JPWO2020183540A1 - Air conditioner control device - Google Patents

Abstract

The outdoor unit is equipped with an electrolytic capacitor and has a converter circuit (21) that converts the AC current supplied from the AC power supply into a DC current, and the DC current obtained by the converter circuit (21) is converted into an AC current and converted. The inverter circuit (22) that inputs the AC current obtained by the above to the compressor motor (82) that drives the compressor, and the compressor input current that is the current value of the AC current input to the compressor motor (82). The compressor input current detector that detects the value and the electrolytic capacitor usage rate and estimated life, which are the usage rates of the electrolytic capacitor in the compressor input current value, are calculated based on the compressor input current value. It is provided with a life calculation unit (28) for calculating the remaining life of the electrolytic capacitor based on the above.

Description

The present invention relates to a control device for an air conditioner that calculates the life of an electrolytic capacitor mounted on the control device.

Generally, when diagnosing deterioration of an air conditioner in which an electrolytic capacitor is used in an inverter control device, the remaining life is calculated using the voltage of the target electrolytic capacitor, the temperature of the electrolytic capacitor, the rated life of the electrolytic capacitor, etc. Is done. Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for predicting the life of an electrolytic capacitor for an inverter device.

In the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, the life time L ₀ when the electrolytic capacitor is continuously used at the allowable maximum ambient temperature is confirmed by a preliminary test at the time of product development, and the remaining life during operation using _{L 0 is confirmed.} Is calculated.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 11-69834

However, according to the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, the life of the electrolytic capacitor is fixed at _{L 0.} Therefore, when an unexpected usage condition occurs and the life of the electrolytic capacitor becomes _{shorter than the life time L 0} , there is a problem that an accurate remaining life of the electrolytic capacitor cannot be calculated.

The present invention has been made in view of the above, and it is possible to accurately calculate the remaining life of the electrolytic capacitor mounted on the control device of the air conditioner according to the operating condition of the air conditioner. The purpose is to obtain a control device for an air conditioner.

The control device for an air conditioner according to the present invention in order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the object is a control device for an air conditioner including an indoor unit and an outdoor unit. The outdoor unit is equipped with an electrolytic capacitor and has a converter circuit that converts the AC current supplied from the AC power supply into a DC current, and the DC current obtained by the converter circuit is converted into an AC current and the AC current obtained by the conversion. The inverter circuit that inputs to the compressor motor that drives the compressor, the compressor input current detector that detects the compressor input current value that is the current value of the AC current input to the compressor motor, and the compressor input. With a life calculation unit that calculates the estimated life of the electrolytic capacitor based on the current value and calculates the remaining life of the electrolytic capacitor based on the electrolytic capacitor usage rate and the estimated life, which are the usage rates of the electrolytic capacitor in the compressor input current value. , Equipped with.

The control device of the air conditioner according to the present invention has an effect that the remaining life of the electrolytic capacitor mounted on the control device of the air conditioner can be accurately calculated according to the operating condition of the air conditioner. Play.

The figure which shows the structure of the air conditioner which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. The figure which shows the structure of the inverter control device of the air conditioner shown in FIG. The figure which shows the main configuration related to the life calculation process of the smoothing electrolytic capacitor mounted on the inverter control device shown in FIG. A flowchart illustrating a life calculation process of a smoothing electrolytic capacitor mounted on the inverter control device shown in FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of correspondence information showing the correspondence between the compressor input current value, the internal temperature of the smoothing electrolytic capacitor, and the ambient temperature of the smoothing electrolytic capacitor in the inverter control device shown in FIG. The figure for demonstrating the change of the acceleration coefficient used for the calculation of the estimated life of the electrolytic capacitor for smoothing mounted on the inverter control device shown in FIG. The figure which shows the processor when at least a part of the functions of the inverter circuit drive control part and the inverter drive circuit of the inverter control device of the outdoor control device of the air conditioner shown in FIG. 1 is realized by the processor. The figure which shows the processing circuit when at least a part of the functions of the inverter circuit drive control part and the inverter drive circuit which the inverter control device of the outdoor control device of the air conditioner shown in FIG. 1 have are realized by the processing circuit.

Hereinafter, the control device of the air conditioner according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The present invention is not limited to this embodiment.

Embodiment 1.
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an air conditioner 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration of an inverter control device 20 of the air conditioner 1 shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a main configuration related to the life calculation process of the smoothing electrolytic capacitor 21b mounted on the inverter control device 20 shown in FIG. 2.

