JP7612357B2 - Identification device and identification method - Google Patents

Description

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a determination device and a determination method.

In refrigeration cycle equipment, problems generally occur, such as reduced ventilation due to dust adhering to the heat exchanger, clogging due to adhesions inside the piping, especially in the case of pressure reducing equipment using capillary tubes, and refrigerant leaks. However, even if a problem does occur, it is difficult to identify the location of the problem, and it can take a long time to identify the location of the problem.

JP 2007-83872 A

The problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide an identification device and an identification method that can identify the location or area of a malfunction in a refrigeration cycle device.

The identification device according to this embodiment includes an acquisition unit and an identification unit. The acquisition unit acquires a first pressure and a first temperature of the refrigerant sucked by the compressor in a refrigeration cycle device having a compressor, a condenser, a pressure reducing device, and an evaporator, and a second pressure and a second temperature of the refrigerant flowing out from the condenser. The identification unit identifies the location of the malfunction or the portion where the malfunction will occur in the refrigeration cycle device based on the first pressure increase/decrease state for a predetermined value of the first pressure, the first temperature increase/decrease state for a predetermined value of the first temperature, the second pressure increase/decrease state for a predetermined value of the second pressure, and the second temperature increase/decrease state for a predetermined value of the second temperature.

It is possible to identify the location of the malfunction or the area where the malfunction will occur in the refrigeration cycle device.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a refrigeration cycle system according to a first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a Ph diagram showing an example of a refrigeration cycle of the refrigeration cycle device. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing reference data corresponding to a defect condition. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a state monitoring process. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a refrigeration cycle system according to a second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing reference data corresponding to defect conditions according to the second embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing reference data corresponding to defect conditions according to the third embodiment.

The identification device and identification method according to the embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiments described below are merely examples of the embodiments of the present invention, and the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited to these embodiments. In addition, in the drawings referred to in this embodiment, identical parts or parts having similar functions are given the same or similar symbols, and repeated explanations may be omitted. Also, the dimensional ratios of the drawings may differ from the actual ratios for the convenience of explanation, and some components may be omitted from the drawings.

(First embodiment)

Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a refrigeration cycle system 1 according to this embodiment. An example of the configuration of the refrigeration cycle system 1 will be described using Fig. 1. As shown in Fig. 1, the refrigeration cycle system 1 according to this embodiment is a system that can identify the location of a malfunction in the refrigeration cycle device 10 or the location where a malfunction will occur. This refrigeration cycle system 1 is configured with the refrigeration cycle device 10 and an identifying device 20. Note that the location where a malfunction will occur according to this embodiment refers to a location where a malfunction has not yet occurred but is likely to occur in the future.

The refrigeration cycle device 10 is, for example, a refrigerator that performs a vapor compression refrigeration cycle operation. The refrigeration cycle device 10 has a compressor 11, a condenser 12, a pressure reducing device 13, an evaporator 14, a measuring device Sa, and a measuring device Sb. The compressor 11, the condenser 12, the pressure reducing device 13, and the evaporator 14 are connected by refrigerant piping (hereinafter, the refrigerant piping may be referred to as piping) to form a refrigerant circuit. These are the main components, and in addition to these, a dryer, accumulator, valves, etc. (not shown) are also configured within the piping connection.

Compressor 11 is composed of, for example, an inverter compressor, and draws in gas refrigerant, compresses it, and discharges it in a high-temperature, high-pressure state. The displacement volume discharged by compressor 11 per rotation is determined for each compressor. Therefore, the volume discharged per unit time can be calculated from the rotation frequency.

The condenser 12 is a heat exchanger composed of, for example, a heat transfer tube and a number of fins, and is connected to the compressor 11 and the pressure reducing device 13 by refrigerant piping. Plate fin type heat exchangers are generally used for vehicles. This condenser 12 exchanges heat between the refrigerant in the piping and the air outside the device. In this way, the condenser 12 exchanges heat between the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11 and a heat medium such as air or water, condensing and liquefying the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant.

The pressure reducing device 13 is composed of, for example, a capillary tube, and is connected to the condenser 12 and the evaporator 14 by refrigerant piping. This pressure reducing device 13 reduces the pressure of the refrigerant condensed by the condenser 12 and expands it. More specifically, the pressure reducing device 13 reduces the pressure of the refrigerant in the refrigerant piping that has been condensed and liquefied by the condenser 12 so that it can evaporate easily, and puts it into a two-phase state. Capillary tubes are often used, particularly for vehicles, but this is not limiting. For example, a pressure reducing valve or an expansion valve may also be used.

