JPWO2021153870A5 - - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an air conditioning system and a control method thereof.

An air conditioner is a device that maintains the air in a predetermined space in the most suitable state depending on its use and purpose. Generally, the air conditioner includes a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device, and an evaporator, and drives a refrigeration cycle that compresses, condenses, expands, and evaporates a refrigerant to cool or heat the predetermined space. Can be done.

When the air conditioner performs cooling operation, an outdoor heat exchanger provided in the outdoor unit functions as a condenser, and an indoor heat exchanger provided in the indoor unit functions as an evaporator. On the other hand, when the air conditioner performs heating operation, the indoor heat exchanger functions as a condenser, and the outdoor heat exchanger functions as an evaporator.

Recently, there has been a trend to limit the types of refrigerants used in air conditioners due to environmental regulation policies and to reduce the amount of refrigerants used.

In order to reduce the amount of refrigerant used, techniques have been proposed that perform cooling or heating by exchanging heat between the refrigerant and a predetermined fluid. For example, the predetermined fluid may include water.

A prior document, US Patent US 2016-0245561 A1 (Publication date: August 25, 2016, Title of invention: Cooling cycle mechanism), discloses an air conditioner that performs cooling or heating through heat exchange between refrigerant and water. Ru.

Specifically, the air conditioner disclosed in the prior document determines the capacity of a plurality of indoor units connected to a distributor, and based on the determined capacity, the capacity of a plurality of indoor units provided in the distributor is determined. Ideas for distributing loads to pumps are disclosed.

However, in the case of the above-mentioned prior document, the load is distributed to the pump by considering only the capacity of multiple indoor units, and the installation conditions for each indoor unit that may affect the load of the pump, such as the length of indoor piping, are Also, since piping accessories and the like are not taken into account, there may be a problem that the load cannot be distributed evenly to a plurality of pumps.

The present invention was proposed in order to improve the above-mentioned problems, and is an air conditioning system that is equipped with a plurality of pumps and forces water circulation to the plurality of indoor units. The purpose of the present invention is to provide an air conditioning system that evenly distributes the load of each pump in consideration of the installation conditions of the pump, thereby ensuring the system's load capacity and reducing power consumption.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an air conditioning system that is equipped with a measuring device that measures the volume of circulating water for each indoor unit in order to evenly distribute the load on the pump, and that determines the load of the indoor unit.

As another example, it is an object of the present invention to provide an air conditioning system that is equipped with a measurement device that measures power consumed by each indoor unit in order to evenly distribute the load of the pump, and that determines the load of the indoor unit.

In addition, the air conditioning system is capable of determining the ranking of indoor units using the values measured by the measuring device, and mapping multiple pumps and multiple indoor units using the determined ranking of the indoor units. The purpose is to provide

The air conditioner according to the embodiment of the present invention to achieve the above objects calculates the load for each indoor unit by taking into account the capacity of the indoor unit, the length of the indoor piping connected from the pump to the indoor unit, etc. A plurality of indoor units and a plurality of pumps can be mapped based on the determined load.

As an example, in order to determine the load of each indoor unit, a measuring device connects a pump to each indoor unit one by one, and measures the flow rate of water circulating through the indoor unit when the pump is operated at a set output. can be provided.

As another example, in order to determine the load for each indoor unit, a pump is connected to each indoor unit one room at a time, and a measuring device is provided that measures the power consumption of the pump when the pump is operated at a set output. be able to.

Based on the determined load of each indoor unit, an indoor unit with the largest load and an indoor unit with the smallest load are mapped to the first pump, and an indoor unit with an intermediate load is mapped to the second pump. Thus, the load can be equally distributed between the first and second pumps.

As a result, the volumes of water circulating through the first and second pumps are made equal, thereby improving the operating efficiency of the system, preventing failure of the pumps, and ensuring the durability of the system.

An air conditioning system according to an embodiment of the present invention is equipped with a compressor and an outdoor heat exchanger, and includes an outdoor unit in which refrigerant circulates, a plurality of indoor units to which water is supplied, and heat generated between the refrigerant and water. a heat exchanger that performs exchange; an indoor unit piping that connects the heat exchanger and the indoor unit and guides the circulation of water between the heat exchanger and the indoor unit; When mapping the plurality of pumps that force circulation, the plurality of indoor units, and the plurality of pumps, the plurality of pumps are mapped based on the capacity of the plurality of indoor units and the length of the indoor unit piping. The indoor unit load measuring device may also include an indoor unit load measuring device that measures the load on the indoor unit.

The indoor unit load measuring device may include a flow meter that is installed in the indoor unit piping and measures the flow rate of water circulating through the pump and the indoor unit.

The device may further include a control unit that determines a load on the indoor unit based on the flow rate measured by the flow meter.

The control unit determines a ranking of measured flow rates for each of the plurality of indoor units, and determines mapping between the plurality of pumps and the plurality of indoor units according to the determined ranking. Can be done.

The control unit maps two indoor units corresponding to the highest and lowest ranks among the ranks of the measured flow rates to a first pump, and maps two indoor units corresponding to a middle rank among the ranks of the measured flow rates. Two other indoor units can be mapped to the second pump.

A plurality of the flowmeters may be provided, and the plurality of flowmeters may be respectively installed in a plurality of indoor unit pipes connected to the plurality of indoor units.

The indoor unit load measuring device may include a power consumption meter that is electrically connected to the pump and measures power consumption output from the pump.

The control unit further includes a control unit that determines a load of the indoor unit based on the power consumption measured by the power consumption measuring device, and the control unit determines a ranking of the measured power consumption of each of the plurality of indoor units. Then, mapping between the plurality of pumps and the plurality of indoor units can be determined according to the determined ranking.

The control unit maps the two indoor units corresponding to the highest and lowest ranks of the measured power consumption ranks to the first pump, and maps the two indoor units corresponding to the highest and lowest ranks of the measured power consumption ranks to the first pump, and maps the two indoor units corresponding to the highest and lowest ranks of the measured power consumption ranks to the first pump, and maps the two indoor units corresponding to the highest and lowest ranks of the measured power consumption ranks to the first pump, The other two corresponding indoor units can be mapped to the second pump.

A plurality of indoor unit pipings are provided corresponding to the plurality of indoor units, and the plurality of indoor unit pipings include valves that selectively allow water to be supplied to the plurality of indoor units. may be installed respectively.

A method for controlling an air conditioning system according to another aspect includes an outdoor unit that is equipped with a compressor and an outdoor heat exchanger and that circulates refrigerant, a plurality of indoor units that are supplied with water, and a plurality of indoor units that generate heat between the refrigerant and water. A method for controlling an air conditioning system including a heat exchanger that performs exchange, and a plurality of pumps that force supply of water to the indoor unit, the method comprising: any one of the plurality of pumps; The method includes sequentially connecting a plurality of indoor units to drive the pump.