The air conditioner 1 according to the first embodiment includes an indoor unit 2 and an outdoor unit 3. The air conditioner 1 is a separate type air conditioner in which the indoor unit 2 and the outdoor unit 3 are separated. The indoor unit 2 has an indoor fan 4 and an indoor control device 5 that controls the operation of the indoor fan 4. That is, the indoor control device 5 is a control device that controls the indoor unit 2. The outdoor unit 3 has an outdoor fan 6, a compressor 7 for compressing the refrigerant, and an outdoor control device 8 for controlling the operation of the outdoor fan 6 and the compressor 7. That is, the outdoor control device 8 is a control device that controls the outdoor unit 3. Further, a display device 9 is connected to the indoor control device 5 so that the user of the air conditioner 1 can visually check the information about the air conditioner 1.

The indoor control device 5 is connected to the outdoor control device 8 so as to be able to communicate with the outdoor control device 8. The outdoor control device 8 has a function of outputting a signal for controlling the operation of the indoor fan 4 to the indoor control device 5. The indoor control device 5 controls the operation of the indoor fan 4 based on the signal transmitted from the outdoor control device 8. By controlling the operation of the indoor fan 4 by the indoor control device 5, air conditioning in the room in which the indoor unit 2 is installed is performed.

The outdoor control device 8 has an inverter control device 20 of the air conditioner 1 for controlling the compressor 7.

The inverter control device 20 controls the compressor 7 according to the control of the indoor control device 5. The inverter control device 20 has a converter circuit 21 that converts an alternating current supplied from the alternating current power supply 81 into a direct current. The converter circuit 21 has a rectifier circuit 21a including a diode bridge, a smoothing electrolytic capacitor 21b which is an electrolytic capacitor for smoothing the DC voltage output from the rectifier circuit 21a, and a discharge resistor 21c. FIG. 2 also shows an AC power supply 81.

The inverter control device 20 further includes an inverter circuit 22 that converts the direct current obtained by the converter circuit 21 into an alternating current. The inverter circuit 22 is a circuit in which a plurality of circuits in which a transistor and a diode are connected in parallel form a three-phase bridge. The inverter circuit 22 supplies the alternating current obtained by the conversion to the compressor motor 82 that drives the compressor 7. FIG. 2 also shows the compressor motor 82. The compressor motor 82 is included in the compressor 7.

Further, the inverter control device 20 detects the compressor input current value, which is the current value of the compressor input current input to the compressor motor 82, that is, the current value of the alternating current obtained by the inverter circuit 22. It has a current detection unit 29.

The compressor input current detection unit 29 includes a transformer 23, a voltage conversion resistor 24, an operational amplifier 25, a life calculation unit 28, and an operation time storage unit 30. The life calculation unit 28 is provided in the inverter circuit drive control unit 26.

The transformer 23 is provided between the inverter circuit 22 and the compressor motor 82, and in order to measure the compressor input current, the current value of the alternating current obtained by the inverter circuit 22 is reduced by a preset rate. .. Specifically, the transformer 23 sets a preset ratio of one-phase alternating current of the alternating current obtained by the inverter circuit 22, that is, one-phase alternating current of the alternating current input to the compressor motor 82. Converts to an alternating current with a small current value reduced in.

The alternating current converted into a small current value by the transformer 23 is converted into an alternating voltage by Ohm's law in the voltage conversion resistor 24. The AC voltage converted by the voltage conversion resistor 24 is input to the non-inverting input side of the operational amplifier 25. Then, the output of the operational amplifier 25 is input to the life calculation unit 28.

The life calculation unit 28 acquires the compressor input current value, which is the value of the compressor input current input to the compressor motor 82. The life calculation unit 28 detects the current value corresponding to the output value of the output from the operational amplifier 25 as the compressor input current value which is the current value of the compressor input current input to the compressor motor 82. The life calculation unit 28 stores information on the compressor input current value corresponding to the output value of the output of the operational amplifier 25 in advance.

Further, the life calculation unit 28 determines the internal temperature of the smoothing electrolytic capacitor 21b and the ambient temperature of the smoothing electrolytic capacitor 21b based on the correspondence information measured and stored in advance and the compressor input current value. calculate. _{Further, the life calculation unit 28 calculates the estimated life L x} of the smoothing electrolytic capacitor 21b by using the estimation life calculation formula of the smoothing electrolytic capacitor 21b.

Further, the life calculation unit 28 uses the estimated life L _x at the compressor input current value and the cumulative operation time at the compressor input current value to use the smoothing electrolytic capacitor 21b at the compressor input current value. The electrolytic capacitor usage rate is calculated, and the total value of the electrolytic capacitor usage rate at each compressor input current value is calculated. That is, the life calculation unit 28 calculates the total value of the electrolytic capacitor usage rates at a plurality of different compressor input current values. Then, the life calculation unit 28 calculates the remaining life of the current smoothing electrolytic capacitor 21b based on the total value of the electrolytic capacitor usage rate, and determines whether or not the life of the smoothing electrolytic capacitor 21b is nearing the end. do. The details of the processing of the life calculation unit 28 will be described later.

