WO2017006474A1

WO2017006474A1 - Refrigeration cycle device, remote monitoring system, remote monitoring device, and abnormality determination method

Info

Publication number: WO2017006474A1
Application number: PCT/JP2015/069725
Authority: WO
Inventors: 貴玄中村; 齊藤　信; 正樹豊島
Original assignee: 三菱電機株式会社
Priority date: 2015-07-09
Filing date: 2015-07-09
Publication date: 2017-01-12
Also published as: GB2553972A; GB2553972B; GB201716771D0; JP6403887B2; JPWO2017006474A1

Abstract

This refrigeration cycle device is equipped with: a refrigeration circuit which includes a compressor, a condenser, a throttle device, and an evaporator; a control unit which controls the refrigeration circuit; and an abnormality determination unit which determines the presence or absence of abnormalities in the refrigeration circuit. The control unit drives the compressor, and performs special operation for stopping the compressor if a predetermined time has elapsed or if the pressure of a refrigerant on the intake side of the compressor decreases to a predetermined value. The abnormality determination unit determines the presence or absence of abnormalities in the refrigeration circuit after the special operation.

Description

Refrigeration cycle apparatus, remote monitoring system, remote monitoring apparatus, and abnormality determination method

The present invention relates to a refrigeration cycle apparatus, a remote monitoring system, a remote monitoring apparatus, and an abnormality determination method having a function of determining abnormality such as refrigerant leakage.

In the conventional refrigeration cycle apparatus, refrigerant leakage may occur due to insufficient tightening of connection parts such as pipes or damage to pipes. Such a refrigerant leak causes a decrease in the capacity of the refrigeration cycle apparatus and damages to constituent devices. For this reason, a refrigeration cycle apparatus having a function of detecting refrigerant leakage has been proposed.

For example, Patent Document 1 stores an outside air temperature at an initial stage and a discharge temperature of the compressor, and then stores the outside air temperature and the discharge temperature of the compressor at the initial stage stored in the initial stage and the compressor temperature. A method is described in which the presence or absence of refrigerant leakage is determined in comparison with the discharge temperature. Further, Patent Document 2 discloses a method for determining that the refrigerant is leaking when the refrigerant pressure is lower than the balance pressure when the refrigeration cycle is stopped by a predetermined value or more at the start of the refrigeration cycle. In operation, a method is described in which it is determined that the refrigerant is leaking when the pressure of the refrigerant rapidly decreases.

JP 2013-204871 A JP 2000-320936 A

In the method described in Patent Document 1, when the outside air temperature is the same as the outside air temperature in the initial stage, the refrigerant leakage is determined by comparing the discharge temperature. However, the discharge temperature at the time of starting the compressor differs depending on the distribution of the refrigerant amount in the refrigerant circuit immediately before the starting. For example, when the amount of liquid refrigerant present in the condenser is small when the operation is stopped, the discharge temperature at the time of startup becomes high. For this reason, even when the outside air temperature is the same, the discharge temperature varies depending on the refrigerant amount distribution, and refrigerant leakage may not be detected accurately. Further, Patent Document 2 does not describe a method for making the conditions for determining refrigerant leakage constant. Furthermore, it is desirable to make the conditions at the time of determination constant when determining not only refrigerant leakage but also the occurrence of an abnormality in the compressor.

Object of the invention

The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and is a refrigeration cycle apparatus, a remote monitoring system, a remote monitoring apparatus, and an abnormality determination method capable of improving the determination accuracy of abnormality such as refrigerant leakage. The purpose is to provide.

The refrigeration cycle apparatus according to the present invention includes a refrigerant circuit including a compressor, a condenser, a throttling device, and an evaporator, a control unit that controls the refrigerant circuit, and an abnormality determination that determines whether there is an abnormality in the refrigerant circuit. And the controller drives the compressor, and when the predetermined time has elapsed, or when the refrigerant pressure on the suction side of the compressor has decreased to a predetermined value, the compressor The abnormality determination unit is configured to determine whether the refrigerant circuit is abnormal after the special operation.

A remote monitoring system according to the present invention is a remote monitoring system including a refrigeration cycle apparatus and a remote monitoring apparatus capable of communicating with the refrigeration cycle apparatus, wherein the refrigeration cycle apparatus includes a compressor, a condenser, a throttling device, A refrigerant circuit including an evaporator, and a communication unit that communicates with the remote monitoring device, the remote monitoring device communicating with the refrigeration cycle device, and a control unit that controls the refrigerant circuit via the communication unit An abnormality determination unit that determines whether or not there is an abnormality in the refrigerant circuit, and the control unit drives the compressor, and when a predetermined time has elapsed, or the refrigerant pressure on the suction side of the compressor A special operation for stopping the compressor is performed when the value drops to a predetermined value, and the abnormality determination unit determines whether or not the refrigerant circuit is abnormal after the special operation.

The remote monitoring device according to the present invention includes a communication unit that communicates with the refrigeration cycle apparatus, a control unit that controls the refrigerant circuit of the refrigeration cycle apparatus via the communication unit, and an abnormality determination unit that determines whether there is an abnormality in the refrigerant circuit. The control unit drives the compressor of the refrigerant circuit and compresses when a predetermined time has elapsed or when the refrigerant pressure on the suction side of the compressor has decreased to a predetermined value. A special operation for stopping the machine is performed, and the abnormality determination unit determines whether or not the refrigerant circuit is abnormal after the special operation.

An abnormality determination method according to the present invention is an abnormality determination method in a refrigerant circuit including a compressor, a condenser, a throttling device, and an evaporator, and the compressor is driven and a predetermined time has elapsed. Or when the refrigerant pressure on the suction side of the compressor drops to a predetermined value, performing a special operation to stop the compressor, and determining a refrigerant circuit abnormality after the special operation. Is included.

