U.S. patent application number 12/672829 was filed with the patent office on 2011-09-01 for monitoring system for air conditioner.
Invention is credited to Shingo Itou, Yukio Kitade, Kouji Nagasawa, Kzuo Suko, Aya Tachiki, Chieko Tachiki, Hiroshi Tachiki, Tomo Tachiki, Masahiro Tanaka.
Application Number | 20110209487 12/672829 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40350511 |
Filed Date | 2011-09-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110209487 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Tachiki; Hiroshi ; et
al. |
September 1, 2011 |
MONITORING SYSTEM FOR AIR CONDITIONER
Abstract
An air conditioner monitoring system includes: a plurality of
air conditioners (10) each including a refrigerant circuit (11) for
performing a vapor compression refrigeration cycle; a local
controller (60) provided for each of sets of several ones of the
air conditioners (10) for receiving data output by the each of sets
of several ones of the air conditioners (10), and transmitting
predetermined operation data; and a host controller (70) for
receiving the operation data of the plurality of air conditioners
(10) transmitted by the local controllers (60) through
communication lines (53). The host controller (70) calculates air
conditioning capability and power consumption of each of the air
conditioners (10) in the each of sets of several ones of the air
conditioners (10), and calculates energy utilization efficiency of
each of the air conditioners (10).
Inventors: |
Tachiki; Hiroshi; (Osaka,
JP) ; Tachiki; Chieko; (Osaka-shi, JP) ;
Tachiki; Tomo; (Nagoya-Shi, JP) ; Tachiki; Aya;
(Doral, FL) ; Tanaka; Masahiro; (Osaka, JP)
; Kitade; Yukio; (Osaka, JP) ; Nagasawa;
Kouji; (Osaka, JP) ; Suko; Kzuo; (Osaka,
JP) ; Itou; Shingo; (Osaka, JP) |
Family ID: |
40350511 |
Appl. No.: |
12/672829 |
Filed: |
August 5, 2008 |
PCT Filed: |
August 5, 2008 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/JP2008/002119 |
371 Date: |
May 9, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
62/129 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F24F 11/30 20180101;
F24F 11/47 20180101 |
Class at
Publication: |
62/129 |
International
Class: |
F25B 49/00 20060101
F25B049/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Aug 10, 2007 |
JP |
2007-209992 |
Claims
1. An air conditioner monitoring system comprising: a plurality of
air conditioners each including a refrigerant circuit for
performing a vapor compression refrigeration cycle; a local
controller provided for each of the air conditioners or each of
sets of several ones of the air conditioners for receiving data
output by the each of the air conditioners or the each of sets of
several ones of the air conditioners, and transmitting
predetermined operation data; a host controller for receiving the
operation data of the plurality of air conditioners transmitted by
the local controllers through communication lines; a capability
calculator for calculating air conditioning capability of each of
the air conditioners in the each of sets of several ones of the air
conditioners; an electric power calculator for calculating power
consumption of each of the air conditioners in the each of sets of
several ones of the air conditioners; and an energy calculator for
calculating energy utilization efficiency of each of the air
conditioners based on the air conditioning capability calculated by
the capability calculator, and the power consumption calculated by
the electric power calculator.
2. The air conditioner monitoring system of claim 1, wherein the
energy calculator provided in a management controller for managing
each of the air conditioners by previously classifying the air
conditioners into a plurality of air conditioning blocks according
to predetermined relationship, and the energy calculator is
configured to calculate the energy utilization efficiency of each
of the air conditioners, and calculate the energy utilization
efficiency of each of the air conditioning blocks.
3. The air conditioner monitoring system of claim 1 or 2, wherein
the capability calculator is configured to calculate the air
conditioning capability of each of the air conditioners based on a
saturation temperature Tc corresponding to a condensing pressure in
the refrigerant circuit, a saturation temperature Te corresponding
to an evaporating pressure in the refrigerant circuit, a
refrigerant temperature Ti before pressure decrease in the
refrigerant circuit, a refrigerant suction temperature Ts in the
compressor in the refrigerant circuit, and characteristics of the
compressor in the refrigerant circuit.
4. The air conditioner monitoring system of claim 1 or 2, wherein
the electric power calculator is configured to calculate the power
consumption of each of the air conditioners based on a saturation
temperature Tc corresponding to a condensing pressure in the
refrigerant circuit, a saturation temperature Te corresponding to
an evaporating pressure in the refrigerant circuit, a refrigerant
temperature Ti before pressure decrease in the refrigerant circuit,
a refrigerant suction temperature Ts in the compressor in the
refrigerant circuit, and characteristics of the compressor in the
refrigerant circuit.
5. The air conditioner monitoring system of claim 1 or 2, wherein
the electric power calculator is configured to calculate the power
consumption of the air conditioner based on a current value sensed
by a current sensor provided in the air conditioner, and a power
supply voltage.
6. The air conditioner monitoring system of claim 1 or 2, wherein
the electric power calculator is configured to calculate the power
consumption of each of the air conditioners based on a current
value sensed by a current sensor provided in the air conditioner, a
power factor of the air conditioner, and a power supply voltage of
the air conditioner.
7. The air conditioner monitoring system of claim 6, wherein the
current sensor is a control sensor for sensing a current fed to
each device in the air conditioner.