The operation time storage unit 30 accumulates and stores the operation time of the air conditioner 1 at the compressor input current value at the time of calculating the _{estimated life L x, which will be described later, for each compressor input current value.} That is, the operation time storage unit 30 sets the operation time in which the calculated compressor input current value is input to the compressor motor 82, the compressor motor 82 operates, and the air conditioner 1 operates, with different compressor input currents. Accumulate and store each value. If the same compressor input current value is detected while repeating the calculation of the estimated life L _x , it is accumulated in the past operation time with the same compressor input current value.

The inverter control device 20 further includes an inverter drive circuit 27 that drives the inverter circuit 22, and an inverter circuit drive control unit 26 that controls the inverter drive circuit 27. That is, the inverter circuit drive control unit 26 is a control device that controls the inverter control device 20.

In the above, one-phase alternating current of the alternating current input to the compressor motor 82 is converted into a small alternating current, but two-phase alternating current of the alternating current input to the compressor motor 82 is converted. The current or three-phase alternating current may be converted into a small alternating current to detect the compressor input current value.

Further, the outdoor unit 3 has an ambient temperature sensor 10 that detects the ambient temperature of the outdoor unit 3, which is the ambient temperature of the air conditioner 1. The peripheral temperature sensor 10 detects the ambient temperature of the outdoor unit 3 and transmits it to the life calculation unit 28 of the inverter control device 20 of the outdoor unit 3.

In the outdoor unit 3 of the air conditioner 1 configured as described above, the outdoor fan 6 and the compressor 7 are driven by the control of the outdoor control device 8. Further, the outdoor control device 8 transmits a signal for controlling the operation of the indoor fan 4 to the indoor control device 5 of the indoor unit 2. In the indoor unit 2, the indoor control device 5 receives a signal transmitted from the outdoor control device 8 and drives the indoor fan 4 based on the received signal to perform indoor air conditioning.

Next, the life calculation operation of the electrolytic capacitor, which is an example of the operation of the inverter control device 20 of the air conditioner 1, will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a life calculation process of the smoothing electrolytic capacitor 21b mounted on the inverter control device 20 shown in FIG.

First, in step S10, the power of the air conditioner 1 is turned on, and the operation of the air conditioner 1 is started. Next, in step S20, the compressor input current value is detected by the compressor input current detection unit 29.

Next, in step S30, the life calculation unit 28 sets the operation start time when the operation of the compressor 7 is started by the compressor input current value detected in step S20, that is, the compressor input current value detected in step S20. The operation start time when the operation of the air conditioner 1 is started is stored in. That is, the life calculation unit 28 acquires the time when the output from the operational amplifier 25 is input to the life calculation unit 28 by the clock function of the life calculation unit 28, and the acquired time is the compressor input current detected in step S20. The operation time storage unit 30 stores the value as the operation start time at which the operation of the compressor 7 is started.

FIG. 5 shows correspondence information showing the correspondence between the compressor input current value in the inverter control device 20 shown in FIG. 2, the internal temperature of the smoothing electrolytic capacitor 21b, and the ambient temperature of the smoothing electrolytic capacitor 21b. It is a figure which shows an example. The life calculation unit 28 stores in advance correspondence information indicating the correspondence between the compressor input current value, the internal temperature of the smoothing electrolytic capacitor 21b, and the ambient temperature of the smoothing electrolytic capacitor 21b. Correspondence-related information includes the internal temperature of the smoothing electrolytic capacitor 21b corresponding to the compressor input current value and the ambient temperature of the smoothing electrolytic capacitor 21b corresponding to the compressor input current value by operating the air conditioner 1 in advance. , Can be obtained by measuring.

In step S40, the life calculation unit 28 calculates the internal temperature of the smoothing electrolytic capacitor 21b and the ambient temperature of the smoothing electrolytic capacitor 21b from the detected compressor input current value using the correspondence information. In the operating state of the air conditioner 1, the ambient temperature of the air conditioner 1 is different from the ambient temperature of the air conditioner 1 when the ambient temperature of the air conditioner 1 is measured in advance. Therefore, in the operating state of the air conditioner 1, the ambient temperature of the smoothing electrolytic capacitor 21b is different from the ambient temperature of the smoothing electrolytic capacitor 21b when the ambient temperature of the smoothing electrolytic capacitor 21b is measured in advance.

Therefore, when calculating the life of the smoothing electrolytic capacitor 21b, the life calculation unit 28 determines the difference between the ambient temperature of the air conditioner 1 measured in advance and the ambient temperature of the air conditioner 1 currently in operation. The corrected ambient temperature of the smoothing electrolytic capacitor 21b is used in consideration. For example, if the ambient temperature of the air conditioner 1 measured in advance is 25 ° C. and the ambient temperature of the air conditioner 1 currently in operation is 30 ° C., smoothing obtained from the compressor input current value. The ambient temperature of the electrolytic capacitor 21b is raised by 5 ° C. Therefore, the corrected ambient temperature of the smoothing electrolytic capacitor 21b is 30 ° C. + 5 ° C. = 35 ° C.

