U.S. patent application number 13/807105 was filed with the patent office on 2013-04-25 for air conditioner.
This patent application is currently assigned to PANASONIC CORPORATION. The applicant listed for this patent is Akira Fujitaka, Yoshikazu Kawabe, Kazuhiko Marumoto. Invention is credited to Akira Fujitaka, Yoshikazu Kawabe, Kazuhiko Marumoto.
Application Number | 20130098576 13/807105 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45401599 |
Filed Date | 2013-04-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130098576 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Fujitaka; Akira ; et
al. |
April 25, 2013 |
AIR CONDITIONER
Abstract
An air conditioner of the present invention includes temperature
distribution detecting means 12 for detecting a temperature
distribution in a room 1, refrigerant leakage detecting means 13
for detecting refrigerant leakage, air-blowing means 14,
air-blowing control means 17c for controlling air-blowing means 14,
and wind-direction control means 17d for controlling a wind
direction of the air-blowing means 14. When the refrigerant leakage
detecting means 13 detects refrigerant leakage, the air-blowing
control means 17c and/or the wind-direction control means 17d
disperses a leaked refrigerant in a direction different from
inhabitants 3 and a heat source apparatus 4 detected by the
temperature distribution detecting means 12 thereby enhancing the
energy efficiency and safety when a flammable refrigerant is used
as a refrigerant.
Inventors: |
Fujitaka; Akira; (Shiga,
JP) ; Kawabe; Yoshikazu; (Shiga, JP) ;
Marumoto; Kazuhiko; (Shiga, JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Fujitaka; Akira
Kawabe; Yoshikazu
Marumoto; Kazuhiko |
Shiga
Shiga
Shiga |
|
JP
JP
JP |
|
|
Assignee: |
PANASONIC CORPORATION
Kadoma-shi, Osaka
JP
|
Family ID: |
45401599 |
Appl. No.: |
13/807105 |
Filed: |
April 1, 2011 |
PCT Filed: |
April 1, 2011 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/JP2011/001979 |
371 Date: |
December 27, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
165/11.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F24F 1/0007 20130101;
F24F 11/30 20180101; F24F 11/36 20180101; F24F 2110/10 20180101;
F28F 27/00 20130101; F24F 11/89 20180101; F24F 11/79 20180101 |
Class at
Publication: |
165/11.1 |
International
Class: |
F28F 27/00 20060101
F28F027/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jul 2, 2010 |
JP |
2010-151770 |
Claims
1. An air conditioner comprising temperature distribution detecting
means for detecting a temperature distribution in a room,
refrigerant leakage detecting means for detecting refrigerant
leakage, air-blowing means, air-blowing control means for
controlling the air-blowing means, and wind-direction control means
for controlling a wind direction of the air-blowing means, wherein
when the refrigerant leakage detecting means detects refrigerant
leakage, the air-blowing control means and/or the wind-direction
control means disperses a leaked refrigerant.
2. The air conditioner according to claim 1, further comprising
refrigerant leakage alarm means which gives an alarm when the
refrigerant leakage detecting means detects refrigerant leakage,
wherein the refrigerant leakage alarm means gives an alarm by means
of sound and/or light.
3. The air conditioner according to claim 1, further comprising
communication means for communicating with other devices, wherein
operations of the other devices are controlled.
4. The air conditioner according to claim 2, further comprising a
storage battery provided in parallel to a body power source of the
air conditioner as a power source for the refrigerant leakage
detecting means and the refrigerant leakage alarm means, an
energization-verification circuit for verifying energization of the
air conditioner, and a power source determination circuit for
selecting a power source device of the refrigerant leakage
detecting means and the refrigerant leakage alarm means by a signal
of the energization-verification circuit.
5. The air conditioner according to claim 1, further comprising
control means for controlling operation of at least one of the
refrigerant leakage alarm means, the air-blowing control means, the
wind-direction control means and the communication means in
accordance with refrigerant concentration detected by the
refrigerant leakage detecting means.
6. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein a flammable
refrigerant is used.
7. The air conditioner according to according to claim 6, wherein
the flammable refrigerant is a single refrigerant of a HFC-based
refrigerant, a single refrigerant of a hydrogen fluoride-based
refrigerant having double bond of carbon, or a mixture refrigerant
having the single refrigerant as a main ingredient.
8. The air conditioner according to claim 6, wherein the flammable
refrigerant is a single refrigerant of hydrocarbon or a mixture
refrigerant including the single refrigerant of hydrocarbon as a
main ingredient.
9. The air conditioner according to claim 7, wherein the single
refrigerant or a refrigerant in which two or three ingredients are
mixed such that global warming potential becomes 5 or more and 750
or less, preferably 350 or less and more preferably 150 or less is
used as the flammable refrigerant.
10. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein synthetic oil
containing any of the following oxygenated compound, as main
ingredient, polyoxyalkylene glycol, polyvinyl ether, poly (oxy)
alkylene glycol or copolymer of monoether and polyvinyl ether
thereof, polyol ester and polycarbonate; synthetic oil containing,
as main ingredient, alkylbenzene or a olefin; or mineral oil is
used as the refrigeration oil.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to an air conditioner capable
of enhancing energy efficiency and safety.
