WO2006109677A1 - 空気調和装置の冷媒量判定システム - Google Patents
空気調和装置の冷媒量判定システム Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2006109677A1 WO2006109677A1 PCT/JP2006/307341 JP2006307341W WO2006109677A1 WO 2006109677 A1 WO2006109677 A1 WO 2006109677A1 JP 2006307341 W JP2006307341 W JP 2006307341W WO 2006109677 A1 WO2006109677 A1 WO 2006109677A1
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- refrigerant
- amount
- indoor
- outdoor
- air conditioner
- Prior art date
Links
Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
- F24F11/00—Control or safety arrangements
- F24F11/62—Control or safety arrangements characterised by the type of control or by internal processing, e.g. using fuzzy logic, adaptive control or estimation of values
- F24F11/63—Electronic processing
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
- F25B49/00—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices
- F25B49/005—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices of safety devices
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
- F24F11/00—Control or safety arrangements
- F24F11/30—Control or safety arrangements for purposes related to the operation of the system, e.g. for safety or monitoring
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
- F24F11/00—Control or safety arrangements
- F24F11/70—Control systems characterised by their outputs; Constructional details thereof
- F24F11/80—Control systems characterised by their outputs; Constructional details thereof for controlling the temperature of the supplied air
- F24F11/83—Control systems characterised by their outputs; Constructional details thereof for controlling the temperature of the supplied air by controlling the supply of heat-exchange fluids to heat-exchangers
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
- F24F11/00—Control or safety arrangements
- F24F11/70—Control systems characterised by their outputs; Constructional details thereof
- F24F11/80—Control systems characterised by their outputs; Constructional details thereof for controlling the temperature of the supplied air
- F24F11/83—Control systems characterised by their outputs; Constructional details thereof for controlling the temperature of the supplied air by controlling the supply of heat-exchange fluids to heat-exchangers
- F24F11/84—Control systems characterised by their outputs; Constructional details thereof for controlling the temperature of the supplied air by controlling the supply of heat-exchange fluids to heat-exchangers using valves
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
- F25B13/00—Compression machines, plants or systems, with reversible cycle
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
- F25B2313/00—Compression machines, plants or systems with reversible cycle not otherwise provided for
- F25B2313/027—Compression machines, plants or systems with reversible cycle not otherwise provided for characterised by the reversing means
- F25B2313/02741—Compression machines, plants or systems with reversible cycle not otherwise provided for characterised by the reversing means using one four-way valve
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
- F25B2500/00—Problems to be solved
- F25B2500/22—Preventing, detecting or repairing leaks of refrigeration fluids
- F25B2500/222—Detecting refrigerant leaks
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
- F25B2500/00—Problems to be solved
- F25B2500/26—Problems to be solved characterised by the startup of the refrigeration cycle
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
- F25B2600/00—Control issues
- F25B2600/07—Remote controls
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
- F25B2600/00—Control issues
- F25B2600/21—Refrigerant outlet evaporator temperature
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
- F25B2700/00—Sensing or detecting of parameters; Sensors therefor
- F25B2700/04—Refrigerant level
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a function for determining the suitability of the amount of refrigerant charged in an air conditioner, in particular, a multi-type air conditioner in which a heat source unit and a plurality of utilization units are connected via a refrigerant communication pipe.
- the present invention relates to a function for determining the suitability of the amount of refrigerant charged in the apparatus.
- Patent Document 1 a method for determining the suitability of the refrigerant amount using the degree of superheat of the refrigerant at the outlet of the outdoor heat exchanger during heating operation or the degree of superheat of the refrigerant at the outlet of the indoor heat exchanger during cooling operation (Patent Document) 1), and a method for determining the suitability of the refrigerant amount using the degree of supercooling at the outlet of the outdoor heat exchanger during cooling operation (see Patent Document 2).
- Patent Document 1 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 02-208469
- Patent Document 2 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-304388
- the refrigerant is charged up to the specified refrigerant amount calculated from the piping length and the capacity of the component equipment at the site, but there is a calculation error when calculating the specified refrigerant amount. Due to mistakes in filling operation, there may be a variation between the initial refrigerant amount actually charged in the field and the specified refrigerant amount. For this reason, a machine for determining the suitability of the conventional refrigerant amount described above.
- the problem of the present invention is that, in a multi-type air conditioner in which a heat source unit and a plurality of utilization units are connected via a refrigerant communication pipe, there is a variation in the amount of refrigerant charged in the field. Or the reference value of the operating state quantity used to determine the suitability of the refrigerant amount due to the length of the refrigerant communication pipe, the combination of multiple units used, and the installation height difference between each unit. Another object is to enable accurate determination of the suitability of the amount of refrigerant charged in the apparatus.
- a refrigerant amount determination system for an air conditioner is an air conditioner provided with a refrigerant circuit configured by connecting a heat source unit and a plurality of utilization units via a refrigerant communication pipe.
- a refrigerant quantity determination system for an air conditioner that determines whether or not the refrigerant quantity is appropriate, and includes a state quantity accumulation unit and a refrigerant quantity judgment unit.
- the state quantity accumulating means accumulates the operation state quantity of the refrigerant or the component device flowing through the refrigerant circuit filled with the refrigerant to the initial refrigerant quantity by the refrigerant filling in the field in the trial operation after the installation of the air conditioner.
- the refrigerant amount determination means determines whether or not the refrigerant amount is appropriate by comparing the operation state amount at the time of the trial operation with a current value of the operation state amount of the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant circuit or the component device, using the reference value.
- the operating state quantity after it has been filled up to the initial refrigerant quantity by filling the local refrigerant is accumulated in the state quantity accumulation means, and this accumulation is performed.
- the operating state quantity is the standard for the operating state quantity.
- the suitability of the refrigerant amount is determined by comparing it with the current value of the operating state amount, so the amount of refrigerant actually filled in the device, that is, the comparison between the initial refrigerant amount and the current refrigerant amount It can be performed.
- the amount of refrigerant charged locally varies, the refrigerant communication pipe length, the combination of multiple units used, and the installation height between each unit are low. Even if there is a fluctuation in the reference value of the operating state quantity used for determining the suitability of the refrigerant amount due to the difference, the suitability of the refrigerant quantity charged in the apparatus can be accurately determined.
- a refrigerant amount determination system for an air conditioner according to a second aspect of the present invention is the refrigerant amount determination system for an air conditioner according to the first aspect of the present invention, wherein the trial operation is an operation involving refrigerant charging into the refrigerant circuit.
- the state quantity accumulating means accumulates the operation state quantity of the refrigerant or the component device that flows through the refrigerant circuit during the operation accompanied by the refrigerant filling.
- the operating state quantity in a state where the refrigerant circuit is filled with an amount of refrigerant smaller than the initial refrigerant quantity which is not only the operation state quantity after being filled up to the initial refrigerant quantity. It can be stored in the state quantity storage means.
- the operation state quantity in a state where the amount of refrigerant is less than the initial refrigerant quantity can be used as a reference value and compared with the current value of the operation state quantity.
- the accuracy of determining the suitability of the amount of refrigerant charged in the inside can be further improved.
- a refrigerant amount determination system for an air conditioner according to a third aspect of the present invention is the refrigerant amount determination system for an air conditioner according to the first or second aspect of the present invention, wherein the test operation is a control variable for the components of the air conditioner. Includes driving to change.
- the state quantity accumulation means accumulates the operation state quantity of the refrigerant or the component device that flows through the refrigerant circuit during the operation of changing the control variable.
- the operation state amount after filling up to the initial amount of refrigerant for example, the refrigerant temperature, refrigerant pressure, outside air temperature, indoor temperature, etc.
- the control variables of the component devices are changed to realize different operating conditions from the trial operation.
- the operation state quantity during this operation can be stored in the state quantity storage means.
- the operation state during operation with the control variable of the component device changed Based on the quantity, for example, the correlation and correction formulas of various driving state quantities when the driving conditions are different are determined, and using these correlations and correction formulas, the driving state quantity and the driving state quantity during the trial run are determined. It is possible to compensate for the difference in operating conditions when compared with the current value.
- the current state of the operating state quantity and the operating state quantity at the time of the test run are based on the data of the operating state quantity during the operation in which the control variable of the component device is changed. Since it becomes possible to compensate for the difference in operating conditions when comparing with the value, it is possible to further improve the accuracy of determining the suitability of the amount of refrigerant charged in the apparatus.
- a refrigerant amount determination system for an air conditioner is the refrigerant amount determination system for an air conditioner according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the state quantity acquisition means includes the air conditioner. Is managing.
- the state quantity storage means, the refrigerant quantity determination means, and the state quantity correction means are remote from the air conditioner and are connected to the state quantity acquisition means via a communication line.
- the state quantity storage means, the refrigerant quantity judgment means, and the state quantity correction means exist remotely from the air conditioner, the past operation data of the air conditioner is stored.
- a configuration capable of storing a large amount can be easily realized.
- operation data similar to the current operation data acquired by the state quantity acquisition unit is selected from past operation data stored in the storage unit, and both data are compared to determine whether the refrigerant amount is appropriate. Judgment can be made.
- a refrigerant amount determination system for an air conditioner according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the refrigerant amount determination system for an air conditioner according to any of the first to fourth aspects of the present invention, wherein the operating state quantity power refrigerant amount during the trial run Further, a refrigerant amount calculating means for calculating is provided. The amount of refrigerant that is calculated during the test operation is stored in the state quantity storage means as a reference value.
- the operating state quantity at the time of trial operation is used. Since the refrigerant amount is calculated, and this refrigerant amount is used as a reference value for comparison with the current value of the operating state quantity, the refrigerant amount actually charged in the apparatus, that is, the initial refrigerant amount and the current refrigerant A comparison with the quantity can be made.
- An air conditioner includes an outdoor unit having a compressor and an outdoor heat exchanger, and an indoor unit having an indoor heat exchanger via a refrigerant communication pipe.
- An air conditioner including a refrigerant circuit configured by being connected, and includes refrigerant amount determination means and state quantity correction means.
- the refrigerant quantity determination means determines whether or not the refrigerant quantity is appropriate based on the current value of the operating state quantity of the refrigerant or component equipment flowing through the refrigerant circuit and the reference value of the operating state quantity of the refrigerant or component equipment flowing through the refrigerant circuit. To do.
- the state quantity correction unit corrects the operation state quantity using the refrigerant pressure or refrigerant temperature in the outdoor heat exchanger and the outside air temperature when the refrigerant quantity judgment unit determines whether the refrigerant quantity is appropriate.
- An air conditioner includes an outdoor unit having a compressor and an outdoor heat exchanger, and an indoor unit having an indoor heat exchanger via a refrigerant communication pipe.
- An air conditioner including a refrigerant circuit configured by being connected, and includes refrigerant amount determination means and state quantity correction means.
- the refrigerant quantity determination means determines whether or not the refrigerant quantity is appropriate based on the current value of the operating state quantity of the refrigerant or component equipment flowing through the refrigerant circuit and the reference value of the operating state quantity of the refrigerant or component equipment flowing through the refrigerant circuit. To do.
- the state quantity correction unit corrects the operation state quantity using the refrigerant pressure or refrigerant temperature in the indoor heat exchanger and the room temperature when the refrigerant quantity judgment unit determines whether or not the refrigerant quantity is appropriate.
- An air conditioner is that an outdoor unit having a compressor and outdoor heat exchange and an indoor unit having an indoor heat exchanger are connected via a refrigerant communication pipe.
- An air conditioner including a refrigerant circuit configured as described above, and includes refrigerant amount determination means and state quantity correction means.
- the refrigerant quantity determination means determines whether or not the refrigerant quantity is appropriate based on the current value of the operating state quantity of the refrigerant or component equipment flowing through the refrigerant circuit and the reference value of the operating state quantity of the refrigerant or component equipment flowing through the refrigerant circuit. To do.
- a refrigerant quantity determination system for an air conditioner includes state quantity acquisition means, state quantity storage means, refrigerant quantity determination means, and state quantity correction means.
- the state quantity acquisition means acquires the operating state quantity of the refrigerant or the component equipment flowing through the air conditioner power refrigerant circuit.
- the air conditioner includes a refrigerant circuit configured by connecting an outdoor unit having a compressor and an outdoor heat exchanger and an indoor unit having an indoor heat exchanger via a refrigerant communication pipe.
- the state quantity accumulation means accumulates the operation state quantity acquired by the state quantity acquisition means as a reference value of the operation state quantity.
- the refrigerant quantity determination means determines whether the refrigerant quantity is appropriate based on the current value of the operation state quantity acquired by the state quantity acquisition means and the reference value of the operation state quantity stored in the state quantity storage means.
- the state quantity correction means converts the operation state quantity into the refrigerant pressure or refrigerant temperature in the outdoor heat exchanger, the outdoor air temperature, the refrigerant pressure or refrigerant in the indoor heat exchanger. Correction is performed using the temperature and the room temperature.
- a refrigerant amount determination system for an air conditioner according to a tenth aspect of the invention is the refrigerant amount determination system for an air conditioner according to the ninth aspect of the invention, wherein the state quantity acquisition means manages the air conditioner.
- the state quantity storage means, the refrigerant quantity determination means, and the state quantity correction means are remote from the air conditioner and are connected to the state quantity acquisition means via a communication line.
- a heat source unit having a compressor, a heat source side heat exchange and a receiver, and a utilization unit having a utilization side heat exchanger are connected via a refrigerant communication pipe.
- the heat source side heat exchange functions as a condenser for the refrigerant compressed in the compressor, and the user side heat exchanger is received from the heat source side heat exchanger as a receiver.
- An air conditioner capable of performing at least an operation for functioning as an evaporator of a refrigerant sent via a liquid level detecting means for detecting a liquid level in a receiver, an operation control means, and a refrigerant amount judging means And.
- the operation control means makes the liquid level of the receiver constant based on the normal operation mode that controls the heat source unit and the components of the use unit according to the operation load of the use unit and the detection value of the liquid level detection means. It is possible to operate by switching between the refrigerant quantity determination operation modes controlled as described above. In the refrigerant quantity determination operation mode, the refrigerant quantity determination means determines the suitability of the refrigerant quantity based on the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant circuit or the operation state quantity of the component device. [0015]
- An air conditioner according to a twelfth aspect is the air conditioner according to the eleventh aspect, wherein the liquid level of the receiver in the refrigerant quantity determination operation mode is higher than the liquid level of the receiver in the normal operation mode. The liquid level is controlled to be constant.
- An air conditioner according to a thirteenth invention is the air conditioner according to the eleventh or twelfth invention, wherein the heat source unit or the utilization unit includes an expansion valve connected between the receiver and the utilization side heat exchanger.
- the liquid level of the receiver in the refrigerant quantity determination operation mode is controlled to be constant by the expansion valve.
- An air conditioner according to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention is the air conditioner according to any of the eleventh to thirteenth aspects of the invention, wherein the liquid level detecting means removes a part of the refrigerant in the receiver from a predetermined position of the receiver.
- This is a liquid level detection circuit that can be taken out, decompressed, and measured for refrigerant temperature, and then returned to the suction side of the compressor.
- a refrigerant quantity determination system for an air conditioner includes a state quantity acquisition means, a liquid level detection means, an operation control means, a state quantity storage means, and a refrigerant quantity determination means. Yes.
- the state quantity determination means is configured by connecting a heat source unit having a compressor, a heat source side heat exchanger and a receiver, and a utilization unit having a utilization side heat exchanger via a refrigerant communication pipe.
- a refrigerant circuit configured and a liquid level detecting means for detecting the liquid level in the receiver, the heat source side heat exchanger functions as a refrigerant condenser to be compressed in the compressor, and the use side
- An operating state quantity is acquired from an air conditioner capable of performing at least an operation of functioning as a refrigerant evaporator sent through a receiver from the heat source side heat exchanger.
- the operation control means is configured so that the liquid level of the receiver is constant based on the normal operation mode in which the heat source unit and the constituent devices of the use unit are controlled according to the operation load of the use unit and the detection value of the liquid level detection means. It is possible to operate by switching between the refrigerant amount judgment operation mode to be controlled.
- the state quantity accumulation unit accumulates the operation state quantity acquired by the state quantity acquisition unit as a reference value of the operation state quantity in the refrigerant quantity determination operation mode.
- the refrigerant amount determination unit is configured to determine the refrigerant amount based on the current value of the operation state amount acquired by the state amount acquisition unit and the reference value of the operation state amount stored in the state amount storage unit. Judge suitability.
- a refrigerant amount determination system for an air conditioner relates to the fifteenth aspect of the present invention.
- the state quantity acquisition means manages the air conditioner.
- the state quantity accumulation means and the refrigerant quantity determination means are remote from the air conditioner and are connected to the state quantity acquisition means via a communication line.
- An air conditioner includes a heat source unit having a compressor, a heat source side heat exchange and a receiver, and a use unit having a use side expansion valve and a use side heat exchange. It is equipped with a main refrigerant circuit that is configured by being connected via a refrigerant communication pipe, and the heat source side heat exchange functions as a condenser for the refrigerant compressed in the compressor, and the use side heat exchange.
- Is an air conditioner that can perform at least an operation of functioning as an evaporator of a refrigerant that is sent via a receiver and a use-side expansion valve through a heat source side heat exchanger, a no-pass refrigerant circuit, and a supercooler And a refrigerant amount determination means.
- Bypass The refrigerant circuit has a bypass-side flow control valve that adjusts the flow rate of the refrigerant, and compresses a part of the refrigerant sent from the heat source side heat exchange to the use side heat exchange by branching the main refrigerant circuit force. It is connected to the main refrigerant circuit so as to return to the suction side of the machine.
- the supercooler is provided in the heat source mute, and cools the refrigerant sent from the receiver to the user side expansion valve by the refrigerant returned from the outlet of the bypass side flow control valve to the suction side of the compressor. .
- the refrigerant amount determination means determines the suitability of the refrigerant amount based on at least one of the refrigerant subcooling degree at the outlet of the subcooler and the operating state quantity that varies according to the fluctuation of the subcooling degree.
- An air conditioner according to an eighteenth aspect of the invention is the air conditioner according to the seventeenth aspect of the invention, wherein the bypass-side flow rate adjustment valve has a predetermined degree of superheat of the refrigerant at the outlet of the bypass refrigerant circuit side of the supercooler. It is controlled to become a value.
- An air conditioner according to a nineteenth invention is the air conditioner according to the seventeenth or eighteenth invention, wherein the heat source unit further includes a fan for supplying air as a heat source to the heat source side heat exchanger. ing.
- the fan controls the flow rate of the air supplied to the heat source side heat exchanger so that the refrigerant pressure in the heat source side heat exchange becomes equal to or higher than a predetermined value when the refrigerant amount determination means determines the suitability of the refrigerant amount.
- a refrigerant quantity determination system for an air conditioner includes a state quantity acquisition unit, a bypass refrigerant circuit, a supercooler, a state quantity storage unit, and a refrigerant quantity determination unit.
- the state quantity acquisition means includes a heat source unit having a compressor, a heat source side heat exchanger, and a receiver.
- a usage unit having a usage-side heat exchanger have a main refrigerant circuit configured by being connected via a refrigerant communication pipe, and a bypass-side flow rate adjustment valve for adjusting the flow rate of the refrigerant.
- a supercooler that is provided in the heat source unit and cools the refrigerant sent from the receiver to the use side expansion valve by the refrigerant returned from the outlet of the bypass side flow rate adjustment valve to the suction side of the compressor, Refrigerant that causes the heat source side heat exchanger to function as a condenser for refrigerant to be compressed in the compressor, and that the use side heat exchanger is sent from the heat source side heat exchanger through the receiver, the subcooler, and the use side expansion valve Function as an evaporator Operating at least possible to perform air-conditioning apparatus which obtains the operation state quantity.
- the state quantity accumulating means obtains at least one of the refrigerant subcooling degree at the outlet of the subcooler acquired by the state quantity obtaining means and the operating state quantity that varies according to the fluctuation of the subcooling degree, as the operating state quantity. It accumulates as a reference value.
- the refrigerant quantity determination means includes at least one current value of the refrigerant subcooling degree at the outlet of the subcooler and the operating state quantity that varies according to the fluctuation of the supercooling degree, which is acquired by the state quantity acquisition means, and the state quantity. The suitability of the refrigerant quantity is determined based on the reference value of the operation state quantity accumulated in the accumulation means.
- a refrigerant amount determination system for an air conditioner according to a twenty-first aspect is the refrigerant amount determination system for an air conditioner according to the twentieth aspect, wherein the state quantity acquisition means manages the air conditioner. ing.
- the state quantity accumulation means and the refrigerant quantity determination means are remote from the air conditioner and are connected to the state quantity acquisition means via a communication line.
- a refrigerant amount determination function adding method of an air conditioner includes a heat source unit having a history of practical use, including a compressor, a heat source side heat exchanger, and a receiver. This is a method of adding a function for determining the suitability of the amount of refrigerant in an air conditioner equipped with a refrigerant circuit configured by connecting a utilization unit having utilization side heat exchange via a refrigerant communication pipe.
- a supercooling device that cools the refrigerant that flows between the receiver and the heat exchanger on the user side is installed in the heat source unit, and changes depending on the subcooling degree of the refrigerant at the outlet of the supercooling device and the fluctuation of the supercooling degree.
- Refrigerant amount determination means for determining the appropriateness of the refrigerant amount is provided based on at least one of the operating state amounts to be performed. “For practical use, “Heat source unit with history” refers to a heat source unit that has been manufactured and is at least filled with refrigerant.
- the refrigerant amount determination function adding method of the air conditioner according to the twenty-third aspect of the invention is the method of adding the refrigerant amount determining function of the air conditioner according to the twenty-second aspect of the invention, wherein the supercooling device includes the receiver and the user side Before connecting the supercooling device between the receiver and the user-side heat exchanger ⁇ , remove the internal refrigerant from the refrigerant circuit and connect the supercooling device to the heat exchanger ⁇ .
- a supercooling refrigerant circuit is provided in the heat source unit, which is connected between the receiver and the use side heat exchanger and supplies the supercooling device with the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant circuit as a cooling source.
- the method for adding the refrigerant amount determination function of the air conditioner according to the twenty-fourth aspect of the invention is the method of adding the refrigerant amount determination function of the air conditioner according to the twenty-second aspect of the invention. It can be mounted on the outer periphery of the refrigerant pipe connecting the heat exchanger.
- An air conditioner is a refrigerant communication pipe comprising a heat source unit having a compressor, a heat source side heat exchanger and a receiver, and a utilization unit having a utilization side heat exchanger.
- the heat source side heat exchange functions as a condenser for the refrigerant compressed in the compressor, and the user side heat exchanger is used as the heat source side heat exchanger.
- an air conditioner capable of performing at least an operation for functioning as an evaporator of a refrigerant sent from a receiver through a receiver, and includes an overcooling device and a refrigerant amount determination means.
- the supercooling device can be attached to the outer periphery of the refrigerant pipe connecting the receiver and the use side heat exchanger.
- the refrigerant amount determination means determines whether or not the refrigerant amount is appropriate based on at least one of the supercooling degree of the refrigerant at the outlet of the supercooling device and the operating state quantity that changes in accordance with the change in the supercooling degree.
- a refrigerant quantity determination system for an air conditioner includes a state quantity acquisition unit, a state quantity storage unit, and a refrigerant quantity determination unit.
- the state quantity acquisition means is configured by connecting a heat source unit having a compressor, a heat source side heat exchanger and a receiver, and a utilization unit having a utilization side heat exchanger via a refrigerant communication pipe.
- a supercooling device attached to the outer periphery of the refrigerant pipe connecting the receiver and the user-side heat exchanger.
- the heat source side heat exchange functions as a condenser for the refrigerant compressed in the compressor, and the use side heat exchanger is sent from the heat source side heat exchanger through the receiver, the subcooling device, and the use side expansion valve.
- An operating state quantity is acquired from an air conditioner capable of performing at least an operation for functioning as an evaporator of the refrigerant to be obtained.
- the state quantity accumulating means obtains at least one of the operating state quantity obtained by the state quantity obtaining means and varying in accordance with the refrigerant subcooling degree at the outlet of the supercooling device and the change in the degree of supercooling. It accumulates as a reference value for.
- the refrigerant quantity determination means includes at least one current value of the operating state quantity obtained by the state quantity acquisition means, which varies according to the degree of refrigerant subcooling at the outlet of the supercooling device and the degree of subcooling, and the state. The suitability of the refrigerant quantity is determined based on the reference value of the operation state quantity accumulated in the quantity accumulation means.
- the refrigerant quantity determination system for an air conditioner according to the twenty-seventh aspect of the invention is the refrigerant quantity determination system for an air conditioner according to the twenty-sixth aspect of the invention, wherein the state quantity acquisition means manages the air conditioner. is doing.
- the state quantity accumulation means and the refrigerant quantity determination means are remote from the air conditioner and are connected to the state quantity acquisition means via a communication line.
- FIG. 1 is a schematic refrigerant circuit diagram of an air-conditioning apparatus that employs a refrigerant quantity determination system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 2 is a control block diagram of the air conditioner.
- FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a test operation mode.
- FIG. 4 is a flowchart of an automatic refrigerant charging operation.
- FIG. 5 is a graph showing the relationship between the degree of supercooling at the outlet of the outdoor heat exchanger, the outside air temperature, and the amount of refrigerant in the refrigerant amount judgment operation.
- FIG. 6 is a flowchart of control variable change operation.
- FIG. 7 is a graph showing the relationship between the discharge pressure and the outside air temperature in the refrigerant quantity determination operation.
- FIG. 8 is a graph showing the relationship between the suction pressure and the outside air temperature in the refrigerant quantity determination operation.
- FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a refrigerant leakage detection mode.
- FIG. 10 is a graph showing the relationship between the coefficient KA and the condensation pressure in outdoor heat exchange.
- FIG. 11 is a graph showing the relationship between coefficient KA and evaporation pressure in indoor heat exchange. 12] A graph showing the relationship between the opening of the indoor expansion valve in the refrigerant quantity determination operation, the degree of supercooling and the refrigerant quantity at the outlet of the outdoor heat exchange.
- FIG. 13 is a refrigerant quantity determination system using a local controller.
- FIG. 14 is a refrigerant quantity determination system using a personal computer.
- FIG. 15 is a refrigerant quantity determination system using a remote server and a storage device.
- FIG. 16 is a schematic configuration diagram of an air-conditioning apparatus that employs a refrigerant quantity determination system that is effective in the second embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 17 is a control block diagram of the air conditioner.
- FIG. 18 is a flowchart of the test operation mode.
- FIG. 19 is a flowchart of an automatic refrigerant charging operation.
- FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram showing the state of refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant circuit in the refrigerant quantity determination operation (illustration of the four-way switching valve and the like is omitted).
- FIG. 21 is a flowchart of a pipe volume determination operation.
- FIG. 23 is a Mollier diagram showing the refrigeration cycle of the air conditioner in the pipe volume determination operation for the gas refrigerant communication pipe.
- FIG. 24 is a flowchart of an initial refrigerant quantity determination operation.
- FIG. 25 is a flowchart of a refrigerant leak detection operation mode.
- FIG. 26 is a schematic refrigerant circuit diagram of an air-conditioning apparatus employing a refrigerant quantity determination system that is effective in the third embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 27 is a schematic side sectional view of a receiver.
- FIG. 28 is a control block diagram of the air conditioner.
- FIG. 29 is a flowchart of receiver liquid level constant control.
- FIG. 30 is a graph showing the relationship between the degree of superheat at the outlet of the indoor heat exchanger in the refrigerant quantity determination operation, the room temperature, and the refrigerant quantity.
- FIG. 31 is a schematic refrigerant circuit diagram of an air-conditioning apparatus in which a refrigerant quantity determination system that is effective in a fourth embodiment of the present invention is employed.
- FIG. 32 is a control block diagram of the air conditioner.
- FIG. 33 is a graph showing the relationship between the degree of supercooling at the outlet on the main refrigerant circuit side of the supercooler, the outside air temperature, and the refrigerant quantity in the refrigerant quantity judgment operation.
- FIG. 34 is a graph showing the relationship between the amount of refrigerant and the degree of supercooling at the outlet on the main refrigerant circuit side of the supercooler in the refrigerant quantity determination operation, the refrigerant temperature at the outlet of the receiver.
- FIG. 35 is a schematic refrigerant circuit diagram of an existing air conditioner before the refrigerant amount determination function is added by the refrigerant amount determination function addition method of the air conditioner according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 36 is a control block diagram of an existing air conditioner.
- FIG. 37 shows an air conditioner after a modification for adding a refrigerant amount determination function to an existing air conditioner by an additional method according to the additional method of the air conditioner according to Modification 1 of the fifth embodiment of the present invention. It is a schematic refrigerant circuit diagram.
- FIG. 38 shows an air conditioner after a modification that adds a refrigerant amount determination function to an existing air conditioner by an additional method according to an additional method of the air conditioner according to Modification 1 of the fifth embodiment of the present invention. It is a schematic refrigerant circuit diagram.
- FIG. 39 is a diagram showing a configuration in which a water pipe as a supercooling device according to Modification 1 of the fifth embodiment of the present invention is provided in a refrigerant pipe connecting a receiver and a liquid side shut-off valve.
- FIG. 1 is a schematic refrigerant circuit diagram of an air conditioner 1 in which the refrigerant quantity determination system according to the first embodiment of the present invention is employed.
- the air conditioner 1 is an apparatus used for indoor air conditioning such as a building by performing a vapor compression refrigeration cycle operation.
- the air conditioner 1 mainly includes an outdoor unit 2 as a single heat source unit, and indoor units 4 and 5 as a plurality of units (two in this embodiment) connected in parallel to the outdoor unit 2.
- the liquid refrigerant communication pipe 6 and the gas refrigerant communication pipe 7 are provided as refrigerant communication pipes connecting the outdoor unit 2 and the indoor units 4 and 5. That is, in the vapor compression refrigerant circuit 10 of the air conditioning apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, the outdoor unit 2, the indoor units 4, 5, the liquid refrigerant communication pipe 6 and the gas refrigerant communication pipe 7 are connected. It is constituted by.
- the indoor units 4 and 5 are installed in the ceiling of an indoor building or the like by hanging or hanging, or on the wall surface of the indoor wall.
- the indoor units 4 and 5 are connected to the outdoor unit 2 via the liquid refrigerant communication pipe 6 and the gas refrigerant communication pipe 7 and constitute a part of the refrigerant circuit 10.
- the configuration of the indoor units 4 and 5 will be described. Since the indoor unit 4 and the indoor unit 5 have the same configuration, only the configuration of the indoor unit 4 will be described here, and the configuration of the indoor unit 5 indicates each part of the indoor unit 4 respectively. Instead of the 40's code, the 50's code is used, and the description of each part is omitted.
- the indoor unit 4 mainly includes an indoor refrigerant circuit 10a (in the indoor unit 5, the indoor refrigerant circuit 10b) that constitutes a part of the refrigerant circuit 10.
- This indoor refrigerant circuit 10a mainly includes an indoor expansion valve 41 as a use side expansion valve and an indoor heat exchange 42 as a use side heat exchange.
- the indoor expansion valve 41 is an electric expansion valve connected to the liquid side of the indoor heat exchanger 42 in order to adjust the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing in the indoor refrigerant circuit 10a.
- the indoor heat exchange is a cross-fin type fin 'and' tube heat exchanger composed of heat transfer tubes and a large number of fins, and functions as a refrigerant evaporator during cooling operation. Cools the air and acts as a refrigerant condenser during heating operation It is a heat exchanger that functions to heat indoor air.
- the indoor unit 4 includes an indoor fan 43 for sucking indoor air into the unit, exchanging heat, and supplying the indoor air as supply air to the indoor unit 4 to exchange heat with the indoor air. It is possible to exchange heat with the flowing refrigerant.
- the indoor fan 43 is a fan capable of varying the flow rate of air supplied to the indoor heat exchanger 42.
- the indoor fan 43 is a centrifugal fan or multiblade fan driven by a motor 43a that also has a DC fan motor power. Etc.
- the indoor unit 4 is provided with various sensors. On the liquid side of the indoor heat exchanger 42, the temperature of the refrigerant in the liquid state or the gas-liquid two-phase state (that is, the refrigerant temperature corresponding to the condensation temperature Tc during heating operation or the evaporation temperature Te during cooling operation) is detected. A liquid side temperature sensor 44 is provided. On the gas side of the indoor heat exchanger 42, a gas-side temperature sensor 45 that detects the temperature of the refrigerant in the gas state or the gas-liquid two-phase state is provided. An indoor temperature sensor 46 that detects the temperature of indoor air flowing into the unit (that is, the indoor temperature Tr) is provided on the indoor air inlet side of the indoor unit 4.
- the liquid side temperature sensor 44, the gas side temperature sensor 45, and the room temperature sensor 46 are thermistors.
- the indoor unit 4 includes an indoor side control unit 47 that controls the operation of each unit constituting the indoor unit 4.
- the indoor side control unit 47 includes a microcomputer, a memory, and the like provided for controlling the indoor unit 4, and a remote controller (not shown) for individually operating the indoor unit 4. Control signals etc. can be exchanged between them, and control signals etc. can be exchanged with the outdoor unit 2.
- the outdoor unit 2 is installed on the rooftop of a building or the like, and is connected to the indoor units 4 and 5 via the liquid refrigerant communication pipe 6 and the gas refrigerant communication pipe 7, and the refrigerant is connected between the indoor units 4 and 5.
- Circuit 10 is configured.
- the outdoor unit 2 mainly includes an outdoor refrigerant circuit 10c that constitutes a part of the refrigerant circuit 10.
- This outdoor refrigerant circuit 10c mainly includes the compressor 21, the four-way switching valve 22, and the outdoor heat exchange as heat source side heat exchange.
- the compressor 21 is a compressor whose operating capacity can be varied.
- the compressor 21 is a positive displacement compressor driven by a motor 21a controlled by an inverter.
- the number of the compressors 21 is only one. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and two or more compressors are connected in parallel according to the number of connected indoor units. Also good.
- the four-way selector valve 22 is a valve for switching the direction of the refrigerant flow.