Further, if the ambient temperature of the air conditioner 1 measured in advance is 25 ° C. and the ambient temperature of the air conditioner 1 currently in operation is 20 ° C., smoothing obtained from the compressor input current value. The ambient temperature of the electrolytic capacitor 21b is lowered by 5 ° C. Therefore, the corrected ambient temperature of the smoothing electrolytic capacitor 21b is 30 ° C.-5 ° C. = 25 ° C.

That is, the life calculation unit 28 obtains the internal temperature of the smoothing electrolytic capacitor 21b and the ambient temperature of the smoothing electrolytic capacitor 21b from the detected compressor input current value using the correspondence information. Next, the life calculation unit 28 acquires the current ambient temperature of the air conditioner 1, which is the current detection value, from the ambient temperature sensor 10 that detects the ambient temperature of the air conditioner 1. Further, the life calculation unit 28 determines the temperature difference, which is the difference between the ambient temperature of the smoothing electrolytic capacitor 21b obtained by using the correspondence information and the ambient temperature of the current air conditioner 1 acquired from the ambient temperature sensor 10. calculate. Then, the life calculation unit 28 corrects the ambient temperature of the smoothing electrolytic capacitor 21b obtained by using the correspondence information by the temperature difference, and calculates the corrected ambient temperature of the smoothing electrolytic capacitor 21b.

Next, in step S50, the estimated life L _x of the smoothing electrolytic capacitor 21b is obtained by using the estimated life calculation formula shown in the following (Equation 1). Here, T ₀ is the upper limit temperature of the smoothing electrolytic capacitor 21b. T _x is the ambient temperature of the smoothing electrolytic capacitor 21b obtained from the compressor input current value, and is the ambient temperature of the air conditioner 1 measured in advance as described above and the surroundings of the air conditioner 1 currently in operation. This is the corrected ambient temperature of the smoothing electrolytic capacitor 21b in consideration of the difference between the temperature and the temperature. ΔT is the heat generation temperature inside the electrolytic capacitor, and is the internal temperature of the smoothing electrolytic capacitor 21b obtained from the compressor input current value. K is an acceleration coefficient, and as shown in FIG. 6, the value changes according to the ambient temperature of the smoothing electrolytic capacitor 21b. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a change in the acceleration coefficient K used for calculating the estimated life of the smoothing electrolytic capacitor 21b mounted on the inverter control device 20 shown in FIG. 2.

Next, in step S60, the life calculation unit 28 accumulates the operation time of the air conditioner 1 at the compressor input current value at the time of calculating the _{estimated life L x for each compressor input current value, and the operation time storage unit 30.} To memorize. From time and at the time of calculation of the operation start time stored estimated lifetime L _x in step S30, it calculates the operating time of the air conditioner 1 in the current compressor input current value. The operating time of the air conditioner 1 is accumulated for each compressor input current value and stored in the operating time storage unit 30. The operation time storage unit 30 stores each compressor input current value corresponding to the operation status of the air conditioner 1 and the operation time of the air conditioner 1 after the air conditioner 1 is installed and starts operation. In addition, it is said to be a non-volatile storage unit. As a result, the life calculation unit 28 can perform the processing described later based on each compressor input current value after the air conditioner 1 is installed and the operation is started and the operation time of the air conditioner 1. ..

Next, in step S70, the life calculation unit 28 calculates the total value of the electrolytic capacitor usage rate, which is the usage rate of the smoothing electrolytic capacitor 21b in the plurality of compressor input current values detected during the operation of the air conditioner 1. do. The electrolytic capacitor usage rate can be calculated by dividing the _{added operating time by the estimated life L x} of the smoothing electrolytic capacitor 21b corresponding to the compressor input current value.

Next, in step S80, the life calculation unit 28 totals all the electrolytic capacitor usage rates for each of the plurality of compressor input current values detected during the operation of the air conditioner 1. For example, the first usage rate, which is the electrolytic capacitor usage rate at the first compressor input current value, and the second usage rate, which is the electrolytic capacitor usage rate at the second compressor input current value, are the operating times. When stored in the storage unit 30, the total of the first usage rate and the second usage rate is calculated. Further, at present, the first usage rate, which is the electrolytic capacitor usage rate at the first compressor input current value, and the second usage rate, which is the electrolytic capacitor usage rate at the second compressor input current value, are The third usage rate, which is the electrolytic capacitor usage rate at the third compressor input current value, and the fourth usage rate, which is the electrolytic capacitor usage rate at the fourth compressor input current value, are the operating time storage units. When stored in 30, the sum of the first usage rate, the second usage rate, the third usage rate, and the fourth usage rate is calculated.

Here, the time when the total value of the electrolytic capacitor usage rates for each of the plurality of compressor input current values becomes 1.0 is the life of the smoothing electrolytic capacitor 21b. Therefore, the closer the total value of the electrolytic capacitor usage rates for each of the plurality of compressor input current values is to 1.0, the shorter the remaining life, which is the remaining time of the life of the smoothing electrolytic capacitor 21b. ..

Next, in step S90, the life calculation unit 28 determines whether or not the life of the smoothing electrolytic capacitor 21b is nearing the end, and the total value of the electrolytic capacitor usage rates for each of the plurality of compressor input current values is 0. .. Judge whether it is 9 or less. 0.9 is a predetermined threshold value for determining whether or not the life calculation unit 28 transmits a notification that “the remaining life of the smoothing electrolytic capacitor 21b is low” to the display device 9 or the like. If the total value of the electrolytic capacitor usage rate is 0.9 or less, the result is Yes in step S90, and the process returns to step S20. If the total value of the electrolytic capacitor usage rate is larger than 0.9, the result is No in step S90, and the process proceeds to step S100.

In step S100, the life calculation unit 28 determines that the remaining life of the smoothing electrolytic capacitor 21b is short, and the user of the air conditioner 1 visually observes a notification that "the remaining life of the smoothing electrolytic capacitor 21b is short". Controls transmission to a display device 9 or the like that can be used.

Furthermore, the lifetime calculator 28, by multiplying the estimated lifetime L _x to a value obtained by subtracting the total value of the electrolytic capacitor usage of the 1.0, the specific remaining life of the current smoothing electrolytic capacitor 21b Can be calculated. The life calculation unit 28 may control notifying the display device 9 or the like of "the specific remaining life of the current smoothing electrolytic capacitor 21b" together with the above notification.

_{By performing the above processing, the estimated life Lx} and the remaining life of the smoothing electrolytic capacitor 21b used in the inverter control device 20 of the air conditioner 1 correspond to the actual operating conditions of the air conditioner 1. It can be accurately calculated and notified to the display device 9 and the like.

As described above, in the air conditioner 1 according to the first embodiment, the life calculation unit 28 acquires the compressor input current value which is the value of the compressor input current input to the compressor motor 82. Next, the life calculation unit 28 determines the internal temperature of the smoothing electrolytic capacitor 21b and the ambient temperature of the smoothing electrolytic capacitor 21b based on the correspondence information measured and stored in advance and the compressor input current value. Is calculated. _{Next, the life calculation unit 28 calculates the estimated life L x} of the smoothing electrolytic capacitor 21b by using the estimation life calculation formula of the smoothing electrolytic capacitor 21b. Next, the life calculation unit 28 _{uses the smoothing electrolytic capacitor 21b in the compressor input current value by using the estimated life L x} at the compressor input current value and the cumulative operation time at the compressor input current value. The electrolytic capacitor usage rate, which is the rate, is calculated, and the total value of the electrolytic capacitor usage rate at each compressor input current value is calculated. Then, the life calculation unit 28 calculates the remaining life of the current smoothing electrolytic capacitor 21b based on the total value of the electrolytic capacitor usage rate, and determines whether or not the life of the smoothing electrolytic capacitor 21b is nearing the end. do.

As described above, in the air conditioner 1 according to the first embodiment, the remaining life of the smoothing electrolytic capacitor 21b is obtained by subtracting the operating time of the smoothing electrolytic capacitor 21b from the design life of the pre-designed smoothing electrolytic capacitor 21b. Is not calculated, but the remaining life of the smoothing electrolytic capacitor 21b is calculated by using the usage rate of the smoothing electrolytic capacitor 21b for each compressor input current value. As a result, the air conditioner 1 can correctly calculate the life of the current smoothing electrolytic capacitor 21b even when the life of the current smoothing electrolytic capacitor 21b is shorter than the design life.

Further, in the air conditioner 1 according to the first embodiment, the internal temperature of the smoothing electrolytic capacitor 21b corresponding to the compressor input current value and the ambient temperature of the smoothing electrolytic capacitor 21b corresponding to the compressor input current value are set. By measuring and storing in advance, the internal temperature of the smoothing electrolytic capacitor 21b and the ambient temperature of the smoothing electrolytic capacitor 21b can be accurately calculated during the operation of the air conditioner 1. As a result, the air conditioner 1 does not include a temperature sensor for detecting the internal temperature of the smoothing electrolytic capacitor 21b and a temperature sensor for detecting the ambient temperature of the smoothing electrolytic capacitor 21b. It is possible to obtain an accurate internal temperature of the smoothing electrolytic capacitor 21b and an accurate ambient temperature of the smoothing electrolytic capacitor 21b during operation. Then, the air conditioner 1 can calculate an accurate remaining life of the smoothing electrolytic capacitor 21b based on the internal temperature of the smoothing electrolytic capacitor 21b and the ambient temperature of the smoothing electrolytic capacitor 21b.

