JP6676418B2 - air conditioner - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an air conditioner that balances indoor air.

  For example, in the invention described in Patent Document 1, power consumption and power consumption are reduced by switching between a compression cycle and a refrigerant pump cycle. That is, in the compression cycle, indoor air conditioning is performed by a vapor compression refrigeration cycle. The refrigerant pump cycle performs indoor air conditioning by using outdoor heat by exchanging heat of liquid-phase refrigerant that has exchanged heat with outdoor air with indoor air.

When operating an air conditioner with a refrigerant pump cycle, the air conditioning capacity that can be output differs depending on the outside air temperature and operating conditions.
If the air-conditioning capacity is within the range that can be output by the refrigerant pump cycle, the air-conditioning capacity of the refrigerant pump cycle can be obtained with less power consumption than the compression cycle. That is, when the air-conditioning capacity is equal to or less than the air-conditioning capacity that can be output in the refrigerant pump cycle, the power consumption can be reduced by operating the air conditioner in the refrigerant pump cycle.

JP 2012-88033 A

  By the way, when the same room is air-conditioned by a plurality of air conditioners, each air conditioner switches between the compression cycle and the refrigerant pump cycle only by considering its own operation state without considering the operation state of other air conditioners. When driving, the following problems occur.

  That is, each air conditioner switches the operation when the parameter indicating the operation state satisfies a preset threshold. Therefore, even if the air conditioning system as a whole has sufficient air conditioning capacity, the operation of the air conditioner that does not satisfy the threshold does not switch from the compression cycle to the refrigerant pump cycle. That is, even if the air conditioning system as a whole has sufficient air conditioning capacity, the compression cycle is continued, so that power saving cannot be achieved effectively.

  In view of the above, an object of the present invention is to provide an air conditioner that can achieve power saving in an air conditioner applied to an air conditioning system including a plurality of air conditioners.

  The air conditioner according to the present application operates the compressor (5E) to perform indoor air conditioning, and executes the indoor air conditioning by using outdoor heat without operating the compressor (5E). The air conditioner capable of switching and executing the second operation mode to be performed includes a determination unit that executes a process for determining whether to execute the second operation mode.

  The air conditioning capacity that can be output in the first operation mode is a first rated capacity (W1), the air conditioning capacity that can be output in the second operation mode is a second rated capacity (W2), and the first rated capacity (W1) and the second rated capacity (W1). When the difference from the rated capacity (W2) is defined as the rated margin capacity (W3), the determination unit determines the first acquisition processing (S1), the second acquisition processing (S3), the transmission processing (S5), and the reception processing (S7). And a third acquisition process (S9).

  The first acquisition process (S1) acquires the current air-conditioning capacity (hereinafter, referred to as actual capacity (W4)). The second acquisition process (S3) is based on a value based on a value obtained by dividing the rated spare capacity (W3) by "a value equal to a value obtained by subtracting the actual capacity (W4) from the first rated capacity (W1)". Value (referred to as N1)).

  The “value equal to” means not only “the value obtained by subtracting the actual performance (W4) from the first rated capability (W1)” but also, for example, “the actual performance (W4) from the rated margin capability (W3)”. A value obtained by subtracting the second rated capacity (W2) (= W3-W4-W2). "

  The transmission process (S5) transmits the required value (N1) to another air conditioner (5) constituting the air conditioning system. The receiving process (S7) receives a required value (N1) transmitted from another air conditioner (5) constituting the air conditioning system.

  The third acquisition process (S9) is a processing of any one of the required value (N1) received and the required value (N1) transmitted, and the required value (N1) being equal to or less than the required value (N1). A required value whose number is equal to or more than the required value (N1) (hereinafter, referred to as a switching value (N2)) is acquired.

  Then, the determination unit determines that the second operation mode is "when the switching value (N2) is acquired and the transmitted required value (N1) is equal to or less than the switching value (N2) (hereinafter, referred to as an executable state)". It is determined that execution is possible.

  The required value (N1) according to the present application indicates the degree of the actual margin capacity (W5). Specifically, the smaller the required value (N1), the greater the actual margin capacity (W5). The switching value (N2) is the required value (N1), which is the required value transmitted (N1) and the required value (N1) received, that is, the required value of all the air conditioners (5) installed indoors. (N1).

  Furthermore, the determination unit determines that the second operation mode is executable when “the switching value (N2) is acquired and the transmitted required value (N1) is equal to or less than the switching value (N2)”. That is, the air conditioner (5) according to the present application determines whether or not to execute the second operation mode by using the actual spare capacity (W5) indicating the operation state of the air conditioner and the other air conditioners (5).

  Therefore, in the present application, whether or not to execute the second operation mode is determined by using the actual spare capacity (W5) indicating the operation state of the air conditioner and the other air conditioner (5). , The first operation mode is continued when there is a margin. As a result, power saving can be achieved as compared with an air conditioner that switches between the first operation mode and the second operation mode in consideration of only its own operation state.