The control method includes the steps of determining the loads of a plurality of indoor units measured when the pump is driven, determining a ranking of the determined loads of the plurality of indoor units, and controlling the load of the plurality of indoor units based on the ranking. The method may further include mapping a number of indoor units and the plurality of pumps.

The step of determining the loads of the plurality of indoor units may include the step of measuring the loads of the plurality of indoor units using an indoor unit load measuring device.
The indoor unit load measuring device may include a flow meter that measures the amount of water circulating through the pump and the indoor unit, or a power consumption meter that measures power consumption of the pump.

The step of mapping the plurality of indoor units and the plurality of pumps based on the ranks includes mapping the two indoor units corresponding to the highest and lowest ranks among the ranks of the loads of the plurality of indoor units. It is possible to map the first pump to the first pump, and map the other two indoor units corresponding to intermediate ranks among the load-related ranks of the plurality of indoor units to the second pump.

The plurality of indoor units include first to fourth indoor units, the plurality of pumps include first and second pumps, and two indoor units corresponding to the first and fourth ranks among the determined ranks. The indoor unit can be mapped to the first pump, and the two indoor units corresponding to the second and third ranks can be mapped to the second pump.

An air conditioning system according to another aspect includes an outdoor unit in which a refrigerant is circulated, a plurality of indoor units to which water is supplied, a heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the refrigerant and the water, the heat exchanger and the When mapping indoor unit piping that connects indoor units, a plurality of pumps that are installed in the indoor unit piping and forces water circulation, and the plurality of indoor units and the plurality of pumps, the plurality of and an indoor unit load measuring device that measures the load of the indoor unit.

The indoor unit load measuring device may include a flow meter that measures the flow rate of water circulating through the pump and the indoor unit, or a power consumption meter that measures power consumption output from the pump.

The controller further includes a control unit that determines a ranking of the measured loads for the plurality of indoor units, and the control unit ranks the plurality of pumps and the plurality of indoor units according to the determined ranking. mapping can be determined.

The control unit maps two indoor units corresponding to the highest and lowest ranks among the measured load ranks to a first pump, and maps two indoor units corresponding to a middle rank among the measured load ranks. Two other indoor units can be mapped to the second pump.

According to the air conditioner according to the embodiment of the present invention having the above-described configuration, the following effects can be achieved.

First, it is possible to evenly distribute the load for each pump by taking into account the installation conditions of a plurality of indoor units, thereby ensuring the load capacity of the system and reducing power consumption.

Second, as an example, by equipping a measuring device that measures the volume of circulating water for each indoor unit and determining the load on the indoor unit, it is possible to determine not only the capacity of the indoor unit but also the length of indoor piping and piping accessories. Since the load on the indoor unit is determined by taking into account all the installation conditions, the load on the pump can be evenly distributed.

As another example, by providing a measurement device that measures the power consumed by each indoor unit and determining the load of the indoor unit, the load on the pump can be evenly distributed.
Third, determining the ranking of indoor units using the values measured by the measuring device, and mapping the plurality of pumps and the plurality of indoor units using the determined ranking of the indoor units. This allows the load acting on the pump to be evenly distributed.

1 is a schematic diagram showing an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a cycle diagram showing the configuration of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a connection configuration between a first pump and a plurality of indoor units according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing how the first pump according to the first embodiment of the present invention and a plurality of indoor units are sequentially connected one room at a time to measure the flow rate of indoor piping. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing how the first pump according to the first embodiment of the present invention and a plurality of indoor units are sequentially connected one room at a time to measure the flow rate of indoor piping. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing how the first pump according to the first embodiment of the present invention and a plurality of indoor units are sequentially connected one room at a time to measure the flow rate of indoor piping. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing how the first pump according to the first embodiment of the present invention and a plurality of indoor units are sequentially connected one room at a time to measure the flow rate of indoor piping. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an air conditioning system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a flowchart showing a method for controlling an air conditioning system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a result of mapping a plurality of pumps and a plurality of indoor units according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is a graph showing the result of distributing the pump load considering only the capacity of the indoor unit. It is a graph showing the result of distributing the load of the pump in consideration of the capacity of the indoor unit, the length of the indoor piping, etc. according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a connection configuration of a first pump and a plurality of indoor units according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a connection configuration of a first pump and a plurality of indoor units according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing how a first pump according to a third embodiment of the present invention and a plurality of indoor units are sequentially connected one room at a time to measure the flow rate of indoor piping. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing how a first pump according to a third embodiment of the present invention and a plurality of indoor units are sequentially connected one room at a time to measure the flow rate of indoor piping. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing how a first pump according to a third embodiment of the present invention and a plurality of indoor units are sequentially connected one room at a time to measure the flow rate of indoor piping. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing how a first pump according to a third embodiment of the present invention and a plurality of indoor units are sequentially connected one room at a time to measure the flow rate of indoor piping. It is a flowchart which shows the control method of the air conditioning system based on 3rd Example of this invention. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing a result of mapping a plurality of pumps and a plurality of indoor units according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to exemplary drawings. In each drawing, the same reference numerals are given to the same components. Furthermore, in the description of the embodiments of the present invention, if it is determined that detailed explanation of such known configurations or functions would impede understanding of the embodiments of the present invention, the detailed explanation will be omitted.

Further, in the description of the constituent elements of the embodiments of the present invention, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc. can be used. These terms are used to distinguish the component from other components, and the term does not limit the nature or order of the component. When a component is described as being "coupled," "coupled," or "connected" to another component, that component is not directly coupled or connected to the other component; This includes all cases where other components are "connected," "coupled," or "connected" between the elements.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a cycle diagram showing the configuration of the air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, an air conditioner 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include an outdoor unit 10, an indoor unit 50, and a heat exchange device 100 connected to the outdoor unit 10 and the indoor unit 50. can.

The outdoor unit 10 and the heat exchange device 100 are fluidly connected by a first fluid. For example, the first fluid may include a refrigerant.

The refrigerant can flow through a refrigerant side flow path of a heat exchanger provided in the heat exchange device 100 and the outdoor unit 10 .

The outdoor unit 10 may include a compressor 11 and an outdoor heat exchanger 15.

An outdoor fan 16 is provided on one side of the outdoor heat exchanger 15 to blow outside air into the outdoor heat exchanger 15 side, and when the outdoor fan 16 is driven, air is mixed between the outside air and the refrigerant of the outdoor heat exchanger 15. Heat exchange takes place.

The outdoor unit 10 may further include a main expansion valve (EEV) 18 .

The air conditioner 1 may further include connection pipes 20, 25, and 27 that connect the outdoor unit 10 and the heat exchange device 100.

The connecting pipes 20, 25, and 27 are connected to a first outdoor unit connecting pipe 20 as an engine in which a high-pressure gas-phase refrigerant flows (high-pressure engine), and a second outdoor unit connecting pipe 20 as an engine in which a low-pressure gas-phase refrigerant flows (low-pressure engine). It may include a machine connecting pipe 25 and a third outdoor unit connecting pipe 27 as a liquid pipe through which liquid refrigerant flows.