- the outdoor heat exchanger 23 is used as a condenser for the refrigerant compressed in the compressor 21, and the indoor heat exchanger 42. , 52 is connected to the discharge side of the compressor 21 and the gas side of the outdoor heat exchanger 23 in order to function as an evaporator of refrigerant condensed in the outdoor heat exchanger 23 (specifically, the suction side of the compressor 21 (specifically, Is connected to the accumulator 24) and the gas refrigerant communication pipe 7 side (see the solid line of the four-way selector valve 22 in FIG. 1), and during the heating operation, the indoor heat exchangers 42 and 52 are compressed by the compressor 21.
- the discharge side of the compressor 21 and the gas refrigerant communication pipe 7 side are connected. Connect the suction side of compressor 21 and the gas side of outdoor heat exchange (Refer to the broken line of the four-way switching valve 22 in Fig. 1).
- the outdoor heat exchange is a cross-fin type fin 'and' tube heat exchanger composed of heat transfer tubes and a large number of fins, and functions as a refrigerant condenser during cooling operation, thereby heating operation.
- heat exchange functions as a refrigerant evaporator.
- the outdoor heat exchanger 23 has a gas side connected to the four-way switching valve 22 and a liquid side connected to the liquid coolant communication pipe 6.
- the outdoor unit 2 includes an outdoor fan 27 for sucking outdoor air into the unit, supplying the outdoor air to the outdoor heat exchanger 23, and then discharging the outdoor air to the outdoor heat exchanger 23. It is possible to exchange heat with the refrigerant flowing through
- the outdoor fan 27 is a fan capable of varying the flow rate of air supplied to the outdoor heat exchanger 23, and in this embodiment, is a propeller fan driven by a motor 27a that also has a DC fan motor force.
- the accumulator 24 is connected between the four-way selector valve 22 and the compressor 21, and can accumulate excess refrigerant generated in the refrigerant circuit 10 in accordance with the operation load of the indoor units 4 and 5. Container.
- the liquid side shutoff valve 25 and the gas side shutoff valve 26 are valves provided at connection ports with external devices and pipes (specifically, the liquid refrigerant communication pipe 6 and the gas refrigerant communication pipe 7).
- the liquid side closing valve 25 is connected to the outdoor heat exchanger 23.
- the gas side closing valve 26 is connected to the four-way switching valve 22.
- the outdoor unit 2 is provided with various sensors. Specifically, the outdoor unit 2 includes a suction pressure sensor 28 for detecting the suction pressure Ps of the compressor 21, a discharge pressure sensor 29 for detecting the discharge pressure Pd of the compressor 21, and a compressor 21. A suction temperature sensor 32 for detecting the suction temperature Ts and a discharge temperature sensor 33 for detecting the discharge temperature Td of the compressor 21 are provided. The suction temperature sensor 32 is provided on the inlet side of the accumulator 24.
- the outdoor heat exchanger 23 is a heat exchanger that detects the temperature of the refrigerant flowing in the outdoor heat exchanger 23 (that is, the refrigerant temperature corresponding to the condensation temperature Tc during the cooling operation or the evaporation temperature Te during the heating operation). A temperature sensor 30 is provided.
- a liquid side temperature sensor 31 for detecting the temperature of the refrigerant in the liquid state or the gas-liquid two-phase state is provided on the liquid side of the outdoor heat exchanger 23 .
- An outdoor air temperature sensor 34 that detects the temperature of outdoor air flowing into the unit (that is, the outdoor air temperature Ta) is provided on the outdoor air inlet 2 side of the outdoor unit 2.
- the outdoor unit 2 also includes an outdoor control unit 35 that controls the operation of each part constituting the outdoor unit 2.
- the outdoor control unit 35 includes a microcomputer provided for controlling the outdoor unit 2, an inverter circuit that controls the memory and the motor 21 a, and the like. Control signals etc. can be exchanged with the units 47 and 57.
- the indoor side control units 47 and 57 and the outdoor side control unit 35 constitute a control unit 8 that controls the operation of the entire air conditioner 1.
- the control unit 8 is connected so as to be able to receive detection signals of various sensors 29 to 34, 44 to 46, 54 to 56, and based on these detection signals and the like. It is connected so that various devices and valves 21, 22, 27a, 41, 43a, 51, 53a can be controlled.
- the control unit 8 includes a refrigerant in the refrigerant leakage detection mode described later.
- a warning display 9 is connected, which is an LED, etc. to notify that a leak has been detected.
- FIG. 2 is a control block diagram of the air conditioner 1.
- the refrigerant circuit 10 of the air conditioner 1 is configured by connecting the indoor refrigerant circuits 10a and 10b, the outdoor refrigerant circuit 10c, and the refrigerant communication pipes 6 and 7.
- the air conditioner 1 of the present embodiment is operated by switching the cooling operation and the heating operation by the four-way switching valve 22 by the control unit 8 including the indoor side control units 47 and 57 and the outdoor side control unit 35.
- the control of each device of the outdoor unit 2 and the indoor units 4 and 5 is performed according to the operation load of each indoor unit 4 and 5.
- the operation mode of the air conditioner 1 of the present embodiment includes a normal operation mode in which the outdoor unit 2 and the indoor units 4 and 5 are controlled in accordance with the operation load of the indoor units 4 and 5, and air A test operation mode for performing a test run after the installation of the harmony device 1, and an outdoor heat exchange outlet that functions as a condenser while cooling the indoor units 4 and 5 after the test operation is completed and the normal operation is started.
- There is a refrigerant leakage detection mode in which the degree of refrigerant cooling in the refrigerant circuit 10 is detected to determine whether or not the amount of refrigerant charged in the refrigerant circuit 10 is appropriate.
- the normal operation mode mainly includes a cooling operation and a heating operation.
- the test operation mode includes a refrigerant automatic charging operation and a control variable changing operation.
- the cooling operation in the normal operation mode will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.
- the liquid side shutoff valve 25 and the gas side shutoff valve 26 are opened, and the indoor expansion valves 41 and 51 are opened so that the degree of superheat of the refrigerant at the outlets of the indoor heat exchangers 42 and 52 becomes a predetermined value. The degree is adjusted.
- the degree of superheat of the refrigerant at the outlets of the indoor heat exchangers 42 and 52 is determined by the gas side temperature sensor.
- the refrigerant temperature value detected by the sensors 45 and 55 is also the force detected by subtracting the refrigerant temperature value detected by the liquid side temperature sensors 44 and 54, or the suction of the compressor 21 detected by the suction pressure sensor 28
- the pressure Ps is converted into a saturation temperature value corresponding to the evaporation temperature Te, and is detected by subtracting the saturation temperature value of the refrigerant from the refrigerant temperature value detected by the gas side temperature sensors 45 and 55.
- a temperature sensor is provided for detecting the temperature of the refrigerant flowing in the indoor heat exchangers 42 and 52, and the refrigerant temperature corresponding to the evaporation temperature Te detected by this temperature sensor is provided. By subtracting the value from the refrigerant temperature value detected by the gas side temperature sensors 45 and 55, the degree of superheat of the refrigerant at the outlets of the indoor heat exchangers 42 and 52 may be detected.
- the low-pressure gas refrigerant is sucked into the compressor 21 and compressed to become a high-pressure gas refrigerant.
- the high-pressure gas refrigerant is sent to the outdoor heat exchanger 23 via the four-way switching valve 22, and is condensed by exchanging heat with the outdoor air supplied by the outdoor fan 27. Become.
- the high-pressure liquid refrigerant is sent to the indoor units 4 and 5 via the liquid side closing valve 25 and the liquid refrigerant communication pipe 6.
- the high-pressure liquid refrigerant sent to the indoor units 4 and 5 is depressurized by the indoor expansion valves 41 and 51 to become a low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant and sent to the indoor heat exchangers 42 and 52.
- Heat exchange with the indoor air is performed in the heat exchangers 42 and 52 to evaporate into a low-pressure gas refrigerant.
- the indoor expansion valves 41 and 51 control the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing in the indoor heat exchangers 42 and 52 so that the degree of superheat at the outlets of the indoor heat exchangers 42 and 52 becomes a predetermined value.
- the low-pressure gas refrigerant evaporated in the indoor heat exchangers 42 and 52 has a predetermined degree of superheat. In this way, each indoor heat exchanger 42, 52 is supplied with a refrigerant having a flow rate according to the required operating load in the air conditioning space in which each indoor unit 4, 5 is installed! .
- This low-pressure gas refrigerant is sent to the outdoor unit 2 via the gas refrigerant communication pipe 7 and flows into the accumulator 24 via the gas side closing valve 26 and the four-way switching valve 22. Then, the low-pressure gas refrigerant that has flowed into the accumulator 24 is again sucked into the compressor 21.
- the indoor units 4 and 5 depending on the operation load of the indoor units 4 and 5, for example, one of the indoor units 4 and 5 is operated. If surplus refrigerant is generated in the refrigerant circuit 10, such as when the rolling load is low or stopped, or when the driving load of both indoor units 4 and 5 is low, the accumulator 24 The surplus refrigerant starts to accumulate.
- the four-way switching valve 22 is in the state shown by the broken line in FIG. 1, that is, the discharge side of the compressor 21 is connected to the gas side of the indoor heat exchangers 42 and 52, and the suction side of the compressor 21 is It is connected to the gas side of the outdoor heat exchanger 23.
- the liquid side shutoff valve 25 and the gas side shutoff valve 26 are opened, and the indoor expansion valves 41 and 51 are set so that the degree of supercooling of the refrigerant at the outlets of the indoor heat exchangers 42 and 52 becomes a predetermined value. The opening is adjusted.
- the degree of supercooling of the refrigerant at the outlets of the indoor heat exchangers 42 and 52 is calculated by converting the discharge pressure Pd of the compressor 21 detected by the discharge pressure sensor 29 into a saturation temperature value corresponding to the condensation temperature Tc. This is detected by subtracting the refrigerant temperature value detected by the liquid side temperature sensors 44 and 54 from the saturation temperature value of the refrigerant.
- a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the refrigerant flowing in the indoor heat exchangers 42 and 52 is provided, and the refrigerant temperature corresponding to the condensation temperature Tc detected by this temperature sensor is provided. By subtracting the value from the refrigerant temperature value detected by the liquid side temperature sensors 44 and 54, the degree of supercooling of the refrigerant at the outlets of the indoor heat exchangers 42 and 52 may be detected.
- the compressor 21, the outdoor fan 27, and the indoor fans 43 and 53 are started in the state of the refrigerant circuit 10, the low-pressure gas refrigerant is sucked into the compressor 21 and compressed to become a high-pressure gas refrigerant.
- the unit 4 and 5 are sent through the path switching valve 22, the gas side closing valve 26 and the gas refrigerant communication pipe 7.
- the high-pressure gas refrigerant sent to the indoor units 4 and 5 is condensed into a high-pressure liquid refrigerant by exchanging heat with the indoor air in the outdoor heat exchangers 42 and 52.
- the pressure is reduced by the expansion valves 41 and 51 to become a low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant.
- the indoor expansion valves 41 and 51 control the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing in the indoor heat exchangers 42 and 52 so that the degree of supercooling at the outlets of the indoor heat exchangers 42 and 52 becomes a predetermined value.
- the high-pressure liquid refrigerant condensed in the indoor heat exchangers 42 and 52 has a predetermined degree of supercooling.
- each indoor heat exchanger 42, 52 has an air-conditioned space in which each indoor unit 4, 5 is installed.
- the flow rate of refrigerant according to the required operating load flows!
- This low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant is sent to the outdoor unit 2 via the liquid refrigerant communication pipe 6 and flows into the outdoor heat exchanger 23 via the liquid side closing valve 25.
- the low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant that has flowed into the outdoor heat exchanger 23 exchanges heat with the outdoor air supplied by the outdoor fan 27 to condense into a low-pressure gas refrigerant, and the four-way switching valve. It flows into the accumulator 24 via 22. Then, the low-pressure gas refrigerant flowing into the accumulator 24 is sucked into the compressor 21 again.
- the indoor units 4 and 5 depending on the operating load of the indoor units 4 and 5, for example, when the operating load of one of the indoor units 4 and 5 is small or stopped, or both the indoor units 4 and 5 are operated.
- the surplus refrigerant accumulates in the accumulator 24 as in the cooling operation.
- the normal operation process including the cooling operation and the heating operation is performed by the control unit 8 functioning as the normal operation control unit that performs the normal operation including the cooling operation and the heating operation.
- Fig. 3 is a flowchart of the test operation mode.
- the test operation mode first, the automatic refrigerant charging operation in step S1 is performed, and then the control variable changing operation in step S2 is performed.
- an outdoor unit 2 and indoor units 4 and 5 that are pre-filled with a predetermined amount of refrigerant are installed locally and connected via a liquid refrigerant communication pipe 6 and a gas refrigerant communication pipe 7.
- the liquid side shutoff valve 25 and the gas side shutoff valve 26 of the outdoor unit 2 are opened, and the refrigerant circuit 10 is filled with the refrigerant filled in the outdoor unit 2 in advance.
- FIG. 4 is a flowchart of the automatic refrigerant charging operation.
- the refrigerant circuit 10 When an instruction to start the automatic refrigerant charging operation is made, the refrigerant circuit 10 is in a state where the four-way switching valve 22 of the outdoor unit 2 is shown by a solid line in FIG. 1 and the indoor expansion valves 41 of the indoor units 4 and 5 51 becomes open, and compressor 21, outdoor fan 27 and indoor fans 43 and 53 are activated, and all indoor units 4 and 5 are forcibly cooled (hereinafter, all indoor units are operated). Is done.
- the high-pressure gas refrigerant compressed and discharged by the compressor 21 flows in the flow path up to 23, and in the outdoor heat exchanger that functions as a condenser, the phase changes into a gas state, a liquid state, and heat by heat exchange with the outdoor air.
- the high-pressure refrigerant flows, and the high-pressure liquid refrigerant flows in the flow path including the liquid refrigerant communication pipe 6 from the outdoor heat exchange to the indoor expansion valves 41 and 51, inside the indoor heat exchange 42 and 52 that functions as an evaporator.
- the low-pressure refrigerant that changes from a gas-liquid two-phase state to a gas state due to heat exchange with room air flows, and includes the gas refrigerant communication pipe 7 and the accumulator 24 from the indoor heat exchangers 42 and 52 to the compressor 21.
- a low-pressure gas refrigerant flows through the flow path.
- the following device control is performed to shift to an operation for stabilizing the state of the refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant circuit 10.
- the rotational speed f of the motor 21a of the compressor 21 is controlled to be constant at a predetermined value (compressor rotational speed constant control), and the indoor heat exchangers 42 and 52 functioning as an evaporator are overheated.
- the indoor expansion valves 41 and 51 are controlled so that the degree SH becomes constant at a predetermined value (hereinafter referred to as indoor heat exchange superheat degree constant control).
- the constant rotation speed control is performed in order to stabilize the flow rate of the refrigerant sucked and discharged by the compressor 21.
- the superheat control is performed in order to keep the refrigerant amount constant in the indoor heat exchangers 42 and 52 and the gas refrigerant communication pipe 7.
- the state of the refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant circuit 10 is stabilized, and the amount of refrigerant in the equipment and piping other than the outdoor heat exchange becomes substantially constant.
- the refrigerant circuit 10 begins to be filled with additional refrigerant charging performed in this manner, it is possible to create a state in which only the amount of liquid refrigerant that accumulates in the outdoor heat exchanger 23 changes (hereinafter, this operation is referred to as refrigerant cooling). (The amount judgment operation).
- control unit 8 that functions as the refrigerant amount determination operation control unit that performs the refrigerant amount determination operation including the indoor unit total number operation, the compressor rotation speed constant control, and the indoor heat exchange superheat degree constant control, causes the control unit 8 to perform step S. 11 processes are performed.
- the refrigerant is charged until the refrigerant quantity reaches a level at which the refrigeration cycle operation can be performed prior to the process of step S11. Need to do.
- Step S12 Accumulation of operation data when charging refrigerant>
- step S12 additional refrigerant charging is performed in the refrigerant circuit 10 while performing the above-described refrigerant amount determination operation.
- step S12 the refrigerant or the configuration flowing in the refrigerant circuit 10 at the time of additional charging of the refrigerant
- the amount of operation status of the device is acquired as operation data and stored in the memory of the control unit 8.
- the degree of supercooling SC at the outlet of the outdoor heat exchange, the outside air temperature Ta, the room temperature Tr, the discharge pressure Pd, and the suction pressure Ps are used as operation data at the time of refrigerant charging as the control unit 8. Stored in the memory.
- the refrigerant supercooling degree SC at the outlet of the outdoor heat exchanger 23 is also detected by the liquid temperature sensor 31 with respect to the refrigerant temperature value detected by the heat exchanger temperature sensor 30 corresponding to the condensation temperature Tc.
- the refrigerant discharge pressure Pd detected by the discharge pressure sensor 29 or converted by the discharge pressure sensor 29 is converted into a saturation temperature value corresponding to the condensation temperature Tc, and the refrigerant is saturated. This is detected by subtracting the refrigerant temperature value detected by the liquid side temperature sensor 31 from the temperature value.
- step S12 is repeated until a condition for determining whether the refrigerant amount is appropriate in step S13, which will be described later, is satisfied.
- the operation data stored in the memory of the control unit 8 includes, for example, the degree of supercooling SC at appropriate temperature intervals among the operation data from the start of additional refrigerant charging until the completion of the force. And other operations corresponding to these supercooling degrees SC You may make it accumulate
- step S12 is performed by the control unit 8 functioning as a state quantity accumulation unit that accumulates the operation state quantity of the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant circuit 10 or the component equipment as operation data during operation involving refrigerant charging. Therefore, the operation state quantity when the refrigerant circuit 10 is filled with an amount of refrigerant that is smaller than the refrigerant quantity after the additional charging of the refrigerant (hereinafter referred to as the initial refrigerant quantity) can be obtained as the operation data. .
- FIG 5 is a graph showing the relationship between the degree of supercooling SC at the outlet of the outdoor heat exchanger 23 in the refrigerant quantity determination operation, the outside air temperature Ta, and the refrigerant quantity Ch. This correlation is defined by the pre-set refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit 10 when the above-described refrigerant amount determination operation is performed using the air conditioner 1 in a state immediately after installation and use.
- the graph shows the relationship between the value of the degree of supercooling SC at the outlet of the outdoor heat exchanger 23 (hereinafter referred to as the specified value of the degree of supercooling SC) and the outside air temperature Ta when the refrigerant amount is filled.
- the specified value of the degree of supercooling SC at the outlet of the outdoor heat exchanger 23 is determined by the outside air temperature Ta during the test operation (specifically, when the refrigerant is automatically charged).
- the current value of the degree of supercooling SC detected at the time of charging is determined by the current value.
- Step S13 is a process of determining the suitability of the amount of refrigerant charged in the refrigerant circuit 10 by additional charging of the refrigerant, using the correlation as described above.
- the refrigerant amount in the refrigerant circuit 10 with a small amount of additional refrigerant reaches the initial refrigerant amount, and in this case, the refrigerant amount in the outdoor heat exchange is small. It becomes a state.
- the state in which the amount of refrigerant in the outdoor heat exchange is small means that the current value of the degree of supercooling SC at the outlet of the outdoor heat exchanger 23 is smaller than the specified value of the degree of supercooling SC. Therefore, in step S13, if the supercooling degree SC value at the outlet of the outdoor heat exchanger ⁇ 23 is smaller than the specified value, additional charging of refrigerant has not been completed. Step S13 is repeated until reaches a specified value.
- step S1 when the current value of the degree of supercooling SC reaches the specified value, the additional charging of the refrigerant is completed, and step S1 as the automatic refrigerant charging operation process ends.
- the specified refrigerant amount calculated from the pipe length, capacity of components, etc. at the site does not match the initial refrigerant amount after completion of additional refrigerant filling.
- the value of the supercooling degree SC and other operating state values when filling is completed is used as the reference value for the operating state quantity such as the supercooling degree SC in the refrigerant leakage detection mode described later.
- step S13 is performed by the control unit 8 functioning as a refrigerant amount determination unit that determines the suitability of the refrigerant amount charged in the refrigerant circuit 10 in the refrigerant amount determination operation.
- step S1 When the automatic refrigerant charging operation in step S1 is completed, the process proceeds to the control variable changing operation in step S2.
- the control unit 8 performs the processing of Step S21 to Step S23 shown in FIG.
- FIG. 6 is a flowchart of the control variable change operation.
- Step S21 Control variable change operation and operation data accumulation during this operation>
- step S21 after the above-described automatic refrigerant charging operation is completed, the refrigerant circuit 10 is filled with the initial refrigerant amount. , Perform the refrigerant quantity determination operation similar to step S11
- the heat transfer coefficient K of the outdoor heat exchanger 23 is reduced and the heat exchange performance is lowered. Therefore, as shown in FIG.
- the refrigerant condensing temperature Tc at 23 becomes higher, and as a result, the discharge pressure Pd of the compressor 21 corresponding to the refrigerant condensing pressure Pc at the outdoor heat exchanger 23 tends to increase.
- the heat transfer coefficient K of the indoor heat exchangers ⁇ 42 and 52 is reduced and the heat exchange performance is reduced.
- FIG. 7 is a graph showing the relationship between the discharge pressure Pd and the outside air temperature Ta in the refrigerant quantity determination operation.
- step S 22 is a graph showing the relationship between the suction pressure Ps and the outside air temperature Ta in the refrigerant quantity determination operation.
- step S 22 the operation state quantity of the refrigerant or the component device flowing in the refrigerant circuit 10 under each operation condition of the control variable change operation is acquired as operation data and stored in the memory of the control unit 8.
- the degree of supercooling SC at the outlet of the outdoor heat exchanger 23, the outside air temperature Ta, the room temperature Tr, the discharge pressure Pd, and the suction pressure Ps are controlled as operation data at the start of refrigerant charging. Stored in part 8 memory.
- step S22 is repeated until it is determined in step S23 that all the operating conditions of the control variable changing operation have been executed.
- Steps S21 and S23 are performed by the control unit 8 functioning as a control variable change operation means for performing a control variable change operation including a simulated operation.
- the process of step S22 is performed by the control unit 8 that functions as a state quantity accumulation unit that accumulates the operation state quantity of the refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant circuit 10 or the component device as operation data during the control variable change operation. Fluctuation in heat exchange performance of outdoor heat exchanger 23 and indoor heat exchangers 42 and 52 The amount of operating state when operating in a simulated state can be obtained as operating data.
- FIG. 9 is a flowchart of the refrigerant leakage detection mode.
- the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit 10 is externally introduced due to an unforeseen cause at regular intervals (for example, when it is not necessary to perform air conditioning during holidays or late at night). An example will be described in which it is detected whether there is leakage.
- Step S31 Determining whether the normal operation mode has passed for a certain period of time> First, determine whether the power in the normal operation mode, such as the above cooling operation or heating operation, has elapsed for a certain period of time (every month, etc.) If the operation in the normal operation mode has elapsed for a certain period of time, the process proceeds to the next step S32.
- the indoor unit 100% operation, the compressor rotational speed constant control, and the indoor heat exchange superheat degree constant control The refrigerant quantity determination operation including is performed.
- the rotation speed f of the compressor 21 and the superheat degree SH at the outlets of the indoor heat exchangers 42 and 52 are the values of the rotation speed f and the superheat degree SH in the refrigerant quantity determination operation in step S11 of the refrigerant automatic charging operation. The same value as the predetermined value is used.
- control unit 8 that functions as the refrigerant amount determination operation control unit that performs the refrigerant amount determination operation including the indoor unit total number operation, the compressor rotation speed constant control, and the indoor heat exchange superheat degree constant control, causes the control unit 8 to perform step S32. Is performed.
- Steps S33 to S35 Judgment of suitability of refrigerant amount, return to normal operation, warning display> If the refrigerant in refrigerant circuit 10 leaks to the outside, the refrigerant amount in refrigerant circuit 10 decreases. There is a tendency for the current value of the degree of supercooling SC at the outlet of the outdoor heat exchanger 23 to decrease (see Fig. 5). That is, the suitability of the amount of refrigerant charged in the refrigerant circuit 10 can be determined by comparing the current value of the degree of supercooling SC at the outlet of the outdoor heat exchanger 23 with It means that.
- the current value of the degree of supercooling SC at the outlet of the outdoor heat exchanger 23 during the refrigerant leakage detection operation and the initial refrigerant charged in the refrigerant circuit 10 when the refrigerant automatic charging operation is completed Compared with the reference value (specified value) of the degree of supercooling SC corresponding to the amount, the suitability of the refrigerant amount is judged, that is, the refrigerant leakage is detected.
- the reference value of the degree of supercooling SC corresponding to the initial amount of refrigerant charged in the refrigerant circuit 10 at the completion of the refrigerant automatic charging operation described above is used as the reference value of the degree of supercooling SC during the refrigerant leakage detection operation.
- the problem in use is the deterioration of heat exchange performance due to aging of outdoor heat exchangers and indoor heat exchangers 42 and 52.
- the heat exchange performance of heat exchange is determined by the multiplication value of heat transfer coefficient K and heat transfer area A (hereinafter referred to as coefficient KA), and this coefficient KA is multiplied by the internal and external temperature difference of the heat exchanger.
- coefficient KA heat transfer coefficient K and heat transfer area A
- the heat exchange amount is determined.
- the heat exchange performance of the heat exchange ⁇ is as long as the coefficient KA is constant.
- the heat exchange performance is the temperature of the refrigerant flowing in the outdoor heat exchanger Ta and the outside air temperature Ta.
- the coefficient KA fluctuates due to aging deterioration such as contamination of the plate fins and heat transfer tubes of the outdoor heat exchanger 23 and clogging of the plate fins, the coefficient KA does not actually become a constant value. It is. Specifically, the coefficient KA of the state in which aged deterioration has occurred is smaller than the coefficient ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ in the state immediately after the outdoor heat exchanger 23 (that is, the air conditioner 1) is installed and used. Thus, when the coefficient ⁇ ⁇ varies, the correlation between the refrigerant pressure (that is, the condensation pressure Pc) in the outdoor heat exchanger 23 and the outside air temperature Ta is almost uniquely determined under the condition that the coefficient ⁇ ⁇ is constant. (Refer to the reference line in Fig.
- the correlation between the condensation pressure Pc in the outdoor heat exchanger 23 and the outside air temperature Ta changes according to the change in the coefficient KA (reference in Fig. 7).
- the condensation pressure Pc in the outdoor heat exchanger 23 that has deteriorated over time under the same outdoor air temperature Ta is the outdoor heat exchange in the state immediately after the outdoor heat exchanger 23 is installed on the site and started to be used.
- the coefficient KA is lower than the condensation pressure Pc in the vessel 23.
- the condensing pressure Pc increases according to the bottom (see Fig. 10), and the difference between the inside and outside temperature in the outdoor heat exchanger 23 fluctuates.
- the outdoor heat exchanger 23 is used.
- the current supercooling degree SC after aged deterioration is compared with the standard value of the supercooling degree SC in the state immediately after the outdoor heat exchange is installed and used. Therefore, the degree of supercooling SC due to aging degradation is compared with the degree of supercooling SC detected in two air conditioners 1 that are configured using outdoor heat exchange with different coefficients KA. In some cases, it is not possible to eliminate the effects of fluctuations in the amount of refrigerant, and it is impossible to accurately determine the suitability of the refrigerant amount determination!
- the indoor heat exchanger 42, 52 Compare the current supercooling degree SC after aging degradation to the standard value of the supercooling degree SC immediately after the indoor heat exchangers 42 and 52 are installed and used in the field.
- the supercooling degree SC detected in the two air conditioners 1 configured using the indoor heat exchangers 42 and 52 having different coefficients KA will be compared.
- the effect of fluctuations in the degree of supercooling SC cannot be eliminated, and the adequacy of the refrigerant amount judgment cannot be judged accurately.
- the coefficient KA of the outdoor heat exchanger 23 and the indoor heat exchangers ⁇ 42, 52 varies depending on the degree of aging, that is, the coefficient KA varies.
- the correlation between the condensation pressure Pc in the outdoor heat exchanger 23 and the outdoor air temperature Ta and the correlation between the evaporation pressure Pe and the indoor temperature Tr in the indoor heat exchangers 42 and 52 change.
- the current value of the supercooling degree SC or the reference value of the supercooling degree SC used when judging the suitability of the refrigerant amount corresponds to the condensation pressure Pc in the outdoor heat exchanger 23.
- the same coefficient is obtained by correcting using the discharge pressure Pd of the compressor 21, the outside air temperature Ta, the suction pressure Ps of the compressor 21 corresponding to the evaporation pressure Pe in the indoor heat exchangers 42 and 52, and the room temperature Tr.
- Supercooling due to aging degradation so that the degree of supercooling SC detected in the air conditioner 1 constructed using the outdoor heat exchanger 23 with KA and the indoor heat exchangers 42 and 52 can be compared. The effect of SC fluctuations is eliminated.
- the refrigerant amount Ch filled in the refrigerant circuit 10 is a function of the degree of supercooling SC, the discharge pressure Pd, the outside air temperature Ta, the suction pressure Ps, and the room temperature Tr.
- the refrigerant amount Ch is calculated from the current value of the degree of supercooling SC during refrigerant leakage detection operation and the current value of the discharge pressure Pd, outside air temperature Ta, suction pressure Ps, and indoor temperature Tr at this time.
- the refrigerant amount Ch filled in the refrigerant circuit 10 is the refrigerant amount Ch filled in the refrigerant circuit 10 .
- Ch kl X SC + k2 X Pd + k3 XTa + X k4 X Ps + k5 XTr + k6
- the operation data stored in the memory of the control unit 8 (that is, the outlet of the outdoor heat exchanger 23) when the refrigerant is charged and the control variable is changed in the test operation mode described above can be expressed as a function.
- Supercooling degree SC, outside air temperature Ta, room temperature By performing multiple regression analysis using Tr, discharge pressure Pd, and suction pressure Ps), the function of the refrigerant amount Ch can be determined by calculating each parameter kl to k6.
- the function of the refrigerant amount Ch is determined after the control variable change operation in the above-described test operation mode and before switching to the first refrigerant amount leakage detection mode. Next, it is executed in the control unit 8.
- a function is used to compensate for the aging of the outdoor heat exchanger 23 and the indoor heat exchangers 42 and 52 and the effect on the supercooling degree SC due to weather. Processing for determining a correction formula is performed by the control unit 8 functioning as a state quantity correction formula calculation means for determining the correction amount.
- the current value of the refrigerant amount Ch is calculated from the current value of the degree of supercooling SC at the outlet of the outdoor heat exchanger 23 during the refrigerant leak detection operation, and the refrigerant amount Ch at the reference value of the degree of supercooling SC is calculated.
- the value is almost the same as the reference value (i.e., the initial refrigerant amount) (for example, the absolute value of the difference between the refrigerant amount Ch corresponding to the current value of the degree of supercooling SC and the initial refrigerant amount is less than a predetermined value) It is determined that there is no refrigerant leakage, and the process proceeds to the next step S34 to return to the normal operation mode.
- the current value of the refrigerant amount Ch is calculated from the current value of the degree of supercooling SC at the outlet of the outdoor heat exchanger 23 during the refrigerant leak detection operation, and is smaller than the initial refrigerant amount (for example, If the absolute value of the difference between the refrigerant amount Ch and the initial refrigerant amount corresponding to the current value of the degree of cooling SC is equal to or greater than the predetermined value), it is determined that refrigerant leakage has occurred, and step S3 5 The process proceeds to step S34, and a warning notifying that a refrigerant leak has been detected is displayed on the warning display unit 9. Then, the process proceeds to step S34, and the normal operation mode is restored.
- Steps S33 to S35 are performed by the control unit 8 that functions as a refrigerant leakage detection means that is one of the refrigerant quantity determination means that determines whether the refrigerant amount charged in the refrigerant is appropriate or not and detects the presence or absence of refrigerant leakage. Done.
- the control unit 8 that functions as a refrigerant leakage detection means that is one of the refrigerant quantity determination means that determines whether the refrigerant amount charged in the refrigerant is appropriate or not and detects the presence or absence of refrigerant leakage. Done.
- it is a state quantity correction means to compensate for the effect on the degree of supercooling due to aging of the outdoor heat exchanger 23 and the indoor heat exchangers 42 and 52.
- Part of the processing in step S33 is performed by the functioning control unit 8.
- the control unit 8 includes the refrigerant quantity determination operation means, the state quantity accumulation means, the refrigerant quantity determination means, the control variable change operation means, the state quantity correction formula calculation means, and By functioning as state quantity correction means, a refrigerant quantity determination system for determining the suitability of the refrigerant quantity charged in the refrigerant circuit 10 is configured.
- the air conditioner 1 of the present embodiment has the following features.
- the degree of aging from the state immediately after the outdoor heat exchanger 23 and the indoor heat exchangers 42 and 52 are installed and used in the field. Therefore, the coefficient KA of the outdoor heat exchanger 23 and the indoor heat exchangers 42 and 52 varies, that is, as the coefficient KA varies, the condensation pressure Pc, which is the refrigerant pressure in the outdoor heat exchanger 23, and the outside air temperature Focusing on the correlation with Ta and the correlation between the evaporation pressure Pe, which is the refrigerant pressure in the indoor heat exchangers 42 and 52, and the indoor temperature Tr (see Fig. 10 and Fig.
- the current value of the refrigerant quantity Ch is a function of the degree of supercooling SC, the discharge pressure Pd, the outside air temperature Ta, the suction pressure Ps, and the room temperature Tr. Expressing the current value of the degree of supercooling SC during the refrigerant leak detection operation and this By calculating the current value of the refrigerant amount Ch from the current value of the discharge pressure Pd, the outside air temperature Ta, the suction pressure Ps, and the indoor temperature Tr, and comparing it with the initial refrigerant amount that is the reference value of the refrigerant amount. In addition, the influence of fluctuations in the degree of supercooling SC as an operating state quantity due to aging can be eliminated.
- the coefficient KA fluctuates due to weather fluctuations such as rain and strong winds.
- the correlation between the condensation pressure Pc, which is the refrigerant pressure in the outdoor heat exchanger 23, and the outside air temperature Ta will fluctuate. Can be eliminated.
