U.S. patent application number 11/659697 was filed with the patent office on 2008-09-04 for air conditioner.
This patent application is currently assigned to Mitsubishi Electric Corporation. Invention is credited to Hidesuke Hayakawa, Kazuyuki Igarashi, Hirotaka Masui.
Application Number | 20080209927 11/659697 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37864671 |
Filed Date | 2008-09-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080209927 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Igarashi; Kazuyuki ; et
al. |
September 4, 2008 |
Air Conditioner
Abstract
An objective is to realize an air conditioner in which the
amount of consumed electric power can be integrated without using
an exclusive electric-power-amount counter, and a control line for
measuring the amount of the electric power can be shortened.
Commercial electric power is supplied to an outdoor unit 1 and an
indoor unit of the air conditioner through a Watt-hour meter 3, for
measuring the amount of electric power supplied to the outdoor unit
1 and the indoor unit, having a transmitter for transmitting pulse
signals, and through an electric power line 4. The Watt-hour meter
3 and the outdoor unit 1 are communicatively connected to each
other through a control line 5. The outdoor unit 1 and the indoor
unit are communicatively connected to a centralized controller
through a transmission line 7. Especially, the outdoor unit 1
includes a Watt-hour meter connection circuit 10 for receiving a
signal related to the amount of the electric power from the
Watt-hour meter 3, and a controller 11 for integrating the amount
of electric power based on the received signal related to the
amount of the electric power.
Inventors: |
Igarashi; Kazuyuki; (Tokyo,
JP) ; Masui; Hirotaka; (Tokyo, JP) ; Hayakawa;
Hidesuke; (Tokyo, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BUCHANAN, INGERSOLL & ROONEY PC
POST OFFICE BOX 1404
ALEXANDRIA
VA
22313-1404
US
|
Assignee: |
Mitsubishi Electric
Corporation
Tokyo
JP
|
Family ID: |
37864671 |
Appl. No.: |
11/659697 |
Filed: |
September 14, 2005 |
PCT Filed: |
September 14, 2005 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/JP05/16932 |
371 Date: |
February 8, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
62/129 ; 62/190;
62/531 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F24F 2140/60 20180101;
F24F 11/47 20180101; F24F 11/30 20180101; F25B 2700/15
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
62/129 ; 62/531;
62/190 |
International
Class: |
F24F 11/02 20060101
F24F011/02 |
Claims
1. An air conditioner including an outdoor unit and an indoor unit,
the outdoor unit comprising: a signal receiving means for receiving
a signal related to the amount of electric power from a Watt-hour
meter for measuring the amount of the electric power supplied to
the outdoor unit and the indoor unit; and an electric-power-amount
integration means for integrating the amount of the electric power
based on the signal related to the received amount of the electric
power.
2. An air conditioner including an outdoor unit and an indoor unit,
the outdoor unit comprising: an outdoor-unit signal receiving means
for receiving a signal related to the amount of electric power from
an outdoor-unit Watt-hour meter for measuring the amount of the
electric power supplied to the outdoor unit; an outdoor-unit
electric-power-amount integration means for integrating the amount
of the electric power of the outdoor unit based on the signal
related to the received amount of the electric power; an
indoor-unit signal receiving means for receiving a signal related
to the amount of electric power from an indoor-unit Watt-hour meter
for measuring the amount of the electric power supplied to the
indoor unit; and an indoor-unit electric-power-amount integration
means for integrating the amount of the electric power of the
indoor unit based on the signal related to the received amount of
the electric power by the indoor-unit signal receiving means.
3. An air conditioner including an outdoor unit and a plurality of
indoor units, the outdoor unit comprising: an all-indoor-units
signal receiving means for receiving a signal related to the total
amounts of electric power from a Watt-hour meter for measuring the
total amounts of the electric power supplied to the outdoor unit
and the plurality of indoor units; an all-indoor-units
electric-power-amount integration means for integrating the total
amounts of the electric power of the outdoor unit and all of the
indoor units based on the signal related to the received total
amounts of the electric power; an indoor-unit operation-information
collection means for independently collecting operation information
of each of the plurality of indoor units; and an
electric-power-amount proportionally-dividing means for
proportionally dividing, based on the independently collected
operation information of each indoor unit, into the amount of
electric power for each indoor unit, the integrated total amounts
of the electric power of the outdoor unit and all of the indoor
units.
4. An air conditioner as recited in claim 1 further comprising a
centralized controller for operating and controlling the outdoor
and indoor units, and for displaying the operational state of the
outdoor and indoor units, wherein the outdoor unit further
includes: a unit electric-power-amount calculation means for
calculating, from the amount of the electric power integrated by
the electric-power-amount integration means, the amount of electric
power for each unit time, and a transmission means for
transmitting, into centralized controller through a transmission
line, the calculated amount of the electric power for each unit
time.
