JP7587153B2 - Air conditioner installation support system, installation support method, and installation support device - Google Patents

Description

This disclosure relates to an installation support system, an installation support method, and an installation support device for an air conditioning device.

Patent Document 1 discloses an air conditioner equipped with a shutoff valve as a safety device. The shutoff valve is provided in the refrigerant piping of the air conditioner. If refrigerant leaks in the target space, the shutoff valve closes. Such a safety device can prevent refrigerant from leaking from the target space.

JP 2017-9267 A

Whether or not to install a safety device for the target space can be determined based on the amount of refrigerant used by the air conditioning system, M, and the volume of the target space. This is because the higher the concentration of refrigerant that leaks into the target space, the greater the need for a safety device. However, leaked refrigerant may spread not only to the target space, but also to other spaces adjacent to the target space. In such a situation, it is necessary to identify the actual volume of the space into which the refrigerant may leak, making it difficult to determine whether or not a safety device is necessary.

The air conditioning device installation support system of the first aspect includes a control unit (130, C8). The control unit (130, C8) acquires information on the amount of refrigerant used M by the air conditioning device (10), information on a first volume V1 corresponding to a first room (R1) forming a target space (S) for air conditioning, information on a second volume V2 corresponding to a second room (R2) adjacent to the first room (R1), and information on an opening (O) connecting the first room (R1) and the second room (R2). The control unit (130, C8) executes a first process to determine whether to set only the first volume V1 as the effective volume Va or to set the sum of the first volume V1 and the second volume V2 as the effective volume Va based on the information on the opening (O). The control unit (130, C8) executes a second process to determine whether or not to provide a safety device (5) to prevent leakage of refrigerant, based on information about the amount of refrigerant used M by the air conditioning device (10) and the effective volume Va determined in the first process.

According to the first aspect, based on information about the opening (O), it is possible to determine whether only the first volume V1 of the first chamber (R1), which is the target space (S), is to be the effective volume Va, or whether the sum of the first volume V1 of the first chamber (R1) and the second volume V2 of the second chamber (R2) is to be the effective volume Va. Therefore, it is possible to identify the volume of the space from which the refrigerant may leak, making it easier to determine whether a safety device (5) is necessary.

The installation support system of the second aspect is the first aspect, in which the control unit (130, C8) acquires information about the first volume V1 and the second volume V2 based on the height from the floor surface (F) of the first room (R1) to the air conditioning device (10).

According to the second viewpoint, the range from the air conditioning device (10) to the floor surface (F) can be regarded as the height at which the refrigerant leaks, and the control unit (130, C8) acquires information on the first volume V1 and the second volume V2 based on this height.

The installation support system of the third aspect is the first or second aspect, in which the control unit (130, C8) determines the effective volume Va in the first process based on an opening (O) that is located at a position lower than a predetermined height position.

According to the third aspect, the control unit (130, C8) determines the effective volume Va based on an opening (O) that is in a relatively low position, which improves the accuracy of the determination result regarding the necessity of the safety device (5). Since the refrigerant is heavier than air and flows down to near the floor surface (F), it is more likely to flow through an opening (O) that is in a low position. By taking this opening (O) into consideration, the volume of the space from which the refrigerant may leak through the opening (O) can be determined with greater accuracy.

The fourth aspect of the installation system is any one of the first to third aspects, in which the control unit (130, C8) determines the effective volume Va based on an opening (O) formed along the floor surface (F) in the first process.

According to the fourth aspect, the effective volume Va is determined based on the opening (O) formed along the floor surface (F), which improves the accuracy of the determination result of the need for a safety device (5). Since the refrigerant is heavier than air and flows down to the vicinity of the floor surface (F), it is highly likely to flow through the opening (O) formed along the floor surface (F). By taking this opening (O) into consideration, the volume of the space from which the refrigerant may leak through the opening (O) can be determined with greater accuracy.

The installation system of the fifth aspect is any one of the first to fourth aspects, in which, in the first process, the control unit (130, C8) sets the first volume V1 to the effective volume Va when the effective area A of the opening (O) is less than a predetermined value, and sets the sum of the first volume V1 and the second volume V2 to the effective volume Va when the effective area A of the opening (O) is equal to or greater than the predetermined value.

According to the fifth aspect, the control unit (130, C8) determines the effective volume Va based on the effective area A of the opening (O). When the effective area A is relatively large, the refrigerant in the first chamber (R1) is unlikely to flow to the second chamber (R2). Therefore, when the effective area A is less than a predetermined value, the control unit (130, C8) determines only the first volume V1 as the effective volume Va. When the effective area A is relatively small, the refrigerant in the first chamber (R1) is likely to flow to the second chamber (R2). Therefore, when the effective area A is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the control unit (130, C8) determines the sum of the first volume V1 and the second volume V2 as the effective volume Va.

The installation system of the sixth aspect is the fifth aspect, in which, in the first process, if the opening (O) is not on the person's path, the control unit (130, C8) corrects the effective area of the opening to be smaller, or corrects the predetermined value to be larger.

According to the sixth aspect, when the opening (O) is not on the person's conductor line, the predetermined value or the effective area A is corrected so that the effective volume Va is likely to be only the first volume V1. When the opening (O) is not on the conductor line, the opening (O) is more likely to be blocked by an installed object or the like. In this case, the refrigerant in the first chamber (R1) is less likely to flow into the second chamber (R2) through the opening (O).

The seventh aspect of the installation system is any one of the first to sixth aspects, in which the control unit (130, C8) acquires information about the opening (O) based on building layout information.

According to the seventh aspect, information regarding the opening (O) can be easily obtained.

The installation system of the eighth aspect is the installation system of any one of the first to seventh aspects, and includes an input unit (110) through which a person inputs information about the opening (O).

According to the eighth aspect, the control unit (130, C8) acquires information about the opening (O) input by a person.

The method for supporting installation of an air conditioner (10) according to a ninth aspect includes the following steps: A step of acquiring information on the amount of refrigerant used M by the air conditioner (10), information on a first volume V1 corresponding to a first room (R1) forming a space (S) to be air-conditioned, information on a second volume V2 corresponding to a second room (R2) adjacent to the first room (R1), and information on an opening (O) connecting the first room (R1) and the second room (R2). A step of determining whether to set only the first volume V1 as an effective volume Va or to set the sum of the first volume V1 and the second volume V2 as an effective volume Va based on the information on the opening (O). A step of determining whether to provide a safety device (5) for preventing leakage of refrigerant based on the information on the amount of refrigerant used M by the air conditioner (10) and the determined effective volume Va.

The air conditioning device installation assistance device of the tenth aspect includes a control unit (130, C8). The control unit (130, C8) acquires information on the amount of refrigerant used M by the air conditioning device (10), information on a first volume V1 corresponding to a first room (R1) forming a target space (S) for air conditioning, information on a second volume V2 corresponding to the second room (R2) adjacent to the first room (R1), and information on an opening (O) connecting the first room (R1) and the second room (R2). The control unit (130, C8) executes a first process to determine whether only the first volume V1 is set as the effective volume Va or whether the sum of the first volume V1 and the second volume V2 is set as the effective volume Va based on the information on the opening (O). The control unit (130, C8) executes a second process to determine whether or not to provide a safety device (5) to prevent leakage of refrigerant, based on information about the amount of refrigerant used M by the air conditioning device (10) and the effective volume Va determined in the first process.

FIG. 1 is a schematic piping diagram of an air conditioner in which an installation support system according to an embodiment is used. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the air conditioning device and the safety device. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the air conditioning system. FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing the operation of the safety device. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of the installation support system. FIG. 6 shows an example of data input to the input unit and data acquired by the information acquisition unit. FIG. 7 is a perspective view that illustrates a target space in which the installation assistance system is used. FIG. 8 is a front view of the aperture and shows indicia associated with the aperture. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the installation assistance system or the installation assistance method. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a modified installation support system. FIG. 11 is a perspective view that illustrates a target space in which the modified installation assistance system is used. FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of a modified installation support device.

<<Embodiment>>
Hereinafter, the embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments shown below, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the technical idea of the present disclosure. Since each drawing is intended to conceptually explain the present disclosure, dimensions, ratios, or numbers may be exaggerated or simplified as necessary for ease of understanding.

(1) Overview of the Installation Assistance System The installation assistance system (70) disclosed herein is a system that assists in determining whether or not to provide an air conditioning apparatus (10) with a safety device (5). The safety device (5) is provided in a target space (S) that is at high risk of danger due to refrigerant leakage. The safety device (5) includes a refrigerant sensor (45) for detecting refrigerant leakage, and a countermeasure device that takes measures against refrigerant leakage based on a detection signal of the refrigerant sensor (45). The countermeasure device includes at least one of a shutoff device (50), a ventilation device (55), and an alarm device (60).

(2) Overall Configuration of the Air Conditioning Apparatus The air conditioning apparatus (10) that is the subject of judgment by the installation support system (70) will be described. The air conditioning apparatus (10) described below is provided with a safety device (5) based on the judgment results of the installation support system (70), the details of which will be described later. Fig. 1 is a piping diagram of the air conditioning apparatus (10). Fig. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram showing the basic elements of the air conditioning apparatus (10). In Fig. 2, the second utilization unit (30B) is omitted from the illustration.

The air conditioner (10) adjusts the temperature of air in a target space (S) to be air-conditioned. In this example, the target space (S) is an indoor space such as a building. The air conditioner (10) cools and heats the target space (S). The air conditioner (10) is a multi-type having multiple utilization units (30). The air conditioner (10) has a heat source unit (20), multiple utilization units (30), a connecting pipe (12), and an air conditioning control unit (AC). The multiple utilization units (30) and the heat source unit (20) are connected to each other via the connecting pipe (12). This connection forms a refrigerant circuit (11), which is a closed circuit.

(2-1) Refrigerant Circuit The refrigerant circuit (11) includes a heat source circuit (20a) provided in the heat source unit (20) and a utilization circuit (30a) provided in each utilization unit (30).

The refrigerant circuit (11) is filled with a slightly flammable refrigerant. In this example, the slightly flammable refrigerant is R32 (difluoromethane). R32 has a relatively low GWP (Global Warming Potential), but is slightly flammable. For this reason, if the refrigerant leaks into the target space (S) and the refrigerant concentration in the target space (S) increases, the refrigerant may burn. The density of the refrigerant is greater than the density of air. Therefore, if the refrigerant leaks into the target space (S), the refrigerant flows to the lower part of the target space (S).

(2-2) Interconnecting Pipe The interconnecting pipe (12) includes a first interconnecting pipe (13) and a second interconnecting pipe (14).

The first connection pipe (13) is a liquid connection pipe. The first connection pipe (13) includes a first main pipe (13a) and a plurality of first branch pipes (13b) branching off from the first main pipe (13a). One end of the first main pipe (13a) is connected to the heat source circuit (20a) via a first shut-off valve (15), which is a liquid shut-off valve. One end of each of the plurality of first branch pipes (13b) is connected to the first main pipe (13a). The other end of each of the plurality of first branch pipes (13b) is connected to the corresponding utilization circuit (30a).

The second connection pipe (14) is a gas connection pipe. The second connection pipe (14) includes a second main pipe (14a) and a plurality of second branch pipes (14b) branching off from the second main pipe (14a). One end of the second main pipe (14a) is connected to the heat source unit (20) via a second shutoff valve (16) which is a gas shutoff valve. One end of each of the plurality of second branch pipes (14b) is connected to the second main pipe (14a). The other end of each of the plurality of second branch pipes (14b) is connected to a corresponding utilization unit (30).

(2-3) Heat Source Unit The heat source unit (20) is an outdoor unit that is placed outdoors, for example, on the roof of a building or on the ground.

The heat source unit (20) has a compressor (21), a heat source heat exchanger (22), and a heat source fan (23). The heat source unit (20) has a switching mechanism (24) that switches the flow path of the refrigerant, and a heat source expansion valve (25).

The compressor (21) compresses the sucked refrigerant. The compressor (21) discharges the compressed refrigerant. The compressor (21) is a rotary compressor such as a scroll type, a swing piston type, a rolling piston type, or a screw type. The compressor (21) is configured such that the operating frequency (rotation speed) is variable by an inverter device.

The heat source heat exchanger (22) is an outdoor heat exchanger. The heat source heat exchanger (22) is a fin-and-tube type air heat exchanger. The heat source heat exchanger (22) exchanges heat between the refrigerant flowing inside and the outdoor air.

The heat source fan (23) is disposed outdoors near the heat source heat exchanger (22). In this example, the heat source fan (23) is a propeller fan. The heat source fan (23) transports air passing through the heat source heat exchanger (22).

The switching mechanism (24) changes the flow path of the refrigerant circuit (11) so as to switch between a first refrigeration cycle, which is a cooling cycle, and a second refrigeration cycle, which is a heating cycle. The switching mechanism (24) is a four-way switching valve. The switching mechanism (24) has a first port, a second port, a third port, and a fourth port. The first port of the switching mechanism (24) is connected to the discharge portion of the compressor (21). The second port of the switching mechanism (24) is connected to the suction portion of the compressor (21). The third port of the switching mechanism (24) is connected to the second connection pipe (14) via the second stop valve (16). The fourth port of the switching mechanism (24) is connected to the gas end of the heat source heat exchanger (22).

The switching mechanism (24) switches between a first state and a second state. In the first state (shown by the solid line in FIG. 1), the switching mechanism (24) connects the first port to the fourth port and connects the second port to the third port. In the second state (shown by the dashed line in FIG. 1), the switching mechanism (24) connects the first port to the third port and connects the second port to the fourth port.

The heat source expansion valve (25) reduces the pressure of the refrigerant. The heat source expansion valve (25) is an outdoor expansion valve. The heat source expansion valve (25) is disposed between the first stop valve (15) and the heat source heat exchanger (22) in the heat source circuit (20a). The heat source expansion valve (25) is an electronic expansion valve whose opening is adjustable.

The heat source unit (20) has a first control device (C1) included in the air conditioning control unit (AC).

(2-4) Utilization Unit The utilization units (30) in this example include a first utilization unit (30A) and a second utilization unit (30B). The number of utilization units (30) may be three or more. The first utilization unit (30A) and the second utilization unit (30B) are basically configured the same. Hereinafter, for convenience, the first utilization unit (30A) and the second utilization unit (30B) may be simply referred to as utilization units (30).

The utilization unit (30) is an indoor unit that is installed indoors in a building or the like. Here, "indoor" includes the space behind the ceiling panel. In this example, the utilization unit (30) is of a ceiling-mounted type. Here, "ceiling-mounted type" includes a ceiling-suspended type in which the utilization unit (30) is suspended, and a ceiling-embedded type in which the utilization unit (30) is placed in an opening in the ceiling surface.

The utilization unit (30) has a utilization expansion valve (31), a utilization heat exchanger (32), and a utilization fan (33).

The utilization expansion valve (31) reduces the pressure of the refrigerant. The utilization expansion valve (31) is an indoor expansion valve. The utilization expansion valve (31) is disposed in the liquid-side flow path of the utilization heat exchanger (32) in the utilization circuit (30a). The utilization expansion valve (31) is an electronic expansion valve whose opening is adjustable.

The utilization heat exchanger (32) is an indoor heat exchanger. The utilization heat exchanger (32) is a fin-and-tube type air heat exchanger. The utilization heat exchanger (32) exchanges heat between the refrigerant flowing inside and the indoor air.

The utilization fan (33) is disposed indoors near the utilization heat exchanger (32). In this example, the utilization fan (33) is a centrifugal fan. The utilization fan (33) transports air passing through the utilization heat exchanger (32).

The utilization unit (30) has a second control device (C2) included in the air conditioning control unit (AC). The second control device (C2) and the first control device (C1) of each utilization unit (30) are connected to each other via a first communication line (W1). The first communication line (W1) is wired or wireless.

(2-5) Remote Controller The air conditioner (10) has a remote controller (40). In this example, one remote controller (40) is provided for each of the corresponding utilization units (30). The remote controller (40) is a device for operating the air conditioner (10). As shown in FIG. 2, the remote controller (40) has a first operation unit (41) and a first display unit (42) as functional units. Note that the term "functional unit" used here or described below includes a functional unit realized only by hardware, a functional unit realized only by software, and a functional unit realized through cooperation between hardware and software.

The first operation unit (41) is a functional unit that enables a person to input various instructions to the air conditioning device (10). The first operation unit (41) includes a switch, a button, or a touch panel.

The first display unit (42) is a functional unit that displays the settings for the air conditioning device (10) and the status of the air conditioning device (10). The first display unit (42) includes a display.

The remote controller (40) has a third control device (C3) included in the air conditioning control unit (AC). The third control device (C3) and the second control device (C2) are connected to each other via a second communication line (W2). The second communication line (W2) is wired or wireless.

(2-6) Refrigerant Sensor The air conditioner (10) of the example shown in Fig. 1 has a refrigerant sensor (45). The refrigerant sensor (45) is provided corresponding to the target space (S) for which it has been determined that a safety device (5) is required. In this example, as will be described in detail later, it is assumed that it has been determined that a safety device (5) corresponding to a first target space (S1) is required. In this case, the refrigerant sensor (45) is disposed in the first target space (S1).

The refrigerant sensor (45) is a semiconductor type sensor. The refrigerant sensor (45) outputs a detection signal with a greater intensity (e.g., a current value) as the concentration of the leaked refrigerant increases. The refrigerant sensor (45) is not limited to a semiconductor type, and may be of another type, such as an infrared type.

The refrigerant sensor (45) and the second control device (C2) of the first utilization unit (30A) are connected to each other by a third communication line (W3). The third communication line (W3) is wired or wireless. The detection signal output from the refrigerant sensor (45) is input to the second control device (C2) via the third communication line (W3).

(2-7) Shutoff Device The air conditioner (10) has a shutoff device (50) as a countermeasure device. The shutoff device (50) is provided corresponding to the target space (S) for which it has been determined that a safety device (5) is required. In this example, the shutoff device (50) is provided corresponding to the first target space (S1) or the first utilization unit (30A). The shutoff device (50) has a first shutoff valve (51) and a second shutoff valve (52).

The first shutoff valve (51) is a liquid-side shutoff valve. In this example, the first shutoff valve (51) is provided in the first branch pipe (13b) that is connected to the first utilization unit (30A). The first shutoff valve (51) is, for example, an on-off valve such as a solenoid valve or a motor-operated valve.

The second shutoff valve (52) is a gas-side shutoff valve. In this example, the second shutoff valve (52) is provided in the second branch pipe (14b) that is connected to the first utilization unit (30A). The second shutoff valve (52) is, for example, an on-off valve such as a solenoid valve or a motor-operated valve.

The cutoff device (50) has a fourth control device (C4) included in the air conditioning control unit (AC). The fourth control device (C4) and the second control device (C2) of the first utilization unit (30A) are connected to each other via a fourth communication line (W4). The fourth communication line (W4) is wired or wireless.

(2-8) Ventilation Device The air conditioner (10) has a ventilation device (55) as a countermeasure device. The ventilation device (55) is provided corresponding to the target space (S) for which it has been determined that a safety device (5) is required. In this example, the ventilation device (55) is provided corresponding to the first target space (S1) or the first utilization unit (30A). The shutoff device (50) has a ventilation fan (56). The ventilation fan (56) exhausts air from the target space (S) to the outside of the room via an exhaust path (not shown).

The ventilation device (55) has a fifth control device (C5) included in the air conditioning control unit (AC). The fifth control device (C5) and the second control device (C2) of the first utilization unit (30A) are connected to each other via a fifth communication line (W5). The fifth communication line (W5) is wired or wireless.

(2-9) Alarm Device The air conditioner (10) has an alarm device (60) as a countermeasure device. The alarm device (60) is provided corresponding to the target space (S) for which it has been determined that a safety device (5) is necessary. In this example, the alarm device (60) is provided corresponding to the first target space (S1) or the first utilization unit (30A). The alarm device (60) has a light-emitting unit (61) and a sound-generating unit (62) as an alarm or notification unit. The light-emitting unit (61) notifies a person of a refrigerant leakage by light. The light-emitting unit (61) is, for example, an LED. The sound-generating unit (62) notifies a person of a refrigerant leakage by sound. The sound-generating unit (62) is, for example, a speaker.

The alarm device (60) has a sixth control device (C6) included in the air conditioning control unit (AC). The sixth control device (C6) and the second control device (C2) of the first utilization unit (30A) are connected to each other via a sixth communication line (W6). The sixth communication line (W6) is wired or wireless.

(2-10) Air Conditioning Control Unit The air conditioning control unit (AC) controls the operation of the air conditioner (10). The air conditioning control unit (AC) includes a first control unit (C1), a second control unit (C2), a third control unit (C3), a fourth control unit (C4), a fifth control unit (C5), a sixth control unit (C6), a first communication line (W1), a second communication line (W2), a third communication line (W3), a fourth communication line (W4), a fifth communication line (W5), and a sixth communication line (W6). Each of the first control unit (C1), the second control unit (C2), the third control unit (C3), the fourth control unit (C4), the fifth control unit (C5), and the sixth control unit (C6) includes an MCU (Micro Control Unit), an electric circuit, and an electronic circuit. The MCU includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a memory, and a communication interface. The memory stores various programs to be executed by the CPU.

The first control device (C1) is a heat source control unit. The first control device (C1) controls the compressor (21), the heat source expansion valve (25), and the heat source fan (23).

The second control device (C2) is a utilization control unit. The second control device (C2) controls the utilization expansion valve (31) and the utilization fan (33). The second control device (C2) inputs a detection signal from the refrigerant sensor (45). The second control device (C2) determines whether or not a first condition indicating that refrigerant is leaking is satisfied based on the detection signal from the refrigerant sensor (45). When the first condition is satisfied, the second control device (C2) outputs a signal for activating a countermeasure device.

The third control device (C3) outputs instructions based on the input of the first operation unit (41) to the second control device (C2). The third control device (C3) displays predetermined information on the first display unit (42) in response to the input of the first operation unit (41).

The fourth control device (C4) controls the open/close states of the first shutoff valve (51) and the second shutoff valve (52). When a signal output from the second control device (C2) is input to the fourth control device (C4), the fourth control device (C4) closes the first shutoff valve (51) and the second shutoff valve (52).

The fifth control device (C5) controls the ventilation fan (56). When a signal output from the second control device (C2) is input to the fifth control device (C5), the fifth control device (C5) operates the ventilation fan (56).

The sixth control device (C6) controls the alarm unit. When a signal output from the second control device (C2) is input to the sixth control device (C6), the sixth control device (C6) activates the light-emitting unit (61) and the sound-generating unit (62).

As shown in Fig. 3, the air conditioner (10) described above is a single-system device having one refrigerant circuit (11). In a building or the like, an air conditioning system (1) is configured that includes air conditioners (10) of multiple systems. The air conditioning system (1) has multiple air conditioners (10) and a centralized monitoring device (65).

The centralized monitoring device (65) has a second operation unit (66) and a second display unit (67) as functional units.

The second operation unit (66) is a functional unit that allows a person (such as a manager) to input various instructions to each air conditioning device (10). The second operation unit (66) includes a switch, a button, or a touch panel.

The second display unit (67) is a functional unit that displays the settings for each air conditioning unit (10) and the status of each air conditioning unit (10). The second display unit (67) includes a display.

The centralized monitoring device (65) has a seventh control device (C7). The seventh control device (C7) and the air conditioning control units (AC) of each air conditioner (10) are connected to each other via a seventh communication line (W7). The seventh communication line (W7) is wired or wireless.

The seventh control device (C7) includes an MCU (Micro Control Unit), an electric circuit, and an electronic circuit. The MCU includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a memory, and a communication interface. The memory stores various programs for the CPU to execute.

(4) Operation Operation of the air conditioner (10) will be described with reference to Fig. 1. The air conditioner (10) switches between cooling operation and heating operation. In Fig. 1, the flow of refrigerant during cooling operation is indicated by solid arrows, and the flow of refrigerant during heating operation is indicated by dashed arrows.

(4-1) Cooling Operation In cooling operation, the first control device (C1) operates the compressor (21) and the heat source fan (23), sets the switching mechanism (24) to the first state, and fully opens the heat source expansion valve (25). The second control device (C2) operates the utilization fan (33) and adjusts the utilization expansion valve (31) to a predetermined opening. During normal cooling operation, the first shutoff valve (51) and the second shutoff valve (52) are open.

During cooling operation, the refrigerant circuit (11) performs a first refrigeration cycle. In the first refrigeration cycle, the heat source heat exchanger (22) functions as a radiator (strictly speaking, a condenser), and the utilization heat exchanger (32) functions as an evaporator.

Specifically, the refrigerant compressed by the compressor (21) flows through the heat source heat exchanger (22). In the heat source heat exchanger (22), the refrigerant releases heat to the outdoor air and condenses. The refrigerant condensed in the heat source heat exchanger (22) flows through the first connecting pipe (13) and is divided into each utilization circuit (30a). In each utilization circuit (30a), the refrigerant is decompressed by the utilization expansion valve (31) and then flows through the utilization heat exchanger (32). In the utilization heat exchanger (32), the refrigerant absorbs heat from the indoor air and evaporates. The refrigerant evaporated in each utilization heat exchanger (32) is merged in the second connecting pipe (14) and then sucked into the compressor (21).

(4-2) Heating Operation In heating operation, the first control device (C1) operates the compressor (21) and the heat-source fan (23), sets the switching mechanism (24) to the second state, and adjusts the heat-source expansion valve (25) to a predetermined opening. The second control device (C2) operates the utilization fan (33) and adjusts the utilization expansion valve (31) to a predetermined opening. During normal heating operation, the first shutoff valve (51) and the second shutoff valve (52) are open.

During heating operation, the refrigerant circuit (11) performs a second refrigeration cycle. In the second refrigeration cycle, the utilization heat exchanger (32) functions as a radiator (strictly speaking, a condenser), and the heat source heat exchanger (22) functions as an evaporator.

Specifically, the refrigerant compressed by the compressor (21) flows through the second connecting pipe (14) and is divided into each utilization circuit (30a). In each utilization circuit (30a), the refrigerant flows through the utilization heat exchanger (32). In the utilization heat exchanger (32), the refrigerant releases heat to the indoor air and condenses. The refrigerant condensed in each utilization heat exchanger (32) is reduced in pressure by each utilization expansion valve (31) and then merges in the first connecting pipe (13). The refrigerant in the first connecting pipe (13) is reduced in pressure by the heat source expansion valve (25) and then flows through the heat source heat exchanger (22). In the heat source heat exchanger (22), the refrigerant absorbs heat from the outdoor air and evaporates. The refrigerant evaporated in the heat source heat exchanger (22) is sucked into the compressor (21).

(5) Operation When Refrigerant Leaks Operation of the air conditioner (10) when refrigerant leaks will be described with reference to FIG.

When refrigerant leaks from the first utilization unit (30A), the leaked refrigerant flows into the first target space (S1). Specifically, because the density of the refrigerant is greater than the density of air, the refrigerant flows downward in the first target space (S1). As a result, the concentration of the refrigerant in the first target space (S1) gradually increases.

In step S11, the refrigerant sensor (45) detects a refrigerant leak. The detection value of the refrigerant sensor (45) is input to the second control device (C2) of the first utilization unit (30A) via the third communication line (W3).

In step S12, the second control device (C2) determines whether a first condition indicating that refrigerant is leaking is satisfied based on the detection signal of the refrigerant sensor (45). The first condition is whether the detection value (e.g., current value) of the refrigerant sensor (45) is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. When the first condition is satisfied, the second control device (C2) outputs a signal to activate a countermeasure device.

When the signal output from the second control device (C2) is input to the countermeasure device, the countermeasure device is activated in step S13. Specifically, when the signal output from the second control device (C2) is input to the fourth control device (C4) in step S13, the fourth control device (C4) closes the first shutoff valve (51) and the second shutoff valve (52) of the shutoff device (50). When the signal output from the second control device (C2) is input to the fifth control device (C5) in step S13, the fifth control device (C5) operates the ventilation fan (56). When the signal output from the second control device (C2) is input to the sixth control device (C6) in step S13, the sixth control device (C6) activates the alarm unit. More specifically, the sixth control device (C6) generates light from the light-emitting unit (61). In addition, the sixth control device (C6) generates sound such as a warning sound from the sound generating unit (62).

The above operation prevents the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit (11) of one system of the air conditioning device (10) from leaking into the first target space (S1).

(6) Overview of the Installation Assistance System The installation assistance system (100) is used when designing the installation of the air conditioning device (10). The installation assistance system (100) may also be used when actually installing the air conditioning device (10). Users such as design companies, construction companies, and managers use the installation assistance system (100). Based on the judgment results of the installation assistance system (100), the users determine whether or not to install a safety device (5) corresponding to the target space (S).

The installation assistance system (100) determines whether or not to install a safety device (5) based on the amount of refrigerant used by the air conditioning apparatus (10) and the effective volume Va of the target space (S). The installation assistance system (100) determines that it is necessary to install a safety device (5) when the ratio M/Va (kg/m ³ ) of the amount of refrigerant used M (kg) to the effective volume Va (m ³ ) is higher than a predetermined value. The ratio M/Va indicates the concentration of refrigerant in the space. Therefore, if the ratio M/Va is high, the risk of refrigerant ignition increases.

When the target space (S) is connected to an adjacent space through an opening (O), it is necessary to determine whether the volume of this space is included in the effective volume Va. Therefore, the installation support system (100) of this embodiment determines, based on information about the opening (O), whether to consider the volume of only the target space (S) as the effective volume, or to consider the sum of the volume of the target space (S) and the volume of the space adjacent to the target space (S) as the effective volume Va.

As shown in FIG. 5, the installation support system (100) has a terminal device (110) and a server device (120). The terminal device (110) and the server device (120) are connected to each other via a communication line (101) such as the Internet. The server device (120) has a server control unit (130).

(6-1) Terminal Device The terminal device (110) corresponds to the input unit of the present disclosure. The terminal device (110) is a terminal used by a user, such as a personal computer, a tablet terminal, a smartphone, or a mobile phone terminal. The terminal device (110) has a third operation unit (111) and a third display unit (112) as functional units.

The third operation unit (111) is a functional unit for allowing the user to input necessary information. The third operation unit (111) includes a keyboard, a touch pad, a mouse, or a touch panel.

The third display unit (112) is a functional unit that displays an application for installation assistance. The third display unit includes a display.

The terminal device (110) includes an eighth control device (C8). The eighth control device (C8) includes an MCU (Micro Control Unit), an electric circuit, and an electronic circuit. The MCU includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a memory, and a communication interface. The memory stores various programs for the CPU to execute.

(6-2) Input Data As shown in Fig. 6, in this embodiment, the user can input the following data to the terminal device (110). This data also corresponds to data acquired by the server control unit (130). The input data includes information regarding the amount of refrigerant used M by the air conditioning apparatus (10), information regarding the first volume V1 of the first chamber (R1), information regarding the second volume V2 of the second chamber (R2), and information regarding the opening (O).

As shown diagrammatically in FIG. 7, the first room (R1) is a target space (S) for determining whether or not a safety device (5) is to be installed. A utilization unit (30) for conditioning the target space (S) is provided in the first room (R1). The second room (R2) is a space adjacent to the first room (R1) across a wall (W). The first room (R1) and the second room (R2) are connected through an opening (O) formed in the wall (W).

The opening (O) includes the door passage connecting the first room (R1) and the second room (R2), the gap between the partition separating the first room (R1) and the second room (R2) and the floor (F), and the ventilation hole connecting the first room (R1) and the second room (R2).

