JP7215058B2 - Estimation Program, Estimation Method, and Estimation Apparatus - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an estimation program, an estimation method, and an estimation device.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there are air conditioners that have a refrigerant system through which a refrigerant flows and that realize a cooling function and a heating function. Here, when the refrigerant leaks from the refrigerant system, it causes a decrease in the cooling capacity or the heating capacity, or causes a failure of the air conditioning equipment. Therefore, it is desired to detect the leakage of the refrigerant at an early stage.

As a prior art, for example, from the theoretical supercooling heat exchanger outlet supercooling degree, an estimated value of the supercooling heat exchanger outlet supercooling degree is identified during normal operation, and the supercooling heat exchanger outlet supercooling degree Some use estimates to determine the amount of refrigerant.

JP 2012-047364 A

However, with the conventional technology, it is difficult to detect that the refrigerant has leaked.

In other words, since the output of the air conditioner and the temperature of the heat exchanger do not directly reflect the amount of refrigerant, for example, if the amount of refrigerant leakage is small, the effect of the refrigerant leakage will be an increase in the pressure of the air conditioner. Since it is compensated for by control, it is not reflected in the output of the air conditioner or the temperature of the heat exchanger.

Therefore, when using the output of the air conditioner or the temperature of the heat exchanger, it is possible to determine that the amount of refrigerant leakage exceeds the threshold, but it is difficult to detect the amount of refrigerant leakage. In addition, when estimating the amount of refrigerant in the refrigerant system, if control is not performed, it is possible to estimate from a simple physical relationship, but if control is performed, the above relationship can be used. cannot be used directly.

In one aspect, the present invention aims at estimating the amount of refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant system even when the control of the air conditioner is working.

According to one embodiment, the temperature of the refrigerant in the target refrigerant system is obtained, and the index corresponding to the positive feedback of the refrigerant leakage amount in the refrigerant system that has the same control content as the target refrigerant system, at the reference time An estimating program, an estimating method, and an estimating device are proposed for calculating an estimated value for the amount of refrigerant in the target refrigerant system based on the temperature of the refrigerant in the target refrigerant system and the obtained temperature.

According to one aspect, it is possible to estimate the amount of refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant system even when the air conditioner is being controlled.

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of an example of an estimation method according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the refrigerant leak detection system 200. As shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration example of the estimation device 100. As shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the contents stored in the refrigerant leak test data table 400. As shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the contents of the analysis data table 500. As shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the contents of the motion data table 600. As shown in FIG. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the contents stored in the detection data table 700. As shown in FIG. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration example of the estimation device 100. As shown in FIG. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram (Part 1) showing a specific example of learning a scaling index. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram (part 2) showing a specific example of learning the scaling index. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram (part 1) showing a specific example of calculating the degree of refrigerant leakage. FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram (part 2) showing a specific example of calculating the degree of refrigerant leakage. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing the commonality of scaling indices between the test refrigerant system 210 and the target refrigerant system 110 . FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing the calculation accuracy of the degree of refrigerant leakage. FIG. 15 is a flowchart (part 1) showing an example of the learning processing procedure. FIG. 16 is a flowchart (part 2) showing an example of the learning processing procedure. FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a setting processing procedure. FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an estimation processing procedure;

Embodiments of an estimation program, an estimation method, and an estimation device according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

(One example of the estimation method according to the embodiment)
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of an example of an estimation method according to an embodiment. The estimation device 100 is a computer that calculates an estimated value for the amount of refrigerant in the refrigerant system of air conditioning equipment. An air conditioner realizes a cooling function and a heating function by means of a refrigerant system. A refrigerant is a heat carrier that transfers heat. A refrigerant absorbs or releases heat, for example, by phase change.

The refrigerant system circulates the refrigerant. Refrigerant systems, for example, circulate a refrigerant to move heat according to a thermodynamic cycle, thereby achieving cooling and heating functions. Here, when the refrigerant leaks from the refrigerant system, it causes a decrease in the cooling capacity or the heating capacity, or causes a failure of the air conditioning equipment. Therefore, it is desired to detect the leakage of the refrigerant at an early stage.

On the other hand, for example, a correlation coefficient between the degree of subcooling and the solenoid valve operation amount may be used as an evaluation value, and whether or not the refrigerant has leaked may be determined by comparing the evaluation value with a threshold value. However, in this case, the amount of refrigerant that has leaked from the refrigerant system is unknown, and even if the refrigerant starts to leak, it cannot be detected that the refrigerant has leaked until the amount of refrigerant leaked exceeds a certain amount. For example, even if the refrigerant starts to leak, the decrease in refrigerant pressure caused by the refrigerant leakage is compensated for by the pressure control of the compressor. It is hard to be reflected in , and it is not possible to detect that the refrigerant has leaked.

Further, based on thermodynamic properties, the amount of refrigerant remaining in the refrigerant system may be estimated from the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant. Specifically, the amount of refrigerant is estimated based on the relational expression log(T/T ₀ )=−log(ρ/ρ ₀ )+log(p/p ₀ ). T is the current coolant temperature, ρ is the current coolant density, and p is the current coolant pressure. T ₀ is the temperature of the refrigerant at the reference time, ρ ₀ is the density of the refrigerant at the reference time, and p ₀ is the pressure of the refrigerant at the reference time. However, in this case, it may not be possible to detect that the refrigerant has leaked. For example, even if the refrigerant starts to leak, if the decrease in refrigerant pressure caused by the refrigerant leakage is compensated for by the pressure control of the compressor, the amount of refrigerant cannot be estimated, and the refrigerant leakage is detected. I can't do it.

A dedicated mechanism for measuring the amount of refrigerant in the refrigerant system or the amount of leakage of refrigerant may be provided in the refrigerant system, but this may not be preferable in terms of work load and cost for retrofitting the refrigerant system. In addition, it is conceivable to create a statistical model specific to the refrigerant system according to the length of the refrigerant system piping, the performance and number of outdoor units and indoor units, etc., but create a unique statistical model for each refrigerant system. work load is required.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, even if the pressure control of the compressor is performed, the amount of refrigerant in the refrigerant system is calculated based on the index corresponding to the positive feedback of the amount of refrigerant leaked from the refrigerant system due to pressure control. An estimation method capable of accurately calculating an estimated value of is described.

In FIG. 1 , the estimation device 100 acquires the temperature of the refrigerant in the target refrigerant system 110 . The target refrigerant system 110 includes a compressor (CMP) 121, an outdoor heat exchanger (HEX _o ) 122, a solenoid valve (EEV) 123, an indoor heat exchanger (HEX _i ) 124, a discharge pipe 131, a suction tube 132; Compressor 121, outdoor heat exchanger 122, electromagnetic valve 123, indoor heat exchanger 124, discharge pipe 131, and suction pipe 132 will be described later with reference to FIG.

Here, the compressor 121 has the property of maintaining the pressure of the refrigerant constant. For example, the compressor 121 keeps the pressure of the refrigerant in the discharge pipe 131 constant during the heating operation, and maintains the pressure of the refrigerant in the suction pipe 132 constant during the cooling operation. On the other hand, the amount of leakage of refrigerant per unit time has the property of being proportional to the difference between the pressure of the refrigerant and the air pressure outside the refrigerant system.

Based on these properties, it is considered that the target refrigerant system 110 has a property that positive feedback is applied to the leakage amount of the refrigerant. Specifically, when the refrigerant leaks and the pressure of the refrigerant drops, the pressure of the refrigerant is increased to try to keep it constant, so the amount of refrigerant leaked per unit time does not decrease and the refrigerant tends to leak. be. Estimation device 100 utilizes this property.

