Patent Publication Number: US-10788234-B2

Title: Height difference setting system

Description:
BACKGROUND ART 
     When there is a height difference between an indoor unit and an outdoor unit at the time of installing an air conditioner, a transport capacity of refrigerant is adjusted by considering an influence of the height difference. Specifically, when there is a height difference between the indoor unit and the outdoor unit, the transport capacity of refrigerant is set to be higher than when there is no height difference (see, for example, Patent Literature 1 (Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 10-153335)). 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Technical Problem 
     However, it is necessary to pay attention to the followings to adjust the transport capacity of refrigerant by considering the height difference between the indoor unit and the outdoor unit. First, (1) a man-hour for input to set a height difference is needed. In addition, (2) an on-site worker may make an input mistake when setting a height difference. In addition, (3) there is a possibility that an on-site worker will not set a height difference. In addition, (4) even if a height difference is once set, the transport capacity of refrigerant may become inappropriate depending on operation conditions of the indoor unit. 
     When the height difference is not appropriately set for the above reasons, the transport capacity of refrigerant becomes inappropriate. As a result, it may be impossible to maintain the cooling capacity and heating capacity of the air conditioner. 
     An object of the present invention is to provide a height difference setting system capable of setting a transport capacity of refrigerant in an appropriate state. 
     Solution to Problem 
     A height difference setting system according to a first aspect of the present invention is a height difference setting system in which a height difference between an outdoor unit and one or more indoor units associated with the outdoor unit is set by a management apparatus that communicates with either or both of the outdoor unit and each of the one or more indoor units. This height difference setting system includes an outdoor unit height information obtaining unit, an indoor unit height information obtaining unit, a height difference setting unit, and a transport capacity adjusting unit. The outdoor unit height information obtaining unit obtains outdoor unit height information indicating a height of an installation place of the outdoor unit. The indoor unit height information obtaining unit obtains indoor unit height information indicating a height of an installation place of the indoor unit. The height difference setting unit sets a height difference between the outdoor unit and the indoor unit on the basis of the outdoor unit height information and the indoor unit height information. The transport capacity adjusting unit adjusts, on the basis of the height difference set by the height difference setting unit, a transport capacity of refrigerant to be transported from the outdoor unit to the indoor unit. In this height difference setting system, the outdoor unit height information obtaining unit and the transport capacity adjusting unit are located in the outdoor unit. The indoor unit height information obtaining unit is located in the indoor unit. The height difference setting unit is located in the management apparatus. 
     The height difference setting system according to the first aspect is capable of setting the height difference between the outdoor unit and the indoor unit by using the management apparatus. Accordingly, the height difference setting system is capable of setting the transport capacity of refrigerant in an appropriate state on the basis of the height difference setting. 
     A height difference setting system according to a second aspect of the present invention is a height difference setting system in which a height difference between an outdoor unit and one or more indoor units associated with the outdoor unit is set by using a predetermined communication terminal that is capable of communicating with the outdoor unit and each of the one or more indoor units. This height difference setting system includes an outdoor unit height information obtaining unit, an indoor unit height information obtaining unit, a height difference setting unit, and a transport capacity adjusting unit. The outdoor unit height information obtaining unit obtains outdoor unit height information indicating a height of an installation place of the outdoor unit. The indoor unit height information obtaining unit obtains indoor unit height information indicating a height of an installation place of the indoor unit. The height difference setting unit sets a height difference between the outdoor unit and the indoor unit on the basis of the outdoor unit height information and the indoor unit height information. The transport capacity adjusting unit adjusts, on the basis of the height difference set by the height difference setting unit, a transport capacity of refrigerant to be transported from the outdoor unit to the indoor unit. In this height difference setting system, the outdoor unit height information obtaining unit and the indoor unit height information obtaining unit are located in the communication terminal. The height difference setting unit and the transport capacity adjusting unit are located in the outdoor unit. 
     The height difference setting system according to the second aspect has the above-described configuration and is thus capable of obtaining the outdoor unit height information and the indoor unit height information by using the communication terminal. Accordingly, the height difference setting system is capable of setting the height difference between the outdoor unit and the indoor unit on the basis of the outdoor unit height information and the indoor unit height information, and is thus capable of setting the transport capacity of refrigerant in an appropriate state on the basis of the height difference. 
     According to a height difference setting system according to a third aspect of the present invention, in the height difference setting system according to the second aspect, the indoor unit height information is transmitted from the communication terminal to the outdoor unit via the indoor unit. 
     The height difference setting system according to the third aspect is capable of obtaining the outdoor unit height information and the indoor unit height information by using the communication terminal. 
     According to a height difference setting system according to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the height difference setting system according to the second aspect, the indoor unit is connected to a remote controller capable of wirelessly communicating with a peripheral device. The indoor unit height information is transmitted from the communication terminal to the remote controller through wireless communication and is transmitted to the outdoor unit via the remote controller and the indoor unit. 
     The height difference setting system according to the fourth aspect is capable of obtaining the indoor unit height information via the remote controller. 
     According to a height difference setting system according to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the height difference setting system according to the second aspect to the fourth aspect, the outdoor unit and the indoor unit are managed by a management apparatus that communicates with the outdoor unit. The management apparatus is capable of communicating with the predetermined communication terminal. In this height difference setting system, the outdoor unit height information obtaining unit and the indoor unit height information obtaining unit are located in the communication terminal. The height difference setting unit is located in the outdoor unit. The outdoor unit height information and the indoor unit height information are transmitted from the communication terminal to the outdoor unit via the management apparatus. 
     The height difference setting system according to the fifth aspect is capable of obtaining the outdoor unit height information and the indoor unit height information by using the management apparatus and the communication terminal. Accordingly, the communication terminal that does not communicate with the outdoor unit and the indoor unit can be used. 
     According to a height difference setting system according to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the height difference setting system according to the fifth aspect, the indoor unit has a two-dimensional code displayed thereon, the two-dimensional code including corresponding indoor unit height information. The indoor unit height information obtaining unit reads the two-dimensional code to obtain the indoor unit height information. 
     The height difference setting system according to the sixth aspect is capable of obtaining the indoor unit height information by using the two-dimensional code (QR code (registered trademark) or the like). Accordingly, the indoor unit height information can be easily obtained and thus the work load of an on-site worker or the like can be reduced. 
     A height difference setting system according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is a height difference setting system in which a height difference between an outdoor unit and one or more indoor units associated with the outdoor unit is set by a management apparatus that communicates with either or both of the outdoor unit and each of the one or more indoor units. This height difference setting system includes an outdoor unit height information obtaining unit, an indoor unit height information obtaining unit, a height difference setting unit, a transport capacity adjusting unit, and a design information storage unit. The outdoor unit height information obtaining unit obtains outdoor unit height information indicating a height of an installation place of the outdoor unit. The indoor unit height information obtaining unit obtains indoor unit height information indicating a height of an installation place of the indoor unit. The height difference setting unit sets a height difference between the outdoor unit and the indoor unit on the basis of the outdoor unit height information and the indoor unit height information. The transport capacity adjusting unit adjusts, on the basis of the height difference set by the height difference setting unit, a transport capacity of refrigerant to be transported from the outdoor unit to the indoor unit. The design information storage unit stores design information about a building on or in which the outdoor unit and the indoor unit are installed. The outdoor unit height information obtaining unit and the indoor unit height information obtaining unit obtain the outdoor unit height information and the indoor unit height information, respectively, on the basis of the design information. In this height difference setting system, the design information storage unit, the outdoor unit height information obtaining unit, and the indoor unit height information obtaining unit are located in the management apparatus. The height difference setting unit and the transport capacity adjusting unit are located in the outdoor unit. 