- the operating state quantity after filling up to the initial refrigerant quantity by the refrigerant filling in the field (specifically, the degree of supercooling SC, the discharge Pressure Pd, outside air temperature Ta, suction pressure Ps, and indoor temperature Tr reference values) are stored in the control unit 8 functioning as a state quantity storage means, and this operation state quantity is used as a reference value for operation in the refrigerant leak detection mode.
- the suitability of the refrigerant quantity that is, the presence or absence of refrigerant leakage, is determined, so the initial refrigerant quantity that is actually filled in the device and the time when refrigerant leakage is detected. A comparison with the current amount of refrigerant can be made.
- this air conditioner 1 there is a variation between the preset refrigerant amount set in advance before refrigerant filling and the initial refrigerant amount charged locally, or the pipe lengths of the refrigerant communication pipes 6 and 7
- the amount of operating state used to determine the suitability of the refrigerant amount based on the combination of multiple units 4 and 5 and the difference in installation height between units 2, 4 and 5 (specifically, the degree of supercooling SC) Even when the fluctuation reference value varies, it is possible to accurately determine whether or not the amount of refrigerant charged in the apparatus is appropriate.
- the operation state amount after being charged to the initial refrigerant amount (specifically, the degree of supercooling SC, the discharge pressure Pd, the outside air temperature Ta, the intake pressure Ps, and the indoor temperature Tr)
- the control variables of the components of the air conditioner 1 such as the outdoor fan 27 and indoor fans 43 and 53
- the operating state quantity during operation can be stored in the control unit 8 that functions as a state quantity storage means.
- the outdoor heat exchanger 23 and the indoor fan 43 and 53 are controlled based on the operating state quantity data during operation in which the control variables of the constituent devices such as the outdoor fan 27 and the indoor fans 43 and 53 are changed.
- step S33 of the refrigerant leakage detection mode in determining whether or not the refrigerant amount is appropriate in step S33 of the refrigerant leakage detection mode, the supercooling degree SC after being filled up to the initial refrigerant amount and the subcooling are substantially reduced. Compared with the current value of SC, the force that detects the presence or absence of refrigerant leakage is added.
- step S12 of the automatic refrigerant charging operation the additional charging of refrigerant starts and the force is also completed.
- step S33 of the refrigerant leakage detection mode along with determining whether the refrigerant amount is appropriate or not by comparing the reference value of the degree of supercooling SC after being charged to the initial refrigerant amount and the current value of the degree of supercooling SC.
- the operation state quantity data in a state in which the refrigerant amount less than the initial refrigerant quantity stored in the memory of the control unit 8 is filled in the refrigerant circuit 10 is used as a reference value and compared with the current operation state quantity value.
- the discharge pressure Pd, the outside air temperature Ta, the suction pressure Ps, and the room temperature are used to compensate for the aging of both the outdoor heat exchanger 23 and the indoor heat exchangers 42 and 52.
- only discharge pressure Pd and outside air temperature Ta need to be considered.
- the suction pressure Ps and the indoor temperature Tr are considered only the suction pressure Ps and the indoor temperature Tr.
- control unit 8 functioning as the state quantity storage means has the discharge pressure Pd and the outside air temperature Ta or the indoor heat exchanger 42 when compensating for the aging deterioration of the outdoor heat exchanger 23 alone. Therefore, when compensating for aging of 52 only, the data of suction pressure Ps and room temperature Tr are accumulated.
- the discharge pressure Pd of the compressor 21 is set as the operating state quantity corresponding to the condensation pressure Pc as the refrigerant pressure in the outdoor heat exchanger 23, and the suction pressure Ps of the compressor 21 is set to the indoor heat.
- the operating state quantity corresponding to the evaporation pressure Pe as the refrigerant pressure in the exchangers 42 and 52 is accumulated in the control unit 8 functioning as a state quantity accumulating means, and is stored in the outdoor heat exchanger 23 and the indoor heat exchangers 42 and 52.
- the outlet of the outdoor heat exchange during the refrigerant quantity determination operation including the indoor unit total number operation, the compressor rotational speed constant control, and the indoor heat exchange superheat degree constant control.
- the degree of supercooling SC in SC and the amount of refrigerant charged in the refrigerant circuit 10 (see Fig. 5)
- determining whether the refrigerant amount is appropriate during automatic refrigerant charging and refrigerant leakage detection Using the correlation between the amount of other operating states and the amount of refrigerant charged in the refrigerant circuit 10, the suitability of the refrigerant amount at the time of automatic refrigerant charging and detection of refrigerant leakage is determined. May be performed.
- the outlet of the outdoor heat exchanger 23 is When the degree of supercooling SC increases, the indoor expansion valves 41 and 51 Since the dryness of the refrigerant flowing in the heat exchangers 42 and 52 decreases, the opening degree of the indoor expansion valves 41 and 51 that perform constant control of the indoor heat exchange superheat degree tends to decrease. This tendency means that there is a correlation as shown in FIG. 12 between the opening degree of the indoor expansion valves 41 and 51 and the amount of refrigerant charged in the refrigerant circuit 10. Thus, it is possible to determine whether or not the amount of refrigerant charged in the refrigerant circuit 10 is appropriate based on the opening degree of the indoor expansion valves 41 and 51.
- the refrigerant amount is obtained by using both the determination result based on the degree of supercooling SC at the outlet of the outdoor heat exchanger 23 and the determination result based on the opening degree of the indoor expansion valves 41 and 51. It is also possible to determine the suitability of the refrigerant amount by combining a plurality of operation state quantities, such as judging the suitability of the refrigerant.
- control unit 8 functioning as the state quantity storage means has a supercooling degree SC instead of the supercooling degree SC at the outlet of the outdoor heat exchanger 23 in the test operation mode.
- the opening degree data of the indoor expansion valves 41 and 51 is accumulated as a reference value.
- the refrigerant quantity determination operation is an operation including all indoor unit operation, constant compressor rotation speed control, and constant indoor heat exchange superheat degree control. Instead of the control, the refrigerant quantity determination operation is performed under other control conditions, and the correlation between the other operation state quantity and the refrigerant quantity charged in the refrigerant circuit 10 is used to automatically and Judge whether the amount of refrigerant is appropriate when refrigerant leakage is detected.
- the refrigerant amount determination operation may be performed in which the opening degree of the indoor expansion valves 41 and 51 is fixed to a predetermined value.
- the degree of superheat SH at the outlet of the indoor heat exchanger 42, 52 will change, so the degree of superheat SH at the outlet of the indoor heat exchanger ⁇ 42, 52 will change.
- the control unit 8 functioning as the state quantity storage means has, instead of the degree of supercooling SC at the outlet of the outdoor heat exchanger 23 and the opening degree of the indoor expansion valves 41 and 51, in the test operation mode.
- the data on the degree of superheat SH at the outlets of the indoor heat exchangers 42 and 52 It is accumulated as a reference value.
- the control unit 8 of the air conditioner 1 includes various operation control means, state quantity accumulation means, refrigerant quantity determination means, state quantity correction means, and state quantity compensation formal calculation means.
- the refrigerant quantity determination system having all functions is configured, the present invention is not limited to this.
- a personal computer 62 is connected to the air conditioner 1 and this personal computer is connected. It may be a refrigerant quantity determination system that functions as a state quantity storage means and a state quantity correction formula calculation means.
- the control unit 8 of the air conditioner 1 accumulates a large amount of operating state quantity data used only for determining the parameters of the state quantity correction formula, or functions as a state quantity correction formula calculation means. No need to have.
- an amount of refrigerant smaller than the initial refrigerant amount from the start of additional charging of the refrigerant to the completion of the force is contained in the refrigerant circuit 10.
- the control unit 8 of the air conditioner 1 includes various operation control means, state quantity accumulation means, refrigerant quantity determination means, state quantity correction means, and state quantity compensation formal calculation means.
- the refrigerant quantity determination system having all functions is configured, the present invention is not limited to this.
- each component device of the air conditioner 1 is managed by the air conditioner 1.
- the refrigerant amount determination system having various functions provided in the control unit 8 may be configured by the air conditioner 1 and the local controller 61.
- the mouth force controller 61 includes state quantity acquisition means for acquiring the operation state quantity of the air conditioner 1. It is conceivable to have a configuration in which it also functions as a state quantity accumulating unit, a refrigerant quantity determining unit, a state quantity correcting unit, and a state quantity correcting equation calculating unit. In this case
- the control unit 8 of the air conditioner 1 accumulates a large amount of operation state data that is used only for determining the parameters of the state quantity correction formula, and also includes refrigerant quantity determination means, state quantity correction means, and state quantities. It is not necessary to have a function as a correction formula calculation means.
- a personal computer 62 is connected to the air conditioner 1 temporarily (for example, when a serviceman performs a test operation including a refrigerant leak detection operation).
- the harmony device 1 and the personal computer 62 can be configured to function in the same manner as the local controller 61 described above. Since the personal computer 62 may be used for other purposes, an external storage device other than a storage device such as a disk device built in the normal computer 62 is used as the state quantity storage means. It is desirable to use it. In this case, during a test run or refrigerant leak detection operation, an external storage device is connected to the personal computer 62, and data such as operation state quantities necessary for various operations can be read or obtained in various operations. The operation of writing the data such as the operating state amount is performed.
- a local controller 61 is connected to the air conditioner 1 as a management device that manages each component of the air conditioner 1 and obtains operation data.
- the remote server 64 of the information management center that receives the operation data of the harmony device 1 via the network 63, and connecting the storage device 65 such as a disk device as a state quantity storage means to the remote server 64,
- a refrigerant quantity determination system may be configured.
- the local controller 61 is a state quantity acquisition means for acquiring the operating state quantity of the air conditioner 1
- the storage device 65 is a state quantity storage means
- the remote server 64 is a refrigerant quantity determination means, a state quantity correction means, and
- a configuration such as functioning as a state quantity correction formula computing means is conceivable.
- a large amount of operation state data used only for determining the parameters of the state quantity correction formula is accumulated in the control unit 8 of the air conditioner 1, or the refrigerant quantity determination means, the state quantity correction means, It is no longer necessary to have a function as a state quantity correction formula calculation means.
- the storage device 65 can store a large amount of operation data from the air conditioner 1, the past operation of the air conditioner 1 including the operation data in the refrigerant leakage detection mode is also possible. Data is accumulated, and from these past operation data, the operation data similar to the current operation data acquired by the local controller 61 is selected by the remote server 64, and both data are compared. It is possible to determine whether or not the amount of refrigerant is appropriate.
- FIG. 16 is a schematic configuration diagram of an air-conditioning apparatus 101 according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
- the air conditioning apparatus 101 is an apparatus used for air conditioning in a room such as a building by performing a vapor compression refrigeration cycle operation.
- the air conditioner 1 mainly includes an outdoor unit 102 as a single heat source unit, and indoor units 104 and 105 as a plurality of units (two in this embodiment) connected in parallel to the outdoor unit 102, A liquid refrigerant communication pipe 106 and a gas refrigerant communication pipe 107 are provided as refrigerant communication pipes that connect the outdoor unit 102 and the indoor units 104 and 105.
- the outdoor unit 102 the indoor units 104 and 105, the liquid refrigerant communication pipe 106, and the gas refrigerant communication pipe 107 are connected. It is constituted by.
- the indoor units 104 and 105 are installed by embedding or hanging in the ceiling of a room such as a building, or by hanging on a wall surface of the room.
- the indoor units 104 and 105 are connected to the outdoor unit 102 via a liquid refrigerant communication pipe 106 and a gas refrigerant communication pipe 107, and constitute a part of the refrigerant circuit 110.
- the configuration of the indoor units 104 and 105 will be described. Since the indoor unit 104 and the indoor unit 105 have the same configuration, only the configuration of the indoor unit 104 will be described here. As for the configuration of the indoor unit 105, the reference numerals of the 150th series are given instead of the reference numerals of the 140th series indicating the respective sections of the indoor unit 104, and the description of each section is omitted.
- the indoor unit 104 mainly has an indoor refrigerant circuit 110a (in the indoor unit 105, the indoor refrigerant circuit 110b) that constitutes a part of the refrigerant circuit 110.
- the indoor refrigerant circuit 110a mainly includes an indoor expansion valve 141 as an expansion mechanism and an indoor heat exchanger 142 as a use side heat exchanger.
- the indoor expansion valve 141 is an electric expansion valve connected to the liquid side of the indoor heat exchanger 142 in order to adjust the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing in the indoor refrigerant circuit 110a.
- the indoor heat exchanger 142 is a cross-fin type fin-and-tube heat exchanger composed of heat transfer tubes and a large number of fins, and functions as a refrigerant evaporator during cooling operation. It is a heat exchanger that cools indoor air and heats indoor air by functioning as a refrigerant condenser during heating operation.
- the indoor unit 104 serves as a blower fan for supplying indoor air as supply air after sucking indoor air into the unit and exchanging heat with the refrigerant in the indoor heat exchanger l42.
- An indoor fan 143 is provided.
- the indoor fan 143 is a fan capable of varying the air volume Wr of air supplied to the indoor heat exchanger l42.
- the indoor fan 143 is a centrifugal fan or multiblade fan driven by a motor 143a composed of a DC fan motor. Etc.
- the indoor unit 104 is provided with various sensors. On the liquid side of the indoor heat exchanger ⁇ 142, a liquid side temperature sensor 144 that detects the refrigerant temperature (that is, the refrigerant temperature corresponding to the condensation temperature Tc during heating operation or the evaporation temperature Te during cooling operation) is provided. It has been. A gas side temperature sensor 145 that detects the temperature Teo of the refrigerant is provided on the gas side of the indoor heat exchange 142. On the indoor air inlet side of the indoor unit 104, an indoor temperature sensor 146 that detects the temperature of indoor air flowing into the unit (that is, the indoor temperature Tr) is provided.
- the indoor unit 104 includes an indoor side control unit 147 that controls the operation of each unit constituting the indoor unit 104.
- the indoor-side control unit 147 includes a microcomputer or a memory provided to control the indoor unit 104, and a remote controller (not shown) for individually operating the indoor unit 104. Control signals and the like can be exchanged with each other, and control signals and the like can be exchanged with the outdoor unit 102 via the transmission line 108a.
- the outdoor unit 102 is installed outside a building or the like, and is connected to the indoor units 104 and 105 via the liquid refrigerant communication pipe 106 and the gas refrigerant communication pipe 107, and the refrigerant is connected between the indoor units 104 and 105.
- the circuit 110 is configured.
- the outdoor unit 102 mainly has an outdoor refrigerant circuit 110c that constitutes a part of the refrigerant circuit 110.
- the outdoor refrigerant circuit 110c mainly includes a compressor 121, a four-way switching valve 122, an outdoor heat exchange 123 as a heat source side heat exchange, an outdoor expansion valve 138 as an expansion mechanism, an accumulator 124, A supercooler 125 as a temperature adjusting mechanism, a liquid side closing valve 126 and a gas side closing valve 127 are provided.
- the compressor 121 is a compressor whose operating capacity can be varied, and in this embodiment, the compressor 121 is a positive displacement compressor driven by a motor 121a whose rotation speed Rm is controlled by an inverter. .
- the number of compressors 121 is only one, but is not limited thereto, and two or more compressors may be connected in parallel according to the number of indoor units connected. .
- the four-way switching valve 122 is a valve for switching the flow direction of the refrigerant.
- the outdoor heat exchange 123 is used as a refrigerant condenser compressed by the compressor 121 and the indoor heat exchange.
- the discharge side of the compressor 121 and the gas side of the outdoor heat exchanger l23 are connected and the suction side of the compressor 121 (specifically The accumulator 124) is connected to the gas refrigerant communication pipe 107 side (see the solid line of the four-way selector valve 122 in FIG.
- the indoor heat exchanger 142, 152 is compressed by the compressor 121 during heating operation.
- the outdoor heat exchanger 123 is used as a refrigerant condenser condensed in the indoor heat exchangers 142 and 152.
- the outdoor heat exchanger 123 is a cross-fin type fin-and-tube heat exchanger composed of heat transfer tubes and a large number of fins, and condenses the cooling medium during cooling operation. It is a heat exchanger that functions as an evaporator and functions as a refrigerant evaporator during heating operation.
- the outdoor heat exchanger 123 has a gas side connected to the four-way switching valve 122 and a liquid side connected to the liquid refrigerant communication pipe 106.
- the outdoor expansion valve 138 is an electric expansion valve connected to the liquid side of the outdoor heat exchanger 123 in order to adjust the pressure, flow rate, and the like of the refrigerant flowing in the outdoor refrigerant circuit 110c.
- the outdoor unit 102 has an outdoor fan 128 as a blower fan for sucking outdoor air into the unit, exchanging heat with the refrigerant in the outdoor heat exchanger 123, and then exhausting the air outside. is doing.
- This outdoor fan 128 is a fan capable of changing the air volume Wo supplied to the outdoor heat exchanger ⁇ 123.
- the outdoor fan 128 is a propeller fan or the like driven by a motor 128a that also has a DC fan motor power. is there.
- the accumulator 124 is connected between the four-way selector valve 122 and the compressor 121, and removes the excess refrigerant generated in the refrigerant circuit 110 in accordance with fluctuations in the operating load of the indoor units 104, 105, and the like. It is a container that can be stored.
- the supercooler 125 is a double-pipe heat exchanger, and is provided to cool the refrigerant that is condensed in the outdoor heat exchanger 123 and then sent to the indoor expansion valves 141 and 151. ing.
- the supercooler 125 is connected between the outdoor expansion valve 138 and the liquid side closing valve 126.
- a bypass refrigerant circuit 161 as a cooling source for the subcooler 125 is provided.
- the portion excluding the bypass refrigerant circuit 161 from the refrigerant circuit 110 will be referred to as a main refrigerant circuit for convenience.
- the bypass refrigerant circuit 161 has a main cooling circuit for branching a part of the refrigerant sent from the outdoor heat exchanger 123 to the indoor expansion valves 141, 151 and returning it to the suction side of the compressor 121. It is connected to the medium circuit. Specifically, the bypass refrigerant circuit 161 causes the outdoor expansion valve 138 and the position force between the outdoor heat exchanger l23 and the subcooler 125 to branch off a part of the refrigerant sent to the indoor expansion valves 141 and 151.
- the branch circuit 161a is provided with a bypass expansion valve 162 for adjusting the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through the Nonos refrigerant circuit 161.
- the bypass expansion valve 162 also has an electric expansion valve force.
- the liquid side shutoff valve 126 and the gas side shutoff valve 127 are valves provided at a connection port with an external device 'pipe (specifically, the liquid coolant communication pipe 106 and the gas refrigerant communication pipe 107).
- the liquid side closing valve 126 is connected to the outdoor heat exchanger 123.
- the gas side stop valve 127 is connected to the four-way selector valve 122!
- the outdoor unit 102 is provided with various sensors. Specifically, the outdoor unit 102 includes a suction pressure sensor 129 that detects the suction pressure Ps of the compressor 121, a discharge pressure sensor 130 that detects the discharge pressure Pd of the compressor 121, and the suction temperature of the compressor 121. A suction temperature sensor 131 for detecting Ts and a discharge temperature sensor 132 for detecting the discharge temperature Td of the compressor 121 are provided. The suction temperature sensor 131 is provided at a position between the accumulator 124 and the compressor 121.
- the outdoor heat exchanger 123 includes a heat exchanger temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the refrigerant flowing in the outdoor heat exchanger 123 (that is, the refrigerant temperature corresponding to the condensation temperature Tc during cooling operation or the evaporation temperature Te during heating operation). 133 is set up. On the liquid side of the outdoor heat exchanger 123, a liquid side temperature sensor 134 for detecting the refrigerant temperature Tco is provided. A liquid pipe temperature sensor 135 that detects the temperature of the refrigerant (that is, the liquid pipe temperature Tip) is provided at the outlet of the subcooler 125 on the main refrigerant circuit side.
- the junction circuit 161b of the bypass refrigerant circuit 161 is provided with a bypass temperature sensor 163 for detecting the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the outlet of the subcooler 125 on the bypass refrigerant circuit side.
- An outdoor temperature sensor 136 for detecting the temperature of the outdoor air flowing into the unit (that is, the outdoor temperature Ta) is provided on the outdoor air inlet side of the outdoor unit 102.
- the suction temperature sensor 131, the discharge temperature sensor 132, the heat exchange temperature sensor 133, the liquid side temperature sensor 134, the liquid pipe temperature sensor 135, the outdoor temperature sensor 136, and the bypass temperature sensor 163 are composed of thermistors.
- the outdoor unit 102 also has an outdoor control unit 137 that controls the operation of each part constituting the outdoor unit 102.
- the outdoor control unit 137 includes a microcomputer provided for controlling the outdoor unit 102, a memory, an inverter circuit for controlling the motor 121a, and the like. Control signals and the like can be exchanged with 147 and 157 via the transmission line 108a. That is, the control unit 108 that controls the operation of the entire air conditioner 101 is configured by the indoor side control units 147 and 157, the outdoor side control unit 137, and the transmission line 108a that connects the control units 137, 147, and 157. ing.
- the control unit 108 is connected so as to be able to receive detection signals of various sensors 129 to 136, 144 to 146, 154 to 156, and 163. Based on this, the various devices and valves 121, 122, 124, 128a, 138, 141, 143a, 151, 153a, 162 are connected so as to be controlled. Further, the control unit 108 is connected with a warning display unit 109 that also has a LED equal force for notifying that a refrigerant leak has been detected in the refrigerant leak detection operation described later.
- FIG. 17 is a control block diagram of the air conditioner 101.
- Refrigerant communication pipes 106 and 107 are refrigerant pipes that are installed on site when the air conditioner 101 is installed in a building or the like, and a combination of the installation location, outdoor unit, and indoor unit. Those having various lengths and tube diameters are used depending on the installation conditions. For this reason, for example, when a new air conditioner is installed, it is necessary to accurately grasp information such as the length of the refrigerant communication pipes 106 and 107 in order to calculate the refrigerant charge amount. However, the calculation of the refrigerant amount itself is complicated. In addition, when an indoor unit or an outdoor unit is updated using existing piping, information such as the length of the refrigerant communication piping 106, 107 may be lost.
- the indoor-side refrigerant circuits 110a and 110b, the outdoor-side refrigerant circuit 110c, and the refrigerant communication pipes 106 and 107 are connected to constitute the refrigerant circuit 110 of the air conditioner 101.
- the refrigerant circuit 110 is composed of a no-pass refrigerant circuit 161 and a main refrigerant circuit excluding the bypass refrigerant circuit 161.
- the air conditioner 101 switches between the cooling operation and the heating operation by the four-way switching valve 122 by the control unit 108 including the indoor side control units 147 and 157 and the outdoor side control unit 137.
- the outdoor unit 102 and the indoor units 104 and 105 are controlled in accordance with the operation load of the indoor units 104 and 105.
- the operation mode of the air conditioner 101 of the present embodiment includes a normal operation mode for controlling the components of the outdoor unit 102 and the indoor units 104, 105 according to the operation load of the indoor units 104, 105.
- a refrigerant leak detection operation mode for determining whether or not the refrigerant leaks from the refrigerant circuit 110 after the trial operation is finished and the normal operation is started.
- the normal operation mode mainly includes a cooling operation for cooling the room and a heating operation for heating the room.
- the test operation mode mainly includes an automatic refrigerant charging operation for charging the refrigerant into the refrigerant circuit 110, a pipe volume determination operation for detecting the volume of the refrigerant communication pipes 106 and 107, and after installing the constituent devices or the refrigerant circuit.
- the four-way selector valve 122 is in the state indicated by the solid line in FIG.
- the discharge side of 121 is connected to the gas side of the outdoor heat exchanger 123, and the suction side of the compressor 121 is connected to the gas side of the indoor heat exchangers 142 and 152 via the gas side shut-off valve 127 and the gas refrigerant communication pipe 107.
- the outdoor expansion valve 138 is fully opened.
- the liquid side closing valve 126 and the gas side closing valve 127 are opened.
- the indoor expansion valves 141 and 151 are configured so that the superheat degree SHr of the refrigerant at the outlets of the indoor heat exchangers 142 and 152 (that is, the gas side of the indoor heat exchangers 142 and 152) is constant at the superheat degree target value SHrs.
- the opening is adjusted.
- the superheat degree SHr of the refrigerant at the outlet of each indoor heat exchanger 142, 152 is the refrigerant detected by the liquid side temperature sensors 144, 154 from the refrigerant temperature value detected by the gas side temperature sensors 145, 155.
- the force detected by subtracting the temperature value (corresponding to the evaporation temperature Te) or the suction pressure Ps of the compressor 121 detected by the suction pressure sensor 129 is converted into a saturation temperature value corresponding to the evaporation temperature Te, and the gas This is detected by subtracting the saturation temperature value of the refrigerant from the refrigerant temperature value detected by the side temperature sensors 145, 155.
- a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the refrigerant flowing in each of the indoor heat exchangers 142 and 152 is provided, and the refrigerant corresponding to the evaporation temperature Te detected by this temperature sensor.
- the superheat degree SHr of the refrigerant at the outlets of the indoor heat exchangers 142 and 152 may be detected by subtracting the temperature value from the refrigerant temperature value force detected by the gas side temperature sensors 145 and 155.
- the opening of the bypass expansion valve 162 is adjusted so that the superheat degree SHb of the refrigerant at the outlet of the supercooler 125 on the bypass refrigerant circuit side becomes the superheat degree target value SHbs.
- the refrigerant superheat degree SHb at the outlet of the bypass refrigerant circuit side of the supercooler 125 is the saturation temperature value corresponding to the vaporization temperature Te, which is the suction pressure Ps of the compressor 121 detected by the suction pressure sensor 129.
- the refrigerant temperature value detected by the bypass temperature sensor 163 is detected by subtracting the saturation temperature value of this refrigerant.
- a temperature sensor is provided at the inlet of the supercooler 125 on the no-pass refrigerant circuit side, and the refrigerant temperature value detected by this temperature sensor is detected by the bypass temperature sensor 163.
- the refrigerant superheat degree SHb at the outlet of the supercooler 125 on the side of the negative refrigerant circuit may also be detected by subtracting the refrigerant temperature value force.
- the compressor 121 In the state of the refrigerant circuit 110, the compressor 121, the outdoor fan 128, and the indoor fans 143, 15
- the low-pressure gas refrigerant is sucked into the compressor 121 and compressed to become a high-pressure gas refrigerant.
- the high-pressure gas refrigerant is sent to the outdoor heat exchanger 123 via the four-way switching valve 122, and is condensed by exchanging heat with the outdoor air supplied by the outdoor fan 128. It becomes.
- the high-pressure liquid refrigerant passes through the outdoor expansion valve 38 and flows into the supercooler 125, and is further cooled by performing heat exchange with the refrigerant flowing through the bypass refrigerant circuit 161 to be in a supercooled state.
- a part of the high-pressure liquid refrigerant condensed in the outdoor heat exchanger 123 is branched to the bypass refrigerant circuit 161, decompressed by the bypass expansion valve 162, and then returned to the suction side of the compressor 121.
- a part of the refrigerant passing through the binos expansion valve 162 is evaporated by being reduced to near the suction pressure Ps of the compressor 121.
- the refrigerant flowing out of the bypass expansion valve 162 of the bypass refrigerant circuit 161 toward the suction side of the compressor 121 also passes through the subcooler 125, and passes from the outdoor heat exchanger 123 on the main refrigerant circuit side to the indoor unit. Exchanges heat with high-pressure liquid refrigerant sent to 104 and 105.
- the supercooled high-pressure liquid refrigerant is sent to the indoor units 104 and 105 via the liquid-side closing valve 126 and the liquid refrigerant communication pipe 106.
- the high-pressure liquid refrigerant sent to the indoor units 104 and 105 is decompressed by the indoor expansion valves 141 and 151 to near the suction pressure Ps of the compressor 121 to become a low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant. It is sent to the heat exchangers 142 and 152, exchanges heat with the indoor air in the indoor heat exchangers 142 and 152, and evaporates to become a low-pressure gas refrigerant.
- This low-pressure gas refrigerant is sent to the outdoor unit 102 via the gas refrigerant communication pipe 107 and flows into the accumulator 124 via the gas-side closing valve 127 and the four-way switching valve 122. Then, the low-pressure gas refrigerant flowing into the accumulator 124 is sucked into the compressor 121 again.
- the four-way selector valve 122 is in the state indicated by the broken line in FIG. 16, that is, the discharge side of the compressor 121 is exchanged indoors via the gas-side stop valve 127 and the gas refrigerant communication pipe 107.
- the compressors 142 and 152 are connected to the gas side, and the suction side of the compressor 121 is connected to the gas side of the outdoor heat exchanger 123.
- the outdoor expansion valve 138 is adjusted in opening degree to reduce the refrigerant flowing into the outdoor heat exchanger 123 to a pressure that can evaporate the refrigerant in the outdoor heat exchanger l23 (that is, the evaporation pressure Pe). . Further, the liquid side closing valve 126 and the gas side closing valve 127 are opened.
- the indoor expansion valves 141 and 151 are adjusted in opening so that the supercooling degree SCr of the refrigerant at the outlets of the indoor heat exchangers 142 and 152 becomes constant at the supercooling degree target value SCrs.
- the degree of refrigerant supercooling SCr at the outlets of the indoor heat exchangers 142, 152 is the saturation temperature corresponding to the condensation temperature Tc, which is the discharge pressure Pd of the compressor 121 detected by the discharge pressure sensor 130. Converted to a value, the saturation temperature value of the refrigerant is also detected by subtracting the refrigerant temperature value detected by the liquid side temperature sensors 144 and 154.
- a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the refrigerant flowing in each of the indoor heat exchangers 142 and 152 is provided, and the refrigerant temperature corresponding to the condensation temperature Tc detected by this temperature sensor is provided.
- the supercooling degree SCr of the refrigerant at the outlets of the indoor heat exchangers 142 and 152 may be detected by subtracting the value from the refrigerant temperature value force detected by the liquid side temperature sensors 144 and 154. Further, the no-pass expansion valve 162 is closed.
- the low-pressure gas refrigerant is sucked into the compressor 121 and compressed to become a high-pressure gas refrigerant. It is sent to the indoor units 104 and 105 via the switching valve 122, the gas side closing valve 127 and the gas refrigerant communication pipe 107.
- the high-pressure gas refrigerant sent to the indoor units 104 and 105 undergoes heat exchange with the indoor air in the outdoor heat exchangers 142 and 152 to condense into a high-pressure liquid refrigerant, and then the indoor expansion valve 141 , 151 is depressurized according to the valve opening of the indoor expansion valves 141, 151.
- the refrigerant that has passed through the indoor expansion valves 141 and 151 is sent to the outdoor unit 102 via the liquid refrigerant communication pipe 106, and passes through the liquid side closing valve 126, the supercooler 125, and the outdoor expansion valve 138. After the pressure is further reduced, it flows into the outdoor heat exchanger 123.
- the low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant flowing into the outdoor heat exchanger 123 is supplied by the outdoor fan 128. It exchanges heat with outdoor air and evaporates to become a low-pressure gas refrigerant, and flows into the accumulator 124 via the four-way switching valve 122. Then, the low-pressure gas refrigerant flowing into the accumulator 124 is again sucked into the compressor 121.
- control unit 108 (more specifically, the indoor control units 147 and 157 functioning as normal operation control means for performing normal operation including cooling operation and heating operation). And the outdoor control unit 137 and the transmission units 108a) connecting the control units 137, 147, and 157.
- FIG. 18 is a flowchart of the test operation mode.
- the refrigerant automatic charging operation in step S101 is performed, then the pipe volume determination operation in step S102 is performed, and further, the initial refrigerant amount detection operation in step S103 is performed.
- the outdoor unit 102 pre-filled with the refrigerant and the indoor units 104 and 105 are installed at an installation location such as a building and connected via the liquid refrigerant communication pipe 106 and the gas refrigerant communication pipe 10 7.
- Step S101 Automatic refrigerant charging operation
- the liquid side closing valve 126 and the gas side closing valve 127 of the outdoor unit 102 are opened, and the refrigerant prefilled in the outdoor unit 102 is filled in the refrigerant circuit 110.
- FIG. 19 is a flowchart of the refrigerant automatic charging operation.
- Step S111 Refrigerant amount judgment operation
- the refrigerant circuit 110 When an instruction to start the automatic refrigerant charging operation is issued, the refrigerant circuit 110 is in a state where the four-way switching valve 122 of the outdoor unit 102 is indicated by a solid line in FIG.
- the indoor expansion valves 141 and 151 and the outdoor expansion valve 138 are opened, and the compressor 121, the outdoor fan 128 and the indoor fans 143 and 153 are activated to forcibly cool all the indoor units 104 and 105. (Hereinafter, all indoor units are operated).
- the high-pressure compressed and discharged in the compressor 121 is flown from the compressor 121 to the outdoor heat exchanger l23 that functions as a condenser.
- Gas refrigerant flows (see the hatched area in Fig. 20 from the compressor 121 to the outdoor heat exchanger 123), and the outdoor heat exchanger 123 that functions as a condenser is exchanged with heat from the outdoor air.
- Gas state force A high-pressure refrigerant that changes phase to a liquid state flows (see the hatched and black hatched parts in Fig.
- FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram showing the state of the refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant circuit 110 in the refrigerant quantity determination operation (illustration of the four-way switching valve 122 and the like is omitted).
- the indoor expansion valves 141 and 151 are controlled so that the superheat degree SHr of the indoor heat exchangers 142 and 152 functioning as an evaporator becomes constant (hereinafter referred to as superheat degree control), and the evaporation pressure Pe is Control the operating capacity of the compressor 121 to be constant (below) Evaporative pressure control), and control the air volume Wo of the outdoor air supplied to the outdoor heat exchanger 123 by the outdoor fan 128 so that the condensation pressure Pc of the refrigerant in the outdoor heat exchanger 123 becomes constant (hereinafter, Condensing pressure control), and control the capacity of the subcooler 125 so that the temperature of the refrigerant sent from the subcooler 125 to the indoor expansion valves 141 and 151 is constant (hereinafter referred to as liquid pipe temperature control).