Further, the air conditioner 1 according to the first embodiment has the compressor input current value, the internal temperature of the smoothing electrolytic capacitor 21b, and the ambient temperature of the smoothing electrolytic capacitor 21b during the operation of the air conditioner 1. The usage rate of the electrolytic capacitor is calculated using the cumulative operating time at the compressor input current value. _{As a result, the estimated life Lx} and the remaining life of the appropriate smoothing electrolytic capacitor 21b corresponding to the operating conditions of the air conditioner 1 after the air conditioner 1 is installed and started operation are set to the air conditioner 1 each time. It can be calculated during the operation of the above, and the estimated life L _x and the remaining life of the smoothing electrolytic capacitor 21b can be calculated more accurately.

Therefore, according to the air conditioner 1 according to the first embodiment described above, the life of the electrolytic capacitor mounted on the control device of the air conditioner 1 corresponds to the operating conditions of the air conditioner 1 from the past to the present. It has the effect of being able to calculate accurately.

Embodiment 2.
In the first embodiment described above, the estimated life L _x and the remaining life of the electrolytic capacitor were calculated from the compressor input current during operation. In the second embodiment, a configuration for notifying the display device 9 of _{the calculated estimated life Lx and the remaining life will be described.}

As shown in FIG. 1, the outdoor control device 8 is connected to the indoor control device 5 and is capable of communicating with the indoor control device 5. Further, the indoor control device 5 is connected to the display device 9 and is capable of communicating with the display device 9. As a result, the life calculation unit 28 provided in the inverter control device 20 of the outdoor control device 8 can communicate with the display device 9 which is an external output device via the indoor control device 5.

The display device 9 is a display device that can be easily visually recognized by the user of the air conditioner 1, and an example is a remote controller of the air conditioner 1.

In step S100 described above, the life calculation unit 28 controls to transmit a notification to the display device 9 that "the remaining life of the smoothing electrolytic capacitor 21b is low". That is, in step S90, the life calculation unit 28 causes the display device 9 to display that the remaining life is short when the remaining life exceeds a predetermined threshold value. Based on the notification from the life calculation unit 28, the display device 9 displays a message stating that "the remaining life of the smoothing electrolytic capacitor 21b is low" and informs the user of the air conditioner 1 that "the smoothing electrolytic capacitor 21b". The remaining life is short. " Further, the life calculation unit 28 may perform control to notify the display device 9 of "the specific remaining life of the current smoothing electrolytic capacitor 21b" together with the above notification and display it on the display device 9.

As described above, by notifying the user of the air conditioner 1 that the remaining life of the smoothing electrolytic capacitor 21b is short, it is possible to prevent an unexpected failure of the electric board mounted on the outdoor unit 3.

Further, immediately before the life of the smoothing electrolytic capacitor 21b, the message "the remaining life of the smoothing electrolytic capacitor 21b is short" is displayed on the display device 9, and then the user of the air conditioner 1 displays the smoothing electrolytic capacitor 21b. Alternatively, if a failure occurs without replacing the electric board on which the smoothing electrolytic capacitor 21b is mounted, it becomes easy to identify the failure location from the display history of the display device 9.

That is, by displaying the accurate remaining life of the smoothing electrolytic capacitor 21b calculated by the life calculation unit 28 on the display device 9 and notifying the user of the air conditioner 1, the replacement time of the smoothing electrolytic capacitor 21b is set to air. It is possible to notify the user of the air conditioner 1, avoiding the failure of the air conditioner 1 due to the unexpected life of the smoothing electrolytic capacitor 21b, and facilitating the identification of the failure location in the event of an unexpected failure of the air conditioner 1. Is possible.

In FIG. 7, at least a part of the functions of the inverter circuit drive control unit 26 and the inverter drive circuit 27 included in the inverter control device 20 of the outdoor control device 8 included in the air conditioner 1 shown in FIG. 1 are realized by the processor 101. It is a figure which shows the processor 101 of the case. That is, even if at least a part of the functions of the inverter circuit drive control unit 26 and the inverter drive circuit 27 of the inverter control device 20 of the outdoor control device 8 are realized by the processor 101 that executes the program stored in the memory 102. good. The processor 101 is a microcomputer, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a processing device, an arithmetic unit, a microprocessor, or a DSP (Digital Signal Processor). FIG. 7 also shows the memory 102.

