FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
[See section 10, Rule 13]
EQUIPMENT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND REFRIGERANT AMOUNT
ESTIMATION METHOD
MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION, A CORPORATION ORGANISED AND
EXISTING UNDER THE LAWS OF JAPAN, WHOSE ADDRESS IS 7-3,
MARUNOUCHI 2-CHOME, CHIYODA-KU, TOKYO 1008310, JAPAN
THE FOLLOWING SPECIFICATION PARTICULARLY DESCRIBES THE
INVENTION AND THE MANNER IN WHICH IT IS TO BE PERFORMED.
2
[Document Name] DESCRIPTION
[Technical Field]
[0001]
The present disclosure relates to an equipment management system and a5
refrigerant amount estimation method.
[Background Art]
[0002]
An air conditioner is disclosed which estimates an amount of refrigerant in the
equipment by adjusting a temperature so that the temperature in a target space satisfies a10
predetermined determination temperature condition and measuring a refrigerant
temperature under a stable condition (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
[Prior Art Documents]
[Patent Document]
[0003]15
[Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2007-198710
[Summary of the Invention]
[Problems to be Solved by the Invention]
[0004]
In the conventional technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, it is possible to20
estimate the amount of refrigerant when air conditioning loads of an outdoor unit and an
indoor unit are constant, a compressor frequency is constant, and a refrigeration cycle is
stable. However, because an outside temperature is not constant throughout the day, the
air conditioning load on the indoor unit changes depending on the number of people in a
room, an activity status of people in the room, and the like, so that an environment where25
the air conditioning load is constant does not exist in reality. Therefore, in the
conventional technology, it has been difficult to estimate the amount of refrigerant in an
actual usage environment, and special operation has been required to estimate the amount
of refrigerant.
[0005]30
The present disclosure has been made in view of the above circumstances, and
has an object to provide an equipment management system and a refrigerant amount
estimation method which accurately estimate an amount of refrigerant in an equipment in
3
an actual usage environment without requiring special operation.
[Means for Solving the Problems]
[0006]
An equipment management system according to the present disclosure includes:
an equipment having a refrigerant; an acquisition unit configured to acquire measurement5
information indicating a result of measuring a temperature of the refrigerant in the
equipment, electrical characteristics of the equipment, and environmental information
around the equipment; and an estimation unit configured to estimate an amount of the
refrigerant in the equipment based on the measurement information acquired by the
acquisition unit, equipment information on the equipment and equipment installation10
information on an installation environment of the equipment, the equipment information
and the equipment installation information being preset.
[0007]
Further, a refrigerant amount estimation method, according to the present
disclosure, of estimating an amount of a refrigerant in an equipment having the15
refrigerant, includes: a step of an acquisition unit acquiring measurement information
indicating a result of measuring a temperature of the refrigerant in the equipment,
electrical characteristics of the equipment, and environmental information around the
equipment; and a step of an estimation unit estimating an amount of the refrigerant in the
equipment based on the measurement information acquired by the acquisition unit,20
equipment information on the equipment and equipment installation information on an
installation environment of the equipment, the equipment information and the equipment
installation information being preset.
[Effects of the Invention]
[0008]25
According to the present disclosure, it is possible to accurately estimate an
amount of refrigerant in an equipment in an actual usage environment without requiring
special operation.
[Brief Description of the Drawings]
[0009]30
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an example of an
equipment management system according to a first embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a refrigerant circuit of an equipment
4
according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of temperature measurement points shown in
FIG. 2 according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a refrigerant circuit of a multi-type
air conditioner according to the first embodiment.5
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a Mollier diagram immediately after
startup according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a Mollier diagram in a stable state
according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of an electric circuit of the equipment10
according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of data items of equipment acquisition
data according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the equipment acquisition data
transmitted by the equipment according to the first embodiment.15
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of data items of equipment
information according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of data items of equipment installation
information according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 12 is a schematic block diagram showing an example of a configuration of20
an equipment management device according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of refrigerant amount estimation
processing according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a method of
calculating an estimated refrigerant amount according to the first embodiment.25
FIG. 15 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an example of an
equipment management system according to a second embodiment.
FIG. 16 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an example of an
equipment management system according to a third embodiment.
FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of time-series data stored by the30
equipment management device according to the third embodiment.
FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of time-series data of each of a
plurality of equipments stored by the equipment management device according to the
5
third embodiment.
FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of a relationship between an amount
of refrigerant and performance of an equipment according to a fourth embodiment.
FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of comparison with catalog values
regarding a relationship between the performance of the equipment and a temperature5
according to the fourth embodiment.
FIG. 21 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an example of an
equipment management system according to a fifth embodiment.
FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an example of a display displayed on a
general-purpose device according to the fifth embodiment.10
FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of a display displayed on a
general-purpose device according to a sixth embodiment.
FIG. 24 is a diagram showing an example of a refrigerant circuit of a water
heater as a modified example.
[Mode for Carrying Out the Invention]15
[0010]
Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings.

First, a first embodiment will be described.
[Overview of Equipment Management System]20
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an example of an
equipment management system according to the present embodiment. An equipment
management system SYS shown in this figure includes an equipment 1 having a
refrigerant and an equipment management device 2 capable of communicating with the
equipment 1. The equipment 1 is, for example, an air conditioner including an outdoor25
unit 100 and an indoor unit 200. The equipment management device 2 is a data
management destination that stores communication data from the equipment 1, and also
estimates an amount of refrigerant in the equipment 1. Here, as the equipment
management device 2, an external terminal 3 and a cloud 4 are illustrated.
[0011]30
The external terminal 3 is a terminal device such as a smartphone or a PC
(Personal Computer). In addition to communicating with the equipment 1, the external
terminal 3 may also communicate with the cloud 4 and transmit communication data
6
from the equipment 1 to the cloud 4. The cloud 4 is a group of arithmetic processing
devices connected via a communication network such as a public line. The equipment
management device 2 may be the external terminal 3 or the cloud 4.
[0012]
In the equipment management system SYS, the equipment management device 25
such as the external terminal 3 or the cloud 4 communicatively connected to the
equipment 1 estimates an amount of refrigerant in the equipment 1, based on equipment
acquisition data 10 acquired by the equipment 1, equipment information 20 on the
equipment 1, and equipment installation information 30 on an installation environment in
which the equipment 1 is installed.10
[0013]
For example, the equipment acquisition data 10 includes measurement
information such as a measured value of a refrigerant temperature in the equipment 1
(hereinafter referred to as “refrigerant temperature 11”), a measured value of electrical
characteristics in the equipment 1 (hereinafter referred to as “electrical input 12”), and a15
measured value of environmental information such as a temperature or humidity around
the equipment 1 (hereinafter referred to as “environmental information 13”). The
equipment 1 transmits the equipment acquisition data 10 to the equipment management
device 2.
[0014]20
The equipment management device 2 acquires the equipment acquisition data 10
transmitted from the equipment 1. Further, the equipment management device 2 stores
the equipment information 20 and the equipment installation information 30 which are
preset. The equipment information 20 includes inspection data before shipping. For
example, the equipment information 20 includes: inspection data (steady data or time25
series data) regarding the refrigerant temperature in the equipment 1 under a specific
inspection condition, the electrical characteristics in the equipment 1, or the
environmental information; inspection conditions; and specifications (configurations) of
the equipment 1 at the time of inspection. The equipment installation information 30
includes an environment, an installation state, or the like of the place where the30
equipment is installed. Details of the equipment acquisition data 10, the equipment
information 20, and the equipment installation information 30 will be described later.
[0015]
7
[Configuration of Refrigerant Circuit of Equipment 1]
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a refrigerant circuit of the equipment
according to the present embodiment. The outdoor unit 100 and the indoor unit 200 are
connected by internal-external connection pipes 301 and 302. The refrigerant in a gas
state passes through the internal-external connection pipe 301. The refrigerant in a5
liquid state passes through the internal-external connection pipe 302. By switching a
four-way valve 101 provided in the outdoor unit 100 to switch a circulation direction of
the refrigerant, heating operation and cooling operation are switched. A direction of a
solid line arrow indicates the direction of the refrigerant flow during the cooling
operation, and a direction of a broken line arrow indicates the direction of the refrigerant10
flow during the heating operation.
[0016]
In the case of heating operation, the refrigerant in the gas state compressed by a
compressor 102 of the outdoor unit 100 flows to an indoor heat exchanger 201 of the
indoor unit 200 through the four-way valve 101 and the internal-external connection pipe15
301. The refrigerant in the indoor heat exchanger 201 exchanges heat with surrounding
air to warm the surrounding air. The refrigerant, which has become a liquid state
through the heat exchange, flows into an expansion valve 103 of the outdoor unit 100
through the internal-external connection pipe 302, and flows into an outdoor heat
exchanger 104 through the expansion valve 103. The refrigerant in the outdoor heat20
exchanger 104 exchanges heat with the surrounding air. The refrigerant, which has
become a gas state through the heat exchange, returns to the compressor 102 through the
four-way valve 101.
[0017]
In the case of cooling operation, the refrigerant in the gas state compressed by25
the compressor 102 of the outdoor unit 100 flows into the outdoor heat exchanger 104
through the four-way valve 101. The refrigerant in the outdoor heat exchanger 104
exchanges heat with the surrounding air. The refrigerant, which has become a liquid
state through the heat exchange, flows into the indoor heat exchanger 201 of the indoor
unit 200 through the expansion valve 103 and the internal-external connection pipe 302.30
The refrigerant in the indoor heat exchanger 201 exchanges heat with the surrounding air
to cool the surrounding air. The refrigerant, which has become a gas state through the
heat exchange, returns to the compressor 102 of the outdoor unit 100 through the
8
internal-external connection pipe 301 and the four-way valve 101.
[0018]
The outdoor unit 100 and the indoor unit 200 are each provided with
temperature sensors for measuring refrigerant temperatures. FIG. 3 is an explanatory
diagram of temperature measurement points T1 to T8 shown in FIG. 2. A temperature5
sensor is provided on each of an outlet side and an inlet side of the compressor 102, and
the measurement point T1 on the outlet side is a measurement point for a discharge
temperature, and the measurement point T8 on the inlet side is a measurement point for a
suction temperature.
[0019]10
Further, temperature sensors are provided at three points: an outlet side, an inlet
side, and an intermediate point between the outlet and the inlet, of each of the expansion
valve 103 and the outdoor heat exchanger 104 of the outdoor unit 100 and the indoor heat
exchanger 201 of the indoor unit 200. The outdoor heat exchanger 104 functions as a
condenser during cooling operation. During cooling operation, the measurement points15
T2, T2-3, and T3 serve as measurement points for an inlet temperature, an intermediate
temperature, and an outlet temperature of the condenser, respectively. On the other
hand, the outdoor heat exchanger 104 functions as an evaporator during heating operation.
During heating operation, the measurement points T2, T2-3, and T3 serve as
measurement points for the outlet temperature, the intermediate temperature, and the inlet20
temperature of the evaporator, respectively.
[0020]
The indoor heat exchanger 201 functions as an evaporator during cooling
operation. During cooling operation, the measurement points T6, T6-7, and T7 serve as
measurement points for an inlet temperature, an intermediate temperature, and an outlet25
temperature of the evaporator, respectively. On the other hand, the indoor heat
exchanger 201 functions as a condenser during heating operation. During heating
operation, the measurement points T6, T6-7, and T7 serve as measurement points for the
outlet temperature, the intermediate temperature, and the inlet temperature of the
condenser, respectively.30
[0021]
Further, the measurement point T4 serves as a measurement point for an inlet
temperature of the expansion valve 103 during cooling operation, and a measurement
9
point for an outlet temperature of the expansion valve 103 during heating operation.
The measurement point T5 serves as a measurement point for the outlet temperature of
the expansion valve 103 during cooling operation, and the measurement point for the
inlet temperature of the expansion valve 103 during heating operation.
[0022]5
Note that the equipment 1 may be a multi-type air conditioner (so-called
package air conditioner) in which a plurality of indoor units 200 are connected to one
outdoor unit 100.
[0023]
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a refrigerant circuit of a multi-type10
air conditioner. FIG. 4 shows an example of a refrigerant circuit when two indoor units
200 are connected to the outdoor unit 100. In FIG. 4, the same reference numerals are
given to configurations corresponding to the respective components in FIG. 2. A
configuration of the illustrated refrigerant circuit is the same as the example of the
refrigerant circuit illustrated in FIG. 2, except that the number of indoor units 200 is15
different. Note that the number of indoor units 200 is not limited to two.
[0024]
Since the multi-type air conditioner has the plurality of indoor units 200, the
indoor units 200 are set with unit numbers such as a first unit, a second unit, …, for
example. Then, the unit numbers are assigned such as “a discharge temperature of the20
first unit, an inlet temperature of the condenser, …,” and “a discharge temperature of the
second unit, an inlet temperature of the condenser, ...,” and a refrigerant temperature is
managed for each unit, distinguishably.
[0025]
Note that in present embodiment, the number of equipments 1 is basically one25
for one outdoor unit 100, regardless of whether there is one indoor unit 200 or a plurality
of indoor units 200.
[0026]
FIGS. 5 and 6 schematically show examples of Mollier diagrams during cooling
operation. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a Mollier diagram immediately30
after startup (in an initial stage of operation). FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example
of a Mollier diagram in a stable state. Generally, in the initial stage of operation, all the
measurement points T1 to T8 are in a gas-liquid two-phase region (two-phase region)
10
(see FIG. 5). Thereafter, as the refrigerant gas is gradually compressed by the
compressor 102, a pressure difference between the condenser and the evaporator
increases, and at the measurement point T1 for the discharge temperature, it is gasified
and transitions into a gas phase region (see FIG. 6). Further, at the measurement point
T3 for the outlet temperature of the condenser, the enthalpy decreases through heat5
exchange with the air by the condenser. If an amount of refrigerant gas and an amount
of heat exchanged by the condenser are sufficient, the measurement point T3 transitions
into a liquid phase region (see FIG. 6). On the other hand, if the amount of refrigerant
gas is insufficient, the heat exchange by the condenser and the evaporator will be
insufficient.10
[0027]
[Configuration of Electric Circuit of Equipment 1]
Next, an example of a main electric circuit of the equipment 1 will be described
with reference to FIG. 7.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the electric circuit of the equipment15
1 according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 7, the same reference numerals are
given to configurations corresponding to the respective components in FIG. 2.
[0028]
The outdoor unit 100 includes an outdoor unit controller 110. The outdoor unit
controller 110 is configured to include a microcomputer, controls each component of the20
outdoor unit 100, and acquires measurement values of various sensors provided in the
outdoor unit 100. For example, the outdoor unit controller 110 acquires a measured
value of the temperature sensor provided at each of the refrigerant temperature
measurement points T1, T2, T2-3, T3, T4, T5, and T8 described with respect to FIGS. 2
and 3.25
[0029]
Further, the outdoor unit controller 110 also performs controlling switching of
the flow direction of the refrigerant in the four-way valve 101, controlling the
compressor 102, controlling an opening degree of the expansion valve 103, controlling
the rotation of an outdoor fan 105 that blows air to the outdoor heat exchanger 104, and30
the like.
[0030]
The compressor 102 includes a compression unit 102a and a compressor motor
11
102b. The compression unit 102a has a compression mechanism such as a rotary type
or a scroll type, compresses the refrigerant sucked in from the inlet side, and discharges it
from the outlet side. The compressor motor 102b includes a three-phase motor whose
rotation can be controlled by an inverter 120, and drives the compression mechanism of
the compression unit 102a. The outdoor unit controller 110 controls the rotation of the5
compressor motor 102b by controlling the inverter 120, thereby controlling the
compression mechanism of the compression unit 102a.
[0031]
The indoor unit 200 includes an indoor unit controller 210. The indoor unit
controller 210 is configured to include a microcomputer, controls each component of the10
indoor unit 200, and acquires measurement values of various sensors provided in the
indoor unit 200. For example, the indoor unit controller 210 acquires a measured value
of the temperature sensor provided at each of the refrigerant temperature measurement
points T6, T6-7, and T7 described with respect to FIGS. 2 and 3. Further, the indoor
unit controller 210 performs controlling the rotation of an indoor fan 202 that blows air15
to the indoor heat exchanger 201, and the like.
[0032]
Further, the indoor unit 200 includes a wireless device 220. The wireless
device 220 is, for example, one of equipment accompanying devices added to the indoor
unit 200 as options. The wireless device 220 connects to a communication network20
such as a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) or the Internet by wireless communication,
and performs data communication with the equipment management device 2 (external
terminal 3 or cloud 4).
[0033]
The indoor unit controller 210 is connected to the outdoor unit controller 110 via25
an internal-external communication line 310. The indoor unit controller 210 generates
the equipment acquisition data 10 based on data acquired from the outdoor unit controller
110 via the internal-external communication line 310 and data acquired by the indoor
unit controller 210 itself. Then, the indoor unit controller 210 transmits the equipment
acquisition data 10 to the equipment management device 2 (external terminal 3 or cloud30
4) via the wireless device 220.
[0034]
Here, in conventional air conditioners, it is necessary to acquire various
12
refrigerant temperatures or pressures from the air conditioners when a frequency of the
compressor is fixed and the refrigeration cycle is stable. This is because when
estimating an amount of refrigerant, in order to accurately estimate the mass of the
refrigerant in the liquid phase region and the gas-liquid two-phase region, due to the
characteristics of the refrigeration cycle, it is necessary to grasp a pressure of the5
condenser in the gas-liquid two-phase region and a subcooling area on the outlet side of
the condenser.
[0035]
That is, in the conventional air conditioners, it has been possible to estimate the
amount of refrigerant when the air conditioning loads of the outdoor unit and the indoor10
unit are constant, the compressor frequency is constant, and the refrigeration cycle is
stable.
[0036]
However, an environment for air conditioners where the air conditioning loads
on the outdoor unit and the indoor unit are constant, such as in a test room, does not exist15
in reality. For example, when focusing on the outdoor unit, the air conditioning load
applied to the outdoor unit changes as the outside temperature is not constant throughout
the day. Further, when focusing on the indoor unit, the air conditioning load applied to
the indoor unit changes depending on the number of people in the room or their activity
status.20
[0037]
Therefore, generally, when controlling the compressor of an air conditioner to
maintain a constant indoor temperature (or constant humidity), the compressor frequency
changes variably, and therefore it has been difficult to estimate the amount of refrigerant
when considering the actual usage environment. Therefore, special operation has been25
required to estimate the amount of refrigerant.
[0038]
Further, in the conventional technology, in order to estimate the amount of
refrigerant, it is necessary to define parameters through experiments, numerical
simulations, or the like, and it is necessary to perform a complete evaluation depending30
on the number of specifications of an equipment. Therefore, there is also a problem that
development costs increase. On the other hand, when the specifications of the
equipment are defined to be a universally common model, there is also a problem that the
13
accuracy of estimating the amount of refrigerant decreases.
[0039]
Therefore, as described with reference to FIG. 1, in the present embodiment, the
equipment management device 2 (external terminal 3 or cloud 4) communicatively
connected to the equipment 1 estimates an amount of refrigerant in the equipment 1,5
based on the equipment acquisition data 10, the equipment information 20, and the
equipment installment information 30. As a result, the equipment management system
SYS can accurately estimate an amount of refrigerant in the equipment 1 in an actual
usage environment without requiring any special operation. Detailed description is
given below.10
[0040]
[Specific Example of Equipment Acquisition Data]
First, a specific example of data items included in the equipment acquisition data
10 will be described.
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of data items of the equipment15
acquisition data 10 according to the present embodiment. As described above, the
equipment acquisition data 10 includes the refrigerant temperature 11, the electrical input
12, and the environmental information 13.
[0041]
Examples of the refrigerant temperature 11 include a discharge temperature, a20
temperature at any point from the inlet to the outlet of the condenser and the evaporator
(e.g., inlet temperature, intermediate temperature, outlet temperature), and a temperature
of the expansion valve 103 (e.g., inlet temperature, outlet temperature), a suction
temperature, and the like. Note that the refrigerant temperature 11 may include the
temperatures at all or some of the above points. When the refrigerant temperature 1125
includes some of the above, it is preferable that at least the discharge temperature is
included. Further, when the refrigerant temperature 11 does not include all of the inlet
temperature, the intermediate temperature, and the outlet temperature of the condenser
and the evaporator, it is preferable that at least the intermediate temperature is included.
[0042]30
Note that temperature sensors may also be provided in the internal-external
connection pipes 301 and 302, and a temperature of the internal-external connection pipe
301 (for example, inlet temperature and outlet temperature) may be included in the
14
refrigerant temperature 11. Further, the refrigerant temperature 11 is not limited to the
temperature at the above-described points, and may include a refrigerant temperature at
any point which the equipment 1 can acquire. As measurement values of refrigerant
temperatures at the more points are included in the refrigerant temperature 11, the
accuracy of estimating the amount of refrigerant increases.5
[0043]
Examples of the electrical input 12 includes a voltage (bus voltage, line voltage,
phase voltage), a current (bus current, line current, phase current), and a rotation speed
(current rotation speed, command rotation speed), power consumption, and the like of the
outdoor fan 105 and the indoor fan 202. Examples of the electrical input 12 further10
includes a voltage (bus voltage, line voltage, phase voltage), a current (bus current, line
current, phase current), a frequency (current frequency, command frequency), and power
consumption, and the like of the compressor 102. Examples of the electrical input 12
further includes an opening degree (current opening degree, command opening degree),
power consumption, and the like of the expansion valve 103. Examples of the electrical15
input 12 further includes a voltage (primary voltage) and a current (primary current) on a
power supply side, and power consumption of the equipment accompanying devices (e.g.,
wireless device 220, heater, air purifying device, etc.).
[0044]
Note that when the voltage, current, or power of the outdoor fan 105, the indoor20
fan 202, or the compressor 102 cannot be directly acquired, the power consumption of
the equipment accompanying devices is used to estimate the unacquirable voltage,
current, or power by indirect method from a total sum of that of the entire equipment 1.
[0045]
Note that the electrical input 12 may include all or some of the above data items.25
For example, it is preferable that the electrical input 12 includes at least the rotation
speed (current rotation speed) of the outdoor fan 105 and the indoor fan 202, the bus
current and the current frequency of the compressor 102, and the current opening degree
of the expansion valve 103.
[0046]30
Note that, in addition to the above data items, the electrical input 12 may include
any electrical characteristics in the equipment 1, which can be acquired by the equipment
1. As the more data items are included in electrical input 12, the accuracy of estimating
15
the refrigerant amount increases.
[0047]
Examples of the environmental information 13 include an ambient temperature
(outdoor temperature, indoor temperature) and an ambient humidity (outdoor humidity,
indoor humidity) acquired by the outdoor unit 100 and the indoor unit 200. Note that5
the environmental information 13 may include all or some of the above data items. For
example, it is preferable that the environmental information 13 includes at least the
indoor temperature.
[0048]
Note that in addition to the data items described above, the environmental10
information 13 may include environmental information that can be acquired by the
equipment 1. As the more data items are included in the environmental information 13,
the accuracy of estimating the amount of refrigerant increases.
[0049]
The equipment 1 transmits the equipment acquisition data 10 described with15
reference to FIG. 8 to the equipment management device 2. FIG. 9 is a diagram
showing an example of the equipment acquisition data 10 transmitted by the equipment 1.
For example, as shown in FIG. 9, the equipment 1 transmits time-series data of the
equipment acquisition data 10 measured at regular time intervals. Note that when
transmitting the equipment acquisition data 10, the equipment 1 may transmit data at a20
fixed point under a certain condition.
[0050]
[Specific Example of Equipment Information]
Next, a specific example of data items included in the equipment information 20
will be explained.25
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the data items of the equipment
information 20 according to the present embodiment. As described above, the
equipment information 20 includes pre-shipment inspection data, inspection conditions,
and specifications (configurations) of the equipment 1 at the time of inspection.
[0051]30
In FIG. 10, the common items include the specifications (configurations) of the
equipment 1 at the time of inspection. Examples of the common items include an
inspection date and time (No. 1), a testing room used for the inspection (No. 2),
16
manufacturing information and product specifications of the inspected equipment 1, and
the like. The manufacturing information includes a lot number (No. 3), a manufacturing
year (No. 6), and the like. The product specifications include a model (No. 4) and the
capacity (No. 5) of the equipment 1, as well as a power supply specification, a refrigerant
type and a charged amount, a type of refrigerating machine oil and an oil amount, a5
model of the compressor 102, a stroke volume, a specification of the compressor motor
102b, an internal volume of the compressor 102, an internal volume of the outdoor heat
exchanger 104, an internal volume of the indoor heat exchanger 201, an internal volume
of a receiver (No. 7 to No. 18), and the like.
[0052]10
Note that the receiver is provided, for example, near a connection portion
between the expansion valve 103 of the outdoor unit 100 and the internal-external
connection pipe 302. This receiver is provided to store surplus refrigerant since there is
a difference in the required amount of refrigerant between cooling operation and heating
operation. Generally, the internal volume of the outdoor unit 100 is larger than that of15
the indoor unit 200, and the amount of refrigerant in the indoor unit 200 which serves as
a condenser during heating operation is reduced compared to when the outdoor unit 100
is in cooling operation.
[0053]
Further, the pre-shipment inspection data includes a refrigerant temperature in20
the equipment 1 under specific inspection conditions, electrical characteristics in the
equipment 1, inspection data (steady data or time-series data) of the environmental
information, and the like.
[0054]
In this FIG. 10, among the inspection data items, item No. 1 to item No. 5 are25
common inspection conditions, regardless of the type of the equipment 1. These
common inspection conditions include a test condition (for example, cooling standard or
heating standard), an outdoor DB (Dry Bulb), an outdoor WB (Wet Bulb), an indoor DB,
an indoor WB, and the like.
[0055]30
Further, among the inspection data items, item No. 8 to item No. 11 are
inspection conditions that differ for each equipment or each capacity range of the
equipment, and include equipment control settings at the time of inspection which
17
individually differ, such as a command frequency of the compressor 102, a command
rotation speed of the indoor fan 202 and the outdoor fan 105, a command opening degree
of the expansion valve 103, and the like.
[0056]
Further, among the inspection data items, item No. 6, item No. 7, and item No.5
12 to item No. 19 are inspection data (steady data or time series data) under the
above-described inspection conditions. Examples of the inspection data include
capacity (indoor capacity) and power consumption of the indoor unit 200, thermal
characteristics and a discharge temperature of the outdoor heat exchanger 104 and the
indoor heat exchanger 201, an inlet temperature, outlet temperature, and a suction10
temperature of the condenser and the evaporator, and the like.
[0057]
Note that the equipment information 20 may include all or some of the above
data items. For example, it is preferable that the equipment information 20 includes at
least the type of refrigerant and the volume of space through which the refrigerant can15
flow. The volume of the space through which the refrigerant can flow includes the
internal volume of the compressor 102, the internal volume of the outdoor heat
exchanger 104, the internal volume of the indoor heat exchanger 201, the internal volume
of the receiver, and the like. Note that the volume of the space through which the
refrigerant can flow may include all or some of the internal volume of the compressor20
102, the internal volume of the outdoor heat exchanger 104, the internal volume of the
indoor heat exchanger 201, and the internal volume of the receiver.
[0058]
Note that in addition to the above data items, the equipment information 20 may
also include any information measurable at the time of inspection. As the more data25
items are included in the equipment information 20, the accuracy of estimating the
amount of refrigerant increases.
[0059]
Further, in addition to a 100% inspection, a sampling inspection is generally
performed when shipping a product, and in the sampling inspection, for example, the30
most recent lot is used as a representative value.
[0060]
[Specific Example of Equipment Installation Information]
18
Next, a specific example of data items included in the equipment installation
information 30 will be described.
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the data items of the equipment
installation information 30 according to the present embodiment. As described above,
the equipment installation information 30 includes information such as an installation5
location or an installation environment of the equipment 1.
[0061]
Examples of the equipment installation information 30 include, as information
on an installation location or an installation environment, a position of the installation
location of the equipment 1 (latitude, longitude), building specifications, an installation10
direction (north, south, etc.), an installation method of the outdoor unit 100 (on a roof, on
the ground, on a ceiling, on a wall surface, etc.), a height of the indoor unit 200 (height
from the floor), a size of the indoor space, lengths and diameters of the internal-external
connection pipes 301 and 302 that connect the outdoor unit 100 and the indoor unit 200,
a height difference between the outdoor unit 100 and the indoor unit 200 (indoor-outdoor15
height difference), and the like. Here, the building specifications are elements
necessary to define insulation performance of the building itself, such as a wooden
structure, a reinforced concrete, a condominium, or a single-family house, and are
parameters necessary to calculate a load on the indoor unit 200. Further, the
indoor-outdoor height difference is a height difference between a position where the20
internal-external connection pipes 301 and 302 are connected to the outdoor unit 100 and
a position where the internal-external connection pipes 301 and 302 are connected to the
indoor unit 200.
[0062]
Note that the equipment installation information 30 may include all or some of25
the above data items. For example, it is preferable that the equipment installation
information 30 includes the lengths and diameters of the internal-external connection
pipes 301 and 302, which are related to the volume of the space through which the
refrigerant can flow.
[0063]30
Note that the equipment installation information 30 may include any information
other than the above data items regarding the environment or installation state of the
installation location. As the more data items are included in the equipment installation
19
information 30, the accuracy of estimating the amount of refrigerant increases.
[0064]
For example, the installation location or installation environment of the
equipment 1 differs depending on a user. If the installation location or installation
environment is different, the estimation of the amount of refrigerant will also be affected.5
For example, regarding the installation location of the equipment 1, when the outdoor
unit 100 is installed on the first floor, the height of the indoor unit 200 relative to that of
the outdoor unit 100 generally differs by about 5m between when the indoor unit 200 is
installed on the first floor and when the indoor unit 200 is installed on the third floor.
Therefore, even if the amount of refrigerant in the equipment 1 excluding the10
internal-external connection pipes 301 and 302 is the same, the lengths of the
internal-external connection pipes 301 and 302 are different, so that it is assumed that
different behaviors will occur in the refrigeration cycle. Therefore, the installation
location of the equipment 1 may affect the estimation of the amount of refrigerant.
[0065]15
Note that even if the height difference between the outdoor unit 100 and the
indoor unit 200 is the same, the lengths of the internal-external connection pipes 301 and
302 may differ. In that case, since the refrigerant is distributed in the internal-external
connection pipes 301 and 302, if the additional refrigerant is not charged for the lengths
of the internal-external connection pipes 301 and 302, the amount of refrigerant in the20
equipment 1 excluding the internal-external connection pipes will be reduced in total, so
that there may be a gas shortage. Regarding the installation environment of the
equipment 1, the lengths of the internal-external connection pipes 301 and 302 differ
depending on whether the outdoor unit 100 is mounted on the ceiling, placed on the
ground, or placed on the roof. Further, even when the outdoor unit 100 is placed on the25
same ground, the air conditioning load is different depending on whether it is facing
south and is exposed to direct sunlight, or it is facing north and is in the shade, so that it
affects the refrigeration cycle. Therefore, the installation environment of the equipment
1 may similarly affect the estimation of the amount of refrigerant.
[0066]30
Further, regarding the installation environment of the equipment 1, the insulation
performance differs depending on whether the building in which the equipment 1 is
installed is made of wood or reinforced concrete. For example, if the building is made
20
of wood and has low insulation performance, the air conditioning load will be large, so
that it may affect the refrigeration cycle and also the estimation of the amount of
refrigerant.
[0067]
Therefore, by using the equipment installation information 30, the equipment5
management device 2 can estimate the amount of refrigerant according to the installation
location or the installation environment of the equipment 1, without fixing the
installation location or the installation environment of the equipment 1.
[0068]
Next, a configuration of the equipment management device 2 and an operation10
of refrigerant amount estimation processing of estimating an amount of refrigerant will
be described.
FIG. 12 is a schematic block diagram showing an example of the configuration
of the equipment management device 2 according to the present embodiment. As
described above, the equipment management device 2 is the external terminal 3 or the15
cloud 4, and includes, for example, a storage 401, a communication unit 402, and a
processor 403.
[0069]
The storage 401 stores a control program for controlling each component of the
equipment management device 2, various data, and the like. For example, the storage20
401 is configured to include a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory), an EEPROM
(Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), a flash ROM, an HDD (Hard
Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), and the like. For example, the equipment
information 20 (see FIG. 10) and the equipment installation information 30 (see FIG. 11)
are stored in advance in the storage 401.25
[0070]
The communication unit 402 performs data communication with the equipment
1 or other equipments by wireless communication. For example, the communication
unit 402 connects to a communication network such as a wireless LAN (Local Area
Network) or the Internet through wireless communication, and performs data30
communication with the equipment 1 or other equipments. Do. Note that the
communication unit 402 may also support wired communication.
[0071]
21
The processor 403 includes an acquisition unit 404, an estimation unit 405, and
an output unit 406, as a functional configuration that performs the refrigerant amount
estimation processing of estimating an amount of refrigerant by a CPU (Central
Processing Unit) executing the control program stored in the storage 401. The
acquisition unit 404 acquires the equipment acquisition data 10 (see FIG. 8) from the5
equipment 1 (for example, the indoor unit 200) via the communication unit 402, and
causes the storage 401 to store the acquired equipment acquisition data 10. The
estimation unit 405 estimates an amount of refrigerant in the equipment 1. Here, the
estimated amount of refrigerant is referred to as “estimated refrigerant amount 40.” For
example, the estimation unit 405 calculates the estimated refrigerant amount 40 in the10
equipment 1 based on the equipment acquisition data 10 acquired by the acquisition unit
404, and the equipment information 20 and the equipment installation information 30
which are stored in the storage 401. The output unit 406 outputs a result of the
refrigerant amount estimation by the estimation unit 405.
[0072]15
Next, with reference to FIG. 13, the operation of the refrigerant amount
estimation processing performed in the equipment management system SYS will be
described in detail. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the refrigerant
amount estimation processing according to the present embodiment.
[0073]20
The equipment 1 (for example, the indoor unit 200) periodically (for example,
every 5 minutes) transmits the equipment acquisition data 10 to the equipment
management device 2, either voluntarily by the equipment 1 or passively by a user
operating the equipment 1. The equipment management device 2 receives the
equipment acquisition data 10 transmitted from the equipment 1 (step S101).25
[0074]
When the equipment management device 2 receives the equipment acquisition
data 10 transmitted from the equipment 1, the equipment management device 2 acquires
the equipment acquisition data 10 each time it is received, and stores and accumulates the
equipment acquisition data 10 in the storage 401 (step S103).30
[0075]
Further, the equipment management device 2 estimates an amount of refrigerant
in the equipment 1 at any timing in addition to internal regular processing. The
22
equipment management device 2 determines whether or not it is the timing to estimate an
amount of refrigerant (step S105). If it is not the timing to estimate an amount of
refrigerant (NO), the equipment management device 2 returns to step S101, and
periodically receives the equipment acquisition data 10 from the equipment 1 (step
S103).5
[0076]
If it is the timing to estimate an amount of refrigerant (YES), the equipment
management device 2 estimates an amount of refrigerant in the equipment 1 (step S107).
Specifically, the equipment management device 2 calculates the estimated refrigerant
amount 40 based on the accumulated equipment acquisition data 10, and the equipment10
information 20 and the equipment installation information 30 which are stored internally
in advance. Then, the equipment management device 2 outputs the estimated
refrigerant amount (estimated refrigerant amount 40) (step S109).
[0077]
Here, with reference to FIG. 14, a method of calculating the estimated15
refrigerant amount 40 will be described in detail. FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram
showing an example of the method of calculating the estimated refrigerant amount
according to the present embodiment. As shown in this figure, the equipment
management device 2 calculates the estimated refrigerant amount 40 based on a sum of a
converted refrigerant amount 41, a dissolved refrigerant amount 42, and a retained20
refrigerant amount 43, for example. Note that other than using the calculated value, the
estimated refrigerant amount 40 may be directly set if it can be determined from
refrigerant charging work or the like.
[0078]
The converted refrigerant amount 41 is an amount of refrigerant in a main25
refrigerant state in each component constituting the equipment 1. For example, when a
volume ratio of the gas phase to the liquid phase at the inlet of the condenser is 95:5, the
converted refrigerant amount 41 indicates the amount of refrigerant in the gas phase
portion. On the other hand, when the volume ratio of the gas phase to the liquid phase
at the inlet of the condenser is 5:95, the converted refrigerant amount 41 indicates the30
amount of refrigerant in the gas phase portion. Further, when the volume ratio of the
gas phase to the liquid phase at the inlet of the condenser is the same, the converted
refrigerant amount 41 indicates the refrigerant amount using the two-phase average
23
density. For example, the converted refrigerant amount 41 is calculated by multiplying
the internal volume of each component of the equipment 1 by the refrigerant density.
For example, as shown in FIG. 14, the converted refrigerant amount 41 is calculated by a
product of an internal volume 31 of the internal-external connection pipes 301 and 302
determined from the equipment installation information 30 (lengths and diameters of the5
internal-external connection pipes 301 and 302), an internal volume 51 of each
component of the equipment 1 which is included in the equipment information 20, and a
refrigerant density 50 in each component.
[0079]
Here, the refrigerant density in each component can be determined from a10
relationship between pressure and density by converting the refrigerant temperature of
the equipment acquisition data 10 into pressure. The relationship between pressure and
density is predetermined by the type of refrigerant. Note that if the refrigerant pressure
data can be directly acquired from the equipment 1, it can be determined based on the
acquired refrigerant pressure data or pressure data. Each component described here is a15
component that has a space through which the refrigerant can flow among the
components that constitute the equipment 1, and is, for example, the compressor 102, the
outdoor heat exchanger 104, the indoor heat exchanger 201, the receiver, the
internal-external connection pipes 301 and 302, or the like.