The estimating device 100 calculates an estimated value for the amount of refrigerant in the target refrigerant system 110 based on the scaling index, the temperature of the refrigerant in the target refrigerant system 110 at the reference time, and the acquired temperature. The scaling index is an index corresponding to the positive feedback of the leakage amount of the refrigerant in the refrigerant system that has the same control contents as the target refrigerant system 110 . For example, the stronger the positive feedback, the larger the value of the scaling exponent.

The refrigerant system that shares the control contents with the target refrigerant system 110 is a refrigerant system different from the target refrigerant system 110, for example, the test refrigerant system 210 described later in FIG. The content of the control is, for example, to keep the pressure of the refrigerant constant. Refrigerant systems having common control contents may have different lengths of pipes such as the suction pipe 132 and the discharge pipe 131, may have different refrigerant compression capabilities, and may differ from the target refrigerant system 110. The performance and number of the heat exchangers 122 and the indoor heat exchangers 124 may differ. A specific example of calculating the estimated value will be described later with reference to FIGS. 9 to 14. FIG.

Estimation device 100 outputs an estimated value. Estimation device 100 displays an estimated value on a display, for example. Moreover, the estimation device 100 may determine whether or not the refrigerant has leaked from the target refrigerant system 110 based on the calculated estimated value, and output the determination result. Thereby, the estimation device 100 can make it easier for the user to determine whether or not the refrigerant has leaked from the target refrigerant system 110 .

In addition, the estimating apparatus 100 can be applied to various refrigerant systems because even refrigerant systems with different pipe lengths can be treated as the target refrigerant system 110 as long as the control content is common. can be done. The estimating apparatus 100 can calculate an estimated value of the amount of refrigerant even for a refrigerant system in which the length of a pipe is not specified, for example, and can detect whether or not the refrigerant has leaked. can be done. The estimating device 100 can eliminate the need to create a unique statistical model for each refrigerant system, and can suppress an increase in work load.

In addition, the estimating apparatus 100 can estimate the amount of refrigerant by using the measured value of the sensor for operation control, which tends to be provided in the refrigerant system, without using a dedicated mechanism for measuring the amount of refrigerant leakage. Estimates can be calculated. Therefore, the estimating device 100 can be applied to a refrigerant system that does not have a dedicated mechanism for measuring the refrigerant leakage amount. In addition, since the estimating apparatus 100 does not need to provide a dedicated mechanism for measuring the leakage amount of the refrigerant in the refrigerant system, it is possible to suppress an increase in work load and cost.

Here, a case has been described where the refrigerant system having the same control contents as the target refrigerant system 110 is a different refrigerant system from the target refrigerant system 110, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, there may be a case in which a refrigerant system that shares control content with the target refrigerant system 110 is the past target refrigerant system 110 .

(Example of refrigerant leak detection system 200)
Next, an example of a refrigerant leak detection system 200 to which the estimation device 100 shown in FIG. 1 is applied will be described using FIG.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the refrigerant leak detection system 200. As shown in FIG. In FIG. 2, a refrigerant leak detection system 200 includes an estimator 100, a test refrigerant system 210, and a target refrigerant system 110. In FIG.

In the refrigerant leak detection system 200, the estimating device 100 and the test refrigerant system 210 are connected by wire or wirelessly. In the refrigerant leak detection system 200, the estimating device 100 and the target refrigerant system 110 are connected by wire or wirelessly.

The target refrigerant system 110 is a target for detection of refrigerant leakage. The target refrigerant system 110 includes a compressor 121 , an outdoor heat exchanger 122 , a solenoid valve 123 , an indoor heat exchanger 124 , a discharge pipe 131 and a suction pipe 132 . The target refrigerant system 110 has a bypass 133 that connects a discharge pipe 131 and a suction pipe 132 . A connection portion between the bypass 133 and the suction pipe 132 is the SC heat exchange outlet. The target refrigerant system 110 has one or more sensors 201 .

Compressor 121 compresses the refrigerant. Compressor 121 keeps the pressure of the refrigerant constant. For example, the compressor 121 keeps the pressure of the refrigerant in the discharge pipe 131 constant during the heating operation, and maintains the pressure of the refrigerant in the suction pipe 132 constant during the cooling operation. Compressor 121 causes refrigerant to flow through discharge pipe 131 and recovers refrigerant from suction pipe 132 .

The outdoor heat exchanger 122 is connected to the discharge pipe 131 . The outdoor heat exchanger 122 releases heat from the refrigerant during cooling operation. The outdoor heat exchanger 122 releases heat from the refrigerant, for example, due to a phase change of the refrigerant from gas to liquid. The outdoor heat exchanger 122 absorbs heat with the refrigerant during the heating operation. The outdoor heat exchanger 122 absorbs heat with the refrigerant, for example, due to a phase change of the refrigerant from liquid to gas.

The electromagnetic valve 123 collects the refrigerant from the discharge pipe 131 and allows the refrigerant to flow to the suction pipe 132 during the cooling operation. The solenoid valve 123 circulates the refrigerant in the direction opposite to that during the cooling operation during the heating operation. Electromagnetic valve 123 uses an electromagnetic coil to control the flow rate of the refrigerant or expand the refrigerant.

Indoor heat exchanger 124 is connected to intake pipe 132 . The indoor heat exchanger 124 absorbs heat with the refrigerant during cooling operation. The indoor heat exchanger 124 absorbs heat with the refrigerant, for example, due to a phase change of the refrigerant from liquid to gas. The indoor heat exchanger 124 releases heat from the refrigerant during the heating operation. The indoor heat exchanger 124 releases heat from the refrigerant, for example, due to a phase change of the refrigerant from gas to liquid. A sensor 201 measures the temperature of the coolant.

Similar to the target refrigerant system 110, the test refrigerant system 210 includes a compressor 121, an outdoor heat exchanger 122, an electromagnetic valve 123, an indoor heat exchanger 124, a discharge pipe 131, and a suction pipe 132. including. In the test refrigerant system 210 as well, the compressor 121 keeps the pressure of the refrigerant constant. The pressure maintained in the subject refrigerant system 110 and the pressure maintained in the test refrigerant system 210 may be different values. The lengths of the suction pipe 132 and the discharge pipe 131 of the test refrigerant system 210 may be values different from the lengths of the suction pipe 132 and the discharge pipe 131 of the target refrigerant system 110 . Unlike the target refrigerant system 110, the test refrigerant system 210 has a mechanism for causing refrigerant leakage and a mechanism for measuring the amount of refrigerant leakage. A mechanism that causes refrigerant leakage is, for example, a valve provided in the suction pipe 132 or the discharge pipe 131 . A mechanism for measuring the amount of refrigerant leakage is, for example, a sensor 201 that measures the amount of refrigerant discharged from a valve.

Based on the test refrigerant system 210 , the estimating apparatus 100 learns a scaling index corresponding to the positive feedback of the amount of refrigerant leakage from the test refrigerant system 210 due to the pressure control of the compressor 121 . In a refrigerant system in which positive feedback is applied to the leakage amount of refrigerant, two variables have the property of following a power law. For example, if two variables are y and x, y has the property of being proportional to x̂c. Specifically, the two variables are the temperature ratio of the refrigerant and the mass ratio of the refrigerant. The scaling index is the index c for this property. The estimating apparatus 100 learns scaling exponents, for example, using various tables described later with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5 .

Here, if the pressure control of the compressor 121 is common between the test refrigerant system 210 and the target refrigerant system 110, the scaling index learned based on the test refrigerant system 210 is the target refrigerant system. It can be used as a scaling index for 110. Therefore, the estimating device 100 calculates an estimated value for the amount of refrigerant in the target refrigerant system 110 based on the learned scaling index. The estimating apparatus 100 calculates an estimated value using, for example, various tables described later with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7 . Thereby, the estimation device 100 can easily detect that the refrigerant has leaked. The estimating device 100 is, for example, a server, a PC (Personal Computer), a tablet terminal, a smartphone, a microcomputer, a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller), or the like.

