JP6305621B2 - Air conditioner and control method of air conditioner - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an air conditioner including a plurality of heat source units and a plurality of usage-side units, and a method for controlling the air conditioner.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in an air conditioner that includes a plurality of heat source units and a plurality of usage side units, the heat source unit exchanges heat between a primary side heat medium such as a refrigerant and a secondary side heat medium such as water. What conveys a medium to the utilization side heat exchanger of a utilization side unit is known. Such an air conditioner is referred to as a fan coil type air conditioner.

  In a conventional fan coil type air conditioner, it is known to automatically control a plurality of heat source units in accordance with loads on a plurality of usage-side units in order to efficiently operate. For example, the air conditioning apparatus of Patent Document 1 groups a plurality of usage-side units according to a load pattern, and configures a piping system for each group. And the signal showing the operation state of a some use side unit is transmitted to the computer which performs centralized management, and the required number of operation | movement of a heat source machine is calculated in a computer based on operation information. Further, in the air conditioner of Patent Document 1, not only a signal indicating the operation state of a plurality of usage-side units but also information on the status of the heat source machine, the electric valve, the pump, and the like is collected in a computer. The motor valve and the pump are controlled.

JP-A-5-196277

  In a fan coil type air conditioner, there may be a case where the manufacturer that provides the usage-side unit differs from the manufacturer that provides the heat source unit. In addition, the number of usage-side units and heat source units, installation conditions (grouping), and the like vary depending on the configuration of the air conditioner. Here, as in Patent Document 1, when each part is controlled in the centralized management device, the centralized management device is set for each air conditioner based on the configuration, number, installation conditions, and the like of the use side unit and the heat source unit There is a need to. Specifically, it is necessary to set, for each air conditioner, a control program for the use-side unit and the heat source unit in the centralized management device, a program for calculating the required number of operating heat source units, and the like.

  Moreover, in the fan coil type air conditioner, the central control device may not be provided, and the heat source unit and the use side unit may each include a control device. In order to integrally control a plurality of usage-side units and heat source units in such an air conditioner, a control device that controls the usage-side units according to the number and installation conditions of the usage-side units and the heat source units. It is necessary to individually set the operation control and the operation control of the control device that controls the heat source machine. In this case, the control system in the air conditioner is complicated.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and performs integrated control of the use-side unit and the heat source unit, and prevents complication of setting according to the configuration of the air conditioner. An object of the present invention is to provide an air conditioner and a control method capable of performing the above.

An air conditioner according to the present invention includes a plurality of heat source units connected in parallel, a plurality of use side units connected in parallel to the plurality of heat source units via a heat medium pipe, a plurality of heat source units, and a plurality of heat source units An integrated management device that communicates with the use side unit, and each of the plurality of heat source machines includes a heat source side control device that performs operation control and transmits operation state information to the integrated management device. Each of the usage-side units includes a usage-side control device that performs operation control and transmits operation state information to the integrated management device. The integrated management device includes the operation state information and the plurality of usages of the plurality of heat source units. A control information generation unit that generates control information for each of the plurality of heat source units based on the operation state information of the side unit, and the heat source side control device includes the control information generated by the control information generation unit. All SANYO controls the operation according to the information, the integrated management apparatus, which is provided to the heat-source-side control unit in each of the plurality of heat source apparatuses, the control information heat source side control device, generated by the control information generating unit Is transmitted to a plurality of heat source units, and further includes a communication unit that receives control information generated by the plurality of heat source units. The control information generation unit is received by the control unit and the communication unit generated by the control information generation unit. It is determined whether the control information is the same .

An air conditioner control method according to the present invention includes: a plurality of heat source units connected in parallel; and a plurality of usage-side units connected in parallel to the plurality of heat source units via a heat medium pipe. An apparatus control method, wherein each of the plurality of heat source machines includes a heat source side control device that performs operation control, and each of the plurality of use side units includes a use side control device that performs operation control. The control method of the air conditioner includes a step in which the heat source side control device transmits the operation state information of the heat source machine, a step in which the use side control device transmits the operation state information of the use side unit, and a plurality of heat source side control devices . Based on the operation state information of the heat source unit and the operation state information of the plurality of use side units, a step of generating control information for each of the plurality of heat source units, and the heat source side control device controls the operation of the heat source unit according to the control information Cormorants and step, the heat-source-side control unit transmits the control information to a plurality of heat source apparatuses, whether receiving the control information in which a plurality of heat source apparatuses is generated, the control information received with the control information is the same Determining .

According to the air conditioner of the present invention, the heat source side control device and the use side control device are installed in the plurality of heat source machines and the plurality of use side units, respectively, and each unit is controlled, and the integrated management device uses a plurality of uses. According to the operation state of the side unit, the operation control of the heat source machine can be performed in an integrated manner. Thereby, it is not necessary to set an integrated management apparatus individually according to the structure (installation number and installation conditions) of an air conditioning apparatus, and efficient operation can be performed.

It is a figure which shows schematic structure of the air conditioning apparatus in Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a figure which shows schematic structure of the heat source machine in Embodiment 1. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a usage-side unit according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a control configuration of the air-conditioning apparatus according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the remote controller in the first embodiment. 5 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the usage-side unit in the first embodiment. 5 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the overall management apparatus according to the first embodiment. 3 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the heat source device in the first embodiment. It is a figure which shows the control structure of the air conditioning apparatus in Embodiment 2. FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the heat source device according to the second embodiment. 10 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the heat source device according to the third embodiment. 10 is a flowchart showing a flow of state sharing processing in the third embodiment.

  Hereinafter, an air conditioner of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, the structure demonstrated below is an example and the air conditioning apparatus of this invention is not limited to the following structures. Moreover, in each figure, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the same member.

