JP7376807B2 - Equipment evaluation system and equipment evaluation method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a device evaluation system for evaluating air conditioners and an evaluation method for air conditioners.

As disclosed in Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent No. 5334909), the air conditioner is operated to achieve a predetermined operating state (herein, this operation is referred to as evaluation operation), and during evaluation operation. There has been a conventional technique for evaluating air conditioners based on predetermined indicators. Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent No. 5334909) discloses that an air conditioner is evaluated for the purpose of detecting a shortage of refrigerant, such as during refrigerant filling at the initial stage of installation of the air conditioner.

Using such an air conditioner evaluation technique, an air conditioner may be evaluated at the initial stage of installation, and the air conditioner may be re-evaluated after many years. However, during re-evaluation, it is difficult to make the heat load during evaluation operation the same as that at the initial stage of installation of the air conditioner. Therefore, re-evaluation is generally performed based on evaluation operations performed under different heat loads.

However, since the difference in heat load has a considerable effect on the accuracy of evaluation, the heat load during evaluation operation at the initial stage of air conditioner installation and the heat load during evaluation operation performed at the time of subsequent re-evaluation are It is preferable that the values be as close as possible.

The device evaluation system according to the first aspect evaluates at least the first air conditioner among the first air conditioner and the second air conditioner that perform air conditioning of the first space. The first air conditioner has a first heat source unit. The second air conditioner has a second heat source unit that is separate from the first heat source unit and independent of the first air conditioner. The device evaluation system includes a first evaluation section and a first air conditioning control section. The first evaluation unit evaluates the first air conditioner based on a predetermined first evaluation index obtained during a first evaluation operation in which the first air conditioner is operated in a predetermined operating state. The first air conditioning control section controls the second air conditioner. The first evaluation section performs a first evaluation process and a second evaluation process. In the first evaluation process, the first evaluation unit evaluates the first air conditioner based on the first evaluation index obtained during the first operation performed as the first evaluation operation when the first air conditioner is installed. . In the second evaluation process, the first evaluation unit evaluates the first air conditioner based on the first evaluation index obtained during the second operation performed as the first evaluation operation after the first evaluation process. The first air conditioning control unit is configured to perform at least one of the first operation and the second operation of the first air conditioner before at least one of the first operation and the second operation of the first air conditioner is performed. During this time, the second air conditioner is operated.

In the equipment evaluation system according to the first aspect, it is possible to make the heat load conditions similar between the initial evaluation of the air conditioner installation and the evaluation after time has passed since the installation of the air conditioner, making it possible to accurately control the air conditioner. Able to evaluate equipment.

The device evaluation system according to the second aspect is the device evaluation system according to the first aspect, and the evaluation of the first air conditioner includes evaluation of the refrigerant amount, performance evaluation, and failure evaluation of the first air conditioner. Contains at least one of the following.

The device evaluation system according to the second aspect can accurately evaluate various evaluation contents.

In the device evaluation system according to another aspect, the first air conditioning control section performs the first operation of the first air conditioner before at least one of the first operation and the second operation of the first air conditioner is performed; By operating the second air conditioner during at least one of the operation and the second operation, the temperature of the first space is brought closer to the target temperature and/or the humidity of the first space is brought closer to the target humidity.

In the equipment evaluation system according to this viewpoint, it is possible to make the temperature and humidity of the first space similar between the evaluation at the initial stage of installation of the air conditioner and the evaluation after time has passed since the installation of the air conditioner, making it possible to improve accuracy. Able to evaluate air conditioning equipment well.

The equipment evaluation system according to the third aspect is the equipment evaluation system according to the first aspect or the second aspect, and the first air conditioner and the second air conditioner are vapor compressors whose usage units are installed in the first space. It is a type air conditioner.

The device evaluation system according to the fourth aspect is the device evaluation system according to any one of the first to third aspects, and the second evaluation process is performed when the first period has elapsed since the first evaluation process, and when the previous evaluation process is performed. This process is repeated when the first period has elapsed since the second evaluation process.

In the device evaluation system according to the fourth aspect, the air conditioner can be evaluated regularly and accurately.

A device evaluation system according to another aspect includes a second evaluation section and a second air conditioning control section. The second evaluation unit evaluates the second air conditioner based on a predetermined second evaluation index obtained during a second evaluation operation in which the second air conditioner is operated in a predetermined operating state. The second air conditioning control section controls the first air conditioner. The second evaluation section performs a third evaluation process and a fourth evaluation process. In the third evaluation process, the second evaluation unit evaluates the second air conditioner based on the second evaluation index obtained during the third operation performed as the second evaluation operation when the second air conditioner is installed. . In the fourth evaluation process, the second evaluation unit evaluates the second air conditioner based on the second evaluation index obtained during the fourth operation performed as the second evaluation operation after the third evaluation process. The second air conditioning control unit is configured to perform at least one of the third operation and the fourth operation of the second air conditioner before at least one of the third operation and the fourth operation of the second air conditioner is performed. During the operation, the first air conditioner is operated.

In the equipment evaluation system according to this viewpoint, the heat load conditions of the second air conditioner can be made similar between the evaluation at the initial stage of installation of the air conditioner and the evaluation after time has passed since the installation of the air conditioner. It is possible to evaluate air conditioners with high accuracy.

The device evaluation method according to the fifth aspect is a device evaluation method that evaluates at least the first air conditioner among the first air conditioner and the second air conditioner that perform air conditioning of the first space. The first air conditioner has a first heat source unit. The second air conditioner has a second heat source unit that is separate from the first heat source unit and independent of the first air conditioner. The device evaluation method includes a first evaluation step, a second evaluation step, and an air conditioning control step. In the first evaluation step, when the first air conditioner is installed, the first air conditioner is evaluated based on a first evaluation index obtained during a first operation in which the first air conditioner is operated in a predetermined operating state. Ru. In the second evaluation step, the first air conditioner is evaluated based on the first evaluation index obtained during a second operation in which the first air conditioner is operated in a predetermined operating state after the first evaluation step. In the air conditioning control step, before at least one of the first operation and the second operation of the first air conditioner is performed, and/or during at least one of the first operation and the second operation of the first air conditioner. , the second air conditioner is operated.

In the equipment evaluation method according to the fifth aspect, it is possible to make the heat load conditions similar between the evaluation at the initial stage of installation of the air conditioner and the evaluation after time has passed since the installation of the air conditioner. Able to evaluate equipment.

FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing an air conditioning system including a first air conditioner and a second air conditioner, which are evaluation targets of an apparatus evaluation system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of a first air conditioner and a second air conditioner of the air conditioning system in FIG. 1. FIG. FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a device evaluation system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 4 is an example of a flowchart of evaluation of the first air conditioner when the first air conditioner is installed by the device evaluation system of FIG. 3. FIG. 4 is an example of a flowchart of evaluation of the first air conditioner performed after the first evaluation process by the device evaluation system of FIG. 3. FIG. 4 is another example of a flowchart of evaluation of the first air conditioner when the first air conditioner is installed by the device evaluation system of FIG. 3. FIG. It is another example of the evaluation of the 1st air conditioner performed after the 1st evaluation process by the apparatus evaluation system of FIG. 4 is still another example of a flowchart of evaluation of the first air conditioner when the first air conditioner is installed by the device evaluation system of FIG. 3. FIG. 4 is still another example of a flowchart of evaluation of the first air conditioner performed after the first evaluation process by the device evaluation system of FIG. 3. FIG.

A device evaluation system 200 and a method of evaluating an air conditioner using the device evaluation system 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

(1) Overall configuration An overview of the device evaluation system 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure and the first air conditioner 100A and the second air conditioner 100B that are the targets of evaluation by the device evaluation system 200 is shown in FIGS. 1 to 3. This will be explained with reference to.

FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing an air conditioning system 100 including a first air conditioner 100A and a second air conditioner 100B, which are the evaluation targets of the device evaluation system 200. FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of the first air conditioner 100A and the second air conditioner 100B. FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the device evaluation system 200.

The air conditioning system 100 mainly includes a first air conditioner 100A and a second air conditioner 100B. In this embodiment, both the first air conditioner 100A and the second air conditioner 100B are vapor compression type air conditioners. The first air conditioner 100A and the second air conditioner 100B are air conditioners that perform cooling (including dehumidification) and heating of the space S. However, the first air conditioner 100A and the second air conditioner 100B do not need to be air conditioners capable of cooling and heating. For example, the first air conditioner 100A and the second air conditioner 100B may be air conditioners dedicated to cooling.

In this embodiment, the first air conditioner 100A and the second air conditioner 100B have the same structure and specifications. Therefore, in order to simplify the explanation, in the following explanation and drawings, parts and equipment constituting the first air conditioner 100A and the second air conditioner 100B are shown with reference numerals 60A and 60A indicating the control unit of the first air conditioner 100A. The same reference numerals are used except for the reference numeral 60B indicating the control unit of the second air conditioner 100B. Note that different reference numerals are used for the control unit 60A of the first air conditioner 100A and the control unit 60B of the second air conditioner 100B for convenience of explanation, and both control units 60A and 60B have the same functions. has.

Note that the first air conditioner 100A and the second air conditioner 100B may not have the same structure or specifications. The first air conditioner 100A and the second air conditioner 100B may have different structures and specifications.

The first air conditioner 100A and the second air conditioner 100B are air conditioners that air condition the same space S. In other words, the usage unit 50 of the first air conditioner 100A and the usage unit 50 of the second air conditioner 100B are both installed in the space S. Note that the usage units 50 of the air conditioners 100A and 100B are installed in the same space S, which means the location where the usage unit 50 of the air conditioner 100A is installed and the location where the usage unit 50 of the air conditioner 100B is installed. This means that the place you are in is not separated by a wall, etc.

Note that in this embodiment, two air conditioners are installed in the same space S, but the number of air conditioners installed in the space S is not limited to two. Three or more air conditioners may be installed in the space S.

The device evaluation system 200 is a system that evaluates at least one of the first air conditioner 100A and the second air conditioner 100B. In this embodiment, the device evaluation system 200 is a system that evaluates both the first air conditioner 100A and the second air conditioner 100B. Note that when three or more air conditioners are installed in the space S, the device evaluation system 200 is a system that evaluates at least a portion of the three or more air conditioners.

The device evaluation system 200 mainly includes an evaluation device 210 having a function of evaluating the first air conditioner 100A and the second air conditioner 100B. Evaluation device 210 is a computer installed at the site where air conditioning system 100 is installed. It is preferable that the evaluation device 210 is communicably connected to the first air conditioner 100A and the second air conditioner 100B.

The evaluation of the first air conditioner 100A and the second air conditioner 100B by the device evaluation system 200 includes at least one of refrigerant amount evaluation, performance evaluation, and failure evaluation of the first air conditioner 100A and the second air conditioner 100B. Including one. Specific evaluation details will be described later. The device evaluation system 200 may evaluate the first air conditioner 100A and the second air conditioner 100B for all of the evaluation items described below, or may evaluate the first air conditioner 100A and the second air conditioner 100B for some of the evaluation items. You may.

Below, the detailed configuration of the first air conditioner 100A, the detailed configuration of the device evaluation system 200, and the evaluation of the first air conditioner 100A by the device evaluation system 200 will be described.

(2) Detailed configuration of first air conditioner The detailed configuration of the first air conditioner 100A will be explained. As mentioned above, since the first air conditioner 100A and the second air conditioner 100B have the same structure and specifications, only the first air conditioner 100A will be described here, and the description of the second air conditioner 100B will be omitted. .

The first air conditioner 100A mainly includes one heat source unit 20, one usage unit 50, a liquid refrigerant communication pipe 2, a gas refrigerant communication pipe 4, and a control unit 60A (Fig. 2 reference). The liquid refrigerant communication pipe 2 and the gas refrigerant communication pipe 4 are pipes that connect the heat source unit 20 and the utilization unit 50 (see FIG. 2). The control unit 60A controls the operations of various devices and parts of the heat source unit 20 and the utilization unit 50.

