JPH09229434A - Air conditioner - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To control a plurality of refrigerant pumps installed at a refrigerant transporting device in such a way that a frequency of operation of each of the pumps may become uniform, prevent a stopping in operation caused by trouble and further to prevent a continuous operation from being carried out in an air conditioner which is comprised of a plurality of indoor and outdoor devices and the refrigerant transporting device. SOLUTION: This air conditioner is provided with a control device 16 which is comprised of a current sensing means 13 for sensing an input current for refrigerant pumps 8a, 8b, 8c and an accumulating means 14 for accumulating operation times, thereby the operation times when an input current more than a predetermined value are calculated. As the time reaches a predetermined calculated time, the refrigerant pump being operated at present is stopped and the refrigerant pump being stopped is energized. An operating frequency of each of a plurality of refrigerant pumps 8a, 8b and 8c is made uniform by changing-over the refrigerant pumps, a stopped state of operation of each of the pumps caused by trouble is prevented and then a continuous operation of the pumps can be carried out without prohibiting a comfortable feeling of an indoor environment.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an air conditioner, and more particularly to a control technology for a refrigerant pump that conveys a refrigerant in an air conditioner separated into a heat source side refrigerant cycle and a use side refrigerant cycle. .

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an air conditioner separated into a heat source side refrigerant cycle and a use side refrigerant cycle is disclosed in JP-A-3-2365.
The one described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 36 is known.

Hereinafter, a conventional air conditioner will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a conventional air conditioner.

In FIG. 7, reference numeral 1 is an outdoor unit.
The compressor 2, the first four-way valve 3a, the outdoor heat exchanger 4, the outdoor expansion valve 5, and the first auxiliary heat exchanger 6a are sequentially connected annularly to form the heat source side refrigerant cycle h, while the second Auxiliary heat exchanger 6b, second four-way valve 3b, refrigerant tank 9, refrigerant pump 8
a, 8b, 8c and the indoor heat exchangers 10a, 10b are sequentially connected in an annular shape to form a utilization side refrigerant cycle k.

[0005] The operation of the air conditioner configured as described above will be described below in the case of a cooling operation.

In the refrigerant cycle indicated by the arrow in the figure, the high-temperature high-pressure gas from the compressor 2 passes through the first four-way valve 3a and radiates heat in the outdoor heat exchanger 4 to be condensed and liquefied. Then, the pressure is reduced by the outdoor expansion valve 5, evaporated in the first auxiliary heat exchanger 6a, and circulated to the compressor 2 through the first four-way valve 3a.

Here, the number of operating refrigerant pumps 8a, 8b, 8c depends on the number of operating outdoor units 1 and indoor units g, g'and the required refrigerant flow rate.

The outdoor expansion valve 5, the outdoor flow valve 7,
The opening degree of the indoor side flow valves 11a and 11b is adjusted from fully open to fully closed so that the required amount of refrigerant of each unit flows, thereby performing an optimal branch flow.

[0009]

However, in the above-mentioned structure, since the operating time is not managed in the plurality of refrigerant pumps 8a, 8b, 8c provided in the use side refrigerant cycle k, the operating frequency varies. Yes, the life of a frequently operating refrigerant pump is extremely shortened, and at worst, even if there is a normal refrigerant pump due to damage or failure, all equipment is stopped and the comfort of the user side is significantly impaired. Had a problem.

In view of the above problems, the present invention detects the input current values to a plurality of refrigerant pumps and, when the input current values exceed a predetermined value, integrates the times to determine the operating frequency of the plurality of refrigerant pumps. The operation of the refrigerant pump is controlled to be uniform. As a result, it is possible to prevent an operation stop due to a failure, and to maintain the comfort of the indoor environment.

Further, when the operating capacity ratio of the plurality of indoor units exceeds a predetermined value, the stoppage of the operation of the refrigerant pumps is controlled so that the operating frequency of the plurality of refrigerant pumps becomes uniform by integrating the time. As a result, it is possible to prevent an operation stop due to a failure, and it is possible to continue the comfort of the indoor environment at a low cost.

Further, when the number of operations of the pressure switches attached to the outlets of the plurality of refrigerant pumps exceeds a predetermined value, by removing the corresponding refrigerant pump from a certain operation cycle, it is possible to prevent an operation stop due to a failure, and It is an object of the present invention to provide an air conditioner that can maintain environmental comfort.

[0013]

In order to solve this problem, the present invention provides a compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger, an outdoor expansion valve,
An outdoor unit having a heat source side refrigerant cycle in which a first auxiliary heat exchanger is connected in an annular shape, a second auxiliary heat exchanger that is formed integrally with the first auxiliary heat exchanger to exchange heat with the refrigerant, and the second auxiliary A heat exchanger, an outdoor flow valve, a plurality of indoor heat exchangers installed in an indoor unit, a plurality of indoor flow valves, a refrigerant tank, and a plurality of refrigerant pumps, which are annularly connected to each other A cycle, a current sensor attached to a power input portion of a refrigerant pump that detects input currents of the plurality of refrigerant pumps, and a detected value of the current sensor of the operating refrigerant pump is equal to or more than a predetermined value. In addition, a current detection unit that outputs an integration start signal, an integration unit that receives an integration start signal from the current detection unit, and integrates the operating time of the refrigerant pump, and a plurality of refrigerant pumps that are calculated by the integration unit. Of the accumulated cumulative time, the operation priority is set from the shortest refrigerant pump, and the refrigerant pump is operated when the integrated value calculated by the integrating means of the refrigerant pump having the highest priority becomes a predetermined value or more. Is provided, the operation priority is set to the lowest, and the refrigerant pump having the next highest operation priority is started up.

Further, the operating capacity ratio, which is the ratio of the operating capacity of the plurality of indoor units to the total connected capacity of the plurality of indoor units, is calculated by taking in the operating signals of the plurality of indoor units, and the operating capacity ratio is predetermined. A plurality of operating capacity ratio calculating means for outputting an integrating start signal when the value is equal to or more than a value, and an integrating means for receiving an integrating start signal from the operating capacity ratio calculating means and integrating the operating time of the refrigerant pump. Of the integrated time calculated by the integrating means for the refrigerant pump, the operation priority is set from the shortest refrigerant pump, and the integrated value calculated by the integrating means of the refrigerant pump having the highest priority is a predetermined value. In the case of the above, the control device having pump control means for stopping the refrigerant pump, setting the operation priority to the lowest, and activating the refrigerant pump having the next highest operation priority. It is equipped with a.

Further, a pressure switch which is attached to the outlet pipes of a plurality of refrigerant pumps and outputs an ON signal when the pressure exceeds a predetermined pressure, and the signal of the pressure switch is taken in, and the number of ON signals exceeds a predetermined value. In the case of an abnormality, an abnormality detection unit that outputs an abnormality signal, an operation order determination unit that determines the operation order of the plurality of refrigerant pumps, and a signal from the abnormality detection unit are received, and the refrigerant pump that is in an abnormality is operated. A control device is provided that has a pump control unit that deviates from the fixed operation cycle determined by the order determination unit and preferentially operates a normal refrigerant pump.

[0016]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION The invention according to claim 1 of the present invention detects the input current values to a plurality of refrigerant pumps, and when the input current values exceed a predetermined value, the refrigerant currently operating. Stop the pump and set the operation priority to the lowest. Next, among the plurality of refrigerant pumps that are stopped, by starting the refrigerant pump that has the shortest integration time calculated by the integrating means, the operation of the refrigerant pumps is stopped so that the operation frequency of the plurality of refrigerant pumps becomes uniform. To control. As a result, it is possible to prevent an operation stop due to a failure, and to maintain the comfort of the indoor environment.

Further, the invention according to claim 2 detects the operating capacity ratio of a plurality of indoor units, and when the operating capacity ratio exceeds a predetermined value, stops the refrigerant pump currently operating,
Set the driving priority to the lowest. Next, among the plurality of refrigerant pumps that are stopped, by starting the refrigerant pump that has the shortest integration time calculated by the integrating means, the operation of the refrigerant pumps is stopped so that the operation frequency of the plurality of refrigerant pumps becomes uniform. To control. As a result, it is possible to prevent an operation stop due to a failure, and it is possible to continue the comfort of the indoor environment at a low cost.

Further, in the invention according to claim 3, when the number of operations of the pressure switches attached to the outlets of the plurality of refrigerant pumps exceeds a predetermined value, the corresponding refrigerant pumps are removed from a certain operation cycle to cause a failure. It is possible to prevent operation stop due to, and to continue the comfort of the indoor environment.

[0019]

FIG. 1 to FIG. 6 show an embodiment of the present invention.
This will be described with reference to FIG. The same components as those of the related art are designated by the same reference numerals and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

(First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the first embodiment.

In FIG. 1, reference numerals 12a, 12b and 12c denote current sensors, which are attached to the power input portions of the refrigerant pumps 8a, 8b and 8c and detect the input currents of the refrigerant pumps 8a, 8b and 8c. Reference numeral 13 is a current detecting means, which calculates a current detection value from the current sensors 12a, 12b, 12c, and outputs an integration start signal when it exceeds a predetermined value. Reference numeral 14 denotes an integrating means, which receives an integrating start signal from the current detecting means 13 and cumulatively calculates the operating time of the refrigerant pumps 8a, 8b, 8c. Reference numeral 15 denotes a pump control means, which is included in the refrigerant pump 8 during the integration time calculated by the integration means 14.
Applicable when the operation priority is set from the shortest refrigerant pump among a, 8b, and 8c, and the integrated value of the highest priority refrigerant pump among the refrigerant pumps 8a, 8b, and 8c is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. Stop the refrigerant pump having the highest priority, set the operation priority to the lowest, and activate the refrigerant pump having the next highest priority. These are configured in the control device 16.

The specific operation of the air conditioner of the first embodiment constructed as above will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

In step 1 in FIG. 2, the number of operating refrigerant pumps 8a, 8b, 8c is determined in accordance with the number of operating outdoor units 1 and indoor units g, g'and the required refrigerant flow rate, as in the conventional case. Are driving.

In step 2, the refrigerant pumps 8a, 8b,
The current sensor 12a, 12b, 12c for detecting the input current attached to the power input unit of 8c detects the input current of the refrigerant pump 8a, 8b, 8c which is in operation and has the highest operation priority among the refrigerant pumps 8a, 8b, 8c. .

Next, in step 3, the current detection means 13 calculates the current detection value from the input current sensor detected in step 2, and when the current detection value exceeds a predetermined value (here, 3 A), an integration start signal is given. Output.

Next, at step 4, the integrating means 14 receives the integration start signal from the current detecting means 13 and integrates the operating time of the refrigerant pump having the highest operation priority.

Next, in step 5, the pump control means 15
However, when the integrated value calculated by the integrating means 14 becomes equal to or larger than a predetermined value (here, 8h), the refrigerant pump having the highest operation priority is stopped and the operation priority of the corresponding refrigerant pump is set to the lowest. Is set, the priority of the refrigerant pump having the next highest operation priority is set to the highest priority and the refrigerant pump is activated, and thereafter these operations are repeated.

(Embodiment 2) Embodiment 2 will now be described with reference to the drawings. The same components as those in Embodiment 1 are designated by the same reference numerals and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 3 is a refrigeration cycle diagram in the second embodiment. In FIG. 3, reference numeral 17 denotes an operating capacity ratio calculating means, which takes in the operating signals of the plurality of indoor units g and g ′, and calculates the total connection capacity of the plurality of indoor units g and g ′ and the plurality of indoor units g and g ′. The operating capacity ratio, which is the ratio of operating capacity, is calculated, and when the operating capacity ratio exceeds a specified value,
Output the integration start signal. Reference numeral 18 denotes an integrating means, which receives an integrating start signal from the operating capacity ratio computing means 17 and cumulatively calculates the operating time of the refrigerant pumps 8a, 8b, 8c. 1
Reference numeral 9 denotes pump control means, which are refrigerant pumps 8a, 8b, 8
Of the integrated time calculated by the integrating means 18 for c,
The operation priority is set from the refrigerant pump having the shortest integration time, and the integration means 18 of the refrigerant pump having the highest operation priority is set.
When the integrated value calculated in step 3 is greater than or equal to the specified value, the refrigerant pump with the highest operation priority is stopped, the operation priority is set to the lowest, and the refrigerant pump with the next highest operation priority is started. Let These are configured in the control device 20.

Next, the operation of the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In step 1 in FIG. 4, the number of operating refrigerant pumps 8a, 8b, 8c is determined in accordance with the number of operating outdoor units 1 and indoor units g, g ′ and the required refrigerant flow rate as in the conventional case, and the operation of the entire system is performed. Is going.

In step 2, the operating capacity ratio calculating means 17
Takes in the operating signals of the plurality of indoor units g, g ', and calculates the operating capacity ratio, which is the ratio of the connected total capacity of the plurality of indoor units g, g' to the operating capacity of the plurality of indoor units g, g '. , The operating capacity ratio is more than a predetermined value (here, 25%
To 30%), an integration start signal is output.

Next, in step 3, the integrating means 18 receives the integration start signal from the operating capacity ratio calculating means 17, and integrates and calculates the operating time of the refrigerant pump having the highest operation priority.

Next, in step 4, the pump control means 19
However, when the integrated value calculated by the integrating means 18 becomes equal to or more than a predetermined value (here, 8h), the refrigerant pump having the highest operation priority is stopped and the operation priority of the refrigerant pump is set to the lowest. Then, the refrigerant pump having the next highest operation priority is set to the highest priority and activated, and thereafter these operations are repeated.

(Third Embodiment) A third embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. The same components as those in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 5 is a refrigeration cycle diagram in the third embodiment. In FIG. 5, 21a, 21b, and 21c are pressure switches, which are attached to the outlet pipes of the plurality of refrigerant pumps 8a, 8b, and 8c, and output an ON signal when the pressure exceeds a predetermined pressure. Reference numeral 22 is an abnormality detecting means which takes in signals from the pressure switches 21a, 21b and 21c and outputs an abnormality signal when the number of ON signals exceeds a predetermined value. Reference numeral 23 denotes an operation order determination means, which determines the operation order of the plurality of refrigerant pumps 8a, 8b, 8c. A pump control unit 24 receives a signal from the abnormality detection unit 22, removes the refrigerant pump corresponding to the abnormality from the constant operation cycle determined by the operation order determination unit 23, and preferentially operates the normal refrigerant pump. These are configured in the control device 25.

Next, the operation of the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In step 1 in FIG. 6, the number of operating refrigerant pumps 8a, 8b, 8c is determined in accordance with the number of operating outdoor units 1 and indoor units g, g ′ and the required refrigerant flow rate as in the conventional case, and the operation of the entire system is performed. Is going.

In step 2, the abnormality detecting means 22 is attached to the outlet pipes of a plurality of refrigerant pumps and fetches the signal of the pressure switch which outputs an ON signal when the pressure exceeds a predetermined pressure (here, 1.5 MPa). When the number of ON signals exceeds a predetermined value (here, 10 times), an abnormal signal is output.

Next, in step 3, the driving order determining means 2
3 indicates a plurality of refrigerant pumps 8 according to the number of operating outdoor units 1 and indoor units g, g ′ and the required refrigerant flow rate.
The operating numbers and operating priorities of a, 8b, and 8c are determined.

Next, in step 4, the pump control means 24
Receives a signal from the driving order determining means 23 and a signal from the abnormality detecting means 22, removes the refrigerant pump corresponding to the abnormality from the constant operation cycle determined by the operating order determining means 23, and operates the normal refrigerant pump. Give priority to driving. After that, these operations are repeated.

[0040]

As described above, according to the present invention, when the input current values to a plurality of refrigerant pumps are detected, and when the input current values exceed a predetermined value, the time is integrated so that the plurality of refrigerants are integrated. The stoppage of operation of the refrigerant pump is controlled so that the operation frequency of the pump becomes uniform. As a result, it is possible to prevent the operation from being stopped due to a failure and to maintain the comfort of the indoor environment.

Further, when the operating capacity ratio of the plurality of indoor units exceeds a predetermined value, the stoppage of the operation of the refrigerant pumps is controlled so that the operating frequency of the plurality of refrigerant pumps becomes uniform by integrating the time. As a result, it is possible to prevent the operation from being stopped due to a failure and continue the comfort of the indoor environment at low cost.

When the number of operations of the pressure switches attached to the outlets of a plurality of refrigerant pumps exceeds a predetermined value, the refrigerant pumps are removed from a certain operation cycle to prevent operation stop due to a failure, and An advantageous effect that environmental comfort can be continued is obtained.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block configuration diagram of an air conditioner according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the operation of the air conditioner.

FIG. 3 is a block configuration diagram of an air conditioner according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the air conditioner.

FIG. 5 is a block configuration diagram of an air conditioner according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the air conditioner.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a conventional air conditioner.

[Explanation of symbols]

 2 compressor 3a first four-way valve 3b second four-way valve 4 outdoor heat exchanger 5 outdoor expansion valve 6a first auxiliary heat exchanger 6b second auxiliary heat exchanger 7 outdoor flow valve 8a, 8b, 8c refrigerant pump 10a, 10b Indoor heat exchanger 12a, 12b, 12c Current sensor 13 Current detection means 14, 18 Integration means 15, 19, 24 Pump control means 16, 20, 25 Control device 17 Operating capacity ratio calculation means 21a, 21b, 21c Pressure switch 22 Abnormality detection means 23 Operation order determination means g, g'Indoor unit h Heat source side refrigerant cycle k Use side refrigerant cycle

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A heat source side refrigerant cycle in which a compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger, an outdoor expansion valve, and a first auxiliary heat exchanger are connected in an annular shape, and a refrigerant formed integrally with the first auxiliary heat exchanger An outdoor unit having a second auxiliary heat exchanger for exchanging heat, the second auxiliary heat exchanger, an outdoor flow valve, a plurality of indoor heat exchangers installed in the indoor unit, and a plurality of indoor flow rates. A valve, a refrigerant tank, a utilization-side refrigerant cycle in which a plurality of refrigerant pumps are connected in an annular shape, a current sensor attached to a power supply input portion of the refrigerant pump that detects an input current of the plurality of refrigerant pumps, and is operated. When the detected value of the current sensor of the refrigerant pump exceeds a predetermined value, a current detection unit that outputs an integration start signal and an integration start signal from the current detection unit are received, and the operation time of the refrigerant pump Totalizing Means and a plurality of refrigerant pumps, among the integration times calculated by the integrating means, the operation priority is set from the refrigerant pump having the shortest, and the integration calculated by the integrating means of the refrigerant pump having the highest priority. When the value becomes equal to or more than a predetermined value, the refrigerant pump is stopped, the operation priority is set to the lowest, and a pump control means for activating the refrigerant pump having the next highest operation priority is provided. An air conditioner characterized by that. 2. A heat source side refrigerant cycle in which a compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger, an outdoor expansion valve, and a first auxiliary heat exchanger are connected in an annular shape, and a refrigerant formed integrally with the first auxiliary heat exchanger An outdoor unit having a second auxiliary heat exchanger for exchanging heat, the second auxiliary heat exchanger, an outdoor flow valve, a plurality of indoor heat exchangers installed in the indoor unit, and a plurality of indoor flow rates. A valve, a refrigerant tank, and a usage-side refrigerant cycle in which a plurality of refrigerant pumps are connected in an annular shape, and operation signals of the plurality of indoor units are fetched, and the total connection capacity of the plurality of indoor units and the operation of the plurality of indoor units An operating capacity ratio, which is a ratio of capacity, is calculated, and when the operating capacity ratio exceeds a predetermined value, an operating capacity ratio calculating means for outputting an integration start signal, and an integrating start signal from the operating capacity ratio calculating means The operating time of the refrigerant pump Integrating means for performing integral calculation, and among the integrating times calculated by the integrating means for a plurality of refrigerant pumps, an operation priority order is set from the shortest refrigerant pump, and the integrating means of the refrigerant pump having the highest priority order is used. If the calculated integrated value exceeds a specified value,
An air conditioner comprising: a control device having pump control means for stopping the refrigerant pump, setting the operation priority to the lowest, and activating the refrigerant pump having the next highest operation priority. 3. A heat source side refrigerant cycle in which a compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger, an outdoor expansion valve, and a first auxiliary heat exchanger are connected in an annular shape, and a refrigerant formed integrally with the first auxiliary heat exchanger. An outdoor unit having a second auxiliary heat exchanger for exchanging heat, the second auxiliary heat exchanger, an outdoor flow valve, a plurality of indoor heat exchangers installed in the indoor unit, and a plurality of indoor flow rates. A valve, a refrigerant tank, a utilization side refrigerant cycle in which a plurality of refrigerant pumps are connected in an annular shape, and a pressure switch that is attached to the outlet piping of the plurality of refrigerant pumps and that outputs an ON signal when the pressure exceeds a predetermined pressure. An abnormality detection unit that takes in the signal of the pressure switch and outputs an abnormality signal when the number of ON signals exceeds a predetermined value, and an operation order determination unit that determines the operation order of the plurality of refrigerant pumps,
A pump control unit that receives a signal from the abnormality detection unit, removes the refrigerant pump corresponding to the abnormality from a constant operation cycle determined by the operation order determination unit, and preferentially operates a normal refrigerant pump. An air conditioner comprising a control device.