5. An air conditioner as recited in claim 1, wherein the outdoor
unit further includes: a limited-value memory means for memorizing
a limited value of consumed electric power for each unit time set
in advance, and a control means for controlling the outdoor and
indoor units so that the amount of the electric power received from
the Watt-hour meter and integrated does not exceed the memorized
limited value of the consumed electric power.
6. An air conditioner as recited in claim 1, wherein the outdoor
unit further includes: an electric-power shut-down detection means
for detecting shut-down of the electric power supplied to the
outdoor unit; and an electric-power switching means for switching,
when the shut-down of the electric power is detected, the electric
power for the receiving means, from an ac/dc converter circuit into
a self-maintenance
7. An air conditioner as recited in claim 2 further comprising a
centralized controller for operating and controlling the outdoor
and indoor units, and for displaying the operational state of the
outdoor and indoor units, wherein the outdoor unit further
includes: a unit electric-power-amount calculation means for
calculating, from the amount of the electric power integrated by
the electric-power-amount integration means, the amount of electric
power for each unit time, and a transmission means for
transmitting, into centralized controller through a transmission
line, the calculated amount of the electric power for each unit
time.
8. An air conditioner as recited in claim 3 further comprising a
centralized controller for operating and controlling the outdoor
and indoor units, and for displaying the operational state of the
outdoor and indoor units, wherein the outdoor unit further
includes: a unit electric-power-amount calculation means for
calculating, from the amount of the electric power integrated by
the electric-power-amount integration means, the amount of electric
power for each unit time, and a transmission means for
transmitting, into centralized controller through a transmission
line, the calculated amount of the electric power for each unit
time.
9. An air conditioner as recited in claim 2, wherein the outdoor
unit further includes: a limited-value memory means for memorizing
a limited value of consumed electric power for each unit time set
in advance, and a control means for controlling the outdoor and
indoor units so that the amount of the electric power received from
the Watt-hour meter and integrated does not exceed the memorized
limited value of the consumed electric power.
10. An air conditioner as recited in claim 3, wherein the outdoor
unit further includes: a limited-value memory means for memorizing
a limited value of consumed electric power for each unit time set
in advance, and a control means for controlling the outdoor and
indoor units so that the amount of the electric power received from
the Watt-hour meter and integrated does not exceed the memorized
limited value of the consumed electric power.
11. An air conditioner as recited in claim 4, wherein the outdoor
unit further includes: a limited-value memory means for memorizing
a limited value of consumed electric power for each unit time set
in advance, and a control means for controlling the outdoor and
indoor units so that the amount of the electric power received from
the Watt-hour meter and integrated does not exceed the memorized
limited value of the consumed electric power.
12. An air conditioner as recited in claim 2, wherein the outdoor
unit further includes: an electric-power shut-down detection means
for detecting shut-down of the electric power supplied to the
outdoor unit; and an electric-power switching means for switching,
when the shut-down of the electric power is detected, the electric
power for the receiving means, from an ac/dc converter circuit into
a self-maintenance.
13. An air conditioner as recited in claim 3, wherein the outdoor
unit further includes: an electric-power shut-down detection means
for detecting shut-down of the electric power supplied to the
outdoor unit; and an electric-power switching means for switching,
when the shut-down of the electric power is detected, the electric
power for the receiving means, from an ac/dc converter circuit into
a self-maintenance.
14. An air conditioner as recited in claim 4, wherein the outdoor
unit further includes: an electric-power shut-down detection means
for detecting shut-down of the electric power supplied to the
outdoor unit; and an electric-power switching means for switching,
when the shut-down of the electric power is detected, the electric
power for the receiving means, from an ac/dc converter circuit into
a self-maintenance.
15. An air conditioner as recited claim 5, wherein the outdoor unit
further includes: an electric-power shut-down detection means for
detecting shut-down of the electric power supplied to the outdoor
unit; and an electric-power switching means for switching, when the
shut-down of the electric power is detected, the electric power for
the receiving means, from an ac/dc converter circuit into a
self-maintenance.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to air conditioners in which
the amount of consumed electric power is configured to be
integrated in the side of an outdoor unit, based on signals
transmitted from a Watt-hour meter.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] In a conventional air conditioner, when the amount of
consumed electric power is measured, as disclosed in the following
Patent Document 1, signals transmitted from Watt-hour meters
installed between indoor/outdoor units and commercial electric
power source have been taken into exclusive amount counters and
counted; thus, the amount of the electric power has been configured
to be integrated. [0003] [Patent Document 1] [0004] Japanese
Laid-Open Patent Publication 234,792/2000 (on pages 4-6, FIG.