According to the refrigeration cycle apparatus, the remote monitoring system, the remote monitoring apparatus, and the abnormality determination method according to the present invention, when the compressor is driven and a predetermined time has elapsed, or the refrigerant pressure on the suction side of the compressor is When the value drops to the specified value, the special operation to stop the compressor is performed, and the presence or absence of abnormality is determined after the special operation. The detection accuracy of the occurrence of abnormality can be improved.

It is a figure which shows the refrigerant circuit structure of the refrigerating-cycle apparatus in Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the control structure of the refrigerating-cycle apparatus in Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the abnormality determination process in Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the refrigerant distribution forced operation in Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the waveform of the starting current at the time of the compressor in Embodiment 1 of this invention starting. It is a figure which shows transition of the electric current at the time of starting of the compressor in Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the refrigerant circuit structure of the refrigerating-cycle apparatus in Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the abnormality determination process in Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the refrigerant distribution forced operation in Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the refrigerant circuit structure of the refrigerating-cycle apparatus in the modification of Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the refrigerant circuit structure of the refrigerating-cycle apparatus in Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the refrigerant distribution forced operation in Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is a figure which shows schematic structure of the remote monitoring system in Embodiment 4 of this invention. It is a figure which shows schematic structure of the remote monitoring system in the modification of this invention.

Embodiments of a refrigeration cycle apparatus according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.
Embodiment 1 FIG.
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a refrigerant circuit configuration of a refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 of the present embodiment is a refrigerator that performs vapor compression refrigeration cycle operation. As shown in FIG. 1, a refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 includes a compressor 11, a condenser 12, a receiver 15, a solenoid valve 16, a double pipe heat exchanger 17, a throttling device 13, and an evaporator 14 connected by piping. Provide a circuit. The double-pipe heat exchanger 17 and the compressor 11 are connected by a pipe 18, and a throttle device 19 is provided in the pipe 18. Note that the receiver 15, the electromagnetic valve 16, the double pipe heat exchanger 17, the pipe 18, and the expansion device 19 may not be provided.

The compressor 11 is composed of, for example, an inverter compressor capable of capacity control, and sucks a gas refrigerant, compresses it, and discharges it in a high temperature and high pressure state. The condenser 12 is, for example, a cross fin type fin-and-tube heat exchanger composed of a heat transfer tube and a large number of fins, and a high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11 and air or water. The heat medium is condensed with heat exchange. The expansion device 13 is composed of, for example, an expansion valve or a capillary tube, and expands the refrigerant condensed by the condenser 12 by reducing the pressure. Like the condenser 12, the evaporator 14 is, for example, a cross-fin fin-and-tube heat exchanger, and heats the refrigerant expanded by the expansion device 13 and a heat medium such as air or water. It is exchanged and evaporated.

The receiver 15 stores excess refrigerant. The electromagnetic valve 16 adjusts the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing into the double pipe heat exchanger 17. The double pipe heat exchanger 17 has a first flow path through which the refrigerant flowing out from the receiver 15 flows, and a second flow path through which the refrigerant flowing out from the expansion device 19 flows. The first flow path and the second flow path Are configured to be able to exchange heat. The pipe 18 is a pipe that injects refrigerant into the compressor 11 through the first flow path of the double pipe heat exchanger 17, the expansion device 19, and the second flow path of the double pipe heat exchanger 17. The expansion device 19 is disposed in the pipe 18 and is configured by, for example, an expansion valve for expanding the refrigerant.

Further, the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 is provided with a detection unit that detects information indicating the operating state of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100. The detection unit includes an intake temperature sensor 21, a discharge temperature sensor 22, and a current detection unit 23. The intake temperature sensor 21 is disposed on the intake side of the compressor 11 and detects the intake refrigerant temperature of the compressor 11. The discharge temperature sensor 22 is disposed on the discharge side of the compressor 11 and detects the discharge refrigerant temperature. The current detector 23 is disposed in the drive circuit of the compressor 11 and detects a current applied to the motor of the compressor 11. The information indicating the operating state includes the temperature and current detected by the suction temperature sensor 21, the discharge temperature sensor 22, and the current detection unit 23. In the following description, information indicating the driving state is referred to as “driving state amount”. Furthermore, an outside air temperature sensor 24 for detecting the outside air temperature is provided in a portion of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 that is disposed outside or outside the warehouse.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a control configuration of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100. The refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 includes a control unit 30, a storage unit 40, an abnormality determination unit 50, and a notification unit 60. The control unit 30 controls the rotation speed of the compressor 11 and the opening degrees of the expansion device 13, the expansion device 19, and the electromagnetic valve 16, and performs the operation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100. The storage unit 40 is configured with a large-capacity nonvolatile memory or the like, and stores various programs and data used for control of the control unit 30. The storage unit 40 also associates the operating state quantities detected by the suction temperature sensor 21, the discharge temperature sensor 22, and the current detection unit 23 with the outside air temperature detected by the outside temperature sensor 24 when these are detected. Remember. In the storage unit 40, the operation state amount detected at the time of past activation is associated with the outside air temperature and sequentially stored.

The abnormality determination unit 50 determines whether or not there is an abnormality in the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 from the operation state quantities detected by the suction temperature sensor 21, the discharge temperature sensor 22, and the current detection unit 23. The notification unit 60 displays the determination result in the abnormality determination unit 50 on the screen or LED of the remote control of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100, a remote monitor, or the like, or outputs the determination result to notify the user. The control unit 30, the abnormality determination unit 50, and the notification unit 60 are functional blocks realized by a microcomputer or a DSP (Digital Signal Processor) executing a program, or an electronic circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific IC). Composed.

Next, the operation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 will be described. In the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100, the refrigerant in a low-temperature and low-pressure gas state is compressed by the compressor 11 and discharged as a high-temperature and high-pressure gas refrigerant. The high-temperature and high-pressure gas refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11 flows into the condenser 12. The high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant flowing into the condenser 12 dissipates heat to the outdoor air and the like, and is condensed to become a high-pressure liquid refrigerant. The high-pressure liquid refrigerant that has flowed out of the condenser 12 flows into the receiver 15 and is separated into liquid refrigerant and gas refrigerant. The liquid refrigerant flowing out from the receiver 15 flows into the first flow path of the double pipe heat exchanger 17 through the electromagnetic valve 16. The refrigerant that has flowed into the first flow path is cooled by exchanging heat with the refrigerant that has flowed into the second flow path, and is supercooled.

A part of the refrigerant flowing out from the first flow path of the double pipe heat exchanger 17 is branched and passed through the expansion device 19 to be depressurized and the temperature is lowered. And the refrigerant | coolant in which this temperature fell flows in into the 2nd flow path of the double-tube heat exchanger 17, and heat-exchanges with the refrigerant | coolant of a 1st flow path. The refrigerant flowing out from the second flow path of the double pipe heat exchanger 17 is used to lower the temperature of the gas refrigerant flowing into the compressor 11 and discharged from the compressor 11 through the pipe 18.

The remainder of the refrigerant that has flowed out of the first flow path of the double-tube heat exchanger 17 flows into the expansion device 13 and is expanded and depressurized to become a low-temperature and low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant. The gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant that has flowed out of the expansion device 13 flows into the evaporator 14. The gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant flowing into the evaporator 14 evaporates by exchanging heat with air or water, and becomes a low-temperature and low-pressure gas refrigerant. The gas refrigerant that has flowed out of the evaporator 14 is sucked into the compressor 11 and compressed again.

Note that the refrigerant that can be used in the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 includes a single refrigerant, a pseudo-azeotropic mixed refrigerant, a non-azeotropic mixed refrigerant, and the like. Examples of the pseudo azeotropic refrigerant mixture include R410A and R404A which are HFC refrigerants. This pseudo azeotrope refrigerant has the same characteristic as that of the non-azeotrope refrigerant and has an operating pressure of about 1.6 times that of R22. Non-azeotropic refrigerant mixture includes R407C, which is an HFC (hydrofluorocarbon) refrigerant. Since this non-azeotropic refrigerant mixture is a mixture of refrigerants having different boiling points, it has a characteristic that the composition ratio of the liquid-phase refrigerant and the gas-phase refrigerant is different.

Next, the abnormality determination process in the abnormality determination unit 50 of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 will be described. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the abnormality determination process of the present embodiment. Here, when determining the presence or absence of an abnormality in the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100, it is desirable that the operating state amount be detected under certain conditions. As a condition in this case, first, the ambient temperature such as the outside temperature or the internal temperature is the same. It is also known that the detected operating state amount (for example, the discharge temperature of the compressor 11) varies depending on the distribution of the refrigerant amount at the time of startup. Therefore, in the abnormality determination process of the present embodiment, first, the refrigerant distribution forced operation for making the refrigerant amount distribution constant is performed by the control unit 30 (S1). FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the flow of the refrigerant distribution forced operation. The “refrigerant distribution forced operation” corresponds to the “special operation” of the present invention.

The refrigerant distribution forced operation of the present embodiment is performed when an instruction to stop the operation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 is given. If there is no instruction to stop the operation (S11: NO), the process waits until there is an instruction to stop the operation. And when there exists an instruction | indication of a driving | operation stop (S11: YES), the solenoid valve 16 is fully closed (S12) and the driving | operation of the compressor 11 is continued (S13). Then, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time (for example, 10 minutes) has elapsed (S14). If the predetermined time has not elapsed (S14: NO), the operation of the compressor 11 is continued. On the other hand, when the predetermined time has elapsed (S14: YES), the operation of the compressor 11 is stopped (S15), and the process returns to the abnormality determination process of FIG. By performing the refrigerant distribution forced operation, the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 is collected on the high pressure side (from the discharge side of the compressor 11 to the electromagnetic valve 16). Here, the predetermined time is a time required to collect the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 on the high-pressure side, and is set in advance and stored in the storage unit 40. For example, when the compressor 11 is large, 15 to 20 minutes, and when the compressor 11 is small, 5 to 10 minutes are set according to the size of the compressor 11. Note that the forced refrigerant distribution operation is an operation that places a burden on the compressor 11, so that it is preferable to end the compressor 11 within 30 minutes when the compressor 11 is large and within 15 minutes when the compressor 11 is small. In S14, the operation of the compressor 11 is continued until a predetermined time elapses. Instead, the refrigerant pressure on the low pressure side (that is, the suction side) of the compressor 11 is reduced to a preset value. It is good also as a structure which continues the driving | operation of the compressor 11 until it does. Specifically, the operation may be continued until the pressure of the refrigerant on the low pressure side of the compressor 11 decreases to, for example, around 0 to 0.1 MPa.

Referring back to FIG. 3, it is determined whether or not an instruction to start operation has been issued (S2). If there is no instruction to start operation (S2: NO), the process waits. When an instruction to start operation is given (S2: YES), the outside air temperature is detected by the outside air temperature sensor 24 (S3). And the starting operation of the compressor 11 is performed (S4). At this time, the load applied to the compressor 11 is always in substantially the same state due to the forced refrigerant distribution operation in S1. In general, the operation pattern of the compressor 11 during the start-up operation is constant for each model of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100. Specifically, for example, the rotational speed of the compressor 11 is controlled by the control unit 30 so that the rotational speed of the compressor 11 is increased at 5 Hz / sec with the goal of reaching 50 Hz within 10 seconds of startup. The

Then, the operation state quantity is detected in a state where the compressor 11 is performing the start-up operation (S5). Specifically, the suction temperature by the suction temperature sensor 21, the discharge temperature by the discharge temperature sensor 22, and the current value of the compressor 11 by the current detection unit 23 are detected. And it is judged whether the past driving | running state amount corresponding to the outside temperature detected by S3 is memorize | stored in the memory | storage part 40 (S6). Here, it is determined whether or not an operation state quantity associated with an outside air temperature that is the same as the outside air temperature detected in S3 or within a predetermined temperature range (for example, ± 3 ° C.) is stored in the storage unit 40. If the past operating state quantity corresponding to the outside air temperature detected in S3 is not stored in the storage unit 40 (S6: NO), the outside air temperature detected in S3 and the operating state quantity detected in S5 are obtained. The association is stored in the storage unit 40 (S7), and this process is terminated.

On the other hand, when the past operation state amount corresponding to the outside air temperature detected in S3 is stored in the storage unit 40 (S6: YES), the current operation state amount detected in S5 and the storage unit 40 are stored. The past operating state quantity is compared (S8), and the presence or absence of abnormality is determined (S9).

The determination of the presence / absence of abnormality in S8 and S9 will be described. The abnormality determination unit 50 of the present embodiment determines whether there is a refrigerant leak and an abnormality of the compressor 11 as an abnormality of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100. First, refrigerant leakage will be described. When the amount of refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit decreases, the intake SH (superheat degree) of the compressor 11 increases, and the discharge temperature rises at the time of startup increases. Therefore, the abnormality determination unit 50 compares the current discharge temperature detected by the discharge temperature sensor 22 with the discharge temperature detected at the previous activation among the past operation state quantities, and obtains the difference Dt. And the abnormality determination part 50 determines with there being a refrigerant | coolant leak, when the calculated | required difference Dt is more than the threshold value set.

Further, the amount of refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit is reduced, so that the low pressure is lower than the normal state. Further, as the low pressure decreases, the high pressure (condensation pressure) also decreases. Therefore, the abnormality determination unit 50 selects the low pressure or discharge based on the suction temperature detected at the previous activation among the low pressure based on the suction temperature or the high pressure based on the discharge temperature and the past operation state quantity stored in the storage unit 40. A difference Dp is obtained by comparing with a high pressure based on temperature. And the abnormality determination part 50 determines with there being a refrigerant | coolant leakage, when the calculated | required difference Dp is more than a threshold value.

Next, the abnormality of the compressor 11 will be described. When the total load torque required for starting up the compressor 11 increases, the current value required for starting up increases. Therefore, it can be determined from the current value whether the total load torque at the time of startup is increased. That is, it is possible to estimate a malfunction (for example, damage to the drive shaft) of the compressor 11 from the current value detected by the current detection unit 23. Therefore, the abnormality determination unit 50 compares the current maximum current value with the maximum current value detected at the previous activation among the past operation state quantities stored in the storage unit 40, and obtains the difference Da. And the abnormality determination part 50 determines with the compressor 11 having abnormality, when the calculated | required difference Da is more than a threshold value. Note that the maximum current value at startup is, for example, the maximum value within 10 seconds after startup.

Further, as described above, when the compressor 11 is started, the rotation speed of the compressor 11 is controlled with the same operation pattern. Therefore, it is considered that some abnormality has occurred in the compressor 11 that the timing at which the current peak (that is, the maximum driving torque) occurs at the time of startup is different. Therefore, the abnormality determination unit 50 compares the current peak position this time with the current peak position detected at the previous activation among the past operation state quantities stored in the storage unit 40, and obtains the difference Ds. And the abnormality determination part 50 determines with the compressor 11 having abnormality, when the calculated | required difference Ds is more than a threshold value (for example, 10 seconds).

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a waveform of a starting current when the compressor 11 is started. In FIG. 5, the vertical axis indicates the current value, and the horizontal axis indicates time. In FIG. 5, C1 indicates a current waveform detected at the previous activation, and C2 and C3 indicate other examples of the current waveform detected this time. Here, comparing C1 and C2, the current maximum current value A2 is larger than the previous maximum current value A1. Further, since the difference Da between A1 and A2 is equal to or greater than the threshold value Ra, in this case, it is determined that the compressor 11 is abnormal. Further, when comparing C1 and C3, the current peak position t2 of this time occurs later than the previous current peak position t1. Since the difference Ds between t1 and t2 is equal to or greater than the threshold value Rs, it is determined that the compressor 11 is also abnormal in this case. An arbitrary value is set as the threshold used for the comparison in the abnormality determination unit 50 and is stored in the storage unit 40. Alternatively, the threshold value may be obtained in advance by experiments or the like and stored in the storage unit 40.

Moreover, the abnormality determination part 50 is the electric current in the fixed time after starting detected from the integrated current value in the fixed time after starting this time and the past operation state quantity memorize | stored in the memory | storage part 40 at the time of starting last time. A difference Di from the integral value may be obtained, and it may be determined that an abnormality has occurred in the compressor 11 when the difference Di is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold. Here, the fixed time after activation is, for example, 3 seconds after activation. As described above, in a state where the compressor 11 is started with the same operation pattern, the difference in the integral value of the current means that the work amount used for the start is different. Therefore, in this case, it is considered that some abnormality has occurred in the compressor 11.

In addition, as described above, not only the difference between the current driving state quantity and the previous driving state quantity and the threshold value, but also a comparison between the past driving state quantity trend and the current driving state quantity, You may determine the presence or absence of abnormality. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a transition of current when the compressor 11 is started. In FIG. 6, the vertical axis represents current (for example, the maximum current value), and the horizontal axis represents the number of activations. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, when the maximum current value detected this time (n-th time) is significantly different from the slope of the maximum current value in the past (up to the (n-1) -th time), it may be determined as abnormal.

And when it determines with there being no abnormality in S9 (S9: NO), the external temperature detected by S3 and the driving | running state amount detected by S5 are linked | related and memorize | stored in the memory | storage part 40 (S7), this The process ends. On the other hand, when it is determined that there is an abnormality (S9: YES), the notification unit 60 notifies the user that an abnormality has occurred (S10). Thereafter, the outside air temperature detected in S3 and the operation state quantity detected in S5 are associated with each other and stored in the storage unit 40 (S7), and this process is terminated.

As described above, in the present embodiment, by performing the refrigerant distribution forced operation, the refrigerant amount is biased toward the high pressure side, and the suction state when the compressor 11 is started becomes substantially constant. Thereby, the internal state at the time of starting of the compressor 11 becomes substantially constant, and it is possible to suppress variations in the amount of operation state detected for abnormality determination. As a result, it is possible to compare the past operation state amount accumulated in the storage unit 40 and only the outside air temperature as a variable, and to perform highly accurate abnormality determination.

In addition, by detecting the operating state amount during the start-up operation in which the compressor 11 is controlled with a constant operating pattern, the variation in the operating state amount can be further suppressed, and the accuracy of abnormality determination can be further improved. .

In addition, by performing the abnormality determination process in comparison with the past operating state quantity detected at the substantially same outside temperature as the operating state quantity is detected, the influence of the outside air temperature on the operating state quantity is suppressed. The accuracy of abnormality determination can be improved. Further, by determining that there is an abnormality when the difference from the past driving state quantity is equal to or greater than the threshold value, it is possible to prevent the abnormality from being determined when an error within an allowable range occurs.

Furthermore, by using the temperature, current, and power consumption detected by the suction temperature sensor 21, the discharge temperature sensor 22, and the current detection unit 23 as the operating state quantity, it is determined whether there are various abnormalities occurring in the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100. be able to.

Embodiment 2. FIG.
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a refrigerant circuit configuration of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 200 in the second embodiment. The refrigeration cycle apparatus 200 of the second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that it is an air conditioner used for indoor cooling and heating by performing a vapor compression refrigeration cycle operation. As shown in FIG. 7, the refrigeration cycle apparatus 200 is configured by connecting a compressor 111, an outdoor heat exchanger 112, an expansion device 113, an indoor heat exchanger 114, and a flow path switching device 115 through a connection pipe. A refrigerant circuit is provided. In addition, the compressor 111, the outdoor heat exchanger 112, the expansion device 113, and the flow path switching device 115 constitute an outdoor unit 210 that is disposed outdoors, and the indoor heat exchanger 114 is disposed indoors. The machine 220 is configured. Furthermore, the refrigeration cycle apparatus 200 includes the same intake temperature sensor 21, discharge temperature sensor 22, current detection unit 23, and outside air temperature sensor 24 as in the first embodiment.

The compressor 111 is composed of an inverter compressor capable of capacity control, similarly to the compressor 11 of the first embodiment. The outdoor heat exchanger 112 is, for example, a cross fin type fin-and-tube heat exchanger, and functions as a refrigerant condenser during the cooling operation, and functions as a refrigerant evaporator during the heating operation. The expansion device 113 is composed of, for example, an expansion valve or a capillary tube, and expands the refrigerant by decompressing it. The indoor heat exchanger 114 is, for example, a cross-fin fin-and-tube heat exchanger, and functions as a refrigerant evaporator during cooling operation and as a refrigerant condenser during heating operation. The flow path switching device 115 includes, for example, a four-way valve for switching the direction of refrigerant flow. The flow path switching device 115 switches the refrigerant flow path as shown by the solid line in FIG. 7 during the cooling operation, and switches the refrigerant flow path as shown by the broken line in FIG. 7 during the heating operation.

Further, the refrigeration cycle apparatus 200 of the present embodiment has the same control configuration as that of the first embodiment shown in FIG. The control unit 30 according to the present embodiment controls the rotation speed of the compressor 111, the opening degree of the expansion device 113, and the switching of the flow path of the flow path switching device 115.

Next, the operation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 200 will be described. First, the operation during the cooling operation will be described. During the cooling operation, the flow path of the refrigerant is switched by the flow path switching device 115 as shown by the solid line in FIG. The high-temperature and high-pressure gas refrigerant compressed and discharged by the compressor 111 flows into the outdoor heat exchanger 112 through the flow path switching device 115. The high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant that has flowed into the outdoor heat exchanger 112 dissipates heat to the outdoor air or the like, and is condensed to become a high-pressure liquid refrigerant. The high-pressure liquid refrigerant that has flowed out of the outdoor heat exchanger 112 flows into the expansion device 113 and is expanded and depressurized to become a low-temperature and low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant. The gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant that has flowed out of the expansion device 113 flows into the indoor heat exchanger 114. The gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant that has flowed into the indoor heat exchanger 114 evaporates by exchanging heat with indoor air, and becomes a low-temperature and low-pressure gas refrigerant. The gas refrigerant flowing out of the indoor heat exchanger 114 is sucked into the compressor 11 and compressed again.

Next, the operation during heating operation will be described. During the heating operation, the flow path of the refrigerant is switched by the flow path switching device 115 as shown by the broken line in FIG. The high-temperature and high-pressure gas refrigerant compressed and discharged by the compressor 111 flows into the indoor heat exchanger 114 through the flow path switching device 115. The high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant that has flowed into the indoor heat exchanger 114 dissipates heat to the indoor air and is condensed to become a high-pressure liquid refrigerant. The high-pressure liquid refrigerant that has flowed out of the indoor heat exchanger 114 flows into the expansion device 113 and is expanded and depressurized to become a low-temperature and low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant. The gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant that has flowed out of the expansion device 113 flows into the outdoor heat exchanger 112. The gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant that has flowed into the outdoor heat exchanger 112 evaporates by exchanging heat with outdoor air and becomes a low-temperature and low-pressure gas refrigerant. The gas refrigerant that has flowed out of the outdoor heat exchanger 112 is sucked into the compressor 11 and compressed again.

Next, the abnormality determination process in the refrigeration cycle apparatus 200 will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the abnormality determination process of the present embodiment. In FIG. 8, the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 3 are assigned to the same processes as the abnormality determination process of the first embodiment. In the present embodiment, first, it is determined whether or not an instruction to start operation has been given (S101). And when the instruction | indication of a driving | operation start is not made (S101: NO), it waits. On the other hand, when the operation start instruction is given (S101: YES), the refrigerant distribution forced operation by the control unit 30 is performed (S102). FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the flow of the refrigerant distribution forced operation in the present embodiment. As described above, in the present embodiment, when there is an instruction to start the operation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 200, the refrigerant distribution forced operation is performed.

In the refrigerant distribution forced operation, first, the expansion device 113 is fully closed by the control unit 30 (S21), and the operation of the compressor 111 is started with the rotation speed of the compressor 111 being fixed (S22). Then, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time (for example, 10 minutes) has elapsed (S23). If the predetermined time has not elapsed (S23: NO), the operation of the compressor 111 is continued. On the other hand, when the predetermined time has elapsed (S23: YES), the operation of the compressor 111 is stopped (S24). At this time, the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 200 is collected on the high pressure side (from the discharge side of the compressor 111 to the expansion device 113). The predetermined time in this case is set in advance according to the size of the compressor 11 and the like, as in the first embodiment. It should be noted that, instead of elapse of a predetermined time, the operation of the compressor 11 is continued until the refrigerant pressure on the low pressure side of the compressor 11 decreases to a preset value (for example, around 0 to 0.1 Mpa). Also good.

Next, the expansion device 113 is fully opened (S25). Thereafter, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time (for example, 3 minutes) has passed (S26). Then, when the predetermined time has elapsed (S26: YES), the processing returns to FIG. In FIG. 8, similarly to the abnormality determination process of the first embodiment, the processes after S3 are performed, and the abnormality determination of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 200 is performed.

In the present embodiment, in the refrigerant distribution forced operation, after collecting the refrigerant on the high pressure side, the processing of S25 and S26 is performed, so that the high / low pressure difference in the refrigerant circuit is eliminated or is made a predetermined value or less. Thereby, even when the refrigeration cycle apparatus 200 is an air conditioner and the heating operation and the cooling operation are switched, devices such as the flow path switching device 115 are caused by the impact due to the high / low pressure difference in the refrigerant circuit. It is possible to suppress adverse effects. Also in this case, similarly to the first embodiment, the distribution of the refrigerant amount at the time of starting can be made constant, and the variation in the operation state amount detected for abnormality determination is suppressed. High abnormality determination can be performed.

In addition, in the said Embodiment 2, in order to eliminate the high-low pressure difference in a refrigerant circuit, it was set as the structure which waits until predetermined time passes (S25 and S26), However, It is not limited to this. For example, instead of setting for a predetermined time, a means for detecting a high / low pressure difference may be provided, and when the detected high / low pressure difference is reduced to a set value, the process may proceed to S3.

Further, the refrigerant circuit configuration of the second embodiment is not limited to the configuration described in FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a refrigerant circuit configuration of a refrigeration cycle apparatus 200A in a modification of the second embodiment. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, it is good also as a structure provided with the accumulator 118 for accumulating an excess refrigerant | coolant on the suction | inhalation side of the compressor 111. As shown in FIG. Also in this case, the abnormality of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 200A is determined by performing the forced refrigerant distribution operation (FIG. 9) and the abnormality determination process (FIG. 8) as in the second embodiment. Further, in this case, by performing the refrigerant distribution forced operation shown in FIG. 9, the refrigerant including the excess refrigerant in the accumulator 118 is collected on the high pressure side. Further, in the forced refrigerant distribution operation, the expansion device 113 is fully closed in S21 and the compressor 111 is driven for a predetermined time. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the compressor 11 has suction SH. The diaphragm device 113 may be controlled as described above. Also in this case, the suction state of the compressor 111 at the time of starting can be made constant.

Embodiment 3 FIG.
Subsequently, Embodiment 3 of the present invention will be described. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a refrigerant circuit configuration of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 300 in the third embodiment. The refrigeration cycle apparatus 300 according to the third embodiment is different from the second embodiment in that a receiver 117 is provided between the outdoor heat exchanger 112 and the indoor heat exchanger 114. In FIG. 11, the same reference numerals as those in FIG. The refrigerant circuit of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 300 includes a compressor 111, an outdoor heat exchanger 112, a first expansion device 116a, a receiver 117, a second expansion device 116b, an indoor heat exchanger 114, and a flow path switching device 115. Connected by connecting piping. The compressor 111, the outdoor heat exchanger 112, the flow switching device 115, the first expansion device 116a, the second expansion device 116b, and the receiver 117 constitute the outdoor unit 310, and the indoor heat exchanger 114 is The indoor unit 320 is configured.

The receiver 117 is located between the first expansion device 116a and the second expansion device 116b in the refrigerant circuit, and accumulates excess refrigerant. The refrigeration cycle apparatus 300 includes the same intake temperature sensor 21, discharge temperature sensor 22, current detection unit 23, and outside air temperature sensor 24 as in the first embodiment. Furthermore, the refrigeration cycle apparatus 300 has the same control configuration as that of the first embodiment shown in FIG. Note that the control unit 30 of the present embodiment controls the rotation speed of the compressor 111, the opening degrees of the first expansion device 116a and the second expansion device 116b, and switching of the flow path switching device 115.

Next, the abnormality determination process in the refrigeration cycle apparatus 300 will be described. The abnormality determination process of the present embodiment is different from that of the second embodiment in the flow of the refrigerant distribution forced operation in S102 of FIG. Other abnormality determination processing is the same as the abnormality determination processing of the second embodiment shown in FIG. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the flow of the refrigerant distribution forced operation in the present embodiment. In FIG. 12, the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 9 are assigned to the same processes as those in the forced refrigerant distribution operation of the second embodiment.

In the forced refrigerant distribution operation of the present embodiment, first, the upstream throttle device is controlled, and the downstream throttle device is fully closed (S31). Here, during the cooling operation, the first expansion device 116a is the upstream expansion device, and the second expansion device 116b is the downstream expansion device. In the heating operation, the first expansion device 116a is a downstream expansion device, and the second expansion device 116b is an upstream expansion device. Further, the upstream throttle device is controlled by the control unit 30 so that the suction SH of the compressor 111 is applied.

Then, the operation of the compressor 111 is started with the rotation speed of the compressor 111 being fixed (S22). Then, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time (for example, 10 minutes) has elapsed (S23). If the predetermined time has not elapsed (S23: NO), the operation of the compressor 111 is continued. On the other hand, when the predetermined time has elapsed (S23: YES), the operation of the compressor 111 is stopped (S24). Thereby, the refrigerant | coolant in the refrigerant circuit of the refrigerating-cycle apparatus 300 including the excessive refrigerant | coolant in the receiver 117 will be in the state collected by the high voltage | pressure side apparatus and piping. The predetermined time in this case is set in advance according to the size of the compressor 11 and the like, as in the first embodiment. It should be noted that, instead of elapse of a predetermined time, the operation of the compressor 11 is continued until the refrigerant pressure on the low pressure side of the compressor 11 decreases to a preset value (for example, around 0 to 0.1 Mpa). Also good.

Next, the upstream throttle device and the downstream throttle device are fully opened (S35). Thereafter, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time (for example, 3 minutes) has passed (S26). And when predetermined time passes (S26: YES), it returns to abnormality determination processing. In the abnormality determination process, the same process as in the second embodiment is performed, and the abnormality determination of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 300 is performed.

As described above, by performing the refrigerant distribution forced operation, also in the refrigeration cycle apparatus 300 including the receiver 117, it is possible to perform abnormality determination with high accuracy as in the first and second embodiments.

Embodiment 4 FIG.
Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. The fourth embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that an abnormality determination process is performed by a remote monitoring device 500 provided at a location distant from the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100A. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a remote monitoring system 400 according to the fourth embodiment. The remote monitoring system 400 includes a refrigeration cycle apparatus 100A and a remote monitoring apparatus 500. As shown in FIG. 13, in the present embodiment, remote monitoring apparatus 500 includes control unit 30, storage unit 40, abnormality determination unit 50, and notification unit 60. The refrigeration cycle apparatus 100A has the same refrigerant circuit configuration as that of the first embodiment.

The refrigeration cycle apparatus 100A and the remote monitoring apparatus 500 each have a communication unit 70a and a communication unit 70b. The communication units 70a and 70b are means for performing communication by radio or wire. The remote monitoring device 500 is configured by a computer and performs centralized management such as remote monitoring and control of the refrigeration cycle device 100A via the communication unit 70b.

In the present embodiment, the operation state quantity detected by the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100A is transmitted to the remote monitoring apparatus 500 via the communication unit 70a, and the remote monitoring apparatus 500 controls the refrigerant distribution forced operation and the abnormality determination process. Is done. The flow of the refrigerant distribution forced operation and abnormality determination process in this case is the same as the flow of the refrigerant distribution forced operation and abnormality determination process of the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. By configuring in this way, the same effect as in the first embodiment can be obtained, and the abnormality of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100A can be constantly monitored by remote monitoring. Further, by installing the large-capacity storage unit 40 on the remote monitoring device 500, it is possible to reduce the cost compared to the case where the large-capacity storage unit 40 is installed in the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100A main body.

The above is the description of the embodiment of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to the configuration of the above embodiment, and various modifications or combinations are possible within the scope of the technical idea. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment includes a single compressor 11, a condenser 12, and an evaporator 14, but the present invention particularly includes these numbers. It is not limited. For example, two or more compressors 11, a condenser 12, and an evaporator 14 may be provided. Similarly, in the second embodiment, the number of the outdoor units 210 and the indoor units 220 is not limited, and various combinations are possible. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a remote monitoring system 400A according to a modification. For example, as shown in FIG. 14, a plurality of indoor units 220a to 220c may be connected to one outdoor unit 210, and these may be monitored and controlled by the remote monitoring device 500.

In the above-described embodiment, the abnormality determination process is performed based on the operation state quantity detected in the past stored in the storage unit 40. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 records a reference current waveform in a normal state in advance, and compares the current current waveform with the reference current waveform, so that there is an abnormality in the compressor 11 or the suction of the compressor 11 It may be determined whether or not the state of the refrigerant is stable. In addition, when the refrigeration cycle apparatus 200 includes a plurality of outdoor units 210 and one or a plurality of indoor units 220 are connected to each outdoor unit 210, the past operating state quantities are shared among the plurality of outdoor units 210. When the operating conditions match, the abnormality may be determined by comparing with the operating state quantity of the other outdoor unit 210.

Furthermore, the detected operating state quantity is not limited to the example of the above embodiment, and it is possible to determine abnormality by detecting various state quantities in the refrigerant circuit. For example, if the compressor 11 is provided with power consumption detection means, and the power consumption of the compressor 11 is greater than a predetermined threshold value compared to the power consumption at the time of previous activation, an abnormality has occurred in the compressor 11. You may judge.

11, 111 compressor, 12, condenser, 13, 113 throttle device, 14 evaporator, 15, 117 receiver, 16 solenoid valve, 17 double pipe heat exchanger, 18 pipe, 19 throttle device, 21 suction temperature sensor, 22 discharge temperature sensor, 23 current detection unit, 24 outside temperature sensor, 30 control unit, 40 storage unit, 50 abnormality determination unit, 60 notification unit, 70a communication unit, 70b communication unit, 100, 100A, 200, 200A, 300 freezing Cycle device, 112 outdoor heat exchanger, 114 indoor heat exchanger, 115 flow path switching device, 116a first expansion device, 116b second expansion device, 118 accumulator, 210, 310 outdoor unit, 220, 220a, 220b, 220c, 320 indoor unit, 400, 400A remote monitoring system, 50 Remote monitoring device.

Claims

A refrigerant circuit including a compressor, a condenser, a throttling device, and an evaporator;
A control unit for controlling the refrigerant circuit;
An abnormality determination unit that determines presence or absence of abnormality in the refrigerant circuit,
The control unit drives the compressor and stops the compressor when a predetermined time has elapsed or when the pressure of the refrigerant on the suction side of the compressor has decreased to a predetermined value. To perform special operation
The abnormality determination unit is a refrigeration cycle apparatus that determines whether the refrigerant circuit is abnormal after the special operation.
A detector that detects information including a refrigerant suction temperature in the compressor, a refrigerant discharge temperature in the compressor, a current applied to the compressor, or power consumption of the compressor;
The refrigeration cycle apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the abnormality determination unit determines whether or not the refrigerant circuit is abnormal based on the information detected by the detection unit after the special operation.
The refrigeration cycle apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the special operation collects the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit between the discharge side of the compressor and the expansion device.
The abnormality determination unit is configured to determine whether the refrigerant circuit has an abnormality based on the information detected by the detection unit after the special operation and when the compressor is restarted. Or the refrigeration cycle apparatus of 3.
An outside temperature sensor for detecting the outside temperature;
A storage unit that associates and stores the information and the outside temperature detected by the outside temperature sensor when the information is detected;
The abnormality determination unit is the information stored in the storage unit, the past information corresponding to the outside air temperature detected by the outside air temperature sensor, and after the special operation, The refrigeration cycle apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the information detected at the time of startup is compared to determine whether the refrigerant circuit is abnormal.
The abnormality determination unit obtains a difference between the past information corresponding to the outside air temperature and the information detected by the detection unit at the time of starting the compressor after the special operation. The refrigeration cycle apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the refrigerant circuit is determined to be abnormal when it is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value.
The refrigeration cycle apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the control unit performs the special operation so that a refrigerant suction state when the compressor is started is substantially constant.
The refrigerant circuit further includes an electromagnetic valve disposed between the condenser and the expansion device,
The control unit according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the control unit controls the refrigerant circuit so as to collect a refrigerant between a discharge side of the compressor and the electromagnetic valve in the special operation. Refrigeration cycle equipment.
The refrigeration cycle apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the controller is configured to fully close the solenoid valve and operate the compressor for the predetermined time in the special operation.
The refrigeration cycle apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the control unit controls the refrigerant circuit so that a high-low pressure difference in the refrigerant circuit decreases after the special operation.
In the special operation, the control unit fully closes the expansion device, operates the compressor for the predetermined time, and then stops the compressor, and opens the expansion device for a predetermined time. The refrigeration cycle apparatus according to claim 10.
The refrigerant circuit further includes a receiver disposed between the evaporator and the condenser,
The throttle device has an upstream throttle device arranged upstream of the receiver and a downstream throttle device arranged downstream.
In the special operation, the control unit fully closes the downstream side throttle device, controls the upstream side throttle device, operates the compressor for the predetermined time, and then stops the compressor. The refrigeration cycle apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the upstream throttle device and the downstream throttle device are fully opened for a predetermined time.
The refrigeration cycle apparatus according to any one of claims 4 to 12, wherein the control unit controls the number of rotations of the compressor with a constant operation pattern when the compressor is started.
A remote monitoring system comprising a refrigeration cycle apparatus and a remote monitoring apparatus capable of communicating with the refrigeration cycle apparatus,
The refrigeration cycle apparatus includes:
A refrigerant circuit including a compressor, a condenser, a throttling device, and an evaporator;
A communication unit that communicates with the remote monitoring device,
The remote monitoring device is
A communication unit communicating with the refrigeration cycle apparatus;
A control unit for controlling the refrigerant circuit via the communication unit;
An abnormality determination unit that determines presence or absence of abnormality in the refrigerant circuit,
The control unit drives the compressor and stops the compressor when a predetermined time has elapsed or when the pressure of the refrigerant on the suction side of the compressor has decreased to a predetermined value. To perform special operation
The said abnormality determination part is a remote monitoring system which determines the presence or absence of abnormality of the said refrigerant circuit after the said special driving | operation.
A communication unit communicating with the refrigeration cycle apparatus;
A control unit that controls the refrigerant circuit of the refrigeration cycle apparatus via the communication unit;
An abnormality determination unit that determines presence or absence of abnormality in the refrigerant circuit,
The control unit drives the compressor of the refrigerant circuit, and the compression is performed when a predetermined time has elapsed or when the pressure of the refrigerant on the suction side of the compressor has decreased to a predetermined value. Special operation to stop the machine,
The said abnormality determination part is a remote monitoring apparatus which determines the presence or absence of abnormality of the said refrigerant circuit after the said special driving | operation.
An abnormality determination method in a refrigerant circuit including a compressor, a condenser, a throttling device, and an evaporator,
When the compressor is driven and a predetermined time has elapsed, or when the refrigerant pressure on the suction side of the compressor has decreased to a predetermined value, a special operation is performed to stop the compressor. Process,
Determining an abnormality in the refrigerant circuit after the special operation.