WO2022059056A1 - Air conditioner and control method - Google Patents

Air conditioner and control method Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2022059056A1
WO2022059056A1 PCT/JP2020/034837 JP2020034837W WO2022059056A1 WO 2022059056 A1 WO2022059056 A1 WO 2022059056A1 JP 2020034837 W JP2020034837 W JP 2020034837W WO 2022059056 A1 WO2022059056 A1 WO 2022059056A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
outdoor
outdoor unit
unit
heat exchanger
indoor
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/JP2020/034837
Other languages
French (fr)
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
啓 伊内
賢 三浦
Original Assignee
東芝キヤリア株式会社
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by 東芝キヤリア株式会社 filed Critical 東芝キヤリア株式会社
Priority to PCT/JP2020/034837 priority Critical patent/WO2022059056A1/en
Publication of WO2022059056A1 publication Critical patent/WO2022059056A1/en

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    • 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
    • F24F11/41—Defrosting; Preventing freezing
    • F24F11/42—Defrosting; Preventing freezing of outdoor units
    • 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
    • F24F11/50—Control or safety arrangements characterised by user interfaces or communication
    • F24F11/54—Control or safety arrangements characterised by user interfaces or communication using one central controller connected to several sub-controllers

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an air conditioner and a control method.
  • a separate type air conditioner in which an indoor unit and an outdoor unit are connected via a refrigerant pipe (crossover pipe) is known.
  • the indoor heat exchanger mounted on the indoor unit has a relatively high temperature
  • the outdoor heat exchanger mounted on the outdoor unit has a relatively low temperature. ..
  • the temperature of the outdoor heat exchanger may drop to 0 [° C.] or less.
  • the humidity around the outdoor heat exchanger is high to some extent, the moisture in the outside air becomes frost and adheres to the outdoor heat exchanger.
  • the frost may grow and the heat exchange capacity of the outdoor heat exchanger may decrease. This reduces the heating capacity of the air conditioner.
  • the air conditioner carries out an operation (defrosting operation) to melt the attached frost when it is estimated that the frost adhering to the outdoor heat exchanger has grown to some extent. do.
  • the defrosting operation is performed by switching the circulation direction of the refrigerant in the air conditioner in the direction opposite to that in the heating operation. As a result, the high-temperature gas refrigerant discharged from the compressor mounted on the outdoor unit flows toward the outdoor heat exchanger. This heat removes the frost adhering to the outdoor heat exchanger.
  • a so-called multi-type air conditioner in which at least one indoor unit and a plurality of outdoor units are connected to each other via a refrigerant pipe is known.
  • such a multi-type air conditioner causes all outdoor units to perform defrosting operation by similarly switching the four-way valves of all outdoor units when performing defrosting operation. Therefore, it is difficult for a general multi-type air conditioner to continue the heating operation during the defrosting operation.
  • a method of continuing the heating operation during the defrosting operation by mixing the outdoor unit that performs the heating operation and the outdoor unit that performs the defrosting operation can be considered.
  • the outdoor unit that performs the heating operation and the outdoor unit that performs the defrosting operation are simply mixed, the high-pressure refrigerant discharged from the outdoor unit that performs the heating operation is the compressor of the outdoor unit that performs the defrosting operation. Will flow into. As a result, a large amount of heat is used for the defrosting operation, and there is a problem that it becomes difficult to continue the heating operation.
  • the multi-type air conditioner described in Patent Document 1 is provided with an opening / closing function between the four-way valve and the suction side of the compressor, so that the compressor of the outdoor unit that performs defrosting operation can be used. Prevents the inflow of high-pressure refrigerant.
  • the switching between the heating operation and the defrosting operation in the multi-type air conditioner is controlled by such an opening / closing mechanism, the cost related to the manufacture and operation of the air conditioner increases. Further, in this case, the efficiency of the refrigeration cycle in the air conditioner is lowered.
  • the operating ability of the outdoor unit that performs the heating operation and the operating ability of the outdoor unit that performs the defrosting operation may be a bias in the balance with. If there is an imbalance between the operating capacity of the outdoor unit that performs heating operation and the operating capacity of the outdoor unit that performs defrosting operation, there is a problem that the heating capacity and defrosting capacity may decrease.
  • the problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an air conditioner and a control method capable of efficiently performing defrosting while continuing the heating operation.
  • the air conditioner of the embodiment has a plurality of outdoor units, at least one indoor unit, and a control unit.
  • a plurality of outdoor units are connected in parallel to the same refrigerant piping system and have an outdoor expansion valve, an outdoor heat exchanger, a four-way valve, and a compressor. It has at least one indoor unit, an indoor heat exchanger connected to the refrigerant piping system, an indoor expansion valve for adjusting the amount of refrigerant flowing into the indoor heat exchanger, and an indoor blower.
  • the control unit divides the plurality of outdoor units into one of the two groups based on the operating capacity of the outdoor unit, and performs a defrosting operation for removing the frost adhering to the outdoor heat exchanger for each group. Let me.
  • the whole block diagram which shows the air conditioner 1 in embodiment The block diagram which shows the functional structure of the control part 41 of the air conditioner 1 in embodiment.
  • FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram showing an air conditioner 1 according to an embodiment.
  • the air conditioner 1 in the present embodiment is a multi-type air conditioner including three indoor units and four outdoor units.
  • the number of indoor units included in the air conditioner 1 is not limited to three, and may be any number of at least one or more.
  • the number of outdoor units included in the air conditioner 1 is not limited to four, but it needs to be an arbitrary number of a plurality of (at least two or more) units.
  • each of the three indoor units is referred to as a first indoor unit 11A, a second indoor unit 11B, and a third indoor unit 11C
  • each of the four outdoor units is referred to as a first outdoor unit 26A and a second outdoor unit 26B.
  • the third outdoor unit 26C, and the fourth outdoor unit 26D are referred to as a first indoor unit 11A, a second indoor unit 11B, and a third indoor unit 11C
  • each of the four outdoor units is referred to as a first outdoor unit 26A and a second outdoor unit 26B.
  • the configuration of the first indoor unit 11A, the configuration of the second indoor unit 11B, and the configuration of the third indoor unit 11C are the same configuration.
  • the letters "A” are added after the numbers common to each member to the code given to each member of the first indoor unit 11A.
  • the reference numerals given to the members corresponding to the members included in the first indoor unit 11A are the same numbers as in the case of the first indoor unit 11A, followed by the letter "B". Is added.
  • the letter "C" is added after the number to the code given to the member included in the third indoor unit 11C.
  • the configuration of the member included in the first indoor unit 11A which is a member corresponding to each other
  • the indoor heat exchanger 12A, the indoor heat exchanger 12B, and the indoor heat exchanger 12C, which are members corresponding to each other are all members that function as indoor heat exchangers, they are complete. It is not necessary to have the same configuration (for example, the same mechanism or the same performance).
  • the indoor unit 11 when it is not necessary to distinguish between the first indoor unit 11A, the second indoor unit 11B, and the third indoor unit 11C, it may be simply referred to as "indoor unit 11.” Further, when it is not necessary to separately explain the members included in the first indoor unit 11A, the members included in the second indoor unit 11B, and the members included in the third indoor unit 11C, which correspond to each other, the end of the reference numeral is used. The letters (“A” to “C]) may be omitted. For example, the indoor heat exchanger 12A, the indoor heat exchanger 12B, and the indoor heat exchanger 12C, which will be described later, will be described separately. When it is not necessary to do so, it may be simply referred to as "indoor heat exchanger 12".
  • the configuration of the first outdoor unit 26A, the configuration of the second outdoor unit 26B, the configuration of the third outdoor unit 26C, and the configuration of the fourth outdoor unit 26D are the same configuration.
  • the letters "A" are added after the numbers common to each member to the code given to each member of the first outdoor unit 26A.
  • the code given to the member corresponding to the member included in the first outdoor unit 26A has the same number as in the case of the first outdoor unit 26A followed by the letter "B". Is added.
  • the members provided with the same structure are exactly the same.
  • the outdoor heat exchanger 27A, the outdoor heat exchanger 27B, the outdoor heat exchanger 27C, and the outdoor heat exchanger 27D which are members corresponding to each other, all function as outdoor heat exchangers. If it is a member, it does not have to have exactly the same configuration (for example, the same mechanism or the same performance).
  • the air conditioner 1 in the present embodiment includes a first indoor unit 11A, a second indoor unit 11B, a third indoor unit 11C, a first outdoor unit 26A, and a second outdoor unit. It includes 26B, a third outdoor unit 26C, a fourth outdoor unit 26D, a refrigerant pipe 14, and a control unit 41.
  • the refrigerant pipe 14 is a pipe for passing the refrigerant between the indoor unit 11 and the outdoor unit 26. As shown in FIG. 1, in the refrigerant pipe 14, the first indoor unit 11A, the second indoor unit 11B, and the third indoor unit 11C are connected in parallel, and the first outdoor unit 26A and the second outdoor unit are connected. The 26B, the third outdoor unit 26C, and the fourth outdoor unit 26D are connected in parallel.
  • the first indoor unit 11A includes an indoor heat exchanger 12A, an indoor expansion valve 13A, and an indoor blower 15A.
  • the indoor heat exchanger 12A is, for example, a fin tube type heat exchanger.
  • the indoor expansion valve 13A is, for example, an electronic expansion valve (PMV).
  • the opening degree of the indoor expansion valve 13A can be changed (adjusted). For example, as the opening degree of the indoor expansion valve 13A increases, the refrigerant tends to flow in the indoor expansion valve 13A. On the other hand, as the opening degree of the indoor expansion valve 13A decreases, it becomes difficult for the refrigerant to flow in the indoor expansion valve 13A.
  • the indoor heat exchanger 12A has a valve body (not shown) in which a through hole is formed, and a needle (not shown) capable of advancing and retreating with respect to the through hole. When the through hole is closed with a needle, the refrigerant does not flow to the indoor heat exchanger 12A.
  • the indoor heat exchanger 12A is closed, and the opening degree of the indoor heat exchanger 12A is the smallest.
  • the refrigerant is most likely to flow into the indoor heat exchanger 12A.
  • the indoor heat exchanger 12A is in an open state, and the opening degree of the indoor heat exchanger 12A is the largest.
  • the refrigerant pipe 14 connects the indoor heat exchanger 12A and the indoor expansion valve 13A.
  • the refrigerant for example, R410A or R32 or the like is used.
  • Refrigerant machine oil and the like are included in the refrigerant.
  • the indoor blower 15A is a blower equipped with a centrifugal fan.
  • the fan included in the indoor blower 15A may be a fan having another structure, for example, an axial fan.
  • the fan included in the indoor blower 15A is arranged so as to face the indoor heat exchanger 12A.
  • the indoor air is sucked into the first indoor unit 11A.
  • the air sucked into the first indoor unit 11A is heat-exchanged with the refrigerant by the indoor heat exchanger 12A, and is discharged into the room again by the operation of the fan.
  • the indoor expansion valve 13A and the indoor blower 15A are connected to the control unit 41.
  • the operations of the indoor expansion valve 13A and the indoor blower 15A are controlled by the control unit 41.
  • the second indoor unit 11B includes an indoor heat exchanger 12B, an indoor expansion valve 13B, and an indoor blower 15B, which are configured in the same manner as the indoor heat exchanger 12A, the indoor expansion valve 13A, and the indoor blower 15A.
  • the third indoor unit 11C includes an indoor heat exchanger 12C, an indoor expansion valve 13C, and an indoor blower 15C, which are configured in the same manner as the indoor heat exchanger 12A, the indoor expansion valve 13A, and the indoor blower 15A. There is.
  • the first outdoor unit 26A includes an outdoor heat exchanger 27A, a four-way valve 28A, a compressor 29A, an outdoor expansion valve 30A, an outdoor blower 32A, a discharge pressure sensor 33A, a suction pressure sensor 34A, and a heat exchanger. It includes a temperature sensor 35A, an outside air temperature sensor 36A, and an accumulator 38A. As shown in FIG. 1, the refrigerant pipe 14 connects the outdoor expansion valve 30A, the outdoor heat exchanger 27A, the four-way valve 28A, the compressor 29A, and the accumulator 38A.
  • the outdoor heat exchanger 27A is, for example, a fin tube type heat exchanger.
  • the four-way valve 28A is a valve for switching the direction in which the refrigerant flows in the refrigerant pipe 14.
  • the four-way valve 28A switches the direction in which the refrigerant flows between the direction during the heating operation and the direction during the defrosting operation, which is the direction opposite to the direction.
  • the compressor 29A can change the operating frequency by known inverter control.
  • the compressor 29A sucks the refrigerant from the suction port (not shown) and compresses the refrigerant internally.
  • the compressor 29A discharges the compressed refrigerant to the outside from a discharge port (not shown).
  • An accumulator 38A is attached to a suction port (not shown) of the compressor 29A.
  • the accumulator 38A separates the refrigerant into a liquid refrigerant and a gas refrigerant, and stores the liquid refrigerant.
  • known configurations can be used as the four-way valve 28A and the accumulator 38A.
  • the outdoor expansion valve 30A is configured in the same manner as the indoor expansion valve 13A.
  • the outdoor expansion valve 30A is, for example, an electronic expansion valve (PMV).
  • the opening degree of the outdoor expansion valve 30A can be changed (adjusted). For example, as the opening degree of the outdoor expansion valve 30A increases, the refrigerant tends to flow in the outdoor expansion valve 30A. On the other hand, as the opening degree of the outdoor expansion valve 30A decreases, it becomes difficult for the refrigerant to flow in the outdoor expansion valve 30A.
  • the outdoor blower 32A is configured in the same manner as the indoor blower 15A.
  • the outdoor blower 32A is a blower provided with an axial fan.
  • the fan included in the indoor blower 15A may be a fan having another structure, for example, a centrifugal fan.
  • the fan included in the outdoor blower 32A is arranged so as to face the outdoor heat exchanger 27A.
  • the discharge pressure sensor 33A detects the pressure of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 29A.
  • the discharge pressure sensor 33A detects the pressure of the refrigerant at the discharge port (not shown) of the compressor 29A.
  • the pressure of the refrigerant detected by the discharge pressure sensor 33 is referred to as “discharge pressure”.
  • the suction pressure sensor 34A detects the pressure of the refrigerant sucked into the compressor 29A.
  • the suction pressure sensor 34A detects the pressure of the refrigerant at the suction port (not shown) of the accumulator 38A connected to the suction port (not shown) side of the compressor 29A.
  • suction pressure the pressure of the refrigerant detected by the suction pressure sensor 34A is referred to as “suction pressure”.
  • the heat exchanger temperature sensor 35A detects the temperature of the outdoor heat exchanger 27A.
  • the heat exchanger temperature sensor 35A is attached to a pipe (not shown) in the outdoor heat exchanger 27A.
  • the outside air temperature sensor 36A detects the temperature of the outside air around the first outdoor unit 26A.
  • the outside air temperature sensor 36A is arranged in the first outdoor unit 26A at a position that is not easily affected by the radiant heat from the outdoor heat exchanger 27A.
  • the temperature of the outside air detected by the outside air temperature sensor 36 is also simply referred to as “outside air temperature”.
  • the four-way valve 28A, compressor 29A, outdoor expansion valve 30A, outdoor blower 32A, discharge pressure sensor 33A, suction pressure sensor 34A, heat exchanger temperature sensor 35A, and outside air temperature sensor 36A are connected to the control unit 41.
  • the four-way valve 28A, the compressor 29A, the outdoor expansion valve 30A, the outdoor blower 32A, the discharge pressure sensor 33A, the suction pressure sensor 34A, the heat exchanger temperature sensor 35A, and the outside air temperature sensor 36A are controlled by the control unit 41.
  • the discharge pressure sensor 33A and the suction pressure sensor 34A transmit a signal indicating the detected pressure to the control unit 41.
  • the heat exchanger temperature sensor 35A and the outside air temperature sensor 36A transmit a signal indicating the detected temperature to the control unit 41.
  • the second outdoor unit 26B includes an outdoor heat exchanger 27A, a four-way valve 28A, a compressor 29A, an outdoor expansion valve 30A, an outdoor blower 32A, a discharge pressure sensor 33A, a suction pressure sensor 34A, a heat exchanger temperature sensor 35A, and an outside air temperature sensor.
  • the third outdoor unit 26C includes an outdoor heat exchanger 27A, a four-way valve 28A, a compressor 29A, an outdoor expansion valve 30A, an outdoor blower 32A, a discharge pressure sensor 33A, a suction pressure sensor 34A, a heat exchanger temperature sensor 35A, and an outside air.
  • the fourth outdoor unit 26D includes an outdoor heat exchanger 27A, a four-way valve 28A, a compressor 29A, an outdoor expansion valve 30A, an outdoor blower 32A, a discharge pressure sensor 33A, a suction pressure sensor 34A, a heat exchanger temperature sensor 35A, and an outside air.
  • FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the control unit 41 of the air conditioner 1 according to the embodiment.
  • the control unit 41 includes a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) connected by a bus, a memory, an auxiliary storage device, and the like.
  • the control unit 41 reads a program from, for example, an auxiliary storage device and executes it.
  • the control unit 41 functions as a device including a storage unit 411, a signal input / output unit 412, and an operation control unit 413 by executing a program.
  • the control unit 41 may be a member housed in a housing different from that of the indoor unit 11 and the outdoor unit 26, or may be a member housed in the housing of either the indoor unit 11 or the outdoor unit 26. There may be.
  • the storage unit 411 is configured by using a storage medium such as a magnetic hard disk device or a semiconductor storage device.
  • the storage unit 411 is configured by using a non-volatile memory such as an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory).
  • the storage unit 411 stores, for example, signals output from the discharge pressure sensor 33, the suction pressure sensor 34, the heat exchanger temperature sensor 35, and the outside air temperature sensor 36 as time-series data.
  • the time series data of the output signal of each sensor is referred to as "sensor data”.
  • the storage unit 411 stores the outdoor unit operating ability table TB, which will be described later, in advance.
  • the outdoor unit operating capacity table TB is data as shown in FIG. 3, for example, and is used when setting the defrosting group described later.
  • the signal input / output unit 412 has a function of inputting / outputting a signal to / from each functional unit of the air conditioner 1. Specifically, the signal input / output unit 412 receives inputs of each signal output from the discharge pressure sensor 33, the suction pressure sensor 34, the heat exchanger temperature sensor 35, and the outside air temperature sensor 36. Further, the signal input / output unit 412 outputs a control signal for controlling the operation of each functional unit of the air conditioner 1 to each functional unit.
  • the signal input / output unit 412 uses a communication interface such as RS-232C (Recommended Standard-232C), RS-422A (Recommended Standard-422A), RS-485 (Recommended Standard-485), or USB (Universal Serial Bus). Through, it is communicably connected to the discharge pressure sensor 33, the suction pressure sensor 34, the heat exchanger temperature sensor 35, and the outside air temperature sensor 36.
  • the signal input / output unit 412 receives the input of each signal via this communication interface. Further, for example, the signal input / output unit 412 is connected to an internal bus (not shown), and a control signal is output to each functional unit of the air conditioner 1 via the internal bus.