1)
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
[0005] However, in the method of measuring the amount of the
electric power consumed by the air conditioner disclosed in the
above document, the exclusive electric-power-amount counters, which
are relatively expensive, and take a relatively large area to be
mounted, are needed to be used. On the other hand, the outdoor unit
of the air conditioner is generally placed take the room, and the
electric power supplier and the outdoor-unit Watt-hour meter are
placed close to the outdoor unit. Correspondingly, because the
electric-power-amount counter is mounted on a controller panel,
etc. placed inside a room, a problem has occurred in which
electrical lines wired from the electric-power-amount counters to
the outdoor unit and the Watt-hour meter are lengthened.
[0006] A first objective of the present invention, which is made to
solve the above described problem, is to obtain an air conditioner
in which the amount of consumed electric power can be integrated
without using an exclusive electric-power-amount counter.
[0007] Moreover, a second objective is to obtain an air conditioner
in which a control line needed for measuring the amount of electric
power can be shortened.
[0008] In order to achieve the above objective, in an air
conditioner according to the present invention having an outdoor
unit and an indoor unit, the outdoor unit includes a signal
receiving means for receiving a signal related to the amount of
electric power from a Watt-hour meter for measuring the amount of
the electric power supplied to the outdoor unit and the indoor
unit; and an electric-power-amount integration means for
integrating the amount of the electric power based on the received
signal related to the amount of the electric power.
[0009] In an air conditioner having an outdoor unit and an indoor
unit, the outdoor unit includes an outdoor-unit signal receiving
means for receiving a signal related to the amount of electric
power from an outdoor-unit Watt-hour meter for measuring the amount
of the electric power supplied to the outdoor unit; an outdoor-unit
electric-power-amount integration means for integrating the amount
of the electric power of the outdoor unit based on the received
signal related to the amount of the electric power; an indoor-unit
signal receiving means for receiving a signal related to the amount
of electric power from an indoor-unit Watt-hour meter for measuring
the amount of the electric power supplied to the indoor unit; and
an indoor-unit electric-power-amount integration means for
integrating the amount of the electric power of the indoor unit
based on the received signal related to the amount of the electric
power by the indoor-unit signal receiving means.
[0010] In an air conditioner having an outdoor unit and a plurality
of indoor units, the outdoor unit includes an all-indoor-units
signal receiving means for receiving a signal related to the total
amounts of electric power from a Watt-hour meter for measuring the
total amounts of the electric power supplied to the outdoor unit
and the plurality of indoor units; an all-indoor-units
electric-power-amount integration means for integrating the total
amounts of the electric power of the outdoor unit and all of the
indoor units based on the received signal related to the total
amounts of the electric power; an indoor-unit operation-information
collection means for independently collecting operation information
of each of the plurality of indoor units; and an
electric-power-amount proportionally-dividing means for
proportionally dividing, based on the independently collected
operation information of each indoor unit, into the amount of
electric power for each indoor unit, the integrated total amounts
of the electric power of the outdoor unit and all of the indoor
units.
[0011] Moreover, in each of the above configurations, an air
conditioner further includes a centralized controller for operating
and controlling the outdoor and indoor units, and for displaying
the operational state of the outdoor and indoor units, wherein the
outdoor unit further includes a unit electric-power-amount
calculation means for calculating, from the amount of the electric
power integrated by the electric-power-amount integration means,
the amount of electric power for each unit time, and a transmission
means for transmitting, into centralized controller through a
transmission line, the calculated amount of the electric power for
each unit time.
[0012] In each of the above configurations, the outdoor unit
further includes a limited-value memory means for memorizing a
limited value of consumed electric power for each unit time set in
advance, and a control means for controlling the outdoor and indoor
units so that the amount of the electric power received from the
Watt-hour meter and integrated does not exceed the memorized
limited value of the consumed electric power.
[0013] Furthermore, in each of the above configurations, the
outdoor unit further includes an electric-power shut-down detection
means for detecting shut-down of the electric power supplied to the
outdoor unit; and an electric-power switching means for switching,
when the shut-down of the electric power is detected, the electric
power for the receiving means, from an ac/dc converter circuit into
a self-maintenance battery.