The information regarding the amount of refrigerant used M by the air conditioner (10) is the total amount of refrigerant (kg) filled in the refrigerant circuit (11) of the air conditioner (10) corresponding to the target space (S). In other words, the amount of refrigerant is the amount of refrigerant that would leak into the target space (S) if all of the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit (11) leaked into the target space (S).

The information regarding the first volume V1 of the first chamber (R1) includes the floor area F1 and effective height Ha of the first chamber (R1). The information regarding the second volume V2 of the second chamber (R2) includes the floor area F2 and effective height Ha of the second chamber (R2).

In this example, the effective height Ha is the vertical distance from the floor surface (F) of the first room (R1) to the utilization unit (30) of the air conditioning device (10). Therefore, as shown in FIG. 7, if the utilization unit (30) is a ceiling-embedded type, the effective height Ha essentially corresponds to the height of the ceiling surface (Cp). Therefore, in this case, the input data may be the height of the ceiling surface (Cp) as the effective height Ha.

The information regarding the opening (O) includes the dimensions of the opening (O), the height position of the opening (O), and the type of the opening (O).

The dimensions of the opening (O) include the width Wo of the opening (O) and the height Ho of the opening (O). The dimensions of the opening (O) do not include the depth length in the direction of passage of the opening (O).

The height position of the opening (O) includes the height position h1 of the upper end (upper edge) of the opening (O) and the position h2 of the lower end (lower edge) of the opening (O). The height position h1 is the vertical distance from the floor surface (F) to the upper end of the opening (O). The height position h2 is the vertical distance from the floor surface (F) to the lower end of the opening (O). If the opening (O) extends to the floor surface (F), the height position h2 is zero.

The type of opening (O) includes information on whether the opening (O) is on a person's path. For example, people can pass through an opening (O) in a door, but people cannot pass through a gap under a partition or an air vent. Therefore, if the opening (O) is a door opening, the type of the opening (O) is "on a person's path." If the opening (O) is a gap in a partition or an air vent, the type of the opening (O) is "not on a person's path."

If there are two or more openings (O) connecting the first room (R1) and the second room (R2), the user inputs the above-mentioned information for each of the openings (O) as data.

The data entered by the user is transmitted to the server device (120) via the communication line (101).

(6-3) Overall Configuration of the Server Control Unit The server control unit (130) corresponds to the control unit of the present disclosure. The server control unit (130) includes an MCU (Micro Control Unit), an electric circuit, and an electronic circuit. The MCU includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a memory, and a communication interface. The memory stores various programs to be executed by the CPU. The memory stores a program for assisting in the installation of the air conditioning device (10).

As shown in FIG. 5, the server control unit (130) has, as functional units, a program transmission unit (131), an information acquisition unit (140), a decision unit (150), a safety measure judgment unit (160), and a judgment result output unit (170).

The program transmission unit (131) transmits an input program to the terminal device (110) in response to an access from the terminal device (110) to the server device (120). The terminal device (110) executes an application for installation assistance in accordance with the received program. The user manually inputs the above-mentioned input data into the application using the third operation unit (111).

(6-4) Information Acquisition Unit The information acquisition unit (140) acquires information for determining whether or not to install a safety device (5) corresponding to the target space (S). The information acquisition unit (140) in this example receives data (corresponding to the input data shown in FIG. 6) output from the terminal device (110) and acquires this information.

The information acquisition unit (140) has, as its functional parts, a refrigerant information acquisition unit (141), a volume information acquisition unit (142), and an opening information acquisition unit (143).

The refrigerant information acquisition unit (141) acquires information regarding the amount of refrigerant used M. Specifically, the refrigerant information acquisition unit (141) acquires the total amount of refrigerant (kg) filled in the refrigerant circuit (11) of the air conditioning device (10) corresponding to the target space (S).

The volume information acquisition section (142) acquires information on the first volume V1 of the first chamber (R1). Specifically, the volume information acquisition section (142) acquires the floor area F1 and the effective height Ha of the first chamber (R1). In this example, the volume information acquisition section (142) multiplies the floor area F1 and the effective height Ha of the first chamber (R1) to acquire the first volume V1 (m ³ ). In this example, the first volume V1 is not the actual volume of the first chamber (R1).

Alternatively, the user may input the first volume V1 as input data into the terminal device (110), and the volume information acquisition unit (142) may directly acquire the first volume V1.

The volume information acquisition unit (143) acquires information about the second volume V2 of the second chamber (R2). Specifically, the volume information acquisition unit (143) acquires the floor area F2 and the effective height Ha of the second chamber (R2). The volume information acquisition unit (143) multiplies the floor area F2 and the effective height Ha of the second chamber (R2) to acquire the second volume V2 ([ ^m3 ]). The second volume V2 in this example is not the actual volume of the second chamber (R2).

Alternatively, the user may input the second volume V2 as input data into the terminal device (110), and the volume information acquisition unit (142) may directly acquire the first volume V1.

The opening information acquisition unit (143) acquires information related to the opening (O). Specifically, the opening information acquisition unit (143) acquires the dimensions of the opening (O), the height position of the opening (O), and the type of the opening (O). The dimensions of the opening (O) include the width Wo of the opening (O) and the height Ho of the opening (O). The height position of the opening (O) includes the height position h1 of the upper end of the opening (O) and the height position h2 of the lower end of the opening (O). The type of the opening (O) includes information on whether or not the opening (O) is on a person's path.

(6-5) Overview of the Determination Unit The determination unit (150) determines, based on information about the opening (O), whether to determine only the first volume V1 of the first chamber (R1) as the effective volume Va, or to determine the sum of the first volume V1 of the first chamber (R1) and the second volume V2 of the second chamber (R2) as the effective volume Va. Specifically, when the effective area A of the opening (O) is less than a predetermined value, the determination unit (150) determines the first volume V1 as the effective volume A, and when the effective area A of the opening (O) is equal to or greater than the predetermined value, the determination unit (150) determines the sum of the first volume V1 and the second volume V2 as the effective volume Va.

If the effective area A of the opening (O) is small, the refrigerant leaking into the first chamber (R1) is less likely to flow through the opening (O) into the second volume V2. For this reason, if the combined value of the first volume V1 and the second volume V2 is set as the effective volume Va, it is not possible to provide a sufficient countermeasure against refrigerant leakage.

The determining unit (150) has, as its functional parts, an effective area determining unit (151), a comparison and judgment unit (152), and a correction unit (153).

(6-6) Effective Area Determination Unit The effective area determination unit (151) determines the effective area A of the opening (O). The effective area A in this example is not the actual area of the opening (O). The effective area determination unit (151) determines the effective area of the opening (O) based on the following conditions. This point will be described with reference to FIG. 8.

Condition a) The effective area determination unit (151) determines the effective area A based on an opening (O) that is at the same height position as or lower than the first height position hs1. The first height position h1 is, for example, a height position of 30 cm from the floor surface (F). The effective area determination unit (151) excludes openings (O) that are at a position higher than the first height position hs1 from the calculation of the effective area A.

For example, when the entire opening (O) is located at a position lower than the first height position hs1, the effective area determination unit (151) determines the area of the entire opening (O) as the effective area A. When a portion of the opening (O) is located at a position lower than the first height position hs1, the effective area determination unit (151) determines the area of this portion as the effective area A.

When the entire opening (O) is located at a position higher than the first height position hs1, the effective area determination unit (151) excludes the entire area of the opening (O) from the calculation of the effective area A. When only a part of the opening (O) is located at a position higher than the first height position hs1, the effective area determination unit (151) excludes the area of this part from the calculation of the effective area A. This is because when the opening (O) is located at a position higher than the first height hs1, it is unlikely that the refrigerant will flow through this opening (O).

Condition b) As shown in Figure 8, the area of the opening (O) at the same height position hs1 or lower (the area of the hatched region in Figure 8) is defined as A1. In this region of the opening (O), the area of the part at the same height position hs2 or lower (the area of the region surrounded by the dashed line in Figure 8) is defined as A2. The second height position hs2 is lower than the first height position hs1. The second height position hs2 is, for example, a height position of 20 cm from the floor surface (F).

If A2 is not equal to or greater than a predetermined ratio of A1 (e.g., 50%), the effective area determination unit (151) excludes this opening (O) itself from the calculation of the effective area A. This is because if the ratio of A2 to A1 is small, the possibility that leaked refrigerant will flow through this opening (O) is low.

Condition c) The effective area determination unit (151) determines the effective area A based on an opening (O) formed along the floor surface (F). When the height position h2 of the lower end of the opening (O) is the same as or lower than the third height position h3, the effective area determination unit (151) calculates the effective area A based on this opening (O). The third height position hs3 is lower than the second height position hs2. The third height position hs3 is, for example, a height position of 10 cm with respect to the floor surface (F).

In other words, when the height position h2 of the lower end of the opening (O) is higher than the third height h3, the effective area determination unit (151) excludes the opening (O) itself from the calculation of the effective area A. This is because when the height position h2 of the lower end of the opening (O) is relatively high, the possibility of leaked refrigerant flowing through this opening (O) is low.

The effective area determination unit (151) calculates the effective area A of the opening (O) based on the above conditions. For the opening (O) that is not excluded from the calculation due to conditions a) to c), the effective area determination unit (151) multiplies the width (Wo) and height to calculate the effective area A.

When there are multiple openings (O) connecting the first chamber (R1) and the second chamber (R2), the effective area determination unit (151) determines whether each opening (O) is subject to calculation in accordance with conditions a) to c). When there are multiple openings (O) that are subject to calculation, the effective area determination unit (151) calculates the area of each opening (O) and determines the sum of these as the effective area.

(6-7) Comparison and Determination Unit The comparison and determination unit (152) compares the effective area A determined by the effective area determination unit (151) with a predetermined first reference value B1. When the effective area A is less than the first reference value B1, the comparison and determination unit (152) determines only the first volume V1 of the first chamber (R1) to be the effective volume Va. When the effective area A is equal to or greater than the first reference value B1, the comparison and determination unit (152) determines the sum of the first volume V1 of the first chamber (R1) and the second volume V2 of the second chamber (R2) to be the effective volume Va.

(6-8) Correction Unit The correction unit (153) corrects the first reference value B1 based on data relating to the type of the opening (O). The correction of the first reference value B1 is performed before the comparison and determination unit (152) makes a judgment.

Specifically, when the type of opening (O) is an "opening not on a path of people," the correction unit (153) largely corrects the first reference value B1. When the opening (O) is not on a path of people, the opening (O) may be blocked by an object installed on the floor surface (F). In this case, the refrigerant is less likely to flow through the opening (O). By largely correcting the first reference value B1 by the correction unit (153), the effective volume Va is more likely to become the first volume V1 only.

When the type of the opening (O) is an "opening not on a person's path," the correction unit (153) may correct the effective area A determined by the effective area determination unit (151) to a smaller value.

(6-9) Safety measures determination unit The safety measures determination unit (160) determines whether or not a safety device (5) corresponding to the target space (S) is necessary, based on the amount of refrigerant used M acquired by the information acquisition unit (140) and the effective volume Va determined by the determination unit (150). Specifically, the safety measures determination unit (160) divides the amount of refrigerant used M by the effective volume Va to obtain a ratio M/Va. If the ratio M/Va is equal to or greater than a predetermined second reference value B2, the safety measures determination unit (160) determines that a safety device (5) is necessary. If the ratio M/Va is less than the predetermined second reference value B2, the safety measures determination unit (160) determines that a safety device (5) is unnecessary.

(6-10) Judgment Result Output Unit The judgment result output unit (170) outputs data on the judgment result obtained by the safety measure judgment unit (160) to the terminal device (110) via the communication line (101). When the terminal device (110) receives this data, the judgment result is displayed on the third display unit (112). If the server device (120) judges that the safety device (5) is necessary, the third display unit (112) of the terminal device (110) displays information indicating that the safety device (5) is necessary. If the server device (120) judges that the safety device (5) is not necessary, the third display unit (112) of the terminal device (110) displays information indicating that the safety measure (5) is not necessary. This information includes characters, symbols, icons, figures, etc.

(7) Installation Support Method The installation support method by the installation support system (100) will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

The user inputs data to the terminal device (110). In step S21, the information acquisition unit (140) acquires the input data output from the terminal device (110). Specifically, the information acquisition unit (140) acquires information related to the first volume V1, the second volume V2, and the opening (O). In this example, in step S22, the information acquisition unit (140) acquires information related to the amount of refrigerant used M by the air conditioning device (10).

In step S23, the correction unit (153) determines whether or not to correct the first reference value B1 based on the type of the opening (O). Specifically, if the opening (O) is not on the conductor (YES in step S23), the correction unit (153) corrects the opening (O) to a large value (step S24).

The effective area determination unit (151) determines the effective area A of the opening (O) in accordance with the above-mentioned conditions. In step S25, the comparison and determination unit (152) determines whether the effective area A is equal to or greater than the first reference value B1. If the effective area A is equal to or greater than the first reference value B1 (YES in step S25), in step S26, the comparison and determination unit (152) determines the sum of the first volume V1 of the first chamber (R1) and the second volume V2 of the second chamber (R2) as the effective volume Va. If the effective area A is less than the first reference value B1 (NO in step S25), in step S27, the comparison and determination unit (152) determines only the first volume V1 of the first chamber (R1) as the effective volume Va.

In step S28, the safety measures determination unit (160) determines whether M/Va is equal to or greater than the second reference value B2. If M/Va is equal to or greater than the second reference value M2 (YES in step S28), in step S29, the safety measures determination unit (160) determines that a safety device (5) corresponding to the target space (S) is required. If M/Va is less than the second reference value M2 (NO in step S28), the safety measures determination unit (160) determines that a safety device (5) corresponding to the target space (S) is not required (step S30).

In step S31, the judgment result output unit (170) outputs the judgment result obtained by the safety measure judgment unit (160) to the terminal device (110). The third display unit (112) of the terminal device (110) displays this judgment result. Based on this judgment result, the user can know whether or not a safety device (5) corresponding to the target space (S) is necessary. If it is determined that a safety device (5) is necessary, the user installs the safety device (5) corresponding to the target space (S).

(8) Program for Supporting Installation of Air Conditioner The program stored in the server control unit (130) causes a computer to execute the following steps.

Information regarding the first volume V1 corresponding to the first room (R1) forming the target space (S) to be air-conditioned, information regarding the second volume V2 corresponding to the second room (R2) adjacent to the first room (R1), and information regarding the opening (O) connecting the first room (R1) and the second room (R2) are acquired. Based on the information regarding the opening (O), it is determined whether only the first volume V1 is to be the effective volume Va, or whether the sum of the first volume V1 and the second volume V2 is to be the effective volume Va. Based on information regarding the amount of refrigerant used M by the air conditioning device (10) and the determined effective volume Va, it is determined whether to provide a safety device (5) to prevent refrigerant leakage.

The program stored in the server control unit (130) causes the computer to execute the steps (S21 to S31) of the installation support method shown in FIG. 9.

(9) Features (9-1)
The installation support system (100) for the air conditioner (10) includes a server control unit (130). The server control unit (130) acquires information on a first volume V1 corresponding to a first room (R1) forming a target space (S) to be air-conditioned, information on a second volume V2 corresponding to a second room (R2) adjacent to the first room (R1), and information on an opening (O) connecting the first room (R1) and the second room (R2) (step S21 in FIG. 9). Based on the information on the opening (O), the server control unit (130) executes a first process to determine whether to set only the first volume V1 as an effective volume or to set the sum of the first volume V1 and the second volume V2 as an effective volume Va (steps S23 to S27 in FIG. 9). The server control unit (130) executes a second process to determine whether or not to install a safety device (5) to prevent refrigerant leakage, based on information related to the amount of refrigerant M used by the air conditioning device (10) and the effective volume Va determined in the first process (steps S28 to S30 in FIG. 9).

This makes it possible to automatically determine the volume of the space from which the refrigerant may leak (effective volume Va in this example) when the first chamber (R1) and the second chamber (R2) are connected by an opening (O). Therefore, the user can easily determine whether or not a safety device (5) corresponding to the target space (S) is necessary.

By using the judgment result of the installation assistance system, it is possible to prevent the installation of the safety device (5) even when the refrigerant in the first chamber (R1) easily flows into the second chamber (R2) through the opening (O) and the space through which the refrigerant can leak is relatively large. It is possible to prevent the erroneous judgment that the safety device (5) is unnecessary even when the refrigerant in the first chamber (R1) does not easily flow into the second chamber (R2) through the opening (O) and the space through which the refrigerant can leak is relatively small.

(9-2)
The server control unit (130) obtains information about the first volume V1 and the second volume V2 based on the effective height Ha from the floor surface (F) of the first room (R1) to the air conditioner (10).

When refrigerant leaks from the air conditioning unit (10), the range of heights at which the refrigerant may exist is the height from the floor surface (F) to the air conditioning unit (10). By calculating the first volume V1 and the second volume V2 from this height and the floor area, the volume of the space from which the refrigerant may leak can be calculated with high accuracy.

(9-3)
In the first process, the server control unit (130) determines the effective volume Va based on the opening (O) located at a position lower than the first height position hs1 shown in Fig. 8. The server control unit (130) does not determine the effective volume Va based on the opening (O) located at a position higher than the first height position hs1.

Openings (O) that are lower than the first height hs1 are more likely to allow refrigerant to flow. On the other hand, openings (O) that are higher than the first height hs1 are less likely to allow refrigerant to flow. Therefore, by determining the effective volume Va based on openings (O) that are lower than the first height hs1, the volume of the space through which the refrigerant leaks can be accurately determined.

(9-4)
In the first process, the server control unit (130) determines the effective volume Va based on an opening (O) formed along the floor surface (F). Specifically, when a height position h2 of a lower end of the opening (O) is higher than a third height hs3 near the floor surface, the server control unit (130) excludes the opening (O) itself from the openings (O) for calculating the effective volume Va.

Openings (O) located near the floor surface (F) are more likely to allow refrigerant to flow. On the other hand, openings (O) that are not located near the floor surface (F) are less likely to allow refrigerant to flow. For this reason, by determining the effective volume Va based on the openings (O) formed along the floor surface (F), the volume of the space through which the refrigerant leaks can be calculated with high accuracy.

(9-5)
In the first process, when the effective area A of the opening (O) is less than a first reference value B1, the server control unit (130) sets the first volume V1 to the effective volume Va, and when the effective area A of the opening (O) is equal to or greater than the first reference value B1, the server control unit (130) sets the sum of the first volume V1 and the second volume V2 to the effective volume Va (steps S25 to S27 in FIG. 9).

When the effective area A is relatively large, the refrigerant in the first chamber (R1) is unlikely to flow into the second chamber (R2). Therefore, when the effective area A is less than a predetermined value, the server control unit (130) determines only the first volume V1 as the effective volume Va. When the effective area A is relatively small, the refrigerant in the first chamber (R1) is likely to flow into the second chamber (R2). Therefore, when the effective area A is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the server control unit (130) determines the sum of the first volume V1 and the second volume V2 as the effective volume Va. By using the effective area A of the opening (O) in this way, the volume of the space from which the refrigerant leaks can be accurately determined.

(9-6)
If the opening (O) is not on the conductor, the opening (O) is more likely to be blocked by an installed object, etc. In this case, the refrigerant in the first chamber (R1) is less likely to flow into the second chamber (R2) through the opening (O). In such a case, if the first volume V1 and the second volume V2 are added together, it may be determined that the safety device (5) is not required, even if the safety device (5) is actually required.

In the first process, the server control unit (130) of this embodiment largely corrects the first reference value B1 of the opening (O) if the opening (O) is not on the path of a person (steps S23, S24). This makes it difficult for the sum of the first volume V1 and the second volume V2 to become the effective volume Va if the opening (O) is not on the path of a person. This makes it possible to prevent the safety measures for the target space (S) from becoming insufficient due to the opening (O) being blocked by an installed object.

(9-7)
The installation support system (100) includes an input section (terminal device (110)) through which a person inputs information regarding the opening (O).

When a person inputs information about the opening (O) into the terminal device (110), the server control unit (130) can easily obtain information about the opening (O).

(10) Modifications The above embodiment may be modified as follows. The following describes the differences from the embodiment.

(10-1) Modification 1
The installation support system (100) according to the first modification shown in Fig. 10 includes a data providing device (180). The data providing device (180) is owned by, for example, a building design company. The data providing device (180) is connected to a server device (120) via a communication line (101).

The data providing device (180) has a memory unit (181) and a ninth control device (C9).

The memory unit (181) includes a hard disk drive (HDD), a random access memory (RAM), a solid state drive (SSD), etc. The memory unit (181) stores layout information of the building in which the installation assistance system (100) is used. Strictly speaking, the memory unit (181) stores three-dimensional data of the building. As shown in FIG. 6, the layout information of the three-dimensional data includes information on the first volume V1 of the first room (R1), information on the second volume V2 of the second room (R2), and information on the opening (O). The layout information includes information on which rooms are adjacent to each other and whether or not there is an opening between adjacent rooms. The layout information includes the floor area F1 of the first room (R1), the floor area F2 of the second room, the effective height Ho, the width Wo of the opening, the height Ho of the opening (O), and the height positions h1 and h2 of the opening (O).

The ninth control device (C9) includes an MCU (Micro Control Unit), an electric circuit, and an electronic circuit. The MCU includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a memory, and a communication interface. The memory stores various programs to be executed by the CPU. The memory stores a program for assisting in the installation of the air conditioning device (10).

In the first modification, the layout information of the data providing device (180) is transmitted to the server control unit (130) via the communication line (101). The information acquiring unit (140) acquires information on the first volume V1 of the first chamber (R1), information on the second volume V2 of the second chamber (R2), and information on the opening (O) sent from the data providing device (180). The information acquiring unit (140) acquires information on the amount of refrigerant used M sent from the user's terminal device (110) in the same manner as in the above-described embodiment.

In the first modification, the information acquisition unit (140) can obtain the necessary information without the user having to manually input information about the space. This makes it easier to determine whether or not the safety device (5) is necessary.

The data providing device (180) may also serve as the terminal device (110). In other words, the storage unit of the terminal device (110) may store the building layout information. In this case, similar to the above-described embodiment, the necessary information is transmitted from the terminal device (110) to the server device (120).

(10-2) Modification 2
The installation assistance system (100) according to the second modification corresponds to a case where two or more spaces are adjacent to a target space (S). As shown in Fig. 11, a first room (R1) which is the target space (S) is adjacent to a second room (R2) and a third room (R3). The first room (R1) and the second room (R2) are connected via a first opening (O1). The second room (R2) and the third room (R3) are connected via a second opening (O2).

The information acquisition unit (140) of the second modification acquires information about the first volume V1 of the first chamber (R1), information about the second volume V2 of the second chamber (R2), and information about the third volume V3 of the third chamber (R3). In addition, the information acquisition unit (140) acquires information about the first opening (O1) and information about the second opening (O2).

As in the embodiment, the determination unit (150) determines whether or not to add the second volume V2 to the first volume V1 based on the effective area A1 of the first opening (O1). In addition, the determination unit (150) determines whether or not to add the third volume V3 to the first volume V1 based on the effective area A2 of the second opening (O2).

For example, if the effective area A1 is less than the first reference value B1 and the effective area A2 is less than the first reference value B1, the effective volume Va is V1. If the effective area A1 is equal to or greater than the first reference value B1 and the effective area A2 is less than the first reference value B1, the effective volume Va is V1+V2. If the effective area A1 is equal to or greater than the first reference value B1 and the effective area A2 is equal to or greater than the first reference value B1, the effective volume Va is V1+V2+V3.

The installation assistance system (100) determines the effective volume Va using a similar method even when three or more spaces are adjacent to the first chamber (R1).

(10-3) Modification 3
In Modification 3 shown in Fig. 12, basic elements of the server control unit (130) of the embodiment are provided in an eighth control device (C8) of a terminal device (110). However, the eighth control device (C8) does not have the program transmission unit (131) and the determination result output unit (170) of the embodiment. The terminal device (110) of Modification 3 corresponds to the installation support device for the air conditioning device (10). The eighth control device (C8) corresponds to the control unit of the present disclosure.

In the terminal device (110), a user inputs the data shown in FIG. 6 using the third operation unit (111) on the application. The information acquisition unit (140) of the eighth control device (C8) of the terminal device (110) acquires the input data. The determination unit (150) determines the effective volume Va based on the information related to the opening (O). The safety measure determination unit (160) determines whether or not a safety device (5) is required based on the refrigerant usage amount M and the effective volume Va. The third display unit (112) of the terminal device (110) displays the determination result of whether or not a safety device (5) is required.

In the third variant, the user can easily determine whether or not the safety device (5) is required using only the terminal device (110).

(10-4) Modification 4
In this embodiment, the height from the floor surface (F) to the air conditioner (10) is defined as the effective height Ha. However, the effective height Ha may be the following height.

If the joint of the connecting pipe is located lower than the air conditioning unit (10), the effective height Ha may be the height from the floor surface (F) to the joint. In particular, if the joint is a mechanical joint, it is preferable that the effective height Ha be the height from the floor surface (F) to the joint. This is because mechanical joints have a higher possibility of refrigerant leakage than joints that use fire, such as brazing.

In addition, if the air conditioner (10) is a floor-standing type and has an air outlet at the top of the air conditioner (10), the effective height may be the height from the floor surface (F) to the air outlet. This is because there is a high possibility of refrigerant leaking from the air outlet in a floor-standing air conditioner (10).

(10-5) Modification 5
The determination unit (150) of the embodiment determines whether or not to add the second volume V2 to the first volume V1 based on the effective area A of the opening (O). However, the determination unit (150) may determine whether or not to add the second volume V2 to the first volume V1 based on information regarding the presence or absence of the opening (O).

Specifically, when there is an opening (O) connecting the first chamber (R1) and the second chamber (R2), the determination unit (150) determines the sum of the first volume V1 and the second volume V2 as the effective volume Va. When there is no opening (O) connecting the first chamber (R1) and the second chamber (R2), the determination unit (150) determines only the first volume V1 as the effective volume Va.

In addition, the effective area A of the opening (O) in the embodiment may be the actual area of the opening (O).

Other Embodiments
In the above-described embodiment and its modified examples, the following configurations may be adopted.

1) The air conditioner (10) does not have to be a multi-type, and may be a pair-type having one utilization unit (30) and one heat source unit (20). The air conditioner (10) may have multiple heat source units (20).

2) The refrigerant filled in the refrigerant circuit (11) may be a refrigerant other than R32. The refrigerant includes refrigerants that fall under Class 3 (highly flammable), Class 2 (lowly flammable), and Subclass 2L (slightly flammable) in the U.S. ASHRAE34 Designation and safety classification of refrigerants standard or the ISO817 Refrigerants- Designation and safety classification standard.

For example, the refrigerant is a single refrigerant consisting of R1234yf, R1234ze(E), R516A, R445A, R444A, R454C, R444B, R454A, R455A, R457A, R459B, R452B, R454B, R447B, R32, R447A, R446A, and R459.

Alternatively, the refrigerant is a mixed refrigerant consisting of two or more refrigerants selected from R1234yf, R1234ze(E), R516A, R445A, R444A, R454C, R444B, R454A, R455A, R457A, R459B, R452B, R454B, R447B, R32, R447A, R446A, and R459.

3) The switching mechanism (24) does not have to be a four-way switching valve. The switching mechanism (24) may be configured by combining four flow paths and on-off valves that open and close the paths, or by combining two three-way valves.

4) The heat source expansion valve (25) and the utilization expansion valve (31) do not have to be electronic expansion valves, and may be temperature-sensing expansion valves or rotary expansion mechanisms.

5) The utilization unit (30) does not have to be ceiling-mounted, but may be wall-mounted or floor-standing.

Although the embodiments and modifications have been described above, it will be understood that various modifications of form and details are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims. Furthermore, the above embodiments, modifications, and other embodiments may be combined or substituted as appropriate as long as the functionality of the subject matter of this disclosure is not impaired.

The descriptions "first," "second," "third," etc. mentioned above are used to distinguish the words to which they are attached, and do not limit the number or order of those words.

As described above, the present disclosure is useful for an installation assistance system, an installation assistance method, and an installation assistance device for an air conditioning device.

O Opening
R1 Room 1 (target space)
R2 Room 2
5. Safety Devices
10 Air conditioning device 110 Terminal device (input unit)
130 Server control unit (control unit)
C8 Eighth control device (control unit)

Claims (10)

acquiring information on a refrigerant usage amount M of the air conditioning device (10), information on a first volume V1 corresponding to a first chamber (R1) forming a space (S) to be air-conditioned, information on a second volume V2 corresponding to a second chamber (R2) adjacent to the first chamber (R1), and information on an opening (O) connecting the first chamber (R1) and the second chamber (R2);
a first process for determining whether only the first volume V1 is set as an effective volume Va or whether the sum of the first volume V1 and the second volume V2 is set as an effective volume Va based on information about the opening (O);
The installation support system for an air conditioning device (10) includes a control unit (130, C8) that executes a second process of determining whether or not to install a safety device (5) to prevent refrigerant leakage, based on information related to the amount M of refrigerant used by the air conditioning device (10) and the effective volume Va determined in the first process. 2. The air-conditioning apparatus installation assistance system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit (130, C8) acquires information about the first volume V1 and the second volume V2 based on a height from a floor surface (F) of the first room (R1) to the air-conditioning apparatus (10). The installation assistance system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein in the first process, the control unit (130, C8) determines the effective volume Va based on an opening (O) that is located at a position lower than a predetermined height position. 4. The air-conditioning apparatus installation assistance system according to claim 1, wherein in the first process, the control unit (130, C8) determines the effective volume Va based on an opening (O) formed along a floor surface (F). The air-conditioning device installation support system of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein in the first process, the control unit sets the first volume V1 as the effective volume when the effective area of the opening is less than a predetermined value, and sets the sum of the first volume V1 and the second volume V2 as the effective volume when the effective area of the opening is equal to or greater than the predetermined value. When the opening is not on a conductor line of a person in the first process, the control unit corrects the effective area of the opening to be smaller or corrects the predetermined value to be larger.
The air-conditioning apparatus installation support system according to claim 5. 7. The air-conditioning apparatus installation assistance system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit (130, C8) acquires information relating to the opening (O) based on building layout information. The air-conditioning apparatus installation assistance system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising an input unit (110) through which a person inputs information regarding the opening (O). acquiring information on a refrigerant usage amount M of the air conditioning device (10), information on a first volume V1 corresponding to a first chamber (R1) forming a space (S) to be air-conditioned, information on a second volume V2 corresponding to a second chamber (R2) adjacent to the first chamber (R1), and information on an opening (O) connecting the first chamber (R1) and the second chamber (R2);
Based on information about the opening (O), it is determined whether only the first volume V1 is set as the effective volume Va, or whether the sum of the first volume V1 and the second volume V2 is set as the effective volume Va;
the air conditioner installation support method determining whether or not to install a safety device (5) for preventing refrigerant leakage, based on information relating to the amount M of refrigerant used by the air conditioner (10) and the determined effective volume Va. acquiring information on a refrigerant usage amount M of the air conditioning device (10), information on a first volume V1 corresponding to a first chamber (R1) forming a space (S) to be air-conditioned, information on a second volume V2 corresponding to a second chamber (R2) adjacent to the first chamber (R1), and information on an opening (O) connecting the first chamber (R1) and the second chamber (R2);
a first process for determining whether only the first volume V1 is set as an effective volume Va or whether the sum of the first volume V1 and the second volume V2 is set as an effective volume Va based on information about the opening (O);
and a control unit (130, C8) that executes a second process of determining whether or not to install a safety device (5) to prevent refrigerant leakage, based on information related to the amount M of refrigerant used by the air conditioning device (10) and the effective volume Va determined in the first process.

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