  • the signal input / output unit 412 receives the input of each signal output from the discharge pressure sensor 33, the suction pressure sensor 34, the heat exchanger temperature sensor 35, and the outside air temperature sensor 36, and uses the time-series data of the signal as sensor data. Record in the storage unit 411. On the other hand, the signal input / output unit 412 receives the input of the control signal output from the operation control unit 413. The signal input / output unit 412 outputs the input control signal to each functional unit of the air conditioner 1.
  • the operation control unit 413 has a function of controlling the operation of the air conditioner 1. Specifically, the operation control unit 413 controls the operation state of the four-way valve 28, the compressor 29, and the like based on the discharge pressure, suction pressure, heat exchanger temperature, outside air temperature, and the like indicated by the sensor data. As a result, the operation control unit 413 controls the heating operation by the air conditioner 1 and the defrosting operation during the heating operation. The operation control unit 413 may further have a function of controlling the cooling operation by the air conditioner 1.
  • the operation control unit 413 sets the defrosting group necessary for controlling the execution of the defrosting operation during the heating operation, for example, at the timing when the defrosting operation is required.
  • the defrosting group setting is to divide a plurality of outdoor units into two groups (hereinafter referred to as "outdoor unit group"). A specific example of the defrosting group setting will be described in detail later.
  • the air conditioner 1 in this embodiment carries out a defrosting operation for each outdoor unit group. Further, when the operation mode of the outdoor unit 26 belonging to one of the outdoor unit groups is switched from the heating operation to the defrosting operation, the air conditioning device 1 is already in the defrosting operation while the operation mode of the outdoor unit 26 is the defrosting operation. The operation mode of the outdoor unit belonging to one of the outdoor unit groups is controlled so as to continue the heating operation. As a result, the air conditioner 1 can perform defrosting while continuing the heating operation.
  • the operation control unit 413 shall display all the outdoor units 26 belonging to the outdoor unit group. Switch the operation mode of to defrost operation.
  • defrosting conditions the conditions for carrying out the defrosting operation.
  • the defrosting condition the defrosting condition is satisfied.
  • the case where the defrosting condition is satisfied corresponds to the case where it is determined that the frost adhering to the outdoor heat exchanger 27 needs to be removed.
  • the operation control unit 413 determines whether or not the defrosting condition is satisfied for each outdoor heat exchanger 27 based on the temperature of the outdoor heat exchanger 27.
  • the operation control unit 413 includes a heat exchanger temperature sensor 35A of the first outdoor unit 26A, a heat exchanger temperature sensor 35B of the second outdoor unit 26B, and a heat exchanger temperature sensor 35C of the third outdoor unit 26C. And the temperature information indicating the temperature measured by the heat exchanger temperature sensor 35B of the fourth outdoor unit 26D is acquired. The operation control unit 413 determines whether or not the defrosting condition is satisfied for each outdoor unit 26 based on the acquired temperature information.
  • the operation control unit 413 determines, for example, that the defrosting condition is satisfied when the temperature of the outdoor heat exchanger 27 is equal to or lower than the predetermined temperature, and defrosts when the temperature of the outdoor heat exchanger 27 is higher than the predetermined temperature. It is determined that the condition is not satisfied.
  • a temperature at which frost can occur for example, 0 [° C.]
  • a variable or fixed temperature may be appropriately used depending on the outside air temperature, humidity, and the like.
  • the operation control unit 413 may be configured to determine whether or not the defrosting condition is satisfied by another method. For example, the operation control unit 413 may determine whether or not the defrosting condition is satisfied for each outdoor heat exchanger 27 based on the amount of frost actually attached to the outdoor heat exchanger 27. In this case, for example, each outdoor heat exchanger 27 is provided with a frost amount sensor (not shown) which is a sensor for measuring the amount of frost adhering to the outdoor heat exchanger 27. The operation control unit 413 acquires the measured value of the frost amount measured by the frost amount sensor provided in each outdoor heat exchanger 27.
  • a frost amount sensor not shown
  • the operation control unit 413 determines that the defrosting condition is satisfied when the acquired measured value is equal to or more than the predetermined value, and the defrosting condition is not satisfied when the measured value of the frost amount sensor is less than the predetermined value. Is determined.
  • the operation control unit 413 keeps the operation mode of the outdoor unit 26 of the other outdoor unit group in the heating operation. To control.
  • All or part of each function of the control unit 41 may be realized by using hardware such as ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), PLD (Programmable Logic Device), or FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). ..
  • the program may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium.
  • the computer-readable recording medium is, for example, a flexible disk, a magneto-optical disk, a portable medium such as a ROM or a CD-ROM, or a storage device such as a hard disk built in a computer system.
  • the program may be transmitted over a telecommunication line.
  • the air conditioner 1 in the present embodiment belongs to, for example, the total value of the operating capacities of each outdoor unit 26 belonging to the first outdoor unit group (hereinafter, also referred to as “total operating capacity”) and the second outdoor unit group.
  • a "defrosting group setting" is performed to group a plurality of outdoor units so as to equalize the total operating capacity of each outdoor unit 26.
  • the operating capacity referred to here is a heating capacity and a defrosting capacity.
  • the horsepower (1 [horsepower] ⁇ 2.8 [kW]) possessed by the outdoor unit can be used as an index indicating the driving ability.
  • the index indicating the operating ability is not limited to horsepower, and may be, for example, the excluded volume of the compressor 29.
  • the capacity difference between the total operating capacity of the first outdoor unit group and the total operating capacity of the second outdoor unit group is considerably large (that is, if the balance between the total operating capacities of both is large), for example, defrosting operation While the total operating capacity of the outdoor unit group that performs the heating operation is relatively high, a situation may occur in which the total operating capacity of the outdoor unit group that performs the heating operation is relatively low.
  • the outdoor heat exchanger 27 included in the outdoor unit 26 belonging to the outdoor unit group (outdoor unit group that performs defrosting operation) having high operating ability is generally large, so that the defrosting operation is performed.
  • the defrosting operation requires more time, but on the other hand, the total operating capacity of the outdoor unit group that performs the heating operation is relatively low, and it becomes difficult to maintain the heating effect.
  • FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the outdoor unit operating capacity table TB stored in the air conditioner 1 in the embodiment.
  • the outdoor unit operating capacity table TB is tabular data in which the outdoor unit name and the value of the operating capacity (horsepower) are associated with each other.
  • the defrosting group setting described below is performed after reading the outdoor unit operating capacity table TB, which is information indicating the operating capacity of each outdoor unit 26, from the storage unit 411. Executes the processing related to.
  • FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the air conditioner 1 in the embodiment.
  • the operation of the air conditioner 1 shown in this flowchart is started when the defrost control is started, for example, when at least one outdoor unit included in the air conditioner 1 is performing the heating operation.
  • the operation control unit 413 acquires a signal indicating an instruction to start defrost control, which is output from a remote controller (not shown) or the like by an operation by a user, for example.
  • the operation control unit 413 acquires the signal indicating the instruction
  • the operation control unit 413 operates all the outdoor units 26 included in the air conditioner 1 including the outdoor unit 26 which has been stopped until then, in the operation mode of the heating operation.
  • the operation control unit 413 sets the defrosting group.
  • the process related to the defrosting group setting is the process from step ST001 to step ST010 in the flowchart of FIG.
  • the operation control unit 413 reads out the outdoor unit operation capacity table TB recorded in the storage unit 411. As a result, the operation control unit 413 can recognize the operation ability of each outdoor unit 26.
  • the operation control unit 413 sets the first outdoor unit 26A in the first outdoor unit group (step ST001). Specifically, for example, the operation control unit 413 has identification information indicating the first outdoor unit group, identification information indicating the first outdoor unit 26A, and a horsepower value of the first outdoor unit 26A (for example, FIG. 3). As shown in the above, 10 [horsepower]) is associated with the temporary recording in the storage unit 411.
  • the operation control unit 413 totals the total operating capacity of each outdoor unit 26 set in the first outdoor unit group and the total operating capacity of each outdoor unit 26 set in the second outdoor unit group. Compare with the value (step ST002).
  • the operation control unit 413 reads out all the horsepower values of each outdoor unit 26 associated with the identification information indicating the first outdoor unit group from the storage unit 411. The operation control unit 413 totals the horsepower values based on the read information to obtain the total operating capacity of each outdoor unit 26 set in the first outdoor unit group (for example, 10 [horsepower]). Identify. Further, the operation control unit 413 reads all the horsepower values of the outdoor units 26 associated with the identification information indicating the second outdoor unit group from the storage medium (not shown) included in the control unit 41 and the like. The operation control unit 413 totals the horsepower values based on the read information to obtain the total operating capacity of each outdoor unit 26 set in the second outdoor unit group (for example, still the second at this point). Since there is no outdoor unit 26 assigned to the outdoor unit group, 0 [horsepower]) is specified. Then, the operation control unit 413 compares the total value of the specified two.
  • the total operating capacity of each outdoor unit 26 set in the first outdoor unit group is the total operating capacity of each outdoor unit 26 set in the second outdoor unit group. If it is equal to or greater than the value (step ST002 / Yes), the second outdoor unit 26B is set in the second outdoor unit group (step ST003). Specifically, for example, the operation control unit 413 associates the identification information indicating the first outdoor unit group, the identification information indicating the second outdoor unit 26B, and the horsepower value of the second outdoor unit 26B. The information is temporarily recorded on a storage medium (not shown) provided in the control unit 41 or the like.
  • the total value of the operating capacity of each outdoor unit 26 set in the first outdoor unit group is the total value of the operating capacity of each outdoor unit 26 set in the second outdoor unit group. If it is less than (step ST002 / No), the second outdoor unit 26B is set in the first outdoor unit group (step ST004).
  • the operation control unit 413 associates the identification information indicating the second outdoor unit group, the identification information indicating the second outdoor unit 26B, and the horsepower value of the second outdoor unit 26B. The information is temporarily recorded on a storage medium (not shown) provided in the control unit 41 or the like.
  • step ST003 the second outdoor unit 26B is set to the second outdoor unit group (step ST003).
  • the operating capacity of each outdoor unit 26 is, for example, the operating capacity of the outdoor unit operating capacity table TB shown in FIG. 3, the total operating capacity of the first outdoor unit group at this time is 10 [horsepower]. Therefore, the total operating capacity of the second outdoor unit group is 16 [horsepower].
  • the specific outdoor unit 26 is fixedly set to any one outdoor unit group (for example, the second outdoor unit group) in advance.
  • the operation control unit 413 totals the total operating capacity of each outdoor unit 26 set in the first outdoor unit group and the total operating capacity of each outdoor unit 26 set in the second outdoor unit group. Compare with the value (step ST005).
  • the operation control unit 413 stores the horsepower value of each outdoor unit 26 associated with the identification information indicating the first outdoor unit group in a storage medium (not shown) included in the control unit 41 and the like. Read everything from. The operation control unit 413 totals the horsepower values based on the read information to obtain the total operating capacity of each outdoor unit 26 set in the first outdoor unit group (for example, 10 [horsepower]). Identify. Further, the operation control unit 413 reads all the horsepower values of the outdoor units 26 associated with the identification information indicating the second outdoor unit group from the storage medium (not shown) included in the control unit 41 and the like.
  • the operation control unit 413 totals the horsepower values based on the read information to obtain the total operating capacity of each outdoor unit 26 set in the second outdoor unit group (for example, 16 [horsepower]). Identify. Then, the operation control unit 413 compares the total value of the specified two.
  • the total operating capacity of each outdoor unit 26 set in the first outdoor unit group is the total operating capacity of each outdoor unit 26 set in the second outdoor unit group.
  • the third outdoor unit 26C is set in the second outdoor unit group (step ST006).
  • the operation control unit 413 associates the identification information indicating the first outdoor unit group, the identification information indicating the third outdoor unit 26C, and the horsepower value of the third outdoor unit 26C.
  • the information is temporarily recorded on a storage medium (not shown) provided in the control unit 41 or the like.
  • the total value of the operating capacity of each outdoor unit 26 set in the first outdoor unit group is the total value of the operating capacity of each outdoor unit 26 set in the second outdoor unit group. If it is less than (step ST005 ⁇ No), the third outdoor unit 26C is set in the first outdoor unit group (step ST007). Specifically, for example, the operation control unit 413 associates the identification information indicating the second outdoor unit group, the identification information indicating the third outdoor unit 26C, and the horsepower value of the third outdoor unit 26C. The information is temporarily recorded on a storage medium (not shown) provided in the control unit 41 or the like.
  • each outdoor unit 26 is, for example, the operating capacity of the outdoor unit operating capacity table TB shown in FIG. 3, the third outdoor unit 26C is assigned to the first outdoor unit group.
  • the total operating capacity of the first outdoor unit group at this time is 22 [horsepower]
  • the total operating capacity of the second outdoor unit group is 16 [horsepower].
  • the operation control unit 413 totals the total operating capacity of each outdoor unit 26 set in the first outdoor unit group and the total operating capacity of each outdoor unit 26 set in the second outdoor unit group. Compare with the value (step ST008).
  • the operation control unit 413 stores the horsepower value of each outdoor unit 26 associated with the identification information indicating the first outdoor unit group in a storage medium (not shown) included in the control unit 41 and the like. Read everything from. The operation control unit 413 totals the horsepower values based on the read information to obtain the total operating capacity of each outdoor unit 26 set in the first outdoor unit group (for example, 22 [horsepower]). Identify. Further, the operation control unit 413 reads all the horsepower values of the outdoor units 26 associated with the identification information indicating the second outdoor unit group from the storage medium (not shown) included in the control unit 41 and the like.
  • the operation control unit 413 totals the horsepower values based on the read information to obtain the total operating capacity of each outdoor unit 26 set in the second outdoor unit group (for example, 16 [horsepower]). Identify. Then, the operation control unit 413 compares the total value of the specified two.
  • the total operating capacity of each outdoor unit 26 set in the first outdoor unit group is the total operating capacity of each outdoor unit 26 set in the second outdoor unit group. If it is equal to or greater than the value (step ST008 ⁇ Yes), the fourth outdoor unit 26D is set in the second outdoor unit group (step ST009). Specifically, for example, the operation control unit 413 associates the identification information indicating the first outdoor unit group, the identification information indicating the fourth outdoor unit 26D, and the horsepower value of the fourth outdoor unit 26D. The information is temporarily recorded on a storage medium (not shown) provided in the control unit 41 or the like.
  • the total value of the operating capacity of each outdoor unit 26 set in the first outdoor unit group is the total value of the operating capacity of each outdoor unit 26 set in the second outdoor unit group. If it is less than (step ST008 / No), the fourth outdoor unit 26D is set in the first outdoor unit group (step ST010).
  • the operation control unit 413 associates the identification information indicating the second outdoor unit group, the identification information indicating the fourth outdoor unit 26D, and the horsepower value of the fourth outdoor unit 26D. The information is temporarily recorded on a storage medium (not shown) provided in the control unit 41 or the like.
  • each outdoor unit 26 is, for example, the operating capacity of the outdoor unit operating capacity table TB shown in FIG. 3, the fourth outdoor unit 26D is assigned to the second outdoor unit group.
  • the total operating capacity of the first outdoor unit group becomes 22 [horsepower]
  • the total operating capacity of the second outdoor unit group becomes 30 [horsepower].
  • the first outdoor unit group includes the first outdoor unit 26A and the first outdoor unit 26A.
  • the 3 outdoor units 26C are distributed, and the 2nd outdoor unit 26B and the 4th outdoor unit 26D are distributed to the 2nd outdoor unit group.
  • the operation control unit 413 selects the outdoor units 26 in the order of the outdoor unit names and distributes them to any outdoor unit group in order.
  • the configuration is not limited to this, and for example, the operation control unit 413 sorts the outdoor units 26 in descending order of operating ability, and then selects the outdoor units 26 in the sorted order. It may be configured to be sequentially distributed to the outdoor unit group.
  • the operation control unit 413 sorts the outdoor units 26 in descending order of operating ability, then selects the outdoor units 26 in the sorted order and distributes them to the outdoor unit group, the operation of each outdoor unit 26 is performed. If the capacity is the driving capacity as shown in FIG. 3, the second outdoor unit 26B (16 [horsepower]), the fourth outdoor unit 26D (14 [horsepower]), and the third outdoor unit 26C (12 [horsepower]). ), The first outdoor unit 26A (10 [horsepower]).
  • the second outdoor unit 26B (16 [horsepower]) and the first outdoor unit 26A (10 [horsepower]) are distributed to the first outdoor unit group, and the fourth outdoor unit 26D is assigned to the second outdoor unit group. (14 [horsepower]) and the third outdoor unit 26C (12 [horsepower]) are sorted. Therefore, the total operating capacity of the first outdoor unit group is 26 [horsepower], and the total operating capacity of the second outdoor unit group is also 26 [horsepower]. In this way, when the outdoor units 26 are sorted in descending order of operating capacity, and then the outdoor units 26 are selected in the sorted order and distributed to the outdoor unit group, the total operating capacity of the first outdoor unit group is used. It is possible to make the total operating capacity of the second outdoor unit group more equal.
  • the operation control unit 413 determines whether or not the defrosting conditions are satisfied for all the outdoor units 26 (the first outdoor unit 26A and the third outdoor unit 26C) belonging to the first outdoor unit group (that is, the defrosting is performed. (Whether or not it is a necessary state) is determined (step ST011). As described above, the operation control unit 413 removes the temperature based on the temperature information indicating the temperature measured by the heat exchanger temperature sensor 35A of the first outdoor unit 26A and the heat exchanger temperature sensor 35C of the third outdoor unit 26C. Whether or not the frost condition is satisfied is determined for each outdoor unit 26.
  • At least one outdoor unit 26 for which the defrosting condition is satisfied is included in the outdoor unit 26 (first outdoor unit 26A and third outdoor unit 26C) belonging to the first outdoor unit group.
  • the operation mode of all the outdoor units 26 (1st outdoor unit 26A and 3rd outdoor unit 26C) belonging to the 1st outdoor unit group is switched to the defrosting operation, and the defrosting operation is performed.
  • Start step ST012.
  • the operation control unit 413 determines whether or not the defrosting end condition is satisfied for all the outdoor units 26 (the first outdoor unit 26A and the third outdoor unit 26C) belonging to the first outdoor unit group (that is, defrosting is unnecessary). Whether or not it is in a state) is determined (step ST013).
  • the case where the defrosting end condition is satisfied here means the case where the defrosting condition is not satisfied.
  • the operation control unit 413 sets the defrosting end condition based on the temperature information indicating the temperature measured by the heat exchanger temperature sensor 35A of the first outdoor unit 26A and the heat exchanger temperature sensor 35C of the third outdoor unit 26C. Whether or not it holds is determined for each outdoor unit.
  • the outdoor unit 26 for which the defrosting end condition is not satisfied is among the outdoor units 26 (the first outdoor unit 26A and the third outdoor unit 26C) belonging to the first outdoor unit group.
  • the defrosting operation of the outdoor unit 26 (first outdoor unit 26A and third outdoor unit 26C) belonging to the first outdoor unit group is continued.
  • the operation control unit 413 satisfies the defrosting end condition in all the outdoor units 26 (the first outdoor unit 26A and the third outdoor unit 26C) belonging to the first outdoor unit group (step ST013 ⁇ Yes)
  • the first operation control unit 413 is the first.
  • the operation mode of all the outdoor units 26 (first outdoor unit 26A and third outdoor unit 26C) belonging to the one outdoor unit group is switched to the heating operation and returned to the heating operation (step ST014).
