Patent Description:
An air conditioning capacity measuring system disclosed in Patent Literature <NUM> (<CIT>) measures the capacity of an air conditioning apparatus. This air conditioning capacity measuring system includes a first thermohygrometer that measures the state of sucked air of an outdoor unit, a second thermohygrometer that measures the state of blown-out air of the outdoor unit, a rotation sensor that measures the number of rotations of a fan of the outdoor unit, a first power meter that measures power consumption of the outdoor unit, and a second power meter that measures power to be supplied to an indoor unit.

<CIT> discloses an air conditioning capacity calculating system for calculating a capacity of an air conditioning apparatus including at least one outdoor unit, at least one indoor unit, and a connection pipe that connects the outdoor unit and the indoor unit, the air conditioning capacity calculating system comprising: a first acquisition unit configured to acquire outdoor unit capacity information, which is a rated capacity of the outdoor unit or information related to the rated capacity; a measurement unit configured to measure power consumption of the outdoor unit; a second acquisition unit configured to cooperate with a temperature sensor for acquiring an outside air temperature, which is a temperature of air around the outdoor unit; and a capacity calculating unit configured to obtain a calculation value of the capacity of the air conditioning apparatus based on the outdoor unit capacity information, the power consumption, and the outside air temperature.

Installing a large number of sensors for measuring the capacity of the air conditioning apparatus in the air conditioning apparatus to be used by a user forces inconvenience upon the user. That is, necessary labor by an operator to measure the capacity are increased. Furthermore, since the large number of sensors are included in the system for measuring the capacity, the cost of the system for measuring the capacity is high.

The above problem is solved by the air conditioning capacity calculating system defined by the appended claim <NUM>. Further advantageous effects can be obtained by the preferred embodiments defined by appended dependent claims.

More specifically, an air conditioning capacity calculating system according to a first aspect of the present invention is for calculating a capacity of an air conditioning apparatus including at least one outdoor unit, at least one indoor unit, and a connection pipe that connects the outdoor unit and the indoor unit. The air conditioning capacity calculating system includes a first acquisition unit, a measurement unit, a second acquisition unit, and a capacity calculating unit. The first acquisition unit is configured to acquire outdoor unit capacity information, which is a rated capacity of the outdoor unit or information related to the rated capacity. The measurement unit is configured to measure power consumption of the outdoor unit. The second acquisition unit is configured to cooperate with a temperature sensor for acquiring an outside air temperature, which is a temperature of air around the outdoor unit. The capacity calculating unit is configured to obtain a calculation value of the capacity of the air conditioning apparatus based on the outdoor unit capacity information, the power consumption, and the outside air temperature. The capacity calculating unit includes a plurality of capacity calculation models. The capacity calculating unit is configured to select one capacity calculation model from among the plurality of capacity calculation models based on the outdoor unit capacity information. Each of the capacity calculation models includes a characteristic formula that expresses a relationship between the power consumption and the capacity.

According to this configuration, the calculation value of the air conditioning capacity can be obtained based on the outdoor unit capacity information, the power consumption, and the outside air temperature. Thus, the calculation of the capacity does not need many types of data to be acquired. Moreover, the capacity calculating unit selects one capacity calculation model based on the outdoor unit capacity information. Thus, a capacity calculation model appropriate for simulating the capacity of the outdoor unit is used.

An air conditioning capacity calculating system according to a second aspect of the present invention is the air conditioning capacity calculating system according to the first aspect, in which each of the capacity calculation models includes an air conditioner performance parameter indicating performance of the air conditioning apparatus. Each of the capacity calculation models is configured to derive an evaporation pressure Pe or a corresponding temperature corresponding thereto or a condensation pressure Pc or a corresponding temperature corresponding thereto in a refrigeration cycle based on the air conditioner performance parameter, the power consumption, and the outside air temperature and to calculate the calculation value based on the derived refrigeration cycle. At least one of the evaporation pressure of refrigerant or the corresponding temperature corresponding thereto and the condensation pressure of refrigerant or the corresponding temperature corresponding thereto in the refrigeration cycle is determined as a constant.

An air conditioning capacity calculating system according to a third aspect of the present invention is the air conditioning capacity calculating system according to the first or second aspect, in which the plurality of capacity calculation models include a plurality of cooling capacity calculation models and a plurality of heating capacity calculation models.