     The height difference setting system according to the seventh aspect is capable of setting the height difference between the outdoor unit and the indoor unit on the basis of the design information about the building. Accordingly, the height difference setting system is capable of setting the height difference between the outdoor unit and the indoor unit on the basis of the outdoor unit height information and the indoor unit height information, and is thus capable of making the transport capacity of refrigerant appropriate on the basis of the height difference. 
     According to a height difference setting system according to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the height difference setting system according to the seventh aspect, the design information storage unit stores, as the design information, second identification information that is set in advance for the outdoor unit and the indoor unit. The outdoor unit height information obtaining unit and the indoor unit height information obtaining unit obtain, from the design information, the second identification information that is set in advance for the outdoor unit and the indoor unit, and outdoor unit height information and indoor unit height information that are associated with the second identification information. The height difference setting system further includes an identification information setting unit and an identification information converting unit. The identification information setting unit sets first identification information for each of the outdoor unit and the indoor unit at a time of installing the outdoor unit and the indoor unit on or in the building. The identification information converting unit converts the second identification information into the first identification information and obtains outdoor unit height information and indoor unit height information that are associated with the first identification information. In this height difference setting system, the identification information setting unit is located in a setting apparatus connected to the outdoor unit and the management apparatus. The identification information converting unit is located in the management apparatus. 
     The height difference setting system according to the eighth aspect converts the second identification information that is set in advance on the basis of the design information about the building into the first identification information set by an on-site worker or the like, and is thus capable of setting the transport capacity of refrigerant in an appropriate state even when the second identification information is not identical to the first identification information. 
     According to a height difference setting system according to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the height difference setting system according to the first aspect to the eighth aspect, the height difference setting system further includes a monitoring unit and a resetting unit. The monitoring unit monitors an operation condition of the indoor unit. The resetting unit resets the height difference between the outdoor unit and the indoor unit on the basis of the operation condition. The transport capacity adjusting unit adjusts, on the basis of the height difference reset by the resetting unit, the transport capacity of the refrigerant to be transported from the outdoor unit to the indoor unit. 
     The height difference setting system according to the ninth aspect resets the height difference in accordance with the operation condition of the indoor unit, and is thus capable of optimizing the transport capacity of refrigerant in accordance with the operation condition of the indoor unit. 
     A communication terminal program according to a tenth aspect of the present invention is a program for operating the communication terminal used in the height difference setting system according to the second aspect to the fourth aspect. This communication terminal program causes a computer of the communication terminal to function as a communication unit that communicates with the outdoor unit and the indoor unit, the outdoor unit height information obtaining unit, and the indoor unit height information obtaining unit. 
     The communication terminal program according to the tenth aspect is capable of, when being installed in the communication terminal, providing the communication terminal capable of obtaining the outdoor unit height information and the indoor unit height information. 
     A communication terminal program according to an eleventh aspect of the present invention is a program for operating the communication terminal used in the height difference setting system according to the fifth aspect or the sixth aspect. This communication terminal program causes a computer of the communication terminal to function as a communication unit that communicates with the management apparatus, the outdoor unit height information obtaining unit, and the indoor unit height information obtaining unit. 
     The communication terminal program according to the eleventh aspect is capable of, when being installed in the communication terminal, providing the communication terminal capable of obtaining the outdoor unit height information and the indoor unit height information and transmitting these pieces of information to the management apparatus. 
     Advantageous Effects of Invention 
     The height difference setting system according to the first aspect is capable of setting the transport capacity of refrigerant in an appropriate state. 
     The height difference setting system according to the second aspect is capable of setting the transport capacity of refrigerant in an appropriate state. 
     The height difference setting system according to the third aspect is capable of obtaining the outdoor unit height information and the indoor unit height information by using the communication terminal. 
     The height difference setting system according to the fourth aspect is capable of obtaining the indoor unit height information via the remote controller. 
     The height difference setting system according to the fifth aspect is capable of obtaining the outdoor unit height information and the indoor unit height information by using the management apparatus and the communication terminal. 
     The height difference setting system according to the sixth aspect is capable of easily obtaining the indoor unit height information. 
     The height difference setting system according to the seventh aspect is capable of setting the height difference between the outdoor unit and the indoor unit on the basis of the design information about the building. 
     The height difference setting system according to the eighth aspect is capable of setting the transport capacity of refrigerant in an appropriate state. 
     The height difference setting system according to the ninth aspect is capable of optimizing the transport capacity of refrigerant in accordance with the operation condition of the indoor unit. 
     The communication terminal program according to the tenth aspect is capable of providing the communication terminal capable of obtaining the outdoor unit height information and the indoor unit height information. 
     The communication terminal program according to the eleventh aspect is capable of providing the communication terminal capable of obtaining the outdoor unit height information and the indoor unit height information and transmitting these pieces of information to the management apparatus. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic diagram illustrating a concept of a height difference setting system  1  according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a schematic diagram illustrating a concept of a height difference setting system  1 A according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of the height difference setting system  1 A according to the first embodiment. 
         FIG. 4  is a sequence diagram illustrating an operation of height setting in the height difference setting system  1 A according to the first embodiment. 
         FIG. 5  is a schematic diagram illustrating a concept of a height difference setting system  1 B according to a second embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6  is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of the height difference setting system  1 B according to the second embodiment. 
         FIG. 7  is a sequence diagram illustrating an operation of height difference setting in the height difference setting system  1 B according to the second embodiment. 
         FIG. 8  is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a height difference setting system  1 B according to a modification 2A. 
         FIG. 9  is a schematic diagram illustrating a concept of a height difference setting system  1 B according to a modification 2B. 
         FIG. 10  is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of the height difference setting system  1 B according to the modification 2B. 
         FIG. 11  is a schematic diagram illustrating a concept of a height difference setting system  1 B according to a modification 2D. 
         FIG. 12  is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of the height difference setting system  1 B according to the modification 2D. 
         FIG. 13  is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of association between identification information and information including indoor unit height information and outdoor unit height information according to the modification 2D. 
         FIG. 14  is a schematic diagram illustrating a concept of a height difference setting system  1 C according to a third embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 15  is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of the height difference setting system  1 C according to the third embodiment. 
         FIG. 16  is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of design information L according to the third embodiment. 
         FIG. 17  is a sequence diagram illustrating an operation of height difference setting in the height difference setting system  1 C according to the third embodiment. 
         FIG. 18  is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a height difference setting system  1 C according to a modification 3A. 
         FIG. 19  is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a storage unit  43 C according to the modification 3A. 
         FIG. 20  is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a height difference setting system  1 D according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 21  is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of the height difference setting system  1 D according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 22  is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of the height difference setting system  1 D according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
     Concept of Present Invention 
       FIG. 1  is a schematic diagram illustrating a concept of a height difference setting system  1  according to the present invention. The height difference setting system  1  according to the present invention is constituted by a plurality of components. Information is communicated between the components, and accordingly information about a height difference between an outdoor unit  8  and an indoor unit  9  that constitute an air conditioner  7  installed on or in a building  6  is set. The air conditioner  7  includes the outdoor unit  8  and one or more indoor units  9  associated with the outdoor unit  8 . 
     Specifically, the height difference setting system  1  includes components that function as an outdoor unit height information obtaining unit  2 , an indoor unit height information obtaining unit  3 , a height difference setting unit  4 , and a transport capacity adjusting unit  5 . 
     The outdoor unit height information obtaining unit  2  obtains outdoor unit height information indicating a height of an installation place of the outdoor unit  8 . The outdoor unit height information obtaining unit  2  transmits the obtained outdoor unit height information to the height difference setting unit  4 . 
     The indoor unit height information obtaining unit  3  obtains indoor unit height information indicating a height of an installation place of the indoor unit. The indoor unit height information obtaining unit  3  transmits the obtained indoor unit height information to the height difference setting unit  4 . 
     The height difference setting unit  4  sets a height difference between the outdoor unit  8  and the indoor unit  9  on the basis of the outdoor unit height information and the indoor unit height information. The height difference setting unit  4  transmits the set height difference to the transport capacity adjusting unit  5 . 
     The transport capacity adjusting unit  5  adjusts, on the basis of the height difference set by the height difference setting unit, a transport capacity of refrigerant to be transported from the outdoor unit  8  to the indoor unit  9 . 
     The above-described components are located in a distributed manner, thereby implementing the function as the height difference setting system  1  according to the present invention. 
     Hereinafter, a plurality of embodiments according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, an item that has already been described will be denoted by substantially the same reference numeral, and a duplicate description may be omitted. In each embodiment, a description may be given with upper-case alphabetic letters A to D attached to reference numerals in distinction from other embodiments or the like. 
     The drawings used in the following description may illustrate a component of another embodiment with a broken line, in addition to a component of the present embodiment. In this case, a part represented by a solid line is a part that is related to the present embodiment, and a part represented by a broken line is a part that is not necessarily related to the present embodiment. In short, a part represented by a broken line is merely illustrated for convenience to facilitate understanding. 
     First Embodiment 
     (1-1) Configuration of Height Difference Setting System  1 A 
       FIG. 2  is a schematic diagram illustrating a concept of a height difference setting system  1 A according to a first embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 3  is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of the height difference setting system  1 A according to the first embodiment. 
     The height difference setting system  1 A according to this embodiment includes a management apparatus  40 A. In the height difference setting system  1 A according to this embodiment, the outdoor unit height information obtaining unit  2  and the transport capacity adjusting unit  5  are located in an outdoor unit  8 A. The indoor unit height information obtaining unit  3  is located in an indoor unit  9 A. The height difference setting unit  4  is located in the management apparatus  40 A. 
     Hereinafter, the configuration of the height difference setting system  1 A according to this embodiment will be described in more detail. The height difference setting system  1 A according to this embodiment includes an indoor communication apparatus  10 A, an outdoor communication apparatus  20 A, a central apparatus  30 A, and the management apparatus  40 A. 
     The indoor communication apparatus  10 A is an apparatus housed in the indoor unit  9 A and includes a communication unit  11 A, a processing unit  12 A, and an obtaining unit  13 A (corresponding to the indoor unit height information obtaining unit  3 ). The indoor communication apparatus  10 A also includes a storage unit that stores various pieces of information and that is not illustrated. 
     The communication unit  11 A communicates with the outdoor communication apparatus  20 A. The communication unit  11 A is capable of communicating not only with the outdoor communication apparatus  20 A but also with the central apparatus  30 A and the management apparatus  40 A. 
     The processing unit  12 A performs various information processing operations in the indoor communication apparatus  10 A and transmits information obtained from the indoor unit  9 A to the outdoor communication apparatus  20 A and so forth. 
     The obtaining unit  13 A obtains “indoor unit height information” indicating the height of the installation place of the indoor unit  9 A. The obtaining unit  13 A is constituted by a height sensor, such as an atmospheric pressure sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, or a GPS sensor. 
     The outdoor communication apparatus  20 A is an apparatus housed in the outdoor unit  8 A and includes a communication unit  21 A, a processing unit  22 A, and an obtaining unit  23 A (corresponding to the outdoor unit height information obtaining unit  2 ). The outdoor communication apparatus  20 A also includes a storage unit that stores various pieces of information and that is not illustrated. 
     The communication unit  21 A communicates with the indoor communication apparatus  10  and the central apparatus  30 A. The communication unit  21 A is capable of communicating with the management apparatus  40 A without via the central apparatus  30 . 
     The processing unit  22 A performs various information processing operations in the outdoor communication apparatus  20  and transmits information obtained from the indoor communication apparatus  10 A to the management apparatus  40 A and so forth via the central apparatus  30 A. The processing unit  22 A has a function as a transport capacity adjusting unit  222 A (corresponding to the transport capacity adjusting unit  5 ) and adjusts the transport capacity of refrigerant to be transported from the outdoor unit  8 A to the indoor unit  9 A on the basis of a height difference set by a height difference setting unit  421 A (corresponding to the height difference setting unit  4 ) of the management apparatus  40 A, which will be described below. 
     The obtaining unit  23 A obtains “outdoor unit height information” indicating the height of the installation place of the outdoor unit  8 A. The obtaining unit  23 A is constituted by a height sensor, such as an atmospheric pressure sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, or a GPS sensor. 
     The central apparatus  30 A includes a communication unit  31 A and a processing unit  32 A and relays communication among the indoor communication apparatus  10 A, the outdoor communication apparatus  20 A, and the management apparatus  40 A. Here, the communication unit  31 A communicates with the outdoor communication apparatus  20 A or the management apparatus  40 A, but the communication unit  31 A is also capable of communicating with the indoor communication apparatus  10 A. The central apparatus  30 A also includes a storage unit that stores various pieces of information and that is not illustrated. The central apparatus  30 A is capable of setting communication addresses for the outdoor unit  8 A and the indoor unit  9 A. 
     The management apparatus  40 A manages many air conditioners  7 A through a network and includes a communication unit  41 A and a processing unit  42 A. The management apparatus  40 A also includes a storage unit that stores various pieces of information and that is not illustrated. 
     The communication unit  41 A communicates with the central apparatus  30 A. The communication unit  41 A is also capable of communicating with the indoor communication apparatus  10 A and/or the outdoor communication apparatus  20 A without via the central apparatus  30 A. The management apparatus  40 A obtains indoor unit height information and outdoor unit height information by using the communication unit  41 A. 
     The processing unit  42 A performs various information processing operations of the management apparatus  40 A and has a function as the height difference setting unit  421 A (corresponding to the height difference setting unit  4 ). With use of the function of the height difference setting unit  421 A, the processing unit  42 A sets a height difference between the outdoor unit  8 A and the indoor unit  9 A on the basis of the indoor unit height information obtained from the indoor communication apparatus  10 A and the outdoor unit height information obtained from the outdoor communication apparatus  20 A. At this time, when a plurality of indoor units  9 A are associated with the outdoor unit  8 A, the processing unit  42 A sets a height difference between the outdoor unit  8 A and the indoor unit  9 A that has the largest height difference from the outdoor unit  8 A. The processing unit  42 A then transmits information about the height difference between the outdoor unit  8 A and the indoor unit  9 A to the outdoor communication apparatus  20 A via the communication unit  41 A. 
     (1-2) Height Difference Setting by Height Difference Setting System  1 A 
     Height difference setting in the height difference setting system  1 A according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the sequence diagram illustrated in  FIG. 4 . 
     First, the outdoor unit  8 A and the indoor units  9 A are installed at predetermined positions of a building  6 A by an on-site worker or the like. Subsequently, a test operation of the outdoor unit  8 A and the indoor units  9 A is performed. In the test operation, the indoor units  9 A are operated one by one, and it is determined whether or not the corresponding outdoor unit  8 A normally operates, whether or not cool air and warm air come out, whether or not a wind direction control button and an air volume control button function, and so forth. 
     In the test operation, the indoor communication apparatus  10 A and the outdoor communication apparatus  20 A respectively housed in each indoor unit  9 A and the outdoor unit  8 A are activated. Subsequently, the obtaining unit  13 A of the indoor communication apparatus  10 A and the obtaining unit  23 A of the outdoor communication apparatus  20 A respectively obtain indoor unit height information and outdoor unit height information (S 1 , S 2 ). Here, upon obtaining the indoor unit height information, the indoor communication apparatus  10  transmits the indoor unit height information to the outdoor communication apparatus  20 . Subsequently, the outdoor communication apparatus  20  transmits the indoor unit height information and the outdoor unit height information to the management apparatus  40 A via the central apparatus  30 . 
     In the management apparatus  40 A, the processing unit  42 A calculates, with use of the function of the height difference setting unit  421 A, height difference information indicating the height difference between the outdoor unit  8  and the indoor unit  9  on the basis of the indoor unit height information and the outdoor unit height information (S 3 ). Here, when a plurality of indoor units  9 A are associated with the outdoor unit  8 A, the processing unit  42 A calculates height difference information between the outdoor unit  8 A and the indoor unit  9 A that has the largest height difference from the outdoor unit  8 A. Subsequently, the management apparatus  40 A transmits the height difference information to the outdoor communication apparatus  20 A via the central apparatus  30 A. 
     Upon receiving the height difference information, the outdoor communication apparatus  20 A sets, in accordance with the height difference information, a transport capacity of refrigerant to be transported from the outdoor unit  8 A to the indoor unit  9 A (S 4 ). The outdoor communication apparatus  20 A stores in advance, in a memory or the like, correspondence information indicating the correspondence between height difference information and adjustment amounts of transport capacity, and sets the transport capacity on the basis of the correspondence information. 
     In the description given above, step S 1  is described before step S 2  for convenience, but step S 2  may be performed before step S 1 . In short, the order of the above-described steps S 1  and S 2  is not specified. 
     (1-3) Characteristics 
     As described above, in the height difference setting system  1 A according to the first embodiment, the height difference between the outdoor unit  8 A and one or more indoor units  9 A associated with the outdoor unit  8 A is set by the management apparatus  40 A that communicates with either or both of the outdoor unit  8  and each of the one or more indoor units  9 . 
     The obtaining unit  13 A (indoor unit height information obtaining unit) of the indoor communication apparatus  10 A obtains “indoor unit height information” indicating the height of the installation place of the indoor unit  9 A. The obtaining unit  23 A (outdoor unit height information obtaining unit) of the outdoor communication apparatus  20 A obtains “outdoor unit height information” indicating the height of the installation place of the outdoor unit  8 A. Subsequently, the height difference setting unit  421 A of the management apparatus  40 A calculates and sets height difference information about the outdoor unit  8 A and the indoor unit  9 A on the basis of the outdoor unit height information and the indoor unit height information. Subsequently, the transport capacity adjusting unit  222 A of the outdoor communication apparatus  20 A adjusts the transport capacity of refrigerant to be transported from the outdoor unit  8 A to the indoor unit  9 A on the basis of the height difference set by the height difference setting unit  421 A of the management apparatus  40 A. 
     Thus, the height difference setting system  1 A according to this embodiment is capable of setting, with use of the management apparatus  40 A, the height difference between the outdoor unit  8 A and the indoor unit  9 A on the basis of the outdoor unit height information and the indoor unit height information. In addition, the height difference setting system  1 A according to this embodiment adjusts the transport capacity of refrigerant on the basis of the height difference and is thus capable of setting the transport capacity of refrigerant in an appropriate state. 
     In addition, it is a compressor that most consumes electric power in the outdoor unit  8 A. The amount of work necessary for the compressor, that is, the transport capacity for allowing refrigerant to go around largely depends on the installation places of the outdoor unit  8 A and the indoor unit  9 A. This is because it is necessary to resist gravity to transport refrigerant from a low place to a high place. A larger transport capacity is required to transport the refrigerant from the low place to the high place. Under such assumption, in the height difference setting system  1 A according to this embodiment, the transport capacity of refrigerant is adjusted in an appropriate state, which makes it is possible to avoid an increase in power consumption caused by setting of an excessive transport capacity. Also, in the height difference setting system  1 A according to this embodiment, an inappropriate cooling operation or heating operation caused by an insufficient transport capacity can be avoided. 
     Furthermore, in the height difference setting system  1 A according to this embodiment, the obtaining unit  13 A of the indoor communication apparatus  10 A and the obtaining unit  23 A of the outdoor communication apparatus  20 A are capable of automatically obtaining indoor unit height information and outdoor unit height information, respectively, at the time of installing the outdoor unit  8 A and the indoor unit  9 A on or in the building  6 A. Accordingly, the height difference setting system  1 A has effects (i) a man-hour for input to set a height difference can be reduced, (ii) input mistakes can be eliminated when an on-site worker sets a height difference, and (iii) a situation can be prevented from occurring where a height difference is not set by an on-site worker. 
     (1-4) Modifications 
     (1-4-1) Modification 1A 
     In the description given above, the indoor communication apparatus  10 A transmits indoor unit height information to the management apparatus  40 A via the outdoor communication apparatus  20 A and the central apparatus  30 A, but the indoor communication apparatus  10 A may communicate with the management apparatus  40 A via the central apparatus  30 A without via the outdoor communication apparatus  20 A. Furthermore, the indoor communication apparatus  10 A may directly communicate with the management apparatus  40 A. 
     (1-4-2) Modification 1B 
     In the height difference setting system  1 A according to this embodiment, a height difference is set on the basis of the height information about the outdoor unit  8 A and the indoor unit  9 A, but a height difference may be set by reflecting information other than heights. For example, depending on the types of sensors of the obtaining unit  13 A of the indoor communication apparatus  10  and the obtaining unit  23 A of the outdoor communication apparatus  20 , information indicating a distance in the horizontal direction or the like can be obtained other than the height difference. The height difference setting system  1 A may set a height difference by taking such information into account. 
     Second Embodiment 
     (2-1) Configuration of Height Difference Setting System  1 B 
       FIG. 5  is a schematic diagram illustrating a concept of a height difference setting system  1 B according to a second embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 6  is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of the height difference setting system  1 B according to the second embodiment. 
     The height difference setting system  1 B according to this embodiment includes a communication terminal  50 B. In the height difference setting system  1 B according to this embodiment, the outdoor unit height information obtaining unit  2  and the indoor unit height information obtaining unit  3  are located in the communication terminal  50 B. The height difference setting unit  4  is located in an outdoor unit  8 B. 
     Hereinafter, the configuration of the height difference setting system  1 B according to this embodiment will be described in more detail. The height difference setting system  1 B according to this embodiment includes an indoor communication apparatus  10 B, an outdoor communication apparatus  20 B, and the communication terminal  50 B. 
     The indoor communication apparatus  10 B is an apparatus housed in an indoor unit  9 B and includes a communication unit  11 B. The communication unit  11 B communicates with the outdoor communication apparatus  20 B and the communication terminal  50 B. The indoor communication apparatus  10 B also includes a storage unit that stores various pieces of information and that is not illustrated. 
     The outdoor communication apparatus  20 B is an apparatus housed in the outdoor unit  8 B and includes a communication unit  21 B and a processing unit  22 B. The communication unit  21 B communicates with the indoor communication apparatus  10 B and the communication terminal  50 B. The processing unit  22 B performs various information processing operations in the outdoor communication apparatus  20 B and has functions as a height difference setting unit  221 B (corresponding to the height difference setting unit  4 ) and a transport capacity adjusting unit  222 B (corresponding to the transport capacity adjusting unit  5 ). That is, the processing unit  22 B sets a height difference between the outdoor unit  8 B and the indoor unit  9 B on the basis of the outdoor unit height information and indoor unit height information obtained by the communication terminal  50 B, which will be described below, and adjusts the transport capacity of refrigerant to be transported from the outdoor unit  8 B to the indoor unit  9 B. The outdoor communication apparatus  20 B also includes a storage unit that stores various pieces of information and that is not illustrated. 
     The communication terminal  50 B is a portable apparatus used for setting a height difference between the outdoor unit  8 B and the indoor unit  9 B. The communication terminal  50 B includes a communication unit  51 B, a processing unit  52 B, a first obtaining unit  53 B (corresponding to the outdoor unit height information obtaining unit  2 ), and a second obtaining unit  54 B (corresponding to the indoor unit height information obtaining unit  3 ). The individual functions of the communication terminal  50 B can be implemented by installing a “communication terminal program P” in a general smart device. The communication terminal  50 B may have a program, such as an assistance tool for assisting a test operation of the air conditioner  7 A. Such an assistance tool is used by an on-site worker when checking refrigerant leakage of the outdoor unit  8 B, checking an intake temperature of the indoor unit  9 B, and the like. 
     The communication unit  51 B communicates with the indoor communication apparatus  10 B and the outdoor communication apparatus  20 B. The information obtained by the communication terminal  50 B is transmitted to the indoor communication apparatus  10 B and the outdoor communication apparatus  20 B by using the communication unit  51 B. 
     The processing unit  52 B performs various information processing operations in the communication terminal  50 B. 
     The first obtaining unit  53 B obtains “outdoor unit height information” indicating the height of the installation place of the outdoor unit  8 B. The first obtaining unit  53 B is constituted by a height sensor, such as a GPS sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, or an atmospheric pressure sensor. 
     The second obtaining unit  54 B obtains “indoor unit height information” indicating the height of the installation place of the indoor unit  9 B. The second obtaining unit  54 B is constituted by a height sensor, such as a GPS sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, or an atmospheric pressure sensor. 
     The communication terminal  50 B includes a storage unit  55 B that stores various pieces of information. The storage unit  55 B stores the communication terminal program P. 
     (2-2) Height Difference Setting in Height Difference Setting System  1 B 
     Height difference setting in the height difference setting system  1 B according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the sequence diagram illustrated in  FIG. 7 . 
     First, the outdoor unit  8 B and the indoor units  9 B are installed at predetermined positions of a building  6 B by an on-site worker or the like. Subsequently, a test operation of the outdoor unit  8 B and the indoor units  9 B is performed. In the test operation, the indoor units  9 B are operated one by one, and it is determined whether or not the corresponding outdoor unit  8 B normally operates, whether or not cool air and warm air come out, whether or not a wind direction control button and an air volume control button function, and so forth. 
     In the test operation, the on-site worker or the like obtains outdoor unit height information and indoor unit height information by using the communication terminal  50 B. 
     Specifically, when the on-site worker or the like installs the outdoor unit  8 B, the communication terminal  50 B obtains outdoor unit height information by using the function of the first obtaining unit  53 B and transmits the obtained outdoor unit height information to the outdoor communication apparatus  20 B (T 1 ). The outdoor communication apparatus  20 B receives and stores the outdoor height information (T 2 ). 
     When the on-site worker or the like installs the indoor unit  9 B, the communication terminal  50 B obtains indoor unit height information by using the function of the second obtaining unit  54 B and transmits the obtained indoor unit height information to the indoor communication apparatus  10 B (T 3 ). Upon receiving the indoor unit height information, the indoor communication apparatus  10 B transmits the indoor unit height information to the outdoor communication apparatus  20 B (T 4 ). Subsequently, the outdoor communication apparatus  20 B receives and stores the indoor height information (T 5 ). 
     Subsequently, in the outdoor communication apparatus  20 B, the processing unit  22 B calculates, with use of the function of the height difference setting unit  221 B, height difference information indicating the height difference between the outdoor unit  8 B and the indoor unit  9 B on the basis of the indoor unit height information and the outdoor unit height information (T 6 ). Here, when a plurality of indoor units  9 B are associated with the outdoor unit  8 B, the processing unit  22 B calculates height difference information between the outdoor unit  8 B and the indoor unit  9 B that has the largest height difference from the outdoor unit  8 B. 
     Subsequently, the outdoor communication apparatus  20 B sets the transport capacity of refrigerant to be transported from the outdoor unit  8 B to the indoor unit  9 B in accordance with the calculated height difference information (T 7 ). The outdoor communication apparatus  20 B stores in advance, in a memory or the like, correspondence information indicating the correspondence between height difference information and adjustment amounts of transport capacity, and sets the transport capacity on the basis of the correspondence information. 
     In the description given above, steps T 1  and T 2  are described before steps T 3  and T 4  for convenience, but steps T 3  and T 4  may be performed before steps T 1  and T 2 . In short, the order of the above-described steps T 1  and T 2  and steps T 3  and T 4  is not specified. 
     (2-3) Characteristics 
     As described above, in the height difference setting system  1 B according to the second embodiment, the height difference between the outdoor unit  8 B and one or more indoor units  9 B associated with the outdoor unit  8 B is set by using the predetermined communication terminal  50 B that is capable of communicating with the outdoor unit  8 B and each of the one or more indoor units  9 B. 
     The first obtaining unit  53 B (outdoor unit height information obtaining unit) of the communication terminal  50 B obtains “outdoor unit height information” indicating the height of the installation place of the outdoor unit  8 B. The second obtaining unit  54 B (indoor unit height information obtaining unit) of the communication terminal  50 B obtains “indoor unit height information” indicating the height of the installation place of the indoor unit  9 B. Subsequently, the height difference setting unit  221 B of the outdoor communication apparatus  20 B sets the height difference between the outdoor unit  8 B and the indoor unit  9 B on the basis of the outdoor unit height information and the indoor unit height information. Subsequently, the transport capacity adjusting unit  222 B of the outdoor communication apparatus  20 B adjusts the transport capacity of refrigerant to be transported from the outdoor unit  8 B to the indoor unit  9 B on the basis of the height difference set by the height difference setting unit  221 B. 
     In short, the height difference setting system  1 B according to this embodiment is capable of obtaining outdoor unit height information and indoor unit height information by using the communication terminal  50 B. The height difference setting system  1 B according to this embodiment is capable of setting the height difference between the outdoor unit  8 B and the indoor unit  9 B on the basis of the outdoor unit height information and the indoor unit height information, and is thus capable of setting the transport capacity of refrigerant in an appropriate state on the basis of the height difference. In other words, in the height difference setting system  1 B according to this embodiment, the transport capacity of refrigerant is adjusted in an appropriate state, which makes it is possible to avoid an increase in power consumption caused by setting of an excessive transport capacity. Also, in the height difference setting system  1 B according to this embodiment, an inappropriate cooling operation or heating operation caused by an insufficient transport capacity can be avoided. 
     Furthermore, in the height difference setting system  1 B according to this embodiment, the first obtaining unit  53 B and the second obtaining unit  54 B of the communication terminal  50 B are capable of automatically obtaining indoor unit height information and outdoor unit height information, respectively, at the time of installing the outdoor unit  8 B and the indoor unit  9 B on or in the building  6 B. Accordingly, the height difference setting system  1 B has effects (i) a man-hour for input to set a height difference can be reduced, (ii) input mistakes can be eliminated when an on-site worker sets a height difference, and (iii) a situation can be prevented from occurring where a height difference is not set by an on-site worker. 
     (2-4) Modifications 
     (2-4-1) Modification 2A 
     In the description given above, indoor unit height information is transmitted from the communication terminal  50 B to the outdoor communication apparatus  20 B located in the outdoor unit  8 B via the indoor communication apparatus  10 B located in the indoor unit  9 B, but the height difference setting system  1 B according to this embodiment is not limited to this configuration. 
     For example, the height difference setting system  1 B according to this embodiment may have a configuration in which the communication terminal  50 B stores indoor unit height information and outdoor unit height information and collectively transmits the indoor unit height information and the outdoor unit height information to the outdoor communication apparatus  20 B later. Accordingly, as illustrated in  FIG. 8 , the communication between the indoor communication apparatus  10 B and the communication terminal  50 B and the communication between the indoor communication apparatus  10 B and the outdoor communication apparatus  20 B can be omitted. 
     (2-4-2) Modification 2B 
     The height difference setting system  1 B according to this embodiment may have a configuration in which indoor unit height information is transmitted via a remote controller  9   a  for operating the indoor unit  9 , as illustrated in  FIGS. 9 and 10 . Here, the remote controller  9   a  has a near field wireless communication function (NFC function) and is capable of wirelessly communicating with a peripheral device. 
     (2-4-3) Modification 2C 
     In the description given above, the communication terminal  50 B obtains outdoor unit height information and indoor unit height information by using a GPS sensor or the like, but the height difference setting system  1 B according to this embodiment is not limited to this configuration. For example, when a two-dimensional code including indoor unit height information corresponding to the indoor unit  9 B is displayed on the surface or the like of the indoor unit  9 B, the communication terminal  50 B may read the two-dimensional code to obtain the indoor unit height information. In this case, the second obtaining unit  54 B of the communication terminal  50 B is constituted by a two-dimensional code reader or the like. 
     By making such a two-dimensional code (for example, QR code (registered trademark) or the like) available, indoor unit height information can be easily obtained. Accordingly, it is possible to provide the height difference setting system  1 B capable of reducing the work load of an on-site worker. 
     (2-4-4) Modification 2D 
     The height difference setting system  1 B according to this embodiment may further include a central apparatus  30 B and a management apparatus  40 B. 
       FIG. 11  is a schematic diagram illustrating a concept of a height difference setting system  1 B according to a modification 2D of the present invention.  FIG. 12  is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of the height difference setting system  1 B according to the modification 2D. 
     In the height difference setting system  1 B according to the modification 2D, the communication terminal  50 B transmits indoor unit height information and outdoor unit height information having the content illustrated in  FIG. 13  to the management apparatus  40 B, in association with identification information D of the outdoor unit  8 B and the indoor unit  9 B. Subsequently, the management apparatus  40 B transmits the indoor unit height information and the outdoor unit height information to the outdoor communication apparatus  20 B via the central apparatus  30 B. At this time, the central apparatus  30 B recognizes the outdoor unit  8 B and the indoor unit  9 B on the basis of the identification information D. The identification information D can be set via the central apparatus  30 B and/or the communication terminal  50 B. 
     In the height difference setting system according to the modification 2D, which has the above-described configuration, the communication terminal  50 B is capable of transmitting information to the outdoor communication apparatus  20 B via the management apparatus  40 B and the central apparatus  30 B without directly communicating with the outdoor communication apparatus  20 B and the indoor communication apparatus  10 B. 
     (2-4-5) Modification 2E 
     In the description given above, the first obtaining unit  53 B and the second obtaining unit  54 B of the communication terminal  50 B are each constituted by a height sensor, such as a GPS sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, or an atmospheric pressure sensor, but the height difference setting system  1 B according to this embodiment is not limited to this configuration. For example, the first obtaining unit  53 B and the second obtaining unit  54 B of the communication terminal  50 B may display a height selection screen or the like on a display unit, receive input of a floor setting of the building  6 B, and obtain height information estimated by the floor setting as outdoor unit height information and indoor unit height information. 
     Third Embodiment 
     (3-1) Configuration of Height Difference Setting System  1 C 
       FIG. 14  is a schematic diagram illustrating a concept of a height difference setting system  1 C according to a third embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 15  is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of the height difference setting system  1 C according to the third embodiment. 
     The height difference setting system  1 C according to this embodiment includes a management apparatus  40 C. In the height difference setting system  1 C according to this embodiment, the outdoor unit height information obtaining unit  2  and the indoor unit height information obtaining unit  3  are located in the management apparatus  40 C. The height difference setting unit  4  and the transport capacity adjusting unit  5  are located in an outdoor communication apparatus  20 C. 
     Hereinafter, the configuration of the height difference setting system  1 C according to this embodiment will be described in more detail. The height difference setting system  1 C according to this embodiment includes the outdoor communication apparatus  20 C, a central apparatus  30 C, and the management apparatus  40 C. 
     The outdoor communication apparatus  20 C is an apparatus housed in an outdoor unit  8 C and includes a communication unit  21 C and a processing unit  22 C. The outdoor communication apparatus  20 C also includes a storage unit that stores various pieces of information and that is not illustrated. 
     The communication unit  21 C communicates with the central apparatus  30 C. The communication unit  21 C is also capable of communicating with the management apparatus  40 C without via the central apparatus  30 C. 
     The processing unit  22 C performs various information processing operations in the outdoor communication apparatus  20 C and has functions as a height difference setting unit  221 C (corresponding to the height difference setting unit  4 ) and a transport capacity adjusting unit  222 C (corresponding to the transport capacity adjusting unit  5 ). That is, the processing unit  22 C sets the height difference between the outdoor unit  8 C and an indoor unit  9 C on the basis of the outdoor unit height information and indoor unit height information obtained by the management apparatus  40 C, which will be described below, and adjusts the transport capacity of refrigerant to be transported from the outdoor unit  8 B to the indoor unit  9 C. 
     The central apparatus  30 C includes a communication unit  31 C and a processing unit  32 C and relays communication between the outdoor communication apparatus  20 C and the management apparatus  40 C. The central apparatus  30 C also includes a storage unit that stores various pieces of information and that is not illustrated. 
     The management apparatus  40 C manages many air conditioners  7 C through a network and includes a communication unit  41 C, a processing unit  42 C, and a storage unit  43 C. 
     The communication unit  41 C communicates with the central apparatus  30 C. The communication unit  41 C is also capable of communicating with the outdoor communication apparatus  20 C without via the central apparatus  30 C. The management apparatus  40 C transmits indoor unit height information and outdoor unit height information to the outdoor communication apparatus  20 C by using the communication unit  41 C. 
     The processing unit  42 C performs various information processing operations of the management apparatus  40 C and has functions as an outdoor unit height information obtaining unit  422 C (corresponding to the outdoor unit height information obtaining unit  2 ) and an indoor unit height information obtaining unit  423 C (corresponding to the indoor unit height information obtaining unit  3 ). With use of these functions, the processing unit  42 C extracts indoor unit height information and outdoor unit height information from design information L, which will be described below. 
     The storage unit  43 C is constituted by a volatile memory, a nonvolatile memory, and the like, and stores “design information L” about a building  6 C on or in which the outdoor unit  8 C and the indoor unit  9 C are installed. Here, the design information L is information including outdoor unit height information and indoor unit height information associated with “identification information D” capable of uniquely identifying the outdoor unit  8 C and the indoor unit  9 C, as illustrated in  FIG. 16 . The design information L can be obtained from an external system  60 C or the like connected through a network. The design information L is stored in the format of image data available in CAD or the like. The storage unit  43 C stores other various pieces of information. 
     (3-2) Height Difference Setting by Height Difference Setting System  1 C 
     Height difference setting in the height difference setting system  1 C according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the sequence diagram illustrated in  FIG. 17 . 
     As an assumption, the management apparatus  40 C obtains design information from the external system  60 C or the like through a network (U 1 ). The outdoor unit height information and indoor unit height information included in the design information at this time are associated with arbitrary identification information. The management apparatus  40 C also obtains communication addresses for the outdoor unit  8 C and the indoor unit  9 C at the initial setting of the central apparatus  30 C (U 2 ). Subsequently, the management apparatus  40 C associates the identification information obtained in step U 1  with the communication addresses obtained in step U 2 . Accordingly, the design information as illustrated in  FIG. 16 , including the outdoor unit height information and indoor unit height information associated with the identification information capable of uniquely identifying the outdoor unit  8 C and the indoor unit  9 C, is obtained. Subsequently, the management apparatus  40 C stores the design information in the storage unit  43 C (U 3 ). 
     After that, the outdoor unit  8 C and the indoor units  9 C are installed at predetermined positions of the building  6 C by an on-site worker or the like, and then a test operation of the outdoor unit  8 C and the indoor units  9 C is performed. In the test operation, the indoor units  9 C are operated one by one, and it is determined whether or not the corresponding outdoor unit  8 C normally operates, whether or not cool air and warm air come out, whether or not a wind direction control button and an air volume control button function, and so forth. 
     In the test operation, a height difference setting request is transmitted by the on-site worker or the like from the outdoor communication apparatus  20 C to the management apparatus  40 C via the central apparatus  30 C (U 4 ). 
     Upon receiving the height difference setting request, the management apparatus  40 C extracts, from the design information L stored in the storage unit  43 C, the outdoor unit height information corresponding to the installed outdoor unit  8 C and the indoor unit height information of the indoor unit  9 C associated with the outdoor unit  8 C (U 5 ). Subsequently, the outdoor unit height information and the indoor unit height information are transmitted from the management apparatus  40 C to the outdoor communication apparatus  20 C via the central apparatus  30 C. 
     Subsequently, in the outdoor communication apparatus  20 C, the processing unit  22 C calculates, with use of the function of the height difference setting unit  221 C, height difference information indicating the height difference between the outdoor unit  8 C and the indoor unit  9 C on the basis of the outdoor unit height information and the indoor unit height information (U 6 ). Here, when a plurality of indoor units  9 C are associated with the outdoor unit  8 C, the processing unit  22 C calculates height difference information between the outdoor unit  8 C and the indoor unit  9 C that has the largest height difference from the outdoor unit  8 C. Subsequently, the outdoor communication apparatus  20 C sets the transport capacity of refrigerant to be transported from the outdoor unit  8 C to the indoor unit  9 C in accordance with the calculated height difference information (U 7 ). The outdoor communication apparatus  20 C stores in advance, in a memory or the like, correspondence information indicating the correspondence between height difference information and adjustment amounts of transport capacity, and sets the transport capacity on the basis of the correspondence information. 
     (3-3) Characteristics 
     As described above, in the height difference setting system  1 C according to the third embodiment, the height difference between the outdoor unit  8 C and one or more indoor units  9 C associated with the outdoor units  8 C is managed by the management apparatus  40 C that communicates with either or both of the outdoor unit  8 C and each of the one or more indoor units  9 C. 
     Here, in the height difference setting system  1 C according to this embodiment, the storage unit  43 C (design information storage unit) of the management apparatus  40  stores “design information L” about the building  6 C on or in which the outdoor unit  8 C and the indoor unit  9 C are installed. The processing unit  42  of the management apparatus  40 C obtains, with use of the function of the outdoor unit height information obtaining unit  422 C, “outdoor unit height information” indicating the height of the installation place of the outdoor unit  8 C on the basis of the design information L stored in the storage unit  43 C. Also, the processing unit  42  of the management apparatus  40 C obtains, with use of the function of the indoor unit height information obtaining unit  423 C, “indoor unit height information” indicating the height of the installation place of the indoor unit  9 C on the basis of the design information L stored in the storage unit  43 C. The height difference setting unit  221 C of the outdoor communication apparatus  20 C sets the height difference between the outdoor unit  8 C and the indoor unit  9 C on the basis of the outdoor unit height information and the indoor unit height information. The transport capacity adjusting unit  222 C of the outdoor communication apparatus  20 C adjusts the transport capacity of refrigerant to be transported from the outdoor unit  8 C to the indoor unit  9 C on the basis of the height difference set by the height difference setting unit  221 C. 
     In short, the height difference setting system  1 C according to this embodiment is capable of setting the height difference between the outdoor unit  8 C and the indoor unit  9 C on the basis of the design information L about the building  6 C. The height difference setting system  1 C according to this embodiment adjusts the transport capacity of refrigerant on the basis of the height difference, and is thus capable of setting the transport capacity of refrigerant in an appropriate state. In other words, in the height difference setting system  1 C according to this embodiment, the transport capacity of refrigerant is adjusted in an appropriate state, which makes it is possible to avoid an increase in power consumption caused by setting of an excessive transport capacity. Also, in the height difference setting system  1 C according to this embodiment, an inappropriate cooling operation or heating operation caused by an insufficient transport capacity can be avoided. 
     Furthermore, in the height difference setting system  1 C according to this embodiment, the processing unit  42 C of the management apparatus  40 C is capable of automatically obtaining, with use of the functions of the outdoor unit height information obtaining unit  422 C and the indoor unit height information obtaining unit  423 C, indoor unit height information and outdoor unit height information at the time of installing the outdoor unit  8 C and the indoor unit  9 C on or in the building  6 C. Accordingly, the height difference setting system  1 C has effects (i) a man-hour for input to set a height difference can be reduced, (ii) input mistakes can be eliminated when an on-site worker sets a height difference, and (iii) a situation can be prevented from occurring where a height difference is not set by an on-site worker. 
     (3-4) Modifications 
     (3-4-1) Modification 3A 
     In the height difference setting system  1 C according to this embodiment, the management apparatus  40 C stores, as the design information L, information including outdoor unit height information and indoor unit height information associated with the identification information D capable of uniquely identifying the outdoor unit  8 C and the indoor unit  9 C, but the height difference setting system  1 C according to this embodiment is not limited to this configuration. 
     For example, in the height difference setting system  1 C, the processing unit  32 C of the central apparatus  30 C may have a function of an identification information setting unit  321 C, and the processing unit  42 C of the management apparatus  40 C may have a function of an identification information converting unit  424 C, as illustrated in  FIG. 18 . 
     The identification information setting unit  321 C of the central apparatus  30 C sets first identification information D 1  for each of the outdoor unit  8 C and the indoor unit  9 C at the time of installing the outdoor unit  8 C and the indoor unit  9 C on or in the building  6 C. Here, the first identification information D 1  is identification information that uniquely identifies each of the outdoor unit  8 C and the indoor unit  9 C. 
     The storage unit  43 C of the management apparatus  40 C stores, as illustrated in  FIG. 19 , “design information L” including outdoor unit height information and indoor unit height information in association with second identification information D 2  that is set in advance for the outdoor unit  8 C and the indoor unit  9 C. 
     The outdoor unit height information obtaining unit  422 C and the indoor unit height information obtaining unit  423 C of the management apparatus  40 C obtain the second identification information D 2  that is set in advance for the outdoor unit  8 C and the indoor units  9 C, and the outdoor unit height information and indoor unit height information associated with the second identification information D 2 , from the design information L. These pieces of information are transmitted to the identification information converting unit  424 C. 
     The identification information converting unit  424 C of the management apparatus  40 C converts the second identification information D 2  into the first identification information D 1  and generates outdoor unit height information and indoor unit height information that are associated with the first identification information D 1 . Subsequently, the identification information converting unit  424 C transmits the outdoor unit height information and indoor unit height information that are associated with the first identification information D 1  to the outdoor communication apparatus  20 C via the central apparatus  30 C. 
     Thus, in the height difference setting system  1 C according to the modification 3A, the second identification information D 2  that is set in advance on the basis of the design information L about the building  6 C is converted into the first identification information D 1  that is set by an on-site worker or the like at the time of installing the outdoor unit  8 C and the indoor unit  9 C, and thus the transport capacity of refrigerant can be set in an appropriate state even when the second identification information D 2  is not identical to the first identification information D 1 . In other words, even when the design information L includes the second identification information D 2  different from the first identification information D 1  that is set by a worker or the like, the height difference setting system  1 C according to the modification 3A, which includes the identification information converting unit  424 C, is capable of obtaining outdoor unit height information and indoor unit height information in association with the first identification information D 1  that is set by the on-site worker or the like. 
     (3-4-2) Modification 3B 
     In the description given above, a height difference is set on the basis of height information about the outdoor unit  8 C and the indoor unit  9 C, but the height difference may be set by reflecting information other than heights. For example, when “design information L” stored in the management apparatus  40 C includes information indicating the length of a refrigerant pipe, the shape of the refrigerant pipe that is bent, and so forth, the height difference may be set by taking these pieces of information into account. This makes it possible to set a more appropriate height difference (transport capacity of refrigerant). 
     Fourth Embodiment 
     In a height difference setting system  1 D according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, a processing unit  22 D of an outdoor communication apparatus  20 D has functions as a monitoring unit  223 D and a resetting unit  224 D. Except for this, the configuration of the height difference setting system  1 D according to this embodiment is similar to the configurations of the height difference setting systems according to the first embodiment to the third embodiment. 
     Thus, the height difference setting system  1 D according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention has the configuration illustrated in  FIG. 20, 21 , or  22 , for example.  FIG. 20  illustrates the height difference setting system  1 D having a configuration similar to that of the height difference setting system  1 A according to the first embodiment.  FIG. 21  illustrates the height difference setting system  1 D having a configuration similar to that of the height difference setting system  1 B according to the second embodiment.  FIG. 22  illustrates the height difference setting system  1 D having a configuration similar to that of the height difference setting system  1 C according to the third embodiment. The height difference setting system  1 D according to this embodiment is not limited to these configurations, and may have any configuration as long as the processing unit  22 D of the outdoor communication apparatus  20 D has functions as the monitoring unit  223 D and the resetting unit  224 D. 
     The processing unit  22 D of the outdoor communication apparatus  20 D regularly monitors, with use of the function of the monitoring unit  223 D, the operation conditions of an indoor unit  9 D. 
     The processing unit  22 D of the outdoor communication apparatus  20 D resets, with use of the function of the resetting unit  224 D, the height difference between an outdoor unit  8 D and the indoor unit  9 D on the basis of the operation conditions of the indoor unit  9 D monitored by the monitoring unit  223 D. 
     The processing unit  22 D of the outdoor communication apparatus  20 D adjusts, with use of the function of a transport capacity adjusting unit  222 D, the transport capacity of refrigerant to be transported from the outdoor unit  8 D to the indoor unit  9 D on the basis of the height difference reset by the resetting unit  224 D. 
     With the above-described configuration, the height difference setting system  1 D according to this embodiment regularly resets the height difference in accordance with the operation conditions of the indoor unit  9 D. Thus, the height difference setting system  1 D optimizes the transport capacity of refrigerant to be transported from the outdoor unit  8 D to the indoor unit  9 D as necessary after the outdoor unit  8 D and the indoor unit  9 D are installed. 
     In short, in the height difference setting system  1 D according to this embodiment, a situation can be prevented from occurring where the transport capacity of refrigerant become inappropriate even after a height difference is once set. In addition, in the height difference setting system  1 D according to this embodiment, the transport capacity of refrigerant is adjusted in an appropriate state, which makes it is possible to avoid an increase in power consumption caused by setting of an excessive transport capacity. Also, in the height difference setting system  1 D according to this embodiment, an inappropriate cooling operation or heating operation caused by an insufficient transport capacity can be avoided. 
     Supplementary Note 
     The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments as is. The present invention can be embodied, in the stage of implementation, by modifying components without deviating from the gist thereof. In the present invention, a plurality of components disclosed in the above-described embodiments may be appropriately combined to form various inventions. For example, some of all the components illustrated in the embodiments may be eliminated. Furthermore, components in different embodiments may be appropriately combined. 
     REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 
     
         
         
           
               1  height difference setting system 
               2  outdoor unit height information obtaining unit 
               3  indoor unit height information obtaining unit 
               4  height difference setting unit 
               5  transport capacity adjusting unit 
               6  building 
               7  air conditioner 
               8  outdoor unit 
               9  indoor unit 
               9   a  remote controller 
               10  indoor communication apparatus 
               11  communication unit 
               12  processing unit 
               13  obtaining unit 
               20  outdoor communication apparatus 
               21  communication unit 
               22  processing unit 
               221  height difference setting unit 
               222  transport capacity adjusting unit 
               223  monitoring unit 
               224  resetting unit 
               23  obtaining unit 
               30  central apparatus 
               31  communication unit 
               32  processing unit 
               321  identification information setting unit 
               40  management apparatus 
               41  communication unit 
               42  processing unit 
               421  height difference setting unit 
               422  outdoor unit height information obtaining unit 
               423  indoor unit height information obtaining unit 
               424  identification information converting unit 
               43  storage unit 
               50  communication terminal 
               51  communication unit 
               52  processing unit 
               53  first obtaining unit 
               54  second obtaining unit 
               55  storage unit 
               60  external system 
             D 1  first identification information 
             D 2  second identification information 
             L design information 
             P communication terminal program 
           
         
       
    
     CITATION LIST 
     Patent Literature 
     
         
         &lt;Patent Literature 1&gt; Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 10-153335