When at least a part of the functions of the inverter circuit drive control unit 26 and the inverter drive circuit 27 of the inverter control device 20 of the outdoor control device 8 are realized by the processor 101, the part of the functions is realized by the processor 101 and the software. , Firmware, or in combination with software and firmware. The software or firmware is described as a program and stored in the memory 102. The processor 101 realizes at least a part of the functions of the inverter circuit drive control unit 26 and the inverter drive circuit 27 of the inverter control device 20 of the outdoor control device 8 by reading and executing the program stored in the memory 102. do.

That is, when at least a part of the functions of the inverter circuit drive control unit 26 and the inverter drive circuit 27 of the inverter control device 20 of the outdoor control device 8 are realized by the processor 101, the inverter control device 20 is the outdoor control device 8. The inverter control device 20 has a memory 102 for storing a program in which a step executed by at least a part of the inverter circuit drive control unit 26 and the inverter drive circuit 27 is to be executed as a result. The program stored in the memory 102 causes the computer to execute a procedure or method executed by at least a part of the inverter circuit drive control unit 26 and the inverter drive circuit 27 included in the inverter control device 20 of the outdoor control device 8. It can be said that.

The memory 102 is, for example, non-volatile such as RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), flash memory, EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), EEPROM (registered trademark) (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory). Alternatively, it may be a volatile semiconductor memory, a magnetic disk, a flexible disk, an optical disk, a compact disk, a mini disk, a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), or the like.

In FIG. 8, at least a part of the functions of the inverter circuit drive control unit 26 and the inverter drive circuit 27 included in the inverter control device 20 of the outdoor control device 8 of the air conditioner 1 shown in FIG. 1 are realized by the processing circuit 103. It is a figure which shows the processing circuit 103 of the case. That is, at least a part of the inverter circuit drive control unit 26 and the inverter drive circuit 27 included in the inverter control device 20 of the outdoor control device 8 may be realized by the processing circuit 103.

The processing circuit 103 is dedicated hardware. The processing circuit 103 is, for example, a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmed processor, a parallel programmed processor, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or a combination thereof. Is. A part of the control unit 26 and the drive circuit 27 may be dedicated hardware separate from the rest.

Some of the functions of the outdoor control device 8 other than the inverter control device 20 may be realized by a processor having the same functions as the processor 101. When a part of the function other than the inverter control device 20 in the outdoor control device 8 is realized by the processor, the outdoor control device 8 sets a program in which the step corresponding to the part of the function is eventually executed. It has a memory for storing. The memory is a memory having the same function as the memory 102. At least a part of the functions other than the inverter control device 20 in the outdoor control device 8 may be realized by a processing circuit having the same function as the processing circuit 103.

A part of the control function and the communication function in the indoor control device 5 may be realized by a processor having the same function as the processor 101. When a part of the control function and the communication function in the room control device 5 is realized by the processor, the room control device 5 stores a program in which the step corresponding to the part of the function is to be executed as a result. Has memory for. The memory is a memory having the same function as the memory 102. At least a part of the control function and the communication function in the indoor control device 5 may be realized by a processing circuit having the same function as the processing circuit 103.

A part of the communication function and the display function in the display device 9 may be realized by a processor having the same function as the processor 101. When a communication function and a part of the display function in the display device 9 are realized by the processor, the display device 9 is for storing a program in which the step corresponding to the part of the function is to be executed as a result. Has memory. The memory is a memory having the same function as the memory 102. At least a part of the communication function and the display function in the display device 9 may be realized by a processing circuit having the same function as the processing circuit 103.

The configuration shown in the above-described embodiment shows an example of the contents of the present invention, and the techniques of the embodiments can be combined with each other, or can be combined with another known technique. However, it is also possible to omit or change a part of the configuration without departing from the gist of the present invention.

1 Air conditioner, 2 Indoor unit, 3 Outdoor unit, 4 Indoor fan, 5 Indoor control device, 6 Outdoor fan, 7 Compressor, 8 Outdoor control device, 9 Display device, 10 Ambient temperature sensor, 20 Inverter control device, 21 Converter circuit, 21a rectifier circuit, 21b smoothing electrolytic capacitor, 21c discharge resistor, 22 inverter circuit, 23 transformer, 24 voltage conversion resistor, 25 compressor, 26 inverter circuit drive control unit, 27 inverter drive circuit, 28 life calculation unit , 29 Compressor input current detector, 81 AC power supply, 82 Compressor motor, 101 processor, 102 memory, 103 processing circuit.

Next, in step S50, the estimated life L _x of the smoothing electrolytic capacitor 21b is obtained by using the estimated life calculation formula shown in the following (Equation 1). Here, T ₀ is the upper limit temperature of the smoothing electrolytic capacitor 21b. T _x is the ambient temperature of the smoothing electrolytic capacitor 21b obtained from the compressor input current value, and is the ambient temperature of the air conditioner 1 measured in advance as described above and the surroundings of the air conditioner 1 currently in operation. This is the corrected ambient temperature of the smoothing electrolytic capacitor 21b in consideration of the difference between the temperature and the temperature. ΔT is the heat producing temperature of the internal smoothing electrolytic capacitor 21b, the internal temperature of the smoothing electrolytic capacitor 21b obtained from the compressor input current value. K is an acceleration coefficient, and as shown in FIG. 6, the value changes according to the ambient temperature of the smoothing electrolytic capacitor 21b. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a change in the acceleration coefficient K used for calculating the estimated life of the smoothing electrolytic capacitor 21b mounted on the inverter control device 20 shown in FIG. 2.

Next, the lifetime calculator 28 in step S70 calculates the electrolytic capacitor usage is usage of the smoothing electrolytic capacitor 21b in a plurality of compressors input current value detected during the operation of the air conditioner 1. The electrolytic capacitor usage rate can be calculated by dividing the _{added operating time by the estimated life L x} of the smoothing electrolytic capacitor 21b corresponding to the compressor input current value.

The processing circuit 103 is dedicated hardware. The processing circuit 103 is, for example, a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmed processor, a parallel programmed processor, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or a combination thereof. Is. A part of the inverter drive control unit 26 and the inverter drive circuit 27 may be dedicated hardware separate from the rest.

1 Air conditioner, 2 Indoor unit, 3 Outdoor unit, 4 Indoor fan, 5 Indoor control device, 6 Outdoor fan, 7 Compressor, 8 Outdoor control device, 9 Display device, 10 Ambient temperature sensor, 20 Inverter control device, 21 Converter circuit, 21a rectifier circuit, 21b smoothing electrolytic capacitor, 21c discharge resistor, 22 inverter circuit, 23 transformer, 24 voltage conversion resistor, 25 inverter, 26 inverter circuit drive control unit, 27 inverter drive circuit, 28 life calculation unit , 29 Compressor input current detector, 30 Operating time storage, 81 AC power supply, 82 Compressor motor, 101 processor, 102 memory, 103 processing circuit.

Claims (5)

A control device for an air conditioner equipped with an indoor unit and an outdoor unit.
The outdoor unit
A converter circuit equipped with an electrolytic capacitor that converts alternating current supplied from an alternating current to direct current.
An inverter circuit that converts the direct current obtained by the converter circuit into an alternating current and inputs the alternating current obtained by the conversion to the compressor motor that drives the compressor.
A compressor input current detector that detects a compressor input current value, which is a current value of the alternating current input to the compressor motor, and a compressor input current detector.
The estimated life of the electrolytic capacitor is calculated based on the compressor input current value, and the electrolytic capacitor is used based on the electrolytic capacitor usage rate, which is the usage rate of the electrolytic capacitor in the compressor input current value, and the estimated life. The life calculation unit that calculates the remaining life and the life calculation unit
The control device of the air conditioner equipped with. The life calculation unit is based on the correspondence information showing the correspondence between the compressor input current value, the internal temperature of the electrolytic capacitor, and the ambient temperature of the electrolytic capacitor, and the compressor input current value. The current internal temperature of the electrolytic capacitor and the current ambient temperature of the electrolytic capacitor are calculated, and the calculation is based on the calculated internal temperature of the electrolytic capacitor and the calculated ambient temperature of the current electrolytic capacitor. The control device for an air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the estimated life of the electrolytic capacitor is calculated. It is provided with an operation time storage unit that stores the cumulative operation time in which the compressor input current value is input to the compressor motor and the operation time of the air conditioner is accumulated for each compressor input current value.
The life calculation unit calculates the electrolytic capacitor usage rate, which is the usage rate of the electrolytic capacitor in the compressor input current value, from the calculated estimated life and the cumulative operating time, and further, a plurality of different compressor input currents. The control device for an air conditioner according to claim 2, wherein the total value of the electrolytic capacitor usage rate is calculated, and the remaining life is calculated using the total value of the electrolytic capacitor usage rate. It is equipped with an external output device that can communicate with the life calculation unit.
The life calculation unit is one of claims 1 to 3 for causing the external output device to display that the remaining life is short when the total value of the electrolytic capacitor usage rate exceeds a predetermined threshold value. The control device for the air conditioner described in. An outdoor control device that controls the outdoor unit while the life calculation unit is mounted,
An indoor control device capable of communicating with the outdoor control device and the external output device and controlling the indoor unit, and an indoor control device.
Equipped with
The life calculation unit transmits a notification indicating that the remaining life is short to the external output device via the outdoor control device and the indoor control device, and informs the external output device that the remaining life is short. The control device for an air conditioner according to claim 4.

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