The evaporator 14 is, for example, a cross-fin type heat exchanger, and is connected to the pressure reducing device 13 and the compressor 11 by refrigerant piping. This evaporator 14 exchanges heat between the refrigerant in the refrigerant piping and the air outside the device, evaporating the refrigerant in the piping. During cooling operation, the cooled air is supplied into the vehicle and cools the air inside the vehicle. There are no particular limitations on the refrigerant, and a non-azeotropic mixed refrigerant or a single refrigerant may be selected as appropriate.

The measuring device Sa is configured to measure a first pressure and a first temperature of the refrigerant sucked by the compressor 11, for example.
The measuring device Sb is configured with, for example, a pressure sensor and a thermocouple, and measures a second pressure and a second temperature of the refrigerant flowing out of the condenser 12.

The identification device 20 is a device that identifies the location of the problem in the refrigeration cycle device 10, and has an acquisition unit 22, a storage unit 24, and an identification unit 26. The identification device 20 has, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and realizes each function by executing a program stored in the storage unit 24. The acquisition unit 22, storage unit (reference database) 24, and identification unit 26 may each be configured as a circuit. The identification device 20 may be mounted on a control device in the vehicle, or may be placed in a data center outside the vehicle to form a system that makes judgments through communication.

The acquisition unit 22 is connected to the measuring device Sa and the measuring device Sb, and acquires a first pressure and a first temperature of the refrigerant sucked by the compressor 11, and a second pressure and a second temperature of the refrigerant flowing out from the condenser 12.

The storage unit 24 is realized, for example, by a register in a logic circuit, a semiconductor memory element such as an SRAM, a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory), or a flash memory, a hard disk, an optical disk, etc. This storage unit stores a program that realizes the functions of the specific device 20, reference data, etc. Details of the reference data stored in the storage unit 24 will be described later using FIG. 3.

The identification unit 26 uses the data acquired by the acquisition unit 22 to identify the location of the malfunction in the refrigerant circuit flow path or the location where the malfunction will occur based on the first pressure increase/decrease state for the predetermined value of the first pressure, the first temperature increase/decrease state for the predetermined value of the first temperature, the second pressure increase/decrease state for the predetermined value of the second pressure, and the second temperature increase/decrease state for the predetermined value of the second temperature. More specifically, the identification unit 26 identifies the location of the malfunction in the compressor, condenser, pressure reducing device, or evaporator based on the combination of the first pressure increase/decrease state, the first temperature increase/decrease state, the second pressure increase/decrease state, and the second temperature increase/decrease state.

Here, the first pressure increase/decrease state is, for example, a first pressure difference value of the first pressure measured at each predetermined time interval. This first pressure difference value is, for example, the difference between the first pressure at a reference level under normal conditions and the current first pressure. Alternatively, this first pressure difference value may be calculated as the difference between the first pressure a predetermined time ago, for example 30 seconds ago, and the current first pressure.

Similarly, the first temperature increase/decrease state is a first temperature difference value of the first temperature measured at a predetermined time interval. This first temperature difference value is, for example, the difference between the first temperature at a reference level under normal conditions and the current first temperature. Alternatively, this first temperature difference value may be calculated as the difference between the first temperature a predetermined time ago, for example 30 seconds ago, and the current first temperature.

Similarly, the second pressure increase/decrease state is a second pressure difference value of the second pressure measured at each predetermined time interval. This second pressure difference value is, for example, the difference between the second pressure at a reference level under normal conditions and the current second pressure. Alternatively, this second pressure difference value may be calculated as the difference between the second pressure a predetermined time ago, for example 30 seconds ago, and the current second pressure.

Similarly, the second temperature increase/decrease state is a second temperature difference value of the second temperature measured at a predetermined time interval. This second temperature difference value is, for example, the difference between the second temperature at a reference level under normal conditions and the current second temperature. Alternatively, this second temperature difference value may be calculated as the difference between the second temperature a predetermined time ago, for example 30 seconds ago, and the current second temperature. The detailed processing of the identification unit 26 will be described later.

Here, an example of the operation of the refrigeration cycle device 10 will be described based on FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a Ph diagram showing an example of the refrigeration cycle of the refrigeration cycle device 10. The vertical axis indicates pressure, and the horizontal axis indicates specific enthalpy. Also, s1 to s4 indicate the pressure and temperature at s1 to s4 in FIG. 1. That is, s1 indicates the first pressure and first temperature measured by measuring device Sa, and s3 indicates the second pressure and second temperature measured by measuring device Sb.

