JP3731095B2 - Control device for refrigeration equipment - Google Patents

Description

【０１３１】
つまり、上記表１（ａ）に示すように、初回の空調運転時は、全てのチリングユニット（2a〜2d）のサーモオン回数が零であるので、サーモオン回数ではローテーション制御の親機と子機が定められないので、各チリングユニット（2a〜2d）のアドレスであるユニットナンバの順に親機と第１子機と第２子機と第３子機とが設定される。この場合、リモコングループ制御の親機と子機に基づいて上述した空調運転が実行される。
【０１３２】
その後、２回目の空調運転時は、表１（ｂ）に示すように、今回サーモオン回数Ａ、つまり、初回運転時のサーモオン回数が各チリングユニット（2a〜2d）から送信されるので、リモコン（50）の平準化手段（52）は、サーモオン回数の差分に基づいて親機等を決定する。この前回差分回数Ｂは、現時点では存在していないので、全てのチリングユニット（2a〜2d）の値が零となり、表１（ｂ）に示すように、累積差分回数Ｃが求められ、最大差分回数Ｃmaxを求めて初回運転時の差分回数である今回差分回数Ｄを求める。
【０１３３】
この今回差分回数Ｄに基づき、今回の空調運転時では、３号機であるユニットナンバ３のチリングユニット（2c）が親機に、１号機であるユニットナンバ１のチリングユニット（2a）が第１子機に、４号機であるユニットナンバ４のチリングユニット（2d）が第２子機に、２号機であるユニットナンバ２のチリングユニット（2c）が第３子機にそれぞれ設定される。そして、この親機等に基づいて上述した空調運転が実行される。
【０１３４】
続いて、３回目の空調運転時は、表１（ｃ）に示すように、今回サーモオン回数Ａ、つまり、２回目の空調運転時のサーモオン回数Ａと、前回差分回数Ｂである前回の今回差分回数Ｄ（表１（ｂ）参照）とより、累積差分回数Ｃを求め、最大差分回数Ｃmaxを求めて３回目の空調運転時の差分回数である今回差分回数Ｄを求める。
【０１３５】
この今回差分回数Ｄに基づき、今回の空調運転時では、４号機であるユニットナンバ４のチリングユニット（2d）が親機に、３号機であるユニットナンバ３のチリングユニット（2c）が第１子機に、１号機であるユニットナンバ１のチリングユニット（2a）が第２子機に、２号機であるユニットナンバ２のチリングユニット（2b）が第３子機にそれぞれ設定される。そして、この親機等に基づいて上述した空調運転が実行される。
【０１３６】
上述したローテーション制御に基づいて各親機等が設定されて空調運転が実行されることになる。
【０１３７】
−イレギュラー処理−
また、図１６及び図１７は、１台のチリングユニット（2a〜2d）が離脱する場合のローテーション制御を示している。例えば、図１６に示すように、親機のチリングユニット（2a）をメンテナンス等で取り外した場合、第１子機のチリングユニット（2b）が親機なり、他の各子機のチリングユニット（2c，2d）が順に繰り上がることになる。そして、各チリングユニット（2b〜2d）の間で上述したローテーション制御が行われることになる。
【０１３８】
また、図１６に示すように、例えば、第２子機のチリングユニット（2c）が取り外された場合、第３子機以降のチリングユニット（2d）が順に繰り上がることになる。そして、各チリングユニット（2a，2b，2d）の間で上述したローテーション制御が行われる。
【０１３９】
また、一旦離脱したチリングユニット（2a〜2d）が復帰する場合、ローテーション制御は、次の空調運転時から加わることになり、その際、このチリングユニット（2a〜2d）は、前回の空調運転時のサーモオン回数に基づき、上述したローテーション制御を実行する。
【０１４０】
−デフロスト運転の制御−
上記リモコン（50）には、本発明の特徴として、各チリングユニット（2a〜2d）のデフロスト制御手段（54）が設けられている。該デフロスト制御手段（54）は、各チリングユニット（2a，…）よりデフロスト運転の要求があると、予め設定された台数のチリングユニット（2a）のみが同時にデフロスト運転を実行するように所定台数のチリングユニット（2a）毎にデフロスト許可信号を出力する。この所定台数は、チリングユニット（2a，…）の接続台数によって設定されている。
【０１４１】
例えば、図２に示すように、４台のチリングユニット（2a〜2d）が接続されている場合、４台まではデフロスト運転の所定台数が１台に設定され、また、５台から８台のチリングユニット（2a，…）が接続されている場合は、２台に設定され、９台から１２台のチリングユニット（2a，…）が接続されている場合は、３台に設定され、１３台から１６台のチリングユニット（2a，…）が接続されている場合は、４台に設定されている。つまり、多数のチリングユニット（2a，…）が同時にデフロスト運転を実行すると、水系統（30）の水温が低下するので、所定台数毎にデフロスト運転を実行するようにしている。
【０１４２】
そこで、この暖房運転時におけるデフロスト運転の制御を図１８の伝送シーケンス図に基づいて説明する。
【０１４３】
先ず、各チリングユニット（2a〜2d）は、例えば、外気温度や熱源側熱交換器の熱交換温度などに基づき、リモコン（50）にデフロスト要求信号を出力する。このデフロスト要求信号を受けたリモコン（50）は、デフロスト運転の可能台数に達しているか否かを判定する。この実施形態では、４台のチリングユニット（2a〜2d）を備えているので、１台のチリングユニットのみがデフロスト運転を行うことができる。
【０１４４】
そこで、リモコン（50）は、何れのチリングユニット（2a〜2d）に対してもデフロスト許可信号を出力していない場合、デフロスト要求信号を出力したチリングユニット（2a）に対してデフロスト許可信号を出力すると共に、他のチリングユニット（2b〜2d）に対してデフロスト禁止信号を出力する。
【０１４５】
上記デフロスト要求信号を出力したチリングユニット（2a）は、デフロスト運転を実行すると共に、リモコン（50）にデフロスト運転の実行を示すデフロスト実行信号を出力する。
【０１４６】
その後、デフロストを行ったチリングユニット（2a）は、デフロスト運転が終了すると、デフロスト終了信号をリモコン（50）に出力する。該リモコン（50）は、全チリングユニット（2a〜2d）に対してデフロスト許可信号を出力する。そして、全チリングユニット（2a〜2d）は、デフロスト運転を行う必要がある場合、上述したようにデフロスト要求信号をリモコン（50）に出力し、上述の動作を繰り返す。
【０１４７】
尚、デフロスト同時運転の可能台数が２台以上の場合、デフロスト要求信号に対して、可能台数になるまで、デフロスト許可信号を出力する。
【０１４８】
−実施形態１の効果−
したがって、本実施形態１では、リモコン（50）と各チリングユニット（2a〜2d）との間で双方向にデータ伝送可能にデータ回路網（41）を構成するようにしたために、制御信号毎に信号線を設ける必要がなく、１つの通信ライン（40）で各種のデータを伝送することができるので、配線工事の簡略化を図ると同時に、各種の運転制御を実行することができることから、省エネルギ化を図ることができる。
【０１４９】
また、能力制御についてはチリングユニット（2a〜2d）が独自に行うので、チリングユニット（2a〜2d）とリモコン（50）との間のデータ伝送量を極力抑制することができるので、リモコン（50）における制御系統の簡素化等を図ることができる。
【０１５０】
また、上記リモコン（50）でチリングユニット（2a〜2d）の運転台数を制御することができるので、冷房や暖房等の冷凍運転を高精度に制御することができる。
【０１５１】
特に、水系統（30）の負荷、つまり、調和水の温度をチリングユニット（2a〜2d）の運転台数によって制御する場合、リモコン（50）が全チリングユニット（2a〜2d）の運転台数を統括して制御することができるので、簡素な制御構成でもって高効率の運転を行うことができる。
【０１５２】
しかも、１台のチリングユニット（2a）が能力制御するので、制御構成の簡素化を図りつつ負荷に対して高精度に制御することができる。
【０１５３】
また、上記チリングユニット（2a〜2d）を強制サーモオンと強制サーモオフの他、通常のサーモオンとサーモオフとに制御するようにしたために、調和水の温度に対して必要最小限のチリングユニット（2a，…）を運転させることができる。この結果、チリングユニット（2a〜2d）の運転台数を正確に制御することができ、制御精度の向上を図ることができると共に、省エネルギ化を図ることができる。
【０１５４】
また、全チリングユニット（2a〜2d）の運転台数を統括して制御することができるので、負荷の変動に対して確実に１台のチリングユニット（2b）の運転が増大又は減少することになり、運転停止動作のハンチングを防止することができ、正確に省エネルギ化を図ることができる。
【０１５５】
また、運転許可状態のチリングユニット（2a，…）の温度データに基づいて水系統（30）における総調和水の往路側温度を導出するようにしたために、総調和水の往路側温度を検出するセンサ等を別個に設ける必要がなく、構成の簡素化を図ることができると共に、部品点数の増大を防止することができる。
【０１５６】
また、チリングユニット（2a）の温度データなどをリモコン（50）が取り込むことができるので、該リモコン（50）が要求する各種の温度データのための検出手段を別個に設ける必要がなく、センサの増大を防止することができる。
【０１５７】
また、各空調運転毎に親機等となるチリングユニット（2a〜2d）を定めるので、各チリングユニット（2a〜2d）の実稼働時間の平準化を確実に図ることができる。特に、サーモオン回数によって親機等を定めるので、圧縮機の実際の稼働時間を反映させることができることから、平準化を正確に図ることができる。
【０１５８】
また、サーモオン回数を計数するので、サーモオン時間を計数する場合に比してメモリ容量を少なくすることができるので、制御素子の小型化を図ることができ、逆に、他の制御データをメモリすることができるので、制御精度の向上を図ることができる。
【０１５９】
また、各空調運転中においては、サーモオン順に強制サーモオフ（運転禁止状態）を設定する子機のチリングユニット（2a〜2d）を決定する一方、強制サーモオフを設定した順にサーモオンする子機のチリングユニット（2a〜2d）を決定するようにしたために、実際の圧縮機の稼働時間に基づき各チリングユニット（2a〜2d）の運転をローテーションさせることができ、各チリングユニット（2a〜2d）の実稼働時間の平準化を確実に図ることができる。
【０１６０】
また、サーモオン回数の差分に基づいて親機等を定めるので、サーモオン回数自体を記憶するのに比してメモリ容量を少なくすることができる。
【０１６１】
また、上記リモコン（50）に入口水温や出口水温等を表示する第３表示部（6c）を設けているので、該入口水温や出口水温等が表示され、運転状況を正確に把握することができる。
【０１６２】
また、所定台数毎にチリングユニット（2a〜2d）のデフロスト運転を実行させるので、多数のチリングユニット（2a，…）が同時にデフロスト運転を行うことを確実に防止することができる。この結果、調和水の必要以上の温度低下を確実に抑制することができる。
【０１６３】
【発明の実施の形態２】
図１９〜図２１は、本発明の実施形態２のタイミング図を示し、リモコン（50）にサーモオン回数の補正手段（53）を設けたものである。該補正手段（53）は、親機のチリングユニット（2a〜2d）がフルロード状態の運転を継続すると、サーモオン回数を増加させるように補正信号を平準化手段（52）に出力するものである。
【０１６４】
具体的に、図１９に示すように、Ａ２１において、親機のチリングユニット（2a）がフルロード状態になり、その後、このフルロード状態が所定時間Ｔfullの間継続し、Ａ２２において、この所定時間Ｔfullを更新し、Ａ２３において、所定時間Ｔfullが経過すると、サーモオン回数を２とする。つまり、Ａ２１からＡ２３間では、通常の１回のサーモオン状態と見做すことができるので、Ａ２３からサーモオン回数を２とし、Ａ２４からサーモオン回数を３とする。
【０１６５】
親機のチリングユニット（2a）が一旦サーモオフした後、再びサーモオンした場合も同様であり、サーモオン回数を４とした後、Ａ２５において、親機のチリングユニット（2a）がフルロード状態になり、その後、このフルロード状態が所定時間Ｔfullの間継続し、Ａ２６において、この所定時間Ｔfullを更新し、Ａ２７において、所定時間Ｔfullが経過すると、サーモオン回数を５とする。
【０１６６】
その後、親機のチリングユニット（2a）が一旦サーモオフした後、再びサーモオンした場合、Ａ２８においてサーモオン回数を６とする。
【０１６７】
尚、上記所定時間Ｔfullは、例えば、０分から１０分の可変な時間であり、適宜設定可能に構成され、この０分の場合は、サーモオン回数の補正が行われないことになる。
【０１６８】
そこで、上述したサーモオン回数の補正を行う場合の親機の設定は、表２に示す通りとなる。
【０１６９】
【表２】

【０１７０】
この表２（ａ）における初回の空調運転時では、前実施形態の表１（ａ）と同様であるが、２回目の空調運転時では、表２（ｂ）に示すように、初回運転時における親機のサーモオン回数が６となる。この結果、３号機であるユニットナンバ３のチリングユニット（2c）が親機に、４号機であるユニットナンバ４のチリングユニット（2d）が第１子機に、２号機であるユニットナンバ２のチリングユニット（2b）が第２子機に、１号機であるユニットナンバ１のチリングユニット（2a）が第３子機にそれぞれ設定される。
【０１７１】
また、３回目の空調運転時では、表２（ｃ）に示すように、４号機であるユニットナンバ４のチリングユニット（2d）が親機に、３号機であるユニットナンバ３のチリングユニット（2c）が第１子機に、２号機であるユニットナンバ２のチリングユニット（2b）が第２子機に、１号機であるユニットナンバ１のチリングユニット（2a）が第３子機にそれぞれ設定される。
【０１７２】
したがって、本実施形態２によれば、親機のチリングユニット（2a〜2d）のサーモオン時間に基づいてサーモオン回数を補正するようにしたために、最も稼働時間が長くなる親機について、圧縮機の稼働時間をサーモオン回数に正確に反映させることができるので、より正確な平準化を行うことができる。
【０１７３】
【発明の他の実施の形態】
図２２及び図２３は、その他の実施形態を示し、２つのリモコン（50，50）を設けたものである。つまり、図２２は、１台のチリングユニット（2a）に対して２台のリモコン（50，50）が接続され、このチリングユニット（2a）と各リモコン（50）との間で通信ライン（40）を介してデータ回路網（41）が形成されている。
【０１７４】
また、図２３は、複数台のチリングユニット（2a〜2d）に対して２台のリモコン（50，50）が接続され、この複数台のチリングユニット（2a〜2d）と各リモコン（50，50）との間で通信ライン（40）を介してデータ回路網（41）が形成されている。
【０１７５】
また、本発明の冷凍装置（10）は、冷房及び暖房の他、冷房専用機や暖房専用機であってもよく、また、給湯運転を行うものであってもよく、また、蓄熱槽を備えて冷蓄熱や温蓄熱を行うものであってもよい。
【０１７６】
また、リモコン（50）は、図５に示すものに限られるものではなく、その上、制御ユニット（50）はリモコンに限られるものではない。
【０１７７】
また、液系統は、水系統（30）に限られず、ブラインを循環させるものであってもよい。
【０１７８】
また、上記実施形態１においては、運転制御手段（51）は、運転許可状態のチリングユニット（2a，…）の出口水温から平均温度Thoaを算出し、負荷に対応した総調和水の往路側温度を推算するようにしたが、請求項４に係る発明では、出口水温をチリングユニット（2a，…）の運転能力に合わせて補正するようにしてもよい。
【０１７９】
つまり、チリングユニット（2a，…）の定格能力によって循環ポンプ（35）の定格流量も異なり、各チリングユニット（2a，…）における往路管（31）の分岐管（33）を流れる流量も異なる。そこで、運転許可状態のチリングユニット（2a，…）の出口水温に係数を乗算して総調和水の往路側温度を推算するようにしてもよい。例えば、次式に示すように、
Thoa＝（Tho1×f1＋Tho2×f2＋……＋Thon×fn）／（f1＋f2＋……＋fn）
運転許可状態のチリングユニット（2a，…）の出口水温Tho1，Tho2，……，Thonに各循環ポンプ（35）の流量比f1，f2，……，fnを乗算した値の和を流量比f1，f2，……，fnの合計で除して平均温度Thoaを算出し、この値を往路側温度としてもよい。
【０１８０】
この場合、チリングユニット（2a，…）の温度データを能力に合わせて補正して液系統（30）における総調和液の往路側温度を導出するので、総調和液の往路側温度を正確に導出することができ、チリングユニット（2a〜2d）の運転台数を正確に制御することができるので、より制御精度の向上を図ることができると共に、より確実に省エネルギ化を図ることができる。
【０１８１】
また、本各実施形態では、各冷凍運転時において、子機を優先的にサーモオン及びサーモオフするようにしているが、請求項６に係る発明では、親機も含めてサーモオン及びサーモオフするようにしてもよい。つまり、平準化手段（52）は、冷凍運転時の負荷が低下すると、先にサーモオンしたチリングユニット（2b〜2d）から順に強制サーモオフ（運転禁止状態）に制御する一方、負荷が再び増加すると、先に強制サーモオフ（運転禁止状態）になったチリングユニット（2b〜2d）よりサーモオンさせるようにしてもよい。これによれば、各冷凍運転時において、各チリングユニット（2a〜2d）の圧縮機の稼働時間が平準化され、簡易な方法でもって平準化制御を行うことができる。
【０１８２】
この親機と子機とを区別することなくチリングユニット（2b〜2d）をサーモオン及びサーモオフすると、一日毎に空調運転の開始と停止とを行う場合、一日の運転時間中においては、各チリングユニット（2b〜2d）のサーモオン回数をほぼ均一にすることができる。この場合、前日が親機であったチリングユニット（2a）が次回（次の日）も親機になる可能性がある。そして、一日の運転中において、ある時点では負荷が大きく変動し、ある時点では負荷が安定する場合があり、サーモオン回数は均一になるが、圧縮機の実稼働時間は各チリングユニット（2b〜2d）の間でばらつきが生ずる可能性がある。つまり、前日までの圧縮機の実稼働時間が少ないチリングユニット（2a）から次回（次の日）の時にサーモオンするようにしても、このチリングユニット（2a）の圧縮機の実稼働時間が再び少なくなる可能性がある。この結果、１年等の長期間の間では、各チリングユニット（2b〜2d）の間で圧縮機の実稼働時間のばらつきが生じ、確実な平準化が行われない可能性がある。
【０１８３】
これに対し、上述した実施形態１などのように、子機を優先的にサーモオン及びサーモオフする場合、つまり、親機の運転を常に優先させるようにすると、一日毎に空調運転の開始と停止とを行う場合、各一日の運転における親機のサーモオン回数は、子機のサーモオン回数より必ず大きくなる。次回（次の日）の運転時においては、前回（前日）の子機の内から親機が設定され、一日毎に親機が入れ替わり、これが繰り返されて全チリングユニット（2b〜2d）の間で親機が巡回する。この結果、親機の圧縮機の実稼働時間は、子機の圧縮機の実稼働時間より長くなる可能性が高いので、一日の運転毎に負荷が大きく変動し、親機のサーモオン回数が減少して圧縮機の実稼働時間が長くなっても１年等の長期間の間では各チリングユニット（2b〜2d）の間で確実な平準化が行われる可能性が高くなる。したがって、上述した実施形態１等の子機を優先的にサーモオン及びサーモオフする制御が好ましい。
【０１８４】
また、データの伝送方法は、各実施形態に限定されるものではないことは勿論である。
【０１８５】
また、上記各実施形態は、双方向のシリアル伝送を行う冷凍装置（10）について説明したが、請求項１、請求項３及び請求項４に係る発明では、これらに限定されるものではない。つまり、チリングユニット（2a〜2d）の台数制御を実行する運転制御手段（51）等は、従来の運転信号等の専用信号線による伝送を適用してもよく、要するに、チリングユニット（2a〜2d）の運転台数を制御する場合に適用することができるものである。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】 本発明の構成を示すブロック図である。
【図２】 チリングユニットの配管系統図である。
【図３】 冷凍装置のデータ伝送を示す伝送系統図である。
【図４】 冷凍装置の制御系統を示す制御ブロック図である。
【図５】 リモコンを示す正面図である。
【図６】 ローテーション処理を示すタイミング図である。
【図７】 ローテーション処理を示すタイミング図である。
【図８】 ローテーション処理を示すタイミング図である。
【図９】 空調運転の制御処理を示すシーケンス図である。
【図１０】 空調運転の制御処理を示すシーケンス図である。
【図１１】 空調運転の制御処理を示すシーケンス図である。
【図１２】 空調運転の制御処理を示すシーケンス図である。
【図１３】 台数制御の判定基準を説明するための冷凍装置の概略図である。
【図１４】 判定基準を示す温度特性図である。
【図１５】 他の台数制御の判定基準を説明するための冷凍装置の概略図である。
【図１６】 親機の離脱処理を示す説明図である。
【図１７】 第３子機の離脱処理を示す説明図である。
【図１８】 デフロスト運転の制御処理を示すシーケンス図である。
【図１９】 他のローテーション処理を示すタイミング図である。
【図２０】 ローテーション処理を示すタイミング図である。
【図２１】 ローテーション処理を示すタイミング図である。
【図２２】 他のチリングユニットとリモコンの接続状態を示す伝送系統図である。
【図２３】 他のチリングユニットとリモコンの接続状態を示す伝送系統図である。
【図２４】 本発明の他の構成を示すブロック図である。
【図２５】 従来の空気調和装置のデータ伝送を示す伝送系統図である。。
【符号の説明】
10 冷凍装置
11 入口温度センサ（入口温度検出手段）
12 出口温度センサ（出口温度検出手段）
2a〜2d チリングユニット
21 能力制御手段
30 水系統（液系統）
40 通信ライン
41 データ回路網
50 リモコン（制御ユニット）
51 運転制御手段
52 平準化手段
53 補正手段
60 表示パネル
6c 第３表示部
70 操作パネル[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
    The present invention relates to a control device for a refrigeration apparatus, and particularly relates to measures for operation control of a refrigeration apparatus including a chilling unit.
[0002]
[Prior art]
    Conventionally, in an air conditioner equipped with a chilling unit, as disclosed in JP-A-7-55206, a compressor, a four-way switching valve, a heat source heat exchanger, an electric expansion valve, and use side heat are used. Some are configured by sequentially connecting to an exchanger. A water system is connected to the use-side heat exchanger to generate conditioned water such as cold water or hot water, and the conditioned water is circulated to the fan coil unit or the like.
[0003]
    The chilling unit in the air conditioner is controlled by connecting a dedicated controller to the chilling unit, connecting a remote controller to the dedicated controller, and exchanging control signals between the remote control and the chilling unit. It was.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
    In the above-described air conditioning apparatus, conventionally, since control signals such as operation signals and stop signals are individually provided between the dedicated controller and the chilling unit through dedicated lines, sufficient improvement of operation control and energy saving are achieved. There was a problem that could not be achieved.
[0005]
    That is, for example, as shown in FIG. 25, a plurality of chilling units (b,...) Are connected to the water system (a), while a controller (c) is connected to each chilling unit (b,...). ing. The controller (c) is configured by connecting an operation unit (g) and a display unit (h) to the CPU (d) in addition to the output unit (e) and the input unit (f). The output part (e) of this controller (c) is connected to the operation contact (i) and stop contact (j) of each chilling unit (b,...), And the input part (f) The contact (k) is connected and a temperature signal (m) is input from the outlet temperature sensor.
[0006]
    Since the operation signal and the stop signal of each chilling unit (b,...) Are transmitted by individual dedicated lines for each information content, the output unit (e) of the controller (c) and each chilling unit (b,. ) Operation contact (i) and stop contact (j) are connected by two signal lines (n,...), And the input part (f) and abnormality contact (k) are two signal lines. Connected by (n,...). As a result, a large number of signal lines (n,...) Are necessary to perform various controls.
[0007]
    Therefore, when a plurality of chilling units (b,...) Are installed as the load increases, the number of signal lines (n,...) Increases extremely as the number increases, and wiring work and the like become extremely complicated. Therefore, in order to improve workability such as wiring work, it is necessary to reduce the number of signal lines (n,...) As much as possible. However, since this is not possible to transfer a large amount of control information, b,...) cannot be improved.
[0008]
    Further, since the ability control of the chilling unit (b,...) Is entrusted to each chilling unit (b,...), When a plurality of chilling units (b,. In spite of being able to cope with the load in the operation of (b), the case where two chilling units (b, b) are operated may occur, so that energy saving is insufficient.
[0009]
    In particular, in this case, there is a problem that energy saving cannot be achieved regardless of the transmission method between the chilling units (b,...) And the controller (c).
[0010]
    In addition, when a plurality of chilling units (b,...) Are provided, the number of operating units and unit control such as leveling control for leveling the actual operation time of the compressor in each chilling unit (b,...) Are controlled. There is a need to do. In this case, information on the operation time of each chilling unit (b,...) Is obtained based on the operation signal output from the controller (c), and the chilling units (b,. Conceivable.
[0011]
    However, in this case, since the thermo-off state in which the compressor is stopped is included in the operation time, there is a problem that accurate leveling control cannot be performed. In particular, in the conventional transmission method, a large number of data transmissions are performed. Therefore, there is a problem that operation control such as leveling control cannot be performed accurately.
[0012]
    The present invention has been made in view of such points, and it is an object of the present invention to facilitate data transmission between a chilling unit and a control unit, and to efficiently control the number of operating chilling units. It is what.
[0013]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
        -Summary of invention-
    In the present invention, a plurality of chilling units (2a to 2d) and a control unit (50) are connected by a communication line (40) to constitute a data circuit network (41) capable of bidirectional data transmission. Further, the number of operating chilling units (2a to 2d) is controlled, and the rotation of each chilling unit (2a to 2d) is controlled based on the number of thermo-ons of each chilling unit (2a to 2d). In the rotation control, the chilling units (2a to 2d) having a small number of thermo-ons during the previous refrigeration operation are preferentially switched to the thermo-on state, and the actual operation of each chilling unit (2a to 2d) is leveled.
[0014]
        -Specific matters of the invention-
    Specifically,1 andAs shown in FIG. 24, the means taken by the invention of claim 1Without liquidA plurality of chilling units (2a to 2d) for adjusting the conditioned liquid flowing through the system (30) to a predetermined temperature are connected to the liquid system (30). Each of the chilling units (2a to 2d) is provided with a capacity control means (27) that controls the capacity of the refrigeration operation in response to a load based on the outlet temperature of the conditioned liquid flowing out from the chilling units (2a to 2d). ing. In addition, during the refrigeration operation, an operation permission state for permitting operation of a predetermined number of chilling units (2a,. In addition to controlling each chilling unit (2a to 2d), only one of the operation-permitted chilling units (2a,...) Is set to the capacity variable state by the capacity control means (27), and another operation permission state is set. When there is a chilling unit (2b,...), An operation control means (51) is provided for controlling the number of operating units with the chilling unit (2b,.
[0015]
    Furthermore, the chilling unit ( 2a ~ 2d ), Each chilling unit during the previous refrigeration operation (based on the thermo-on state where the compressor is driven and the thermo-off state where the compressor is stopped) 2a ~ 2d ) Chilling unit with the smallest judgment value based on the number of thermo-ons ( 2a ) As the master unit and other chilling units ( 2b ~ 2d ) Is set to the slave unit, and the master unit is preferentially controlled to be in the thermo-on state every time the operation is started, while the operation control means ( 51 ) Leveling means that outputs thermo-on control sequence signals ( 52 ) Is provided.
[0016]
    By the above invention specific matters,Claim 1In the described invention, regardless of the transmission method, the operation control means (51) receives the temperature data of the outlet temperature of each chilling unit (2a to 2d) and controls the number of operating chilling units (2a to 2d). When a plurality of chilling units (2a,...) Are in operation, one chilling unit (2a) performs capacity control by the capacity control means (27), and the other chilling units (2b,...) Operate with the capacity, and make the operating capacity of the entire device correspond to the load.
[0017]
    Furthermore, the chilling unit ( 2a ~ 2d ) Leveling means (based on the thermo-on and thermo-off states) 52 ) During each freezing operation, each chilling unit ( 2a ~ 2d ) Rotation control, and each chilling unit ( 2a ~ 2d ) Chilling unit with the smallest judgment value based on the number of thermo-ons ( 2a ~ 2d ) As the master unit and other chilling units ( 2a ~ 2d ) Is set to the slave unit. And leveling means ( 52 ) Controls the master unit preferentially to the thermo-on state at each start of operation, while operating control means (starting from the slave unit having a smaller determination value based on the number of thermo-on times according to the load) 51 ) Output a sequence signal for thermo-on control. As a result, each chilling unit ( 2a ~ 2d ) Of the actual operation time.
[0018]
    The means of the invention described in claim 2 is the chilling unit (in the invention of claim 1). 2a ) Control unit ( 50 ) And chilling unit ( 2a ) With a data circuit network that can transmit data in both directions ( 41 ) Is configured.
[0019]
    According to the above-mentioned invention specific matter, in the invention according to claim 2, the chilling unit ( 2a ) And control unit ( 50 ) Performs data transmission in both directions.
[0020]
    Claim 3The measures taken by the described invention are:Claim 1In the described invention, each chilling unit (2a to 2d) is provided with outlet temperature detection means (12) for individually detecting the outlet temperature of the conditioned liquid flowing out from the chilling units (2a to 2d). . The capacity control means (27) of each chilling unit (2a to 2d) receives the temperature data of the outlet temperature detection means (12), and the outlet temperature of the conditioned liquid flowing out from the chilling unit (2a to 2d) reaches a predetermined temperature. The ability control of the chilling units (2a to 2d) is performed so that On the other hand, the operation control means (51) determines the outbound temperature of the total harmonized liquid in the liquid system (30) based on the temperature data of the outlet temperature detection means (12) received from the chilling unit (2a,...) And the chilling units (2a to 2d) are controlled to be in the capacity variable state or the capacity fixed state in the operation permitted state and the operation prohibited state so that the forward path side temperature becomes a predetermined temperature.
[0021]
    By the above invention specific matters,Claim 3In the described invention, the outgoing side temperature of the total harmonized liquid is derived based on the temperature data of the individual chilling units (2a,...) In the operation-permitted state. This total harmony liquid means the harmony liquid after the harmony liquid which flowed out from each chilling unit (2a, ...) joins, and derives the temperature of the total harmony liquid after this junction part. Thereafter, the operation state of each chilling unit (2a to 2d) is controlled so that the forward path side temperature becomes a predetermined temperature. That is, the temperature of the total harmonized liquid after the junction corresponding to the load is derived by the outlet temperature detecting means (12) of each chilling unit (2a,...).
[0022]
    Claim 4The measures taken by the described invention are as described above.Claim 3In the described invention, the operation control means (51) corrects the temperature data in the operation-permitted chilling units (2a,...) According to the operation capability of each chilling unit (2a,. The side temperature is derived.
[0023]
    By the above invention specific matters,Claim 4In the described invention, even if the chilling units (2a,...) Have different operating capacities, the temperature of the total harmonized liquid at the junction is accurately derived.
[0024]
    Claim 5The measures taken by the described invention are as described above.Claim 1In the described invention, the leveling means (52), when the load is reduced from the state in which the slave unit is thermo-ON, controls the operation prohibition state in order from the slave unit that has been thermo-ON first, while the master unit is thermo-ON When the load increases again in this state, a sequence signal for thermo-on / off control is output to the operation control means (51) so that the slave unit that has previously been in the operation-prohibited state is thermo-on.
[0025]
    By the above invention specific matters,Claim 5In the described invention, when the load is reduced during the freezing operation, the operation is controlled to the operation prohibited state in order from the slave unit that has been thermo-on in advance. In this manner, the leveling means (52) outputs a thermo on / off control sequence signal to the operation control means (51). As a result, the bias of the operating chilling units (2a to 2d) is prevented.
[0026]
    Claim 6The measures taken by the invention according toClaim 1In this invention, the leveling means (52) controls the operation prohibited state in order from the chilling units (2b to 2d) that are thermo-on in advance when the load during the freezing operation decreases, The chilling unit (2b to 2d) that is in the operation prohibited state is configured to be thermo-on.
[0027]
    By the above invention specific matters,Claim 6In the described invention, the operation time of the compressor of each chilling unit (2a to 2d) is leveled during each refrigeration operation.
[0028]
    Claim 7The measures taken by the described invention are as described above.Claim 1In the described invention, a correction means (53) for outputting a correction signal for increasing and correcting the number of thermo-ONs according to the duration of the thermo-ON state to the leveling means (52) is provided.
[0029]
    By the above invention specific matters,Claim 7In the described invention, when the chilling units (2a to 2d) are continuously in the thermo-on state, the correcting means (53) increases the number of thermo-ons. As a result, the operation time of the compressor in the chilling units (2a to 2d) is reflected in the number of thermo-ons.
[0030]
    Claim 8The measures taken by the described invention are as described above.Claim 1In the described invention, the leveling means (52) is configured to derive the determination value based on the difference in the number of thermo-ons during the previous freezing operation.
[0031]
    By the above invention specific matters,Claim 8In the described invention, since the leveling means (52) uses the difference between the thermo-on times, an increase in the memory capacity for storing the thermo-on times is prevented.
[0032]
    Claim 9The measures taken by the described invention are as described above.Claim 3In the described invention,The above chilling unit ( 2a )The control unit (50) is configured to include a display unit (6c) that displays the outlet temperature of the harmonized liquid.
[0033]
    By the above invention specific matters,Claim 9In the described invention, since the control unit (50) displays the outlet temperature of each chilling unit (2a to 2d), the operation status can be easily grasped.
[0034]
    Claim 10The measures taken by the described invention are as described above.Claim 1In the described invention, when there is a request for defrost operation from a plurality of chilling units (2a,...), Only the preset number of chilling units (2a) execute the defrost operation at the same time. Is provided with defrost control means (54) for outputting a defrost permission signal for each predetermined number of chilling units (2a).
[0035]
    By the above invention specific matters,Claim 10In the described invention, the defrost control means (54) permits the defrost operation of the chilling units (2a,...) Every predetermined number, for example, one or two. As a result, a large number of chilling units (2a,...) Do not perform the defrosting operation at the same time, and the temperature drop of the harmonized liquid more than necessary is suppressed.
[0036]
【The invention's effect】
    Therefore, according to the invention of claim 1DeRegardless of the data transmission method, the number of operating chilling units (2a to 2d) corresponding to the temperature of the harmonized liquid can be accurately controlled, so that the control accuracy can be improved and the energy can be saved. be able to.
[0037]
    That is, if each chilling unit (2a-2d) is left to control of its own ability control means (27), for example, two chilling units (2a, 2b) are operating at 70% capacity and 40% capacity. When the load increases from the state, the third generation chilling unit (2c) may start operation and balance with the load.
[0038]
    However, in this case, if both chilling units (2a, 2b) are operated at 100% capacity, it may be able to handle the load. Although it is only necessary to operate, three chilling units (2a, 2b, 2c) operate and energy saving cannot be achieved.
[0039]
    In contrast,Claim 1According to the described invention, the minimum necessary chilling unit (2a,...) Can be operated with respect to the load, so that energy saving can be reliably achieved.
[0040]
    Moreover, since the number of all the chilling units (2a to 2d) can be controlled in an integrated manner, hunting of the operation stop operation can be prevented.
[0041]
    In other words, with each capability control of each chilling unit (2a to 2d), the other chilling unit (2c) further operates immediately after one chilling unit (2b) starts operation with respect to an increase in load. For example, the chilled liquid may become too cold and the two chilling units (2b, 2c) may stop operating together, resulting in hunting of the stopping operation. .
[0042]
    In contrast,Claim 1According to the described invention, since the operation control means (51) controls and controls the number of operating units, the operation of one chilling unit (2b) is surely increased or decreased with respect to load fluctuations. Thus, energy saving can be achieved accurately.
[0043]
    In addition, a chilling unit (base unit etc.) for each freezing operation ( 2a ~ 2d ) For each chilling unit ( 2a ~ 2d ) Can be surely leveled. In particular, since the master unit and the like are determined by the number of thermo-ons, the actual operation time of the compressor can be reflected, and leveling can be accurately achieved.
[0044]
    Further, since the number of thermo-ons is counted, the memory capacity can be reduced as compared with the case where the thermo-on time is counted. Therefore, the control element can be reduced in size, and conversely, other control data is stored in memory. Therefore, it is possible to improve the control accuracy.
[0045]
    According to invention of Claim 2, a control unit ( 50 ) And each chilling unit ( 2a ) Data circuit network (bidirectional data transmission to and from 41 ), It is not necessary to provide a signal line for each control signal, and one communication line ( 40 ), It is possible to transmit various types of data, so that the wiring work can be simplified, and at the same time, various operation controls can be executed, so that energy saving can be achieved.
[0046]
    Claim 3According to the described invention, since the temperature of the total harmonic liquid in the liquid system (30) is derived based on the temperature data of the chilling unit (2a,...) In the operation-permitted state, the total harmonic liquid forward path There is no need to separately provide a sensor or the like for detecting the side temperature, the configuration can be simplified, and an increase in the number of components can be prevented.
[0047]
    Claim 4According to the described invention, the temperature data of the chilling unit (2a,...) Is corrected in accordance with the capacity to derive the total path temperature of the total harmonious liquid in the liquid system (30). Since the outbound side temperature can be accurately derived, the number of operating chilling units (2a to 2d) can be accurately controlled, so that the control accuracy can be improved and energy saving can be achieved more reliably. Can be achieved.
[0048]
    Claim 5According to the described invention, during each refrigeration operation, the chilling units (2a to 2d) of the slave units that are thermo-off to the operation-prohibited state in the thermo-on order are determined, while the chilling units of the slave units that are thermo-on in the order of the operation-prohibited state (2a to 2d) is determined, so the operation of each chilling unit (2a to 2d) can be rotated based on the actual operation time of the compressor, and the actual operation of each chilling unit (2a to 2d) Time leveling can be ensured.
[0049]
    Claim 6According to the described invention, since the operation time of the compressor of each chilling unit (2a to 2d) can be leveled during each refrigeration operation, leveling control can be performed with a simple method.
[0050]
    Claim 7According to the described invention, since the thermo-on count is corrected based on the thermo-on time of the chilling units (2a to 2d), the operating time is set to the thermo-on count for the chilling unit (2a to 2d) having the longest operating time. Therefore, it is possible to perform more accurate leveling.
[0051]
    Claim 8According to the described invention, since the parent device or the like is determined based on the difference in the number of thermo-ons, the memory capacity can be reduced compared to storing the number of thermo-ons.
[0052]
    Claim 9According to the described invention, the display unit (6c) for displaying the inlet water temperature, the outlet water temperature, etc. is provided in the control unit (50), so that the inlet water temperature, the outlet water temperature, etc. are displayed and the operation status is accurately grasped. can do.
[0053]
    Claim 10According to the described invention, the defrosting operation of the chilling units (2a to 2d) is executed for each predetermined number, so that it is possible to reliably prevent a large number of chilling units (2a,...) From simultaneously performing the defrosting operation. . As a result, it is possible to reliably suppress an unnecessary temperature drop of the harmonized liquid.
[0054]
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiment 1
    Hereinafter, Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
[0055]
    As shown in FIG. 2, the refrigeration apparatus (10) constitutes an air conditioner including four chilling units (2a to 2d), and performs air conditioning operation of cooling or heating that is a refrigeration operation to air in the room. It is configured to harmonize.
[0056]
    The chilling unit (2a to 2d) is connected to a compressor, a four-way switching valve, a heat exchanger for heat source, a temperature-sensitive expansion valve, an expansion mechanism composed of a capillary tube, and a heat exchanger on the use side, although not shown. A refrigerant circuit is provided. And the said utilization side heat exchanger is connected to the water system | strain (30) which is a liquid system | strain, and has produced | generated the harmonious water of the cold water which is a harmonious liquid, or warm water.
[0057]
    The water system (30) includes a forward pipe (31) and a return pipe (32), and the forward pipe (31) and the return pipe (32) are connected to each chilling unit (2a to 2d) with a branch pipe (33, 34, ...). Although not shown, the forward pipe (31) and the return pipe (32) are extended indoors and connected to an indoor unit such as a fan coil unit. In the indoor unit, the conditioned water generated by the use side heat exchanger circulates to cool or heat the room.
[0058]
    Furthermore, each return pipe side branch pipe (34, 34,...) In the water system (30) is provided with a circulation pump (35) corresponding to each chilling unit (2a to 2d). On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 4, an inlet temperature sensor (11) is provided for each return pipe (34, 34,...), And an outlet temperature sensor is provided for each forward pipe (33, 33,...). (12) is provided. The inlet temperature sensor (11) and the outlet temperature sensor (12) are integrally incorporated in the casing of each chilling unit (2a to 2d). The inlet temperature sensor (11) constitutes inlet temperature detection means for detecting the inlet water temperature, which is the inlet temperature of the conditioned water flowing into the chilling units (2a to 2d), and the outlet temperature sensor (12) corresponds to each chilling unit. (2a-2d) The exit temperature detection means which detects the exit water temperature which is the exit temperature of the conditioned water which flows out from (2a-2d) is comprised.
[0059]
    On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, each chilling unit (2a to 2d) is connected to one remote controller (50) via a communication line (40) as a feature of the present invention. Between the units (2a to 2d) and the control unit, a data circuit network (41) that performs data transmission by bidirectional serial transmission is configured. The connection topology of the communication line (40) employs a point-to-point tree format, and the chilling units (2a to 2d) as nodes are sequentially connected in a hierarchical relationship.
[0060]
    The communication line (40) is composed of two signal lines, a positive signal line and a negative signal line. As the transmission method between each chilling unit (2a to 2d) and the remote control (50), a balanced communication method is adopted as the AMI communication method, and each chilling unit (2a to 2d) and the remote control (50) are set in advance. It is configured to perform half-duplex signal transmission with the specified polarity. The polarities of the positive signal line and the negative signal line are automatically detected by the remote controller (50) or the like, and the polarity setting is not required when the wiring is connected.
[0061]
    A central control line (42) is connected to the one chilling unit (2a). That is, in FIG. 3, four chilling units (2a to 2d) are shown, but when these four chilling units (2a to 2d) constitute one control group and a plurality of these control groups are provided, Although not shown, each control group is connected by a central control line (42), and a central controller or the like is connected to the central control line (42).
[0062]
    In the present embodiment, the one control group is composed of four chilling units (2a to 2d) as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, but may be five or more. The chilling units (2a, 2b,...) May be configured, and the maximum 16 chilling units (2a, 2b,...) May be connected by one communication line (40).
[0063]
    The remote controller (50) is provided for each control group and constitutes a control unit that controls each chilling unit (2a to 2d). As shown in FIG. 5, the remote controller (50) includes a display panel (60) and an operation panel (70). The display panel (60) includes a driving button (61) and a driving display lamp (62). ) And are provided. The display panel (60) is provided with a first display section (6a) to a fourth display section (6d). The first display section (6a) is arranged in the upper stage and lights up “Centralized management” and the like, and the second display section (6b) is arranged on the left side to display “unit number”, “group number”, etc. The third display (6c) is arranged in the center and displays “outlet temperature”, “high pressure”, etc. in eight segments, and the fourth display (6d) is arranged on the left side. “Rotating operation” or “Demand control in progress” is lit.
[0064]
    The operation panel (70) includes an operation mode switch (7a) for switching the operation mode, a demand control switch (7b) for performing demand control, and a defrosting interval shortening switch (7c) for changing the defrosting interval. ), Setting mode switch (7d) for switching the setting mode, heat storage normal switch (7e) for switching between heat storage operation and normal operation, temperature adjustment switch (7f) for temperature adjustment, unit number switching Unit number switch (7g), display changeover switch (7h) for switching the display of each display section (6a to 6d), setting release switch (7i) for performing local settings, etc., inspection for performing inspections, etc. An adjustment switch (7j) and a forced fan switch (7k) for forcibly turning on the fan are provided.
[0065]
    And the said 3rd display part (6c) displays the inlet water temperature and outlet water temperature of the conditioned water received from the inlet temperature sensor (11) and outlet temperature sensor (12) of each chilling unit (2a-2d).
[0066]
    As shown in FIG. 4, each of the chilling units (2a to 2d) is provided with a controller (21), and the controller (21) is connected to the remote controller (50) via the transmission unit (22). The controller (21) outputs control signals to the various solenoid valves (23), the compressor (24) and the fan (25), while temperature data is received from the inlet temperature sensor (11) and the outlet temperature sensor (12). While being input, a detection signal is input from a sensor (26) such as pressure.
[0067]
    The controller (21) of each chilling unit (2a to 2d) is provided with capacity control means (27), and the capacity control means (27) performs the freezing operation corresponding to the load of the water system (30). Perform capacity control. That is, each chilling unit (2a to 2d) has its outlet water temperature flowing out of the conditioned water at a predetermined temperature based on the temperature data of the inlet temperature sensor (11) and the outlet temperature sensor (12). So as to control the driving ability.
[0068]
    Specifically, the chilling units (2a to 2d) adjust the driving ability in four stages of 0%, 40%, 70%, and 100%. Each of the chilling units (2a to 2d) is configured to be changeable between a thermo-on state in which the compressor is driven and a thermo-off state in which the compressor is stopped during air-conditioning operation for generating cold water or hot water. ing.
In the chilling units (2a to 2d), 0% of the driving ability is in the thermo-off state, and the driving ability is changed to 40%, 70%, and 100% in the thermo-on state.
[0069]
    In the cooling operation, when the temperature of the outlet water of the conditioned water becomes higher than a predetermined temperature (for example, 1 ° C.) with respect to the set temperature Ts, which is a predetermined temperature (Ts + 1 ° C.), On the contrary, when the temperature becomes lower than a predetermined value (for example, 1 ° C.) with respect to the set temperature (Ts−1 ° C.), the compressor is stopped. Further, during the heating operation, when the outlet water temperature of the conditioned water becomes lower than a predetermined value (for example, 1 ° C.) with respect to a set temperature that is a predetermined temperature (Ts−1 ° C.), the compressor is driven and conversely When the temperature becomes higher than a predetermined value (for example, 1 ° C.) with respect to the set temperature (Ts + 1 ° C.), the compressor is stopped.
[0070]
    Furthermore, each said chilling unit (2a-2d) memorize | stores the thermo-on frequency | count at the time of each air conditioning driving | operation, and is comprised so that the data signal of a thermo-on frequency | count may be output to a communication line (40).
[0071]
    The remote controller (50) includes, as a feature of the present invention, an operation control means (51) for each chilling unit (2a to 2d) and a means for leveling the actual operating time of the compressor of each chilling unit (2a to 2d) ( 52).
[0072]
    The operation control means (51) transmits and receives control data to and from each chilling unit (2a to 2d) via the communication line (40), and performs state control of each chilling unit (2a to 2d). It is configured. That is, the operation control means (51) receives temperature data from the inlet temperature sensor (11) and the outlet temperature sensor (12) of each chilling unit (2a to 2d) and receives the temperature data from each chilling unit (2a to 2d). The number of operating chilling units (2a to 2d) is controlled so that the outlet water temperature of the conditioned water flowing out becomes a predetermined temperature.
[0073]
    Specifically, the operation control means (51) permits the operation of a predetermined number of chilling units (2a,...) Based on the outlet water temperature of the conditioned water during the refrigeration operation, and controls the operation permission state. A forced thermo-off signal that prohibits the operation of the chilling unit (2d, ...) is output, and the operation is controlled to be prohibited (forced thermo-off). Furthermore, the operation control means (51) controls the capability variable state in which only one of the chilling units (2a,...) In the operation-permitted state is capable of variable capability and executes capability control by the capability control means (27), If there is another chilling unit (2b, ...) in a permitted state, a forced thermo-on signal is output so as to fix the chilling unit (2b, ...) to the maximum capacity, and the capacity is fixed (forced thermo-on). Control.
[0074]
    The operation prohibited state (forced thermo-off) and the operation permitted state here are, for example, the state where each chilling unit (2a,...) Itself is operating, but the compressor in each chilling unit (2a,...). The state where the operation of the compressor is prohibited and the state where the operation of the compressor in each chilling unit (2a,...) Is permitted. In the variable capacity state and fixed capacity state (forced thermo-on), the compressor capacity in each chilling unit (2a,...) Is fixed and the compressor capacity in each chilling unit (2a,...) Is fixed. State.
[0075]
    The leveling means (52) determines the number of thermo-ons of each chilling unit (2a to 2d) during the previous air-conditioning operation based on the data signal of the number of thermo-ons from each chilling unit (2a to 2d). Set the chilling unit (2a to 2d) with the smallest judgment value based on the master unit, and set the other chilling units (2a to 2d) to the slave units. On the other hand, a thermo-on control sequence signal is output to the operation control means (51) so as to start in order from a slave unit having a smaller determination value based on the thermo-on count.
[0076]
    Further, when the load is reduced from the state in which the slave unit chilling units (2b to 2d) are thermo-on, the leveling means (52) starts from the slave unit chilling unit (2b to 2d) that has been thermo-on first. If the load increases again while the chilling unit (2a) of the master unit is thermo-on while the operation is controlled to be prohibited (forced thermo-off), the chilling units (2b to 2d) of the slave units that were previously disabled The thermo on-off control sequence signal is output to the operation control means (51) so as to control the thermo-on more and control the chilling unit (2a) of the master unit to the forced thermo-on (capacity fixed state).
[0077]
    That is, the leveling means (52) rotates the thermo-on state of each chilling unit (2a to 2d) so as to level the actual operating time of the compressor in the four chilling units (2a to 2d). Yes.
[0078]
    The leveling means (52) derives a determination value based on the difference in the number of thermo-ons during the previous air conditioning operation.
[0079]
        -Operation of the refrigeration system (10)-
    Next, the operation | movement operation | movement of each chilling unit (2a-2d) in the said freezing apparatus (10) is demonstrated based on the timing diagram of FIGS. 6-8, and the transmission sequence figure of FIGS. 9-12.
[0080]
    First, the remote controller (50) and each chilling unit (2a to 2d) perform bidirectional data transmission via the communication line (40) to control the operating state of each chilling unit (2a to 2d). Therefore, the control operation of the chilling units (2a to 2d) will be described with reference to the transmission sequence diagrams of FIGS.
[0081]
    In step ST1 in FIGS. 9 to 12, when the power of each chilling unit (2a to 2d) is turned on, the remote controller (50) is supplied with power from one chilling unit (2a) in one control group, and the communication line ( 40) through the data transmission. Next, in step ST2, an auto-tuning process is performed, and a unit number that is a communication address is automatically set in each chilling unit (2a to 2d). That is, the parent device and the child device for performing remote control group control for communication are set in each chilling unit (2a to 2d). Note that the parent device and the child device for the remote control group control are different from the parent device and the child device for rotation control described later.
[0082]
    Thereafter, the process proceeds to step ST3, where the remote controller (50) collects information on each device. Specifically, the remote controller (50) has the circulation pump (35) set to each chilling unit (2a to 2d) independently. A request signal for specification data such as whether or not is output, and each chilling unit (2a to 2d) returns specification data.
[0083]
    At the time of the first air conditioning operation, the remote controller (50) transmits the above-described remote controller group control master unit and slave unit setting signals to each chilling unit (2a to 2d), and each chilling unit (2a to 2d) Return the parent-child data to the remote control (50). For example, during the first air-conditioning operation, the remote controller (50) sets the chilling unit (2a) with the youngest unit number as the master unit, sets the other chilling units (2b to 2d) as slave units, and sets the unit number. The first slave unit is set in order to the third slave unit.
[0084]
    Next, a forced thermo-off signal is output to all the chilling units (2a to 2d), and all the chilling units (2a to 2d) are disabled. On the other hand, all the chilling units (2a to 2d) After receiving, the reply data is sent back to the remote control (50).
[0085]
    After the above-described information collection, initial transmission processing is performed in step ST4, and the process proceeds to step ST5 to start rotation control. That is, the remote controller (50) transmits a setting signal of the master unit indicating which chilling unit (2a to 2d) is the master unit for rotation control to all chilling units (2a to 2d), and each chilling unit (2a to 2d) returns setting data to the remote controller (50).
[0086]
    Subsequently, the process proceeds to step ST6, where periodic rotation processing is performed. The remote controller (50) transmits an outlet water temperature request signal to each chilling unit (2a-2d), and each chilling unit (2a-2d) It returns the temperature data of the outlet water temperature to the remote control (50). Thereafter, the temperature data of the outlet water temperature is requested every 60 seconds, and each chilling unit (2a to 2d) transmits the temperature data of the outlet water temperature to the remote controller (50).
[0087]
    After performing each said process, it moves to step ST7 and performs the process in the case of performing an air-conditioning driving | operation. When the operation button (61) is pressed, the remote controller (50) transmits an operation command signal to all the chilling units (2a to 2d), and each chilling unit (2a to 2d) transmits an operation command reception signal to the remote control ( Reply to 50). The remote control (50) sends a forced thermo-off release command signal to the chilling unit (2a) of the master unit, and the chilling unit (2a) of the master unit sends an acceptance signal of the forced thermo-off release command to the remote control (50). Reply to In addition, since this forced thermo-off is what keeps a driving | running | working stop state so that each chilling unit (2a-2d) may not start an operation independently, first, this forced thermo-off is cancelled | released.
[0088]
    Next, the process proceeds to step ST8, and the following processing is executed when the thermo-on control is performed. The remote controller (50) transmits a request signal for the outlet water temperature of the conditioned water to each chilling unit (2a to 2d), and the chilling unit (2a to 2d) returns the temperature data of the outlet water temperature to the remote controller (50) (60 sec. Regular processing for each).
[0089]
    When the load increases when at least one chilling unit (2a) is thermo-on and the other chilling units (2b to 2d) are thermo-on, the remote controller (50) is connected to the chilling unit (2a) that is currently thermo-on. ) Transmits a forced thermo-on command signal, and the chilling unit (2a) that is thermo-ON returns a forced thermo-ON acceptance signal to the remote controller (50). Since this forced thermo-on holds the chilling units (2a to 2d) at full load (operating capacity 100%), capacity control such as load down is prohibited.
[0090]
    The remote control (50) sends a forced thermo-off release command signal to the chilling unit (2b) to be thermo-oned from now on, and this chilling unit (2b) returns a reception signal for the forced thermo-off release command to the remote control (50). Then, the ability control is executed in the ability variable state.
[0091]
    On the other hand, when moving to step ST9 and performing thermo-off control, the following processing is executed. The remote controller (50) transmits an outlet water temperature request signal to each chilling unit (2a to 2d), and each chilling unit (2a to 2d) returns the temperature data of the outlet water temperature to the remote controller (50).
[0092]
    When the load is reduced and the chilling unit (2a to 2d) is thermo-off, that is, when the chilling unit (2a to 2d) is in the operation prohibited state, the remote control (50) is the chilling unit (2d) that prohibits the operation. A forced thermo-off command signal is transmitted to the chilling unit (2d) that is in the operation prohibited state, and a forced thermo-off acceptance signal is returned to the remote controller (50).
[0093]
    In addition, when only the master unit chilling unit (2a) is thermo-ON, the master unit chilling unit (2a) performs its own capacity control, so the thermo-off ( (Capability 0%) and Thermo-on (Capability 40% or more).
[0094]
    Thereafter, the process proceeds to step ST10, and when the air conditioning operation is stopped, that is, when the operation is terminated, the following processing is executed. When the operation button (61) is pressed, the remote control (50) sends an operation stop signal to each chilling unit (2a to 2d), and each chilling unit (2a to 2d) accepts the operation stop from the remote control (50). Send the signal back to the remote control (50).
[0095]
    The remote control (50) sends a forced thermo-off command signal to all chilling units (2a to 2d), and this chilling unit (2a to 2d) sends a forced thermo-off acceptance signal back to the remote control (50). In step ST11, air conditioning operation stop processing is performed.
[0096]
    When one air-conditioning operation is completed by stopping the air-conditioning operation and the operation button (61) is pressed again to perform the air-conditioning operation, the operation from step ST1 is performed.
[0097]
    Therefore, regarding the above-described operations such as thermo-on and thermo-off, the air-conditioning operation that generates cold water during cooling will be described in detail based on the timing diagrams of FIGS. 6 to 8 show the forced thermo-on (capacity fixed state) fixed at 100% of the driving permission state by X and the variable capacity state by Y, while the driving is prohibited. The thermo-off (operation prohibited state) is indicated by Z.
[0098]
    First, during the first air-conditioning operation, the master unit and slave unit for rotation control are set based on the unit number that is the address, and the chilling unit (2a) of unit number 1 that is the first unit is the master unit. The chilling unit (2b) of the unit number 2 is the first slave unit, the chilling unit (2c) of the unit number 3 is the second slave unit, and the chilling unit (2d) of the unit number 4 is the fourth unit. ) Are set in the third slave unit, and the drive order is set in the order of the master unit, the first slave unit, the second slave unit, and the third slave unit. In the timing charts of FIGS. 6 to 8, the circled symbols indicate the number of thermo-ons.
[0099]
    In A1, when the air-conditioning operation at the time of cooling is started, first, when the load is large, the chilling unit (2a) of the master unit is thermo-ON, and based on the outlet water temperature, the operating capacity is increased by 40% as the load increases. To 100%. When the chilling unit (2a) of the master unit is in a full load state, the full load state continues until a predetermined time elapses, and the load is large and the outlet water temperature does not decrease to the predetermined temperature. Therefore, in A2, the first slave unit is released from the forced thermo-off state and is turned on. At that time, the chilling unit (2a) of the master unit is set to the forced thermo-on and is fixed to the full load state.
[0100]
    After that, when the load increases, the chilling unit (2b) of the first slave unit increases the operating capacity from 40% to 100% based on the outlet water temperature to become a full load state, and this full load is maintained until a predetermined time elapses. If the state is continuous, the load is large, and the outlet water temperature does not drop to the predetermined temperature, the capacity is insufficient. Therefore, in A3, the forced thermo-off of the chilling unit (2c) of the second slave unit is released. Turn on the thermo. At that time, the chilling unit (2b) of the first slave unit is set to the forced thermo-on and is fixed to the full load state.
[0101]
    Furthermore, when the load increases, the chilling unit (2c) of the second slave unit increases the operating capacity from 40% to 100% based on the outlet water temperature to become a full load state, and this full load is maintained until a predetermined time elapses. If the state is continuous, the load is large, and the outlet water temperature does not drop to the predetermined temperature, the capacity is insufficient. Therefore, in A4, the chilling unit (2d) of the third slave unit is released from the forced thermo-off state. Turn on the thermo. At that time, the chilling unit (2c) of the second slave unit is set to the forced thermo-on and is fixed to the full load state.
[0102]
    In this state, only the chilling unit (2d) of the third slave unit is in a state where the driving ability can be controlled (capacity variable state). When the chilling unit (2d) of the third slave unit becomes full load with the driving ability set to 100%, the entire apparatus is in a full load state. Thereafter, the load is reduced, and the chilling unit (2d) of the third slave unit is loaded down when the outlet water temperature is lowered. Further, if the outlet water temperature is low even when the operating capacity is reduced to 40%, The chilling unit (2d) of the third slave unit is thermo-off.
[0103]
    On the other hand, when the thermo-off state of the chilling unit (2d) of the third slave unit continues for a predetermined time and the outlet water temperature is low, the chilling unit (2b) of the first slave unit is shut down at A6. . In other words, to reduce the operating capacity of the entire system, the operation is stopped from the chilling unit (2b) of the slave unit that was previously thermo-ON, and the chilling unit (2b) of this slave unit is set to the forced thermo-off state and the operation is prohibited. Fixed to.
[0104]
    After that, when the load rises again, only the chilling unit (2d) of the third slave unit can control the operating capacity. Therefore, the chilling unit (2d) of the third slave unit is thermo-ON and the outlet water temperature To control.
[0105]
    Then, the load is reduced when the chilling unit (2b) of the first slave unit is prohibited from operating, and in A7, the chilling unit (2d) of the third slave unit is thermo-off, and this thermo-off state continues for a predetermined time, If the outlet water temperature is low, the operation of the chilling unit (2c) of the second slave unit is stopped in A8. That is, in this case, the chilling unit (2c) of the slave unit that is thermo-ON the second time stops operating, and the chilling unit (2c) of this slave unit is set to the forced thermo-off state and is fixed to the operation prohibited state.
[0106]
    After that, when the load rises again, only the chilling unit (2d) of the third slave unit can control the operating capacity. Therefore, the chilling unit (2d) of the third slave unit is thermo-ON and the outlet water temperature To control.
[0107]
    Then, the load decreases when the chilling units (2b, 2c) of the first slave unit and the second slave unit are prohibited from operating, and in A9, the chilling unit (2d) of the third slave unit is thermo-off, and this thermo-off state is When the predetermined time continues and the outlet water temperature is low, forced thermo-off is set in the chilling unit (2d) of the third slave unit at A10. At the same time, the forced thermo-on of the chilling unit (2a) of the parent machine is released, and the chilling unit (2a) of the parent machine becomes in a state where the driving ability can be controlled. In this state, when the outlet water temperature is low, the chilling unit (2a) of the master unit is thermo-off.
[0108]
    After that, when the load rises again, the chilling unit (2a) of the master unit is thermo-on and the chilling unit (2a) of the master unit increases its driving ability, and the full load state continues for a predetermined time, and When the load increases, in A11, the chilling unit (2b) of the first slave unit is thermo-on. That is, when the driving capacity is increased again, the outlet water temperature is controlled by turning on the thermo from the chilling unit (2b) of the slave unit that has been in the driving prohibited state.
[0109]
    In a state where the chilling unit (2b) of the first slave unit is capacity-controlled, when the load is reduced and the outlet water temperature is low, the chilling unit (2b) of the first slave unit is thermo-off in A12. When the thermo-off state of the chilling unit (2b) of the first slave unit continues for a predetermined time, in A13, the forced thermo-off is set in the chilling unit (2b) of the first slave unit, and the chilling unit (2a) of the master unit is set. The forced thermo-on of is released, and the chilling unit (2a) of the parent machine is in a state where the driving ability can be controlled. When canceling the forced thermo-on of the chilling unit (2a) of the main unit, the determination time is set twice as long as the case of A10 in consideration of load fluctuations, and the chilling unit ( When the thermo-off state of 2b) continues (adds) for a predetermined time, the forced thermo-on is released.
[0110]
    After that, when the load rises again, the chilling unit (2a) of the parent machine is thermo-on, and the chilling unit (2a) of the parent machine continuously operates in a full load state for a predetermined time, and when the load increases, In A14, the chilling unit (2c) of the second slave unit is thermo-on. That is, the chilling unit (2a) of the master unit is in the forced thermo-on state, and the chilling unit (2c) of the second slave unit performs capacity control. At this time, among the chilling units (2b to 2d) that are prohibited to operate, the chilling unit (2c) that has been stopped for the longest time is the second chilling unit (2c) that has been disabled. To control the outlet water temperature.
[0111]
    When the operation stop signal is input after that, in A15, the chilling units (2a, 2c) of the master unit and the second slave unit stop the operation, and the forced thermo-off is set to each chilling unit (2a-2d). When the operation command is input again, the above-described operation is repeated.
[0112]
    Therefore, a determination criterion in the above-described number control of each chilling unit (2b to 2d) will be described based on FIG. 13 and FIG.
[0113]
    As shown in FIG. 13, for example, when a circulation pump (35) is provided corresponding to each of the three chilling units (2a to 2c), the chilling units (2a,. The average temperature Thoa of the outlet water temperature Tho1,. Specifically, when two chilling units (2a, 2b) are in an operation-permitted state, as in equation (1),
    Thoa = (Tho1 + Tho2) / 2 …… (1)
The average temperature Thoa is obtained from the outlet water temperatures Tho1 and Tho2 of the two chilling units (2a and 2b).
[0114]
    The reason for obtaining this average temperature Thoa is as follows. In the operation-prohibited chilling unit (2c) in which the forced thermo-off is set, the circulation pump (35) stops and the conditioned water does not circulate, but the forced thermo-on is set, or the thermo-on or thermo-off is set. In the operation-permitted chilling unit (2a,...), The circulation pump (35) is driven to circulate conditioned water. Therefore, the outlet water temperature of the chilling unit (2a,...) In the operation-permitted state is obtained, the average temperature Thoa is calculated, and the outgoing pipe (31) where the conditioned water from the chilling unit (2a,. Estimate the total harmonious water temperature at. In other words, the temperature of the outbound side of the total harmonious water in the outbound pipe (31) of the junction corresponding to the load is estimated.
[0115]
    Therefore, as shown in FIG. 14, the average temperature Thoa and the set value are compared to control the number of units, and the differential DEF in this case is set to 1 ° C. Specifically, the first chilling unit (2a) is operated for 10 minutes at a capacity of 100%. At this point, if the average temperature Thoa (= Tho1) is 1 ° C. higher than the set value, the second chilling unit ( Turn on the thermo by setting 2b) to permit operation.
[0116]
    This second chilling unit (2b) operates at 100% capacity for 10 minutes, and at this point, if the average temperature Thoa (= (Tho1 + Tho2) / 2) is 1 ° C higher than the set value, the third chilling unit Set (2c) to permit operation and turn on the thermo.
[0117]
    Conversely, when the third chilling unit (2c) that was last thermo-on is thermo-off and the average temperature Thoa (= (Tho1 + Tho2 + Tho3) / 3) is 1 ° C. lower than the set value, the second thermo-on is performed as described above. The operation of the chilling unit (2b) of the slave unit is prohibited.
[0118]
    As shown in FIG. 15, for example, when one circulation pump (35) is provided for three chilling units (2a to 2c), the average temperature Thoa is expressed by equation (2). In addition,
    Thoa = (Tho1 + Tho2 + Tho3) / 3 (2)
The average temperature Thoa is always obtained from the outlet water temperatures Tho1 to Tho3 of the three chilling units (2a to 2c). Based on this average temperature Thoa, the number of operating units is controlled as described above.
[0119]
        -Principle of unit control-
    Here, the basic grounds for performing the number control of the chilling units (2a to 2d) described above will be described.
[0120]
    Each chilling unit (2a to 2d) independently controls the operating capacity from 0% to 100% based on the outlet water temperature by the capacity control means (27), and leaves this control only, and the remote controller (50) does not control the number of units. Can be considered. In this case, for example, when the load increases from a state where the two chilling units (2a, 2b) are operating at a capacity of 70% and a capacity of 40% and are balanced with the load, the third generation chilling unit ( 2c) may start operation by its own capacity control means (27) and balance with the load.
[0121]
    However, in this case, if the two chilling units (2a, 2b) are both operated with a capacity of 100%, there may be a case where the load can be handled. In this case, although only two chilling units (2a, 2b) should be operated originally, three chilling units (2a, 2b, 2c) will be operated, thus saving energy. I can't plan.
[0122]
    In addition, with only the ability control of each chilling unit (2a to 2d), the load increases from the state where one chilling unit (2a) is operating, and the other chilling unit (2b) Immediately after starting the operation, there may occur a situation in which another chilling unit (2c) starts the operation. In this case, during the cooling operation, the conditioned water becomes too cold, and the two chilling units (2b, 2c) may stop operation after that, resulting in hunting of the operation stop operation.
[0123]
    Therefore, in addition to the forced thermo-on and forced thermo-off of each of the chilling units (2a to 2d), a variable variable state of normal thermo-on and thermo-off is set. As described above, the forced thermo-on, the thermo-on, and the thermo-off are the operation permission state, and the forced thermo-off is the operation prohibition state.
[0124]
    Then, when only one chilling unit (2a) is controlled to the variable capacity state and the load increases, the currently operating chilling unit (2a) is set to the 100% capacity fixed state (forced thermo-on), The forced thermo-off of one chilling unit (2b,...) That is currently stopped is released, and the one chilling unit (2b) is placed in a variable performance state in an operation-permitted state in which thermo-on and thermo-off are performed.
[0125]
    On the other hand, when the load decreases, the forced chilling unit (2b) that is currently set to forced thermo-on with the fixed capacity is set to forced thermo-off and the chilling unit (2b) is set to the operation prohibited state. The chilling unit (2a) is in a variable capacity state for thermo-on and thermo-off.
[0126]
    As a result, the minimum number of operating units is controlled, and hunting of the operation stop operation is prevented.
[0127]
        -Rotation control-
    Next, rotation control for setting the first child device, the second child device, and the third child device in addition to the parent device will be described.
[0128]
    This rotation control is executed at the start of each air conditioning operation, that is, executed when the operation button (61) is pressed, and a determination value is derived based on the difference in the number of thermo-ONs during the current air conditioning operation. .
[0129]
    Specifically, it is as shown in Table 1. Table 1 uses the number of thermo-ons in the timing charts of FIGS.
[0130]
[Table 1]

[0131]
    In other words, as shown in Table 1 (a) above, during the first air conditioning operation, the number of thermo-ONs of all chilling units (2a to 2d) is zero. Since it is not defined, the master unit, the first slave unit, the second slave unit, and the third slave unit are set in the order of the unit number that is the address of each chilling unit (2a to 2d). In this case, the air conditioning operation described above is executed based on the parent device and the child device of the remote control group control.
[0132]
    Thereafter, during the second air-conditioning operation, as shown in Table 1 (b), the current thermo-on count A, that is, the thermo-on count at the first run, is transmitted from each chilling unit (2a to 2d). The leveling means (52) of 50) determines the master unit and the like based on the difference in the number of thermo-ons. Since the previous difference number B does not exist at the present time, the values of all the chilling units (2a to 2d) become zero, and the accumulated difference number C is obtained as shown in Table 1 (b). The number of times Cmax is obtained, and the current difference number D, which is the number of differences during the initial operation, is obtained.
[0133]
    Based on the current difference count D, the chilling unit (2c) of unit number 3 which is the third unit is the parent unit and the chilling unit (2a) of unit number 1 which is the first unit is the first child during the current air conditioning operation. The chilling unit (2d) of the unit number 4 that is the fourth unit is set as the second slave unit, and the chilling unit (2c) of the unit number 2 that is the second unit is set as the third slave unit. And the air conditioning operation mentioned above is performed based on this parent machine etc.
[0134]
    Subsequently, at the time of the third air conditioning operation, as shown in Table 1 (c), the current thermo-on number A, that is, the thermo-on number A at the second air-conditioning operation, and the previous current difference which is the previous difference number B. From the number of times D (see Table 1 (b)), the cumulative difference number C is obtained, the maximum difference number Cmax is obtained, and the current difference number D, which is the difference number during the third air conditioning operation, is obtained.
[0135]
    Based on the current difference count D, the chilling unit (2d) of the unit number 4 which is the fourth unit is the master unit and the chilling unit (2c) of the unit number 3 which is the third unit is the first child during the current air conditioning operation. The chilling unit (2a) of the unit number 1 that is the first unit is set as the second slave unit, and the chilling unit (2b) of the unit number 2 that is the second unit is set as the third slave unit. And the air conditioning operation mentioned above is performed based on this parent machine etc.
[0136]
    Based on the rotation control described above, each master unit and the like are set and the air conditioning operation is executed.
[0137]
        -Irregular treatment-
    16 and 17 show rotation control when one chilling unit (2a to 2d) is detached. For example, as shown in FIG. 16, when the chilling unit (2a) of the master unit is removed for maintenance, the chilling unit (2b) of the first slave unit becomes the master unit, and the chilling units (2c) of the other slave units , 2d) are moved up in order. And the rotation control mentioned above is performed between each chilling unit (2b-2d).
[0138]
    Also, as shown in FIG. 16, for example, when the chilling unit (2c) of the second slave unit is removed, the chilling units (2d) after the third slave unit are moved up in order. And the rotation control mentioned above is performed between each chilling unit (2a, 2b, 2d).
[0139]
    In addition, when the chilling unit (2a to 2d) once detached returns, rotation control is applied from the next air conditioning operation. At that time, this chilling unit (2a to 2d) is used during the previous air conditioning operation. The rotation control described above is executed based on the number of thermo-ONs.
[0140]
        -Control of defrost operation-
    The remote controller (50) is provided with defrost control means (54) of each chilling unit (2a to 2d) as a feature of the present invention. When there is a request for defrost operation from each chilling unit (2a,...), The defrost control means (54) sets a predetermined number of units so that only a preset number of chilling units (2a) simultaneously execute the defrost operation. A defrost permission signal is output for each chilling unit (2a). This predetermined number is set by the number of connected chilling units (2a,...).
[0141]
    For example, as shown in FIG. 2, when four chilling units (2a to 2d) are connected, the predetermined number of defrost operations is set to one up to four, and from five to eight When chilling units (2a,...) Are connected, 2 units are set. When 9 to 12 chilling units (2a,...) Are connected, 3 units are set and 13 units are set. When 16 chilling units (2a,...) Are connected, 4 units are set. That is, when a large number of chilling units (2a,...) Execute the defrost operation at the same time, the water temperature of the water system (30) decreases, so the defrost operation is executed for every predetermined number of units.
[0142]
    Therefore, the control of the defrost operation during the heating operation will be described based on the transmission sequence diagram of FIG.
[0143]
    First, each chilling unit (2a to 2d) outputs a defrost request signal to the remote controller (50) based on, for example, the outside air temperature or the heat exchange temperature of the heat source side heat exchanger. Receiving the defrost request signal, the remote controller (50) determines whether or not the number of defrostable operation has been reached. In this embodiment, since four chilling units (2a to 2d) are provided, only one chilling unit can perform the defrosting operation.
[0144]
    Therefore, when the remote control (50) does not output a defrost permission signal to any chilling unit (2a to 2d), it outputs a defrost permission signal to the chilling unit (2a) that has output the defrost request signal. In addition, a defrosting prohibition signal is output to the other chilling units (2b to 2d).
[0145]
    The chilling unit (2a) that has output the defrost request signal executes the defrost operation and outputs a defrost execution signal indicating the execution of the defrost operation to the remote controller (50).
[0146]
    Thereafter, the chilling unit (2a) that has defrosted outputs a defrost end signal to the remote controller (50) when the defrost operation is completed. The remote controller (50) outputs a defrost permission signal to all the chilling units (2a to 2d). Then, when it is necessary to perform the defrost operation, all the chilling units (2a to 2d) output the defrost request signal to the remote controller (50) as described above and repeat the above operation.
[0147]
    When the number of units that can be operated simultaneously with defrost is two or more, a defrost permission signal is output until the number of units that can be used is reached in response to the defrost request signal.
[0148]
        -Effect of Embodiment 1-
    Therefore, in the first embodiment, since the data circuit network (41) is configured so that data can be transmitted bidirectionally between the remote controller (50) and each chilling unit (2a to 2d), each control signal is There is no need to provide a signal line, and various data can be transmitted through a single communication line (40), so that the wiring work can be simplified and various operation controls can be executed. Energy can be achieved.
[0149]
    Moreover, since the chilling units (2a to 2d) perform the capacity control independently, the data transmission amount between the chilling units (2a to 2d) and the remote controller (50) can be suppressed as much as possible. ) And the like can be simplified.
[0150]
    Further, since the number of operating chilling units (2a to 2d) can be controlled by the remote controller (50), refrigeration operations such as cooling and heating can be controlled with high accuracy.
[0151]
    In particular, when the load on the water system (30), that is, the temperature of the conditioned water is controlled by the number of operating chilling units (2a to 2d), the remote controller (50) controls the number of operating all chilling units (2a to 2d). Therefore, highly efficient operation can be performed with a simple control configuration.
[0152]
    In addition, since one chilling unit (2a) performs capacity control, it is possible to control the load with high accuracy while simplifying the control configuration.
[0153]
    Further, since the chilling unit (2a to 2d) is controlled to be a normal thermo-on and a thermo-off in addition to a forced thermo-on and a forced thermo-off, the minimum chilling unit (2a,. ) Can be driven. As a result, the number of operating chilling units (2a to 2d) can be accurately controlled, the control accuracy can be improved, and energy saving can be achieved.
[0154]
    Moreover, since the number of operating units of all chilling units (2a to 2d) can be controlled in an integrated manner, the operation of one chilling unit (2b) is surely increased or decreased against load fluctuations. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the hunting of the stop operation and to save energy accurately.
[0155]
    In addition, since the temperature of the total conditioned water in the water system (30) is derived based on the temperature data of the chilling unit (2a,...) In the operation permitted state, the temperature of the total conditioned water is detected. There is no need to provide a separate sensor or the like, the configuration can be simplified, and an increase in the number of components can be prevented.
[0156]
    Further, since the remote controller (50) can capture temperature data of the chilling unit (2a), it is not necessary to separately provide detection means for various temperature data required by the remote controller (50). An increase can be prevented.
[0157]
    In addition, since the chilling units (2a to 2d) serving as the master units and the like are determined for each air conditioning operation, it is possible to surely level the actual operation time of each chilling unit (2a to 2d). In particular, since the master unit and the like are determined by the number of thermo-ons, the actual operation time of the compressor can be reflected, and leveling can be accurately achieved.
[0158]
    Further, since the number of thermo-ons is counted, the memory capacity can be reduced as compared with the case where the thermo-on time is counted. Therefore, the control element can be reduced in size, and conversely, other control data is stored in memory. Therefore, it is possible to improve the control accuracy.
[0159]
    During each air-conditioning operation, the slave unit chilling units (2a to 2d) that set forced thermo-off (operation prohibited state) in the order of thermo-on are determined, while the slave unit chilling units that perform thermo-on in the order in which forced thermo-off is set ( 2a to 2d) is determined, so the operation of each chilling unit (2a to 2d) can be rotated based on the actual operation time of the compressor, and the actual operation time of each chilling unit (2a to 2d) Leveling can be ensured.
[0160]
    In addition, since the master unit and the like are determined based on the difference in the number of thermo-ons, the memory capacity can be reduced as compared with storing the number of thermo-ons.
[0161]
    Further, since the remote control (50) is provided with a third display section (6c) for displaying the inlet water temperature, the outlet water temperature, etc., the inlet water temperature, the outlet water temperature, etc. are displayed, so that the operation status can be accurately grasped. it can.
[0162]
    Further, since the defrosting operation of the chilling units (2a to 2d) is executed for each predetermined number, it is possible to reliably prevent a large number of chilling units (2a,...) From simultaneously performing the defrosting operation. As a result, it is possible to reliably suppress a temperature drop that is more than necessary.
[0163]
Second Embodiment of the Invention
    19 to 21 are timing charts of Embodiment 2 of the present invention, in which the remote controller (50) is provided with a thermo-on frequency correcting means (53). The correction means (53) outputs a correction signal to the leveling means (52) so as to increase the number of thermo-ons when the chilling unit (2a to 2d) of the master unit continues operation in the full load state. .
[0164]
    Specifically, as shown in FIG. 19, in A21, the chilling unit (2a) of the master unit is in a full load state, and then this full load state continues for a predetermined time Tfull, and in A22, this predetermined time When Tfull is updated and the predetermined time Tfull has elapsed in A23, the number of thermo-ons is set to 2. That is, between A21 and A23, since it can be regarded as a normal one-time thermo-on state, the number of thermo-ons is 2 from A23, and the number of thermo-ons is 3 from A24.
[0165]
    The same applies when the chilling unit (2a) of the master unit is thermo-off and then thermo-on again. After setting the thermo-on count to 4, the chilling unit (2a) of the master unit becomes full load at A25, and then The full load state continues for a predetermined time Tfull, the predetermined time Tfull is updated at A26, and when the predetermined time Tfull has elapsed at A27, the number of thermo-ons is set to 5.
[0166]
    Thereafter, when the chilling unit (2a) of the master unit is thermo-off once and then thermo-on again, the number of thermo-on is set to 6 in A28.
[0167]
    The predetermined time Tfull is a variable time from 0 minutes to 10 minutes, for example, and can be set as appropriate. In the case of 0 minutes, the thermo-on count is not corrected.
[0168]
    Therefore, the setting of the master unit when performing the above-described thermo-on correction is as shown in Table 2.
[0169]
[Table 2]

[0170]
At the time of the first air conditioning operation in Table 2 (a), the same as in Table 1 (a) of the previous embodiment, but at the time of the second air conditioning operation, as shown in Table 2 (b), at the time of the initial operation. The number of thermo-ONs of the master unit at is 6. As a result, the chilling unit (2c) of Unit No. 3 that is Unit 3 is the master unit, the chilling unit (2d) of Unit Number 4 that is Unit 4 is the first slave unit, and the chilling unit No. 2 that is Unit 2 is the chilling unit. The unit (2b) is set as the second slave unit, and the chilling unit (2a) of the unit number 1 as the first unit is set as the third slave unit.
[0171]
    At the time of the third air conditioning operation, as shown in Table 2 (c), the chilling unit (2d) of the unit number 4 that is the fourth unit is used as the parent unit, and the chilling unit (2c) of the unit number 3 that is the third unit. ) Is set as the first slave unit, the chilling unit (2b) of unit number 2 being the second unit, and the chilling unit (2a) of unit number 1 being the first unit is set as the third slave unit. The
[0172]
    Therefore, according to the second embodiment, since the number of thermo-ons is corrected based on the thermo-on time of the chilling units (2a to 2d) of the master unit, the compressor operation is performed for the master unit having the longest operation time. Since time can be accurately reflected in the number of thermo-ons, more accurate leveling can be performed.
[0173]
Other Embodiments of the Invention
    22 and 23 show other embodiments, in which two remote controllers (50, 50) are provided. That is, in FIG. 22, two remote controllers (50, 50) are connected to one chilling unit (2a), and a communication line (40) is connected between the chilling unit (2a) and each remote controller (50). ) To form a data network (41).
[0174]
    In FIG. 23, two remote controllers (50, 50) are connected to a plurality of chilling units (2a-2d), and the plurality of chilling units (2a-2d) and each remote controller (50, 50) are connected. ), A data circuit network (41) is formed via a communication line (40).
[0175]
    In addition to cooling and heating, the refrigeration apparatus (10) of the present invention may be a cooling only machine or a heating only machine, or may perform a hot water supply operation, and includes a heat storage tank. It is also possible to perform cold heat storage or heat storage.
[0176]
    Further, the remote controller (50) is not limited to that shown in FIG. 5, and the control unit (50) is not limited to the remote controller.
[0177]
    Further, the liquid system is not limited to the water system (30), and it may circulate brine.Yes.
[0178]
    AlsoIn the first embodiment, the operation control means (51) calculates the average temperature Thoa from the outlet water temperature of the operation-permitted chilling unit (2a,...), And calculates the total path water temperature corresponding to the load. I tried to estimate,Claim 4In the invention which concerns, you may make it correct | amend an exit water temperature according to the driving capability of a chilling unit (2a, ...).
[0179]
    That is, the rated flow rate of the circulation pump (35) differs depending on the rated capacity of the chilling unit (2a,...), And the flow rate flowing through the branch pipe (33) of the forward pipe (31) in each chilling unit (2a,. Therefore, the outlet water temperature of the chilling unit (2a,...) In the operation-permitted state may be multiplied by a coefficient to estimate the outbound temperature on the total harmonized water. For example, as shown in the following equation:
    Thoa = (Tho1 × f1 + Tho2 × f2 ++ …… Thon × fn) / (f1 + f2 +++ fn)
The outlet water temperature Tho1, Tho2, ..., Thon of the operation-permitted chilling unit (2a, ...) is multiplied by the flow ratio f1, f2, ..., fn of each circulation pump (35). , F2,..., Fn may be divided to calculate the average temperature Thoa, and this value may be used as the forward path temperature.
[0180]
    In this case, the temperature data of the chilling unit (2a,...) Is corrected according to the capacity to derive the total temperature of the total harmonious liquid in the liquid system (30). In addition, since the number of operating chilling units (2a to 2d) can be accurately controlled, the control accuracy can be further improved and energy saving can be achieved more reliably.
[0181]
    Further, in each of the embodiments, during each freezing operation, the slave unit is preferentially thermo-on and thermo-off,Claim 6In the invention according to the above, the thermo-ON and the thermo-OFF may be performed including the master unit. That is, the leveling means (52) controls the forced thermo-off (operation prohibited state) in order from the chilling unit (2b to 2d) that has been previously thermo-ON when the load during the refrigeration operation decreases, while when the load increases again, You may make it carry out thermo-ON from the chilling unit (2b-2d) which became forced thermo-off (operation prohibition state) previously. According to this, during each refrigeration operation, the operating time of the compressor of each chilling unit (2a to 2d) is leveled, and leveling control can be performed by a simple method.
[0182]
    If the chilling unit (2b to 2d) is thermo-on and thermo-off without distinguishing between the main unit and the sub-unit, each chilling is performed during the operation time of the day when the air-conditioning operation is started and stopped every day. The number of thermo-ons of the units (2b to 2d) can be made almost uniform. In this case, there is a possibility that the chilling unit (2a) whose previous day was the parent machine will also become the parent machine next time (next day). And during a day's operation, the load fluctuates greatly at a certain point in time, and the load may stabilize at a certain point in time, and the number of thermo-ONs becomes uniform, but the actual operation time of the compressor is the chilling unit (2b ~ There may be variations between 2d). In other words, even if the chilling unit (2a) is turned on the next time (next day) from the chilling unit (2a) where the actual operating time of the compressor is low until the previous day, the actual operating time of the compressor of this chilling unit (2a) is reduced again. There is a possibility. As a result, there is a possibility that the actual operating time of the compressor varies among the chilling units (2b to 2d) over a long period of time such as one year, and reliable leveling may not be performed.
[0183]
    On the other hand, when the slave unit is preferentially thermo-on and thermo-off as in the first embodiment described above, that is, when the operation of the master unit is always prioritized, the air conditioning operation starts and stops every day. When performing the operation, the number of thermo-ons of the parent device in each day of driving is always greater than the number of thermo-ons of the child devices. During the next (next day) operation, the master unit is set from the previous (previous day) slave units, and the master unit is replaced every day, and this is repeated until all chilling units (2b to 2d) The parent machine goes around. As a result, the actual operation time of the main unit compressor is likely to be longer than the actual operation time of the sub unit compressor. Even if the actual operating time of the compressor decreases and becomes longer, there is a high possibility that reliable leveling is performed between the chilling units (2b to 2d) for a long period such as one year. Therefore, control for preferentially thermo-ON and thermo-OFF of the slave unit of the first embodiment described above is preferable.
[0184]
    Of course, the data transmission method is not limited to each embodiment.
[0185]
    Moreover, although each said embodiment demonstrated the refrigeration apparatus (10) which performs bidirectional | two-way serial transmission,Claims 1, 3 and 4However, the present invention is not limited to these. In other words, the operation control means (51) or the like that executes the number control of the chilling units (2a to 2d) may apply transmission using a dedicated signal line such as a conventional operation signal. In short, the chilling units (2a to 2d) This is applicable when controlling the number of operating units).
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a piping system diagram of a chilling unit.
FIG. 3 is a transmission system diagram showing data transmission of the refrigeration apparatus.
FIG. 4 is a control block diagram showing a control system of the refrigeration apparatus.
FIG. 5 is a front view showing a remote control.
FIG. 6 is a timing chart showing rotation processing.
FIG. 7 is a timing chart showing rotation processing.
FIG. 8 is a timing chart showing rotation processing.
FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram showing control processing for air conditioning operation.
FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing control processing for air conditioning operation.
FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing control processing for air conditioning operation.
FIG. 12 is a sequence diagram showing control processing for air conditioning operation.
FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a refrigeration apparatus for explaining a determination criterion for unit control.
FIG. 14 is a temperature characteristic diagram showing determination criteria.
FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram of a refrigeration apparatus for explaining another criterion for determining the number of units.
FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing a separation process of the master unit.
FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing a detachment process of the third slave unit.
FIG. 18 is a sequence diagram showing a control process for defrost operation.
FIG. 19 is a timing chart showing another rotation process.
FIG. 20 is a timing chart showing rotation processing.
FIG. 21 is a timing chart showing rotation processing.
FIG. 22 is a transmission system diagram showing a connection state between another chilling unit and a remote controller.
FIG. 23 is a transmission system diagram showing a connection state between another chilling unit and a remote controller.
FIG. 24 is a block diagram showing another configuration of the present invention.
FIG. 25 is a transmission system diagram showing data transmission of a conventional air conditioner. .
[Explanation of symbols]
10 Refrigeration equipment
11 Inlet temperature sensor (Inlet temperature detection means)
12 Outlet temperature sensor (outlet temperature detection means)
2a ~ 2d chilling unit
21 Capacity control means
30 Water system (liquid system)
40 communication lines
41 Data network
50 Remote control (control unit)
51 Operation control means
52 Leveling means
53 Correction method
60 Display panel
6c Third display
70 Control panel

Claims (10)

A plurality of chilling units ( 2a to 2d ) for adjusting the conditioned liquid flowing through the liquid system ( 30 ) to a predetermined temperature are connected to the liquid system ( 30 ),
Each of the chilling units ( 2a to 2d ) is provided with a capacity control means ( 27 ) for controlling the capacity of the refrigeration operation in accordance with the load based on the outlet temperature of the conditioned liquid flowing out from the chilling units ( 2a to 2d ). on the other hand,
During the freezing operation, chilling unit (2a, ...) chilling unit (2a, ...) of a predetermined number based on the outlet temperature of the conditioned fluid of the operation permission state for permitting the operation of, on the operation prohibition state for prohibiting the operation each The chilling units ( 2a to 2d ) are controlled, and only one of the operation-permitted chilling units ( 2a ,...) Is set to the capacity variable state by the capacity control means ( 27 ), and other operation-permitted chilling units. ( 2b ,... ) Is provided with an operation control means ( 51 ) for controlling the number of operating units with the chilling unit ( 2b ,...) In a fixed capacity state .
Based on the thermo-on state where the compressor of the chilling unit (2a to 2d) is driven during refrigeration operation and the thermo-off state where the compressor is stopped, each chilling during each refrigeration operation and during the previous refrigeration operation Set the chilling unit (2a) with the smallest judgment value based on the number of thermo-ons of the units (2a to 2d) as the master unit, and set the other chilling units (2b to 2d) as slave units. The leveling means (52) for outputting the order signal of the thermo-on control to the operation control means (51) so as to start in order from the slave unit having a smaller determination value based on the number of thermo-ons, while preferentially controlling the machine to the thermo-on state. A control device for a refrigeration apparatus, wherein the control apparatus is provided. In the control apparatus of the refrigerating apparatus according to claim 1,
The above chilling unit ( 2a ) Control unit ( 50 ) And chilling unit ( 2a ) With a data circuit network that can transmit data in both directions ( 41 ) Is configured
The control apparatus of the freezing apparatus characterized by the above-mentioned. In the control apparatus of the refrigerating apparatus according to claim 1 ,
Each chilling unit (2a-2d) is provided with an outlet temperature detection means (12) for individually detecting the outlet temperature of the conditioned liquid flowing out from the chilling unit (2a-2d),
The capacity control means (27) of each chilling unit (2a to 2d) receives the temperature data of the outlet temperature detection means (12), and the outlet temperature of the conditioned liquid flowing out from the chilling unit (2a to 2d) becomes a predetermined temperature. While controlling the capacity of the chilling units (2a-2d)
The operation control means (51) derives the outbound temperature of the total harmonized liquid in the liquid system (30) based on the temperature data of the outlet temperature detection means (12) received from the chilling unit (2a,...) In the operation permitted state. And controlling the chiller so that the chilling units (2a to 2d) are controlled in a capacity variable state or a capacity fixed state and a driving prohibition state in an operation-permitted state so that the forward path side temperature becomes a predetermined temperature. apparatus. In the control apparatus of the refrigerating apparatus according to claim 3 ,
The operation control means (51) corrects the temperature data in the operation-permitted chilling unit (2a,...) According to the operation capability of each chilling unit (2a,. The control apparatus of the freezing apparatus characterized by the above-mentioned. In the control apparatus of the refrigerating apparatus according to claim 1 ,
The leveling means (52), when the load is reduced from the state where the slave unit is thermo-on, controls the operation prohibited state in order from the slave unit which has been thermo-on first, while the load is again in the state where the master unit is thermo-on. A control device for a refrigerating apparatus, characterized in that, when the number increases, a sequence signal for thermo-on / off control is output to the operation control means (51) so as to be thermo-on from the slave unit that has previously been in the operation-prohibited state. In the control apparatus of the refrigerating apparatus according to claim 1 ,
When the load during refrigeration operation decreases, the leveling means (52) controls the chilling units (2b to 2d) that have been previously thermo-on to the operation prohibited state, while when the load increases again, A control device for a refrigeration apparatus, wherein the chilling unit (2b to 2d) is thermo-on. In the control apparatus of the refrigerating apparatus according to claim 1 ,
A control device for a refrigeration apparatus, comprising: correction means (53) for outputting a correction signal for increasing and correcting the number of thermo-ONs according to the duration of the thermo-ON state to leveling means (52). In the control apparatus of the refrigerating apparatus according to claim 1 ,
The leveling means (52) derives a determination value based on the difference in the number of thermo-ons during the previous refrigeration operation. In the control apparatus of the refrigerating apparatus according to claim 3 ,
The control unit for a refrigeration apparatus, wherein the control unit (50 ) for controlling the chilling unit ( 2a ) is provided with a display unit (6c) for displaying the outlet temperature of the conditioned liquid. In the control apparatus of the refrigerating apparatus according to claim 1 ,
When there is a request for defrosting operation from a plurality of chilling units (2a,...), Only a predetermined number of chilling units (2a) are defrosted for each predetermined number of chilling units (2a) so that the defrosting operation is executed simultaneously. Defrost control means (54) for outputting a permission signal is provided.
The control apparatus of the freezing apparatus characterized by the above-mentioned.

Images