  Incidentally, the reference numerals in the respective parentheses are examples showing the corresponding relationship with the specific configurations and the like described in the embodiments described later, and the present invention is limited to the specific configurations and the like indicated in the parenthesis. Not something.

It is a figure showing the outline of the air-conditioning system concerning the embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure showing the outline of the air-conditioning system concerning the embodiment of the present invention. A and B are diagrams showing the outline of the air conditioner 5 and the outdoor unit 5B. FIG. 3 is a control block diagram of an air conditioner 5 according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows the switching determination control performed by the air conditioner 5 which concerns on embodiment of this invention. A to D are graphs showing the air conditioning capacity of each air conditioner 5. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine executed in switching determination control according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure for explaining the characteristic of a 2nd embodiment of the present invention.

  The “embodiment of the invention” described below shows an example of an embodiment belonging to the technical scope of the present invention. In other words, the invention-specifying matters described in the claims are not limited to the specific configurations and structures shown in the following embodiments.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that at least one member or site described with a reference numeral is provided, unless otherwise specified such as “plural” or “two or more”.

(1st Embodiment)
1. Overview of Air Conditioning System In the present embodiment, an air conditioner according to the present invention is applied to an air conditioning system for performing air conditioning of a server room, a communication device room, and the like.

The air conditioning system according to the present embodiment cools a plurality of ICT devices and other heating devices by supplying cooling air to the information communication technology devices (hereinafter referred to as ICT devices) and heating devices such as a power supply device. Do
The power supply device refers to a storage battery, an uninterruptible power supply, and the like for supplying power to the ICT device. In this embodiment, an ICT device is mainly assumed as the heat-generating device. In the following description, the ICT device will be described as a heating device.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the plurality of ICT devices 1 are installed in a room such as a data center room in a state where the plurality of ICT devices 1 are assembled to at least one (a plurality in the present embodiment) racks 3. The rack 3 is configured by a frame-shaped storage shelf in which a metal shelf frame and a column wall are combined.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a cold air passage (cold aisle) 3 </ b> A to which cool air is supplied is provided on one side of each rack 3. As shown in FIG. 1, the cool air is supplied to each rack 3 side from a duct space 3C provided under the floor of the cool air passage 3A, and then from a plurality of cool air outlets (not shown) provided on the floor. It is supplied to the cool air passage 3A.

  The passage 3B (see FIG. 2) opposite to the cool air passage 3A across each rack 3 is not provided with a cool air outlet. Therefore, the air that has been supplied to the ICT device 1 from the cold air passage 3A and whose temperature has risen after heat exchange with the ICT device 1 flows through the passage 3B. That is, the passage 3B is a hot air passage (hot aisle) through which the heated air (warm air) flows.

  A plurality of air conditioners 5 are installed in the room. Each air conditioner 5 performs indoor air conditioning by supplying cool air to the room. Specifically, each air conditioner 5 draws air from the upper side of the room to cool the air, and supplies the air as cold air to each ICT device 1 via the duct space 3C and the cool air passage 3A. .

  As shown in FIG. 3A, each air conditioner 5 constitutes a vapor compression refrigeration cycle together with at least one outdoor unit 5B disposed outdoors. Each air conditioner 5 contains an expansion valve 5C, an evaporator 5D, a compressor 5E, a blower 5F, and the like.

  An intake port 5J (see FIG. 1) for sucking air is provided above the air conditioners 5 in the vertical direction. Each blower 5F sucks air from each intake port 5J and blows it to each evaporator 5D, and blows air cooled by each evaporator 5D to the duct space 3C.

  The outdoor unit 5B has a radiator 5G such as a condenser. The radiator 5G exchanges heat of the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor 5E with the atmosphere or water to cool the refrigerant. The pump 5H operates when the refrigerant is circulated with the compressor 5E stopped.

  That is, when the outside air temperature is lower than the indoor temperature in winter or the like, the refrigerant can be cooled by the air or the like without compressing the refrigerant by the compressor 5E. Therefore, for example, when the outside air temperature is lower than the room temperature and the indoor heat load is small, as shown in FIG. 3B, the expansion valve 5C is fully opened to reduce the pressure loss at the expansion valve 5C, and The pump 5H is operated with the compressor 5E stopped.

  Hereinafter, an operation mode in which the compressor 5E is operated to execute indoor air conditioning is referred to as a first operation mode. An operation mode in which the pump 5H is operated while the compressor 5E is stopped to perform indoor air conditioning is referred to as a second operation mode. That is, in the second operation mode, indoor air conditioning is performed by using outdoor heat without operating the compressor 5E.

2. In this embodiment, each air conditioner 5 has an air conditioning capacity that can be output in the first operation mode (hereinafter, referred to as a first rated capacity W1) and an air conditioning capacity that can be output in the second operation mode ( Hereinafter, the second rated capacity W2 is the same. That is, in the air conditioning system according to the present embodiment, each air conditioner 5 is an air conditioner having the same specification.