In the refrigeration cycle device 10, a refrigerant in a low-temperature, low-pressure gas state (s1) is compressed by the compressor 11 and discharged as a high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant (s2). The high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant (s2) discharged from the compressor 11 flows into the condenser 12.

Next, the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant (s2) that flows into the condenser 12 dissipates heat to the outside air, etc., and is condensed to become high-pressure liquid refrigerant (s3). Next, the high-pressure liquid refrigerant that flows out of the condenser 12 flows into the pressure reducing device 13, where it is reduced in pressure and converted into a low-pressure refrigerant (s4) that is a mixture of liquid and gas.

The refrigerant (s4) that flows into the evaporator 14 evaporates while remaining at the same temperature, and is converted into a low-temperature, low-pressure gas state (s1). At this time, the air inside the vehicle, for example, is cooled by the heat removed by the evaporator 14. The gas refrigerant (s1) that flows out of the evaporator 14 is then sucked into the compressor 11 and compressed again.

Next, the reference data stored in the storage unit 24 will be described with reference to FIG. 3. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing reference data corresponding to defect conditions. The defect conditions indicate the location of the defect.

The numbers 1 through 15 in the database column indicate fault conditions. For example, 1 is fault condition 1, 2 is fault condition 2, 3 is fault condition 3, 4 is fault condition 4, 5 indicates fault condition 5 where fault conditions 1 and 2 occur simultaneously, and 6 indicates fault condition 6 where fault conditions 1 and 3 occur simultaneously. Like 6, 7 through 15 also indicate multiple fault conditions occurring simultaneously.

For example, fault conditions could include a reduction in airflow due to dust in the condenser or evaporator, a clogged capillary tube, or a refrigerant leak.

The outflow pressure and outflow temperature in the table correspond to the second pressure and second temperature of the refrigerant flowing out of the condenser 12, the suction pressure and suction temperature correspond to the first pressure and first temperature of the refrigerant drawn into the compressor 11, and the refrigerant circulation volume corresponds to the circulation volume of the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant circuit of the refrigeration cycle device 10.

That is, from the left, the arrows indicate a second pressure increase/decrease state which is an increase/decrease state of the outflow pressure of the refrigerant flowing out of the condenser 12, a second temperature increase/decrease state which is an increase/decrease state of the outflow temperature of the refrigerant flowing out of the condenser 12, a first pressure increase/decrease state which is an increase/decrease state of the suction pressure of the refrigerant drawn into the compressor 11, a first temperature increase/decrease state which is an increase/decrease state of the suction temperature of the refrigerant drawn into the compressor 11, and an increase/decrease state of the refrigerant circulation amount of the refrigeration cycle device 10.

The arrows in the table indicate the degree of change from a steady state or a quasi-steady state that is stable enough to be considered steady. Large changes are indicated by vertical arrows, and moderate changes are indicated by diagonal arrows. More specifically, based on experimental data obtained in advance by preliminary experiments or simulations, the first pressure difference value indicating the first pressure increase/decrease state, the first temperature difference value indicating the first temperature increase/decrease state, the second pressure difference value indicating the second pressure increase/decrease state, the second temperature difference value indicating the second temperature increase/decrease state, and the difference value of the refrigerant circulation amount are each divided into, for example, three stages of increase and three stages of decrease, and the range of each value is set. For example, if the first pressure difference value is 0 or more and less than 100, it is classified as the first increase range, if it is 100 or more and less than 200, it is classified as the second increase range, if it is 200 or more, it is classified as the third increase range, if it is less than 0 and -100 or more, it is classified as the first decrease range, if it is less than -100 and -200 or more, it is classified as the second decrease range, and if it is less than -200, it is classified as the third decrease range.

3, if the first pressure difference value corresponds to the second increase range, it is indicated by an arrow pointing diagonally upward at 45 degrees, if it corresponds to the third increase range, it is indicated by an arrow pointing diagonally upward at 90 degrees, if it corresponds to the second decrease range, it is indicated by an arrow pointing diagonally downward at 45 degrees, and if it corresponds to the third decrease range, it is indicated by an arrow pointing downward at 90 degrees. The first temperature difference value, the second pressure difference value, the second temperature difference value, and the difference value of the refrigerant circulation amount are also classified into six stages in the same way, but the setting range of the numerical value differs depending on each measured value. In this embodiment, each difference value is classified into six stages, but this is not limited to this. For example, it may be classified into 12 stages, 24 stages, etc. In this way, the reference data of the first pressure difference value, the second pressure difference value, the first temperature difference value, and the second temperature difference value are associated with each malfunction occurrence location and stored in the memory unit 24.