[0014] According to the air conditioner of the present invention,
the outdoor unit takes the signals related to the amounts of the
electric power, consumed in the outdoor and indoor units, outputted
from the Watt-hour meter also placed take the room, and integrates
the amount of the electric power; therefore, it is effective that
the amount of the consumed electric power can be measured without
using any exclusive electric-power-amount counter for integrating
the amount of electric power. Therefore, a large amount of expense
for the electric-power-amount counter is unnecessary to be
invested, and a space for mounting the electric-power-amount
counter is also unnecessary to be secured. Moreover, because the
outdoor unit and the Watt-hour meter can be placed close to each
other, the amount of the electric power can be integrated at the
proximity of the Watt-hour meter; therefore, it is also effective
that the control line for integrating the amount of electric power
can be shortened.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0015] FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram illustrating the
entire configuration of an air conditioner according to Embodiment
1 of the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of
an outdoor unit according to Embodiment 1 of the present
invention;
[0017] FIG. 3 is a system configuration diagram illustrating the
entire configuration of an air conditioner according to Embodiment
2 of the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of
an outdoor unit according to Embodiment 2 of the present
invention;
[0019] FIG. 5 is a system configuration diagram illustrating the
entire configuration of an air conditioner according to Embodiment
3 and Embodiment 4 of the present invention;
[0020] FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of
an outdoor unit according to Embodiment 3 and Embodiment 4 of the
present invention;
[0021] FIG. 7 is a system configuration diagram illustrating the
entire configuration of an air conditioner according to Embodiment
5 of the present invention;
[0022] FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of
an outdoor unit according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention;
and
[0023] FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of
an outdoor unit according to Embodiment 6 of the present
invention.
EXPLANATION OF NUMERALS
[0024] 1: Outdoor unit; 2, 2a, 2b: Indoor unit; 3, 3a, 3b :
Watt-hour meter; 4, 4a, 4b: Electric power line; 5, 5a, 5b: Control
line; 6: Centralized controller; 7: Transmission line; 8: Coolant
circuit; 9: Inverter; 10, 10a, 10b: Watt-hour meter connection
circuit; 11: Controller; 12: Outdoor unit; 13: Controller; 14:
Outdoor unit; 15: Controller; 16: Central processing unit; 17:
Communication circuit; 18: Input/output circuit; 19: Memory; 20:
Outdoor unit; 21: Controller; 22: Central processing unit; 23:
Timer circuit; 24: Outdoor unit; 25: Watt-hour meter connection
circuit; 26: Input unit; 27: Memory; 28: Output unit; 29: AC/DC
converter circuit; 30: Secondary battery; 31: Electric power
supplier.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Embodiment 1
[0025] FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram illustrating the
entire configuration of an air conditioner according to Embodiment
1 of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram
illustrating the configuration of an outdoor unit according to
Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
[0026] In each figure, the air conditioner according to this
embodiment is provided with an outdoor unit 1 and an indoor unit 2.
Commercial electric power is supplied to these outdoor unit 1 and
indoor unit 2 through a Watt-hour meter 3, for measuring the amount
of electric power, having a transmitter for transmitting pulse
signals (for example, one pulse per 10 kW), and through an electric
power line 4. The Watt-hour meter 3 and the outdoor unit 1 are
communicatively connected to each other through a control line 5.
Moreover, the outdoor unit 1 and the indoor unit 2 are
communicatively connected to a centralized controller 6 through a
transmission line 7.
[0027] Furthermore, the outdoor unit 1 is composed of a coolant
circuit 8 including a sensor, an LEV (linear expansion valve), a
heat exchanger, a compressor, and a fan; an inverter 9 for
frequency controlling the rotation number of the compressor and the
fan included in the coolant circuit 8; a Watt-hour meter connection
circuit 10 connected through the Watt-hour meter 3 and the control
line 5; and a controller 11 communicatively connected with the
coolant circuit 8, the inverter 9, and the Watt-hour meter
connection circuit 10; which are respectively conventional. The
controller 11 is configured of a microcomputer, etc.
[0028] Next, an operation is explained.
[0029] The commercial electric power is supplied to the outdoor
unit 1 and the indoor unit 2 through the Watt-hour meter 3 and the
electric power line 4. The Watt-hour meter 3 measures the amount of
the electric power supplied to the outdoor unit 1 and the indoor
unit 2, and transmits a pulse signal (an example of a signal
related to the amount of the electric power according to the
present invention) for each predetermined amount of the electric
power (10 kW as described above) that has been measured. The pulse
signals from the Watt-hour meter 3 are transmitted through the
control line 5, and received by the Watt-hour meter connection
circuit 10 (an example of a signal receiving means). The Watt-hour
meter connection circuit 10 transmits the received pulse signals to
the controller 11. Then, the controller 11 (an example of an
electric-power-amount integration means) integrates the pulse
signals received from the Watt-hour meter connection circuit 10,
and calculates the integrated amount of the electric power.
[0030] As described above, according to the air conditioner of this
embodiment, the Watt-hour meter connection circuit 10 provided in
the outdoor unit 1 takes the pulse signals with respect to the
amount of the electric power, used in the outdoor unit 1 and the
indoor unit 2, outputted from the Watt-hour meter 3 placed outside
the room, and then, calculates and integrates the amount of the
electric power. Therefore, without using the exclusive
electric-power-amount counter represented in the conventional
technology, the consumed electric power can be measured. Thereby, a
large expense and a space for installing the electric-power-amount
counter need not be prepared. Moreover, because the outdoor unit 1
and the Watt-hour meter 3 are placed close to each other, the
electric-power-amount integration becomes possible in the vicinity
of the Watt-hour meter 3; consequently, the control line 5 for
integrating the amount of the electric power can be shortened.
Embodiment 2
[0031] In the above Embodiment 1, the outdoor unit 1 is configured
to control the single Watt-hour meter 3; next, Embodiment 2 is
explained in which a plurality of the Watt-hour meters 3 is
controlled.
[0032] FIG. 3 is a system configuration diagram illustrating the
entire configuration of an air conditioner in such case, and FIG. 4
is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of an outdoor
unit according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.
[0033] As represented in each figure, the air conditioner according
to this embodiment has a single outdoor unit 12 and double indoor
units 2a and 2b. Electric power is supplied to the outdoor unit 12
through an electric power line 4a wired across a Watt-hour meter 3a
having a transmitter, and to the indoor units 2a and 2b through an
electric power line 4b wired across a Watt-hour meter 3b having a
transmitter. These Watt-hour meters 3a and 3b each is connected to
the outdoor unit 12 through control lines 5a and 5b, respectively.
Moreover, the outdoor unit 12 and the indoor units 2a and 2b are
connected to the centralized controller 6 through the transmission
line 7.
[0034] Furthermore, the outdoor unit 12 is composed of the coolant
circuit 8, inverter 9, a Watt-hour meter connection circuit 10a
connected to the Watt-hour meters 3a through the control line 5a, a
Watt-hour meter connection circuit 10b connected to the Watt-hour
meters 3b through the control line 5b, and the controller 13
communicatively connected to the coolant circuit 8, inverter 9, and
the Watt-hour meter connection circuit 10a and 10b, as respectively
described in Embodiment 1.
[0035] Next, an operation is explained.
[0036] The commercial electric power is supplied to the outdoor
unit 12 across the Watt-hour meter 3a through the electric power
line 4a. The commercial electric power is supplied to the indoor
units 2a and 2b across the Watt-hour meter 3b through the electric
power line 4b. Therefore, the consumed electric power of the
outdoor unit 12 and the indoor units 2a and 2b can be independently
measured by the Watt-hour meters 3a and 3b, respectively. First,
the Watt-hour meter 3a (an example of an outdoor-unit Watt-hour
meter) measures the amount of the electric power supplied to the
outdoor unit 12, and transmits pulse signals related to the amount
of the electric power, to the outdoor unit 12 through the control
line 5a. The Watt-hour meter connection circuit 10a (an example of
an outdoor-unit signal receiving means) provided in the outdoor
unit 12 receives the pulse signals from the Watt-hour meter 3a, and
transmits them to the controller 13. The controller 13 (an example
of an outdoor-unit electric-power-amount integration means)
calculates the integrated amount of the electric power of the
outdoor unit 12 based on the pulse signals transmitted from the
Watt-hour meter connection circuit 10a. On the other hand, the
Watt-hour meter 3b (an example of an indoor-unit Watt-hour meter)
measures the amount of the electric power supplied to the indoor
units 2a and 2b, and transmits the pulse signals related to the
amount of the electric power, to the outdoor unit 12 through the
control line 5b. The Watt-hour meter connection circuit 10b (an
example of an indoor-unit signal receiving means) provided in the
outdoor unit 12 receives the pulse signals from the Watt-hour meter
3b, and transmits them to the controller 13. The controller 13 (an
example of an indoor-unit electric-power-amount integration means)
calculates the integrated amount of the electric power of the
indoor units 2a and 2b based on the pulse signals transmitted from
the Watt-hour meter connection circuit 10b.
[0037] As described above, the Watt-hour meter connection circuit
10a used for the outdoor unit and the Watt-hour meter connection
circuit 10b used for the indoor unit are provided in the outdoor
unit 12; therefore, without using the exclusive
electric-power-amount counter, each consumed amount of the electric
power of the outdoor unit 12 and the indoor units 2a and 2b can be
independently integrated.
Embodiment 3
[0038] In the above embodiments 1 and 2, consumed electric power is
measured by the outdoor unit; next, Embodiment 3 is explained in
which the amount of electric power is proportionally divided from
the operational data of the indoor unit.
[0039] FIG. 5 is a system configuration diagram illustrating the
entire configuration of an air conditioner in such case, and FIG. 6
is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of an outdoor
unit according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.
[0040] As represented in each figure, the air conditioner has a
single outdoor unit 14 and the double indoor units 2a and 2b.
Commercial electric power is supplied to the outdoor unit 14 and
the indoor units 2a and 2b through the electric power line 4 wired
across the Watt-hour meter 3 having a transmitter. The Watt-hour
meter 3 and the outdoor unit 14 are communicatively connected to
each other through the control line 5. Moreover, the outdoor unit
14 and the indoor units 2a and 2b are communicatively connected to
the centralized controller 6 through the transmission line 7.
[0041] Furthermore, the outdoor unit 14 is composed of the coolant
circuit 8, inverter 9, a Watt-hour meter connection circuit 10
connected to the Watt-hour meters 3 through the control line 5, and
a controller 15 communicatively connected to the coolant circuit 8,
inverter 9, and the Watt-hour meter connection circuit 10, as
respectively described in Embodiment 1. The controller 15 is
composed of a central processing unit 16 including a microcomputer;
a communication circuit 17 for performing communication; an
input/output circuit 18 for controlling the Watt-hour meter
connection circuit 10, inverter 9, and the coolant circuit 8; and a
memory 19 for memorizing a control state, etc.
[0042] Next, an operation is explained.
[0043] Commercial electric power is supplied to the outdoor unit 14
and the indoor units 2a and 2b across the Watt-hour meter 3 through
the electric power line 4. Here, the Watt-hour meter 3 measures the
total amounts of electric power supplied to all of the outdoor unit
1 and the indoor units 2a and 2b, and transmits to the outdoor unit
14 the pulse signals related to the total amounts of the electric
power. The Watt-hour meter connection circuit 10 (an example of an
all-indoor-units signal receiving means) provided in the outdoor
unit 14 receives the pulse signals from the Watt-hour meter 3, and
transmits them to the controller 15. The central processing unit 16
(an example of an all-indoor-units electric-power-amount
integration means) included in the controller 15, based on the
pulse signals transmitted from the Watt-hour meter connection
circuit 10, integrates all of the total amounts of the electric
power consumed by the outdoor unit 14 and the indoor units 2a and
2b, and stores the result into the memory 19. Moreover, the central
processing unit 16 (an example of an indoor-unit
operation-information collection means) independently collects
operation information of the indoor units 2a and 2b through the
transmission line 7 and the communication circuit 17, and stores it
into the memory 19. There, the central processing unit 16 (an
example of an electric-power-amount proportionally dividing means),
based on the independent operation information, memorized in the
memory 19, of the indoor units 2a and 2b, proportionally divides,
into the integrated amount of the electric power for each indoor
units 2a and 2b, all of the integrated total amounts of the
electric power consumed by the outdoor unit 14 and the indoor units
2a and 2b.
[0044] For example, it is assumed that the indoor unit 2a whose
power consumption per unit time is 2.8 kW and the indoor unit 2b
whose power consumption per unit time is 5.6 kW were simultaneously
operated, and the power consumption value taken from the Watt-hour
meter 3 during the operation was 3 kW. In such case, the power of 3
kW is proportionally divided by the consumption electric power
ratio of 1:2 for the indoor units 2a and 2b; that is, the
consumption-electric-power values are proportionally divided so
that the indoor unit 2a and the outdoor unit 14 corresponding to
the indoor unit 2a each is set at 1 kW, and meanwhile, the indoor
unit 2b and the outdoor unit 14 corresponding to the indoor unit 2b
each is set at 2 kW.
[0045] As described above, because not only electric power is
supplied, using the electric power line 4 wired across the
Watt-hour meter 3 to the outdoor unit 14 and the indoor units 2a
and 2b, but also the outdoor unit 14 and the indoor units 2a and 2b
are communicatively connected to each other through the
transmission line 7, the outdoor unit 14 can collect the operation
information of the indoor units 2a and 2b, and can proportionally
divide the consumed amount of the electric power, corresponding to
the types of the indoor units 2a and 2b, or the collected operation
information, etc.
[0046] In the above explanation, an example is explained in which
the amount of the electric power is proportionally divided using,
as the operation information, only the consumed electric power per
unit time and ON/OFF states of the indoor units 2a and 2b; however,
even if a method is used in which, for example, a flowing volume of
the coolant is detected, and the amount of the electric power is
proportionally divided using this detected flowing volume as the
operation information, it is needless to say that a response
similar to that can be performed by this embodiment.
Embodiment 4
[0047] In the above embodiments 1, 2, and 3, the consumed electric
power is measured and proportionally divided by the outdoor unit;
next, Embodiment 4 is explained in which the integrated amount of
the electric power is displayed by the centralized controller.
[0048] FIG. 5 is a system configuration diagram illustrating the
entire configuration of an air conditioner in such case, and FIG. 6
is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of an outdoor
unit according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention.
[0049] As represented in each figure, commercial electric power is
supplied to the outdoor unit 14 and the indoor units 2a and 2b
through the Watt-hour meter 3 having a transmitter and the electric
power line 4. The Watt-hour meter 3 and the outdoor unit 14 are
communicatively connected to each other through the control line 5.
Moreover, the outdoor unit 14 and the indoor units 2a and 2b are
communicatively connected to the centralized controller 6 through
the transmission line 7 (a transmission path). The centralized
controller 6 (an example of a centralized controller) operationally
controls the outdoor unit 14 and the indoor units 2a and 2b, and
the operational states of the outdoor unit 14 and the indoor units
2a and 2b are configured to be displayed on a display provided in
the controller. Furthermore, as respectively described in
Embodiment 1, the outdoor unit 14 is composed of the coolant
circuit 8, inverter 9, the Watt-hour meter connection circuit 10
connected to the Watt-hour meter 3 through the control line 5, and
the controller 15 communicatively connected to the coolant circuit
8, the inverter 9, and the Watt-hour meter connection circuit 10.
The controller 15 is composed of the central processing unit 16
including the microcomputer; the communication circuit 17 for
performing communication; the input/output circuit 18 for
controlling the Watt-hour meter connection circuit 10, inverter 9,
and the coolant circuit 8; and the memory 19 for memorizing a
control state, etc.
[0050] Next, an operation is explained.
[0051] Commercial electric power is supplied to the outdoor unit 14
and the indoor units 2a and 2b across the Watt-hour meter 3 through
the electric power line 4. Here, the pulse signals related to the
amount of the electric power measured by the Watt-hour meter 3 are
taken by the Watt-hour meter connection circuit 10 of the outdoor
unit 14 through the control line 5, and the amount of the electric
power is integrated by the central processing unit 16 included in
the controller 15 of the outdoor unit 14. Moreover, the central
processing unit 16 (an example of a unit electric-power-amount
calculation means) calculates the amount of the electric power for
each unit time taken from the integrated amount of electric power
and the time of a timer. The communication circuit 17 (an example
of a transmission means) transmits into the centralized controller
6, through the transmission line 7, the calculated amount of the
electric power for each unit time. The centralized controller 6
displays on a controller display (not illustrated in the figure)
the received amount of the electric power for each unit time.
[0052] As described above, the controller 15 of the outdoor unit 14
is connected to the centralized controller 6 through the
transmission line 7 and the transmission line 7; therefore, the
outdoor unit 14, by transmitting into the centralized controller 6
the calculated electric-power amount per unit time, can display it
or convert it into the electric power cost.
Embodiment 5
[0053] In the above embodiments 1, 2, 3, and 4, consumed electric
power is measured, proportionally divided, and displayed by the
centralized controller; next, Embodiment 5 is explained in which an
air conditioner is controlled based on the measured value of the
consumed electric power so that the amount of the consumed electric
power does not exceed an electric-power limited value.
[0054] FIG. 7 is a system configuration diagram illustrating the
entire configuration of the air conditioner in such case, and FIG.
8 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of an outdoor
unit according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention.
[0055] As represented in each figure, commercial electric power is
supplied to an outdoor unit 20 and the indoor units 2a and 2b
through the electric power line 4 wired across the Watt-hour meter
3 having a transmitter. The Watt-hour meter 3 and the outdoor unit
20 are connected to each other through the control line 5.
Moreover, the outdoor unit 20 and the indoor units 2a and 2b are
connected to the centralized controller 6 through the transmission
line 7. Furthermore, as respectively described in Embodiment 1, the
outdoor unit 20 is composed of the coolant circuit 8, inverter 9,
the Watt-hour meter connection circuit 10 connected to the
Watt-hour meter 3 through the control line 5, and a controller 21
communicatively connected to the coolant circuit 8, the inverter 9,
and the Watt-hour meter connection circuit 10. The controller 21 is
composed of a central processing unit 22 including a microcomputer,
etc.; the communication circuit 17 for performing communication;
the input/output circuit 18 for controlling the Watt-hour meter
connection circuit 10, inverter 9, and the coolant circuit 8; the
memory 19 for memorizing a control state, etc.; and a timer circuit
23 for measuring a time.
[0056] Next, an operation is explained.
[0057] For example, when an operation is performed in such a way
that the maximum amount of the consumed electric power per unit
time in a time zone from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm is set to 6 kW (an
example of a limited value of consumed electric power for each unit
time), such setting contents are previously set and inputted by an
operational button switch, etc. (not illustrated in the figure) of
the centralized controller 6, and are transmitted to the outdoor
unit 20 through the transmission line 7. Then, the controller 21 of
the outdoor unit 20 takes, into the central processing unit 22
through the communication circuit 17, the setting contents
transmitted from the centralized controller 6. Such setting
contents (the maximum value of the consumed electric power per hour
in the time zone from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm is 6 kW) are memorized in
the memory 19 (an example of a limited-value memory means).
Moreover, the controller 21 of the outdoor unit 20 receives,
through the Watt-hour meter connection circuit 10, pulse signals,
with respect to the amount of the electric power consumed in the
outdoor unit 20 and the indoor units 2a and 2b, measured by the
Watt-hour meter 3. Then, when the controller 21 (an example of a
control means) determines that the amount of the consumed electric
power measured by the Watt-hour meter 3 is going to exceed the
limited value soon, the controller 21 controls the inverter 9,
etc., based on the consumed electric power measured by the
Watt-hour meter 3, the limited value (6 kW) of the
consumed-electric-power amount memorized in the memory 19, and the
time measured by the timer circuit 23; thereby, the electric power
consumed is decreased.
[0058] That is, as an example of the above procedure, in the time
zone from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm, in order to keep the consumed
electric power within 1 kW for 10-minute unit, at a time when the
measured value of the consumed electric power exceeds 80% of 1 kW,
the controller 21 controls so that the operation is performed in
which the ability of the inverter 9 is, for example, reduced to 50%
during the remaining time; consequently, the consumed electric
power per unit time is reduced.
[0059] As described above, the outdoor unit 20 not only memorizes
the limited value of the consumed electric power per unit time, but
also has the time measuring function of the timer circuit 23;
thereby, the outdoor unit 20 and the indoor units 2a and 2b can be
controlled so that the amount of the consumed electric power per
unit time does not exceed the limited value.
Embodiment 6
[0060] In the above embodiments 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, consumed
electric power is measured, proportionally divided, and also
displayed by the centralized controller, or air conditioners are
controlled based on the consumed electric power; next, Embodiment 6
is explained in which the amount of the electric power during a
blackout is measured. FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating the
configuration of an outdoor unit according to Embodiment 6 of the
present invention.
[0061] As respectively described in Embodiment 1, an outdoor unit
24 is composed of the coolant circuit 8, inverter 9, a Watt-hour
meter connection circuit 25 connected to the Watt-hour meter 3
through the control line 5, and the controller 21 communicatively
connected to the coolant circuit 8, the inverter 9, and the
Watt-hour meter connection circuit 10. The above Watt-hour meter
connection circuit 25 is composed of an input unit 26 for inputting
pulse signals related to the amount of the electric power
transmitted from the Watt-hour meter 3; a memory 27 for memorizing
the value of the electric-power amount related to the inputted
pulse signals; an output unit 28 for outputting to the controller
21 the memorized value of the electric-power amount; and an
electric power supplier 31 having a built-in AC/DC converter
circuit 29 (an example of an ac/dc converter circuit) for supplying
the operational electric power from commercial electric power in
order to operate the Watt-hour meter connection circuit 25, and a
built-in secondary battery 30 (an example of a self-maintenance
battery) for supplying the operational electric power during the
blackout.
[0062] Next, an operation is explained.
[0063] The amount of the electric power measured by the Watt-hour
meter 3 is transmitted as pulse signals into the Watt-hour meter
connection circuit 25 of the outdoor unit 24 through the control
line 5. Here, when a blackout does not occur in the outdoor unit
24, the electric power supplier 31 of the Watt-hour meter
connection circuit 25 supplies the operational electric power to
the Watt-hour meter connection circuit 25 by the AC/DC converter
circuit 29. Then, the Watt-hour meter connection circuit 25 takes
the pulse signals from the Watt-hour meter 3 by the input unit 26,
and transmits the pulse signals into the memory 27. The memory 27
transmits the pulse signals into the controller 21 through the
output unit 28.
[0064] On the other hand, if the electric power supplier 31 (an
example of an electric-power shut-down detection means) detects
shut-down of electric power supplied to the outdoor unit 24, the
electric power supplier 31 (an example of an electric-power
switching means) switches, from the AC/DC converter circuit 2 to
the secondary battery 30, the electric power for operating the
Watt-hour meter connection circuit 25. Here, the Watt-hour meter
connection circuit 25 takes the pulse signals from the Watt-hour
meter 3 by the input unit 26, and then, the value of the electric
power amount related to this pulse signals is memorized into the
memory 27. The value of the electric power amount memorized in the
memory 27 is transmitted to the controller 21 through the output
unit 28, after the electric power is re-supplied.
[0065] As described above, because the Watt-hour meter connection
circuit 25 of the outdoor unit 24 has the electric power supplier
31 including the memory 27 and the secondary battery 30, even when
electric power supplying to the outdoor unit 24 is shut down due to
a blackout, etc., the misgivings are quelled that measured data by
the Watt-hour meter 3 is lost.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0066] The air conditioner according to the present invention is
suitable for integrating, by the side of the outdoor unit based on
the transmission signals from the Watt-hour meter, the amount of
the consumed electric power.
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