  • the operation control unit 413 determines whether or not the operation stop signal is received (step ST019).
  • the operation stop signal referred to here is a signal indicating an instruction for stopping all operations of the air conditioner 1 or a signal indicating an instruction for stopping the defrosting control in the air conditioner 1.
  • the operation stop signal is, for example, a signal output from a remote controller (not shown) or the like by an operation by a user.
  • step ST019 / No When the operation stop signal is not received (step ST019 / No), the operation control unit 413 continuously executes the defrost control by repeating the process after the above step ST011. On the other hand, when the operation control unit 413 receives the operation stop signal (step ST019 ⁇ Yes), the operation control unit 413 stops all the operations of the air conditioner 1 or the operation of the defrost control in the air conditioner 1. This completes the operation of the air conditioner 1 shown in the flowchart of FIG.
  • Step ST011 when the outdoor unit 26 (the first outdoor unit 26A and the third outdoor unit 26C) belonging to the first outdoor unit group does not have the outdoor unit 26 for which the defrosting condition is satisfied. (Step ST011 ⁇ No), Whether or not the defrosting conditions are satisfied for all the outdoor units 26 (the second outdoor unit 26B and the third outdoor unit 26C) belonging to the second outdoor unit group (that is, defrosting is necessary). Whether or not it is in a state) is determined (step ST015).
  • the operation control unit 413 removes the temperature based on the temperature information indicating the temperature measured by the heat exchanger temperature sensor 35B of the second outdoor unit 26B and the heat exchanger temperature sensor 35D of the fourth outdoor unit 26D. Whether or not the frost condition is satisfied is determined for each outdoor unit 26.
  • At least one outdoor unit 26 for which the defrosting condition is satisfied is included in the outdoor unit 26 (the second outdoor unit 26B and the fourth outdoor unit 26D) belonging to the second outdoor unit group. If there is a unit (step ST015 ⁇ Yes), the operation mode of all the outdoor units 26 (2nd outdoor unit 26B and 4th outdoor unit 26D) belonging to the 2nd outdoor unit group is switched to the defrosting operation, and the defrosting operation is performed. Start (step ST016).
  • the operation control unit 413 determines whether or not the defrosting end condition is satisfied for all the outdoor units 26 (the second outdoor unit 26B and the fourth outdoor unit 26D) belonging to the second outdoor unit group (that is, defrosting). (Whether or not is an unnecessary state) is determined (step ST017).
  • the case where the defrosting end condition is satisfied here means the case where the defrosting condition is not satisfied.
  • the operation control unit 413 sets the defrosting end condition based on the temperature information indicating the temperature measured by the heat exchanger temperature sensor 35B of the second outdoor unit 26B and the heat exchanger temperature sensor 35D of the fourth outdoor unit 26D. Whether or not it holds is determined for each outdoor unit.
  • At least one outdoor unit that does not satisfy the defrosting end condition is among the outdoor units 26 (second outdoor unit 26B and fourth outdoor unit 26D) belonging to the second outdoor unit group. If there is a unit (step ST017 / No), the defrosting operation of the outdoor unit 26 (second outdoor unit 26B and fourth outdoor unit 26D) belonging to the second outdoor unit group is continued. On the other hand, when the operation control unit 413 satisfies the defrosting end condition in all the outdoor units 26 (the second outdoor unit 26B and the fourth outdoor unit 26D) belonging to the second outdoor unit group (step ST017 ⁇ Yes), the first operation control unit 413 is the first. The operation mode of all the outdoor units 26 (second outdoor unit 26B and fourth outdoor unit 26D) belonging to the two outdoor unit group is switched to the heating operation and returned to the heating operation (step ST018).
  • the operation control unit 413 determines whether or not the operation stop signal is received (step ST019).
  • the operation stop signal referred to here is a signal indicating an instruction for stopping all operations of the air conditioner 1 or a signal indicating an instruction for stopping the defrosting control in the air conditioner 1.
  • the operation stop signal is, for example, a signal output from a remote controller (not shown) or the like by an operation by a user.
  • step ST019 / No When the operation stop signal is not received (step ST019 / No), the operation control unit 413 continuously executes the defrost control by repeating the process after the above step ST011. On the other hand, when the operation control unit 413 receives the operation stop signal (step ST019 ⁇ Yes), the operation control unit 413 stops all the operations of the air conditioner 1 or the operation of the defrost control in the air conditioner 1. This completes the operation of the air conditioner 1 shown in the flowchart of FIG.
  • a plurality of outdoor units connected in parallel to the same refrigerant piping system and provided with an outdoor expansion valve, an outdoor heat exchanger, a four-way valve, and a compressor.
  • the operating capacity of at least one indoor unit and an outdoor unit which are connected to the refrigerant piping system and include an indoor heat exchanger, an indoor expansion valve for adjusting the inflow of refrigerant into the indoor heat exchanger, and an indoor blower.
  • the above-mentioned refrigerant piping system is the refrigerant piping 14 in the embodiment
  • the above-mentioned control unit is the operation control unit 413 in the embodiment
  • the above-mentioned group is an outdoor unit group in the embodiment.
  • the control unit may distribute a plurality of outdoor units in order from the outdoor unit having the higher operating ability. In this case, it is possible to further reduce the bias in the operating capacity of the outdoor unit for each group.
  • the control unit may distribute a plurality of outdoor units in order from the outdoor unit having the lower operating ability.
  • control unit 41 in the above-described embodiment may be realized by a computer.
  • a program for realizing this function may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the program recorded on the recording medium may be read by a computer system and executed.
  • the term "computer system” as used herein includes hardware such as an OS and peripheral devices.
  • the "computer-readable recording medium” refers to a portable medium such as a flexible disk, a magneto-optical disk, a ROM, or a CD-ROM, and a storage device such as a hard disk built in a computer system.
  • a "computer-readable recording medium” is a communication line for transmitting a program via a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line, and dynamically holds the program for a short period of time. It may also include a program that holds a program for a certain period of time, such as a volatile memory inside a computer system that is a server or a client in that case. Further, the above program may be for realizing a part of the above-mentioned functions, and may be further realized for realizing the above-mentioned functions in combination with a program already recorded in the computer system. It may be realized by using hardware such as PLD (Programmable Logic Device) or FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).
  • PLD Programmable Logic Device
  • FPGA Field Programmable Gate Array

Abstract

An air conditioner according to an embodiment has a plurality of outdoor units, at least one indoor unit, and a control unit. The plurality of outdoor units are connected in parallel to the same refrigerant piping system and have an outdoor expansion valve, an outdoor heat exchanger, a four-way valve, and a compressor. The at least one indoor unit is connected to the refrigerant piping system and has an indoor heat exchanger, an indoor expansion valve which adjusts an inflow amount of the refrigerant into the indoor heat exchanger, and an indoor blower. The control unit respectively divides the plurality of outdoor units into either one of two groups on the basis of the operation capability of the outdoor unit, and causes each group to perform a defrosting operation to remove frost attached to the outdoor heat exchanger.

Description

空気調和装置及び制御方法Air conditioner and control method
　本発明は、空気調和装置及び制御方法に関する。 The present invention relates to an air conditioner and a control method.
　室内機と室外機とが冷媒配管（渡り配管）を介して接続された、セパレート型の空気調和装置が知られている。このような空気調和装置が暖房運転を行う場合、室内機に搭載された室内熱交換器は相対的に高温になる一方で、室外機に搭載された室外熱交換器は相対的に低温になる。とくに、外気温度が低い場合には、室外熱交換器の温度は０［℃］以下にまで下がることがある。このとき、室外熱交換器の周囲の湿度がある程度高い場合には、外気中の水分が霜となって室外熱交換器に付着する。 A separate type air conditioner in which an indoor unit and an outdoor unit are connected via a refrigerant pipe (crossover pipe) is known. When such an air conditioner performs a heating operation, the indoor heat exchanger mounted on the indoor unit has a relatively high temperature, while the outdoor heat exchanger mounted on the outdoor unit has a relatively low temperature. .. In particular, when the outside air temperature is low, the temperature of the outdoor heat exchanger may drop to 0 [° C.] or less. At this time, if the humidity around the outdoor heat exchanger is high to some extent, the moisture in the outside air becomes frost and adheres to the outdoor heat exchanger.
　室外熱交換器に霜が付着した状態で暖房運転が継続された場合、その霜が成長して室外熱交換器の熱交換能力が低下することがある。これにより、空気調和装置の暖房能力が低下してしまう。このような暖房能力の低下を防ぐために、空気調和装置は、室外熱交換器に付着した霜がある程度成長したと推定される場合、付着した霜を融かすための運転（除霜運転）を実施する。除霜運転は、空気調和装置内における冷媒の循環方向を暖房運転時とは逆の方向に切り替えることによって行われる。これにより、室外機に搭載された圧縮機から吐出される高温のガス冷媒が、室外熱交換器のほうへ流れる。この熱によって、室外熱交換器に付着した霜が除去される。 If the heating operation is continued with frost attached to the outdoor heat exchanger, the frost may grow and the heat exchange capacity of the outdoor heat exchanger may decrease. This reduces the heating capacity of the air conditioner. In order to prevent such a decrease in heating capacity, the air conditioner carries out an operation (defrosting operation) to melt the attached frost when it is estimated that the frost adhering to the outdoor heat exchanger has grown to some extent. do. The defrosting operation is performed by switching the circulation direction of the refrigerant in the air conditioner in the direction opposite to that in the heating operation. As a result, the high-temperature gas refrigerant discharged from the compressor mounted on the outdoor unit flows toward the outdoor heat exchanger. This heat removes the frost adhering to the outdoor heat exchanger.
　ところで、少なくとも１つの室内機と複数の室外機とが冷媒配管を介して互いに接続された、いわゆるマルチ型の空気調和装置が知られている。一般的に、このようなマルチ型の空気調和装置は、除霜運転を行う場合に、全ての室外機の四方弁を同様に切り替えることによって、全ての室外機に除霜運転を実施させる。そのため、一般的なマルチ型の空気調和装置は、除霜運転中には暖房運転を継続させることが難しい。 By the way, a so-called multi-type air conditioner in which at least one indoor unit and a plurality of outdoor units are connected to each other via a refrigerant pipe is known. In general, such a multi-type air conditioner causes all outdoor units to perform defrosting operation by similarly switching the four-way valves of all outdoor units when performing defrosting operation. Therefore, it is difficult for a general multi-type air conditioner to continue the heating operation during the defrosting operation.
　これに対し、マルチ型の空気調和装置において、暖房運転を行う室外機と除霜運転を行う室外機とを混在させることによって除霜運転中に暖房運転を継続させる方法が考えられる。但し、単に、暖房運転を行う室外機と除霜運転を行う室外機とを混在させただけでは、暖房運転を行う室外機から吐出される高圧冷媒が、除霜運転を行う室外機の圧縮機へ流れ込むことになる。これにより、除霜運転に多くの熱量が使われてしまうため、暖房運転を継続することが困難になるという課題がある。 On the other hand, in a multi-type air conditioner, a method of continuing the heating operation during the defrosting operation by mixing the outdoor unit that performs the heating operation and the outdoor unit that performs the defrosting operation can be considered. However, if the outdoor unit that performs the heating operation and the outdoor unit that performs the defrosting operation are simply mixed, the high-pressure refrigerant discharged from the outdoor unit that performs the heating operation is the compressor of the outdoor unit that performs the defrosting operation. Will flow into. As a result, a large amount of heat is used for the defrosting operation, and there is a problem that it becomes difficult to continue the heating operation.
　このような課題に対し、特許文献１に記載のマルチ型空気調和機は、四方弁と圧縮機の吸込側との間に開閉機能を備えることによって、除霜運転を行う室外機の圧縮機への高圧冷媒の流入を防止する。しかしながら、マルチ型の空気調和装置における暖房運転と除霜運転との切り替えをこのような開閉機構によって制御する場合、空気調和装置の製造及び運用等に係るコストが増大する。また、この場合、空気調和装置における冷凍サイクルの効率が低下してしまう。また、マルチ型の空気調和装置における暖房運転と除霜運転との切り替えをこのような開閉機構によって制御するだけでは、暖房運転を行う室外機の運転能力と除霜運転を行う室外機の運転能力とのバランスに偏りが生じることがある。暖房運転を行う室外機の運転能力と除霜運転を行う室外機の運転能力とのバランスに偏りがある場合、暖房能力及び除霜能力が低下することがあるという課題がある。 In response to such a problem, the multi-type air conditioner described in Patent Document 1 is provided with an opening / closing function between the four-way valve and the suction side of the compressor, so that the compressor of the outdoor unit that performs defrosting operation can be used. Prevents the inflow of high-pressure refrigerant. However, when the switching between the heating operation and the defrosting operation in the multi-type air conditioner is controlled by such an opening / closing mechanism, the cost related to the manufacture and operation of the air conditioner increases. Further, in this case, the efficiency of the refrigeration cycle in the air conditioner is lowered. Further, simply by controlling the switching between the heating operation and the defrosting operation in the multi-type air conditioner by such an opening / closing mechanism, the operating ability of the outdoor unit that performs the heating operation and the operating ability of the outdoor unit that performs the defrosting operation. There may be a bias in the balance with. If there is an imbalance between the operating capacity of the outdoor unit that performs heating operation and the operating capacity of the outdoor unit that performs defrosting operation, there is a problem that the heating capacity and defrosting capacity may decrease.
特開２０１０－４８５０６号公報Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2010-48506
　本発明が解決しようとする課題は、暖房運転を継続させつつ除霜を効率よく行うことができる空気調和装置及び制御方法を提供することである。 The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an air conditioner and a control method capable of efficiently performing defrosting while continuing the heating operation.
　実施形態の空気調和装置は、複数の室外機と、少なくとも１つの室内機と、制御部と、を持つ。複数の室外機は、同一の冷媒配管系統に並列に接続され、室外膨張弁と、室外熱交換器と、四方弁と、圧縮機と、を持つ。少なくとも１つの室内機と、前記冷媒配管系統に接続され、室内熱交換器と、前記室内熱交換器への冷媒の流入量を調整する室内膨張弁と、室内送風機と、を持つ。制御部は、前記室外機の運転能力に基づいて前記複数の室外機を２つのグループのいずれかにそれぞれ振り分け、前記室外熱交換器に付着した霜を除去する除霜運転を前記グループごとに行わせる。 The air conditioner of the embodiment has a plurality of outdoor units, at least one indoor unit, and a control unit. A plurality of outdoor units are connected in parallel to the same refrigerant piping system and have an outdoor expansion valve, an outdoor heat exchanger, a four-way valve, and a compressor. It has at least one indoor unit, an indoor heat exchanger connected to the refrigerant piping system, an indoor expansion valve for adjusting the amount of refrigerant flowing into the indoor heat exchanger, and an indoor blower. The control unit divides the plurality of outdoor units into one of the two groups based on the operating capacity of the outdoor unit, and performs a defrosting operation for removing the frost adhering to the outdoor heat exchanger for each group. Let me.
実施形態における空気調和装置１を示す全体構成図。The whole block diagram which shows the air conditioner 1 in embodiment. 実施形態における空気調和装置１の制御部４１の機能構成を示すブロック図。The block diagram which shows the functional structure of the control part 41 of the air conditioner 1 in embodiment. 実施形態における空気調和装置１が記憶する室外機運転能力テーブルＴＢの構成の一例を示す図。The figure which shows an example of the structure of the outdoor unit operation capacity table TB stored in the air conditioner 1 in embodiment. 実施形態における空気調和装置１の動作を示すフローチャート。The flowchart which shows the operation of the air conditioner 1 in embodiment.
　以下、実施形態の空気調和装置及び制御方法を、図面を参照して説明する。 Hereinafter, the air conditioner and the control method of the embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.
　以下、実施形態における空気調和装置１の全体構成について説明する。
　図１は、実施形態における空気調和装置１を示す全体構成図である。図１に示されるように、本実施形態における空気調和装置１は、３台の室内機と４台の室外機とを備えるマルチ型の空気調和装置である。 Hereinafter, the overall configuration of the air conditioner 1 in the embodiment will be described.
FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram showing an air conditioner 1 according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the air conditioner 1 in the present embodiment is a multi-type air conditioner including three indoor units and four outdoor units.
　なお、空気調和装置１が備える室内機の台数は３台に限られるものではなく、少なくとも１台以上の任意の台数で構わない。一方、本実施形態において、空気調和装置１が備える室外機の台数は４台に限られるものではないが、複数台の（少なくとも２台以上の）任意の台数である必要がある。 The number of indoor units included in the air conditioner 1 is not limited to three, and may be any number of at least one or more. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the number of outdoor units included in the air conditioner 1 is not limited to four, but it needs to be an arbitrary number of a plurality of (at least two or more) units.
　以下、３台の室内機のそれぞれを第１室内機１１Ａ、第２室内機１１Ｂ、及び第３室内機１１Ｃといい、４台の室外機のそれぞれを第１室外機２６Ａ、第２室外機２６Ｂ、第３室外機２６Ｃ、及び第４室外機２６Ｄという。 Hereinafter, each of the three indoor units is referred to as a first indoor unit 11A, a second indoor unit 11B, and a third indoor unit 11C, and each of the four outdoor units is referred to as a first outdoor unit 26A and a second outdoor unit 26B. , The third outdoor unit 26C, and the fourth outdoor unit 26D.
　本実施形態では、第１室内機１１Ａの構成と、第２室内機１１Ｂの構成と、第３室内機１１Ｃの構成とは、同一の構成である。第１室内機１１Ａが備える各部材に付与する符号には、部材ごとに共通の数字の後にそれぞれ「Ａ」の文字を付加する。そして、第２室内機１１Ｂが備える部材のうち、第１室内機１１Ａが備える部材に相当する部材に付与する符号には、第１室内機１１Ａの場合と同一の数字の後に「Ｂ」の文字を付加する。同様に、第３室内機１１Ｃが備える部材に付与する符号には、数字の後に「Ｃ」の文字を付加する。これにより、第２室内機１１Ｂ及び第３室内機１１Ｃに関する説明のうち、第１室内機１１Ａに関する説明と重複する説明を省略するものとする。 In the present embodiment, the configuration of the first indoor unit 11A, the configuration of the second indoor unit 11B, and the configuration of the third indoor unit 11C are the same configuration. The letters "A" are added after the numbers common to each member to the code given to each member of the first indoor unit 11A. Then, among the members included in the second indoor unit 11B, the reference numerals given to the members corresponding to the members included in the first indoor unit 11A are the same numbers as in the case of the first indoor unit 11A, followed by the letter "B". Is added. Similarly, the letter "C" is added after the number to the code given to the member included in the third indoor unit 11C. Thereby, among the explanations regarding the second indoor unit 11B and the third indoor unit 11C, the explanation overlapping with the explanation regarding the first indoor unit 11A shall be omitted.