ｑ_ｍｒ［ｋｇ／ｓ］は冷媒循環量、Ｖ［ｍ^３／ｓ］は圧縮機の単位時間の排出容積、η_ｖ［－］は圧縮機の体積効率、ν［ｍ^３／ｋｇ］は圧縮機への吸入冷媒の比体積を表している。比体積νは圧縮機吸入温度と圧力から求められるため、冷媒循環量が算出される。体積効率η_ｖは一般的に０．８～１．０程度の値をとる。この冷媒循環量と冷房能力には概ね相関があるため、あらかじめシミュレーションや実験によって、冷房能力を正常時から異常時まで状態を変化させ、各状態に対応する冷媒循環量を求める。これにより、冷媒循環量と冷房能力を対応させることが可能となる。例えば、冷媒循環量と冷房能力との関係をデータベース化したり、（２）式で示すように関数化したり、しておくことにより、冷媒循環量に対応する冷房能力Ｑを推定することが可能となる。例えば０から１００などの数値範囲で冷房能力Ｑを冷媒循環量ｑ_ｍｒに対応付けることが可能である。０から１００などの数値範囲は、任意の範囲に設定可能である。
また、特定部２６は、取得部２２が取得した第２圧力、及び第２温度を更に用いて冷凍サイクル装置１０の冷房能力を演算することもできる。特定部２６は、凝縮器１２から流出する冷媒の第２圧力と第２温度、圧縮機１１へ吸入する冷媒の第１圧力と第１温度を用いて、冷媒の比エンタルピーをそれぞれ求める。これにより、状態ｓ１と状態ｓ３のエンタルピー差を算出可能である。より詳細には、特定部２６は、（１）式で示した冷媒循環量ｑ_ｍｒの算出結果と、このエンタルピー差の算出結果とを乗算することにより、冷房能力を算出する。これにより、より精度よく冷房能力を推定できる。

Here, the refrigerant circulation amount q _mr is calculated by the determination unit 26 using equation (1).

q _mr [kg/s] represents the refrigerant circulation amount, V [m ³ /s] represents the discharge volume per unit time of the compressor, η _v [-] represents the volumetric efficiency of the compressor, and ν [m ³ /kg] represents the specific volume of the refrigerant sucked into the compressor. The specific volume ν is calculated from the compressor suction temperature and pressure, so the refrigerant circulation amount is calculated. The volumetric efficiency η _v generally takes a value of about 0.8 to 1.0. Since there is a rough correlation between this refrigerant circulation amount and the cooling capacity, the cooling capacity is changed from normal to abnormal in advance by simulation or experiment, and the refrigerant circulation amount corresponding to each state is obtained. This makes it possible to correspond the refrigerant circulation amount and the cooling capacity. For example, by making the relationship between the refrigerant circulation amount and the cooling capacity into a database or making it into a function as shown in formula (2), it becomes possible to estimate the cooling capacity Q corresponding to the refrigerant circulation amount. For example, it is possible to correspond the cooling capacity Q to the refrigerant circulation amount q _mr in a numerical range such as 0 to 100. The numerical range such as 0 to 100 can be set to any range.
The determination unit 26 can also calculate the cooling capacity of the refrigeration cycle device 10 by further using the second pressure and second temperature acquired by the acquisition unit 22. The determination unit 26 obtains the specific enthalpy of the refrigerant by using the second pressure and second temperature of the refrigerant flowing out from the condenser 12 and the first pressure and first temperature of the refrigerant sucked into the compressor 11. This makes it possible to calculate the enthalpy difference between state s1 and state s3. More specifically, the determination unit 26 calculates the cooling capacity by multiplying the calculation result of the refrigerant circulation amount q _mr shown in equation (1) by the calculation result of this enthalpy difference. This makes it possible to estimate the cooling capacity more accurately.

