JPH1114123A - Air conditioner - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [PROBLEMS] To provide an air conditioner in which even if a part of a compressor fails, a decrease in performance of an outdoor unit is prevented as much as possible. A centralized ECU includes a main AC failure flag F.
When the value of the MAC becomes 1, the target capacity PT is in a range where the drive command is output to the AC compressor according to the normal operation control rule (6 to 10 hp, 16 to 20 hp, 26 to 30 hp, 36 to 40 hp, 46 to 46 hp). If it is in the range of 50 to 50 hp, a drive command for generating the maximum capacity (5 hp... Indicated by a mark) is output to the PC compressor 11. As a result, the actual ability PR in the above-mentioned area is obtained.
Are relatively large values within a range not exceeding the target capacity PT (5, 15, 25, 35, and 45 horsepower, respectively).
Horsepower), and the reduction amount of the actual performance PR with respect to the target performance PT is relatively small (1 to 5 horsepower).

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an air conditioner having a plurality of compressors on an outdoor unit side, and more specifically, to prevent a decrease in performance or the like as much as possible even if some of the compressors fail. About technology.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, many air conditioning systems for cooling and heating large stores and office buildings have a large number of indoor units connected to a plurality of outdoor units.

In this type of air conditioning system, one of the outdoor units is a relatively large variable capacity main outdoor unit, while the other is a relatively small constant capacity sub outdoor unit. In many cases, a method is adopted in which the operation of these devices is appropriately controlled by a device or the like so as to cope with a load change on the indoor side. For example, the total outdoor capacity is 5
In the case of 0 hp, a variable capacity compressor and a constant capacity compressor of 5 hp each and a constant capacity compressor of 10 hp are arranged in the main outdoor unit, and the three sub outdoor units are respectively installed in the three sub outdoor units. A 10 horsepower constant capacity compressor will be installed. As a result, if the variable capacity compressor in the main outdoor unit can perform five-stage capacity control, the capacity control can be performed every 1 hp from 1 to 50 hp with respect to the load fluctuation on the indoor side. It is possible to realize a proper room temperature control.

[0004]

In the above-described air conditioning system, centralized control of all outdoor units (the number of operating compressors) is performed by a centralized control device or a control device in a main outdoor unit (hereinafter, represented by a centralized control device). Control or capacity control of a variable capacity compressor, etc.), but if some of the compressors fail, the control followability to load fluctuations on the indoor side may be significantly deteriorated.

[0005] For example, if a failure such as seizure occurs in a compressor in a certain outdoor unit, the service worker must consider the adverse effects of the continued operation of the failed compressor (e.g., worsening of the failure and abrasion powder on the refrigeration circuit). In order to prevent the mixing, the secondary terminal of the magnet switch attached to the failed compressor is removed. In this case, since the power supply to the failed compressor is stopped, the above-mentioned adverse effects do not occur, but the centralized control device cannot recognize that the compressor is out of order. Therefore, assuming that a drive command is output from the central control device to the failed compressor and a drive command is output to the failed compressor having a capacity of 5 horsepower, the total outdoor capacity is targeted by the central control device. Reduces 5 horsepower from that ability. In this case, since the total capacity on the outdoor side and the load on the indoor side do not correspond, in the case of cooling, the room temperature does not drop to the set temperature.

In such a situation, the centralized control device determines a shortage of the capacity based on the detection result of the room temperature sensor or the like, and then outputs a drive command to another compressor to increase the total capacity. . However, in order to prevent hunting at room temperature or the like, such additional driving is performed when the room temperature does not change for a certain period of time. Therefore, it takes a relatively long time for the room temperature to reach the set temperature. When the room temperature falls below the set temperature due to an undershoot, the centralized control device outputs a compressor stop command. The ability will not decrease. Also in this case, the central control device determines that the total capacity is excessive based on the detection result of the room temperature sensor and the like, and then outputs a stop command to other compressors to reduce the total capacity. It takes a relatively long time to return to the set temperature.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide an air conditioner in which even if a part of the compressor fails, the performance of the outdoor unit is prevented as much as possible. Aim.

