JP4811077B2 - Air conditioning system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an air conditioning system including a refrigerant circuit in which a heat source unit and a utilization unit are connected.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, air conditioning systems that perform indoor cooling and heating have been widely used in offices and general homes.

  For example, in the air conditioning system of Patent Document 1, a utilization circuit that is an indoor unit and a heat source unit that is an outdoor unit are connected by a refrigerant pipe to form a refrigerant circuit. The heat source unit is provided with a compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger, a four-way switching valve, and the like. On the other hand, the utilization unit is provided with an expansion valve and an indoor heat exchanger. Further, this air conditioning system is provided with a controller for inputting a room temperature desired by the user as a set temperature. In this air conditioning system, a cooling operation and a heating operation are possible by performing a vapor compression refrigeration cycle in a refrigerant circuit.

  Specifically, for example, during the cooling operation of the air conditioning system, the refrigerant compressed by the compressor is sent to the outdoor heat exchanger. In the outdoor heat exchanger, the refrigerant dissipates heat to the outdoor air and condenses. The refrigerant condensed in the outdoor heat exchanger is depressurized by the expansion valve and then sent to the indoor heat exchanger. In the indoor heat exchanger, the refrigerant absorbs heat from the indoor air and evaporates. As a result, the room is cooled. The refrigerant evaporated in the indoor heat exchanger is sucked into the compressor and compressed again.

In such a cooling operation, the compressor is continuously operated until the room temperature falls close to the set temperature, and the utilization unit is in an operating state. That is, during this time, the refrigerant flows through the indoor heat exchanger of the usage unit, and the usage unit is in a so-called thermo-on state. On the other hand, when the room temperature reaches near the set temperature, the compressor is stopped and the use unit is stopped. That is, during this time, the refrigerant does not flow into the indoor heat exchanger of the usage unit, and the usage unit is in a so-called thermo-off state. As described above, in the cooling operation and the heating operation of this type of air conditioning system, the compressor is started and stopped so that the room temperature is maintained near the set temperature, and the thermo-on and the thermo-off are repeated in the use unit.
JP 2002-147823 A

  On the other hand, in an air conditioning system like patent document 1, a user may input excessive preset temperature into a controller. Specifically, for example, the user may set the set temperature during cooling in the summer to 22 ° C. or set the set temperature during heating in the winter to 28 ° C. When the set temperature is set to an excessive temperature in this way, the room is overcooled or overheated. That is, under such a set temperature condition, the air conditioning capacity of the utilization unit tends to be excessive, which is not preferable from the viewpoint of energy saving.

  In order to avoid such excessive temperature setting by the user, if the set temperature during cooling is set to a certain level or the set temperature during heating is set to a high value to some extent, this set temperature is forced during cooling. It is also known that the set temperature is forcibly lowered during heating. However, when the set temperature is forcibly changed in this way, the room temperature approaches the set temperature forcibly changed, so that the room temperature easily reaches the set temperature, and the above-described thermo-on and thermo-off are frequently repeated. It will be. As a result, the indoor temperature tends to fluctuate and the comfort in the room is impaired. In addition, when the thermo-on and the thermo-off are repeated in this manner, the frequency of starting and stopping of the compressor increases, which causes a problem that the life of the compressor is shortened.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a point, and an object of the present invention is to ensure energy saving even when the set temperature is set to an excessive temperature while reducing the repetition frequency of the thermo-on and the thermo-off of the use unit. It is to provide an air conditioning system that can.

The first invention includes a refrigerant circuit (15) in which a heat source unit (11) having a compressor (41, 42) and a utilization unit (12) are connected, and the indoor temperature approaches the set temperature Ts. As such, the air conditioning system in which the air conditioning capacity of the utilization unit (12) is controlled is assumed. The air conditioning system then compares the preset energy saving target temperature To with the set temperature Ts of the usage unit (12) to determine whether or not the air conditioning capacity of the usage unit (12) is excessive. If the determination unit (101) and the determination unit (101) determine that the air conditioning capacity of the utilization unit (12) is excessive, the power consumption of the heat source unit (11) is less than or equal to a predetermined upper limit power value. And a weather information acquisition means (106) for acquiring weather information, comprising capability control means (102) for limiting power supplied to the compressor (41, 42) without changing the set temperature Ts. And a changing means (105) for changing the upper limit power value of the heat source unit (11) based on the weather information acquired by the weather information acquiring means (106), the changing means (105) Air conditioning load by comparing weather information and weather information of the day It predicted, when the air conditioning load increases to increase the upper limit power value, and is characterized in that to perform correction to reduce the upper limit power value when the air conditioning load is reduced.

  In the air conditioning system of the first invention, an energy saving target temperature To is set separately from the set temperature Ts that can be input by the user. The energy saving target temperature To is, for example, the indoor target temperature that is determined in advance by the owner of a building to which the air conditioning system is applied in order to ensure energy saving. Note that the energy saving target temperature To may be changed as appropriate according to the request of the owner or the like.

  In the first invention, the determination means (101) determines whether the air conditioning capacity of the utilization unit (12) is excessive. Specifically, for example, during cooling, if the user sets the set temperature Ts lower, the room may be too cold, and the air conditioning capacity of the usage unit (12) may be excessive. Therefore, the determination means (101) compares the above-mentioned energy saving target temperature To with the set temperature Ts input by the user. When the set temperature Ts is set lower than the energy saving target temperature To, it is determined that the air conditioning capacity of the usage unit (12) is excessive. When it is determined that the air conditioning capacity of the utilization unit (12) is excessive in this way, the capacity control means (102) compresses the power source unit (11) so that the power consumption of the heat source unit (11) is less than or equal to a predetermined upper limit power value. Limit the power supply of the machine (41, 42). As a result, even when the user sets the set temperature Ts lower, the power consumption of the heat source unit (11) does not exceed the upper limit power value.

  Further, the first invention does not forcibly change the set temperature input by the user as in the conventional air conditioning system described above. That is, in the air conditioning system of the present invention, the operation is performed so that the indoor temperature approaches the set temperature Ts while suppressing the power supplied to the compressor (41, 42) without changing the set temperature Ts set excessively by the user. Is called. Therefore, when the set temperature Ts is forcibly changed as in the conventional example, the room temperature easily reaches the set temperature, and the frequency of repetition of thermo-on and thermo-off of the use unit increases. Then, since the room temperature does not easily approach the set temperature Ts, the frequency of repeating the thermo-on and thermo-off of the use unit (12) is reduced.

The second invention comprises a refrigerant circuit (15) in which a heat source unit (11) having a compressor (41, 42) and a plurality of utilization units (12, 13) are connected, and the temperature in each room Is assumed to be an air conditioning system in which the air conditioning capability of each utilization unit (12, 13) is controlled so as to approach each set temperature Ts. In this air conditioning system, whether or not the air conditioning capacity of each usage unit (12, 13) is excessive by comparing the preset energy saving target temperature To with the set temperature Ts of each usage unit (12, 13). When the number of use units (12, 13) determined to be excessive by the determination unit (101) and the determination unit (101) is over a predetermined number, the heat source unit (11) Capacity control means (102) for limiting the power supplied to the compressor (41, 42) without changing each set temperature Ts so that the power consumption is less than a predetermined upper limit power value , and weather information Weather information acquisition means (106) to be acquired, and change means (105) for changing the upper limit power value of the heat source unit (11) based on the weather information acquired by the weather information acquisition means (106), the change means (105) includes a previous day weather Predicting the air conditioning load by comparing the weather day, when the air conditioning load increases to increase the upper limit power value, and performs correction to reduce the upper limit power value when the air conditioning load is small Is.

  The air conditioning system of the second invention is configured by a so-called multi-type air conditioning system in which a plurality of utilization units (12, 13) are connected to the heat source unit (11). The determination means (101) of the second invention individually compares the set temperature Ts input by the user for each use unit (12, 13) with the energy saving target temperature To determined in advance by the owner or the like. That is, the determination means (101) determines how many used units out of the plurality of used units (12, 13) have excessive air conditioning capability. The energy-saving target temperature To may be a plurality of values set for each usage unit (12, 13), or one value common to the usage units (12, 13). Also good.

  The capacity control means (102) of the second aspect of the present invention is that when the number of use units determined to have excessive air conditioning capacity exceeds a predetermined number, or occupies a predetermined ratio or more with respect to the total number, Similarly to the invention of, the supply power of the compressor (41, 42) is limited. That is, in the air conditioning system of the present invention, an operation for suppressing the power consumption of the heat source unit (11) is performed based on the number of utilization units in which the user sets the set temperature Ts excessively.

  Also in the second invention, the set temperature Ts of each utilization unit (12, 13) is not changed. Therefore, in the present invention, the frequency of repetition of thermo-on and thermo-off for each usage unit (12, 13) does not increase as in the conventional example.

In the first and second inventions, the weather information acquisition means (106) acquires past or current weather data such as weather, outdoor temperature, humidity, etc., and subsequent weather prediction data. The changing means (105) changes the upper limit power value of the heat source unit (11) based on the weather data. Specifically, for example, when the weather on the previous day is cloudy and the weather on the day is predicted to be sunny, it can be determined that the outside air temperature on the day is higher than the previous day. Therefore, the changing means (105) of the present invention corrects the upper limit power value of the heat source unit (11) to a high level in such a case. As a result, the air conditioning capacity of the usage unit (12) increases, so that the air conditioning capacity of the usage unit (12) is changed following the weather even when the outside air temperature suddenly increases during the day. be able to.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the air conditioning system of the first or second aspect, the use unit (12) is configured to be capable of cooling operation, and the determination means (101) is configured to perform the energy saving target temperature To during the cooling operation. When the set temperature Ts of the usage unit (12) is lower than a predetermined temperature, it is determined that the air conditioning capacity of the usage unit (12) is excessive.

  In the third invention, at least the cooling operation is performed in the utilization unit (12). During the cooling operation, the determination unit (101) determines that the user has set an excessive temperature when the set temperature Ts input by the user is lower than the energy saving target temperature To by a predetermined temperature or more, and the use unit (12 ) It is determined that the air conditioning capacity is excessive.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the air conditioning system of the third aspect, the determination means (101) has the set temperature Ts of the utilization unit (12) lower than the energy saving target temperature To by a predetermined temperature or more and the energy saving target. When the indoor temperature is lower than the temperature To by a predetermined temperature or more, it is determined that the air conditioning capacity of the utilization unit (12) is excessive.

  The determination means (101) of the fourth invention compares the energy saving target temperature To and the room temperature in addition to comparing the energy saving target temperature To and the set temperature Ts. Specifically, the determination means (101) first compares the energy saving target temperature To and the set temperature Ts in the same manner as in the third aspect of the invention during the cooling operation. That is, the determination unit (101) determines that the set temperature Ts is excessive when the set temperature Ts is lower than the energy saving target temperature To by a predetermined temperature or more. Next, the determination means (101) compares the energy saving target temperature To with the room temperature. Here, when the room temperature is lower than the energy saving target temperature To by a predetermined temperature or more, it is determined that the room is too cold and the air conditioning capacity of the utilization unit (12) is excessive. On the other hand, when the room temperature is not lower than the energy saving target temperature To by a predetermined temperature or more, it is determined that the room is not sufficiently cooled and the air conditioning capability of the utilization unit (12) is insufficient. Therefore, in such a case, it is determined that the air conditioning capacity of the utilization unit (12) is not excessive, and the power supply to the compressor (41, 42) is not limited by the capacity control means (102).

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the air conditioning system of the first or second aspect, the utilization unit (12) is configured to be capable of heating operation, and the determination means (101) is configured to save energy set in advance during the heating operation. When the set temperature Ts of the use unit (12) is higher than the target temperature To by a predetermined temperature or more, it is determined that the air conditioning capacity of the use unit (12) is excessive.

  In the fifth invention, at least the heating operation is performed in the utilization unit (12). During the heating operation, the determination unit (101) determines that the user has set an excessive temperature when the set temperature Ts input by the user is higher than the energy saving target temperature To by a predetermined temperature or more, and the use unit (12 ) It is determined that the air conditioning capacity is excessive.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the air conditioning system of the fifth aspect, the determining means (101) is configured such that, during the heating operation, the set temperature Ts of the utilization unit (12) is higher than a predetermined temperature by the energy saving target temperature To, In addition, when the room temperature is higher than the energy saving target temperature To by a predetermined temperature or more, it is determined that the air conditioning capacity of the use unit (12) is excessive.

In the sixth invention, during the heating operation, the determination means (101) compares the energy saving target temperature To with the set temperature Ts. Next, the determination means (101) compares the energy saving target temperature To with the room temperature. Here, when the set temperature Ts is higher than the energy saving target temperature To by a predetermined temperature and the room temperature is higher than the energy saving target temperature To by a predetermined temperature, the set temperature Ts is excessively high and the room is too warm. Can be considered. Therefore, in such a case, the determination means (101) determines that the utilization unit (12) is operating excessively .

  In the first invention, the energy saving target temperature To set in advance by the owner or the like and the set temperature Ts input by the user are compared, and it is determined whether or not the air conditioning capacity of the utilization unit (12) is excessive. I have to. And if it determines with the air-conditioning capability of a utilization unit (12) being excessive, the power supply of a compressor (41,42) will be restrict | limited, and the power consumption of a heat-source unit (11) will be suppressed below to a predetermined | prescribed upper limit power value. I am doing so. Therefore, according to the present invention, even when the user inputs an excessive set temperature Ts, the power consumption of the heat source unit (11) does not become lower than the upper limit power value, and the energy saving performance of this air conditioning system is ensured. Can be secured.

  Further, in the present invention, energy is saved by suppressing the power supplied to the compressor (41, 42) without changing the excessively set temperature Ts itself. Therefore, during this operation, the use unit (12) is kept in a substantially thermo-on state. For this reason, according to this invention, it can avoid that the repetition frequency of the thermo-on of a utilization unit and thermo-off increases like a prior art example. As a result, the fluctuation range of the indoor temperature can be reduced, and the comfort in the room can be improved. Moreover, since the stress accompanying the start / stop of the compressor (41, 42) can be reduced, the durability of the compressor (41, 42) can be improved.

  In the second invention, in a multi-type air conditioning system having a plurality of usage units (12, 13), when the number of usage units (12, 13) with excessive air conditioning capacity exceeds a predetermined number, the compressor (41, 42) ) Supply power is limited. Therefore, according to the present invention, the power consumption of the heat source unit (11) can be surely kept below the upper limit power value even when the air conditioning capacity of the use units (12, 13) exceeding the predetermined number is excessive. Can do. Also, as in the first aspect of the invention, by reducing the repetition frequency of the thermo-on and thermo-off of each usage unit (12, 13), fluctuations in room temperature can be suppressed, and the life of the compressor (41, 42) can be reduced. Can be long.

In the first and second inventions, the upper limit power value of the heat source unit (11) is appropriately changed to an optimal value based on weather information. Therefore, it is possible to ensure both the energy saving performance of the air conditioning system and the comfort of the room with a good balance.

  According to the third aspect, it is possible to easily determine whether or not the cooling capacity is excessive for the use unit (12) that performs the cooling operation. In particular, in the fourth invention, in addition to the comparison between the energy saving target temperature To and the set temperature Ts, the energy saving target temperature To and the room temperature are compared to determine whether or not the cooling capacity of the utilization unit (12) is excessive. is doing. For this reason, for example, although the set temperature Ts is extremely low, the power supplied to the compressor (41, 42) is limited under conditions where the room temperature is relatively high and the cooling capacity of the use unit (12) is insufficient. Can be avoided. As a result, indoor comfort during cooling operation can be maintained.

In the fifth invention, it is possible to easily determine whether or not the heating capacity is excessive for the utilization unit (12) that performs the heating operation. In particular, in the sixth invention, in addition to the comparison between the energy saving target temperature To and the set temperature Ts, the energy saving target temperature To and the room temperature are compared to determine whether the heating capacity of the utilization unit (12) is excessive. is doing. For this reason, for example, although the set temperature Ts is extremely high, the power supplied to the compressor (41, 42) is limited under the condition that the room temperature is relatively low and the heating capacity of the utilization unit (12) is insufficient. Can be avoided. As a result, indoor comfort during heating operation can be maintained .

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the air conditioning system (1) of the present embodiment includes an air conditioner (10), a controller (90), and a central management center (100). The air conditioner (10) and the controller (90) are provided in a building or the like. The air conditioner (10) and the controller (90) can transmit and receive data bidirectionally via the first communication network (90a). The central management center (100) is located at a different location from the air conditioner (10) and the controller (90). The controller (90) and the central management center (100) can transmit and receive data bidirectionally via the second communication network (100a).

<Configuration of air conditioner>
The air conditioner (10) includes one outdoor unit (11) and two indoor units (12, 13), and constitutes a so-called multi-type air conditioner. The air conditioner (10) includes a refrigerant circuit (15) that performs a refrigeration cycle by circulating the refrigerant, and is configured to perform switching between a cooling operation and a heating operation.

  In the present embodiment, two indoor units (12, 13) are used, but this is an example. That is, in the air conditioner (10) of the present invention, the number of indoor units (12, 13) is appropriately determined according to the capacity and usage of the outdoor unit (11).

  As shown in FIG. 2, the refrigerant circuit (15) includes one outdoor circuit (20), two indoor circuits (60, 65), a liquid side communication pipe (16), and a gas side communication pipe (17 ). Two indoor circuits (60, 65) are connected in parallel to the outdoor circuit (20) through a liquid side communication pipe (16) and a gas side communication pipe (17). The liquid side communication pipe (16) and the gas side communication pipe (17) constitute a communication pipe.

  The outdoor circuit (20) is housed in an outdoor unit (11) that is an outdoor unit. The outdoor unit (11) constitutes a heat source unit, and the outdoor circuit (20) constitutes a heat source side circuit. The outdoor circuit (20) includes a compressor unit (40), a four-way switching valve (21), an outdoor heat exchanger (22), an outdoor expansion valve (24), a receiver (23), and a liquid side shut-off valve (25 ) And a gas side closing valve (26).

  The compressor unit (40) is configured by connecting a first compressor (41) and a second compressor (42) in parallel. Each compressor (41, 42) is configured by housing a compression mechanism and an electric motor for driving the compression mechanism in a cylindrical housing. Note that the compression mechanism and the electric motor are not shown.

  The first compressor (41) has a constant capacity in which the electric motor is always driven at a constant rotational speed. The second compressor (42) has a variable capacity in which the rotational speed of the electric motor is changed stepwise or continuously. The compressor unit (40) is configured such that the capacity of the entire unit is variable by driving and stopping the first compressor (41) and changing the capacity of the second compressor (42).

  The compressor unit (40) is connected to a suction pipe (43) and a discharge pipe (44). One end of the suction pipe (43) is connected to the first port of the four-way switching valve (21), and the other end is branched into two and connected to the suction side of each compressor (41, 42). Yes. One end of the discharge pipe (44) is branched into two and connected to the discharge side of each compressor (41, 42), and the other end is connected to the second port of the four-way switching valve (21). Yes. The branch pipe of the discharge pipe (44) connected to the first compressor (41) is provided with a discharge side check valve (45). The discharge side check valve (45) only allows the refrigerant to flow in the direction of flowing out from the first compressor (41).

  The compressor unit (40) includes an oil separator (51), an oil return pipe (52), and an oil equalizing pipe (54). The oil separator (51) is provided in the middle of the discharge pipe (44). The oil separator (51) is for separating the refrigerating machine oil from the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (41, 42). One end of the oil return pipe (52) is connected to the oil separator (51), and the other end is connected to the suction pipe (43). The oil return pipe (52) is for returning the refrigeration oil separated by the oil separator (51) to the suction side of the compressor (41, 42), and includes an oil return solenoid valve (53). ing. One end of the oil equalizing pipe (54) is connected to the first compressor (41), and the other end is connected to the vicinity of the suction side of the second compressor (42) in the suction pipe (43). The oil leveling pipe (54) is for averaging the amount of refrigerating machine oil stored in the housing of each compressor (41, 42), and includes an oil leveling solenoid valve (55).

  The third port of the four-way switching valve (21) is connected to the gas side shutoff valve (26) by piping, and the fourth port is connected to the upper end of the outdoor heat exchanger (22) by piping. The four-way switching valve (21) includes a state in which the first port and the third port communicate with each other and a state in which the second port and the fourth port communicate with each other (state indicated by a solid line in FIG. 2), The state is switched to a state in which the port communicates with the fourth port and the second port communicates with the third port (a state indicated by a broken line in FIG. 2). The flow path of the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit (15) is changed by the switching operation of the four-way switching valve (21).

  The receiver (23) is a cylindrical container for storing the refrigerant. The receiver (23) is connected to the outdoor heat exchanger (22) and the liquid side shut-off valve (25) via the inflow pipe (30) and the outflow pipe (33).

  One end of the inflow pipe (30) is branched into two branch pipes (30a, 30b), and the other end is connected to the upper end of the receiver (23). The first branch pipe (30a) of the inflow pipe (30) is connected to the lower end of the outdoor heat exchanger (22). The first branch pipe (30a) is provided with a first inflow check valve (31). The first inflow check valve (31) only allows the refrigerant to flow from the outdoor heat exchanger (22) to the receiver (23). The second branch pipe (30b) of the inflow pipe (30) is connected to the liquid side stop valve (25). The second branch pipe (30b) is provided with a second inflow check valve (32). The second inflow check valve (32) only allows the refrigerant to flow from the liquid side stop valve (25) to the receiver (23).

  One end of the outflow pipe (33) is connected to the lower end of the receiver (23), and the other end is branched into two branch pipes (33a, 33b). The first branch pipe (33a) of the outflow pipe (33) is connected to the lower end of the outdoor heat exchanger (22). The first branch pipe (33a) is provided with the outdoor expansion valve (24). The outdoor expansion valve (24) constitutes a heat source side expansion mechanism. The second branch pipe (33b) of the outflow pipe (33) is connected to the liquid side closing valve (25). The second branch pipe (33b) is provided with an outflow check valve (34). The outflow check valve (34) only allows the refrigerant to flow from the receiver (23) to the liquid side closing valve (25).

  The outdoor heat exchanger (22) constitutes a heat source side heat exchanger. The outdoor heat exchanger (22) is a cross-fin type fin-and-tube heat exchanger. In the outdoor heat exchanger (22), the refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant circuit (15) and the outdoor air exchange heat.

  Further, the outdoor circuit (20) is provided with a gas vent pipe (35) and a pressure equalizing pipe (37).

  One end of the gas vent pipe (35) is connected to the upper end of the receiver (23), and the other end is connected to the suction pipe (43). The gas vent pipe (35) constitutes a communication path for introducing the gas refrigerant of the receiver (23) to the suction side of each compressor (41, 42). Further, the gas vent pipe (35) is provided with a gas vent solenoid valve (36). The degas solenoid valve (36) constitutes an opening / closing mechanism for intermittently flowing the gas refrigerant in the degas pipe (35).

  One end of the pressure equalizing pipe (37) is connected between the gas vent solenoid valve (36) and the receiver (23) in the gas vent pipe (35), and the other end is connected to the discharge pipe (44). Further, the pressure equalizing pipe (37) is provided with a pressure equalizing check valve (38) that allows only the refrigerant to flow from one end to the other end. This pressure equalization pipe (37) allows the gas refrigerant to escape and the receiver (23) to burst if the outside air temperature rises abnormally while the air conditioner (10) is stopped and the pressure in the receiver (23) becomes too high. It is for preventing it from doing. Accordingly, the refrigerant does not flow through the pressure equalizing pipe (37) during the operation of the air conditioner (10).

  One indoor circuit (60, 65) is provided for each indoor unit (12, 13) which is an indoor unit. Specifically, the first indoor circuit (60) is stored in the first indoor unit (12), and the second indoor circuit (65) is stored in the second indoor unit (13).

  Each indoor unit (12, 13) constitutes a utilization unit, and each indoor circuit (60, 65) constitutes a utilization side circuit.

  The first indoor circuit (60) is formed by connecting a first indoor heat exchanger (61) and a first indoor expansion valve (62) in series. The first indoor expansion valve (62) is connected by piping to the lower end of the first indoor heat exchanger (61), and constitutes a use side expansion mechanism. The second indoor circuit (65) is formed by connecting a second indoor heat exchanger (66) and a second indoor expansion valve (67) in series. The second indoor expansion valve (67) is connected by piping to the lower end of the second indoor heat exchanger (66), and constitutes a utilization side expansion mechanism.

  The first indoor heat exchanger (61) and the second indoor heat exchanger (66) constitute a utilization side heat exchanger. Each of the indoor heat exchangers (61, 66) is constituted by a cross fin type fin-and-tube heat exchanger. In each of the indoor heat exchangers (61, 66), the refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant circuit (15) and the room air exchange heat.

  One end of the liquid side communication pipe (16) is connected to the liquid side closing valve (25). The other end of the liquid side communication pipe (16) is branched into two, one of which is connected to the end of the first indoor circuit (60) on the first indoor expansion valve (62) side, and the other is The second indoor circuit (65) is connected to the end on the second indoor expansion valve (67) side. One end of the gas side communication pipe (17) is connected to the gas side closing valve (26). The other end of the gas side communication pipe (17) is branched into two, one of which is connected to the end of the first indoor circuit (60) on the first indoor heat exchanger (61) side, and the other is It is connected to the end of the two indoor circuit (65) on the second indoor heat exchanger (66) side.

  The outdoor unit (11) is provided with an outdoor fan (70). The outdoor fan (70) is for sending outdoor air to the outdoor heat exchanger (22). On the other hand, each of the first indoor unit (12) and the second indoor unit (13) is provided with an indoor fan (80). The indoor fan (80) is for sending indoor air to the indoor heat exchanger (61, 66).

  The air conditioner (10) is provided with temperature and pressure sensors. Specifically, the outdoor unit (11) is provided with an outdoor air temperature sensor (71) for detecting the temperature of the outdoor air. The outdoor heat exchanger (22) is provided with an outdoor heat exchanger temperature sensor (72) for detecting the heat transfer tube temperature. In the suction pipe (43), the suction pipe temperature sensor (73) for detecting the suction refrigerant temperature of the compressor (41, 42) and the suction refrigerant pressure of the compressor (41, 42) are detected, and the temperature And a low-pressure sensor (74) constituting detection means. The discharge pipe (44) detects the discharge refrigerant temperature of the compressor (41, 42), the discharge pipe temperature sensor (75), and the discharge refrigerant pressure of the compressor (41, 42). A high pressure sensor (76) and a high pressure switch (77) constituting detection means are provided.

  The first indoor unit (12) is provided with a first suction temperature sensor (81a) for detecting the temperature of the indoor air flowing into the first indoor heat exchanger (61). The second indoor unit (13) is provided with a second suction temperature sensor (81b) for detecting the temperature of the indoor air flowing into the second indoor heat exchanger (66). Each indoor heat exchanger (61, 66) is provided with one indoor heat exchanger temperature sensor (82) for detecting the heat transfer tube temperature. A gas side temperature sensor (83) for detecting the temperature of the gas refrigerant flowing through the indoor circuit (60, 65) is located near the upper end of the indoor heat exchanger (61, 66) in each indoor circuit (60, 65). One by one.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the outdoor unit (11) of the air conditioner (10) is provided with an ammeter (78) as a power detection means for detecting the power consumption of the outdoor unit (11). Yes.

<Configuration of controller>
The controller (90) is configured to control the operation of the air conditioner (10) in response to signals from the sensors and command signals from a remote controller or the like. Specifically, the controller (90) adjusts the opening degree of the outdoor expansion valve (24) and the indoor expansion valve (62, 67), switches the four-way switching valve (21), and degassed electromagnetic valve (36). The oil return solenoid valve (53) and the oil leveling solenoid valve (55) are opened and closed.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the controller (90) includes a set temperature input means (91), a target temperature input means (92), and a room information input means (93).

  The set temperature input means (91) is configured to set a set temperature Ts for each indoor unit (12, 13). That is, the set temperature Ts corresponding to the first indoor unit (12) and the second set temperature Ts corresponding to the second indoor unit (13) are set in the set temperature input means (91). Each of these set temperatures can be input by the user operating the remote control.

  The target temperature input means (92) is configured to set an energy saving target temperature To. This energy-saving target temperature To is a temperature determined in advance by the building owner or the like in order to perform an operation focusing on energy-saving performance in each indoor unit (12, 13). The energy-saving target temperature To cannot be changed from the remote controller operated by the user.

  The indoor information input means (93) is configured to set the environmental information of the room where each indoor unit (12, 13) is installed. In the indoor information input means (93) of the present embodiment, the necessary degree of air conditioning for the room corresponding to each indoor unit (12, 13) is set. Specifically, when a room corresponding to the first indoor unit (12) is used as a server room, the room information input means (93) is an “important facility” that requires active air conditioning. Otherwise, “normal equipment” is entered. As described above, the room information input means (93) constitutes environment information acquisition means for acquiring indoor environment information.

  The controller (90) configured as above outputs the signals detected by the sensors of the air conditioner (10) and the settings input to the input means (91, 92, 93) to the central control center (100). It is configured to be possible.

<Configuration of central management center>
The central management center (100) analyzes various data sent from the controller (90) and sends a control signal for the air conditioner (10) to perform an optimal operation to the controller (90).

  The central management center (100) includes a determination unit (101), a capability control unit (102), a first change unit (103), a second change unit (104), and a third change unit (105). I have. The details of each control operation of the determination means (101), capability control means (102), and each change means (103, 104, 105) will be described later.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the central management center (100) is provided with weather information acquisition means (106) for acquiring weather information. To this weather information acquisition means (106), past or present weather data, future weather forecast data, and the like are appropriately transmitted via the network.

-Driving action-
Next, the operation of the air conditioner (10) described above will be described. In the air conditioner (10), the following cooling operation and heating operation can be performed by switching the setting of the four-way switching valve (21).

<Cooling operation>
During the cooling operation, a cooling operation is performed in which the indoor heat exchanger (61, 66) serves as an evaporator. During this cooling operation, the four-way selector valve (21) is in a state indicated by a solid line in FIG. The outdoor expansion valve (24) is fully closed, and the first indoor expansion valve (62) and the second indoor expansion valve (67) are each adjusted to a predetermined opening degree. The degas solenoid valve (36) is kept closed, and the oil return solenoid valve (53) and the oil equalization solenoid valve (55) are appropriately opened and closed.

  When the compressor (41, 42) of the compressor unit (40) is operated, the refrigerant compressed by the compressor (41, 42) is discharged to the discharge pipe (44). This refrigerant flows through the outdoor heat exchanger (22) through the four-way switching valve (21). In the outdoor heat exchanger (22), the refrigerant dissipates heat to the outdoor air and condenses. The condensed refrigerant flows through the first branch pipe (30a) of the inflow pipe (30), passes through the first inflow check valve (31), and flows into the receiver (23). Thereafter, the refrigerant flows from the receiver (23) through the outflow pipe (33), passes through the outflow check valve (34), and flows into the liquid side communication pipe (16).

  The refrigerant that has flowed through the liquid side communication pipe (16) is divided into two, one flowing into the first indoor circuit (60) and the other flowing into the second indoor circuit (65). In each indoor circuit (60, 65), the refrigerant is decompressed by the indoor expansion valve (62, 67) and then flows into the indoor heat exchanger (61, 66). In the indoor heat exchanger (61, 66), the refrigerant absorbs heat from the room air and evaporates. That is, indoor air is cooled in each indoor heat exchanger (61, 66).

  The refrigerant evaporated in each of the indoor heat exchangers (61, 66) flows through the gas side communication pipe (17), joins and then flows into the outdoor circuit (20). Thereafter, the refrigerant is sucked into the compressor (41, 42) of the compressor unit (40) through the four-way switching valve (21) and the suction pipe (43). These compressors (41, 42) compress the sucked refrigerant and discharge it again. In the refrigerant circuit (15), such circulation of the refrigerant is repeated.

<Heating operation>
During the heating operation, a heating operation is performed in which the indoor heat exchanger (61, 66) serves as a condenser. During the heating operation, the four-way selector valve (21) is in a state indicated by a broken line in FIG. The outdoor expansion valve (24), the first indoor expansion valve (62), and the second indoor expansion valve (67) are each adjusted to a predetermined opening degree. The oil return solenoid valve (53) and the oil equalizing solenoid valve (55) are appropriately opened and closed. The degas solenoid valve (36) is always kept open while the heating operation is being performed.

  When the compressor (41, 42) of the compressor unit (40) is operated, the refrigerant compressed by the compressor (41, 42) is discharged to the discharge pipe (44). This refrigerant flows through the gas-side connecting pipe (17) through the four-way switching valve (21), and is distributed to the indoor circuits (60, 65).

  The refrigerant flowing into each indoor circuit (60, 65) dissipates heat to the indoor air and condenses in each indoor heat exchanger (61, 65). In each of the first indoor heat exchangers (61, 65), the indoor air is heated by the heat radiation of the refrigerant. The condensed refrigerant is depressurized by the indoor expansion valves (62, 67) and flows into the outdoor circuit (20) through the liquid side communication pipe (16).

  The refrigerant flowing into the outdoor circuit (20) flows through the second branch pipe (30b) of the inflow pipe (30), passes through the second inflow check valve (32), and flows into the receiver (23). Thereafter, the refrigerant flows from the receiver (23) through the outflow pipe (33), through the outdoor expansion valve (24), and then to the outdoor heat exchanger (22). In the outdoor heat exchanger (22), the refrigerant absorbs heat from the outdoor air and evaporates. The evaporated refrigerant passes through the four-way switching valve (21), passes through the suction pipe (43), and is sucked into the compressor (41, 42) of the compressor unit (40). These compressors (41, 42) compress the sucked refrigerant and discharge it again. In the refrigerant circuit (15), such circulation of the refrigerant is repeated.

-Capability control-
Next, capacity control of each indoor unit (12, 13) of the air conditioning system (1) according to the present embodiment will be described.

<Basic control operation>
In principle, the air conditioning capacity of each indoor unit (12, 13) is changed so that the room temperature approaches the set temperature Ts. Specifically, the controller (90) detects the set temperature Ts corresponding to each indoor unit (12, 13) and the indoor temperature detected by the suction temperature sensor (81a, 81b) of each indoor unit (12, 13). (Suction temperature Tr) is compared with each other. For example, during the cooling operation, when the suction temperature Tr of the first indoor unit (12) is lower than the set temperature Ts of the first indoor unit (12), the first indoor unit (12) is in a thermo-on state. When the first indoor unit (12) is thermo-on, the refrigerant flows through the first indoor heat exchanger (61), and the first indoor unit (12) performs a cooling operation. On the other hand, when the suction temperature Tr of the first indoor unit (12) reaches the set temperature Ts by such a cooling operation, the first indoor unit (12) enters the thermo-off state. When the first indoor unit (12) is thermo-off, the first indoor expansion valve (62) is fully closed and, for example, the first compressor (41) is stopped. As a result, since the refrigerant does not flow through the first indoor heat exchanger (61), the cooling operation is not performed in the first indoor heat exchanger (61).

  The second indoor unit (13) is thermo-ON and thermo-OFF in the same manner as the first indoor unit (12) with reference to the set temperature Ts corresponding to the second indoor unit (13). Similarly, during the heating operation of the air conditioner (10), the indoor units (12, 13) are thermo-ON and thermo-OFF.

<Ability saving control>
By the way, in such an air conditioning system, the user may input an excessive set temperature to the controller. Specifically, for example, the user may set the set temperature during cooling in the summer to 22 ° C. or set the set temperature during heating in the winter to 28 ° C. When the set temperature is set to an excessive temperature in this way, the room is overcooled or overheated. That is, under such a set temperature condition, the air conditioning capacity of the indoor unit becomes excessive, which is not preferable from the viewpoint of energy saving.

  Therefore, in the air conditioning system (1) according to the present embodiment, when the set temperature Ts of each indoor unit (12, 13) is set to an excessive temperature in this way, the compressor unit (40) (compressor (41 , 42)), the ability saving control is performed to limit the power supplied to the equipment.

<Determination of over-run indoor units>
Various data from the controller (90) are appropriately transmitted to the central management center (100). Based on these data, the determination means (101) of the central management center (100) performs a determination operation for determining whether the air conditioning capacity of each indoor unit (12, 13) is excessive. In the determination operation by the determination means (101), an average value, an integrated value, a maximum value, a minimum value, a representative value, etc. are used for various data from the present time to the past one hour.

  As shown in FIG. 3, in this determination operation, the first indoor unit (12) is first determined. Here, in step S1, when the first indoor unit (12) is stopped, the process proceeds to step S6, and the second indoor unit (13) is set as a determination target. That is, in this determination operation, the stopped indoor unit is excluded from the determination target. On the other hand, in step S1, when the first indoor unit (12) is in operation, the first indoor unit (12) becomes a determination target, and the process proceeds to step S2.

  In step S2, the determination means (101) compares the energy saving target temperature To with the set temperature Ts of the first indoor unit (12). Here, in the case of the first indoor unit (12) during the cooling operation, when the set temperature Ts is lower than the energy saving target temperature To by A ° C. (for example, 1 ° C.) or more, the set temperature Ts is set to be lower. On the other hand, the process proceeds to step S3. Otherwise, the set temperature Ts is regarded as reaching the energy saving target temperature To, and the process proceeds to step S6. That is, in this case, it is not determined that the cooling capacity of the first indoor unit (12) is excessive.

  In step S2, if the set temperature Ts is higher than the energy-saving target temperature To by B ° C (for example, 1 ° C) or more in the first indoor unit (12) in the heating operation, the set temperature Ts is set higher. On the other hand, the process proceeds to step S3. If not, the set temperature Ts is considered to have reached the energy saving target temperature To, and the process proceeds to step S6. That is, in this case, it is not determined that the heating capacity of the first indoor unit (12) is excessive.

  In step S3, the determination means (101) compares the energy saving target temperature To with the suction temperature Tr of the first indoor unit (12). Here, in the first indoor unit (12) during the cooling operation, if the suction temperature Tr is lower than the energy saving target temperature To by C ° C. (for example, 0.5 ° C.) or more, it is determined that the room is too cold. On the other hand, the process proceeds to step S4. On the other hand, if not, the room is regarded as not cooled so much and the process proceeds to step S6. That is, in this case, it is not determined that the cooling capacity of the first indoor unit (12) is excessive.

  In step S3, if the first indoor unit (12) is in the heating operation, if the suction temperature Tr is higher than the energy saving target temperature To by D ° C (for example, 0.5 ° C) or more, the room is too warm. If not, the process proceeds to step S6. On the other hand, if this is not the case, it is determined that the room is not warmed, and the process proceeds to step S6. That is, in this case, it is not determined that the heating capacity of the first indoor unit (12) is excessive.

  In step S4, it is determined whether or not the opening degree of the first indoor expansion valve (62) corresponding to the first indoor unit (12) is smaller than a predetermined opening degree (abnormal opening degree). That is, the first indoor expansion valve (62) is controlled such that the opening degree is increased when the cooling capacity and the heating capacity of the first indoor unit (12) are insufficient. Therefore, when the opening degree of the first indoor expansion valve (62) is extremely large, there is a high possibility that some abnormality has occurred in the first indoor unit (12). Therefore, if the opening degree of the first indoor expansion valve (62) is greater than or equal to the abnormal opening degree in step S4, it is difficult to determine that the cooling capacity or heating capacity of the first indoor unit (12) is excessive. The process proceeds to S6. On the other hand, when the opening degree of the first indoor expansion valve (62) is smaller than the abnormal opening degree, the process proceeds to step S5.

  If it is determined that the air conditioning capacity of the first indoor unit (12) is excessive, the number of excessive determination indoor units N = 1 is counted in step S5. And if it transfers to step S6, the same determination will be performed also about the 2nd indoor unit (13) used as the next determination object. Here, when it is determined that the air conditioning capacity of the second indoor unit (13) is excessive, the number of excessively determined indoor units N = 2 is counted. When the present invention is applied to an air conditioning system having two or more indoor units, the number N of excess determined indoor units sequentially increases in accordance with the number of indoor units determined to have excessive air conditioning capacity. Become.

<Determining indoor units that do not comply with ability saving control>
In addition, the determination means (101) is in a state suitable for each indoor unit (12, 13) performing capacity saving control based on the operation data of each indoor unit (12, 13) of the air conditioner (10). It is determined whether or not. In this determination operation, an average value, an integrated value, a maximum value, a minimum value, a representative value, and the like are used for various data from the present time to the past one hour.

  As shown in FIG. 4, in this determination operation, in step S11, it is determined whether the first indoor unit (12) is “important equipment” or “normal equipment”. Here, the room corresponding to the first indoor unit (12) is used as a server room, and the setting of the room information input means (93) for the first indoor unit (12) is “important equipment”. If this is the case, it can be determined that this room has a high air conditioning load and is not suitable for capacity saving control. Therefore, in this case, the process proceeds to step S15, and it is determined that there is an incompatible indoor unit for the capacity saving control in the air conditioner (10). On the other hand, when the setting of the room information input means (93) for the first indoor unit (12) is “normal equipment” in step S11, the process proceeds to step S12.

  In step S12, the determination means (101) compares the energy saving target temperature To with the set temperature Ts of the first indoor unit (12). Here, in the case of the first indoor unit (12) in the cooling operation, when the set temperature Ts is higher than the energy saving target temperature To by E ° C (for example, 1 ° C) or more, the set temperature Ts is set higher. If it is determined that it is not necessary to perform the ability saving control, the process proceeds to step S13. If not, the process proceeds to step S14. In step S12, if the first indoor unit (12) is in the heating operation, when the set temperature Ts is lower than the energy saving target temperature To by F ° C or more, the set temperature Ts is set lower, and the capacity is saved. It is determined that it is not necessary to perform control, and the process proceeds to step S13. If not, the process proceeds to step S14.

  In step S13, the determination means (101) compares the suction temperature Tr and the set temperature Ts for the first indoor unit (12). Here, when the cooling operation is being performed, if the suction temperature Tr is higher than the set temperature Ts, it is determined that the cooling capacity of the first indoor unit (12) is insufficient and is not suitable for performing the energy saving control. it can. Therefore, in this case, the process proceeds to step S15. Otherwise, the process proceeds to step S14. Moreover, in step S13, if the suction temperature Tr is lower than the set temperature Ts during the heating operation, the heating capacity of the first indoor unit (12) is insufficient, which is suitable for performing energy saving save control. It can be judged that there is no. Therefore, in this case, the process proceeds to step S15. Otherwise, the process proceeds to step S14.

  In step S14, it is determined whether the opening degree of the first indoor expansion valve (62) corresponding to the first indoor unit (12) is larger than a predetermined opening degree (abnormal opening degree). As described above, the first indoor expansion valve (62) is controlled so that the opening degree is increased when the cooling capacity and the heating capacity of the first indoor unit (12) are insufficient. Therefore, if the opening degree of the first indoor expansion valve (62) is larger than the abnormal opening degree, it is determined that some abnormality has occurred in the first indoor unit (12), and the process proceeds to step S15. Proceeds to step S16.

  In step S16, the second indoor unit (13), which is the next indoor unit, becomes a determination target, and the same determination is made by returning to step S11. This determination operation is repeated until the determination is completed for all indoor units of the air conditioner (10).

<Upper limit power value update operation>
When the determination operation shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 ends, the central control center (100) updates the upper limit power value of the outdoor unit (11) of the air conditioner (10) based on the determination result of the determination means (101). Is performed. At the start of the initial operation of the air conditioner (10), the upper limit power value of the outdoor unit (11) is set to the rated power consumption of the outdoor unit (11). The initial upper limit power value may be a predetermined ratio (for example, 90%) of the rated power consumption of the outdoor unit (11), and this initial ratio may be appropriately determined according to the above-described energy saving target temperature To. .

  As shown in FIG. 5, the centralized management center (100) evaluates the determination results for the past hour obtained by the determination means (101). Specifically, first, in step S21, the first changing means (103) evaluates whether or not the capacity saving control incompatible indoor unit exists with respect to the previous determination result of the determining means (101). Here, when there is no capacity saving control-incompatible indoor unit, the process proceeds to step S22.

  In step S22, the second changing means (104) evaluates whether each indoor unit (12, 13) has been operating normally in the past hour. Here, when each of the indoor units (12, 13) is operating normally, the process proceeds to step S23.

  In step S23, it is determined whether or not the ratio of the number N of indoor units determined to be “excess” to the total number of indoor units of the air conditioner (10) is equal to or greater than a predetermined ratio (I%). Specifically, for example, when the air conditioning capacity of the first indoor unit (12) is determined to be “excess” and set to I = 50%, it is determined as “excess” in the operation for the past one hour. It is determined that there are too many indoor units, and the process proceeds to step S24. As a result, in step S24, the upper limit power value of the outdoor unit (11) is changed to a value lower than the previous one. On the other hand, when the condition of step S23 is not satisfied, that is, when it is determined that there are few indoor units whose air conditioning capability is determined to be “excess”, the process proceeds to step S25. In step S25, the upper limit power value of the outdoor unit (11) is not changed.

  On the other hand, if there is at least one indoor unit that does not comply with the ability saving control in step S21 described above, or if there is even one indoor unit not performing normal operation in step S22 described above, the process proceeds to step S26. Transition. In step S26, the upper limit power value of the outdoor unit (11) is updated to a value higher than the previous one.

Thereafter, in step S27, the third changing means (105) further corrects the upper limit power value determined through step S24, 25 or 26 based on the weather data stored in the weather information acquisition means (106). To do. Specifically, the third changing means (105) compares the previous day's weather data with the current day's weather data (including weather forecast data). Here, for example, at the time of cooling operation, if the outside air temperature or humidity on the day is lower than the previous day, it can be predicted that the cooling load will be lower than that on the previous day in the operation on the same day. On the other hand, the correction for decreasing is performed, and in the opposite case, the correction for increasing the upper limit power value is performed. Also, for example, during heating operation, if the outdoor air temperature or humidity on the day is higher than the previous day, it can be predicted that the heating load will be lower than the previous day, so the upper limit power value is also reduced in such a case. On the other hand, in the opposite case, correction is performed to increase the upper limit power value.

  Thereafter, when the upper limit power value is determined in step S28, the capacity control means (102) transmits a control signal for the compressor unit (40) to the controller (90). Specifically, the capacity control means (102) limits the power supplied to each compressor (41, 42) so that the power consumption of the outdoor unit (11) is less than or equal to the upper limit power value determined in step S28. To do. As a result, the capacity of the compressor unit (40) is appropriately adjusted while setting the supplied power as the maximum power.

  As described above, in the air conditioning system (1) of the present embodiment, the control operation shown in FIGS. 3 to 5 is repeatedly performed, so that the compressor is updated while appropriately updating the upper limit power value of the outdoor unit (11). The power supplied to the unit (40) is changed. The central management center (100) stores the actual power consumption of the outdoor unit (11) when the capacity saving control is performed as appropriate, and at the same time, if the capacity saving control is not performed, the outdoor unit ( The level of power consumption in 11) can be determined by simulation. In the central control center (100), the power consumption of the outdoor unit (11) is compared and evaluated depending on whether the ability is saved or not. This result is presented to the owner of the building to which the air conditioning system (1) is applied, and is used as an index for reviewing the energy saving target temperature To.

-Effect of the embodiment-
As described above, in the above embodiment, the preset energy saving target temperature To and the set temperature Ts are compared, and it is determined whether or not the air conditioning capacity of each indoor unit (12, 13) is excessive. ing. In the above embodiment, when it is determined that the air conditioning capacity of the predetermined number or more of the indoor units (12, 13) is excessive, the upper limit power value of the outdoor unit (11) is reduced, and the outdoor unit (11) The power supplied to the compressor unit (40) is limited so that the power consumption of the compressor is less than or equal to the upper limit power value. For this reason, according to the above embodiment, even when the user raises or lowers the set temperature Ts, the power consumption of the outdoor unit (11) can be suppressed, and the energy saving performance of the air conditioning system is reliably ensured. Can be secured.

  Moreover, the said embodiment does not change the preset temperature input into excess temperature compulsorily like the conventional air conditioning system mentioned above. That is, in the above embodiment, an operation is performed in which the room temperature approaches the set temperature Ts while suppressing the power supplied to the compressor unit (40) without changing the set temperature Ts set by the user. Therefore, when the set temperature is forcibly changed to an appropriate temperature as in the conventional example, the room temperature reaches the set temperature immediately, and the thermo-on and thermo-off in each indoor unit (12, 13) are repeated. In contrast to the increased frequency, in the above-described embodiment, the indoor temperature does not suddenly approach the set temperature Ts, so the frequency of repeating the thermo-on and thermo-off in each indoor unit (12, 13) is reduced. As a result, according to the embodiment, the fluctuation range of the indoor temperature can be reduced, and the comfort in the room can be improved. Moreover, since the stress accompanying the start / stop of each compressor (41, 42) can be reduced, the durability of each compressor (41, 42) can be improved.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, based on the environmental information of the room in which each indoor unit (12,13) is provided, ie, the determination result of whether each room is "important equipment", the 1st change means (103 ) Updates the upper limit power value of the outdoor unit (11). Specifically, the first changing means (103) increases the upper limit power value of the outdoor unit (11) when there is “important equipment”. As a result, since the air conditioning capability of each indoor unit (12, 13) can be increased, it is possible to avoid a lack of cooling capability in a server room having a high cooling load in summer, for example.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, based on the operation information of each indoor unit (12,13), ie, the determination result of whether each indoor unit (12,13) is operating normally, 2nd change means (104 ) Updates the upper limit power value of the outdoor unit (11). Specifically, the second changing means (104) increases the upper limit power value when each indoor unit (12, 13) is operating abnormally for a predetermined determination period. As a result, it is possible to avoid further deterioration in the air conditioning capability of the indoor units (12, 13) that were in abnormal operation.

  Furthermore, in the said embodiment, the 3rd change means (105) correct | amends the upper limit electric power value of an outdoor unit (11) based on the weather data accumulate | stored in a centralized control center (100). Accordingly, the indoor unit (12,13) has a weather condition in which the air conditioning load of the indoor unit (12, 13) is excessively reduced or the air conditioning load is likely to be low, despite the weather in which the air conditioning load is likely to be high. 13), it is possible to avoid excessively increasing the air conditioning capacity. Therefore, this air conditioning system (1) can achieve both indoor comfort and energy saving.

<< Other Embodiments >>
About the said embodiment, it is good also as following structures.

  In the above-described embodiment, the capability saving control as described above is performed for the so-called multi-type air conditioner (10). However, for the so-called pair type air conditioner (10) having the refrigerant circuit (15) to which the pair of outdoor units (11) and the indoor unit (12) are connected, the capability saving control is performed in the same manner as in the above embodiment. You can go. In this case, the determination means (101) compares the preset energy saving target temperature To with the set temperature Ts of one indoor unit (12), and the air conditioning capacity of the indoor unit (12) is excessive. To determine. If it is determined that the air conditioning capacity of the indoor unit (12) is excessive, the upper limit power value of the outdoor unit (11) is reduced as shown in step S24 of FIG. 5, and the power consumption of the outdoor unit (11) is reduced. The power supply to the compressor may be limited by the capacity control means (102) so that the power becomes less than or equal to the upper limit power value.

  Further, in the above embodiment, the environment information of each room is set in advance in the room information input means (93), which is the environment information acquisition means, and whether each room is “important equipment” or “normal equipment”. Judgment is made. However, this environment information acquisition means may automatically acquire the environment information of each room according to the operation time of each indoor unit (12, 13). Specifically, for example, when the operation time of the indoor unit (12) continues for 24 hours or more, it can be determined that the room in which the indoor unit (12) is installed has a high degree of necessity for air conditioning. Therefore, for example, when such continuous operation for 24 hours or more occupies 1/3 or more in one month, it is possible to automatically determine that this room is an “important facility”.

  Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the air conditioner (10), the controller (90), and the centralized management center (100) exchange data with each other to perform capability saving control. However, for example, the controller (90) may have the function of the central management center (100), and the above-described capability saving control may be performed only by the air conditioner (10) and the controller (90).

  In each of the indoor units (12, 13) of the above embodiment, in the basic control operation for bringing the room temperature close to the set temperature Ts, the refrigerant evaporation temperature of each indoor heat exchanger (111, 116) is predetermined during cooling operation. The capacity of each compressor (41, 42) so that the refrigerant condensing temperature of each indoor heat exchanger (111, 116) becomes a predetermined target refrigerant condensing temperature during heating operation so that the target refrigerant evaporating temperature becomes (Capacity) may be controlled. Here, the target refrigerant evaporating temperature or the target refrigerant condensing temperature may be appropriately changed according to the relationship between the air conditioning capability of each indoor unit and the air conditioning load. Specifically, for example, if the air conditioning load is relatively small and the air conditioning capacity of the indoor unit is excessive, and the difference between the set temperature Ts and the suction temperature Tr is small, the target refrigerant evaporation temperature is greatly changed during cooling operation. Then, if the target refrigerant condensing temperature is changed to be small during heating operation, the capacity of each compressor (41, 42) can be reduced. As a result, the energy saving performance of the air conditioning system can be further improved. Note that whether or not the air conditioning capacity of each indoor unit is excessive may be determined from other factors than the temperature difference between the set temperature Ts and the suction temperature Tr. Specifically, these judgment criteria include the operation information of each indoor unit (opening of the indoor expansion valve, the number of start / stop times of each indoor unit, etc.), the environmental information of the room where each indoor unit is installed (server room etc. Whether it is an important facility), past or present weather data, and subsequent weather forecast data, etc., to determine whether the air conditioning capacity is excessive or not, and based on the result, the target refrigerant evaporation temperature and You may make it change target refrigerant | coolant condensing temperature suitably.

  In addition, the above embodiment is an essentially preferable illustration, Comprising: It does not intend restrict | limiting the range of this invention, its application thing, or its use.

  As described above, the present invention is useful for an air conditioning system including a refrigerant circuit in which a heat source unit and a utilization unit are connected.

It is a schematic structure figure showing the whole air-conditioning system composition concerning an embodiment of the present invention. It is a piping system diagram which shows schematic structure of the refrigerant circuit of an air conditioner. It is a flowchart which shows the determination operation | movement of the indoor unit used as excessive operation. It is a flowchart which shows the determination operation | movement of a capacity saving control nonconforming indoor unit. It is a flowchart which shows the update operation | movement of an upper limit electric power value.

1 Air conditioning system
10 Air conditioner
11 Outdoor unit (heat source unit)
12 1st indoor unit (Usage unit)
13 Second indoor unit (Usage unit)
15 Refrigerant circuit
41 1st compressor
42 Second compressor
90 controller
100 Central Management Center
101 Judgment means
102 Capacity control means
105 Third change means (change means)

Claims (6)

A refrigerant circuit (15) is formed by connecting a heat source unit (11) having a compressor (41, 42) and a utilization unit (12), and the utilization unit (12 Air conditioning system in which the air conditioning capacity is controlled,
A determination means (101) for comparing the preset energy saving target temperature To with the set temperature Ts of the use unit (12) to determine whether the air conditioning capacity of the use unit (12) is excessive; ,
If it is determined by the determination means (101) that the air conditioning capacity of the utilization unit (12) is excessive, the set temperature Ts is set so that the power consumption of the heat source unit (11) is less than or equal to a predetermined upper limit power value. Capacity control means (102) for limiting the power supplied to the compressor (41, 42) without changing
Weather information acquisition means (106) for acquiring weather information;
Based on the weather information acquired by the weather information acquisition means (106), the change means (105) for changing the upper limit power value of the heat source unit (11),
The change means (105) predicts the air conditioning load by comparing the weather information of the previous day with the weather information of the day, increases the upper limit power value when the air conditioning load increases, and increases the upper limit when the air conditioning load decreases. An air conditioning system characterized by performing correction to reduce the electric power value . It has a refrigerant circuit (15) in which a heat source unit (11) having a compressor (41, 42) and a plurality of usage units (12, 13) are connected, and the temperature in each room is set to each set temperature Ts. An air conditioning system in which the air conditioning capacity of each usage unit (12, 13) is controlled so as to approach,
Judgment to determine whether the air conditioning capacity of each usage unit (12, 13) is excessive by comparing the preset energy saving target temperature To with the set temperature Ts of each usage unit (12, 13). Means (101);
When the number of use units (12, 13) determined by the determination means (101) to be excessive in air conditioning capacity exceeds a predetermined number, the power consumption of the heat source unit (11) is less than a predetermined upper limit power value. And capacity control means (102) for limiting the power supplied to the compressor (41, 42) without changing the set temperatures Ts ,
Weather information acquisition means (106) for acquiring weather information;
Based on the weather information acquired by the weather information acquisition means (106), the change means (105) for changing the upper limit power value of the heat source unit (11),
The change means (105) predicts the air conditioning load by comparing the weather information of the previous day with the weather information of the day, increases the upper limit power value when the air conditioning load increases, and increases the upper limit when the air conditioning load decreases. An air conditioning system characterized by performing correction to reduce the electric power value . In claim 1 or 2,
The usage unit (12) is configured to be capable of cooling operation,
When the set temperature Ts of the usage unit (12) is lower than a predetermined temperature by the determination unit (101) during the cooling operation, the air conditioning capacity of the usage unit (12) is excessive. The air conditioning system characterized by determining. In claim 3,
In the cooling operation, the determination means (101) is configured such that the set temperature Ts of the use unit (12) is lower than a predetermined temperature by a predetermined temperature or lower than the energy saving target temperature To and the room temperature is lower than the predetermined temperature by the energy saving target temperature To. In this case, the air conditioning system determines that the air conditioning capacity of the utilization unit (12) is excessive. In claim 1 or 2,
The usage unit (12) is configured to be capable of heating operation,
In the heating operation, the determination means (101) determines the air conditioning capability of the usage unit (12) when the set temperature Ts of the usage unit (12) is higher than a preset temperature by a predetermined temperature above the preset energy saving target temperature To. An air conditioning system characterized in that it is determined to be excessive. In claim 5,
In the heating operation, the determination means (101) is configured such that the set temperature Ts of the use unit (12) is higher than a predetermined temperature by the energy saving target temperature To and the room temperature is higher than the energy saving target temperature To by a predetermined temperature or more. In this case, the air conditioning system determines that the air conditioning capacity of the utilization unit (12) is excessive.

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