[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
[0004] EP0872693A2 discloses an air conditioner having refrigerant leakage alarming function based on
the senses of human. According to the disclosed air conditioner, a smell element is
added to refrigerant used in a refrigerant circuit, and dye is added to at least one
of the refrigerant and refrigerant machine oil (lubricant). The smell element provides
irritant smell to the refrigerant, and the dye provides bright color such as red or
yellow to the refrigerant and/or the refrigeration machine oil. When the refrigerant
leaks from an element of the refrigerant circuit, the irritant smell or the color
of the refrigerant (refrigeration machine oil) enables inhabitants to easily recognize
the refrigerant leakage.
[Summary of the Invention]
[Problem to be Solved by the Invention]
[0005] 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.
[0006] 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]
[0007] 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 and comprising a sensor composed of a pyroelectric element which is configured
to react with an article having a high temperature and a Fresnel lens which is configured
to widen a range of a field of view detecting infrared radiation, 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 in a direction
different from an inhabitant and a heat source apparatus, wherein the temperature
distribution detecting means is configured to detect the inhabitant and the heat source
apparatus.
[0008] 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]
[0009] 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]
[0010]
Fig. 1 is an installation diagram showing an example of installation of an air conditioner
according to a first embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 2 is a block diagram for realizing refrigerant leakage control of the air conditioner
of the embodiment;
Fig. 3 is a flowchart showing a refrigerant leakage detecting operation of the air
conditioner of the embodiment;
Fig. 4 is a block diagram for realizing refrigerant leakage control of an air conditioner
of a second embodiment of the invention;
Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing a refrigerant leakage detecting operation of the air
conditioner of the embodiment;
Fig. 6 is a block diagram for realizing refrigerant leakage control of an air conditioner
of a third embodiment of the invention;
Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing a refrigerant leakage detecting operation of the air
conditioner of the embodiment;
Fig. 8 is a block diagram for realizing refrigerant leakage control of an air conditioner
of a fourth embodiment of the invention;
Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing a refrigerant leakage detecting operation of the air
conditioner of the embodiment; and
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]
[0011]
- 1
- room
- 3
- inhabitants
- 4
- heat source apparatus
- 10
- air conditioner
- 11
- refrigerant leakage alarm means
- 11a
- alarm sound generating means
- 11b
- alarm light generating means
- 12
- temperature distribution detecting means
- 13
- refrigerant leakage detecting means
- 16
- communication means
- 17
- control means
- 17a
- determination circuit
- 17b
- output circuit
- 17c
- air-blowing control means
- 17d
- wind-direction control means
- 17e
- storing circuit
- 18
- operation switch
- 19
- energization circuit
- 19a
- body power source
- 19b
- storage battery
- 19c
- energization-verification circuit
- 19d
- power source determination circuit
- 19e
- power source-supply circuit
- 19f
- control means power source operating means
- 21
- ventilator (another device) including communication means
- 22
- electric fan (another device) including communication means
- 23
- alarm device (another device) including communication means
[Mode for Carrying out the Invention]
[0012] A first aspect of the invention provides an air conditioner comprising temperature
distribution detecting means for detecting a temperature distribution in a room and
comprising a sensor composed of a pyroelectric element which is configured to react
with an article having a high temperature and a Fresnel lens which is configured to
widen a range of a field of view detecting infrared radiation, 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 in a direction
different from an inhabitant and a heat source apparatus, wherein the temperature
distribution detecting means is configured to detect the inhabitant and the heat source
apparatus. 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.
[0013] 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.
[0014] 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.
[0015] 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.
[0016] 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.
[0017] 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.
[0018] 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.
[0019] 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.
[0020] 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.
[0021] 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 α 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.
[0022] An embodiment of an air conditioner of the present invention will be described below.
The invention is not limited to the embodiment.
[0023] Fig. 1 is an installation diagram showing an example of installation of an air conditioner
according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
[0024] 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.
[0025] 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).
[0026] 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, according to the invention, or using an
infrared radiation image sensor which detects a heat image in the room 1 by arranging
a large number of pyroelectric elements.
[0027] 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.
[0028] Fig. 2 is a block diagram for realizing refrigerant leakage control of the air conditioner
of the embodiment.
[0029] 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.
[0030] 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.
[0031] 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.
[0032] 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.
[0033] 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.
[0034] An operation switch 18 operates a refrigerant leakage alarm function but the operation
switch 18 may be 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.
[0035] 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.
[0036] Next, an operation will be described.
[0037] Fig. 3 is a flowchart showing a refrigerant leakage detecting operation of the air
conditioner of the first embodiment.
[0038] 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.
[0039] 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.
[0040] 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.
[0041] 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.
[0042] 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).
[0043] 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).
[0044] 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).
[0045] 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.
[0046] 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.
[0047] 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).
[0048] 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 11 gives a refrigerant leakage alarm and sends operation instructing
signals to other devices.
[0049] 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.
[0050] 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.
[0051] 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).
[0052] 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).
[0053] 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).
[0054] 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.
[0055] 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.
[0056] 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.
[0057] 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.
[0058] 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.
[0059] 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.
[0060] Next, operations will be described.
[0061] 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.
[0062] 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.
[0063] In step 22, the energization-verification circuit 19c determines whether energization
from the body power source 19a is carried out.
[0064] 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).
[0065] 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.
[0066] 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).
[0067] 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.
[0068] If electric power is supplied from the storage battery 19b in step 24, the operation
of the storage battery is started (step 25).
[0069] 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.
[0070] 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).
[0071] 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.
[0072] 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).
[0073] 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.
[0074] 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.
[0075] 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.
[0076] Next, an air conditioner according to a third embodiment of the invention will be
described.
[0077] 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.
[0078] 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.
[0079] Next, operation will be described.
[0080] 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).
[0081] 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.
[0082] 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) .
[0083] Electricity is supplied in step 24 from the storage battery 19b to the refrigerant
leakage detecting means 13 and the control means 17.
[0084] 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.
[0085] 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.
[0086] 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.
[0087] 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.
[0088] 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.
[0089] Next, an air conditioner in a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be
described.
[0090] 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.
[0091] 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.
[0092] Next, operation will be described.
[0093] 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).
[0094] 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.
[0095] 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.
[0096] 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.
[0097] If electricity is supplied from the storage battery 19b in step 24, the operation
of the storage battery is started (step 25) .
[0098] 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.
[0099] 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.
[0100] 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.
[0101] 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.
[0102] 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.
[0103] 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.
[0104] 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.
[0105] 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.
[0106] 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.
[0107] 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 α olefin; and mineral oil. The reliability of
the air conditioner 10 can be enhanced.
[Industrial Applicability]
[0108] 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.
1. Klimaanlage (10) enthaltend
Temperaturverteilungserfassungsmittel (12) zum Erfassen einer Temperaturverteilung
in einem Raum (1), wobei das Temperaturverteilungserfassungsmittel (12) konfiguriert
ist, um einen Bewohner (3) und eine Wärmequellenvorrichtung (4) zu erfassen, und einen
Sensor enthält, der aus einem pyroelektrischen Element besteht, das konfiguriert ist,
um mit einem Gegenstand mit hoher Temperatur zu reagieren, und einer Fresnel-Linse,
die konfiguriert ist, um einen Bereich eines Sichtfelds zu erweitern, das Infrarotstrahlung
erfasst, Kältemittelleckage-Erfassungsmittel (13) zum Erfassen einer Kältemittelleckage,
Luftblasmittel (14),
Luftblassteuermittel (17c) zum Steuern der Luftblasmittel (14), und Windrichtungssteuermittel
(17d) zum Steuern einer Windrichtung des Luftblasmittels (14),
wobei, wenn das Kältemittelleckage-Erfassungsmittel (13) eine Kältemittelleckage erfasst,
das Luftblassteuermittel (17c) und/oder das Windrichtungssteuermittel (17d) ein ausgelaufenes
Kältemittel in eine von einem Bewohner (3) und einer Wärmequellenvorrichtung (4) verschiedene
Richtung verteilt.
2. Klimaanlage (10) nach Anspruch 1, weiterhin enthaltend
ein Kältemittelleckage-Alarmmittel (11), das einen Alarm auslöst, wenn das Kältemittelleckage-Erfassungsmittel
(13) eine Kältemittelleckage erfasst, wobei das Kältemittelleckage-Alarmmittel (11)
einen Alarm mit Hilfe von Ton und/oder Licht auslöst.
3. Klimaanlage (10) nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, weiterhin enthaltend Kommunikationsmittel
(16) zum Kommunizieren mit anderen Vorrichtungen, wobei Funktionen der anderen Vorrichtungen
gesteuert werden.
4. Klimaanlage (10) nach Anspruch 2 oder 3, weiterhin enthaltend
eine Speicherbatterie (19b), die parallel zu einer Gehäusestromquelle der Klimaanlage
(10) als Stromquelle für das Kältemittelleckage-Erfassungsmittel (13) und das Kältemittelleckage-Alarmmittel
(11) vorgesehen ist,
eine Erregungsverifizierungsschaltung (19c) zum Verifizieren der Erregung der Klimaanlage
(10), und
eine Stromquellenbestimmungsschaltung (19d) zum Auswählen einer Stromquellenvorrichtung
des Kältemittelleckage-Erfassungsmittels (13) und des Kältemittelleckage-Alarmmittels
(11) durch ein Signal der Erregungsverifizierungsschaltung (19c).
5. Klimaanlage (10) nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 4, weiterhin enthaltend Steuermittel
(17) zum Steuern der Funktion von zumindest einem der Kältemittelleckage-Alarmmittel
(11), der Luftblassteuermittel (17c), der Windrichtungssteuermittel (17d) und der
Kommunikationsmittel (16) gemäß der vom Kältemittelleckage-Erfassungsmittel (13) erfassten
Kältemittelkonzentration.
6. Klimaanlage (10) nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 5,
wobei ein brennbares Kältemittel verwendet wird.
7. Klimaanlage (10) nach Anspruch 6,
wobei das brennbare Kältemittel ein einzelnes Kältemittel eines auf HFC basierenden
Kältemittels, ein einzelnes Kältemittel eines auf Fluorwasserstoff basierenden Kältemittels
mit Doppelbindung von Kohlenstoff oder ein Mischkältemittel mit dem einzelnen Kältemittel
als Hauptbestandteil ist.
8. Klimaanlage (10) nach Anspruch 6,
wobei das brennbare Kältemittel ein einzelnes Kältemittel aus Kohlenwasserstoff oder
ein Mischkältemittel ist, das das einzelne Kältemittel aus Kohlenwasserstoff als Hauptbestandteil
enthält.
9. Klimaanlage (10) nach Anspruch 7 oder 8,
wobei das einzelne Kältemittel oder ein Kältemittel, in dem zwei oder drei Bestandteile
gemischt sind, sodass das Treibhauspotential 5 oder mehr und 750 oder weniger, bevorzugt
350 oder weniger und bevorzugter 150 oder weniger beträgt, als brennbares Kältemittel
verwendet wird.
10. Klimaanlage (10) nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 9,
wobei synthetisches Öl als Kühlungsöl verwendet wird, das eine der folgenden sauerstoffhaltigen
Komponenten als Hauptbestandteil enthält, Polyoxyalkylenglykol, Polyvinylether, Poly(oxy)alkylenglykol
oder Copolymer aus Monoether und Polyvinylether davon, Polyolester und Polycarbonat;
synthetisches Öl, das als Hauptbestandteil Alkylbenzol oder α-Olefin enthält; oder
Mineralöl.