- the indoor expansion valves 141 and 151 are controlled so that the superheat degree SHr of the indoor heat exchangers 142 and 152 functioning as an evaporator becomes constant (hereinafter, referred to as superheat degree control).
- the air volume Wr of the indoor air supplied to the indoor heat exchangers 142 and 152 by the indoor fans 143 and 153 is kept constant so that the evaporation pressure Pe of the air is stably controlled.
- the evaporation pressure control is performed in the indoor heat exchangers 142 and 152 functioning as an evaporator in the gas-liquid two-phase state force gas state by the heat exchange with the indoor air and the low pressure refrigerant.
- the refrigerant evaporating pressure in the evaporator section C is controlled by controlling the operating capacity of the compressor 121 by the motor 121a whose rotational speed Rm is controlled by the inverter, thereby evaporating the refrigerant in the indoor heat exchangers 142 and 152.
- the pressure Pe By maintaining the pressure Pe constant, the state of the refrigerant flowing in the evaporator section C is stabilized, and a state in which the amount of refrigerant in the evaporator C is mainly changed by the evaporation pressure Pe is created.
- the refrigerant temperature value (corresponding to the evaporation temperature Te) detected by the liquid side temperature sensors 144 and 1 54 of the indoor heat exchangers 142 and 152 is saturated.
- the operating capacity of the compressor 121 is controlled so that this pressure value becomes constant at the low pressure target value Pes (that is, control for changing the rotation speed Rm of the motor 121a is performed). This is realized by increasing or decreasing the refrigerant circulation amount Wc flowing in the refrigerant circuit 110.
- the compressor is detected by the suction pressure sensor 129, which is an operation state quantity equivalent to the refrigerant pressure at the refrigerant evaporation pressure Pe in the indoor heat exchangers 142 and 152.
- the suction pressure Ps of 121 becomes constant at the low pressure target value Pes, or the saturation temperature value (corresponding to the evaporation temperature Te) corresponding to the suction pressure Ps becomes constant at the low pressure target value Tes.
- the operating capacity of the compressor 121 may be controlled, and the refrigerant temperature value (corresponding to the evaporation temperature Te) detected by the liquid side temperature sensors 144 and 154 of the indoor heat exchangers 142 and 152 is the low pressure target.
- the operating capacity of the compressor 121 may be controlled so as to be constant at the value Tes.
- the interior of the refrigerant pipe including the gas refrigerant communication pipe 107 and the accumulator 124 from the indoor heat exchangers 142, 152 to the compressor 121 hatchched hatched lines in FIG. 20.
- the state of the refrigerant flowing through the indoor heat exchangers 142 and 152 to the compressor 121 (hereinafter referred to as the gas refrigerant circulation part D) is stable, mainly in the gas refrigerant circulation part D.
- Condensation pressure control is performed in the outdoor heat exchanger ⁇ 123 where high-pressure refrigerant flows while the gas state force changes to a liquid state due to heat exchange with the outdoor air (hatched and notched lines in Fig. 20).
- the amount of refrigerant in the black hatched portion corresponding to the outdoor heat exchanger 123 (hereinafter referred to as the condenser portion A) is also a force that greatly affects the refrigerant condensing pressure Pc. Since the refrigerant condensing pressure Pc in the condenser section A changes more greatly than the influence of the outdoor temperature Ta, the air volume Wo of the indoor air supplied from the outdoor fan 128 to the outdoor heat exchanger 123 is controlled by the motor 128a.
- the refrigerant condensing pressure Pc in the outdoor heat exchanger 123 is kept constant, the state of the refrigerant flowing in the condenser section A is stabilized, and the liquid side of the outdoor heat exchanger 123 (hereinafter referred to as the refrigerant)
- the refrigerant In the description of the quantity determination operation, a state is created in which the amount of refrigerant in the condenser A changes depending on the degree of supercooling SCo in the outlet of the outdoor heat exchanger 123).
- the compressor 121 detected by the discharge pressure sensor 130 which is an operation state quantity equivalent to the refrigerant condensation pressure Pc in the outdoor heat exchanger 123, is used.
- FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram showing the state of the refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant circuit 110 in the refrigerant quantity determination operation (illustration of the four-way switching valve 122 and the like is omitted).
- the outdoor heat exchange l23 is expanded to the indoor expansion.
- a high-pressure liquid refrigerant flows through the flow path of this part, and the part from the outdoor heat exchange 123 to the indoor expansion valves 141 and 151 and the bypass expansion valve 162 (refer to the black hatched part in FIG. 20).
- the refrigerant pressure in the refrigerant circulation part B) is also stabilized, and the liquid refrigerant circulation part B is sealed with the liquid refrigerant and becomes stable.
- the liquid pipe temperature control is performed in the refrigerant pipe including the liquid refrigerant communication pipe 106 extending from the supercooler 125 to the indoor expansion valves 141 and 151 (in the liquid refrigerant circulation section B shown in FIG. This is to prevent the refrigerant density from changing in the chamber 125 to the indoor expansion valves 141 and 151).
- the capacity control of the subcooler 125 is controlled so that the refrigerant temperature Tip detected by the liquid pipe temperature sensor 135 provided at the outlet of the main refrigerant circuit of the subcooler 125 is constant at the liquid pipe temperature target value Tips.
- the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through the bypass refrigerant circuit 161 is increased or decreased to adjust the amount of heat exchanged between the refrigerant flowing through the main refrigerant circuit side of the subcooler 125 and the refrigerant flowing through the bypass refrigerant circuit side. ing.
- the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through the bypass refrigerant circuit 161 is increased or decreased by adjusting the opening degree of the bypass expansion valve 162.
- liquid pipe temperature control is realized in which the refrigerant temperature in the refrigerant pipe including the liquid refrigerant communication pipe 106 extending from the supercooler 125 to the indoor expansion valves 141 and 151 is constant.
- the refrigerant circuit 110 is filled with the refrigerant, and as the amount of refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit 110 gradually increases, the outlet of the outdoor heat exchanger 123 is increased. Even if the refrigerant temperature Tco at the outlet (that is, the degree of refrigerant supercooling SCo at the outlet of the outdoor heat exchanger 123) changes, the influence of the change in the refrigerant temperature Tco at the outlet of the outdoor heat exchanger 123 In addition, the outlet force of the outdoor heat exchanger 23 is also contained only in the refrigerant pipe that reaches the subcooler 125, and the refrigerant pipe from the supercooler 125 to the indoor expansion valves 141 and 151 including the liquid refrigerant communication pipe 106 in the liquid refrigerant circulation section B Will be unaffected.
- the superheat degree control is performed because the amount of the refrigerant in the evaporator section C greatly affects the dryness of the refrigerant at the outlets of the indoor heat exchangers 142 and 152.
- This indoor heat exchange The superheat degree SHr of the refrigerant at the outlets 142 and 152 controls the opening degree of the indoor expansion valves 141 and 151, so that the gas side of the indoor heat exchanger 142 and 152 (hereinafter referred to as refrigerant quantity determination operation).
- the superheat degree SHr of the refrigerant in the indoor heat exchangers 142 and 152 is made constant at the superheat degree target value SHrs (that is, the gas refrigerant at the outlets of the indoor heat exchangers 142 and 152 is used).
- the state of the refrigerant flowing in the evaporator section C is stabilized.
- the state of the refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant circuit 110 is stabilized, and the distribution of the refrigerant amount in the refrigerant circuit 110 becomes constant, so that the refrigerant is added by the subsequent additional charging of the refrigerant.
- the refrigerant starts to fill the circuit 110, it is possible to create a state in which the change in the refrigerant amount in the refrigerant circuit 110 mainly appears as a change in the refrigerant amount in the outdoor heat exchanger 123 (hereinafter referred to as the refrigerant amount in the refrigerant circuit 110). This operation is referred to as refrigerant quantity determination operation).
- control unit 108 (more specifically, the indoor side control units 147 and 157, the outdoor side control unit 137, and the control unit 137 that function as a refrigerant amount determination operation control unit that performs the refrigerant amount determination operation. , 147, and 157 are performed as processing of step SI11 by the transmission line 108a).
- the constituent devices are abnormally stopped when performing the refrigerant quantity determination operation described above prior to the processing of step S111. It is necessary to fill the refrigerant until the amount of refrigerant does not fall.
- Step S112 Calculation of refrigerant amount
- the refrigerant circuit 110 is additionally charged with the refrigerant.
- the control unit 108 functioning as the refrigerant amount calculating means performs additional refrigerant charging in step S112.
- the refrigerant amount in the refrigerant circuit 110 is calculated from the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant circuit 110 at the time or the operating state quantities of the constituent devices.
- the refrigerant quantity calculating means calculates the refrigerant quantity in the refrigerant circuit 110 by dividing the refrigerant circuit 110 into a plurality of parts and calculating the refrigerant quantity for each of the divided parts. More specifically, for each divided part, the amount of refrigerant in each part and the refrigerant or component equipment flowing through the refrigerant circuit 110 Relational expressions with operating state quantities are set, and these relational expressions can be used to calculate the amount of refrigerant in each part.
- the refrigerant circuit 110 is in a state where the four-way switching valve 22 is shown by a solid line in FIG.
- the discharge side of the compressor 121 is connected to the gas side of the outdoor heat exchanger 123, and In the state where the suction side of the compressor 121 is connected to the outlets of the indoor heat exchange 142 and 152 via the gas side closing valve 127 and the gas refrigerant communication pipe 107, the compressor 121 and the compressor 121 to the four A part to the outdoor heat exchanger 123 (hereinafter referred to as a high pressure gas pipe part E) including the path switching valve 122 (not shown in FIG.
- the low temperature side liquid pipe part B2 (hereinafter referred to as the low temperature side liquid pipe part B2) and the part of the liquid refrigerant circulation part B of the liquid refrigerant communication pipe 106 (hereinafter referred to as the liquid refrigerant communication pipe part) B3) and the gas refrigerant circulation part D including the parts of the liquid refrigerant communication pipe B through the liquid refrigerant communication pipe 106 to the indoor expansion valves 141 and 151 and the indoor heat exchangers 142 and 152 (that is, the evaporator part C).
- the part up to the gas refrigerant communication pipe 107 (hereinafter referred to as the indoor unit F) and the part of the gas refrigerant distribution part D of the gas refrigerant communication pipe 107 (hereinafter referred to as the gas refrigerant communication pipe G)
- the gas refrigerant circulation part D from the gas side closing valve 127 (not shown in FIG. 20) to the compressor 121 including the four-way switching valve 122 and the accumulator 124 (hereinafter referred to as the low pressure gas pipe part H).
- the bypass refrigerant of the bypass expansion valve 162 and the subcooler 125 from the high temperature side liquid pipe part B1 in the liquid refrigerant circulation part B.
- bypass circuit part I Divided into parts up to the low-pressure gas pipe part H (hereinafter referred to as bypass circuit part I) including the circuit side part, a relational expression is set for each part. Next, the relational expressions set for each part will be described.
- the relational expression between the refrigerant amount Mogl in the high-pressure gas pipe E and the operating state quantity of the refrigerant or the component device flowing through the refrigerant circuit 110 is, for example,
- This is expressed as a functional expression obtained by multiplying the volume Vogl of the high-pressure gas pipe E of the outdoor unit 2 by the refrigerant density / 0 d in the high-pressure gas pipe E.
- the volume Vogl of the high-pressure gas pipe E is the outdoor
- the pre-force at which the unit 102 is installed at the installation location is a known value and is stored in the memory of the control unit 108 in advance.
- the density of the refrigerant in the high pressure gas pipe section E can be obtained by converting the discharge temperature Td and the discharge pressure Pd.
- the relational expression between the refrigerant quantity Mc in the condenser part A and the operating state quantity of the refrigerant or the component equipment flowing through the refrigerant circuit 110 is, for example,
- Mc kcl XTa + kc2 XTc + kc3 X SHm + kc4 XWc
- the outdoor temperature Ta, the condensing temperature Tc, the compressor discharge superheat degree SHm, the refrigerant circulation rate Wc, the saturated liquid density pc of the refrigerant in the outdoor heat exchanger 123, and the refrigerant density P at the outlet of the outdoor heat exchanger 123 It is expressed as a function expression of co. Note that the parameters kcl to kc7 in the above relational expression are obtained by regression analysis of the results of tests and detailed simulations, and are stored in the memory of the control unit 108 in advance.
- the compressor discharge superheat degree SHm is the refrigerant superheat degree on the discharge side of the compressor.
- the discharge pressure Pd is converted into the refrigerant saturation temperature value, and the discharge temperature Td force is subtracted from the refrigerant saturation temperature value. can get.
- the saturated liquid density pc of the refrigerant can be obtained by converting the condensation temperature Tc.
- the refrigerant density p co at the outlet of the outdoor heat exchanger 123 is obtained by converting the condensation pressure Pc obtained by converting the condensation temperature Tc and the refrigerant temperature Tco.
- the relational expression between the refrigerant amount Moll in the high-temperature liquid pipe part B1 and the operating state quantity of the refrigerant or the component device flowing through the refrigerant circuit 110 is, for example,
- t a function of multiplying the volume Voll of the high-temperature liquid pipe section B1 of the outdoor unit 102 by the density p co of the refrigerant in the high-temperature liquid pipe section B1 (that is, the density of the refrigerant at the outlet of the outdoor heat exchanger 123 described above).
- the volume Voll of the high-pressure liquid pipe section B1 is also a known value of the front force at which the outdoor unit 102 is installed at the installation location, and is stored in the memory of the control section 108 in advance.
- Refrigerant amount Mol2 in cryogenic liquid pipe section B2 and refrigerant or component equipment flowing through refrigerant circuit 110 The relational expression with the operating state quantity is, for example,
- the refrigerant density p lp in the low-temperature liquid pipe section B2 is the refrigerant density at the outlet of the supercooler 125, and is converted by converting the condensation pressure Pc and the refrigerant temperature Tip at the outlet of the supercooler 125. can get.
- volume Vlp of the liquid refrigerant communication pipe 106 is a refrigerant pipe that is installed on site when the liquid refrigerant communication pipe 106 is installed at the installation location of the air conditioner 101 in a building or the like.
- the information power such as the length is input at the value calculated locally, the length is input information such as the pipe diameter at the site, and the control unit 108 is calculated from the information of the liquid refrigerant communication pipe 6 that has been input, or As will be described later, calculation is performed using the operation result of the pipe volume determination operation.
- Mr krl XTlp + kr2 X AT + kr3 X SHr + kr4 XWr + kr5
- the temperature Tlp of the refrigerant at the outlet of the supercooler 125, the temperature difference ⁇ obtained by subtracting the evaporation temperature Te from the indoor temperature Tr, the degree of superheat S Hr of the refrigerant at the outlet of the indoor heat exchangers 142 and 152, and the indoor fans 143 and 153 It is expressed as a function expression of the air volume Wr.
- the parameters krl to kr5 in the above relational expression are obtained by performing regression analysis on the results of tests and detailed simulations, and are stored in advance in the memory of the control unit 108.
- the relational expression of the refrigerant amount Mr corresponds to each of the two indoor units 104 and 105.
- the refrigerant quantity Mr of the indoor unit 104 and the refrigerant quantity Mr of the indoor unit 105 are added to calculate the total refrigerant quantity of the indoor unit portion F.
- relational expressions having different values of the parameters krl to kr5 are used.
- the volume Vgp of the gas refrigerant communication pipe 107 is similar to the liquid refrigerant communication pipe 106, and is a refrigerant pipe that is constructed on site when the gas refrigerant communication pipe 107 installs the air conditioner 101 at the installation location such as a building. Therefore, if the length is entered in the field, the value calculated in the field from the information such as the pipe diameter, or the length is entered in the field, the information such as the pipe diameter is entered in the field.
- the information power is also calculated by the control unit 108, or is calculated using the operation result of the pipe volume determination operation as will be described later.
- the refrigerant density p gp in the gas refrigerant pipe connecting portion G is equal to the refrigerant density ps on the suction side of the compressor 121 and the outlets of the indoor heat exchangers 142 and 152 (that is, the inlet of the gas refrigerant connecting pipe 107). It is the average value with the density p eo of the refrigerant at.
- the refrigerant density ps is obtained by converting the suction pressure Ps and the suction temperature Ts, and the refrigerant density p eo is the evaporation pressure Pe, which is a conversion value of the evaporation temperature Te, and the outlet temperatures of the indoor heat exchangers 142 and 152. It is obtained by converting Teo.
- volume Vog2 of the low-pressure gas pipe H in the outdoor unit 102 is expressed as a functional expression obtained by multiplying the volume Vog2 of the low-pressure gas pipe H in the outdoor unit 102 by the refrigerant density p s in the low-pressure gas pipe H.
- the volume Vog2 of the low-pressure gas pipe H is a known value of the front force that is shipped to the installation location, and is stored in advance in the memory of the control unit 108.
- Refrigerant amount in nopass circuit section I Mob and refrigerant or component equipment flowing through refrigerant circuit 110 The relational expression with the operating state quantity is, for example,
- Mob kobl X co + kob2 X ps + kob3 X Pe + kob4
- the refrigerant density p co at the outlet of the outdoor heat exchanger 123, the refrigerant density p s at the outlet of the subcooler 125 on the bypass circuit side, and the evaporation pressure Pe are expressed as functional expressions.
- the parameters kobl to kob3 in the above relational expression are obtained by regression analysis of the results of tests and detailed simulations, and are stored in the memory of the control unit 108 in advance.
- the volume Mob of the bypass circuit part I may be smaller than the other parts, and may be calculated by a simple relational expression. For example,
- volume Vob of the bypass circuit part I is also a known value of the front force at which the outdoor unit 102 is installed at the installation location, and is stored in the memory of the control unit 108 in advance.
- the saturated liquid density pe in the portion of the supercooler 125 on the nopass circuit side is obtained by converting the suction pressure Ps or the evaporation temperature Te.
- the refrigerant amounts Mogl, Mc, Moll, Mol2, Mog2 and Mob related to the outdoor units are:
- a relational expression of the refrigerant quantity of each part is set corresponding to each of the plurality of outdoor units, and the total refrigerant quantity of the outdoor unit is calculated by adding the refrigerant quantity of each part of the plurality of outdoor units. It has become.
- the relational expression force S of the refrigerant amount of each part with different parameter values is used.
- the refrigerant amount of each part is calculated from the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant circuit 110 in the refrigerant quantity determination operation or the operation state quantity of the component device using the relational expression for each part of the refrigerant circuit 110.
- the refrigerant amount of the refrigerant circuit 110 can be calculated.
- step S112 Since step S112 is repeated until a condition for determining whether the refrigerant amount is appropriate in step S113, which will be described later, is satisfied, additional charging of the refrigerant is started and the force is completed. Until this time, the relational expression for each part of the refrigerant circuit 110 is used to calculate the amount of refrigerant in each part of the operating state quantity force when the refrigerant is charged. More specifically, the amount of refrigerant Mo in the outdoor unit 102 and the amount of refrigerant Mr in each of the indoor units 104 and 105 necessary for determining whether or not the amount of refrigerant is appropriate in Step S113 described later (that is, the refrigerant communication pipes 106 and 107).
- the refrigerant amount of each part of the refrigerant circuit 110 excluding) is calculated.
- the refrigerant amount Mo in the outdoor unit 102 is calculated by adding the refrigerant amounts Mogl, Mc, Moll, Mol2, Mog2, and Mob of each part in the outdoor unit 102 described above.
- control unit 108 that functions as a refrigerant amount calculating means that calculates the refrigerant amount in each part of the refrigerant circuit 110 from the refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant circuit 110 in the automatic refrigerant charging operation or the operation state quantity of the constituent devices. Then, the process of step S112 is performed.
- the refrigerant amount in the refrigerant circuit 110 gradually increases.
- the amount of refrigerant to be charged in the refrigerant circuit 110 after additional charging of the refrigerant cannot be defined as the refrigerant amount of the entire refrigerant circuit 110.
- the optimal refrigerant for the outdoor unit 102 in the normal operation mode is determined through tests and detailed simulations.
- this amount of refrigerant is stored in advance in the memory of the control unit 108 as the charging target value Ms, and the refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant circuit 110 in the automatic refrigerant charging operation or
- step S113 determines whether the value of the refrigerant amount obtained by adding the refrigerant amount Mo of the outdoor unit 102 and the refrigerant amounts Mr of the indoor units 104 and 105 in the automatic refrigerant charging operation reaches the charging target value Ms. Thus, it is a process for determining the suitability of the amount of refrigerant filled in the refrigerant circuit 110 by additional charging of the refrigerant.
- step S113 the refrigerant amount obtained by adding the refrigerant amount Mo of the outdoor unit 102 and the refrigerant amounts Mr of the indoor units 104 and 105 is smaller than the charging target value Ms. If the filling is not completed, the process of step S113 is repeated until the filling target value Ms is reached. In addition, when the refrigerant amount value obtained by adding the refrigerant amount Mo of the outdoor unit 102 and the refrigerant amounts Mr of the indoor units 104 and 105 reaches the charging target value Ms, the additional charging of the refrigerant is completed and the automatic refrigerant charging is completed. Step S101 as the operation process is completed.
- the degree of supercooling SCo tends to increase mainly at the outlet of the outdoor heat exchanger 123. Since the refrigerant amount Mc in 123 increases and the refrigerant amount in other parts tends to be kept almost constant, the charging target value Ms is set to the outdoor unit instead of the outdoor unit 102 and the indoor units 104 and 105. Set as a value corresponding to only the refrigerant amount Mo of 102, or set as a value corresponding to the refrigerant amount Mc of the outdoor heat exchanger 123 and perform additional charging of the refrigerant until the target charging value Ms is reached.
- control unit 108 that functions as a refrigerant amount determination unit that determines whether or not the refrigerant amount in the refrigerant circuit 110 in the refrigerant amount determination operation of the automatic refrigerant charging operation is appropriate (that is, whether or not the charging target value Ms has been reached).
- the process of step S113 is performed.
- Step S102 Pipe volume judgment operation
- step S101 When the above-described automatic refrigerant charging operation in step S101 is completed, the process proceeds to the piping capacity determination operation in step S102.
- the control unit 108 performs the processing from step S121 to step S125 shown in FIG.
- FIG. 21 is a flowchart of the pipe volume determination operation.
- Steps S121 and S122 Pipe volume judgment operation and volume calculation for liquid refrigerant communication pipe
- step S121 liquid refrigerant including all indoor unit operations, condensation pressure control, liquid pipe temperature control, superheat degree control, and evaporation pressure control is performed in the same manner as the refrigerant amount determination operation in step S111 in the above-described automatic refrigerant charging operation.
- Pipe volume judgment operation for communication pipe 106 is performed.
- the refrigerant temperature at the outlet of the main refrigerant circuit side of the subcooler 125 in the liquid pipe temperature control is set to the first target value Tlpsl, which is the liquid pipe temperature target value Tips for T1 P.
- the state in which the judgment operation is stable is the first state (see the refrigeration cycle indicated by the line including the broken line in Fig. 22).
- Fig. 22 shows the air conditioning in the pipe volume judgment operation for the liquid refrigerant communication pipe.
- FIG. 3 is a Mollier diagram showing the refrigeration cycle of the Japanese apparatus 101.
- the density of the refrigerant in the liquid refrigerant communication pipe 106 decreases, so the amount of refrigerant in the liquid refrigerant communication pipe part B3 in the second state Mlp Will decrease compared to the amount of refrigerant in the first state. Then, the refrigerant decreased from the liquid refrigerant communication pipe part B3 moves to the other part of the refrigerant circuit 110. More specifically, as described above, the equipment control conditions other than the liquid pipe temperature control are not changed, so that the refrigerant amount Mogl in the high-pressure gas pipe section E and the refrigerant in the low-pressure gas pipe section H are changed.
- Amount of refrigerant Mog2 and refrigerant amount in the gas refrigerant communication pipe G Mgp is kept almost constant, and the refrigerant decreased from the liquid refrigerant communication pipe part B3 is the condenser part A, the high temperature liquid pipe part Bl, the low temperature liquid pipe part B2, Move to indoor unit F and bypass circuit I.
- the refrigerant amount Mc in the condenser part A, the refrigerant amount Moll in the high-temperature liquid pipe part B1, the refrigerant quantity Mol2 in the low-temperature liquid pipe part B2, and the indoor unit part F by the amount of refrigerant reduced from the liquid refrigerant communication pipe part B3 Refrigerant amount Mr and refrigerant amount Mob in bypass circuit section I will increase.
- control unit 108 (more specifically, functioning as a pipe volume determination operation control unit that performs a pipe volume determination operation for calculating the volume Mlp of the liquid refrigerant communication pipe unit 106. This is performed as the process of step S121 by the transmission line 108a) connecting between the indoor side control units 147, 157, the outdoor side control unit 137, and the control units 137, 147, 157.
- step S122 the change from the first state to the second state makes use of the phenomenon that the refrigerant decreases from the liquid refrigerant communication piping part B3 and moves to the other part of the refrigerant circuit 110, thereby connecting the liquid refrigerant.
- Calculate the volume Vlp of pipe 106 First, the calculation formula used to calculate the volume Vlp of the liquid refrigerant communication pipe 106 will be described.
- the amount of refrigerant that has decreased from the liquid refrigerant communication piping section B3 and moved to the other part of the refrigerant circuit 110 by the above-described pipe volume determination operation is defined as refrigerant increase / decrease amount ⁇ Mlp, and each part between the first and second states.
- Refrigerant increase / decrease amount ⁇ Mlp is, for example,
- ⁇ Mlp — ( ⁇ Mc + ⁇ Moll + ⁇ ⁇ 12 + ⁇ Mr + ⁇ Mob)
- Vlp ⁇ Mlp / ⁇ lp
- a Mc, ⁇ ⁇ 11, ⁇ ⁇ 12, A Mr, and A Mob calculate the refrigerant amount in the first state and the refrigerant amount in the second state using the relational expressions for each part of the refrigerant circuit 110 described above. Further, the amount of refrigerant in the second state is obtained by subtracting the amount of refrigerant in the first state, and the density change ⁇ lp is the density of the refrigerant at the outlet of the subcooler 125 in the first state. It is obtained by calculating the density of the refrigerant at the outlet of the subcooler 125 in the second state, and further subtracting the density of the refrigerant in the second state.
- the volume Vlp of the liquid refrigerant communication pipe 106 can be calculated from the operating state quantity of the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant circuit 110 in the first and second states or the component devices.
- the state is changed so that the second target value Tlps2 in the second state is higher than the first target value Tlpsl in the first state, and the refrigerant in the liquid refrigerant communication pipe section B2 is changed.
- the amount of refrigerant in the other part is increased by moving the part to the other part, and this increased force also calculates the volume Vlp of the liquid refrigerant communication pipe 106, but the second target value Tlps2 in the second state
- the state changes so that the temperature is lower than the first target value Tlpsl in the first state.
- the amount of refrigerant in the other part is reduced by moving the refrigerant from the other part to the liquid refrigerant communication pipe part B3, and the volume Vlp of the liquid refrigerant communication pipe 106 is calculated from this decrease. Good.
- step S122 the pipe for the liquid refrigerant communication pipe that calculates the volume Vlp of the liquid refrigerant communication pipe 106 from the refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant circuit 110 in the pipe volume judgment operation for the liquid refrigerant communication pipe 106 or the operating state quantity of the component equipment.
- the process of step S122 is performed by the control unit 108 functioning as a volume calculating means.
- Steps S 123, S 124 Pipe volume judgment operation and volume calculation for gas refrigerant communication pipe
- step S123 a pipe for the gas refrigerant communication pipe 107 including all indoor unit operations, condensation pressure control, liquid pipe temperature control, superheat degree control, and evaporation pressure control. Perform volume judgment operation.
- the low pressure target value Pes of the suction pressure Ps of the compressor 121 in the evaporation pressure control is set to the first target value Pesl
- the state in which the refrigerant amount determination operation is stabilized at the first target value Pesl is set to the first state (Refer to the refrigeration cycle indicated by the line including the broken line in Figure 23).
- FIG. 23 is a Mollier diagram showing the refrigeration cycle of the air-conditioning apparatus 101 in the pipe volume determination operation for the gas refrigerant communication pipe.
- the low pressure target value Pes is the second target different from the first target value Pesl. Change to the value Pes2 to achieve a stable second state (see the refrigeration cycle shown only by the solid line in Fig. 23).
- the second target value Pes2 is a pressure lower than the first target value Pesl.
- the device control conditions other than the evaporation pressure control are not changed, so that the refrigerant amount Mogl in the high-pressure gas pipe E and the refrigerant amount in the high-temperature liquid pipe B1 Moll, amount of refrigerant in low-temperature liquid pipe section B2 Mol 2 and amount of refrigerant in liquid refrigerant communication pipe section B3 Mlp is kept almost constant, and the refrigerant decreased from gas refrigerant communication pipe section G is low-pressure gas pipe section H, condensed It moves to the unit A, the indoor unit F, and the bypass circuit I.
- the refrigerant amount Mog2 in the low-pressure gas pipe part H, the refrigerant quantity Mc in the condenser part A, the refrigerant quantity Mr in the indoor unit part F, and the bypass circuit part I by the amount of refrigerant reduced from the gas refrigerant communication pipe part G This will increase the amount of cooling medium Mob.
- control unit 108 (more specifically, the indoor side control unit) that functions as a pipe volume determination operation control unit that performs a pipe volume determination operation for calculating the volume Vgp of the gas refrigerant communication pipe 107. 147, 157, the outdoor control unit 137, and the transmission line 108a) connecting the control units 137, 147, 157 are performed as the process of step S123.
- step S124 by changing from the first state to the second state, the gas refrigerant communication piping section G force also uses the phenomenon that the refrigerant decreases and moves to other parts of the refrigerant circuit 110.
- the volume Vgp of the refrigerant communication pipe 107 is calculated.
- the amount of refrigerant that has decreased from the gas refrigerant communication piping part G and moved to the other part of the refrigerant circuit 110 by the pipe volume determination operation described above is defined as refrigerant increase / decrease amount ⁇ Mgp, and each part between the first and second states.
- refrigerant increase / decrease amount ⁇ Mgp is, for example,
- a Mgp -(A Mc + A Mog2 + A Mr + A Mob)
- a Mc, A Mog2, ⁇ Mr, and ⁇ Mob calculate the refrigerant amount in the first state and the refrigerant amount in the second state by using the relational expressions for the respective parts of the refrigerant circuit 110 described above. Further, the refrigerant quantity power in the second state is obtained by subtracting the refrigerant quantity in the first state, and the density change amount ⁇ p gp is equal to the refrigerant density ps on the suction side of the compressor 121 in the first state and the room temperature. It is obtained by calculating the average density with the refrigerant density p eo at the outlets of the heat exchanges 142 and 152 and subtracting the average density in the first state from the average density in the second state.
- the volume Vgp of the gas refrigerant communication pipe 107 can be calculated from the operating state quantity of the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant circuit 110 in the first and second states or the component devices.
- the state change is made so that the second target value Pes2 in the second state is lower than the first target value Pesl in the first state and the pressure is changed, and the gas refrigerant communication pipe section
- the amount of refrigerant in the other part is increased by moving the refrigerant of G to the other part, and this increased force also calculates the volume Vlp of the gas refrigerant communication pipe 107.
- the refrigerant volume in the gas refrigerant communication pipe 107 may be calculated from the reduced amount by reducing the refrigerant volume in the other part by moving the refrigerant from the other part to the gas refrigerant communication pipe part G. .
- step S124 is performed by the control unit 108 functioning as a calculation means.
- Step S125 Judgment of the validity of the pipe volume judgment operation
- step S125 whether or not the result of the pipe volume determination operation is valid, that is, the refrigerant communication pipe 106 calculated by the pipe volume calculation means, Determine whether 107 volumes Vlp, Vgp are valid. Specifically, as shown in the following inequality, the determination is made based on whether the ratio of the volume Vlp of the liquid refrigerant communication pipe 106 to the volume Vgp of the gas refrigerant communication pipe 107 obtained by the calculation is within a predetermined numerical range.
- ⁇ 1 and ⁇ 2 are values that can be varied based on the minimum value and the maximum value of the pipe volume ratio in a feasible combination of the heat source unit and the utilization unit.
- step S102 which is useful for pipe volume determination operation, is completed, and when the volume ratio VlpZVgp does not satisfy the above numerical range.
- the pipe volume determination operation and the volume calculation process in steps S121 to S124 are performed again.
- step S 125 is performed by the control unit 108 functioning as validity determination means for determining whether or not there is.
- the pipe volume determination operation for the liquid refrigerant communication pipe 106 (steps S121 and S122) is performed first, and then the pipe volume determination operation for the gas refrigerant communication pipe 107 (steps S123 and S124).
- the pipe volume determination operation for the gas refrigerant communication pipe 107 may be performed first.
- step S125 when the result of the pipe volume determination operation in steps S121 to S124 is determined to be invalid multiple times, or more simply, the refrigerant communication pipes 106 and 107 When it is desired to determine the volumes Vlp and Vgp, the force not shown in FIG. 21.
- the refrigerant communication pipe After determining that the result of the pipe volume determination operation in steps S121 to S124 is not valid, the refrigerant communication pipe Estimate the length of the refrigerant communication pipes 106 and 107 from the pressure loss at 106 and 107, and proceed to calculate the volumes Vlp and Vgp of the refrigerant communication pipes 106 and 107 from the estimated pipe length and the average volume ratio. Then, the volumes Vlp and Vgp of the refrigerant communication pipes 106 and 107 may be obtained.
- the length of the refrigerant communication pipes 106 and 107 is assumed to be unknown if the volumes Vlp and Vgp of the refrigerant communication pipes 106 and 107 are not known.
- the pipe volume calculation means inputs information such as the length and pipe diameter of the refrigerant communication pipes 106 and 107. Therefore, if the refrigerant communication pipes 106 and 107 have a function of calculating the volumes Vlp and Vgp, this function may be used in combination.
- the length of the refrigerant communication pipes 106 and 107 is the pipe diameter.
- refrigerant communication pipe 106 by entering information etc., 107 volumes Vlp, when using only a function of calculating the Vgp is refrigerant using the above appropriateness determination means (step S125), the inputted If the length of the communication pipes 106 and 107 is appropriate, you may make a judgment on whether the information such as the pipe diameter is appropriate!
- step S102 When the pipe volume determination operation in step S102 is completed, the process proceeds to the initial coolant amount determination operation in step S103.
- the control unit 108 performs the processes of step S131 and step S132 shown in FIG.
- FIG. 24 is a flowchart of the initial refrigerant quantity detection operation.
- Step S131 Refrigerant amount judgment operation
- step S131 similar to the refrigerant quantity determination operation in step SI11 of the refrigerant automatic charging operation described above, the refrigerant including the indoor unit full operation, the condensation pressure control, the liquid pipe temperature control, the superheat degree control, and the evaporation pressure control is performed.
- a quantity determination operation is performed.
- the liquid pipe temperature target value Tlps in the liquid pipe temperature control, the superheat degree target value SHrs in the superheat degree control, and the low pressure target value Pes in the evaporation pressure control are, in principle, the values of step S11 of the automatic refrigerant charging operation. The same value as the target value in the refrigerant quantity judgment operation is used.
- control unit 108 functioning as the refrigerant quantity determination operation control means for performing the refrigerant quantity determination operation including the indoor unit total number operation, the condensation pressure control, the liquid pipe temperature control, the superheat degree control, and the evaporation pressure control, performs step S. 131 is performed.
- Step S 132 Calculation of refrigerant amount
- the refrigerant circuit 110 in the initial refrigerant amount determination operation in step S132 is performed by the control unit 108 that functions as the refrigerant amount calculation means while performing the refrigerant amount determination operation described above.
- the amount of refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit 110 is calculated from the flowing refrigerant or the operating state quantity of the component equipment.
- the calculation of the refrigerant amount in the refrigerant circuit 110 is a force calculated using a relational expression between the refrigerant amount of each part of the refrigerant circuit 110 and the operation state quantity of the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant circuit 110 or the component device.
- the volumes Vlp and Vgp of the refrigerant communication pipes 106 and 107 which were unknown after the installation of the components of the air conditioner 101, are calculated and become known.
- the refrigerant amounts Mlp and Mgp in the refrigerant communication pipes 106 and 107 are calculated, and the refrigerant quantities in the other parts are added.
- This initial refrigerant amount is used as a reference refrigerant amount Mi for the refrigerant circuit 110 as a reference for determining whether there is leakage from the refrigerant circuit 110 in the refrigerant leak detection operation described later. Is stored in the memory of the control unit 108 as state quantity storage means.
- control unit 108 that functions as a refrigerant amount calculating unit that calculates the refrigerant amount of each part of the refrigerant circuit 110 from the refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant circuit 110 in the initial refrigerant amount detection operation or the operation state quantity of the component device, The process of step S132 is performed.
- FIG. 25 is a flowchart of the refrigerant leak detection operation mode.
- the present embodiment it is detected periodically (for example, when it is not necessary to perform air conditioning during holidays, late at night, etc.) whether or not the refrigerant has leaked from the refrigerant circuit 110 due to an unforeseen cause.
- a case will be described as an example.
- Step S141 Refrigerant amount judgment operation
- the refrigerant leak detection operation mode is automatically or manually changed from the normal operation mode.
- the refrigerant quantity judgment operation including the indoor unit total number operation, the condensation pressure control, the liquid pipe temperature control, the superheat degree control, and the evaporation pressure control is performed.
- the liquid pipe temperature target value Tlps in the liquid pipe temperature control the superheat degree target value SHrs in the superheat degree control, and the evaporation pressure control
- the low pressure target value Pes is the same as the target value in step S131 of the refrigerant quantity determination operation of the initial refrigerant quantity detection operation.
- This refrigerant quantity determination operation is performed for each refrigerant leakage detection operation. For example, if the condensation pressure Pc is different, the refrigerant leakage occurs! Even if the refrigerant temperature Tco fluctuates at the outlet of the outdoor heat exchanger 123 due to the difference in temperature, the refrigerant temperature in the liquid refrigerant communication pipe 106 is the same as the liquid pipe temperature control Tip by the liquid pipe temperature control. Will be kept.
- control unit 8 functioning as the refrigerant amount determination operation control means for performing the refrigerant amount determination operation including the indoor unit total number operation, the condensation pressure control, the liquid pipe temperature control, the superheat degree control, and the evaporation pressure control, performs step S141. Is performed.
- control unit 108 that functions as the refrigerant quantity calculation means while performing the refrigerant quantity judgment operation described above uses the refrigerant flowing from the refrigerant circuit 110 or the operation state quantity of the component device in the refrigerant leakage detection operation in step S142 to obtain the refrigerant.
- the amount of refrigerant in the circuit 110 is calculated.
- the refrigerant amount in the refrigerant circuit 110 is calculated using a relational expression between the refrigerant amount of each part of the refrigerant circuit 110 described above and the operating state quantity of the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant circuit 110 or the constituent devices.
- the volumes Vlp and Vgp of the refrigerant communication pipes 106 and 107 that were unknown after the installation of the components of the air conditioner 101 are calculated by the above-described pipe volume determination operation. Therefore, by multiplying the volumes Vlp and Vgp of the refrigerant communication pipes 106 and 10 7 by the refrigerant density, the refrigerant amounts Mlp and Mgp in the refrigerant communication pipes 106 and 107 are calculated. By adding the refrigerant amounts of the other parts, the refrigerant amount M of the entire refrigerant circuit 110 can be calculated.
- the liquid refrigerant communication pipe section The refrigerant amount Mlp in B3 is kept constant even when the refrigerant temperature Tco fluctuates at the outlet of the outdoor heat exchanger 123, regardless of the difference in the operation condition of the refrigerant leak detection operation.
- step S142 is performed by the control unit 108 functioning as a refrigerant amount calculating means for calculating the refrigerant amount of each part of the refrigerant circuit 110 from the operating state quantity of the cooler.
- the refrigerant amount M of the entire refrigerant circuit 110 calculated in step S142 described above is the reference refrigerant amount MU detected in the initial refrigerant amount detection operation when refrigerant leakage from the refrigerant circuit 110 occurs.
- the value is almost the same as the reference refrigerant amount Mi.
- step S143 it is determined whether or not the refrigerant has leaked. If it is determined in step S143 that refrigerant has not leaked from the refrigerant circuit 110, the refrigerant leakage detection operation mode is terminated.
- step S143 if it is determined in step S143 that refrigerant has leaked from the refrigerant circuit 110, the process proceeds to step S144, and a warning is displayed to notify that refrigerant leak has been detected.
- the refrigerant leak detection operation mode is terminated.
- the refrigerant amount determination means for detecting the presence or absence of the refrigerant leakage by determining whether or not the refrigerant amount in the refrigerant circuit 110 is appropriate while performing the refrigerant amount determination operation in the refrigerant leakage detection operation mode.
- the processing of steps S142 to S144 is performed by the control unit 108 that functions as one refrigerant leakage detection means.
- the control unit 108 includes the refrigerant amount determination operation unit, the refrigerant amount calculation unit, the refrigerant amount determination unit, the pipe volume determination operation unit, the pipe volume calculation unit, By functioning as validity determination means and state quantity accumulation means, a refrigerant amount determination system for determining the suitability of the refrigerant amount charged in the refrigerant circuit 110 is configured.
- the air conditioner 101 of the present embodiment has the following features. (A)
- the refrigerant circuit 110 is divided into a plurality of parts, and the relational expression between the refrigerant amount and the operating state quantity of each part is set. Compared to the case of simulation, the calculation load can be reduced, and the operation state quantity important for calculating the refrigerant quantity of each part can be selectively taken in as a variable of the relational expression. Therefore, the calculation accuracy of the refrigerant amount in each part is also improved, and as a result, the suitability of the refrigerant amount in the refrigerant circuit 110 can be determined with high accuracy.
- the control unit 108 serving as the refrigerant amount calculating means uses the relational expression to calculate the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant circuit 110 in the automatic refrigerant charging operation for charging the refrigerant into the refrigerant circuit 110 or the operating state quantity of the component device. Also, the amount of refrigerant in each part can be calculated quickly.
- the control unit 108 serving as the refrigerant amount determining means uses the calculated refrigerant amounts of the respective parts to calculate the refrigerant amount in the refrigerant circuit 110 (specifically, the refrigerant amount Mo and the indoor unit in the outdoor unit 102). -A value obtained by adding the refrigerant amount Mr at 104 and 105) to the filling target value Ms can be determined with high accuracy.
- control unit 108 uses the relational expression to determine whether the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant circuit 110 in the initial refrigerant amount detection operation in the initial refrigerant amount detection operation for detecting the initial refrigerant amount after installing the component device or after filling the refrigerant circuit 110 with the refrigerant.
- the initial refrigerant amount as the reference refrigerant amount Mi can be quickly calculated. Also, the initial amount of refrigerant can be detected with high accuracy.
- control unit 108 uses the relational expression to determine the presence or absence of refrigerant leakage from the refrigerant circuit 110.
- the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant circuit 10 or the operating state quantity force of each component device The amount of refrigerant can be calculated quickly.
- the control unit 108 increases the presence / absence of leakage of the refrigerant from the refrigerant circuit 110 by comparing the calculated refrigerant amount of each part with a reference refrigerant amount Mi that is a criterion for determining the presence / absence of leakage. The accuracy can be judged.
- the temperature of the refrigerant sent from the outdoor heat exchanger 123 as a condenser to the indoor expansion valves 141 and 151 as an expansion mechanism can be adjusted.
- a subcooler 125 is provided as a temperature adjustment mechanism, and the temperature Tip of the refrigerant sent from the subcooler 125 to the indoor expansion valves 141 and 151 as the expansion mechanism is constant during the refrigerant amount determination operation.
- the refrigerant density p lp in the refrigerant piping from the subcooler 125 to the indoor expansion valves 141 and 151 is kept unchanged, so that the outdoor heat exchange as a condenser Even if the refrigerant temperature Tco at the outlet of the cooler 123 changes every time the refrigerant quantity judgment operation is performed, the effect of such a difference in the temperature of the refrigerant also causes the outlet force of the outdoor heat exchanger l23 to reach the subcooler 125.
- the outdoor unit 102 as a heat source unit and the indoor units 104 and 105 as utilization units are connected via a liquid refrigerant communication pipe 106 and a gas refrigerant communication pipe 107.
- the refrigerant communication pipes 106 and 107 connecting the outdoor unit 102 and the indoor units 104 and 105 have different lengths depending on conditions such as the installation location.
- the temperature of the refrigerant tip is constant Since the capacity control of the subcooler 125 is performed and the refrigerant density p lp in the refrigerant pipe from the subcooler 125 to the indoor expansion valves 141 and 151 is not changed, the refrigerant amount is determined. Thus, it is possible to reduce the determination error due to the difference in refrigerant temperature at the outlet Tco of the outdoor heat exchanger 123 (that is, the difference in refrigerant density).
- the automatic refrigerant charging operation for charging the refrigerant into the refrigerant circuit 110 it is possible to determine with high accuracy whether or not the amount of refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit 110 has reached the charging target value Mi.
- the initial refrigerant amount can be detected with high accuracy in the initial refrigerant amount detection operation in which the initial refrigerant amount is detected after the component device is installed or after the refrigerant circuit 110 is filled with the refrigerant.
- the refrigerant leak detection operation for determining whether or not refrigerant leaks from the refrigerant circuit 110 whether or not refrigerant leaks from the refrigerant circuit 110 is determined with high accuracy. Togashi.
- the refrigerant pressure (for example, the suction pressure Ps and the evaporation pressure) sent from the indoor heat exchangers 142 and 152 as the evaporator to the compressor 121 during the refrigerant quantity determination operation.
- Pe the density of the refrigerant sent from the indoor heat exchange 142, 152 to the compressor 121 by controlling the components so that the operation state quantity equivalent to the pressure (for example, the evaporation temperature Te, etc.) becomes constant.
- the refrigerant pressure at the outlets of the indoor heat exchangers 142 and 152, or the difference in the operating state quantity equivalent to the pressure is determined so that the p gp is not changed.
- the determination error due to can be reduced.
- a pipe volume determination operation that creates two states in which the density of the refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant communication pipes 106 and 107 is different is performed, and the increase / decrease amount of the refrigerant between these two states is determined by the refrigerant communication pipe.
- Refrigerant communication pipes are calculated by calculating the amount of refrigerant in parts other than 106 and 107, and dividing the increase / decrease amount of the refrigerant by the change in density of the refrigerant in the refrigerant communication pipes 106 and 107 between the first and second states.
- the volumes of 106 and 107 are calculated, for example, even if the capacity of the refrigerant communication pipes 106 and 107 is unknown after the components are installed, the volume of the refrigerant communication pipes 106 and 107 is reduced. Can be detected. As a result, the volume of the refrigerant communication pipes 106 and 107 can be obtained while reducing the effort for inputting the information of the refrigerant communication pipes 106 and 107.
- the refrigerant communication pipes 106 and 107 calculated by the pipe volume calculation means and the refrigerant or the operating state quantity of the component equipment flowing through the refrigerant circuit 110 are used for the refrigerant. Since the suitability of the refrigerant amount in the circuit 110 can be determined, the suitability of the refrigerant amount in the refrigerant circuit 110 can be determined even when the volume of the refrigerant communication pipes 106 and 107 is unknown after the components are installed. It can be determined with high accuracy.
- the initial refrigerant quantity determination operation is performed using the volume of the refrigerant communication pipes 106 and 107 calculated by the pipe volume calculation means.
- the amount of refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit 110 can be calculated.
- the refrigerant communication pipe 106 Using the volume of 107, the amount of refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit 110 in the refrigerant leakage detection operation can be calculated.
- information on the liquid refrigerant communication pipe 106 and the gas refrigerant communication pipe 107 (for example, the length of the refrigerant communication pipes 106 and 107 input by the operation result of the pipe volume determination operation, the operator, etc.)
- the volume Vlp of the liquid refrigerant communication pipe 106 and the volume Vgp of the gas refrigerant communication pipe 107 are calculated from the information such as the pipe diameter, and the volume Vlp of the liquid refrigerant communication pipe 106 obtained by the calculation is calculated.
- the determination method is not to check the volume Vlp of the liquid refrigerant communication pipe 106 and the volume Vgp of the gas refrigerant communication pipe 107 obtained individually by calculation. Appropriately considering the relative relationship between the volume Vlp of the liquid refrigerant communication pipe 106 and the volume Vgp of the gas refrigerant communication pipe 107 because the volume Vgp of the gas refrigerant communication pipe 107 satisfies the predetermined relationship. Can be judged.
- the air conditioner 101 of the present embodiment also serves as a management device that manages each component device of the air conditioner 101 and obtains operation data in the air conditioner 101, as in Modification 9 of the first embodiment.
- a local controller is connected, and this local controller is connected to a remote server of the information management center that receives the operation data of the air conditioner 101 via a network, and a disk device or the like as state quantity storage means is connected to the remote server.
- a refrigerant quantity determination system may be configured by connecting a storage device.
- FIG. 26 is a schematic refrigerant circuit diagram of an air-conditioning apparatus 201 according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
- the air conditioner 201 is an apparatus used for indoor air conditioning such as a building by performing a vapor compression refrigeration cycle operation.
- the air conditioner 201 mainly includes an outdoor unit 202 as a single heat source unit, and indoor units 204 and 205 as a plurality of usage units (two in this embodiment) connected in parallel to the outdoor unit 202,
- a liquid refrigerant communication pipe 206 and a gas refrigerant communication pipe 207 are provided as refrigerant communication pipes that connect the outdoor unit 202 and the indoor units 204 and 205.
- the vapor compression refrigerant circuit 210 of the air conditioning apparatus 201 of the present embodiment is configured by connecting the outdoor unit 202, the indoor units 204 and 205, the liquid refrigerant communication pipe 206, and the gas refrigerant communication pipe 207. It is configured.
- the indoor units 204 and 205 are installed by being embedded or suspended in an indoor ceiling of a building or the like, or are installed on a wall surface of an indoor wall.
- the indoor units 204 and 205 are connected to the outdoor unit 202 via a liquid refrigerant communication pipe 206 and a gas refrigerant communication pipe 207, and constitute a part of the refrigerant circuit 210.
- the indoor units 204 and 205 have the same configuration as the indoor units 4 and 5 of the first embodiment, and therefore, instead of the 40th code and the 50th code indicating each part of the indoor units 4 and 5, 2
- the reference numbers of the 40th series and the 250th series are attached, and the description of each part is omitted.
- the outdoor unit 202 is installed on the roof of a building or the like, and is connected to the indoor units 204 and 205 via the liquid refrigerant communication pipe 206 and the gas refrigerant communication pipe 207.
- a refrigerant circuit 210 is formed between them.
- the outdoor unit 202 mainly includes an outdoor refrigerant circuit 210c that constitutes a part of the refrigerant circuit 210.
- This outdoor refrigerant circuit 210c mainly includes a compressor 221, a four-way switching valve 222, and a heat source side heat exchange.
- the compressor 221, the four-way switching valve 222, the outdoor heat exchange 223, the liquid side closing valve 236, and the gas side closing valve 237 are the compressor 21 constituting the outdoor unit 2 of the first embodiment, and the four-way switching.
- the outdoor unit 202 includes an outdoor fan 227 for sucking outdoor air into the unit, supplying the outdoor air to the outdoor heat exchanger 223, and then discharging the outdoor heat exchanger 223. It is possible to exchange heat with the refrigerant flowing through the heat exchanger 223.
- the outdoor fan 227 is a fan capable of changing the flow rate of air supplied to the outdoor heat exchanger 223, and in this embodiment, is a propeller fan driven by a motor 227a composed of a DC fan motor.
- the outdoor expansion valve 224 is an electric expansion valve connected to the liquid side of the outdoor heat exchanger 223 in order to adjust the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing in the outdoor refrigerant circuit 210c.
- the receiver 225 is connected between the outdoor expansion valve 224 and the liquid side shut-off valve 236, and can store surplus refrigerant generated in the refrigerant circuit 210 in accordance with the operation load of the indoor units 204 and 205.
- Container As the receiver 225, for example, a vertical cylindrical container as shown in FIG. 27 is used. Here, FIG. 27 is a schematic side sectional view of the receiver 225.
- the receiver 225 is connected to liquid level detection circuits 238 and 239 as liquid level detection means for detecting the liquid level in the receiver 225.
- the liquid level detection circuits 238 and 239 take out a part of the refrigerant in the receiver 225 from a predetermined position of the receiver 225, perform decompression, measure the refrigerant temperature, and then return the refrigerant to the suction side of the compressor 221. It is configured to be able to. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 26 and FIG. 27, the liquid level detection circuit 238 mainly includes the position of the first liquid level height L on the side of the receiver 225 and the suction side of the compressor 222.
- the liquid level detection circuit 239 has the same configuration as the liquid level detection circuit 238. As shown in Fig. 7, mainly the position of the second liquid level L on the side of the receiver 225 and the compressor
- An expansion valve may be used in place of the electromagnetic valves 238b, 239b and the cylinder tubes 238c, 239c of the liquid level detection circuits 238, 239.
- the second liquid level height L is set at a position slightly above the first liquid level height L.
- first liquid level height L and the second liquid level height L are the liquid level in the normal operation mode described later.
- the outdoor unit 202 is provided with various sensors. Specifically, the outdoor unit 202 includes a suction pressure sensor 228 for detecting the suction pressure Ps of the compressor 221, a discharge pressure sensor 229 for detecting the discharge pressure Pd of the compressor 221, and a suction temperature Ts of the compressor 221. An intake temperature sensor 2 32 for detecting the discharge temperature and a discharge temperature sensor 233 for detecting the discharge temperature Td of the compressor 21 are provided.
- the outdoor heat exchanger 223 has a heat exchange that detects the temperature of the refrigerant flowing in the outdoor heat exchanger 223 (that is, the refrigerant temperature corresponding to the condensation temperature Tc during the cooling operation or the evaporation temperature Te during the heating operation).
- a temperature sensor 230 is provided on the liquid side of the outdoor heat exchanger 223, a liquid side temperature sensor 231 that detects the temperature of the refrigerant in the liquid state or the gas-liquid two-phase state is provided.
- An outdoor air temperature sensor 234 for detecting the temperature of outdoor air flowing into the unit that is, the outdoor air temperature Ta) is provided on the outdoor air inlet side of the outdoor unit 202.
- the outdoor unit 202 includes an outdoor control unit 235 that controls the operation of each unit constituting the outdoor unit 202.
- the outdoor control unit 235 includes a microcomputer provided for controlling the outdoor unit 202, an inverter circuit for controlling the memory and the motor 221a, and the like. Control signals can be exchanged with 247 and 257. That is, the indoor side control units 247 and 257 and the outdoor side control unit 235 constitute a control unit 208 that controls the operation of the entire air conditioner 201. As shown in FIG.
- the control unit 208 It is connected so that it can receive the detection signals of various sensors 229-234, 238d, 239d, 244-246, 254-256, and various devices and valves 221, 222, 224, 227a, 238b, 239b, 241, 243a, 251 and 253a are connected so that they can be controlled.
- the control unit 208 is connected to a warning display unit 209 that also has an LED power to notify that a refrigerant leak has been detected in the refrigerant leak detection mode described later.
- FIG. 28 is a control block diagram of the air conditioner 201.
- the indoor-side refrigerant circuits 210a and 210b, the outdoor-side refrigerant circuit 210c, and the refrigerant communication pipes 206 and 207 are connected to constitute the refrigerant circuit 210 of the air conditioner 201.
- the air conditioner 201 of the present embodiment switches the cooling operation and the heating operation by the four-way switching valve 222 by the control unit 208 including the indoor side control units 247 and 257 and the outdoor side control unit 235.
- the devices of the outdoor unit 202 and the indoor units 204, 205 are controlled according to the operation load of the indoor units 204, 205.
- There is a refrigerant leakage detection mode in which the degree of refrigerant superheat in the refrigerant circuit 210 is detected to determine whether or not the amount of refrigerant charged in the refrigerant circuit 210 is appropriate.
- the normal operation mode mainly includes cooling operation and heating operation.
- the test operation mode includes an automatic refrigerant charging operation and a control variable changing operation.
- the cooling operation in the normal operation mode will be described with reference to FIGS. 26 to 28.
- the four-way switching valve 222 is in the state indicated by the solid line in FIG. 26, that is, the discharge side of the compressor 221 is connected to the gas side of the outdoor heat exchanger 223, and the suction side of the compressor 221 is indoor heat. It is connected to the gas side of AC 242 and 252.
- the outdoor expansion valve 224, the liquid side closing valve 236, and the gas side closing valve 237 are opened, the electromagnetic valves 238b and 238b are closed, and the indoor expansion valves 241 and 251 are at the outlets of the indoor heat exchangers 242 and 252.
- the opening degree is adjusted so that the degree of superheat of the refrigerant becomes a predetermined value.
- the degree of superheat of the refrigerant at the outlets of the indoor heat exchangers 242 and 252 is the refrigerant temperature value detected by the gas side temperature sensors 245 and 255, and the refrigerant temperature value detected by the liquid side temperature sensors 244 and 254.
- the pressure detected by subtracting or the suction pressure Ps of the compressor 221 detected by the suction pressure sensor 228 is converted into a saturation temperature value corresponding to the evaporation temperature Te and detected by the gas side temperature sensors 245 and 255.
- the refrigerant temperature value force is also detected by subtracting the saturation temperature value of this refrigerant.
- the refrigerant temperature value detected by the gas side temperature sensors 245 and 255 is also subtracted from the refrigerant temperature value corresponding to the evaporation temperature Te detected by the liquid side temperature sensors 244 and 254.
- the degree of superheat of the refrigerant at the outlets of the indoor heat exchangers 242 and 252 is detected. Moh.
- the compressor 221, the outdoor fan 227, and the indoor fans 243 and 253 are started in the state of the refrigerant circuit 210, the low-pressure gas refrigerant is sucked into the compressor 221 and compressed to become a high-pressure gas refrigerant. Thereafter, the high-pressure gas refrigerant is sent to the outdoor heat exchanger 223 via the four-way switching valve 222 and is condensed by exchanging heat with the outdoor air supplied by the outdoor fan 227. Becomes a refrigerant.
- the high-pressure liquid refrigerant is sent to the receiver 225 via the outdoor expansion valve 224, and temporarily stored in the receiver 225, and then passes through the liquid-side closing valve 236 and the liquid refrigerant communication pipe 206. And sent to indoor units 204 and 205.
- the Resino 225 depending on the operating load of the indoor units 204, 205, for example, one of the indoor units 204, 205 If excess refrigerant is generated in the refrigerant circuit 210, such as when the operating load of the other unit is small or stopped, or when the operating load of both indoor units 204 and 205 is small, the receiver The excess refrigerant is accumulated in 225, and the liquid level in the receiver 225 is equal to or lower than the maximum liquid level L.
- the high-pressure liquid refrigerant sent to the indoor units 204 and 205 is decompressed by the indoor expansion valves 241 and 251 to become a low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant, and the indoor heat exchangers 242 and 252
- the heat is exchanged with indoor air in the indoor heat exchangers 242 and 252 and evaporated to become a low-pressure gas refrigerant.
- the indoor expansion valves 241 and 251 control the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing in the indoor heat exchangers 242 and 252 so that the degree of superheat at the outlets of the indoor heat exchangers 242 and 252 becomes a predetermined value.
- the low-pressure gas refrigerant evaporated in the indoor heat exchangers 242 and 252 has a predetermined degree of superheat.
- each indoor heat exchanger 242 and 252 is supplied with a refrigerant having a flow rate corresponding to the operating load required in the air-conditioned space in which the indoor units 204 and 205 are installed.
- This low-pressure gas refrigerant is sent to the outdoor unit 202 via the gas refrigerant communication pipe 207, and is again sucked into the compressor 221 via the gas-side closing valve 237 and the four-way switching valve 222.
- the four-way switching valve 222 is in the state shown by the broken line in FIG. 26, that is, the discharge side of the compressor 221 is connected to the gas side of the indoor heat exchanger 242 and 252 and the suction of the compressor 221 The side is connected to the gas side of the outdoor heat exchanger 223. Also, the outdoor expansion valve 224, the liquid side closing valve 236, and the gas side closing valve 237 are opened, the electromagnetic valves 238b and 238b are closed, and the indoor expansion valves 241 and 251 are refrigerants at the outlets of the indoor heat exchangers 242 and 252. The degree of opening is adjusted so that the degree of supercooling becomes a predetermined value.
- the degree of supercooling of the refrigerant at the outlets of the indoor heat exchangers 242 and 252 is calculated by converting the discharge pressure Pd of the compressor 221 detected by the discharge pressure sensor 229 into a saturation temperature value with respect to the condensation temperature Tc.
- the refrigerant saturation temperature value is also detected by subtracting the refrigerant temperature value detected by the liquid side temperature sensors 244 and 254.
- the temperature of the refrigerant flowing in the indoor heat exchangers 242 and 252 is detected.
- the indoor heat exchangers 242 and 252 are provided by subtracting the refrigerant temperature value detected by the liquid side temperature sensors 244 and 254 from the refrigerant temperature value corresponding to the condensation temperature Tc detected by the temperature sensor.
- the degree of supercooling of the refrigerant at the outlet may be detected.
- the high-pressure gas refrigerant sent to the indoor units 204 and 205 is condensed by exchanging heat with the indoor air in the outdoor heat exchangers 242 and 252 to become a high-pressure liquid refrigerant, and then the indoor expansion valve The pressure is reduced by 241 and 251 to become a low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant.
- the indoor expansion valves 241 and 251 control the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing in the indoor heat exchangers 242 and 252 so that the degree of supercooling at the outlets of the indoor heat exchangers 242 and 252 becomes a predetermined value. Therefore, the high-pressure liquid refrigerant condensed in the indoor heat exchangers 242 and 252 has a predetermined degree of supercooling. In this way, each indoor heat exchanger 242 and 252 is supplied with a refrigerant having a flow rate corresponding to the operation load required in the air-conditioned space in which the indoor units 204 and 205 are installed.
- the low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant is sent to the outdoor unit 202 via the liquid refrigerant communication pipe 206 and flows into the receiver 225 via the liquid-side shut-off valve 236.
- the refrigerant flowing into the receiver 225 temporarily accumulates in the receiver 225 and then flows into the outdoor heat exchanger 223 via the outdoor expansion valve 224.
- the receiver 225 depending on the operating load of the indoor units 204 and 205, for example, when the operating load of one of the indoor units 204 and 205 is small or stopped, When excess refrigerant is generated in the refrigerant circuit 210, such as when the operating loads of both 204 and 205 are small, the excess refrigerant is accumulated in the receiver 225, and the liquid in the receiver 225 The surface height is below the maximum liquid surface height L. Then, it flows into the outdoor heat exchanger 223.
- the low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant is condensed by exchanging heat with the outdoor air supplied by the outdoor fan 227, and becomes a low-pressure gas refrigerant. It is sucked into the compressor 221.
- the normal operation processing including the cooling operation and the heating operation is performed by the control unit 208 that functions as a normal operation control unit that performs the normal operation including the cooling operation and the heating operation.
- test operation mode in the test operation mode, as in the first embodiment, first, the automatic refrigerant charging operation in step S1 is performed, and then the control variable changing operation in step S2 is performed.
- an outdoor unit 202 that is pre-filled with a predetermined amount of refrigerant and indoor units 204 and 205 are installed locally and connected via a liquid refrigerant communication pipe 206 and a gas refrigerant communication pipe 207.
- a liquid refrigerant communication pipe 206 and a gas refrigerant communication pipe 207.
- the refrigerant circuit 210 is configured, an example in which the refrigerant circuit 210 is additionally filled with a refrigerant that is insufficient according to the length of the liquid refrigerant communication pipe 206 and the gas refrigerant communication pipe 207 will be described.
- Step S1 Automatic refrigerant charging operation>
- the liquid side closing valve 236 and the gas side closing valve 237 of the outdoor unit 202 are opened, and the refrigerant prefilled in the outdoor unit 202 is filled in the refrigerant circuit 210.
- control unit 208 performs the same operation as that of the first embodiment. Similarly, the processing from step S11 to step S13 shown in FIG. 4 is performed.
- the refrigerant circuit 210 When an instruction to start the automatic refrigerant charging operation is issued, the refrigerant circuit 210 is in a state where the four-way switching valve 222 of the outdoor unit 202 is indicated by a solid line in FIG. 26, and the indoor expansion valves 241 of the indoor units 204 and 205 are 251 is opened, the compressor 221, the outdoor fan 227 and the indoor fans 243, 253 force S are activated and all the indoor units 204, 205 are forcibly cooled (hereinafter referred to as total indoor unit operation). ) Is performed.
- the high-pressure gas refrigerant compressed and discharged in the compressor 221 flows through the flow path from the compressor 221 to the outdoor heat exchanger 223 that functions as a condenser, and functions as a condenser.
- gas is exchanged by heat exchange with outdoor air.
- the high-pressure refrigerant whose state force also changes to the liquid state flows, and the high-pressure liquid refrigerant flows through the flow path including the receiver 225 and the liquid refrigerant communication pipe 206 from the outdoor heat exchanger 223 to the indoor expansion valves 241 and 251 and evaporates.
- a low-pressure refrigerant that changes into a gas-liquid two-phase state gas state due to heat exchange with the indoor air flows, and the compressor 221 A low-pressure gas refrigerant flows through the flow path including the gas refrigerant communication pipe 207 up to the above.
- the following device control is performed to shift to an operation for stabilizing the state of the refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant circuit 210.
- the rotation speed f of the motor 221a of the compressor 221 is controlled to be constant at a predetermined value (constant compressor rotation speed control), and the liquid level in the receiver 225 is adjusted to the liquid level height L and the liquid level.
- the indoor expansion valves 241 and 251 are controlled so as to be constant with respect to the surface height L.
- the constant rotation speed control is performed in order to stabilize the flow rate of the refrigerant sucked and discharged by the compressor 221.
- the liquid level control is performed by an indoor heat exchanger that functions as an evaporator that retains a certain amount of surplus refrigerant in the receiver 225 and eliminates the effects of refrigerant leakage from changes in the amount of liquid in the receiver 225. This is because the superheat degree of the refrigerant at the outlets 242 and 252 appears as a change in the operating state quantity that fluctuates due to changes in the refrigerant quantity such as SH.
- the state of the refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant circuit 210 becomes stable, and the amount of refrigerant in the equipment and piping other than the outdoor heat exchanger 223 becomes almost constant.
- the operating state quantity such as the degree of superheating of the refrigerant at the outlets of the indoor heat exchangers 242 and 252 functioning as an evaporator responds to changes in the refrigerant quantity. (Hereinafter, this operation is referred to as refrigerant quantity determination operation).
- FIG. 29 is a flowchart of the receiver liquid level constant control.
- the solenoid valves 238b and 239b are opened, and the position of the liquid level height L and the position force of the liquid level height L of the receiver 225 are also the suction side of the compressor 221.
- the refrigerant flows.
- the recipe in the state before the additional charging of the refrigerant The liquid level in the 225 is higher than the liquid level height L and the liquid level height L in the normal operation mode.
- 1 2 3 Since 1 2 3 is also set at a high position, it is at a position lower than the liquid level height L. That is, the refrigerant flowing with the position force at the liquid level height L of the receiver 225 directed toward the suction side of the compressor 21 is in a gas state, and thus is decompressed by the capillary tube 238c of the liquid level detection circuit 238. Thus, after some temperature drop, the air flows into the suction side of the compressor 221. However, the temperature drop that occurs at this time is relatively small because of the decompression operation of the refrigerant in the gas state, and the temperature of the refrigerant after the decompression operation only drops to a temperature that is higher than the suction temperature Ts of the compressor 221. .
- step S241 for example, when the refrigerant temperature detected by the liquid level detection temperature sensor 238d of the liquid level detection circuit 238 is higher than the suction temperature Ts by a predetermined temperature difference or more, the liquid level of the receiver 225 is changed. It will be determined that the liquid level is less than L. In this case, control is performed to reduce the opening degree of the indoor expansion valves 242 and 252 (step S 242).
- the liquid level of the receiver 225 rises.
- the receiver 225 As for the position force of the liquid level height L, the refrigerant flowing toward the suction side of the compressor 221 is in a liquid state.
- the temperature drop when the refrigerant in the liquid state is depressurized becomes larger than the temperature drop when the refrigerant in the gas state is depressurized due to the evaporation of the refrigerant during the depressurization operation.
- the temperature drops to almost the same as Ts.
- step S241 for example, the temperature difference between the refrigerant temperature detected by the liquid level detection temperature sensor 238d of the liquid level detection circuit 238 and the suction temperature Ts becomes smaller than a predetermined temperature difference, so that the receiver 225 It is determined that the liquid level is equal to or higher than the liquid level height L. In this case, the process proceeds to step S243.
- step S243 the liquid level detection circuit 239 is used to determine whether or not the liquid level in the receiver 225 has reached the liquid level height L. First, the liquid level in the receiver 225
- the position force of the receiver 225 at the liquid level height L is also absorbed by the compressor 221.
- the temperature of the refrigerant after the depressurization operation in the liquid level detection circuit 239 falls only to a temperature higher than the suction temperature Ts of the compressor 221. Then, the liquid level in the receiver 225 is higher than the liquid level height L and the liquid level height L It will be judged that it is less than. In this case, control is performed to determine that the opening degree of the indoor expansion valves 242, 252 is appropriate and to fix it at the current opening degree (step S244).
- the liquid level in the receiver 225 becomes higher than the liquid level height L, and the liquid level height L of the receiver 225
- step S243 for example, the temperature difference between the refrigerant temperature detected by the liquid level detection temperature sensor 239d of the liquid level detection circuit 239 and the suction temperature Ts becomes smaller than a predetermined temperature difference. It is determined that the surface is above the liquid level height L.
- control is performed to increase the opening of the indoor expansion valves 242 and 252 (step S245).
- control unit 208 functioning as the refrigerant amount determination operation control means for performing the refrigerant amount determination operation including the indoor unit total number operation, the compressor rotational speed constant control, and the receiver liquid level constant control is performed by step S11. Processing is performed.
- the refrigerant is charged until the refrigerant amount reaches a level at which the refrigeration cycle operation can be performed prior to the processing of step S11. Need to do.
- Step S12 Accumulation of operation data when refrigerant is charged>
- the refrigerant circuit 210 is additionally charged with the refrigerant.
- the refrigerant or the configuration flowing in the refrigerant circuit 210 at the time of additional charging of the refrigerant Acquires the operation state quantity of the device as operation data and accumulates the memory in the control unit 208.
- the degree of superheat SH at the outlets of the indoor heat exchangers 242 and 252, the outside air temperature Ta, the room temperature Tr, the discharge pressure Pd, the suction pressure Ps, and the force are controlled as operation data during refrigerant charging. It is stored in the memory of section 208.
- the superheat degree SH at the outlets of the indoor heat exchangers 242 and 252 is equal to the refrigerant temperature value detected by the gas side temperature sensors 245 and 255 and the liquid side temperature sensors 244 and 254.
- the force detected by subtracting the refrigerant temperature value detected by the above or the suction pressure Ps of the compressor 221 detected by the suction pressure sensor 228 is converted into a saturation temperature value corresponding to the evaporation temperature Te, and the gas side From the refrigerant temperature value detected by temperature sensors 245 and 255 It is detected by subtracting the saturation temperature value of this refrigerant.
- step S12 is repeated until a condition for determining whether or not the refrigerant amount is appropriate in step S13, which will be described later, is satisfied.
- the operation data stored in the memory of the control unit 208 includes, for example, the degree of superheat at appropriate temperature intervals among the operation data from the start of additional refrigerant charging until the completion of power. It is also possible to store operation data appropriately thinned out, such as storing other operation state quantities corresponding to the degree of superheat SH.
- step S12 is performed by the control unit 208 that functions as state quantity storage means for storing the operation state quantity of the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant circuit 210 or the component equipment during operation accompanied by refrigerant filling as operation data. Therefore, the operation state amount when the refrigerant circuit 210 is filled with an amount of refrigerant that is smaller than the amount of refrigerant after the additional charging of the refrigerant (hereinafter referred to as initial refrigerant amount) can be obtained as operation data. .
- FIG. 30 is a graph showing the relationship between the degree of superheat SH at the outlets of the indoor heat exchangers 242 and 252 in the refrigerant quantity determination operation, the indoor temperature Tr, and the refrigerant quantity Ch.
- This correlation indicates that when the above-described refrigerant amount determination operation is performed using the air conditioner 201 in a state immediately after being installed and used, the refrigerant is preliminarily set in the refrigerant circuit 210.
- the specified value of the superheat degree SH at the outlets of the indoor heat exchangers 242 and 252 is determined by the room temperature Tr during the test operation (specifically, when the refrigerant is automatically charged), and the specified value of the superheat degree SH and the refrigerant
- the suitability of the amount of refrigerant charged in the refrigerant circuit 210 can be determined by additional charging of the refrigerant.
- Step S13 is a process of determining the suitability of the amount of refrigerant charged in the refrigerant circuit 210 by additional charging of the refrigerant using the correlation as described above.
- the amount of refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit 210 with a small amount of additional refrigerant reaches the initial refrigerant amount, and in some cases, the refrigerant amount in the refrigerant circuit 210 is small.
- the state where the amount of refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit 210 is small means that the current value of the superheat degree SH at the outlets of the indoor heat exchangers 242 and 252 is larger than the specified value of the superheat degree SH. For this reason, in step S13, if additional charging of the refrigerant with the superheat degree SH at the outlets of the indoor heat exchangers 242 and 252 being larger than the specified value is not completed, the current value of the superheat degree SH is specified.
- Step S13 is repeated until the value is reached.
- the additional charging of the refrigerant is completed, and step S1 as the refrigerant amount charging operation process is ended.
- the initial refrigerant amount which is the refrigerant amount after the completion of the additional charging of the refrigerant, is considered to be close to the specified refrigerant amount and has reached the refrigerant amount. Since the amount of refrigerant is determined based on the pipe length and the capacity of the constituent devices, there may be variations in the initial refrigerant amount as a result.
- the value of the superheat degree SH when the additional charging of the refrigerant is completed and the value of other operating state quantities are used as reference values for the operating state quantities such as the superheat degree SH in the refrigerant leakage detection mode described later.
- step S13 is performed by the control unit 208 that functions as a refrigerant amount determination unit that determines the suitability of the refrigerant amount charged in the refrigerant circuit 210 in the refrigerant amount determination operation.
- the amount of refrigerant pre-filled in the outdoor unit 202 that requires additional charging of refrigerant is sufficient as the amount of refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit 210, it is substantially automatic refrigerant. Filling operation is the accumulation of operation state quantity data for the initial refrigerant quantity. It will be driving to do only. Note that there may be cases where the specified amount of refrigerant calculated for the piping length, capacity of components, etc. at the site does not match the initial amount of refrigerant after additional charging of the refrigerant is completed.
- the value of the superheat degree SH when the additional charging of the refrigerant is completed and the value of other operating state quantities are used as reference values for the operating state quantity such as the superheat degree SH in the refrigerant leakage detection mode described later.
- step S1 When the automatic refrigerant charging operation in step S1 is completed, the process proceeds to the control variable changing operation in step S2.
- the control unit 208 performs the processing from step S21 to step S23 shown in FIG. 6 as in the first embodiment.
- Step S21 Control variable change operation and operation data accumulation during this operation.
- the refrigerant circuit 210 is filled with the initial refrigerant amount.
- the refrigerant amount determination operation similar to that in step S11 is performed.
- the air volume of the outdoor fan 227 is changed.
- an operation that simulates the state in which the heat exchange performance of the outdoor heat exchanger 223 fluctuates is performed, or the air volume of the indoor fans 243 and 253 is changed.
- An operation is performed to simulate a state in which the heat exchange performance of the indoor heat exchangers 242 and 252 varies (hereinafter, such an operation is referred to as a control variable change operation).
- FIG. 31 is a graph showing the relationship between the discharge pressure Pd and the outside air temperature Ta in the refrigerant quantity determination operation.
- FIG. 32 is a graph showing the relationship between the suction pressure Ps and the outside air temperature degree Ta in the refrigerant quantity determination operation.
- step S22 the operation state quantity of the refrigerant or the component device flowing in the refrigerant circuit 210 under each operation condition of the control variable change operation is acquired as operation data, and stored in the memory of the control unit 208.
- the degree of superheat SH at the outlets of the indoor heat exchangers 242 and 252, the outside air temperature Ta, the room temperature Tr, the discharge pressure Pd, and the suction pressure Ps are used as operation data at the start of refrigerant charging. Accumulated in the memory of the control unit 208.
- step S22 is repeated until it is determined in step S23 that all the operating conditions of the control variable changing operation have been executed.
- Steps S21 and S23 are performed by the control unit 208 that functions as a control variable change operation unit that performs a control variable change operation including a simulated operation.
- the process of step S22 is performed by the control unit 208 functioning as a state quantity storage unit that stores the operation state quantity of the refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant circuit 210 or the operation state quantity as operation data during the control variable change operation. It is possible to obtain the operating state quantity when operating to simulate the state in which the heat exchange performance of the outdoor heat exchanger 223 and the indoor heat exchangers 242 and 252 fluctuates as operating data.
- the refrigerant leakage detection mode will be described with reference to FIGS. 26, 27, and 9.
- FIG. 1 during cooling operation or heating operation in the normal operation mode, the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit 210 is externally introduced due to an unexpected cause periodically (for example, when a load is not required for the air-conditioned space once a month). An example will be described in which it is detected whether there is leakage.
- Step S31 Judgment whether the normal operation mode has passed for a certain period of time> First, it is determined whether or not the power in the normal operation mode such as the cooling operation and the heating operation described above has exceeded a certain time (every month, etc.), and if the operation in the normal operation mode has elapsed for a certain time, Move on to the next step S32.
- the indoor unit 100% operation, the compressor rotational speed constant control, and the receiver liquid level constant control are included.
- a refrigerant quantity determination operation is performed.
- the rotation speed f of the compressor 221 is the same value as the predetermined value of the rotation speed f in the refrigerant quantity determination operation in step S11 of the automatic refrigerant charging operation.
- the liquid level height of the receiver 225 is determined between the liquid level height L and the liquid level height L in the refrigerant quantity determination operation in step S11 of the automatic refrigerant charging operation.
- control unit 208 functioning as the refrigerant amount determination operation control means for performing the refrigerant amount determination operation including the indoor unit total number operation, the compressor rotational speed constant control, and the receiver liquid level constant control, The process of step S32 is performed.
- Steps S33 to S35 Judgment of appropriateness of refrigerant amount, return to normal operation, warning display> If the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit 210 leaks to the outside, the refrigerant amount in the refrigerant circuit 210 decreases.
- ⁇ There is a tendency for the current value of superheat SH at the outlets of 242 and 252 to increase (see Fig. 30). That is, it means that the suitability of the refrigerant amount filled in the refrigerant circuit 210 can be determined by comparing the current value of the superheat degree SH at the outlets of the indoor heat exchangers 242 and 252.
- the standard value (specified value) of the superheat degree SH corresponding to the refrigerant amount is compared to determine the suitability of the refrigerant amount, that is, to detect refrigerant leakage.
- the reference value of the superheat degree SH corresponding to the initial refrigerant amount charged in the refrigerant circuit 210 at the completion of the above-described automatic refrigerant charging operation is referred to as the reference value of the superheat degree SH during the refrigerant leak detection operation.
- the heat exchange performance is deteriorated due to the deterioration of the outdoor heat exchanger 223 and the indoor heat exchangers 242 and 252 over time. Therefore, in the air conditioner 201 of the present embodiment, the coefficient KA of the outdoor heat exchanger 223 and the indoor heat exchangers 242 and 252 varies depending on the degree of aging, as with the air conditioner 1 of the first embodiment.
- the heat exchange performance may be fluctuated due to the influence of weather such as rain and strong winds.
- weather such as rain and strong winds.
- the plate fins and heat transfer tubes of the outdoor heat exchanger 223 may get wet with rainwater, resulting in a change in heat exchange performance, that is, a change in coefficient KA.
- fluctuations in heat exchange performance, that is, fluctuations in the coefficient KA may occur as the air volume of the outdoor fan 227 becomes weaker or stronger due to strong winds.
- the influence of the weather on the heat exchange performance of the outdoor heat exchanger 223 is also related to the correlation between the condensation pressure Pc and the outdoor air temperature Ta in the outdoor heat exchanger 223 according to the fluctuation of the coefficient KA (Fig. 7). Therefore, by removing the influence of the change in superheat due to deterioration over time, it is possible to eliminate the influence of the change in superheat SH due to weather as a result. I am able to do it.
- the refrigerant amount Ch filled in the refrigerant circuit 210 is expressed as a function of the superheat degree SH, the discharge pressure Pd, the outside air temperature Ta, the intake pressure Ps, and the room temperature Tr. And calculating the refrigerant amount Ch from the current value of the superheat degree during the refrigerant leak detection operation and the current value of the discharge pressure Pd, the outside air temperature Ta, the suction pressure Ps, and the indoor temperature Tr at this time.
- the initial refrigerant amount which is the reference value for the refrigerant amount
- outdoor heat exchange There is a method to compensate for the aging of the degree of superheat at the exit of 3 and the influence of weather.
- the amount of refrigerant Ch filled in the refrigerant circuit 210 is
- Ch kl X SH + k2 X Pd + k3 XTa + X k4 X Ps + k5 XTr + k6
- the operation data stored in the memory of the control unit 208 that is, the outdoor heat exchanger 223 of the outdoor heat exchanger 223) when the refrigerant is charged in the test operation mode and the control variable change operation is performed.
- the operation data stored in the memory of the control unit 208 that is, the outdoor heat exchanger 223 of the outdoor heat exchanger 223 when the refrigerant is charged in the test operation mode and the control variable change operation is performed.
- the function of the refrigerant amount Ch is determined after the control variable change operation in the above-described test operation mode and before switching to the first refrigerant amount leakage detection mode. In addition, it is executed in the control unit 208.
- a function is used to compensate for the deterioration of the outdoor heat exchanger 223 and the indoor heat exchangers 242 and 252 and the degree of superheat SH due to weather when detecting the presence or absence of refrigerant leak in the refrigerant leak detection mode.
- Processing for determining a correction formula is performed by the control unit 208 which functions as a state quantity correction formula calculation means for determining the correction amount.
- the current value of the refrigerant amount Ch is calculated from the current value of the superheat degree at the outlet of the outdoor heat exchanger 223 during the refrigerant leak detection operation, and the reference value of the refrigerant amount Ch (that is, the reference value of the superheat degree SH (i.e., If there is no refrigerant leakage when the value is almost the same as the initial refrigerant quantity (for example, the absolute value of the difference between the refrigerant quantity Ch corresponding to the current value of the superheat degree SH and the initial refrigerant quantity is less than the predetermined value)
- the process proceeds to the next step S34 and returns to the normal operation mode.
- the current value of the refrigerant amount Ch is calculated from the current value of the degree of superheat SH at the outlets of the indoor heat exchangers 242 and 252 during the refrigerant leak detection operation, and a value smaller than the initial refrigerant amount (for example, overheating) If the absolute value of the difference between the refrigerant amount Ch corresponding to the current value SH and the initial refrigerant amount is greater than or equal to a predetermined value), it is determined that refrigerant leakage has occurred, and After proceeding to the process and displaying a warning indicating that the refrigerant leakage has been detected, the process proceeds to the process of step S34 to return to the normal operation mode.
- the degree of superheat detected in the air conditioner 201 configured using the outdoor heat exchanger 223 and the indoor heat exchangers 242 and 252 having the same coefficient KA is almost compared.
- the same result as that obtained by comparing the current value of the superheat degree SH with the reference value of the superheat degree can be obtained, so that the influence of fluctuations in the superheat degree SH due to deterioration over time can be eliminated.
- one of the refrigerant quantity determination means for detecting the presence or absence of refrigerant leakage by determining the suitability of the refrigerant quantity charged in the refrigerant circuit 210 while performing the refrigerant quantity determination operation in the refrigerant leakage detection mode.
- Steps S33 to S35 are performed by the control unit 208 functioning as a refrigerant leakage detection means.
- it is a state quantity correction means to compensate for the influence on the degree of superheat SH due to aging of the outdoor heat exchanger 223 and the indoor heat exchangers 242 and 252. Part of the processing in step S33 is performed by the functioning control unit 208.
- the control unit 208 includes the refrigerant amount determination operation unit, the state amount accumulation unit, the refrigerant amount determination unit, the control variable change operation unit, the state amount correction formal calculation unit, and By functioning as state quantity correction means, a refrigerant quantity determination system for determining the suitability of the refrigerant quantity charged in the refrigerant circuit 210 is configured.
- the air conditioner 201 of the present embodiment has the following features.
- an operation that controls the liquid level of the receiver 225 to be constant based on the detection values of the liquid level detection circuits 238 and 239 as the liquid level detection means. Since the liquid level is constant), a certain amount of excess refrigerant is held in the receiver 225, and the effect of refrigerant leakage is not affected by fluctuations in the amount of refrigerant in the receiver 225. It can be made to appear as a change in the operating state quantity (specifically, the degree of superheat SH at the outlets of the indoor heat exchangers 242 and 252).
- the liquid level of the resin 225 in the refrigerant amount determination operation mode is set to the liquid level of the receiver 225 in the normal operation mode (specifically, the liquid level height L ) Higher than the liquid level (specifically, the liquid level between the liquid level height L and the liquid level height L)
- the discharge temperature Td and the discharge pressure Pd of the compressor 221 can be suppressed from increasing rapidly.
- the air conditioning apparatus 201 of the present embodiment even if surplus refrigerant exists in the receiver 225, it is possible to maintain the stable operation of the compressor 221 and to determine whether or not the amount of refrigerant charged in the apparatus is appropriate. Can be determined.
- the liquid level of the receiver 225 is controlled by directly controlling the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing out from the receiver 225 by the indoor expansion valves 241, 251. Controllability can be obtained, and the accuracy of determining the suitability of the amount of refrigerant charged in the apparatus can be improved.
- the difference in temperature drop during decompression between when the gas refrigerant is decompressed and when the liquid refrigerant is decompressed is measured after decompression, specifically, the difference in temperature drop during decompression between when the gas refrigerant is decompressed and when the liquid refrigerant is decompressed To the receiver 225 in the specified position (specifically, the liquid level height L, L
- liquid level detection circuits 238 and 239 for determining whether or not refrigerant has accumulated.
- the liquid level detection circuits 238 and 239 include a detection pipe 239a that connects the receiver 225 and the suction side of the compressor 221, an electromagnetic valve 239b provided in the detection pipe 239a, and an electromagnetic valve.
- a detection pipe 239a that connects the receiver 225 and the suction side of the compressor 221
- an electromagnetic valve 239b provided in the detection pipe 239a
- an electromagnetic valve Low cost and reliable because it can be realized with a simple configuration consisting of a cylindrical tube 239c provided on the downstream side of 239b and a temperature sensor 239d for detecting the liquid level that detects the refrigerant temperature on the downstream side of the cylindrical tube 239c.
- a simple liquid level can be detected.
- the outdoor heat exchanger 223 and the indoor heat exchangers 242 and 252 are installed on site and immediately after use.
- the coefficient KA of the outdoor heat exchanger 223 and the indoor heat exchangers 242 and 25 2 varies depending on the degree of aging from the state, that is, the refrigerant in the outdoor heat exchanger 223 as the coefficient KA varies.
- the condensation pressure Pc which is the pressure
- the outside air temperature Ta the correlation between the evaporation pressure Pe, which is the refrigerant pressure in the indoor heat exchangers 242 and 252, and the room temperature Tr (Fig. 10, see FIG.
- the current value of the refrigerant quantity Ch is set to the superheat degree SH discharge pressure Pd, outside air temperature Ta, intake pressure Ps, and Expressed as a function of indoor temperature Tr, the amount of refrigerant from the current value of supercooling degree SC during refrigerant leak detection operation and discharge pressure Pd, outside air temperature Ta, suction pressure Ps, and indoor temperature Tr at this time
- the current value of Ch it is the reference value for the refrigerant amount.
- the coefficient KA fluctuates due to changes in the weather such as rain and strong winds.
- the correlation between the condensing pressure Pc, which is the refrigerant pressure in the outdoor heat exchanger 223, and the outside air temperature Ta fluctuates, and as a result, the influence of fluctuations in superheat SH at this time is also eliminated. can do.
- the operating state quantity (specifically, the superheat degree SH, The discharge pressure Pd, outside air temperature Ta, suction pressure Ps, and indoor temperature Tr reference values) are stored in the control unit 208 functioning as a state quantity storage means, and refrigerant leakage detection is performed using this operation state quantity as a reference value.
- the suitability of the refrigerant quantity that is, the presence or absence of refrigerant leakage is determined, so the initial refrigerant quantity and refrigerant leakage that are actually filled in the device are determined. Comparison with the current refrigerant amount at the time of detection is possible.
- this air conditioner 201 there is a variation between the specified refrigerant amount that has been preliminarily set before the refrigerant filling and the initial refrigerant amount that has been charged locally, or the refrigerant communication pipe Operating state quantity used to determine the suitability of the refrigerant amount based on the pipe length of 206 and 207, the combination of multiple units 204 and 205, and the installation height difference between each unit 202, 204 and 205 (specifically Even when the reference value of the change in the degree of superheat (SH) varies, it is possible to accurately determine whether or not the amount of refrigerant charged in the apparatus is appropriate.
- SH degree of superheat
- the operating state quantity after filling up to the initial refrigerant quantity (specifically, the degree of superheat SH, the discharge pressure Pd, the outside air temperature Ta, the intake pressure Ps, and the room temperature Tr).
- the control variables of the components of the air conditioner 201 such as the outdoor fan 227 and indoor fans 243 and 253, which are based only on the reference value, an operation that simulates operating conditions different from those during the trial operation is performed.
- This operating state quantity during operation can be stored in the control unit 208 functioning as a state quantity storage means.
- the outdoor heat exchanger 223 and the indoor heat exchanger 223 and the indoor fan 223 and the indoor fans 243 and 253 are changed based on the operating state quantity data during operation in which the control variables of the components are changed.
- the reference value of the operation state quantity during the trial operation and the current value of the operation state quantity are obtained based on the data of the operation state quantity during the operation in which the control variable of the component device is changed. Therefore, it is possible to compensate for the difference in operating conditions when comparing the two, so that it is possible to further improve the accuracy of determining the suitability of the amount of refrigerant charged in the apparatus.
- the air conditioner 201 of the present embodiment is also a management device that manages each component device of the air conditioner 201 and obtains operation data in the air conditioner 201, as in Modification 9 of the first embodiment. Connect a local controller and connect this local controller to the remote server of the information management center that receives the operation data of the air conditioner 201.
- the refrigerant quantity determination system may be configured by connecting a storage device such as a disk device as state quantity storage means to the remote server.
- FIG. 31 is a schematic refrigerant circuit diagram of the air-conditioning apparatus 301 according to one embodiment of the present invention.
- the air conditioning apparatus 301 is an apparatus used for indoor air conditioning such as a bill by performing a vapor compression refrigeration cycle operation.
- the air conditioner 301 mainly includes an outdoor unit 302 as one heat source unit, indoor units 304 and 305 as use units connected in parallel to the outdoor unit 302 (two in this embodiment), and an outdoor unit.
- a liquid refrigerant communication pipe 306 and a gas refrigerant communication pipe 307 are provided as refrigerant communication pipes connecting the unit 302 and the indoor units 304 and 305.
- the outdoor unit 302 the indoor units 304 and 305, the liquid refrigerant communication pipe 306, and the gas refrigerant communication pipe 307 are connected. It is configured by.
- the indoor units 304 and 305 are installed by being embedded in or suspended from an indoor ceiling of a building or the like, or installed on a wall surface of an indoor wall.
- the indoor units 304 and 305 are connected to the outdoor unit 302 via a liquid refrigerant communication pipe 306 and a gas refrigerant communication pipe 307, and constitute a part of the refrigerant circuit 310.
- the configuration of the indoor units 4 and 5 will be described. Since the indoor unit 4 and the indoor unit 5 have the same configuration, only the configuration of the indoor unit 4 will be described here, and the configuration of the indoor unit 5 indicates each part of the indoor unit 4 respectively. Instead of the 40's code, the 50's code is used, and the description of each part is omitted.
- the outdoor unit 302 is installed on the rooftop of a building or the like, and is connected to the indoor units 304 and 305 via the liquid refrigerant communication pipe 306 and the gas refrigerant communication pipe 307.
- a refrigerant circuit 310 is formed between them.
- the outdoor unit 302 mainly includes an outdoor refrigerant circuit 310c that constitutes a part of the refrigerant circuit 310.
- the outdoor refrigerant circuit 310c mainly includes a compressor 321, a four-way switching valve 322, an outdoor heat exchanger 323 as a heat source side heat exchange, an outdoor expansion valve 324 as a heat source side expansion valve, and a receiver. 325, a supercooler 326, a liquid side closing valve 336, and a gas side closing valve 337.
- the compressor 321, the four-way switching valve 322, and the outdoor heat exchanger 323 are the same as the compressor 21, the four-way switching valve 22, and the outdoor heat exchanger 23 that constitute the outdoor unit 2 of the first embodiment. The description is omitted here.
- the outdoor unit 302 includes an outdoor fan 327 for sucking outdoor air into the unit, supplying the outdoor air to the outdoor heat exchanger 323, and then discharging the outdoor air to the outdoor unit 323. It is possible to exchange heat between the air and the refrigerant flowing through the outdoor heat exchanger 323.
- the outdoor fan 327 is a fan capable of changing the flow rate of air supplied to the outdoor heat exchanger 323, and in this embodiment, is a propeller fan driven by a motor 327a formed of a DC fan motor.
- the outdoor expansion valve 324 is an electric expansion valve connected to the liquid side of the outdoor heat exchanger 323 in order to adjust the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing in the outdoor refrigerant circuit 310a.
- the receiver 325 is connected between the outdoor expansion valve 324 and the liquid side shut-off valve 336, and can store surplus refrigerant generated in the refrigerant circuit 310 in accordance with the operating load of the indoor units 304 and 305. It is a container.
- the supercooler 326 is a double-pipe heat exchanger, which is condensed in the outdoor heat exchanger 323 and temporarily stored in the receiver 325, and then the indoor expansion valve 3 41 351 is provided for cooling the refrigerant sent to 351.
- the subcooler 326 is connected between the receiver 325 and the liquid side shut-off valve 336 in this embodiment.
- a bypass refrigerant circuit 371 as a cooling source for the subcooler 326 is provided.
- a portion obtained by removing the bypass refrigerant circuit 371 from the refrigerant circuit 310 will be referred to as a main refrigerant circuit for convenience.
- the no-pass refrigerant circuit 371 is connected to the main refrigerant circuit so that a part of the refrigerant sent from the outdoor heat exchanger 323 to the indoor heat exchangers 342 and 352 is branched into the main refrigerant circuit force and returned to the suction side of the compressor 321. Yes. Specifically, the no-pass refrigerant circuit 371 also compresses the branch circuit 371a connected to the outlet of the receiver 325 and the inlet of the bypass refrigerant circuit side of the subcooler 326, and the outlet force of the bypass refrigerant circuit side of the subcooler 326. A merging circuit 371b connected to the suction side of the compressor 321 is provided to return to the suction side of the machine 321.
- the branch circuit 371a is provided with a bypass-side refrigerant flow rate adjustment valve 372 for adjusting the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through the bypass refrigerant circuit 371.
- the bypass-side refrigerant flow rate adjustment valve 372 is an electric expansion valve for adjusting the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing to the subcooler 326.
- the liquid side shut-off valve 336 and the gas side shut-off valve 337 are valves provided at connection ports with external devices' pipes (specifically, the liquid coolant communication pipe 306 and the gas refrigerant communication pipe 307).
- the liquid side closing valve 336 is connected to the subcooler 326.
- the gas side closing valve 337 is connected to the four-way switching valve 322.
- the outdoor unit 302 is provided with various sensors. Specifically, the outdoor unit 302 includes a suction pressure sensor 328 that detects the suction pressure Ps of the compressor 321, a discharge pressure sensor 329 that detects the discharge pressure Pd of the compressor 321, and the suction temperature of the compressor 321. An intake temperature sensor 332 for detecting Ts and a discharge temperature sensor 333 for detecting the discharge temperature Td of the compressor 321 are provided.
- the outdoor heat exchanger 323 includes a heat exchanger that detects the temperature of the refrigerant flowing in the outdoor heat exchanger 323 (that is, the refrigerant temperature corresponding to the condensation temperature Tc during cooling operation or the evaporation temperature Te during heating operation).
- a temperature sensor 330 is provided.
- a liquid side temperature sensor 331 that detects the temperature of the refrigerant in the liquid state or the gas-liquid two-phase state is provided.
- the liquid state at the outlet of the Resino 325 Alternatively, a receiver outlet temperature sensor 338 that detects the temperature of the refrigerant in the gas-liquid two-phase state is provided.
- a subcooler outlet temperature sensor 339 that detects the temperature of the refrigerant in the liquid state or the gas-liquid two-phase state is provided at the outlet of the subcooler 326 on the main refrigerant circuit side.
- the junction circuit 371b of the no-pass refrigerant circuit 371 is provided with a no-pass refrigerant circuit temperature sensor 373 for detecting the degree of superheat of the refrigerant flowing through the outlet of the supercooler 326 on the nopass refrigerant circuit side.
- An outdoor air temperature sensor 334 that detects the temperature of outdoor air flowing into the unit (that is, the outdoor air temperature Ta) is provided on the outdoor air inlet side of the outdoor unit 302.
- the outdoor unit 302 also includes an outdoor control unit 335 that controls the operation of each unit constituting the outdoor unit 302.
- the outdoor control unit 335 includes a microcomputer provided to control the outdoor unit 302, an inverter circuit that controls the memory and the motor 321a, and the like.
- Control signals and the like can be exchanged with the control units 347 and 357. That is, the indoor side control units 347 and 357 and the outdoor side control unit 335 constitute a control unit 308 that controls the operation of the entire air conditioner 301. As shown in FIG. 32, the control unit 308 is connected so that it can receive detection signals of various sensors 329 to 334, 338, 339, 344 to 346, 354 to 356, and 373. Based on the detection signal, etc., it is connected so that various devices and valves 321, 322, 324, 327 a, 341, 343 a, 351, 353 a and 372 can be controlled.
- the control unit 308 is connected to a warning display unit 309 that is an LED or the like for notifying that a refrigerant leak has been detected in the refrigerant leak detection mode described later.
- FIG. 32 is a control block diagram of the air conditioner 301.
- the refrigerant circuit 310 of the air conditioner 301 is configured by connecting the indoor refrigerant circuits 310a and 310b, the outdoor refrigerant circuit 310c, and the refrigerant communication pipes 306 and 307.
- the refrigerant circuit 310 is composed of a no-pass refrigerant circuit 371 and a main refrigerant circuit excluding the bypass refrigerant circuit 371.
- the air conditioner 301 switches between the cooling operation and the heating operation by the four-way switching valve 322 by the control unit 308 configured by the indoor side control units 347 and 357 and the outdoor side control unit 335.
- the outdoor unit 302 and the indoor units 304 and 305 are controlled in accordance with the operation load of the indoor units 304 and 305.
- the operation mode of the air conditioner 301 of the present embodiment includes a normal operation mode in which the outdoor unit 302 and the indoor units 304 and 305 are controlled according to the operation load of the indoor units 304 and 305, and the normal operation mode.
- There is a refrigerant leakage detection mode in which the superheat degree of the refrigerant at the outlet of 352 is detected to determine whether or not the amount of refrigerant charged in the refrigerant circuit 310 is appropriate.
- the normal operation mode mainly includes cooling operation and heating operation. Further, the test operation mode includes an automatic refrigerant charging operation and a control variable changing operation.
- FIG. 31 the cooling operation in the normal operation mode will be described with reference to FIGS. 31 and 32.
- the four-way switching valve 322 is in the state indicated by the solid line in FIG. 31, that is, the discharge side of the compressor 321 is connected to the gas side of the outdoor heat exchanger 323, and the suction side of the compressor 321 is the indoor heat. It is connected to the gas side of AC 342 and 352.
- the outdoor expansion valve 324, the liquid side closing valve 336, and the gas side closing valve 337 are opened, and the bypass side refrigerant flow rate regulating valve 372 is closed. For this reason, in the supercooler 326, heat exchange between the refrigerant flowing through the main refrigerant circuit and the refrigerant flowing through the bypass refrigerant circuit 371 is not performed.
- the opening degrees of the indoor expansion valves 341 and 351 are adjusted so that the degree of superheat of the refrigerant at the outlets of the indoor heat exchangers 342 and 352 becomes a predetermined value.
- the degree of superheat of the refrigerant at the outlets of the indoor heat exchangers 342 and 352 is the refrigerant temperature value detected by the gas side temperature sensors 345 and 355 and the refrigerant temperature detected by the liquid side temperature sensors 344 and 354.
- the force detected by subtracting the value or the suction pressure Ps of the compressor 321 detected by the suction pressure sensor 328 is converted into a saturation temperature value corresponding to the evaporation temperature Te, and the gas side temperature sensors 345 and 355 are used.
- the refrigerant temperature value corresponding to the evaporation temperature Te detected by the liquid side temperature sensors 344 and 354 is subtracted.
- the evaporation detected by this temperature sensor The refrigerant superheat degree at the outlets of the indoor heat exchangers 342 and 352 may be detected by subtracting the refrigerant temperature value detected by the gas side temperature sensors 345 and 355 from the refrigerant temperature value corresponding to the temperature Te. Good.
- the compressor 321, the outdoor fan 327, and the indoor fans 343, 353 are started in the state of the refrigerant circuit 310, the low-pressure gas refrigerant is sucked into the compressor 321 and compressed to become a high-pressure gas refrigerant. Become. Thereafter, the high-pressure gas refrigerant is sent to the outdoor heat exchanger 323 via the four-way switching valve 322, and is condensed by exchanging heat with the outdoor air supplied by the outdoor fan 327. Becomes a refrigerant.
- the high-pressure liquid refrigerant is sent to the receiver 325 via the outdoor expansion valve 324 and temporarily stored in the receiver 325, and then the supercooler 326, the liquid side closing valve 336, and the liquid
- the refrigerant is sent to the indoor units 304 and 305 via the refrigerant communication pipe 306.
- the receiver 325 for example, when the operating load of one of the indoor units 304, 305 is small or stopped according to the operating load of the indoor units 304, 305, or When surplus refrigerant is generated in the refrigerant circuit 310, such as when the operating loads of both the indoor units 304 and 305 are small, the surplus refrigerant is accumulated in the receiver 325.
- the high-pressure liquid refrigerant sent to the indoor units 304 and 305 is decompressed by the indoor expansion valves 341 and 351 to become a low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant, and the indoor heat exchangers 342 and 352
- the heat is exchanged with the indoor air in the indoor heat exchangers 342 and 352 and evaporated to become a low-pressure gas refrigerant.
- the indoor expansion valves 341 and 351 control the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing in the indoor heat exchangers 342 and 352 so that the degree of superheat at the outlets of the indoor heat exchangers 342 and 352 becomes a predetermined value.
- the low-pressure gas refrigerant evaporated in the indoor heat exchangers 342 and 352 has a predetermined degree of superheat.
- the indoor heat exchangers 342 and 352 correspond to the operation load required in the air-conditioned space in which the indoor units 304 and 305 are installed. Flow rate refrigerant is flowing.
- This low-pressure gas refrigerant is sent to the outdoor unit 302 via the gas refrigerant communication pipe 7, and is again sucked into the compressor 321 via the gas-side closing valve 337 and the four-way switching valve 322.
- the four-way selector valve 322 is in the state indicated by the broken line in FIG. 31, that is, the discharge side of the compressor 321 is connected to the gas side of the indoor heat exchangers 342 and 352, and the suction side of the compressor 321 is
- the outdoor heat exchanger 323 is connected to the gas side.
- the outdoor expansion valve 324, the liquid side closing valve 336, and the gas side closing valve 337 are opened, and the bypass side refrigerant flow rate regulating valve 372 is closed. For this reason, in the supercooler 326, heat exchange between the refrigerant flowing through the main refrigerant circuit and the refrigerant flowing through the bypass refrigerant circuit 371 is not performed.
- the opening degrees of the indoor expansion valves 341 and 351 are adjusted so that the degree of supercooling of the refrigerant at the outlets of the indoor heat exchangers 342 and 352 becomes a predetermined value.
- the degree of refrigerant supercooling at the outlets of the indoor heat exchangers 342 and 352 is calculated by converting the discharge pressure Pd of the compressor 321 detected by the discharge pressure sensor 329 into a saturation temperature value with respect to the condensation temperature Tc.
- the saturation temperature value force of the refrigerant is also detected by subtracting the refrigerant temperature value force detected by the liquid side temperature sensors 344 and 354.
- a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the refrigerant flowing in the indoor heat exchangers 342 and 352 is provided, and the refrigerant temperature value corresponding to the condensation temperature Tc detected by this temperature sensor.
- the refrigerant supercooling degree at the outlets of the indoor heat exchangers 342 and 352 may be detected by subtracting the refrigerant temperature value detected by the liquid side temperature sensors 344 and 354.
- the high-pressure gas refrigerant sent to the indoor units 304 and 305 undergoes heat exchange with the indoor air in the outdoor heat exchangers 342 and 352, and is condensed into high-pressure liquid refrigerant.
- the pressure is reduced by the internal expansion valves 341 and 351 to become a low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant.
- the indoor expansion valves 341 and 351 control the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing in the indoor heat exchangers 342 and 352 so that the degree of supercooling at the outlets of the indoor heat exchangers 342 and 352 becomes a predetermined value.
- the high-pressure liquid refrigerant condensed in the indoor heat exchangers 342 and 352 has a predetermined degree of supercooling. In this way, in each of the indoor heat exchangers 342 and 352, a refrigerant having a flow rate corresponding to the operation load required in the air-conditioned space in which the indoor units 304 and 305 are installed flows.
- This low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant is sent to the outdoor unit 302 via the liquid refrigerant communication pipe 306 and flows into the receiver 325 via the liquid side shut-off valve 336 and the subcooler 326. To do.
- the refrigerant flowing into the receiver 325 temporarily accumulates in the receiver 325 and then flows into the outdoor heat exchanger 323 via the outdoor expansion valve 324.
- the operating load of the receiver unit 3 25 [in this unit, the indoor units 304, 305] [Depending on this, if the operating load of one of the indoor units 304, 305 is small or has stopped, In the case where excess refrigerant is generated in the refrigerant circuit 310, such as when the operating load of both the indoor units 304 and 305 is small, the excess refrigerant is accumulated in the receiver 325. . Then, the low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant flowing into the outdoor heat exchanger 323 is condensed by exchanging heat with the outdoor air supplied by the outdoor fan 327 to form a low-pressure gas refrigerant. It is sucked into the compressor 321 again via the valve 322.
- the normal operation processing including the cooling operation and the heating operation is performed by the control unit 308 functioning as a normal operation control unit that performs the normal operation including the cooling operation and the heating operation.
- step S1 the automatic refrigerant charging operation in step S1 is performed, and then the control variable changing operation in step S2 is performed.
- an outdoor unit 302 and a indoor unit 304, 305 pre-filled with a predetermined amount of refrigerant are installed on site and connected via a liquid refrigerant communication pipe 306 and a gas refrigerant communication pipe 307.
- the liquid refrigerant communication pipe 306 and the gas An example in which the refrigerant circuit 310 is additionally filled with a refrigerant that is insufficient according to the length of the refrigerant communication pipe 307 will be described.
- Step S1 Automatic refrigerant charging operation>
- liquid side shut-off valve 336 and the gas side shut-off valve 337 of the outdoor unit 302 are opened to fill the refrigerant circuit 310 with the refrigerant preliminarily filled in the outdoor unit 302.
- step S11 to step S13 shown in FIG. 4 is performed.
- the refrigerant circuit 310 When an instruction to start the automatic refrigerant charging operation is issued, the refrigerant circuit 310 is in a state where the four-way switching valve 322 of the outdoor unit 302 is indicated by a solid line in FIG. 31, and the indoor expansion valves 341 of the indoor units 304 and 305 are 351 is opened, compressor 321, outdoor fan 327 and indoor fan 343, 353 force S are activated and all indoor units 304 and 305 are forcibly cooled (hereinafter referred to as total indoor unit operation) ) Is performed.
- the high-pressure gas refrigerant compressed and discharged in the compressor 321 flows through the flow path from the compressor 321 to the outdoor heat exchanger 323 that functions as a condenser, and functions as a condenser.
- High-pressure refrigerant whose gas state force also changes to a liquid state flows by heat exchange with outdoor air in the outdoor heat exchanger 323, and communicates with the receiver 325 and the liquid refrigerant from the outdoor heat exchanger 323 to the indoor expansion valves 341 and 351.
- a high-pressure liquid refrigerant flows in the flow path including the pipe 306, and in the indoor heat exchangers 342 and 352 functioning as an evaporator, a low-pressure that changes into a gas-liquid two-phase state force by heat exchange with indoor air.
- the low-pressure gas refrigerant flows through the flow path including the gas refrigerant communication pipe 307 from the indoor heat exchangers 342 and 352 to the compressor 321.
- the following device control is performed to shift to an operation for stabilizing the state of the refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant circuit 310.
- the rotation speed f of the motor 321a of the compressor 321 is controlled to be constant at a predetermined value (constant compressor rotation speed control), and the refrigerant at the outlet of the main refrigerant circuit side of the receiver 325 is supercooled. Control so as to be in the state (receiver outlet refrigerant supercooling control).
- constant rotation speed control is performed by the compressor 321 that is This is to stabilize the flow rate of the medium.
- the supercooling control is performed by sealing the space between the supercooler 326 and the indoor expansion valves 341 and 351 via the liquid refrigerant communication pipe 306 with the liquid refrigerant, so that the refrigerant amount in the refrigerant circuit 310 is maximized.
- the amount of operating state that fluctuates in the degree of refrigerant dryness at the outlet of the main refrigerant circuit side of the receiver 325 due to fluctuations in the refrigerant amount, depending on changes in the subcooling degree SC and the degree of supercooling degree SC. Ss appearing as a variation of
- the outdoor heat exchanger 323 that is, the refrigerant condensing pressure Pc (corresponding to the discharge pressure Pd of the compressor 32 1) is lower than a predetermined value, the outdoor heat exchange is performed as necessary.
- Control (condensation pressure control) of increasing the refrigerant pressure of the outdoor heat exchanger 323 is performed by controlling the flow rate of the air supplied to the outdoor unit 323 by the outdoor fan 327.
- the condensing pressure control is performed in order to create a condition for sufficient heat exchange between the refrigerant on the main refrigerant circuit side and the refrigerant on the bypass refrigerant circuit side in the subcooler 326.
- the state of the refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant circuit 310 becomes stable, and the amount of refrigerant in the equipment and piping other than the outdoor heat exchanger 323 becomes substantially constant.
- the refrigerant circuit 310 starts to be filled with the refrigerant, the operation of the subcooler SC at the outlet of the main refrigerant circuit side of the supercooler 326, such as the degree of refrigerant subcooling SC, etc. (Hereinafter, this operation is referred to as refrigerant quantity determination operation).
- the bypass-side refrigerant flow rate adjustment valve 372 is opened.
- the outlet portion of the receiver 325 also flows toward the subcooler 326, and the refrigerant portion is branched from the main refrigerant circuit while being compressed by the bypass refrigerant circuit 371 while the flow rate is adjusted by the bypass-side refrigerant flow rate adjustment valve 372.
- a flow returning to the suction side of the machine 321 is formed.
- the refrigerant passing through the binose-side refrigerant flow rate control valve 372 is decompressed to near the suction pressure Ps of the compressor 321, and a part thereof evaporates to be in a gas-liquid two-phase state.
- the refrigerant in the gas-liquid two-phase state in which the output of the bypass-side refrigerant flow rate control valve 72 of the bypass refrigerant circuit 371 also flows toward the suction side of the compressor 321 passes through the bypass refrigerant circuit side of the subcooler 326.
- a chamber that flows through the main refrigerant circuit side of the subcooler 326 when passing Heat exchange with the refrigerant sent from the external heat exchanger 323 to the indoor heat exchangers 342 and 352 is necessary.
- bypass-side refrigerant flow rate adjustment valve 372 is configured such that the opening degree is adjusted so that the superheat degree SH of the refrigerant at the outlet on the bypass refrigerant circuit side of the supercooler 326 becomes a predetermined value.
- the superheat degree SH of the refrigerant at the outlet of the bypass refrigerant circuit side of the supercooler 326 is the suction pressure Ps b of the compressor 321 detected by the suction pressure sensor 328.
- a temperature sensor is separately provided at the inlet of the subcooler 326 on the bypass refrigerant circuit side, and the refrigerant temperature value detected by this temperature sensor is used as the bypass refrigerant circuit temperature sensor 373.
- the refrigerant superheat degree SH at the outlet of the subcooler 326 on the bypass refrigerant circuit side may be detected by subtracting the refrigerant temperature value detected by. For this reason, the refrigerant flowing in the bypass refrigerant circuit 371 passes through the supercooler 326, is heated to a predetermined value of the superheat degree SH, and then b of the compressor 321.
- the refrigerant flowing in the main refrigerant circuit side of the subcooler 326 in the outlet force of the receiver 325 also becomes supercooled due to heat exchange with the refrigerant flowing in the bypass refrigerant circuit 371 side, and the refrigerant communication pipe is connected from the subcooler 326 to the refrigerant connection pipe.
- the supercooled refrigerant flows between the indoor expansion valves 341 and 351 through 306.
- the refrigerant amount determination operation control means for performing the refrigerant amount determination operation including the indoor unit total number operation, the compressor rotational speed constant control, and the receiver outlet refrigerant supercooling control (condensation pressure control as necessary).
- the functioning control unit 308 performs step S11.
- the refrigerant when the outdoor unit 302 is not prefilled with refrigerant, the refrigerant is charged until the refrigerant amount reaches a level at which the refrigeration cycle operation can be performed prior to the processing of step S11. Need to do.
- Step S12 Accumulate operation data when charging refrigerant>
- the refrigerant circuit 310 is charged with additional refrigerant.
- the operating state quantity of the refrigerant or the component device flowing in the refrigerant circuit 310 at the time of additional charging of the refrigerant is acquired as operation data and stored in the memory of the control unit 320.
- the degree of supercooling SC, the outside air temperature Ta, the room temperature Tr, the discharge pressure Pd, and the suction s at the outlet of the main refrigerant circuit side of the supercooler 326 is acquired as operation data and stored in the memory of the control unit 320.
- step S12 is repeated until the condition for determining whether the refrigerant amount is appropriate in step S13, which will be described later, is satisfied.
- the state quantity is stored in the memory of the control unit 308 as operation data when the refrigerant is charged.
- the operation data stored in the memory of the control unit 308 includes, for example, the supercooling degree SC at appropriate temperature intervals among the operation data from the start of additional refrigerant charging until the completion of power. And other ss corresponding to these supercooling degrees SC
- Appropriately thinned operation data may be accumulated, such as accumulating operation state quantities.
- step S12 is performed by the control unit 308 functioning as state quantity storage means for storing the operation state quantity of the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant circuit 310 or the component equipment as operation data during operation accompanied by refrigerant charging. Therefore, the operation state amount when the refrigerant circuit 310 is filled with an amount of refrigerant smaller than the amount of refrigerant after completion of additional charging of the refrigerant (hereinafter referred to as initial refrigerant amount) can be obtained as operation data. .
- the amount of refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit 310 gradually increases, and accordingly, the refrigerant pressure at the outlet of the receiver 325 according to the increase in the refrigerant amount at this time Tends to increase (that is, the refrigerant temperature increases).
- the refrigerant temperature at the outlet of the receiver 325 increases, and accordingly, in the supercooler 326, the temperature of the refrigerant flowing into the main refrigerant circuit side and the temperature of the refrigerant flowing into the bypass refrigerant circuit side are increased.
- FIG. 33 shows the degree of supercooling SC at the outlet of the main refrigerant circuit side of the subcooler 326 in the refrigerant quantity determination operation and the outside air temperature Ta s.
- Figure 34 shows the degree of supercooling SC at the outlet of the main refrigerant circuit side of the subcooler 326 in the refrigerant quantity determination operation and the outlet s of the receiver 325.
- FIG. 6 is a graph showing the relationship between the refrigerant temperature and the refrigerant amount Ch.
- the correlation shown in FIG. 33 indicates that the refrigerant is set in advance in the refrigerant circuit 310 when the above-described refrigerant amount determination operation is performed using the air conditioner 301 in a state immediately after being installed and used. Relationship between the supercooling degree SC value at the outlet of the main refrigerant circuit side of the supercooler 326 (hereinafter referred to as the specified value of the supercooling degree SC) and the outside air temperature Ta when charging up to the specified refrigerant amount Is shown.
- the specified value of the supercooling degree SC the specified value of the supercooling degree SC
- the specified value s of the degree of supercooling SC at the outlet of the main refrigerant circuit side of the supercooler 326 is determined by the outside air temperature Ta during the test operation (specifically, when the refrigerant is automatically charged). This means that the suitability of the amount of refrigerant charged in the refrigerant circuit 310 can be determined by additional charging of the refrigerant by comparing the specified value of the value and the current value of the degree of supercooling SC detected when the refrigerant is charged. .
- Step S13 is a process for determining the suitability of the amount of refrigerant charged in the refrigerant circuit 310 by additional charging of the refrigerant using the correlation as described above.
- the refrigerant amount in the refrigerant circuit 310 in which the additional refrigerant amount is small reaches the initial refrigerant amount, and in some cases, the refrigerant amount in the refrigerant circuit 310 is small.
- the state in which the refrigerant amount in the refrigerant circuit 310 is small means that the current value of the degree of supercooling SC at the outlet of the main refrigerant circuit of the supercooler 326 is smaller than the specified value of the degree of supercooling SC s s
- step S13 additional charging of the refrigerant whose supercooling degree SC at the outlet on the main refrigerant circuit side of the supercooler 326 is smaller than the specified value is completed.
- step S13 s until the current value of the degree of supercooling SC reaches the specified value.
- step S1 as the refrigerant amount charging operation process is completed.
- the specified refrigerant amount calculated at the site such as the pipe length and capacity of the component equipment, does not match the initial refrigerant amount after the completion of additional charging of the refrigerant.
- S of supercooling degree SC value and other operating state quantities when additional filling The reference value s for the operating state quantity such as the degree of supercooling sc in the refrigerant leak detection mode described later
- step S13 is performed by the control unit 308 functioning as a refrigerant amount determination unit that determines the suitability of the refrigerant amount charged in the refrigerant circuit 310 in the refrigerant amount determination operation.
- the automatic refrigerant is substantially reduced.
- the charging operation is an operation for only accumulating data of the operation state quantity at the initial refrigerant quantity.
- step S1 When the automatic refrigerant charging operation in step S1 is completed, the process proceeds to the control variable changing operation in step S2.
- the control unit 308 performs the processing from step S21 to step S23 shown in FIG. 6 as in the first embodiment.
- Step S21 After the above-described automatic refrigerant charging operation is completed, the initial refrigerant amount is charged into the refrigerant circuit 310. In this state, the refrigerant amount determination operation similar to that in step S11 is performed.Here, the air volume of the outdoor fan 327 is changed in the state in which the refrigerant amount determination operation is performed in the state after being filled up to the initial refrigerant amount. Therefore, during this test run, that is, after the installation of the air conditioner 301, an operation that simulates the state in which the heat exchange performance of the outdoor heat exchanger 323 fluctuates is performed, or the airflow of the indoor fans 343 and 353 is changed. By doing so, an operation that simulates the state in which the heat exchange performance of the indoor heat exchangers 342 and 352 fluctuates is performed (hereinafter, such operation is referred to as a control variable change operation).
- the heat transfer coefficient K of the outdoor heat exchanger 323 is reduced and the heat exchange performance is lowered. Therefore, as shown in FIG. As a result, the refrigerant condensation temperature Tc of the refrigerant increases at a high temperature, and the discharge pressure Pd of the compressor 321 corresponding to the refrigerant condensation pressure Pc of the outdoor heat exchanger 323 tends to increase. Also, in the refrigerant quantity judgment operation, reduce the air volume of indoor fans 343 and 353.
- the heat transfer coefficient K force S of the indoor heat exchangers 342 and 352 decreases and the heat exchange performance decreases, so that the refrigerant evaporating temperature Te in the indoor heat exchangers 342 and 352 is low as shown in FIG.
- the suction pressure Ps of the compressor 321 corresponding to the evaporation pressure Pe of the refrigerant in the indoor heat exchangers 342 and 352 tends to decrease.
- step S22 the operation state quantity of the refrigerant or the component device flowing in the refrigerant circuit 310 under each operation condition of the control variable change operation is acquired as operation data and accumulated in the memory of the control unit 308.
- the degree of supercooling SC at the outlets of the indoor heat exchangers 342 and 352, the outside air temperature Ta, the room temperature Tr, the discharge pressure Pd, and the suction pressure Ps are cold s.
- step S22 is repeated until it is determined in step S23 that all the operating conditions of the control variable changing operation have been executed.
- Steps S21 and S23 are performed by the control unit 308 functioning as a control variable change operation means for performing a control variable change operation including a simulated operation.
- the control unit 308 functioning as a state quantity accumulation unit that accumulates the operation state quantity of the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant circuit 310 or the component equipment as operation data during the control variable change operation, the process of step S22 is performed. It is possible to obtain the operation state quantity as operation data when the operation is performed to simulate the state in which the heat exchange performance of the outdoor heat exchanger 323 and the indoor heat exchangers 342 and 352 fluctuates.
- the refrigerant leakage detection mode will be described with reference to FIG. 31, FIG. 32, and FIG.
- the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit 310 is externally introduced due to an unforeseen cause at regular intervals (for example, when it is not necessary to perform air conditioning during holidays or late at night). As an example of detecting whether it is leaked explain.
- Step S31 Determining whether the normal operation mode has passed for a certain period of time> First, determine whether the power in the normal operation mode, such as the above cooling operation or heating operation, has elapsed for a certain period of time (every month, etc.) If the operation in the normal operation mode has elapsed for a certain period of time, the process proceeds to the next step S32.
- the indoor unit 100% operation, the compressor rotational speed constant control, and the receiver outlet refrigerant supercooling control (
- the rotation speed f of the compressor 321 is the same value as the predetermined value of the rotation speed f in the refrigerant volume determination operation in step SI 1 of the automatic refrigerant charging operation.
- the predetermined value of the superheat degree SH in the superheat degree control of the bypass side refrigerant flow rate control valve 372 of the bypass refrigerant circuit 371 in the receiver outlet refrigerant supercooling control is also the superheat degree SH in the refrigerant quantity judgment operation in step S11.
- the refrigerant amount determination operation control means for performing the refrigerant amount determination operation including the indoor unit total number operation, the compressor rotational speed constant control, and the receiver outlet refrigerant supercooling control (condensation pressure control as necessary).
- the functioning control unit 308 performs step S32.
- Steps S33 to S35 Judgment of appropriateness of refrigerant amount, return to normal operation, warning display> If the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit 310 leaks to the outside, the refrigerant amount in the refrigerant circuit 310 decreases. The current supercooling degree SC at the outlet on the main refrigerant circuit side of 326 is small.
- the reference value of the degree of supercooling SC corresponding to the initial amount of refrigerant charged in the refrigerant circuit 310 at the completion of the above-described automatic refrigerant charging operation is used as the reference value of the degree of supercooling S s during the refrigerant leakage detection operation.
- the problem is the outdoor heat exchanger 323 and indoor heat exchangers.
- the coefficient KA of the outdoor heat exchanger 323 and the indoor heat exchangers 342 and 352 varies depending on the degree of deterioration over time. That is, as the coefficient KA varies, the correlation between the condensation pressure Pc in the outdoor heat exchanger 323 ⁇ and the outdoor air temperature Ta (see Fig. 7), and the evaporation pressure in the indoor heat exchangers 34 2 and 352 Paying attention to the change in the correlation between Pe and room temperature Tr (see Fig. 8), the current value or excess s of the degree of supercooling SC used when determining the adequacy of refrigerant quantity
- the standard value of the cooling degree SC is set to the compressor s corresponding to the condensation pressure Pc in the outdoor heat exchanger 323.
- the same coefficient KA is corrected by correcting the discharge pressure Pd of 321, the outside air temperature Ta, the suction pressure Ps of the compressor 321 corresponding to the evaporation pressure Pe in the indoor heat exchangers 342 and 352, and the room temperature Tr.
- the degree of supercooling SC detected in the air conditioner 301 configured using the outdoor heat exchanger 323 and the indoor heat exchangers 342 and 352 can be compared.
- the influence of the weather on the heat exchange performance of the outdoor heat exchanger 323 is also related to the correlation between the condensation pressure Pc and the outdoor air temperature Ta in the outdoor heat exchanger 323 according to the fluctuation of the coefficient KA (Fig. 7). Therefore, it is necessary to eliminate the effect of fluctuations in the degree of supercooling SC due to deterioration over time.
- the refrigerant amount Ch filled in the refrigerant circuit 310 Is expressed as a function of the degree of supercooling SC, discharge pressure Pd, outside air temperature Ta, suction pressure Ps, and indoor temperature Tr, and the current value of supercooling degree SC during refrigerant leak detection operation and the discharge s at this time
- the outdoor heat exchanger 323 By calculating the refrigerant amount Ch from the current value of the pressure Pd, the outside air temperature Ta, the suction pressure Ps, and the indoor temperature Tr, and comparing it with the initial refrigerant amount that is the reference value of the refrigerant amount, the outdoor heat exchanger 323 The degree of supercooling at the exit
- the refrigerant amount Ch filled in the refrigerant circuit 310 is
- Ch kl X SC + k2 X Pd + k3 XTa + X k4 X Ps + k5 XTr + k6
- the operation data stored in the memory of the control unit 308 (that is, the outdoor heat exchanger 323) is stored when the refrigerant is charged in the trial operation mode and when the control variable is changed.
- the function of the refrigerant amount Ch can be determined by calculating each parameter kl to k6 by performing multiple regression analysis using the data of temperature Tr, discharge pressure Pd, and suction pressure Ps). .
- the function of the refrigerant amount Ch is determined after the control variable change operation in the above-described test operation mode and before switching to the first refrigerant amount leakage detection mode. In addition, it is executed in the control unit 308.
- Processing for determining a correction formula is performed by the control unit 308 functioning as a state quantity correction formula calculation means for determining a function.
- the current value of the refrigerant amount Ch is calculated from the current value of the degree of supercooling SC at the outlet of the outdoor heat exchanger 323 during the refrigerant leak detection operation, and the refrigerant amount Ch at the reference value of the degree of supercooling SC is Ch.
- Value i.e., the initial refrigerant amount
- step S35 the supercooling degree SC s detected in the air conditioner 301 configured using the outdoor heat exchanger 323 and the indoor heat exchangers 342 and 352 having the same coefficient KA is compared. Under the same conditions, the same result as that obtained by comparing the current value of the supercooling degree SC and the standard value of the supercooling degree SC can be obtained, so the influence of fluctuations in the superheat degree SH due to aging deterioration is eliminated. be able to.
- one of the refrigerant quantity determination means for detecting the presence or absence of refrigerant leakage by determining the appropriateness of the refrigerant quantity charged in the refrigerant circuit 310 while performing the refrigerant quantity determination operation in the refrigerant leakage detection mode.
- the processing of steps S33 to S35 is performed by the control unit 308 that functions as the refrigerant leakage detection means.
- state quantity correction means to compensate for the effect on the subcooling degree SC due to aging of the outdoor heat exchanger 323 and the indoor heat exchangers 342 and 352 when detecting the presence or absence of refrigerant leak in the refrigerant leak detection mode Control unit 308 functions as s
- step S33 Part of the processing in step S33 is performed.
- the control unit 308 includes the refrigerant quantity determination operation unit, the state quantity accumulation unit, the refrigerant quantity determination unit, the control variable change operation unit, the state quantity compensation formal calculation unit, and By functioning as state quantity correction means, a refrigerant quantity determination system for determining the suitability of the refrigerant quantity charged in the refrigerant circuit 310 is configured.
- the air conditioner 301 of the present embodiment has the following characteristics.
- the outdoor heat exchanger 323 as the heat source side heat exchanger functions as a condenser for the refrigerant compressed in the compressor 321 and the indoor heat as the use side heat exchanger.
- Exchangers 342 and 352 serve as evaporators for the refrigerant sent from the outdoor heat exchanger 323 via the receiver 325 and indoor expansion valves 341 and 351 as use side expansion valves. In this case, if the amount of refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit 310 decreases, the degree of supercooling of the refrigerant at the outlet of the outdoor heat exchanger 323 becomes small or saturated.
- the refrigerant condensed in the outdoor heat exchanger 323 is saturated or evacuated before reaching the inlet of the receiver 325 due to pressure loss in the flow path from the outlet of the outdoor heat exchanger 323 to the inlet of the receiver 325. It becomes a liquid two-phase flow state and flows into the receiver 325. As a result, the outlet force of the receiver 325 and the refrigerant flowing through the flow path leading to the inlet of the supercooler 326 are also saturated. Then, the refrigerant supercooling degree SC at the outlet of the subcooler 32 6 is calculated as the outlet of the receiver 325 (ie, the supercooling s
- the dryness of the refrigerant at the inlet of the vessel 326 increases, the dryness finally decreases to zero (ie, saturated liquid refrigerant). This is because a certain amount of refrigerant accumulates in the receiver 325 when the refrigerant at the outlet of the receiver 325 is saturated and the supercooling degree SC of the refrigerant at the outlet of the subcooler 326 begins to decrease.
- the supercooling degree SC of the refrigerant at the outlet of the supercooler 326 approaches zero, the amount of refrigerant accumulated in the resin 325 is small. That is, in this air conditioner 301, the change in the dryness of the refrigerant at the outlet of the resin 325 caused by the change in the refrigerant amount in the receiver 325 is detected by the refrigerant s at the outlet of the supercooler SC.
- the refrigerant amount fluctuation in the main refrigerant circuit is clearly expressed as the refrigerant subcooling degree SC fluctuation at the outlet of the subcooler 326.
- the bypass-side refrigerant flow rate control valve 372 controls the superheat degree SH of the refrigerant at the bypass refrigerant circuit side outlet of the supercooler 326 so as to become a predetermined value.
- the refrigerant pressure at the outlet of the receiver 325 decreases, the refrigerant temperature at the outlet of the receiver 325 flowing into the main refrigerant circuit side of the subcooler 326 and the bypass refrigerant circuit side of the subcooler 326 are reduced.
- the temperature difference from the refrigerant temperature at the outlet of the inflow bypass side refrigerant flow rate adjustment valve 372 is reduced, which allows replacement in the supercooler 326.
- the amount of heat decreases, and as a result, the supercooling degree SC of the refrigerant at the outlet of the subcooler 326 on the main refrigerant circuit side becomes very small. In other words, the amount of refrigerant accumulated in the receiver 325 is s
- the refrigerant pressure in the outdoor heat exchanger 323 is set to a predetermined value or more by controlling the outdoor fan 327 (condensation pressure control). By doing so, it is possible to create a condition for sufficient heat exchange between the refrigerant on the main refrigerant circuit side and the refrigerant on the bypass refrigerant circuit side in the subcooler 326. As a result, the change in the refrigerant amount in the main refrigerant circuit can be expressed more clearly as the change in the refrigerant supercooling degree SC at the outlet of the subcooler 326.
- the degree of deterioration over time from the state immediately after the outdoor heat exchanger 323 and the indoor heat exchangers 342 and 352 (that is, the air conditioner 301) are installed and used in the field.
- the coefficient KA of the outdoor heat exchanger 323 and the indoor heat exchangers 342 and 35 2 fluctuates in response to, that is, the condensation pressure Pc that is the refrigerant pressure in the outdoor heat exchanger 32 3 with the fluctuation of the coefficient KA.
- the correlation between the outside air temperature Ta and the correlation between the evaporation pressure Pe, which is the refrigerant pressure in the indoor heat exchangers 342 and 352, and the indoor temperature Tr (see Fig. 10 and Fig.
- the current value of the refrigerant quantity Ch is a function of the supercooling degree SC, the discharge s pressure Pd, the outside air temperature Ta, the intake pressure Ps, and the room temperature Tr.
- the degree of subcooling SC during refrigerant leak detection operation is expressed as Value and the discharge pressure Pd in this, outside air temperature Ta
- the coefficient KA may vary due to weather fluctuations such as rain and strong winds.
- the correlation between the condensing pressure Pc, which is the refrigerant pressure in the outdoor heat exchange 323, and the outside air temperature Ta fluctuates.
- the change in the degree of supercooling SC at this time The influence can also be eliminated.
- the operation state quantity after being filled up to the initial refrigerant quantity by on-site refrigerant filling (specifically, the degree of supercooling SC , Discharge pressure Pd, outside air temperature Ta, suction pressure Ps, and room s
- the reference value of the temperature Tr) is stored in the control unit 308 functioning as a state quantity storage means, and the operation state quantity is used as a reference value and compared with the current value of the operation state quantity in the refrigerant leakage detection mode. In other words, since the presence or absence of refrigerant leakage is determined, it is possible to compare the initial refrigerant quantity that is actually filled in the apparatus with the current refrigerant quantity at the time of refrigerant leakage detection.
- the air conditioner 301 there is a variation between the specified refrigerant amount that is preliminarily set before the refrigerant charging and the initial refrigerant amount that is charged locally, or the refrigerant communication pipe 306, 307 piping length, combination of multiple usage units 304, 305, and operating state quantity (specifically, used to determine the suitability of refrigerant quantity based on the installation height difference between each unit 302, 304, 305 , The degree of subcooling SC)
- the operation state quantity after filling up to the initial refrigerant quantity (specifically, the degree of supercooling SC, the discharge pressure Pd, the outside air temperature Ta, the suction pressure Ps, and the room temperature) It is the sky like outdoor fan 327 and indoor fans 343 and 353
- the outdoor heat exchanger 323 and the outdoor heat exchanger 323 and the indoor fan 323 and the indoor fans 343 and 353 are changed based on the operating state quantity data during operation in which the control variables of the components are changed.
- the reference value of the operation state quantity during the trial operation and the current value of the operation state quantity are obtained based on the data of the operation state quantity during operation in which the control variables of the component devices are changed. Therefore, it is possible to compensate for the difference in operating conditions when comparing the two, so that it is possible to further improve the accuracy of determining the suitability of the amount of refrigerant charged in the apparatus.
- the air conditioner 301 of the present embodiment is also a management device that manages each component device of the air conditioner 301 and obtains operation data in the air conditioner 301, as in Modification 9 of the first embodiment.
- Connect a local controller connect this local controller to a remote server of the information management center that receives the operation data of the air conditioner 301 via a network, and connect a disk device or the like as a state quantity storage means to the remote server.
- a refrigerant quantity determination system may be configured by connecting a storage device.
- FIG. 35 is a schematic refrigerant circuit diagram of the existing air conditioner 401 before the refrigerant amount determination function is added by the refrigerant amount determination function addition method of the air conditioner according to the present invention.
- the air conditioner 401 is the same as the supercooling device in the air conditioner 301 of the third embodiment.
- An operation for adding a determination means hereinafter referred to as a refrigerant amount determination means installation operation
- the configuration of the state is provided.
- the indoor units 304 and 305 are installed by being embedded in or suspended from an indoor ceiling of a building or the like, or installed on a wall surface of an indoor wall.
- the indoor units 304 and 305 are connected to the outdoor unit 402 via a liquid refrigerant communication pipe 306 and a gas refrigerant communication pipe 307, and constitute a part of the refrigerant circuit 410. Since the indoor units 304 and 305 have the same configuration as the indoor units 304 and 305 of the third embodiment, the description of each part is omitted here.
- the outdoor unit 402 is installed on the rooftop of a building or the like, and is connected to the indoor units 304 and 305 via the liquid refrigerant communication pipe 306 and the gas refrigerant communication pipe 307.
- a refrigerant circuit 410 is formed between them.
- the outdoor unit 402 mainly includes an outdoor refrigerant circuit 410c that constitutes a part of the refrigerant circuit 410. Similar to the outdoor refrigerant circuit 310c of the third embodiment, the outdoor refrigerant circuit 410c mainly includes a compressor 321, a four-way switching valve 322, an outdoor heat exchanger 323 as a heat source side heat exchanger, and a heat source. An outdoor expansion valve 324 as a side expansion valve, a receiver 325, a liquid side closing valve 336, and a gas side closing valve 337 are provided.
- the outdoor unit 402 includes an outdoor fan 327 for sucking outdoor air into the unit, supplying the outdoor air to the outdoor heat exchanger 323, and then discharging the air to the outdoor unit. .
- the outdoor unit 402 is provided with various sensors. Specifically, in the outdoor unit 402, as in the third embodiment, a suction pressure sensor 328 for detecting the suction pressure Ps of the compressor 321 and a discharge pressure sensor 329 for detecting the discharge pressure Pd of the compressor 321 are provided. And a suction temperature sensor 332 for detecting the suction temperature Ts of the compressor 321 and a discharge temperature Td of the compressor 321 And a discharge temperature sensor 333 for detecting the above.
- the outdoor heat exchanger 323 includes a heat exchange temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the refrigerant flowing in the outdoor heat exchanger 323 (that is, the refrigerant temperature corresponding to the condensation temperature Tc during the cooling operation or the evaporation temperature Te during the heating operation).
- the outdoor unit 402 also includes an outdoor control unit 435 that controls the operation of each part constituting the outdoor unit 402.
- the outdoor control unit 435 includes a microcomputer provided to control the outdoor unit 402, an inverter circuit that controls the memory and the motor 321a, and the like. Control signals etc. can be exchanged with the units 347 and 357.
- the indoor side control units 347 and 357 and the outdoor side control unit 435 constitute a control unit 408 that controls the operation of the entire air conditioner 401.
- Fig. 36 [As shown, this sensor is connected so that it can receive the detection signals of various sensors 329 to 334, 344 to 346, and 354 to 356, and these detection signals Etc. All devices and valves 321, 322, 324, 327 a, 341, 343 a, 351, and 353 a are connected so that they can be controlled.
- FIG. 36 is a control block diagram of the air conditioner 401.
- the indoor side refrigerant circuits 310a and 310b, the outdoor side refrigerant circuit 410c, and the refrigerant communication pipes 306 and 307 are connected to form the refrigerant circuit 410 of the existing air conditioner 401.
- the existing air conditioner 401 is operated by switching the cooling operation and the heating operation by the four-way switching valve 322 by the control unit 408 including the indoor side control units 347 and 357 and the outdoor side control unit 435.
- the devices of the outdoor unit 402 and the indoor units 304 and 305 are controlled according to the operation load of the indoor units 304 and 305.
- the existing air conditioner 401 before the modification for adding the refrigerant quantity determination function has a history of practical use.
- the air conditioner 401 is at least manufactured, such as a state where it has been used in operations such as cooling operation and heating operation after the refrigerant circuit 410 has been installed in the field. It is assumed that the outdoor unit 402 is filled with refrigerant.
- the refrigerant amount determination function adding method of the air conditioner according to the present embodiment mainly includes an operation of extracting refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit 4 10 (hereinafter referred to as refrigerant extraction operation) and a supercooler 426 as a supercooling device (FIG. 31). (See below) in the outdoor unit 402 (hereinafter referred to as supercooling device installation work) and replacement of the control board constituting the control unit 408 to add refrigerant amount determination means (hereinafter referred to as refrigerant) The volume determination means is installed).
- the refrigerant extraction work is mainly performed prior to the supercooling device installation work so that the refrigerant is not dissipated outside from the refrigerant circuit 410 during the supercooling device installation work.
- the refrigerant extraction operation is performed by, for example, extracting the refrigerant to the outside of the refrigerant circuit 410 using a refrigerant recovery device (not shown) from a service port (not shown) provided in the shut-off valves 336, 337, etc. Is done by.
- FIG. 31 is a schematic refrigerant of the air-conditioning apparatus 401 after remodeling to add the refrigerant amount determination function to the existing air-conditioning apparatus 401 by the method of adding the refrigerant amount determination function of the air-conditioning apparatus of the present embodiment. It is a circuit diagram.
- the subcooler 326 is a heat exchanger connected between the receiver 325 and the liquid side closing valve 336, and has the same configuration as the subcooler 326 of the third embodiment.
- the no-pass refrigerant circuit 371 is sent from the outdoor heat exchanger 323 to the indoor heat exchangers 342 and 352. Part of the refrigerant to be branched from the refrigerant circuit 410 and connected to the refrigerant circuit 410 so as to return to the suction side of the compressor 321 and has the same configuration as the bypass refrigerant circuit 371 of the third embodiment. is doing.
- the supercooling device installation work is an operation of connecting the above-described supercooler 326 and bypass refrigerant circuit 371 to the main refrigerant circuit.
- the existing air is installed.
- Refrigerant circuit 410 of harmony device 401 and refrigerant flowing in refrigerant circuit 410 to supercooler 326 (specifically, refrigerant returned to the suction side of compressor 321 from the output of bypass-side refrigerant flow rate control valve 372)
- the air conditioner according to the third embodiment has a circuit configuration capable of cooling the refrigerant flowing between the receiver 325 and the indoor heat exchangers 342 and 352 so that the refrigerant can be supplied as a cooling source. It can be modified to a refrigerant circuit 3 10 similar to 301 (see Fig. 31).
- the refrigerant amount judging means installation work mainly includes the work of adding sensors for detecting the degree of supercooling of the subcooler 326 or the amount of operating state that changes in accordance with the change in the degree of supercooling, and the subcooler 326 and
- the control unit 408 has a function of performing a refrigerant amount determination operation with control to supercool the refrigerant at the outlet of the receiver 325 using the bypass refrigerant circuit 371 and a function of determining the appropriateness of the refrigerant amount during the refrigerant amount determination operation. It consists of work to be added to.
- a receiver outlet temperature sensor 338, a supercooler outlet temperature sensor 339, and a no-pass refrigerant circuit temperature sensor 373 are provided as in the air conditioner 301 of the third embodiment.
- the temperature sensor 338 removes the temperature sensor that can be substituted from 339 and 373, and add only the temperature sensor!
- the refrigerant amount determination operation is performed by replacing the control board and the like constituting the control unit 408.
- the control unit 308 is further connected to a warning display unit 309 that also has an LED power to notify that a refrigerant leak has been detected in the refrigerant leak detection mode described later.
- the supercooler 326, the bypass refrigerant circuit 371, and the sensors 338, 339, and 373 are added to the refrigerant circuit 410 (that is, the outdoor refrigerant circuit 410c constituting the outdoor unit 402) of the existing air conditioner 401.
- the circuit configuration is modified to be the same as the refrigerant circuit 310 (that is, the outdoor refrigerant circuit 310c constituting the outdoor unit 302) of the air conditioner 301 of the third embodiment, and the existing air conditioner is further modified.
- the control board constituting the control unit 408 of 401 (that is, the outdoor side control part 435 constituting the outdoor unit 402) is changed to a control board having a function of performing a refrigerant quantity judgment operation and a function of judging the suitability of the refrigerant quantity
- the function of performing the refrigerant quantity determination operation similar to that of the control unit 308 (that is, the outdoor side control unit 335 constituting the outdoor unit 302) of the air-conditioning apparatus 301 of the third embodiment by exchanging and the refrigerant quantity Appropriate amount of refrigerant during judgment operation By adding the function of determining whether or not, an air conditioner having a configuration similar to that of the air conditioner 301 of the third embodiment can be obtained.
- the method for adding the refrigerant amount determination function of the air-conditioning apparatus of the present embodiment, and the modified air conditioner 301 to which the refrigerant amount determination function is added have the following characteristics.
- the refrigerant amount fluctuation in the refrigerant circuit 310 is detected by the refrigerant subcooling degree SC at the outlet of the supercooler 326. This characteristic is used because it can be expressed clearly as fluctuations in
- the receiver 325 is provided.
- a supercooler 326 as a supercooling device is added to the refrigerant circuit 410, and a refrigerant amount determination means is obtained by replacing the control board of the control unit 408, etc.
- the refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant circuit 410 is used as the cooling source of the subcooler 326, it is possible to add a function for determining the suitability of the refrigerant amount without adding an external force cooling source. Monkey.
- the force for adding the supercooler 326 composed of the double tube heat exchanger in the supercooling device installation work is not limited to this.
- a Peltier element 426 as a cooling device may be provided in the outdoor unit 402.
- the Peltier element 426 is a heat transfer element that can generate heat transfer by supplying a direct current.
- the receiver 325 and the indoor heat exchange 342, 352 (specifically, the liquid side closing valve) 336) is attached so that the external force of the refrigerant pipe can be cooled. For this reason, it is possible to provide the supercooling device including the Peltier element 426 in the outdoor unit 402 without performing the operation of extracting the refrigerant from the refrigerant circuit 410.
- the method for adding the refrigerant amount determination function of the air conditioner according to the present modification does not require the refrigerant extraction operation that was performed prior to the supercooling device installation operation. Since the supercooling device installation work and the refrigerant quantity determination means installation work can be performed, it is possible to easily modify the existing air conditioner 401 to add the refrigerant quantity determination function.
- the receiver outlet refrigerant supercooling control is configured in the bypass refrigerant circuit 371 in the above-described embodiment. Force that is different from controlling the current / voltage supplied to the Peltier element 426 that was performed by controlling the bypass-side refrigerant flow rate control valve 372. Other operations are the same as in the above embodiment. Therefore, the description is omitted. If the refrigerant pipe connecting the receiver 325 and the indoor heat exchanger ⁇ 342, 352 (specifically, the liquid side shut-off valve 336) can be cooled from the outside, a supercooling device can be used. It can be used in place of the Peltier element 426.
- the refrigerant piping connecting the receiver 325 and the indoor heat exchangers 342 and 352 (specifically, the liquid side shutoff valve 336), the gas side shutoff valve 337 and the compressor 321
- a supercooling device comprising a heat pipe 526 may be provided in the outdoor unit 402 in order to indirectly perform heat exchange with the refrigerant pipe connecting the suction side.
- a water pipe 626 may be provided on the outer peripheral side of the refrigerant pipe connecting the receiver 325 and the liquid side shut-off valve 336 for cooling.
- the internal force of the refrigerant circuit 410 also extracts the refrigerant. It is possible to make modifications to easily add a refrigerant quantity determination function to an existing air conditioner 401 that does not perform work.
- the air conditioner 301 manages each component device of the air conditioner 301 and acquires the operation data.
- a local controller as a management device is connected, and this local controller is connected via a network to a remote server of the information management center that receives the operation data of the air conditioner 301, and as a state quantity storage means to the remote server.
- a refrigerant quantity determination system may be configured by connecting a storage device such as a disk device.
- the present invention is applied to an air conditioner capable of switching between cooling and heating.
- the present invention is not limited to this.
- the present invention may be applied to.
- an example in which the present invention is applied to an air conditioner including one outdoor unit has been described.
- the present invention may be applied to an air conditioner including a plurality of outdoor units.
- the amount of refrigerant charged in the field will vary depending on the multi-type air conditioner in which the heat source unit and the plurality of utilization units are connected via the refrigerant communication pipe. Or the standard value of the operating state quantity used to determine the appropriateness of the refrigerant amount due to the length of the refrigerant communication pipe, the combination of multiple units used, and the difference in installation height between each unit. However, it is possible to accurately determine whether or not the amount of refrigerant charged in the apparatus is appropriate.
Abstract
Description
Claims
Priority Applications (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
ES06731289.2T ES2637365T3 (es) | 2005-04-07 | 2006-04-06 | Sistema de evaluación de la cantidad de refrigerante del acondicionador de aire |
US11/887,935 US8215121B2 (en) | 2005-04-07 | 2006-04-06 | Refrigerant quantity determining system of air conditioner |
AU2006234263A AU2006234263B8 (en) | 2005-04-07 | 2006-04-06 | Refrigerant quantity judging system of air conditioner |
EP06731289.2A EP1876403B1 (en) | 2005-04-07 | 2006-04-06 | Air conditioner coolant amount judgment system |
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
JP2005-110830 | 2005-04-07 | ||
JP2005110830 | 2005-04-07 | ||
JP2005363731A JP3963190B2 (ja) | 2005-04-07 | 2005-12-16 | 空気調和装置の冷媒量判定システム |
JP2005-363731 | 2005-12-16 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
WO2006109677A1 true WO2006109677A1 (ja) | 2006-10-19 |
Family
ID=37086952
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/JP2006/307341 WO2006109677A1 (ja) | 2005-04-07 | 2006-04-06 | 空気調和装置の冷媒量判定システム |
Country Status (7)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US8215121B2 (ja) |
EP (1) | EP1876403B1 (ja) |
JP (1) | JP3963190B2 (ja) |
KR (1) | KR100903815B1 (ja) |
AU (1) | AU2006234263B8 (ja) |
ES (1) | ES2637365T3 (ja) |
WO (1) | WO2006109677A1 (ja) |
Cited By (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2009157191A1 (ja) * | 2008-06-27 | 2009-12-30 | ダイキン工業株式会社 | 空気調和装置および空気調和装置の冷媒量判定方法 |
JP2011038742A (ja) * | 2009-08-17 | 2011-02-24 | Ebara Refrigeration Equipment & Systems Co Ltd | 圧縮式冷凍機、及びその運転方法 |
JP2012255648A (ja) * | 2012-10-01 | 2012-12-27 | Daikin Industries Ltd | 空気調和装置および空気調和装置の冷媒量判定方法 |
AU2013200092B2 (en) * | 2008-06-27 | 2013-04-18 | Daikin Industries, Ltd | Air conditioning apparatus and air conditioning apparatus refrigerant quantity determination method |
EP1942307A3 (en) * | 2007-01-05 | 2013-12-04 | Hitachi Appliances, Inc. | Air conditioner and method of determining refrigerant quantity |
EP2236960A4 (en) * | 2007-12-28 | 2017-09-13 | Daikin Industries, Ltd. | Air conditioner and method of determining amount of refrigerant |
WO2020026374A1 (ja) * | 2018-08-01 | 2020-02-06 | 三菱電機株式会社 | 空気調和装置 |
Families Citing this family (60)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JP4588728B2 (ja) * | 2007-02-15 | 2010-12-01 | 三菱電機株式会社 | 空気調和装置 |
ES2690822T3 (es) * | 2007-11-01 | 2018-11-22 | Mitsubishi Electric Corporation | Aparato de relleno de refrigerante de aparatos de refrigeración y de aire acondicionado y método de relleno de refrigerante de aparatos de refrigeración y de aire acondicionado |
JP4434260B2 (ja) * | 2007-11-01 | 2010-03-17 | 三菱電機株式会社 | 冷凍空調装置への冷媒充填方法、冷凍空調装置への冷媒充填装置 |
JP5326488B2 (ja) | 2008-02-29 | 2013-10-30 | ダイキン工業株式会社 | 空気調和装置 |
JP5186951B2 (ja) * | 2008-02-29 | 2013-04-24 | ダイキン工業株式会社 | 空気調和装置 |
KR101282038B1 (ko) * | 2008-03-19 | 2013-07-04 | 삼성전자주식회사 | 멀티 공기조화기 및 그 제어 방법 |
GR20080100339A (el) * | 2008-05-21 | 2009-12-31 | Θεοδωρος Ευθυμιου Ευθυμιου | Διαγνωστικη προειδοποιητικη συσκευη διαρροων ψυκτικων μεσων |
JP2010007995A (ja) * | 2008-06-27 | 2010-01-14 | Daikin Ind Ltd | 空気調和装置の冷媒量判定方法および空気調和装置 |
WO2010106807A1 (ja) * | 2009-03-19 | 2010-09-23 | ダイキン工業株式会社 | 空気調和装置 |
US20120000228A1 (en) * | 2009-03-19 | 2012-01-05 | Daikin Industries, Ltd. | Air conditioning apparatus |
KR101246448B1 (ko) * | 2009-03-19 | 2013-03-22 | 다이킨 고교 가부시키가이샤 | 공기 조화 장치 |
JP5647396B2 (ja) * | 2009-03-19 | 2014-12-24 | ダイキン工業株式会社 | 空気調和装置 |
JP5424705B2 (ja) * | 2009-05-01 | 2014-02-26 | 三菱電機株式会社 | 冷凍空気調和装置 |
JP5183609B2 (ja) | 2009-10-23 | 2013-04-17 | 三菱電機株式会社 | 冷凍空調装置 |
JP2010025545A (ja) * | 2009-11-02 | 2010-02-04 | Mitsubishi Electric Corp | 冷凍空調装置への冷媒充填方法、冷凍空調装置への冷媒充填装置 |
KR101155345B1 (ko) * | 2010-02-08 | 2012-06-11 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | 공기조화기 및 공기조화기의 제어방법 |
US9222711B2 (en) | 2010-03-12 | 2015-12-29 | Mitsubishi Electric Corporation | Refrigerating and air-conditioning apparatus |
DE102011009621B4 (de) * | 2011-01-28 | 2014-05-15 | Parker Hannifin Gmbh | Steuerung für eine Wärmepumpe |
JP5637053B2 (ja) * | 2011-04-07 | 2014-12-10 | パナソニック株式会社 | 冷凍サイクル装置及びそれを備えた温水暖房装置 |
US9759465B2 (en) * | 2011-12-27 | 2017-09-12 | Carrier Corporation | Air conditioner self-charging and charge monitoring system |
KR20130134347A (ko) * | 2012-05-30 | 2013-12-10 | 삼성전자주식회사 | 공기조화기 및 그 냉매량 검지 방법 |
EP3705800A3 (en) * | 2012-07-03 | 2020-12-23 | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | Diagnosis control method for an air conditioner |
KR102206199B1 (ko) | 2012-07-03 | 2021-01-25 | 삼성전자주식회사 | 공기 조화기의 진단 제어 방법 |
WO2014115891A1 (ja) * | 2013-01-28 | 2014-07-31 | ダイキン工業 株式会社 | 空気調和機 |
US9829230B2 (en) | 2013-02-28 | 2017-11-28 | Mitsubishi Electric Corporation | Air conditioning apparatus |
JP6021768B2 (ja) * | 2013-09-09 | 2016-11-09 | 三菱電機株式会社 | 空調システム |
JP5751355B1 (ja) * | 2014-01-31 | 2015-07-22 | ダイキン工業株式会社 | 冷凍装置 |
US10119738B2 (en) | 2014-09-26 | 2018-11-06 | Waterfurnace International Inc. | Air conditioning system with vapor injection compressor |
EP3201539B1 (en) * | 2014-10-01 | 2021-10-20 | Danfoss A/S | A method, a controller and a system for estimating loss of refrigerant charge in an rvcs system |
DK3303949T3 (da) * | 2015-06-01 | 2020-08-31 | Carrier Corp | Lastneutralt diagnostisk system, klimastyret mobil lastcontainer med et lastneutralt diagnostisk system og fremgangsmåde |
WO2016207992A1 (ja) * | 2015-06-24 | 2016-12-29 | 三菱電機株式会社 | 空気調和機 |
CN104949278A (zh) * | 2015-06-25 | 2015-09-30 | 海信(山东)空调有限公司 | 一种空调制冷剂泄漏的检测方法、装置和空调设备 |
JP6191671B2 (ja) * | 2015-09-30 | 2017-09-06 | ダイキン工業株式会社 | 冷媒漏洩箇所特定方法 |
KR102435203B1 (ko) * | 2015-10-20 | 2022-08-24 | 삼성전자주식회사 | 공기조화기 및 그 제어방법 |
US10415891B2 (en) * | 2016-02-22 | 2019-09-17 | Kabushiki Kaisha Toyota Chuo Kenkyusho | Heat exchanger and heat storage system |
WO2018062485A1 (ja) * | 2016-09-30 | 2018-04-05 | ダイキン工業株式会社 | 冷媒量の決定方法および冷媒量の決定装置 |
EP3324137B1 (en) * | 2016-11-18 | 2022-01-05 | LG Electronics Inc. | Air conditioner and control method thereof |
KR101872479B1 (ko) * | 2016-11-18 | 2018-08-02 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | 공기조화기 및 그 제어방법 |
KR102091098B1 (ko) * | 2016-11-30 | 2020-03-19 | 다이킨 고교 가부시키가이샤 | 배관 직경의 결정 방법, 배관 직경의 결정 장치, 및 냉동 장치 |
WO2018110674A1 (ja) * | 2016-12-14 | 2018-06-21 | ダイキン工業株式会社 | 冷媒充填量判定システム |
EP3572744B1 (en) * | 2017-01-19 | 2022-06-22 | Mitsubishi Electric Corporation | Refrigeration cycle apparatus |
JP6899896B2 (ja) * | 2017-05-24 | 2021-07-07 | 三菱電機株式会社 | 空調システム |
JP6702267B2 (ja) * | 2017-06-06 | 2020-05-27 | 株式会社デンソー | 冷媒量推定装置、冷凍サイクル装置 |
JP2019027663A (ja) * | 2017-07-28 | 2019-02-21 | 三菱重工サーマルシステムズ株式会社 | 制御システム、空調機及び設定方法 |
CN110375468B (zh) | 2018-04-13 | 2022-10-11 | 开利公司 | 风冷热泵系统、用于其的制冷剂泄漏检测方法及检测系统 |
JP6444577B1 (ja) * | 2018-04-26 | 2018-12-26 | 日立ジョンソンコントロールズ空調株式会社 | 空気調和機 |
US11592215B2 (en) | 2018-08-29 | 2023-02-28 | Waterfurnace International, Inc. | Integrated demand water heating using a capacity modulated heat pump with desuperheater |
CN109631434B (zh) * | 2018-12-13 | 2021-08-20 | 广东美的制冷设备有限公司 | 向空调外机中充注冷媒的系统和方法、空调外机和空调系统 |
JP6819708B2 (ja) * | 2019-02-13 | 2021-01-27 | ダイキン工業株式会社 | 冷媒量管理システム |
US11959677B2 (en) | 2019-04-09 | 2024-04-16 | Mitsubishi Electric Corporation | Refrigeration apparatus having input operation modes |
CN113711249A (zh) * | 2019-04-19 | 2021-11-26 | 大金工业株式会社 | 制冷剂管理系统和制冷剂管理方法 |
JP7079226B2 (ja) * | 2019-07-12 | 2022-06-01 | ダイキン工業株式会社 | 冷媒漏洩報知装置及び冷媒漏洩報知装置を備えた冷凍サイクルシステム |
US11125481B2 (en) | 2019-09-23 | 2021-09-21 | Lennox Industries Inc. | Method and system for charge determination |
US11732916B2 (en) | 2020-06-08 | 2023-08-22 | Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc. | Refrigeration leak detection |
US11754324B2 (en) | 2020-09-14 | 2023-09-12 | Copeland Lp | Refrigerant isolation using a reversing valve |
US11940188B2 (en) | 2021-03-23 | 2024-03-26 | Copeland Lp | Hybrid heat-pump system |
JP7197814B2 (ja) * | 2021-05-21 | 2022-12-28 | ダイキン工業株式会社 | 冷媒漏洩検知システム |
WO2024029003A1 (ja) * | 2022-08-03 | 2024-02-08 | 三菱電機株式会社 | 冷媒漏洩検知システムおよび漏洩検知装置 |
EP4332467A1 (en) * | 2022-09-05 | 2024-03-06 | Carrier Corporation | A method of evaluating refrigerant charge within a refrigeration circuit |
CN115325736B (zh) * | 2022-10-17 | 2023-04-07 | 杭州长川科技股份有限公司 | 制冷系统泄漏类型的确定方法、装置、制冷模块及系统 |
Citations (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JP2997487B2 (ja) * | 1989-12-13 | 2000-01-11 | 株式会社日立製作所 | 冷凍装置及び冷凍装置における冷媒量表示方法 |
JP2004077000A (ja) * | 2002-08-14 | 2004-03-11 | Toshiba Corp | 冷蔵庫 |
JP2005207644A (ja) * | 2004-01-21 | 2005-08-04 | Mitsubishi Electric Corp | 機器診断装置、冷凍サイクル装置、流体回路診断方法、機器監視システム、冷凍サイクル監視システム |
Family Cites Families (24)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JPS63213766A (ja) | 1987-03-02 | 1988-09-06 | ダイキン工業株式会社 | 冷凍装置の冷媒量不足検出装置 |
US4829779A (en) * | 1987-12-15 | 1989-05-16 | Hussmann Corporation | Interface adapter for interfacing a remote controller with commercial refrigeration and environmental control systems |
JPH0285964A (ja) | 1988-09-22 | 1990-03-27 | Nec Corp | ページめくり検索方式 |
JPH07117327B2 (ja) | 1989-02-03 | 1995-12-18 | ダイキン工業株式会社 | 空気調和装置 |
US5000861A (en) | 1989-08-23 | 1991-03-19 | Union Carbide Chemicals And Plastics Co. Inc. | Stable emulsions containing amino polysiloxanes and silanes for treating fibers and fabrics |
JP2767937B2 (ja) | 1989-12-07 | 1998-06-25 | 三菱電機株式会社 | 冷凍サイクルの冷媒封入量検知装置 |
JP2915537B2 (ja) | 1990-10-15 | 1999-07-05 | 三菱重工業株式会社 | 冷凍機の冷媒封入量判定方法 |
JPH0599540A (ja) | 1991-10-03 | 1993-04-20 | Zexel Corp | 車両用空調装置の冷媒過充填防止装置 |
SE500396C2 (sv) * | 1992-10-16 | 1994-06-20 | Volvo Ab | Förfarande och anordning för diagnostisering av kylmediemängden i ett luftkonditioneringssystem |
JPH06201234A (ja) | 1993-01-07 | 1994-07-19 | Hitachi Ltd | 空気調和機 |
JPH07218008A (ja) | 1994-02-01 | 1995-08-18 | Hitachi Ltd | 冷凍サイクル |
JPH10176877A (ja) | 1996-12-17 | 1998-06-30 | Hitachi Ltd | 冷媒封入量判定システム |
JPH1183250A (ja) | 1997-09-16 | 1999-03-26 | Hitachi Ltd | 空気調和機の冷媒量判定方法 |
JP2000283583A (ja) | 1999-03-29 | 2000-10-13 | Yanmar Diesel Engine Co Ltd | ヒートポンプ |
JP2000304388A (ja) | 1999-04-23 | 2000-11-02 | Matsushita Refrig Co Ltd | 空気調和装置 |
US6324854B1 (en) * | 2000-11-22 | 2001-12-04 | Copeland Corporation | Air-conditioning servicing system and method |
JP2002243301A (ja) | 2001-02-14 | 2002-08-28 | Daikin Ind Ltd | 熱交換ユニット及び空気調和装置 |
JP2002350014A (ja) | 2001-05-22 | 2002-12-04 | Daikin Ind Ltd | 冷凍装置 |
US6463747B1 (en) * | 2001-09-25 | 2002-10-15 | Lennox Manufacturing Inc. | Method of determining acceptability of a selected condition in a space temperature conditioning system |
JP4123764B2 (ja) | 2001-11-22 | 2008-07-23 | 三菱電機株式会社 | 冷凍サイクル装置 |
JP2003314909A (ja) | 2002-04-22 | 2003-11-06 | Daikin Ind Ltd | 冷凍装置 |
KR100432224B1 (ko) * | 2002-05-01 | 2004-05-20 | 삼성전자주식회사 | 공기 조화기의 냉매 누설 검출 방법 |
US6735964B2 (en) * | 2002-06-05 | 2004-05-18 | Carrier Corporation | Air conditioning system with refrigerant charge management |
JP2005257219A (ja) * | 2004-03-15 | 2005-09-22 | Mitsubishi Electric Corp | 空気調和機 |
-
2005
- 2005-12-16 JP JP2005363731A patent/JP3963190B2/ja active Active
-
2006
- 2006-04-06 US US11/887,935 patent/US8215121B2/en active Active
- 2006-04-06 ES ES06731289.2T patent/ES2637365T3/es active Active
- 2006-04-06 AU AU2006234263A patent/AU2006234263B8/en active Active
- 2006-04-06 KR KR1020077023951A patent/KR100903815B1/ko not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2006-04-06 EP EP06731289.2A patent/EP1876403B1/en active Active
- 2006-04-06 WO PCT/JP2006/307341 patent/WO2006109677A1/ja active Application Filing
Patent Citations (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JP2997487B2 (ja) * | 1989-12-13 | 2000-01-11 | 株式会社日立製作所 | 冷凍装置及び冷凍装置における冷媒量表示方法 |
JP2004077000A (ja) * | 2002-08-14 | 2004-03-11 | Toshiba Corp | 冷蔵庫 |
JP2005207644A (ja) * | 2004-01-21 | 2005-08-04 | Mitsubishi Electric Corp | 機器診断装置、冷凍サイクル装置、流体回路診断方法、機器監視システム、冷凍サイクル監視システム |
Non-Patent Citations (1)
Title |
---|
See also references of EP1876403A4 * |
Cited By (11)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP1942307A3 (en) * | 2007-01-05 | 2013-12-04 | Hitachi Appliances, Inc. | Air conditioner and method of determining refrigerant quantity |
EP2236960A4 (en) * | 2007-12-28 | 2017-09-13 | Daikin Industries, Ltd. | Air conditioner and method of determining amount of refrigerant |
WO2009157191A1 (ja) * | 2008-06-27 | 2009-12-30 | ダイキン工業株式会社 | 空気調和装置および空気調和装置の冷媒量判定方法 |
JP2010007994A (ja) * | 2008-06-27 | 2010-01-14 | Daikin Ind Ltd | 空気調和装置および空気調和装置の冷媒量判定方法 |
AU2009263631B2 (en) * | 2008-06-27 | 2013-02-07 | Daikin Industries, Ltd. | Air conditioning apparatus and air conditioning apparatus refrigerant quantity determination method |
AU2009263631A8 (en) * | 2008-06-27 | 2013-02-28 | Daikin Industries, Ltd. | Air conditioning apparatus and air conditioning apparatus refrigerant quantity determination method |
AU2009263631B8 (en) * | 2008-06-27 | 2013-02-28 | Daikin Industries, Ltd. | Air conditioning apparatus and air conditioning apparatus refrigerant quantity determination method |
AU2013200092B2 (en) * | 2008-06-27 | 2013-04-18 | Daikin Industries, Ltd | Air conditioning apparatus and air conditioning apparatus refrigerant quantity determination method |
JP2011038742A (ja) * | 2009-08-17 | 2011-02-24 | Ebara Refrigeration Equipment & Systems Co Ltd | 圧縮式冷凍機、及びその運転方法 |
JP2012255648A (ja) * | 2012-10-01 | 2012-12-27 | Daikin Industries Ltd | 空気調和装置および空気調和装置の冷媒量判定方法 |
WO2020026374A1 (ja) * | 2018-08-01 | 2020-02-06 | 三菱電機株式会社 | 空気調和装置 |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP1876403A4 (en) | 2011-11-09 |
KR20070120546A (ko) | 2007-12-24 |
JP2006313057A (ja) | 2006-11-16 |
JP3963190B2 (ja) | 2007-08-22 |
AU2006234263B8 (en) | 2009-03-26 |
KR100903815B1 (ko) | 2009-06-24 |
US20090025406A1 (en) | 2009-01-29 |
EP1876403A1 (en) | 2008-01-09 |
EP1876403B1 (en) | 2017-07-12 |
AU2006234263B2 (en) | 2009-03-05 |
AU2006234263A1 (en) | 2006-10-19 |
US8215121B2 (en) | 2012-07-10 |
ES2637365T3 (es) | 2017-10-13 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
JP3963190B2 (ja) | 空気調和装置の冷媒量判定システム | |
JP4165566B2 (ja) | 空気調和装置 | |
JP4120676B2 (ja) | 空気調和装置 | |
AU2007264431B2 (en) | Air conditioner | |
AU2007244357B2 (en) | Air conditioner | |
JP4124228B2 (ja) | 空気調和装置 | |
JP4215022B2 (ja) | 空気調和装置 | |
JP4957243B2 (ja) | 空気調和装置 | |
JP2006292214A (ja) | 空気調和装置の冷媒量判定機能追加方法、及び、空気調和装置 | |
WO2007069583A1 (ja) | 空気調和装置 | |
JP4826266B2 (ja) | 空気調和装置 | |
JP5104225B2 (ja) | 空気調和装置 | |
JP4892954B2 (ja) | 空気調和装置 | |
JP4665748B2 (ja) | 空気調和装置 | |
WO2007125959A1 (ja) | 空気調和装置 | |
JP4311470B2 (ja) | 空気調和装置 | |
JP4655107B2 (ja) | 空気調和装置 | |
JP4826247B2 (ja) | 空気調和装置 |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
WWE | Wipo information: entry into national phase |
Ref document number: 200680011473.5 Country of ref document: CN |
|
121 | Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application | ||
WWE | Wipo information: entry into national phase |
Ref document number: 11887935 Country of ref document: US |
|
NENP | Non-entry into the national phase |
Ref country code: DE |
|
WWE | Wipo information: entry into national phase |
Ref document number: 1020077023951 Country of ref document: KR |
|
WWE | Wipo information: entry into national phase |
Ref document number: 2006234263 Country of ref document: AU |
|
REEP | Request for entry into the european phase |
Ref document number: 2006731289 Country of ref document: EP |
|
WWE | Wipo information: entry into national phase |
Ref document number: 2006731289 Country of ref document: EP |
|
NENP | Non-entry into the national phase |
Ref country code: RU |
|
ENP | Entry into the national phase |
Ref document number: 2006234263 Country of ref document: AU Date of ref document: 20060406 Kind code of ref document: A |
|
WWP | Wipo information: published in national office |
Ref document number: 2006234263 Country of ref document: AU |
|
WWP | Wipo information: published in national office |
Ref document number: 2006731289 Country of ref document: EP |