That is, the outdoor unit 10 and the heat exchange device 100 have a "three-pipe connection structure," and the refrigerant circulates between the outdoor unit 10 and the heat exchange device 100 through three connecting pipes 20, 25, and 27. Can be done.

The heat exchange device 100 and the indoor unit 50 are fluidly connected by a second fluid. For example, the second fluid may include water.

The water can flow through the water side flow path of the heat exchanger provided in the heat exchange device 100 and the indoor unit 50.

The heat exchange device 100 may include a plurality of heat exchangers 140, 141, 142, and 143. The heat exchanger may include, for example, a plate heat exchanger.

The indoor unit 50 may include a plurality of indoor units 61, 62, 63, and 64.

In this embodiment, there is no limit to the number of the plurality of indoor units 61, 62, 63, and 64, and in FIG. A connected one is shown.

The plurality of indoor units 61, 62, 63, and 64 may include a first indoor unit 61, a second indoor unit 62, a third indoor unit 63, and a second indoor unit 64.
The air conditioner 1 may further include pipes 30, 31, 32, and 33 that connect the heat exchange device 100 and the indoor unit 50. The pipes 30, 31, 32, and 33 may be water pipes through which water flows.

The pipes 30, 31, 32, 33 are a first indoor unit connecting pipe 30, a second indoor unit connecting pipe 31, and a third indoor unit connecting the heat exchange device 100 and each indoor unit 61, 62, 63, 64. A connecting pipe 32 and a fourth indoor unit connecting pipe 33 may be included.
Water can circulate between the heat exchange device 100 and the indoor unit 50 through the indoor unit connection pipes 30 , 31 , 32 , and 33 . Of course, as the number of indoor units increases, the number of pipes connecting the heat exchange device 100 and the indoor units will increase.

According to such a configuration, the refrigerant that circulates between the outdoor unit 10 and the heat exchange device 100 and the water that circulates between the heat exchange device 100 and the indoor unit 50 are connected to the heat exchanger provided in the heat exchange device 100. Heat is exchanged through vessels 140, 141, 142, and 143.

The water cooled or heated through the heat exchange can cool or heat the indoor space by exchanging heat with the indoor heat exchangers 61a, 62a, 63a, and 64a included in the indoor unit 50.

The plurality of heat exchangers 140, 141, 142, 143 may be provided in the same number as the plurality of indoor units 61, 62, 63, 64. Alternatively, it is also possible to connect two or more indoor units to one heat exchanger.

Hereinafter, the heat exchange device 100 will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

The heat exchange device 100 may include first to fourth heat exchangers 140, 141, 142, and 143 fluidly connected to each of the indoor units 61, 62, 63, and 64.

The first to fourth heat exchangers 140, 141, 142, and 143 may have the same structure.

Each of the heat exchangers 140, 141, 142, and 143 may include, for example, a plate-shaped heat exchanger, and may be configured such that water channels and refrigerant channels are alternately stacked.

Each of the heat exchangers 140, 141, 142, and 143 may include refrigerant channels 140a, 141a, 142a, and 143a and water channels 140b, 141b, 142b, and 143b.

Each refrigerant flow path 140a, 141a, 142a, 143a is fluidly connected to the outdoor unit 10, and the refrigerant discharged from the outdoor unit 10 flows into the refrigerant flow path 140a, 141a, 142a, 143a. The refrigerant that has passed through the refrigerant channels 140a, 141a, 142a, and 143a may flow into the outdoor unit 10.

Each water flow path 140b, 141b, 142b, 143b is connected to each indoor unit 61, 62, 63, 64, and the water discharged from each indoor unit 61, 62, 63, 64 is transferred to the water flow path 140b, 141b, 142b. , 143b and passed through the water channels 140b, 141b, 142b, and 143b may flow into each of the indoor units 61, 62, 63, and 64.

The heat exchange device 100 includes a first connection pipe 131 that is connected to the first outdoor unit connection pipe 20 through a first service valve 21 . The first connection pipe 131 extends into the heat exchange device 100 and is connected to a first port of the first valve device 120 .

The heat exchange device 100 further includes a third connection pipe 133 connected to the second outdoor unit connection pipe 25 through the second service valve 26 . The third connection pipe 133 extends into the heat exchange device 100 and is connected to the third port of the first valve device 120 .

The heat exchange device 100 further includes a fourth connection pipe 134 connected to the third outdoor unit connection pipe 27 through a third service valve 28 . The fourth connection pipe 134 extends into the heat exchange device 100 and is connected to the first heat exchanger 140 and the second heat exchanger 141.

The heat exchange device 100 further includes a seventh connection pipe 137 connected to the third outdoor unit connection pipe 27 through the third service valve 28 . The seventh connection pipe 137 extends into the heat exchange device 100 and is connected to the third heat exchanger 142 and the second heat exchanger 143.

The seventh connection pipe 137 extends from the third branch 134a of the fourth connection pipe 134 and is connected to the third heat exchanger 142 and the fourth heat exchanger 143. That is, the fourth connecting pipe 134 and the seventh connecting pipe 137 may be pipes branching from a pipe extending from the third service valve 28.

The first to third outdoor unit connecting pipes 20, 25, and 27 are connected to the heat exchange device 100 through the first to third service valves 21, 26, and 28, so that the outdoor unit 10 and the heat In the exchange device 100, "three pipe connections" are completed.
The first heat exchanger 140 includes a first refrigerant flow path 140a and a first water flow path 140b. One side of the first refrigerant flow path 140a is connected to the second connection pipe 132. The second connection pipe 132 extends from the second port of the first valve device 120 and is connected to the first heat exchanger 140 and the second heat exchanger 141.

The other side of the first refrigerant flow path 140a is connected to the fourth connection pipe 134. The fourth connection pipe 134 extends from the third service valve 28 and is connected to the first heat exchanger 140 and the second heat exchanger 141. That is, both sides of the first refrigerant flow path 140a are connected to the second connection pipe 132 and the fourth connection pipe 134.

The second heat exchanger 141 includes a second refrigerant flow path 141a and a second water flow path 141b. One side of the second refrigerant flow path 141a is connected to the second connection pipe 132. The second connection pipe 132 is branched and connected to the first heat exchanger 140 and the second heat exchanger 141.

The other side of the second refrigerant flow path 141a is connected to the fourth connection pipe 134. Both sides of the second refrigerant flow path 141a are connected to the second connection pipe 132 and the fourth connection pipe 134. The fourth connection pipe 134 is branched and connected to the first heat exchanger 140 and the second heat exchanger 141.

The refrigerant discharged from the outdoor unit 10 can flow into the first refrigerant flow path 140a and the second refrigerant flow path 141a via the first connection pipe 131 and the first valve device 120, The refrigerant that has passed through the first refrigerant flow path 140a and the second refrigerant flow path 141a may flow into the outdoor unit 10 via the fourth connection pipe 134.

The third heat exchanger 142 includes a third refrigerant flow path 142a and a third water flow path 142b. One side of the third refrigerant flow path 142a is connected to the sixth connection pipe 136. The sixth connection pipe 136 extends from the second port of the second valve device 125 and is connected to the third heat exchanger 142 and the fourth heat exchanger 143.

The other side of the third refrigerant flow path 142a is connected to the seventh connection pipe 137. The seventh connection pipe 137 extends from the third service valve 28 and is connected to the third heat exchanger 142 and the fourth heat exchanger 143. That is, both sides of the third refrigerant flow path 142a are connected to the sixth connecting pipe 136 and the seventh connecting pipe 137.

The fourth heat exchanger 143 includes a fourth refrigerant flow path 143a and a fourth water flow path 143b. One side of the fourth refrigerant flow path 143a is connected to the sixth connection pipe 136. The sixth connection pipe 136 is branched and connected to the third heat exchanger 142 and the fourth heat exchanger 143.

The other side of the fourth refrigerant flow path 143a is connected to the seventh connection pipe 137. Both sides of the fourth refrigerant flow path 143a are connected to the sixth connecting pipe 136 and the seventh connecting pipe 137. The seventh connection pipe 137 is branched and connected to the third heat exchanger 142 and the fourth heat exchanger 143.

The refrigerant discharged from the outdoor unit 10 can flow into the third refrigerant flow path 142a and the fourth refrigerant flow path 143a via the first connection pipe 131 and the second valve device 125, The refrigerant that has passed through the third refrigerant flow path 142a and the fourth refrigerant flow path 143a may flow into the outdoor unit 10 via the seventh connection pipe 137.

A first branch part 131a is formed in the first connection pipe 131.

The heat exchange device 100 further includes a fifth connection pipe 135 connected to the first branch part 131a and extended to the second valve device 125. The fifth connection pipe 135 is connected to the first port of the second valve device 125.

A second branch portion 133a is formed in the third connection pipe 133.
The heat exchange device 100 further includes an eighth connection pipe 138 connected to the second branch part 133a and extended to the second valve device 125. The eighth connection pipe 138 is connected to the third port of the second valve device 125.

The heat exchange device 100 includes a first valve device 120 and a second valve device 125 that control the flow direction of refrigerant. The first valve device 120 and the second valve device 125 may include a four-way valve or a three-way valve. Hereinafter, an example in which the first valve device 120 and the second valve device 125 are four-way valves will be described.

The first valve device 120 has a first port to which the first connection pipe 131 is connected, a second port to which the second connection pipe 132 is connected, and a third port to which the third connection pipe 133 is connected. including. The fourth port of the first valve device 120 may be closed.

The second valve device 125 has a first port to which the fifth connecting pipe 135 is connected, a second port to which the sixth connecting pipe 136 is connected, and a third port to which the eighth connecting pipe 138 is connected. including. The fourth port of the second valve device 125 may be closed.

The heat exchange apparatus 100 may further include expansion valves 140 and 145 for reducing the pressure of the refrigerant. The expansion valves 140 and 145 may include electronic expansion valves (EEV).

The expansion valves 140 and 145 can reduce the pressure of the refrigerant passing through the expansion valves 140 and 145 by adjusting their opening degrees. For example, when the electronic expansion valves 140, 145 are fully opened (full-open state), the refrigerant can pass through without pressure reduction, and when the opening degree of the expansion valves 140, 145 becomes small, the refrigerant The pressure is reduced. The degree to which the refrigerant is depressurized increases as the opening degree decreases.

Specifically, the expansion valves 140 and 145 include a first expansion valve 140 installed in the fourth connection pipe 134 . The first expansion valve 140 may be installed at one point of the fourth connection pipe 134 between the third service valve 38 and the first refrigerant flow path 140a or the second refrigerant flow path 141a.

The expansion valves 140 and 145 may further include a second expansion valve 145 installed in the seventh connection pipe 137.

The heat exchange device 100 may further include a bypass pipe 205 connecting the first connection pipe 131 and the third connection pipe 133.

It can be understood that the bypass pipe 205 is a pipe for preventing liquid refrigerant from accumulating in the high-pressure engine during cooling operation. One end of the bypass pipe 205 is connected to the first bypass branch 131b of the first connection pipe 131, and the other end is connected to the second bypass branch 133b of the third connection pipe 133. Ru.

The first branch part 131 a may be formed at a point between the first bypass branch part 131 b and the first port of the first valve device 120 based on the first connection pipe 131 .

Based on the first connection pipe 131, the first bypass branch part 131b may be formed at a point between the first service valve 21 and the first branch part 131a.

The second branch part 133 a may be formed at a point between the second bypass branch part 133 b and the third port of the first valve device 120 based on the third connection pipe 133 .

The second bypass branch part 133b may be formed at a point between the second service valve 26 and the second branch part 133a with respect to the third connection pipe 133.

A bypass valve 212 is installed in the bypass pipe 205 to control opening and closing of the pipe. For example, the bypass valve 212 may include a two-way valve or a solenoid valve with relatively low pressure loss.

The bypass pipe 205 may be provided with a strainer 211 for filtering waste products from the refrigerant flowing through the pipe. For example, the strainer 212 may be made of metal mesh. The strainer 212 may be disposed at a point between the bypass valve 212 and the first bypass branch 131b.

The bypass pipe 205 may further include an expansion device 213 for reducing the pressure of the refrigerant flowing through the pipe. For example, the expansion device 213 may include a capillary tube that utilizes capillary action.

The expansion device 213 may be disposed at a point between the bypass valve 212 and the second bypass branch 133b. Therefore, the pressure of the refrigerant passing through the expansion device 213 decreases.

The heat exchange device 100 may further include a heat exchanger inlet pipe and a heat exchanger outlet pipe connected to the water flow paths 140b, 141b, 142b, and 143b of each of the heat exchangers 140, 141, 142, and 143. .

A first heat exchanger inlet pipe of the first heat exchanger 140 and a second heat exchanger inlet pipe of the second heat exchanger 141 may be branched from the first common inlet pipe 161 . The first common inflow pipe 161 may include a first pump 151 .

The third heat exchanger inlet pipe of the third heat exchanger 142 and the fourth heat exchanger inlet pipe of the fourth heat exchanger 143 may be branched from the second common inlet pipe 163 . The second common inflow pipe 163 may include a second pump 152 .

A first heat exchanger exhaust pipe of the first heat exchanger 140 and a second heat exchanger exhaust pipe of the second heat exchanger 141 may be branched from the first common exhaust pipe 162 .
The third heat exchanger exhaust pipe of the third heat exchanger 142 and the fourth heat exchanger exhaust pipe of the fourth heat exchanger 143 may be branched from the second common exhaust pipe 164 .

A first merging pipe 181 is connected to the first common inflow pipe 161 . A second merging pipe 182 is connected to the second common inflow pipe 163 .

A third merging pipe 183 is connected to the first common discharge pipe 162 . A fourth merging pipe 184 is connected to the second common discharge pipe 164 .

A first water discharge pipe 171 through which water discharged from each of the indoor heat exchangers 61a, 62a, 63a, and 64a flows is connected to the first merging pipe 181. The first water discharge pipe 171 is divided into four parts from the first merging pipe 181 corresponding to the first to fourth indoor units and connected to the first to fourth indoor units.

A second water discharge pipe 172 through which water discharged from each of the indoor heat exchangers 61a, 62a, 63a, and 64a flows is connected to the second merging pipe 182. The second water discharge pipe 172 is divided into four parts from the second merging pipe 182 corresponding to the first to fourth indoor units and connected to the first to fourth indoor units.

The first water discharge pipe 171 and the second water discharge pipe 172 are arranged in parallel and connected to common water discharge pipes 651, 652, 653, and 654 that communicate with the indoor heat exchangers 61a, 62a, 63a, and 64a. .

The first water discharge pipe 171, the second water discharge pipe 172, and the common water discharge pipes 651, 652, 653, and 654 may be connected by a three-way valve 173, for example.

Therefore, the three-way valve 173 allows the water in the common water discharge pipes 651, 652, 653, and 654 to flow through any one of the first water discharge pipe 171 and the second water discharge pipe 172. can.

The common water discharge pipes 651, 652, 653, and 654 are connected to the discharge pipes of the indoor heat exchangers 61a, 62a, 63a, and 64a.

The third merging pipe 183 is branched into a plurality of parts corresponding to the first to fourth indoor units, and water flowing into each of the indoor heat exchangers 61a, 62a, 63a, and 64a can flow therein. The third merging pipe 183 can be referred to as "first indoor unit piping."

The fourth merging pipe 184 is branched into a plurality of parts corresponding to the first to fourth indoor units, and water flowing into each of the indoor heat exchangers 61a, 62a, 63a, and 64a can flow therein. The fourth merging pipe 184 can be referred to as a "second indoor unit pipe."

The plurality of third merging pipes 183 and the plurality of fourth merging pipes 184 are arranged in parallel, and common inflow pipes 611, 621, 631, 641 communicate with the indoor heat exchangers 61a, 62a, 63a, 64a. Concatenated.

The third merging pipe 183 may include a first valve 166, and the fourth merging pipe 184 may include a second valve 167. For example, the first valve 166 and the second valve 167 may each be a solenoid valve that can be controlled on/off.

When the first pump 151 is driven and the first valve 166 is opened, the water discharged from the first pump 151 is branched through the plurality of third merging pipes 183 and distributed to each indoor unit ( 1 to 4 indoor units). The first valve 166 can be referred to as a "first indoor unit valve."

When the second pump 152 is driven and the second valve 167 is opened, the water discharged from the second pump 152 is branched through the plurality of fourth merging pipes 184 and distributed to each indoor unit ( 1 to 4 indoor units). The first valve 166 can be referred to as a "second indoor unit valve."

For convenience of explanation, the first heat exchanger 140 and the second heat exchanger 141 may be referred to as a "first side heat exchanger." Furthermore, the third heat exchanger 142 and the fourth heat exchanger 143 can be referred to as a "second side heat exchanger."

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a connection configuration between a first pump and a plurality of indoor units according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 3, when the air conditioning system 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention is installed and tested, the first pump 151 is driven to determine the loads of the plurality of indoor units. The amount of water flowing through the machine can be determined. Of course, it is also possible to drive the second pump 152 instead of the first pump 151 to determine the amount of water flowing through the second pump 152 and the indoor unit.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the connection structure of the first pump 151 and the first to fourth indoor units 61, 62, 63, and 64. The first pump 151 is connected to the first to fourth indoor units through the indoor unit piping. It is connected to machines 61, 62, 63, and 64. For convenience of explanation, the indoor unit piping includes a first common inflow pipe 161, a first common discharge pipe 162, and a third merging pipe as pipes extending from the heat exchange device 100 to the first to fourth indoor unit pipes. It can be understood as a pipe that combines 183, etc.

The indoor unit piping 183 includes a first indoor unit piping 210 connected to the first indoor unit 61 , a second indoor unit piping 220 connected to the second indoor unit 62 , and a third indoor unit piping 220 connected to the third indoor unit 63 . It includes an indoor unit piping 230 and a fourth indoor unit piping 240 connected to the fourth indoor unit 64.

The length of the first indoor unit piping 210 is a first length L1, the length of the second indoor unit piping 220 is a second length L2, and the length of the third indoor unit piping 230 is a third length L3. , the length of the fourth indoor unit pipe 240 may form a fourth length L4.

As an example, the first length L1 may be 60 m, the second length L2 may be 40 m, the third length L3 may be 10 m, and the fourth length L4 may be 20 m.

The first to fourth indoor units 61, 62, 63, and 64 may have different capacities. For example, the first indoor unit 61 may have a capacity of 10 kW, and the second to fourth indoor units 62, 63, and 64 may have capacities of 5 kW, 10 kW, and 5 kW, respectively.

The above-mentioned first valve 166 is installed in the indoor unit piping 183. Specifically, the first valve 166 includes a first indoor unit valve 166a installed in the first indoor unit piping 210, a second indoor unit valve 166b installed in the second indoor unit piping 220, and a third indoor unit valve 166b installed in the second indoor unit piping 220. It includes a third indoor unit valve 166c installed in the indoor unit piping 230 and a fourth indoor unit valve 166d installed in the fourth indoor unit piping 240.

A flow meter 200 may be installed in the first to fourth indoor unit pipes 210, 220, 230, and 240. Specifically, the flowmeter 200 may include first to fourth flowmeters 200a, 200b, 200c, and 200d. The first to fourth flowmeters 200a, 200b, 200c, and 200d can measure the amount of water flowing to the first to fourth indoor units 61, 62, 63, and 64, respectively.

Under such installation structural conditions, by sequentially connecting the first pump 151 and the first to fourth indoor units 61, 62, 63, and 64 one by one to drive the first pump 151, the flow meter The amount of water measured in can be determined. At this time, it can be understood that the amount of water is a result of reflecting installation conditions such as the capacity of the indoor unit, the length of the indoor unit piping, and the accessories of the indoor unit piping. Hereinafter, such a measuring method will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

4a to 4d are schematic diagrams showing how the first pump according to the first embodiment of the present invention and a plurality of indoor units are sequentially connected one room at a time to measure the flow rate of indoor piping. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the air conditioning system according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the control method of the air conditioning system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

A method for determining the load of an indoor unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 4a to 4d, as well as FIGS. 5 and 6. FIG.

First, as shown in FIG. 4a, the control unit 250 opens the first indoor unit valve 166a and closes the second to fourth indoor unit valves 166b, 166c, and 166d (S11, S12).

Then, the first pump 151 is driven at the set output. As an example, the set output may be the maximum output of the first pump 151 (S13).

When the first pump 151 is driven, water discharged from the first pump 151 flows through the first indoor unit pipe 210, and the flow through the second to fourth indoor unit pipes 220, 230, and 240 is restricted. be done.

The water passes through the first flow meter 200a, and during this process, the amount of water flowing through the first indoor unit piping 210 is measured (S14).

This measurement is performed for a set time, after which the controller 250 stops driving the first pump 151. The measured amount of water is stored in the memory unit 260, and is determined as the load of the first indoor unit 61 (S15).

In this way, the loads of the second to fourth indoor units 62, 63, and 64 are sequentially determined.

That is, in order to determine the load of the second indoor unit 62, as shown in FIG. 4b, the control unit 250 opens the second indoor unit valve 166b and opens the first, third, and fourth indoor unit valves 166a. , 166c, 166d.

Then, when the first pump 151 is driven at a set output, the water discharged from the first pump 151 flows through the second indoor unit piping 220 and flows through the first, third, and fourth indoor unit piping 210. , 230, 240 is restricted.

The water passes through the second flow meter 200b, and in this process, the amount of water flowing through the second indoor unit piping 220 is measured. The measured amount of water is stored in the memory unit 260, and is determined as the load of the second indoor unit 62.

Similarly, in order to determine the load of the third indoor unit 63, as shown in FIG. 4c, the control unit 250 opens the third indoor unit valve 166c and controls the first, second, and fourth indoor unit valves 166a, 166b, 166d are closed.

Then, when the first pump 151 is driven at a set output, the water discharged from the first pump 151 flows through the third indoor unit piping 230 and flows through the first, second, and fourth indoor unit piping 210. , 220, 240 is restricted.

The water passes through the third flow meter 200c, and in this process, the amount of water flowing through the third indoor unit piping 230 is measured. The measured amount of water is stored in the memory unit 260, and is determined as the load of the third indoor unit 63.

Finally, in order to determine the load of the fourth indoor unit 64, as illustrated in FIG. 166a, 166b, 166c are closed.

Then, when the first pump 151 is driven at a set output, the water discharged from the first pump 151 flows through the fourth indoor unit piping 240 and flows through the first, second and third indoor unit piping 210. , 220, 230 is restricted.

The water passes through the fourth flow meter 200d, and in this process, the amount of water flowing through the fourth indoor unit piping 240 is measured. The measured amount of water is stored in the memory unit 260, and is determined as the load of the fourth indoor unit 6d.

For example, although the measured amount of water changes little by little over time, the maximum value among the measured values can be determined as the amount of water (S16).

The amount of water flowing through the first to fourth indoor units is measured using the method described above, and the flow rate order for each indoor unit is determined. The flow rate order may correspond to a load order for each indoor unit. Then, mapping information of the first and second pumps 151, 152 and the first to fourth indoor units 61, 62, 63, 64 is determined according to the flow rate order, and the load of the first and second pumps is evenly distributed. (S17, S18).

The mapping results of the first and second pumps 151 and 152 with respect to the first to fourth indoor units 61, 62, 63, and 64 are illustrated in FIG. This will be explained in detail with reference to FIG.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the result of mapping a plurality of pumps and a plurality of indoor units according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 7, after each indoor unit pump is operated, the water flow rate of each indoor unit piping is measured through a flow meter. It is determined that the larger the flow rate of water flowing through the indoor unit piping, the smaller the load on the indoor unit, and the smaller the water flow rate, the larger the load on the indoor unit.

As a result of the measurement, for example, the flow rate of water flowing through the first indoor unit piping 210 is 10 LPM (Liters Per Minute), the flow rate of water flowing through the second indoor unit piping 220 is 10 LPM, and the flow rate of water flowing through the third indoor unit piping 230 is 20 LPM. , the flow rate of water flowing through the fourth indoor unit piping 240 may be 15 LPM.

Therefore, the third indoor unit 63 can be ranked first, and the fourth indoor unit 64, first indoor unit 61, and second indoor unit 62 can be ranked second to fourth in order of the water flow rate.

Based on the flow rate ranking results, the 1st and 3rd ranks are mapped to any one of the first and second pumps 151 and 152, and the 2nd and 4th ranks are mapped to the other one of the first and second pumps 151 and 152. mapped to one pump.

As an example, as shown in FIG. 7, a third indoor unit 63 forming the first rank and a first indoor unit 61 forming the third rank are connected to the first pump 151, and a fourth indoor unit forming the second rank. A second indoor unit 62 forming a fourth rank with the unit 64 is connected to the second pump 152 .

As a result, among the four first valves 166 connected to the first pump 151, the first and third indoor unit valves 166a and 166c are opened, and the second and fourth indoor unit valves 166b and 166d are closed. On the other hand, among the four second valves 167 connected to the second pump 152, the valves connected to the second and fourth indoor units 62 and 64 are opened, and the valves connected to the first and third indoor units 61 and 63 are opened. will be closed.

In this way, the first and second pumps 151 and 152 are mapped to the first to fourth indoor units 61, 62, 63, and 64 according to the load of the indoor units, so that equal load distribution among the pumps is achieved. .

The air conditioning system 1 is operated according to the mapping results of the first and second pumps 151 and 152 and the first to fourth indoor units 61, 62, 63, and 64.

FIG. 8a is a graph showing the result of distributing the pump load by considering only the capacity of the indoor unit, and FIG. 8b is a graph showing the result of distributing the pump load by considering only the capacity of the indoor unit, and FIG. 3 is a graph showing the results of distributing the pump load.

In the graphs of FIGS. 8a and 8b, the horizontal axis shows the pump flow rate and the vertical axis shows the pump load. The solid line in the graph is the pump performance curve, and the dotted line is the system resistance curve. If the slope of the resistance curve of the system is large, it means that the pump load is large.

The point where the pump performance curve meets the system resistance curve forms the pump flow rate.

Referring to Figure 8a, when mapping multiple pumps and multiple indoor units, if only the indoor unit capacity is considered, the slope of the system resistance curve of the first pump (Pump 1) is relatively large. The slope of the resistance curve of the system of the second pump (pump 2) is formed to be relatively small.

Therefore, the flow rate of the first pump is measured to be 25 LPM, and the flow rate of the second pump is measured to be 40 LPM. That is, in the case of FIG. 8a, it can be seen that the indoor units are assigned so that the load is biased towards the first pump and the flow rate is reduced.

On the other hand, referring to Figure 8b, when mapping multiple pumps and multiple indoor units, not only the capacity of the indoor unit but also the indoor unit piping length and installation conditions of piping accessories are taken into account. When mapping the results of measuring the flow rate of the piping, the slopes of the resistance curves of the first and second pump systems are formed to be approximately equal.

Therefore, since the flow rates of the first pump and the second pump were both measured to be 36 LPM, it can be seen that the load of the indoor unit was evenly distributed to the first and second pumps. Further, it can be seen that the sum of the flow rates of the first and second pumps (72 LPM) is larger than the sum of the flow rates of the first and second pumps (65 LPM) in FIG. 7a. This represents improved system performance.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing a connection configuration of a first pump and a plurality of indoor units according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 9, the air conditioning system according to the second embodiment of the present invention may be configured to measure the flow rate of the indoor unit using one flow meter 200'.

The one flow meter 200' may be installed on the inlet side or the outlet side of the first pump 151. As described in FIGS. 4a to 4d, when the first to fourth indoor units 61, 62, 63, and 64 are sequentially opened to circulate water, water flowing into the first pump 151 or the first pump The amount of water discharged from 151 is measured via said flowmeter 200'.

In this way, since the flow rate of the indoor unit can be measured by installing one flowmeter, the cost required for trial operation of the system can be reduced. In addition, the explanation regarding the air conditioning system according to the present embodiment refers to the explanation regarding the air conditioning system according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a connection configuration of a first pump and a plurality of indoor units according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 10, when the air conditioning system 1 according to the third embodiment of the present invention is installed and tested, the first pump 151 is driven to determine the loads of the plurality of indoor units. and the amount of water flowing through the indoor unit can be determined.

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram simply showing the connection structure of the first pump 151 and the first to fourth indoor units 61, 62, 63, and 64. It is connected to the first to fourth indoor units 61, 62, 63, and 64 through 220, 230, and 240. First to fourth indoor unit valves 166a, 166b, 166c, and 166d may be installed in the first to fourth indoor unit pipes 210, 220, 230, and 240, respectively.

The description regarding the first to fourth indoor units 61, 62, 63, 64, the first to fourth indoor unit piping 210, 220, 230, 240 and the first to fourth indoor unit valves 166a, 166b, 166c, 166d is as follows. The description of the first embodiment will be cited.

The first pump 151 is electrically connected to a power consumption meter 300 that can measure power consumed when the first pump 151 is driven.

Under such installation structural conditions, when the first pump 151 and the first to fourth indoor units 61, 62, 63, and 64 are connected one by one to drive the first pump 151, the first pump 151 power consumption can be measured.
At this time, the measured power consumption corresponds to the flow rate explained in the first example, and is a result that reflects the installation conditions such as the capacity of the indoor unit, the length of the indoor unit piping, and the accessories of the indoor unit piping. It can be understood that there is. Hereinafter, such a measuring method will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

11a to 11d are schematic diagrams showing how a first pump according to a third embodiment of the present invention and a plurality of indoor units are sequentially connected one room at a time to measure the flow rate of indoor piping. 12 is a flowchart showing a method for controlling an air conditioning system according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

A method for determining the load of an indoor unit according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 11a to 11d and FIG. 12.

First, as shown in FIG. 11a, the control unit 250 opens the first indoor unit valve 166a and closes the second to fourth indoor unit valves 166b, 166c, and 166d (S21, S22).

Then, the first pump 151 is driven at the set output. As an example, the set output may be the maximum output of the first pump 151 (S23).

When the first pump 151 is driven, water discharged from the first pump 151 flows through the first indoor unit pipe 210, and the flow through the second to fourth indoor unit pipes 220, 230, and 240 is restricted. be done.

While water is flowing through the first indoor unit piping 210, power consumption in the first pump 151 is measured. The measured power consumption may constitute a first power consumption P1 corresponding to the first indoor unit 61 (S24).

This measurement is performed for a set time, after which the controller 250 can stop driving the first pump 151. The measured power consumption is stored in the memory unit 260, and is determined as the load of the first indoor unit 61 (S25).

In this way, the loads of the second to fourth indoor units 62, 63, and 64 are sequentially determined.

That is, in order to determine the load of the second indoor unit 62, as shown in FIG. 11b, the control unit 250 opens the second indoor unit valve 166b and opens the first, third, and fourth indoor unit valves 166a. , 166c, 166d.

Then, when the first pump 151 is driven at a set output, the water discharged from the first pump 151 flows through the second indoor unit piping 220 and flows through the first, third, and fourth indoor unit piping 210. , 230, 240 is restricted.
In this process, the second power consumption P2 of the first pump 151 is measured. The measured power consumption is stored in the memory unit 260, and is determined as the load of the second indoor unit 62.

Similarly, in order to determine the load of the third indoor unit 63, as illustrated in FIG. 11c, the control unit 250 opens the third indoor unit valve 166c and 166a, 166b, 166d are closed.

Then, when the first pump 151 is driven at a set output, the water discharged from the first pump 151 flows through the third indoor unit piping 230 and flows through the first, second, and fourth indoor unit piping 210. , 220, 240 is restricted.
In this process, the third power consumption P3 in the first pump 151 is measured. The measured power consumption is stored in the memory unit 260, and is determined as the load of the third indoor unit 63.

Finally, in order to determine the load of the fourth indoor unit 64, as illustrated in FIG. 166a, 166b, 166c are closed.

Then, when the first pump 151 is driven at a set output, the water discharged from the first pump 151 flows through the fourth indoor unit piping 240 and flows through the first, second and third indoor unit piping 210. , 220, 230 is restricted.
In this process, the fourth power consumption P4 of the first pump 151 is measured. The measured power consumption is stored in the memory unit 260, and is determined as the load of the fourth indoor unit 64.

For example, although the measured power consumption changes little by little over time, the maximum value among the measured values can be determined as the power consumption (S26).

The power consumption of the first to fourth indoor units is measured using the method described above, and the power consumption ranking is determined for each indoor unit. The power consumption ranking may correspond to a load ranking for each indoor unit. Then, mapping information of the first and second pumps 151, 152 and the first to fourth indoor units 61, 62, 63, 64 is determined according to the power consumption order, and the loads of the first and second pumps are equally distributed. Distribute (S27, S28).

The mapping results of the first and second pumps 151 and 152 with respect to the first to fourth indoor units 61, 62, 63, and 64 are illustrated in FIG. This will be explained in detail with reference to FIG. 13.

FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing the result of mapping a plurality of pumps and a plurality of indoor units according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 13, the power consumption of the first pump 151 is measured by the power consumption measuring device 300 after pump operation for each indoor unit. It is determined that the larger the measured power consumption is, the smaller the load on the indoor unit is, and the smaller the measured power consumption is, the larger the load on the indoor unit is.

As a result of the measurement, for example, the first power consumption P1 is determined to be 60W, the second power consumption P2 is determined to be 60W, the third power consumption P3 is determined to be 120W, and the fourth power consumption P4 is determined to be 90W. Therefore, in the power consumption ranking, the third indoor unit 63 can form the first ranking, and the fourth indoor unit 64, the first indoor unit 61, and the second indoor unit 62 can form the second to fourth rankings.

Based on the power consumption ranking results, the first and third ranks are mapped to any one of the first and second pumps 151 and 152, and the second and fourth ranks are mapped to the other pumps among the first and second pumps 151 and 152. Mapped to one pump.

As an example, as shown in FIG. 13, a third indoor unit 63 forming the first rank and a first indoor unit 61 forming the third rank are connected to the first pump 151, and a fourth indoor unit forming the second rank. A second indoor unit 62 forming a fourth rank with the unit 64 is connected to the second pump 152 .

Eventually, the control unit 250 opens the first and third indoor unit valves 166a and 166c among the four first valves 166 connected to the first pump 151, and closes the second and fourth indoor unit valves 166b and 166d. be able to. On the other hand, the control unit 250 opens the valves connected to the second and fourth indoor units 62 and 64 among the four second valves 167 connected to the second pump 152, and the first and third indoor units 61, A valve connected to 63 can be closed.

In this way, the first and second pumps 151 and 152 are mapped to the first to fourth indoor units 61, 62, 63, and 64 according to the load of the indoor units, so that equal load distribution among the pumps is achieved. .

The air conditioning system 1 is operated according to the mapping results of the first and second pumps 151 and 152 and the first to fourth indoor units 61, 62, 63, and 64.
The "flow meter" explained in the first and second embodiments and the "power consumption measuring device" explained in the third embodiment are used together as a device for measuring the load of the indoor unit. device.

The present invention relates to an air conditioning system and its control method, and it is possible to evenly distribute the load of each pump by considering the installation conditions of a plurality of indoor units, thereby ensuring the system's load capacity and power consumption. can be saved. Therefore, it has high industrial applicability.

Claims (16)

an outdoor unit that is equipped with a compressor and an outdoor heat exchanger and that circulates refrigerant;
multiple indoor units to which fluid is supplied;
a heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the refrigerant and the fluid;
indoor unit piping that connects the heat exchanger and the indoor unit and guides fluid circulation between the heat exchanger and the indoor unit;
a plurality of pumps installed in the indoor unit piping to force fluid circulation;
An indoor unit load measuring device that measures the loads of the plurality of indoor units before mapping the plurality of indoor units and the plurality of pumps; an indoor unit load measuring device including a flow meter that measures the flow rate of fluid circulating in the machine;
A control unit that determines a load on the indoor unit based on the flow rate measured by the flow meter,
In the air conditioning system, the control unit determines a ranking of measured flow rates for each of the plurality of indoor units, and determines mapping between the plurality of pumps and the plurality of indoor units according to the determined ranking. The control unit includes:
mapping two indoor units corresponding to the highest and lowest ranks of the measured flow rates to a first pump;
The air conditioning system according to claim 1, wherein two other indoor units corresponding to intermediate ranks among the ranks of the measured flow rates are mapped to the second pump. A plurality of the flowmeters are provided,
The air conditioning system according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of flow meters are respectively installed in a plurality of indoor unit pipes connected to the plurality of indoor units. The indoor unit load measuring device includes:
The air conditioning system according to claim 1, further comprising a power consumption measuring device electrically connected to the pump and measuring power consumption output from the pump. further comprising a control unit that determines the load of the indoor unit based on the power consumption measured by the power consumption measuring device,
The control unit determines a ranking of measured power consumption for each of the plurality of indoor units, and determines mapping between the plurality of pumps and the plurality of indoor units according to the determined ranking. , The air conditioning system according to claim 4. The control unit includes:
mapping two indoor units corresponding to the highest and lowest ranks of the measured power consumption ranks to a first pump;
The air conditioning system according to claim 5, wherein two other indoor units corresponding to intermediate ranks among the ranks of the measured power consumption are mapped to the second pump. A plurality of indoor unit pipings are provided corresponding to the plurality of indoor units,
The air conditioning system according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of indoor unit pipes is provided with a valve that selectively allows fluid to be supplied to the plurality of indoor units. The air conditioning system of claim 1, wherein the fluid includes water. An outdoor unit that is equipped with a compressor and an outdoor heat exchanger and that circulates a refrigerant, a plurality of indoor units that are supplied with fluid, a heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the refrigerant and the fluid, and the indoor unit. A method of controlling an air conditioning system, the method comprising: a plurality of pumps for forcing fluid supply to the air conditioning system;
sequentially connecting any one of the plurality of pumps to the plurality of indoor units to drive the pump;
determining the loads of the plurality of indoor units measured when the pump is driven;
A method for controlling an air conditioning system, the method comprising: determining a load ranking of the determined plurality of indoor units, and mapping the plurality of indoor units and the plurality of pumps based on the ranking. The step of determining the loads of the plurality of indoor units includes:
The method for controlling an air conditioning system according to claim 9, comprising the step of measuring the loads of the plurality of indoor units using an indoor unit load measuring device. The indoor unit load measuring device includes:
11. The method of controlling an air conditioning system according to claim 10, further comprising a flow meter that measures the amount of fluid circulating through the pump and the indoor unit, or a power consumption meter that measures power consumption of the pump. Mapping the plurality of indoor units and the plurality of pumps based on the ranking,
mapping two indoor units corresponding to the highest and lowest ranks among the load-related ranks of the plurality of indoor units to a first pump;
The method for controlling an air conditioning system according to claim 9, wherein two other indoor units corresponding to intermediate ranks among the ranks of the plurality of indoor units regarding loads are mapped to the second pump. The plurality of indoor units include first to fourth indoor units,
The plurality of pumps include first and second pumps,
The two indoor units corresponding to the first and fourth ranks among the determined ranks are mapped to the first pump, and the two indoor units corresponding to the second and third ranks are mapped to the second pump. A method for controlling an air conditioning system described in . An outdoor unit in which refrigerant circulates,
multiple indoor units to which fluid is supplied;
a heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the refrigerant and the fluid;
indoor unit piping that connects the heat exchanger and the indoor unit;
a plurality of pumps installed in the indoor unit piping to force fluid circulation;
Before mapping the plurality of indoor units and the plurality of pumps, a flow meter that measures the load of the plurality of indoor units and measures the flow rate of fluid circulating through the pumps and the indoor units, and the pump a power consumption measuring device that measures the power consumption output from the indoor unit load measuring device;
A control unit that determines the order of the loads measured for each of the plurality of indoor units,
In the air conditioning system, the control unit determines mapping between the plurality of pumps and the plurality of indoor units according to the determined order. The control unit includes:
mapping two indoor units corresponding to the highest and lowest ranks among the measured load ranks to a first pump;
The air conditioning system according to claim 14, wherein two other indoor units corresponding to intermediate ranks among the measured load ranks are mapped to the second pump. A plurality of indoor unit pipings are provided corresponding to the plurality of indoor units,
15. The air conditioning system according to claim 14, wherein each of the plurality of indoor unit pipes is provided with a valve that selectively allows fluid to be supplied to the plurality of indoor units.