  The specific values of the first rated capacity W1 and the second rated capacity W2 vary depending on the temperature of the outdoor air and the specifications (capacity) of the outdoor unit 5B. In the present embodiment, since the specifications of the outdoor unit 5B are the same, the first rated capacity W1 and the second rated capacity W2 of each air conditioner 5 are functions of the temperature of outdoor air (hereinafter, referred to as outdoor temperature). Determined as a value.

  That is, in each air conditioner 5, a table or the like indicating the relationship between the outside air temperature and the first rated capacity W1 and the second rated capacity W2 is stored in a nonvolatile storage unit such as a ROM. The control unit of each air conditioner 5 determines the first rated capacity W1 and the second rated capacity W2 using the table.

  The difference between the first rated capacity W1 and the second rated capacity W2 is referred to as a rated margin capacity W3. In the present embodiment, the first rated capacity W1 is larger than the second rated capacity W2. Therefore, the rated margin capacity W3 according to the present embodiment is a value obtained by subtracting the second rated capacity W2 from the first rated capacity W1.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the control unit of each air conditioner 5 controls the operation of the expansion valve 5C, the compressor 5E, the blower 5F, and the like. Signals output from the suction temperature sensor S1, the evaporation pressure sensor S2, the inlet refrigerant temperature sensor S3, the outlet refrigerant temperature sensor S4, and the like are input to each control unit.

  The suction temperature sensor S1 detects the temperature of the air drawn into the suction port 5J (hereinafter, referred to as a suction temperature). The evaporation pressure sensor S2 detects the pressure inside the evaporator 5D, that is, the evaporation pressure. The inlet refrigerant temperature sensor S3 detects the temperature of the refrigerant flowing into the evaporator 5D. The outlet refrigerant temperature sensor S4 detects the temperature of the refrigerant flowing out to the evaporator 5D.

  When the first operation mode is executed, the control unit controls the opening of the expansion valve 5C, the rotation of the compressor 5E, and the rotation of the blower 5F such that the suction temperature becomes a preset temperature (hereinafter, referred to as a set temperature). Control the number. The control unit controls the rotation speeds of the pump 5H and the blower 5F such that the suction temperature becomes the set temperature during the execution of the second operation mode.

  When executing the second operation mode, the control unit switches the operation mode to the first operation mode when the suction temperature increases until the temperature difference between the suction temperature and the set temperature exceeds a preset temperature difference. Then, the control unit determines switching from the first operation mode to the second operation mode according to the following switching determination control.

  The control unit is configured by a microcomputer having a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like. The switching determination control is realized by the CPU executing a program stored in a nonvolatile storage unit such as a ROM in advance. The switching determination control is executed by the air conditioner 5 at predetermined time intervals when each air conditioner 5 is operating.

3. Switching determination control 3.1 Overview of switching determination control The switching determination control, that is, the process for determining whether to execute the second operation mode, includes a first acquisition process S1 and a second acquisition process, as shown in FIG. It has a process S3, a transmission process S5, a reception process S7, a third acquisition process S9, a determination process S11, and the like.

<First acquisition process>
In the first acquisition processing S1, the current air conditioning capacity (hereinafter, referred to as actual capacity W4) is acquired. The actual capacity W4 is the refrigerating capacity currently generated in the evaporator 5D. Specifically, the actual capacity W4 is a value obtained by multiplying the difference between the specific enthalpy of the refrigerant at the inlet of the evaporator 5D and the specific enthalpy of the refrigerant at the outlet of the evaporator 5D by the mass flow rate of the refrigerant. The specific enthalpy is calculated using the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant.

<Second acquisition process>
In the second acquisition processing S3, a value based on a value obtained by dividing the "rated margin capacity W3" by "a value equal to a value obtained by subtracting the actual capacity W4 from the first rated capacity W1" (hereinafter referred to as a required value N1) is acquired. Is done. In the present embodiment, the quotient obtained by dividing the “rated margin capacity W3” by the “value equal to the value obtained by subtracting the actual capacity W4 from the first rated capacity W1” is set as the required value N1.

  As described above, the rated margin capacity W3 is “a value obtained by subtracting the second rated capacity W2 from the first rated capacity W1”. “A value equal to the value obtained by subtracting the actual capacity W4 from the first rated capacity W1” means the actual margin capacity W5 when the first operation mode is being executed. That is, the required value N1 according to the present embodiment is a natural number equal to or greater than W3 / W5.

  Therefore, the value obtained by dividing the rated margin capacity W3 by the actual margin capacity W5 is the ratio of the actual margin capacity W5 to the rated margin capacity W3. Therefore, the smaller the required value N1, the greater the actual margin capacity W5. Means

  For example, when the required value N1 is 1, it means that the actual margin capacity W5 is the same as the rated margin capacity W3. The required value N1 being 5 means that the actual spare capacity W5 is 1/5 of the rated spare capacity W3 (see FIG. 6A).

<Outgoing call processing>
In the transmission process S5, information including the "necessary value N1" and the "identification number" is transmitted to another air conditioner 5 constituting the air conditioning system. “Identification number” is identification information indicating the air conditioner 5 of the transmission source. In the reception process S7, the required value N1 transmitted from another air conditioner 5 and the identification number of the air conditioner 5 that has transmitted the required value N1 are received.

