Similarly to the first detection sensor 50, the second detection sensor also has a joint or the like so that a large part (a part) of the film and a part of the outer peripheral surface of the joint inclusion region define a space extending in the longitudinal direction. It is installed around the connection part of. Also in the second detection sensor, the first location and the second location are located at positions facing the space on the inner surface of the film on the side of the connection portion, as in the first detection sensor. Also in the reference sensor, the first location and the second location are present at positions facing the space on the inner surface of the film on the pipe side, as in the first detection sensor. Even in the second detection sensor and the reference sensor, the film is electrically insulated from the pipe and is not electrically connected to the pipe.

Next, the information management device will be described. The information management device is composed of, for example, a workstation or a server. The information management device is installed in, for example, an information management room of a facility such as a building, and receives signals from various sensors and various devices installed in a plurality of facilities managed by the information management device to determine whether or not there is an abnormality in each facility. To do. Here, the plurality of facilities includes the air conditioning facility 10, but in addition to that, at least one of other one or more air conditioning facilities, one or more escalators, one or more elevators, and one or more lighting devices. One may be included.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the main configuration of the information management device 60. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the information management device 60 includes, as an example of a control unit 61, a storage unit 62, a reception unit 63, a transmission unit (output unit) 64, an operation unit 65, and a notification unit, which are examples of a state identification unit. The display unit 66 has.

In this embodiment, the receiving unit 63 includes a terminal to which the first and second conductive wires 53 and 56 of the first detection sensor 50 are connected, a terminal to which the first conductive wire of the second detection sensor is connected, and a reference sensor. A terminal to which the first conductive wire is connected. The receiving unit 63 may be configured with an antenna or the like when receiving the signals from the first detection sensor 50 and the second detection sensor wirelessly. In addition, when the facility includes a plurality of air conditioning equipment 10, the receiving unit 63 in each of the plurality of air conditioning equipment 10 includes one or more first detection sensors 50 installed in each air conditioning equipment 10 and one or more second detection sensors. It goes without saying that signals are received from the sensor and the reference sensor, respectively. Further, the receiving unit 63 may receive not only a signal from the detection system 30 but also a signal from a sensor incorporated in equipment other than that, for example, various sensors incorporated in an elevator, an escalator, or a lighting device. ..

The operation unit 65 includes a first operation unit that selects lighting or extinction of the LED chip 52 with respect to the first detection sensor 50, and a state in which a predetermined voltage is applied between the pair of first conducting wires 53 with respect to the first detection sensor 50. And a second operation unit for selecting a state not to be applied. In addition, the operation unit 65 includes a third operation unit that selects a state in which a predetermined voltage is applied between the pair of first conductive wires and a state in which the predetermined voltage is not applied with respect to the second detection sensor. In addition, when lighting is selected by the first operating unit, a predetermined voltage is automatically applied between the pair of first conducting wires 53, while when turning off is selected by the first operating unit, the pair is automatically paired. The predetermined voltage may not be applied between the first conducting wires 53, and the second operating portion may not be present.

The storage unit 62 includes a non-volatile memory such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a volatile memory such as a RAM (Random Access Memory). The non-volatile memory stores a control program, a predetermined threshold value, and the like in advance. Further, the volatile memory temporarily stores the program and processing data read by the control unit 61. The storage unit 62 stores a certain first threshold value in advance. The storage unit 62 also stores a second threshold value determination map for each second detection sensor. In this second threshold value determination map, each resistance value of the reference sensor that fluctuates and the second threshold value that corresponds to each resistance value in a one-to-one relationship are associated with each other.

Further, the storage unit 62 stores a first refrigerant leakage amount determination map regarding the first detection sensor 50. In the first refrigerant leakage amount determination map, the actually measured resistance value and the refrigerant leakage amount corresponding to each actually measured resistance value on a one-to-one basis are associated with each other for each actually measured resistance value equal to or more than the first threshold value. ing.

Further, the storage unit 62 stores a second refrigerant leakage amount determination map regarding each second detection sensor. In the second refrigerant leakage amount determination map, the resistance value of the reference sensor, the measured resistance value equal to or higher than the second threshold value corresponding to the resistance value one-to-one, and the refrigerant leakage amount corresponding to the measured resistance value one-to-one are mutually related. It is in a linked state. In addition, the storage unit 62 also stores a program executed by the control unit 61 when the first to third operation units are operated.

The control unit 61 is preferably configured by a microcomputer, for example, and includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The control unit 61 reads out and executes a program or the like stored in advance in the storage unit 62, or refers to a threshold value stored in advance in the storage unit 62. The control unit 61 includes a resistance calculation unit 61a, which is an example of a resistance specification unit, a leakage determination unit 61b, and a leakage amount estimation unit 61c.

In the case where a predetermined voltage is applied between the first location 54 and the second location 55 by the operation of the second operation unit, with respect to the first detection sensor 50 whose lighting is controlled by the operation of the first operation unit, the resistance calculation unit 61a First, the resistance value between the first location 54 and the second location 55 is calculated based on the current detected by the information management device 60. Further, regarding the second detection sensor in which the predetermined voltage is applied between the first location and the second location by the operation of the third operation unit, the first location and the second location based on the current detected by the information management device 60. Calculate the resistance between the points. Further, when a predetermined voltage is applied between the first location and the second location with respect to at least one second detection sensor by the operation of the third operation unit, the predetermined voltage is applied between the first location and the second location of the reference sensor. Is applied, and the resistance value between the first location and the second location of the reference sensor is calculated based on the current detected by the information management device 60.

The leakage determination unit 61b determines the presence or absence of refrigerant leakage around the connection portion where the first detection sensor 50 is installed as follows. Specifically, the calculated resistance value calculated by the resistance calculation unit 61a is compared with a constant first threshold value stored in advance in the storage unit 62, and the calculated resistance value of the first detection sensor 50 is equal to or higher than the first threshold value. In this case, it is determined that the leakage of refrigerant has occurred around the connection part where the first detection sensor 50 is installed.

The first threshold value may be set to a value higher by a predetermined resistance value than the resistance value actually measured for the clean film 51 having no stain. Lubricating oil (hereinafter, simply referred to as oil) that lubricates the compressor together with the refrigerant is sealed in the pipe of the air conditioning equipment 10. Therefore, when the refrigerant leaks out, the oil leaks out together with the refrigerant, and the surface of the film 51 on the side of the connection portion becomes dirty and darkened with the leaked oil. Therefore, since the film 51 in the connection portion where the refrigerant is leaking is darkened, it is difficult for light to reach, and as a result, the measured resistance value is higher than the measured resistance value when the measured resistance value is beautiful. Therefore, by comparing the calculated resistance value calculated by the resistance calculation unit 61a with the constant first threshold value stored in advance in the storage unit 62, the refrigerant leakage around the connection portion where the first detection sensor 50 is installed. It is possible to objectively and accurately determine whether or not there is, and the state of the state changing unit 58 can be objectively specified.

The display unit 66 is composed of a liquid crystal panel, an organic EL panel, or the like. The display unit 66, under the control of the control unit 61, the presence/absence of leakage of the refrigerant in the selected connection portion, the position information that can identify the connection portion in which the leakage of the refrigerant has occurred, and the refrigerant leaked in the leakage portion. Display the amount, etc.

Next, a method of determining the presence/absence of refrigerant leakage around the connection portion where the second detection sensor is installed by the leakage determination unit 61b will be described. In this case, the calculated resistance value of the second detection sensor calculated by the resistance calculation unit 61a is determined from the second threshold value determination map based on the calculated resistance value of the reference sensor calculated by the resistance calculation unit 61a. Compare with threshold. Then, when the calculated resistance value of the second detection sensor is equal to or higher than the second threshold value, it is determined that the refrigerant leakage has occurred around the connection portion where the second detection sensor is installed. The light that reaches the second detection sensor from the sun varies depending on the weather and the season. The amount of light that reaches the second detection sensor from the sun also depends on the installation location of the second detection sensor, that is, the ease with which the light from the sun strikes. Further, since the reference sensor is installed at a location where there is no refrigerant leakage, darkening due to refrigerant leakage does not occur. Therefore, regarding each of the plurality of second detection sensors, the second threshold value determination map described above is independently and appropriately determined from other second detection sensors based on the installation position of the second detection sensor, whereby the weather, season, Also, regardless of the installation location of the second sensor, it is possible to objectively and accurately determine the presence or absence of refrigerant leakage around the connection part where the second detection sensor is installed.

Note that the storage unit 62 stores a plurality of second threshold value determination maps and a plurality of second refrigerant leakage amount determination maps, and among the plurality of second threshold value determination maps and a plurality of second refrigerant leakage amount determination maps, It is necessary to select an appropriate second threshold value determination map or second refrigerant leakage amount determination map based on the installation position of the second detection sensor and the measured resistance value of the reference sensor. On the other hand, in the first detection sensors 50, all the first detection sensors 50 have the same structure, and all the first detection sensors 50 are basically installed in the dark. Therefore, the amount of light emitted from the LED chips 52 in all the first detection sensors 50, that is, the amount of light emitted to the film 51 is basically the same. Therefore, the same first threshold value and the same first refrigerant leakage amount determination map can be used for all the first detection sensors 50.

When it is determined that the refrigerant is leaking from the peripheral portion of the connection portion where the first detection sensor 50 is installed, the leakage amount estimation unit 61c measures the resistance value measured for the first detection sensor 50 and the first refrigerant. The leaked refrigerant amount is estimated based on the leak amount determination map. The leaked refrigerant amount and the degree of darkening of the film have a correlation, and the degree of darkening of the film and the measured resistance value also have a correlation. As a result, the leaked refrigerant amount and the measured resistance value have a correlation. The first refrigerant leakage amount determination map can be determined by a test in which the refrigerant is intentionally leaked in the laboratory.

In addition, when it is determined that the refrigerant is leaking from the peripheral portion of the connection portion where the second detection sensor is installed, the leakage amount estimation unit 61c determines the position where the second detection sensor is installed and the reference sensor. One second refrigerant leakage amount determination map is determined based on the resistance value and the actually measured resistance value of the second detection sensor. Then, the amount of leaked refrigerant is estimated based on the determined second refrigerant leakage amount determination map and the actually measured resistance value of the second detection sensor. The leaked refrigerant amount and the degree of darkening of the film have a correlation, and the degree of darkening of the film and the measured resistance value also have a correlation. In addition, the measured resistance value has a correlation with the weather, the season, and the installation position of the second detection sensor. Therefore, if the second refrigerant leakage amount determination map based on the installation position of the second sensor, the resistance value actually measured by each second detection sensor, and the actually measured resistance value of the reference sensor is used, the connection in which the second detection sensor is installed is established. It is possible to estimate the amount of refrigerant leaking from the peripheral portion of the portion.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure for determining the presence/absence of refrigerant leakage using the first detection sensor 50. In the flowchart shown in FIG. 7, when the above-described second operation unit does not exist, that is, when the LED chip 52 is turned on and the voltage is applied at the same time, and the LED chip 52 is turned off and the voltage application is stopped at the same time. Will be described as an example.

With reference to FIG. 7, first, a user such as a maintenance worker selects the first detection sensor 50 using the first operation unit and turns on the selected LED chip 52, and at the same time, the first detection sensor 50 of the first detection sensor 50 is turned on. A predetermined voltage is applied between the first location 54 and the second location 55 (step S1). Next, the resistance calculator 61a calculates the resistance based on the value of the current flowing through the first conducting wire 53 detected by the information management device 60 and the predetermined voltage (step S2). Then, in step S3, the leakage determination unit 61b compares the first threshold value stored in the storage unit 62 with the calculated resistance value, and determines whether the calculated resistance value is equal to or more than the first threshold value. When the affirmative determination is made in step S3 and the calculated resistance value is equal to or higher than the first threshold value, the leakage determination unit 61b determines that there is leakage of the refrigerant, and proceeds to step S4.

In step S4, the leakage amount estimation unit 61c estimates the refrigerant leakage amount based on the measured resistance value and the first refrigerant leakage amount determination map stored in the storage unit 62. Then, in the next step S5, the display unit 66 displays information for identifying the position of the connection portion where the refrigerant has leaked and the leakage amount of the refrigerant. In addition, in the first embodiment, since the user selects the first detection sensor by himself, the installation location of the first detection sensor is known at the time of selection. Therefore, the display unit 66 may omit the display of the information that can identify the position of the connection portion where the refrigerant leaks.

After step S5, the LED chip 52 of the first detection sensor 50 selected using the first operation unit is turned off, and at the same time, a predetermined voltage between the first location 54 and the second location 55 of the first detection sensor 50. When the application of is completed (step S6), the procedure for determining the presence/absence of refrigerant leakage is completed.

On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step S3, in step S7, the display unit 66 can identify the position of the connection portion corresponding to the selected first detection sensor 50, and no refrigerant leakage has occurred in the connection portion. Display information indicating that. It should be noted that in step S7, the information for identifying the position of the connecting portion corresponding to the first detection sensor 50 selected by the display unit 66 may not be displayed. After step S7, the LED chip 52 of the first detection sensor 50 selected using the first operation unit is turned off, and at the same time, a predetermined voltage between the first location 54 and the second location 55 of the first detection sensor 50. When the application of is completed (step S6), the procedure for determining the presence/absence of refrigerant leakage is completed.

The application of the predetermined voltage to the first detection sensor 50 may be terminated at any timing after measuring the current flowing through the first detection sensor 50 while the LED chip 52 is lit. The supply of power to the chip 52 may be terminated at any timing after measuring the current flowing through the first detection sensor 50.

Next, a procedure for determining the presence/absence of refrigerant leakage using the second detection sensor will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating the determination procedure.

Referring to FIG. 8, first, a user such as a maintenance worker applies a second predetermined voltage between the first location and the second location of the reference sensor by using the fourth operation unit, and then the resistance of the reference sensor. Is calculated (step S11), and the resistance of the second detection sensor is calculated by applying the first predetermined voltage between the first location and the second location of the selected second detection sensor using the third operation unit. Yes (step S12). Here, it is preferable that the first predetermined voltage and the second predetermined voltage have the same value, but they may have different values. Further, when the third predetermined voltage is applied to the second detection sensor by the third operation part without the fourth operation part, the second predetermined voltage is applied to the reference sensor at the same time as the application of the first predetermined voltage. Alternatively, when the application of the first predetermined voltage to the second detection sensor ends, the application of the second predetermined voltage to the reference sensor may end at the same time as the end of the application. In this way, step S11 and step S12 may be performed at the same time, or either one may be performed first.

Then, based on the information (installation position information) of the selected second detection sensor, one second threshold value determination map is selected from the plurality of second threshold value determination maps (step S13), and in the subsequent step S14, the leakage determination unit 61b determines the 2nd threshold value based on the 2nd threshold value determination map and the information (resistance information of sunlight) of the resistance value of a reference sensor, and the resistance of a 2nd detection sensor is 2nd threshold value in step S15. It is determined whether or not the above.

When an affirmative determination is made in step S15 and the leakage determination unit 61b determines the refrigerant leakage in the peripheral portion of the connection portion where the second detection sensor is installed, the leakage amount estimation unit 61c estimates the leakage amount of the refrigerant. .. Specifically, in step S16, the leakage amount estimating unit 61c first selects, from the plurality of second refrigerant leakage amount determination maps, based on the installation position information of the second detection sensor and the actually measured resistance value of the reference sensor. The second refrigerant leakage amount determination map, and subsequently, in step S17, the leakage amount estimation unit 61c is based on the selected second refrigerant leakage amount determination map and the resistance value calculated by the selected second detection sensor. Then, the refrigerant leakage amount is estimated.

In the subsequent step S18, the display unit 66 displays the position information capable of identifying the connection portion where the refrigerant leaks and the leak amount under the control of the control unit 61. In addition, in step S18, the display unit 66 does not have to display the position information that can identify the connection portion where the leakage of the refrigerant has occurred. After that, in step S19, when the user ends the application of the first predetermined voltage to the second detection sensor and the application of the second predetermined voltage to the reference sensor, the refrigerant leaks using the second detection sensor. The procedure for determining the presence or absence of is completed.

On the other hand, when a negative determination is made in step S15, the process proceeds to step S20, in which the display unit 66 can identify the position of the connection portion corresponding to the selected second detection sensor and the refrigerant leakage at the connection portion. Display information indicating that there is nothing. In addition, in step S20, it is not necessary to display the information that can specify the position of the connection portion corresponding to the second detection sensor selected by the display unit 66. After that, in step S19, when the user ends the application of the first predetermined voltage to the second detection sensor and the application of the second predetermined voltage to the reference sensor, the refrigerant leaks using the second detection sensor. The procedure for determining the presence or absence of is completed.

Note that the application of the first predetermined voltage to the second detection sensor may be ended at any timing after measuring the current flowing through the second detection sensor, and the application of the second predetermined voltage to the reference sensor may be completed. Termination may be performed at any time after measuring the current flowing through the reference sensor.

As described above, the detection system 30 includes the one-side pipe (first pipe) 83, the other-side pipe (second pipe) 84, and the joint (connection portion) 80 that connects the one-side pipe 83 and the other-side pipe 84. The refrigerant leak from the joint inclusion region (peripheral portion) 88 of the joint 80 in 10 is detected. The detection system 30 also includes a state changing unit 58 that changes state when refrigerant and oil leak from the peripheral portion, and a control unit (state specifying unit) 61 that specifies the state of the state changing unit 58.

Therefore, it is possible to identify the connection portion in which the refrigerant has leaked and to stop the refrigerant leakage simply by identifying the state change portion 58 that has caused the predetermined state change in the control portion 61.

Further, the state changing portion 58 is a surface on the joint inclusion region 88 side that covers at least a part of the joint inclusion region 88 in the film 51 formed of a photoconductor whose resistance value changes based on the amount of received light. Alternatively, the control unit 61 may include a resistance calculation unit (resistance specifying unit) 61a that specifies the resistance value.

According to this configuration, the state changing portion 58 includes a part of the film 51 formed of a photoconductor, but when a refrigerant leak occurs, the refrigerant leaks to the outside together with the oil that lubricates the compressor 37. Part of 51 darkens due to oil leak. Therefore, it becomes difficult for the film 51 to receive light, and the resistance value of the film 51 changes. Therefore, the refrigerant leakage can be objectively detected only by detecting the resistance value of the film 51 by the resistance calculation unit 61a, and the location of the refrigerant leakage can be specified accurately and significantly easily.

Further, the detection system 30 may include a leak determination unit 61b that determines a refrigerant leak when the resistance value becomes equal to or higher than a predetermined value.

According to this configuration, it is easy to objectively distinguish the darkening of the film 51, which is unrelated to the refrigerant leakage, from the darkening of the film 51 caused by the refrigerant leakage, and it is easy to prevent erroneous detection of the refrigerant leakage.

Further, the detection system 30 may include a leakage amount estimation unit 61c that estimates the leakage amount of the refrigerant based on the resistance value.

The leakage amount of the refrigerant is likely to show a correlation with the degree of darkening of the film 51, and due to this, also easily shows a correlation with the resistance value of the film 51. According to this configuration, the leak amount estimation unit 61c estimates the leak amount of the refrigerant based on the resistance value of the film 51. Therefore, the leakage amount of the refrigerant can be estimated.

Further, the detection system 30 may include an LED chip (light source) 52 that irradiates at least a part of the film 51 with light.

For example, in the case of a commercial air conditioner installed in an office building or the like, a pipe connecting portion is often installed behind a ceiling or a wall of a building where light is not applied. However, according to this configuration, it is possible to illuminate at least a part of the film 51 with the light emitted from the LED chip 52. Therefore, the resistance of the film 51 can be specified in the state where the film 51 is irradiated with light, and the darkening of the film 51 can be specified. As a result, the refrigerant leaks from the peripheral part of the connection part where the film 51 is installed. Can be specified. Therefore, it is possible to objectively and accurately check the refrigerant leaks behind the ceiling or the back of the wall of the building, which makes it difficult for workers to enter and makes maintenance and inspection difficult. Can be reduced.

Further, the detection system 30 may include an operation unit 65 that operates to turn on and off the LED chip 52.

According to this configuration, the LED chip 52 can be turned on only when confirming the refrigerant leakage. Therefore, as compared with the case where the LED chip 52 is constantly lit, the electricity bill based on the lighting of the LED chip 52 can be saved, and the deterioration of the LED chip 52 can be suppressed.

Further, the detection system 30 may include a display unit (notification unit) 66 that notifies information that can identify the location of the refrigerant leakage.

According to this configuration, the building manager or the like can automatically and easily know the location of the refrigerant leakage by the notification on the display unit 66. Therefore, for example, the manager or the like can promptly notify the maintenance company of the leakage of the refrigerant from the air conditioning equipment 10 and the leakage point.

In addition, the air conditioning system (heat pump system) 1 of the present disclosure, the refrigerant filled in the annular passage 11, the compressor 37 that causes the refrigerant to flow in the annular passage 11, and the refrigerant that is liquefied to release heat to the outside. The condenser 17 is provided with the capillary tube (expansion part) 34 which expands a refrigerant|coolant and makes it low temperature low pressure, and the evaporators 19A and 19B which absorb heat from the exterior and evaporate a refrigerant|coolant. Further, in the air conditioning system 1, each of the one-side pipe (first pipe) 83 and the other-side pipe (second pipe) 84 defines a part of the annular passage 11, and the air conditioning system 1 further includes the connecting portion 39a, 39b, 41a, 41b, 43, 45 is provided with the detection system 30 and the air conditioning equipment 10 which connects the one side piping 83 and the other side piping 84.

Therefore, according to the air conditioning system 1, it is easy to identify the location of refrigerant leakage.

In addition, the air conditioning system 1 may include the LED chip 52 that irradiates the surface 91 of the film 51 on the joint inclusion region 88 side in a portion covering at least a part of the joint inclusion region 88 with light. Then, the joint 80 may be arranged behind the wall of the room or above the ceiling of the building.

According to this configuration, even if it is difficult to confirm the leakage of the refrigerant, the leakage of the refrigerant can be specified without directly confirming the leakage of the refrigerant at the difficult portion. Therefore, the labor of maintenance work can be significantly reduced.

In addition, in the first embodiment, a predetermined voltage is applied between the first location 54 and the second location 55 to detect a current flowing between the first location 54 and the second location 55 to detect the first location. The case where the resistance between 54 and the second location 55 is calculated has been described. However, the resistance may be calculated by passing a predetermined current between the first location and the second location and detecting the potential difference between the first location and the second location.

Further, the case where the state changing unit 58 is a photoconductor film and the state specifying unit calculates the resistance value of the film has been described. However, the state changing unit may be the light receiving surface of the light receiving element, and the state specifying unit may be the current detecting unit that detects the current generated by the light receiving element. When the light-receiving surface is soiled with oil, it becomes difficult for the light-receiving element to receive light, and as a result, it becomes difficult for the light-receiving element to generate current. Therefore, even in this case, it is easy to objectively and accurately determine the refrigerant leakage. The light receiving element can be attached to, for example, a surface of the film or cardboard that is attached in a tubular or substantially tubular shape with a space around the connection portion, the surface facing the space.

Alternatively, the state change unit may be a white cloth or cardboard that is contaminated by oil adhesion, and the state specifying unit may be a photographing device (camera) that photographs the stain. Even in this case, it is easy to objectively and accurately determine the refrigerant leakage by confirming that the white cloth, the cardboard, and the like are darkened by the oil from the image from the photographing device.

In addition, even in these cases, it goes without saying that the light source is necessary to identify the leakage of the refrigerant around the connection portion arranged in the attic or the wall. Further, in the determination of the refrigerant leakage using the light receiving element, the refrigerant leakage may be determined when the current value generated by the light receiving element becomes equal to or less than a predetermined value, and the determination is based on the signal from the light receiving element. May be executed by the information management device that has received. Further, the leakage amount estimating unit may estimate the leakage amount of the refrigerant based on the current value generated by the light receiving element.

Moreover, although the case where the detection system 30 includes the leakage amount estimation unit 61c has been described, the detection system may not include the leakage amount estimation unit 61c. Further, although the case where the notification unit of the detection system 30 is the display unit 66 has been described, the notification unit of the detection system may be configured by an output device or a lamp (indicator) that outputs sound.

Moreover, the case where the detection system 30 has a light source including the LED chip 52 has been described. However, the detection system may have a light source other than the LED chip. For example, the light source of the detection system may include a chip of a solid-state light emitting element such as an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) element or an inorganic EL element. It may include a light.

Further, the case where the detection system 30 has the light source and further has the operation unit 65 for turning on or off the light source has been described. However, when the detection system has a light source, the detection system does not have to have an operation unit for turning on or off the light source, and the light source may be always turned on.

Moreover, the case where the detection system 30 includes the first detection sensor 50, the second detection sensor, and the reference sensor has been described. However, the detection system may not include the first detection sensor and one of the second detection sensor and the reference sensor, for example, may not include the first detection sensor and the second detection sensor. And the reference sensor may not be provided.

Moreover, the case where the detection system 30 is installed in the peripheral portion of the joint 80 as an example of the connecting portion has been described. However, as shown in FIG. 9, that is, a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining the connecting portion other than the joint, the connecting portion is permeated and diffused by the capillary phenomenon between the first pipe 183 and the second pipe 184 and melted. Alternatively, the first and second pipes 183 and 184 may be made of an alloy (wax) having a melting point lower than that of the first and second pipes 183 and 184, or the brazing part 198 may be made by cooling and solidifying the alloy. Alternatively, the connection may include both fittings and brazes.

Moreover, the case where the detection system 30 includes the control unit (state specifying unit) 61 and the display unit (notifying unit) 66 has been described. However, the refrigerant leak determination may be performed simply and inexpensively without using the state specifying unit and the notification unit.

Specifically, a heat pump such as an air conditioner is a refrigerant filled in an annular passage, a compressor for flowing the refrigerant in the annular passage, a condenser for liquefying the refrigerant to release heat to the outside, and expanding the refrigerant, It may be provided with an expansion unit for low temperature and low pressure, and an evaporator for absorbing heat from the outside to evaporate the refrigerant. In addition, the heat pump is arranged in the peripheral portion of the connecting portion that connects two pipes that define a part of the annular passage to each other, and the heat pump includes a state change portion that changes state when refrigerant and oil leak from the peripheral portion. A determination member may be provided. And the state change part may be visible from the outside. Here, similarly to the above, the leakage determination member may be formed of a white cloth or a cardboard or the like which is formed in a tubular shape or a substantially tubular shape with a space around the connection portion and is conspicuously contaminated. Then, for example, a maintenance worker or the like may determine the refrigerant leakage by periodically visually observing the presence or absence of oil stains on the cloth or the cardboard.

(Second embodiment)
In the second embodiment, a case will be described in which information on a location where refrigerant leakage actually occurs among a plurality of refrigerant leakage locations is automatically displayed on a predetermined one or more display devices without human operation. To do. In addition, in the second embodiment, description of the same effects and modifications as those of the first embodiment will be omitted.

FIG. 10 is a schematic configuration diagram of the refrigerant leakage notification system 270 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 10, a refrigerant leak notification system (hereinafter, simply referred to as a notification system) 270 includes a plurality of air conditioning systems 201, which are an example of a plurality of heat pump systems, and a facility management information processing device 290 as an information processing device. Each air conditioning system 201 includes, for example, an air conditioning facility 210 and a refrigerant leak detection system (hereinafter, simply referred to as a detection system) 230. The detection system 230 includes a plurality of first detection sensors 250 and a plurality of second detections. It includes a sensor 251, a reference sensor 252, and an information management device 260.

Each of the air conditioning equipment 210, the first detection sensor 250, the second detection sensor 251, and the reference sensor 252 has the air conditioning equipment 10, the first detection sensor 50, the second detection sensor, and the reference sensor described in the first embodiment. Is the same as Further, the information management device 260 has all the configurations of the information management device 60 described in the first embodiment, and further includes a built-in timer for recognizing the time.

In addition, the facility management information processing device 290 includes a control unit 291, a storage unit 292, a reception unit 293, an output unit (transmission unit) 294, an operation unit 295, and a display unit 296. The control unit 291 is preferably configured by, for example, a microcomputer and includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The storage unit 292 is configured by a non-volatile memory such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) or a volatile memory such as a RAM (Random Access Memory). The display unit 296 is composed of a liquid crystal panel, an organic EL panel, or the like. The CPU reads and executes a program or the like stored in advance in the storage unit. Further, the non-volatile memory stores in advance a control program, a predetermined threshold value, and the like. Further, the volatile memory temporarily stores the read program and processing data.

The receiving unit 293 includes, for example, an antenna, a terminal to which a cable is connected, and the like, and receives a signal output by each information management device 60 via a communication line, such as a dedicated line or the Internet. In addition, the display unit 296 may display information that can identify the position of the connection portion where the refrigerant leaks, and information that indicates the estimated leakage amount of the refrigerant. You may display only the information which can identify. The output unit 294 includes an antenna, a terminal to which a cable is connected, and the like. The output unit 294 displays one or more signals that include information that can identify the position of the connection where the refrigerant leaks and information that indicates the estimated refrigerant leakage amount, according to an instruction from the control unit 291. Output to the device 297.

When the facility management information processing device 290 is an information processing device of a maintenance company, the one or more display devices 297 may include information devices (smartphones, tablets, maintenance computers, etc.) of maintenance workers, For example, when the maintenance worker receives the notification indicating that the signal is received from the facility management information processing device 290 and launches the dedicated application of the information device, the position of the connection portion where the refrigerant leaks is detected. The information that can be specified and the information indicating the estimated leakage amount of the refrigerant may be acquired by the notification on the display unit, and only the information that can specify the position of the connection portion where the refrigerant leakage is generated can be acquired by the notification on the display unit. May be.

Although not described in detail, as shown in FIG. 10, is the information management device 260 a signal including information that can identify the position of the connection portion where the refrigerant leaks and information that indicates the estimated refrigerant leakage amount? Alternatively, in the case of transmitting a signal containing information that can identify the position of the connection portion where the refrigerant leaks but does not include information that represents the estimated refrigerant leakage amount to the facility management information processing device 290 via the Internet. , The signal may be output to the facility management information processing apparatus 290 via a VPN (Virtual Private Network) router. The VPN router checks the destination of the packet and, if the packet is destined for the Internet, sends it directly to the Internet via the internet service provider, and if the packet is destined for the private address of the opposite site, performs VPN processing such as tunneling or encryption. For example, in IP security that executes encryption and authentication of IP (International Protection) packets, a VPN may be constructed using a communication mode called “tunnel mode”. The VPN router plays a role of integrating and connecting a plurality of LANs connected via the Internet into one network. Therefore, if a VPN router is used, it is possible to make a plurality of information management devices 260 and facility management information processing devices 290 connected via the Internet belong to the same network.

Further, the facility management information processing device 290 may receive the signal via the VPN router and the gateway. Here, the VPN router plays the same role as the above-mentioned VPN router, and the gateway is provided to automatically convert the data format and enable data exchange between networks having different protocols. Further, the facility management information processing device 290 may output a signal to the display device (information device) 297 via the mobile phone adapter, the adapter router, and the Internet. Here, the mobile phone adapter is a device that enables the facility management information processing apparatus 290 to be connected to the mobile phone.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of control that can be executed by the control unit of the information management device 260 when displaying the information on the connection portion in which the refrigerant has leaked on the display device 297.

For example, the control starts when the detection system 230 is properly installed in the air conditioning equipment 210 and can properly exchange signals with the information management device 260, and in step S21, the control unit uses the information from the built-in timer to set the time. It is determined whether or not has reached a predetermined time. If a negative determination is made in step S21, step S21 is repeated. On the other hand, if an affirmative determination is made in step S21, the process proceeds to step S22, in which the control unit applies a predetermined voltage to the first detection sensor 250, the second detection sensor 251, and the reference sensor 252, and at the same time, the first detection sensor 250. Supply power to the light source.

Subsequently, in step S23, the control unit determines whether or not a refrigerant leak has occurred around the one or more connecting portions. When a negative determination is made in step S23, step 21 is repeated. On the other hand, if an affirmative decision is made in step S23, in step S24, the control section estimates the leakage amount of the refrigerant for each connection section in which the refrigerant has leaked, and in the subsequent step S25, the control section determines that the refrigerant has leaked. Information that can identify the position of the connecting portion that has occurred and information that indicates the estimated leakage amount of the refrigerant are displayed on the display unit.

Subsequently, in step S26, the amount of refrigerant leakage estimated to be information that allows the control unit to identify the position of the connection portion in which the refrigerant has leaked toward the facility management information processing device 290 to the transmission unit (output unit) in step S26. And a signal including information indicating that the control signal is returned, and step S21 and subsequent steps are repeated.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of control that can be executed by the control unit 291 of the facility management information processing apparatus 290 when displaying the information on the connection portion in which the refrigerant has leaked on the display device 297.

For example, the control starts when the facility management information processing apparatus 290 becomes able to exchange information regarding the connection portion in which the refrigerant has leaked with the plurality of information management apparatuses 260. Then, in step S31, the control unit 291 receives a signal from one or more information management devices 260 including information that can identify the position of the connection portion where the refrigerant leaks and information that indicates the estimated refrigerant leakage amount. It is determined whether or not.

When a negative determination is made in step S31, step S31 is repeated. On the other hand, if an affirmative determination is made in step 31, in step S32, the control unit 291 outputs a signal including information that can identify the position of the connection portion where the refrigerant leakage has occurred and information that indicates the estimated refrigerant leakage amount. The output unit (transmission unit) 294 is caused to transmit to one or more display devices 297.

By this transmission, for example, one or more display devices 297 notify that a signal from the facility management information processing device 290 has been received. Then, for example, when the maintenance worker receives the notification and launches the dedicated application of the display device 297, information for identifying the position of the connection portion where the refrigerant leakage occurs and the estimated refrigerant leakage amount. Information and can be obtained.

When step S32 ends, control returns and step S31 is repeated. In FIGS. 11 and 12, the information management device 260 and the facility management information processing device 290 are information that can identify the position of the connection where the refrigerant is leaking and information that indicates the leakage amount of the refrigerant that is estimated. The case of exchanging signals including the above has been described. However, the information management device 260 and the facility management information processing device 290 include a signal that includes information that can identify the position of the connection where the refrigerant leaks, but does not include information that indicates the estimated refrigerant leakage amount. You may exchange.

As described above, the notification system 270 of the present disclosure provides a plurality of detection systems 230 different from each other and leakage location information including position information that can identify the peripheral portion of the connection portion where the refrigerant leakage has occurred based on the information from each detection system 230. A facility management information processing apparatus (information processing apparatus) 290 including an output unit 294 that outputs to one or more display devices 297 is provided.

Therefore, it is possible to automatically transmit the position information that can identify the peripheral portion of the connection portion where the refrigerant leaks to one or more display devices (for example, information devices such as smart phones and maintenance computers) 297. Therefore, for example, since the position information can be automatically transmitted to the one or more display devices 297 carried by one or more maintenance workers, it is possible to promptly deal with the leakage of the refrigerant. The case where the heat pump is an air conditioning facility has been described. However, the heat pump may be a refrigerating device, a refrigerating device, or a chiller.

1,201 Air conditioning system (heat pump system), 10,210 Air conditioning equipment, 11 Annular passage, 17 Condenser, 19A, 19B evaporator, 30,230 Detection system, 34 Capillary tube (expansion part), 37 Compressor, 39a, 39b, 41a, 41b, 43, 45 connection part, 52 LED chip (light source), 58 state changing part, 51 film composed of photoconductor, 60, 260 information management device, 61 control part (state specifying part), 61a Resistance calculation part (resistance specific part), 61b Leakage determination part, 61c Leakage amount estimation part, 65 Operation part, 66 Display part (informing part), 80 Joint (connection part), 83 One side piping (1st piping), 84 other side pipe (second pipe), 88 joint inclusion region (peripheral portion), 91 film on the joint inclusion region side that covers at least a part of the joint inclusion region in the film, 183 first pipe, 184 second pipe, 198 Brazing part (connecting part) 270 Notification system, 290 Facility management information processing device (information processing device), 294 output part, 297 display device.

Claims (11)

A refrigerant leakage detection system for detecting refrigerant leakage from a peripheral portion of the connection part in a heat pump, which comprises a first pipe, a second pipe, and a connection part connecting the first pipe and the second pipe,
A state change portion that is arranged to cover at least a part of the peripheral portion and that changes state when refrigerant and oil leak from the peripheral portion,
A state specifying unit that specifies the state of the state changing unit,
A refrigerant leak detection system comprising: The state change portion is a surface on the peripheral portion side that covers at least a part of the peripheral portion in a film made of a photoconductor whose resistance value changes based on the amount of received light,
The refrigerant leakage detection system according to claim 1, wherein the state identification unit includes a resistance identification unit that identifies the resistance value. The refrigerant leakage detection system according to claim 2, further comprising a leakage determination unit that determines a refrigerant leakage when the resistance value is equal to or higher than a predetermined value. The refrigerant leakage detection system according to claim 2, further comprising a leakage amount estimation unit that estimates a leakage amount of the refrigerant based on the resistance value. The refrigerant leakage detection system according to claim 1, further comprising a light source that irradiates at least a part of the state change unit with light. The refrigerant leakage detection system according to claim 5, further comprising an operation unit that operates to turn on and off the light source. The refrigerant leakage detection system according to claim 1, further comprising: an informing unit that informs information that can identify the location of the refrigerant leakage. A refrigerant filled in the annular passage,
The refrigerant, a compressor for flowing in the annular passage,
A condenser that liquefies the refrigerant to release heat to the outside,
An expansion section that expands the refrigerant to a low temperature and low pressure,
An evaporator that absorbs heat from the outside and evaporates the refrigerant,
A leakage determining member including a state changing portion which is arranged at a peripheral portion of a connecting portion which connects two pipes that mutually define a part of the annular passage, and which changes state when refrigerant and oil leak from the peripheral portion; ,,
A heat pump in which the state change unit is visible from the outside. A refrigerant filled in the annular passage, a compressor that causes the refrigerant to flow in the annular passage, a condenser that liquefies the refrigerant and releases heat to the outside, and a refrigerant that expands to a low temperature and low pressure. An expander and an evaporator that absorbs heat from the outside to evaporate the refrigerant are provided, each of the first pipe and the second pipe defines a part of the annular passage, and the connecting portion further includes the first pipe. A heat pump connecting the pipe and the second pipe,
A refrigerant leakage detection system according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
A heat pump system including. A refrigerant filled in the annular passage, a compressor that causes the refrigerant to flow in the annular passage, a condenser that liquefies the refrigerant and releases heat to the outside, and a refrigerant that expands to a low temperature and low pressure. An expander and an evaporator that absorbs heat from the outside to evaporate the refrigerant are provided, each of the first pipe and the second pipe defines a part of the annular passage, and the connecting portion further includes the first pipe. A heat pump connecting the pipe and the second pipe,
A refrigerant leakage detection system according to claim 5 or 6,
The state change portion of the refrigerant leakage detection system is arranged to cover at least a part of the peripheral portion,
A heat pump system, wherein the connecting portion is arranged behind a wall of a room or above a ceiling of a building. A plurality of refrigerant leakage detection systems according to claims 1 to 7, which are different from each other,
Information processing including an output unit that outputs leakage location information including position information that can identify a peripheral portion of the connection portion where refrigerant leakage has occurred to one or more display devices based on information from each refrigerant leakage detection system Device,
A refrigerant leak notification system comprising:

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