Embodiment 1 FIG.
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an air-conditioning apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the air-conditioning apparatus 100 of the present embodiment includes a plurality of heat source units and a plurality of usage-side units. In the example of FIG. 1, the air conditioning apparatus 100 includes three heat source units 1a to 1c and six usage side units 3a to 3f, but the number of heat source units and usage side units is not limited thereto. . The plurality of heat source units 1a to 1c are connected in parallel to the secondary side heat medium pipe 5 via the secondary side heat medium circulation pumps 2a to 2c, respectively. Further, the plurality of use side units 3a to 3f are connected in parallel to the secondary side heat medium pipe 5 via the on-off valves 4a to 4f, respectively. In addition, the plurality of usage-side units 3a to 3f include remote controllers 7a to 7f, and the usage-side units 3a to 3f are individually operated by the remote controllers 7a to 7f. Furthermore, the integrated management apparatus 8 which controls the air conditioning apparatus 100 integratedly is connected to each heat-source equipment 1a-1c and each utilization side unit 3a-3f with the transmission line 6 for communication.

  In the air conditioner 100 according to the present embodiment, the primary side heat medium and the secondary side heat medium are heat-exchanged by the plurality of heat source units 1a to 1c, and pass through the pumps 2a to 2c and the secondary side heat medium pipe 5. Then, it is conveyed to a plurality of usage side units 3a to 3f. Then, the indoor air and the secondary side heat medium are respectively subjected to heat exchange in the plurality of use side units 3a to 3f, and the cooling operation or the heating operation is performed. The secondary side heat medium heat-exchanged with room air by the some use side units 3a-3f passes the secondary side heat medium piping 5, and flows in into the heat source machines 1a-1c again. Here, the primary heat medium is, for example, an HFC refrigerant such as R410A, R407C, R404A, or R32, an HCFC refrigerant such as R22 or R134a, or a natural refrigerant such as hydrocarbon, helium, or propane. The medium is, for example, water or antifreeze.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the heat source unit 1a in the present embodiment. The heat source units 1a to 1c have the same configuration, and here, the heat source unit 1a will be described as a representative. As shown in FIG. 2, the heat source machine 1 a includes a compressor 10, a flow path switching device 11, a heat source side heat exchanger 12, a decompression device 13, and an intermediate heat exchanger 14 that are sequentially connected by piping. A refrigerant circuit configured is provided. The refrigerant as the primary heat medium circulates in the refrigerant circuit of the heat source unit 1a. The heat source unit 1a includes a blower 15 that blows air to the heat source side heat exchanger 12 and a heat source side control device 50 that controls each part of the heat source unit 1a.

  The compressor 10 compresses the refrigerant sucked from the suction side and discharges it from the discharge side as a high-temperature and high-pressure gas refrigerant. The operating capacity of the compressor 10 is controlled by the heat source side control device 50. The flow path switching device 11 includes, for example, a four-way valve that switches the direction in which the refrigerant flows. As shown by the solid line in FIG. 2, the flow path switching device 11 connects the discharge side of the compressor 10 and the heat source side heat exchanger 12 during the cooling operation and the defrosting operation, and at the suction side of the compressor 10. And the intermediate heat exchanger 14 are connected. In addition, the flow path switching device 11 connects the discharge side of the compressor 10 and the intermediate heat exchanger 14 as shown by the broken line in FIG. The exchange 12 is connected. Switching of the flow path by the flow path switching device 11 is controlled by the heat source side control device 50.

  The heat source side heat exchanger 12 functions as a refrigerant condenser during cooling operation and defrosting operation, and functions as a refrigerant evaporator during heating operation. The blower 15 is composed of, for example, a propeller fan that is driven by a fan motor (not shown). The blower 15 sucks outdoor air into the heat source unit 1a and uses the heat source side heat exchanger 12 to exchange the heat with the refrigerant. To discharge. The flow rate of the air supplied by the blower 15 is controlled by the heat source side control device 50.

  The decompression device 13 is an expansion valve that decompresses and expands the refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant circuit. The opening (throttle) of the decompression device 13 is controlled by the heat source side control device 50. The intermediate heat exchanger 14 performs heat exchange between the primary side heat medium circulating in the refrigerant circuit of the heat source unit 1 a and the secondary side heat medium circulating in the secondary side heat medium pipe 5. During the cooling operation and the defrosting operation, the secondary heat medium is cooled in the intermediate heat exchanger 14, and during the heating operation, the secondary heat medium is heated.

  A pump for circulating the secondary heat medium heated or cooled by the intermediate heat exchanger 14 to the secondary heat medium pipe 5 between the intermediate heat exchanger 14 and the secondary heat medium pipe 5. 2a is provided. The flow rate of the secondary side heat medium by the pump 2 a is controlled by the heat source side control device 50.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the usage-side unit 3a in the present embodiment. The use side units 3a to 3f have the same configuration, and the use side unit 3a will be described as a representative here. The use side unit 3a is an indoor unit that is also referred to as a fan coil unit, which is installed in an indoor ceiling by being embedded or suspended. In the present embodiment, the use side unit 3 a includes a use side heat exchanger 30, a blower 31, and a use side control device 60.

  The use side heat exchanger 30 exchanges heat between the secondary side heat medium circulating in the secondary side heat medium pipe 5 and the indoor air blown by the blower 31. The blower 31 is composed of, for example, a propeller fan driven by a fan motor (not shown). The blower 31 sucks outdoor air into the use side unit 3a and heats it between the two-dimensional side heat medium by the use side heat exchanger 30. Exhaust the exchanged air outside the room. The flow rate of the air supplied by the blower 31 is controlled by the use side control device 60.

  Between the use side heat exchanger 30 and the secondary side heat medium pipe 5, an on-off valve that controls the flow of the secondary side heat medium flowing through the secondary side heat medium pipe 5 into the use side heat exchanger 30. 4a is provided. Opening and closing of the on-off valve 4 a is controlled by the use side control device 60.

  Next, the control structure in the air conditioning apparatus 100 of this Embodiment is demonstrated. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a control configuration of the air conditioning apparatus 100. 4 shows a state in which only the heat source side control device 50 of the heat source unit 1a and the usage side control unit 60 of the usage side unit 3a are connected to the integrated management device 8, respectively. A plurality of heat source side control devices 50 corresponding to 1 a to 1 c and a plurality of usage side control devices 60 corresponding to the plurality of usage side units 3 a to 3 f are connected to the integrated management device 8.

  The heat source side control device 50 included in the heat source units 1a to 1c performs the same operation, and here, the heat source side control device 50 of the heat source unit 1a will be described as a representative. The heat source side control device 50 is configured by a microcomputer, a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), or the like, and is connected to the integrated management device 8 via a communication transmission line 6. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the heat source side control device 50 includes a communication unit 51 that communicates with the integrated management device 8, a control unit 52 that controls each unit of the heat source unit 1 a, and information that acquires operation state information of the heat source unit 1 a. Acquisition unit 53. Each of the above units is realized by executing a program by a CPU constituting the heat source side control device 50 as a functional unit realized by software, or a DSP, an ASIC (Application Specific IC), a PLD (Programmable Logic Device), or the like It is realized with an electronic circuit.

  The information acquisition unit 53 acquires operation state information of the heat source device 1a from the control unit 52. The operation state information of the heat source unit 1a includes an operation or stop state of the heat source unit 1a, an operation mode (heating, cooling or defrosting), a heat exchange capacity, or an operation time of the compressor 10. In the following description, the operation state information of the heat source machine 1a is referred to as “heat source side information”. The communication unit 51 transmits the heat source side information acquired by the information acquisition unit 53 to the integrated management device 8. In addition, the communication unit 51 transmits the control information received from the integrated management device 8 to the control unit 52. The controller 52 controls the amount of energy supplied from the heat source unit 1a to the secondary side heat medium according to the received control information. Specifically, the control unit 52 controls the operation capacity of the compressor 10, the air flow rate of the blower 15, the rotation speed of the pump 2a, and the like according to the control information.

  The use side control device 60 provided in the use side units 3a to 3f performs the same operation, and here, the use side control device 60 of the use side unit 3a will be described as a representative. The use side control device 60 is configured by a microcomputer or a DSP. The usage-side control device 60 is connected to the integrated management device 8 via the communication transmission line 6 and is connected to the remote controller 7a so as to be capable of wireless communication. As shown in FIG. 4, the usage-side control device 60 includes a communication unit 61 that communicates with the integrated management device 8 and the remote controller 7a, a control unit 62 that controls each unit of the usage-side unit 3a, and operations of the usage-side unit 3a. And an information acquisition unit 63 that acquires state information. Each of the above-described units is realized by executing a program by a CPU constituting the usage-side control device 60 as a functional unit realized by software, or is realized by an electronic circuit such as a DSP, ASIC, or PLD.

  The communication unit 61 receives instruction information from the remote controller 7 a and transmits the instruction information to the control unit 62. The control unit 62 that has received the instruction signal from the communication unit 61 controls driving or stopping of the blower 31 and opening / closing of the on-off valve 4a according to the instruction signal. The information acquisition unit 63 acquires the operation state information of the usage-side unit 3a from the control unit 62 after the control by the control unit 62 is performed based on the instruction information from the remote controller 7a. The operation state information of the use side unit 3a includes the operation or stop state of the use side unit 3a, the operation mode (heating operation or cooling operation), the indoor set temperature, and the like. In the following description, the operation state information of the use side unit 3a is referred to as “use side information”. The communication unit 61 transmits the use side information acquired by the information acquisition unit 63 to the integrated management apparatus 8.

  The integrated management device 8 is configured by a microcomputer, a DSP, or the like, and is connected to the heat source side control device 50 and the use side control device 60 via the communication transmission line 6. As shown in FIG. 4, the integrated management device 8 includes a communication unit 81 that communicates with the heat source side control device 50 and the use side control device 60, a storage unit 82 that stores heat source side information and use side information, and a storage unit 82. The heat source side information and the usage side information stored in the update unit 83 are updated, the capacity calculation unit 84 that calculates the total operating capacity of the usage side units 3a to 3f from the usage side information, and the capacity calculation unit 84. And a control information generation unit 85 that generates control information of the heat source devices 1a to 1c from the total operation capability. Each of the above units is realized by executing a program by a CPU constituting the integrated management apparatus 8 as a functional unit realized by software, or realized by an electronic circuit such as a DSP, ASIC, or PLD.

  The communication unit 81 receives the heat source side information of all the heat source machines 1a to 1c connected to the integrated management apparatus 8, and the usage side information of the usage side units 3a to 3f. The storage unit 82 is, for example, a nonvolatile memory, and the heat source side information of the heat source units 1a to 1c and the usage side information of the usage side units 3a to 3f received via the communication unit 81 are transmitted as the heat source units 1a to 1c of the transmission source. And it stores in association with each of the use side units 3a to 3f. The update unit 83 updates the heat source side information and the use side information stored in the storage unit 82 when the heat source side information and the use side information are newly received from the heat source devices 1a to 1c and the use side units 3a to 3f.

  The capability calculation unit 84 is based on the use side information of the plurality of use side units 3a to 3f stored in the storage unit 82, and among the plurality of use side units 3a to 3f, the use side unit whose operation state is the operating state. The operation capacity (cooling capacity or heating capacity) is totaled to calculate the total operation capacity.

  The control information generation unit 85 controls the heat source units 1a to 1c based on the total operation capability calculated by the capability calculation unit 84 and the heat source side information of the plurality of heat source units 1a to 1c stored in the storage unit 82. Calculate driving capacity. Specifically, the control information generation unit 85 determines the operation capacity for control of each of the heat source apparatuses 1a to 1c by allocating the total operation capacity to each of the heat source apparatuses 1a to 1c based on the heat source side information. Here, in order to operate the heat source devices 1a to 1c as efficiently as possible, any one of the heat source devices 1a to 1c may be distributed including forcible stop. For example, when the air-conditioning apparatus 100 is performing a heating operation and the heat source unit 1a is performing a defrosting operation, the total heating capacity of the heat source units 1a to 1c satisfies the total operating capacity. In addition, the heating capacity + defrosting capacity shared by the heat source unit 1a performing the defrosting operation is distributed to the other heat source units 1b or 1c. Specifically, when there are the heat source units 1b and 1c whose operation mode in the heat source side information is the heating operation and the heat source unit 1a whose operation mode is the defrosting operation, the control information generation unit 85 calculates the total operation capacity. Then, the operation capability for control is obtained by apportioning to the heat source devices 1b and 1c whose operation mode is the heating operation.

  In addition, the calculation method of the control driving ability is not limited to the above. For example, the total operating capacity may be evenly distributed to the plurality of heat source units 1a to 1c. Further, the total operation capacity may be apportioned at a ratio according to the heat exchange capacity of each of the heat source units 1a to 1c. Moreover, according to the operation time of the compressor 10 of each heat-source equipment 1a-1c, you may apportion a total operation capability. In this case, the distribution of the heat source unit having a long operation time of the compressor 10 may be reduced or the operation may be stopped. Further, the total driving ability may be prorated according to an arbitrarily set weighting coefficient or the like. The control operation capability for each heat source unit 1a to 1c generated by the control information generation unit 85 is transmitted as control information to the heat source side control device 50 of each of the heat source units 1a to 1c via the communication unit 81.

Next, operation | movement of each apparatus in the air conditioning apparatus 100 of this Embodiment is demonstrated.
[Remote controllers 7a-7f]
FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the remote controller 7a. The other remote controllers 7b to 7f perform the same operation as the remote controller 7a. First, in the remote controller 7a, the operation mode of the use side unit 3a is set to a stopped state as an initial state (S1). And it is judged whether operation which instruct | indicated driving | operation was performed by the user (S2). Here, when the operation which instruct | indicates driving | operation is not made by the user (S2: NO), it returns to step S1.

  On the other hand, when an operation for instructing driving is performed by the user (S2: YES), instruction information for instructing driving is transmitted from the remote controller 7a to the use side control device 60 (S3), and the driving mode is set to driving. A state is set (S4). Next, it is determined whether or not an operation for instructing stoppage has been performed by the user (S5). Here, when the user has not performed an operation for instructing to stop (S5: NO), the process waits until an instruction to stop is issued.

  On the other hand, when an operation for instructing the stop is performed by the user (S5: YES), instruction information for instructing the stop is transmitted from the remote controller 7a to the use side control device 60 (S3). Then, it returns to step S1 and the subsequent processes are repeated.

[Use side units 3a to 3f]
FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the usage-side unit 3a. The other usage side units 3b to 3f perform the same operation as the usage side unit 3a. First, the communication unit 61 determines whether instruction information has been received from the remote controller 7a (S11). Here, when the instruction information is not received from the remote controller 7a (S11: NO), it waits until it is received. On the other hand, when the instruction information is received from the remote controller 7a (S11: YES), the instruction information is transmitted to the control unit 62. Then, the control unit 62 performs air volume control of the blower 31 and opening / closing control of the on-off valve 4a according to the instruction information (S12). Then, the usage side information of the current usage side unit 3a is acquired by the information acquisition unit 63 and transmitted to the integrated management apparatus 8 via the communication unit 61 (S13).

[Integrated management device 8]
FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the integrated management apparatus 8. First, in the communication part 81, it is judged whether the heat source side information was received from the heat source side control apparatus 50 of the heat source machines 1a-1c (S21). Here, when the heat source side information is not received from the heat source side control device 50 of the heat source machines 1a to 1c (S21: NO), the process proceeds to step S23. On the other hand, when the heat source side information is received from the heat source side control device 50 of the heat source units 1a to 1c (S21: YES), the update unit 83 stores the heat source side information of the heat source units 1a to 1c stored in the storage unit 82. Among them, the heat source side information of the transmission source heat source machine is updated (S22).

  Subsequently, the communication unit 81 determines whether usage-side information has been received from the usage-side control device 60 of the usage-side units 3a to 3f (S23). Here, when the usage-side information is not received from the usage-side control device 60 of the usage-side units 3a to 3f (S23: NO), the process returns to step S21. On the other hand, when the usage side information is received from the usage side control device 60 of the usage side units 3a to 3f (S23: YES), the usage side of the usage side units 3a to 3f stored in the storage unit 82 by the updating unit 83 is used. Of the information, the usage-side information of the transmission-side usage-side unit is updated (S24).

  Next, based on the use side information of the plurality of use side units 3a to 3f stored in the storage unit 82 by the capability calculation unit 84, the use state in which the operation state is the driving state among the plurality of use side units 3a to 3f. A total driving ability which is a total value of the driving ability of the side unit is calculated (S25). And based on the heat source side information of several heat source machine 1a-1c memorize | stored in the total operation capacity and the memory | storage part 82 by the control information production | generation part 85, the driving capacity for control of each heat source machine 1a-1c is used as control information. Calculated (S26). And control information is transmitted with respect to the heat-source side control apparatus 50 of each heat source machine 1a-1c from the communication part 81 (S27), and it returns to step S21.

[Heat source machines 1a to 1c]
FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the heat source device 1a. The other heat source units 1b and 1c perform the same operation as the heat source unit 1a. First, the communication unit 51 determines whether control information has been received from the integrated management device 8 (S31). Here, when control information is not received from the integrated management apparatus 8 (S31: NO), it waits until it receives. On the other hand, when the control information is received from the integrated management device 8 (S31: YES), the control unit 52 controls the operation capacity of the compressor 10, the air flow control of the blower 15, and the pump 2a according to the control information. The rotational speed control and the like are performed (S32), and the process returns to step S31.

  In parallel with the above processing, the information acquisition unit 53 acquires the heat source side information of the heat source machine 1a and transmits it to the integrated management device 8 via the communication unit 51 (S33). Then, a pause is performed for a preset time (S34), and the process returns to step S33. In addition, although it is the flow which transmits heat source side information regularly here, you may transmit heat source side information only when the operation state of the heat source machine 1a changes.

  As described above, in the air-conditioning apparatus 100 of the present embodiment, the heat source side control device 50 and the use side control device 60 are installed in the heat source units 1a to 1c and the use side units 3a to 3f, respectively, and each part is controlled. In addition, the integrated management device 8 is configured to automatically control the operation of the heat source units 1a to 1c in accordance with the operating states of the plurality of usage-side units 3a to 3f. The plurality of heat source devices 1a to 1c and the use side units 3a to 3f are configured to be connected in parallel to the same pair of secondary heat medium pipes 5, respectively. Accordingly, in the remote controllers 7a to 7f, the heat source side control device 50, the usage side control device 60, and the integrated management device 8, regardless of the number of connected heat source devices 1a to 1c and usage side units 3a to 3f of the air conditioner 100. The same control can be performed, and there is no need to perform complicated settings such as individually changing the control program of the integrated management device 8 according to the configuration of the air conditioner. Further, since it is not necessary to associate the plurality of heat source devices 1a to 1c with the plurality of usage-side units 3a to 3f, it is not necessary to provide restrictions on address setting of each device.

  Further, by controlling the heat source units 1a to 1c and the use side units 3a to 3f in the heat source side control device 50 and the use side control device 60, respectively, a system design similar to that of the conventional direct expansion type air conditioner can be easily performed. Can be realized. It is also possible to share and effectively use components such as remote controllers and centralized control devices that have been developed to support direct expansion type air conditioners, and to construct a mixed system of fan coil type and direct expansion type. It becomes easy. Further, by utilizing the heat source side control device 50 and the use side control device 60, the degree of freedom of selection of the heat source unit and the use side unit is improved, and it is easy to combine a device having a special shape or ability according to the property. It becomes.

  Moreover, in the conventional air conditioning apparatus provided with a plurality of heat source units and a plurality of use side units, the operating capacity required for the heat source unit may vary depending on the operating state of the plurality of use side units. In such a case, there has been a problem that the operation efficiency of the plurality of heat source units is unbalanced, and the system efficiency of the entire system is lowered. On the other hand, in the air conditioning apparatus 100 of the present embodiment, the heat source machines 1a to 1c can be efficiently operated by cooperatively controlling the plurality of heat source machines 1a to 1c by the integrated management device 8. Furthermore, by generating the control information based on the heat source side information of the heat source units 1a to 1c, it is possible to suppress the influence on the use side units 3a to 3f in the operation in which the air conditioning capability varies such as the defrosting operation.

Embodiment 2. FIG.
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the first embodiment, the integrated management device 8 is provided as a separate device from the heat source devices 1a to 1c and the use side units 3a to 3f. However, in the air conditioner 100A of the second embodiment, each heat source device The difference from Embodiment 1 is that 1a to 1c include a heat source side control device 500 in which the function of the integrated management device 8 is incorporated. Other configurations of the air conditioner 100A are the same as those in the first embodiment.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a control configuration of the air-conditioning apparatus 100A in the present embodiment. FIG. 9 shows a state where only the heat source side control device 500 of the heat source device 1a and the use side control device 60 of the use side unit 3a are connected via the transmission line 6, but actually a plurality of heat source devices. A plurality of heat source side control devices 500 corresponding to 1 a to 1 c and a plurality of use side control devices 60 corresponding to the plurality of use side units 3 a to 3 f are connected via the transmission line 6. Note that the usage-side control device 60 of the present embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment.

  The heat source side control devices 500 included in the heat source devices 1a to 1c all perform the same operation, and here, the heat source side control device 500 of the heat source device 1a will be described as a representative. The heat source side control device 500 is constituted by a microcomputer or a DSP, and the heat source side control device 500 of the heat source devices 1b and 1c and the use side control devices of the plurality of use side units 3a to 3f via the communication transmission line 6. 60. As illustrated in FIG. 9, the heat source side control device 500 includes a communication unit 501 that communicates with the heat source side control device 500 and the use side control device 60, a storage unit 502 that stores heat source side information and use side information, and a storage unit. An update unit 503 that updates the heat source side information and the usage side information stored in 502, a capability calculation unit 504 that calculates the total operating capability of the usage side units 3a to 3f from the usage side information, and a capability calculation unit 504. The control information generation unit 505 that generates control information of the heat source units 1a to 1c from the total operating capacity, the control unit 506 that controls each unit of the heat source unit 1a, and the information acquisition unit 507 that acquires the heat source side information of the heat source unit 1a And having. Each of the above units is realized by executing a program by a CPU constituting the heat source side control device 500 as a functional unit realized by software, or realized by an electronic circuit such as a DSP, ASIC, or PLD.

  The communication unit 501 receives the heat source side information of the heat source devices 1b and 1c and the usage side information of the usage side units 3a to 3f. The storage unit 502 is, for example, a nonvolatile memory, the heat source side information of the heat source unit 1a acquired by the information acquisition unit 507, the heat source side information of the heat source units 1b and 1c received via the communication unit 501, and the usage side unit 3a. The use side information of ˜3f is stored in association with the transmission source heat source units 1a to 1c and the use side units 3a to 3f, respectively. When the update unit 503 newly receives the heat source side information and the use side information from the heat source devices 1a to 1c and the use side units 3a to 3f, the update unit 503 updates the heat source side information and the use side information stored in the storage unit 502.

  The capability calculation unit 504 is based on the usage side information of the plurality of usage side units 3a to 3f stored in the storage unit 502, and among the plurality of usage side units 3a to 3f, the usage side unit whose operating state is the operating state is selected. The total driving ability, which is the total value of the driving ability, is calculated. The control information generation unit 505, based on the total operating capability calculated by the capability calculation unit 504 and the heat source side information of the plurality of heat source units 1a to 1c stored in the storage unit 502, serves as the control information. The control driving ability of 1c is calculated. In the present embodiment, all the heat source machines 1a to 1c constituting the air conditioning apparatus 100A generate control information (control driving capability) using the same algorithm. The method for calculating the driving ability for control in the control information generation unit 505 is the same as that of the control information generation unit 85 of the first embodiment.

  The control unit 506 controls the amount of energy supplied from the heat source unit 1a to the secondary heat medium according to the control information generated by the control information generation unit 505. Specifically, the control unit 506 controls the operation capacity of the compressor 10, the air flow rate of the blower 15, the rotational speed of the pump 2 a, and the like according to the control information.

  The information acquisition unit 507 acquires the heat source side information of the heat source device 1a. The heat source side information includes the operation or stop state of the heat source unit 1a, the operation mode (heating, cooling or defrosting), the heat exchange capacity, the operation time of the compressor 10, and the like. The heat source side information acquired by the information acquisition unit 507 is stored in the storage unit 502 and transmitted from the communication unit 501 to addresses indicating all devices that are constituent elements of the air conditioning apparatus 100A. Here, the purpose of transmitting to the addresses indicating all devices is to transmit the heat source side information to the heat source side control devices 500 of the other heat source machines 1b and 1c. Therefore, it is not limited to transmitting to addresses indicating all devices, and may be transmitted by a method that can be received by the heat source side control devices 500 of the heat source devices 1b and 1c. For example, you may transmit with respect to the address which shows all the heat source side control apparatuses 500 defined beforehand. Further, instead of defining addresses indicating all devices or all heat source side control devices 500 in advance, they may be individually transmitted to all devices or individually transmitted to all heat source side control devices 500. May be. Further, the transmission destination may not be an address indicating the heat source side control device 500 as long as the heat source side control device 500 can acquire data addressed to other devices flowing through the communication line.

Next, the operation of each device in the air conditioner 100A of the present embodiment will be described.
[Remote controllers 7a-7f]
The operations of the remote controllers 7a to 7f of the present embodiment are the same as the operations of the first embodiment shown in FIG.

[Use side units 3a to 3f]
The operations of the use side units 3a to 3f of the present embodiment are the same as the operations of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 6 except for the following points. In the first embodiment, in step S13 of FIG. 6, the usage side information of the current usage side unit is transmitted to the integrated management device 8, but in this embodiment, the configuration of the air conditioning apparatus 100A that is defined in advance. Sent to an address indicating all devices as elements. Here, the purpose of transmitting to the addresses indicating all devices is to transmit the operation state information to the heat source side control devices 500 of all the heat source machines 1a to 1c. Therefore, it is not limited to transmitting to addresses indicating all devices, and may be transmitted by a method that can be received by the heat source side control device 500 of the heat source machines 1a to 1c. The specific method is as described for the transmission of the heat source side information.

[Heat source machines 1a to 1c]
FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the heat source device 1a in the present embodiment. The other heat source units 1b and 1c perform the same operation as the heat source unit 1a. First, it is determined in the communication part 501 whether the heat source side information was received from the heat source side control apparatus 500 of the heat source machines 1a-1c including self (S41). Here, when the heat source side information is not received from the heat source machines 1a to 1c (S41: NO), the process proceeds to step S43. On the other hand, when the heat source side information is received from the heat source units 1a to 1c (S41: YES), the heat source side information among the heat source side information of the heat source units 1a to 1c stored in the storage unit 502 by the update unit 503 is transmitted. The heat source side information of the machine is updated (S42).

  Subsequently, the communication unit 501 determines whether usage side information has been received from the usage side control device 60 of the usage side units 3a to 3f (S43). Here, when the usage side information is not received from the usage side control device 60 of the usage side units 3a to 3f (S43: NO), the process returns to step S41. On the other hand, when the usage side information is received from the usage side control device 60 of the usage side units 3a to 3f (S43: YES), the usage side of the usage side units 3a to 3f stored in the storage unit 502 by the updating unit 503 is used. Of the information, the usage-side information of the transmission-side usage-side unit is updated (S44).

  Next, based on the use side information of the plurality of use side units 3a to 3f stored in the storage unit 502 by the ability calculation unit 504, the use state in which the operation state is the driving state among the plurality of use side units 3a to 3f. A total driving ability which is a total value of the driving ability of the side unit is calculated (S45). Then, based on the total operation capability and the heat source side information of the plurality of heat source units 1a to 1c stored in the storage unit 502 by the control information generation unit 505, the control operation capability for each heat source unit 1a to 1c is obtained as control information. Calculated (S46). Then, based on the generated control information, the control unit 506 performs the operation capacity control of the compressor 10, the air volume control of the blower 15, the rotational speed control of the pump 2a, and the like (S47), and returns to step S41. .

  In parallel with the above processing, the information acquisition unit 507 acquires the heat source side information of the heat source device 1a and transmits the information via the communication unit 501 (S48). Then, a pause is performed for a preset time (S49), and the process returns to step S48. In addition, although it is the flow which transmits heat source side information regularly here, you may transmit heat source side information only when the operation state of the heat source machine 1a changes.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the heat source side information and the use side information necessary for calculation are transmitted from all the use side control devices 60 and the heat source side control devices 500 to each of the heat source units 1a to 1c. Therefore, the calculation results of the control ability for the heat source devices 1a to 1c are the same. Therefore, unlike Embodiment 1, it is not necessary to transmit the calculation result to the other heat source devices 1b and 1c, and the object can be achieved only by controlling the heat source device 1a that is the control target. Furthermore, since the function of the integrated management device is distributed to each of the heat source units 1a to 1c, even if any one of the heat source units breaks down, the air conditioner 100A can be continuously operated. Further, in the description of the operation in the present embodiment, the flow in the case where each device spontaneously transmits information to the heat source side control device 500 is shown, but the heat source side control device 500 transmits information to each device as necessary. May be requested.

  Moreover, in the air conditioning apparatus 100A of this Embodiment, in the heat source side control apparatus 500 of the heat source machines 1a-1c, according to the operation state of several utilization side unit 3a-3f, heat source machine 1a-1c automatically. The operation control is performed. The plurality of heat source devices 1a to 1c and the use side units 3a to 3f are connected in parallel to the same pair of secondary heat medium pipes 5, respectively. Thereby, the same effect as the first embodiment can be obtained. Furthermore, since it is not necessary to provide the integrated management device 8 in the present embodiment, the number of parts and the product cost can be reduced.

Embodiment 3 FIG.
Subsequently, Embodiment 3 of the present invention will be described. In the air conditioner 100A of the second embodiment, for example, the heat source unit 1a cannot temporarily receive the heat source side information of the other heat source units 1b and 1c and the usage side information of the usage side units 3a to 3f due to communication abnormality or the like. Sometimes. In this case, the control expected for the air conditioner 100 may not be performed because the calculated control driving ability is different from those of the other heat source devices 1b and 1c. Therefore, the third embodiment is different from the second embodiment in that a configuration is provided in which a state is shared among the plurality of heat source units 1a to 1c. Other configurations of the air conditioner 100A are the same as those in the second embodiment.

  The control configuration in the present embodiment is the same as that in the second embodiment shown in FIG. The operations of the remote controllers 7a to 7f and the use side units 3a to 3f are the same as those in the second embodiment.

[Heat source machines 1a to 1c]
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the operation of the heat source unit 1a in the present embodiment. The other heat source units 1b and 1c perform the same operation as the heat source unit 1a. In the present embodiment, the information acquisition unit 507 determines whether or not the heat source side information of the heat source device 1a has been changed (S50). When there is no change in the heat source side information of the heat source device 1a (S50: NO), the process waits until there is a change. On the other hand, when there is a change in the heat source side information of the heat source unit 1a (S50: YES), the changed heat source side information is acquired and transmitted via the communication unit 501 (S51), and the process returns to step S50.

  In parallel with the above processing, steps S41 to S46 are performed as in the second embodiment shown in FIG. And if control information is produced | generated in step S46, a state sharing process will be performed (S52). FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the flow of the state sharing process. In this process, the control information generated in step S46 is transmitted from the communication unit 501 in a manner that can be received by the other heat source devices 1b and 1c, similarly to the heat source side information (S53). And it is judged in the communication part 501 whether the control information was received from the other heat-source equipment 1b or 1c (S54). And when control information is received from other heat-source equipment 1b or 1c (S54: YES), it is judged by the control information generation part 505 whether the control information produced | generated and the received control information correspond. (S55). If the received control information matches the control information generated by itself (S55: YES), the process proceeds to step S61.

  On the other hand, when the received control information and the control information generated by itself do not match (S55: NO), each of the heat source machines 1b or 1c that is a transmission source via the communication unit 501 is used to generate control information. The heat source side information and the use side information of the device are requested (S56). Then, the update unit 503 compares the heat source side information and the use side information received from the other heat source device 1 b or 1 c with the heat source side information and the use side information stored in the storage unit 502 and stores them in the storage unit 502. It is determined whether the heat source side information and the use side information to be updated are the latest (S57).

  Here, in the present embodiment, when the heat source devices 1a to 1c and the use side units 3a to 3f transmit the heat source side information and the use side information, serial number identification numbers are transmitted together for each device. . Then, the updating unit 503 compares the identification number of the heat source side information and the usage side information stored in the storage unit 502 with the identification number of the heat source side information and the usage side information received from the other heat source unit 1b or 1c. When the identification number of the heat source side information and the usage side information stored in the storage unit 502 is newer than the received identification number of the heat source side information and the usage side information, the heat source side information and the usage side information stored in the storage unit 502 Is determined to be up-to-date. And when the heat-source side information and utilization side information which are memorize | stored in the memory | storage part 502 are the newest (S57: YES), it progresses to step S61.

  On the other hand, when the heat source side information and the use side information stored in the storage unit 502 are not the latest (S57: NO), due to a communication abnormality or the like, temporarily from another heat source machine 1b or 1c or the use side units 3a to 3f. It is determined that the heat source side information and the use side information of the user could not be received. Then, the update unit 503 updates the heat source side information and the use side information stored in the storage unit 502 to the heat source side information and the use side information received from the other heat source machine 1b or 1c (S58). Then, similarly to steps S45 and S46, the total operating capacity is calculated based on the updated heat source side information and usage side information (S59), and control information is generated from the calculated total operating capacity (S60). . The total driving ability and control information calculated and generated in steps S45 and S46 are updated with the total driving ability and control information calculated and generated in steps S59 and S60.

  In step S61, it is determined whether or not control information has been received from all the heat source devices 1b and 1c connected to the heat source device 1a (S61). And when control information is not received from all the heat source machines 1b and 1c, it returns to step S54. Then, the subsequent steps are repeated to compare with the control information of all the heat source devices 1b and 1c and share the state. And when control information is received from all the heat source machines 1b and 1c (S61: YES), this process is complete | finished and it progresses to step S47 of FIG.

  On the other hand, if control information has not been received in step S54 (S54: NO), it is determined whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed (S62), and until a predetermined time has elapsed (S62: NO), Wait for reception of control information. At this time, since the heat source unit 1a may have failed to receive the control information, the heat source unit 1b or 1c that has not received the control information may be requested to transmit the control information. If the predetermined time has elapsed (S62: YES), this process is terminated, and the process proceeds to step S47 in FIG. In this case, there is a possibility that the heat source unit that has not received the control information may be out of order. Therefore, the control information of the heat source units other than the heat source unit that has not received the control information is compared and shared. (S55-S60). In another embodiment, instead of proceeding to step S47 in FIG. 11, a warning for notifying a communication abnormality may be given and the process interrupted.

  Returning to FIG. 11, in step S47, each part of the heat source unit 1a is controlled based on the control information generated in step S46 or the control information generated (updated) in step S60 (S47).

  In step S57, when it is determined that the heat source side information and the use side information stored in the storage unit 502 are the latest (S57: YES), or in step S62, the control information is not received and the predetermined information is received. When the time has elapsed (S62: YES), it is determined that there is a possibility that communication error has occurred in the heat source machine 1b or 1c, which is the transmission source of the heat source side information and the usage side information, and reception of the usage side information may have failed. The heat source device 1b or 1c may transmit the heat source side information and the use side information of itself (the heat source device 1a) to regenerate the control information.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the heat source side information and the use side information from the other heat source units 1b and 1c and the use side units 3a to 3f cannot be temporarily received due to a communication abnormality or the like. Also in this case, the same control information (control operation capability) can be generated by the plurality of heat source devices 1a to 1c, and the control expected as the air conditioner 100A can be performed. Further, the fault tolerance of the air conditioner 100A can be improved.

  As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described based on drawing, specific structure is not restricted to this, It can change in the range which does not deviate from the summary of invention. For example, the heat source side control device 50, the use side control device 60, and the integrated management device 8 are configured to be connected via the transmission line 6, but are not limited thereto, and may be configured to perform wireless communication. Good. In the description of the first embodiment, the case where the heat source units 1a to 1c are air-cooled heat pump chillers has been described. However, the configuration of the heat source units 1a to 1c is not limited to this. For example, the present invention can also be applied when the heat source devices 1a to 1c are water-cooled heat pump chillers or absorption chillers. In addition, in the usage-side units 3a to 3f, the present invention can be applied to a case of not only a 2-tube type but also a 4-pipe type.

  Moreover, although the said Embodiment 3 is an example in case heat source machine 1a-1c transmits heat source side information and utilization side information when the operation state of transmission object changes, it is not limited to this. . For example, in the case where the heat source devices 1a to 1c and the use side units 3a to 3f regularly transmit the heat source side information as in the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the heat source side information can be received within the period. If not, it may be determined that a communication error has occurred. In this case, an inquiry is made to any of the heat source devices 1a to 1c or the use side units 3a to 3f that have failed to receive the heat source side information and the use side information, and if there is no response to the inquiry, it is determined that the corresponding device has failed. Is done. On the other hand, when there is a response, a request for heat source side information and user side information is made, and control information is generated based on the latest heat source side information and user side information.

  Furthermore, in the state sharing process of the third embodiment, the control information is transmitted to the other heat source devices 1b and 1c in step S53. However, the total operating capacity calculated in step S45 may be transmitted. . In this case, in step S55, a comparison is made with the total operating capacity of the other heat source machines 1b or 1c, and the state is shared.

  1a to 1c heat source machine, 2a to 2c pump, 3a to 3f use side unit, 4a to 4f on-off valve, 5 secondary side heat medium piping, 6 transmission line, 7a to 7f remote controller, 8 integrated management device, 10 compressor , 11 Channel switching device, 12 Heat source side heat exchanger, 13 Pressure reducing device, 14 Intermediate heat exchanger, 15 Blower, 30 Usage side heat exchanger, 31 Blower, 50 Heat source side control device, 51 Communication unit, 52 Control unit 53 information acquisition unit, 60 utilization side control device, 61 communication unit, 62 control unit, 63 information acquisition unit, 81 communication unit, 82 storage unit, 83 update unit, 84 capability calculation unit, 85 control information generation unit, 100, 100A air conditioner, 500 heat source side control device, 501 communication unit, 502 storage unit, 503 update unit, 504 capability calculation unit, 505 control information generation unit, 506 Control unit, 507 Information acquisition unit.

Claims (8)

A plurality of heat source devices connected in parallel;
A plurality of usage-side units connected in parallel to the plurality of heat source units via a heat medium pipe;
An integrated management device that communicates with the plurality of heat source units and the plurality of usage-side units,
Each of the plurality of heat source machines includes a heat source side control device that performs operation control and transmits operation state information to the integrated management device,
Each of the plurality of use side units includes a use side control device that performs operation control and transmits operation state information to the integrated management device,
The integrated management device includes a control information generation unit that generates control information for each of the plurality of heat source units based on the operation state information of the plurality of heat source units and the operation state information of the plurality of usage-side units. Yes,
The heat source side control device state, and it is not performing the operation control in accordance with the control information generated by the control information generating unit,
The integrated management device is provided in the heat source side control device in each of the plurality of heat source machines,
The heat source side control device
Further comprising a communication unit that transmits the control information generated by the control information generation unit to the plurality of heat source units and receives control information generated by the plurality of heat source units;
The control information generation unit determines whether or not the control information generated by the control information generation unit and the control information received by the communication unit are the same . The integrated management device calculates the total driving capacity by summing the driving capacities of the usage-side units in the operating state among the plurality of usage-side units based on the operation status information of the plurality of usage-side units. Further having a part,
The control information generation unit calculates a control operation capability of each of the plurality of heat source units based on the total operation capability calculated by the capability calculation unit and the operation state information of the plurality of heat source units. The air conditioning apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the calculated driving ability for control is used as the control information.   The control information generation unit distributes the total operation capability calculated by the capability calculation unit according to the operation state information of the plurality of heat source units, thereby controlling the operation capability for each of the plurality of heat source units. The air conditioning apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the air conditioner is calculated. The operation state information of the heat source unit includes at least one of an operation or stop state of the heat source unit, an operation mode, a heat exchange capacity, and an operation time of the compressor,
The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the operation state information of the use side unit includes at least one of an operation or stop state, an operation mode, and a set temperature of the use side unit. Each of the plurality of usage-side units further includes a remote controller that communicates with the usage-side control device,
The remote controller transmits instruction information for instructing an operation state of the usage-side unit to the usage-side control device,
The said usage-side control apparatus performs the said operation control according to the instruction information received from the said remote controller, and transmits the operation state information after the said operation control to the said integrated management apparatus. An air conditioner according to claim 1. The integrated management device includes:
A storage unit that stores operation state information of the plurality of heat source units and operation state information of the plurality of usage-side units;
The update part which updates the operation state information of the said some heat source machine memorize | stored in the said memory | storage part, and the operation state information of these use side units is further provided. The air conditioning apparatus described in 1. The heat source side control device
A storage unit that stores operation state information of the plurality of heat source units and operation state information of the plurality of usage-side units;
When it is determined that the control information generated by the control information generation unit and the control information received by the communication unit are not the same, the operation state information of the plurality of heat source units stored in the storage unit The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising an update unit that updates operation state information of the plurality of usage-side units. A control method of an air conditioner comprising: a plurality of heat source units connected in parallel; and a plurality of use side units connected in parallel to the plurality of heat source units via a heat medium pipe,
Each of the plurality of heat source machines includes a heat source side control device that performs operation control,
Each of the plurality of usage-side units includes a usage-side control device that performs operation control,
The control method of the air conditioner is:
The heat source side control device transmits operation state information of the heat source machine,
The use-side control device transmitting operation state information of the use-side unit;
The heat source side control device generates control information for each of the plurality of heat source units based on the operation state information of the plurality of heat source units and the operation state information of the plurality of usage side units;
The heat source side control device performing the operation control of the heat source machine according to the control information;
The heat source side control device transmits the control information to the plurality of heat source machines, and receives the control information generated by the plurality of heat source machines;
And determining whether or not the control information and the received control information are the same .

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