BACKGROUND TECHNIQUE
[0002] At present, an HFC-based flon refrigerant which does not
destroy the ozone layer is used as a refrigerant for an air
conditioner. However, the HFC-based refrigerant has extremely high
global warming potential, and to prevent global warming, emission
of the HFC-based refrigerant is restricted. Hence, it is considered
to use a natural refrigerant such as a HFC-based refrigerant and a
hydrocarbon-based refrigerant having low global warming potential
as a refrigerant for a refrigeration air conditioner. However,
among the hydrocarbon-based refrigerant and the HFC-based
refrigerant, a refrigerant such as R32 having relatively small
influence on global warming is flammable as its properties.
Therefore, for hazard prevention when the refrigerant leaks, a
primary cycle using a flammable refrigerant and a secondary cycle
using a brine are used (see patent document 1 for example).
PRIOR ART DOCUMENT
Patent Document
[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-open
No. H10-35266
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Problem to be Solved by the Invention
[0004] However, the conventional air conditioner includes the
primary cycle using the flammable refrigerant and the secondary
cycle using the brine, and energy efficiency is not taken into
consideration. Especially, electric input of a brine circulation
pump is increased, and there is a problem that the energy
efficiency is deteriorated.
[0005] Hence, it is an object of the present invention to provide
an air conditioner capable of enhancing the energy efficiency and
safety when a flammable refrigerant is used as a refrigerant.
Means for Solving the Problem
[0006] To solve the conventional problem, the present invention
provides an air conditioner comprising temperature distribution
detecting means for detecting a temperature distribution in a room,
refrigerant leakage detecting means for detecting refrigerant
leakage, air-blowing means, air-blowing control means for
controlling the air-blowing means, and wind-direction control means
for controlling a wind direction of the air-blowing means, wherein
when the refrigerant leakage detecting means detects refrigerant
leakage, the air-blowing control means and/or the wind-direction
control means disperses a leaked refrigerant.
[0007] According to this configuration, when a refrigerant leaks,
the temperature distribution detecting means detects inhabitants
and a heat source apparatus, and it is possible to disperse the
refrigerant in a direction different from the inhabitants and the
heat source apparatus.
Effect of the Invention
[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to
realize an air conditioner having high energy efficiency, and to
enhance safety.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 is an installation diagram showing an example of
installation of an air conditioner according to a first embodiment
of the present invention;
[0010] FIG. 2 is a block diagram for realizing refrigerant leakage
control of the air conditioner of the embodiment;
[0011] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a refrigerant leakage
detecting operation of the air conditioner of the embodiment;
[0012] FIG. 4 is a block diagram for realizing refrigerant leakage
control of an air conditioner of a second embodiment of the
invention;
[0013] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a refrigerant leakage
detecting operation of the air conditioner of the embodiment;
[0014] FIG. 6 is a block diagram for realizing refrigerant leakage
control of an air conditioner of a third embodiment of the
invention;
[0015] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a refrigerant leakage
detecting operation of the air conditioner of the embodiment;
[0016] FIG. 8 is a block diagram for realizing refrigerant leakage
control of an air conditioner of a fourth embodiment of the
invention;
[0017] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a refrigerant leakage
detecting operation of the air conditioner of the embodiment;
and
[0018] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a relation between a
refrigerant mixing ratio and a global warming potential in the
embodiment of the invention.
EXPLANATION OF SYMBOLS
[0019] 1 room [0020] 3 inhabitants [0021] 4 heat source apparatus
[0022] 10 air conditioner [0023] 11 refrigerant leakage alarm means
[0024] 11a alarm sound generating means [0025] 11b alarm light
generating means [0026] 12 temperature distribution detecting means
[0027] 13 refrigerant leakage detecting means [0028] 16
communication means [0029] 17 control means [0030] 17a
determination circuit [0031] 17b output circuit [0032] 17c
air-blowing control means [0033] 17d wind-direction control means
[0034] 17e storing circuit [0035] 18 operation switch [0036] 19
energization circuit [0037] 19a body power source [0038] 19b
storage battery [0039] 19c energization-verification circuit [0040]
19d power source determination circuit [0041] 19e power
source-supply circuit [0042] 19f control means power source
operating means [0043] 21 ventilator (another device) including
communication means [0044] 22 electric fan (another device)
including communication means [0045] 23 alarm device (another
device) including communication means
MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0046] A first aspect of the invention provides an air conditioner
comprising temperature distribution detecting means for detecting a
temperature distribution in a room, refrigerant leakage detecting
means for detecting refrigerant leakage, air-blowing means,
air-blowing control means for controlling the air-blowing means,
and wind-direction control means for controlling a wind direction
of the air-blowing means, wherein when the refrigerant leakage
detecting means detects refrigerant leakage, the air-blowing
control means and/or the wind-direction control means disperses a
leaked refrigerant. According to this aspect, the air conditioner
can disperse the refrigerant in a direction different from the
inhabitants, and it is possible to prevent the refrigerant from
staying in the vicinity of the inhabitants. Further, it is possible
to prevent a refrigerant from being decomposed by a stay of the
refrigerant or a heat source apparatus.