[0080]20
The dissolved refrigerant amount 42 is an amount of refrigerant dissolved in a
refrigerating machine oil used in the equipment 1. For example, as shown in FIG. 14,
the dissolved refrigerant amount 42 is calculated by a sum of products of a retained oil
amount 52 of each component and an oil dissolution ratio 53 of each component. Here,
the total amount of oil in the equipment 1 is a value of the oil amount in the equipment25
information 20 shown in FIG. 10. Of the amount of oil in the equipment 1, the retained
oil amount 52 remaining in each component is determined by experiment or numerical
calculation, for each operating condition (cooling, heating, etc.), based on the equipment
acquisition data 10, the equipment information 20, and the equipment installation
information 30. For example, the equipment information 20 further includes the30
retained oil amount 52 in each component determined by this experiment or numerical
calculation.
[0081]
24
Further, the oil dissolution ratio 53 of each component can be calculated using a
Daniel chart showing the amount of refrigerant dissolved in the refrigerating machine oil
according to the temperature and pressure measured by an experimental method. For
example, the current oil dissolution ratio 53 of each component can be calculated using
the Daniel chart and a measured value of the refrigerant temperature of each component5
included in the equipment acquisition data 10. When calculating it using the Daniel
chart, it may be calculated using an approximate formula.
[0082]
Note that the retained oil amount 52 of each component may be determined only
for components that have a large internal volume and tend to retain the refrigerating10
machine oil, and components that have a small amount of retained refrigerating machine
oil may be excluded. For example, the refrigerating machine oil tends to remain in the
compressor 102, the outdoor heat exchanger 104, and the indoor heat exchanger 201 in
large amounts.
[0083]15
The retained refrigerant amount 43 is an amount of refrigerant that remains in
liquid form in each component (receiver, internal-external connection pipes 301 and 302,
etc.) in the gas-liquid two-phase region. If the cross-sectional area of a refrigerant flow
path of each component is small, the refrigerant flow rate will be high, making it difficult
for the refrigerant to remain, and if the cross-sectional area is large, the refrigerant flow20
rate will be slow, making it easier for the refrigerant to remain. Therefore, as shown in
FIG. 14, for example, the retained refrigerant amount 43 can be determined by
experiment or numerical calculation, based on the equipment acquisition data 10, the
equipment information 20, and the equipment installation information 30, according to
the cross-sectional area of the refrigerant flow path of each component and the flow rate25
of the refrigerant circulating in the equipment 1.
[0084]
Note that mainly among the components that have height differences,
downstream components have a large amount of liquid retention, and therefore the other
components may be excluded. Further, the retained refrigerant amount 43 is targeted30
for transient phenomena in the refrigeration cycle, and can be ignored when the
refrigeration cycle is stable.
[0085]
25
Further, the flow rate of refrigerant circulating in the equipment 1 is determined
by a frequency of the compressor 102 and a suction refrigerant density. The suction
refrigerant density can be uniquely determined by the amount of heat exchange between
the condenser and the evaporator in the equipment 1. Note that it can also be
determined from the suction temperature or pressure acquired by the equipment 1.5
[0086]
Further, the amount of heat exchange between the condenser and the evaporator
is determined by the outdoor or indoor environmental load, and can be determined from
the equipment acquisition data 10 and the equipment installation information 30 in this
case.10
[0087]
As described above, in the equipment management system SYS according to the
present embodiment, the equipment management device 2 is configured to acquire the
equipment acquisition data 10 (measurement information) indicating a result of
measuring a temperature of a refrigerant in the equipment 1, an electrical input (electrical15
characteristics) of the equipment 1, and environmental information around the equipment
1. Then, the equipment management device 2 is configured to calculate the estimated
refrigerant amount 40 based on the acquired equipment acquisition data 10, the
equipment information 20 and the equipment installation information 30 which are preset,
and estimates an amount of the refrigerant in the equipment 1. Note that, for example,20
the estimation of the amount of the refrigerant may be performed by the external terminal
3 or the cloud 4, or by the cloud 4 via the external terminal 3.
[0088]
As a result, the equipment management system SYS can estimate an amount of
the refrigerant in the equipment 1 during normal operation, unlike the conventional25
estimation of the amount of the refrigerant. That is, the equipment management system
SYS can accurately estimate an amount of the refrigerant in the equipment in an actual
usage environment without requiring any special operation.
[0089]
For example, the equipment information 20 includes at least information on a30
volume of a space in which the refrigerant can flow in the equipment 1 and a type of the
refrigerant that the equipment 1 has. As a result, the equipment management system
SYS can estimate, according to the type of the refrigerant, an amount of the refrigerant in
26
the space in which the refrigerant can flow in the equipment 1.
[0090]
Further, the equipment management device 2 is configured to calculate the
amount of the refrigerant in the equipment 1 based on the volume of the space in which
the refrigerant can flow in the equipment 1, and a refrigerant density determined based on5
the temperature of the refrigerant in the equipment 1 and the type of the refrigerant. As
a result, the equipment management system SYS can accurately estimate the amount of
the refrigerant in the equipment 1.
[0091]
Further, the equipment management device 2 is further configured to calculate10
the amount of the refrigerant in the equipment 1 by adding an amount of the refrigerant
dissolved in a refrigerating machine oil used in the equipment 1 (dissolved refrigerant
amount 42) and an amount of the refrigerant in a liquid retention portion (retained
refrigerant amount 43) to the amount of the refrigerant calculated based on the refrigerant
density and the volume of the space through which the refrigerant can flow (converted15
refrigerant amount 41). That is, the equipment management device 2 calculates the
estimated refrigerant amount 40 based on a sum of the converted refrigerant amount 41,
the dissolved refrigerant amount 42, and the retained refrigerant amount 43. As a result,
the equipment management system SYS can accurately estimate the amount of the
refrigerant in the equipment 1 even in a transient phenomenon.20
[0092]
Further, in the equipment 1, the outdoor unit 100 including the compressor 102,
the outdoor heat exchanger 104, and the expansion valve 103, and the indoor unit 200
including the indoor heat exchanger 201 are connected using internal-external connection
pipes 301 and 302 through which the refrigerant flows. Further, the equipment25
installation information 30 includes at least information on the volumes of the
internal-external connection pipes 301 and 302 (for example, diameters and lengths of
the internal-external connection pipes 301 and 302). As a result, the equipment
management system SYS can accurately estimate the amount of the refrigerant in the
equipment 1, including the connection portion between the outdoor unit 100 and the30
indoor unit 200.
[0093]
Further, the environmental information around the equipment 1 includes at least
27
information on an ambient temperature of the equipment 1. For example, the ambient
temperature includes a temperature of the environment (indoor) where the indoor unit
200 is installed (indoor temperature) or a temperature of the environment (outdoor)
where the outdoor unit 100 is installed (outdoor temperature). As a result, the
equipment management system SYS can accurately estimate the amount of the5
refrigerant in the equipment 1 in consideration of the ambient temperature of the
equipment 1.
[0094]
Further, in the equipment management system SYS, the equipment management
device 2 includes the external terminal 3 or the cloud 4 that can communicate with the10
equipment 1. As a result, the equipment management system SYS can be easily applied
to various equipments 1 since it is not necessary to provide the equipments 1 with a
function necessary to estimate the amount of the refrigerant.
[0095]
Further, in the equipment management system SYS according to the present15
embodiment, the refrigerant amount estimation method of estimating an amount of a
refrigerant in the equipment 1 having the refrigerant includes: a step of the equipment
management device 2 acquiring the equipment acquisition data 10 (measurement
information) indicating a result of measuring a temperature of the refrigerant in the
equipment 1, an electrical input (electrical characteristics) of the equipment 1, and20
environmental information around the equipment 1; and a step of the equipment
management device 2 estimating an amount of the refrigerant in the equipment 1 based
on the acquired equipment acquisition data 10, the equipment information 20 and the
equipment installation information 30 which are preset.
[0096]25
As a result, the equipment management system SYS can estimate an amount of
the refrigerant in the equipment 1 during normal operation, unlike the conventional
estimation of the amount of the refrigerant. That is, the equipment management system
SYS can accurately estimate an amount of the refrigerant in the equipment in an actual
usage environment without requiring any special operation.30
[0097]

Next, a second embodiment will be described.
28
A basic configuration of the present embodiment is the same as that of the first
embodiment, except for a difference that a plurality of equipments 1 are connected to the
equipment management device 2.
[0098]
FIG. 15 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an example of an5
equipment management system according to the present embodiment. The equipment
management system SYS shown in this figure includes a plurality of equipments 1
having a refrigerant, and an equipment management device 2 that can communicate with
each equipment 1. Note that although this figure shows an example in which there are
three equipments 1, there may be two or four or more equipments 1.10
[0099]
A configuration and operation of the refrigerant amount estimation processing in
the equipment management system SYS are the same as those of the first embodiment.
For example, in the equipment management device 2, the acquisition unit 404 is
configured to acquire the equipment acquisition data 10 from each of the plurality of15
equipments 1. The estimation unit 405 is configured to calculate an amount of the
refrigerant in the plurality of equipments 1 (total refrigerant amount) based on the
equipment acquisition data 10 acquired by the acquisition unit 404, the equipment
information 20 and the equipment installation information 30 which are preset.
[0100]20
Thus, the equipment management system SYS can estimate the total amount of
the refrigerant in the plurality of equipments 1 (total refrigerant amount) by collectively
managing the equipment acquisition data 10, the equipment information 20, and the
equipment installation information of each equipment 1. Further, the equipment
management system SYS can also estimate the amount of the refrigerant for each of the25
plurality of equipments 1 individually.
[0101]

Next, a third embodiment will be described.
A basic configuration of an equipment management system SYS according to30
present embodiment is the same as those of the first and second embodiments. Further,
a basic operation of the equipment management system SYS according to present
embodiment is the same as those of the first and second embodiments, except for a
29
difference that a refrigerant management value is used.
[0102]
The impact on the global environment differs depending on the type of
refrigerant used in the equipment 1, and in general, there is a tendency for those with a
high global warming potential (GWP) to be phased out of use in the market. For5
example, there are R410a and R32 as the refrigerant types used in the market, and the
GWP of R410a is 2090, and the GWP of R32 is 675. In other words, R410a is the
refrigerant type that has three times as much impact on global warming as R32.
Therefore, the impact on the global environment (global warming) when using R410a is
made equal by limiting the amount of refrigerant to one third of the amount when using10
R32.
[0103]
An amount of refrigerant for each refrigerant type whose use is restricted in the
equipment 1 (refrigerant amount serving as a reference for each refrigerant type) is
defined as the above-described refrigerant management value. For example, the15
refrigerant management value is calculated by a sum of an amount of refrigerant charged
at the time of shipment of the equipment 1 and an additional amount of refrigerant
necessary to be charged for the equipment 1.
[0104]
FIG. 16 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an example of the20
equipment management system according to the present embodiment.
The equipment management device 2 estimates an amount of refrigerant in the
equipment 1 based on the equipment acquisition data 10, the equipment information 20,
and the equipment installation information 30, and also compare the estimated refrigerant
amount (estimated refrigerant amount 40) and the refrigerant management value to25
determine whether the amount of refrigerant in the equipment 1 is excessive or
insufficient.
[0105]
For example, since the equipment management device 2 is configured to
estimate the amount of refrigerant in the equipment 1 at an arbitrary timing in addition to30
internal regular processing, time-series data as shown in FIG. 17 can be stored. For
example, the estimation unit 405 calculates a refrigerant management value of the
equipment 1 based on a sum of an amount of refrigerant charged at the time of shipment
30
of the equipment 1 and an additional amount of refrigerant necessary to be charged for
the equipment 1. Then, the estimation unit 405 compares the estimated value of the
refrigerant amount in the equipment 1 with the refrigerant management value of the
equipment 1, and determines whether the amount of refrigerant in the equipment is
excessive or insufficient.5
[0106]
FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of time-series data stored by the
equipment management device. This figure shows time-series data of a refrigerant
management value and an estimated refrigerant amount value at each time. The
estimated refrigerant amount value from time t0 to t1 is an estimated value of the amount10
of refrigerant charged in the equipment 1 at the time of installation, and corresponds to
the amount of refrigerant charged at the time of shipment of the equipment 1. Next, if
the equipment 1 is charged with an additional amount of refrigerant necessary for the
equipment from time t1 to t2, the estimated refrigerant amount value becomes close to
the refrigerant management value at time t2. Thereafter, if the amount of refrigerant in15
the equipment 1 decreases after time t3 due to external factors or the like, the estimated
refrigerant amount value decreases after time t3, and then the estimated refrigerant
amount value reaches a certain value and becomes stable after time t4.
[0107]
The equipment management device 2 can determine whether the amount of20
refrigerant in the equipment 1 is excessive or insufficient by comparing a difference
between the refrigerant management value and the estimated refrigerant amount value
based on the time series data as shown in FIG. 17.
[0108]
Note that if it is determined that the amount of refrigerant in the equipment 1 is25
insufficient, it is assumed that the refrigerant gas has leaked and decreased. On the
other hand, if the amount of refrigerant in the equipment 1 is excessive, it is assumed that
the refrigerant gas is overcharged. For example, if the estimated refrigerant amount
value is continuously decreasing, the equipment management device 2 can recognize that
refrigerant gas is leaking.30
[0109]
Further, the equipment management device 2 determines whether the amount of
refrigerant in the equipment 1 is excessive or insufficient by sampling at any timing with
31
high determination accuracy (for example, 30 minutes after startup of the equipment 1,
etc.) or periodically (for example, every minute), and outputs a result as instantaneous
values or time series data.
[0110]
For example, when determining whether the amount of refrigerant in one5
equipment 1 is excessive or insufficient, the equipment management device 2 simply
determines whether the amount of refrigerant in the equipment 1 is excessive or
insufficient. On the other hand, when determining whether the amount of refrigerant in
a plurality of equipments 1 is excessive or insufficient, the equipment management
device 2 can also manage the amount of refrigerant used in the market.10
[0111]
For example, when the equipment management system SYS includes a plurality
of equipments 1, the equipment management device 2 can acquire time series data of a
refrigerant management value and an estimated refrigerant amount value at each time for
each of the plurality of equipments 1 as shown in FIG. 18. FIG. 18 is a diagram15
showing an example of time-series data of each of the plurality of equipments 1 (here,
equipment A, equipment B, and equipment C) stored by the equipment management
device 2.
[0112]
The equipment management device 2 can grasp the total amount of refrigerant in20
the plurality of equipments 1 at the time of installation by calculating a sum of the
estimated refrigerant amount values at time t0 which is the time when each of the
plurality of equipments 1 is installed. Further, in the example shown in FIG. 18, it can
be understood that only the equipment A is additionally charged with refrigerant between
time t1 and t2, and refrigerant leakage occurs in the equipment A because the refrigerant25
gas decreases between time t3 and time t4. Similarly, it can be understood that
refrigerant leakage occurs in the equipment C between time t2 and time t3. Further, if
the equipments A to C were removed at time t4, it can be understood that the remaining
refrigerant except for the refrigerant leaked from the equipments A and C could be
recovered.30
[0113]
Therefore, it can be understood that although the leaked refrigerant affects the
environment, the recovered refrigerant does not affect the environment even if
32
replacement is made with a new equipment 1 having the same amount of refrigerant.
This provides the effect that the equipment 1 having the refrigerant can be used
continuously. Note that even if the new equipment 1 uses a different type of refrigerant,
the replacement can be made without affecting the environment by applying a refrigerant
management value according to the type of refrigerant.5
[0114]

Next, a fourth embodiment will be described.
A basic configuration of an equipment management system SYS according to
present embodiment is the same as those of the first and second embodiments. Further,10
a basic operation of the equipment management system SYS according to the present
embodiment is the same as those of the first and second embodiments, except for
differences that the performance of the equipment 1 is estimated based on the estimated
refrigerant amount 40, and the estimated operational performance is compared with the
equipment information 20 of the equipment 1, published inspection data, catalog15
information, or the like. The catalog information is information described in a catalog
of a manufacturer of the equipment 1, and includes, for example, numerical values
related to the specifications of the equipment 1.
[0115]
FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of a relationship between the amount20
of refrigerant and the performance of the equipment according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of comparison with catalog values regarding a
relationship between the performance of the equipment and the temperature according to
the present embodiment. Here, the performance of the equipment 1 refers to, for
example, operational performance such as cooling, heating, dehumidification, and25
refrigeration. Note that the performance of the equipment 1 may be expressed as power
consumption of the equipment 1.
[0116]
The equipment management device 2 calculates the estimated refrigerant
amount 40 of the equipment 1 having the characteristics as shown in FIG. 19, and30
determines the performance of the equipment 1 from the calculated estimated refrigerant
amount 40. Then, the equipment management device 2 summarizes the calculated
performance of the equipment 1 as the characteristics as shown in FIG. 20. Note that
33
the relationship between the amount of refrigerant and the performance of the equipment
1 shown in FIG. 19 is determined by numerical calculation based on the equipment
information 20 and the equipment installation information 30. Similarly, the example
shown in FIG. 20 is determined by numerical calculation based on the equipment
information 20, the published inspection data, or the catalog information. Note that the5
published inspection data or the catalog information is included in the equipment
information 20.
[0117]
Thus, the equipment management system SYS according to the present
embodiment can grasp the performance of the equipment 1 by estimating the10
performance of the equipment 1 based on the equipment information 20, the equipment
installation information 30, and the estimated amount of refrigerant. Further, when the
equipment management system SYS has a plurality of equipments 1, it is possible to
grasp the performance of the plurality of equipments 1 as a whole as well as the
performance of each equipment 1. Further, the equipment management system SYS15
compares the estimated performance of each equipment 1 or the overall performance of
the plurality of equipments 1 with the equipment information 20, the published
inspection data, or the catalog information, thereby making it possible to evaluate the
performance of the equipment 1 and grasp the validity of the performance of the
equipment 1, for example.20
[0118]

Next, a fifth embodiment will be described.
A basic configuration of an equipment management system SYS according to
present embodiment is the same as those of the first and second embodiments, except for25
a difference that it further includes a general-purpose device.
[0119]
FIG. 21 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an example of the
equipment management system according to the present embodiment. In this figure, the
equipment management device 2 is configured to be able to communicate with a30
general-purpose device 5. Here, the general-purpose device 5 is an example of an
external device, and is a device having a display screen (for example, a smartphone, a
PC), a device that emits sound (for example, a wireless earphone), or the like.
34
[0120]
A basic operation of the equipment management system SYS according to
present embodiment is the same as those of the first to fourth embodiments, except for a
difference that information on the estimated refrigerant amount 40 or the performance of
the equipment 1 calculated by the equipment management device 2 is output from the5
general-purpose device 5 to provide visual or auditory guidance or warning to a user.
[0121]
For example, the equipment management device 2 transmits to the
general-purpose device 5, the information on the estimated refrigerant amount 40 or the
performance of the equipment 1, thereby causing the general-purpose device 5 to display10
the information. Further, the equipment management device 2 may transmit to the
general-purpose device 5, information on the excess or deficiency of the amount of
refrigerant in the equipment 1 determined based on a result of the comparison between
the estimated refrigerant amount 40 of the equipment 1 and the refrigerant management
value, thereby causing the general-purpose device 5 to display the information. Further,15
the equipment management device 2 may transmit to the general-purpose device 5,
information on a result of the determination based on a comparison between the
performance of the equipment 1 and the equipment information 20, the published
inspection data, or the catalog information, thereby causing the general-purpose device 5
to display the information.20
[0122]
Specifically, the output unit 406 of the equipment management device 2 outputs
the information on the estimated refrigerant amount 40 or the performance of the
equipment 1 to the communication unit 402, thereby transmitting the information to the
general-purpose device 5. The general-purpose device 5 acquires the information on the25
estimated refrigerant amount 40 or the performance of the equipment 1 transmitted from
the equipment management device 2, and causes the information to be displayed on the
display screen of the general-purpose device 5. Further, the output unit 406 outputs the
information on the excess or deficiency of the amount of refrigerant in the equipment 1 to
the communication unit 402, thereby transmitting the information to the general-purpose30
device 5. The general-purpose device 5 acquires the information on the excess or
deficiency of the amount of refrigerant in the equipment 1 transmitted from the
equipment management device 2, and causes the information to be displayed on the
35
display screen of the general-purpose device 5. Note that the general-purpose device 5
may output these information items transmitted from the equipment management devices
2 in the form of audio.
[0123]
FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an example of a display displayed on the5
general-purpose device 5 according to the present embodiment. This figure shows an
example of display of information that provides guidance or warning about a value of the
estimated refrigerant amount 40, the shortage of refrigerant in the equipment 1, the
leakage of refrigerant, a result of the performance determination, and the like. Note that
the display example shown in this figure is an example, and is not limited to this.10
[0124]
Note that the visual or auditory guidance or warning is provided, for example,
when it is determined that the amount of refrigerant in the equipment 1 is continuously
insufficient. This is for the purpose that in this case, the refrigerant gas is considered to
have leaked, so that a user is urged to contact an administrator of the equipment 1 or a15
repair company, or if the equipment 1 is in operation, the user is urged to stop the
operation of equipment 1 or switch to a mode that shuts off the refrigerant leakage, so as
to minimize the effects of the refrigerant gas leak.
[0125]
Here, when it is assumed that the conditions other than the amount of refrigerant20
are equal under certain environmental conditions or operating conditions of the
equipment 1, the performance of the equipment 1 can be expressed by a function using
the amount of refrigerant as a parameter. When power consumption is taken as an
example of the performance of the equipment 1, if the amount of refrigerant is
insufficient, the amount of heat exchanged in the heat exchanger will decrease according25
to the decreased amount of refrigerant, so that the power consumption will decrease. A
similar trend can be seen in the operating performance of cooling, heating,
dehumidification, or refrigeration.
[0126]
Therefore, the equipment management device 2 can determine the performance30
of the equipment 1 based on the estimated amount of refrigerant, and provides visual or
auditory guidance or warning about the result thereof to the user or administrator of the
equipment 1 via the general-purpose device 5. Further, even when a plurality of
36
equipments 1 are connected, the equipment management device 2 can determine the
performance of each equipment 1 based on the amount of refrigerant estimated for each
equipment 1. Note that the equipment management device 2 compares the performance
of each equipment 1 obtained at this time with the equipment information 20, the
published inspection data, or the catalog information so as to be able to objectively judge5
the performance of each equipment 1.
[0127]
Further, when the amount of refrigerant in the equipment 1 is insufficient
relative to the refrigerant management value of the equipment 1 and the performance of
the equipment 1 is decreased, the equipment management device 2 provides visual or10
auditory guidance or warning that the performance is decreased due to the insufficient
amount of refrigerant gas.
[0128]
Thus, the equipment management system SYS according to the present
embodiment outputs information providing visual or auditory guidance or warning via15
the general-purpose device 5, based on a result of the estimation of the refrigerant
amount or the performance of the equipment 1. As a result, the equipment management
system SYS allows various people (e.g., an unspecified number of people), such as users
of the equipment 1, workers or repairers who maintain the equipment 1, and
administrators, to easily grasp the status of the equipment 1.20
[0129]

Next, a sixth embodiment will be described.
A basic configuration and operation of an equipment management system SYS
according to the present embodiment are the same as those of the fifth embodiment, and25
information is transmitted from the equipment management device 2 to the
general-purpose device 5, thereby causing the general-purpose device 5 to display the
information. The present embodiment differs from the fifth embodiment in the content
displayed by the general-purpose device 5.
[0130]30
The equipment management device 2 transmits to the general-purpose device 5,
information on a fault or maintenance of the equipment 1 based on the calculated
refrigerant amount or performance of the equipment 1, the equipment acquisition data 10,
37
the equipment information 20, the equipment installation information 30, and the like,
thereby causing the general-purpose device 5 to display the information. The
information on the fault or maintenance is, for example, information that assists in fault
or maintenance work and is information that is useful to workers.
[0131]5
Specifically, the output unit 406 of the equipment management device 2 outputs
information on a fault or maintenance of the equipment 1 to the communication unit 402,
thereby transmitting the information to the general-purpose device 5. The
general-purpose device 5 acquires the information on the fault or maintenance
transmitted from the equipment management device 2 and causes the information to be10
displayed on the display screen of the general-purpose device 5. Note that the
general-purpose device 5 may output these information items transmitted from
equipment management devices 2 in the form of audio.
[0132]
FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of a display displayed on the15
general-purpose device 5 according to the present embodiment. In the display example
shown in this figure, as information on the equipment 1, an operation start date, an
equipment name, and a compressor model are displayed. Further, as the installation
information of the equipment 1, information on an installation location of the outdoor
unit and a height at which the indoor unit is installed is displayed. Further, an estimated20
refrigerant amount value and performance of the equipment 1, and a graph of time-series
data of the estimated refrigerant amount value and the refrigerant management value are
displayed. These display information is information that assists in fault or maintenance
work. Note that the display example shown in this figure is an example, and is not
limited to this. For example, according to the display example shown in FIG. 23, it is25
possible to grasp the amount of refrigerant in the equipment 1 as an instantaneous value
or in a time series, and also to confirm the information that will assist in fault or
maintenance work of the equipment 1.
[0133]
Thus, the equipment management system SYS according to the present30
embodiment outputs information on a fault or maintenance of the equipment 1 via the
general-purpose device 5, based on a result of the estimation of the refrigerant amount or
the performance of the equipment 1. As a result, the equipment management system
38
SYS can confirm the information that will assist in fault or maintenance work of the
equipment 1. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to reduce
the burden on workers of the fault or maintenance work of the equipment 1, and to
improve the efficiency of the work.
[0134]5

Next, a seventh embodiment will be described.
A basic configuration and operation of an equipment management system SYS
according to present embodiment are the same as those of the fourth embodiment.
[0135]10
As described in the fourth embodiment, the equipment management device 2
estimates the performance of the equipment 1 based on the amount of refrigerant in the
equipment 1. In the present embodiment, the equipment management device 2 causes
the equipment 1 to perform pre-cooling or pre-warming in advance when there is a
possibility that the environment in which the equipment 1 is used exceeds the capacity of15
the equipment 1, based on the estimated performance of the equipment 1.
[0136]
For example, compared to the equipment 1 with a regular charged amount
(refrigerant amount that satisfies the refrigerant management value), an equipment 1 with
a lower refrigerant amount has the lower performance, so that a control such as20
increasing the frequency of the compressor 102 is performed. However, due to an
increase in pressure caused by the increase in frequency, the equipment 1 may stop
intermittently due to a protective operation.
[0137]
In this case, for example, if the time required for the equipment 1 to reach the set25
temperature during cooling operation increases and the indoor air conditioning load
increases beyond the capacity of the equipment 1, the room temperature may not
decrease, but may rise. Therefore, the equipment management device 2 reduces the
indoor air conditioning load by causing the equipment 1 to perform pre-cooling to
prevent the equipment 1 from entering the protective operation even if its performance30
has deteriorated.
[0138]
For example, when a reservation for cooling or heating operation is made in the
39
equipment 1, the equipment management device 2 (processor 403) acquires the reserved
time from the equipment 1 via the communication unit 402, and also determines whether
or not there is a possibility that the current environment (e.g., temperature) exceeds the
cooling or heating capacity based on the performance of the equipment 1 determined
based on the estimated refrigerant amount value. If the processor 403 determines that5
there is a possibility that the current environment exceeds the cooling or heating capacity
based on the performance of the equipment 1, the processor 403 transmits to the
equipment 1 via the communication unit 402, an instruction that causes the equipment 1
to perform cooling or heating operation in advance of the reservation time. In response
to receiving this instruction, the equipment 1 performs pre-cooling or pre-warming10
operation.
[0139]
Thus, the equipment management system SYS according to the present
embodiment causes the equipment 1 to perform the pre-cooling or pre-warming operation,
based on the performance of the equipment 1. As a result, the equipment management15
system SYS can operate the equipment 1 more stably than when pre-cooling or
pre-warming is not performed when the environment in which equipment 1 is used
exceeds the capacity of the equipment 1.
[0140]
For example, when the environment exceeds the capacity of the equipment 1,20
the equipment 1 may not be able to withstand the load, and therefore may perform a
protective operation such as stopping or suppressing the operation to protect the
equipment 1 itself. When the equipment 1 performs the protective operation, the
equipment 1 becomes unusable, which may make the user using the equipment 1
uncomfortable. According to the present embodiment, since the equipment 1 is25
controlled to perform the pre-cooling or pre-warming operation based on the
performance of the equipment 1, it is possible to prevent such a protective operation of
the equipment 1 from occurring. For example, even if the performance of the
equipment 1 is degraded due to factors such as a decrease in the heat exchange
performance of the heat exchanger due to defacement or blockage of the air passage, or a30
lack of refrigerant gas, the impact on use can be minimized.
[0141]
Further, not only in the case of cooling or heating, but also in the case of
40
dehumidifying or refrigerating, the equipment management system SYS may similarly
perform dehumidifying or refrigerating operation in advance of the reservation time
when the environment in which the equipment 1 is used exceeds the capacity of the
equipment 1.
[0142]5
Although each embodiment has been described above in detail with reference to
the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to these embodiments, and each
embodiment may be combined, modified, or omitted as appropriate.
[0143]
Note that in the above embodiments, the air conditioner capable of switching10
between cooling operation and heating operation has been described as an example of the
equipment 1, but the equipment 1 may also be a cooling-only machine or a heating-only
machine. In the case of a cooling-only machine, the refrigerant circuit shown in FIG. 2
excluding the four-way valve 101 is used only for cooling. Further, in the case of a
heating-only machine, the refrigerant circuit shown in FIG. 2 excluding the four-way15
valve 101 is used only for heating.
[0144]
Further, the equipment 1 is not limited to an air conditioner as long as it has a
refrigerant. For example, the equipment 1 may be a refrigerator, a freezer, or the like,
which includes a set of a condenser and an evaporator. In the case of a refrigerator or a20
freezer, the refrigerant circuit is used only for cooling.
[0145]
Further, for example, the equipment 1 may be a water heater (ATW:
Air-To-Water). FIG. 24 is a diagram showing an example of a refrigerant circuit when
the equipment 1 is a water heater. In FIG. 24, the same reference numerals are given to25
configurations corresponding to the respective components in FIG. 2. When calculating
a heat exchange amount of a gas cooler 205, the equipment 1 (water heater) may use inlet
and outlet temperatures T6’ and T7’ of a water circuit, instead of inlet and outlet
refrigerant temperatures T6 and T7 of the gas cooler 205.
[0146]30
Further, the examples of the Mollier diagrams shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 differ
depending on the type of refrigerant. For example, a CO2 refrigerant used in water
heaters becomes supercritical during operation, so that there is no distinction between a
41
liquid phase and a gas phase, but a relationship between pressure and enthalpy change is
similar to the example shown in FIG. 6. Further, in a water heater, if a refrigerant
temperature in the gas cooler 205 cannot be measured, it can be converted from a
refrigerant circulation amount, a water amount in the water circuit, the inlet and outlet
temperatures T6’ and T7’ of the water circuit, and a heat exchange efficiency.5
[0147]
Further, in the above embodiment, the example in which the equipment
management device 2 is the external terminal 3 or the cloud 4 has been described, but the
equipment management device 2 is not limited to this. For example, the equipment
management device 2 may be included in the equipment 1.10
[0148]
Note that a program for realizing the functions of the equipment management
device 2 may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, so that a computer
system reads and executes the program recorded on the recording medium to perform the
processing of the equipment management device 2. Note that the “computer system”15
herein includes an OS and hardware such as peripheral devices.
[0149]
Further, the “computer-readable recording medium” refers to portable media
such as flexible disks, magneto-optical disks, ROMs and CD-ROMs, and storage devices
such as hard disks built into computer systems. Further, the “computer-readable20
recording medium” includes: a medium that dynamically stores a program for a short
period of time, such as a communication line in a case where a program is transmitted via
a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line; and a
medium that stores a program for a certain period of time, such as a volatile memory
inside a computer system that serves as a server or a client in the above case. Further,25
the above-described program may be one for realizing part of the functions described
above, or may be one capable of realizing the functions described above in combination
with a program already recorded in the computer system. Further, the above-described
program may be stored in a predetermined server, so that it will be distributed
(downloaded, or the like) via a communication line in response to a request from another30
device.
[0150]
Further, part or all of the functions of the equipment management device 2 may
42
be implemented as an integrated circuit such as an LSI (Large Scale Integration). Each
function may be individually processorized, and part or all of the functions may be
integrated and processorized. Further, the integrated circuit is not limited to an LSI, and
may be implemented as a dedicated circuit or a general-purpose processor. Further,
when an integrated circuit technology that replaces the LSI appears due to advances in5
semiconductor technology, an integrated circuit based on that technology may be used.
[Description of Reference Signs]
[0151]
1 equipment
2 equipment management device10
3 external terminal
4 cloud
5 general-purpose device
10 equipment acquisition data
11 refrigerant temperature15
12 electrical input
13 environmental information
20 equipment information
30 equipment installation information
31 internal volume of internal-external connection pipe20
40 estimated refrigerant amount
41 converted refrigerant amount
42 dissolved refrigerant amount
43 retained refrigerant amount
50 refrigerant density25
51 internal volume of each component in equipment
52 retained oil amount
53 oil dissolution ratio
100 outdoor unit
101 four-way valve30
102 compressor
102a compression unit
102b compressor motor
43
103 expansion valve
104 outdoor heat exchanger
105 outdoor fan
110 outdoor unit controller
120 inverter5
200 indoor unit
201 indoor heat exchanger
202 indoor fan
210 indoor unit controller
220 wireless device10
301, 302 internal-external connection pipe
310 internal-external communication line
401 storage
402 communication unit
403 processor15
404 acquisition unit
405 estimation unit
406 output unit
SYS equipment management system
44
WE CLAIM:
[Claim 1]
An equipment management system comprising:
an equipment having a refrigerant;
an acquisition unit configured to acquire measurement information indicating a5
result of measuring a temperature of the refrigerant in the equipment, electrical
characteristics of the equipment, and environmental information around the equipment;
and
an estimation unit configured to estimate an amount of the refrigerant in the
equipment based on the measurement information acquired by the acquisition unit,10
equipment information on the equipment and equipment installation information on an
installation environment of the equipment, the equipment information and the equipment
installation information being preset.
[Claim 2]
The equipment management system according to claim 1, wherein15
the equipment information includes at least information on a volume of a space
in which the refrigerant can flow in the equipment and a type of the refrigerant that the
equipment has.
[Claim 3]
The equipment management system according to claim 2, wherein20
the estimation unit is configured to calculate the amount of the refrigerant in the
equipment based on the volume of the space in which the refrigerant can flow in the
equipment, and a refrigerant density determined based on the temperature of the
refrigerant in the equipment and the type of the refrigerant.
[Claim 4]25
The equipment management system according to claim 3, wherein
the estimation unit is further configured to calculate the amount of the
refrigerant in the equipment by adding an amount of the refrigerant dissolved in a
refrigerating machine oil used in the equipment and an amount of the refrigerant in a
liquid retention portion to the calculated amount of the refrigerant.30
[Claim 5]
The equipment management system according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
wherein
45
in the equipment, an outdoor unit including a compressor, an outdoor heat
exchanger, and an expansion valve, and an indoor unit including an indoor heat
exchanger are connected by a connection pipe through which the refrigerant flows, and
the equipment installation information includes at least information on a volume
of the connection pipe.5
[Claim 6]
The equipment management system according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
wherein
the environmental information around the equipment includes at least
information on an ambient temperature of the equipment.10
[Claim 7]
The equipment management system according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
wherein
the acquisition unit is configured to acquire the measurement information from
each of a plurality of equipments including the equipment, and15
the estimation unit is configured to calculate a total amount of the refrigerant in
the plurality of equipments based on the measurement information acquired by the
acquisition unit from each of the plurality of equipments, the equipment information, and
the equipment installation information.
[Claim 8]20
The equipment management system according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
wherein
the estimation unit is configured to, based on the equipment information,
calculate a refrigerant management value indicating a reference amount of the refrigerant
for each refrigerant type.25
[Claim 9]
The equipment management system according to claim 8, wherein
the estimation unit is configured to determine whether the amount of the
refrigerant in the equipment is excessive or insufficient by comparing the estimated
amount of the refrigerant in the equipment with the refrigerant management value.30
[Claim 10]
The equipment management system according to any one of claims 1 to 9,
wherein
46
the estimation unit is configured to estimate performance of the equipment based
on the equipment information, the equipment installation information, and the estimated
amount of the refrigerant in the equipment.
[Claim 11]
The equipment management system according to claim 10, wherein5
the equipment information includes inspection data or catalog information of the
equipment under a specific inspection condition before shipping of the equipment, and
the estimation unit is configured to compare the estimated performance of the
equipment with the equipment information, the inspection data, or the catalog
information.10
[Claim 12]
The equipment management system according to any one of claims 1 to 11,
comprising:
an external terminal or a group of arithmetic processing devices that can
communicate with the equipment,15
wherein the acquisition unit and the estimation unit are provided in the external
terminal or the group of arithmetic processing devices.
[Claim 13]
The equipment management system according to any one of claims 1 to 12,
comprising:20
an output unit configured to output information providing visual or auditory
guidance or warning via an external device, based on a result of the estimation by the
estimation unit.
[Claim 14]
The equipment management system according to any one of claims 1 to 12,25
comprising:
an output unit configured to output information on a fault or maintenance of the
equipment via an external device, based on a result of the estimation by the estimation
unit.
[Claim 15]30
The equipment management system according to claim 10 or 11, comprising:
a processor configured to cause the equipment to perform pre-cooling or
pre-warming operation, based on the performance of the equipment estimated by the
47
estimation unit.
[Claim 16]
A refrigerant amount estimation method of estimating an amount of a refrigerant
in an equipment having the refrigerant, comprising:
a step of an acquisition unit acquiring measurement information indicating a5
result of measuring a temperature of the refrigerant in the equipment, electrical
characteristics of the equipment, and environmental information around the equipment;
and
a step of an estimation unit estimating an amount of the refrigerant in the
equipment based on the measurement information acquired by the acquisition unit,10
equipment information on the equipment and equipment installation information on an
installation environment of the equipment, the equipment information and the equipment
installation information being preset.