8. The air conditioner monitoring system of claim 1, wherein the
capability calculator, the electric power calculator, and the
energy calculator are provided in the host controller.
9. The air conditioner monitoring system of claim 2, wherein the
management controller includes a display means for displaying the
energy utilization efficiency of each of the air conditioners, and
the energy utilization efficiency of each of the air conditioning
blocks calculated by the energy calculator.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to monitoring systems for air
conditioners, and more particularly to measures for monitoring
energy of the air conditioners.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] A conventional monitoring system for air conditioners
includes, as shown by Patent Document 1, a plurality of air
conditioners, local controllers for receiving data output by the
air conditioners, and transmitting predetermined operation data,
and a host controller for receiving the operation data of the
plurality of air conditioners transmitted by the local controllers
through communication lines.
[0003] In the monitoring system, the host controller receives the
operation data of the air conditioners, thereby predicting an
abnormal event in each of the air conditioners, and outputting a
prediction signal.
CITATION LIST
[0004] PATENT DOCUMENT 1: Japanese Patent Publication No.
H07-71803
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Technical Problem
[0005] The conventional monitoring system is configured to predict
the abnormal event in each of the air conditioners. However, the
status of energy utilization efficiency of each of the air
conditioners is not checked. Thus, monitoring whether or not power
consumption is efficient has not been done.
[0006] In view of this, the present invention has been achieved.
The invention is intended to check the status of energy utilization
efficiency of each of the air conditioners.
Solution to the Problem
[0007] A first aspect of the invention is directed to an air
conditioner monitoring system including: a plurality of air
conditioners (10) each including a refrigerant circuit (11) for
performing a vapor compression refrigeration cycle; a local
controller (60) provided for each of the air conditioners (10) or
each of sets of several ones of the air conditioners (10) for
receiving data output by the each of the air conditioners (10) or
the each of sets of several ones of the air conditioners (10), and
transmitting predetermined operation data; a host controller (70)
for receiving the operation data of the plurality of air
conditioners (10) transmitted by the local controllers (60) through
communication lines (53); a capability calculator (71) for
calculating air conditioning capability of each of the air
conditioners (10) in the each of sets of several ones of the air
conditioners (10); an electric power calculator (72) for
calculating power consumption of each of the air conditioners (10)
in the each of sets of several ones of the air conditioners (10);
and an energy calculator (7a) for calculating energy utilization
efficiency of each of the air conditioners (10) based on the air
conditioning capability calculated by the capability calculator
(71), and the power consumption calculated by the electric power
calculator (72).
[0008] In a second aspect of the invention related to the first
aspect of the invention, the energy calculator (7a) is provided in
a management controller (73) for managing each of the air
conditioners (10) by previously classifying the air conditioners
(10) into a plurality of air conditioning blocks (1B) according to
predetermined relationship, and the energy calculator (7a) is
configured to calculate the energy utilization efficiency of each
of the air conditioners (10), and calculate the energy utilization
efficiency of each of the air conditioning blocks (1B).
[0009] In a third aspect of the invention related to the first or
second aspect of the invention, the capability calculator (71) is
configured to calculate the air conditioning capability of each of
the air conditioners (10) based on a saturation temperature Tc
corresponding to a condensing pressure in the refrigerant circuit
(11), a saturation temperature Te corresponding to an evaporating
pressure in the refrigerant circuit (11), a refrigerant temperature
Ti before pressure decrease in the refrigerant circuit (11), a
refrigerant suction temperature Ts in the compressor (21) in the
refrigerant circuit (11), and characteristics of the compressor
(21) in the refrigerant circuit (11).
[0010] In a fourth aspect of the invention related to the first or
second aspect of the invention, the electric power calculator (72)
is configured to calculate the power consumption of each of the air
conditioners (10) based on a saturation temperature Tc
corresponding to a condensing pressure in the refrigerant circuit
(11), a saturation temperature To corresponding to an evaporating
pressure in the refrigerant circuit (11), a refrigerant temperature
Ti before pressure decrease in the refrigerant circuit (11), a
refrigerant suction temperature Ts in the compressor (21) in the
refrigerant circuit (11), and characteristics of the compressor
(21) in the refrigerant circuit (11).
[0011] In a fifth aspect of the invention related to the first or
second aspect of the invention, the electric power calculator (72)
is configured to calculate the power consumption of the air
conditioner (10) based on a current value sensed by a current
sensor (17) provided in the air conditioner (10), and a power
supply voltage.
[0012] In a sixth aspect of the invention related to the first or
second aspect of the invention, the electric power calculator (72)
is configured to calculate the power consumption of each of the air
conditioners (10) based on a current value sensed by a current
sensor (17) provided in the air conditioner (10), a power factor of
the air conditioner (10), and a power supply voltage of the air
conditioner (10).
[0013] In a seventh aspect of the invention related to the sixth
aspect of the invention, the current sensor (17) is a control
sensor for sensing a current fed to each device in the air
conditioner (10).
[0014] In an eighth aspect of the invention related to any one of
the first to seventh aspects of the invention, the capability
calculator (71), the electric power calculator (72), and the energy
calculator (7a) are provided in the host controller (70).
[0015] In a ninth aspect of the invention related to the second
aspect of the invention, the management controller (73) includes a
display means (7b) for displaying the energy utilization efficiency
of each of the air conditioners (10), and the energy utilization
efficiency of each of the air conditioning blocks (1B) calculated
by the energy calculator (7a).
[0016] Thus, according to the first aspect of the invention, the
local controllers (60) transmit predetermined operation data from
the data output from each of the air conditioners (10) to the host
controller (70) through the communication lines (53).
[0017] For example, according to the eighth aspect of the
invention, the capability calculator (71) of the host controller
(70) calculates the air conditioning capability of the air
conditioner (10). Specifically, according to the third aspect of
the invention, the capability calculator (71) calculates the air
conditioning capability of the air conditioner (10) based on the
saturation temperature Tc corresponding to a condensing pressure in
the refrigerant circuit (11), the saturation temperature Te
corresponding to an evaporating pressure in the refrigerant circuit
(11), the refrigerant temperature Ti before pressure decrease in
the refrigerant circuit (11), a refrigerant suction temperature Ts
in the compressor (21), and the characteristics of the compressor
(21).
[0018] The electric power calculator (72) of the host controller
(70) calculates the power consumption of the air conditioner (10).
Specifically, according to the fourth aspect of the invention, the
electric power calculator (72) calculates the power consumption of
the air conditioner (10) based on the saturation temperature Tc
corresponding to a condensing pressure in the refrigerant circuit
(11), the saturation temperature Te corresponding to an evaporating
pressure in the refrigerant circuit (11), the refrigerant
temperature Ti before pressure decrease in the refrigerant circuit
(11), the refrigerant suction temperature is in the compressor (21)
in the refrigerant circuit (11), and the characteristics of the
compressor (21).
[0019] The energy calculator (7a) calculates the energy utilization
efficiency of each of the air conditioners (10) based on the air
conditioning capability calculated by the capability calculator
(71), and the power consumption the electric power calculator (72).
According to the second aspect of the invention, the energy
calculator (7a) calculates the energy utilization efficiency of
each of the air conditioning blocks (1B).
[0020] The energy utilization efficiency of each of the air
conditioners (10), and the energy utilization efficiency of each of
the air conditioning blocks (1B) calculated by the energy
calculator (7a) are displayed by, for example, the display means
(7b), according to the ninth aspect of the invention.
[0021] According to the fifth aspect of the invention, the electric
power calculator (72) may calculate the power consumption of the
air conditioner (10) based on the current value sensed by the
current sensor (17) provided in the air conditioner (10), and the
power supply voltage.
[0022] According to the sixth aspect of the invention, the electric
power calculator (72) may calculate the power consumption of the
air conditioner (10) based on the current value sensed by the
current sensor (17) provided in the air conditioner (10), the power
factor of the air conditioner (10), and the power supply voltage of
the air conditioner (10).
[0023] In this case, according to the seventh aspect of the
invention, the current sensor (17) is a control sensor for sensing
the current fed to each device of the air conditioner (10), and the
power consumption of the air conditioner (10) is calculated based
on the current value sensed by the control sensor.
Advantages of the Invention
[0024] According to the present invention, the energy utilization
efficiency of each of the air conditioners (10) is calculated based
on the air conditioning capability and the power consumption of
each of the air conditioners (10). This allows for easy
determination whether the power consumption is efficient or
not.
[0025] In addition, clarification of the energy utilization
efficiency of each of the air conditioners (10) allows for
clarification of defects of the operation state of each of the air
conditioners (10).
[0026] The calculation of the energy utilization efficiency of each
of the air conditioners (10) allows for examination of performance
of each of the air conditioners (10).
[0027] Further, due to the calculation of the power consumption for
calculating the energy utilization efficiency of each of the air
conditioners (10), the amount of CO.sub.2 emission from each of the
air conditioners (10) can be monitored.
[0028] According to the second aspect of the invention, the energy
utilization efficiency of each of the air conditioning blocks (1B)
is calculated, and is remote-monitored. Therefore, for example, a
full-time keeper is no longer necessary in each building, thereby
reducing cost of the management.
[0029] According to the third and fourth aspects of the invention,
the air conditioning capability and the power consumption of each
of the air conditioners (10) are calculated using the signals from
the high pressure sensor (P1), etc., conventionally provided in the
refrigerant circuit (11). This does not involve additional
provision of a new sensor, etc., thereby avoiding complexity of the
system.
[0030] According to the fifth aspect of the invention, the power
consumption is calculated from the current consumption and the
power supply voltage. This allows for direct calculation of the
power consumption, thereby allowing for accurate determination
whether the power consumption is efficient or not.
[0031] According to the sixth aspect of the invention, the power
factor is considered. This allows for more accurate calculation of
the power consumption, thereby allowing for more accurate
determination whether the power consumption is efficient or
not.
[0032] In particular, according to the seventh aspect of the
invention, the current sensor (17) is comprised of the control
sensor. This allows for accurate calculation of the power
consumption without increasing the parts count.
[0033] According to the eighth aspect of the invention, the
electric power calculator (72), etc., are provided in the host
controller (70). Therefore, the determination whether the power
consumption of each of the air conditioners (10) is efficient or
not can be performed by a single controller in a centralized
manner. In particular, according to the ninth aspect of the
invention, the energy utilization efficiency is displayed, thereby
allowing for easy management.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0034] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the structure of an
air conditioner monitoring system of a first embodiment.
[0035] FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram illustrating a refrigerant
circuit of the air conditioner of the first embodiment.
[0036] FIG. 3 is an enthalpy and pressure (p-h) graph illustrating
the operation state of the air conditioner of the first
embodiment.
[0037] FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical system
of an air conditioner of a second embodiment.
[0038] FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical system
of an air conditioner of a third embodiment.
[0039] FIG. 6 is a wiring diagram illustrating how electric power
of the air conditioner of the third embodiment is measured when a
three-phase power supply is used.
[0040] FIG. 7 is a wiring diagram illustrating how electric power
of air conditioner of the third embodiment is measured when a
single-phase power supply is used.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0041] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in
detail below.
First Embodiment
[0042] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a remote monitoring system (1A)
of the present embodiment is a monitoring system capable of remote
monitoring of a plurality of air conditioners (10).
[0043] As shown in FIG. 2, each of the air conditioners (10)
includes a refrigerant circuit (11) for performing a vapor
compression refrigeration cycle, and is configured as a multi-type
air conditioner in which a plurality of indoor units (30) are
connected to a single outdoor unit (20).
[0044] In the refrigerant circuit (11), a compressor (21), an oil
separator (22), a four way switching valve (23), an outdoor heat
exchanger (24) as a heat source side heat exchanger, a
motor-operated outdoor expansion valve (25) as an expansion
mechanism, a receiver (26), a motor-operated indoor expansion valve
(32) as an expansion mechanism, an indoor heat exchanger (31) as a
utilization side heat exchanger, and an accumulator (27) are
sequentially connected through a refrigeration pipe (40), thereby
allowing a refrigerant to flow freely in the circuit.
[0045] The outdoor unit (20) contains the compressor (21), the oil
separator (22), the four way switching valve (23), the outdoor heat
exchanger (24), the motor-operated outdoor expansion valve (25),
the receiver (26), and the accumulator (27). The indoor units (30)
are configured in the same manner, and each of them contains the
motor-operated indoor expansion valve (32), and the indoor heat
exchanger (31). The outdoor unit (20) and the indoor units (30) are
connected through a connection pipe (41) comprised of the
refrigerant pipe (40).
[0046] An operation capacity of the compressor (21) is adjusted by
an inverter (2a). The four way switching valve (23) is switched to
the state indicated by a solid line in FIG. 2 in cooling operation,
and is switched to the state indicated by a broken line in FIG. 2
in heating operation. The outdoor heat exchanger (24) includes an
outdoor fan (2F), and functions as a condenser in the cooling
operation, and as an evaporator in the heating operation. The
indoor heat exchanger (31) includes an indoor fan (3F), and
functions as an evaporator in the cooling operation, and as a
condenser in the heating operation.
[0047] The outdoor unit (20) includes a heating overload
controlling bypass path (42), a liquid injection bypass path (43),
an oil return pipe (44), an equalizing hot gas bypass path (45), an
equalizing path (46), and a suction pipe heat exchanger (2b).
[0048] The heating overload controlling bypass path (42) is
connected in parallel to the outdoor heat exchanger (24) to bypass
the outdoor heat exchanger (24). An auxiliary heat exchanger (4a),
a capillary tube (4b), and an auxiliary open/close valve (4c) which
opens when the refrigerant pressure is high are sequentially
connected in series to the heating overload controlling bypass path
(42). In the heating overload controlling bypass path (42), the
auxiliary open/close valve (4c) is kept opened in the cooling
operation, and is opened when the high pressure of the refrigerant
excessively increases in the heating operation. This allows a
portion of a discharged gas to flow into the heating overload
controlling bypass path (42), thereby condensing the portion of the
discharged gas in the auxiliary heat exchanger (4a).
[0049] The liquid injection bypass path (43) adjusts the degree of
superheat of a sucked gas by injecting a liquid refrigerant to a
suction side of the compressor (21) in the cooling and heating
operations. The liquid injection bypass path (43) includes an
injection valve (4d) which opens when the temperature of a
discharge pipe of the compressor (21) excessively increases, and a
capillary tube (4e).
[0050] The oil return pipe (44) has a capillary tube (4f), and is
configured to return a lubricant from the oil separator (22) to the
compressor (21).
[0051] The equalizing hot gas bypass path (45) connects the
refrigerant pipe (40) on the discharge side of the compressor (21)
and the refrigerant pipe (40) on the suction side of the compressor
(21), and includes an equalizing valve (4g) which opens for a
predetermined period of time when the compressor (21) stops and
before the compressor (21) restarts, and a capillary tube (4h).
[0052] An end of the equalizing path (46) is connected to an upper
end surface of the receiver (26), and the other end is connected to
the equalizing hot gas bypass path (45) upstream of the equalizing
valve (4g). The equalizing path (46) includes a check valve (4i),
and guides a gaseous refrigerant in an upper portion in the
receiver (26) to the suction side of the compressor (21) through
the equalizing hot gas bypass path (45), with the equalizing valve
(4g) kept opened.
[0053] The suction pipe heat exchanger (2b) allows for heat
exchange between the sucked refrigerant in the suction side of the
compressor (21) and the liquid refrigerant in the refrigerant pipe
(40) to cool the sucked refrigerant, thereby compensating the
increase of the degree of superheat of the refrigerant in the
connection pipe (41).
[0054] The air conditioner (10) is provided with multiple sensors.
Specifically, the air conditioner (10) includes an indoor air
temperature sensor (Th1) for sensing an indoor air temperature T1
which is the temperature of air sucked from the inside of the room,
an indoor liquid temperature sensor (Th2) for sensing a liquid pipe
temperature T2 in the liquid refrigerant pipe (40) connected to the
indoor heat exchanger (31), an indoor gas temperature sensor (Th3)
for sensing a gas pipe temperature T3 in the gaseous refrigerant
pipe (40) connected to the indoor heat exchanger (31), a discharge
pipe sensor (Th4) for sensing a discharge pipe temperature T4 of
the compressor (21), an outdoor liquid temperature sensor (Th5) for
sensing a liquid refrigerant temperature T5 in the outdoor heat
exchanger (24), a suction pipe sensor (Th6) for sensing a suction
pipe temperature T6 of the compressor (21), an outdoor air
temperature sensor (Th7) for sensing an outdoor air temperature T7
which is the temperature of air sucked from the outside of the
room, a high pressure sensor (P1) arranged on the discharge side of
the compressor (21) for sensing a high pressure HP in the
refrigerant circuit (11), a low pressure sensor (P2) arranged on
the suction side of the compressor (21) for sensing a low pressure
LP in the refrigerant circuit (11), and a high pressure switch
(HPS) for protecting the compressor (21) arranged on the discharge
side of the compressor (21).
[0055] The motor-operated expansion valves (25, 32) and the sensors
(Th1-Th7, P1, P2), etc., are connected to a control unit (12)
through signal lines. The control unit (12) is configured to
receive sensed signals from the sensors (Th1-Th7, P1, P2), etc.,
and to control the opening/closing of the motor-operated expansion
valves (25, 32), etc., and the capacity of the compressor (21).
[0056] The control unit (12) includes an air conditioning control
means (13) for controlling air conditioning operation. The control
unit (12) is configured to detect a plurality of operation state
values, and to output state signals based on the signals from the
sensors (Th1-Th7, P1, P2), etc., and to control the capacity of the
compressor (21).
[0057] In the air conditioner (10) during the cooling operation,
the four way switching valve (23) is switched to the state
indicated by the solid line in FIG. 2. Then, the auxiliary
open/close valve (4c) of the auxiliary heat exchanger (4a) is kept
opened, and the refrigerant compressed in the compressor (21) is
condensed in the outdoor heat exchanger (24) and the auxiliary heat
exchanger (4a), and is sent to the indoor unit (30) through the
connection pipe (41). In this indoor unit (30), the liquid
refrigerant decreases in pressure as it passes through the
motor-operated indoor expansion valve (32), and evaporates in the
indoor heat exchanger (31). After that, the refrigerant in the
gaseous state returns to the outdoor unit (20) through the
connection pipe (41), and is sucked into the compressor (21). That
is, the liquid refrigerant evaporates because of heat exchange with
the indoor air in the indoor heat exchanger (31), thereby cooling
the indoor air.
[0058] In the heating operation, the four way switching valve (23)
is switched to the state indicated by the broken line in FIG. 2.
Then, the refrigerant flows in the reverse direction of the flow
direction in the cooling operation. Specifically, the refrigerant
compressed in the compressor (21) is condensed in the indoor heat
exchanger (31), and the refrigerant in the liquid state flows into
the outdoor unit (20). The refrigerant decreases in pressure as it
passes through the motor-operated outdoor expansion valve (25),
evaporates in the outdoor heat exchanger (24), and returns to the
compressor (21). That is, the gaseous refrigerant condenses because
of heat exchange with the indoor air in the indoor heat exchanger
(31), thereby heating the indoor air.
[0059] The remote monitoring system (1A) as a feature of the
present invention monitors the plurality of air conditioners (10)
in a centralized manner, and includes a monitoring apparatus (50)
as shown in FIG. 1.
[0060] The monitoring apparatus (50) includes a plurality of local
controllers (60), and a single host controller (70). Specifically,
an interface (51) is connected to each of the control units (12) of
the air conditioners (10). The interfaces (51) are connected to the
corresponding local controller (60) through an exclusive line (52),
and each of the local controllers (60) is connected to the host
controller (70) through a communication line (53) such as a
telephone line, the Internet, etc. Thus, the plurality of
interfaces (51) are connected to each of the local controllers
(60). For example, when several air conditioners (10) are provided
in one building, the several air conditioners (10) in the one
building are monitored by one of the local controllers (60). The
several air conditioners (60) monitored by the one local controller
(60) correspond to one maintenance client.
[0061] For example, a plurality of local controllers (60) are
connected to the host controller (70), and the host controller (70)
performs centralized monitoring of all the air conditioners
(10).
[0062] Each of the local controllers (60) is connected to a
personal computer (54), and receives real time data, which is
operation data of each of the air conditioners (10), from the air
conditioners (10) through the interfaces (51) and the exclusive
line (52) every minute. Specifically, the local controller (60) is
configured to receive, for example, data such as the suction pipe
temperature T6 sensed from the outdoor unit (20) by the sensors
(Th1-Th7, P1, P2), etc., and data about an operation mode, i.e.,
the cooling operation and the heating operation.
[0063] The host controller (70) is configured to receive
predetermined operation data from the local controllers (60)
through the communication lines (53).
[0064] The host controller (70) includes a capability calculator
(71), an electric power calculator (72), and a management
controller (73). The management controller (73) includes an energy
calculator (7a), and a display means (7b).
[0065] The capability calculator (71) is configured to calculate
the air conditioning capability of each of the air conditioners
(10) in each of sets of the several air conditioners. Specifically,
the capability calculator (71) calculates the air conditioning
capability of each of the air conditioners (10) based on a
saturation temperature Tc corresponding to a condensing pressure in
the refrigerant circuit (11), a saturation temperature Te
corresponding to an evaporating pressure in the refrigerant circuit
(11), a refrigerant temperature Ti before pressure decrease in the
refrigerant circuit (11), a refrigerant suction temperature Ts of
the compressor (21), and characteristics of the compressor
(21).
[0066] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the capability calculator
(71) calculates the saturation temperature Tc corresponding to a
condensing pressure based on the high pressure HP of the
refrigerant circuit (11) output by the high pressure sensor (P1),
and calculates the saturation temperature Te corresponding to an
evaporating pressure based on the low pressure LP of the
refrigerant circuit (11) output by the low pressure sensor (P2).
The capability calculator (71) calculates the refrigerant
temperature Ti before pressure decrease, which is the temperature
of the liquid refrigerant in the supercooled state, based on the
liquid pipe temperature T2 in the indoor heat exchanger (31) in the
cooling operation sensed by the indoor liquid temperature sensor
(Th2), or based on the liquid refrigerant temperature T5 in the
outdoor heat exchanger (24) in the heating operation sensed by the
outdoor liquid temperature sensor (Th5). Further, the capability
calculator (71) derives the refrigerant suction temperature Ts in
the compressor (21) based on the suction pipe temperature T6 sensed
by the suction pipe sensor (Th6). The capability calculator (71)
calculates the air conditioning capability of the air conditioner
(10) from the characteristics of the compressor (21) based on the
saturation temperature Tc corresponding to a condensing pressure,
the saturation temperature Te corresponding to an evaporating
pressure, the refrigerant temperature Ti before pressure decrease,
and the refrigerant suction temperature Ts.
[0067] The electric power calculator (72) is configured to
calculate power consumption of each of the air conditioners (10) in
each of sets of several air conditioners (10). Specifically, like
the capability calculator (71), the electric power calculator (72)
is configured to calculate the power consumption of the air
conditioner (10) based on the saturation temperature Tc
corresponding to a condensing pressure in the refrigerant circuit
(11), and the saturation temperature Te corresponding to an
evaporating pressure in the refrigerant circuit (11), the
refrigerant temperature Ti before pressure decrease in the
refrigerant circuit (11), the refrigerant suction temperature Ts in
the compressor (21), and the characteristics of the compressor (21)
in the refrigerant circuit (11).
[0068] Specifically, the electric power calculator (72) calculates
the power consumption of the air conditioner (10) from the
characteristics of the compressor (21) based on the saturation
temperature Tc corresponding to a condensing pressure, the
saturation temperature Te corresponding to an evaporating pressure,
the refrigerant temperature Ti before pressure decrease, and the
refrigerant suction temperature Ts of the compressor (21).
[0069] The management controller (73) is configured to manage each
of the plurality of air conditioners (10) by previously classifying
the air conditioners (10) into a plurality of air conditioning
blocks (1B) according to predetermined relationship. Specifically,
as described above, the air conditioners (10) monitored by the
single local controller (60) correspond to one maintenance client.
Therefore, the air conditioners (10) of the one maintenance client
constitute a single air conditioning block (1B). Thus, the
management controller (73) manages the air conditioners (10) on the
basis of the air conditioning block (1B).
[0070] The energy calculator (7a) is included in the management
controller (73), and calculates an energy utilization efficiency of
each of the air conditioners (10) based on the air conditioning
capability calculated by the capability calculator (71), and the
power consumption calculated by the electric power calculator (72).
The energy calculator (7a) calculates the energy utilization
efficiency of each of the air conditioning blocks (1B).
[0071] Specifically, since the air conditioning capability per unit
power consumption is the energy utilization efficiency (air
conditioning capability/power consumption), the energy calculator
(7a) calculates the instantaneous energy utilization efficiency
(air conditioning capability/power consumption), and the energy
utilization efficiency for a predetermined period of time (e.g., a
year) (.SIGMA. air conditioning capability/E power consumption) of
each of the air conditioners (10) and each of the air conditioning
blocks (1B).
[0072] The display means (7b) is configured to display the energy
utilization efficiency of each of the air conditioners (10), and
the energy utilization efficiency of each of the air conditioning
blocks (1B) calculated by the energy calculator (7a).
Operation Mechanism
[0073] A monitoring mechanism of the monitoring system (1A) of the
air conditioners (10) will be described below.
[0074] First, air conditioning operation of each of the air
conditioners (10) is controlled by the control unit (12). Then,
data output from the sensors (Th1-Th7, P1, P2), etc., is
transmitted from the control unit (12) to the local controller
(60).
[0075] The local controller (60) transmits predetermined operation
data from the received data to the host controller (70) through the
communication line (53).
[0076] Then, the capability calculator (71) of the host controller
(70) calculates the air conditioning capability of the air
conditioner (10) based on the high pressure HP and the low pressure
LP of the refrigerant circuit (11), the refrigerant temperature Ti
before pressure decrease and the refrigerant suction temperature Ts
in the compressor (21) from the liquid pipe temperature T2 in the
indoor heat exchanger (31) or the liquid refrigerant temperature T5
in the outdoor heat exchanger (24), and the characteristics of the
compressor (21).
[0077] The electric power calculator (72) of the host controller
(70) calculates the power consumption of the air conditioner (10)
based on the high pressure HP and the low pressure LP of the
refrigerant circuit (11), the refrigerant temperature Ti before the
pressure decrease and the refrigerant suction temperature Ts in the
compressor (21) from the liquid pipe temperature T2 in the indoor
heat exchanger (31) or the liquid refrigerant temperature T5 in the
outdoor heat exchanger (24), and the characteristics of the
compressor (21).
[0078] Further, the energy calculator (7a) calculates the energy
utilization efficiency of each of air conditioners (10) and each of
the air conditioning blocks (1B) based on the air conditioning
capability calculated by the capability calculator (71), and the
power consumption calculated by the electric power calculator
(72).
[0079] The energy utilization efficiency of each of the air
conditioners (10), and the energy utilization efficiency of each of
the air conditioning blocks (1B) calculated by the energy
calculator (7a) are displayed in the display means energy
calculator (7a).
[0080] Monitoring of the energy utilization efficiency calculated
by the energy calculator (7a) allows for monitoring of the power
consumption (an amount of CO.sub.2 emission), and allows for
management of each of the air conditioners (10) of a plurality of
maintenance clients by the host controller (70) in a centralized
manner.
Advantages of the Embodiment
[0081] As described above, according to the present embodiment, the
energy utilization efficiency of each of the air conditioners (10)
is calculated based on the air conditioning capability and the
power consumption of each of the air conditioners (10). This allows
for easy determination whether the power consumption is efficient
or not.
[0082] In addition, clarification of the energy utilization
efficiency of each of the air conditioners (10) allows for
clarification of defects of the operation state of each of the air
conditioners (10).
[0083] The calculation of the energy utilization efficiency of each
of the air conditioners (10) allows for examination of performance
of each of the air conditioners (10).
[0084] Further, due to the calculation of the power consumption for
calculating the energy utilization efficiency of each of the air
conditioners (10), the amount of CO.sub.2 emission from each of the
air conditioners (10) can be monitored.
[0085] The energy utilization efficiency of each of the air
conditioning blocks (1B) is calculated, and is remote-monitored.
Therefore, for example, a full-time keeper is no longer necessary
in each building, thereby reducing cost of the management.
[0086] The air conditioning capability and the power consumption of
each of the air conditioners (10) are calculated using the signals
from the high pressure sensor (P1), etc., conventionally provided
in the refrigerant circuit (11). This does not involve additional
provision of a new sensor, etc., thereby avoiding complexity of the
system.
[0087] Since the electric power calculator (72), etc., are included
in the host controller (70), the determination whether the power
consumption of each of the air conditioners (10) is efficient or
not can be performed in a centralized manner. In particular, the
management can easily be done because the energy utilization
efficiency is displayed.
Second Embodiment
[0088] A second embodiment of the present invention will be
described in detail below with reference to the drawings.
[0089] Unlike the electric power calculator (72) of the first
embodiment which calculates the power consumption of the air
conditioner (10) based on the characteristics of the compressor
(21), etc., the second embodiment is configured to calculate the
power consumption of the air conditioner (10) based on a current
value sensed by a current sensor (17) provided in the air
conditioner (10), a power factor of the air conditioner (10), and a
power supply voltage of the air conditioner (10) as shown in FIG.
4.
[0090] Specifically, in each of the air conditioners (10), electric
power is fed from a power supply (15) to the compressor (21), the
fans (2F, 3F), and actuators (25, . . . ) including the other
devices such as the electronic expansion valve (25), etc., through
an electric power line (16). Current sensors (17) are provided on
the electric power line (16) for the compressor (21), the fans (2F,
3F), and the actuators (25, . . . ), respectively. Each of the
current sensors (17) is configured to sense a current value fed to
each of the compressor (21), the fans (2F, 3F), and the actuators
(25, . . . ).
[0091] In particular, the current sensor (17) is comprised of a
control sensor for sensing an overcurrent to control the compressor
(21), etc. That is, the control sensor also functions as the
current sensor (17) for calculating the electric power. A sensed
signal from the current sensor (17) (a current value) is input to
the control unit (12).
[0092] The electric power calculator (72) of the host controller
(70) is configured to calculate the power consumption of the air
conditioner (10) based on the current value of each device in the
air conditioner (10) sensed by the current sensor (17), i.e., the
current values of the compressor (21), the fans (2F, 3F), and the
actuators (25, . . . ), a power factor of each of the air
conditioners (10), and a power supply voltage of each of the air
conditioners (10).
[0093] In more detail, the electric power calculator (72) includes
a power supply storage section for previously storing the power
supply voltage of each of the air conditioners (10), and a power
factor storage section for previously storing an inherent power
factor of each of the compressor (21), the fans (2F, 3F), and the
actuators (25, . . . ), which is the power factor of each of the
air conditioners (10). The electric power calculator (72) is
configured to calculate the power consumption (current value x
power supply voltage x power factor) based on the current value
sensed by the current sensor (17), the power factor, and the power
supply voltage.
[0094] Thus, according to the second embodiment, the current sensor
(17) senses the current value of each of the devices in each of the
air conditioners (10), i.e., the current values of the compressor
(21), the fans (2F, 3F), and the actuators (25, . . .). The
electric power calculator (72) calculates the power consumption of
each of the air conditioners (10) based on the current value of
each of the air conditioners (10) sensed by the current sensor
(17), the previously stored power supply voltage, and the
previously stored power factor of each of the actuators (25, . . .
). Based on the calculated power consumption, and the air
conditioning capability calculated by the capability calculator
(71), the energy calculator (7a) calculates the energy utilization
efficiency of each of the air conditioners (10), and the energy
utilization efficiency of each of the air conditioning blocks
(1B).
[0095] As a result, like the first embodiment, the second
embodiment allows for easy determination whether the power
consumption is efficient or not because the energy power
consumption of each of the air conditioners (10) is calculated
based on the air conditioning capability and the power consumption
of each of the air conditioners (10).
[0096] In particular, the power consumption is accurately
calculated by considering the power factor, thereby allowing for
accurate determination whether the power consumption is efficient
or not.
[0097] Further, since the control sensors are used as the current
sensors (17), the calculation of the power consumption is
accurately performed without increasing the parts count.
[0098] The structure and advantages of the second embodiment except
for the above-described features are similar to those of the first
embodiment.
Third Embodiment
[0099] A third embodiment of the present invention will be
described in detail with reference to the drawings.
[0100] As shown in FIG. 5, the third embodiment is configured to
sense the current of each of the air conditioners (10) instead of
sensing the current of each of the devices in the second
embodiment.
[0101] Specifically, in each of the air conditioners (10), an
electric power extraction section (16a) is provided on the electric
power line (16), and an electric power measuring device (18) is
connected to the electric power extraction section (16a). As shown
in FIG. 6, when a three-phase power supply (15) is used, current
sensors (17) are provided for two phases in the electric power
extraction section (16a), and voltage lines (18a) for extracting a
voltage between phases are branched from the electric power lines
(16). The electric power measuring device (18) is connected to the
current sensors (17) through current lines (18b), respectively, and
the voltage lines (18a) are connected to the electric power
measuring device (18). Thus, the electric power measuring device
(18) is configured to sense the current value and the power supply
voltage, which is an applied voltage, of each of the air
conditioners (10), thereby measuring the power consumption of each
of the air conditioners (10). The electric power value measured by
the electric power measuring device (18) is input from the control
unit (12) of each of the air conditioners (10) to the electric
power calculator (72) of the host controller (70).
[0102] The electric power calculator (72) is configured to
calculate actual power consumption based on the electric power
value measured by the electric power measuring device (18), and the
power factor of the devices previously stored in the power factor
storage section.
[0103] Thus, like the second embodiment, the third embodiment
allows for accurate calculation of the power consumption because
the power factor is considered. This makes it possible to
accurately determine whether the power consumption is efficient or
not.
[0104] The structure and advantages of the third embodiment except
for the above-described features are similar to those of the first
and second embodiments.
[0105] When a single-phase power supply (15) is used as shown in
FIG. 7, the electric power extraction section (16a) is provided
with a single current sensor (17), and voltage lines (18a) for
extracting a voltage between phases are branched from the electric
power lines (16). The current sensor (17) and the voltage lines
(18a) are connected to the electric power measuring device (18) to
sense the current value and the power supply voltage, which is an
applied voltage, of each of the air conditioners (10), thereby
measuring the power consumption of each of the air conditioners
(10).
Other Embodiments
[0106] The above-described embodiments may be modified in the
following manner The electric power calculator (72) of the second
and third embodiments is configured to calculate the power
consumption of the air conditioner (10) based on the current value
sensed by the current sensor (17), the power supply voltage, and
the power factor. However, the power consumption of the air
conditioner (10) may be calculated merely based on the current
value and the power supply voltage of the air conditioner (10).
[0107] The refrigerant circuit (11) of the air conditioner (10) is
not limited to those described in the embodiments. The air
conditioner (10) may be used exclusively for cooling or
heating.
[0108] The capability calculator (71) and the electric power
calculator (72) are included in the host controller (70). However,
the capability calculator (71) and the electric power calculator
(72) may be provided in the local controller (60), or in the
personal computer (54).
[0109] The above embodiments are merely preferred embodiments in
nature, and are not intended to limit the scope, applications and
use of the disclosed technique.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0110] As described above, the present invention is useful for a
remote monitoring system for a plurality of air conditioners.
DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE CHARACTERS
[0111] 1A Remote monitoring system [0112] 1B Air conditioning block
[0113] 10 Air conditioner [0114] 15 Power supply [0115] 16 Electric
power line [0116] 17 Current sensor [0117] 18 Electric power
measuring device [0118] 50 Remote monitoring apparatus [0119] 53
Communication line [0120] 60 Local controller [0121] 70 Host
controller [0122] 71 Capability calculator [0123] 72 Electric power
calculator [0124] 73 Management controller [0125] 7a Energy
calculator [0126] 7b Display means
* * * * *