[0008]

Therefore, according to the present invention, a plurality of compressors are provided in an outdoor unit, and a predetermined operation control rule is provided so as to generate a capacity corresponding to the load on the indoor unit side. An air conditioner that controls the operation of each of the compressors based on a failure determination unit that determines a failure of the compressor; and a failure determination unit that determines failure of at least one compressor by the failure determination unit. And a failure operation control means for outputting an operation command to a stopped compressor based on a predetermined failure operation control rule.

According to the present invention, for example, when the failure determination means determines a failure of the compressor by a switch input of a service worker or the like, the failure operation control means stops outputting the operation command to the failed compressor, and An operation command is output to a stopped compressor having the same capacity as the compressed compressor.

[0010] According to the invention of claim 2, in addition to having a plurality of outdoor units, the operation of each outdoor unit is controlled based on a predetermined operation control rule so as to generate a capacity corresponding to the load on the indoor unit side. An air conditioner, comprising: a failure determination unit that determines a failure of a compressor in the outdoor unit; and a failure compressor that determines failure of the compressor in at least one outdoor unit by the failure determination unit. And a failure operation control means for stopping the output of the operation command to the outdoor unit having the unit and outputting the operation command to the stopped outdoor unit based on a predetermined failure operation control rule. I do.

According to the present invention, for example, when the failure determination means determines a failure of the compressor in a certain outdoor unit based on a switch input of a service worker or the like, the failure operation control means transmits a signal to the outdoor unit having the failed compressor. The output of the operation command is stopped, and the operation command is output to the stopped outdoor unit having the same capacity as the failed compressor.

In the invention according to claim 3, in the air conditioner according to claim 1 or 2, the failure-time operation control means includes: a controller that controls a total capacity of the outdoor unit not to exceed a load of the indoor unit. It is proposed to output an operation command to the stopped compressor or the outdoor unit.

[0013] In the present invention, the failure operation control means, for example, when one of the compressors fails, as long as the total capacity of the outdoor unit does not exceed the load of the indoor unit.
A drive command is output to the stopped compressor in order to supplement the capacity of the failed compressor as much as possible.

[0014]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS One embodiment of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration of an air conditioning system according to the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a device configuration in an outdoor unit and an indoor unit. In these figures, the refrigerant circuit is indicated by a solid line, and the control / communication system is indicated by a chain line.

As shown in FIG. 1, the air conditioning system according to the present embodiment includes four outdoor units (a main outdoor unit 1 and first to third sub outdoor units 3a to 3c) and a plurality of indoor units. 5 and a centralized control device 7 for controlling the whole system as a whole. These devices are connected to each other via a non-polar two-wire bus line 9.

As shown in FIG. 2, in the main outdoor unit 1, three compressors, that is, a five-horsepower PC compressor (a variable capacity compressor whose capacity is controlled in five stages for each one horsepower) ) 11, 5 hp AC compressor (constant capacity compressor) 1
An electromagnetic four-way valve 17, an outdoor heat exchanger 19, an electric fan 21, an accumulator 23, and the like are provided in addition to a 3, 10-horsepower SC compressor (constant capacity compressor) 15. In each of the sub outdoor units 3a to 3c, only a 10-horsepower SC compressor 15 is installed as a compressor.
Otherwise, it has the same equipment configuration as the main outdoor unit 1. On the other hand, the electric expansion valve 2 is provided on the indoor unit 5 side.
5, the indoor heat exchanger 27, the electric fan 29 and the like are installed. The refrigeration cycle devices in each of the outdoor units 1 and 3a to 3c and in each of the indoor units 5 are connected by refrigerant pipes 31 to 43 provided for the flow of gas refrigerant or liquid refrigerant.

In the main outdoor unit 1, the sub outdoor units 3a to 3c, the indoor unit 5, and the central control unit 7,
CPU, input / output interface, ROM,
A control device including a RAM and the like, that is, a main outdoor ECU 51, a sub outdoor ECU 53, an indoor ECU 55,
A centralized ECU 57 is provided for each.

Main outdoor ECU 51 and sub outdoor EC
U53 controls the compressors 11, 13, and 15 (in the case of the sub outdoor ECU 43, only the SC compressor 15), the four-way valve 17, the electric fan 21, and the like based on a built-in control program and input signals from various sensors and the like. Drive control. Further, the indoor ECU 55 controls the driving of the electric expansion valve 31, the electric fan 33, and the like based on a built-in control program and input signals from various sensors and the like. Then, the centralized ECU 57 determines, for example, the outdoor units 1 and 2 according to the load on the indoor unit 5 side.
The main outdoor ECU 51, such as determining the target capacity of the third side,
The overall control of each sub-outdoor ECU 53 and each indoor ECU 55 is performed.

Next, the flow of the refrigerant during the cooling operation will be described.

When the air conditioning system is started, the inside of the main outdoor unit 1 or each of the sub outdoor units 3a to 3a is started.
c, the refrigerant pipes 41 to 43
The gas refrigerant drawn into each of the compressors 11, 13, and 15 (in the sub outdoor unit, the SC compressor 15) is adiabatically compressed and discharged as a high-temperature high-pressure gas refrigerant. The discharged high-pressure gas refrigerant flows into the refrigerant pipes 31 to
After the path is controlled by the four-way valve 17 via 34, the refrigerant flows into the outdoor heat exchanger 19 via the refrigerant pipe 35. The high-pressure gas refrigerant is cooled by the outside air while passing through the inside of the outdoor heat exchanger 19, condensed into a liquid refrigerant, and then passed through refrigerant pipes 36 and 37 to the electric expansion valve 25 of each indoor unit 5. Flows into.

After the flow rate of the liquid refrigerant is controlled by the electric expansion valve 25, the liquid refrigerant flows into the indoor heat exchanger 27 in each indoor unit 5, evaporates while passing through the indoor heat exchanger 27, and becomes a gas refrigerant. Then, the indoor air blown by the electric fan 29 is cooled by the latent heat of vaporization. The gas refrigerant vaporized in the indoor heat exchanger 27 is supplied to the refrigerant pipes 38 and 39, the four-way valve 17, and the refrigerant pipe 40.
Circulates through the accumulator 23 via the
To 43 are sucked into the compressors 11, 13, and 15 again.

On the other hand, during the heating operation, the four-way valve 17 is switched as shown by a broken line, and as shown by a broken arrow,
The flow of the refrigerant is also opposite to that during the cooling operation. That is, the high-temperature high-pressure gas refrigerant discharged from each of the compressors 11, 13, and 15 is introduced into the indoor heat exchanger 27, and then condensed while passing through the indoor heat exchanger 27 to become a liquid refrigerant. The indoor air blown by the electric fan 29 is heated by the latent heat of condensation.
Next, the liquid refrigerant flows into the outdoor heat exchanger 19, is heated by the outside air while passing through the inside, and turns into a gas refrigerant by being vaporized. It is inhaled again into 13 and 15.

The flowcharts of FIGS. 3 and 4 and FIG.
The procedure of the outdoor unit drive control in the present embodiment will be described based on the graph-tables of FIGS.

When the cooling / heating operation in the air conditioning system is started, the centralized ECU 57 repeatedly executes the outdoor unit drive control subroutine shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 at predetermined control intervals. When the centralized ECU 57 starts this subroutine, first, in step S1, each outdoor ECU 5
After reading the driving information from the ECUs 1, 53 and the respective indoor ECUs 55, etc., in step S3, the target capacity PT is calculated from the indoor load.
Is calculated. In the case of the present embodiment, the target ability PT is 1 to 5
It is set for each one horsepower within the range of zero horsepower.

Next, the centralized ECU 57 executes steps S5 and S5.
In S9 and S13, the failure determination of the compressor in the main outdoor unit 1 is performed. That is, in step S5, the PC compressor 11
It is determined whether or not the AC compressor 13 has failed. In step S7, it is determined whether or not the AC compressor 13 has failed.
It is determined whether or not the SC compressor 15 has failed. Then, the centralized ECU 57 determines that the determination in step S5 is Yes.
If affirmative, the main PC failure flag FMPC is set to 1 in step S7, and if the determination in step S9 is Yes, the main AC failure flag FMAC is set to 1 in step S11.
If the determination in step S13 is Yes, the main SC failure flag FMSC is set to 1 in step S15. still,
The initial values of the failure flags FMPC, FMAC, and FMSC are set to 0 when the power of the air conditioning system is turned on.

In this embodiment, each of the compressors 11, 13, 1
In the event of a failure in any of 5
At the same time as disconnecting the secondary terminal and the like of the magnet switch to the failed compressor, at the same time, operating the failure switch provided on the operation panel or the like of the main outdoor unit 1 or the sub outdoor units 3a to 3c to operate the main outdoor ECU 51 or the like. Sub outdoor EC
Let U53 recognize the compressor failure. As a result, the centralized ECU 57 becomes the main outdoor ECU 51 and the sub outdoor ECU
53, each of the compressors 11, 13,.
It is possible to determine 15 failures.

Next, the centralized ECU 57 determines the failure of the compressors in the first to third sub outdoor units 3a to 3c in steps S17, S21 and S25 in FIG. That is, in step S17, it is determined whether or not the SC compressor 15 in the first sub outdoor unit 3a has failed.
It is determined whether or not the SC compressor 15 in the second sub outdoor unit 3b has failed. In step S25, it is determined whether or not the SC compressor 15 in the third sub outdoor unit 3c has failed. Then, the centralized ECU 57 determines in step S
If the determination in Step 17 is Yes, the first sub-SC fault flag FS1SC is set to 1 in Step S19. If the determination in Step S21 is Yes, the second sub-SC fault flag FS2SC is set to 1 in Step S23. If the determination is Yes, the third sub SC failure flag FS3SC is determined in step S27.
Is set to 1. Note that these failure flags FS1SC, FS2SC, F
S3SC is also set to an initial value of 0 when the air conditioning system is powered on.

After ending the determination in step S25, the centralized ECU 57 determines in step S29 whether or not there is a failed compressor, that is, whether or not each of the above-mentioned failure flags is all zero. If the determination is Yes, the centralized ECU 57 executes the main outdoor ECU based on the normal operation control rules stored in the ROM or the like in step S31.
A drive command is output to the ECU 51 and the sub outdoor ECU 53.

For example, when the target capacity PT is in the range of 1 to 20 horsepower, the centralized ECU 57 outputs a drive command to the main outdoor ECU 51, and the compressors 1 in the main outdoor unit 1
1, 13, 15 and the electric fan 21 are appropriately driven. When the target capacity PT exceeds 21 hp, the central ECU 5
7 also outputs a driving command to the sub outdoor ECU 53 to additionally drive the SC compressor 15 and the electric fan 21 in each of the sub outdoor units 3a to 3c. FIG. 5 shows a graph and a table in the case where no faulty compressor exists.
The relationship between the target capacity PT and the actual capacity PR and the output state of the drive command to the compressor (the output of the drive command is indicated by a circle) are shown.

On the other hand, if at least one of the failure flags becomes 1, and the determination in step S29 becomes No (No),
The central ECU 57 executes the main outdoor ECU 51 based on the operation control rule at the time of failure stored in the ROM or the like in step S33.
And a drive command to the sub outdoor ECU 53.

FIG. 6 shows a graph and a table.
Target capacity P when AC compressor 13 fails
The relationship between T and the actual capacity PR and the output state of the drive command to the compressor are shown. As shown in this figure, the centralized EC
U57 sets the main AC failure flag FMAC to 1;
When the value of the target capacity PT is normal, the AC compressor 13
To output the drive command (6-10 horsepower, 16-20
Hp, 26-30 hp, 36-40 hp, 46-50 hp), the maximum capacity (5
(Indicated by horsepower...)).

Thus, the actual ability PR in the above-mentioned area is
It is a relatively large value (5 hp, 15 hp, 25 hp, 35 hp, 45 hp, respectively) within a range not exceeding the target capacity PT, and the reduction amount of the actual capacity PR with respect to the target capacity PT is relatively small (1 to 5). Horsepower). In FIG. 6, the actual capacity PR when the drive command is output in accordance with the normal operation control law is shown by a broken line. As can be seen from the figure, in the conventional device, the actual capacity PR is larger than the target capacity PT in the above-mentioned region. Therefore, the capacity (5 horsepower) of the AC compressor 13 is reduced uniformly. In order to further reduce the reduction amount of the actual performance PR with respect to the target performance PT, for example, the value of the target performance PT is 10 hp, 20 hp,
In the case of 30 hp and 40 hp, a drive command may be output to the SC compressor 15 without outputting a drive command to the PC compressor 11. FIG. 7 is a graph and a table showing the relationship between the target capacity PT and the actual capacity PR when the SC compressor 15 in the main outdoor unit 1 fails and the output state of the drive command to the compressor. Are respectively shown. As shown in this figure, when the main SC failure flag FMSC becomes 1, the centralized ECU 57 outputs a drive command to the SC compressor 15 in the main outdoor unit 1 according to the normal operation control rule when the value of the target capacity PT is normal. (11 to 50 hp), the SC compressor 15 in the first to third sub outdoor units 3a to 3c is supplemented so as to supplement the capacity (10 hp) of the SC compressor 15 in the main outdoor unit 1. Outputs the drive command to

Thus, the actual ability PR in the above area is
Until the target capacity PT reaches a predetermined value (40 horsepower), it will be the same as the target capacity PT. In FIG. 6, the actual capacity PR when the drive command is output in accordance with the normal operation control law is shown by a broken line. As can be seen from the figure, in the conventional device, the actual capacity PR is larger than the target capacity PT in the above-mentioned region. Therefore, the capacity (10 horsepower) of the SC compressor 13 is reduced uniformly.

FIG. 8 shows a graph and a table.
When the AC compressor 13 in the main outdoor unit 1 and the SC compressor 15 in the first sub outdoor unit 3a break down, the relationship between the target capacity PT and the actual capacity PR and the drive command to the compressor. And output states. As shown in this figure, when both the main AC failure flag FMAC and the first sub-SC failure flag FS1SC become 1, the central ECU 57 issues a drive command to the AC compressor 13 in accordance with the normal operation control law when the value of the target capacity PT is normal. Output area (6-10 horsepower, 16
~ 20 hp, 26-30 hp, 36-40 hp, 46 ~
(50 horsepower), a drive command for generating the maximum capacity to the PC compressor 11 is output, and a drive command is further output to the SC compressor 15 in the first sub outdoor unit 3a (21 to 21). 50 hp), the second and third sub-outdoor units 3 b, 3 b, 3 b, 3 b, 3 b, 3 b, 3 b, 3 b,
A drive command to the SC compressor 15 in 3c is output earlier.

As a result, in the above range, the target capacity PT
Is smaller than a predetermined value (35 hp), the reduction amount of the actual performance PR with respect to the target performance PT is relatively small (1 to 5 hp)
Will be. In FIG. 6, the actual capacity PR when the drive command is output according to the normal operation control law is shown by a broken line. The capacity (15 horsepower) of the compressor 13 and the SC compressor 13 is reduced. Note that the target capacity PT
In order to further reduce the reduction amount of the actual capacity PR with respect to the target capacity PT, for example, when the value of the target capacity PT is 10, 20, and 30 horsepower, the drive command to the PC compressor 11 is not output, and the SC compressor is not output. 15 may be output.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the reduction in capacity due to the failure of some compressors is complemented by the backup operation of other compressors within a range not exceeding the target capacity. Such remarkable deterioration of room temperature controllability can be prevented.

The description of the specific embodiment has been completed.
Embodiments of the present invention are not limited to this. For example,
In the above embodiment, the present invention is applied to an air conditioning system including one main outdoor unit incorporating a plurality of compressors and three sub outdoor units incorporating a single compressor. However, the present invention may be applied to an air conditioning system having a single outdoor unit incorporating a plurality of compressors. In addition, the main outdoor unit may include two or four or more compressors, and a combination of a variable capacity compressor and a constant capacity compressor may take various forms. Further, in the above embodiment, the centralized ECU recognizes the failure of each compressor based on the switch operation by the service worker, but recognizes the failure based on the drive current value of each compressor. Is also good. Furthermore,
In addition to the equipment configuration of the refrigeration cycle, the control / communication system, and the like, the specific procedure of the control and the like can be changed as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0038]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, a plurality of compressors are provided in the outdoor unit, and the predetermined operation is performed so as to generate a capacity corresponding to the load on the indoor unit side. An air conditioner that controls the operation of each of the compressors based on a control law, wherein a failure determination unit that determines a failure of the compressor and a failure of at least one compressor is determined by the failure determination unit. Since the output of the operation command to the failed compressor is stopped, and based on a predetermined failure operation control rule, the failure operation control means that outputs an operation command to the stopped compressor is provided. A decrease in the capacity of the outdoor unit is suppressed, and a decrease in room temperature controllability and the like hardly occur.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, a plurality of outdoor units are provided, and each of the outdoor units is operated based on a predetermined operation control rule so as to generate a capacity corresponding to the load on the indoor unit side. An air conditioner to be controlled, comprising: failure determination means for determining a failure of a compressor in the outdoor unit; and a failure if the failure determination means determines a failure of the compressor in at least one outdoor unit. And a failure operation control means for outputting an operation command to the stopped outdoor unit based on a predetermined failure operation control rule while stopping the output of the operation command to the outdoor unit having the compressed compressor. Therefore, a decrease in the total capacity of the outdoor unit is suppressed, and a decrease in room temperature controllability and the like hardly occur.

According to the invention of claim 3, according to claim 1,
In the air conditioner of (2), the failure operation control means outputs an operation command to the stopped compressor or the outdoor unit within a range where the total capacity of the outdoor unit does not exceed the load of the indoor unit. As a result, hunting at room temperature due to excessive capacity is prevented.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration of an air conditioning system according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a device configuration in an outdoor unit and an indoor unit.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of outdoor unit drive control.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of outdoor unit drive control.

FIG. 5 is a graph-table showing the operation of the embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a graph-table showing the operation of the embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a graph-table showing the operation of the embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a graph-table showing the operation of the embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Main outdoor unit 3a-3c Sub outdoor unit 5 Indoor unit 7 Central control device 9 Bus line 11 PC compressor 13 AC compressor 15 SC compressor 51 Main outdoor ECU 53 Sub outdoor ECU 55 Indoor ECU 57 Central ECU

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. An air conditioner having a plurality of compressors in an outdoor unit and controlling the operation of each of the compressors based on a predetermined operation control rule so as to generate a capacity corresponding to a load on the indoor unit side. And failure determination means for determining failure of the compressor, and when the failure determination means determines failure of at least one compressor, the output of the operation command to the failed compressor is stopped, An air conditioner comprising: a failure operation control unit that outputs an operation command to a stopped compressor based on a predetermined failure operation control rule. 2. Having a plurality of outdoor units,
In order to generate the capacity according to the load on the indoor unit side,
An air conditioner for controlling the operation of each of the outdoor units based on a predetermined operation control rule, comprising: failure determination means for determining a failure of a compressor in the outdoor unit; and at least one outdoor unit by the failure determination means. When it is determined that the compressor inside the compressor has failed, the output of the operation command to the outdoor unit having the failed compressor is stopped, and the operation command is issued to the stopped outdoor unit based on a predetermined failure operation control rule. An air conditioner comprising: a failure operation control unit that outputs a signal. 3. The malfunction-time operation control means outputs an operation command to the stopped compressor or the outdoor unit within a range in which the total capacity of the outdoor unit does not exceed the load of the indoor unit. Claim 1 or 2
The air conditioner according to any one of the preceding claims.