[0047] According to a second aspect of the invention, in the first
aspect, the air conditioner further includes refrigerant leakage
alarm means which gives an alarm when the refrigerant leakage
detecting means detects refrigerant leakage, and the refrigerant
leakage alarm means gives an alarm by means of sound and/or light.
Hence, it is possible to inform inhabitants of abnormality and to
avoid danger.
[0048] According to a third aspect of the invention, in the first
or second aspect, the air conditioner further includes
communication means for communicating with other devices, and
operations of the other devices are controlled. Hence, it is
possible to operate a ventilator or an electric fan having
communication means, to disperse the leaked refrigerant in a
direction different from inhabitants or the heat source apparatus,
to stop the heat source apparatus having the communication means,
and to prevent a refrigerant from being decomposed by a stay of the
refrigerant or the heat source apparatus. Further, it is possible
to give an alarm from an alarm device connected to another
apparatus through the communication means, to inform inhabitants of
abnormality and to avoid danger.
[0049] According to a fourth aspect of the invention, in the second
or third aspect, the air conditioner further includes a storage
battery provided in parallel to a body power source of the air
conditioner as a power source for the refrigerant leakage detecting
means and the refrigerant leakage alarm means, an
energization-verification circuit for verifying energization of the
air conditioner, and a power source determination circuit for
selecting a power source device of the refrigerant leakage
detecting means and the refrigerant leakage alarm means by a signal
of the energization-verification circuit. Hence, if leakage of a
refrigerant is detected when the operation of the air conditioner
is stopped or power is cut, power can be supplied by the storage
battery to give an alarm, and this is extremely effective for
avoiding danger.
[0050] According to a fifth aspect of the invention, in any one of
the first to fourth aspects, the air conditioner further includes
control means for controlling operation of at least one of the
refrigerant leakage alarm means, the air-blowing control means, the
wind-direction control means and the communication means in
accordance with refrigerant concentration detected by the
refrigerant leakage detecting means. Hence, even if the
concentration is lower than a concentration set value which is
provided for preventing erroneous detection of the refrigerant
leakage, it is possible to operate the refrigerant leakage alarm
means, the air-blowing control means, the wind-direction control
means and the communication means, to inform inhabitants of
abnormality and to avoid danger.
[0051] According to a sixth aspect of the invention, in any one of
the first to fifth aspects, a flammable refrigerant is used. Hence,
when the flammable refrigerant leaks, it is possible to dispose the
flammable refrigerant in a direction different from inhabitants or
a heat source apparatus, and it is possible to avoid a case where
the flammable refrigerant is ignited by a stay of the refrigerant
or the heat source apparatus.
[0052] According to a seventh aspect of the invention, in the sixth
aspect, the flammable refrigerant is a single refrigerant of a
HFC-based refrigerant, a single refrigerant of a hydrogen
fluoride-based refrigerant having double bond of carbon, or a
mixture refrigerant having the single refrigerant as a main
ingredient. Hence, when the flammable refrigerant leaks, it is
possible to dispose the flammable refrigerant in a direction
different from inhabitants or a heat source apparatus, and it is
possible to avoid a case where the flammable refrigerant is ignited
by a stay of the refrigerant or the heat source apparatus. Further,
influence on global warming can be reduced.
[0053] According to an eighth aspect of the invention, in the sixth
aspect, the flammable refrigerant is a single refrigerant of
hydrocarbon or a mixture refrigerant including the single
refrigerant of hydrocarbon as a main ingredient. Hence, when the
flammable refrigerant leaks, it is possible to dispose the
flammable refrigerant in a direction different from inhabitants or
a heat source apparatus, and it is possible to avoid a case where
the flammable refrigerant is ignited by a stay of the refrigerant
or the heat source apparatus. Further, influence on global warming
can be reduced.
[0054] According to a ninth aspect of the invention, in the seventh
or eighth aspect, the single refrigerant or a refrigerant in which
two or three ingredients are mixed such that global warming
potential becomes 5 or more and 750 or less, preferably 350 or less
and more preferably 150 or less is used as the flammable
refrigerant. Hence, when the flammable refrigerant leaks, it is
possible to dispose the flammable refrigerant in a direction
different from inhabitants or a heat source apparatus, and it is
possible to avoid a case where the flammable refrigerant is ignited
by a stay of the refrigerant or the heat source apparatus. Further,
it is possible to contribute to prevention of global warming.
[0055] According to a tenth aspect of the invention, in any one of
the first to ninth aspects, synthetic oil containing any of the
following oxygenated compound, as main ingredient, polyoxyalkylene
glycol, polyvinyl ether, poly (oxy) alkylene glycol or copolymer of
monoether and polyvinyl ether thereof, polyol ester and
polycarbonate; synthetic oil containing, as main ingredient,
alkylbenzene or .alpha. olefin; or mineral oil is used as the
refrigeration oil. Hence, it is possible to prevent the flammable
refrigerant from being ignited. Further, it is possible to
contribute to enhancement of reliability of the air
conditioner.