Here, a case has been described where the refrigerant system having the same control contents as the target refrigerant system 110 is a different refrigerant system from the target refrigerant system 110, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, there may be a case in which a refrigerant system that shares control content with the target refrigerant system 110 is the past target refrigerant system 110 . In this case, refrigerant leak detection system 200 may not include refrigerant system 210 for testing.

Here, the case where the estimating device 100 learns the scaling index based on the test refrigerant system 210 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a device different from the estimating device 100 may learn the scaling factor learned based on the test refrigerant system 210 . In this case, the estimating device 100 receives the scaling index from the device that learned the scaling index. Also, in this case, the refrigerant leak detection system 200 does not need to include the test refrigerant system 210 .

(Hardware configuration example of estimation device 100)
Next, a hardware configuration example of the estimation device 100 will be described using FIG.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration example of the estimation device 100. As shown in FIG. In FIG. 3 , estimation device 100 has CPU (Central Processing Unit) 301 , memory 302 , communication I/F (Interface) 303 , recording medium I/F 304 , and recording medium 305 . Also, each component is connected by a bus 300 .

Here, the CPU 301 controls the entire estimation device 100 . The memory 302 has, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a flash ROM, and the like. Specifically, for example, a flash ROM or ROM stores various programs, and a RAM is used as a work area for the CPU 301 . A program stored in the memory 302 is loaded into the CPU 301 to cause the CPU 301 to execute coded processing. The memory 302 stores, for example, various tables described later with reference to FIGS. 4 to 7. FIG.

Communication I/F 303 is connected to another computer. A communication I/F 303 serves as an interface and controls input/output of data from other computers. Communication I/F 303 is, for example, a modem or a LAN adapter.

A recording medium I/F 304 controls reading/writing of data from/to the recording medium 305 under the control of the CPU 301 . The recording medium I/F 304 is, for example, a disk drive, an SSD (Solid State Drive), a USB (Universal Serial Bus) port, or the like. A recording medium 305 is a nonvolatile memory that stores data written under control of the recording medium I/F 304 . The recording medium 305 is, for example, a disk, a semiconductor memory, a USB memory, or the like. The recording medium 305 may be removable from the estimation device 100 .

The estimation device 100 may have, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a display, a printer, a scanner, a microphone, a speaker, etc., in addition to the components described above. Also, the estimation device 100 may have a plurality of recording medium I/Fs 304 and recording media 305 . Also, the estimation device 100 may not have the recording medium I/F 304 and the recording medium 305 .

(Stored Contents of Refrigerant Leakage Test Data Table 400)
Next, an example of the contents stored in the refrigerant leak test data table 400 will be described with reference to FIG. Refrigerant leak test data table 400 is implemented by a storage area such as memory 302 or recording medium 305 of estimation device 100 shown in FIG. 3, for example.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the contents stored in the refrigerant leak test data table 400. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, the refrigerant leak test data table 400 has fields of time, mode, initial refrigerant amount, refrigerant amount, and one or more sensors 201 . Refrigerant leak test data table 400 stores refrigerant leak test data as a record by setting information in each field for each hour.

Time points are set in the time field at regular intervals. Information indicating whether the test refrigerant system 210 is in the heating operation or the cooling operation at the time indicated by the time field is set in the mode field. The amount of refrigerant in the test refrigerant system 210 in the initial state is set in the initial refrigerant amount field. The refrigerant amount field is set to the amount of refrigerant in the test refrigerant system 210 at the time indicated by the time field. The temperature of the coolant measured by the sensor 201 at the time indicated by the time field is set in the sensor 201 field. In the example of FIG. 4, the temperature of the refrigerant measured by the sensor A is set in the sensor A field.

(Stored Contents of Analysis Data Table 500)
Next, an example of the contents of the analysis data table 500 will be described with reference to FIG. The analysis data table 500 is realized, for example, by a storage area such as the memory 302 or the recording medium 305 of the estimation device 100 shown in FIG.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the contents of the analysis data table 500. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 5, the analysis data table 500 includes time, mode, initial refrigerant amount, refrigerant amount, log (refrigerant mass ratio), refrigerant temperature, normal refrigerant temperature, log (temperature ratio ). The analysis data table 500 stores analysis data as records by setting information in each field for each time.

Time points are set in the time field at regular intervals. Information indicating whether the test refrigerant system 210 is in the heating operation or the cooling operation at the time indicated by the time field is set in the mode field. The amount of refrigerant M ₀ in the test refrigerant system 210 in the initial state is set in the initial refrigerant amount field. The amount of refrigerant M in the test refrigerant system 210 at the time indicated by the time field is set in the refrigerant amount field. The log (refrigerant mass ratio) field is set with the logarithmic result of the ratio of the amount of refrigerant at the time indicated by the time field to the amount of refrigerant in the initial state.

The refrigerant temperature field is set with the temperature T of the refrigerant in the test refrigerant system 210 at the time indicated by the time field. The temperature of the refrigerant is the temperature of the refrigerant in the discharge pipe 131 if the test refrigerant system 210 is in the heating operation. In the following description, the temperature of the refrigerant in the discharge pipe 131 may be referred to as "discharge temperature". The temperature of the refrigerant is the temperature of the refrigerant in the suction pipe 132 if the test refrigerant system 210 is in cooling operation. In the following description, the temperature of the refrigerant in the suction pipe 132 may be referred to as "suction temperature". If the test refrigerant system 210 is in cooling operation and the bypass 133 is present, the refrigerant temperature may be the average value of the suction temperature and the refrigerant temperature at the SC heat exchange outlet. In the following description, the temperature of the refrigerant at the SC heat exchange outlet may be referred to as "SC heat exchange outlet temperature".

In the normal refrigerant temperature field, the temperature T ₀ of the refrigerant in the test refrigerant system 210 in the initial state is set. The temperature of the refrigerant is the discharge temperature if the test refrigerant system 210 is in the heating operation. The temperature of the refrigerant is the suction temperature or the average value of the suction temperature and the SC heat exchange outlet temperature if the test refrigerant system 210 is in cooling operation. The log (temperature ratio) field is set with the result of calculating the logarithm of the ratio of the temperature of the coolant at the time indicated by the time field to the temperature of the coolant in the initial state.

(Stored Contents of Operation Data Table 600)
Next, an example of the contents of the motion data table 600 will be described with reference to FIG. The motion data table 600 is realized, for example, by a storage area such as the memory 302 or the recording medium 305 of the estimation device 100 shown in FIG.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the contents of the motion data table 600. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 6, the operation data table 600 has fields of date and time, mode, refrigerant temperature, and reference refrigerant temperature. The motion data table 600 stores motion data at the time of learning as a record by setting information in each field for each date and time.

Dates and times are set at regular intervals in the date and time field. Information indicating whether the target refrigerant system 110 is in heating operation or in cooling operation at the set date and time is set in the mode field. In the refrigerant temperature field, the temperature T of the refrigerant measured by the sensor 201 at the set date and time is set. The reference time refrigerant temperature field is set with the temperature T ₀ of the refrigerant in the target refrigerant system 110 in the initial state.

(Stored contents of detection data table 700)
Next, an example of the contents stored in the detection data table 700 will be described with reference to FIG. The detection data table 700 is realized, for example, by a storage area such as the memory 302 or the recording medium 305 of the estimation device 100 shown in FIG.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the contents stored in the detection data table 700. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 7, the detection data table 700 has fields of date and time, mode, scaling index, refrigerant temperature, refrigerant temperature at reference time, temperature ratio, and degree of refrigerant leakage. The detection data table 700 stores motion data at the time of detection as a record by setting information in each field for each date and time.