Note that although the first air conditioner 100A of this embodiment has one usage unit 50, the number of usage units 50 is not limited to one. The first air conditioner 100A may include two or more usage units 50. Further, although the first air conditioner 100A of this embodiment has one heat source unit 20, the number of heat source units 20 is not limited to one. The first air conditioner 100A may include two or more heat source units 20. Further, the first air conditioner 100A may be an integrated device in which the heat source unit 20 and the utilization unit 50 are incorporated into a single unit.

The heat source unit 20 and the utilization unit 50 are connected via the liquid refrigerant communication pipe 2 and the gas refrigerant communication pipe 4 to constitute the refrigerant circuit 10 (see FIG. 2). A refrigerant is sealed in the refrigerant circuit 10 . The refrigerant sealed in the refrigerant circuit 10 is, but is not limited to, a fluorocarbon refrigerant such as R32. The refrigerant circuit 10 includes a compressor 21, a flow direction switching mechanism 22, a heat source side heat exchanger 23, and an expansion mechanism 25 of a heat source unit 20, and a usage side heat exchanger 52 of a usage unit 50 (see FIG. 2).

The first air conditioner 100A has, as main operation modes, a cooling operation mode in which a cooling operation is executed, a dehumidification operation mode in which a dehumidification operation is executed, and a heating operation mode in which a heating operation is executed. The cooling operation is an operation in which the heat source side heat exchanger 23 functions as a condenser, the usage side heat exchanger 52 functions as an evaporator, and the air in the space S in which the usage unit 50 is installed is cooled. Similar to the cooling operation, the dehumidification operation is an operation in which the heat source side heat exchanger 23 functions as a condenser and the usage side heat exchanger 52 functions as an evaporator. However, the main purpose of the dehumidifying operation is to dehumidify the space S. The heating operation is an operation in which the heat source side heat exchanger 23 functions as an evaporator, the usage side heat exchanger 52 functions as a condenser, and heats the air in the space S in which the usage unit 50 is installed. Furthermore, during the heating operation, the first air conditioner 100A interrupts the heating operation and performs a defrost operation. The defrost operation is an operation for removing frost attached to the heat source side heat exchanger 23 by causing the heat source side heat exchanger 23 to function as a condenser and the usage side heat exchanger 52 to function as an evaporator. . Further, the first air conditioner 100A performs a predetermined evaluation operation when the device evaluation system 200 evaluates the first air conditioner 100A. The specific details of these operations will be described later.

Details of the first air conditioner 100A will be further explained.

(2-1) Usage Unit The usage unit 50 is a unit installed in the space S. For example, the usage unit 50 is a ceiling-embedded unit. However, the usage units 50 of the first air conditioner 100A and the second air conditioner 100B are not limited to the ceiling-embedded type, and one or both may be of the ceiling-suspended type, wall-mounted type, or floor-standing type. Good too.

Further, the utilization unit 50 may be installed outside the space S. For example, the usage unit 50 may be installed in an attic, a machine room, a garage, or the like. In that case, an air passage is installed from the usage unit 50 to the space S to supply air that has undergone heat exchange with the refrigerant in the usage side heat exchanger 52. The air passage is, for example, a duct. However, the type of air passage is not limited to a duct and may be selected as appropriate.

As described above, the utilization unit 50 is connected to the heat source unit 20 via the liquid refrigerant communication pipe 2 and the gas refrigerant communication pipe 4, and constitutes a part of the refrigerant circuit 10.

The usage unit 50 has a usage-side refrigerant circuit 10a that constitutes a part of the refrigerant circuit 10 (see FIG. 2). The user-side refrigerant circuit 10a mainly includes a user-side heat exchanger 52 (see FIG. 2). The usage unit 50 has a usage side fan 53 driven by a fan motor 53a (see FIG. 2). The usage unit 50 has various sensors. In this embodiment, the various sensors included in the usage unit 50 include a liquid side temperature sensor 54, a gas side temperature sensor 55, a space temperature sensor 56, and a space humidity sensor 57 (see FIG. 2). The usage unit 50 includes a usage side control section 64 that controls the operation of the usage unit 50 (see FIG. 2).

(2-1-1) Utilization-side heat exchanger In the utilization-side heat exchanger 52, heat exchange is performed between the refrigerant flowing through the utilization-side heat exchanger 52 and the air in the space S. The user-side heat exchanger 52 is, for example, a fin-and-tube type heat exchanger having a plurality of heat exchanger tubes and fins (not shown), although the type thereof is not limited.

One end of the user-side heat exchanger 52 is connected to the liquid refrigerant communication pipe 2 via a refrigerant pipe. The other end of the user-side heat exchanger 52 is connected to the gas refrigerant communication pipe 4 via a refrigerant pipe. During cooling operation, dehumidification operation, and defrost operation, refrigerant flows into the usage-side heat exchanger 52 from the liquid refrigerant communication pipe 2 side, and the usage-side heat exchanger 52 functions as an evaporator. During heating operation, refrigerant flows into the user-side heat exchanger 52 from the gas refrigerant communication pipe 4 side, and the user-side heat exchanger 52 functions as a condenser.

(2-1-2) Usage-side fan The usage-side fan 53 sucks air in the space S into the casing (not shown) of the usage unit 50, supplies it to the usage-side heat exchanger 52, and supplies the usage-side heat to the usage-side heat exchanger 52. This is a mechanism for blowing out the air that has undergone heat exchange with the refrigerant in the exchanger 52 into the space S. The user side fan 53 is, for example, a turbo fan. However, the type of the user-side fan 53 is not limited to a turbo fan and may be selected as appropriate. The user side fan 53 is driven by a fan motor 53a. The user side fan 53 is a variable air volume fan driven by a fan motor 53a whose rotation speed can be changed.

(2-1-3) Sensors The utilization unit 50 includes a liquid side temperature sensor 54, a gas side temperature sensor 55, a space temperature sensor 56, and a space humidity sensor 57 as sensors (see FIG. 2). The type of temperature sensor and humidity sensor may be selected as appropriate.

Note that the utilization unit 50 may include only some of the sensors 54 to 57. Further, the usage unit 50 may have sensors other than the sensors 54 to 57.

The liquid-side temperature sensor 54 is provided in a refrigerant pipe that connects the liquid side of the user-side heat exchanger 52 and the liquid refrigerant communication pipe 2. The liquid side temperature sensor 54 measures the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the liquid side refrigerant piping of the usage side heat exchanger 52.

The gas-side temperature sensor 55 is provided in a refrigerant pipe that connects the gas side of the usage-side heat exchanger 52 and the gas refrigerant communication pipe 4. The gas-side temperature sensor 55 measures the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the gas-side refrigerant pipe of the usage-side heat exchanger 52.

The space temperature sensor 56 is provided on the air intake side of the casing (not shown) of the usage unit 50. The space temperature sensor 56 detects the temperature of the air in the space S flowing into the casing of the usage unit 50 (space temperature Tr).

The spatial humidity sensor 57 is provided on the air intake side of the casing (not shown) of the usage unit 50. The spatial humidity sensor 57 detects the humidity of the air in the space S flowing into the casing of the usage unit 50 (spatial humidity Hr).

(2-1-4) Usage-side control unit The usage-side control unit 64 controls the operation of each part that constitutes the usage unit 50.

The user-side control unit 64 includes a microcomputer provided to control the user unit 50, a memory in which a control program executable by the microcomputer is stored, and the like. Note that the configuration of the user-side control unit 64 described here is only an example, and the functions of the user-side control unit 64 described below may be realized by software or hardware. It may also be realized in combination with clothing.

The user-side control unit 64 is electrically connected to the user-side fan 53, the liquid-side temperature sensor 54, the gas-side temperature sensor 55, the space temperature sensor 56, and the space humidity sensor 57 so as to be able to exchange control signals and information. (See Figure 2).

The user-side control unit 64 is configured to be able to receive various signals transmitted from a remote controller (not shown) for operating the user unit 50. The various signals transmitted from the remote control include signals instructing to start/stop the usage unit 50 and signals regarding various settings. Signals related to various settings include, for example, an operation mode switching signal, and a signal related to set temperature Trs and set humidity Hrs for cooling operation and heating operation.

The user side control section 64 is connected to the heat source side control section 62 of the heat source unit 20 through a transmission line 66 in a state where control signals and the like can be exchanged. Note that the user-side control unit 64 and the heat source-side control unit 62 do not need to be connected by the physical transmission line 66, and may be connected to be able to communicate wirelessly. The user side control section 64 and the heat source side control section 62 function as a control section 60A that cooperates to control the operation of the entire first air conditioner 100A. The control unit 60A will be described later.

(2-2) Heat Source Unit The heat source unit 20 is placed outside the space S. The heat source unit 20 is installed, for example, on the roof of the building where the first air conditioner 100A is installed, or adjacent to the building.

The heat source unit 20 is connected to the usage unit 50 via the liquid refrigerant communication pipe 2 and the gas refrigerant communication pipe 4. The heat source unit 20 constitutes the refrigerant circuit 10 together with the utilization unit 50 (see FIG. 2).

The heat source unit 20 has a heat source side refrigerant circuit 10b that constitutes a part of the refrigerant circuit 10 (see FIG. 2). The heat source side refrigerant circuit 10b mainly includes a compressor 21, a flow direction switching mechanism 22, a heat source side heat exchanger 23, an expansion mechanism 25, an accumulator 24, a liquid side closing valve 14, and a gas side closing valve 16. , (see Figure 2). The heat source unit 20 has a heat source side fan 28 driven by a fan motor 28a (see FIG. 2). The heat source unit 20 has various sensors. The sensor included in the heat source unit 20 will be described later. The heat source unit 20 has a heat source side control section 62 (see FIG. 2).

However, the heat source unit 20 does not necessarily need to have all of the above components, and the components of the heat source unit 20 may be selected as appropriate. For example, the heat source unit 20 does not have the expansion mechanism 25 as a configuration, and the utilization unit 50 may have a similar expansion mechanism instead of the heat source unit 20.

The heat source unit 20 also includes a suction pipe 12a, a discharge pipe 12b, a first gas refrigerant pipe 12c, a liquid refrigerant pipe 12d, and a second gas refrigerant pipe 12e (see FIG. 2).

The suction pipe 12a connects the flow direction switching mechanism 22 and the suction side of the compressor 21 (see FIG. 2). An accumulator 24 is provided in the suction pipe 12a (see FIG. 2).

The discharge pipe 12b connects the discharge side of the compressor 21 and the flow direction switching mechanism 22 (see FIG. 2).

The first gas refrigerant pipe 12c connects the flow direction switching mechanism 22 and the gas side of the heat source side heat exchanger 23 (see FIG. 2).

The liquid refrigerant pipe 12d connects the liquid side of the heat source side heat exchanger 23 and the liquid refrigerant communication pipe 2 (see FIG. 2). An expansion mechanism 25 is provided in the liquid refrigerant pipe 12d (see FIG. 2). A liquid-side closing valve 14 is provided at the connection between the liquid refrigerant pipe 12d and the liquid refrigerant communication pipe 2 (see FIG. 2).

The second gas refrigerant pipe 12e connects the flow direction switching mechanism 22 and the gas refrigerant communication pipe 4 (see FIG. 2). A gas-side closing valve 16 is provided at the connection between the second gas refrigerant pipe 12e and the gas refrigerant communication pipe 4 (see FIG. 2).

The main configuration of the heat source unit 20 will be further explained below.

(2-2-1) Compressor The compressor 21 sucks low-pressure refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle from the suction pipe 12a, compresses the refrigerant with a compression mechanism (not shown), and discharges the compressed refrigerant to the discharge pipe 12b. It is a device. In this embodiment, the heat source unit 20 has only one compressor 21, but the number of compressors 21 is not limited to one. For example, the heat source unit 20 may include a plurality of compressors 21 connected in parallel. Furthermore, when the heat source unit 20 compresses the refrigerant in multiple stages, the heat source unit 20 may include a plurality of compressors 21 connected in series.

