Classifications

• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
  • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
  • F24F11/00—Control or safety arrangements
  • F24F11/89—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
  • F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
  • F25B49/00—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices
  • F25B49/02—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices for compression type machines, plants or systems
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
  • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
  • F24F2110/00—Control inputs relating to air properties
  • F24F2110/30—Velocity

Definitions

• This disclosure relates to an air conditioning system, a refrigerant sensor device, and a method for preventing misconnections.
• Air conditioning systems in which a flammable refrigerant is sealed as the refrigerant circulating through the refrigerant circuit of the air conditioner are equipped with a refrigerant sensor that detects flammable refrigerant leaking from the refrigerant circuit (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
• This disclosure has been made to solve the above problems, and its purpose is to provide an air conditioning system, a refrigerant sensor device, and a method for preventing incorrect connections that can quickly detect refrigerant leaks and reduce false detections.
• one aspect of the present disclosure is an air conditioning system comprising an outdoor unit, an indoor unit, a refrigerant circuit connecting the outdoor unit and the indoor unit with refrigerant piping and through which a flammable refrigerant circulates, a refrigerant sensor that detects leakage of the flammable refrigerant from the refrigerant circuit and that normally outputs a monitoring signal indicating that the refrigerant sensor is monitoring for a refrigerant leak and that outputs a leakage signal indicating that a refrigerant leak has been detected when the refrigerant sensor detects a refrigerant leak, and a control unit that controls the operation of the refrigerant circuit and, when the leakage signal is received, outputs an alarm indicating that a refrigerant leak has occurred, and the refrigerant sensor device outputs an identification signal corresponding to the type of flammable refrigerant to the control unit for a certain period of time after startup.
• one aspect of the present disclosure is a refrigerant sensor device for an air conditioning system comprising an outdoor unit, an indoor unit, a refrigerant circuit connecting the outdoor unit and the indoor unit with refrigerant piping and through which a flammable refrigerant circulates, and a control unit that controls the operation of the refrigerant circuit and outputs an alarm indicating that a refrigerant leak has been detected when a leakage signal indicating that a refrigerant leak has been received, the refrigerant sensor device having a refrigerant sensor that detects leakage of the flammable refrigerant from the refrigerant circuit, normally outputs a monitoring signal indicating that the refrigerant sensor is monitoring for a refrigerant leak, outputs the leakage signal to the control unit when the refrigerant sensor detects a refrigerant leak, and outputs an identification signal corresponding to the type of flammable refrigerant to the control unit for a certain period of time after the device is started.
• one aspect of the present disclosure is a method for preventing misconnection of an air conditioning system comprising: an outdoor unit; an indoor unit; a refrigerant circuit connecting the outdoor unit and the indoor unit with refrigerant piping and through which a flammable refrigerant circulates; a refrigerant sensor device that detects leakage of the flammable refrigerant from the refrigerant circuit and that normally outputs a monitoring signal indicating that the refrigerant sensor is monitoring leakage of the refrigerant and that outputs a leakage signal indicating that a refrigerant leakage has been detected when the refrigerant sensor detects a refrigerant leakage; and a control unit that controls the operation of the refrigerant circuit and, when the leakage signal is received, outputs an alarm indicating that a refrigerant leakage has occurred.
• the misconnection prevention method includes the refrigerant sensor device outputting an identification signal corresponding to the type of flammable refrigerant to the control unit for a certain period of time after startup, and the control unit detecting misconnection of the refrigerant sensor based on the identification signal from the refrigerant sensor device, and, when detecting misconnection of the refrigerant sensor, outputting notification information indicating the misconnection of the refrigerant sensor to the output unit.
• This disclosure makes it possible to quickly detect refrigerant leaks and reduce false detections.
• FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing an example of an air conditioning system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
• 1 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the main configuration of an air conditioning system according to the present embodiment.
• 3A and 3B are diagrams illustrating an output signal and a pulse signal pattern of the refrigerant sensor device according to the embodiment.
• 3A and 3B are diagrams illustrating an example of the waveform of a pulse signal of the refrigerant sensor device according to the embodiment.
• FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a remote control display screen when a connection of a refrigerant sensor in the air conditioning system according to the present embodiment is detected.
• FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of the remote control display screen when a connection of the refrigerant sensor of the air conditioning system according to the present embodiment is detected.
• 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the refrigerant sensor device according to the present embodiment.
• 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the indoor unit control device in the present embodiment.
• 3A and 3B are first diagrams showing examples of the shape of a connector portion of the refrigerant sensor device according to the present embodiment; 10A and 10B are second diagrams showing examples of the shape of the connector portion of the refrigerant sensor device according to the present embodiment.
• 10A and 10B are third diagrams showing examples of the shape of the connector portion of the refrigerant sensor device according to the present embodiment.
• FIG. 3 is a first diagram showing an example of an identification label for a connector portion of the refrigerant sensor device according to the present embodiment.
• FIG. 10 is a second diagram showing an example of an identification label for the connector of the refrigerant sensor device according to the present embodiment.
• FIG. 10 is a third diagram showing an example of an identification label for the connector of the refrigerant sensor device according to the present embodiment.
• FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of each control device of the air conditioning system of the present disclosure.
• FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing an example of an air conditioning system 100 according to this embodiment.
• the air conditioning system 100 includes an outdoor unit 10, an indoor unit 20, a refrigerant sensor device 30, and a remote control 40.
• the air conditioning system 100 also includes a refrigerant circuit RC that connects the outdoor unit 10 and the indoor unit 20 with refrigerant piping (50a, 50b) and through which a flammable refrigerant circulates.
• the refrigerant circuit RC is connected to a compressor 12, an outdoor heat exchanger 13, a pressure reducing mechanism 14, a four-way valve 16, shut-off valves (18a, 18b), and an indoor heat exchanger 22, all of which will be described later.
• the refrigerant circulating through the refrigerant circuit RC is a flammable refrigerant, such as R32, R454B (a mixed refrigerant of R32 and R1234yf), or R290 (propane).
• the outdoor unit 10 is placed outdoors and is connected to the indoor unit 20 by refrigerant piping (50a, 50b).
• the outdoor unit 10 is a heat source unit that generates heat to be supplied to the indoor unit 20.