In the date and time field, dates and times are set at regular intervals when refrigerant leakage from the target refrigerant system 110 is detected. Information indicating whether the target refrigerant system 110 is in heating operation or in cooling operation at the set date and time is set in the mode field. A scaling index corresponding to heating operation or cooling operation is set in the scaling index field. In the refrigerant temperature field, the temperature T of the refrigerant measured by the sensor 201 at the set date and time is set. The temperature of the refrigerant is the discharge temperature if the target refrigerant system 110 is in the heating operation. The temperature of the refrigerant is the suction temperature or the average value of the suction temperature and the SC heat exchange outlet temperature if the target refrigerant system 110 is in the cooling operation.

The reference time refrigerant temperature field is set with the temperature T ₀ of the refrigerant in the target refrigerant system 110 in the initial state. In the refrigerant temperature field, the temperature T of the refrigerant measured by the sensor 201 at the set date and time is set. The temperature of the refrigerant is the discharge temperature if the target refrigerant system 110 is in the heating operation. The temperature of the refrigerant is the suction temperature or the average value of the suction temperature and the SC heat exchange outlet temperature if the target refrigerant system 110 is in the cooling operation. In the temperature ratio field, the ratio of the temperature of the coolant at the set date and time to the temperature of the coolant in the initial state is set as the temperature ratio T/ _T0 . The refrigerant leakage degree calculated based on the temperature ratio is set in the refrigerant leakage degree field. The degree of refrigerant leakage is, for example, 1-M/M ₀ =1-(T/T ₀ )^(1/c).

(Example of functional configuration of estimation device 100)
Next, a functional configuration example of the estimation device 100 will be described using FIG.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration example of the estimation device 100. As shown in FIG. Estimation device 100 includes storage unit 800 , acquisition unit 801 , learning unit 802 , calculation unit 803 , determination unit 804 , and output unit 805 .

The storage unit 800 is implemented by, for example, a storage area such as the memory 302 or recording medium 305 shown in FIG. A case where the storage unit 800 is included in the estimation apparatus 100 will be described below, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the storage unit 800 may be included in a device different from the estimation device 100 , and the storage contents of the storage unit 800 may be referenced from the estimation device 100 .

Acquisition unit 801 to output unit 805 function as an example of a control unit. Specifically, the acquisition unit 801 to the output unit 805, for example, by causing the CPU 301 to execute a program stored in a storage area such as the memory 302 or the recording medium 305 shown in FIG. to realize its function. The processing result of each functional unit is stored in a storage area such as the memory 302 or recording medium 305 shown in FIG. 3, for example.

The storage unit 800 stores various information that is referred to or updated in the processing of each functional unit. Storage unit 800 stores the scaling index. The scaling index is an index corresponding to the positive feedback of the leakage amount of the refrigerant in the refrigerant system that has the same control contents as the target refrigerant system 110 . The value of the scaling index increases as the positive feedback on the leakage amount of refrigerant increases. The content of the control is to keep the pressure of the refrigerant constant.

The storage unit 800 may store refrigerant leak test data for learning the scaling index. The storage unit 800 stores, for example, the refrigerant leak test data table 400 shown in FIG. The storage unit 800 may store analysis data for regression analysis used when learning the scaling index. The storage unit 800 stores, for example, the analysis data table 500 shown in FIG. The storage unit 800 may store operation data for calculating the temperature of the refrigerant in the target refrigerant system 110 at the reference time. The storage unit 800 stores, for example, the motion data table 600 shown in FIG. The storage unit 800 may store operation data for detecting leakage of refrigerant from the target refrigerant system 110 . The storage unit 800 stores, for example, the detection data table 700 shown in FIG.

An acquisition unit 801 acquires various types of information used for processing of each functional unit. Acquisition unit 801 stores various kinds of acquired information in storage unit 800 or outputs the information to each functional unit. Further, the acquisition unit 801 may output various information stored in the storage unit 800 to each functional unit. Acquisition unit 801 acquires various types of information, for example, based on a user's operation input. The acquisition unit 801 may receive various information from a device other than the estimation device 100, for example.

The obtaining unit 801 obtains, for example, the temperature of the refrigerant in the test refrigerant system 210 . The temperature of the refrigerant is the discharge temperature if the test refrigerant system 210 is in the heating operation. The temperature of the refrigerant is the suction temperature or the average value of the suction temperature and the SC heat exchange outlet temperature if the test refrigerant system 210 is in cooling operation. Specifically, the acquisition unit 801 acquires the temperature of the refrigerant in the test refrigerant system 210 in the initial state by the user's operation input. Further, specifically, the acquisition unit 801 acquires the temperature of the refrigerant from the sensor 201 of the test refrigerant system 210 at regular intervals in a state in which refrigerant leakage has occurred in the test refrigerant system 210. do. The acquiring unit 801 stores, for example, the acquired refrigerant temperature using the refrigerant leakage test data table 400 shown in FIG.

The obtaining unit 801 obtains, for example, the amount of refrigerant in the test refrigerant system 210 . Specifically, the acquisition unit 801 acquires the amount of refrigerant in the test refrigerant system 210 in the initial state by the user's operation input. Further, specifically, the acquisition unit 801 obtains the amount of refrigerant leakage from the sensor 201 of the test refrigerant system 210 at regular time intervals in a state in which refrigerant leakage has occurred in the test refrigerant system 210. get. Then, the obtaining unit 801 calculates the amount of refrigerant in the test refrigerant system 210 based on the obtained amount of refrigerant leakage and the amount of refrigerant in the initial state. The acquiring unit 801 stores, for example, the acquired amount of refrigerant using the refrigerant leakage test data table 400 shown in FIG.

The obtaining unit 801 obtains, for example, the temperature of the refrigerant in the target refrigerant system 110 . The temperature of the refrigerant is the discharge temperature if the target refrigerant system 110 is in the heating operation. The temperature of the refrigerant is the suction temperature or the average value of the suction temperature and the SC heat exchange outlet temperature if the target refrigerant system 110 is in the cooling operation. Specifically, the obtaining unit 801 obtains the temperature of the refrigerant from the sensor 201 of the target refrigerant system 110 at regular time intervals. The acquisition unit 801 stores, for example, the acquired refrigerant temperature using the operation data table 600 shown in FIG. 6 or the detection data table 700 shown in FIG. The obtaining unit 801 may further obtain, for example, the amount of refrigerant in the target refrigerant system 110 at the reference time.

The learning unit 802 learns the scaling index based on the refrigerant temperature and the amount of refrigerant acquired by the acquiring unit 801 . The learning unit 802 calculates, for example, the ratio of the temperature of the refrigerant at each point of refrigerant leakage to the temperature of the refrigerant in the initial state as the temperature ratio at each point of refrigerant leakage. Further, the learning unit 802 calculates, for example, the ratio of the amount of refrigerant at each point of refrigerant leakage to the amount of refrigerant in the initial state as the refrigerant amount ratio at each point of refrigerant leakage. Learning unit 802 then uses regression analysis to calculate a scaling index based on the temperature ratio and the refrigerant amount ratio at each point of refrigerant leakage. A specific example of learning the scaling index will be described later with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10. FIG.

The calculation unit 803 calculates the amount of refrigerant in the target refrigerant system 110 based on the scaling index stored in the storage unit 800, the temperature of the refrigerant in the target refrigerant system 110 at the reference time, and the temperature acquired by the acquisition unit 801. Calculate an estimate of The estimate of the amount of refrigerant is, for example, an estimate of the amount of refrigerant itself. The estimate of the amount of refrigerant may be, for example, an estimate of the ratio of the amount of refrigerant in the refrigerant system 110 under consideration to the amount of refrigerant in the refrigerant system 110 under consideration at a reference point in time. The estimated amount of refrigerant may be, for example, an estimated amount of refrigerant leakage in the refrigerant system 110 of interest. The estimated value of the leakage amount is the refrigerant leakage degree described above.

Here, the ratio M/M ₀ =(T/T ₀ )^(1/c) of the refrigerant amount M in the target refrigerant system 110 to the refrigerant amount M ₀ in the target refrigerant system 110 at the reference time is established. . Therefore, the calculation unit 803 substitutes, for example, the scaling index c, the temperature T ₀ of the refrigerant at the reference time, and the temperature T acquired by the acquisition unit 801 into the above equation, and the estimated value for the ratio M/M ₀ is Calculate

For example, the calculation unit 803 further calculates an estimated value for the refrigerant amount M in the target refrigerant system 110 based on the refrigerant amount M ₀ in the target refrigerant system 110 at the reference time. Specifically, the calculation unit 803 substitutes the scaling index c, the refrigerant amount M ₀ at the reference time, the refrigerant temperature T ₀ at the reference time, and the temperature T acquired by the acquisition unit 801 into the above equation, An estimate for the amount of refrigerant M is calculated.

Here, the degree of refrigerant leakage 1-M/M ₀ =1-(T/T ₀ )^(1/c) holds. Therefore, the calculation unit 803 substitutes the scaling index c, the temperature T ₀ of the refrigerant at the reference time, and the temperature T acquired by the acquisition unit 801 into the above equation, and calculates the refrigerant leakage rate 1−M/M ₀ . Calculate an estimate for As a result, the calculation unit 803 can grasp the amount of refrigerant in the target refrigerant system 110 and can detect that the refrigerant has leaked from the target refrigerant system 110 . A specific example of calculating the estimated value will be described later with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12. FIG.

The determination unit 804 determines whether the refrigerant has leaked from the target refrigerant system 110 based on the calculated estimated value. For example, the determination unit 804 determines that the refrigerant has leaked when the estimated value of the ratio M/M ₀ is equal to or less than the threshold. Further, the determination unit 804 determines that the refrigerant has leaked, for example, when the estimated value of the degree of refrigerant leakage 1−M/M ₀ is greater than or equal to the threshold value. As a result, the determining unit 804 can automatically and accurately determine whether or not the refrigerant has leaked.

An output unit 805 outputs the processing result of each functional unit. The output format is, for example, display on a display, print output to a printer, transmission to an external device via the communication I/F 303, or storage in a storage area such as the memory 302 or recording medium 305. The output unit 805 may store the learning result of the learning unit 802 in the storage unit 800, for example.

The output unit 805 outputs the calculation result of the calculation unit 803 or the determination result of the determination unit 804, for example. Thereby, the output unit 805 can make it easier for the user to determine whether or not the refrigerant has leaked from the target refrigerant system 110 . The output unit 805 can, for example, make it easier for the user to grasp how much refrigerant has leaked from the target refrigerant system 110 . Therefore, the user can grasp that the refrigerant has started to leak when the refrigerant starts to leak.

Although the case where estimation apparatus 100 includes learning section 802 and determination section 804 has been described here, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, estimation apparatus 100 may not include learning section 802 . In this case, for example, estimating apparatus 100 acquires the scaling index from a device different from estimating apparatus 100, or acquires the scaling index through a user's operation input.

Further, for example, estimation device 100 may not include determination section 804 . In this case, for example, the estimation device 100 outputs the calculated estimated value, and the user determines whether or not the refrigerant has leaked from the target refrigerant system 110 .

(Operation Example of Refrigerant Leakage Detection System 200)
Next, an operation example of the refrigerant leak detection system 200 will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 to 14. FIG. First, with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10, a specific example in which the estimation device 100 learns the index based on the test refrigerant system 210 will be described.

9 and 10 are explanatory diagrams showing a specific example of learning scaling exponents. Here, the pressure control of the compressor 121 differs between heating operation and cooling operation. Therefore, in FIG. 9, the estimation apparatus 100 generates a refrigerant leakage test data table 910 for heating operation and a refrigerant leakage test data table 920 for cooling operation.

For example, the estimating device 100 causes the test refrigerant system 210 to perform a heating operation. For example, the user may manually cause the test refrigerant system 210 to perform the heating operation. Then, the estimation device 100 discharges the refrigerant from the test refrigerant system 210 over time, as shown in the graph 901 . The horizontal axis of graph 901 is time, and the vertical axis of graph 901 is the amount of refrigerant. The refrigerant may be discharged manually by the user, for example.

At this time, the sensor 201 of the test refrigerant system 210 measures the temperature of the refrigerant that changes over time, as shown in a graph 902 . The horizontal axis of the graph 902 is time, and the vertical axis of the graph 902 is the coolant temperature. The estimating device 100 acquires the temperature of the refrigerant measured by the sensor 201 at each point when the refrigerant is discharged from the test refrigerant system 210, and generates a refrigerant leakage test data table 910 for the heating operation. The temperature of the refrigerant is the discharge temperature. The initial refrigerant amount is set in advance by the user.

Similarly, the estimating apparatus 100 causes the test refrigerant system 210 to perform the cooling operation. For example, the user may manually cause the test refrigerant system 210 to perform the cooling operation. Then, the estimating device 100 replenishes the refrigerant when executing the cooling operation, and discharges the refrigerant from the test refrigerant system 210 as time elapses. The refrigerant may be discharged manually by the user, for example.

At this time, the sensor 201 of the test refrigerant system 210 measures the temperature of the refrigerant that changes over time. The estimating device 100 acquires the temperature of the refrigerant measured by the sensor 201 each time the refrigerant is discharged from the test refrigerant system 210, and generates a refrigerant leakage test data table 920 during the cooling operation. The temperature of the refrigerant is the average temperature of the intake temperature and the SC heat exchanger outlet temperature. The initial refrigerant amount is set in advance by the user. Next, the description of FIG. 10 will be described.

In FIG. 10 , estimation apparatus 100 learns the scaling index for heating operation and the scaling index for cooling operation, assuming that the refrigerant amount ratio and temperature ratio follow the power law under a controlled environment in which the refrigerant pressure is constant.

Here, when the refrigerant amount ratio and the temperature ratio follow the power law, a relational expression of log(T/T ₀ )=c*log(M/M ₀ ) holds. c is the scaling index. T is the temperature of the coolant at any point in time. M is the amount of refrigerant at any point in time. T ₀ is the temperature of the coolant in the initial state. M ₀ is the amount of refrigerant in the initial state.

Therefore, the estimating apparatus 100 calculates log(T/T ₀ ) and log(M/M ₀ ) at each time point when the refrigerant is discharged based on the refrigerant leakage test data table 910 for the heating operation. . Estimation device 100 stores calculation results using analysis data table 1010 . Estimation apparatus 100 performs regression analysis based on log(T/T ₀ ) and log(M/M ₀ ) at each calculated time point, and learns the slope of the regression line as scaling index c. Estimation apparatus 100 stores scaling index c using analysis data table 1010 . A straight line on graph 1001 in which white circles are arranged at the coordinates of the combination of log(T/T ₀ ) and log(M/M ₀ ) at each time point is the regression line. The horizontal axis of graph 1001 is log(M/M ₀ ), and the vertical axis of graph 1001 is log(T/T ₀ ). The estimating device 100 specifically learns the scaling exponent c=−0.09 for the heating operation.

The estimating device 100 similarly learns the scaling index for the cooling operation based on the refrigerant leakage test data table 920 for the cooling operation. A specific example of learning the scaling index related to the cooling operation is the same as the specific example of learning the scaling index related to the heating operation, so description thereof will be omitted. Next, referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, a specific example in which the estimation device 100 uses the learned scaling index to calculate the degree of refrigerant leakage indicating the amount of refrigerant leaking from the target refrigerant system 110 will be described. explain.

11 and 12 are explanatory diagrams showing a specific example of calculating the degree of refrigerant leakage. In FIG. 11, the estimation device 100 calculates the refrigerant temperature T ₀ at the reference time for the heating operation and the refrigerant temperature T ₀ at the reference time for the cooling operation, which are used when calculating the degree of refrigerant leakage. .

The estimating device 100 causes the target refrigerant system 110 to perform the heating operation during the reference period. The reference period is, for example, one week. For example, the user may manually cause the target refrigerant system 110 to perform the heating operation. At this time, the sensor 201 of the target refrigerant system 110 measures the temperature of the refrigerant, which changes over time, as shown in a graph 1101 . The temperature of the refrigerant is the discharge temperature. The horizontal axis of graph 1101 is time, and the vertical axis of graph 1001 is discharge temperature. The estimating apparatus 100 acquires the temperature T of the refrigerant measured by the sensor 201 at each point in the reference period, and stores it using the operation data table 1110 for the heating operation. The estimating device 100 calculates the average value of the refrigerant temperature T measured by the sensor 201 at each point in the reference period as the refrigerant temperature T ₀ at the reference time, and stores it using the operation data table 1110 for the heating operation. do.

Similarly, the estimating device 100 causes the target refrigerant system 110 to perform the cooling operation during the reference period. The reference period is, for example, one week. For example, the user may manually cause the target refrigerant system 110 to perform the cooling operation. At this time, the sensor 201 of the target refrigerant system 110 measures the temperature of the refrigerant that changes over time. The estimating device 100 calculates the average value of the refrigerant temperature T measured by the sensor 201 at each point in the reference period as the refrigerant temperature T ₀ at the reference time. The temperature of the refrigerant is the average temperature of the intake temperature and the SC heat exchanger outlet temperature. Next, the description of FIG. 12 will be described.

In FIG. 12 , the estimation device 100 acquires the temperature T of the refrigerant in the target refrigerant system 110 at regular time intervals, calculates the degree of refrigerant leakage based on the temperature T of the refrigerant, and determines whether the refrigerant leaks based on the degree of refrigerant leakage. make it detectable. The degree of refrigerant leakage is 1-M/M ₀ =1-(T/T ₀ )^(1/c).

For example, each time the estimating device 100 acquires the temperature T of the refrigerant in the target refrigerant system 110, it determines whether the target refrigerant system 110 is in the heating operation or the cooling operation. The estimating device 100 acquires the scaling index c related to the heating operation and the refrigerant temperature T ₀ at the reference time during the heating operation, and acquires the scaling index c related to the cooling operation and the refrigerant temperature T ₀ during the cooling operation. do. The estimating device 100 calculates the temperature ratio T/T ₀ and the degree of refrigerant leakage 1−M/M ₀ =1−(T/T ₀ )^(1/c). The estimating device 100 associates the refrigerant temperature T, the scaling index c, the refrigerant temperature T ₀ at the reference time, and the temperature ratio T/T ₀ and adds them to the detection data table 1210 as records.

As a result, the estimation device 100 can identify changes in the temperature of the coolant and changes in the degree of coolant leakage in real time, as shown in the graph 1201 . The horizontal axis of the graph 1201 is time, and the vertical axis of the graph 1201 is the discharge temperature and the degree of refrigerant leakage. Then, the estimation device 100 can automatically and accurately determine whether or not the refrigerant has leaked from the target refrigerant system 110 .

In addition, the estimating apparatus 100 can notify the user of changes in the temperature of the refrigerant and changes in the degree of refrigerant leakage as shown in the graph 1201 in real time. Then, the estimating device 100 can make it easier for the user to determine whether or not the refrigerant has leaked from the target refrigerant system 110 . Therefore, the user can grasp that the refrigerant has started to leak when the refrigerant starts to leak. Next, with reference to FIG. 13, the commonality of scaling indices between the test refrigerant system 210 and the target refrigerant system 110 will be described.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing the commonality of scaling indices between the test refrigerant system 210 and the target refrigerant system 110 . In FIG. 13, it is assumed that the test refrigerant system 210 and the target refrigerant system 110 have different configurations.

The horizontal axis of graph 1300 in FIG. 13 is log(M/M ₀ ), and the vertical axis of graph 1300 is log(T/T ₀ ). The open circles in graph 1300 are the combined coordinates of log(T/T ₀ ) and log(M/M ₀ ) for the test refrigerant system 210 . The black circles in graph 1300 are the combined coordinates of log(T/T ₀ ) and log(M/M ₀ ) for the refrigerant system 110 of interest.

Here, from the distribution of white circles and black circles in graph 1300, it is conceivable that the slope of the regression line for white circles and the slope of the regression line for black circles have commonalities. Therefore, it is considered that there is commonality in the scaling index between the test refrigerant system 210 and the target refrigerant system 110 . Specifically, the scaling index of the test refrigerant system 210 is "-0.090", and the scaling index of the target refrigerant system 110 is "-0.097", so there is commonality. Next, the calculation accuracy of the degree of refrigerant leakage by the estimation device 100 will be described with reference to FIG. 14 .

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing the calculation accuracy of the degree of refrigerant leakage. In FIG. 14, in order to verify the calculation accuracy of the degree of refrigerant leakage, the estimating device 100 calculates the degree of refrigerant leakage using a refrigerant system having a mechanism for measuring the amount of refrigerant leakage as the target refrigerant system 110. do.

The horizontal axis of the graph 1400 in FIG. 14 is Day (number of days), and the vertical axis of the graph 1400 is the degree of refrigerant leakage 1−M/M ₀ . White circles in the graph 1400 are estimated values of the degree of refrigerant leakage calculated by the estimation device 100 . The black circles in the graph 1400 are actually measured values of the refrigerant leakage degree calculated from the measured refrigerant leakage amount.

As shown in the graph 1400, the difference between the estimated value of the refrigerant leakage degree and the measured value of the refrigerant leakage degree is relatively small, and the graph 1400 shows that the estimation device 100 has calculated the refrigerant leakage degree with high accuracy. . Graph 1400 also shows that estimation device 100 can calculate the degree of refrigerant leakage as a continuous value. Therefore, the user can grasp the leakage amount of the refrigerant in real time.

(Learning processing procedure)
Next, an example of a learning processing procedure executed by the estimation apparatus 100 will be described using FIGS. 15 and 16. FIG. The learning process is realized by, for example, the CPU 301 shown in FIG. 3, storage areas such as the memory 302 and the recording medium 305, and the communication I/F 303.

15 and 16 are flowcharts showing an example of the learning processing procedure. In FIG. 15, the estimating apparatus 100 acquires refrigerant leakage test data during the heating operation of the test refrigerant system 210 (step S1501).

Next, the estimating apparatus 100 acquires the normal discharge temperature as the normal refrigerant temperature from the refrigerant leakage test data during the heating operation (step S1502). Then, the estimating apparatus 100 acquires the discharge temperature at each point of refrigerant leakage as the refrigerant temperature at each point of refrigerant leakage from the refrigerant leakage data during the heating operation (step S1503).

Next, the estimating apparatus 100 calculates the ratio of the refrigerant temperature at each point of refrigerant leakage to the refrigerant temperature in the normal state as the temperature ratio at each point of refrigerant leakage (step S1504). Then, the estimating apparatus 100 acquires the normal amount of refrigerant from the refrigerant leakage test data during heating operation (step S1505).

Next, the estimating apparatus 100 acquires the refrigerant amount at each point of refrigerant leakage from the refrigerant leakage data during the heating operation (step S1506). Then, the estimating apparatus 100 calculates the ratio of the amount of refrigerant at each point of refrigerant leakage to the amount of refrigerant under normal conditions as the refrigerant amount ratio at each point of refrigerant leakage (step S1507).

Next, the estimating apparatus 100 uses regression analysis to calculate a scaling index c during heating operation based on the temperature ratio and the refrigerant amount ratio at each point of refrigerant leakage (step S1508). Estimation apparatus 100 then proceeds to the process of step S1601 in FIG.

In FIG. 16, the estimation device 100 acquires refrigerant leakage test data during the cooling operation of the test refrigerant system 210 (step S1601).

Next, the estimating apparatus 100 acquires the average temperature of the normal suction temperature and the SC heat exchanger outlet temperature as the normal refrigerant temperature from the refrigerant leakage test data during the cooling operation (step S1602). Then, the estimating apparatus 100 acquires the average temperature of the suction temperature and the SC heat exchanger outlet temperature at each point of refrigerant leakage as the refrigerant temperature at each point of refrigerant leakage from the refrigerant leakage data during the cooling operation (step S1603). ).

Next, the estimating apparatus 100 calculates the ratio of the refrigerant temperature at each point of refrigerant leakage to the refrigerant temperature in the normal state as the temperature ratio at each point of refrigerant leakage (step S1604). Then, the estimating apparatus 100 acquires the normal amount of refrigerant from the refrigerant leakage test data during the cooling operation (step S1605).

Next, the estimating apparatus 100 acquires the refrigerant amount at each point of refrigerant leakage from the refrigerant leakage data during the cooling operation (step S1606). Then, the estimating apparatus 100 calculates the ratio of the amount of refrigerant at each point of refrigerant leakage to the amount of refrigerant under normal conditions as the refrigerant amount ratio at each point of refrigerant leakage (step S1607).

Next, the estimating apparatus 100 uses regression analysis to calculate a scaling index c during the cooling operation based on the temperature ratio and refrigerant amount ratio at each point of refrigerant leakage (step S1608). Then, estimation apparatus 100 ends the learning process.

(Setting processing procedure)
Next, an example of a setting processing procedure executed by the estimation device 100 will be described using FIG. 17 . The setting process is implemented by, for example, the CPU 301, storage areas such as the memory 302 and the recording medium 305, and the communication I/F 303 shown in FIG.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a setting processing procedure. In FIG. 17, the estimation apparatus 100 acquires operation data during the heating operation of the target refrigerant system 110 for the reference period (step S1701).

Next, the estimating apparatus 100 acquires the discharge temperature at each time point within the reference period from the operation data during the heating operation (step S1702). Then, the estimating apparatus 100 calculates the refrigerant temperature at the reference time for the heating operation based on the acquired discharge temperature (step S1703).

Next, the estimating apparatus 100 acquires operation data during the cooling operation of the target refrigerant system 110 for the reference period (step S1704). Then, the estimating apparatus 100 acquires the intake temperature and the SC heat exchange outlet temperature at each point in the reference period from the operation data during the cooling operation (step S1705).

Next, the estimating apparatus 100 calculates the refrigerant temperature at the reference time for the cooling operation based on the acquired intake temperature and SC heat exchanger outlet temperature (step S1706). Then, estimating apparatus 100 ends the setting process.

(Estimation processing procedure)
Next, an example of an estimation processing procedure executed by the estimation device 100 will be described using FIG. 18 . The estimation process is realized by, for example, the CPU 301, storage areas such as the memory 302 and the recording medium 305, and the communication I/F 303 shown in FIG.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an estimation processing procedure; In FIG. 18, the estimation device 100 acquires the operation data of the target refrigerant system 110 (step S1801).

Next, the estimation device 100 determines whether or not the target refrigerant system 110 is in the heating operation (step S1802). Here, if it is during the heating operation (step S1802: Yes), the estimating apparatus 100 proceeds to the process of step S1803. On the other hand, if it is not during the heating operation but during the cooling operation (step S1802: No), the estimating apparatus 100 proceeds to the process of step S1805.

In step S1803, the estimating apparatus 100 acquires the scaling index c during heating operation (step S1803). Next, the estimating apparatus 100 acquires the refrigerant temperature at the reference time for the heating operation (step S1804). Then, the estimating apparatus 100 proceeds to the process of step S1807.

In step S1805, the estimation device 100 acquires the scaling index c during cooling operation (step S1805). Next, the estimating apparatus 100 acquires the coolant temperature at the reference time for the cooling operation (step S1806). Then, the estimating apparatus 100 proceeds to the process of step S1807.

In step S1807, the estimating apparatus 100 calculates the ratio of the current coolant temperature to the coolant temperature at the reference time based on the acquired operation data (step S1807). Next, the estimating apparatus 100 calculates the ratio of the current amount of refrigerant to the amount of refrigerant at the reference time based on the calculated ratio and the acquired scaling index (step S1808). Then, estimation apparatus 100 returns to the process of step S1801.

Here, a case where the estimating device 100 calculates the ratio of the current amount of refrigerant to the amount of refrigerant at the reference time has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the estimation device 100 may calculate the degree of refrigerant leakage. In addition, the estimation device 100 may detect that the refrigerant has leaked based on the calculated ratio or degree of refrigerant leakage. In addition, the estimation device 100 may display the calculated ratio and the degree of refrigerant leakage so that the user can understand that the refrigerant has leaked.

Here, estimating apparatus 100 may change the order of the processing of some of the steps in FIGS. 15 to 18 and execute them. For example, the order of the processing in FIG. 15 and the processing in FIG. 16 can be interchanged. Also, the estimation apparatus 100 may omit the processing of some steps in FIGS. 15 to 18 . For example, if the target refrigerant system 110 is a refrigerant system capable of only heating operation, the processing of FIG. 16 and steps S1704 to S1706 of FIG. 17 can be omitted. For example, when the estimating apparatus 100 acquires scaling exponents without learning them, the processing in FIG. 15 and the processing in FIG. 16 can be omitted.

As described above, according to the estimation device 100, the temperature of the refrigerant in the target refrigerant system 110 can be obtained. According to the estimation device 100, an estimated value for the amount of refrigerant in the target refrigerant system 110 can be calculated based on the scaling index, the temperature of the refrigerant in the target refrigerant system 110 at the reference time, and the acquired temperature. can. As a result, the estimating device 100 can estimate the amount of refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant system and detect the leakage of the refrigerant.

The estimation device 100 can calculate an estimated value of the ratio of the amount of refrigerant in the target refrigerant system 110 to the amount of refrigerant in the target refrigerant system 110 at the reference time. As a result, the estimation device 100 can estimate the ratio of the amount of refrigerant at any point in time to the amount of refrigerant at the reference point in time, and can detect refrigerant leakage. In addition, since the estimating apparatus 100 can directly calculate the refrigerant amount ratio from the refrigerant temperature ratio, the calculation load can be reduced. , it is possible to detect that the refrigerant has leaked.

According to the estimating device 100, an estimated value for the amount of refrigerant in the target refrigerant system 110 can be further calculated based on the amount of refrigerant in the target refrigerant system 110 at the reference time. Thereby, the estimation device 100 can detect that the refrigerant has leaked. In addition, the estimating apparatus 100 enables the user to grasp the amount of refrigerant flowing through the target refrigerant system 110, facilitates determination of the amount of refrigerant to be replenished, and facilitates maintenance of the target refrigerant system 110. can be made easier.

According to the estimating device 100, the scaling index can be learned based on the test refrigerant system 210 that has the same control contents as the target refrigerant system 110 and maintains the pressure of the refrigerant constant. Thereby, the estimating apparatus 100 can accurately learn the scaling exponent.

According to the estimation device 100, when the target refrigerant system 110 is used for heating, the temperature of the refrigerant in the discharge pipe 131 of the target refrigerant system 110 can be obtained. As a result, the estimating apparatus 100 can acquire the temperature at the location where the pressure control is performed, for which the power law can be used, and can accurately detect the leakage of the refrigerant.

According to the estimation device 100, when the target refrigerant system 110 is used for cooling, the temperature of the refrigerant in the suction pipe 132 of the target refrigerant system 110 can be obtained. As a result, the estimating apparatus 100 can acquire the temperature at the location where the pressure control is performed, for which the power law can be used, and can accurately detect the leakage of the refrigerant.

According to the estimating device 100, the scaling index can be calculated such that the stronger the positive feedback on the leakage amount of the refrigerant, the larger the value. Thereby, the estimating apparatus 100 can accurately learn the scaling exponent.

According to the estimation device 100, it is possible to determine whether or not the refrigerant has leaked from the target refrigerant system 110 based on the calculated estimated value, and output the determination result. As a result, the estimation device 100 can automatically detect that the refrigerant has leaked, and reduce the burden on the user.

According to the estimating device 100, an estimated value of the refrigerant leakage amount in the target refrigerant system 110 can be calculated. Thereby, the estimating device 100 can allow the user to grasp the leakage amount of the refrigerant.

The estimation method described in this embodiment can be realized by executing a prepared program on a computer such as a personal computer or a workstation. The estimation program described in this embodiment is recorded in a computer-readable recording medium such as a hard disk, flexible disk, CD-ROM, MO, DVD, etc., and executed by being read from the recording medium by a computer. Also, the estimation program described in this embodiment may be distributed via a network such as the Internet.

Further, the following additional remarks are disclosed with respect to the above-described embodiment.

(Appendix 1) to the computer,
Get the temperature of the refrigerant in the target refrigerant system,
Based on the index corresponding to the positive feedback of the refrigerant leakage amount in the refrigerant system whose control content is the same as the target refrigerant system, the temperature of the refrigerant in the target refrigerant system at the reference time, and the acquired temperature, calculating an estimate for the amount of refrigerant in the subject refrigerant system;
An inferred program that causes the process to take place.

(Supplementary note 2) The estimation according to Supplementary note 1, wherein the calculating process calculates an estimated value of a ratio of the amount of refrigerant in the target refrigerant system to the amount of refrigerant in the target refrigerant system at the reference time program.

(Supplementary Note 3) In Supplementary Note 1 or 2, the calculating process further calculates an estimated value for the amount of refrigerant in the target refrigerant system based on the amount of refrigerant in the target refrigerant system at the reference time. Estimation program described.

(Appendix 4) The estimation program according to any one of Appendices 1 to 3, wherein the content of control is to keep the pressure of the refrigerant constant.

(Appendix 5) Any one of Appendices 1 to 4, wherein the acquiring process acquires the temperature of the refrigerant in the discharge pipe of the target refrigerant system when the target refrigerant system is used for heating. estimation program.

(Appendix 6) Any one of Appendices 1 to 5, wherein the acquiring process acquires the temperature of the refrigerant in the intake pipe of the target refrigerant system when the target refrigerant system is used for cooling. estimation program.

(Appendix 7) The estimation program according to any one of Appendices 1 to 6, wherein the exponent increases in value as the positive feedback on the refrigerant leakage amount increases.

(Appendix 8) In the computer,
Determining whether refrigerant has leaked from the target refrigerant system based on the calculated estimated value,
8. The estimation program according to any one of appendices 1 to 7, which outputs a determination result and causes a process to be executed.

(Appendix 9) The estimation program according to any one of Appendices 1 to 8, wherein the calculating process calculates an estimated value of a refrigerant leakage amount in the target refrigerant system.

(Appendix 10) The computer
Get the temperature of the refrigerant in the target refrigerant system,
Based on the index corresponding to the positive feedback of the refrigerant leakage amount in the refrigerant system whose control content is the same as the target refrigerant system, the temperature of the refrigerant in the target refrigerant system at the reference time, and the acquired temperature, calculating an estimate for the amount of refrigerant in the subject refrigerant system;
Estimation method to perform processing.

(Appendix 11) Acquiring the temperature of the refrigerant in the target refrigerant system,
Based on the index corresponding to the positive feedback of the refrigerant leakage amount in the refrigerant system whose control content is the same as the target refrigerant system, the temperature of the refrigerant in the target refrigerant system at the reference time, and the acquired temperature, calculating an estimate for the amount of refrigerant in the subject refrigerant system;
An estimator having a controller.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 100 estimation device 110 target refrigerant system 121 compressor 122 outdoor heat exchanger 123 solenoid valve 124 indoor heat exchanger 131 discharge pipe 132 suction pipe 133 bypass 200 detection system 201 sensor 210 test refrigerant system 300 bus 301 CPU
302 memory 303 communication I/F
304 recording medium I/F
305 recording medium 400, 910, 920 refrigerant leak test data table 500, 1010 analysis data table 600, 1110 operation data table 700, 1210 detection data table 800 storage unit 801 acquisition unit 802 learning unit 803 calculation unit 804 determination unit 805 output unit 901, 902, 1001, 1101, 1201, 1300, 1400 graph

Claims (7)

to the computer,
Get the temperature of the refrigerant in the target refrigerant system,
In another refrigerant system different from the target refrigerant system, in which the control content of maintaining a constant refrigerant pressure is common to the target refrigerant system, and the refrigerant leakage amount tends to increase due to the pressure control . , a power law indicating the relationship between two variables, the temperature ratio of the refrigerant and the mass ratio of the refrigerant, the temperature of the refrigerant in the target refrigerant system at the reference time, and the acquired temperature, the reference Calculating an estimated value of the ratio of the amount of refrigerant in the target refrigerant system to the amount of refrigerant in the target refrigerant system at the time point , or an estimated value of the degree of refrigerant leakage in the target refrigerant system;
An estimation program characterized by causing a process to be executed. The calculating process is based on the exponent, the temperature of the refrigerant in the target refrigerant system at the reference time, the acquired temperature, and the amount of refrigerant in the target refrigerant system at the preset reference time. 2. The estimation program according to claim 1, further comprising calculating an estimated value of the amount of refrigerant in the target refrigerant system. 3. The estimation program according to claim 1, wherein the acquiring process acquires the temperature of the refrigerant in the discharge pipe of the target refrigerant system when the target refrigerant system is used for heating. . 4. Any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the obtaining process obtains the temperature of the refrigerant in the suction pipe of the target refrigerant system when the target refrigerant system is used for cooling. Estimation program described in . 5. The estimation program according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the power exponent increases as the refrigerant leakage rate increases due to pressure control. the computer
Get the temperature of the refrigerant in the target refrigerant system,
In another refrigerant system different from the target refrigerant system, in which the control content of maintaining a constant refrigerant pressure is common to the target refrigerant system, and the refrigerant leakage amount tends to increase due to the pressure control. , a power law indicating the relationship between two variables, the temperature ratio of the refrigerant and the mass ratio of the refrigerant, the temperature of the refrigerant in the target refrigerant system at the reference time, and the acquired temperature, the reference Calculating an estimated value of the ratio of the amount of refrigerant in the target refrigerant system to the amount of refrigerant in the target refrigerant system at the time point, or an estimated value of the degree of refrigerant leakage in the target refrigerant system;
An estimation method characterized by performing processing. Get the temperature of the refrigerant in the target refrigerant system,
In another refrigerant system different from the target refrigerant system, in which the control content of maintaining a constant refrigerant pressure is common to the target refrigerant system, and the refrigerant leakage amount tends to increase due to the pressure control. , a power law indicating the relationship between two variables, the temperature ratio of the refrigerant and the mass ratio of the refrigerant, the temperature of the refrigerant in the target refrigerant system at the reference time, and the acquired temperature, the reference Calculating an estimated value of the ratio of the amount of refrigerant in the target refrigerant system to the amount of refrigerant in the target refrigerant system at the time point, or an estimated value of the degree of refrigerant leakage in the target refrigerant system;
An estimation device, comprising: a control unit.

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