The compressor 21 is, for example, a displacement compressor such as a rotary type or a scroll type, although the type thereof is not limited. A compression mechanism (not shown) of the compressor 21 is driven by a motor 21a (see FIG. 2). A compression mechanism (not shown) is driven by the motor 21a, so that the refrigerant is compressed by the compression mechanism. The motor 21a is a motor whose rotation speed can be controlled by an inverter. The capacity of the compressor 21 is controlled by controlling the rotational speed (operating frequency) of the motor 21a. Note that the compression mechanism of the compressor 21 may be driven by a prime mover other than the motor (for example, an internal combustion engine).

(2-2-2) Flow direction switching mechanism The flow direction switching mechanism 22 changes the state of the heat source side heat exchanger 23 between a first state functioning as a condenser and a second state functioning as an evaporator by switching the flow direction of the refrigerant. This is a mechanism for changing between states. Note that when the flow direction switching mechanism 22 sets the state of the heat source side heat exchanger 23 to the first state, the usage side heat exchanger 52 functions as an evaporator. On the other hand, when the flow direction switching mechanism 22 sets the state of the heat source side heat exchanger 23 to the second state, the usage side heat exchanger 52 functions as a condenser.

In this embodiment, the flow direction switching mechanism 22 is a four-way switching valve. However, the flow direction switching mechanism 22 is not limited to a four-way switching valve. For example, the flow direction switching mechanism 22 may be configured by combining a plurality of electromagnetic valves and refrigerant pipes so as to realize switching of the refrigerant flow direction as described below.

During cooling operation, dehumidification operation, and defrost operation, the flow direction switching mechanism 22 sets the state of the heat source side heat exchanger 23 to the first state. In other words, during cooling operation, dehumidification operation, and defrost operation, the flow direction switching mechanism 22 causes the suction pipe 12a to communicate with the second gas refrigerant pipe 12e, and communicates the discharge pipe 12b with the first gas refrigerant pipe 12c ( (See the solid line inside the flow direction switching mechanism 22 in FIG. 2). During cooling operation, dehumidification operation, and defrost operation, the refrigerant discharged by the compressor 21 flows through the refrigerant circuit 10 in the order of the heat source side heat exchanger 23, the expansion mechanism 25, and the user side heat exchanger 52, and is compressed. Return to machine 21.

During heating operation, the flow direction switching mechanism 22 sets the state of the heat source side heat exchanger 23 to the second state. In other words, during heating operation, the flow direction switching mechanism 22 communicates the suction pipe 12a with the first gas refrigerant pipe 12c, and communicates the discharge pipe 12b with the second gas refrigerant pipe 12e (inside the flow direction switching mechanism 22 in FIG. ). During heating operation, the refrigerant discharged by the compressor 21 flows through the refrigerant circuit 10 in the order of the user-side heat exchanger 52, the expansion mechanism 25, and the heat source-side heat exchanger 23, and returns to the compressor 21.

(2-2-3) Heat Source Side Heat Exchanger In the heat source side heat exchanger 23, heat exchange is performed between the refrigerant flowing therein and the air (heat source air) at the installation location of the heat source unit 20. When the heat source unit 20 is installed outdoors, in the heat source side heat exchanger 23, heat exchange is performed between the refrigerant flowing inside and the outdoor air.

The heat source side heat exchanger 23 is, for example, a fin-and-tube type heat exchanger having a plurality of heat exchanger tubes and fins (not shown), although the type thereof is not limited.

One end of the heat source side heat exchanger 23 is connected to the liquid refrigerant pipe 12d. The other end of the heat source side heat exchanger 23 is connected to the first gas refrigerant pipe 12c.

The heat source side heat exchanger 23 functions as a condenser (radiator) during cooling operation, dehumidification operation, and defrost operation, and functions as an evaporator during heating operation.

(2-2-4) Expansion mechanism The expansion mechanism 25 is arranged between the heat source side heat exchanger 23 and the usage side heat exchanger 52 in the refrigerant circuit 10 (see FIG. 2). The expansion mechanism 25 is arranged in the liquid refrigerant pipe 12d between the heat source side heat exchanger 23 and the liquid side closing valve 14 (see FIG. 2). When the utilization unit 50 has an expansion mechanism similar to the expansion mechanism 25 instead of the heat source unit 20 having the expansion mechanism 25, the expansion mechanism connects the liquid refrigerant communication pipe 2 and the utilization side heat inside the utilization unit 50. It is sufficient if it is provided in the refrigerant pipe connecting between the exchanger 52 and the refrigerant pipe.

The expansion mechanism 25 adjusts the pressure and flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through the liquid refrigerant pipe 12d. In this embodiment, the expansion mechanism 25 is an electronic expansion valve whose opening degree is variable. However, the expansion mechanism 25 is not limited to an electronic expansion valve. The expansion mechanism 25 may be a temperature-sensitive cylinder type expansion valve or a capillary tube.

(2-2-5) Accumulator The accumulator 24 has a gas-liquid separation function that separates the inflowing refrigerant into a gas refrigerant and a liquid refrigerant. Further, the accumulator 24 is a container that has a function of storing surplus refrigerant generated in response to fluctuations in the operating load of the utilization unit 50 and the like. The accumulator 24 is provided in the suction pipe 12a (see FIG. 2). The refrigerant flowing into the accumulator 24 is separated into a gas refrigerant and a liquid refrigerant, and the gas refrigerant that collects in the upper space flows out to the compressor 21 .

(2-2-6) Liquid-side closing valve and gas-side closing valve The liquid-side closing valve 14 is a valve provided at the connection between the liquid refrigerant pipe 12d and the liquid refrigerant communication pipe 2. The gas side closing valve 16 is a valve provided at the connection between the second gas refrigerant pipe 12e and the gas refrigerant communication pipe 4. The liquid side closing valve 14 and the gas side closing valve 16 are, for example, manually operated valves.

(2-2-7) Heat source side fan The heat source side fan 28 sucks heat source air outside the heat source unit 20 into the casing (not shown) of the heat source unit 20, supplies it to the heat source side heat exchanger 23, and exchanges the heat source side heat with the heat source side fan 28. This is a fan for discharging the air that has undergone heat exchange with the refrigerant in the heat source unit 23 to the outside of the casing of the heat source unit 20.

The heat source side fan 28 is, for example, a propeller fan. However, the fan type of the heat source side fan 28 is not limited to a propeller fan, and may be selected as appropriate.

The heat source side fan 28 is driven by a fan motor 28a (see FIG. 2). The heat source side fan 28 is a variable air volume fan driven by a fan motor 28a whose rotation speed is variable.

(2-2-8) Sensors The heat source unit 20 is provided with various sensors. For example, the heat source unit 20 has the following temperature sensor and pressure sensor. The type of temperature sensor and pressure sensor may be selected as appropriate.

The sensors included in the heat source unit 20 include a discharge pressure sensor 30, a suction pressure sensor 31, a suction temperature sensor 32, a discharge temperature sensor 33, a heat exchanger temperature sensor 34, a liquid side temperature sensor 35, and a heat source air temperature sensor 36 ( (see Figure 2). Note that the heat source unit 20 may include only some of the sensors 30 to 36 described above. Furthermore, the heat source unit 20 may include sensors other than the sensors 30 to 36 described above.

The discharge pressure sensor 30 is provided in the discharge pipe 12b (see FIG. 2). The discharge pressure sensor 30 is a sensor that measures the discharge pressure Pd.

The suction pressure sensor 31 is provided in the suction pipe 12a (see FIG. 2). The suction pressure sensor 31 is a sensor that measures suction pressure Ps.

The suction temperature sensor 32 is provided in the suction pipe 12a (see FIG. 2). The suction temperature sensor 32 is a sensor that measures the suction temperature Ts.

The discharge temperature sensor 33 is provided in the discharge pipe 12b (see FIG. 2). The discharge temperature sensor 33 is a sensor that measures the discharge temperature Td.

The heat exchanger temperature sensor 34 is provided in the heat source side heat exchanger 23 (see FIG. 2). The heat exchanger temperature sensor 34 measures the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the heat source side heat exchanger 23. The heat exchanger temperature sensor 34 measures the refrigerant temperature corresponding to the condensation temperature Tc during cooling operation, and measures the refrigerant temperature corresponding to evaporation temperature Te during heating operation.

The liquid side temperature sensor 35 is provided on the liquid refrigerant pipe 12d (liquid side of the heat source side heat exchanger 23), and measures the temperature Tb of the refrigerant flowing through the liquid refrigerant pipe 12d. When the state of the heat source side heat exchanger 23 is switched to the first state, the refrigerant temperature Tb measured by the liquid side temperature sensor 35 is subtracted from the condensation temperature Tc measured by the heat exchanger temperature sensor 34. The degree of supercooling SCr of the cycle is calculated.

The heat source air temperature sensor 36 measures the temperature of the heat source air.

(2-2-9) Heat Source Side Control Unit The heat source side control unit 62 controls the operation of each part constituting the heat source unit 20.

The heat source side control unit 62 includes a microcomputer provided for controlling the heat source unit 20 and a memory in which a control program executable by the microcomputer is stored. Note that the configuration of the heat source side control unit 62 described here is only an example, and the functions of the heat source side control unit 62 described below may be realized by software or hardware. It may also be realized in combination with clothing.

The heat source side control unit 62 includes a compressor 21 , a flow direction switching mechanism 22 , an expansion mechanism 25 , a heat source side fan 28 , a discharge pressure sensor 30 , a suction pressure sensor 31 , a suction temperature sensor 32 , a discharge temperature sensor 33 , and a heat exchange temperature sensor 34 , the liquid side temperature sensor 35, and the heat source air temperature sensor 36, so that control signals and information can be exchanged (see FIG. 2).

The heat source side control section 62 is connected to the utilization side control section 64 of the utilization unit 50 through a transmission line 66 in a state where control signals and the like can be exchanged. The heat source side control unit 62 and the usage side control unit 64 function as a control unit 60A that cooperates to control the operation of the entire first air conditioner 100A. The control unit 60A will be described later.

(2-3) Refrigerant Communication Piping The first air conditioner 100A includes a liquid refrigerant communication pipe 2 and a gas refrigerant communication pipe 4 as refrigerant communication pipes. The liquid refrigerant communication pipe 2 and the gas refrigerant communication pipe 4 are pipes that are constructed at the installation site of the first air conditioner 100A when the first air conditioner 100A is installed. For the liquid refrigerant communication pipe 2 and the gas refrigerant communication pipe 4, pipes of various lengths and diameters are used depending on installation conditions such as the installation location and the combination of the heat source unit 20 and the utilization unit 50.

The user side refrigerant circuit 10a of the user unit 50 and the heat source side refrigerant circuit 10b of the heat source unit 20 are connected by the liquid refrigerant communication pipe 2 and the gas refrigerant communication pipe 4, thereby forming a refrigerant circuit of the first air conditioner 100A. 10 are configured.

(2-4) Control unit The control unit 60A is configured by the heat source side control unit 62 of the heat source unit 20 and the usage side control unit 64 of the usage unit 50 being communicably connected via a transmission line 66. There is. The control unit 60A controls the entire operation of the first air conditioner 100A by causing the microcomputers of the heat source side control unit 62 and the user side control unit 64 to execute programs stored in memory.

In addition, in this embodiment, although the heat source side control part 62 and the utilization side control part 64 constitute 60 A of control parts, the structure of 60 A of control parts is not limited to such a form.

For example, the first air conditioner 100A may perform functions of the control section 60A described below in addition to or instead of the heat source side control section 62 and the use side control section 64. It may have a control device that realizes part or all of it. This control device may be a device dedicated to controlling the first air conditioner 100A, or may be a device that controls a plurality of air conditioners including the first air conditioner 100A. The control device may be a server installed at a location different from where the air conditioning system 100 is installed.

As shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 60A is electrically connected to various devices of the heat source unit 20 and the utilization unit 50, including the compressor 21, flow direction switching mechanism 22, expansion mechanism 25, heat source side fan 28, and utilization side fan 53. It is connected to the. Further, the control section 60A is electrically connected to various sensors 30 to 36 provided in the heat source unit 20 and various sensors 54 to 57 provided in the utilization unit 50, as shown in FIG.

The control unit 60A operates and stops the first air conditioner 100A, and controls the first air conditioner 100A based on measurement signals from various sensors 30 to 36, 54 to 57, commands received by the user side control unit 64 from a remote control (not shown), etc. The operation of various devices 21, 22, 25, 28, 53, etc. of the air conditioner 100A is controlled. Further, the control unit 60A controls the operation and stopping of the first air conditioner 100A and the operations of various devices 21, 22, 25, 28, 53, etc. of the first air conditioner 100A based on instructions from the device evaluation system 200. do. Control of the operation of the first air conditioner 100A during cooling operation, heating operation, and defrosting operation will be described later. Further, control of the operation of the first air conditioner 100A by the control unit 60A based on instructions from the device evaluation system 200 will be described later together with a description of the device evaluation system 200.

(2-5) Operation of the first air conditioner The control of the operation of the first air conditioner 100A during cooling operation, heating operation, and defrosting operation will be explained. Although the dehumidifying operation is different from the cooling operation in that the main purpose is dehumidifying the space S and the controlled object is the humidity of the space S, the operation of the first air conditioner 100A during the dehumidifying operation is similar to the cooling operation. Since the operation is the same as that of the first air conditioner 100A at the time, the explanation will be omitted.

(2-5-1) Operation during cooling operation When the first air conditioner 100A is instructed to perform a cooling operation, the control unit 60A sets the operation mode of the first air conditioner 100A to the cooling operation mode. . The control unit 60A controls the flow direction switching mechanism 22 to the state shown by the solid line in FIG. 2 so that the state of the heat source side heat exchanger 23 becomes the first state in which it functions as a condenser, and the compressor 21 and the heat source side fan 28 , and the user side fan 53 are operated.

The control unit 60A controls the equipment of the first air conditioner 100A during cooling operation, for example, as follows. Note that the control of the operation of the first air conditioner 100A during the cooling operation described here is an example, and does not limit the method of controlling the first air conditioner 100A during the cooling operation by the control unit 60A. For example, the control unit 60A may control the operations of various devices based on parameters other than those described here.

The control unit 60A controls the rotation speed of the fan motor 28a that drives the heat source side fan 28 and the rotation speed of the fan motor 53a that drives the usage side fan 53 to a predetermined rotation speed. For example, the control unit 60A controls the rotation speed of the fan motor 28a to the maximum rotation speed. The control unit 60A appropriately controls the rotation speed of the fan motor 53a based on an air volume instruction inputted to the remote controller.

The control unit 60A adjusts the opening of the electronic expansion valve, which is an example of the expansion mechanism 25, so that the degree of subcooling SCr of the refrigerant at the liquid side outlet of the heat source side heat exchanger 23 becomes a predetermined target degree of subcooling SCrs. . The degree of subcooling SCr of the refrigerant at the liquid side outlet of the heat source side heat exchanger 23 can be determined, for example, by subtracting the measured value (temperature Tb) of the liquid side temperature sensor 35 from the condensation temperature Tc measured by the heat exchanger temperature sensor 34. Calculated. The degree of supercooling SCr may be calculated based on the measured values of other sensors.

The control unit 60A sets the evaporation temperature Te corresponding to the measured value (suction pressure Ps) of the suction pressure sensor 31 to a target evaporation temperature Tes determined by the temperature difference between the space temperature Tr measured by the space temperature sensor 56 and the set temperature Trs. The operating capacity of the compressor 21 is controlled so that it approaches . The operating capacity of the compressor 21 is controlled by controlling the rotation speed of the motor 21a.

During cooling operation, when the operations of the devices of the first air conditioner 100A are controlled as described above, the refrigerant flows through the refrigerant circuit 10 as follows.

When the compressor 21 is started, a low-pressure gas refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle is sucked into the compressor 21, compressed by the compressor 21, and becomes a high-pressure gas refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle. The high-pressure gas refrigerant is sent to the heat source side heat exchanger 23 via the flow direction switching mechanism 22, exchanges heat with the heat source air supplied by the heat source side fan 28, and condenses to become a high-pressure liquid refrigerant. The high-pressure liquid refrigerant flows through the liquid refrigerant pipe 12d, is depressurized in the expansion mechanism 25 to near the suction pressure of the compressor 21, becomes a gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant, and is sent to the utilization unit 50. The gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant sent to the usage unit 50 exchanges heat with the air in the space S supplied to the usage side heat exchanger 52 by the usage side fan 53 in the usage side heat exchanger 52. It evaporates and becomes a low-pressure gas refrigerant. The low-pressure gas refrigerant is sent to the heat source unit 20 via the gas refrigerant communication pipe 4, and flows into the accumulator 24 via the flow direction switching mechanism 22. The low-pressure gas refrigerant that has flowed into the accumulator 24 is sucked into the compressor 21 again. On the other hand, the temperature of the air supplied to the user-side heat exchanger 52 is lowered by exchanging heat with the refrigerant flowing through the user-side heat exchanger 52, and the air cooled by the user-side heat exchanger 52 flows into the space S. Speech out.

(2-5-2) Operation during heating operation When the first air conditioner 100A is instructed to execute the heating operation, the control unit 60A sets the operation mode of the first air conditioner 100A to the heating operation mode. . The control unit 60A controls the flow direction switching mechanism 22 to the state shown by the broken line in FIG. 2 so that the state of the heat source side heat exchanger 23 becomes the second state where it functions as an evaporator, and the compressor 21 and the heat source side fan 28 , the user side fan 53 is operated.

The control unit 60A controls the equipment of the first air conditioner 100A during heating operation, for example, as follows. Note that the control of the operation of the first air conditioner 100A during the heating operation described here is an example, and does not limit the method of controlling the first air conditioner 100A during the heating operation by the control unit 60A. For example, the control unit 60A may control the operations of various devices based on parameters other than those described here.

The control unit 60A controls the rotation speed of the fan motor 28a that drives the heat source side fan 28 and the rotation speed of the fan motor 53a that drives the usage side fan 53 to a predetermined rotation speed. For example, the control unit 60A controls the rotation speed of the fan motor 28a to the maximum rotation speed. The control unit 60A appropriately controls the rotation speed of the fan motor 53a based on an air volume instruction inputted to the remote controller.

The control unit 60A adjusts the opening of the electronic expansion valve, which is an example of the expansion mechanism 25, so that the degree of subcooling SCr of the refrigerant at the liquid side outlet of the utilization side heat exchanger 52 becomes a predetermined target degree of subcooling SCrs. . The degree of subcooling SCr of the refrigerant at the liquid side outlet of the user side heat exchanger 52 is determined by, for example, the measured value of the liquid side temperature sensor 54 from the condensation temperature Tc converted from the measured value of the discharge pressure sensor 30 (discharge pressure Pd). It is calculated by subtracting the

The control unit 60A sets the condensing temperature Tc corresponding to the measured value (discharge pressure Pd) of the discharge pressure sensor 30 to a target condensing temperature Tcs determined by the temperature difference between the space temperature Tr measured by the space temperature sensor 56 and the set temperature Trs. The operating capacity of the compressor 21 is controlled so that it approaches . The operating capacity of the compressor 21 is controlled by controlling the rotation speed of the motor 21a.

During the heating operation, when the operations of the devices of the first air conditioner 100A are controlled as described above, the refrigerant flows through the refrigerant circuit 10 as follows.

When the compressor 21 is started, a low-pressure gas refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle is sucked into the compressor 21, compressed by the compressor 21, and becomes a high-pressure gas refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle. The high-pressure gas refrigerant is sent to the user-side heat exchanger 52 via the flow direction switching mechanism 22, exchanges heat with the air in the space S supplied by the user-side fan 53, and is condensed into a high-pressure liquid refrigerant. Become. The temperature of the air supplied to the user-side heat exchanger 52 increases by exchanging heat with the refrigerant flowing through the user-side heat exchanger 52, and the air heated by the user-side heat exchanger 52 is blown out into the space S. . The high-pressure liquid refrigerant flowing out from the user-side heat exchanger 52 is sent to the heat source unit 20 via the liquid refrigerant communication pipe 2, and flows into the liquid refrigerant pipe 12d. The refrigerant flowing through the liquid refrigerant pipe 12d is depressurized to near the suction pressure of the compressor 21 when passing through the expansion mechanism 25, and flows into the heat source side heat exchanger 23 as a gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant. The low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant that has flowed into the heat source side heat exchanger 23 exchanges heat with the heat source air supplied by the heat source side fan 28 and evaporates to become a low-pressure gas refrigerant. It flows into the accumulator 24 via the air. The low-pressure gas refrigerant that has flowed into the accumulator 24 is sucked into the compressor 21 again.

(2-5-3) Operation during defrost operation When the operation mode of the first air conditioner 100A is in the heating operation mode, the control unit 60A controls the flow direction switching mechanism 22 to temporarily switch the heat source side heat exchanger 23 Defrost operation is performed by switching the state to the first state. The defrost operation is an operation for melting and removing frost attached to the heat source side heat exchanger 23.

When the control unit 60A determines that a predetermined defrost start condition is satisfied during heating operation, it controls the flow direction switching mechanism 22 to change the state of the heat source side heat exchanger 23 from the second state functioning as an evaporator to the condenser state. switch to the first state in which it functions as

Note that the defrost start condition is a condition under which it is preferable to defrost the heat source side heat exchanger 23 when the condition is satisfied. For example, the control unit 60A determines that the defrost start condition is satisfied when the temperature of the refrigerant measured by the heat exchanger temperature sensor 34 becomes equal to or lower than a predetermined temperature. The predetermined temperature used as a threshold value for determining whether the defrost start condition is satisfied is, for example, -5°C. Further, the control unit 60A may determine that the defrost start condition is satisfied when the duration of the heating operation exceeds a predetermined time.

During defrost operation, the first air conditioner 100A operates as follows, for example. Note that the operation of the first air conditioner 100A during the defrost operation described here is an example, and does not limit the operation of the first air conditioner 100A during the defrost operation.

The control unit 60A temporarily stops the compressor 21 or reduces the rotation speed of the compressor 21 before starting the defrost operation. Thereafter, the control unit 60A switches the flow direction switching mechanism 22 from the heating operation state to the cooling operation state at a predetermined timing, and operates the compressor 21 at a predetermined rotation speed (starts defrosting operation). ). The control unit 60A controls the rotation speed of the compressor 21 to be relatively high in order to melt the frost attached to the heat source side heat exchanger 23. The control unit 60A controls the heat source side fan 28 to a predetermined air volume smaller than the maximum air volume. The control unit 60A stops the user-side fan 53. Immediately after the start of the defrost operation, the control unit 60A adjusts the electronic expansion valve, which is an example of the expansion mechanism 25, to almost fully open, and then adjusts the opening degree of the electronic expansion valve as appropriate.

When the control unit 60A determines that the defrost end condition is satisfied during the defrost operation, the controller 60A ends the defrost operation and returns to the heating operation. For example, the control unit 60A determines that the defrost termination condition is satisfied when the refrigerant temperature measured by the heat exchanger temperature sensor 34 reaches or exceeds a predetermined termination determination temperature and this state continues for a predetermined time or longer. .

Note that the defrost end conditions are not limited to the above conditions. For example, the control unit 60A may determine that the defrost termination condition is met immediately when the refrigerant temperature measured by the heat exchanger temperature sensor 34 becomes equal to or higher than a predetermined termination determination temperature.

(3) Device Evaluation System Next, with reference to FIG. 3, a device evaluation system 200 that evaluates the first air conditioner 100A and the second air conditioner 100B will be described.

The device evaluation system 200 mainly includes an evaluation device 210. In this embodiment, evaluation device 210 is a computer. The evaluation device 210 may be composed of a single computer, or may be composed of a plurality of communicably connected computers. Note that the configuration of the evaluation device 210 described here is only an example, and the functions of the evaluation device 210 described below may be realized by software or hardware. It may also be realized by a combination.

The evaluation device 210 is an independent device that is placed at a site where the air conditioning system 100 is installed and is separate from the first air conditioner 100A and the second air conditioner 100B. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the evaluation device 210 may be installed in the first air conditioner 100A and/or the second air conditioner 100B.

Note that the evaluation device 210 may be installed at a location other than the site where the air conditioning system 100 is installed, and may be communicably connected to the first air conditioner 100A and the second air conditioner 100B.

The evaluation device 210 does not need to be a device that only evaluates the air conditioners installed in the space S (the first air conditioner 100A and the second air conditioner 100B). The evaluation device 210 is an air conditioner that air-conditions a space other than the space S in the building where the first air conditioner 100A and the second air conditioner 100B are installed, or a location different from the location where the air conditioning system 100 is installed. You may also evaluate the air conditioners installed in the area.

The evaluation device 210 is communicably connected to the control unit 60A of the first air conditioner 100A and the control unit 60B of the second air conditioner 100B. The evaluation device 210, the control unit 60A, and the control unit 60B may be communicably connected via a physical communication line or may be communicably connected wirelessly.

The evaluation device 210 can transmit a signal instructing the operation of the first air conditioner 100A to the control unit 60A. In other words, the evaluation device 210 can control the operation of the first air conditioner 100A. Furthermore, the evaluation device 210 can transmit a signal instructing the operation of the second air conditioner 100B to the control unit 60B. In other words, the evaluation device 210 can control the operation of the second air conditioner 100B. Furthermore, the evaluation device 210 can receive information regarding the operating state of the first air conditioner 100A and measurement data of various sensors included in the first air conditioner 100A from the control unit 60A. Furthermore, the evaluation device 210 can receive information regarding the operating state of the second air conditioner 100B and measurement data of various sensors included in the second air conditioner 100B from the control unit 60B.

The evaluation device 210 mainly functions as an evaluation section 212 and an air conditioning control section 214 when the CPU of the computer executes a program stored in a memory (see FIG. 3).

(3-1) Evaluation unit The evaluation unit 212 is an example of a first evaluation unit. The evaluation unit 212 evaluates the first air conditioner 100A based on a predetermined first evaluation index obtained during a first evaluation operation in which the first air conditioner 100A is operated in a predetermined operating state. More specifically, the evaluation unit 212 performs a first evaluation process and a second evaluation process as evaluation processes for the first air conditioner 100A. In the first evaluation process, the evaluation unit 212 evaluates the first air conditioner 100A based on the first evaluation index obtained during the first operation performed as the first evaluation operation when the first air conditioner 100A is installed. In the second evaluation process, the evaluation unit 212 evaluates the first air conditioner 100A based on the first evaluation index obtained during the second operation performed as the first evaluation operation after a predetermined period has elapsed from the first evaluation process. . The first evaluation operation and the first evaluation index will be described later.

The first evaluation process is performed after the heat source unit 20 and the utilization unit 50 of the first air conditioner 100A are installed and the heat source unit 20 and the utilization unit 50 are connected by the liquid refrigerant communication pipe 2 and the gas refrigerant communication pipe 4. 1. This is performed during a trial run of the air conditioner 100A.

The second evaluation process is repeatedly performed, for example, when a first period has elapsed since the first evaluation process and when a first period has elapsed since the previous second evaluation process. Specifically, the second evaluation process is repeated, for example, when one year has passed since the first evaluation process was performed, and every time another year has passed thereafter. However, the second evaluation process does not need to be performed regularly. For example, the second evaluation process may be performed at any timing in response to a request from an input unit (not shown).

The evaluation section 212 is an example of a second evaluation section. The evaluation unit 212 evaluates the second air conditioner 100B based on a predetermined second evaluation index obtained during a second evaluation operation in which the second air conditioner 100B is operated in a predetermined operating state. More specifically, the evaluation unit 212 performs a third evaluation process and a fourth evaluation process as evaluation processes for the second air conditioner 100B. In the third evaluation process, the evaluation unit 212 evaluates the second air conditioner 100B based on the second evaluation index obtained during the third operation performed as the second evaluation operation when the second air conditioner 100B is installed. In the fourth evaluation process, the evaluation unit 212 evaluates the second air conditioner 100B based on the second evaluation index obtained during the fourth operation performed as the second evaluation operation after a predetermined period has passed since the third evaluation process. .

The third evaluation process is performed after the heat source unit 20 and the utilization unit 50 of the second air conditioner 100A are installed and the heat source unit 20 and the utilization unit 50 are connected by the liquid refrigerant communication pipe 2 and the gas refrigerant communication pipe 4. 2. This is performed during a trial run of the air conditioner 100B.

The fourth evaluation process is repeatedly performed, for example, when a second period has elapsed since the third evaluation process and when a second period has elapsed since the previous fourth evaluation process. Specifically, the fourth evaluation process is repeatedly performed, for example, when one year has passed since the third evaluation process was performed, and every time one year has passed thereafter. Note that the interval (second period) at which the fourth evaluation process is executed may not be the same as the interval (first period) at which the first evaluation process is executed. The fourth evaluation process does not need to be performed regularly. For example, the fourth evaluation process may be performed at any timing in response to a request from an input unit (not shown).

(3-2) Air Conditioning Control Unit The air conditioning control unit 214 is an example of a second air conditioning control unit that controls the first air conditioner 100A. The air conditioning control unit 214 controls the operation of the first air conditioner 100A by transmitting a signal instructing the operation of the first air conditioner 100A to the control unit 60A of the first air conditioner 100A.

The air conditioning control unit 214 is an example of a first air conditioning control unit that controls the second air conditioner 100B. The air conditioning control unit 214 controls the operation of the second air conditioner 100B by transmitting a signal instructing the operation of the second air conditioner 100B to the control unit 60B of the second air conditioner 100B.

The air conditioning control unit 214 controls the first air conditioner 100A to cause the first air conditioner 100A to perform the first operation and the second operation as the first evaluation operation.

In addition, the air conditioning control unit 214 controls the air conditioner before at least one of the first operation and the second operation is performed in the first air conditioner 100A, and/or before at least one of the first operation and the second operation in the first air conditioner 100A. During execution, the second air conditioner 100B is operated.

In other words, the air conditioning control unit 214 operates the second air conditioner 100B at at least one of the following four timings.
1) Before the first operation is performed in the first air conditioner 100A 2) Before the second operation is performed in the first air conditioner 100A 3) During the first operation in the first air conditioner 100A 4) In the first air conditioner 100A 2nd operation in progress

Preferably, the air conditioning control unit 214 performs at least one of the first operation and the second operation in the first air conditioner 100A, and/or before at least one of the first operation and the second operation in the first air conditioner 100A. During execution, the temperature of the space S is brought closer to the target temperature A by operating the second air conditioner 100B. In addition, the air conditioning control unit 214 controls the air conditioner before at least one of the first operation and the second operation is performed in the first air conditioner 100A, and/or before at least one of the first operation and the second operation in the first air conditioner 100A. During execution, by operating the second air conditioner 100B, instead of or in addition to adjusting the temperature of the space S, the humidity of the space S may be brought closer to the target humidity B. .

The air conditioning control unit 214 controls the second air conditioner 100B to cause the first air conditioner 100B to perform the third operation and the fourth operation as the second evaluation operation.

In addition, the air conditioning control unit 214 controls the air conditioner before at least one of the third operation and the fourth operation described above is performed in the second air conditioner 100B, and/or before at least one of the third operation and the fourth operation in the second air conditioner 100B. During one execution, the first air conditioner 100A is operated.

In other words, the air conditioning control unit 214 operates the first air conditioner 100A at at least one of the following four timings.
1) Before the third operation is performed in the second air conditioner 100B 2) Before the fourth operation is performed in the second air conditioner 100B 3) During the third operation in the second air conditioner 100B 4) In the second air conditioner 100B 4th operation in progress

Preferably, the air conditioning control unit 214 performs the operation before at least one of the third operation and the fourth operation is performed in the second air conditioner 100B, and/or before at least one of the third operation and the fourth operation in the second air conditioner 100B. During execution, the temperature of the space S is brought close to the target temperature A by operating the first air conditioner 100A. Furthermore, the air conditioning control unit 214 controls the air conditioner before at least one of the third operation and the fourth operation is performed in the second air conditioner 100B, and/or before at least one of the third operation and the fourth operation in the second air conditioner 100B. During execution, by operating the first air conditioner 100A, instead of or in addition to adjusting the temperature of the space S, the humidity of the space S may be brought closer to the target humidity B. .

The control of the first air conditioner 100A and the second air conditioner 100B by the air conditioning control unit 214 will be further explained later along with the explanation of the evaluation of the first air conditioner 100A and the second air conditioner 100B by the evaluation unit 212.

(4) Evaluation of air conditioners The evaluation of the air conditioners 100A and 100B by the device evaluation system 200 will be explained using the evaluation of the first air conditioner 100A by the device evaluation system 200 as an example. As a premise, when evaluating the first air conditioner 100A, it is assumed that the second air conditioner 100B is installed at the installation location in a state where the space S can be air-conditioned. Note that the evaluation of the second air conditioner 100B by the device evaluation system 200 is the same as the evaluation of the first air conditioner 100A by the device evaluation system 200, so the description will be omitted here to avoid duplication.

As described above, the evaluation of the first air conditioner 100A by the device evaluation system 200 includes evaluation of the refrigerant amount of the first air conditioner 100A, evaluation of the performance of the first air conditioner 100A, and evaluation of the failure of the first air conditioner 100A. including at least one evaluation.

(4-1) Flow of evaluation of the first air conditioner by the device evaluation system First, the flow of evaluation of the first air conditioner 100A by the device evaluation system 200 will be explained with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 4A and 4B. Here, the basic flow of evaluation of the first air conditioner 100A will be explained without limiting the evaluation contents of the device evaluation system 200. A specific example of evaluation of the first air conditioner 100A will be explained separately.

In addition, in the following description, it is assumed that the first air conditioner 100A is evaluated with respect to the same evaluation content at the time of installation of the first air conditioner 100A and after a predetermined period has passed from the first evaluation process.

<When installing the first air conditioner>
The device evaluation system 200 evaluates the first air conditioner 100A when the first air conditioner 100A is installed. This evaluation is called the first evaluation. For example, the device evaluation system 200 performs the first evaluation when the installer of the first air conditioner 100A instructs an input unit (not shown) of the evaluation device 210 to evaluate the first air conditioner 100A. However, the first evaluation does not have to be triggered by an instruction from the installer of the first air conditioner 100A. For example, the device evaluation system 200 may consider the time when the first air conditioner 100A is communicably connected to the first air conditioner 100A as the time when the first air conditioner 100A is installed, and perform the first evaluation at this time.

When the device evaluation system 200 performs the first evaluation, the air conditioning control unit 214 of the evaluation device 210 preferably performs the second air conditioner 100B before the first air conditioner 100A performs the first operation as the first evaluation operation. (see FIG. 4A, step S1). Specifically, the air conditioning control unit 214 operates the second air conditioner 100B so that the temperature of the space S becomes a predetermined target temperature A suitable for evaluating the first air conditioner 100A. Instead of or in addition to adjusting the temperature of the space S to the target temperature A by operating the second air conditioner 100B, the air conditioning control unit 214 controls the humidity of the space S to be suitable for the evaluation of the first air conditioner 100A. The humidity may be adjusted to the target humidity B.

When the second air conditioner 100B is operated in step S1, the evaluation device 210 determines whether the environment of the space S has reached the target state (step S2). In addition, here, when the environment of the space S is in the target state, when the second air conditioner 100B is operated for the purpose of adjusting the temperature of the space S, the temperature of the space S is the target temperature A or close to the target temperature A. It refers to the temperature. Furthermore, when the environment of the space S is in the target state, when the second air conditioner 100B is operated for the purpose of adjusting the humidity of the space S, for example, the humidity of the space S is the target humidity B or a humidity lower than the target humidity B. It means to become.

When the environment of the space S reaches the target state (Yes in step S2 of FIG. 4A), the device evaluation system 200 starts a first operation as a first evaluation operation of the first air conditioner 100A. Specifically, the air conditioning control unit 214 of the evaluation device 210 operates the first air conditioner 100A so that the first air conditioner 100A is in a predetermined operating state (see FIG. 4A, step S3). In addition, in the flowchart of FIG. 4A, the air conditioning control unit 214 continues to operate the second air conditioner 100B so that the environment of the space S reaches the above-mentioned target state even after the first air conditioner 100A starts the first operation. continue.

The evaluation device 210 of the device evaluation system 200 acquires a first determination index used to evaluate the first air conditioner 100A after the first air conditioner 100A enters a predetermined operating state.

The first determination index is, for example, one or more of the measured values of the various sensors 30 to 36 and 54 to 57 that the control unit 60A of the first air conditioner 100A transmits to the evaluation device 210. Further, for example, the first determination index may be a value calculated by the evaluation device 210 based on the measured values of various sensors 30 to 36 and 54 to 57 transmitted from the first air conditioner 100A. Further, the first determination index is calculated by the control unit 60A of the first air conditioner 100A based on the measured values of various sensors 30 to 36, 54 to 57 of the first air conditioner 100A, and transmitted to the evaluation device 210. It may be the value that comes with Further, the first determination index is transmitted to the evaluation device 210 and is measured by an ammeter (not shown) attached to the first air conditioner 100A. It may be a current value or the like.

Note that the device evaluation system 200 does not need to acquire the measured values of various sensors as the first determination index for the first time after the operating state of the first air conditioner 100A reaches a predetermined state. For example, the evaluation device 210 of the device evaluation system 200 may continuously acquire the measured values of various sensors from the time when the first air conditioner 100A starts operating. Then, the evaluation device 210 determines whether the operating state of the first air conditioner 100A is in a predetermined state based on the measured values of various sensors, and determines whether the operating state of the first air conditioner 100A is in a predetermined state. Measured values of various sensors obtained after it is determined that the vehicle is present may be used as the first determination index. Further, in another form, the evaluation device 210 includes measurement values of various sensors obtained after a signal indicating that the operating state of the first air conditioner 100A has reached a predetermined state is transmitted from the first air conditioner 100A. may be used as the first determination index.

When the device evaluation system 200 acquires the first determination index, the air conditioning control unit 214 of the evaluation device 210 stops the first air conditioner 100A and the second air conditioner 100B (FIG. 4A, step S5).

Note that in this embodiment, the air conditioning control unit 214 stops the second air conditioner 100B in step S5, but the timing of stopping the second air conditioner 100B is not limited to this timing. For example, when the environment of the space S reaches the target state (before it is determined Yes in step S2 and the first operation of the first air conditioner 100A is started), the air conditioning control unit 214 controls the second air conditioner 100B may be stopped.

Moreover, since it is assumed here that there is no need to operate the first air conditioner 100A and the second air conditioner 100B, the air conditioning control unit 214 stops the first air conditioner 100A and the second air conditioner 100B in step S5. I'm letting you do it. However, if it is necessary to operate the first air conditioner 100A and/or the second air conditioner 100B, the air conditioning control unit 214 does not have to stop the first air conditioner 100A and/or the second air conditioner 100B in step S5. Good too.

Next, in step S6, the evaluation unit 212 evaluates the first air conditioner 100A based on the first evaluation index obtained in step S4 (first evaluation process).

<When evaluating the first air conditioner after the first evaluation process>
The device evaluation system 200 evaluates the first air conditioner 100A after a predetermined period of time has passed since the first evaluation process. This evaluation is called the second evaluation. Note that, here, the evaluation of the first air conditioner 100A that is further performed after the second evaluation is performed after the first evaluation process is also referred to as the second evaluation.

In this embodiment, the evaluation device 210 of the device evaluation system 200 determines by itself whether or not it is the timing to perform the second evaluation (FIG. 4B, step S11), and when it is the timing to perform the second evaluation, Perform the second evaluation.

For example, specifically, the evaluation device 210 includes a timer (not shown) that measures the elapsed time since the last evaluation process (first evaluation process or second evaluation process). Then, the evaluation device 210 determines the timing at which both the first air conditioner 100A and the second air conditioner 100B are stopped when a predetermined period (for example, one year) has elapsed since the previous evaluation process. Determine when it is time to perform an evaluation.

Note that the evaluation device 210 does not need to autonomously perform the second evaluation. The evaluation device 210 performs a second evaluation when a maintenance worker or the like of the first air conditioner 100A instructs an input section (not shown) of the evaluation device 210 to perform an evaluation of the first air conditioner 100A after the first evaluation process. It's okay.

The processing in steps S12 to S17 in FIG. 4B in the second evaluation is similar to the processing in steps S1 to S6 in FIG. 4A in the first evaluation. Therefore, a description of the processing from step S12 to step S17 will be omitted here, except for matters that should be supplemented.

In step S13 of FIG. 4B, the state of the space S is controlled to the target state similarly to step S2 of FIG. 4A. The target state in step S13 is preferably the same as the target state in step S2. In other words, the first evaluation process performed when installing the first air conditioner 100A and the second evaluation process performed after a predetermined period of time from the first evaluation process are such that the temperature and/or humidity of the space S is It is preferable to carry out the test under the same conditions. As a result of the first evaluation process and the second evaluation process being performed under conditions in which the temperature and/or humidity of the space S are substantially the same, the difference in the temperature and/or humidity of the space S is given to the evaluation of the first air conditioner 100A. The impact can be suppressed.

<Modified example of the flow of evaluation processing of the first air conditioner by the equipment evaluation system>
In the flowcharts of FIGS. 4A and 4B, the air conditioning control unit 214 operates the second air conditioner 100B to bring the state of the space S to the target state, and then controls the first air conditioner 100A to The first operation and the second operation as the first evaluation operation are started. However, the order of operation of the first air conditioner 100A and the second air conditioner 100B is not limited to this order.

For example, as shown in the flowcharts in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the air conditioning control unit 214 causes the first air conditioner 100A to start the first operation or the second operation (step S21 in FIG. 5A, step S32 in FIG. 5B). , the operation of the second air conditioner 100B may be started. Then, after the environment of the space S reaches the target state and the operating state of the first air conditioner 100A reaches a predetermined state (Yes in step S23 of FIG. 5A and step S34 of FIG. 5B), the device evaluation system 200 1. A first determination index used for evaluation of the air conditioner 100A is acquired. Note that the flow of the evaluation shown in the flowcharts in FIGS. 5A and 5B is the same as that of the evaluation explained using the flowcharts in FIGS. 4A and 4B, except for the timing of starting operation of the first air conditioner 100A and the second air conditioner 100B. Since the flow is similar, detailed explanation will be omitted.

Furthermore, in other embodiments, the air conditioning control unit 214 does not need to operate the second air conditioner 100B during the first evaluation (see the flowchart in FIG. 6A). In the flowchart of FIG. 6A, during the first evaluation, the air conditioning control unit 214 starts the first operation of the first air conditioner 100A (step S41). Then, after the operating state of the first air conditioner 100A reaches a predetermined state, the device evaluation system 200 acquires a first determination index used for evaluating the first air conditioner 100A (step S42). Note that when the first evaluation is performed according to the flowchart of FIG. 6A, it is preferable that the evaluation device 210 acquires the environmental conditions of the space S from the control unit 60A of the first air conditioner 100A (see step S43). . The environmental conditions of the space S include at least one of the temperature and humidity of the space S. Step S44 and step S45 are the same as step S5 and step S6 in FIG. 4A, so their explanation will be omitted here.

When the second air conditioner 100B is not operated during the first evaluation as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 6A, the second evaluation is performed, for example, according to the flowchart of FIG. 6B.

When the device evaluation system 200 determines that it is time to perform the second evaluation (step S51), it starts the second evaluation. Specifically, the air conditioning control unit 214 of the evaluation device 210 starts operating the second air conditioner 100B (step S52). In step S52, the air conditioning control unit 214 controls the second air conditioner 100B to achieve the environmental conditions of the space S acquired in step S43 of FIG. 6A. Then, when the evaluation device 210 determines that the environmental conditions of the space S are approximately the same as the environmental conditions of the space S acquired in step S43 of FIG. 6A (step S53), the air conditioning control unit 214 The operation is started (step S54). Note that the temperature and humidity of the space S may be acquired using the space temperature sensor 56 and the space humidity sensor 57 of the first air conditioner 100A and the second air conditioner 100B. Note that the processing performed in steps S54 to S57 is the same as the processing performed in steps S14 to S17 in FIG. 4B, so the description thereof will be omitted here.

By performing the second evaluation as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 6B, the first evaluation process and the second evaluation process can be performed under conditions in which the temperature and/or humidity of the space S is substantially the same. As a result of the first evaluation process and the second evaluation process being performed under conditions in which the temperature and/or humidity of the space S are substantially the same, the difference in the temperature and/or humidity of the space S is given to the evaluation of the first air conditioner 100A. The impact can be suppressed.

(4-2) Example of evaluation of first air conditioner by device evaluation system An example of evaluation of first air conditioner 100A by device evaluation system 200 will be described below.

(4-2-1) Evaluation of refrigerant amount An example of evaluation of the refrigerant amount of the first air conditioner 100A will be explained.

First, a first evaluation operation of the first air conditioner 100A performed when evaluating the amount of refrigerant in the first air conditioner 100A will be described. Note that the first operation and the second operation as the first evaluation operation performed when evaluating the amount of refrigerant are the same operation.

In the first evaluation operation for evaluating the amount of refrigerant, the flow direction switching mechanism 22 is preferably controlled so that the state of the heat source side heat exchanger 23 is in the first state in which it functions as a condenser. In other words, the first evaluation operation for evaluating the amount of refrigerant is preferably performed with the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant circuit 10 in the same direction as during the cooling operation.

Furthermore, in the first evaluation operation for evaluating the amount of refrigerant, the first air conditioner 100A is preferably controlled as follows. In other words, it is preferable that the air conditioning control unit 214 instructs the control unit 60A of the first air conditioner 100A to be in the following state. Note that the instructions from the air conditioning control unit 214 may be those that specifically instruct the control unit 60A to operate various devices of the first air conditioner 100A, or may be instructions that the control unit 60A is instructed to perform in the first air conditioner 100A. It may also indicate the operating state.

In the first evaluation operation for evaluating the amount of refrigerant, the heat source side fan 28 operates the heat source side heat exchanger 23 so that the condensation pressure of the refrigerant in the heat source side heat exchanger 23 of the first air conditioner 100A becomes a predetermined value. The amount of air supplied to is controlled. In other words, in the first evaluation operation for evaluating the amount of refrigerant, the rotation speed of the fan motor 28a is controlled so that the condensation pressure of the refrigerant in the heat source side heat exchanger 23 becomes a predetermined value. Note that the condensation pressure of the refrigerant may be detected using the discharge pressure sensor 30 or may be calculated from the condensation temperature Tc detected by the heat exchanger temperature sensor 34.

In addition, in the first evaluation operation for evaluating the amount of refrigerant, the expansion mechanism 25 is controlled so that the degree of superheat at the outlet of the user-side heat exchanger 52 functioning as an evaporator becomes a positive value (>0). Ru. Note that the degree of superheating is calculated as, for example, the difference between the measured value of the gas side temperature sensor 55 and the measured value of the liquid side temperature sensor 54.

Furthermore, in the first evaluation operation for evaluating the amount of refrigerant, the operating capacity of the compressor 21 is controlled so that the evaporation pressure becomes a predetermined value. In other words, in the first evaluation operation for evaluating the amount of refrigerant, the rotation speed of the motor 21a is controlled so that the evaporation pressure becomes a predetermined value. Note that the evaporation pressure of the refrigerant may be detected using the suction pressure sensor 31, or may be calculated from the evaporation temperature Te detected by the liquid-side temperature sensor 54.

The evaluation device 210 determines that when the first operation or the second operation as the first evaluation operation is performed and the first air conditioner 100A is in a predetermined operating state (the condensing pressure, the degree of superheating, and the evaporation pressure are stabilized at the target values). Then), the degree of supercooling is acquired as a first evaluation index (step S4 in FIG. 4A, step S15 in FIG. 4B). For example, the evaluation device 210 acquires the condensation temperature Tc measured by the heat exchanger temperature sensor 34 and the temperature Tb measured by the liquid side temperature sensor 35 from the first air conditioner 100A. Then, the evaluation device 210 obtains the degree of supercooling SCr obtained by subtracting the temperature Tb measured by the liquid side temperature sensor 35 from the condensation temperature Tc measured by the heat exchanger temperature sensor 34 as a first evaluation index. Alternatively, the evaluation device 210 first evaluates the degree of supercooling SCr obtained by subtracting the temperature Tb measured by the liquid side temperature sensor 35 from the value obtained by converting the discharge pressure Pd measured by the discharge pressure sensor 30 into the condensing temperature Tc. It may also be obtained as an index.

Then, the evaluation unit 212 of the evaluation device 210 evaluates the amount of refrigerant in the first air conditioner 100A based on the degree of subcooling SCr as the first evaluation index acquired by the evaluation device 210 (step S6 in FIG. 4A, FIG. 4B step S17). Specifically, when the degree of subcooling SCr is smaller than the target degree of subcooling, the evaluation unit 212 evaluates that the amount of refrigerant is insufficient. For example, in the first evaluation process performed when installing the first air conditioner 100A, the evaluation unit 212 can determine whether the amount of refrigerant charged is insufficient. Furthermore, for example, in the second evaluation process that is performed after a predetermined period of time has passed since the first evaluation process, the evaluation unit 212 can determine whether there is a refrigerant leak.

When the evaluation unit 212 evaluates that the amount of refrigerant in the first air conditioner 100A is insufficient, the evaluation device 210 informs the user of the first air conditioner 100A, the installation worker of the first air conditioner 100A, or the maintenance worker of the first air conditioner 100A. It is preferable to inform the following persons. For example, it is preferable that the evaluation device 210 causes a display (not shown) to display information notifying that the amount of refrigerant is insufficient. Furthermore, the evaluation device 210 may notify a refrigerant amount shortage to a mobile terminal held by an installation worker, a maintenance worker, or the like of the first air conditioner 100A.

(4-2-2) Performance Evaluation An example of a method for evaluating the performance of the first air conditioner 100A will be described. Note that the evaluation of the performance of the first air conditioner 100A includes evaluation of clogging of the heat source side heat exchanger 23, evaluation of clogging of the air filter provided in the usage side heat exchanger 52 and/or usage unit 50, including. Clogging of the heat exchangers 23, 52 means that the air flow paths provided in the heat exchangers 23, 52 (for example, the air flow paths provided in the heat exchangers 23, 52 This means that the air supplied by the fans 28, 53 has difficulty passing through the heat exchangers 23, 52 because the gaps between the fins of the fans 28, 53 are blocked or narrowed. Furthermore, clogging of the air filter means a state in which the air supplied by the fan 53 is difficult to pass through the air filter due to the influence of dust attached to the air filter.

First, the first air conditioner 100A is evaluated for clogging of the heat source side heat exchanger 23 of the first air conditioner 100A (hereinafter referred to as heat source side clogging evaluation for simplicity of description). The first evaluation operation will be explained. Note that the first operation and the second operation as the first evaluation operation performed when evaluating clogging on the heat source side are the same operation.

In the first evaluation operation for evaluating clogging on the heat source side, it is preferable that the flow direction switching mechanism 22 is controlled so that the state of the heat source side heat exchanger 23 is in the first state in which it functions as a condenser. In other words, the first evaluation operation for evaluating clogging on the heat source side is preferably performed with the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant circuit 10 in the same direction as during the cooling operation.

In addition, in the first evaluation operation for evaluating clogging on the heat source side, the rotation speed of the motor 21a of the compressor 21, the rotation speed of the heat source side fan, and the rotation speed of the motor 21a of the compressor 21, The rotation speed of the fan motor 28a of 28 and the opening degree of the electronic expansion valve as the expansion mechanism 25 are controlled. The degree of supercooling is a value obtained by subtracting the temperature Tb of the refrigerant at the outlet of the heat source side heat exchanger 23 from the condensation temperature Tc. The degree of superheat is the value obtained by subtracting the evaporation temperature Te from the refrigerant temperature at the outlet of the utilization side heat exchanger 52. The rotational speed of the fan motor 28a of the heat source side fan 28 is preferably controlled to a predetermined value as small as possible within a range where the degree of subcooling and the degree of superheating can be positive values.

Next, a first evaluation is performed when evaluating the clogging of the air filter provided in the user-side heat exchanger 52 and/or the user unit 50 (hereinafter referred to as user-side clogging evaluation for the sake of brevity). The first evaluation operation of the air conditioner 100A will be described. Note that the first operation and the second operation as the first evaluation operation performed when evaluating clogging on the user side are the same operation.

In the first evaluation operation for evaluating clogging on the user side, it is preferable that the flow direction switching mechanism 22 is controlled so that the state of the heat source side heat exchanger 23 is in the first state in which it functions as a condenser. In other words, the first evaluation operation for evaluating clogging on the heat source side is preferably performed with the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant circuit 10 in the same direction as during the cooling operation.

In addition, in the first evaluation operation for evaluating clogging on the user side, the rotation speed of the motor 21a of the compressor 21, the rotation speed of the heat source side fan, etc. The rotation speed of the fan motor 28a of 28 and the opening degree of the electronic expansion valve as the expansion mechanism 25 are controlled. The degree of supercooling is a value obtained by subtracting the temperature Tb of the refrigerant at the outlet of the heat source side heat exchanger 23 from the condensation temperature Tc. The degree of superheat is the value obtained by subtracting the evaporation temperature Te from the refrigerant temperature at the outlet of the utilization side heat exchanger 52. It is preferable that the rotation speed of the fan motor 53a of the user-side fan 53 is controlled to a relatively small predetermined value.

When evaluating clogging on the heat source side, the evaluation device 210 performs the first operation or the second operation as the first evaluation operation, and when the first air conditioner 100A enters a predetermined operating state (each state (when the values of the quantities become approximately constant values), the first heat exchange temperature difference and the first heat exchange amount Q1 are acquired as the first evaluation index. For example, when the first air conditioner 100A enters a predetermined operating state, the evaluation device 210 receives the measured value of the discharge pressure sensor 30 (discharge pressure Pd), the measured value of the suction pressure sensor 31 (suction pressure Ps), the measured value of the suction temperature sensor 32 (suction temperature Ts), the measured value of the discharge temperature sensor 33 (discharge temperature Td), the measured value of the heat exchanger temperature sensor 34, the measured value of the liquid side temperature sensor 35, the heat source air temperature The measured value of the sensor 36 and the rotation speed N of the motor 21a of the compressor 21 are acquired as information. Then, the evaluation device 210 uses the first heat exchange temperature difference obtained by subtracting the heat source air temperature (measured value of the heat source air temperature sensor 36) from the condensation temperature (for example, the measured value of the heat exchanger temperature sensor 34) as the first evaluation index. (Step S4 in FIG. 4A, Step S15 in FIG. 4B). Moreover, the evaluation device 210 acquires the first heat exchange amount Q1 calculated by the following formula as a first evaluation index (step S4 in FIG. 4A, step S15 in FIG. 4B).
(Formula 1)
Q1=G×Δhc=f(Pd, Ps, Ts, N)×(hcin-hcout)

In addition, here, G means the refrigerant circulation amount of the refrigerant circuit 10, and Δhc means the difference between the inlet side enthalpy hcin of the heat source side heat exchanger 23 and the outlet side enthalpy hcout of the heat source side heat exchanger 23. Note that the inlet side enthalpy hcin is calculated based on the characteristics of the refrigerant and the temperature and pressure on the inlet side of the heat source side heat exchanger 23. The outlet side enthalpy hcout is calculated based on the characteristics of the refrigerant and the temperature and pressure on the outlet side of the heat source side heat exchanger 23. The function f (Pd, Ps, Ts, N) is an equation based on the characteristics of the compressor 21, etc., and is calculated by using discharge pressure Pd, suction pressure Ps, suction temperature Ts, and rotation speed N of the motor 21a as variables. This is a formula for calculating G.

Then, the evaluation unit 212 of the evaluation device 210 determines whether the heat source side of the first air conditioner 100A is clogged based on the first heat exchange temperature difference and the first heat exchange amount Q1 as the first evaluation index acquired by the evaluation device 210. (Step S6 in FIG. 4A, Step S17 in FIG. 4B). If the first heat exchange amount Q1 is small in terms of the first heat exchange temperature difference, the evaluation unit 212 determines that clogging has occurred in the heat source side heat exchanger 23. For example, if the first heat exchange amount Q1 is smaller than the reference value determined for the value of the first heat exchange temperature difference, the evaluation unit 212 determines that clogging has occurred in the heat source side heat exchanger 23. do.

When evaluating clogging on the user side, the evaluation device 210 performs the first operation or the second operation as the first evaluation operation, and when the first air conditioner 100A reaches a predetermined operating state (each state (when the values of the quantities become approximately constant values), the second heat exchange temperature difference and the second heat exchange amount Q2 are acquired as the first evaluation index. For example, when the first air conditioner 100A enters a predetermined operating state, the evaluation device 210 receives the measured value of the discharge pressure sensor 30 (discharge pressure Pd), the measured value of the suction pressure sensor 31 (suction pressure Ps), the measured value of the suction temperature sensor 32 (suction temperature Ts), the measured value of the liquid side temperature sensor 54, the measured value of the gas side temperature sensor 55, the measured value of the spatial air temperature sensor 56, and the motor 21a of the compressor 21. The rotational speed N of is acquired as information. The evaluation device 210 then converts the second heat exchange temperature difference obtained by subtracting the evaporation temperature (for example, the evaporation temperature Te calculated from the suction pressure Ps) from the space air temperature (measured value of the space air temperature sensor 56) into the first heat exchange temperature difference. It is acquired as an evaluation index (step S4 in FIG. 4A, step S15 in FIG. 4B). Moreover, the evaluation device 210 acquires the second heat exchange amount Q2 calculated by the following formula as a first evaluation index (step S4 in FIG. 4A, step S15 in FIG. 4B).
(Formula 2)
Q2=G×Δhe=f(Pd, Ps, Ts, N)×(heout-hein)

In addition, here, G means the amount of refrigerant circulation in the refrigerant circuit 10, and Δhe means the difference between the outlet-side enthalpy heout of the user-side heat exchanger 52 and the inlet-side enthalpy hein of the user-side heat exchanger 52. Note that the outlet side enthalpy heout is calculated based on the characteristics of the refrigerant and the temperature and pressure on the outlet side of the utilization side heat exchanger 52. The inlet side enthalpy hein is calculated based on the characteristics of the refrigerant and the temperature and pressure on the inlet side of the user side heat exchanger 52. The function f (Pd, Ps, Ts, N) is an equation based on the characteristics of the compressor 21, etc., and is calculated by using discharge pressure Pd, suction pressure Ps, suction temperature Ts, and rotation speed N of the motor 21a as variables. This is a formula for calculating G.

Then, the evaluation unit 212 of the evaluation device 210 evaluates the clogging on the user side of the first air conditioner 100A based on the second heat exchange temperature difference and the second heat exchange amount Q2 as the first evaluation index acquired by the evaluation device 210. (Step S6 in FIG. 4A, Step S17 in FIG. 4B). If the second heat exchange amount Q2 is small in terms of the second heat exchange temperature difference, the evaluation unit 212 determines that clogging has occurred in the air filter provided in the usage side heat exchanger 52 and/or the usage unit 50. It is determined that there is. For example, if the second heat exchange amount Q2 is smaller than the reference value determined for the value of the second heat exchange temperature difference, the evaluation unit 212 determines that the It is determined that the filter is clogged.

When the evaluation unit 212 evaluates that clogging has occurred on the heat source side or the user side, the evaluation device 210 informs the user of the first air conditioner 100A, the installation worker of the first air conditioner 100A, or the maintenance worker of the first air conditioner 100A. It is preferable to inform the following persons. For example, it is preferable that the evaluation device 210 displays information notifying the occurrence of clogging on the heat source side or the user side on a display (not shown). Furthermore, the evaluation device 210 may notify the occurrence of clogging on the heat source side or the user side to a mobile terminal held by an installation worker, a maintenance worker, or the like of the first air conditioner 100A.

(4-2-3) Evaluation of failure An example of a method for evaluating failure of the first air conditioner 100A will be explained. Note that the failure of the first air conditioner 100A here means a state in which the capacity of the first air conditioner 100A is significantly insufficient compared to the capacity that the first air conditioner 100A should exhibit.

The first evaluation operation of the first air conditioner 100A performed when evaluating a failure of the first air conditioner 100A is, for example, a normal cooling operation in which the temperature of the space S is controlled to a predetermined set temperature Trs. In the first evaluation operation performed when evaluating a failure of the first air conditioner 100A, the environmental condition of the space S is preferably adjusted to a predetermined condition (for example, a predetermined temperature Tra higher than the set temperature Trs) by the second air conditioner 100B. After that, the second air conditioner 100B is stopped.

The evaluation device 210 calculates the space temperature Tr measured by the space temperature sensor 56 of the first air conditioner 100A after a reference time t1 has elapsed from the first operation or the second operation as the first evaluation operation of the first air conditioner 100A. is obtained as the first evaluation index.

Then, the evaluation unit 212 of the evaluation device 210 evaluates the failure of the first air conditioner 100A based on the space temperature Tr as the first evaluation index. For example, if the space temperature Tr has not reached a predetermined first reference temperature X1 (set temperature Trs<first reference temperature X1<predetermined temperature Tra at the start of first evaluation operation), the evaluation unit 212 It is determined that the device 100A is out of order. Note that the evaluation unit 212 may use a different first reference temperature X1 or a different reference time t1 depending on the measurement value of the heat source air temperature sensor 36 acquired by the evaluation device 210. Furthermore, when the evaluation unit 212 determines that the first air conditioner 100A is out of order, the evaluation unit 212 may further acquire various information from the first air conditioner 100A to determine the location of the failure in the first air conditioner 100A. good. In addition, the evaluation unit 212 evaluates whether the space temperature Tr has reached the first reference temperature X1 but has not reached the second reference temperature X2 (set temperature Trs<second reference temperature X2<first reference temperature X1). Although the first air conditioner 100A is not in trouble, it may be determined that the performance is degraded.

When the evaluation unit 212 evaluates that the first air conditioner 100A is out of order, the evaluation device 210 informs the user of the first air conditioner 100A, the installation worker or maintenance worker of the first air conditioner 100A, etc. It is preferable to notify the For example, it is preferable that the evaluation device 210 displays information notifying a failure on a display (not shown). Furthermore, the evaluation device 210 may notify a failure to a mobile terminal or the like held by an installation worker, a maintenance worker, or the like of the first air conditioner 100A.

(5) Features (5-1)
The device evaluation system 200 of this embodiment evaluates at least the first air conditioner 100A among the first air conditioner 100A and the second air conditioner 100B that perform air conditioning of the space S as an example of the first space. The device evaluation system 200 includes an evaluation section 212 as an example of a first evaluation section, and an air conditioning control section 214 as an example of a first air conditioning control section. The evaluation unit 212 evaluates the first air conditioner 100A based on a predetermined first evaluation index obtained during a first evaluation operation in which the first air conditioner 100A is operated in a predetermined operating state. The air conditioning control unit 214 controls the second air conditioner 100B. The evaluation unit 212 performs a first evaluation process and a second evaluation process. In the first evaluation process, the evaluation unit 212 evaluates the first air conditioner 100A based on the first evaluation index obtained during the first operation performed as the first evaluation operation when the first air conditioner 100A is installed. In the second evaluation process, the evaluation unit 212 evaluates the first air conditioner 100A based on the first evaluation index obtained during the second operation performed as the first evaluation operation after the first evaluation process. The air conditioning control unit 214 operates before at least one of the first operation and the second operation of the first air conditioner 100A is performed, and/or during execution of at least one of the first operation and the second operation of the first air conditioner 100A. Then, the second air conditioner 100B is operated.

In the device evaluation system 200 of the present embodiment, it is possible to bring the heat load conditions closer to each other at the time of evaluation at the initial stage of installation of the first air conditioner 100A and at the time of evaluation after time has elapsed since the installation of the first air conditioner 100A. It is possible to evaluate the first air conditioner 100A with high accuracy.

(5-2)
In the device evaluation system 200 of the present embodiment, the evaluation of the first air conditioner 100A includes at least one of the refrigerant amount evaluation, the performance evaluation, and the failure evaluation of the first air conditioner 100A.

The device evaluation system 200 of this embodiment can accurately evaluate various evaluation contents.

(5-3)
In the device evaluation system 200 of this embodiment, the air conditioning control unit 214 performs the operation before at least one of the first operation and the second operation of the first air conditioner 100A is performed, and/or the first operation of the first air conditioner 100A. By operating the second air conditioner 100B during at least one of the second operation and the second operation, the temperature of the space S is brought closer to the target temperature and/or the humidity of the space S is brought closer to the target humidity.

In the device evaluation system 200 of the present embodiment, the temperature and humidity of the space S are brought close to each other between the evaluation at the initial stage of installation of the first air conditioner 100A and the evaluation after time has elapsed since the installation of the first air conditioner 100A. It is possible to evaluate the first air conditioner 100A with high accuracy.

(5-4)
In the device evaluation system 200 of this embodiment, the second evaluation process is repeatedly performed when the first period has elapsed since the first evaluation process and when the first period has elapsed since the previous second evaluation process.

With this device evaluation system 200, the first air conditioner 100A can be evaluated regularly and accurately.

(5-5)
In the device evaluation system 200 of the present embodiment, the evaluation section 212 as an example of the second evaluation section uses a predetermined evaluation unit 212 that is an example of a second evaluation unit. The second air conditioner 100B is evaluated based on the second evaluation index. Note that, similarly to the evaluation of the first air conditioner 100A, the evaluation of the second air conditioner 100B preferably includes at least one of an evaluation of the amount of refrigerant, an evaluation of performance, and an evaluation of failure of the second air conditioner 100B. .

The air conditioning control unit 214, which is an example of the second air conditioning control unit, controls the first air conditioning device 100A. The evaluation unit 212 performs a third evaluation process and a fourth evaluation process. In the third evaluation process, the evaluation unit 212 evaluates the second air conditioner 100B based on the second evaluation index obtained during the third operation performed as the second evaluation operation when the second air conditioner 100B is installed. In the fourth evaluation process, the evaluation unit 212 evaluates the second air conditioner 100B based on the second evaluation index obtained during the fourth operation performed as the second evaluation operation after the third evaluation process. The air conditioning control unit 214 operates before at least one of the third operation and the fourth operation of the second air conditioner 100B is performed, and/or during execution of at least one of the third operation and the fourth operation of the second air conditioner 100B. Then, the first air conditioner 100A is operated.

In the device evaluation system 200 of the present embodiment, it is possible to bring the heat load conditions closer to each other for the second air conditioner 100B at the time of evaluation at the initial stage of installation of the device and at the time of evaluation after time has passed since installation of the device. It is possible to evaluate air conditioners with high accuracy.

In addition, in this embodiment, the evaluation part 212 functions as a 2nd evaluation part, and the air conditioning control part 214 functions as a 2nd air conditioning control part. However, it is not limited to this embodiment. The evaluation device 210 may have a second evaluation section different from the evaluation section 212, or may have a second air conditioning control section different from the air conditioning control section 214.

(5-6)
The device evaluation method of this embodiment is a device evaluation method that evaluates at least the first air conditioner 100A among the first air conditioner 100A and the second air conditioner 100B that perform air conditioning of the space S. The device evaluation method includes a first evaluation step (step S6 in FIG. 4A in the above embodiment), a second evaluation step (step S17 in FIG. 4B in the above embodiment), and an air conditioning control step (step S6 in FIG. 4A in the above embodiment). Step S1 and step S12 of FIG. 4B. In the first evaluation step, when the first air conditioner 100A is installed, the first air conditioner 100A is evaluated based on a first evaluation index obtained during a first operation in which the first air conditioner 100A is operated in a predetermined operating state. Ru. In the second evaluation step, after the first evaluation step, the first air conditioner 100A is evaluated based on the first evaluation index obtained during a second operation in which the first air conditioner 100A is operated in a predetermined operating state. In the air conditioning control step, before at least one of the first operation and the second operation of the first air conditioner 100A is performed, and/or during the execution of at least one of the first operation and the second operation of the first air conditioner 100A. , the second air conditioner 100B is operated.

In the device evaluation method of this embodiment, it is possible to make the heat load conditions similar between the evaluation at the initial stage of installation of the first air conditioner 100A and the evaluation after time has passed since the installation of the first air conditioner 100A. Thus, the first air conditioner 100A can be evaluated with high accuracy.

(6) Modification (6-1) Modification A
The device evaluation system 200 may evaluate only one of the first air conditioner 100A and the second air conditioner 100B. Note that at this time, the first air conditioner 100A or the second air conditioner 100B, which is not the subject of evaluation, may be an electric heater, a boiler, an adsorption type dehumidifier, or a humidifier that adjusts the temperature and humidity of the space S.

<Additional notes>
Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, it will be understood that various changes in form and details can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as described in the claims. .

50 Usage unit 100A First air conditioner (first air conditioner)
100B Second air conditioner (second air conditioner)
200 Device evaluation system 212 Evaluation section (first evaluation section, second evaluation section)
214 Air conditioning control unit (first air conditioning control unit, second air conditioning control unit)
S space (first space)

Patent No. 5334909 specification

Claims (4)

a first air conditioner (100A) having a first heat source unit (20) that performs air conditioning of the first space (S); A device evaluation system that evaluates at least the first air conditioner of a second air conditioner (100B) having a second heat source unit (20) independent of the air conditioner (100A),
a first evaluation unit (212) that evaluates the first air conditioner based on a predetermined first evaluation index obtained during a first evaluation operation in which the first air conditioner is operated in a predetermined operating state; ,
a first air conditioning control section (214) that controls the second air conditioning device;
Equipped with
The evaluation of the first air conditioner includes at least one of refrigerant amount evaluation, performance evaluation, and failure evaluation of the first air conditioner,
The first evaluation unit evaluates the first air conditioner based on the first evaluation index obtained during the first operation performed as the first evaluation operation when the first air conditioner is installed. and a second evaluation process for evaluating the first air conditioner based on the first evaluation index obtained during the second operation performed as the first evaluation operation after the first evaluation process. , do
The first air conditioning control unit is configured to operate the first air conditioner before the first operation and the second operation of the first air conditioner are performed, and/or before the first operation and the second operation of the first air conditioner are performed. operating the second air conditioner during execution;
Device evaluation system (200). The first air conditioner and the second air conditioner are vapor compression air conditioners in which a usage unit (50) is installed in the first space.
The device evaluation system according to claim 1 . The second evaluation process is repeatedly performed when a first period has elapsed since the first evaluation process and when the first period has elapsed since the previous second evaluation process.
The device evaluation system according to claim 1 or 2 . a first air conditioner (100A) having a first heat source unit (50) that performs air conditioning of the first space (S); An apparatus evaluation method for evaluating at least the first air conditioner of a second air conditioner (100B) having a second heat source unit (50) independent of the air conditioner (100A). The evaluation of the first air conditioner includes at least one of refrigerant amount evaluation, performance evaluation, and failure evaluation of the first air conditioner,
The device evaluation method includes:
A first evaluation of evaluating the first air conditioner based on a first evaluation index obtained during a first operation in which the first air conditioner is operated in a predetermined operating state when the first air conditioner is installed. Step (S6) and
After the first evaluation step, a second evaluation of evaluating the first air conditioner based on the first evaluation index obtained during a second operation of operating the first air conditioner in the predetermined operating state. Step (S17),
Before the first operation and the second operation of the first air conditioner are performed, and/or during the execution of the first operation and the second operation of the first air conditioner, the second operation an air conditioning control step (S1, S12) for operating the air conditioner;
An apparatus evaluation method comprising:

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