[0056] An embodiment of an air conditioner of the present invention
will be described below. The invention is not limited to the
embodiment.
[0057] FIG. 1 is an installation diagram showing an example of
installation of an air conditioner according to a first embodiment
of the present invention.
[0058] In FIG. 1, the air conditioner 10 is installed on a wall of
a room 1. The air conditioner 10 includes a refrigeration cycle
circuit composed of a compressor, an indoor heat exchanger, a
decompressor and an outdoor heat exchanger. An HFC-based
refrigerant such as R32, R152a and R161 which is a flammable
refrigerant, or a fluorocarbon-based refrigerant having double bond
of carbon such as HFO-1234yf, HFO-1234ze and HFO-1243zf is charged
into the refrigeration cycle circuit.
[0059] Provided in the air conditioner 10 are alarm sound
generating means 11a such as a buzzer which outputs alarm sound,
alarm light generating means 11b which emits alarm light, and
temperature distribution detecting means 12 which detects a
temperature distribution in the room 1 when a refrigerant leaks
from a body of the air conditioner 10 or a refrigerant pipe (not
shown) .
[0060] The temperature distribution detecting means 12 detects the
temperature distribution in the room 1 using a sensor composed of a
pyroelectric element which reacts with an article having a high
temperature and a Fresnel lens which widens a range of a field of
view detecting infrared radiation, or using an infrared radiation
image sensor which detects a heat image in the room 1 by arranging
a large number of pyroelectric elements.
[0061] An inhabitant 3, a heat source apparatus 4 such as a stove
or a portable furnace, a ventilator 21 and an electric fan 22 exist
in the room 1. An alarm device 23 is disposed outside the room 1,
e.g., in another room.
[0062] FIG. 2 is a block diagram for realizing refrigerant leakage
control of the air conditioner of the embodiment.
[0063] In addition to the temperature distribution detecting means
12, the air conditioner 10 also includes refrigerant leakage
detecting means 13 which detects refrigerant leakage. The air
conditioner 10 includes refrigerant leakage alarm means 11,
air-blowing means 14 which blows air into the room 1, wind
direction-changing blade drive motor 15 which vertically and
laterally changes an air-blowing direction of air sent from the
air-blowing means 14, and communication means 16 which outputs a
signal to outside. The refrigerant leakage alarm means 11 is
composed of the alarm sound generating means 11a and/or the alarm
light generating means 11b. The air-blowing means 14 is composed of
a fan such as a cross-flow fan and a turbofan, and a motor which
drives the fan.
[0064] The air conditioner 10 includes control means 17. Signals
from the temperature distribution detecting means 12 and the
refrigerant leakage detecting means 13 are input to the control
means 17, and the control means 17 outputs signals to the
refrigerant leakage alarm means 11, the air-blowing means 14, the
wind direction-changing blade drive motor 15 and the communication
means 16.
[0065] The control means 17 includes a determination circuit 17a
which determines refrigerant leakage by output signals from the
temperature distribution detecting means 12 and the refrigerant
leakage detecting means 13, an output circuit 17b which outputs an
operation signal by a signal from the determination circuit 17a,
and air-blowing control means 17c and wind-direction control means
17d which are operated by a signal from the output circuit 17b. The
control means 17 also includes a storing circuit 17e in which
necessary information for determination of the determination
circuit 17a and output information after the determination are
stored. That is, a concentration set value is stored in the storing
circuit 17e as information which is necessary for determination.
Examples of the concentration set values stored in the storing
circuit 17e are a normal refrigerant concentration set value for
determining that a refrigerant leaks, and low refrigerant
concentration set value used for determination when the temperature
distribution detecting means 12 detects the heat source apparatus
4.
[0066] Examples of the output information after the determination
stored in the storing circuit 17e are output contents in the
refrigerant leakage alarm means 11, control contents in the
air-blowing control means 17c and the wind-direction control means
17d, and output contents in the communication means 16.
[0067] The output circuit 17b outputs signals also to the
refrigerant leakage alarm means 11 and the communication means 16.
The air-blowing control means 17c receives a signal from the output
circuit 17b and a signal from the temperature distribution
detecting means 12, and controls the operation, the stop and the
number of rotations of the air-blowing means 14. The wind-direction
control means 17d receives a signal from the output circuit 17b and
a signal from the temperature distribution detecting means 12,
operates the wind direction-changing blade drive motor 15, and
vertically and laterally changes a direction of wind sent out from
the air-blowing means 14.
[0068] An operation switch 18 operates a refrigerant leakage alarm
function but the operation switch 18 maybe in association with an
operation switch which operates a normal air conditioning function,
or the operation switch 18 may be the same switch as the operation
switch which operates the normal air conditioning function.
[0069] The heat source apparatus 4 includes communication means 4a
which receives a signal from the communication means 16, and
operation control means 4b which stops an operation when the
communication means 4a receives a refrigerant leakage signal. The
ventilator 21 includes communication means 21a which receives a
signal from the communication means 16, and operation control means
21b which carries out a refrigerant leakage operation if the
communication means 21a receives a refrigerant leakage signal. The
electric fan 22 includes communication means 22a which receives a
signal from the communication means 16, and operation control means
22b which carries out a refrigerant leakage operation if the
communication means 22a receives a refrigerant leakage signal. The
alarm device 23 includes communication means 23a which receives a
signal from the communication means 16, and alarm means 23b which
gives a refrigerant leakage alarm if the communication means 23a
receives a refrigerant leakage signal.
[0070] Next, an operation will be described.
[0071] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a refrigerant leakage
detecting operation of the air conditioner of the first
embodiment.
[0072] In step 1, if an operating action is instructed by the
operation switch 18, a detecting operation of refrigerant leakage
is started by the refrigerant leakage detecting means 13 in step 2.
If the operation switch 18 is associated with or is the same as a
switch which operates a normal air conditioning function, driving
operations of the compressor and the air-blowing means 14 are
started, and the operation of the refrigeration cycle is
started.
[0073] A signal output from the refrigerant leakage detecting means
13 is compared with a refrigerant concentration set value stored in
the storing circuit 17e, and refrigerant leakage is determined by
the determination circuit 17a (steps 3 and 4). The determination in
step 3 is compared with a refrigerant concentration set value of
low concentration, and the determination in step 4 is compared with
a refrigerant concentration set value of normal concentration.
[0074] In step 3, if the detection value in the refrigerant leakage
detecting means 13 is lower than the low concentration set value,
it is determined that a refrigerant does not leak, the procedure is
returned to step 2, and detection of the refrigerant leakage
detecting means 13 is continued.
[0075] In step 3, if the detection value in the refrigerant leakage
detecting means 13 is higher than the low concentration set value,
it is determined in step 4 whether the concentration is equal to or
higher than the normal concentration.
[0076] If it is determined in step 4 that the concentration is
equal to or higher than the normal concentration, a refrigerant
leakage alarm is given by the refrigerant leakage alarm means 11,
and operation instructing signals are sent to other devices (step
5).
[0077] If it is determined in step 4 that the concentration is
lower than the normal concentration, the temperature distribution
detecting means 12 measures a temperature distribution in the room
1 (step 6).
[0078] Based on detection in step 6, the determination circuit 17a
determines whether the inhabitant 3 exists or the heat source
apparatus 4 is operated (step 7).
[0079] In step 7, if the determination circuit 17a detects that the
inhabitant 3 exists or the heat source apparatus 4 is operated, the
refrigerant leakage alarm means 11 gives a refrigerant leakage
alarm in step 5, sends operation instructing signals to other
devices, and air blowing and output of a wind direction in step 8
are determined.
[0080] In the determination circuit 17a in step 7, a position of
the inhabitant 3 and a position of the operated heat source
apparatus 4 are determined. In the output circuit 17b in step 8,
based on a determination result in determination circuit 17a,
output is determined to blow air from a blowoff port of the air
conditioner 10 in a direction different from the inhabitant 3 and
the heat source apparatus 4 with a predetermined wind amount.
[0081] Based on the output determined in step 8, the air-blowing
control means 17c and the wind-direction control means 17d are
controlled, and the air-blowing means 14 and the wind
direction-changing blade drive motor 15 are operated by signals
from the air-blowing control means 17c and the wind-direction
control means 17d (step 9).
[0082] In step 7, if the determination circuit 17a detects that the
inhabitant 3 does not exist and the heat source apparatus 4 is not
operated, in step 5, the refrigerant leakage alarm means gives a
refrigerant leakage alarm and sends operation instructing signals
to other devices.
[0083] As the refrigerant leakage alarm given by the refrigerant
leakage alarm means 11 in step 5, the alarm sound generating means
11a outputs an alarm sound, and LEDs of the alarm light generating
means 11b flash. When a refrigerant leaks from the air conditioner
10 or the refrigerant pipe in this manner, the inhabitant 3 is
informed of danger of refrigerant leakage.
[0084] The alarm sound from the alarm sound generating means 11a or
flash of the LEDs of the alarm light generating means 11b become
different outputs between normal refrigerant leakage in step 4, low
concentration refrigerant leakage in which it is determined in step
7 that there is the inhabitant 3 or the heat source, and low
concentration refrigerant leakage in which it is determined in step
7 that there is no inhabitant 3 or heat source.
[0085] When the signals are sent to other devices in step 5, the
operation of the heat source apparatus 4 having the communication
means 4a such as a stove and a portable furnace is stopped or its
power source is turned OFF by the communication means 16 (step
10).
[0086] Further, when the signals are sent to the other devices in
step 5, the electric fan 22 having the communication means 22a and
the ventilator 21 having the communication means 21a are operated
by the communication means 16, a leaked refrigerant is dispersed in
a direction different from the inhabitant 3 and the heat source
apparatus 4, and the refrigerant is prevented from being decomposed
by a stay of the refrigerant or the heat source apparatus 4, and a
flammable refrigerant is prevented from being ignited (step
11).
[0087] Further, when the signals are sent to the other devices in
step 5, the alarm device 23 disposed in another room and having the
communication means 23a is made to give an alarm by the
communication means 16, and even when the inhabitant 3 is in a room
which is different the room 1 where a refrigerant leaks, the
inhabitant 3 existing in the other room is informed of the
abnormality to prevent danger (step 12).
[0088] According to the embodiment, it is possible to realize the
air conditioner 10 having high energy efficiency, and when a
refrigerant leaks, the temperature distribution detecting means 12
detects the inhabitant 3 and the heat source apparatus 4, disperses
the refrigerant in a direction different from the inhabitant 3 and
the heat source apparatus 4, and it is possible to prevent the
refrigerant from being decomposed by a stay of the refrigerant and
the heat source apparatus 4. When the refrigerant is a flammable
refrigerant, it is possible to avoid a case where the flammable
refrigerant is ignited by the heat source apparatus 4.
[0089] FIG. 4 is a block diagram for realizing refrigerant leakage
control of an air conditioner of a second embodiment of the
invention. In the second embodiment, the same symbols are allocated
to the same configurations as those of the first embodiment, and
explanation thereof will be omitted.
[0090] The air conditioner 10 shown in FIG. 4 is provided with a
storage battery 19b disposed in parallel to a body power source
19a. An energization circuit 19 of the embodiment includes an
energization-verification circuit 19c which verifies an energized
state of the air conditioner 10, a power source determination
circuit 19d which selects one of the body power source 19a and the
storage battery 19b based on a signal from the
energization-verification circuit 19c, and a power source-supply
circuit 19e which supplies a power source using the body power
source 19a or the storage battery 19b selected by the power source
determination circuit 19d.
[0091] In a state where the body power source 19a is not supplied,
electric power is supplied from the storage battery 19b to the
energization circuit 19 or the energization-verification circuit
19c. Here, the state where the body power source 19a is not
supplied is a state where the air conditioner 10 is not connected
to a plug socket of a commercial power source or a state where
electric power is not supplied to the commercial power source such
as a power failure.
[0092] Electric power of the storage battery 19b is supplied to the
refrigerant leakage alarm means 11, the refrigerant leakage
detecting means 13, the communication means 16 and the control
means 17 by the power source-supply circuit 19e.
[0093] The operation switch 18 in this embodiment is the same as a
switch which carries out an operation of the refrigerant leakage
alarming function and an operation of a normal air conditioning
function in association with each other, or the same as an
operation switch which carries out the normal air conditioning
function.
[0094] Next, operations will be described.
[0095] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a refrigerant leakage
detecting operation of the air conditioner of the second
embodiment. In the second embodiment, the same step numbers are
allocated to the same operations as those of the first embodiment,
and explanation thereof will be omitted.
[0096] The energization-verification circuit 19c always verifies
the energized state of the air conditioner 10 (step 21). The
energized state is verified in step 21 in such a manner that supply
of electric power from the body power source 19a is detected, and a
state where the air conditioner 10 is not connected to a plug
socket of the commercial power source or a state where electric
power is not supplied to the commercial power source due to a power
failure are detected.
[0097] In step 22, the energization-verification circuit 19c
determines whether energization from the body power source 19a is
carried out.
[0098] If it is determined in step 22 that energization from the
body power source 19a is carried out, instructions at the operation
switch 18 are verified (step 23).
[0099] If the operation of the operation switch 18 is instructed in
step 23, the operation is started (step 1). That is, driving
operations of the compressor and the air-blowing means 14 are
started, and the operation of the refrigeration cycle is started.
If the operation is not instructed by the operation switch 18 in
step 23, the procedure is proceeded to step 2, and detection of
refrigerant leakage is started by the refrigerant leakage detecting
means 13.
[0100] If it is determined in step 22 that energization from the
body power source 19a is not carried out, supply of electric power
by the storage battery 19b is carried out by the power
source-supply circuit 19e (step 24).
[0101] Electric power is supplied in step 24 to the refrigerant
leakage alarm means 11, the refrigerant leakage detecting means 13,
the communication means 16 and the control means 17 from the
storage battery 19b.
[0102] If electric power is supplied from the storage battery 19b
in step 24, the operation of the storage battery is started (step
25).
[0103] If the operation of the storage battery in step 25 is
started, detection of refrigerant leakage is started by the
refrigerant leakage detecting means 13 in step 26.
[0104] A signal output from the refrigerant leakage detecting means
13 is compared with a refrigerant concentration set value stored in
the storing circuit 17e, and the determination circuit 17a
determines the refrigerant leakage (step 27).
[0105] If a value detected by the refrigerant leakage detecting
means 13 is lower than the concentration set value in step 27, it
is determined that a refrigerant does not leak, the procedure is
returned to step 26, and detection by the refrigerant leakage
detecting means 13 is continued.
[0106] If the value detected by the refrigerant leakage detecting
means 13 is higher than the concentration set value in step 27, the
refrigerant leakage alarm means 11 gives a refrigerant leakage
alarm and operation instructing signals are sent to other devices
(step 5).
[0107] According to this embodiment, since the storage battery 19b
is provided in parallel to the body power source 19a, when the
power source of the air conditioner 10 is not turned ON or power
fails, the storage battery 19b is operated and the refrigerant
leakage detecting means 13, the refrigerant leakage alarm means 11,
the communication means 16 and the control means 17 are operated,
and it is possible to inform the inhabitant 3 of danger of
refrigerant leakage.
[0108] According to this embodiment, also when the operation is not
instructed by the operation switch 18, it is possible to detect the
refrigerant leakage and to give an alarm.
[0109] Also when energization from the body power source 19a is not
carried out, it is possible to detect the refrigerant leakage and
to give an alarm using the storage battery 19b.
[0110] Next, an air conditioner according to a third embodiment of
the invention will be described.
[0111] FIG. 6 is a block diagram for realizing refrigerant leakage
control of the air conditioner of the third embodiment of the
invention. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a refrigerant leakage
detecting operation of the air conditioner of the third embodiment.
In the third embodiment, the same symbols are allocated to the same
configurations as those of the above described embodiments, and
explanation thereof will be omitted. In the third embodiment, the
same step numbers are allocated to the same operations as those of
the above described embodiments, and explanation thereof will be
omitted.
[0112] As shown in FIG. 6, this embodiment includes control means
power source operating means 19f. In this embodiment, electricity
of the storage battery 19b is supplied by the power source-supply
circuit 19e not only to the refrigerant leakage alarm means 11, the
refrigerant leakage detecting means 13, the communication means 16
and the control means 17, but also to the temperature distribution
detecting means 12, the air-blowing means 14 and the wind
direction-changing blade drive motor 15. That is, electricity of
the storage battery 19b is supplied to the air conditioner 10 by
the power source-supply circuit 19e.
[0113] Next, operation will be described.
[0114] If it is determined in step 22 that energization from the
body power source 19a is carried out, instructions at the operation
switch 18 are confirmed (step 23).
[0115] If the operation is instructed at the operation switch 18 in
step 23, the operation is started (step 1). If the operation is not
instructed at the operation switch 18 in step 31, the procedure is
proceeded to step 2, and detection of refrigerant leakage is
started by the refrigerant leakage detecting means 13.
[0116] If electricity is supplied from the storage battery 19b in
step 24, the control means 17 and the like are operated by the
control means power source operating means 19f (step 25).
[0117] Electricity is supplied in step 24 from the storage battery
19b to the refrigerant leakage detecting means 13 and the control
means 17.
[0118] In step 25, if the control means 17 and the like are
operated by the control means power source operating means 19f,
detection of the refrigerant leakage is started by the refrigerant
leakage detecting means 13 in step 26.
[0119] In step 27, if a detection value at the refrigerant leakage
detecting means 13 is higher than a concentration set value,
storage battery operation in which electricity is supplied from the
storage battery 19b to the indoor unit or the air conditioner 10 is
started (step 28), and the procedure is proceeded to step 4.
[0120] In this embodiment, even if the operation is not instructed
by the operation switch 18, the refrigerant leakage can be detected
and alarm can be given.
[0121] Especially, when energization from the body power source 19a
is not carried out, electricity is supplied only to the refrigerant
leakage detecting means 13 and the control means 17, and the
refrigerant leakage is detected. Therefore, electricity of the
limited storage battery 19b is not consumed uselessly. That is,
electricity is supplied from the storage battery 19b to the
refrigerant leakage alarm means 11, the refrigerant leakage
detecting means 13, the communication means 16 and the control
means 17 and thus, operation can be carried out for a long time
using limited electricity.
[0122] Further, when the refrigerant leakage is detected,
electricity is supplied to the indoor unit or the air conditioner
10, and a refrigerant can be dispersed to a direction different
from the inhabitants 3 or the heat source apparatus 4 by the
air-blowing means 14 and the wind direction-changing blade drive
motor 15.
[0123] Next, an air conditioner in a fourth embodiment of the
present invention will be described.
[0124] FIG. 8 is a block diagram for realizing refrigerant leakage
control of the air conditioner of the fourth embodiment of the
invention, and FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a refrigerant leakage
detecting operation of the air conditioner of the embodiment. The
same symbols are allocated to the same functions as those of the
previously described embodiments, and explanation thereof will be
omitted. The same step numbers are allocated to the same operations
as those of the previously described embodiments, and explanation
thereof will be omitted.
[0125] As shown in FIG. 8, this embodiment includes control means
power source operating means 19f. In this embodiment, electricity
of the storage battery 19b is supplied by the power source-supply
circuit 19e also to the refrigerant leakage alarm means 11, the
refrigerant leakage detecting means 13, the communication means 16
and the control means 17.
[0126] Next, operation will be described.
[0127] If it is determined in step 22 that energization from the
body power source 19a is carried out, instructions at the operation
switch 18 are confirmed (step 31).
[0128] In step 31, if the operation is instructed by the operation
switch 18, the operation is started (step 1). If the operation is
not instructed by the operation switch 18 in step 31, the control
means 17 and the like are operated by the control means power
source operating means 19f (step 41). At this time, electricity is
supplied to the refrigerant leakage alarm means 11, the refrigerant
leakage detecting means 13, the communication means 16 and the
control means 17.
[0129] In step 41, if the control means 17 and the like are
operated by the control means power source operating means 19f,
detection of the refrigerant leakage is started by the refrigerant
leakage detecting means 13 in step 2.
[0130] Electricity is supplied by the storage battery 19b in step
24 to the refrigerant leakage alarm means 11, the refrigerant
leakage detecting means 13, the communication means 16 and the
control means 17.
[0131] If electricity is supplied from the storage battery 19b in
step 24, the operation of the storage battery is started (step
25).
[0132] In this embodiment, also when the operation is not
instructed by the operation switch 18, the refrigerant leakage can
be detected and alarm can be given.
[0133] Especially, also when energization from the body power
source 19a is not carried out, the refrigerant leakage can be
detected and alarm can be given using the storage battery 19b.
[0134] Electricity is supplied from the body power source 19a to
the refrigerant leakage alarm means 11, the refrigerant leakage
detecting means 13, the communication means 16 and the control
means 17. According to this configuration, standby electricity can
be reduced.
[0135] Usually, the storing circuit 17e is provided with a constant
refrigerant concentration set value for preventing erroneous
detection of refrigerant leakage. When refrigerant concentration
higher than the set value is detected, the output circuit 17b
operates the refrigerant leakage alarm means 11, the air-blowing
control means 17c, the wind-direction control means 17d and the
communication means 16. Alternatively, the storing circuit 17e may
be provided with a plurality of refrigerant concentration set
values, and operation of any one of the refrigerant leakage alarm
means 11, the air-blowing control means 17c, the wind-direction
control means 17d and the communication means 16 may be controlled
in accordance with the detected concentration. For example, when
the heat source apparatus 4 is detected by the temperature
distribution detecting means 12, even if refrigerant concentration
detected by the refrigerant leakage detecting means 13 is lower
than a normal refrigerant concentration set value, it is possible
to inform inhabitants 3 of abnormality and to avoid danger by
operating the refrigerant leakage alarm means 11, the air-blowing
control means 17c, the wind-direction control means 17d and the
communication means 16.
[0136] The alarm sound generating means 11a is not limited to a
signal sound such as buzzer sound and if a word stored in a memory
of the storing circuit 17e is generated by means of voice of speech
synthesis, it is possible to obtain a higher danger preventing
effect. A word that inhabitants 3 consider effect may freely be
selected from a plurality of previously stored words.
[0137] Even when a refrigerant containing hydrocarbon such as
propane and isobutane is used as a main ingredient, the same effect
can be obtained. It is possible to use: a HFC-based refrigerant
such as R32, R152a and R161; a fluorocarbon refrigerant having
double bond of carbon such as HFO-1234yf, HFO-1234ze and
HFO-1243zf; and a refrigerant in which a hydrocarbon refrigerant
such as propane and isobutane is mixed.
[0138] For example, it is possible to use refrigerant in which R32
and two or three ingredients are mixed in basic ingredient of
HFO-1234yf such that global warming potential (GWP) becomes 5 or
more and 750 or less, preferably 5 or more and 350 or less, and
more preferably 150 or less.
[0139] FIG. 10 is a characteristic diagram showing global warming
potential of a refrigerant mixing ratio of two ingredients of
HFO-1234yf and R32. For example, in order to mix HFO-1234yf and R32
to bring the GWP to 300 or less, R32 is mixed within a range of 51
wt % or less. To bring the GWP to 150 or less, R32 is mixed within
a range of 21 wt % or less.
[0140] When a single refrigerant of HFO-1234yf is used, GWP becomes
4 and this shows extremely excellent value. However, this
refrigerant has large specific volume as compared with a
refrigerant in which HFC-based refrigerant is mixed, and since
refrigerating ability is deteriorated, there is that the air
conditioner 10 is increased in size. In other words, if a
refrigerant including, as basic ingredient, a fluorocarbon
refrigerant having double bond between carbon and carbon and in
which a HFC-based refrigerant having no double bond is used, as
compared with a single refrigerant of a fluorocarbon refrigerant
having double bond between carbon and carbon, it is possible to
enhance predetermined characteristics such as refrigerating ability
and to make it easy to use it as refrigerant. Therefore, in a
refrigerant to be charged, a rate of a HFC-based refrigerant
including a single refrigerant may appropriately be selected in
accordance with conditions such as limitation of GWP.
[0141] For a compressor (not shown) constituting the refrigeration
cycle of the air conditioner 10, the following refrigeration oil is
used as the refrigeration oil: synthetic oil containing any of the
following oxygenated compound, as main ingredient, polyoxyalkylene
glycol, polyvinyl ether, poly (oxy) alkylene glycol or copolymer of
monoether and polyvinyl ether thereof, polyol ester and
polycarbonate; synthetic oil containing, as main ingredient,
alkylbenzene or a olefin; and mineral oil. The reliability of the
air conditioner 10 can be enhanced.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0142] According to the present invention, an air conditioner
having a temperature distribution detecting function is
inexpensively and easily provided with refrigerant leakage alarm
means, the air conditioner can be mounted in various devices having
a refrigeration cycle using a refrigerant such as a dehumidifier
and a refrigerator, and it is possible to avoid danger.
* * * * *