• the outdoor unit 10 also includes a compressor 12, an outdoor heat exchanger 13, a pressure reduction mechanism 14, a four-way valve 16, shut-off valves (18a, 18b), an outdoor fan 15, and an outdoor unit control device 17.
• the compressor 12 is a device that compresses the refrigerant and has a variable operating capacity.
• the compressor 12 draws in and compresses the refrigerant to a high-temperature, high-pressure state.
• the refrigerant circulates between the outdoor unit 10 and the indoor unit 20 via the refrigerant circuit RC, exchanging heat between them.
• the four-way valve 16 is a valve for switching the direction of refrigerant flow, and switches the direction of the refrigerant circulating through the refrigerant circuit RC between heating operation and cooling operation of the air conditioning system 100.
• the direction indicated by the solid line of the four-way valve 16 is the direction for cooling operation
• the direction indicated by the dashed line is the direction for heating operation.
• the outdoor heat exchanger 13 is, for example, a cross-fin type fin-and-tube heat exchanger composed of heat transfer tubes and multiple fins, and performs heat exchange between the outside air and the refrigerant, discharging heat.
• the pressure reducing mechanism 14 is disposed on the refrigerant circuit RC and reduces the pressure of the refrigerant to expand it.
• the outdoor fan 15 is, for example, a propeller fan, and is a blower device that blows air to the outdoor heat exchanger 13 .
• the shutoff valve 18a is connected to a pipe between the pressure reducing mechanism 14 on the refrigerant circuit RC and the indoor unit 20.
• the shutoff valve 18b is connected to a pipe between the four-way valve 16 on the refrigerant circuit RC and the indoor unit 20.
• the shutoff valves 18a and 18b prevent the refrigerant from flowing from the outdoor unit 10 into the indoor unit 20 when the refrigerant leaks.
• the outdoor unit control device 17 is composed of, for example, a processor including a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and controls the outdoor unit 10.
• the outdoor unit control device 17 controls each part of the outdoor unit 10 and is capable of mutual communication with the indoor unit 20.
• the indoor unit 20 supplies cold or hot heat to the space to be air-conditioned through heat exchange with a refrigerant.
• the space to be air-conditioned is, for example, a space such as a user's room.
• the indoor unit 20 includes an indoor heat exchanger 22, an indoor fan 23, and an indoor unit control device 24.
• the indoor heat exchanger 22 supplies cold or hot heat to the space to be air-conditioned through heat exchange with the refrigerant.
• the indoor heat exchanger 22 is, for example, a cross-fin, fin-and-tube heat exchanger composed of a heat transfer tube and multiple fins.
• the indoor heat exchanger 22 is placed on the refrigerant circuit RC and exchanges heat between the indoor air and the refrigerant.
• the indoor fan 23 is, for example, a sirocco fan, and is a blower that blows air to the indoor heat exchanger 22.
• the indoor unit control device 24 is composed of, for example, a processor including a CPU, and controls the indoor unit 20.
• the indoor unit control device 24 is an example of a control unit that controls the operation of the refrigerant circuit RC (the operating operation of the air conditioning system 100).
• the indoor unit control device 24 communicates with the outdoor unit control device 17 in response to operation instructions (operation commands) from the remote control 40 (described below), and controls the refrigerant circuit RC together with the outdoor unit control device 17.
• the indoor unit control device 24 when the indoor unit control device 24 receives a leakage pulse from the refrigerant sensor device 30 (described below) indicating that refrigerant has leaked into the air-conditioned space, it executes refrigerant leakage abnormality processing.
• the indoor unit control device 24 When the indoor unit control device 24 receives a leakage pulse, it performs refrigerant leakage abnormality processing, for example, by outputting an alarm indicating that refrigerant has leaked and closing the shut-off valves 18a and 18b to prevent refrigerant from flowing from the outdoor unit 10 into the indoor unit 20.
• the indoor unit control device 24 receives an identification pulse from the refrigerant sensor device 30, and if the type of refrigerant corresponding to the identification pulse (first refrigerant type) does not match the type of refrigerant pre-set in the indoor unit control device 24 (second refrigerant type), it outputs notification information indicating an incorrect connection of the refrigerant sensor 31 (described below) to an output unit (for example, the display unit 43 of the remote control 40 shown in Figure 2, etc.). Details of the indoor unit control device 24 will be described later with reference to Figure 2.
• the refrigerant sensor device 30 is a sensor device that detects leakage of flammable refrigerant from the refrigerant circuit RC, and is installed, for example, in the air-conditioned space or inside the indoor unit control device 24.
• the refrigerant sensor device 30 has a refrigerant sensor 31 that detects leakage of flammable refrigerant from the refrigerant circuit RC, and normally outputs a monitoring pulse (monitoring signal) indicating that the refrigerant sensor 31 is monitoring for refrigerant leakage, and when the refrigerant sensor 31 detects a refrigerant leakage, outputs a leakage pulse (leakage signal) indicating that a refrigerant leakage has been detected.
• a monitoring pulse monitoring signal
• the refrigerant sensor device 30 outputs an identification pulse (identification signal) corresponding to the type of flammable refrigerant to the indoor unit control device 24 for a certain period of time (e.g., one minute) after the air conditioning system 100 is started up (e.g., when the air conditioning system 100 is first powered on).
• an identification pulse identification signal
• the refrigerant sensor device 30 will be described in detail later with reference to FIG.
• the remote control 40 is an external terminal that allows the user to operate the air conditioning system 100. For example, if the refrigerant sensor 31 detects a refrigerant leak, the remote control 40 can output an alarm to notify the user that a refrigerant leak has occurred. Details of the remote control 40 will be described later with reference to Figure 2.
• FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the main configuration of the air conditioning system 100 according to this embodiment.
• the air conditioning system 100 includes an indoor unit control device 24 , a refrigerant sensor device 30 , and a remote control 40 .
• the refrigerant sensor device 30 includes a refrigerant sensor 31, a sensor storage unit 32, and a sensor control unit 33.
• the refrigerant sensor device 30 has the refrigerant sensor 31, the sensor storage unit 32, and the sensor control unit 33 mounted on a board (not shown), and is connected to the indoor unit control device 24 by a communication cable via a connector (not shown).
• the refrigerant sensor 31 is, for example, a semiconductor gas sensor that detects the leakage of flammable refrigerant.
• refrigerant that can be used in the refrigerant circuit RC, and the refrigerant sensor 31 must be compatible with the type of refrigerant used in the refrigerant circuit RC.
• the sensor memory unit 32 is, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), or a flash memory, and stores various information used by the refrigerant sensor device 30.
• the sensor memory unit 32 stores, for example, the signal pattern of the output signal output to the indoor unit control device 24, refrigerant type information indicating the type of refrigerant that can be detected by the refrigerant sensor 31 installed in the refrigerant sensor device 30, etc.
• refrigerant type information indicating the type of refrigerant that can be detected by the refrigerant sensor 31 installed in the refrigerant sensor device 30, etc.
• FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the output signal and pulse signal pattern of the refrigerant sensor device 30 in this embodiment.
• FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the waveform of a pulse signal from the refrigerant sensor device 30 in this embodiment.
• the refrigerant sensor device 30 outputs a pulse signal as an output signal to the indoor unit control device 24 using a signal line.
• the refrigerant sensor device 30 outputs five types of pulse signals as output signals: a monitoring pulse (monitoring signal), a leakage pulse (leakage signal), a fault pulse (fault signal), a life pulse (life signal), and an identification pulse (identification signal).
• the monitoring pulse, leakage pulse, fault pulse, life pulse, and identification pulse have different signal patterns (e.g., pulse width), and the output signal can be distinguished by checking the signal pattern (e.g., pulse width) of the output signal on the receiving side.
• the pulse width includes the H pulse width DH (high pulse width), which is the pulse width of the H (high) section of the pulse signal, the L pulse width DL (low pulse width), which is the pulse width of the L (low) section of the pulse signal, and the signal width SD, which is the sum of the H pulse width DH and the L pulse width DL.
• the monitoring pulse is an output signal that indicates that the refrigerant sensor 31 is monitoring for refrigerant leakage.
• the pulse signal pattern of the monitoring pulse is such that the H pulse width DH is "DH1", the L pulse width DL is “DL1”, and the signal width SD is "SD1" (see waveform W1 in Figure 4).
• the leakage pulse is a signal that is output when the refrigerant sensor 31 detects a refrigerant leak, and is an output signal that indicates that a refrigerant leak has been detected.
• the pulse signal pattern of the leakage pulse is such that the H pulse width DH is "DH2", the L pulse width DL is “DL2”, and the signal width SD is "SD1" (see waveform W2 in Figure 4).
• the fault pulse is a signal that is output when some kind of fault occurs in the refrigerant sensor device 30, and is an output signal that indicates that a fault has occurred in the refrigerant sensor device 30.
• the pulse signal pattern of the fault pulse is such that the H pulse width DH is "DH3", the L pulse width DL is “DL3”, and the signal width SD is "SD1" (see waveform W3 in Figure 4).
• the lifespan pulse is a signal that is output when the refrigerant sensor device 30 reaches a set period of its product life after operation, and is an output signal that indicates that the refrigerant sensor device 30 has reached the end of its lifespan.
• the pulse signal pattern of the lifespan pulse is such that the H pulse width DH is "DH4", the L pulse width DL is “DL4", and the signal width SD is "SD1" (see waveform W4 in Figure 4).
• the monitoring pulse, leakage pulse, fault pulse, and life pulse all have the same signal width SD of "SD1," but differ in their H pulse width DH and L pulse width DL.
• the identification pulse is an output signal used to identify the type of refrigerant that the refrigerant sensor device 30 can detect, and is output for a certain period of time (e.g., one minute) after the refrigerant sensor device 30 is powered on and started up.
• the pulse signal pattern of the identification pulse differs from the monitoring pulse, leakage pulse, fault pulse, and life pulse described above, and has a different signal pattern depending on the type of refrigerant.
• refrigerant A refrigerant A
• refrigerant B refrigerant B
• refrigerant C refrigerant C
• the pulse signal pattern of the identification pulse corresponding to refrigerant A has an H pulse width DH of "RH1", an L pulse width DL of "RL1”, and a signal width SD of "SD2" (see waveform W5 in Figure 4).
• the pulse signal pattern of the identification pulse corresponding to refrigerant B has an H pulse width DH of "RH2”, an L pulse width DL of "RL2”, and a signal width SD of "SD2" (see waveform W6 in Figure 4).
• the pulse signal pattern of the identification pulse corresponding to refrigerant C has an H pulse width DH of "RH3", an L pulse width DL of "RL3”, and a signal width SD of "SD2" (see waveform W7 in Figure 4).
• the sensor memory unit 32 stores the signal patterns of the output signals (monitoring pulse, leakage pulse, fault pulse, and life pulse) shown in Figures 3 and 4 described above, as well as the signal pattern of one of the identification pulses shown in Figures 3 and 4 (the identification pulse corresponding to the refrigerant used by the air conditioning system 100).
• the sensor control unit 33 is composed of, for example, a processor including a CPU, and controls the refrigerant sensor device 30. For a certain period of time (e.g., one minute) after the refrigerant sensor device 30 is started, the sensor control unit 33 outputs an identification pulse corresponding to the type of refrigerant (flammable refrigerant) to the indoor unit control device 24.
• the sensor control unit 33 acquires the pulse signal pattern of the identification pulse that corresponds to the refrigerant of the refrigerant sensor device 30 from the pulse signal patterns of the identification pulses stored in the sensor storage unit 32, based on information indicating the type of refrigerant that has been preset.
• the sensor control unit 33 outputs the identification pulse of the acquired pulse signal pattern (for example, any of waveforms W5 to W7 in Figure 4) to the indoor unit control device 24.
• the sensor control unit 33 outputs a monitoring pulse to the indoor unit control device 24 after the aforementioned fixed period (e.g., one minute) has elapsed.
• the sensor control unit 33 outputs a monitoring pulse (e.g., waveform W1 in Figure 4) to the indoor unit control device 24 based on the pulse waveform pattern of the monitoring pulse stored in the sensor storage unit 32.
• the sensor control unit 33 outputs a leakage pulse to the indoor unit control device 24.
• the sensor control unit 33 outputs a leakage pulse (for example, waveform W2 in Figure 4) to the indoor unit control device 24 based on the pulse waveform pattern of the leakage pulse stored in the sensor storage unit 32.
• the sensor control unit 33 detects a failure in the refrigerant sensor device 30, it outputs a failure pulse to the indoor unit control device 24.
• the sensor control unit 33 outputs a failure pulse (for example, waveform W3 in Figure 4) to the indoor unit control device 24 based on the pulse waveform pattern of the failure pulse stored in the sensor storage unit 32.
• the sensor control unit 33 also counts the period from startup using a timer (not shown) or the like, and outputs a lifespan pulse to the indoor unit control device 24 when a preset period (e.g., 10 years, 15 years, etc.) is reached.
• the sensor control unit 33 outputs a lifespan pulse (e.g., waveform W5 in Figure 4) to the indoor unit control device 24 based on the pulse waveform pattern of the lifespan pulse stored in the sensor memory unit 32.
• the sensor memory unit 32 may store multiple pulse signal patterns of identification pulses corresponding to multiple refrigerants, and when outputting an identification pulse, the sensor control unit 33 may select a preset pulse signal pattern of identification pulses from the multiple pulse signal patterns of identification pulses stored in the sensor memory unit 32 and output an identification pulse corresponding to the type of refrigerant.
• the remote controller 40 includes an external communication unit 41 , an input unit 42 , a display unit 43 , and a remote controller control unit 44 .
• the external communication unit 41 communicates between the remote control 40 and the indoor unit control device 24 by communication means such as infrared communication or wireless communication.
• the external communication unit 41 transmits command information for operation by the remote control 40, etc. to the indoor unit control device 24.
• the external communication unit 41 also receives various notification information, alarm information, etc. from the indoor unit control device 24.
• the input unit 42 is an input device such as an operation button or a touch panel.
• the input unit 42 accepts various operation commands for the air conditioning system 100 in response to user operations.
• the display unit 43 (an example of an output unit) is, for example, a display device such as an LCD display.
• the display unit 43 displays, for example, the operating status of the air conditioning system 100. If the refrigerant sensor 31 detects a refrigerant leak, the display unit 43 displays, for example, a message urging ventilation of the air-conditioned space or information urging evacuation from the air-conditioned space.
• the display unit 43 displays notification information indicating that an incorrect connection has been detected, or notification information urging the replacement of the refrigerant sensor 31 (refrigerant sensor device 30), for example.
• the remote control control unit 44 is composed of, for example, a processor including a CPU, and is a functional unit realized by having a CPU (not shown) execute a control program.
• the remote control control unit 44 executes various processes for the remote control 40.
• the remote control control unit 44 executes controls such as receiving various operation commands from the input unit 42, transmitting various operation commands via the external communication unit 41, and displaying the operation status on the display unit 43.
• the indoor unit control device 24 includes an indoor unit communication unit 241 , an indoor unit storage unit 242 , and an indoor unit control unit 243 .
• the indoor unit communication section 241 communicates with the remote control 40 or the outdoor unit control device 17 by communication means such as infrared communication, wireless communication, or wired communication.
• the indoor unit storage unit 242 stores various types of information for controlling the indoor unit 20.
• the indoor unit storage unit 242 stores in advance information indicating, for example, the type of refrigerant (flammable refrigerant) used in the refrigerant circuit RC of the air conditioning system 100.
• the indoor unit storage unit 242 also stores information associating the output signals shown in FIG. 3 with pulse signal patterns.
• the indoor unit control unit 243 is a functional unit realized, for example, by causing a CPU (not shown) to execute a control program.
• the indoor unit control unit 243 executes various processes for the indoor unit 20.
• the indoor unit control unit 243 communicates with the outdoor unit control device 17 via the indoor unit communication unit 241, and together with the outdoor unit control device 17, performs various controls of the air conditioning system 100, including the refrigerant circuit RC.
• the indoor unit control unit 243 receives an output signal (pulse signal) from the refrigerant sensor device 30, it determines the corresponding output signal (pulse signal) from the pulse signal pattern based on the information that associates the output signal with the pulse signal pattern stored in the indoor unit memory unit 242.
• the indoor unit control unit 243 When the indoor unit control unit 243 receives the above-mentioned identification pulse from the refrigerant sensor device 30, if the first refrigerant type, which is the type of flammable refrigerant corresponding to the identification pulse, does not match the second refrigerant type, which is the type of flammable refrigerant used in the preset refrigerant circuit RC, it outputs notification information indicating an incorrect connection of the refrigerant sensor 31 to an output unit (e.g., the display unit 43 of the remote control 40).
• the first refrigerant type is the type of refrigerant determined by the pulse signal pattern of the identification pulse
• the second refrigerant type is the type of refrigerant stored in the indoor unit memory unit 242.
• the indoor unit memory unit 242 may store a product number that can determine the type of refrigerant used in the air conditioning system 100, and the indoor unit control unit 243 may determine the second refrigerant type based on the product number.
• FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a remote control display screen when a connection of the refrigerant sensor 31 of the air conditioning system 100 according to this embodiment is detected.
• the display screen shows the remote control display screen G1 displayed on the display unit 43 of the remote control 40.
• the indoor unit control unit 243 outputs (displays) a message M1 that reads "Replace refrigerant sensor.”
• the indoor unit control unit 243 may display an error code (e.g., "FH") indicating a disconnection of the refrigerant sensor 31, as shown in Figure 6.
• FH error code
• FIG. 6 is a diagram showing another example of the remote control display screen when a disconnection of the refrigerant sensor 31 of the air conditioning system 100 according to this embodiment is detected.
• the indoor unit control unit 243 may output (display) a message M2 indicating the error code "FH" when the first refrigerant type and the second refrigerant type do not match.
• the indoor unit control unit 243 may alternately display on the display unit 43 a message M1 indicating "Replace refrigerant sensor" as shown in FIG. 5 and a message M2 indicating the error code "FH" as shown in FIG. 6.
• the indoor unit control unit 243 determines that the refrigerant sensor 31 is connected properly and continues normal control processing. Furthermore, if the indoor unit control unit 243 receives a monitoring pulse, it similarly executes normal control processing.
• the indoor unit control unit 243 executes abnormal refrigerant leakage processing.
• the indoor unit control unit 243 outputs an alarm indicating that refrigerant has leaked, and closes shut-off valves 18a and 18b to prevent refrigerant from flowing from the outdoor unit 10 into the indoor unit 20, for example.
• the indoor unit control unit 243 executes abnormality processing for the fault.
• the indoor unit control unit 243 executes processing to display notification information notifying of the fault on the display unit 43 of the remote control 40, and to restrict the operation of the air conditioning system 100, for example.
• the indoor unit control unit 243 when the indoor unit control unit 243 receives a lifespan pulse, it causes the display unit 43 of the remote control 40 to display notification information encouraging replacement of the refrigerant sensor device 30.
• FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the refrigerant sensor device 30 in this embodiment.
• the sensor control unit 33 of the refrigerant sensor device 30 first determines whether a certain period of time has elapsed since startup (step S101).
• the sensor control unit 33 determines whether a certain period of time (e.g., one minute) has elapsed since startup of the refrigerant sensor device 30, for example, using a timer (not shown). If the certain period of time has elapsed since startup (step S101: YES), the sensor control unit 33 proceeds to step S103. If the certain period of time has not elapsed since startup (step S101: NO), the sensor control unit 33 proceeds to step S102.
• a certain period of time e.g., one minute
• step S102 the sensor control unit 33 outputs an identification pulse corresponding to the set type of refrigerant.
• the sensor control unit 33 outputs an identification pulse output signal to the indoor unit control device 24 based on the pulse signal pattern of the identification pulse stored in the sensor memory unit 32.
• the sensor control unit 33 advances the processing to step S101.
• step S103 the sensor control unit 33 outputs a monitoring pulse.
• the sensor control unit 33 outputs a monitoring pulse output signal to the indoor unit control device 24 based on the pulse signal pattern of the monitoring pulse stored in the sensor storage unit 32.
• the sensor control unit 33 determines whether the refrigerant sensor 31 has detected a refrigerant leak (step S104). If the refrigerant sensor 31 has detected a refrigerant leak (step S104: YES), the sensor control unit 33 proceeds to step S105. If the refrigerant sensor 31 has not detected a refrigerant leak (step S104: NO), the sensor control unit 33 proceeds to step S106.
• step S105 the sensor control unit 33 outputs a leakage pulse.
• the sensor control unit 33 outputs a leakage pulse output signal to the indoor unit control device 24 based on the pulse signal pattern of the leakage pulse stored in the sensor storage unit 32. After processing step S105, the sensor control unit 33 ends processing.
• step S106 the sensor control unit 33 determines whether a malfunction has been detected. If a malfunction has been detected (step S106: YES), the sensor control unit 33 proceeds to step S107. If a malfunction has not been detected (step S106: NO), the sensor control unit 33 proceeds to step S108.
• step S107 the sensor control unit 33 outputs a fault pulse.
• the sensor control unit 33 outputs a fault pulse output signal to the indoor unit control device 24 based on the pulse signal pattern of the fault pulse stored in the sensor storage unit 32. After processing step S107, the sensor control unit 33 ends processing.
• step S108 the sensor control unit 33 determines whether the set lifespan period has been reached. If the set lifespan period has been reached (step S108: YES), the sensor control unit 33 proceeds to step S109. If the set lifespan period has not been reached (step S108: NO), the sensor control unit 33 returns the process to step S101.
• step S109 the sensor control unit 33 outputs a lifespan pulse.
• the sensor control unit 33 outputs a lifespan pulse output signal to the indoor unit control device 24 based on the pulse signal pattern of the lifespan pulse stored in the sensor storage unit 32. After processing step S109, the sensor control unit 33 ends processing.
• FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the indoor unit control device 24 in this embodiment.
• the indoor unit control unit 243 of the indoor unit control device 24 determines whether the refrigerant sensor device 30 is connected (step S201). If the refrigerant sensor device 30 is connected (step S201: YES), the indoor unit control unit 243 proceeds to step S203. If the refrigerant sensor device 30 is not connected (step S201: NO), the indoor unit control unit 243 proceeds to step S202.
• step S202 the indoor unit control unit 243 executes abnormality processing for the absence of a sensor.
• the indoor unit control unit 243 displays notification information indicating that the refrigerant sensor device 30 is not connected on the display unit 43 of the remote control 40, and restricts operation of the air conditioning system 100.
• the indoor unit control unit 243 terminates processing.
• step S203 the indoor unit control unit 243 determines whether or not an identification pulse has been received.
• the indoor unit control unit 243 determines whether or not an identification pulse has been received based on the pulse signal pattern of the identification pulse stored in the indoor unit storage unit 242. If the indoor unit control unit 243 has received an identification pulse (step S203: YES), the processing proceeds to step S204. Furthermore, if the indoor unit control unit 243 has not received a fault pulse (step S203: NO), the processing proceeds to step S206.
• step S204 the indoor unit control unit 243 determines whether the refrigerant corresponding to the identification pulse (first refrigerant type) matches the refrigerant being used (second refrigerant type). The indoor unit control unit 243 determines whether the refrigerant type corresponding to the received identification pulse (first refrigerant type) matches the refrigerant type stored in the indoor unit memory unit 242 (second refrigerant type). If the refrigerant types match (step S204: YES), the indoor unit control unit 243 proceeds to step S206. If the refrigerant type is not different (step S204: NO), the indoor unit control unit 243 proceeds to step S205.
• step S205 the indoor unit control unit 243 executes abnormality processing for incorrect connection of the refrigerant sensor 31.
• the indoor unit control unit 243 for example, causes the display unit 43 of the remote control 40 to display notification information indicating incorrect connection of the refrigerant sensor 31, as shown in FIG. 5 or 6.
• the indoor unit control unit 243 terminates processing.
• step S206 the indoor unit control unit 243 determines whether or not a monitoring pulse has been received.
• the indoor unit control unit 243 determines whether or not a monitoring pulse has been received based on the pulse signal pattern of the monitoring pulse stored in the indoor unit storage unit 242. If the indoor unit control unit 243 has received a monitoring pulse (step S206: YES), the processing returns to step S206. Furthermore, if the indoor unit control unit 243 has not received a monitoring pulse (step S206: NO), the processing proceeds to step S207.
• step S207 the indoor unit control unit 243 determines whether or not a leakage pulse has been received.
• the indoor unit control unit 243 determines whether or not a leakage pulse has been received based on the pulse signal pattern of the leakage pulse stored in the indoor unit storage unit 242. If the indoor unit control unit 243 has received a leakage pulse (step S207: YES), the processing proceeds to step S208. If the indoor unit control unit 243 has not received a leakage pulse (step S207: NO), the processing proceeds to step S209.
• step S208 the indoor unit control unit 243 executes abnormal refrigerant leakage processing.
• the indoor unit control unit 243 outputs an alarm indicating that refrigerant has leaked, and closes shut-off valves 18a and 18b to prevent refrigerant from flowing from the outdoor unit 10 into the indoor unit 20.
• the indoor unit control unit 243 ends processing.
• step S209 the indoor unit control unit 243 determines whether or not a fault pulse has been received.
• the indoor unit control unit 243 determines whether or not a fault pulse has been received based on the pulse signal pattern of the fault pulse stored in the indoor unit storage unit 242. If the indoor unit control unit 243 has received a fault pulse (step S209: YES), the processing proceeds to step S210. Furthermore, if the indoor unit control unit 243 has not received a fault pulse (step S209: NO), the processing proceeds to step S211.
• step S210 the indoor unit control unit 243 executes abnormality processing for the malfunction.
• the indoor unit control unit 243 for example, causes the display unit 43 of the remote control 40 to display notification information notifying of a malfunction in the refrigerant sensor device 30, and executes processing to restrict operation of the air conditioning system 100.
• the indoor unit control unit 243 terminates processing.
• step S211 the indoor unit control unit 243 determines whether or not a lifespan pulse has been received.
• the indoor unit control unit 243 determines whether or not a lifespan pulse has been received based on the pulse signal pattern of the lifespan pulse stored in the indoor unit storage unit 242. If the indoor unit control unit 243 has received a lifespan pulse (step S211: YES), the processing proceeds to step S212. Furthermore, if the indoor unit control unit 243 has not received a lifespan pulse (step S211: NO), the processing returns to step S201.
• step S212 the indoor unit control unit 243 causes the remote control 40 to display notification information encouraging replacement of the refrigerant sensor device 30. After processing step S212, the indoor unit control unit 243 returns the process to step S201.
• Figures 9 to 11 are diagrams showing example shapes of the connector portion 34 of the refrigerant sensor device in this embodiment.
• the connector portion 34 is a connector to which a communication cable is connected that outputs output signals (monitoring pulse, identification pulse, fault pulse, leakage pulse, etc.) to the indoor unit control device 24.
• the refrigerant sensor device 30 corresponding to refrigerant A has a connector portion 34A (34) disposed on the substrate PB of the refrigerant sensor device 30.
• the refrigerant sensor device 30 corresponding to refrigerant B has a connector portion 34B (34) disposed on the substrate PB of the refrigerant sensor device 30.
• the refrigerant sensor device 30 corresponding to the refrigerant C has a connector portion 34C (34) disposed on the substrate PB of the refrigerant sensor device 30.
• the connector portion 34A, the connector portion 34B, and the connector portion 34C have different shapes, and are shaped so that communication cables for different types of refrigerants cannot be connected by mistake.
• the refrigerant sensor device 30 may be provided with connector portions 34 (34A, 34B, 34C) to which a communication cable that outputs an output signal to the indoor unit control device 24 is connected.
• FIGS. 12 to 14 are diagrams showing examples of the identification label of the connector portion 34 of the refrigerant sensor device of this embodiment.
• the refrigerant sensor device 30 has a refrigerant sensor 31A (31) and a connector unit 34 mounted on a substrate PB, and an identification label LBA is attached to the connector unit 34.
• the refrigerant sensor 31A is the refrigerant sensor 31 for refrigerant A
• the identification label LBA is an identification label corresponding to refrigerant A.
• the refrigerant sensor device 30 has a refrigerant sensor 31B (31) and a connector unit 34 mounted on a substrate PB, and an identification label LBB is attached to the connector unit 34.
• the refrigerant sensor 31B is the refrigerant sensor 31 for refrigerant B
• the identification label LBB is an identification label corresponding to refrigerant B
• 14 is an identification label corresponding to refrigerant B.
• the refrigerant sensor device 30 has a refrigerant sensor 31C (31) and a connector portion 34 mounted on a substrate PB, and an identification label LBC is attached to the connector portion 34.
• the refrigerant sensor 31C is a refrigerant sensor 31 for refrigerant B
• the identification label LBC is an identification label corresponding to refrigerant B.
• Each of the identification labels LBA, LBB, and LBC is, for example, an identification sticker, and has a different color, design, printing pattern, etc. depending on the type of refrigerant. Furthermore, the refrigerant sensor device 30 may print an identification mark directly on the connector portion 34 instead of an identification label. Note that an identification label is one example of an identification mark.
• identification label LBA identification label LBA, identification label LBB, and identification label LBC
• identification label LBA identification label LBA, identification label LBB, and identification label LBC
• the air conditioning system 100 comprises an outdoor unit 10, an indoor unit 20, a refrigerant circuit RC, a refrigerant sensor device 30, and an indoor unit control device 24 (controller).
• the refrigerant circuit RC connects the outdoor unit 10 and the indoor unit 20 via refrigerant piping (50a, 50b), through which a flammable refrigerant circulates.
• the refrigerant sensor device 30 has a refrigerant sensor 31 that detects leakage of flammable refrigerant from the refrigerant circuit RC, and normally outputs a monitoring pulse (monitoring signal) indicating that the refrigerant sensor 31 is monitoring for refrigerant leakage.
• the refrigerant sensor 31 detects a refrigerant leakage, it outputs a leakage pulse (leak signal) indicating that a refrigerant leakage has been detected.
• the indoor unit control device 24 controls the operation of the refrigerant circuit RC, and, if it receives a leakage pulse, outputs an alarm indicating that a refrigerant leakage has occurred.
• the refrigerant sensor device 30 outputs an identification pulse (identification signal) corresponding to the type of flammable refrigerant to the indoor unit control device 24 for a certain period of time (e.g., one minute) after startup.
• the refrigerant sensor device 30 outputs an identification pulse (identification signal) corresponding to the type of flammable refrigerant for a certain period of time (e.g., one minute) after startup, allowing the indoor unit control device 24 to detect the type of refrigerant corresponding to the connected refrigerant sensor 31. Therefore, the air conditioning system 100 according to this embodiment can detect incorrect connection of the refrigerant sensor 31 and reduce incorrect connection of the refrigerant sensor 31.
• each refrigerant sensor 31 is set with a refrigerant concentration threshold that is lower than the LFL of the corresponding refrigerant, and the refrigerant sensor device 30 outputs a leak pulse when the detected refrigerant concentration is equal to or greater than the refrigerant concentration threshold. Because the LFL differs depending on the type of refrigerant, the refrigerant concentration threshold used to determine whether a refrigerant leak has been detected also differs.
• the air conditioning system 100 can detect incorrect connection of the refrigerant sensor 31, as described above, and therefore can quickly detect refrigerant leaks and reduce false detections. Therefore, the air conditioning system 100 according to this embodiment can improve safety.
• the indoor unit control device 24 receives an identification pulse from the refrigerant sensor device 30, and if the first refrigerant type, which is the type of flammable refrigerant corresponding to the identification pulse, does not match the second refrigerant type, which is the type of flammable refrigerant used in the preset refrigerant circuit RC, outputs notification information indicating an incorrect connection of the refrigerant sensor 31 to the output unit (e.g., display unit 43).
• the output unit e.g., display unit 43
• the indoor unit control device 24 outputs notification information indicating an incorrect connection of the refrigerant sensor 31 to the output unit (e.g., the display unit 43), allowing the user (or the installer of the air conditioning system 100) to properly recognize an incorrect connection of the refrigerant sensor 31 and reducing the occurrence of incorrect connection of the refrigerant sensor 31.
• the output unit e.g., the display unit 43
• the output unit is a display unit 43 provided in a remote controller (remote control 40) that transmits operation information instructing the indoor unit control device 24 to operate the refrigerant circuit RC (operate the air conditioning system 100). If the first refrigerant type and the second refrigerant type do not match, the indoor unit control device 24 displays notification information on the display unit 43 (see Figures 5 and 6).
• the air conditioning system 100 displays notification information on the display unit 43 of the remote controller (remote control 40), thereby more accurately notifying the user (or the installer of the air conditioning system 100) of improper connection of the refrigerant sensor 31 and more accurately reducing improper connection of the refrigerant sensor 31.
• the identification pulse is a pulse signal
• the pulse width of the pulse signal (for example, H pulse width DH, L pulse width DL, or signal width SD) varies depending on the type of flammable refrigerant.
• the indoor unit control device 24 identifies the monitoring pulse, identification pulse, and type of flammable refrigerant based on the pulse width of the identification pulse.
• the air conditioning system 100 according to this embodiment can easily identify the type of flammable refrigerant based on the pulse width of the pulse signal. Therefore, the air conditioning system 100 according to this embodiment can accurately reduce incorrect connection of the refrigerant sensor 31 using simple means.
• the monitoring pulse, identification pulse, and leakage pulse are pulse signals with different pulse widths (for example, H pulse width DH, L pulse width DL, or signal width SD).
• the indoor unit control device 24 identifies whether a pulse is a monitoring pulse, identification pulse, or leakage pulse based on the pulse width.
• the air conditioning system 100 can easily identify the type of pulse signal based on the pulse width of the pulse signal.
• the refrigerant sensor device 30 when the refrigerant sensor device 30 reaches a preset period of use, it outputs a lifespan signal indicating information suggesting replacement of the refrigerant sensor device 30 to the indoor unit control device 24.
• the indoor unit control device 24 receives the lifespan signal from the refrigerant sensor device 30, it causes the output unit (display unit 43) to output notification information suggesting replacement of the refrigerant sensor device 30.
• the air conditioning system 100 allows the user to know the lifespan of the refrigerant sensor device 30 (refrigerant sensor 31) and to appropriately replace the refrigerant sensor device 30 (refrigerant sensor 31). Therefore, the air conditioning system 100 according to this embodiment can reduce the risk of a refrigerant leak going undetected due to the lifespan of the refrigerant sensor device 30 (refrigerant sensor 31).
• the refrigerant sensor device 30 includes connector portions 34 (34A, 34B, 34C) to which a communication cable is connected that outputs a monitoring pulse, an identification pulse, and a leakage pulse to the indoor unit control device 24.
• the shape of the connector portion 34 varies depending on the type of flammable refrigerant (see Figures 12 to 14).
• the shape of the connector portion 34 differs depending on the type of flammable refrigerant, making it difficult to physically connect the wrong refrigerant, thereby reducing the risk of incorrect connection of the refrigerant sensor device 30 (refrigerant sensor 31).
• the refrigerant sensor device 30 includes a connector unit 34 to which a communication cable is connected that outputs the monitoring pulse, identification pulse, and leakage pulse to the indoor unit control device 24.
• a different identification mark e.g., identification label LBA, identification label LBB, or identification label LBC
• identification label LBA identification label LBA, identification label LBB, or identification label LBC
• the air conditioning system 100 can reduce incorrect connection of the refrigerant sensor device 30 (refrigerant sensor 31) due to differences in the identification mark (e.g., identification label LBA, identification label LBB, or identification label LBC).
• identification mark e.g., identification label LBA, identification label LBB, or identification label LBC.
• the refrigerant sensor device 30 is a refrigerant sensor device 30 for an air conditioning system 100 that includes an outdoor unit 10, an indoor unit 20, a refrigerant circuit RC that connects the outdoor unit 10 and the indoor unit 20 with refrigerant piping (50a, 50b) and through which a flammable refrigerant circulates, and an indoor unit control device 24 that controls the operation of the refrigerant circuit RC and outputs an alarm indicating a refrigerant leak when a leakage pulse indicating a refrigerant leak has been received.
• the refrigerant sensor device 30 has a refrigerant sensor 31 that detects a flammable refrigerant leak from the refrigerant circuit RC.
• the refrigerant sensor device 30 normally outputs a monitoring pulse indicating that the refrigerant sensor 31 is monitoring a refrigerant leak, and when the refrigerant sensor 31 detects a refrigerant leak, outputs a leakage pulse to the indoor unit control device 24 and outputs an identification pulse corresponding to the type of flammable refrigerant to the indoor unit control device 24 for a certain period of time after the device is started.
• the refrigerant sensor device 30 achieves the same effects as the air conditioning system 100 described above, and is able to detect incorrect connection of the refrigerant sensor 31 and reduce incorrect connection of the refrigerant sensor 31. Furthermore, the refrigerant sensor device 30 according to this embodiment can quickly detect refrigerant leaks and reduce false detections.
• the misconnection prevention method is a method for suppressing misconnection in the air conditioning system 100, and includes a first step and a second step.
• the air conditioning system 100 includes the outdoor unit 10, indoor unit 20, refrigerant circuit RC, refrigerant sensor device 30, and indoor unit control device 24 described above.
• the refrigerant sensor device 30 outputs an identification pulse corresponding to the type of flammable refrigerant to the indoor unit control device 24 for a certain period of time after startup.
• the indoor unit control device 24 detects misconnection of the refrigerant sensor 31 based on the identification pulse from the refrigerant sensor device 30, and, if a misconnection of the refrigerant sensor 31 is detected, causes the output unit to output notification information indicating the misconnection of the refrigerant sensor 31.
• the misconnection prevention method of this embodiment achieves the same effects as the air conditioning system 100 described above, and can reduce misconnection of the refrigerant sensor 31.
• the misconnection prevention method of this embodiment can detect misconnection of the refrigerant sensor 31 and output notification information indicating misconnection of the refrigerant sensor 31 to the output unit (e.g., display unit 43), thereby reducing misconnection of the refrigerant sensor 31. This allows the user (or the installer of the air conditioning system 100) to properly recognize misconnection of the refrigerant sensor 31.
• the misconnection prevention method of this embodiment can quickly detect refrigerant leaks and reduce false detections.
• the air conditioning system 100, refrigerant sensor device 30, and misconnection prevention method according to this embodiment can detect misconnection of the refrigerant sensor 31 during pre-shipment product inspection.
• FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating the hardware configuration of each control device of the air conditioning system 100.
• the devices shown in FIG. 15 show the hardware configuration of each control device (outdoor unit control device 17, indoor unit control device 24) of the air conditioning system 100.
• each control device (outdoor unit control device 17, indoor unit control device 24) of the air conditioning system 100 includes a communication device H11, a memory H12, and a processor H13.
• the communication device H11 is a communication device such as a LAN card that can be connected to the network NW1.
• the memory H12 is a storage device such as a RAM, flash memory, or HDD, and stores various information and programs used by the control devices (outdoor unit control device 17, indoor unit control device 24).
• the processor H13 is a processing circuit that includes, for example, a CPU.
• the processor H13 executes programs stored in the memory H12 to perform various processes for each control device (outdoor unit control device 17, indoor unit control device 24).
• the remote control 40 in this embodiment has a configuration similar to the hardware configuration shown in FIG. 15, and further includes an input device corresponding to the input unit 42 and a display device (display device) corresponding to the display unit 43.
• the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be modified within the scope of the present disclosure.
• the refrigerant sensor device 30 was installed in the air-conditioned space outside the indoor unit 20, but this is not limited to this and the refrigerant sensor device 30 may also be installed inside the indoor unit 20.
• the refrigerant sensor device 30 outputs a failure pulse and a lifespan pulse, but the refrigerant sensor device 30 may be configured not to output either or both of the failure pulse and the lifespan pulse.
• the identification signal, monitoring signal, leakage signal, fault signal, and life signal are pulse signals, but this is not limited to this and they may be analog signals such as sine wave signals, or signals of other types.
• the identification signal, monitoring signal, leakage signal, fault signal, and end-of-life signal may be distinguished based on, for example, frequency, amplitude, and the like.
• the air conditioning system 100 may be configured in a manner that does not use either the first modified example or the second modified example.
• the air conditioning system 100 can output an identification pulse (identification signal) using a conventional signal line, and there is no need to add a new signal line for outputting an identification pulse. Therefore, the air conditioning system 100 according to this embodiment can detect an incorrect connection of the refrigerant sensor 31 while maintaining control over the conventional refrigerant sensor device 30 (maintaining compatibility).
• the number of signal lines may be one or multiple. By outputting multiple pulse signals from one signal line, it is possible to avoid an increase in the number of signal lines.
• the refrigerant sensor device 30 outputs one identification pulse corresponding to one refrigerant, but this is not limited to this.
• the refrigerant sensor device 30 may be capable of detecting multiple types of refrigerants with similar LFLs, and may output a common identification pulse for multiple types of refrigerants.
• the refrigerant sensor device 30 may have a common concentration threshold for R32 and R454B, for example, and one refrigerant sensor 31 may be shared for these two types of refrigerants.
• each component of the air conditioning system 100 described above has an internal computer system.
• a program for realizing the functions of each component of the air conditioning system 100 described above may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the program recorded on this recording medium may be read into a computer system and executed to perform processing in each component of the air conditioning system 100 described above.
• "reading a program recorded on a recording medium into a computer system and executing it” includes installing the program into a computer system.
• computer system here includes the OS and hardware such as peripheral devices.
• a "computer system” may include multiple computer devices connected via a network, including communication lines such as the Internet, WAN, LAN, and dedicated lines.
• a "computer-readable recording medium” refers to portable media such as flexible disks, optical magnetic disks, ROMs, and CD-ROMs, as well as storage devices such as hard disks built into computer systems.
• the recording medium storing the program may also be a non-transitory recording medium such as a CD-ROM.
• recording medium also includes internal or external recording media that can be accessed by a distribution server to distribute the program.
• the program may be divided into multiple parts, each downloaded at a different time and then combined by each component of the air conditioning system 100, or each divided program may be distributed by a different distribution server.
• “computer-readable recording medium” also includes a medium that stores a program for a certain period of time, such as volatile memory (RAM) within a computer system that acts as a server or client when a program is transmitted over a network.
• the program may also be a medium that realizes some of the functions described above.
• the program may be a so-called differential file (differential program) that can realize the functions described above in combination with a program already stored in the computer system.

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