  For example, in FIG. 6A, the second air conditioner 5 transmits “required value N1 = 3” and “identification number = 2” to another air conditioner 5. The other air conditioner 5 (for example, the third unit) receives information indicating that "the required value N1 of the second unit is 3."

  In the present embodiment, the air conditioner 5 (for example, the second unit) that transmits information indicating the necessary value N1 or the like does not transmit the information to a specific air conditioner 5 (for example, the third unit). The information is transmitted to all the other air conditioners 5 (in this example, the air conditioners 5 other than the second air conditioner 5).

  However, the air conditioner 5 (the first unit in this example) already executing the second operation mode does not receive the transmitted information because the switching determination control is not executed. Therefore, the only air conditioner 5 that receives the information indicating the required value N1 or the like is “other air conditioner 5 executing the first operation mode”.

Incidentally, in FIG. 5, the reception process S7 is executed after the transmission process S5 is executed, but the transmission process S5 may be executed after the reception process S7 is executed.
<Third acquisition process>
In the third acquisition process S9, the switching value N2 is acquired. The switching value N2 is one of the required value N1 received and the required value N1 transmitted, and the number of the required values N1 that is equal to or less than the required value N1 is equal to or greater than the required value N1. Say.

  For example, when five air conditioners 5, that is, the first to fifth air conditioners 5 are installed indoors (see FIG. 6A), the second operation mode is executed in the first air conditioner and the second operation mode is executed. When the required value N1 of the third unit is 3, the required value N1 of the third unit is 3, the required value N1 of the fourth unit is 5, and the required value N1 of the fifth unit is 2, the switching value N2 Becomes “3”.

  That is, in the example illustrated in FIG. 6A, “the received required value N1 and the transmitted required value N1” are “3, 3, 5, 2”. The “number of required values N1 that are equal to or smaller than the required value N1 (hereinafter, referred to as a required number)” is, for example, five when the required value N1 is five. Similarly, when the required value N1 is 3, the required number is 3, and when the required value N1 is 2, the required number is 2.

  When the required value N1 is 5, the required number is 5. In the example shown in FIG. 6A, the required value N1 of 5 or less is one. When the required value N1 is 3, the required number is 3. In the example shown in FIG. 6A, three required values N1 of 3 or less are provided. When the required value N1 is 2, the required number is 2. In the example shown in FIG. 6A, the required value N1 of 2 or less is one.

  Therefore, in the example illustrated in FIG. 6A, “the required value N1 which is one of the received required value N1 and the transmitted required value N1 and is equal to or less than the required value N1 is equal to or more than the required value N1. Is the necessary value, that is, the switching value N2 is “3”.

  In addition, for example, when the required value N1 of the third machine is 4, the required number is 4, so “4” can also be the switching value N2. When there are a plurality of switching values N2, in this embodiment, the smallest value is selected as the switching value N2. The reason is that the margin capacity W5 increases as the required value N1 decreases.

<Judgment process>
The control unit executes the second operation mode when “the switching value N2 is acquired and the transmitted required value N1, that is, the own required value N1 is equal to or less than the switching value N2 (hereinafter, referred to as an executable state)”. It is determined that it is possible. Then, the control unit switches its own operation mode from the first operation mode to the second operation mode when its own necessary value N1 is the smallest among the necessary values N1 that are equal to or less than the switching value N2.

  That is, in the example illustrated in FIG. 6A, the switching value N2 is “3”, and the switching value N2, that is, the smallest necessary value N1 of the required values N1 that is equal to or less than “3” is “2”. Therefore, the control unit of the fifth unit switches its own operation mode from the first operation mode to the second operation mode. The current operation mode of the air conditioners 5 other than the fifth unit is maintained.

  In the example shown in FIG. 6A, even if the required value N1 of the fifth car is “3”, the switching value N2 is “3”. In this case, the switching value N2, that is, all the necessary values N1 that are equal to or less than “3” are 3, and therefore the air conditioner 5 having the smallest required value N1 cannot be specified.

  In such a case, the control unit according to the present embodiment, in the executable state, when the identification number indicating the self (the unit number in the present embodiment) is larger than any of the “identification numbers indicating the other air conditioners 5” That is, when the own machine number is the largest, the own operating mode is switched from the first operating mode to the second operating mode.

3.2 Details of switching determination control <Details of second acquisition processing>
As described above, the required value N1 is a value based on a quotient obtained by dividing the rated margin capacity W3 by the actual margin capacity W5, that is, the required value N1 is a natural number satisfying N1 ≧ W3 / W5. By transforming the mathematical expression on the left as follows, the following mathematical expression 1 or 2 is obtained.

N1 ≧ W3 / W5 ... Formula 0
N1 ≧ W3 / (W1-W4)
N1 · (W1-W4) ≧ W3
N1 · {W1- (W4 + W2-W2)} ≧ W3
N1 ｛{(W1-W2)-(W4-W2)} ≧ W3
N1 · {(W3- (W4-W2)} ≧≧ W3
W3 · (N1-1) ≧ N1 · (W4-W2) Equation 1
W3 · (N1-1) / N1 ≧ (W4-W2) Equation 2
Equations 1 and 2 suggest the following.

  That is, for example, if there are at least three air conditioners 5 whose required value N1 is equal to or less than “3” (see FIG. 6B), one air conditioner 5 shifts from the first operation mode to the second operation mode. Even if the air-conditioning capacity of the air conditioner 5 is reduced, the remaining two air conditioners 5 can compensate for the reduced air-conditioning capacity (see FIG. 6C).

  That is, the required value N1 is defined as "the number of air conditioners 5 having the actual spare capacity W5 necessary to supplement the reduced air conditioning capacity when the self shifts from the first operation mode to the second operation mode. , A value obtained by adding 1 indicating the number of own vehicles ”.

  In addition, from the viewpoint of facilitating program creation, the control unit according to the present embodiment performs calculations by substituting natural numbers into i in order from 1 in Equation 3 below, and also calculates the minimum natural number i that satisfies Equation 3; A natural number i when Expression 3 is satisfied is set as a required value N1.

Rated margin capacity W3 × (i−1) / i ≧ (actual capacity W4−second rated capacity W2) Equation 3
The natural number i to be substituted is a natural number equal to or less than “the number of air conditioners 5 operating in the first operation mode (hereinafter, referred to as an upper limit value Nmax)”. In the present embodiment, when there is no “value equal to or less than the upper limit value Nmax that satisfies Equation 3,” a value larger than the upper limit value Nmax (for example, the upper limit value Nmax + 1) is set as the necessary value N1 as a value indicating that. .

<Details of third acquisition processing and determination processing>
The switching value N2 is a value obtained by adding 1 indicating the number of the air conditioners 5 having the actual room capacity W5 necessary to supplement the reduced air conditioning capacity, that is, the required value N1, Required value N1 that satisfies the value ”.

  Then, for example, in the example shown in FIG. 6A, the required value N1 is the same for the second and third units, so that the second and third units can be regarded as having the same actual spare capacity W5. Since the required value N1 of Unit 5 is smaller than the required value N1 of Unit 2 and Unit 3, the actual allowance W5 of Unit 5 is larger than the actual allowance W5 of Unit 2 and Unit 3.

  That is, in the example illustrated in FIG. 6A, there are three air conditioners 5 whose required value N1 is equal to or less than “3”. In other words, in the example shown in FIG. 6A, there are three air conditioners 5 having the same or larger available margin capacity W5 as the second machine's actual margin capacity W5.

  Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 6A, “3” is “any one of the received required value N1 and the transmitted required value N1, and the number of required values N1 that is equal to or less than the required value N1 is A required value that is equal to or more than the required value N1 (hereinafter, referred to as “switching value determination requirement”) ”, that is, the switching value N2.

  When the air conditioner 5 shifts from the first operation mode to the second operation mode, the air conditioning capacity reduced by the air conditioner 5 decreases as the required value N1 decreases. Therefore, the smaller the switching value N2, the smaller the “reduced air conditioning capacity”.

  Therefore, the control unit according to the present embodiment increases the variable J indicating the required value N1 sequentially from 1 (S1, S5) as shown in FIG. (S3: YES), the smallest required value N1 of the plurality of required values N1 is set as the switching value N2 (S7: YES). Note that the variable J is a natural number equal to or less than the “upper limit value Nmax + 1”.

  Then, the control unit switches its own operation mode from the first operation mode to the second operation mode when its own required value N1 is equal to or less than the switching value N2 and its own machine number is the largest. When the control unit cannot determine the replacement value N2 from the necessary values N1 equal to or less than the “upper limit value Nmax + 1”, the control unit executes the first acquisition process again.

  In the example shown in FIG. 6A, when the fifth unit is switched from the first operation mode to the second operation mode, the second to fourth units are in the first operation mode in order to complement the "reduced air conditioning capacity" in the fifth unit. While increasing the air conditioning capacity.

  At this time, the second to fourth units are controlled such that the suction temperature becomes the set temperature. Therefore, the air conditioning capacity that increases in the second to fourth units may be different in each unit as shown in FIG. 6D.

4. Features of the air conditioner according to the present embodiment The required value N1 according to the present embodiment indicates the degree of the actual margin capacity W5. Specifically, the smaller the required value N1 is, the larger the actual margin capacity W5 is. Then, the switching value N2 is selected from the required value N1 transmitted and the required value N1, which are the own required value N1, that is, the required value N1 of all the air conditioners 5 installed indoors.

  Further, the control unit determines that the second operation mode is executable when “the switching value N2 is acquired and the transmitted required value N1 is equal to or less than the switching value N2”. That is, the air conditioner 5 according to the present application determines whether or not to execute the second operation mode using the actual margin capacity W5 indicating the operation state of the air conditioner 5 and the other air conditioners 5.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, whether or not to execute the second operation mode is determined by using the actual margin capacity W5 indicating the operation state of the air conditioner 5 and the other air conditioners 5, and therefore, the air conditioning system as a whole has a margin in the air conditioning capacity. When there is, it is possible to suppress the first operation mode from being continued. As a result, power saving can be achieved as compared with an air conditioner that switches between the first operation mode and the second operation mode in consideration of only its own operation state.

  In the present embodiment, when there are a plurality of switching values N2 satisfying the “switching value determination requirement”, the switching value N2 having a small value, that is, the required value N1 having a large actual margin capacity W5 is selected as the switching value N2. You. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the reliability of the air conditioner 5 and the air conditioning system can be reliably ensured.

  In the present embodiment, the required value N1 and the identification number of each air conditioner 5 are indicated without using the entire air conditioning system, that is, the integrated control device (also referred to as “central monitoring device”) that integrally controls the plurality of air conditioners 5. While transmitting and receiving information, the control unit provided in each air conditioner 5 executes switching determination control.

  That is, in the present embodiment, the power saving of the entire air conditioning system can be easily achieved by transmitting and receiving the information indicating the required value N1 and the identification number of each air conditioner 5, so that the cost increase of the air conditioning system can be suppressed. The reliability of the air conditioning system can be ensured.

  The switching determination control is a simple logic that determines the required value N1 and selects a switching value N2 that satisfies the “switching value determination requirement” from a plurality of required values N1. Therefore, the reliability of the air conditioning system can be reliably ensured while suppressing an increase in the cost of the air conditioning system.

(2nd Embodiment)
In the first embodiment, since the air conditioners 5 are air conditioners having the same specification, the switching determination control determines that the first rated capacity W1 and the second rated capacity W2 of each air conditioner 5 are the same, and the switching is performed. The value N2 has been selected.

  On the other hand, the switching determination control according to the present embodiment enables the switching determination even when the specifications of the air conditioners 5 are different. That is, in the third acquisition process according to the first embodiment, the necessary value N1, that is, the value obtained by dividing the “rated margin capacity W3” by the “real margin capacity W5” is used as the “divided value” itself. did.

  On the other hand, in the third acquisition process according to the present embodiment, a value obtained by correcting the “divided value” is used as a value based on the value obtained by dividing the “rated margin capacity W3” by the “real margin capacity W5”. I do. Specifically, it is as follows.

  That is, in the transmission processing according to the present embodiment, the correction coefficient M is transmitted to the other air conditioners 5 in addition to the necessary value N1 and the identification number. The correction coefficient M is a value (= W3max / W3) obtained by dividing the largest rated capacity W3max among the rated capacity W3 of each air conditioner 5 by its own rated capacity W3.

The required value N1 determined in the second acquisition process, that is, the required value N1 to be transmitted in the transmission process is determined by the same method as the second acquisition process according to the first embodiment.
In the third acquisition process according to the present embodiment, after the correction process for correcting the necessary value N1 is performed, the correction process is performed based on the required value N1 for which the correction process has been performed and the received required value N1. The switching value N2 is selected from the required value N1 that has not been changed and the required value N1 of the own device.

  In the correction process, when the own correction coefficient M is set as the reference correction coefficient Mo, “the necessary value N1 for the air conditioner 5 having the correction coefficient M equal to or larger than the reference correction coefficient Mo is set to the required value N1. The value obtained by multiplying by the correction coefficient M is set as the required value N1 (see FIG. 8).

  In the correction processing, the self correction coefficient M is used as the reference correction coefficient Mo. Therefore, the self required value N1 after the correction processing is multiplied by the self required coefficient N1 before the correction processing. (See FIG. 8).

  Specifically, in FIG. 8, for example, in the third acquisition process executed by the first machine, the reference correction coefficient Mo is 1.5, so that the first machine having the correction coefficient M equal to or larger than the reference correction coefficient Mo, namely, 1 The required value N1 for the No. 4, No. 4 and No. 5 units is a value obtained by multiplying each necessary value N1 before the correction processing by each correction coefficient M.

  In the third acquisition process executed by the third unit, since the reference correction coefficient Mo is 1, the required value N1 of the units having the correction coefficient M equal to or larger than the reference correction coefficient Mo, that is, the necessary value N1 of the first to fifth units is corrected. Each required value N1 is multiplied by each correction coefficient M.

  In the third acquisition process executed by the fifth unit, the reference correction coefficient Mo is 2, so that the required value N1 of the unit having the correction coefficient M equal to or larger than the reference correction coefficient Mo, ie, the required value N1 of the fifth unit before the correction process Is multiplied by its own correction coefficient M.

(Other embodiments)
In the above-described embodiment, the first rated capacity W1 and the second rated capacity W2 are determined using the table indicating the relationship between the outside air temperature and the first rated capacity W1 and the second rated capacity W2. The invention is not limited to this, and may be, for example, a predetermined fixed value.

  If the control unit according to the above-described embodiment cannot identify the air conditioner 5 having the minimum required value N1 in the executable state, the identification number indicating the self is “identification number indicating the other air conditioner 5”. When the operation mode is larger than any one, the operation mode is switched from the first operation mode to the second operation mode, but the present invention is not limited to this.

  That is, when the air conditioner 5 having the smallest required value N1 cannot be specified in the executable state, if the identification number indicating the self is smaller than any of the “other identification numbers”, that is, the own machine number is the most. When it is smaller, the own operation mode may be switched from the first operation mode to the second operation mode.

  In the above-described embodiment, in Expression 3, a natural number is substituted into i in order from 1 to perform the calculation, and the minimum natural number i that satisfies Expression 3, that is, the natural number i when Expression 3 is satisfied is the required value N1. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

  That is, for example, the value itself obtained by dividing the rated margin capacity W3 by the actual margin capacity W5, that is, the value including the decimal point is set to the required value N1, or the value obtained by dividing the rated margin capacity W3 by the actual margin capacity W5. A value obtained by rounding up the decimal point may be used as the required value N1.

  Since the required value N1 is “a value based on a value obtained by dividing the rated margin capacity W3 by the actual margin capacity W5”, the required value N1 is a mathematical expression obtained by transforming the mathematical expression 0 as in the mathematical expression 1 or 2. A value determined by using a physical quantity having the same physical meaning in a mathematical expression may be used as the required value N1.

  The control unit according to the above embodiment increases the variable J indicating the required value N1 in order from 1 and is a variable J that satisfies the “switching value determination requirement”, and is the smallest required value N1 of the plurality of required values N1. Is the switching value N2, but the present invention is not limited to this.

  That is, for example, when there are a plurality of air conditioners 5 in the “executable state”, the actual loads of the respective units are communicated with each other, and the smallest actual load among the plurality of the units in the “executable state” Two operation modes may be set. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the return to the first operation mode due to the shortage of the air conditioning capacity, and to lengthen the time of the second operation mode.

  For example, when there are a plurality of air conditioners 5 in the “executable state”, the cumulative operation time of the second operation mode executed in the past in each air conditioner 5 is mutually communicated, and the plurality of air conditioners in the “executable state” are communicated. The one with the shortest cumulative operation time among the units 5 may be set as the second operation mode. Thereby, the second operation mode operation time can be leveled, so that wear and failure of the pump 5H and the like can be suppressed.

For example, when there are a plurality of air conditioners 5 in the “executable state”, the air conditioners 5 to be in the second operation mode may be randomly selected using a random number table or the like.
For example, when there are a plurality of air conditioners 5 in the “executable state”, the cumulative number of executions of the second operation mode executed in the past in each air conditioner 5 is communicated with each other, and the plurality of air conditioners in the “executable state” are communicated. The machine 5 having the smallest cumulative execution number may be set as the second operation mode. Thereby, the number of times of activation of the pump 5H can be leveled, so that wear and failure of the pump 5H and the like can be suppressed.

  In the above-described embodiment, the program for executing the switching determination control is supplied in a state stored in the control unit (ROM) in advance. However, the present invention is not limited to this. May be incorporated (installed) into the control unit via a medium in which is stored.

  Although the correction coefficient M according to the above-described second embodiment is a value based on the maximum rated margin capacity W3, the present invention is not limited to this. The value may be a reference value, a value based on the average value of the rated margin capacity W3, or the like.

  In the above-described embodiment, the operation mode is switched from the second operation mode to the first operation mode when the suction temperature increases until the temperature difference between the suction temperature and the set temperature exceeds a preset temperature difference. The present invention is not limited to this.

  In the second operation mode according to the above-described embodiment, the outdoor heat is taken into the room via the refrigerant. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the outdoor air is directly or indirectly introduced into the room. By introducing, outdoor heat may be used.

  Although the air conditioner 5 according to the above-described embodiment generates cold heat as the air-conditioning capacity, the present invention is not limited to this, and may generate heat as the air-conditioning capacity.

  In the above embodiment, the air conditioner according to the present invention is applied to an air conditioning system for performing air conditioning in a server room, a communication device room, and the like. However, the present invention is not limited to this. It can also be applied to building air conditioners and the like.

  The air conditioning system according to the above-described embodiment has been configured only with an air conditioner that can switch between the first operation mode and the second operation mode (hereinafter, referred to as a switching air conditioner). However, the present invention is not limited to this, and is also applicable to an air conditioning system including an air conditioner that can execute only the first operation mode or an air conditioner that can execute only the second operation mode, in addition to the switching air conditioner. it can.

  Further, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, as long as it conforms to the gist of the invention described in the claims.

5 ... Air conditioner 5C ... Expansion valve 5E ... Compressor 5F ... Blower 5H ... Pump S1 ... Suction temperature sensor S2 ... Evaporation pressure sensor S3 ... Inlet refrigerant temperature sensor S4 ... Outlet refrigerant temperature sensor

Claims (6)

An air conditioner applied to an air conditioning system capable of performing indoor air conditioning with a plurality of air conditioners and transmitting and receiving information between the air conditioners, wherein the first air conditioner is operated by operating a compressor. In an air conditioner that can be operated by switching between an operation mode and a second operation mode for performing indoor air conditioning using outdoor heat without operating the compressor,
A determination unit that performs a process for determining whether to execute the second operation mode,
The air conditioning capacity that can be output in the first operation mode is a first rated capacity,
The air conditioning capacity that can be output in the second operation mode is defined as a second rated capacity,
When the difference between the first rated capacity and the second rated capacity is defined as a margin capacity,
The determination unit includes:
A first acquisition process for acquiring the current air-conditioning capacity (hereinafter, referred to as actual capacity);
A second acquisition process for acquiring a value based on a value obtained by dividing the “rated capacity margin” by “a value equal to a value obtained by subtracting the actual capacity from the first rated capacity” (hereinafter, referred to as a required value);
A transmission process of transmitting the required value to the other air conditioners constituting the air conditioning system,
A reception process for receiving the required value transmitted from the other air conditioner constituting the air conditioning system; and a required value of any of the received required value and the transmitted required value, A third acquisition process for acquiring a required value (hereinafter referred to as a “switching value”) in which the number of the required values is equal to or more than the required value, and
Further, the determination unit is capable of executing the second operation mode when “the switching value is acquired and the transmitted required value is equal to or less than the switching value (hereinafter, referred to as an executable state)”. Air conditioner characterized by determining. When the identification number indicating one or a plurality of the air conditioners that transmitted the required value equal to or less than the switching value among the received required values is “other identification number”,
In the executable state, when the identification number indicating the self is larger than any of the “other identification numbers”, or when the identification number indicating the self is smaller than any of the “other identification numbers”, The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the second operation mode is executed.   In the second acquisition process, a value obtained by multiplying a value obtained by dividing the “rated margin capacity” by “a value equal to a value obtained by subtracting the actual capacity from the first rated capacity” by a preset coefficient is used. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the air conditioner is set to the required value.   In the second acquisition processing, a value based on a quotient obtained by dividing the “rated margin capacity” by “a value equal to a value obtained by subtracting the actual capacity from the first rated capacity” is set as the required value. The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: An air conditioner applied to an air conditioning system capable of performing indoor air conditioning with a plurality of air conditioners and transmitting and receiving information between the air conditioners, wherein the first air conditioner is operated by operating a compressor. In a program used for an air conditioner capable of executing an operation mode or a second operation mode for performing indoor air conditioning using outdoor heat without operating the compressor,
The air conditioner includes a determination unit configured to execute a process for determining whether to execute the second operation mode and configured by a computer.
The air conditioning capacity that can be output in the first operation mode is a first rated capacity,
The air conditioning capacity that can be output in the second operation mode is defined as a second rated capacity,
When the difference between the first rated capacity and the second rated capacity is defined as a margin capacity,
In the determination unit,
A first acquisition function for acquiring the current air-conditioning capacity (hereinafter referred to as actual capacity);
A second acquisition function for acquiring a value (hereinafter referred to as a required value) based on a value obtained by dividing the “rated margin capacity” by “a value equal to a value obtained by subtracting the actual capacity from the first rated capacity”. ,
A transmitting function of transmitting the required value to the other air conditioners constituting the air conditioning system,
A receiving function of receiving the required value transmitted from the other air conditioners constituting the air conditioning system,
A required value that is one of the received required value and the transmitted required value, and in which the number of the required values that are equal to or less than the required value is equal to or greater than the required value (hereinafter, referred to as a switching value). And a function of enabling the second operation mode to be executed when "the switching value is acquired and the transmitted required value is equal to or less than the switching value". And air conditioner program. It is possible to switch and execute a first operation mode in which the compressor is operated to perform indoor air conditioning and a second operation mode in which indoor air conditioning is performed using outdoor heat without operating the compressor. Air conditioning system that has multiple air conditioners and performs air conditioning in the room with these air conditioners ,
A determination unit that performs a process for determining whether to execute the second operation mode,
The air conditioning capacity that can be output in the first operation mode is a first rated capacity,
The air conditioning capacity that can be output in the second operation mode is defined as a second rated capacity,
When the difference between the first rated capacity and the second rated capacity is defined as a margin capacity,
The determination unit includes:
A first acquisition process for acquiring the current air-conditioning capacity (hereinafter referred to as actual capacity);
A second acquisition process for acquiring a value based on a value obtained by dividing the “rated capacity margin” by “a value equal to a value obtained by subtracting the actual capacity from the first rated capacity” (hereinafter, referred to as a required value);
A transmission process of transmitting the required value to the other air conditioners constituting the air conditioning system,
A reception process for receiving the required value transmitted from the other air conditioner constituting the air conditioning system; and a required value of any of the received required value and the transmitted required value, A third acquisition process for acquiring a required value (hereinafter referred to as a “switching value”) in which the number of the required values is equal to or more than the required value, and
Further, the determination unit is capable of executing the second operation mode when “the switching value is acquired and the transmitted required value is equal to or less than the switching value (hereinafter, referred to as an executable state)”. An air conditioning system characterized by determining that: