JP6347800B2 - Heat pump system and power limiting system provided with the same - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a heat pump system including a compressor and a power limiting system including the heat pump system.

  Conventionally, demand control for limiting the amount of power used has been performed. In demand control during cooling, the amount of power used is reduced by reducing the operating capacity of the compressor.

JP 2012-247118 A

  For example, in order to reduce the power consumption of the compressor by a signal from the HEMS controller that manages the power consumption, in addition to reducing the operating capacity of the compressor, the compressor is stopped when the power usage exceeds a predetermined upper limit value. Can be considered.

  When the upper limit value of the compressor changes, the compressor is stopped when the upper limit value is the same as when the compressor is stopped or lower than when the compressor is stopped after the compressor stops after exceeding the predetermined upper limit value. Even if it starts, there is a problem that it stops immediately after starting.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems. When the power consumption of the compressor is limited, the compressor stops and then stops immediately after the compressor starts. It is an object of the present invention to provide a heat pump system capable of preventing the above and a power limiting system including the heat pump system.

  A heat pump system according to a first aspect of the present invention is a heat pump system that includes a refrigerant circuit that connects a compressor, a heat source side heat exchanger, a decompression mechanism, and a use side heat exchanger, and circulates a refrigerant. An upper limit value that controls the compressor to stop when the compressor power usage, current usage, or apparent power exceeds the upper limit by setting an upper limit value on the compressor power usage, current usage, or apparent power usage. It is possible to operate in the setting mode, and in the upper limit value setting mode, when the compressor is stopped when the operating power, operating current or apparent power of the compressor exceeds the upper limit value, the upper limit value when the compressor is stopped After the compressor is stopped in the upper limit value setting mode, the operation stop state of the compressor is maintained when the current upper limit value is equal to or lower than the upper limit value when the compressor is stopped. Value is compressor It cancels the operation stop state of the compressor is greater than upper limit value for the stop, characterized in that to resume the operation of the compressor.

  In this heat pump system, after the compressor power consumption exceeds the upper limit value and the compressor is stopped, the operation of the compressor is resumed when the current upper limit value is larger than the upper limit value when the compressor is stopped. Therefore, when the operation of the compressor is resumed after the power consumption of the compressor exceeds the upper limit and the compressor is stopped, it is possible to prevent the compressor from stopping immediately after the compressor is started.

  The heat pump system according to a second aspect of the present invention is the heat pump system according to the first aspect, wherein after the compressor is stopped in the upper limit value setting mode, the operation stop state of the compressor is changed when the upper limit value setting mode is changed to the normal mode. The operation is released and the operation of the compressor is resumed.

  In this heat pump system, when the compressor power consumption exceeds the upper limit value and the compressor stops and then changes from the upper limit value setting mode to the normal mode, it is not necessary to limit the compressor power consumption. Operation resumes.

  The heat pump system according to a third aspect of the present invention is the heat pump system according to the first or second aspect, wherein the operation of the compressor is stopped when the power of the heat pump system is changed from off to on after the compressor is stopped in the upper limit setting mode. The state is released and the operation of the compressor is resumed.

  In this heat pump system, after the power consumption of the compressor exceeds the upper limit value and the compressor is stopped, the operation of the compressor is resumed when the power of the heat pump system is changed from OFF to ON. Therefore, the compressor can be activated by an external operation.

  A heat pump system according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the heat pump system according to any one of the first to third aspects, further comprising a controller that performs an operation start operation of the compressor, and after stopping the compressor in the upper limit setting mode, When the operation start operation of the compressor is performed, the operation stop state of the compressor is canceled and the operation of the compressor is restarted.

  In this heat pump system, after the compressor power consumption exceeds the upper limit value and the compressor is stopped, the operation of the compressor is resumed when the operation start operation of the compressor is performed by the controller. Therefore, the compressor can be started by the compressor start operation on the user's controller.

  A power limiting system according to a fifth aspect of the present invention includes the heat pump system according to any one of claims 1 to 4 and a HEMS controller connected to the heat pump system and managing the used power, the used current, or the used apparent power. The control mode is switched from the normal mode to the upper limit setting mode by a signal from the HEMS controller to the heat pump system.

  In this power limiting system, the control mode is switched from the normal mode to the upper limit value setting mode by the signal of the heat pump system from the HEMS controller. By using the HEMS controller, the power consumption of the heat pump system can be reliably controlled.

  A power limiting system according to a sixth invention is the power limiting system according to the fifth invention, wherein the HEMS controller is connected to the Internet, and a signal from the HEMS controller to the heat pump system is based on an external signal received via the Internet. It is characterized by being changed.

  In this power limiting system, the signal from the HEMS controller to the heat pump system is changed based on an external signal received via the Internet. Thereby, it is possible to switch from the normal mode to the upper limit value setting mode by an external signal from the Internet.

  In 1st invention, after the electric power used of a compressor exceeds an upper limit and a compressor stops, operation | movement of a compressor is restarted when the present upper limit is larger than the upper limit at the time of a compressor stop. Therefore, when the operation of the compressor is resumed after the power consumption of the compressor exceeds the upper limit and the compressor is stopped, it is possible to prevent the compressor from stopping immediately after the compressor is started.

  In the second aspect of the invention, when the power consumption of the compressor exceeds the upper limit value and the compressor stops and then changes from the upper limit value setting mode to the normal mode, there is no need to limit the power consumption of the compressor. The machine will resume operation.

  In the third invention, after the power consumption of the compressor exceeds the upper limit value and the compressor is stopped, the operation of the compressor is resumed when the power of the heat pump system is changed from OFF to ON. Therefore, the compressor can be activated by an external operation.

  In the fourth invention, after the compressor power consumption exceeds the upper limit and the compressor is stopped, the operation of the compressor is resumed when the operation start operation of the compressor is performed by the controller. Therefore, the compressor can be started by the compressor start operation on the user's controller.

  In the fifth invention, the control mode is switched from the normal mode to the upper limit value setting mode by a signal from the HEMS controller to the heat pump system. By using the HEMS controller, the power consumption of the heat pump system can be reliably controlled.

  In the sixth invention, the signal from the HEMS controller to the heat pump system is changed based on an external signal received via the Internet. Thereby, it is possible to switch from the normal mode to the upper limit value setting mode by an external signal from the Internet.

1 is a schematic diagram of a power network including a power limiting system according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a lineblock diagram of the hot-water supply system containing the heat pump unit concerning one embodiment of the present invention. It is a control flowchart when switching from the normal mode to the upper limit setting mode. It is a figure which shows the control zone of the frequency of the compressor in an upper limit setting mode. It is a control flow figure when changing the control zone of the frequency of a compressor in upper limit setting mode. It is a control flow figure when a compressor is stopped in upper limit setting mode. It is a block diagram of the air conditioning system containing the heat pump unit which concerns on the modification of this invention.

  Hereinafter, a power network 10 including a power limiting system 13 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the power network 10 includes a power company 11 as a power supplier, and a power restriction system 13 connected to the power company 11 via the Internet 12. The power limiting system 13 includes a HEMS controller 15, a hot water supply system 20, an equipment device A, and an equipment device B. The hot water supply system 20, the equipment A and the equipment B are connected to the HEMS controller 15 in parallel.

  The hot water supply system 20 includes a heat pump unit (heat pump system) 30 (see FIG. 2) including a compressor 31, an expansion valve 33, a fan 34, temperature sensors 36, 47a, 47b, and a tank unit 40 (see FIG. 2). 2). The hot water supply system 20 includes a control device 21 connected to the HEMS controller 15. The control device 21 controls the compressor 31 of the heat pump unit 30, the expansion valve 33, the fan 34, and the pump 41 of the tank unit 40, and is also used for these units 30 and 40. The equipment A and equipment B are, for example, an air conditioner, a television, and lighting connected to the HEMS controller 15, but are not limited thereto.

  The electric power company 11 supplies electric power generated by itself and / or electric power generated by others to the hot water supply system 20, the equipment A and the equipment B. In addition, for example, when the electric power company 11 wants to limit electric power in a predetermined period such as a certain time zone, the electric power company 11 restricts the electric power used in the hot water supply system 20, the equipment A, and the equipment B, and A cancel signal for canceling the restriction on power consumption is transmitted outside the predetermined period.

  The HEMS controller 15 is connected to the power company 11 via the Internet 12 and receives a restriction signal and a release signal that are external signals transmitted from the power company 11. The HEMS controller 15 manages the power used by the hot water supply system 20, the equipment A and the equipment B.

  The HEMS controller 15 includes a setting unit 16, a power detection unit 17, and a calculation unit 18. The setting unit 16 sets power limit values for the hot water supply system 20, the equipment A, and the equipment B based on the restriction signal. The power limit value is a limit value of the total power that can be used by the hot water supply system 20, the equipment A, and the equipment B. The power limit value is changed based on external signals (limit signal and release signal) from the power company 11 received by the HEMS controller 15 via the Internet 12.

  The power detection unit 17 detects the power used by the equipment A and equipment B. The calculation unit 18 calculates an upper limit value of power that can be used by the hot water supply system 20. The upper limit value for the hot water supply system is determined by the equipment A and the equipment B detected by the power detection unit 17 from the power limit values of the hot water supply system 20, the equipment A and the equipment B set by the setting unit 16. It is obtained by subtracting the power value used.

  The HEMS controller 15 calculates the upper limit value for the hot water supply system, and transmits an upper limit value setting signal for setting the upper limit value to the control device 21. Moreover, when the HEMS controller 15 receives the cancellation signal from the electric power company 11, the HEMS controller 15 transmits an upper limit value cancellation signal that does not set the upper limit value for the hot water supply system to the control device 21.

  When control device 21 receives the upper limit setting signal from HEMS controller 15, control device 21 switches the control mode of hot water supply system 20 (the control mode of heat pump unit 30) from the normal mode to the upper limit setting mode. On the other hand, when receiving the upper limit release signal from HEMS controller 15, control device 21 switches the control mode of hot water supply system 20 (the control mode of heat pump unit 30) from the upper limit setting mode to the normal mode. The upper limit value setting mode is a control mode in which a hot water supply system upper limit value is provided for the power used by the hot water supply system 20 and the hot water supply system 20 is operated so as not to exceed the upper limit value. The upper limit value setting mode is a control mode in which an upper limit value for the heat pump unit is provided for the electric power used by the heat pump unit 30 and the heat pump unit 30 is operated so as not to exceed the upper limit value. The normal mode is a control mode in which no upper limit value is set for the power consumption of the hot water supply system 20.

  The control device 21 includes a ROM in which control programs and data for various operations related to the hot water supply system 20 are stored, a CPU that executes various calculations to generate signals for controlling the operations of the respective parts of the hot water supply system 20, and various settings. And a member such as a RAM for temporarily storing data such as calculation results in the CPU. With these various members and software, as shown in FIG. 1, an operation control unit 22, a mode setting unit 23, a power detection unit 24, a calculation unit 25, and a storage unit 26 are formed in the control device 21. Connected to the control device 21 are a compressor 31, a fan 34, a pump 41, and a controller 20 a that performs operations such as operation start, operation stop, operation setting (for example, set temperature) for the hot water supply system 20. .

  The operation control unit 22 controls operations of the compressor 31, the expansion valve 33, the fan 34, and the pump 41 based on the operation setting (for example, set temperature), and performs a heating operation (described later) that satisfies the user's request. Run.

  When the mode setting unit 23 receives the upper limit value setting signal from the HEMS controller 15, the mode setting unit 23 sets the upper limit value setting mode. On the other hand, when receiving the upper limit release signal from the HEMS controller 15, the mode setting unit 23 sets the normal mode.

  The power detection unit 24 detects the power used by the heat pump unit 30 (compressor 31, expansion valve 33, fan 34, etc.) and tank unit 40 (pump 41, etc.).

  The calculation unit 25 calculates the upper limit value of power that can be used by the compressor 31 of the heat pump unit 30. The upper limit value for the compressor is used in the tank unit 40 (such as the pump 41) and the electric power value used in other than the compressor 31 of the heat pump unit 30 detected by the power detection unit 28 from the upper limit value for the hot water supply system. It is obtained by subtracting the power value.

  The storage unit 26 stores the upper limit value when the compressor is stopped when the power consumption of the compressor 31 exceeds the upper limit value and stops the compressor 31 in the upper limit value setting mode. In addition, the storage unit 26 stores two types of predetermined times according to the change width of the upper limit value in the upper limit value setting mode. Specifically, the first predetermined time when the change width of the upper limit value is smaller than the predetermined change width and the second predetermined time longer than the first predetermined time when the change width of the upper limit value is greater than or equal to the predetermined change width are stored. ing. Note that the predetermined time stored is not limited to two types.

  The hot water supply system 20 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The hot water supply system 20 includes a heat pump unit 30 and a tank unit 40. A heat pump unit (heat pump system) 30 includes a compressor 31, an outdoor heat exchanger (heat source side heat exchanger) 32, an expansion valve 33 as a pressure reducing mechanism, and a hot water supply heat exchanger (use side heat exchanger) 39. And a fan 34, a refrigerant pipe 35, temperature sensors 36, 47a, 47b, and a control device 21 (see FIG. 1). The control device 21 is also used as the heat pump unit 30 and the tank unit 40.

  The temperature sensor 36 detects the outside air temperature and outputs it to the control device 21. The temperature sensor 47 a is disposed in the vicinity of the hot water outlet of the hot water supply heat exchanger 39, detects the temperature of the hot water flowing out from the hot water supply heat exchanger 39, and outputs the temperature to the control device 21. The temperature sensor 47 b is disposed in the vicinity of the hot water outlet of the hot water supply tank 42, detects the temperature of the hot water flowing out from the hot water supply tank 42, and outputs it to the control device 21. The operation control unit 22 ends the heating operation when the temperature output from the temperature sensor 47b reaches the set temperature. The temperature sensors 36, 47 a, 47 b as temperature detecting means may be anything as long as the detected temperature can be output to the control device 21.

  The heat pump unit 30 includes a refrigerant circuit 38 in which the refrigerant circulates in a refrigerant pipe 35 that connects the outdoor heat exchanger 32, the expansion valve 33, and the hot water supply heat exchanger 39. In this refrigerant circuit 38, the refrigerant inlet of the hot water supply heat exchanger 39 is connected to the discharge side of the compressor 31, and one end of the outdoor heat exchanger 32 is connected to the suction side of the compressor 31. . One end of the expansion valve 33 is connected to the other end of the outdoor heat exchanger 32, and the refrigerant outlet of the hot water supply heat exchanger 39 is connected to the other end of the expansion valve 33. The fan 34 is disposed so as to face the indoor heat exchanger 32.

  The hot water supply system 20 can be operated such as a heating operation in both the normal mode and the upper limit value setting mode, and either operation is executed by the operation control unit 22 of the control device 21. In the heating operation, as indicated by arrows in FIG. 2, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 31 sequentially flows to the hot water supply side heat exchanger 39, the expansion valve 33, and the outdoor heat exchanger 32, and passes through the outdoor heat exchanger 32. A heating cycle (positive cycle) in which the refrigerant returns to the compressor 31 is formed. That is, the hot water supply side heat exchanger 39 functions as a condenser and the outdoor heat exchanger 32 functions as an evaporator. In this heating operation, the hot water supply hot water is heated by exchanging heat between the refrigerant flowing from the discharge side of the compressor 31 and the hot water supply hot water in the hot water supply heat exchanger 39.

  The tank unit 40 includes a pump 41, a hot water supply tank 42, a hot water supply terminal 43, water pipes 45 and 46, and a control device 21. The tank unit 40 includes a hot water circuit 48 in which hot water circulates in a water pipe 45 that connects the pump 41 and the hot water supply heat exchanger 39. In this hot water circuit 48, the discharge side of the pump 41 is connected to the hot water inlet of the hot water supply heat exchanger 39, and the suction side of the pump 41 is connected to one end of the hot water supply tank 42. The hot water outlet of the hot water supply heat exchanger 39 is connected to the other end of the hot water supply tank 42.

  In the hot water circuit 48, hot water that exchanges heat with the refrigerant flowing through the hot water supply heat exchanger 39 circulates. Specifically, when the heating operation is executed, hot water for hot water flowing out from the hot water supply tank 42 by the pump 41 is supplied to the hot water supply heat exchanger 39, and the hot water heated by the hot water supply heat exchanger 39 is supplied to the hot water supply. Returned to the tank 42. In addition, the hot water supply terminal 43 connected to the hot water supply tank 42 through the water pipe 46 enables the hot water in the hot water supply tank 42 to be used by the user.

  Next, switching from the normal mode to the upper limit setting mode of the hot water supply system 20 including the heat pump unit 30 will be described with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 3, at step S1, the control device 21 operates the heat pump unit 30 in the normal mode. In step S2, it is determined whether or not the HEMS controller 15 has received an external signal (limit signal) from the electric power company 11 via the Internet 12, and if the limit signal has not been received, step S2 is repeated.

  On the other hand, if the HEMS controller 15 has received the restriction signal from the electric power company 11, the process proceeds to step S3. In step S <b> 3, the setting unit 16 sets a power limit value in the hot water supply system 20, the facility device A, and the facility device B according to the power limit request from the power company 11.

  In step S4, the power detection unit 17 detects the power used by the equipment A and equipment B. In step S <b> 5, calculation unit 18 calculates an upper limit value of electric power that can be used by hot water supply system 20. At this time, the HEMS controller 15 transmits an upper limit setting signal to the control device 21.

  In step S6, the control device 21 receives the upper limit value setting signal from the HEMS controller 15, thereby switching the control mode from the normal mode to the upper limit value setting mode. Thus, the switching of the control mode from the normal mode to the upper limit setting mode is completed. In the upper limit value setting mode, the operation control unit 22 of the control device 21 performs the heating operation by controlling the compressor 31 based on the compressor upper limit value calculated by the calculation unit 25.

  In step S7, the power detection unit 24 detects the power used by the fan 34 and the like (other than the compressor 31) and the tank unit 40 (pump 41 and the like) of the heat pump unit 30. In step S <b> 8, the calculation unit 25 calculates an upper limit value of power that can be used by the compressor 31. Then, it progresses to step S7 and the same process is performed. Therefore, the upper limit value (current upper limit value) of power that can be used by the compressor 31 is the change in power used by the fan 34 and the like (other than the compressor 31) and the tank unit 40 (pump 41 and the like) of the heat pump unit 30. It changes according to.

  In FIG. 3, switching from the normal mode to the upper limit value setting mode has been described. However, for switching from the upper limit value setting mode to the normal mode, the HEMS controller 15 receives an external signal (release signal) from the power company 11, When control device 21 receives the upper limit release signal transmitted from HEMS controller 15, the control mode of hot water supply system 20 is switched from the upper limit setting mode to the normal mode. Thus, the switching of the control mode from the upper limit setting mode to the normal mode is completed. The operation control unit 22 of the control device 21 performs the heating operation by controlling the compressor 31 and the like in a state where no upper limit value is set.

  Hereinafter, control of the frequency of the compressor in the upper limit setting mode will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a frequency control zone of the compressor in the upper limit setting mode.

  In the upper limit setting mode, the frequency of the compressor is controlled based on the control zone shown in FIG. The frequency of the compressor is controlled based on whether the operating current of the compressor is in the stop zone, the droop zone, the unchanged zone, the up zone, or the return zone. As shown in FIG. 4, each control zone is configured such that the first threshold value a1 (upper limit value), the second threshold value a2 (hanging limit value), the third threshold value a3, and the fourth threshold value a4 are used as threshold values. The The first threshold value is a current value of the compressor 31 corresponding to the upper limit value for the compressor calculated by the calculation unit 25. Hereinafter, a case where a1> a2> a3> a4, b1> b2> b3> b4, c1> c2> c3> c4, and b1 <a1 <c1 will be described.

  When the current used by the compressor is lower than or equal to the fourth threshold value a4 when the current rises, it is a return zone. When the current used by the compressor exceeds the fourth threshold value a4, the compressor enters the up zone and the current used by the compressor. Exceeds the third threshold value a3, it enters the non-change zone, and when the compressor operating current exceeds the second threshold value a2, it enters the drooping zone, and the compressor operating current corresponds to the upper limit value of the compressor. When the threshold value a1 is exceeded, a stop zone is entered.

  When the current used by the compressor exceeds the first threshold value a1 corresponding to the upper limit value of the compressor at the time of the current drop, it is a stop zone. When the current used by the compressor becomes smaller than the first threshold value a1, it enters the drooping zone. When the compressor operating current becomes smaller than the second threshold a2, the compressor enters the non-change zone. When the compressor operating current becomes smaller than the third threshold a3, the compressor enters the up zone, and the compressor operating current becomes the fourth threshold. When smaller than a4, the vehicle enters the return zone.

  Control of the frequency of the compressor when the current used by the compressor is in each zone will be described.

  When the operating current of the compressor is in the up zone, the frequency at the time of entering the up zone is set as the upper limit frequency, and the upper limit frequency of this control is increased by 2 Hz every 120 seconds from the time of entering the up zone. However, in the up zone, control is performed so as not to exceed the command frequency based on the outside air temperature or the hot water temperature in the normal mode. When the operating current of the compressor is in the non-change zone, the upper limit frequency of this control is maintained. When the operating current of the compressor is in the drooping zone, the frequency drooped by 2 Hz from the frequency at the drooping zone entry is set as the upper limit frequency, and the upper limit frequency of this control is drooped by 2 Hz every 1 second from the drooping zone entry. When the current used by the compressor is in the stop zone, a predetermined time is measured from the time when the stop zone enters, and the same control as the drooping zone is performed until the predetermined upper limit time elapses from the time when the stop zone enters. The compressor is stopped when time passes. When the operating current of the compressor is in the return zone, the upper limit frequency of this control is released.

  In the present embodiment, the current value width in the unchanged zone (the difference between the second threshold value a2 and the third threshold value a3) and the current value width in the up zone (the difference between the third threshold value a3 and the fourth threshold value a4) are drooping. It is smaller than the zone current value width (difference between the first threshold value a1 and the second threshold value a2). The width of the current value in the unchanged zone and the width of the current value in the up zone are the same.

  In the heat pump unit 30, in the upper limit setting mode, the current used by the compressor 31 is changed according to changes in the power used by the fan 34 and the like (other than the compressor 31) of the heat pump unit 30 and the pump 41 and the like of the tank unit 40. The upper limit changes. Therefore, when the upper limit value of the current used by the compressor 31 changes in the upper limit setting mode, the first threshold value a1, the second threshold value a2, the third threshold value a3, and the fourth threshold value a4 are changed according to the change. The frequency control zone of the compressor 31 is changed.

  Specifically, in the upper limit value setting mode, when the first upper limit value setting mode is changed to the third upper limit value setting mode having a third upper limit value larger than the first upper limit value based on the first upper limit value setting mode. The first threshold value a1, the second threshold value a2, the third threshold value a3, and the fourth threshold value a4 are changed to the first threshold value c1, the second threshold value c2, the third threshold value c3, and the fourth threshold value c4, respectively.

  Further, in the heat pump unit 30, in the upper limit value setting mode, the first upper limit value setting mode is changed to the second upper limit value setting mode having a second upper limit value smaller than the first upper limit value based on the first upper limit value setting mode. In this case, the first threshold value a1, the second threshold value a2, the third threshold value a3, and the fourth threshold value a4 are changed to the first threshold value b1, the second threshold value b2, the third threshold value b3, and the fourth threshold value b4, respectively.

  Here, when the first upper limit value setting mode is changed to the third upper limit value setting mode having a third upper limit value larger than the first upper limit value based on the first upper limit value setting mode (when the upper limit value is increased). And when the first upper limit value setting mode is changed to the second upper limit value setting mode having the second upper limit value smaller than the first upper limit value based on the first upper limit value setting mode (when the upper limit value is decreased). The first threshold value a1, the second threshold value a2, the third threshold value a3, and the fourth threshold value a4 are changed.

  When the first upper limit value setting mode having the first upper limit value is changed to the third upper limit value setting mode having the third upper limit value (when the upper limit value is increased), the first threshold value is changed from a1 to c1, The second threshold value a2, the third threshold value a3, and the fourth threshold value a4 are changed to the second threshold value c2, the third threshold value c3, and the fourth threshold value c4, respectively. Therefore, when the upper limit value changes (increases) and the first threshold value, the second threshold value, the third threshold value, and the fourth threshold value are changed, the width of each current value in the drooping zone, the unchanged zone, and the up zone changes. do not do.

  On the other hand, when the first upper limit value setting mode having the first upper limit value is changed to the second upper limit value setting mode having the second upper limit value (when the upper limit value decreases), the second threshold value a2, the third threshold value The threshold value a3 and the fourth threshold value a4 are changed to the second threshold value b2, the third threshold value b3, and the fourth threshold value b4, respectively, and after the predetermined time has elapsed, the first threshold value is changed from a1 to b1. Therefore, when the upper limit value changes (decreases) and the second threshold value, the third threshold value, and the fourth threshold value are changed, the widths of the current values in the non-change zone and the up zone do not change, whereas After the threshold value, the third threshold value, and the fourth threshold value are changed, the width of the current value in the drooping zone is increased for a predetermined time until the first threshold value is changed. Thereafter, when the predetermined time has elapsed and the first threshold value is changed, the current value width of the drooping zone becomes the same as the width until the second threshold value, the third threshold value, and the fourth threshold value are changed.

  In the heat pump unit 30 of the present embodiment, when the first upper limit value setting mode having the first upper limit value is changed to the upper limit value setting mode having an upper limit value different from the first upper limit value, the first threshold value, the second threshold value, By changing the third threshold value and the fourth threshold value, the control zone for controlling the frequency of the compressor is changed. In this way, in the upper limit setting mode, when the upper limit value of the compressor operating current is changed by changing the control zone for controlling the compressor frequency, the compressor operating current is set to the upper limit value. Can be prevented from being stopped.

  Further, in the heat pump unit 30 of the present embodiment, when the current used by the compressor is in the up zone, the upper limit frequency of this control is increased by 2 Hz every 120 seconds from the time of entering the up zone, whereas the use of the compressor is increased. When the current is in the drooping zone, the upper limit frequency of this control is drooped by 2 Hz every 1 second after the drooping zone is entered. Thus, when the compressor frequency rises, the upper limit frequency change rate is slowed to prevent overshoot, and when the compressor frequency falls, the upper limit frequency change rate is increased to use the compressor. The current can be reduced.

  FIG. 5 is a control flowchart for changing the control zone of the compressor frequency in the upper limit setting mode.

  First, when the control mode is the upper limit setting mode in step S11, it is determined in step S12 whether or not the upper limit value of the upper limit setting mode has changed. If the upper limit value in the upper limit setting mode has changed, the process proceeds to step S13.

  In step S13, it is determined whether or not the upper limit value in the upper limit mode has decreased. If the upper limit value in the upper limit setting mode has not decreased (increased), the process proceeds to step S14. In step S14, the first threshold value, the second threshold value, the third threshold value, and the fourth threshold value are changed simultaneously.

  In step S13, if the upper limit value in the upper limit setting mode has decreased, the process proceeds to step 15.

  In step S15, the second threshold value, the third threshold value, and the fourth threshold value are changed. Thereafter, in step 16, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed. If the predetermined time has elapsed, the first threshold is changed in step S17.

  In step 16, the predetermined time is used in accordance with the change width of the upper limit value in the upper limit value setting mode among the two types of predetermined time stored in the storage unit 26. That is, when the change width of the upper limit value is smaller than the predetermined change width, the first predetermined time is used, and when the change width of the upper limit value is greater than or equal to the predetermined change width, the second predetermined time longer than the first predetermined time is used. . Accordingly, the larger the change width of the upper limit value in the upper limit setting mode, the longer the predetermined time until the first threshold is changed after the second threshold, the third threshold, and the fourth threshold are changed.

  Then, it progresses to step S12 and the same process is performed.

  FIG. 6 is a control flow diagram when the compressor is stopped in the upper limit setting mode.

  First, in step S21, when the control mode is the upper limit setting mode, it is determined in step S22 whether or not the operating current of the compressor exceeds the upper limit of the upper limit setting mode. When the working current of the compressor exceeds the upper limit value in the upper limit value setting mode, the process proceeds to step S23 and the compressor is stopped. At this time, the upper limit value when the compressor is stopped is stored in the storage unit 26.

  Thereafter, in a state where the compressor is stopped, in step S24, it is determined whether or not the current upper limit value is larger than the upper limit value when the compressor is stopped in the upper limit value setting mode. When the current upper limit value is larger than the upper limit value when the compressor is stopped, the process proceeds to step S28 to restart the operation of the compressor.

  In step S24, if the current upper limit value is less than or equal to the upper limit value when the compressor is stopped, the process proceeds to step S25 to determine whether or not the upper limit value setting mode has changed to the normal mode. When the upper limit value setting mode is changed to the normal mode, the process proceeds to step S28 to restart the operation of the compressor.

In step S25, when the upper limit value setting mode has not changed to the normal mode, the process proceeds to step S26 to determine whether or not the power source of the hot water supply system 20 (the power source of the heat pump unit 30) has changed from off to on . When the power source of the hot water supply system 20 (the power source of the heat pump unit 30) is changed from off to on , the process proceeds to step S28 and the operation of the compressor is resumed.

In step S26, when the power source of the hot water supply system 20 (the power source of the heat pump unit 30) has not changed from OFF to ON , the process proceeds to step S27, and the controller 20a performs an operation start operation (of the heat pump unit 30 of the heat pump unit 30). It is determined whether or not an operation start operation or a compressor operation start operation has been performed. When the operation start operation is performed, the process proceeds to step S28 and the operation of the compressor is resumed.

  In step S27, when the operation start operation is not performed, the process proceeds to step S23 and the same process is performed.

[Features of power limiting system and heat pump unit of this embodiment]
The power limiting system and the heat pump unit of the present embodiment have the following characteristics.

  In the heat pump unit 30 of the present embodiment, after the compressor power consumption exceeds the upper limit value and the compressor is stopped, the operation of the compressor is resumed when the current upper limit value is larger than the upper limit value when the compressor is stopped. The Therefore, when the operation of the compressor is resumed after the power consumption of the compressor exceeds the upper limit and the compressor is stopped, it is possible to prevent the compressor from stopping immediately after the compressor is started.

  In the heat pump unit 30 of the present embodiment, when the power consumption of the compressor exceeds the upper limit value and the compressor stops and then changes from the upper limit value setting mode to the normal mode, it is necessary to limit the power consumption of the compressor. The compressor operation is resumed.

  In the heat pump unit 30 of the present embodiment, the compressor operation is resumed when the power of the heat pump system changes from off to on after the power consumption of the compressor exceeds the upper limit value and the compressor stops. Therefore, the compressor can be activated by an external operation.

  In the heat pump unit 30 of the present embodiment, after the compressor power consumption exceeds the upper limit value and the compressor is stopped, the operation of the compressor is resumed when the operation start operation of the compressor is performed by the controller. Therefore, the compressor can be started by the compressor start operation on the user's controller.

  In the power limiting system 13 of the present embodiment, the control mode is switched from the normal mode to the upper limit value setting mode by a signal from the HEMS controller to the heat pump unit 30. By using the HEMS controller, the power used by the heat pump unit 30 can be reliably controlled.

  In the power limiting system 13 of this embodiment, the signal from the HEMS controller to the heat pump unit 30 is changed based on an external signal received via the Internet. Thereby, it is possible to switch from the normal mode to the upper limit value setting mode by an external signal from the Internet.

  As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described, it should be thought that the specific structure of this invention is not limited to the said embodiment. The scope of the present invention is shown not only by the description of the above-described embodiment but also by the scope of claims for patent, and further includes meanings equivalent to the scope of claims for patent and all modifications within the scope. Note that the modifications described below can be implemented in appropriate combination.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where the compressor frequency control zone includes the stop zone, the droop zone, the unchanged zone, the up zone, and the return zone has been described. However, the compressor frequency control zone is at least the stop zone. The present invention is applicable when Further, in the frequency control zone of the compressor, the width of the current value in each zone may be changed.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where the first threshold value, the second threshold value, the third threshold value, and the fourth threshold value are the same at the time of current increase and at the time of current decrease in the control zone of the frequency of the compressor has been described. The first threshold value, the second threshold value, the third threshold value, and the fourth threshold value may not be the same when the current rises and when the current falls. Therefore, when the current used by the compressor is lower than or equal to the fourth threshold value a4 when the current rises, it is the return zone. When the current used by the compressor exceeds the fourth threshold value a4, the compressor enters the up zone, When the operating current exceeds the third threshold value a3, it enters the non-change zone, and when the operating current of the compressor exceeds the second threshold value (sag limit value) a2, it enters the drooping zone, and the operating current of the compressor is In the case of entering the stop zone when the first threshold value a1 corresponding to the upper limit value is exceeded, at the time of current drop, when the operating current of the compressor exceeds the first threshold value a1 corresponding to the upper limit value of the compressor, the stop zone is used. When the compressor operating current becomes smaller than the first threshold a1, the compressor enters the drooping zone. When the compressor operating current becomes smaller than the second threshold a2, the compressor enters the unchanged zone, and the compressor operating current. Is the third Rush becomes less than the value a3 is smaller than the threshold up zone, use current of the compressor may be one which projects into the return zone is smaller than the fourth threshold a4 is smaller than the threshold value.

  In the above-described embodiment, the hot water supply system including the heat pump unit 30 and the tank unit 40 is employed, but the air conditioning system (heat pump system) 120 illustrated in FIG. 7 may be employed.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the air conditioning system 120 according to the present modification includes a compressor 131, a four-way switching valve 132 with the discharge side of the compressor 131 connected to one end, and one end connected to the four-way switching valve 132. An outdoor heat exchanger 133, an expansion valve 134 as a pressure reducing mechanism connected to the other end of the outdoor heat exchanger 133, and an indoor heat exchanger 135 connected to the other end of the expansion valve 134. The other end of the indoor heat exchanger 135 is connected to the suction side of the compressor 131 via the four-way switching valve 2. The compressor 131, the four-way switching valve 132, the outdoor heat exchanger 133, the electric expansion valve 134, and the indoor heat exchanger 135 constitute a refrigerant circuit.

  The air conditioning system 120 includes an outdoor fan 136 disposed in the vicinity of the outdoor heat exchanger 133 and an indoor fan 137 disposed in the vicinity of the indoor heat exchanger 135. The compressor 131, the four-way switching valve 132, the outdoor heat exchanger 133, the expansion valve 134, and the outdoor fan 136 are arranged in the outdoor unit 120a, and the indoor heat exchanger 135 and the indoor fan 137 are arranged in the indoor unit 120b. Has been.

  In this air conditioner, during heating operation, when the four-way switching valve 132 is switched to the solid line switching position and the compressor 131 is started, the high-pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor 131 passes through the four-way switching valve 132 and passes through the room. Enters heat exchanger 135. The refrigerant condensed in the indoor heat exchanger 135 is depressurized by the expansion valve 134 and then enters the outdoor heat exchanger 133. The refrigerant evaporated in the outdoor heat exchanger 133 returns to the suction side of the compressor 131 through the four-way switching valve 132. Thus, the refrigerant circulates through the refrigerant circuit constituted by the compressor 131, the indoor heat exchanger 135, the expansion valve 134, and the outdoor heat exchanger 133, and the refrigeration cycle is executed. And indoor air is heated by circulating indoor air through the indoor heat exchanger 135 with the indoor fan 137.

  In contrast, during the cooling operation (including the dehumidifying operation), when the four-way switching valve 132 is switched to the dotted line switching position and the compressor 131 is started, the high-pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor 131 is four-way. The outdoor heat exchanger 3 is entered through the switching valve 132. Then, the refrigerant condensed in the outdoor heat exchanger 133 is depressurized by the electric expansion valve 134 and then enters the indoor heat exchanger 135. The refrigerant evaporated in the indoor heat exchanger 135 returns to the suction side of the compressor 131 through the four-way switching valve 132. In this way, the refrigeration cycle in which the refrigerant circulates in the order of the compressor 131, the outdoor heat exchanger 133, the expansion valve 134, and the indoor heat exchanger 135 is executed. The indoor air is circulated through the indoor heat exchanger 135 by the indoor fan 137 to cool the room.

  In the above-described embodiment, switching between the normal mode and the upper limit value setting mode is performed by receiving the upper limit value setting signal and the upper limit value canceling signal from the HEMS controller 15. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the control device 21 may switch the control mode by a signal from a power meter (not shown) attached to the heat pump unit 30 or a remote controller. The control mode may be switched by a signal from the hot water supply tank 42 of the tank unit 40 or when using an air conditioner instead of the tank unit 40. These switching controls may be combined with the following switching control.

  Further, the heat pump unit 30 itself may determine and switch. For example, the control mode may be switched when a pre-programmed condition is established in a calendar function built in the control device 21 of the heat pump unit 30 or a clock. Similarly, the control mode may be switched according to the outside air temperature, the usage status, or the current value.

  Instead of the HEMS controller 15, a BEMS controller, a MEMS controller, or the like may be employed.

  The upper limit value setting mode is not limited to a mode in which an operation is performed by setting an upper limit value for the power used by the compressor 31, and may be a mode in which an operation is performed by setting an upper limit value for the current used or the apparent power used by the compressor 31. . Current or apparent power is easier to detect than power, and can be detected with an inexpensive sensor.

  By using the present invention, when the operation of the compressor is resumed after the power consumption of the compressor exceeds the upper limit and the compressor is stopped, the compressor stops immediately after starting the compressor. Can be prevented.

12 Internet 13 Power limit system 15 HEMS controller 30 Heat pump unit (heat pump system)
31 Compressor 32 Outdoor heat exchanger (heat source side heat exchanger)
33 Expansion valve (pressure reduction mechanism)
39 Heat exchanger for hot water supply (use side heat exchanger)

Claims (6)

A heat pump system including a refrigerant circuit that connects a compressor, a heat source side heat exchanger, a decompression mechanism, and a use side heat exchanger, and circulates a refrigerant,
Control the normal mode and the compressor to stop when the compressor's power, current, or apparent power exceeds the upper limit by setting an upper limit for the compressor's power, current, or apparent power. Can be operated in the upper limit setting mode to
In the upper limit setting mode, a storage unit that stores the upper limit value when the compressor is stopped when the compressor is stopped when the power used, the current used, or the apparent power used by the compressor exceeds the upper limit,
After stopping the compressor in the upper limit setting mode, if the current upper limit value is less than or equal to the upper limit value when the compressor is stopped, the compressor is stopped and the current upper limit value is the upper limit when the compressor is stopped. A heat pump system, wherein when the value is larger than the value, the operation stop state of the compressor is canceled and the operation of the compressor is resumed.   After the compressor is stopped in the upper limit setting mode, the operation stop state of the compressor is canceled and the operation of the compressor is restarted when the upper limit value setting mode is changed to the normal mode. Item 2. The heat pump system according to Item 1.   The compressor stop operation is released when the power of the heat pump system is changed from off to on after the compressor is stopped in the upper limit setting mode, and the operation of the compressor is resumed. The heat pump system according to 1 or 2. Equipped with a controller for starting operation of the compressor,
After the compressor is stopped in the upper limit value setting mode, when the operation start operation of the compressor is performed by the controller, the operation stop state of the compressor is canceled and the operation of the compressor is restarted. The heat pump system in any one of Claims 1-3. A heat pump system according to any one of claims 1-4;
A HEMS controller connected to the heat pump system for managing the power used, current used or apparent power;
The power limiting system, wherein the control mode is switched from the normal mode to the upper limit value setting mode by a signal from the HEMS controller to the heat pump system. The HEMS controller is connected to the Internet;
6. The power limiting system according to claim 5, wherein a signal from the HEMS controller to the heat pump system is changed based on an external signal received through the Internet.

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