An air conditioning capacity calculating system according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the air conditioning capacity calculating system according to any one of the first to third aspects, further including a correction unit. The correction unit is configured to correct the calculation value to obtain a corrected calculation value.

According to this configuration, the correction unit corrects the calculation value to obtain a corrected calculation value. This increases the accuracy of the necessary capacity.

An air conditioning capacity calculating system according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the air conditioning capacity calculating system according to the fourth aspect, in which the correction unit is configured to correct the calculation value based on information related to a pressure loss of refrigerant in the connection pipe.

An air conditioning capacity calculating system according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is the air conditioning capacity calculating system according to the fourth or fifth aspect, in which the outdoor unit includes an outdoor fan. The correction unit is configured to correct the calculation value based on information related to a rated output of the outdoor fan.

An air conditioning capacity calculating system according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is the air conditioning capacity calculating system according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, in which the second acquisition unit is further configured to acquire an outside air humidity, which is a humidity of the air around the outdoor unit. The capacity calculating unit is configured to obtain the calculation value of the capacity of the air conditioning apparatus based on the outdoor unit capacity information, the power consumption, the outside air temperature, and the outside air humidity.

According to this configuration, the outside air humidity is also used in addition to the other parameters to obtain the calculation value of the capacity. Thus, the calculation value with higher accuracy is obtained.

An air conditioning capacity calculating system according to an eighth aspect of the present invention is the air conditioning capacity calculating system according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, in which the second acquisition unit is configured not to perform measurement related to blown-out air discharged from the outdoor unit after heat exchange.

An air conditioning capacity calculating system according to a ninth aspect of the present invention is the air conditioning capacity calculating system according to the fourth aspect, further including a proposal creating unit. The proposal creating unit is configured to create a proposal of a unit-to-be-newly-introduced that is to replace at least part of the outdoor unit and the indoor unit based on a maximum value of the calculation value or the corrected calculation value within a predetermined period.

An air conditioning capacity calculating system according to a tenth aspect of the present invention is the air conditioning capacity calculating system according to the ninth aspect, in which the air conditioning apparatus includes plurality of systems. Each of the plurality of systems includes at least one outdoor unit. The measurement unit is configured to measure the power consumption of each of the plurality of systems.

An air conditioning capacity calculating system according to an eleventh aspect of the present invention is the air conditioning capacity calculating system according to the tenth aspect, further including an operation terminal. The measurement unit includes a plurality of power sensors configured to measure the power consumption of the plurality of systems, respectively. The operation terminal is configured to display pieces of identification information of the power sensors. The operation terminal is configured to accept input of association between the pieces of identification information and the systems.

An air conditioning capacity calculating system according to a twelfth aspect of the present invention is the air conditioning capacity calculating system according to the tenth or eleventh aspect, in which the proposal creating unit is configured to create the proposal of the unit-to-be-newly-introduced that is to replace at least part of the outdoor unit and the indoor unit for each of the plurality of systems.

<FIG> illustrates an overall configuration of an air conditioning capacity presenting system <NUM>. The air conditioning capacity presenting system <NUM> includes an air conditioning apparatus <NUM>, a power sensor <NUM>, a temperature sensor <NUM>, an operation terminal <NUM>, a network N, and a server <NUM>.

The air conditioning apparatus <NUM> is a multi-type air conditioning apparatus including a plurality of indoor units <NUM> to <NUM>.

The air conditioning apparatus <NUM> includes the indoor units <NUM> to <NUM>, an outdoor unit <NUM>, and connection pipes <NUM> and <NUM>.

The indoor units <NUM> to <NUM> are installed inside a building B. The indoor units <NUM> to <NUM> adjust the temperature of environment where a user is present by providing cooled air or heated air to the user. An indoor unit power source line <NUM> is connected to the indoor units <NUM> to <NUM>. The indoor unit power source line <NUM> transmits power from a commercial power source <NUM> to the indoor units <NUM> to <NUM>.

The outdoor unit <NUM> is installed outside the building B. The outdoor unit <NUM> acquires cold or heat from outside air, which is a heat source. The outdoor unit <NUM> includes an outdoor unit power source line <NUM>. The outdoor unit power source line <NUM> transmits power from a commercial power source <NUM> to the outdoor unit <NUM>. The outdoor unit <NUM> includes an outdoor heat exchanger <NUM> and an outdoor fan <NUM>.

The connection pipes <NUM> and <NUM> allow refrigerant to move between the indoor units <NUM> to <NUM> and the outdoor unit <NUM>. The connection pipes <NUM> and <NUM> form refrigerant circuits together with the indoor units <NUM> to <NUM> and the outdoor unit <NUM>.

The power sensor <NUM> acquires a measurement value of power consumption of the outdoor unit <NUM> of the air conditioning apparatus <NUM>. The power sensor <NUM> is attached to the outdoor unit power source line <NUM>. The power sensor <NUM> can be connected to the network N by wireless communication and can transmit power consumption data.

The temperature sensor <NUM> acquires a measurement value of the outside air temperature. For example, the temperature sensor <NUM> is attached near the outdoor unit <NUM>. In this case, the outside air temperature is the temperature of air around the outdoor unit <NUM>. The temperature sensor <NUM> can be connected to the network N by wireless communication and can transmit outside air temperature data.

Note that the temperature sensor <NUM> does not measure blow-out air discharged from the outdoor unit <NUM> after heat exchange in the outdoor heat exchanger <NUM>.

The operation terminal <NUM> is operated by an operator of the air conditioning apparatus <NUM> or the like. The operator inputs outdoor unit capacity information to the operation terminal <NUM>. The outdoor unit capacity information is, for example, a rated capacity of the outdoor unit <NUM>. Alternatively, the outdoor unit capacity information may be information other than the rated capacity of the outdoor unit <NUM> and that relates to the rated capacity. The operation terminal <NUM> can be connected to the network N by wireless communication and can transmit the outdoor unit capacity information.

In addition, the operator inputs, to the operation terminal <NUM>, information related to a pressure loss of refrigerant in the connection pipes <NUM> and <NUM>. The information related to a pressure loss is, for example, the following amounts.

The operation terminal <NUM> can transmit the information related to a pressure loss via the network N.

In addition, the operator inputs, to the operation terminal <NUM>, information related to a rated output of the outdoor fan <NUM>. The operation terminal <NUM> can transmit the information related to a rated output of the outdoor fan <NUM> via the network N.

The network N is constituted as an aggregate of a PSTN (public switched telephone network), a mobile phone communication network, a wireless LAN, and other known networks.

The server <NUM> is connected to the network N. The server <NUM> can receive information transmitted from the power sensor <NUM>, the temperature sensor <NUM>, and the operation terminal <NUM>.

<FIG> schematically illustrates a calculation unit <NUM> that carries out calculation of the air conditioning capacity presenting system <NUM>. The calculation unit <NUM> is physically included in the server <NUM>. The calculation unit <NUM> includes an outdoor unit capacity information receiving unit <NUM>, a power consumption receiving unit <NUM>, an outside air temperature receiving unit <NUM>, a capacity calculating unit <NUM>, a correction unit <NUM>, and a proposal creating unit <NUM>. That is, by executing dedicated software, the server <NUM> functions as the outdoor unit capacity information receiving unit <NUM>, the power consumption receiving unit <NUM>, the outside air temperature receiving unit <NUM>, the capacity calculating unit <NUM>, the correction unit <NUM>, and the proposal creating unit <NUM>.

The outdoor unit capacity information receiving unit <NUM> receives the outdoor unit capacity information from the operation terminal <NUM> via the network N.

The power consumption receiving unit <NUM> receives the power consumption data from the power sensor <NUM> via the network N.

The outside air temperature receiving unit <NUM> receives the outside air temperature data from the temperature sensor <NUM> via the network N.

The capacity calculating unit <NUM> obtains a calculation value of the capacity of the air conditioning apparatus <NUM> based on the outdoor unit capacity information, the power consumption, and the outside air temperature.

The capacity calculating unit <NUM> includes a plurality of capacity calculation models M1 to M8. From among the plurality of capacity calculation models M1 to M8, the capacity calculating unit <NUM> selects one capacity calculation model based on the outdoor unit capacity information. The plurality of capacity calculation models M1 to M8 include a plurality of cooling capacity calculation models M1 to M4 and a plurality of heating capacity calculation models M5 to M8.

The capacity calculation models M1 to M8 are, for example, characteristic formulas. Instead of this, the capacity calculation models M1 to M8 may also be tables, learned models, or others.

The correction unit <NUM> corrects the calculation value calculated by the capacity calculating unit <NUM> to obtain a corrected calculation value. From the network N, the correction unit <NUM> receives "information related to a pressure loss of refrigerant in the connection pipes <NUM> and <NUM>" and "information related to a rated output of the outdoor fan <NUM>". The correction unit <NUM> uses these pieces of information when obtaining the corrected calculation value from the calculation value.

On the basis of the maximum value of the calculation value or the corrected calculation value within a predetermined period, the proposal creating unit <NUM> creates a proposal of a unit-to-be-newly-introduced that is to replace at least part of the outdoor unit <NUM> and the indoor units <NUM> to <NUM>.

The capacity calculating unit <NUM> can have various configurations. Examples of possible configurations will be described below.

<FIG> illustrates the configuration of the capacity calculation models M1 to M8 according to Configuration Example <NUM>.

Each of the capacity calculation models M1 to M8 includes air conditioner performance parameters <NUM> indicating the performance of the air conditioning apparatus <NUM> and a final calculation unit <NUM>.

The air conditioner performance parameters <NUM> may include a compressor performance parameter <NUM> related to the performance of a compressor of the air conditioning apparatus <NUM>.

The air conditioner performance parameters <NUM> may also include an outdoor heat exchanger performance parameter <NUM> related to the performance of the outdoor heat exchanger <NUM> of the air conditioning apparatus <NUM>.

The air conditioner performance parameters <NUM> may also include an outdoor fan performance parameter <NUM> related to the performance of the outdoor fan <NUM> of the air conditioning apparatus <NUM>.

The final calculation unit <NUM> calculates a capacity C of the air conditioning apparatus <NUM> for cooling or heating.

On the basis of at least outdoor unit capacity information SEL output from the outdoor unit capacity information receiving unit <NUM>, the capacity calculating unit <NUM> selects one capacity calculation model from among the plurality of capacity calculation models M1 to M8.

In this selection, the time, season, or the like during which the air conditioning apparatus <NUM> is in operation may be taken into account. As a result, which of the cooling capacity calculation models M1 to M4 and the heating capacity calculation models M5 to M8 are to be selected is determined.

Power consumption data P output from the power consumption receiving unit <NUM> and outside air temperature data TO output from the outside air temperature receiving unit <NUM> are input to the selected capacity calculation model.

On the basis of the power consumption data P, the outside air temperature data TO, and the air conditioner performance parameters <NUM>, the capacity calculation models M1 to M6 derive a condensation pressure Pc or a corresponding temperature corresponding thereto or an evaporation pressure Pe or a corresponding temperature corresponding thereto in a refrigeration cycle.

In deriving the condensation pressure Pc of refrigerant or the corresponding temperature corresponding thereto or the evaporation pressure Pe of refrigerant or the corresponding temperature corresponding thereto, the evaporation pressure Pe of refrigerant or the corresponding temperature corresponding thereto and the condensation pressure Pc of refrigerant or the corresponding temperature corresponding thereto are set. Specifically, the setting is performed in the following procedure.

In the calculation for acquiring the condensation pressure Pc of refrigerant or the corresponding temperature corresponding thereto, an outside air heat exchange amount and a refrigerant heat exchange amount may be calculated. Here, "outside air heat exchange amount" indicates heat quantity that the outside air receives in the outdoor heat exchanger, and "refrigerant heat exchange amount" indicates heat quantity that refrigerant loses in the outdoor heat exchanger. The outside air heat exchange amount is calculated based on at least the outside air temperature data TO, and is a function of the condensation pressure Pc or the corresponding temperature corresponding thereto. The refrigerant heat exchange amount is calculated based on at least the power consumption data P and is a function of the condensation pressure Pc or the corresponding temperature corresponding thereto. By iterative calculation using the condensation pressure Pc or the corresponding temperature corresponding thereto as a variable, the condensation pressure Pc or the corresponding temperature corresponding thereto at which the outside air heat exchange amount and the refrigerant heat exchange amount are equal to each other is acquired.

The calculation procedure is performed by the calculation of the outside air heat exchange amount and the refrigerant heat exchange amount as in the case of the cooling capacity calculation models M1 to M4. However, in a case of heating, the outside air heat exchange amount indicates heat quantity that outside air loses in the outdoor heat exchanger, and the refrigerant heat exchange amount indicates heat quantity that refrigerant receives in the outdoor heat exchanger.

The degree of subcooling and the degree of superheating may be presumed to be a predetermined constant.

The selected capacity calculation model obtains, as intermediate calculation values, a refrigerant circulation amount G and the refrigeration cycle <NUM> that are obtained based on the air conditioner performance parameters <NUM> and the power consumption P by using the set evaporation pressure Pe of refrigerant or the corresponding temperature corresponding thereto or the set the condensation pressure Pc of refrigerant or the corresponding temperature corresponding thereto and the derived condensation pressure Pc of refrigerant or the corresponding temperature corresponding thereto or the derived evaporation pressure Pe of refrigerant or the corresponding temperature corresponding thereto.

On the basis of the intermediate calculation values, the final calculation unit <NUM> calculates the capacity C of the air conditioning apparatus <NUM>.

Each of the capacity calculation models M1 to M8 includes a characteristic formula <NUM>. The characteristic formula is a calculation formula used to reproduce behavior of a certain air conditioning apparatus.

The characteristic formula may express a relationship between the power consumption data P and the capacity C. For example, the characteristic formula may express the capacity C in the form of a linear function of the power consumption data P. The characteristic formula may include rated power consumption PN, a rated capacity CN, a half value (<NUM>/<NUM>) of the rated capacity CN, and the like.

The power consumption data P output from the power consumption receiving unit <NUM> and the outside air temperature data TO output from the outside air temperature receiving unit <NUM> are input to the capacity calculating unit <NUM>.

On the basis of at least the outdoor unit capacity information SEL and the outside air temperature data TO, the capacity calculating unit <NUM> selects one capacity calculation model from among the plurality of capacity calculation models M1 to M8.

On the basis of the power consumption data P, the final calculation unit <NUM> calculates the capacity C of the air conditioning apparatus <NUM>.

The characteristic formula may express the relationship between the power consumption data P and the capacity C. For example, the characteristic formula may express a ratio C/CN of the capacity C to the rated capacity CN in the form of a function of a ratio P/PN of the power consumption data P to the rated power consumption PN.

As described above, in the configuration in Configuration Examples <NUM> to <NUM>, the capacity calculation models M1 to M8 may include an input and output relationship formula in the form of a multidimensional table without performing calculation.

(<NUM>-<NUM>-<NUM>)
Each of the capacity calculation models M1 to M8 includes
the air conditioner performance parameters <NUM> indicating the performance of the air conditioning apparatus.

Each of the capacity calculation models M1 to M8 is configured to derive a condensation pressure or a corresponding temperature corresponding thereto or an evaporation pressure or a corresponding temperature corresponding thereto based on the power consumption data P, the outside air temperature data TO, and the air conditioner performance parameters <NUM>, and configured to calculate the calculation value based on the derived condensation pressure or the corresponding temperature corresponding thereto or the derived evaporation pressure or the corresponding temperature corresponding thereto.

At least one of the evaporation pressure Pe of refrigerant or the corresponding temperature corresponding thereto and the condensation pressure Pc of refrigerant or the corresponding temperature corresponding thereto in deriving of the condensation pressure or the corresponding temperature corresponding thereto or the evaporation pressure or the corresponding temperature corresponding thereto is determined as a constant.

Effects of this configuration include that only a small amount of data, which is two types of the power consumption data P and the outside air temperature data TO, may be measured by using the sensors.

(<NUM>-<NUM>-<NUM>)
The air conditioning apparatus <NUM> includes the compressor and the outdoor heat exchanger <NUM>.

The air conditioner performance parameters <NUM> include at least one of.

Effects of this configuration include that the calculation accuracy of the capacity C is increased since the calculation of the capacity C can reflect the behavior of the compressor or the outdoor heat exchanger <NUM> mounted on the outdoor unit <NUM>.

(<NUM>-<NUM>-<NUM>)
Each of the capacity calculation models M1 to M8 includes
the characteristic formula <NUM> or the characteristic formula <NUM> that expresses a relationship between the power consumption P and the capacity C.

Effects of this configuration include that the configuration of the capacity calculation models M1 to M8 is comparatively easy.

First, the operator checks the air conditioning apparatus <NUM>, which is existing equipment. The operator arrives at the building B and checks the indoor units <NUM> to <NUM>, the outdoor unit <NUM>, the connection pipes <NUM> and <NUM>, and the like.

Subsequently, the operator attaches the power sensor <NUM> to the outdoor unit power source line <NUM>.

Subsequently, the operator attaches the temperature sensor <NUM> near the outdoor unit <NUM>.

Subsequently, the operator inputs the following values by using the operation terminal <NUM>.

Subsequently, the operator starts measurement. The power sensor <NUM> and the temperature sensor <NUM> keep transmitting measurement value data to the server <NUM> for a measurement period (e.g., one year).

Subsequently, data analysis is performed. First, based on the outdoor unit capacity information, the capacity calculating unit <NUM> of the calculation unit <NUM> selects one (e.g., the capacity calculation model M3) of the plurality of capacity calculation models M1 to M8. Then, to the selected capacity calculation model M3, data of the power consumption and the outside air temperature acquired for the measurement period is input. The capacity calculation model M3 outputs data of the capacity of the air conditioning apparatus <NUM> that has been needed for the measurement period. Thus, the capacity calculating unit <NUM> outputs the calculation value of the needed capacity.

Subsequently, the calculation value of the capacity is corrected. The correction unit <NUM> corrects the calculation value of the capacity based on the following information and outputs the corrected calculation value.

Thus, the correction unit <NUM> presents the corrected calculation value of the capacity.

Subsequently, a proposal for updating the air conditioning apparatus <NUM> is made. On the basis of the maximum value of the calculation value or the corrected calculation value of the capacity, the proposal creating unit <NUM> creates a proposal of a unit-to-be-newly-introduced that is to replace at least one of the indoor units <NUM> to <NUM> and the outdoor unit <NUM>.

(<NUM>-<NUM>)
On the basis of the outdoor unit capacity information, the power consumption, and the outside air temperature, the calculation value of the air conditioning capacity is obtained. Thus, the calculation of the capacity does not need many types of data to be acquired. That is, efforts necessary for the operator to measures the capacity are reduced. In particular, the temperature sensor <NUM> does not perform measurement related to the blown-out air discharged from the outdoor unit <NUM> after heat exchange. Furthermore, since the large number of sensors are included in the system for measuring the capacity, the cost of the system for measuring the capacity is low.

(<NUM>-<NUM>)
The capacity calculating unit <NUM> selects one capacity calculation model based on the outdoor unit capacity information. Thus, a capacity calculation model appropriate for simulating the capacity of the outdoor unit is used.

(<NUM>-<NUM>)
On the basis of the information related to a pressure loss of refrigerant in the connection pipes and the information related to a rated output of the outdoor fan, the correction unit <NUM> corrects the calculation value to obtain a corrected calculation value. This increases the accuracy of the necessary capacity.

In the above embodiment, the temperature sensor <NUM> and the outside air temperature receiving unit <NUM> acquire the outside air temperature. Instead of this, a temperature/humidity sensor <NUM>' and an outside air temperature/humidity receiving unit <NUM>' may be provided and may acquire an outside air temperature and an outside air humidity. In this case, based on the outdoor unit capacity information, the power consumption, the outside air temperature, and the outside air humidity, the capacity calculating unit <NUM> obtains the calculation value of the capacity of the air conditioning apparatus <NUM>.

In the above embodiment, data of the outside air temperature is acquired by the temperature sensor <NUM>. Instead of this, as illustrated in <FIG>, data of the outside air temperature may be acquired from a weather data bank <NUM> connected to the network N.

<FIG> illustrates an overall configuration of an air conditioning capacity presenting system <NUM>'. The air conditioning capacity presenting system <NUM>' differs from the first embodiment in including a plurality of systems of air conditioning apparatuses. The air conditioning capacity presenting system <NUM>' includes a first system 20A, a second system 20B, and a third system 20C of air conditioning apparatuses. The air conditioning capacity presenting system <NUM>' further includes power sensors 61A to 61C, the temperature sensor <NUM>, the operation terminal <NUM>, the network N, and the server <NUM>.

The air conditioning apparatuses include the first system 20A, the second system 20B, and the third system 20C. The first system 20A includes indoor units 21A to 24A, an outdoor unit 40A, and connection pipes 31A and 32A. The second system 20B includes indoor units 21B to 24B, an outdoor unit 40B, and connection pipes 31B and 32B. The third system 20C includes indoor units 21C to 24C, an outdoor unit 40C, and connection pipes 31C and 32C.

The power sensor 61A measures power consumption of the outdoor unit 40A that belongs to the first system 20A. The power sensor 61B measures power consumption of the outdoor unit 40B that belongs to the second system 20B. The power sensor 61C measures power consumption of the outdoor unit 40C that belong to the third system 20C.

A piece of identification information is allocated to each of the power sensors 61A to 61C.

The temperature sensor <NUM> acquires the outside air temperature. For example, the temperature sensor <NUM> is attached near the outdoor unit 40A.

The operation terminal <NUM> performs the processing described in the first embodiment.

In addition, the operation terminal <NUM> accepts input of association between the power sensors 61A to 61C and the first system 20A to the third system 20C. As illustrated in <FIG>, the operation terminal <NUM> displays the pieces of identification information of the power sensors 61A to 61C and also accepts input of association between the pieces of identification information and the systems from the operator.

Other elements are substantially the same as those in the first embodiment.

The capacity calculating unit <NUM> outputs the calculation value of the necessary capacity. As necessary, the calculation value of the capacity is corrected. Thus, the correction unit <NUM> presents the corrected calculation value of the capacity that has been necessary for each system.

Subsequently, a proposal for updating the air conditioning apparatus <NUM> is made. On the basis of the maximum value of the calculation value or the corrected calculation value of the capacity, the proposal creating unit <NUM> creates a proposal of a unit-to-be-newly-introduced that is to replace at least part of the outdoor units and the indoor units for the plurality of systems.

(<NUM>-<NUM>)
The power consumption is calculated for each system. However, in the plurality of systems, the temperature sensor <NUM> is shared. Thus, the number of temperature sensors <NUM> to be installed is small.

(<NUM>-<NUM>)
The operation terminal <NUM> accepts input of association between the pieces of identification information of the power sensors 61A to 61C and the systems. Thus, initial setting for performing measurement by using the power sensors 61A to 61C is easy.

(<NUM>-<NUM>)
The proposal creating unit <NUM> of the calculation unit <NUM> creates a proposal of the unit-to-be-newly-introduced that is to replace at least part of the outdoor units and the indoor units for each of the plurality of systems.

Each of the modifications in the first embodiment is applicable to the second embodiment.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it should be understood that various changes can be made on the forms and details without departing from the scope of claims.

Claim 1:
An air conditioning capacity calculating system for calculating a capacity of an air conditioning apparatus including at least one outdoor unit (<NUM>), at least one indoor unit (<NUM> to <NUM>), and a connection pipe (<NUM>, <NUM>) that connects the outdoor unit and the indoor unit, the air conditioning capacity calculating system comprising:
a first acquisition unit (<NUM>, <NUM>) configured to acquire outdoor unit capacity information, which is a rated capacity of the outdoor unit or information related to the rated capacity;
a measurement unit (<NUM>, <NUM>) configured to measure power consumption of the outdoor unit;
a second acquisition unit (<NUM>) configured to cooperate with a temperature sensor (<NUM>) for acquiring an outside air temperature, which is a temperature of air around the outdoor unit; and
a capacity calculating unit (<NUM>) configured to obtain a calculation value of the capacity of the air conditioning apparatus based on the outdoor unit capacity information, the power consumption, and the outside air temperature,
characterized in that
the capacity calculating unit includes a plurality of capacity calculation models (M1 to M8),
the capacity calculating unit is configured to select one capacity calculation model from among the plurality of capacity calculation models based on the outdoor unit capacity information, and
each of the capacity calculation models includes a characteristic formula (<NUM>, <NUM>) that expresses a relationship between the power consumption (P) and the capacity (C).