EQUIPMENT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND REFRIGERANT AMOUNT ESTIMATION METHOD

An equipment management system includes: an equipment having a refrigerant; an acquisition unit configured to acquire measurement information indicating a result of measuring a temperature of the refrigerant in the equipment, electrical characteristics of the equipment, and environmental information around the equipment; and an estimation unit configured to estimate an amount of the refrigerant in the equipment based on the measurement information acquired by the acquisition unit, equipment information on the equipment and equipment installation information on an installation environment of the equipment, the equipment information and the equipment installation information being preset.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to an equipment management system and a refrigerant amount estimation method.

BACKGROUND

An air conditioner is disclosed which estimates an amount of refrigerant in the equipment by adjusting a temperature so that the temperature in a target space satisfies a predetermined determination temperature condition and measuring a refrigerant temperature under a stable condition (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

PATENT DOCUMENT

In the conventional technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, it is possible to estimate the amount of refrigerant when air conditioning loads of an outdoor unit and an indoor unit are constant, a compressor frequency is constant, and a refrigeration cycle is stable. However, because an outside temperature is not constant throughout the day, the air conditioning load on the indoor unit changes depending on the number of people in a room, an activity status of people in the room, and the like, so that an environment where the air conditioning load is constant does not exist in reality. Therefore, in the conventional technology, it has been difficult to estimate the amount of refrigerant in an actual usage environment, and special operation has been required to estimate the amount of refrigerant.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has an object to provide an equipment management system and a refrigerant amount estimation method which accurately estimate an amount of refrigerant in an equipment in an actual usage environment without requiring special operation.

An equipment management system according to the present disclosure includes: an equipment having a refrigerant; an acquisition unit configured to acquire measurement information indicating a result of measuring a temperature of the refrigerant in the equipment, electrical characteristics of the equipment, and environmental information around the equipment; and an estimation unit configured to estimate an amount of the refrigerant in the equipment based on the measurement information acquired by the acquisition unit, equipment information on the equipment and equipment installation information on an installation environment of the equipment, the equipment information and the equipment installation information being preset.

Further, a refrigerant amount estimation method, according to the present disclosure, of estimating an amount of a refrigerant in an equipment having the refrigerant, includes: a step of an acquisition unit acquiring measurement information indicating a result of measuring a temperature of the refrigerant in the equipment, electrical characteristics of the equipment, and environmental information around the equipment; and a step of an estimation unit estimating an amount of the refrigerant in the equipment based on the measurement information acquired by the acquisition unit, equipment information on the equipment and equipment installation information on an installation environment of the equipment, the equipment information and the equipment installation information being preset.

According to the present disclosure, it is possible to accurately estimate an amount of refrigerant in an equipment in an actual usage environment without requiring special operation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

First Embodiment

First, a first embodiment will be described.

[Overview of Equipment Management System]

FIG.1is a schematic configuration diagram showing an example of an equipment management system according to the present embodiment. An equipment management system SYS shown in this figure includes an equipment1having a refrigerant and an equipment management device2capable of communicating with the equipment1. The equipment1is, for example, an air conditioner including an outdoor unit100and an indoor unit200. The equipment management device2is a data management destination that stores communication data from the equipment1, and also estimates an amount of refrigerant in the equipment1. Here, as the equipment management device2, an external terminal3and a cloud4are illustrated.

The external terminal3is a terminal device such as a smartphone or a PC (Personal Computer). In addition to communicating with the equipment1, the external terminal3may also communicate with the cloud4and transmit communication data from the equipment1to the cloud4. The cloud4is a group of arithmetic processing devices connected via a communication network such as a public line. The equipment management device2may be the external terminal3or the cloud4.

In the equipment management system SYS, the equipment management device2such as the external terminal3or the cloud4communicatively connected to the equipment1estimates an amount of refrigerant in the equipment1, based on equipment acquisition data10acquired by the equipment1, equipment information20on the equipment1, and equipment installation information30on an installation environment in which the equipment1is installed.

For example, the equipment acquisition data10includes measurement information such as a measured value of a refrigerant temperature in the equipment1(hereinafter referred to as “refrigerant temperature11”), a measured value of electrical characteristics in the equipment1(hereinafter referred to as “electrical input12”), and a measured value of environmental information such as a temperature or humidity around the equipment1(hereinafter referred to as “environmental information13”). The equipment1transmits the equipment acquisition data10to the equipment management device2.

The equipment management device2acquires the equipment acquisition data10transmitted from the equipment1. Further, the equipment management device2stores the equipment information20and the equipment installation information30which are preset. The equipment information20includes inspection data before shipping. For example, the equipment information20includes: inspection data (steady data or time series data) regarding the refrigerant temperature in the equipment1under a specific inspection condition, the electrical characteristics in the equipment1, or the environmental information; inspection conditions; and specifications (configurations) of the equipment1at the time of inspection. The equipment installation information30includes an environment, an installation state, or the like of the place where the equipment is installed. Details of the equipment acquisition data10, the equipment information20, and the equipment installation information30will be described later.

[Configuration of Refrigerant Circuit of Equipment1]

FIG.2is a diagram showing an example of a refrigerant circuit of the equipment according to the present embodiment. The outdoor unit100and the indoor unit200are connected by internal-external connection pipes301and302. The refrigerant in a gas state passes through the internal-external connection pipe301. The refrigerant in a liquid state passes through the internal-external connection pipe302. By switching a four-way valve101provided in the outdoor unit100to switch a circulation direction of the refrigerant, heating operation and cooling operation are switched. A direction of a solid line arrow indicates the direction of the refrigerant flow during the cooling operation, and a direction of a broken line arrow indicates the direction of the refrigerant flow during the heating operation.

In the case of heating operation, the refrigerant in the gas state compressed by a compressor102of the outdoor unit100flows to an indoor heat exchanger201of the indoor unit200through the four-way valve101and the internal-external connection pipe301. The refrigerant in the indoor heat exchanger201exchanges heat with surrounding air to warm the surrounding air. The refrigerant, which has become a liquid state through the heat exchange, flows into an expansion valve103of the outdoor unit100through the internal-external connection pipe302, and flows into an outdoor heat exchanger104through the expansion valve103. The refrigerant in the outdoor heat exchanger104exchanges heat with the surrounding air. The refrigerant, which has become a gas state through the heat exchange, returns to the compressor102through the four-way valve101.

In the case of cooling operation, the refrigerant in the gas state compressed by the compressor102of the outdoor unit100flows into the outdoor heat exchanger104through the four-way valve101. The refrigerant in the outdoor heat exchanger104exchanges heat with the surrounding air. The refrigerant, which has become a liquid state through the heat exchange, flows into the indoor heat exchanger201of the indoor unit200through the expansion valve103and the internal-external connection pipe302. The refrigerant in the indoor heat exchanger201exchanges heat with the surrounding air to cool the surrounding air. The refrigerant, which has become a gas state through the heat exchange, returns to the compressor102of the outdoor unit100through the internal-external connection pipe301and the four-way valve101.

The outdoor unit100and the indoor unit200are each provided with temperature sensors for measuring refrigerant temperatures.FIG.3is an explanatory diagram of temperature measurement points T1to T8shown inFIG.2. A temperature sensor is provided on each of an outlet side and an inlet side of the compressor102, and the measurement point T1on the outlet side is a measurement point for a discharge temperature, and the measurement point T8on the inlet side is a measurement point for a suction temperature.

Further, temperature sensors are provided at three points: an outlet side, an inlet side, and an intermediate point between the outlet and the inlet, of each of the expansion valve103and the outdoor heat exchanger104of the outdoor unit100and the indoor heat exchanger201of the indoor unit200. The outdoor heat exchanger104functions as a condenser during cooling operation. During cooling operation, the measurement points T2, T2-3, and T3serve as measurement points for an inlet temperature, an intermediate temperature, and an outlet temperature of the condenser, respectively. On the other hand, the outdoor heat exchanger104functions as an evaporator during heating operation. During heating operation, the measurement points T2, T2-3, and T3serve as measurement points for the outlet temperature, the intermediate temperature, and the inlet temperature of the evaporator, respectively.

The indoor heat exchanger201functions as an evaporator during cooling operation. During cooling operation, the measurement points T6, T6-7, and T7serve as measurement points for an inlet temperature, an intermediate temperature, and an outlet temperature of the evaporator, respectively. On the other hand, the indoor heat exchanger201functions as a condenser during heating operation. During heating operation, the measurement points T6, T6-7, and T7serve as measurement points for the outlet temperature, the intermediate temperature, and the inlet temperature of the condenser, respectively.

Further, the measurement point T4serves as a measurement point for an inlet temperature of the expansion valve103during cooling operation, and a measurement point for an outlet temperature of the expansion valve103during heating operation. The measurement point T5serves as a measurement point for the outlet temperature of the expansion valve103during cooling operation, and the measurement point for the inlet temperature of the expansion valve103during heating operation.

Note that the equipment1may be a multi-type air conditioner (so-called package air conditioner) in which a plurality of indoor units200are connected to one outdoor unit100.

FIG.4is a diagram showing an example of a refrigerant circuit of a multi-type air conditioner.FIG.4shows an example of a refrigerant circuit when two indoor units200are connected to the outdoor unit100. InFIG.4, the same reference numerals are given to configurations corresponding to the respective components inFIG.2. A configuration of the illustrated refrigerant circuit is the same as the example of the refrigerant circuit illustrated inFIG.2, except that the number of indoor units200is different. Note that the number of indoor units200is not limited to two.

Since the multi-type air conditioner has the plurality of indoor units200, the indoor units200are set with unit numbers such as a first unit, a second unit, . . . , for example. Then, the unit numbers are assigned such as “a discharge temperature of the first unit, an inlet temperature of the condenser, . . . ,” and “a discharge temperature of the second unit, an inlet temperature of the condenser, . . . ,” and a refrigerant temperature is managed for each unit, distinguishably.

Note that in present embodiment, the number of equipments1is basically one for one outdoor unit100, regardless of whether there is one indoor unit200or a plurality of indoor units200.

FIGS.5and6schematically show examples of Mollier diagrams during cooling operation.FIG.5is a diagram showing an example of a Mollier diagram immediately after startup (in an initial stage of operation).FIG.6is a diagram showing an example of a Mollier diagram in a stable state. Generally, in the initial stage of operation, all the measurement points T1to T8are in a gas-liquid two-phase region (two-phase region) (seeFIG.5). Thereafter, as the refrigerant gas is gradually compressed by the compressor102, a pressure difference between the condenser and the evaporator increases, and at the measurement point T1for the discharge temperature, it is gasified and transitions into a gas phase region (seeFIG.6). Further, at the measurement point T3for the outlet temperature of the condenser, the enthalpy decreases through heat exchange with the air by the condenser. If an amount of refrigerant gas and an amount of heat exchanged by the condenser are sufficient, the measurement point T3transitions into a liquid phase region (seeFIG.6). On the other hand, if the amount of refrigerant gas is insufficient, the heat exchange by the condenser and the evaporator will be insufficient.

[Configuration of Electric Circuit of Equipment1]

Next, an example of a main electric circuit of the equipment1will be described with reference toFIG.7.

FIG.7is a diagram showing an example of the electric circuit of the equipment1according to the present embodiment. InFIG.7, the same reference numerals are given to configurations corresponding to the respective components inFIG.2.

The outdoor unit100includes an outdoor unit controller110. The outdoor unit controller110is configured to include a microcomputer, controls each component of the outdoor unit100, and acquires measurement values of various sensors provided in the outdoor unit100. For example, the outdoor unit controller110acquires a measured value of the temperature sensor provided at each of the refrigerant temperature measurement points T1, T2, T2-3, T3, T4, T5, and T8described with respect toFIGS.2and3.

Further, the outdoor unit controller110also performs controlling switching of the flow direction of the refrigerant in the four-way valve101, controlling the compressor102, controlling an opening degree of the expansion valve103, controlling the rotation of an outdoor fan105that blows air to the outdoor heat exchanger104, and the like.

The compressor102includes a compression unit102aand a compressor motor102b. The compression unit102ahas a compression mechanism such as a rotary type or a scroll type, compresses the refrigerant sucked in from the inlet side, and discharges it from the outlet side. The compressor motor102bincludes a three-phase motor whose rotation can be controlled by an inverter120, and drives the compression mechanism of the compression unit102a. The outdoor unit controller110controls the rotation of the compressor motor102bby controlling the inverter120, thereby controlling the compression mechanism of the compression unit102a.

The indoor unit200includes an indoor unit controller210. The indoor unit controller210is configured to include a microcomputer, controls each component of the indoor unit200, and acquires measurement values of various sensors provided in the indoor unit200. For example, the indoor unit controller210acquires a measured value of the temperature sensor provided at each of the refrigerant temperature measurement points T6, T6-7, and T7described with respect toFIGS.2and3. Further, the indoor unit controller210performs controlling the rotation of an indoor fan202that blows air to the indoor heat exchanger201, and the like.

Further, the indoor unit200includes a wireless device220. The wireless device220is, for example, one of equipment accompanying devices added to the indoor unit200as options. The wireless device220connects to a communication network such as a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) or the Internet by wireless communication, and performs data communication with the equipment management device2(external terminal3or cloud4).

The indoor unit controller210is connected to the outdoor unit controller110via an internal-external communication line310. The indoor unit controller210generates the equipment acquisition data10based on data acquired from the outdoor unit controller110via the internal-external communication line310and data acquired by the indoor unit controller210itself. Then, the indoor unit controller210transmits the equipment acquisition data10to the equipment management device2(external terminal3or cloud4) via the wireless device220.

Here, in conventional air conditioners, it is necessary to acquire various refrigerant temperatures or pressures from the air conditioners when a frequency of the compressor is fixed and the refrigeration cycle is stable. This is because when estimating an amount of refrigerant, in order to accurately estimate the mass of the refrigerant in the liquid phase region and the gas-liquid two-phase region, due to the characteristics of the refrigeration cycle, it is necessary to grasp a pressure of the condenser in the gas-liquid two-phase region and a subcooling area on the outlet side of the condenser.

That is, in the conventional air conditioners, it has been possible to estimate the amount of refrigerant when the air conditioning loads of the outdoor unit and the indoor unit are constant, the compressor frequency is constant, and the refrigeration cycle is stable.

However, an environment for air conditioners where the air conditioning loads on the outdoor unit and the indoor unit are constant, such as in a test room, does not exist in reality. For example, when focusing on the outdoor unit, the air conditioning load applied to the outdoor unit changes as the outside temperature is not constant throughout the day. Further, when focusing on the indoor unit, the air conditioning load applied to the indoor unit changes depending on the number of people in the room or their activity status.

Therefore, generally, when controlling the compressor of an air conditioner to maintain a constant indoor temperature (or constant humidity), the compressor frequency changes variably, and therefore it has been difficult to estimate the amount of refrigerant when considering the actual usage environment. Therefore, special operation has been required to estimate the amount of refrigerant.

Further, in the conventional technology, in order to estimate the amount of refrigerant, it is necessary to define parameters through experiments, numerical simulations, or the like, and it is necessary to perform a complete evaluation depending on the number of specifications of an equipment. Therefore, there is also a problem that development costs increase. On the other hand, when the specifications of the equipment are defined to be a universally common model, there is also a problem that the accuracy of estimating the amount of refrigerant decreases.

Therefore, as described with reference toFIG.1, in the present embodiment, the equipment management device2(external terminal3or cloud4) communicatively connected to the equipment1estimates an amount of refrigerant in the equipment1, based on the equipment acquisition data10, the equipment information20, and the equipment installment information30. As a result, the equipment management system SYS can accurately estimate an amount of refrigerant in the equipment1in an actual usage environment without requiring any special operation. Detailed description is given below.

[Specific Example of Equipment Acquisition Data]

First, a specific example of data items included in the equipment acquisition data10will be described.

FIG.8is a diagram showing an example of data items of the equipment acquisition data10according to the present embodiment. As described above, the equipment acquisition data10includes the refrigerant temperature11, the electrical input12, and the environmental information13.

Examples of the refrigerant temperature11include a discharge temperature, a temperature at any point from the inlet to the outlet of the condenser and the evaporator (e.g., inlet temperature, intermediate temperature, outlet temperature), and a temperature of the expansion valve103(e.g., inlet temperature, outlet temperature), a suction temperature, and the like. Note that the refrigerant temperature11may include the temperatures at all or some of the above points. When the refrigerant temperature11includes some of the above, it is preferable that at least the discharge temperature is included. Further, when the refrigerant temperature11does not include all of the inlet temperature, the intermediate temperature, and the outlet temperature of the condenser and the evaporator, it is preferable that at least the intermediate temperature is included.

Note that temperature sensors may also be provided in the internal-external connection pipes301and302, and a temperature of the internal-external connection pipe301(for example, inlet temperature and outlet temperature) may be included in the refrigerant temperature11. Further, the refrigerant temperature11is not limited to the temperature at the above-described points, and may include a refrigerant temperature at any point which the equipment1can acquire. As measurement values of refrigerant temperatures at the more points are included in the refrigerant temperature11, the accuracy of estimating the amount of refrigerant increases.

Examples of the electrical input12includes a voltage (bus voltage, line voltage, phase voltage), a current (bus current, line current, phase current), and a rotation speed (current rotation speed, command rotation speed), power consumption, and the like of the outdoor fan105and the indoor fan202. Examples of the electrical input12further includes a voltage (bus voltage, line voltage, phase voltage), a current (bus current, line current, phase current), a frequency (current frequency, command frequency), and power consumption, and the like of the compressor102. Examples of the electrical input12further includes an opening degree (current opening degree, command opening degree), power consumption, and the like of the expansion valve103. Examples of the electrical input12further includes a voltage (primary voltage) and a current (primary current) on a power supply side, and power consumption of the equipment accompanying devices (e.g., wireless device220, heater, air purifying device, etc.).

Note that when the voltage, current, or power of the outdoor fan105, the indoor fan202, or the compressor102cannot be directly acquired, the power consumption of the equipment accompanying devices is used to estimate the unacquirable voltage, current, or power by indirect method from a total sum of that of the entire equipment1.

Note that the electrical input12may include all or some of the above data items. For example, it is preferable that the electrical input12includes at least the rotation speed (current rotation speed) of the outdoor fan105and the indoor fan202, the bus current and the current frequency of the compressor102, and the current opening degree of the expansion valve103.

Note that, in addition to the above data items, the electrical input12may include any electrical characteristics in the equipment1, which can be acquired by the equipment1. As the more data items are included in electrical input12, the accuracy of estimating the refrigerant amount increases.

Examples of the environmental information13include an ambient temperature (outdoor temperature, indoor temperature) and an ambient humidity (outdoor humidity, indoor humidity) acquired by the outdoor unit100and the indoor unit200. Note that the environmental information13may include all or some of the above data items. For example, it is preferable that the environmental information13includes at least the indoor temperature.

Note that in addition to the data items described above, the environmental information13may include environmental information that can be acquired by the equipment1. As the more data items are included in the environmental information13, the accuracy of estimating the amount of refrigerant increases.

The equipment1transmits the equipment acquisition data10described with reference toFIG.8to the equipment management device2.FIG.9is a diagram showing an example of the equipment acquisition data10transmitted by the equipment1. For example, as shown inFIG.9, the equipment1transmits time-series data of the equipment acquisition data10measured at regular time intervals. Note that when transmitting the equipment acquisition data10, the equipment1may transmit data at a fixed point under a certain condition.

[Specific Example of Equipment Information]

Next, a specific example of data items included in the equipment information20will be explained.

FIG.10is a diagram showing an example of the data items of the equipment information20according to the present embodiment. As described above, the equipment information20includes pre-shipment inspection data, inspection conditions, and specifications (configurations) of the equipment1at the time of inspection.

InFIG.10, the common items include the specifications (configurations) of the equipment1at the time of inspection. Examples of the common items include an inspection date and time (No. 1), a testing room used for the inspection (No. 2), manufacturing information and product specifications of the inspected equipment1, and the like. The manufacturing information includes a lot number (No. 3), a manufacturing year (No. 6), and the like. The product specifications include a model (No. 4) and the capacity (No. 5) of the equipment1, as well as a power supply specification, a refrigerant type and a charged amount, a type of refrigerating machine oil and an oil amount, a model of the compressor102, a stroke volume, a specification of the compressor motor102b, an internal volume of the compressor102, an internal volume of the outdoor heat exchanger104, an internal volume of the indoor heat exchanger201, an internal volume of a receiver (No. 7 to No. 18), and the like.

Note that the receiver is provided, for example, near a connection portion between the expansion valve103of the outdoor unit100and the internal-external connection pipe302. This receiver is provided to store surplus refrigerant since there is a difference in the required amount of refrigerant between cooling operation and heating operation. Generally, the internal volume of the outdoor unit100is larger than that of the indoor unit200, and the amount of refrigerant in the indoor unit200which serves as a condenser during heating operation is reduced compared to when the outdoor unit100is in cooling operation.

Further, the pre-shipment inspection data includes a refrigerant temperature in the equipment1under specific inspection conditions, electrical characteristics in the equipment1, inspection data (steady data or time-series data) of the environmental information, and the like.

In thisFIG.10, among the inspection data items, item No. 1 to item No. 5 are common inspection conditions, regardless of the type of the equipment1. These common inspection conditions include a test condition (for example, cooling standard or heating standard), an outdoor DB (Dry Bulb), an outdoor WB (Wet Bulb), an indoor DB, an indoor WB, and the like.

Further, among the inspection data items, item No. 8 to item No. 11 are inspection conditions that differ for each equipment or each capacity range of the equipment, and include equipment control settings at the time of inspection which individually differ, such as a command frequency of the compressor102, a command rotation speed of the indoor fan202and the outdoor fan105, a command opening degree of the expansion valve103, and the like.

Further, among the inspection data items, item No. 6, item No. 7, and item No. 12 to item No. 19 are inspection data (steady data or time series data) under the above-described inspection conditions. Examples of the inspection data include capacity (indoor capacity) and power consumption of the indoor unit200, thermal characteristics and a discharge temperature of the outdoor heat exchanger104and the indoor heat exchanger201, an inlet temperature, outlet temperature, and a suction temperature of the condenser and the evaporator, and the like.

Note that the equipment information20may include all or some of the above data items. For example, it is preferable that the equipment information20includes at least the type of refrigerant and the volume of space through which the refrigerant can flow. The volume of the space through which the refrigerant can flow includes the internal volume of the compressor102, the internal volume of the outdoor heat exchanger104, the internal volume of the indoor heat exchanger201, the internal volume of the receiver, and the like. Note that the volume of the space through which the refrigerant can flow may include all or some of the internal volume of the compressor102, the internal volume of the outdoor heat exchanger104, the internal volume of the indoor heat exchanger201, and the internal volume of the receiver.

Note that in addition to the above data items, the equipment information20may also include any information measurable at the time of inspection. As the more data items are included in the equipment information20, the accuracy of estimating the amount of refrigerant increases.

Further, in addition to a 100% inspection, a sampling inspection is generally performed when shipping a product, and in the sampling inspection, for example, the most recent lot is used as a representative value.

[Specific Example of Equipment Installation Information]

Next, a specific example of data items included in the equipment installation information30will be described.

FIG.11is a diagram showing an example of the data items of the equipment installation information30according to the present embodiment. As described above, the equipment installation information30includes information such as an installation location or an installation environment of the equipment1.

Examples of the equipment installation information30include, as information on an installation location or an installation environment, a position of the installation location of the equipment1(latitude, longitude), building specifications, an installation direction (north, south, etc.), an installation method of the outdoor unit100(on a roof, on the ground, on a ceiling, on a wall surface, etc.), a height of the indoor unit200(height from the floor), a size of the indoor space, lengths and diameters of the internal-external connection pipes301and302that connect the outdoor unit100and the indoor unit200, a height difference between the outdoor unit100and the indoor unit200(indoor-outdoor height difference), and the like. Here, the building specifications are elements necessary to define insulation performance of the building itself, such as a wooden structure, a reinforced concrete, a condominium, or a single-family house, and are parameters necessary to calculate a load on the indoor unit200. Further, the indoor-outdoor height difference is a height difference between a position where the internal-external connection pipes301and302are connected to the outdoor unit100and a position where the internal-external connection pipes301and302are connected to the indoor unit200.

Note that the equipment installation information30may include all or some of the above data items. For example, it is preferable that the equipment installation information30includes the lengths and diameters of the internal-external connection pipes301and302, which are related to the volume of the space through which the refrigerant can flow.

Note that the equipment installation information30may include any information other than the above data items regarding the environment or installation state of the installation location. As the more data items are included in the equipment installation information30, the accuracy of estimating the amount of refrigerant increases.

For example, the installation location or installation environment of the equipment1differs depending on a user. If the installation location or installation environment is different, the estimation of the amount of refrigerant will also be affected. For example, regarding the installation location of the equipment1, when the outdoor unit100is installed on the first floor, the height of the indoor unit200relative to that of the outdoor unit100generally differs by about 5 m between when the indoor unit200is installed on the first floor and when the indoor unit200is installed on the third floor. Therefore, even if the amount of refrigerant in the equipment1excluding the internal-external connection pipes301and302is the same, the lengths of the internal-external connection pipes301and302are different, so that it is assumed that different behaviors will occur in the refrigeration cycle. Therefore, the installation location of the equipment1may affect the estimation of the amount of refrigerant.

Note that even if the height difference between the outdoor unit100and the indoor unit200is the same, the lengths of the internal-external connection pipes301and302may differ. In that case, since the refrigerant is distributed in the internal-external connection pipes301and302, if the additional refrigerant is not charged for the lengths of the internal-external connection pipes301and302, the amount of refrigerant in the equipment1excluding the internal-external connection pipes will be reduced in total, so that there may be a gas shortage. Regarding the installation environment of the equipment1, the lengths of the internal-external connection pipes301and302differ depending on whether the outdoor unit100is mounted on the ceiling, placed on the ground, or placed on the roof. Further, even when the outdoor unit100is placed on the same ground, the air conditioning load is different depending on whether it is facing south and is exposed to direct sunlight, or it is facing north and is in the shade, so that it affects the refrigeration cycle. Therefore, the installation environment of the equipment1may similarly affect the estimation of the amount of refrigerant.

Further, regarding the installation environment of the equipment1, the insulation performance differs depending on whether the building in which the equipment1is installed is made of wood or reinforced concrete. For example, if the building is made of wood and has low insulation performance, the air conditioning load will be large, so that it may affect the refrigeration cycle and also the estimation of the amount of refrigerant.

Therefore, by using the equipment installation information30, the equipment management device2can estimate the amount of refrigerant according to the installation location or the installation environment of the equipment1, without fixing the installation location or the installation environment of the equipment1.

Next, a configuration of the equipment management device2and an operation of refrigerant amount estimation processing of estimating an amount of refrigerant will be described.

FIG.12is a schematic block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the equipment management device2according to the present embodiment. As described above, the equipment management device2is the external terminal3or the cloud4, and includes, for example, a storage401, a communication unit402, and a processor403.

The storage401stores a control program for controlling each component of the equipment management device2, various data, and the like. For example, the storage401is configured to include a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory), an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), a flash ROM, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), and the like. For example, the equipment information20(seeFIG.10) and the equipment installation information30(seeFIG.11) are stored in advance in the storage401.

The communication unit402performs data communication with the equipment1or other equipments by wireless communication. For example, the communication unit402connects to a communication network such as a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) or the Internet through wireless communication, and performs data communication with the equipment1or other equipments. Note that the communication unit402may also support wired communication.

The processor403includes an acquisition unit404, an estimation unit405, and an output unit406, as a functional configuration that performs the refrigerant amount estimation processing of estimating an amount of refrigerant by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) executing the control program stored in the storage401. The acquisition unit404acquires the equipment acquisition data10(seeFIG.8) from the equipment1(for example, the indoor unit200) via the communication unit402, and causes the storage401to store the acquired equipment acquisition data10. The estimation unit405estimates an amount of refrigerant in the equipment1. Here, the estimated amount of refrigerant is referred to as “estimated refrigerant amount40.” For example, the estimation unit405calculates the estimated refrigerant amount40in the equipment1based on the equipment acquisition data10acquired by the acquisition unit404, and the equipment information20and the equipment installation information30which are stored in the storage401. The output unit406outputs a result of the refrigerant amount estimation by the estimation unit405.

Next, with reference toFIG.13, the operation of the refrigerant amount estimation processing performed in the equipment management system SYS will be described in detail.FIG.13is a flowchart showing an example of the refrigerant amount estimation processing according to the present embodiment.

The equipment1(for example, the indoor unit200) periodically (for example, every 5 minutes) transmits the equipment acquisition data10to the equipment management device2, either voluntarily by the equipment1or passively by a user operating the equipment1. The equipment management device2receives the equipment acquisition data10transmitted from the equipment1(step S101).

When the equipment management device2receives the equipment acquisition data10transmitted from the equipment1, the equipment management device2acquires the equipment acquisition data10each time it is received, and stores and accumulates the equipment acquisition data10in the storage401(step S103).

Further, the equipment management device2estimates an amount of refrigerant in the equipment1at any timing in addition to internal regular processing. The equipment management device2determines whether or not it is the timing to estimate an amount of refrigerant (step S105). If it is not the timing to estimate an amount of refrigerant (NO), the equipment management device2returns to step S101, and periodically receives the equipment acquisition data10from the equipment1(step S103).

If it is the timing to estimate an amount of refrigerant (YES), the equipment management device2estimates an amount of refrigerant in the equipment1(step S107). Specifically, the equipment management device2calculates the estimated refrigerant amount40based on the accumulated equipment acquisition data10, and the equipment information20and the equipment installation information30which are stored internally in advance. Then, the equipment management device2outputs the estimated refrigerant amount (estimated refrigerant amount40) (step S109).

Here, with reference toFIG.14, a method of calculating the estimated refrigerant amount40will be described in detail.FIG.14is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the method of calculating the estimated refrigerant amount according to the present embodiment. As shown in this figure, the equipment management device2calculates the estimated refrigerant amount40based on a sum of a converted refrigerant amount41, a dissolved refrigerant amount42, and a retained refrigerant amount43, for example. Note that other than using the calculated value, the estimated refrigerant amount40may be directly set if it can be determined from refrigerant charging work or the like.

The converted refrigerant amount41is an amount of refrigerant in a main refrigerant state in each component constituting the equipment1. For example, when a volume ratio of the gas phase to the liquid phase at the inlet of the condenser is 95:5, the converted refrigerant amount41indicates the amount of refrigerant in the gas phase portion. On the other hand, when the volume ratio of the gas phase to the liquid phase at the inlet of the condenser is 5:95, the converted refrigerant amount41indicates the amount of refrigerant in the liquid phase portion. Further, when the volume ratio of the gas phase to the liquid phase at the inlet of the condenser is the same, the converted refrigerant amount41indicates the refrigerant amount using the two-phase average density. For example, the converted refrigerant amount41is calculated by multiplying the internal volume of each component of the equipment1by the refrigerant density. For example, as shown inFIG.14, the converted refrigerant amount41is calculated by a product of an internal volume31of the internal-external connection pipes301and302determined from the equipment installation information30(lengths and diameters of the internal-external connection pipes301and302), an internal volume51of each component of the equipment1which is included in the equipment information20, and a refrigerant density50in each component.

Here, the refrigerant density in each component can be determined from a relationship between pressure and density by converting the refrigerant temperature of the equipment acquisition data10into pressure. The relationship between pressure and density is predetermined by the type of refrigerant. Note that if the refrigerant pressure data can be directly acquired from the equipment1, it can be determined based on the acquired refrigerant pressure data or pressure data. Each component described here is a component that has a space through which the refrigerant can flow among the components that constitute the equipment1, and is, for example, the compressor102, the outdoor heat exchanger104, the indoor heat exchanger201, the receiver, the internal-external connection pipes301and302, or the like.

The dissolved refrigerant amount42is an amount of refrigerant dissolved in a refrigerating machine oil used in the equipment1. For example, as shown inFIG.14, the dissolved refrigerant amount42is calculated by a sum of products of a retained oil amount52of each component and an oil dissolution ratio53of each component. Here, the total amount of oil in the equipment1is a value of the oil amount in the equipment information20shown inFIG.10. Of the amount of oil in the equipment1, the retained oil amount52remaining in each component is determined by experiment or numerical calculation, for each operating condition (cooling, heating, etc.), based on the equipment acquisition data10, the equipment information20, and the equipment installation information30. For example, the equipment information20further includes the retained oil amount52in each component determined by this experiment or numerical calculation.

Further, the oil dissolution ratio53of each component can be calculated using a Daniel chart showing the amount of refrigerant dissolved in the refrigerating machine oil according to the temperature and pressure measured by an experimental method. For example, the current oil dissolution ratio53of each component can be calculated using the Daniel chart and a measured value of the refrigerant temperature of each component included in the equipment acquisition data10. When calculating it using the Daniel chart, it may be calculated using an approximate formula.

Note that the retained oil amount52of each component may be determined only for components that have a large internal volume and tend to retain the refrigerating machine oil, and components that have a small amount of retained refrigerating machine oil may be excluded. For example, the refrigerating machine oil tends to remain in the compressor102, the outdoor heat exchanger104, and the indoor heat exchanger201in large amounts.

The retained refrigerant amount43is an amount of refrigerant that remains in liquid form in each component (receiver, internal-external connection pipes301and302, etc.) in the gas-liquid two-phase region. If the cross-sectional area of a refrigerant flow path of each component is small, the refrigerant flow rate will be high, making it difficult for the refrigerant to remain, and if the cross-sectional area is large, the refrigerant flow rate will be slow, making it easier for the refrigerant to remain. Therefore, as shown inFIG.14, for example, the retained refrigerant amount43can be determined by experiment or numerical calculation, based on the equipment acquisition data10, the equipment information20, and the equipment installation information30, according to the cross-sectional area of the refrigerant flow path of each component and the flow rate of the refrigerant circulating in the equipment1.

Note that mainly among the components that have height differences, downstream components have a large amount of liquid retention, and therefore the other components may be excluded. Further, the retained refrigerant amount43is targeted for transient phenomena in the refrigeration cycle, and can be ignored when the refrigeration cycle is stable.

Further, the flow rate of refrigerant circulating in the equipment1is determined by a frequency of the compressor102and a suction refrigerant density. The suction refrigerant density can be uniquely determined by the amount of heat exchange between the condenser and the evaporator in the equipment1. Note that it can also be determined from the suction temperature or pressure acquired by the equipment1.

Further, the amount of heat exchange between the condenser and the evaporator is determined by the outdoor or indoor environmental load, and can be determined from the equipment acquisition data10and the equipment installation information30in this case.

As described above, in the equipment management system SYS according to the present embodiment, the equipment management device2is configured to acquire the equipment acquisition data10(measurement information) indicating a result of measuring a temperature of a refrigerant in the equipment1, an electrical input (electrical characteristics) of the equipment1, and environmental information around the equipment1. Then, the equipment management device2is configured to calculate the estimated refrigerant amount40based on the acquired equipment acquisition data10, the equipment information20and the equipment installation information30which are preset, and estimates an amount of the refrigerant in the equipment1. Note that, for example, the estimation of the amount of the refrigerant may be performed by the external terminal3or the cloud4, or by the cloud4via the external terminal3.

As a result, the equipment management system SYS can estimate an amount of the refrigerant in the equipment1during normal operation, unlike the conventional estimation of the amount of the refrigerant. That is, the equipment management system SYS can accurately estimate an amount of the refrigerant in the equipment in an actual usage environment without requiring any special operation.

For example, the equipment information20includes at least information on a volume of a space in which the refrigerant can flow in the equipment1and a type of the refrigerant that the equipment1has. As a result, the equipment management system SYS can estimate, according to the type of the refrigerant, an amount of the refrigerant in the space in which the refrigerant can flow in the equipment1.

Further, the equipment management device2is configured to calculate the amount of the refrigerant in the equipment1based on the volume of the space in which the refrigerant can flow in the equipment1, and a refrigerant density determined based on the temperature of the refrigerant in the equipment1and the type of the refrigerant. As a result, the equipment management system SYS can accurately estimate the amount of the refrigerant in the equipment1.

Further, the equipment management device2is further configured to calculate the amount of the refrigerant in the equipment1by adding an amount of the refrigerant dissolved in a refrigerating machine oil used in the equipment1(dissolved refrigerant amount42) and an amount of the refrigerant in a liquid retention portion (retained refrigerant amount43) to the amount of the refrigerant calculated based on the refrigerant density and the volume of the space through which the refrigerant can flow (converted refrigerant amount41). That is, the equipment management device2calculates the estimated refrigerant amount40based on a sum of the converted refrigerant amount41, the dissolved refrigerant amount42, and the retained refrigerant amount43. As a result, the equipment management system SYS can accurately estimate the amount of the refrigerant in the equipment1even in a transient phenomenon.

Further, in the equipment1, the outdoor unit100including the compressor102, the outdoor heat exchanger104, and the expansion valve103, and the indoor unit200including the indoor heat exchanger201are connected using internal-external connection pipes301and302through which the refrigerant flows. Further, the equipment installation information30includes at least information on the volumes of the internal-external connection pipes301and302(for example, diameters and lengths of the internal-external connection pipes301and302). As a result, the equipment management system SYS can accurately estimate the amount of the refrigerant in the equipment1, including the connection portion between the outdoor unit100and the indoor unit200.

Further, the environmental information around the equipment1includes at least information on an ambient temperature of the equipment1. For example, the ambient temperature includes a temperature of the environment (indoor) where the indoor unit200is installed (indoor temperature) or a temperature of the environment (outdoor) where the outdoor unit100is installed (outdoor temperature). As a result, the equipment management system SYS can accurately estimate the amount of the refrigerant in the equipment1in consideration of the ambient temperature of the equipment1.

Further, in the equipment management system SYS, the equipment management device2includes the external terminal3or the cloud4that can communicate with the equipment1. As a result, the equipment management system SYS can be easily applied to various equipments1since it is not necessary to provide the equipments1with a function necessary to estimate the amount of the refrigerant.

Further, in the equipment management system SYS according to the present embodiment, the refrigerant amount estimation method of estimating an amount of a refrigerant in the equipment1having the refrigerant includes: a step of the equipment management device2acquiring the equipment acquisition data10(measurement information) indicating a result of measuring a temperature of the refrigerant in the equipment1, an electrical input (electrical characteristics) of the equipment1, and environmental information around the equipment1; and a step of the equipment management device2estimating an amount of the refrigerant in the equipment1based on the acquired equipment acquisition data10, the equipment information20and the equipment installation information30which are preset.

As a result, the equipment management system SYS can estimate an amount of the refrigerant in the equipment1during normal operation, unlike the conventional estimation of the amount of the refrigerant. That is, the equipment management system SYS can accurately estimate an amount of the refrigerant in the equipment in an actual usage environment without requiring any special operation.

Second Embodiment

Next, a second embodiment will be described.

A basic configuration of the present embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, except for a difference that a plurality of equipments1are connected to the equipment management device2.

FIG.15is a schematic configuration diagram showing an example of an equipment management system according to the present embodiment. The equipment management system SYS shown in this figure includes a plurality of equipments1having a refrigerant, and an equipment management device2that can communicate with each equipment1. Note that although this figure shows an example in which there are three equipments1, there may be two or four or more equipments1.

A configuration and operation of the refrigerant amount estimation processing in the equipment management system SYS are the same as those of the first embodiment. For example, in the equipment management device2, the acquisition unit404is configured to acquire the equipment acquisition data10from each of the plurality of equipments1. The estimation unit405is configured to calculate an amount of the refrigerant in the plurality of equipments1(total refrigerant amount) based on the equipment acquisition data10acquired by the acquisition unit404, the equipment information20and the equipment installation information30which are preset.

Thus, the equipment management system SYS can estimate the total amount of the refrigerant in the plurality of equipments1(total refrigerant amount) by collectively managing the equipment acquisition data10, the equipment information20, and the equipment installation information of each equipment1. Further, the equipment management system SYS can also estimate the amount of the refrigerant for each of the plurality of equipments1individually.

Third Embodiment

Next, a third embodiment will be described.

A basic configuration of an equipment management system SYS according to present embodiment is the same as those of the first and second embodiments. Further, a basic operation of the equipment management system SYS according to present embodiment is the same as those of the first and second embodiments, except for a difference that a refrigerant management value is used.

The impact on the global environment differs depending on the type of refrigerant used in the equipment1, and in general, there is a tendency for those with a high global warming potential (GWP) to be phased out of use in the market. For example, there are R410a and R32 as the refrigerant types used in the market, and the GWP of R410a is 2090, and the GWP of R32 is 675. In other words, R410a is the refrigerant type that has three times as much impact on global warming as R32. Therefore, the impact on the global environment (global warming) when using R410a is made equal by limiting the amount of refrigerant to one third of the amount when using R32.

An amount of refrigerant for each refrigerant type whose use is restricted in the equipment1(refrigerant amount serving as a reference for each refrigerant type) is defined as the above-described refrigerant management value. For example, the refrigerant management value is calculated by a sum of an amount of refrigerant charged at the time of shipment of the equipment1and an additional amount of refrigerant necessary to be charged for the equipment1.

FIG.16is a schematic configuration diagram showing an example of the equipment management system according to the present embodiment.

The equipment management device2estimates an amount of refrigerant in the equipment1based on the equipment acquisition data10, the equipment information20, and the equipment installation information30, and also compare the estimated refrigerant amount (estimated refrigerant amount40) and the refrigerant management value to determine whether the amount of refrigerant in the equipment1is excessive or insufficient.

For example, since the equipment management device2is configured to estimate the amount of refrigerant in the equipment1at an arbitrary timing in addition to internal regular processing, time-series data as shown inFIG.17can be stored. For example, the estimation unit405calculates a refrigerant management value of the equipment1based on a sum of an amount of refrigerant charged at the time of shipment of the equipment1and an additional amount of refrigerant necessary to be charged for the equipment1. Then, the estimation unit405compares the estimated value of the refrigerant amount in the equipment1with the refrigerant management value of the equipment1, and determines whether the amount of refrigerant in the equipment is excessive or insufficient.

FIG.17is a diagram showing an example of time-series data stored by the equipment management device. This figure shows time-series data of a refrigerant management value and an estimated refrigerant amount value at each time. The estimated refrigerant amount value from time t0to t1is an estimated value of the amount of refrigerant charged in the equipment1at the time of installation, and corresponds to the amount of refrigerant charged at the time of shipment of the equipment1. Next, if the equipment1is charged with an additional amount of refrigerant necessary for the equipment from time t1to t2, the estimated refrigerant amount value becomes close to the refrigerant management value at time t2. Thereafter, if the amount of refrigerant in the equipment1decreases after time t3due to external factors or the like, the estimated refrigerant amount value decreases after time t3, and then the estimated refrigerant amount value reaches a certain value and becomes stable after time t4.

The equipment management device2can determine whether the amount of refrigerant in the equipment1is excessive or insufficient by comparing a difference between the refrigerant management value and the estimated refrigerant amount value based on the time series data as shown inFIG.17.

Note that if it is determined that the amount of refrigerant in the equipment1is insufficient, it is assumed that the refrigerant gas has leaked and decreased. On the other hand, if the amount of refrigerant in the equipment1is excessive, it is assumed that the refrigerant gas is overcharged. For example, if the estimated refrigerant amount value is continuously decreasing, the equipment management device2can recognize that refrigerant gas is leaking.

Further, the equipment management device2determines whether the amount of refrigerant in the equipment1is excessive or insufficient by sampling at any timing with high determination accuracy (for example, 30 minutes after startup of the equipment1, etc.) or periodically (for example, every minute), and outputs a result as instantaneous values or time series data.

For example, when determining whether the amount of refrigerant in one equipment1is excessive or insufficient, the equipment management device2simply determines whether the amount of refrigerant in the equipment1is excessive or insufficient. On the other hand, when determining whether the amount of refrigerant in a plurality of equipments1is excessive or insufficient, the equipment management device2can also manage the amount of refrigerant used in the market.

For example, when the equipment management system SYS includes a plurality of equipments1, the equipment management device2can acquire time series data of a refrigerant management value and an estimated refrigerant amount value at each time for each of the plurality of equipments1as shown inFIG.18.FIG.18is a diagram showing an example of time-series data of each of the plurality of equipments1(here, equipment A, equipment B, and equipment C) stored by the equipment management device2.

The equipment management device2can grasp the total amount of refrigerant in the plurality of equipments1at the time of installation by calculating a sum of the estimated refrigerant amount values at time to which is the time when each of the plurality of equipments1is installed. Further, in the example shown inFIG.18, it can be understood that only the equipment A is additionally charged with refrigerant between time t1and t2, and refrigerant leakage occurs in the equipment A because the refrigerant gas decreases between time t3and time t4. Similarly, it can be understood that refrigerant leakage occurs in the equipment C between time t2and time t3. Further, if the equipments A to C were removed at time t4, it can be understood that the remaining refrigerant except for the refrigerant leaked from the equipments A and C could be recovered.

Therefore, it can be understood that although the leaked refrigerant affects the environment, the recovered refrigerant does not affect the environment even if replacement is made with a new equipment1having the same amount of refrigerant. This provides the effect that the equipment1having the refrigerant can be used continuously. Note that even if the new equipment1uses a different type of refrigerant, the replacement can be made without affecting the environment by applying a refrigerant management value according to the type of refrigerant.

Fourth Embodiment

Next, a fourth embodiment will be described.

A basic configuration of an equipment management system SYS according to present embodiment is the same as those of the first and second embodiments. Further, a basic operation of the equipment management system SYS according to the present embodiment is the same as those of the first and second embodiments, except for differences that the performance of the equipment1is estimated based on the estimated refrigerant amount40, and the estimated operational performance is compared with the equipment information20of the equipment1, published inspection data, catalog information, or the like. The catalog information is information described in a catalog of a manufacturer of the equipment1, and includes, for example, numerical values related to the specifications of the equipment1.

FIG.19is a diagram showing an example of a relationship between the amount of refrigerant and the performance of the equipment according to the present embodiment.FIG.20is a diagram showing an example of comparison with catalog values regarding a relationship between the performance of the equipment and the temperature according to the present embodiment. Here, the performance of the equipment1refers to, for example, operational performance such as cooling, heating, dehumidification, and refrigeration. Note that the performance of the equipment1may be expressed as power consumption of the equipment1.

The equipment management device2calculates the estimated refrigerant amount40of the equipment1having the characteristics as shown inFIG.19, and determines the performance of the equipment1from the calculated estimated refrigerant amount40. Then, the equipment management device2summarizes the calculated performance of the equipment1as the characteristics as shown inFIG.20. Note that the relationship between the amount of refrigerant and the performance of the equipment1shown inFIG.19is determined by numerical calculation based on the equipment information20and the equipment installation information30. Similarly, the example shown inFIG.20is determined by numerical calculation based on the equipment information20, the published inspection data, or the catalog information. Note that the published inspection data or the catalog information is included in the equipment information20.

Thus, the equipment management system SYS according to the present embodiment can grasp the performance of the equipment1by estimating the performance of the equipment1based on the equipment information20, the equipment installation information30, and the estimated amount of refrigerant. Further, when the equipment management system SYS has a plurality of equipments1, it is possible to grasp the performance of the plurality of equipments1as a whole as well as the performance of each equipment1. Further, the equipment management system SYS compares the estimated performance of each equipment1or the overall performance of the plurality of equipments1with the equipment information20, the published inspection data, or the catalog information, thereby making it possible to evaluate the performance of the equipment1and grasp the validity of the performance of the equipment1, for example.

Fifth Embodiment

Next, a fifth embodiment will be described.

A basic configuration of an equipment management system SYS according to present embodiment is the same as those of the first and second embodiments, except for a difference that it further includes a general-purpose device.

FIG.21is a schematic configuration diagram showing an example of the equipment management system according to the present embodiment. In this figure, the equipment management device2is configured to be able to communicate with a general-purpose device5. Here, the general-purpose device5is an example of an external device, and is a device having a display screen (for example, a smartphone, a PC), a device that emits sound (for example, a wireless earphone), or the like.

A basic operation of the equipment management system SYS according to present embodiment is the same as those of the first to fourth embodiments, except for a difference that information on the estimated refrigerant amount40or the performance of the equipment1calculated by the equipment management device2is output from the general-purpose device5to provide visual or auditory guidance or warning to a user.

For example, the equipment management device2transmits to the general-purpose device5, the information on the estimated refrigerant amount40or the performance of the equipment1, thereby causing the general-purpose device5to display the information. Further, the equipment management device2may transmit to the general-purpose device5, information on the excess or deficiency of the amount of refrigerant in the equipment1determined based on a result of the comparison between the estimated refrigerant amount40of the equipment1and the refrigerant management value, thereby causing the general-purpose device5to display the information. Further, the equipment management device2may transmit to the general-purpose device5, information on a result of the determination based on a comparison between the performance of the equipment1and the equipment information20, the published inspection data, or the catalog information, thereby causing the general-purpose device5to display the information.

Specifically, the output unit406of the equipment management device2outputs the information on the estimated refrigerant amount40or the performance of the equipment1to the communication unit402, thereby transmitting the information to the general-purpose device5. The general-purpose device5acquires the information on the estimated refrigerant amount40or the performance of the equipment1transmitted from the equipment management device2, and causes the information to be displayed on the display screen of the general-purpose device5. Further, the output unit406outputs the information on the excess or deficiency of the amount of refrigerant in the equipment1to the communication unit402, thereby transmitting the information to the general-purpose device5. The general-purpose device5acquires the information on the excess or deficiency of the amount of refrigerant in the equipment1transmitted from the equipment management device2, and causes the information to be displayed on the display screen of the general-purpose device5. Note that the general-purpose device5may output these information items transmitted from the equipment management devices2in the form of audio.

FIG.22is a diagram showing an example of a display displayed on the general-purpose device5according to the present embodiment. This figure shows an example of display of information that provides guidance or warning about a value of the estimated refrigerant amount40, the shortage of refrigerant in the equipment1, the leakage of refrigerant, a result of the performance determination, and the like. Note that the display example shown in this figure is an example, and is not limited to this.

Note that the visual or auditory guidance or warning is provided, for example, when it is determined that the amount of refrigerant in the equipment1is continuously insufficient. This is for the purpose that in this case, the refrigerant gas is considered to have leaked, so that a user is urged to contact an administrator of the equipment1or a repair company, or if the equipment1is in operation, the user is urged to stop the operation of equipment1or switch to a mode that shuts off the refrigerant leakage, so as to minimize the effects of the refrigerant gas leak.

Here, when it is assumed that the conditions other than the amount of refrigerant are equal under certain environmental conditions or operating conditions of the equipment1, the performance of the equipment1can be expressed by a function using the amount of refrigerant as a parameter. When power consumption is taken as an example of the performance of the equipment1, if the amount of refrigerant is insufficient, the amount of heat exchanged in the heat exchanger will decrease according to the decreased amount of refrigerant, so that the power consumption will decrease. A similar trend can be seen in the operating performance of cooling, heating, dehumidification, or refrigeration.

Therefore, the equipment management device2can determine the performance of the equipment1based on the estimated amount of refrigerant, and provides visual or auditory guidance or warning about the result thereof to the user or administrator of the equipment1via the general-purpose device5. Further, even when a plurality of equipments1are connected, the equipment management device2can determine the performance of each equipment1based on the amount of refrigerant estimated for each equipment1. Note that the equipment management device2compares the performance of each equipment1obtained at this time with the equipment information20, the published inspection data, or the catalog information so as to be able to objectively judge the performance of each equipment1.

Further, when the amount of refrigerant in the equipment1is insufficient relative to the refrigerant management value of the equipment1and the performance of the equipment1is decreased, the equipment management device2provides visual or auditory guidance or warning that the performance is decreased due to the insufficient amount of refrigerant gas.

Thus, the equipment management system SYS according to the present embodiment outputs information providing visual or auditory guidance or warning via the general-purpose device5, based on a result of the estimation of the refrigerant amount or the performance of the equipment1. As a result, the equipment management system SYS allows various people (e.g., an unspecified number of people), such as users of the equipment1, workers or repairers who maintain the equipment1, and administrators, to easily grasp the status of the equipment1.

Sixth Embodiment

Next, a sixth embodiment will be described.

A basic configuration and operation of an equipment management system SYS according to the present embodiment are the same as those of the fifth embodiment, and information is transmitted from the equipment management device2to the general-purpose device5, thereby causing the general-purpose device5to display the information. The present embodiment differs from the fifth embodiment in the content displayed by the general-purpose device5.

The equipment management device2transmits to the general-purpose device5, information on a fault or maintenance of the equipment1based on the calculated refrigerant amount or performance of the equipment1, the equipment acquisition data10, the equipment information20, the equipment installation information30, and the like, thereby causing the general-purpose device5to display the information. The information on the fault or maintenance is, for example, information that assists in fault or maintenance work and is information that is useful to workers.

Specifically, the output unit406of the equipment management device2outputs information on a fault or maintenance of the equipment1to the communication unit402, thereby transmitting the information to the general-purpose device5. The general-purpose device5acquires the information on the fault or maintenance transmitted from the equipment management device2and causes the information to be displayed on the display screen of the general-purpose device5. Note that the general-purpose device5may output these information items transmitted from equipment management devices2in the form of audio.

FIG.23is a diagram showing an example of a display displayed on the general-purpose device5according to the present embodiment. In the display example shown in this figure, as information on the equipment1, an operation start date, an equipment name, and a compressor model are displayed. Further, as the installation information of the equipment1, information on an installation location of the outdoor unit and a height at which the indoor unit is installed is displayed. Further, an estimated refrigerant amount value and performance of the equipment1, and a graph of time-series data of the estimated refrigerant amount value and the refrigerant management value are displayed. These display information is information that assists in fault or maintenance work. Note that the display example shown in this figure is an example, and is not limited to this. For example, according to the display example shown inFIG.23, it is possible to grasp the amount of refrigerant in the equipment1as an instantaneous value or in a time series, and also to confirm the information that will assist in fault or maintenance work of the equipment1.

Thus, the equipment management system SYS according to the present embodiment outputs information on a fault or maintenance of the equipment1via the general-purpose device5, based on a result of the estimation of the refrigerant amount or the performance of the equipment1. As a result, the equipment management system SYS can confirm the information that will assist in fault or maintenance work of the equipment1. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to reduce the burden on workers of the fault or maintenance work of the equipment1, and to improve the efficiency of the work.

Seventh Embodiment

Next, a seventh embodiment will be described.

A basic configuration and operation of an equipment management system SYS according to present embodiment are the same as those of the fourth embodiment.

As described in the fourth embodiment, the equipment management device2estimates the performance of the equipment1based on the amount of refrigerant in the equipment1. In the present embodiment, the equipment management device2causes the equipment1to perform pre-cooling or pre-warming in advance when there is a possibility that the environment in which the equipment1is used exceeds the capacity of the equipment1, based on the estimated performance of the equipment1.

For example, compared to the equipment1with a regular charged amount (refrigerant amount that satisfies the refrigerant management value), an equipment1with a lower refrigerant amount has the lower performance, so that a control such as increasing the frequency of the compressor102is performed. However, due to an increase in pressure caused by the increase in frequency, the equipment1may stop intermittently due to a protective operation.

In this case, for example, if the time required for the equipment1to reach the set temperature during cooling operation increases and the indoor air conditioning load increases beyond the capacity of the equipment1, the room temperature may not decrease, but may rise. Therefore, the equipment management device2reduces the indoor air conditioning load by causing the equipment1to perform pre-cooling to prevent the equipment1from entering the protective operation even if its performance has deteriorated.

For example, when a reservation for cooling or heating operation is made in the equipment1, the equipment management device2(processor403) acquires the reserved time from the equipment1via the communication unit402, and also determines whether or not there is a possibility that the current environment (e.g., temperature) exceeds the cooling or heating capacity based on the performance of the equipment1determined based on the estimated refrigerant amount value. If the processor403determines that there is a possibility that the current environment exceeds the cooling or heating capacity based on the performance of the equipment1, the processor403transmits to the equipment1via the communication unit402, an instruction that causes the equipment1to perform cooling or heating operation in advance of the reservation time. In response to receiving this instruction, the equipment1performs pre-cooling or pre-warming operation.

Thus, the equipment management system SYS according to the present embodiment causes the equipment1to perform the pre-cooling or pre-warming operation, based on the performance of the equipment1. As a result, the equipment management system SYS can operate the equipment1more stably than when pre-cooling or pre-warming is not performed when the environment in which equipment1is used exceeds the capacity of the equipment1.

For example, when the environment exceeds the capacity of the equipment1, the equipment1may not be able to withstand the load, and therefore may perform a protective operation such as stopping or suppressing the operation to protect the equipment1itself. When the equipment1performs the protective operation, the equipment1becomes unusable, which may make the user using the equipment1uncomfortable. According to the present embodiment, since the equipment1is controlled to perform the pre-cooling or pre-warming operation based on the performance of the equipment1, it is possible to prevent such a protective operation of the equipment1from occurring. For example, even if the performance of the equipment1is degraded due to factors such as a decrease in the heat exchange performance of the heat exchanger due to defacement or blockage of the air passage, or a lack of refrigerant gas, the impact on use can be minimized.

Further, not only in the case of cooling or heating, but also in the case of dehumidifying or refrigerating, the equipment management system SYS may similarly perform dehumidifying or refrigerating operation in advance of the reservation time when the environment in which the equipment1is used exceeds the capacity of the equipment1.

Although each embodiment has been described above in detail with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to these embodiments, and each embodiment may be combined, modified, or omitted as appropriate.

Note that in the above embodiments, the air conditioner capable of switching between cooling operation and heating operation has been described as an example of the equipment1, but the equipment1may also be a cooling-only machine or a heating-only machine. In the case of a cooling-only machine, the refrigerant circuit shown inFIG.2excluding the four-way valve101is used only for cooling. Further, in the case of a heating-only machine, the refrigerant circuit shown inFIG.2excluding the four-way valve101is used only for heating.

Further, the equipment1is not limited to an air conditioner as long as it has a refrigerant. For example, the equipment1may be a refrigerator, a freezer, or the like, which includes a set of a condenser and an evaporator. In the case of a refrigerator or a freezer, the refrigerant circuit is used only for cooling.

Further, for example, the equipment1may be a water heater (ATW: Air-To-Water).FIG.24is a diagram showing an example of a refrigerant circuit when the equipment1is a water heater. InFIG.24, the same reference numerals are given to configurations corresponding to the respective components inFIG.2. When calculating a heat exchange amount of a gas cooler205, the equipment1(water heater) may use inlet and outlet temperatures T6′ and T7′ of a water circuit, instead of inlet and outlet refrigerant temperatures T6and T7of the gas cooler205.

Further, the examples of the Mollier diagrams shown inFIGS.5and6differ depending on the type of refrigerant. For example, a CO2 refrigerant used in water heaters becomes supercritical during operation, so that there is no distinction between a liquid phase and a gas phase, but a relationship between pressure and enthalpy change is similar to the example shown inFIG.6. Further, in a water heater, if a refrigerant temperature in the gas cooler205cannot be measured, it can be converted from a refrigerant circulation amount, a water amount in the water circuit, the inlet and outlet temperatures T6′ and T7′ of the water circuit, and a heat exchange efficiency.

Further, in the above embodiment, the example in which the equipment management device2is the external terminal3or the cloud4has been described, but the equipment management device2is not limited to this. For example, the equipment management device2may be included in the equipment1.

Note that a program for realizing the functions of the equipment management device2may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, so that a computer system reads and executes the program recorded on the recording medium to perform the processing of the equipment management device2. Note that the “computer system” herein includes an OS and hardware such as peripheral devices.

Further, the “computer-readable recording medium” refers to portable media such as flexible disks, magneto-optical disks, ROMs and CD-ROMs, and storage devices such as hard disks built into computer systems. Further, the “computer-readable recording medium” includes: a medium that dynamically stores a program for a short period of time, such as a communication line in a case where a program is transmitted via a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line; and a medium that stores a program for a certain period of time, such as a volatile memory inside a computer system that serves as a server or a client in the above case. Further, the above-described program may be one for realizing part of the functions described above, or may be one capable of realizing the functions described above in combination with a program already recorded in the computer system. Further, the above-described program may be stored in a predetermined server, so that it will be distributed (downloaded, or the like) via a communication line in response to a request from another device.

Further, part or all of the functions of the equipment management device2may be implemented as an integrated circuit such as an LSI (Large Scale Integration). Each function may be individually processorized, and part or all of the functions may be integrated and processorized. Further, the integrated circuit is not limited to an LSI, and may be implemented as a dedicated circuit or a general-purpose processor. Further, when an integrated circuit technology that replaces the LSI appears due to advances in semiconductor technology, an integrated circuit based on that technology may be used.