　但し、互いに対応する部材である、第１室内機１１Ａが備える部材の構成と、第２室内機１１Ｂが備える部材の構成と、第３室内機１１Ｃが備える部材の構成とは、完全に同一の構成である必要はない。例えば、互いに対応する部材である、後述される室内熱交換器１２Ａと、室内熱交換器１２Ｂと、室内熱交換器１２Ｃとは、いずれも室内熱交換器として機能する部材であるならば、完全に同一の構成（例えば同一の機構又は同一の性能等）を有している必要はない。 However, the configuration of the member included in the first indoor unit 11A, which is a member corresponding to each other, the configuration of the member included in the second indoor unit 11B, and the configuration of the member included in the third indoor unit 11C are completely the same. It does not have to be a configuration. For example, if the indoor heat exchanger 12A, the indoor heat exchanger 12B, and the indoor heat exchanger 12C, which are members corresponding to each other, are all members that function as indoor heat exchangers, they are complete. It is not necessary to have the same configuration (for example, the same mechanism or the same performance).
　なお、以下の説明において、第１室内機１１Ａと、第２室内機１１Ｂと、第３室内機１１Ｃとを区別して説明する必要がない場合には、単に「室内機１１」ということがある。また、互いに対応する、第１室内機１１Ａが備える部材と、第２室内機１１Ｂが備える部材と、第３室内機１１Ｃが備える部材とを区別して説明する必要がない場合には、符号の末尾の英字（「Ａ」～「Ｃ］）を省略して記載することがある。例えば、後述される室内熱交換器１２Ａと、室内熱交換器１２Ｂと、室内熱交換器１２Ｃとを区別して説明する必要がない場合には、単に「室内熱交換器１２」ということがある。 In the following description, when it is not necessary to distinguish between the first indoor unit 11A, the second indoor unit 11B, and the third indoor unit 11C, it may be simply referred to as "indoor unit 11." Further, when it is not necessary to separately explain the members included in the first indoor unit 11A, the members included in the second indoor unit 11B, and the members included in the third indoor unit 11C, which correspond to each other, the end of the reference numeral is used. The letters (“A” to “C]) may be omitted. For example, the indoor heat exchanger 12A, the indoor heat exchanger 12B, and the indoor heat exchanger 12C, which will be described later, will be described separately. When it is not necessary to do so, it may be simply referred to as "indoor heat exchanger 12".
　また、本実施形態では、第１室外機２６Ａの構成と、第２室外機２６Ｂの構成と、第３室外機２６Ｃの構成と、第４室外機２６Ｄの構成とは、同一の構成である。第１室外機２６Ａが備える各部材に付与する符号には、部材ごとに共通の数字の後にそれぞれ「Ａ」の文字を付加する。そして、第２室外機２６Ｂが備える部材のうち、第１室外機２６Ａが備える部材に相当する部材に付与する符号には、第１室外機２６Ａの場合と同一の数字の後に「Ｂ」の文字を付加する。同様に、第３室外機２６Ｃが備える部材に付与する符号には数字の後に「Ｃ」の文字を付加し、第４室外機２６Ｄが備える部材に付与する符号には数字の後に「Ｄ」の文字を付加する。これにより、第２室外機２６Ｂ、第３室外機２６Ｃ、及び第４室外機２６Ｄに関する説明のうち、第１室外機２６Ａに関する説明と重複する説明を省略するものとする。 Further, in the present embodiment, the configuration of the first outdoor unit 26A, the configuration of the second outdoor unit 26B, the configuration of the third outdoor unit 26C, and the configuration of the fourth outdoor unit 26D are the same configuration. The letters "A" are added after the numbers common to each member to the code given to each member of the first outdoor unit 26A. Among the members included in the second outdoor unit 26B, the code given to the member corresponding to the member included in the first outdoor unit 26A has the same number as in the case of the first outdoor unit 26A followed by the letter "B". Is added. Similarly, the letter "C" is added after the number to the code given to the member included in the third outdoor unit 26C, and "D" is added after the number to the code given to the member included in the fourth outdoor unit 26D. Add characters. Thereby, among the explanations regarding the second outdoor unit 26B, the third outdoor unit 26C, and the fourth outdoor unit 26D, the explanation overlapping with the explanation regarding the first outdoor unit 26A shall be omitted.
　但し、互いに対応する部材である、第１室外機２６Ａが備える部材の構成と、第２室外機２６Ｂが備える部材の構成と、第３室外機２６Ｃが備える部材の構成と、第４室外機２６Ｄが備える部材の構成とは、完全に同一の構成である必要はない。例えば、互いに対応する部材である、後述される室外熱交換器２７Ａと、室外熱交換器２７Ｂと、室外熱交換器２７Ｃと、室外熱交換器２７Ｄとは、いずれも室外熱交換器として機能する部材であるならば、完全に同一の構成（例えば同一の機構又は同一の性能等）を有している必要はない。 However, the configuration of the member included in the first outdoor unit 26A, the configuration of the member included in the second outdoor unit 26B, the configuration of the member included in the third outdoor unit 26C, and the configuration of the member included in the third outdoor unit 26C, which are members corresponding to each other, and the fourth outdoor unit 26D. It is not necessary that the members provided with the same structure are exactly the same. For example, the outdoor heat exchanger 27A, the outdoor heat exchanger 27B, the outdoor heat exchanger 27C, and the outdoor heat exchanger 27D, which are members corresponding to each other, all function as outdoor heat exchangers. If it is a member, it does not have to have exactly the same configuration (for example, the same mechanism or the same performance).
　なお、以下の説明において、第１室外機２６Ａと、第２室外機２６Ｂと、第３室外機２６Ｃと、第４室外機２６Ｄとを区別して説明する必要がない場合には、単に「室外機２６」ということがある。また、互いに対応する、第１室外機２６Ａが備える部材と、第２室外機２６Ｂが備える部材と、第３室外機２６Ｃが備える部材と、第４室外機２６Ｄが備える部材とを区別して説明する必要がない場合には、符号の末尾の英字（「Ａ」～「Ｄ」）を省略して記載することがある。例えば、後述される室外熱交換器２７Ａと、室外熱交換器２７Ｂと、室外熱交換器２７Ｃと、室外熱交換器２７Ｄとを区別して説明する必要がない場合には、単に「室外熱交換器２７」ということがある。 In the following description, when it is not necessary to distinguish between the first outdoor unit 26A, the second outdoor unit 26B, the third outdoor unit 26C, and the fourth outdoor unit 26D, simply "outdoor unit". 26 ". Further, the members included in the first outdoor unit 26A, the members included in the second outdoor unit 26B, the members included in the third outdoor unit 26C, and the members included in the fourth outdoor unit 26D, which correspond to each other, will be described separately. If it is not necessary, the letters ("A" to "D") at the end of the code may be omitted. For example, when it is not necessary to distinguish between the outdoor heat exchanger 27A, the outdoor heat exchanger 27B, the outdoor heat exchanger 27C, and the outdoor heat exchanger 27D, which will be described later, simply "outdoor heat exchanger" is used. 27 ".
　図１に示されるように、本実施形態における空気調和装置１は、第１室内機１１Ａと、第２室内機１１Ｂと、第３室内機１１Ｃと、第１室外機２６Ａと、第２室外機２６Ｂと、第３室外機２６Ｃと、第４室外機２６Ｄと、冷媒配管１４と、制御部４１とを備える。 As shown in FIG. 1, the air conditioner 1 in the present embodiment includes a first indoor unit 11A, a second indoor unit 11B, a third indoor unit 11C, a first outdoor unit 26A, and a second outdoor unit. It includes 26B, a third outdoor unit 26C, a fourth outdoor unit 26D, a refrigerant pipe 14, and a control unit 41.
　冷媒配管１４は、室内機１１と室外機２６との間で冷媒を行き来させるためのパイプである。図１に示されるように、冷媒配管１４は、第１室内機１１Ａと、第２室内機１１Ｂと、第３室内機１１Ｃとを並列に接続し、第１室外機２６Ａと、第２室外機２６Ｂと、第３室外機２６Ｃと、第４室外機２６Ｄとを並列に接続する。 The refrigerant pipe 14 is a pipe for passing the refrigerant between the indoor unit 11 and the outdoor unit 26. As shown in FIG. 1, in the refrigerant pipe 14, the first indoor unit 11A, the second indoor unit 11B, and the third indoor unit 11C are connected in parallel, and the first outdoor unit 26A and the second outdoor unit are connected. The 26B, the third outdoor unit 26C, and the fourth outdoor unit 26D are connected in parallel.
　以下、第１室内機１１Ａの構成について説明する。
　第１室内機１１Ａは、室内熱交換器１２Ａと、室内膨張弁１３Ａと、室内送風機１５Ａとを備える。
　室内熱交換器１２Ａは、例えばフィンチューブ式の熱交換器である。 Hereinafter, the configuration of the first indoor unit 11A will be described.
The first indoor unit 11A includes an indoor heat exchanger 12A, an indoor expansion valve 13A, and an indoor blower 15A.
The indoor heat exchanger 12A is, for example, a fin tube type heat exchanger.
　室内膨張弁１３Ａは、例えば電子膨張弁（ＰＭＶ）である。室内膨張弁１３Ａは開度を変更（調節）可能である。例えば、室内膨張弁１３Ａの開度の増加に応じて、冷媒が室内膨張弁１３Ａ内を流れやすくなる。一方、室内膨張弁１３Ａの開度の減少に応じて、冷媒が室内膨張弁１３Ａ内を流れにくくなる。具体的には、室内熱交換器１２Ａは、貫通孔が形成された弁本体（不図示）と、貫通孔に対して進退可能なニードル（不図示）とを有している。貫通孔をニードルで塞いだときに、室内熱交換器１２Ａに冷媒が流れなくなる。このとき、室内熱交換器１２Ａは閉じた状態になり、室内熱交換器１２Ａの開度は最も小さくなる。一方、貫通孔からニードルが最も離間したときに、室内熱交換器１２Ａに冷媒が最も流れやすくなる。このとき、室内熱交換器１２Ａは開いた状態であり、室内熱交換器１２Ａの開度は最も大きくなる。 The indoor expansion valve 13A is, for example, an electronic expansion valve (PMV). The opening degree of the indoor expansion valve 13A can be changed (adjusted). For example, as the opening degree of the indoor expansion valve 13A increases, the refrigerant tends to flow in the indoor expansion valve 13A. On the other hand, as the opening degree of the indoor expansion valve 13A decreases, it becomes difficult for the refrigerant to flow in the indoor expansion valve 13A. Specifically, the indoor heat exchanger 12A has a valve body (not shown) in which a through hole is formed, and a needle (not shown) capable of advancing and retreating with respect to the through hole. When the through hole is closed with a needle, the refrigerant does not flow to the indoor heat exchanger 12A. At this time, the indoor heat exchanger 12A is closed, and the opening degree of the indoor heat exchanger 12A is the smallest. On the other hand, when the needle is most distant from the through hole, the refrigerant is most likely to flow into the indoor heat exchanger 12A. At this time, the indoor heat exchanger 12A is in an open state, and the opening degree of the indoor heat exchanger 12A is the largest.
　図１に示されるように、冷媒配管１４は、室内熱交換器１２Ａと室内膨張弁１３Ａとを接続する。
　なお、冷媒としては、例えばＲ４１０Ａ又はＲ３２等が用いられる。冷媒中には、冷凍機油等が含まれる。 As shown in FIG. 1, the refrigerant pipe 14 connects the indoor heat exchanger 12A and the indoor expansion valve 13A.
As the refrigerant, for example, R410A or R32 or the like is used. Refrigerant machine oil and the like are included in the refrigerant.
　室内送風機１５Ａは、遠心式のファンを備える送風機である。なお、室内送風機１５Ａが備えるファンは、例えば軸流式のファン等の、その他の構造のファンであってもよい。室内送風機１５Ａが備えるファンは、室内熱交換器１２Ａに対向するように配置される。室内送風機１５Ａのファンの稼働によって、室内の空気が第１室内機１１Ａに吸入される。第１室内機１１Ａに吸入された空気は、室内熱交換器１２Ａによって冷媒と熱交換され、ファンの稼働によって再び室内へ放出される。 The indoor blower 15A is a blower equipped with a centrifugal fan. The fan included in the indoor blower 15A may be a fan having another structure, for example, an axial fan. The fan included in the indoor blower 15A is arranged so as to face the indoor heat exchanger 12A. By operating the fan of the indoor blower 15A, the indoor air is sucked into the first indoor unit 11A. The air sucked into the first indoor unit 11A is heat-exchanged with the refrigerant by the indoor heat exchanger 12A, and is discharged into the room again by the operation of the fan.
　室内膨張弁１３Ａ及び室内送風機１５Ａは、制御部４１に接続される。室内膨張弁１３Ａ及び室内送風機１５Ａの動作は、制御部４１によって制御される。 The indoor expansion valve 13A and the indoor blower 15A are connected to the control unit 41. The operations of the indoor expansion valve 13A and the indoor blower 15A are controlled by the control unit 41.
　第２室内機１１Ｂは、室内熱交換器１２Ａ、室内膨張弁１３Ａ、及び室内送風機１５Ａと同一に構成された、室内熱交換器１２Ｂ、室内膨張弁１３Ｂ、及び室内送風機１５Ｂをそれぞれ備えている。また、第３室内機１１Ｃは、室内熱交換器１２Ａ、室内膨張弁１３Ａ、及び室内送風機１５Ａと同一に構成された、室内熱交換器１２Ｃ、室内膨張弁１３Ｃ、及び室内送風機１５Ｃをそれぞれ備えている。 The second indoor unit 11B includes an indoor heat exchanger 12B, an indoor expansion valve 13B, and an indoor blower 15B, which are configured in the same manner as the indoor heat exchanger 12A, the indoor expansion valve 13A, and the indoor blower 15A. Further, the third indoor unit 11C includes an indoor heat exchanger 12C, an indoor expansion valve 13C, and an indoor blower 15C, which are configured in the same manner as the indoor heat exchanger 12A, the indoor expansion valve 13A, and the indoor blower 15A. There is.
　以下、第１室外機２６Ａの構成について説明する。
　第１室外機２６Ａは、室外熱交換器２７Ａと、四方弁２８Ａと、圧縮機２９Ａと、室外膨張弁３０Ａと、室外送風機３２Ａと、吐出圧力センサ３３Ａと、吸込圧力センサ３４Ａと、熱交換器温度センサ３５Ａと、外気温度センサ３６Ａと、アキュムレータ３８Ａとを備える。
　図１に示されるように、冷媒配管１４は、室外膨張弁３０Ａと、室外熱交換器２７Ａと、四方弁２８Ａと、圧縮機２９Ａと、アキュムレータ３８Ａとを接続する。 Hereinafter, the configuration of the first outdoor unit 26A will be described.
The first outdoor unit 26A includes an outdoor heat exchanger 27A, a four-way valve 28A, a compressor 29A, an outdoor expansion valve 30A, an outdoor blower 32A, a discharge pressure sensor 33A, a suction pressure sensor 34A, and a heat exchanger. It includes a temperature sensor 35A, an outside air temperature sensor 36A, and an accumulator 38A.
As shown in FIG. 1, the refrigerant pipe 14 connects the outdoor expansion valve 30A, the outdoor heat exchanger 27A, the four-way valve 28A, the compressor 29A, and the accumulator 38A.
　室外熱交換器２７Ａは、例えばフィンチューブ式の熱交換器である。
　四方弁２８Ａは、冷媒配管１４内で冷媒が流れる方向を切り替えるための弁である。四方弁２８Ａは、暖房運転時の方向と、当該方向とは逆の方向である除霜運転時の方向とに、冷媒が流れる方向を切り替える。 The outdoor heat exchanger 27A is, for example, a fin tube type heat exchanger.
The four-way valve 28A is a valve for switching the direction in which the refrigerant flows in the refrigerant pipe 14. The four-way valve 28A switches the direction in which the refrigerant flows between the direction during the heating operation and the direction during the defrosting operation, which is the direction opposite to the direction.
　圧縮機２９Ａは、公知のインバータ制御により運転周波数を変化させることができる。圧縮機２９Ａは、吸込口（不図示）から冷媒を吸い込み、内部で冷媒を圧縮する。圧縮機２９Ａは、圧縮された冷媒を吐出口（不図示）から外部へ吐出する。圧縮機２９Ａの吸込口（不図示）には、アキュムレータ３８Ａが取り付けられている。アキュムレータ３８Ａは、冷媒を液冷媒とガス冷媒とに分離し、液冷媒を蓄える。なお、四方弁２８Ａ及びアキュムレータ３８Ａとして、公知の構成のものを用いることができる。 The compressor 29A can change the operating frequency by known inverter control. The compressor 29A sucks the refrigerant from the suction port (not shown) and compresses the refrigerant internally. The compressor 29A discharges the compressed refrigerant to the outside from a discharge port (not shown). An accumulator 38A is attached to a suction port (not shown) of the compressor 29A. The accumulator 38A separates the refrigerant into a liquid refrigerant and a gas refrigerant, and stores the liquid refrigerant. As the four-way valve 28A and the accumulator 38A, known configurations can be used.
　室外膨張弁３０Ａは、室内膨張弁１３Ａと同様に構成される。室外膨張弁３０Ａは、例えば電子膨張弁（ＰＭＶ）である。室外膨張弁３０Ａは、開度を変更（調節）可能である。例えば、室外膨張弁３０Ａの開度の増加に応じて、冷媒が室外膨張弁３０Ａ内を流れやすくなる。一方、室外膨張弁３０Ａの開度の減少に応じて、冷媒が室外膨張弁３０Ａ内を流れにくくなる。 The outdoor expansion valve 30A is configured in the same manner as the indoor expansion valve 13A. The outdoor expansion valve 30A is, for example, an electronic expansion valve (PMV). The opening degree of the outdoor expansion valve 30A can be changed (adjusted). For example, as the opening degree of the outdoor expansion valve 30A increases, the refrigerant tends to flow in the outdoor expansion valve 30A. On the other hand, as the opening degree of the outdoor expansion valve 30A decreases, it becomes difficult for the refrigerant to flow in the outdoor expansion valve 30A.
　室外送風機３２Ａは、室内送風機１５Ａと同様に構成される。室外送風機３２Ａは、軸流式のファンを備える送風機である。なお、室内送風機１５Ａが備えるファンは、例えば遠心式のファン等の、その他の構造のファンであってもよい。室外送風機３２Ａが備えるファンは、室外熱交換器２７Ａに対向するように配置される。 The outdoor blower 32A is configured in the same manner as the indoor blower 15A. The outdoor blower 32A is a blower provided with an axial fan. The fan included in the indoor blower 15A may be a fan having another structure, for example, a centrifugal fan. The fan included in the outdoor blower 32A is arranged so as to face the outdoor heat exchanger 27A.
　吐出圧力センサ３３Ａは、圧縮機２９Ａから吐出される冷媒の圧力を検出する。本実施形態では、吐出圧力センサ３３Ａは、圧縮機２９Ａの吐出口（不図示）における冷媒の圧力を検出する。以下、吐出圧力センサ３３によって検出された冷媒の圧力を、「吐出圧力」という。 The discharge pressure sensor 33A detects the pressure of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 29A. In the present embodiment, the discharge pressure sensor 33A detects the pressure of the refrigerant at the discharge port (not shown) of the compressor 29A. Hereinafter, the pressure of the refrigerant detected by the discharge pressure sensor 33 is referred to as “discharge pressure”.
　吸込圧力センサ３４Ａは、圧縮機２９Ａへ吸入される冷媒の圧力を検出する。本実施形態では、吸込圧力センサ３４Ａは、圧縮機２９Ａの吸込口（不図示）側に接続されたアキュムレータ３８Ａの吸込口（不図示）における冷媒の圧力を検出する。以下、吸込圧力センサ３４Ａによって検出された冷媒の圧力を、「吸込圧力」という。 The suction pressure sensor 34A detects the pressure of the refrigerant sucked into the compressor 29A. In the present embodiment, the suction pressure sensor 34A detects the pressure of the refrigerant at the suction port (not shown) of the accumulator 38A connected to the suction port (not shown) side of the compressor 29A. Hereinafter, the pressure of the refrigerant detected by the suction pressure sensor 34A is referred to as “suction pressure”.
　熱交換器温度センサ３５Ａは、室外熱交換器２７Ａの温度を検出する。例えば、熱交換器温度センサ３５Ａは、室外熱交換器２７Ａ内の配管（不図示）等に取付けられている。
　外気温度センサ３６Ａは、第１室外機２６Ａの周辺の外気の温度を検出する。例えば、外気温度センサ３６Ａは、第１室外機２６Ａ内において、室外熱交換器２７Ａからの輻射熱等の影響を受けにくい位置に配置されている。以下、外気温度センサ３６によって検出された外気の温度を、単に「外気温度」ともいう。 The heat exchanger temperature sensor 35A detects the temperature of the outdoor heat exchanger 27A. For example, the heat exchanger temperature sensor 35A is attached to a pipe (not shown) in the outdoor heat exchanger 27A.
The outside air temperature sensor 36A detects the temperature of the outside air around the first outdoor unit 26A. For example, the outside air temperature sensor 36A is arranged in the first outdoor unit 26A at a position that is not easily affected by the radiant heat from the outdoor heat exchanger 27A. Hereinafter, the temperature of the outside air detected by the outside air temperature sensor 36 is also simply referred to as “outside air temperature”.
　四方弁２８Ａ、圧縮機２９Ａ、室外膨張弁３０Ａ、室外送風機３２Ａ、吐出圧力センサ３３Ａ、吸込圧力センサ３４Ａ、熱交換器温度センサ３５Ａ、及び外気温度センサ３６Ａは、制御部４１に接続される。四方弁２８Ａ、圧縮機２９Ａ、室外膨張弁３０Ａ、室外送風機３２Ａ、吐出圧力センサ３３Ａ、吸込圧力センサ３４Ａ、熱交換器温度センサ３５Ａ、及び外気温度センサ３６Ａは、制御部４１によって制御される。 The four-way valve 28A, compressor 29A, outdoor expansion valve 30A, outdoor blower 32A, discharge pressure sensor 33A, suction pressure sensor 34A, heat exchanger temperature sensor 35A, and outside air temperature sensor 36A are connected to the control unit 41. The four-way valve 28A, the compressor 29A, the outdoor expansion valve 30A, the outdoor blower 32A, the discharge pressure sensor 33A, the suction pressure sensor 34A, the heat exchanger temperature sensor 35A, and the outside air temperature sensor 36A are controlled by the control unit 41.
　吐出圧力センサ３３Ａ及び吸込圧力センサ３４Ａは、検出された圧力を示す信号を制御部４１へ送信する。熱交換器温度センサ３５Ａ及び外気温度センサ３６Ａは、検出された温度を示す信号を制御部４１へ送信する。 The discharge pressure sensor 33A and the suction pressure sensor 34A transmit a signal indicating the detected pressure to the control unit 41. The heat exchanger temperature sensor 35A and the outside air temperature sensor 36A transmit a signal indicating the detected temperature to the control unit 41.
　第２室外機２６Ｂは、室外熱交換器２７Ａ、四方弁２８Ａ、圧縮機２９Ａ、室外膨張弁３０Ａ、室外送風機３２Ａ、吐出圧力センサ３３Ａ、吸込圧力センサ３４Ａ、熱交換器温度センサ３５Ａ、外気温度センサ３６Ａ、及びアキュムレータ３８Ａと同一に構成された、室外熱交換器２７Ｂ、四方弁２８Ｂ、圧縮機２９Ｂ、室外膨張弁３０Ｂ、室外送風機３２Ｂ、吐出圧力センサ３３Ｂ、吸込圧力センサ３４Ｂ、熱交換器温度センサ３５Ｂ、外気温度センサ３６Ｂ、及びアキュムレータ３８Ｂをそれぞれ備えている。また、第３室外機２６Ｃは、室外熱交換器２７Ａ、四方弁２８Ａ、圧縮機２９Ａ、室外膨張弁３０Ａ、室外送風機３２Ａ、吐出圧力センサ３３Ａ、吸込圧力センサ３４Ａ、熱交換器温度センサ３５Ａ、外気温度センサ３６Ａ、及びアキュムレータ３８Ａと同一に構成された、室外熱交換器２７Ｃ、四方弁２８Ｃ、圧縮機２９Ｃ、室外膨張弁３０Ｃ、室外送風機３２Ｃ、吐出圧力センサ３３Ｃ、吸込圧力センサ３４Ｃ、熱交換器温度センサ３５Ｃ、外気温度センサ３６Ｃ、及びアキュムレータ３８Ｃをそれぞれ備えている。また、第４室外機２６Ｄは、室外熱交換器２７Ａ、四方弁２８Ａ、圧縮機２９Ａ、室外膨張弁３０Ａ、室外送風機３２Ａ、吐出圧力センサ３３Ａ、吸込圧力センサ３４Ａ、熱交換器温度センサ３５Ａ、外気温度センサ３６Ａ、及びアキュムレータ３８Ａと同一に構成された、室外熱交換器２７Ｄ、四方弁２８Ｄ、圧縮機２９Ｄ、室外膨張弁３０Ｄ、室外送風機３２Ｄ、吐出圧力センサ３３Ｄ、吸込圧力センサ３４Ｄ、熱交換器温度センサ３５Ｄ、外気温度センサ３６Ｄ、及びアキュムレータ３８Ｄをそれぞれ備えている。 The second outdoor unit 26B includes an outdoor heat exchanger 27A, a four-way valve 28A, a compressor 29A, an outdoor expansion valve 30A, an outdoor blower 32A, a discharge pressure sensor 33A, a suction pressure sensor 34A, a heat exchanger temperature sensor 35A, and an outside air temperature sensor. Outdoor heat exchanger 27B, four-way valve 28B, compressor 29B, outdoor expansion valve 30B, outdoor blower 32B, discharge pressure sensor 33B, suction pressure sensor 34B, heat exchanger temperature sensor, which are configured in the same way as 36A and accumulator 38A. It is equipped with 35B, an outside air temperature sensor 36B, and an accumulator 38B, respectively. The third outdoor unit 26C includes an outdoor heat exchanger 27A, a four-way valve 28A, a compressor 29A, an outdoor expansion valve 30A, an outdoor blower 32A, a discharge pressure sensor 33A, a suction pressure sensor 34A, a heat exchanger temperature sensor 35A, and an outside air. Outdoor heat exchanger 27C, four-way valve 28C, compressor 29C, outdoor expansion valve 30C, outdoor blower 32C, discharge pressure sensor 33C, suction pressure sensor 34C, heat exchanger configured in the same way as the temperature sensor 36A and accumulator 38A. It is provided with a temperature sensor 35C, an outside air temperature sensor 36C, and an accumulator 38C, respectively. The fourth outdoor unit 26D includes an outdoor heat exchanger 27A, a four-way valve 28A, a compressor 29A, an outdoor expansion valve 30A, an outdoor blower 32A, a discharge pressure sensor 33A, a suction pressure sensor 34A, a heat exchanger temperature sensor 35A, and an outside air. Outdoor heat exchanger 27D, four-way valve 28D, compressor 29D, outdoor expansion valve 30D, outdoor blower 32D, discharge pressure sensor 33D, suction pressure sensor 34D, heat exchanger configured in the same way as the temperature sensor 36A and accumulator 38A. It is provided with a temperature sensor 35D, an outside air temperature sensor 36D, and an accumulator 38D, respectively.
　以下、制御部４１の構成について説明する。
　図２は、実施形態における空気調和装置１の制御部４１の機能構成を示すブロック図である。 Hereinafter, the configuration of the control unit 41 will be described.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the control unit 41 of the air conditioner 1 according to the embodiment.
　制御部４１は、バスで接続された例えばＣＰＵ（Central Processing Unit）等のプロセッサ、メモリ、及び補助記憶装置等を備える。制御部４１は、例えば補助記憶装置からプログラムを読み出して実行する。制御部４１は、プログラムの実行によって、記憶部４１１、信号入出力部４１２、及び運転制御部４１３を備える装置として機能する。なお、制御部４１は、室内機１１及び室外機２６とは異なる筐体に収められた部材であってもよいし、室内機１１又は室外機２６のいずれかの筐体に収められた部材であってもよい。 The control unit 41 includes a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) connected by a bus, a memory, an auxiliary storage device, and the like. The control unit 41 reads a program from, for example, an auxiliary storage device and executes it. The control unit 41 functions as a device including a storage unit 411, a signal input / output unit 412, and an operation control unit 413 by executing a program. The control unit 41 may be a member housed in a housing different from that of the indoor unit 11 and the outdoor unit 26, or may be a member housed in the housing of either the indoor unit 11 or the outdoor unit 26. There may be.
　記憶部４１１は、例えば磁気ハードディスク装置又は半導体記憶装置等の記憶媒体を用いて構成される。例えば、記憶部４１１は、ＥＥＰＲＯＭ（Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory）等の不揮発性のメモリを用いて構成される。記憶部４１１は、例えば、吐出圧力センサ３３、吸込圧力センサ３４、熱交換器温度センサ３５、及び外気温度センサ３６から出力される信号を時系列データとして記憶する。以下、各センサの出力信号の時系列データを「センサデータ」という。 The storage unit 411 is configured by using a storage medium such as a magnetic hard disk device or a semiconductor storage device. For example, the storage unit 411 is configured by using a non-volatile memory such as an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory). The storage unit 411 stores, for example, signals output from the discharge pressure sensor 33, the suction pressure sensor 34, the heat exchanger temperature sensor 35, and the outside air temperature sensor 36 as time-series data. Hereinafter, the time series data of the output signal of each sensor is referred to as "sensor data".
　また、記憶部４１１は、後述される室外機運転能力テーブルＴＢを予め記憶している。室外機運転能力テーブルＴＢは、例えば図３に示されるようなデータであり、後述される除霜グループ設定の際に用いられる。 Further, the storage unit 411 stores the outdoor unit operating ability table TB, which will be described later, in advance. The outdoor unit operating capacity table TB is data as shown in FIG. 3, for example, and is used when setting the defrosting group described later.
　信号入出力部４１２は、空気調和装置１の各機能部との間で信号の入出力を行う機能を有する。具体的には、信号入出力部４１２は、吐出圧力センサ３３、吸込圧力センサ３４、熱交換器温度センサ３５、及び外気温度センサ３６から出力された各信号の入力を受け付ける。また、信号入出力部４１２は、空気調和装置１の各機能部の動作を制御するための制御信号を、各機能部へ出力する。 The signal input / output unit 412 has a function of inputting / outputting a signal to / from each functional unit of the air conditioner 1. Specifically, the signal input / output unit 412 receives inputs of each signal output from the discharge pressure sensor 33, the suction pressure sensor 34, the heat exchanger temperature sensor 35, and the outside air temperature sensor 36. Further, the signal input / output unit 412 outputs a control signal for controlling the operation of each functional unit of the air conditioner 1 to each functional unit.
　例えば、信号入出力部４１２は、ＲＳ－２３２Ｃ（Recommended Standard - 232C）、ＲＳ－４２２Ａ（Recommended Standard - 422A）、ＲＳ－４８５（Recommended Standard - 485）又はＵＳＢ（Universal Serial Bus）等の通信インタフェースを介して、吐出圧力センサ３３、吸込圧力センサ３４、熱交換器温度センサ３５、及び外気温度センサ３６と通信可能に接続される。信号入出力部４１２は、この通信インタフェースを介して各信号の入力を受け付ける。また、例えば、信号入出力部４１２は内部バス（不図示）に接続され、この内部バスを介して空気調和装置１の各機能部へ制御信号を出力する。 For example, the signal input / output unit 412 uses a communication interface such as RS-232C (Recommended Standard-232C), RS-422A (Recommended Standard-422A), RS-485 (Recommended Standard-485), or USB (Universal Serial Bus). Through, it is communicably connected to the discharge pressure sensor 33, the suction pressure sensor 34, the heat exchanger temperature sensor 35, and the outside air temperature sensor 36. The signal input / output unit 412 receives the input of each signal via this communication interface. Further, for example, the signal input / output unit 412 is connected to an internal bus (not shown), and a control signal is output to each functional unit of the air conditioner 1 via the internal bus.
　信号入出力部４１２は、吐出圧力センサ３３、吸込圧力センサ３４、熱交換器温度センサ３５、及び外気温度センサ３６から出力された各信号の入力を受け付け、当該信号の時系列データをセンサデータとして記憶部４１１に記録する。一方で、信号入出力部４１２は、運転制御部４１３から出力された制御信号の入力を受け付ける。信号入出力部４１２は、入力された制御信号を空気調和装置１の各機能部へ出力する。 The signal input / output unit 412 receives the input of each signal output from the discharge pressure sensor 33, the suction pressure sensor 34, the heat exchanger temperature sensor 35, and the outside air temperature sensor 36, and uses the time-series data of the signal as sensor data. Record in the storage unit 411. On the other hand, the signal input / output unit 412 receives the input of the control signal output from the operation control unit 413. The signal input / output unit 412 outputs the input control signal to each functional unit of the air conditioner 1.
　運転制御部４１３は、空気調和装置１の運転を制御する機能を有する。具体的には、運転制御部４１３は、センサデータが示す吐出圧力、吸込圧力、熱交換器の温度、及び外気温度等に基づいて、四方弁２８及び圧縮機２９等の運転状態を制御する。これにより、運転制御部４１３は、空気調和装置１による暖房運転、及び暖房運転中における除霜運転を制御する。なお、運転制御部４１３は、空気調和装置１による冷房運転を制御する機能をさらに有してもよい。 The operation control unit 413 has a function of controlling the operation of the air conditioner 1. Specifically, the operation control unit 413 controls the operation state of the four-way valve 28, the compressor 29, and the like based on the discharge pressure, suction pressure, heat exchanger temperature, outside air temperature, and the like indicated by the sensor data. As a result, the operation control unit 413 controls the heating operation by the air conditioner 1 and the defrosting operation during the heating operation. The operation control unit 413 may further have a function of controlling the cooling operation by the air conditioner 1.
　また、運転制御部４１３は、例えば除霜運転が必要となったタイミングで、暖房運転中における除霜運転の実施を制御するために必要となる除霜グループ設定を行う。除霜グループ設定とは、複数の室外機を２つのグループ（以下、「室外機グループ」という。）にグループ分けをすることである。除霜グループ設定の具体例については、後に詳しく説明する。 Further, the operation control unit 413 sets the defrosting group necessary for controlling the execution of the defrosting operation during the heating operation, for example, at the timing when the defrosting operation is required. The defrosting group setting is to divide a plurality of outdoor units into two groups (hereinafter referred to as "outdoor unit group"). A specific example of the defrosting group setting will be described in detail later.
　本実施形態における空気調和装置１は、室外機グループごとに除霜運転を実施する。また、空気調和装置１は、一方の室外機グループに属する室外機２６の運転モードを暖房運転から除霜運転へ切り替えた場合、当該室外機２６の運転モードが除霜運転である間は、もう一方の室外機グループに属する室外機の運転モードを暖房運転のまま継続させるように制御する。これにより、空気調和装置１は、暖房運転を継続しつつ除霜を行うことができる。 The air conditioner 1 in this embodiment carries out a defrosting operation for each outdoor unit group. Further, when the operation mode of the outdoor unit 26 belonging to one of the outdoor unit groups is switched from the heating operation to the defrosting operation, the air conditioning device 1 is already in the defrosting operation while the operation mode of the outdoor unit 26 is the defrosting operation. The operation mode of the outdoor unit belonging to one of the outdoor unit groups is controlled so as to continue the heating operation. As a result, the air conditioner 1 can perform defrosting while continuing the heating operation.
　運転制御部４１３は、一方の室外機グループに属する複数の室外機２６のうち少なくとも１台が除霜運転を実施するための条件を満たしている場合、当該室外機グループに属する全ての室外機２６の運転モードを除霜運転に切り替える。以下、除霜運転を実施するための条件を、「除霜条件」という。また、以下、室外機グループに属する複数の室外機２６のうち少なくとも１台が除霜条件を満たすことを、「除霜条件が成立する」という。 If at least one of the plurality of outdoor units 26 belonging to one outdoor unit group satisfies the conditions for carrying out the defrosting operation, the operation control unit 413 shall display all the outdoor units 26 belonging to the outdoor unit group. Switch the operation mode of to defrost operation. Hereinafter, the conditions for carrying out the defrosting operation are referred to as "defrosting conditions". Further, hereinafter, when at least one of the plurality of outdoor units 26 belonging to the outdoor unit group satisfies the defrosting condition, it is referred to as "the defrosting condition is satisfied".
　除霜条件が成立する場合とは、室外熱交換器２７に付着した霜を除去する必要があると判定される場合に相当する。本実施形態では、運転制御部４１３は、室外熱交換器２７の温度に基づいて、除霜条件が成立するか否かを室外熱交換器２７ごとに判定する。 The case where the defrosting condition is satisfied corresponds to the case where it is determined that the frost adhering to the outdoor heat exchanger 27 needs to be removed. In the present embodiment, the operation control unit 413 determines whether or not the defrosting condition is satisfied for each outdoor heat exchanger 27 based on the temperature of the outdoor heat exchanger 27.
　具体的には、運転制御部４１３は、第１室外機２６Ａの熱交換器温度センサ３５Ａ、第２室外機２６Ｂの熱交換器温度センサ３５Ｂ、第３室外機２６Ｃの熱交換器温度センサ３５Ｃ、及び第４室外機２６Ｄの熱交換器温度センサ３５Ｂによって計測された温度を示す温度情報をそれぞれ取得する。運転制御部４１３は、取得された温度情報に基づいて、除霜条件が成立するか否かを室外機２６ごとに判定する。 Specifically, the operation control unit 413 includes a heat exchanger temperature sensor 35A of the first outdoor unit 26A, a heat exchanger temperature sensor 35B of the second outdoor unit 26B, and a heat exchanger temperature sensor 35C of the third outdoor unit 26C. And the temperature information indicating the temperature measured by the heat exchanger temperature sensor 35B of the fourth outdoor unit 26D is acquired. The operation control unit 413 determines whether or not the defrosting condition is satisfied for each outdoor unit 26 based on the acquired temperature information.
　運転制御部４１３は、例えば、室外熱交換器２７の温度が所定の温度以下である場合に除霜条件が成立すると判定し、室外熱交換器２７の温度が所定の温度より高い場合に除霜条件が成立しないと判定する。この閾値となる温度には、例えば、霜が発生しうる温度（例えば０［℃］）が用いられる。なお、この閾値となる温度として、例えば外気温度及び湿度等に応じて可変又は固定の温度が適宜用いられてもよい。 The operation control unit 413 determines, for example, that the defrosting condition is satisfied when the temperature of the outdoor heat exchanger 27 is equal to or lower than the predetermined temperature, and defrosts when the temperature of the outdoor heat exchanger 27 is higher than the predetermined temperature. It is determined that the condition is not satisfied. As the temperature that becomes this threshold value, for example, a temperature at which frost can occur (for example, 0 [° C.]) is used. As the temperature that becomes this threshold value, for example, a variable or fixed temperature may be appropriately used depending on the outside air temperature, humidity, and the like.
　なお、運転制御部４１３は、その他の方法によって除霜条件が成立するか否かを判定する構成であってもよい。例えば、運転制御部４１３は、室外熱交換器２７に実際に付着した霜の量に基づいて、除霜条件が成立する否かを室外熱交換器２７ごとに判定するようにしてもよい。この場合、例えば室外熱交換器２７に付着している霜の量を測定するセンサである霜量センサ（不図示）が各室外熱交換器２７にそれぞれ備えられている。運転制御部４１３は、各室外熱交換器２７に備えられた霜量センサによってそれぞれ測定された霜量の測定値を取得する。運転制御部４１３は、例えば、取得された測定値が所定値以上である場合に除霜条件が成立すると判定し、霜量センサの測定値が所定値未満である場合に除霜条件が成立しないと判定する。 The operation control unit 413 may be configured to determine whether or not the defrosting condition is satisfied by another method. For example, the operation control unit 413 may determine whether or not the defrosting condition is satisfied for each outdoor heat exchanger 27 based on the amount of frost actually attached to the outdoor heat exchanger 27. In this case, for example, each outdoor heat exchanger 27 is provided with a frost amount sensor (not shown) which is a sensor for measuring the amount of frost adhering to the outdoor heat exchanger 27. The operation control unit 413 acquires the measured value of the frost amount measured by the frost amount sensor provided in each outdoor heat exchanger 27. For example, the operation control unit 413 determines that the defrosting condition is satisfied when the acquired measured value is equal to or more than the predetermined value, and the defrosting condition is not satisfied when the measured value of the frost amount sensor is less than the predetermined value. Is determined.
　運転制御部４１３は、一方の室外機グループの室外機２６の運転モードを暖房運転から除霜運転に切り替えた場合、もう一方の室外機グループの室外機２６の運転モードを暖房運転のまま継続させるように制御する。 When the operation mode of the outdoor unit 26 of one outdoor unit group is switched from the heating operation to the defrosting operation, the operation control unit 413 keeps the operation mode of the outdoor unit 26 of the other outdoor unit group in the heating operation. To control.
　なお、制御部４１の各機能の全て又は一部は、ＡＳＩＣ（Application Specific Integrated Circuit）、ＰＬＤ（Programmable Logic Device）、又はＦＰＧＡ（Field Programmable Gate Array）等のハードウェアを用いて実現されてもよい。プログラムは、コンピュータ読み取り可能な記録媒体に記録されてもよい。コンピュータ読み取り可能な記録媒体とは、例えばフレキシブルディスク、光磁気ディスク、ＲＯＭ、ＣＤ－ＲＯＭ等の可搬媒体、コンピュータシステムに内蔵されるハードディスク等の記憶装置である。プログラムは、電気通信回線を介して送信されてもよい。 All or part of each function of the control unit 41 may be realized by using hardware such as ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), PLD (Programmable Logic Device), or FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). .. The program may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. The computer-readable recording medium is, for example, a flexible disk, a magneto-optical disk, a portable medium such as a ROM or a CD-ROM, or a storage device such as a hard disk built in a computer system. The program may be transmitted over a telecommunication line.
　本実施形態における空気調和装置１は、例えば、第１室外機グループに属する各室外機２６の運転能力の合計値（以下、「合計運転能力」ともいう。）と、第２室外機グループに属する各室外機２６の運転能力の合計値とを均等化させるように複数の室外機をグループ分けする「除霜グループ設定」を行う。ここでいう運転能力とは、暖房能力及び除霜能力である。具体的には運転能力を示す指標として、室外機が有する馬力（１［馬力］≒２．８［ｋＷ］）を用いることができる。なお、運転能力を示す指標は馬力に限られるものではなく、例えば圧縮機２９の排除容積等であってもよい。 The air conditioner 1 in the present embodiment belongs to, for example, the total value of the operating capacities of each outdoor unit 26 belonging to the first outdoor unit group (hereinafter, also referred to as “total operating capacity”) and the second outdoor unit group. A "defrosting group setting" is performed to group a plurality of outdoor units so as to equalize the total operating capacity of each outdoor unit 26. The operating capacity referred to here is a heating capacity and a defrosting capacity. Specifically, the horsepower (1 [horsepower] ≈2.8 [kW]) possessed by the outdoor unit can be used as an index indicating the driving ability. The index indicating the operating ability is not limited to horsepower, and may be, for example, the excluded volume of the compressor 29.
　もし第１室外機グループの合計運転能力と第２室外機グループの合計運転能力との能力差がかなり大きい場合（すなわち、両者の合計運転能力のバランスに偏りが大きい場合）、例えば、除霜運転を行う室外機グループの合計運転能力が相対的にかなり高くなる一方で、暖房運転を行う室外機グループの合計運転能力が相対的にかなり低くなってしまうような状況が発生しうる。 If the capacity difference between the total operating capacity of the first outdoor unit group and the total operating capacity of the second outdoor unit group is considerably large (that is, if the balance between the total operating capacities of both is large), for example, defrosting operation While the total operating capacity of the outdoor unit group that performs the heating operation is relatively high, a situation may occur in which the total operating capacity of the outdoor unit group that performs the heating operation is relatively low.
　このような状況が発生した場合、運転能力が高い室外機グループ（除霜運転を行う室外機グループ）に属する室外機２６が備える室外熱交換器２７は一般的に大型であるため、除霜運転に切り替わる前の暖房運転時には、当該室外熱交換器２７により多くの霜が付着することになる。そのため、除霜運転により多くの時間を要することになるが、その一方で暖房運転を行う室外機グループの合計運転能力は相対的にかなり低いことから、暖房効果を維持することが困難になる。 When such a situation occurs, the outdoor heat exchanger 27 included in the outdoor unit 26 belonging to the outdoor unit group (outdoor unit group that performs defrosting operation) having high operating ability is generally large, so that the defrosting operation is performed. During the heating operation before switching to, more frost will adhere to the outdoor heat exchanger 27. Therefore, the defrosting operation requires more time, but on the other hand, the total operating capacity of the outdoor unit group that performs the heating operation is relatively low, and it becomes difficult to maintain the heating effect.
　このように、第１室外機グループの合計運転能力と第２室外機グループの合計運転能力とのバランスにおいて偏りが大きい場合、除霜に時間を要しつつ、かつ、暖房効果の維持も困難になる場合がある。そのため、一般的には、第１室外機グループの合計運転能力と、第２室外機グループの合計運転能力とが均等化されていることが望ましい。 In this way, if there is a large bias in the balance between the total operating capacity of the first outdoor unit group and the total operating capacity of the second outdoor unit group, it will take time to defrost and it will be difficult to maintain the heating effect. May be. Therefore, in general, it is desirable that the total operating capacity of the first outdoor unit group and the total operating capacity of the second outdoor unit group are equalized.
　各室外機２６が有する運転能力を示す情報は、例えば制御部４１の記憶部４１１に予め記録されている。例えば、当該情報は、図３に示されるような表形式のデータとして記憶部４１１に予め記録されている。
　図３は、実施形態における空気調和装置１が記憶する室外機運転能力テーブルＴＢの構成の一例を示す図である。図３に示されるように、室外機運転能力テーブルＴＢは、室外機名と運転能力（馬力）の値とが対応付けられた表形式のデータである。 Information indicating the operating ability of each outdoor unit 26 is recorded in advance in, for example, a storage unit 411 of the control unit 41. For example, the information is pre-recorded in the storage unit 411 as tabular data as shown in FIG.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the outdoor unit operating capacity table TB stored in the air conditioner 1 in the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the outdoor unit operating capacity table TB is tabular data in which the outdoor unit name and the value of the operating capacity (horsepower) are associated with each other.
　運転制御部４１３は、除霜グループ設定を行う場合、各室外機２６が有する運転能力を示す情報である室外機運転能力テーブルＴＢを記憶部４１１から読み出した後、以下に説明する除霜グループ設定に係る処理を実行する。 When the operation control unit 413 sets the defrosting group, the defrosting group setting described below is performed after reading the outdoor unit operating capacity table TB, which is information indicating the operating capacity of each outdoor unit 26, from the storage unit 411. Executes the processing related to.
　次に、以上のように構成された空気調和装置１の動作の一例について説明する。
　図３は、実施形態における空気調和装置１の動作を示すフローチャートである。本フローチャートが示す空気調和装置１の動作は、例えば、空気調和装置１が備える少なくとも１台の室外機が暖房運転を実施している場合において、除霜制御が開始される際に開始される。 Next, an example of the operation of the air conditioner 1 configured as described above will be described.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the air conditioner 1 in the embodiment. The operation of the air conditioner 1 shown in this flowchart is started when the defrost control is started, for example, when at least one outdoor unit included in the air conditioner 1 is performing the heating operation.
　運転制御部４１３は、例えば利用者による操作によってリモコン（不図示）等から出力された、除霜制御を開始させる指示を示す信号を取得する。運転制御部４１３は、当該指示を示す信号を取得すると、それまで稼働停止していた室外機２６も含め、空気調和装置１が備える全ての室外機２６を、暖房運転の運転モードで稼働させる。 The operation control unit 413 acquires a signal indicating an instruction to start defrost control, which is output from a remote controller (not shown) or the like by an operation by a user, for example. When the operation control unit 413 acquires the signal indicating the instruction, the operation control unit 413 operates all the outdoor units 26 included in the air conditioner 1 including the outdoor unit 26 which has been stopped until then, in the operation mode of the heating operation.
　運転制御部４１３は、除霜グループ設定を行う。除霜グループ設定に関する処理は、図３のフローチャートにおける、ステップＳＴ００１からステップＳＴ０１０までの処理である。 The operation control unit 413 sets the defrosting group. The process related to the defrosting group setting is the process from step ST001 to step ST010 in the flowchart of FIG.
　なお、図３のフローチャートが示す空気調和装置１の動作例においては、空気調和装置１が備える室外機２６の台数は４台であるものとする。
　運転制御部４１３は、記憶部４１１に記録されている室外機運転能力テーブルＴＢを読み出す。これにより、運転制御部４１３は、各室外機２６の運転能力を認識することができる。 In the operation example of the air conditioner 1 shown in the flowchart of FIG. 3, it is assumed that the number of the outdoor units 26 included in the air conditioner 1 is four.
The operation control unit 413 reads out the outdoor unit operation capacity table TB recorded in the storage unit 411. As a result, the operation control unit 413 can recognize the operation ability of each outdoor unit 26.
　運転制御部４１３は、第１室外機２６Ａを第１室外機グループに設定する（ステップＳＴ００１）。具体的には、例えば、運転制御部４１３は、第１室外機グループを示す識別情報と、第１室外機２６Ａを示す識別情報と、当該第１室外機２６Ａが有する馬力の値（例えば図３に示されるように１０［馬力］）とを対応付けて、記憶部４１１に一時記録する。 The operation control unit 413 sets the first outdoor unit 26A in the first outdoor unit group (step ST001). Specifically, for example, the operation control unit 413 has identification information indicating the first outdoor unit group, identification information indicating the first outdoor unit 26A, and a horsepower value of the first outdoor unit 26A (for example, FIG. 3). As shown in the above, 10 [horsepower]) is associated with the temporary recording in the storage unit 411.
　次に、運転制御部４１３は、第１室外機グループに設定された各室外機２６が有する運転能力の合計値と、第２室外機グループに設定された各室外機２６が有する運転能力の合計値とを比較する（ステップＳＴ００２）。 Next, the operation control unit 413 totals the total operating capacity of each outdoor unit 26 set in the first outdoor unit group and the total operating capacity of each outdoor unit 26 set in the second outdoor unit group. Compare with the value (step ST002).
　具体的には、例えば、運転制御部４１３は、第１室外機グループを示す識別情報に対応付けられた各室外機２６が有する馬力の値を、記憶部４１１から全て読み出す。運転制御部４１３は、読み出された情報に基づく馬力の値を合計することにより、第１室外機グループに設定された各室外機２６が有する運転能力の合計値（例えば１０［馬力］）を特定する。さらに、運転制御部４１３は、第２室外機グループを示す識別情報に対応付けられた各室外機２６が有する馬力の値を、制御部４１等が備える記憶媒体（不図示）から全て読み出す。運転制御部４１３は、読み出された情報に基づく馬力の値を合計することにより、第２室外機グループに設定された各室外機２６が有する運転能力の合計値（例えばこの時点ではまだ第２室外機グループに振り分けられた室外機２６は存在しないため０［馬力］）を特定する。そして、運転制御部４１３は、特定された両者の合計値を比較する。 Specifically, for example, the operation control unit 413 reads out all the horsepower values of each outdoor unit 26 associated with the identification information indicating the first outdoor unit group from the storage unit 411. The operation control unit 413 totals the horsepower values based on the read information to obtain the total operating capacity of each outdoor unit 26 set in the first outdoor unit group (for example, 10 [horsepower]). Identify. Further, the operation control unit 413 reads all the horsepower values of the outdoor units 26 associated with the identification information indicating the second outdoor unit group from the storage medium (not shown) included in the control unit 41 and the like. The operation control unit 413 totals the horsepower values based on the read information to obtain the total operating capacity of each outdoor unit 26 set in the second outdoor unit group (for example, still the second at this point). Since there is no outdoor unit 26 assigned to the outdoor unit group, 0 [horsepower]) is specified. Then, the operation control unit 413 compares the total value of the specified two.
　次に、運転制御部４１３は、第１室外機グループに設定された各室外機２６が有する運転能力の合計値が、第２室外機グループに設定された各室外機２６が有する運転能力の合計値以上である場合（ステップＳＴ００２・Ｙｅｓ）、第２室外機２６Ｂを第２室外機グループに設定する（ステップＳＴ００３）。具体的には、例えば、運転制御部４１３は、第１室外機グループを示す識別情報と、第２室外機２６Ｂを示す識別情報と、当該第２室外機２６Ｂが有する馬力の値とを対応付けて、制御部４１等が備える記憶媒体（不図示）に一時記録する。 Next, in the operation control unit 413, the total operating capacity of each outdoor unit 26 set in the first outdoor unit group is the total operating capacity of each outdoor unit 26 set in the second outdoor unit group. If it is equal to or greater than the value (step ST002 / Yes), the second outdoor unit 26B is set in the second outdoor unit group (step ST003). Specifically, for example, the operation control unit 413 associates the identification information indicating the first outdoor unit group, the identification information indicating the second outdoor unit 26B, and the horsepower value of the second outdoor unit 26B. The information is temporarily recorded on a storage medium (not shown) provided in the control unit 41 or the like.
　一方、運転制御部４１３は、第１室外機グループに設定された各室外機２６が有する運転能力の合計値が、第２室外機グループに設定された各室外機２６が有する運転能力の合計値未満である場合（ステップＳＴ００２・Ｎｏ）、第２室外機２６Ｂを第１室外機グループに設定する（ステップＳＴ００４）。具体的には、例えば、運転制御部４１３は、第２室外機グループを示す識別情報と、第２室外機２６Ｂを示す識別情報と、当該第２室外機２６Ｂが有する馬力の値とを対応付けて、制御部４１等が備える記憶媒体（不図示）に一時記録する。 On the other hand, in the operation control unit 413, the total value of the operating capacity of each outdoor unit 26 set in the first outdoor unit group is the total value of the operating capacity of each outdoor unit 26 set in the second outdoor unit group. If it is less than (step ST002 / No), the second outdoor unit 26B is set in the first outdoor unit group (step ST004). Specifically, for example, the operation control unit 413 associates the identification information indicating the second outdoor unit group, the identification information indicating the second outdoor unit 26B, and the horsepower value of the second outdoor unit 26B. The information is temporarily recorded on a storage medium (not shown) provided in the control unit 41 or the like.
　なお、通常の場合、上記のステップＳＴ００２の処理が行われる時点では、第２室外機グループに設定された室外機２６はまだ存在しない状態である。そのため、通常では、第２室外機２６Ｂは第２室外機グループに設定される（ステップＳＴ００３）。これにより、各室外機２６の運転能力が例えば図３に示される室外機運転能力テーブルＴＢのような運転能力であった場合、この時点における第１室外機グループの合計運転能力は１０［馬力］となり、第２室外機グループの合計運転能力は１６［馬力］となる。
　なお、例えば、予め特定の室外機２６がいずれかの室外機グループ（例えば、第２室外機グループ）に固定して設定されているような場合には、この限りではない。 In a normal case, at the time when the process of step ST002 is performed, the outdoor unit 26 set in the second outdoor unit group does not yet exist. Therefore, normally, the second outdoor unit 26B is set to the second outdoor unit group (step ST003). As a result, when the operating capacity of each outdoor unit 26 is, for example, the operating capacity of the outdoor unit operating capacity table TB shown in FIG. 3, the total operating capacity of the first outdoor unit group at this time is 10 [horsepower]. Therefore, the total operating capacity of the second outdoor unit group is 16 [horsepower].
However, this does not apply when, for example, the specific outdoor unit 26 is fixedly set to any one outdoor unit group (for example, the second outdoor unit group) in advance.
　次に、運転制御部４１３は、第１室外機グループに設定された各室外機２６が有する運転能力の合計値と、第２室外機グループに設定された各室外機２６が有する運転能力の合計値とを比較する（ステップＳＴ００５）。 Next, the operation control unit 413 totals the total operating capacity of each outdoor unit 26 set in the first outdoor unit group and the total operating capacity of each outdoor unit 26 set in the second outdoor unit group. Compare with the value (step ST005).
　具体的には、例えば、運転制御部４１３は、第１室外機グループを示す識別情報に対応付けられた各室外機２６が有する馬力の値を、制御部４１等が備える記憶媒体（不図示）から全て読み出す。運転制御部４１３は、読み出された情報に基づく馬力の値を合計することにより、第１室外機グループに設定された各室外機２６が有する運転能力の合計値（例えば１０［馬力］）を特定する。さらに、運転制御部４１３は、第２室外機グループを示す識別情報に対応付けられた各室外機２６が有する馬力の値を、制御部４１等が備える記憶媒体（不図示）から全て読み出す。運転制御部４１３は、読み出された情報に基づく馬力の値を合計することにより、第２室外機グループに設定された各室外機２６が有する運転能力の合計値（例えば１６［馬力］）を特定する。そして、運転制御部４１３は、特定された両者の合計値を比較する。 Specifically, for example, the operation control unit 413 stores the horsepower value of each outdoor unit 26 associated with the identification information indicating the first outdoor unit group in a storage medium (not shown) included in the control unit 41 and the like. Read everything from. The operation control unit 413 totals the horsepower values based on the read information to obtain the total operating capacity of each outdoor unit 26 set in the first outdoor unit group (for example, 10 [horsepower]). Identify. Further, the operation control unit 413 reads all the horsepower values of the outdoor units 26 associated with the identification information indicating the second outdoor unit group from the storage medium (not shown) included in the control unit 41 and the like. The operation control unit 413 totals the horsepower values based on the read information to obtain the total operating capacity of each outdoor unit 26 set in the second outdoor unit group (for example, 16 [horsepower]). Identify. Then, the operation control unit 413 compares the total value of the specified two.
　次に、運転制御部４１３は、第１室外機グループに設定された各室外機２６が有する運転能力の合計値が、第２室外機グループに設定された各室外機２６が有する運転能力の合計値以上である場合（ステップＳＴ００５・Ｙｅｓ）、第３室外機２６Ｃを第２室外機グループに設定する（ステップＳＴ００６）。具体的には、例えば、運転制御部４１３は、第１室外機グループを示す識別情報と、第３室外機２６Ｃを示す識別情報と、当該第３室外機２６Ｃが有する馬力の値とを対応付けて、制御部４１等が備える記憶媒体（不図示）に一時記録する。 Next, in the operation control unit 413, the total operating capacity of each outdoor unit 26 set in the first outdoor unit group is the total operating capacity of each outdoor unit 26 set in the second outdoor unit group. When it is equal to or more than the value (step ST005 · Yes), the third outdoor unit 26C is set in the second outdoor unit group (step ST006). Specifically, for example, the operation control unit 413 associates the identification information indicating the first outdoor unit group, the identification information indicating the third outdoor unit 26C, and the horsepower value of the third outdoor unit 26C. The information is temporarily recorded on a storage medium (not shown) provided in the control unit 41 or the like.
　一方、運転制御部４１３は、第１室外機グループに設定された各室外機２６が有する運転能力の合計値が、第２室外機グループに設定された各室外機２６が有する運転能力の合計値未満である場合（ステップＳＴ００５・Ｎｏ）、第３室外機２６Ｃを第１室外機グループに設定する（ステップＳＴ００７）。具体的には、例えば、運転制御部４１３は、第２室外機グループを示す識別情報と、第３室外機２６Ｃを示す識別情報と、当該第３室外機２６Ｃが有する馬力の値とを対応付けて、制御部４１等が備える記憶媒体（不図示）に一時記録する。 On the other hand, in the operation control unit 413, the total value of the operating capacity of each outdoor unit 26 set in the first outdoor unit group is the total value of the operating capacity of each outdoor unit 26 set in the second outdoor unit group. If it is less than (step ST005 · No), the third outdoor unit 26C is set in the first outdoor unit group (step ST007). Specifically, for example, the operation control unit 413 associates the identification information indicating the second outdoor unit group, the identification information indicating the third outdoor unit 26C, and the horsepower value of the third outdoor unit 26C. The information is temporarily recorded on a storage medium (not shown) provided in the control unit 41 or the like.
　なお、各室外機２６の運転能力が例えば図３に示される室外機運転能力テーブルＴＢのような運転能力であった場合、第３室外機２６Ｃは第１室外機グループに振り分けられる。これにより、この時点での第１室外機グループの合計運転能力は２２［馬力］となり、第２室外機グループの合計運転能力は１６［馬力］となる。 If the operating capacity of each outdoor unit 26 is, for example, the operating capacity of the outdoor unit operating capacity table TB shown in FIG. 3, the third outdoor unit 26C is assigned to the first outdoor unit group. As a result, the total operating capacity of the first outdoor unit group at this time is 22 [horsepower], and the total operating capacity of the second outdoor unit group is 16 [horsepower].
　次に、運転制御部４１３は、第１室外機グループに設定された各室外機２６が有する運転能力の合計値と、第２室外機グループに設定された各室外機２６が有する運転能力の合計値とを比較する（ステップＳＴ００８）。 Next, the operation control unit 413 totals the total operating capacity of each outdoor unit 26 set in the first outdoor unit group and the total operating capacity of each outdoor unit 26 set in the second outdoor unit group. Compare with the value (step ST008).
　具体的には、例えば、運転制御部４１３は、第１室外機グループを示す識別情報に対応付けられた各室外機２６が有する馬力の値を、制御部４１等が備える記憶媒体（不図示）から全て読み出す。運転制御部４１３は、読み出された情報に基づく馬力の値を合計することにより、第１室外機グループに設定された各室外機２６が有する運転能力の合計値（例えば２２［馬力］）を特定する。さらに、運転制御部４１３は、第２室外機グループを示す識別情報に対応付けられた各室外機２６が有する馬力の値を、制御部４１等が備える記憶媒体（不図示）から全て読み出す。運転制御部４１３は、読み出された情報に基づく馬力の値を合計することにより、第２室外機グループに設定された各室外機２６が有する運転能力の合計値（例えば１６［馬力］）を特定する。そして、運転制御部４１３は、特定された両者の合計値を比較する。 Specifically, for example, the operation control unit 413 stores the horsepower value of each outdoor unit 26 associated with the identification information indicating the first outdoor unit group in a storage medium (not shown) included in the control unit 41 and the like. Read everything from. The operation control unit 413 totals the horsepower values based on the read information to obtain the total operating capacity of each outdoor unit 26 set in the first outdoor unit group (for example, 22 [horsepower]). Identify. Further, the operation control unit 413 reads all the horsepower values of the outdoor units 26 associated with the identification information indicating the second outdoor unit group from the storage medium (not shown) included in the control unit 41 and the like. The operation control unit 413 totals the horsepower values based on the read information to obtain the total operating capacity of each outdoor unit 26 set in the second outdoor unit group (for example, 16 [horsepower]). Identify. Then, the operation control unit 413 compares the total value of the specified two.
　次に、運転制御部４１３は、第１室外機グループに設定された各室外機２６が有する運転能力の合計値が、第２室外機グループに設定された各室外機２６が有する運転能力の合計値以上である場合（ステップＳＴ００８・Ｙｅｓ）、第４室外機２６Ｄを第２室外機グループに設定する（ステップＳＴ００９）。具体的には、例えば、運転制御部４１３は、第１室外機グループを示す識別情報と、第４室外機２６Ｄを示す識別情報と、当該第４室外機２６Ｄが有する馬力の値とを対応付けて、制御部４１等が備える記憶媒体（不図示）に一時記録する。 Next, in the operation control unit 413, the total operating capacity of each outdoor unit 26 set in the first outdoor unit group is the total operating capacity of each outdoor unit 26 set in the second outdoor unit group. If it is equal to or greater than the value (step ST008 · Yes), the fourth outdoor unit 26D is set in the second outdoor unit group (step ST009). Specifically, for example, the operation control unit 413 associates the identification information indicating the first outdoor unit group, the identification information indicating the fourth outdoor unit 26D, and the horsepower value of the fourth outdoor unit 26D. The information is temporarily recorded on a storage medium (not shown) provided in the control unit 41 or the like.
　一方、運転制御部４１３は、第１室外機グループに設定された各室外機２６が有する運転能力の合計値が、第２室外機グループに設定された各室外機２６が有する運転能力の合計値未満である場合（ステップＳＴ００８・Ｎｏ）、第４室外機２６Ｄを第１室外機グループに設定する（ステップＳＴ０１０）。具体的には、例えば、運転制御部４１３は、第２室外機グループを示す識別情報と、第４室外機２６Ｄを示す識別情報と、当該第４室外機２６Ｄが有する馬力の値とを対応付けて、制御部４１等が備える記憶媒体（不図示）に一時記録する。 On the other hand, in the operation control unit 413, the total value of the operating capacity of each outdoor unit 26 set in the first outdoor unit group is the total value of the operating capacity of each outdoor unit 26 set in the second outdoor unit group. If it is less than (step ST008 / No), the fourth outdoor unit 26D is set in the first outdoor unit group (step ST010). Specifically, for example, the operation control unit 413 associates the identification information indicating the second outdoor unit group, the identification information indicating the fourth outdoor unit 26D, and the horsepower value of the fourth outdoor unit 26D. The information is temporarily recorded on a storage medium (not shown) provided in the control unit 41 or the like.
　なお、各室外機２６の運転能力が例えば図３に示される室外機運転能力テーブルＴＢのような運転能力であった場合、第４室外機２６Ｄは第２室外機グループに振り分けられる。これにより、第１室外機グループの合計運転能力は２２［馬力］となり、第２室外機グループの合計運転能力は３０［馬力］となる。
　このように、なお、各室外機２６の運転能力が例えば図３に示される室外機運転能力テーブルＴＢのような運転能力であった場合、第１室外機グループには第１室外機２６Ａと第３室外機２６Ｃとが振り分けられ、第２室外機グループには第２室外機２６Ｂと第４室外機２６Ｄとが振り分けられる。 If the operating capacity of each outdoor unit 26 is, for example, the operating capacity of the outdoor unit operating capacity table TB shown in FIG. 3, the fourth outdoor unit 26D is assigned to the second outdoor unit group. As a result, the total operating capacity of the first outdoor unit group becomes 22 [horsepower], and the total operating capacity of the second outdoor unit group becomes 30 [horsepower].
As described above, when the operating capacity of each outdoor unit 26 is, for example, the operating capacity of the outdoor unit operating capacity table TB shown in FIG. 3, the first outdoor unit group includes the first outdoor unit 26A and the first outdoor unit 26A. The 3 outdoor units 26C are distributed, and the 2nd outdoor unit 26B and the 4th outdoor unit 26D are distributed to the 2nd outdoor unit group.
　なお、本実施形態では、運転制御部４１３は、室外機名の順番に室外機２６を選択し、いずれかの室外機グループに順に振り分ける構成である。但し、このような構成に限られるものではなく、例えば運転制御部４１３は、室外機２６を運転能力の高い順又は低い順に並べ替えた後、並べ替えられた順に室外機２６を選択し、いずれかの室外機グループに順に振り分ける構成であってもよい。 In the present embodiment, the operation control unit 413 selects the outdoor units 26 in the order of the outdoor unit names and distributes them to any outdoor unit group in order. However, the configuration is not limited to this, and for example, the operation control unit 413 sorts the outdoor units 26 in descending order of operating ability, and then selects the outdoor units 26 in the sorted order. It may be configured to be sequentially distributed to the outdoor unit group.
　例えば、運転制御部４１３が、室外機２６を運転能力の高い順に並べ替えた後、並べ替えられた順に室外機２６を選択して室外機グループへの振り分けを行う場合、各室外機２６の運転能力が図３に示されるような運転能力であるならば、第２室外機２６Ｂ（１６［馬力］）、第４室外機２６Ｄ（１４［馬力］）、第３室外機２６Ｃ（１２［馬力］）、第１室外機２６Ａ（１０［馬力］）の順に振り分けられる。 For example, when the operation control unit 413 sorts the outdoor units 26 in descending order of operating ability, then selects the outdoor units 26 in the sorted order and distributes them to the outdoor unit group, the operation of each outdoor unit 26 is performed. If the capacity is the driving capacity as shown in FIG. 3, the second outdoor unit 26B (16 [horsepower]), the fourth outdoor unit 26D (14 [horsepower]), and the third outdoor unit 26C (12 [horsepower]). ), The first outdoor unit 26A (10 [horsepower]).
　これにより、第１室外機グループには第２室外機２６Ｂ（１６［馬力］）と第１室外機２６Ａ（１０［馬力］）とが振り分けられ、第２室外機グループには第４室外機２６Ｄ（１４［馬力］）と第３室外機２６Ｃ（１２［馬力］）とが振り分けらる。よって、第１室外機グループの合計運転能力は２６［馬力］となり、第２室外機グループの合計運転能力も２６［馬力］となる。
　このように、室外機２６を運転能力の高い順に並べ替えた後、並べ替えられた順に室外機２６を選択して室外機グループへの振り分けを行う場合、第１室外機グループの合計運転能力と第２室外機グループの合計運転能力とをより均等化することができる。 As a result, the second outdoor unit 26B (16 [horsepower]) and the first outdoor unit 26A (10 [horsepower]) are distributed to the first outdoor unit group, and the fourth outdoor unit 26D is assigned to the second outdoor unit group. (14 [horsepower]) and the third outdoor unit 26C (12 [horsepower]) are sorted. Therefore, the total operating capacity of the first outdoor unit group is 26 [horsepower], and the total operating capacity of the second outdoor unit group is also 26 [horsepower].
In this way, when the outdoor units 26 are sorted in descending order of operating capacity, and then the outdoor units 26 are selected in the sorted order and distributed to the outdoor unit group, the total operating capacity of the first outdoor unit group is used. It is possible to make the total operating capacity of the second outdoor unit group more equal.
　次に、運転制御部４１３は、第１室外機グループに属する全ての室外機２６（第１室外機２６Ａ及び第３室外機２６Ｃ）について除霜条件が成立するか否か（すなわち、除霜が必要な状態であるか否か）を判定する（ステップＳＴ０１１）。前述の通り、運転制御部４１３は、第１室外機２６Ａの熱交換器温度センサ３５Ａ、及び第３室外機２６Ｃの熱交換器温度センサ３５Ｃによって計測された温度を示す温度情報に基づいて、除霜条件が成立するか否かを室外機２６ごとに判定する。 Next, the operation control unit 413 determines whether or not the defrosting conditions are satisfied for all the outdoor units 26 (the first outdoor unit 26A and the third outdoor unit 26C) belonging to the first outdoor unit group (that is, the defrosting is performed. (Whether or not it is a necessary state) is determined (step ST011). As described above, the operation control unit 413 removes the temperature based on the temperature information indicating the temperature measured by the heat exchanger temperature sensor 35A of the first outdoor unit 26A and the heat exchanger temperature sensor 35C of the third outdoor unit 26C. Whether or not the frost condition is satisfied is determined for each outdoor unit 26.
　次に、運転制御部４１３は、第１室外機グループに属する室外機２６（第１室外機２６Ａ及び第３室外機２６Ｃ）の中に、除霜条件が成立している室外機２６が少なくとも１台存在する場合（ステップＳＴ０１１・Ｙｅｓ）、第１室外機グループに属する全ての室外機２６（第１室外機２６Ａ及び第３室外機２６Ｃ）の運転モードを除霜運転に切り替え、除霜運転を開始させる（ステップＳＴ０１２）。 Next, in the operation control unit 413, at least one outdoor unit 26 for which the defrosting condition is satisfied is included in the outdoor unit 26 (first outdoor unit 26A and third outdoor unit 26C) belonging to the first outdoor unit group. When there are units (step ST011 · Yes), the operation mode of all the outdoor units 26 (1st outdoor unit 26A and 3rd outdoor unit 26C) belonging to the 1st outdoor unit group is switched to the defrosting operation, and the defrosting operation is performed. Start (step ST012).
　運転制御部４１３は、第１室外機グループに属する全ての室外機２６（第１室外機２６Ａ及び第３室外機２６Ｃ）について除霜終了条件が成立するか否か（すなわち、除霜が不要な状態であるか否か）を判定する（ステップＳＴ０１３）。ここでいう除霜終了条件が成立する場合とは、除霜条件が成立しない場合のことをいう。運転制御部４１３は、第１室外機２６Ａの熱交換器温度センサ３５Ａ、及び第３室外機２６Ｃの熱交換器温度センサ３５Ｃによって計測された温度を示す温度情報に基づいて、除霜終了条件が成立するか否かを室外機ごとに判定する。 The operation control unit 413 determines whether or not the defrosting end condition is satisfied for all the outdoor units 26 (the first outdoor unit 26A and the third outdoor unit 26C) belonging to the first outdoor unit group (that is, defrosting is unnecessary). Whether or not it is in a state) is determined (step ST013). The case where the defrosting end condition is satisfied here means the case where the defrosting condition is not satisfied. The operation control unit 413 sets the defrosting end condition based on the temperature information indicating the temperature measured by the heat exchanger temperature sensor 35A of the first outdoor unit 26A and the heat exchanger temperature sensor 35C of the third outdoor unit 26C. Whether or not it holds is determined for each outdoor unit.
　次に、運転制御部４１３は、第１室外機グループに属する室外機２６（第１室外機２６Ａ及び第３室外機２６Ｃ）の中に、除霜終了条件が成立していない室外機２６が少なくとも１台存在する場合（ステップＳＴ０１３・Ｎｏ）、第１室外機グループに属する室外機２６（第１室外機２６Ａ及び第３室外機２６Ｃ）の除霜運転を継続させる。一方、運転制御部４１３は、第１室外機グループに属する全ての室外機２６（第１室外機２６Ａ及び第３室外機２６Ｃ）において除霜終了条件が成立する場合（ステップＳＴ０１３・Ｙｅｓ）、第１室外機グループに属する全ての室外機２６（第１室外機２６Ａ及び第３室外機２６Ｃ）の運転モードを暖房運転に切り替え、暖房運転に復帰させる（ステップＳＴ０１４）。 Next, in the operation control unit 413, at least the outdoor unit 26 for which the defrosting end condition is not satisfied is among the outdoor units 26 (the first outdoor unit 26A and the third outdoor unit 26C) belonging to the first outdoor unit group. When one unit exists (step ST013 / No), the defrosting operation of the outdoor unit 26 (first outdoor unit 26A and third outdoor unit 26C) belonging to the first outdoor unit group is continued. On the other hand, when the operation control unit 413 satisfies the defrosting end condition in all the outdoor units 26 (the first outdoor unit 26A and the third outdoor unit 26C) belonging to the first outdoor unit group (step ST013 · Yes), the first operation control unit 413 is the first. The operation mode of all the outdoor units 26 (first outdoor unit 26A and third outdoor unit 26C) belonging to the one outdoor unit group is switched to the heating operation and returned to the heating operation (step ST014).
　次に、運転制御部４１３は、運転停止信号を受信しているか否かを判定する（ステップＳＴ０１９）。ここでいう運転停止信号とは、空気調和装置１の全ての動作を停止させるための指示を示す信号、又は、空気調和装置１における除霜制御を停止させるための指示を示す信号である。運転停止信号は、例えば、利用者による操作によってリモコン（不図示）等から出力される信号である。 Next, the operation control unit 413 determines whether or not the operation stop signal is received (step ST019). The operation stop signal referred to here is a signal indicating an instruction for stopping all operations of the air conditioner 1 or a signal indicating an instruction for stopping the defrosting control in the air conditioner 1. The operation stop signal is, for example, a signal output from a remote controller (not shown) or the like by an operation by a user.
　運転制御部４１３は、運転停止信号を受信していない場合（ステップＳＴ０１９・Ｎｏ）、上記のステップＳＴ０１１以降の処理を繰り返すことで除霜制御を継続して実施する。一方、運転制御部４１３は、運転停止信号を受信した場合（ステップＳＴ０１９・Ｙｅｓ）、空気調和装置１の全ての動作、又は空気調和装置１における除霜制御の動作を停止させる。
　以上で、図４のフローチャートが示す空気調和装置１の動作が終了する。 When the operation stop signal is not received (step ST019 / No), the operation control unit 413 continuously executes the defrost control by repeating the process after the above step ST011. On the other hand, when the operation control unit 413 receives the operation stop signal (step ST019 · Yes), the operation control unit 413 stops all the operations of the air conditioner 1 or the operation of the defrost control in the air conditioner 1.
This completes the operation of the air conditioner 1 shown in the flowchart of FIG.
　一方、運転制御部４１３は、第１室外機グループに属する室外機２６（第１室外機２６Ａ及び第３室外機２６Ｃ）の中に、除霜条件が成立している室外機２６が存在しない場合（ステップＳＴ０１１・Ｎｏ）、第２室外機グループに属する全ての室外機２６（第２室外機２６Ｂ及び第３室外機２６Ｃ）について除霜条件が成立するか否か（すなわち、除霜が必要な状態であるか否か）を判定する（ステップＳＴ０１５）。前述の通り、運転制御部４１３は、第２室外機２６Ｂの熱交換器温度センサ３５Ｂ、及び第４室外機２６Ｄの熱交換器温度センサ３５Ｄによって計測された温度を示す温度情報に基づいて、除霜条件が成立するか否かを室外機２６ごとに判定する。 On the other hand, in the operation control unit 413, when the outdoor unit 26 (the first outdoor unit 26A and the third outdoor unit 26C) belonging to the first outdoor unit group does not have the outdoor unit 26 for which the defrosting condition is satisfied. (Step ST011 · No), Whether or not the defrosting conditions are satisfied for all the outdoor units 26 (the second outdoor unit 26B and the third outdoor unit 26C) belonging to the second outdoor unit group (that is, defrosting is necessary). Whether or not it is in a state) is determined (step ST015). As described above, the operation control unit 413 removes the temperature based on the temperature information indicating the temperature measured by the heat exchanger temperature sensor 35B of the second outdoor unit 26B and the heat exchanger temperature sensor 35D of the fourth outdoor unit 26D. Whether or not the frost condition is satisfied is determined for each outdoor unit 26.
　次に、運転制御部４１３は、第２室外機グループに属する室外機２６（第２室外機２６Ｂ及び第４室外機２６Ｄ）の中に、除霜条件が成立している室外機２６が少なくとも１台存在する場合（ステップＳＴ０１５・Ｙｅｓ）、第２室外機グループに属する全ての室外機２６（第２室外機２６Ｂ及び第４室外機２６Ｄ）の運転モードを除霜運転に切り替え、除霜運転を開始させる（ステップＳＴ０１６）。 Next, in the operation control unit 413, at least one outdoor unit 26 for which the defrosting condition is satisfied is included in the outdoor unit 26 (the second outdoor unit 26B and the fourth outdoor unit 26D) belonging to the second outdoor unit group. If there is a unit (step ST015 ・ Yes), the operation mode of all the outdoor units 26 (2nd outdoor unit 26B and 4th outdoor unit 26D) belonging to the 2nd outdoor unit group is switched to the defrosting operation, and the defrosting operation is performed. Start (step ST016).
　次に、運転制御部４１３は、第２室外機グループに属する全ての室外機２６（第２室外機２６Ｂ及び第４室外機２６Ｄ）について除霜終了条件が成立するか否か（すなわち、除霜が不要な状態であるか否か）を判定する（ステップＳＴ０１７）。ここでいう除霜終了条件が成立する場合とは、除霜条件が成立しない場合のことをいう。運転制御部４１３は、第２室外機２６Ｂの熱交換器温度センサ３５Ｂ、及び第４室外機２６Ｄの熱交換器温度センサ３５Ｄによって計測された温度を示す温度情報に基づいて、除霜終了条件が成立するか否かを室外機ごとに判定する。 Next, the operation control unit 413 determines whether or not the defrosting end condition is satisfied for all the outdoor units 26 (the second outdoor unit 26B and the fourth outdoor unit 26D) belonging to the second outdoor unit group (that is, defrosting). (Whether or not is an unnecessary state) is determined (step ST017). The case where the defrosting end condition is satisfied here means the case where the defrosting condition is not satisfied. The operation control unit 413 sets the defrosting end condition based on the temperature information indicating the temperature measured by the heat exchanger temperature sensor 35B of the second outdoor unit 26B and the heat exchanger temperature sensor 35D of the fourth outdoor unit 26D. Whether or not it holds is determined for each outdoor unit.
　次に、運転制御部４１３は、第２室外機グループに属する室外機２６（第２室外機２６Ｂ及び第４室外機２６Ｄ）の中に、除霜終了条件が成立していない室外機が少なくとも１台存在する場合（ステップＳＴ０１７・Ｎｏ）、第２室外機グループに属する室外機２６（第２室外機２６Ｂ及び第４室外機２６Ｄ）の除霜運転を継続させる。一方、運転制御部４１３は、第２室外機グループに属する全ての室外機２６（第２室外機２６Ｂ及び第４室外機２６Ｄ）において除霜終了条件が成立する場合（ステップＳＴ０１７・Ｙｅｓ）、第２室外機グループに属する全ての室外機２６（第２室外機２６Ｂ及び第４室外機２６Ｄ）の運転モードを暖房運転に切り替え、暖房運転に復帰させる（ステップＳＴ０１８）。 Next, in the operation control unit 413, at least one outdoor unit that does not satisfy the defrosting end condition is among the outdoor units 26 (second outdoor unit 26B and fourth outdoor unit 26D) belonging to the second outdoor unit group. If there is a unit (step ST017 / No), the defrosting operation of the outdoor unit 26 (second outdoor unit 26B and fourth outdoor unit 26D) belonging to the second outdoor unit group is continued. On the other hand, when the operation control unit 413 satisfies the defrosting end condition in all the outdoor units 26 (the second outdoor unit 26B and the fourth outdoor unit 26D) belonging to the second outdoor unit group (step ST017 · Yes), the first operation control unit 413 is the first. The operation mode of all the outdoor units 26 (second outdoor unit 26B and fourth outdoor unit 26D) belonging to the two outdoor unit group is switched to the heating operation and returned to the heating operation (step ST018).
　次に、運転制御部４１３は、運転停止信号を受信しているか否かを判定する（ステップＳＴ０１９）。ここでいう運転停止信号とは、空気調和装置１の全ての動作を停止させるための指示を示す信号、又は、空気調和装置１における除霜制御を停止させるための指示を示す信号である。運転停止信号は、例えば、利用者による操作によってリモコン（不図示）等から出力される信号である。 Next, the operation control unit 413 determines whether or not the operation stop signal is received (step ST019). The operation stop signal referred to here is a signal indicating an instruction for stopping all operations of the air conditioner 1 or a signal indicating an instruction for stopping the defrosting control in the air conditioner 1. The operation stop signal is, for example, a signal output from a remote controller (not shown) or the like by an operation by a user.
　運転制御部４１３は、運転停止信号を受信していない場合（ステップＳＴ０１９・Ｎｏ）、上記のステップＳＴ０１１以降の処理を繰り返すことで除霜制御を継続して実施する。一方、運転制御部４１３は、運転停止信号を受信した場合（ステップＳＴ０１９・Ｙｅｓ）、空気調和装置１の全ての動作、又は空気調和装置１における除霜制御の動作を停止させる。
　以上で、図４のフローチャートが示す空気調和装置１の動作が終了する。 When the operation stop signal is not received (step ST019 / No), the operation control unit 413 continuously executes the defrost control by repeating the process after the above step ST011. On the other hand, when the operation control unit 413 receives the operation stop signal (step ST019 · Yes), the operation control unit 413 stops all the operations of the air conditioner 1 or the operation of the defrost control in the air conditioner 1.
This completes the operation of the air conditioner 1 shown in the flowchart of FIG.
　以上説明した少なくともひとつの実施形態によれば、同一の冷媒配管系統に並列に接続され、室外膨張弁と、室外熱交換器と、四方弁と、圧縮機と、を備える複数の室外機と、記冷媒配管系統に接続され、室内熱交換器と、室内熱交換器への冷媒の流入量を調整する室内膨張弁と、室内送風機と、を備える少なくとも１つの室内機と、室外機の運転能力に基づいて複数の室外機を２つのグループのいずれかにそれぞれ振り分け、室外熱交換器に付着した霜を除去する除霜運転をグループごとに行わせる制御部とを持つことにより、グループごとの室外機の運転能力の偏りを減らすことができる。これにより、暖房運転を継続させつつ除霜を効率よく行うことが可能になる。 According to at least one embodiment described above, a plurality of outdoor units connected in parallel to the same refrigerant piping system and provided with an outdoor expansion valve, an outdoor heat exchanger, a four-way valve, and a compressor. Note: The operating capacity of at least one indoor unit and an outdoor unit, which are connected to the refrigerant piping system and include an indoor heat exchanger, an indoor expansion valve for adjusting the inflow of refrigerant into the indoor heat exchanger, and an indoor blower. By having a control unit that distributes a plurality of outdoor units to one of the two groups based on the above and performs a defrosting operation for removing the frost adhering to the outdoor heat exchanger for each group, the outdoor unit for each group is provided. It is possible to reduce the bias of the operating ability of the machine. This makes it possible to efficiently perform defrosting while continuing the heating operation.
　例えば、上記の冷媒配管系統は実施形態における冷媒配管１４であり、上記の制御部は実施形態における運転制御部４１３であり、上記のグループは実施形態における室外機グループである。
　なお、制御部は、運転能力のより高い室外機から順番に、複数の室外機を振り分けるようにしてもよい。この場合、グループごとの室外機の運転能力の偏りをさらに減らすことができる。
　なお、制御部は、運転能力のより低い室外機から順番に、複数の室外機を振り分けるようにしてもよい。 For example, the above-mentioned refrigerant piping system is the refrigerant piping 14 in the embodiment, the above-mentioned control unit is the operation control unit 413 in the embodiment, and the above-mentioned group is an outdoor unit group in the embodiment.
The control unit may distribute a plurality of outdoor units in order from the outdoor unit having the higher operating ability. In this case, it is possible to further reduce the bias in the operating capacity of the outdoor unit for each group.
The control unit may distribute a plurality of outdoor units in order from the outdoor unit having the lower operating ability.
　上述した実施形態における制御部４１の一部又は全部を、コンピュータで実現するようにしてもよい。その場合、この機能を実現するためのプログラムをコンピュータ読み取り可能な記録媒体に記録して、この記録媒体に記録されたプログラムをコンピュータシステムに読み込ませ、実行することによって実現してもよい。なお、ここでいう「コンピュータシステム」とは、ＯＳや周辺機器等のハードウェアを含むものとする。また、「コンピュータ読み取り可能な記録媒体」とは、フレキシブルディスク、光磁気ディスク、ＲＯＭ、ＣＤ－ＲＯＭ等の可搬媒体、コンピュータシステムに内蔵されるハードディスク等の記憶装置のことをいう。さらに「コンピュータ読み取り可能な記録媒体」とは、インターネット等のネットワークや電話回線等の通信回線を介してプログラムを送信する場合の通信線のように、短時間の間、動的にプログラムを保持するもの、その場合のサーバやクライアントとなるコンピュータシステム内部の揮発性メモリのように、一定時間プログラムを保持しているものも含んでもよい。また上記プログラムは、上述した機能の一部を実現するためのものであっても良く、さらに上述した機能をコンピュータシステムにすでに記録されているプログラムとの組み合わせで実現できるものであってもよく、ＰＬＤ（Programmable Logic Device）やＦＰＧＡ（Field Programmable Gate Array）等のハードウェアを用いて実現されるものであってもよい。 A part or all of the control unit 41 in the above-described embodiment may be realized by a computer. In that case, a program for realizing this function may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the program recorded on the recording medium may be read by a computer system and executed. The term "computer system" as used herein includes hardware such as an OS and peripheral devices. Further, the "computer-readable recording medium" refers to a portable medium such as a flexible disk, a magneto-optical disk, a ROM, or a CD-ROM, and a storage device such as a hard disk built in a computer system. Further, a "computer-readable recording medium" is a communication line for transmitting a program via a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line, and dynamically holds the program for a short period of time. It may also include a program that holds a program for a certain period of time, such as a volatile memory inside a computer system that is a server or a client in that case. Further, the above program may be for realizing a part of the above-mentioned functions, and may be further realized for realizing the above-mentioned functions in combination with a program already recorded in the computer system. It may be realized by using hardware such as PLD (Programmable Logic Device) or FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).
　本発明のいくつかの実施形態を説明したが、これらの実施形態は、例として提示したものであり、発明の範囲を限定することは意図していない。これら実施形態は、その他の様々な形態で実施されることが可能であり、発明の要旨を逸脱しない範囲で、種々の省略、置き換え、変更を行うことができる。これら実施形態やその変形は、発明の範囲や要旨に含まれると同様に、特許請求の範囲に記載された発明とその均等の範囲に含まれるものである。 Although some embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other embodiments, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and variations thereof are included in the scope of the invention described in the claims and the equivalent scope thereof, as are included in the scope and gist of the invention.
１　空気調和装置
１１　室内機
１１Ａ　第１室内機
１１Ｂ　第２室内機
１１Ｃ　第３室内機
１２、１２Ａ、１２Ｂ、１２Ｃ　室内熱交換器
１３、１３Ａ、１３Ｂ、１３Ｃ　室内膨張弁
１４　冷媒配管
１５、１５Ａ、１５Ｂ、１５Ｃ　室内送風機
２６　室外機
２６Ａ　第１室外機
２６Ｂ　第２室外機
２６Ｃ　第３室外機
２６Ｄ　第４室外機
２７、２７Ａ、２７Ｂ、２７Ｃ、２７Ｄ　室外熱交換器
２８、２８Ａ、２８Ｂ、２８Ｃ、２８Ｄ　四方弁
２９、２９Ａ、２９Ｂ、２９Ｃ、２９Ｄ　圧縮機
３０、３０Ａ、３０Ｂ、３０Ｃ、３０Ｄ　室外膨張弁
３２、３２Ａ、３２Ｂ、３２Ｃ、３２Ｄ　室外送風機
３３、３３Ａ、３３Ｂ、３３Ｃ、３３Ｄ　吐出圧力センサ
３４、３４Ａ、３４Ｂ、３４Ｃ、３４Ｄ　吸込圧力センサ
３５、３５Ａ、３５Ｂ、３５Ｃ、３５Ｄ　熱交換器温度センサ
３６、３６Ａ、３６Ｂ、３６Ｃ、３６Ｄ　外気温度センサ
３８、３８Ａ、３８Ｂ、３８Ｃ、３８Ｄ　アキュムレータ
４１　制御部
４１１　記憶部
４１２　信号入出力部
４１３　運転制御部 1 Air conditioner 11 Indoor unit 11A 1st indoor unit 11B 2nd indoor unit 11C 3rd indoor unit 12, 12A, 12B, 12C Indoor heat exchanger 13, 13A, 13B, 13C Indoor expansion valve 14 Refrigerant piping 15, 15A, 15B, 15C Indoor blower 26 Outdoor unit 26A 1st outdoor unit 26B 2nd outdoor unit 26C 3rd outdoor unit 26D 4th outdoor unit 27, 27A, 27B, 27C, 27D Outdoor heat exchanger 28, 28A, 28B, 28C, 28D Four- way valve 29, 29A, 29B, 29C, 29D Compressor 30, 30A, 30B, 30C, 30D Outdoor expansion valve 32, 32A, 32B, 32C, 32D Outdoor blower 33, 33A, 33B, 33C, 33D Discharge pressure sensor 34, 34A, 34B, 34C, 34D Suction pressure sensor 35, 35A, 35B, 35C, 35D Heat exchanger temperature sensor 36, 36A, 36B, 36C, 36D Outside air temperature sensor 38, 38A, 38B, 38C, 38D Accumulator 41 Control unit 411 Storage unit 412 Signal input / output unit 413 Operation control unit

Claims (6)

  1. 　同一の冷媒配管系統に並列に接続され、室外膨張弁と、室外熱交換器と、四方弁と、圧縮機と、を備える複数の室外機と、
    　前記冷媒配管系統に接続され、室内熱交換器と、前記室内熱交換器への冷媒の流入量を調整する室内膨張弁と、室内送風機と、を備える少なくとも１つの室内機と、
    　前記室外機の運転能力に基づいて前記複数の室外機を２つのグループのいずれかにそれぞれ振り分け、前記室外熱交換器に付着した霜を除去する除霜運転を前記グループごとに行わせる制御部と、
    　を備える空気調和装置。     Multiple outdoor units connected in parallel to the same refrigerant piping system and equipped with an outdoor expansion valve, an outdoor heat exchanger, a four-way valve, and a compressor.
    At least one indoor unit which is connected to the refrigerant piping system and includes an indoor heat exchanger, an indoor expansion valve for adjusting the amount of refrigerant flowing into the indoor heat exchanger, and an indoor blower.
    A control unit that distributes the plurality of outdoor units to one of two groups based on the operating capacity of the outdoor unit and performs a defrosting operation for removing frost adhering to the outdoor heat exchanger for each group. ,
    Air conditioner equipped with.
  2. 　前記制御部は、前記運転能力のより高い室外機から順番に、前記複数の室外機を振り分ける
    　請求項１に記載の空気調和装置。     The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the control unit distributes the plurality of outdoor units in order from the outdoor unit having the higher operating ability.
  3. 　前記制御部は、前記運転能力のより低い室外機から順番に、前記複数の室外機を振り分ける
    　請求項１に記載の空気調和装置。     The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the control unit distributes the plurality of outdoor units in order from the outdoor unit having the lower operating ability.
  4. 　同一の冷媒配管系統に並列に接続され、室外膨張弁と、室外熱交換器と、四方弁と、アキュムレータと、圧縮機と、を備える複数の室外機と、
    　前記冷媒配管系統に接続され、室内熱交換器と、前記室内熱交換器への冷媒の流入量を調整する室内膨張弁と、室内送風機と、を備える少なくとも１つの室内機と、
    　を備える空気調和装置の制御方法であって、
    　前記室外機の運転能力に基づいて前記複数の室外機を２つのグループのいずれかにそれぞれ振り分け、前記室外熱交換器に付着した霜を除去する除霜運転を前記グループごとに行わせる
    　制御方法。     Multiple outdoor units connected in parallel to the same refrigerant piping system and equipped with an outdoor expansion valve, an outdoor heat exchanger, a four-way valve, an accumulator, and a compressor.
    At least one indoor unit which is connected to the refrigerant piping system and includes an indoor heat exchanger, an indoor expansion valve for adjusting the amount of refrigerant flowing into the indoor heat exchanger, and an indoor blower.
    It is a control method of an air conditioner equipped with
    A control method in which the plurality of outdoor units are assigned to one of two groups based on the operating ability of the outdoor unit, and a defrosting operation for removing frost adhering to the outdoor heat exchanger is performed for each group.
  5. 　前記運転能力のより高い室外機から順番に、前記複数の室外機を振り分ける
    　請求項４に記載の制御方法。     The control method according to claim 4, wherein the plurality of outdoor units are distributed in order from the outdoor unit having the higher operating ability.
  6. 　前記運転能力のより低い室外機から順番に、前記複数の室外機を振り分ける
    　請求項４に記載の制御方法。     The control method according to claim 4, wherein the plurality of outdoor units are distributed in order from the outdoor unit having the lower operating ability.
PCT/JP2020/034837 2020-09-15 2020-09-15 Air conditioner and control method WO2022059056A1 (en)

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Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH06241535A (en) * 1993-02-16 1994-08-30 Sanyo Electric Co Ltd Air conditioner
JP2008025919A (en) * 2006-07-21 2008-02-07 Sanyo Electric Co Ltd Air conditioner
JP2011196630A (en) * 2010-03-19 2011-10-06 Fujitsu General Ltd Multi-room type air conditioning device

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH06241535A (en) * 1993-02-16 1994-08-30 Sanyo Electric Co Ltd Air conditioner
JP2008025919A (en) * 2006-07-21 2008-02-07 Sanyo Electric Co Ltd Air conditioner
JP2011196630A (en) * 2010-03-19 2011-10-06 Fujitsu General Ltd Multi-room type air conditioning device

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