Here, for example, if the cooling capacity Q is in the range of 100 to 90, it corresponds to no abnormality, if it is in the range of 90 to 80, it corresponds to a malfunction precursor stage where a malfunction is likely to occur, and if it is less than 80, it corresponds to a malfunction stage where a malfunction has occurred. For example, in FIG. 3, the range of 90 to 80 corresponds to an arrow pointing diagonally downward at 45 degrees, and the range of less than 80 corresponds to an arrow pointing downward at 90 degrees. In this way, the identification unit 26 calculates the refrigerant circulation amount of the refrigeration cycle device 10 and estimates the cooling capacity of the refrigeration cycle device 10. That is, the identification unit 26 can calculate the refrigerant circulation amount of the refrigeration cycle device 10 and estimate it as no malfunction, a malfunction precursor stage, or a malfunction stage.

Here, a detailed example of the processing performed by the identifying unit 26 will be described with reference to FIG.
As shown in Fig. 3, the identifying unit 26 identifies the location of the malfunction according to a combination of the degree of decrease in the first pressure difference value, the degree of decrease in the first temperature difference value, the degree of increase in the second pressure difference value, and the degree of decrease in the second temperature difference value. For example, if the degree of decrease in the first pressure difference value is in the second decrease range, the degree of decrease in the first temperature difference value is in the third decrease range, the degree of increase in the second pressure difference value is in the second increase range, and the degree of increase in the second temperature difference value is in the third decrease range, it is determined that the malfunction condition 1 is met, and it is identified that, for example, the compressor 11 is malfunctioning. In this way, the identifying unit 26 identifies the location of the malfunction in the compressor 11, the condenser 12, the pressure reducing device 13, and the evaporator 14 by comparing with the reference data stored in the memory unit 24.

Figure 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the state monitoring process. Here, an example of monitoring the refrigeration cycle device 10 after it has reached a steady state or a quasi-steady state that can be considered steady, such as after the start of operation or at a certain interval during operation. The refrigeration cycle device 10 itself may be an inverter-controlled system, in which case the steady state is determined to be the timing when maximum performance operation continues. Alternatively, steady operation is performed for several minutes before the determination, and the quasi-steady state is determined to be reached.

First, the acquisition unit 22 acquires the frequency of the compressor 11, the first pressure and the first temperature of the refrigerant drawn into the compressor 11, and the second pressure and the second temperature of the refrigerant flowing out from the condenser 12 (step S100).

Next, the determination unit 26 estimates and calculates the cooling capacity of the refrigeration cycle device 10 according to equations (1) and (2) (step S102). The determination unit 26 then compares the estimated calculation result with the numerical ranges stored in the storage unit (reference database) 24 for no malfunction (e.g., 100-90), a malfunction precursor stage (e.g., 90-80), and a malfunction stage (e.g., 80-0) (step S104).

Next, the identification unit 26 determines whether the numerical value is within a range without a defect (e.g., 100 to 90) (step S106). If the numerical value is within a range without a defect (e.g., 100 to 90) (Yes in step S106), the identification unit 26 stores the status information acquired in step S100 in the storage unit 24 (step S108).

On the other hand, if the numerical value is not within the range without a defect (e.g., 100 to 90) (No in step S106), the identification unit 26 determines whether it is less than the reference value (80) (step S110).

If the value is equal to or less than the reference value (80) (Yes in step S110), the identification unit 26 uses the first pressure, first temperature, second pressure, and second temperature to calculate the first pressure difference value, the first temperature difference value, the second pressure difference value, and the second temperature difference value, determines which of the defect conditions in the reference data (FIG. 3) these correspond to, and outputs the identified defect location to a display device (not shown) (step S112).

On the other hand, if the value is equal to or greater than the reference value (80) (No in step S110), the identification unit 26 uses the first pressure, first temperature, second pressure, and second temperature to calculate the first pressure difference value, the first temperature difference value, the second pressure difference value, and the second temperature difference value, determines which of the malfunction conditions in the reference data (Figure 3) these correspond to, and outputs a prediction (estimate) of the identified malfunction location.

According to this embodiment, the identification unit 26 calculates the difference between the first pressure and the first temperature of the refrigerant drawn into the compressor 11 and the second pressure and the second temperature of the refrigerant flowing out from the condenser 12, and identifies the location of the malfunction or the predicted location of the malfunction in the refrigeration cycle device 10 based on the combination of the increase and decrease states of each. As a result, the response that was previously performed after the malfunction occurred, can predict the location of the malfunction in advance, and maintenance of the malfunction-progressing location can be performed during regular maintenance. If the device is installed in a vehicle, the impact on operation can be eliminated. Furthermore, even when a malfunction is determined, since the location of the malfunction has been identified, the maintenance time can be significantly shortened and the impact on the operation of the vehicle can be minimized.

Second Embodiment
The refrigeration cycle system according to the second embodiment differs from the refrigeration cycle system according to the first embodiment in that the malfunction state of the refrigeration cycle device 10 is more accurately estimated by taking into account the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant flowing out from the compressor 11. Also, the refrigeration cycle system according to the first embodiment differs from the refrigeration cycle system according to the second embodiment in that the identifying unit 26 is capable of identifying the malfunction location or the portion where the malfunction will occur by using the classifiers 260 and 262 that have undergone supervised learning. The differences from the refrigeration cycle system according to the first embodiment will be described below.

Figure 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a refrigeration cycle system 1 according to a second embodiment. As shown in Figure 5, the refrigeration cycle device 10 further includes a measuring device Sc.

The measuring device Sc is composed of, for example, a pressure sensor and a thermocouple. This measuring device Sc measures the third pressure and the third temperature of the refrigerant flowing out from the compressor 11.

The identification unit 26 further includes a first classifier 260 and a second classifier 262. Details of the first classifier 260 and the second classifier 262 will be described later.

The acquisition unit 22 further acquires a third pressure and a third temperature of the refrigerant flowing out from the compressor 11 from the measuring device Sc.
The determination unit 26 calculates the cooling capacity of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 10 by further using the third pressure and the third temperature acquired by the acquisition unit 22 in addition to the method of the first embodiment. This makes it possible to estimate the cooling capacity with higher accuracy.

Figure 6 is a diagram showing reference data corresponding to a malfunction condition according to the second embodiment. As shown in Figure 6, a third pressure increase/decrease state, which is an increase/decrease state of the outflow pressure of the refrigerant flowing out from the compressor 11, and a third temperature increase/decrease state, which is an increase/decrease state of the outflow temperature of the refrigerant flowing out from the compressor 11, are added to the determination of the malfunction condition.

The third pressure increase/decrease state is the third pressure difference value of the third pressure measured at a predetermined time interval. This third pressure difference value is, for example, the difference between the third pressure at a reference level under normal conditions and the current third pressure. Alternatively, this third pressure difference value may be calculated as the difference between the second pressure a predetermined time ago, for example 30 seconds ago, and the current second pressure.

Similarly, the third temperature increase/decrease state is a third temperature difference value of the third temperature measured at a predetermined time interval. This third temperature difference value is, for example, the difference between the third temperature at a reference level under normal conditions and the current third temperature. Alternatively, this third temperature difference value may be calculated as the difference between the second temperature a predetermined time ago, for example 30 seconds ago, and the current third temperature.

The identification unit 26 also calculates the third pressure difference value and the third temperature difference value. The identification unit 26 also uses the third pressure difference value and the third temperature difference value to determine the malfunction condition and identify the location of the malfunction. This increases the number of comparisons in the reference database, making it possible to further improve the accuracy of identifying the location where the malfunction is progressing and the location where the malfunction has occurred.

Here, the first classifier 260 and the second classifier 262 will be described in detail. The first classifier 260 and the second classifier 262 are classifiers that have been trained, for example, using a neural network with supervision. For example, the teacher signal is set to the fault conditions 1 to 15 shown in FIG. 6, and the training data is set to the first pressure difference value, the first temperature difference value, the second pressure difference value, the second temperature difference value, the third pressure difference value, and the third temperature difference value corresponding to the teacher signal. The first classifier 260 and the second classifier 262 are trained using these data as supervised training data. Note that normalized data for each of the first pressure difference value, the first temperature difference value, the second pressure difference value, the second temperature difference value, the third pressure difference value, and the third temperature difference value may be used for training.

In this case, the first classifier 260 learns using data when the cooling capacity of the refrigeration cycle device 10 is in a malfunction stage. On the other hand, the second classifier 262 learns using data when the cooling capacity of the refrigeration cycle device 10 is in a warning sign of a malfunction.

As a result, when the unlearned first pressure difference value, first temperature difference value, second pressure difference value, second temperature difference value, third pressure difference value, and third temperature difference value are input to the first identifier 260, one of the malfunction conditions 1 to 15 is output. In this case, if the cooling capacity of the refrigeration cycle device 10 is at the malfunction stage, the first identifier 260 is used. This makes it possible to more accurately identify one of the malfunction conditions 1 to 15.

On the other hand, if the cooling capacity of the refrigeration cycle device 10 is at a stage indicating a malfunction, the second identifier 262 is used. This makes it possible to more accurately identify the malfunction as one of the malfunction conditions 1 to 15 at the stage indicating a malfunction.

When the cooling capacity is at a stage predicting a malfunction, the identification unit 26 stores status information, such as the first pressure difference value, the first temperature difference value, the second pressure difference value, the second temperature difference value, the third pressure difference value, and the third temperature difference value, in the storage unit 24. This makes it possible to determine how much the malfunction has progressed since the previous determination by the identification unit 26, and to output the degree of the malfunction.

More specifically, the determination unit 26 calculates the difference in cooling capacity, and determines that the malfunction is progressing more when the difference value is decreasing more significantly. For example, if the malfunction is progressing quickly, parts can be replaced and cleaned during the next maintenance, and if the malfunction is progressing slowly, the next regular maintenance can be used until the next regular maintenance, and maintenance can be performed at an appropriate time, thereby reducing the labor required for maintenance work.

In addition, the memory unit 24 periodically stores the condition monitoring data in the memory unit 24. This allows data to be accumulated. The accumulated data can be compared with a reference database outside the vehicle. Therefore, as more data is accumulated, the accuracy of statistical processing, such as the relationship between the progression of a malfunction and cooling capacity, and machine learning processing, such as neural networks, improves. This makes it possible to configure a condition monitoring system that takes into account the characteristics of each route on which the vehicle operates.

As described above, according to this embodiment, the determination unit 26 also uses the third pressure difference value and the third temperature difference value to calculate the cooling capacity of the refrigeration cycle device 10. This makes it possible to calculate the cooling capacity with higher accuracy.

The identification unit 26 also uses the third pressure difference value and the third temperature difference value to identify the location of the defect. This increases the number of reference databases to compare, making it possible to further improve the accuracy of identifying the location of the defect progression and the location of the defect occurrence.

In addition, by using the first classifier 260 and the second classifier 262, it is possible to identify the location where a defect occurs (location where the defect is progressing) and the location where the defect occurs without using reference data.

Third Embodiment
The refrigeration cycle system 1 according to the third embodiment differs from the refrigeration cycle system 1 according to the first embodiment in that the refrigeration cycle system 1 according to the third embodiment includes reference data according to an outside temperature. The following describes the differences from the refrigeration cycle system according to the first embodiment.

Figure 7 is a diagram showing reference data corresponding to malfunction conditions according to the third embodiment. As shown in Figure 7, reference data is prepared for each temperature condition, for example, for each outside air temperature. This allows the identification unit 26 to use reference data that matches the temperature conditions, further improving the identification accuracy. This makes it possible to perform status monitoring at any time during operation. This makes it possible to more quickly and accurately determine malfunctions and determine the location where a malfunction occurs (estimate the location where a malfunction occurs).

At least a part of the data processing method in the specific device 20 according to this embodiment may be configured with hardware or software. When configured with software, a program that realizes at least a part of the functions of the data processing method may be stored in a recording medium such as a flexible disk or CD-ROM, and may be read and executed by a computer. The recording medium is not limited to removable ones such as magnetic disks or optical disks, but may be fixed recording media such as hard disk drives or memories. In addition, a program that realizes at least a part of the functions of the data processing method may be distributed via a communication line (including wireless communication) such as the Internet. Furthermore, the program may be encrypted, modulated, or compressed and distributed via a wired or wireless line such as the Internet, or stored in a recording medium.

Although several embodiments have been described above, these embodiments are presented only as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The novel devices, methods, and programs described in this specification can be embodied in various other forms. Furthermore, various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made to the forms of the devices, methods, and programs described in this specification without departing from the spirit of the invention.

1: refrigeration cycle system, 10: refrigeration cycle device, 11: compressor, 12: condenser, 13: pressure reducing device, 14: evaporator, 20: identification device, 22: acquisition unit, 24: memory unit, 26: identification unit, 260: first classifier, 262: second classifier, Sa to Sc: measuring devices.

Claims (12)

an acquisition unit that acquires information on only a first pressure and a first temperature of a refrigerant sucked by a compressor and a second pressure and a second temperature of the refrigerant flowing out from the condenser in a refrigeration cycle apparatus having a compressor, a condenser, a decompression device, and an evaporator;
an identification unit that identifies whether a malfunction has occurred in at least any one of the compressor, the condenser, the decompression device, and the evaporator, or whether the malfunction will occur in at least any one of the compressor, the condenser, the decompression device, and the evaporator, without generating a Moller diagram, according to a combination of a first pressure increase/decrease state for the first pressure with respect to the predetermined value, a first temperature increase/decrease state for the first temperature with respect to the predetermined value, a second pressure increase/decrease state for the second pressure with respect to the predetermined value, and a second temperature increase/decrease state for the second temperature with respect to the predetermined value;
A specific device comprising: The identification device according to claim 1, wherein the identification unit identifies the location of the malfunction when the cooling capacity of the refrigeration cycle device is within a numerical range of the malfunction occurrence stage, and identifies the location where the malfunction occurs when the cooling capacity is within a numerical range of the malfunction occurrence symptom stage. The identifying device according to claim 2, wherein the identifying unit estimates the cooling capacity based on a physical quantity calculated from the amount of circulating refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle device, the second pressure, and the second temperature. the first pressure increase/decrease state is a first pressure difference value of the first pressure measured at a predetermined time interval;
the first temperature increase/decrease state is a first temperature difference value of the first temperature measured at a predetermined time interval;
the second pressure increase/decrease state is a second pressure difference value of the second pressure measured at a predetermined time interval;
The identifying device according to claim 3 , wherein the second temperature increase or decrease state is a second temperature difference value of the second temperature measured at a predetermined time interval. The identification device according to claim 4, wherein the identification unit identifies the location where the malfunction occurs or the area where the malfunction occurs according to a combination of the degree of decrease in the first pressure difference value, the degree of decrease in the first temperature difference value, the degree of increase in the second pressure difference value, and the degree of decrease in the second temperature difference value. a storage unit configured to store reference data of the first pressure difference value, the second pressure difference value, the first temperature difference value, and the second temperature difference value for each malfunction occurrence location,
The identification device according to claim 4 , wherein the identification unit identifies the location where the malfunction has occurred or the portion where the malfunction will occur in the compressor, the condenser, the pressure reducing device, and the evaporator by comparing with reference data stored in the memory unit. the acquisition unit acquires a third pressure of the refrigerant flowing out from the compressor and a third temperature of the refrigerant flowing out from the compressor,
the storage unit further stores reference data of a third pressure difference value of the third pressure measured at a predetermined time interval and a third temperature difference value of the third temperature measured at a predetermined time interval,
The identification device according to claim 6, wherein the identification unit identifies the location where the malfunction occurs or the portion where the malfunction will occur further based on a comparison of the third pressure difference value, the third temperature difference value, and the reference data. The storage unit has a plurality of the reference data corresponding to outside air temperatures,
The identification device according to claim 7 , wherein the identification unit changes the reference data to be used depending on the outside air temperature. the identification unit compares the reference data with the first pressure difference value, the second pressure difference value, the first temperature difference value, the second temperature difference value, the third pressure difference value, and the third temperature difference value at predetermined time intervals;
The identification device according to claim 8 , wherein the storage unit stores data relating to the comparison at each predetermined time period. The identification device according to claim 3, wherein when the cooling capacity of the refrigeration cycle device is within a numerical range of the stage at which the malfunction occurs, the identification unit performs the identification using a first identifier that identifies the malfunction location based on values related to each of the first pressure increase/decrease state, the first temperature increase/decrease state, the second pressure increase/decrease state, and the second temperature increase/decrease state. The identification device according to claim 10, further comprising a second identifier that identifies the location where the malfunction occurs based on values related to the first pressure increase/decrease state, the first temperature increase/decrease state, the second pressure increase/decrease state, and the second temperature increase/decrease state when the cooling capacity of the refrigeration cycle device is in a numerical range of the malfunction precursor stage. an acquisition step of acquiring information on only a first pressure and a first temperature of a refrigerant sucked by a compressor and a second pressure and a second temperature of a refrigerant flowing out from the condenser in a refrigeration cycle apparatus having a compressor, a condenser, a pressure reducing device, and an evaporator;
a determining step of determining whether a malfunction has occurred in at least any one of the compressor, the condenser, the pressure reducing device, and the evaporator, or whether the malfunction will occur in at least any one of the compressor, the condenser, the pressure reducing device , and the evaporator, without generating a Moller diagram , according to a combination of a first pressure increase/decrease state for the first pressure with respect to the predetermined value, a first temperature increase/decrease state for the first temperature with respect to the predetermined value, a second pressure increase/decrease state for the second pressure with respect to the predetermined value, and a second temperature increase/decrease state for the second temperature with respect to the predetermined value;
The method of identification comprises: