JP5550608B2 - Air conditioner - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an air conditioner.

  In an air conditioner that uses a compressor to convert a low-temperature / low-pressure refrigerant into a high-temperature / high-pressure gas and circulates it in the refrigeration cycle, for example, in winter when the outdoor temperature is low, Since the temperature of the accommodated compressor is also lowered, a so-called refrigerant stagnation phenomenon in which the refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle condenses and accumulates in the compressor may occur. If the refrigerant accumulates in the compressor, the refrigerant dissolves in the lubricating oil in the compressor and the viscosity of the lubricating oil decreases.If the air conditioner is started in this state, the low-viscosity lubricating oil slides in the compressor. It will be supplied to the part and cause lubrication failure. In addition, the refrigerant dissolved in the lubricating oil after the start of the compressor may be gasified at a stroke, and the lubricating oil may be in a foamed state, making it impossible to supply sufficient oil.

  As a technique for preventing the occurrence of such a refrigerant stagnation phenomenon, when it is determined that a large amount of refrigerant can accumulate in the compressor, a phase loss current is supplied to the motor winding of the compressor to Heating the compressor using Joule heat due to copper loss generated in the wire, or attaching an electric heater to the compressor and energizing the electric heater to heat the compressor, the refrigerant stagnation state in the compressor, that is, A technique for preventing the refrigerant from condensing and staying in the compressor is disclosed (Patent Document 1).

JP 2008-64447 A

  In recent years, due to consideration for environmental impact, the demand for standby power has become strict, conforming to European EuP Directive (Directive on Eco-Design of Energy Products) and Australian MEPS (Minimum Energy Performance Standards) There is a need to. On the other hand, in the above-described prior art, when it is determined that a large amount of refrigerant can be accumulated in the compressor during operation standby, the compressor is always heated, leading to an increase in standby power. There was a problem.

  Further, in the above prior art, when heating the compressor by passing a phase loss current to the motor winding, Joule heat due to copper loss does not occur in the motor winding of the phase that is not energized. In addition, the compressor cannot be sufficiently heated. In addition, when a concentrated winding motor is used, the winding resistance is small and the copper loss generated in the motor winding is small. Therefore, in order to obtain a sufficient amount of heat to eliminate the refrigerant stagnation phenomenon, There is a problem that it is necessary to flow a large current, and conduction loss and switching loss generated in the inverter that supplies electric power to the motor, that is, loss that does not contribute to heating to the refrigerant accumulated in the compressor increases, resulting in poor efficiency. .

  In addition, in the configuration where the electric heater is used to heat the compressor as in the above-described prior art, the compressor is equipped with an electric heater that is unnecessary for the original compressor operation, and the cost performance deteriorates. There was a problem.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above, and can efficiently eliminate the refrigerant stagnation phenomenon in the compressor at the start-up without causing an increase in unnecessary standby power and cost increase. It aims at providing a harmony device.

In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, an air conditioner according to the present invention includes a compressor that compresses a refrigerant, an outdoor heat exchanger that performs heat exchange between outside air and the refrigerant, and the compressor. An inverter for applying a desired voltage to the motor, inverter control means for controlling the inverter, and bus voltage detecting means for detecting a DC bus voltage that is a power supply voltage of the inverter, The inverter control means makes a start determination in a predetermined period before the scheduled start time by the timer setting during operation standby, and at an arbitrary time within the predetermined period , based on the temperature inside or outside the compressor, Refrigerant stagnation determining means for determining whether or not a refrigerant stagnation state is highly likely to cause a refrigerant stagnation phenomenon inside the compressor, and the refrigerant stagnation AC voltage generating means for generating and outputting each phase voltage command signal having a frequency higher than that during normal operation when the fixing means determines that the refrigerant is in the stagnation state, each phase voltage command signal, and the DC bus PWM signal generating means for generating and outputting each phase PWM signal for driving the inverter based on the voltage, and the refrigerant stagnation determining means is in the refrigerant stagnation state at an arbitrary time within the predetermined period. When the refrigerant heating time and the refrigerant heating output required for eliminating the refrigerant stagnation state are calculated, the time when the refrigerant heating time has elapsed from the current time becomes equal to or greater than the scheduled start time. The amplitude command value and the voltage phase command value are calculated and output based on the refrigerant heating time and the refrigerant heating output, and the AC voltage generating means Based on the amplitude command value and the voltage phase command value, and generates the phase voltage command signals.

  According to the present invention, there is an effect that it is possible to efficiently eliminate the refrigerant stagnation phenomenon inside the compressor at the time of start-up without causing unnecessary increase in standby power and cost increase.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the air-conditioning apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of input / output waveforms of the PWM signal generation unit in the air-conditioning apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of an internal configuration of the refrigerant stagnation determination unit of the air-conditioning apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a modification of the internal configuration of the refrigerant stagnation determination unit of the air-conditioning apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the refrigerant heating operation process of the air-conditioning apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a modification of the refrigerant heating operation process of the air-conditioning apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of an internal configuration of the refrigerant stagnation determination unit of the air-conditioning apparatus according to the second embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of an outside air temperature and a temperature change of the outside air from the current time to a predetermined time before the air conditioner is stopped. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of the relationship between the refrigerant heating output and the refrigerant heating efficiency. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a modification of the internal configuration of the refrigerant stagnation determination unit of the air-conditioning apparatus according to the second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a modification of the internal configuration of the refrigerant stagnation determination unit of the air-conditioning apparatus according to the second embodiment. FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a refrigerant heating operation process of the air-conditioning apparatus according to the second embodiment. FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a modification of the refrigerant heating operation process of the air-conditioning apparatus according to the second embodiment. FIG. 14 is a view showing a modification of the air conditioner shown in FIG. FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of how to wind the stator winding of the concentrated winding motor suitable for the air-conditioning apparatus according to the embodiment.

  An air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, this invention is not limited by embodiment shown below.

Embodiment 1 FIG.
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the air-conditioning apparatus according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the air conditioner according to the first embodiment includes a compressor 1, a four-way valve 2, an outdoor heat exchanger 3, an expansion valve 4, and an indoor heat exchanger 5 connected via a refrigerant pipe 6. The refrigerant circuit 100 configured as described above, the inverter 9 configured by bridging the switching elements 16a to 16f, the bus voltage detecting means 10 for detecting the DC bus voltage Vdc that is the power supply voltage of the inverter 9, and the inverter 9 And inverter control means 11 for driving control. Further, the compressor 1, the outdoor heat exchanger 3, and the temperature sensors 17a, 17b, and 17c for measuring the temperature of the outside air are provided.

  The compressor 1 includes a compression mechanism 7 that compresses the refrigerant and a motor 8 that operates the compression mechanism 7. Of the components constituting the refrigerant circuit 100, the compressor 1, the four-way valve 2, the outdoor heat exchanger 3, and the expansion valve 4 are stored inside an outdoor unit (not shown), and the indoor heat exchanger. 5 is stored in an indoor unit (not shown).

  The inverter control means 11 is a voltage applied to each phase winding of the motor 8 and the refrigerant stagnation determination means 12 for detecting the refrigerant stagnation phenomenon in the compressor 1 at a predetermined start-up determination point determined in advance during operation standby. AC voltage generation means 13 for generating each phase voltage command signal Vu *, Vv *, Vw *, which is a command value of, and the rotation speed command value ω * input from the outside of the inverter control means 11 are integrated to obtain a voltage phase. An integrator 14 that outputs a command value θ and PWM signals UP, VP, WP, UN, VN, and WN that drive the switching elements 16a to 16f based on the phase voltage command signals Vu *, Vv *, and Vw *. PWM signal generating means 15 for generating Each component in the inverter control means 11 can be configured as a control program executed on a microcomputer or DSP.

  Here, the operation | movement in the normal operation mode of the air conditioning apparatus concerning Embodiment 1 is demonstrated with reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of input / output waveforms of the PWM signal generation unit in the air-conditioning apparatus according to the first embodiment.

  In the normal operation mode, the AC voltage generation means 13 receives the phase voltage command signal Vu based on the voltage phase command value θ input from the integrator 14 and the amplitude command value A input from the outside of the inverter control means 11. *, Vv *, Vw * are generated and output. Each phase voltage command value Vu *, Vv *, Vw * can be calculated using, for example, the following equations (1), (2), and (3), respectively. Each phase voltage command value Vu *, Vv *, Vw * may be calculated using, for example, two-phase modulation, third harmonic superposition modulation, space vector modulation, or the like.

Vu * = Acos θ (1)
Vv * = Acos [θ-2π / 3] (2)
Vw * = Acos [θ + 2π / 3] (3)

  The PWM signal generation unit 15 generates a carrier signal having a predetermined frequency with the half value of the DC bus voltage Vdc input from the bus voltage detection unit 10 as an amplitude value, and each of the carrier signal and each input from the AC voltage generation unit 13. The PWM signal UP, VP, WP, UN, VN, WN is generated by comparing the phase voltage command signals Vu *, Vv *, Vw *. The present invention is not limited by the method of generating each PWM signal UP, VP, WP, UN, VN, WN.

  In the inverter 9, the switching element 16 a is driven by the PWM signal UP, the switching element 16 d is driven by the PWM signal UN, and power is supplied to the U-phase winding of the motor 8. Further, the switching element 16b is driven by the PWM signal VP, and the switching element 16e is driven by the PWM signal VN to supply power to the V-phase winding of the motor 8. Further, the switching element 16c is driven by the PWM signal WP, and the switching element 16f is driven by the PWM signal WN to supply power to the W-phase winding of the motor 8.

  The normal operation mode of the air-conditioning apparatus according to the first embodiment includes a cooling operation mode and a heating operation mode. In the cooling operation mode, the four-way valve 2 is switched to the state indicated by the broken line in FIG. 1, the expansion valve 4 is adjusted to a predetermined opening degree, and the outdoor heat exchanger 3 and the indoor heat exchanger 5 are operated. In this state, the refrigerant circuit 100 performs the refrigeration cycle in the cooling operation mode by driving the motor 8 and operating the compression mechanism 7 to circulate the refrigerant in the direction of the broken line arrow.

  In the heating operation mode, the four-way valve 2 is switched to the state indicated by the solid line in FIG. 1, the expansion valve 4 is adjusted to a predetermined opening, and the outdoor heat exchanger 3 and the indoor heat exchanger 5 are operated. In this state, the refrigerant circuit 100 performs the refrigeration cycle in the heating operation mode by driving the motor 8 and operating the compression mechanism 7 and circulating the refrigerant in the direction of the solid arrow.

  Next, the refrigerant heating operation at the time of detecting the refrigerant stagnation phenomenon in the compressor 1 while the air-conditioning apparatus according to the first embodiment is stopped or during operation standby will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. Note that the refrigerant stagnation determination inside the compressor 1 and the execution timing of the refrigerant heating operation will be described later.

  Here, first, an outline of the refrigerant heating operation of the air-conditioning apparatus according to Embodiment 1 will be described. While the air conditioner is stopped or on standby, the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit 100 condenses and accumulates at the lowest temperature among the components constituting the refrigerant circuit 100. For this reason, in some cases, the refrigerant accumulates inside the compressor 1.

  On the other hand, the compressor 1 stores lubricating oil therein. During operation of the compressor 1, the lubricating oil stored in the compressor 1 is supplied to the compression mechanism 7 and used for lubrication. If the refrigerant accumulates inside the compressor 1 while the compressor 1 is stopped, the refrigerant dissolves in the lubricating oil and the viscosity of the lubricating oil decreases. If the compressor 1 is started in this state, low-viscosity lubricating oil will be supplied to the compression mechanism 7, which may cause troubles such as seizure. In addition, the refrigerant dissolved in the lubricating oil may rapidly evaporate, and the lubricating oil may become foamed, so that a sufficient amount of lubricating oil may not be supplied to the compression mechanism 7.

  Therefore, in the air conditioner according to the first embodiment, when the refrigerant stagnation phenomenon is detected in the compressor 1 while the air conditioner is stopped or in operation standby, the operating frequency (for example, 1 kHz) in the normal operation mode is detected. The refrigerant heating operation for driving the switching elements 16a to 16f in the inverter 9 is performed at a high frequency that does not generate rotational torque or unnecessary vibration that drives the motor 8. By this refrigerant heating operation, the motor 8 consumes most of the electric power supplied to each phase winding as heat due to the iron loss generated in the iron core of the motor 8 and the copper loss generated in each phase winding. As the temperature of the machine 1 rises, the refrigerant staying inside the compressor 1 is heated and vaporized, and leaks to the outside of the compressor 1. As a result, the amount of refrigerant that dissolves in the lubricating oil while the air conditioner is stopped or during operation standby is reduced, and a decrease in the viscosity of the lubricating oil is suppressed.

  Next, the operation of each component in the refrigerant heating operation of the air-conditioning apparatus according to Embodiment 1 will be described.

  When the refrigerant stagnation determining means 12 detects the refrigerant stagnation phenomenon in the compressor 1, the rotational speed command value ω * ′ different from the rotational speed command value ω * and the amplitude command value A in the normal operation mode described above, and An amplitude command value A ′ is generated, and the generated rotation speed command value ω * ′ is integrated to generate a voltage phase command value θ ′, which is output together with the amplitude command value A ′.

  Based on the voltage phase command value θ ′ and the amplitude command value A ′ input from the refrigerant stagnation determination unit 12, the AC voltage generation unit 13 uses the phase voltage command signals Vu * and Vv * having a frequency higher than that during normal operation. , Vw * are generated and output. The calculation of each phase voltage command value Vu *, Vv *, Vw * is the same as in the normal operation mode, the above-described equations (1), (2), (3), or two-phase modulation, third harmonic superposition Modulation, space vector modulation, etc. are used.

  The PWM signal generation means 15 performs the same processing as that in the normal operation mode, and generates each PWM signal UP, VP, WP, UN, VN, WN.

  In the inverter 9, the switching elements 16 a to 16 f are driven by the PWM signals UP, VP, WP, UN, VN, and WN to supply power to the phase windings of the motor 8. Here, at the time of the refrigerant heating operation, as described above, the switching elements 16 a to 16 a are higher than the operating frequency (for example, less than 1 kHz) in the normal operation mode and at a high frequency that does not generate rotational torque and unnecessary vibration that drives the motor 8. 16f is driven. For this reason, in the motor 8, most of the electric power supplied to each phase winding is consumed as heat due to the iron loss generated in the iron core of the motor 8 and the copper loss generated in each phase winding. As a result, the temperature of the compressor 1 rises, and accordingly, the refrigerant staying inside the compressor 1 is heated and vaporized, and leaks to the outside of the compressor 1.

  In this way, most of the electric power supplied to each phase winding is generated in the iron core of the motor 8 by driving the switching elements 16a to 16f at a high frequency that does not generate rotational torque and unnecessary vibration for driving the motor 8. It is consumed as heat due to the iron loss that occurs and the copper loss that occurs in each phase winding. That is, the electric power supplied to each phase winding can be efficiently converted into heat.

  Next, the refrigerant stagnation determination operation of the refrigerant stagnation determination means 12 that detects the refrigerant stagnation phenomenon inside the compressor 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of an internal configuration of the refrigerant stagnation determination unit of the air-conditioning apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a modification of the internal configuration of the refrigerant stagnation determination unit of the air-conditioning apparatus according to the first embodiment.

  In the example shown in FIG. 3, a state in which there is a high possibility that the refrigerant stagnation phenomenon inside the compressor 1 is likely to occur based on the temperature change of the outside air detected by the temperature sensor 17 c (hereinafter simply referred to as “refrigerant stagnation state”). The internal structure of the refrigerant stagnation determination means 12 when determining whether or not In this case, the refrigerant stagnation determining means 12 outputs a delay unit 22 that outputs the outside air temperature before a predetermined unit time, and a subtractor 21 that outputs a change in the outside air temperature obtained by subtracting the outside air temperature before the predetermined unit time from the outside air temperature. And a comparator 23 that compares the temperature change that is the output result of the subtractor 21 with a predetermined reference value (for example, “0” here) and outputs a refrigerant stagnation detection signal. Instead of the temperature change of the outside air detected by the temperature sensor 17c, the temperature of the refrigerant circuit 100 such as the compressor 1 or the outdoor heat exchanger 3 stored in the outdoor unit (not shown) is set to each temperature sensor 17a, It may be determined whether or not the refrigerant is in a stagnation state based on a change in temperature of the refrigerant circuit 100 such as the compressor 1 or the outdoor heat exchanger 3 that is detected by 17b.

  As described above, the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit 100 condenses and accumulates at the lowest temperature among the components constituting the refrigerant circuit 100 while the air conditioner is stopped or in standby. . Generally, in the compressor 1 and the outdoor heat exchanger 3, the compressor 1 has a larger heat capacity. For this reason, while the above-described temperature change is positive, that is, while the temperature is rising, the temperature of the compressor 1 having a large heat capacity rises with a delay from the temperature of the outdoor heat exchanger 3. That is, when the temperature change is positive, it can be said that the compressor 1 has a lower temperature than the outdoor heat exchanger 3. Therefore, in this case, it can be determined that the refrigerant is in a stagnation state.

  On the other hand, while the temperature change is negative, that is, while the temperature is decreasing, the temperature of the compressor 1 having a large heat capacity decreases with a delay from the temperature of the outdoor heat exchanger 3. That is, when the temperature change is negative, it can be said that the compressor 1 has a higher temperature than the outdoor heat exchanger 3. Therefore, in this case, the refrigerant stagnation phenomenon is likely to occur in the outdoor heat exchanger 3, and it can be determined that the amount of the refrigerant accumulated in the compressor 1 is small.

  Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 3, when the temperature change described above, that is, when the output of the subtractor 21 is positive, it is determined that the refrigerant is in a stagnation state.

  FIG. 4 shows an example of determining whether or not the refrigerant is in a stagnation state based on the temperature difference between the outside air temperature and the temperature of the compressor 1. In this case, the refrigerant stagnation determining means 12 outputs a temperature difference obtained by subtracting the temperature of the compressor 1 detected by the temperature sensor 17a from the outside air temperature detected by the temperature sensor 17c, and the output of the subtractor 21. The comparator 23 outputs a refrigerant stagnation detection signal by comparing a temperature difference between the resulting outside air temperature and the temperature of the compressor 1 with a predetermined reference value (for example, “0” here). Instead of the outdoor temperature detected by the temperature sensor 17c, the temperature of the outdoor heat exchanger 3 stored in the outdoor unit (not shown) is detected by the temperature sensor 17b, and the temperature of the outdoor heat exchanger 3 is detected. Based on the temperature difference from the temperature of the compressor 1, it may be determined whether or not the refrigerant is in a stagnation state.

  As described above, the outdoor heat exchanger 3 has a heat capacity smaller than that of the compressor 1 and the temperature of the outdoor heat exchanger 3 changes following the temperature change of the outside air well. It changes later than the temperature change. Therefore, when the temperature of the outside air or the outdoor heat exchanger 3 is higher than the temperature of the compressor 1, it can be determined that the refrigerant is in a stagnation state.

  Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 4, when the temperature difference obtained by subtracting the temperature of the compressor 1 from the temperature of the outside air or the outdoor heat exchanger 3, that is, the output of the subtractor 21 is positive, the refrigerant is in a stagnation state. Judge.

  In the example shown in FIG. 4, the temperature difference between the outside air temperature and the temperature of the compressor 1 can be reflected in the amplitude command value A ′ generated when the refrigerant heating operation is performed. . In this case, for example, the relationship between the temperature difference between the outside air temperature and the temperature of the compressor 1 and the amplitude command value A ′ is tabulated in advance and held in the refrigerant stagnation determining means 12, and output from the subtractor 21. The amplitude command value A ′ corresponding to the temperature difference is read from the table and the refrigerant stagnation determination means 12 outputs it.

  Next, the execution timing of the refrigerant heating operation will be described. The refrigerant stagnation determining means 12 according to the first embodiment determines whether or not the refrigerant is in a stagnation state at a predetermined predetermined activation determination time during operation standby. Here, first, the start determination is performed by the driving operation command by the user operation, and when the driving operation command is input, it is determined whether or not the refrigerant is in the sleeping state, and when it is determined that the refrigerant is in the sleeping state, An example of performing the refrigerant heating operation will be described. In addition, this driving | operation operation command is output from the main control means which is not shown, for example, when a user operates a remote control (not shown) and turns on the driving | running operation | movement of an air conditioner.

  The refrigerant stagnation determining means 12 determines whether or not the refrigerant is in the stagnation state at the time when the driving operation command is input. If the refrigerant stagnation state, the rotational speed command value ω * ′ and the amplitude command value A ′ are obtained. The generated rotation speed command value ω * ′ is integrated to generate a voltage phase command value θ ′, and the voltage phase command value θ ′ and the amplitude command value A ′ are output to the AC voltage generation means 13. As a result, the above-described refrigerant heating operation is performed by the subsequent-stage AC voltage generation means 13, the PWM signal generation means 15, the inverter 9, and the motor 8. If it does in this way, when it is in a refrigerant stagnation state at the time of an operation operation command being inputted, a refrigerant heating operation can be carried out.

  Further, as another aspect of the execution timing of the refrigerant heating operation in the present embodiment, for example, an acceleration sensor or the like provided in the remote controller is used, and the user uses a remote controller (not shown) during standby of the air conditioner. Before the driving operation command is output by operating and turning on the driving operation of the air conditioner, it is detected that the user has a remote control (that is, prior operation of the driving operation command), and the detection signal (pre- It is also possible to perform the refrigerant heating operation based on the operation detection signal). Here, the activation determination is performed based on the preliminary operation detection signal, and at the time when the preliminary operation detection signal is input, it is determined whether or not the refrigerant is in a stagnation state. An example of performing the above will be described. The prior operation detection signal is output from a main control unit (not shown) when it is detected that the user has a remote control, for example. In this way, since the refrigerant heating operation can be performed when the refrigerant is in the sleeping state when it is detected that the user has the remote control, the user actually operates the remote control to operate the air conditioner. The time from when the driving operation is turned on to when the operation mode is shifted to the normal operation mode can be shortened. The detection signal (pre-operation detection signal) of the acceleration sensor provided in the remote control is limited to the operation assumed when the user operates the remote control, for example, when the remote control is tilted or shaken. May be output.

  Below, the refrigerant | coolant heating operation process of the air conditioning apparatus concerning Embodiment 1 is demonstrated with reference to FIGS. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the refrigerant heating operation process of the air-conditioning apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a modification of the refrigerant heating operation process of the air-conditioning apparatus according to the first embodiment. Here, as an example of the refrigerant heating operation process of the air-conditioning apparatus according to the first embodiment, an example in which the refrigerant heating operation is performed based on the operation operation command of the air-conditioning apparatus by a user operation during standby of the air-conditioning apparatus. As a modification of the refrigerant heating operation process of the air-conditioning apparatus according to the first embodiment, the acceleration sensor provided in the remote controller is used as a modification of the user when the air-conditioning apparatus is on standby. An example of detecting that the remote controller is held (preliminary operation of the operation command) and performing the refrigerant heating operation based on the detection signal (preliminary operation detection signal) will be described (see FIG. 6).

  First, an example of the refrigerant heating operation process of the air-conditioning apparatus according to Embodiment 1 will be described with reference to FIG. During standby of the air conditioner, the refrigerant stagnation determining means 12 determines whether or not an operation command has been input (step ST101). If the driving operation command is not input (step ST101; No), the system waits until the driving operation command is input. When the driving operation command is input (step ST101; Yes), the refrigerant stagnation determination is performed. Then, it is determined whether or not the refrigerant is in a stagnation state (step ST102).

  If the refrigerant is not in the stagnation state (step ST102; No), the air-conditioning apparatus transitions to the normal operation mode (step ST106) and ends the process.

  If it is in the refrigerant stagnation state (step ST102; Yes), the refrigerant stagnation determination means 12 starts counting a predetermined refrigerant heating time set in advance and generates a voltage phase command value θ ′ and an amplitude command value A ′. Output. Thereby, the refrigerant heating operation is started (step ST103).

  The refrigerant stagnation determining means 12 determines whether or not a predetermined refrigerant heating time has elapsed since the output of the voltage phase command value θ ′ and the amplitude command value A ′ is started (step ST104). If the predetermined refrigerant heating time has not elapsed (step ST104; No), the voltage phase command value θ ′ and the amplitude command value A ′ are continuously output until the predetermined refrigerant heating time elapses. When the time has elapsed (step ST104; Yes), it is determined that the refrigerant staying in the compressor 1 is heated and vaporized and leaks to the outside of the compressor 1, and the voltage phase command value θ ′ and the amplitude command are determined. Stop outputting value A '. Thereby, refrigerant | coolant heating operation stops (step ST105), an air conditioning apparatus transfers to normal operation mode (step ST106), and complete | finishes a process.

  Next, a modification of the refrigerant heating operation process of the air-conditioning apparatus according to Embodiment 1 will be described with reference to FIG. During standby of the air conditioner, the refrigerant stagnation determination means 12 determines whether or not a detection signal (pre-operation detection signal) of an acceleration sensor provided in the remote controller is input (step ST201). The refrigerant stagnation determination means 12 waits until the acceleration sensor detection signal (preliminary operation detection signal) is input unless the detection signal (preliminary operation detection signal) of the acceleration sensor is input (step ST201; No). When a detection signal (preliminary motion detection signal) of the acceleration sensor is input (step ST201; Yes), a predetermined input standby time is counted in advance, and a refrigerant stagnation determination is performed to stagnate the refrigerant. It is determined whether it is in a state (step ST202).

  If it is not in the refrigerant stagnation state (step ST202; No), the refrigerant stagnation determination means 12 determines whether or not a driving operation command is input (step ST203). If no driving operation command is input (step ST203; No), It is determined whether or not a predetermined input waiting time has elapsed (step ST204).

  If the predetermined input waiting time has elapsed (step ST204; Yes), the process returns to step ST201. If the predetermined input waiting time has not elapsed (step ST204; No), the processing returns to step ST203. If the driving operation command is input (step ST203; Yes), the air conditioner shifts to the normal operation mode (step ST205) and ends the process.

  If it is in the refrigerant stagnation state (step ST202; Yes), the refrigerant stagnation determination means 12 starts counting a predetermined refrigerant heating time set in advance and generates a voltage phase command value θ ′ and an amplitude command value A ′. Output. Thereby, the refrigerant heating operation is started (step ST206).

  The refrigerant stagnation determining means 12 determines whether or not a predetermined refrigerant heating time has elapsed since the output of the voltage phase command value θ ′ and the amplitude command value A ′ is started (step ST207). If the predetermined refrigerant heating time has not elapsed (step ST207; No), the voltage phase command value θ ′ and the amplitude command value A ′ are continuously output until the predetermined refrigerant heating time elapses, and the predetermined refrigerant heating time is When the time has elapsed (step ST207; Yes), it is determined that the refrigerant staying in the compressor 1 is heated and vaporized and leaks to the outside of the compressor 1, and the voltage phase command value θ ′ and the amplitude command are determined. Stop outputting value A '. As a result, the refrigerant heating operation stops (step ST208).

  Subsequently, the refrigerant stagnation determining means 12 determines whether or not a driving operation command is input (step ST203). If the driving operation command is not input (step ST203; No), whether or not a predetermined input waiting time has elapsed. Is determined (step ST204).

  If the predetermined input waiting time has elapsed (step ST204; Yes), the process returns to step ST201. If the predetermined input waiting time has not elapsed (step ST204; No), the processing returns to step ST203. If the driving operation command is input (step ST203; Yes), the air conditioner shifts to the normal operation mode (step ST205) and ends the process.

  In the flowcharts shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 described above, in step ST104 and step ST207, it is determined whether or not a predetermined refrigerant heating time has elapsed, and the refrigerant leakage determination is performed. For example, the refrigerant leakage determination can be performed using the temperature change of the outside air described in the example illustrated in FIG. 3 or the temperature change of the refrigerant circuit 100 such as the compressor 1 or the outdoor heat exchanger 3. Further, for example, the temperature difference between the outside air temperature and the temperature of the compressor 1 described in the example shown in FIG. 4 or the temperature difference between the temperature of the outdoor heat exchanger 3 and the temperature of the compressor 1 is used. Thus, the refrigerant leakage determination can be performed. Further, when the refrigerant leakage amount from the compressor 1 can be detected, the refrigerant leakage determination can be performed by directly detecting the refrigerant leakage amount.

  Further, in step ST203 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 6 described above, after a predetermined input standby time has elapsed (step ST203; Yes), a determination is made as to whether or not the detection signal of the acceleration sensor provided in the remote controller has been input after a certain period of time (step ST203; Yes). You may make it transfer to step ST201).

  As described above, according to the air conditioning apparatus of the first embodiment, the refrigerant heating operation is performed by driving each switching element of the inverter at a high frequency that does not generate rotational torque or unnecessary vibration that drives the motor of the compressor. Since most of the power supplied to each phase winding is consumed as heat due to iron loss generated in the motor core and copper loss generated in each phase winding, The electric power supplied to the winding can be efficiently converted into heat.

  In addition, since the refrigerant heating operation is carried out using the motor of the compressor, the refrigerant stagnation at the start-up of the compressor without incurring an increase in cost such as providing a heater or the like unnecessary for normal compressor operation. The phenomenon can be eliminated.

  In addition, a start determination is made based on a driving operation command, and it is determined whether or not there is a high possibility that a refrigerant stagnation phenomenon will occur inside the compressor (refrigerant stagnation state) when the driving operation command is input. However, since the refrigerant heating operation is performed in the refrigerant stagnation state, the refrigerant stagnation phenomenon at the start-up of the compressor can be solved without causing an increase in unnecessary standby power.

  In addition, using an acceleration sensor or the like provided on the remote control, it is detected that the user has the remote control (prior operation detection signal of driving operation command) during standby of the air conditioner, and the detection signal (pre-operation detection) Signal)), and when the prior operation detection signal is input, it is determined whether or not the refrigerant is in the stagnation state, and when the refrigerant is in the stagnation state, the refrigerant heating operation is performed. The time from when the user actually operates the remote controller to turn on the operation of the air conditioner until the user shifts to the normal operation mode can be shortened.

  In addition, when an acceleration sensor or the like provided on the remote control is used, when a driving operation command is not input after a predetermined input standby time has elapsed after the refrigerant heating operation has been performed, the normal standby state is restored. As a result, wasteful power consumption can be suppressed.

Embodiment 2. FIG.
Since the structure of the air conditioning apparatus concerning Embodiment 2 is the same as the structure shown in FIG. 1 demonstrated in Embodiment 1, detailed description of each structure part is abbreviate | omitted.

  In the first embodiment, activation determination is performed based on a driving operation command by a user operation or a detection signal (pre-operation detection signal) of an acceleration sensor provided on a remote controller, and when the driving operation command is input or in advance When the detection signal is input, it is determined whether or not there is a high possibility that the refrigerant stagnation phenomenon inside the compressor may occur (refrigerant stagnation state). Although the refrigerant heating operation is performed, in this embodiment, when the activation time is set in advance by a timer or the like, or when the next activation time can be predicted, the scheduled activation time or activation The start-up determination is performed in a predetermined period before the expected time, the refrigerant stagnation state is determined and the refrigerant stagnation amount is estimated at an arbitrary time within the predetermined period. If it is asleep state, based on the estimated refrigerant stagnation quantity, it calculates the refrigerant heating output and the refrigerant heating time required to resolve the refrigerant stagnation phenomena, an example of implementing a refrigerant heating operation.

  The operation in the normal operation mode of the air-conditioning apparatus according to the second embodiment, the refrigerant heating operation when the refrigerant stagnation state is detected, and the refrigerant stagnation determination operation of the refrigerant stagnation determination unit 12 are the same as those described in the first embodiment. Since it is the same, description is abbreviate | omitted here.

  The refrigerant stagnation determination, the refrigerant stagnation amount estimation, and the calculation of the refrigerant heating output and the refrigerant heating time necessary for eliminating the refrigerant stagnation phenomenon according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of an internal configuration of the refrigerant stagnation determination unit of the air-conditioning apparatus according to the second embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of the outside air temperature and the temperature change of the outside air from the current time when the air conditioner is stopped to a certain time before (here, 24 hours ago). FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of the relationship between the refrigerant heating output and the refrigerant heating efficiency. FIGS. 10 and 11 are diagrams showing modifications of the internal configuration of the refrigerant stagnation determining means of the air-conditioning apparatus according to the second embodiment.

  In the example shown in FIG. 7, when the activation time is set in advance by a timer or the like, or when the next activation time can be predicted, the activation is performed in a predetermined period before the scheduled activation time or the estimated activation time. Judgment is made and the transition of the temperature change of the outside air or the refrigerant circuit 100 such as the compressor 1 or the outdoor heat exchanger 3 from an arbitrary time within a predetermined period to a predetermined period is recorded, and the refrigerant stagnation continues until the arbitrary time. Based on the period, the refrigerant stagnation amount in the compressor 1 is estimated, and based on the estimated refrigerant stagnation amount, the refrigerant heating time and the refrigerant heating output required to eliminate the refrigerant stagnation phenomenon are calculated. Based on the refrigerant heating time and the refrigerant heating output at the time when the refrigerant heating time has elapsed from the time becomes the predicted startup time or the predicted startup time Shows the internal structure of the refrigerant stagnation judging means 12 in the case of calculating and outputting an amplitude command value and a voltage phase command value.

  In the example shown in FIG. 7, the refrigerant stagnation determining unit 12 according to the second embodiment subtracts the outside air temperature for a predetermined unit time from the outside air temperature and the delay device 22 that outputs the outside air temperature for the predetermined unit time. The subtractor 21 that outputs the temperature change, the memory 41 that stores the temperature change that is the output result of the subtractor 21, and the temperature change stored in the memory 41 is a predetermined reference value (for example, “0” here). A sequential comparison is made to perform a start determination in a period in which the temperature change is positive, that is, a counter 42 that calculates a refrigerant stagnation continuation period in which the refrigerant stagnates, and a predetermined period before the estimated start time or the predicted start time, A refrigerant stagnation amount estimation unit 43 that performs the refrigerant stagnation determination and obtains an estimated value of the refrigerant stagnation amount based on a refrigerant stagnation continuation period from an arbitrary time within a predetermined period to a predetermined period before, It comprises a heat calculator 44 for determining the amount of heat required for eliminating the refrigerant stagnation amount, and an output and heating time calculating unit 45 for calculating a refrigerant heating output and the refrigerant heating time required to produce the amount of heat obtained. Instead of the temperature change of the outside air, the temperature of the refrigerant circuit 100 such as the compressor 1 or the outdoor heat exchanger 3 stored in the outdoor unit (not shown) is detected. You may make it calculate a sleep continuation period. The refrigerant stagnation amount described above may be a physical amount of the refrigerant actually staying in the compressor 1 or a numerical value obtained by relatively replacing the physical amount. In addition, the amount of heat necessary for eliminating the refrigerant stagnation amount described above may be a physical amount of heat actually necessary for eliminating the refrigerant stagnation amount, or a numerical value obtained by relatively replacing the amount of heat.

  Alternatively, the refrigerant stagnation amount may be estimated by recording the transition of the temperature difference between the outside air temperature or the temperature of the outdoor heat exchanger 3 and the temperature of the compressor 1. In this case, the subtractor 21 may be configured to subtract the temperature of the compressor 1 from the outside air temperature or the temperature of the outdoor heat exchanger 3 and output a temperature difference.

  Here, a specific operation of each internal component of the refrigerant stagnation determination unit 12 according to the second embodiment will be described.

  As described in the first embodiment of the air conditioner, the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit 100 has the highest temperature among the components constituting the refrigerant circuit 100 while the air conditioner is stopped or in operation standby. Condenses and accumulates at low points. Generally, in the compressor 1 and the outdoor heat exchanger 3, the compressor 1 has a larger heat capacity. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 8, while the temperature change is positive, that is, while the temperature is rising, the temperature of the compressor 1 having a large heat capacity rises behind the temperature of the outdoor heat exchanger 3. . That is, when the temperature change is positive, it can be determined that the compressor 1 has a lower temperature than the outdoor heat exchanger 3 and is in a refrigerant stagnation state.

  Therefore, the counter 42 is in a time point when the temperature change becomes positive (time T1 in FIG. 8) at an arbitrary time within a predetermined period before the scheduled start time or the predicted start time, that is, the refrigerant is in a stagnation state. At this point, the refrigerant stagnation period starts counting, and when the temperature change becomes negative (time T2 in FIG. 8), that is, when the refrigerant stagnation phenomenon inside the compressor 1 becomes difficult to occur. Then, reset the count of the refrigerant stagnation continuation period.

  The refrigerant stagnation amount estimation unit 43 holds in advance a table showing the relationship between the refrigerant stagnation amount and the length of the refrigerant stagnation continuation period. From the table, the refrigerant stagnation amount corresponding to the length of the refrigerant stagnation continuation period Get an estimate of the quantity.

  The calorific value calculation unit 44 holds in advance a table indicating the relationship between the amount of heat necessary for eliminating the refrigerant stagnation phenomenon in the compressor 1 and the refrigerant stagnation amount, and corresponds to the refrigerant stagnation amount inputted from the table. Find the amount of heat to be used.

  The output / heating time calculation unit 45 receives the scheduled start time set by a timer or the like in addition to the amount of heat input from the heat amount calculation unit 44, and the refrigerant heating operation is completed before the scheduled start time. The heating output and the refrigerant heating time are calculated.

  Further, a table showing the relationship between the refrigerant heating output and the refrigerant heating efficiency shown in FIG. 9 is held in the output / heating time calculation unit 45, and the refrigerant heating efficiency is within a range in which the refrigerant heating ends before the start time. If the refrigerant heating output and the refrigerant heating time are calculated so as to maximize the refrigerant heating operation, the refrigerant heating operation can be performed more efficiently.

  As another example of the refrigerant stagnation determination, the refrigerant stagnation amount estimation, and the refrigerant heating output and refrigerant heating time calculation necessary for eliminating the refrigerant stagnation phenomenon in the present embodiment, examples shown in FIGS. Can be considered.

  In the example shown in FIG. 10, when the temperature change of the outside air or the refrigerant circuit 100 such as the compressor 1 or the outdoor heat exchanger 3 is stored in the memory 41, the weather at a certain time before the current time (for example, 24 hours before). An example is shown in which a condition (for example, outside temperature) is compared with a weather condition at the current time, and a temperature change is corrected and stored based on a difference in the weather condition (for example, an outside temperature difference). In this way, the refrigerant heating output and the refrigerant heating time can be calculated more accurately. Further, weather conditions may be acquired by external communication or user input and reflected in temperature changes.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 11, instead of the detected value of the outside air temperature or the temperature of the refrigerant circuit 100 such as the compressor 1 or the outdoor heat exchanger 3, a subtractor is used for the predicted temperature acquired by external communication or user input. 21 and the delay unit 22 may be input.

  Then, the refrigerant stagnation determining means 12 generates the rotational speed command value ω * ′ and the amplitude command value A ′ based on the refrigerant heating output obtained by the internal configuration shown in FIGS. 7, 10, and 11 described above, The generated rotation speed command value ω * ′ is integrated to generate a voltage phase command value θ ′, which is output together with the amplitude command value A ′ during the refrigerant heating time. Thereby, the refrigerant | coolant heating operation demonstrated in Embodiment 1 is implemented.

  Below, the refrigerant | coolant heating operation process of the air conditioning apparatus concerning Embodiment 2 is demonstrated with reference to FIG. 1, FIG. FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a refrigerant heating operation process of the air-conditioning apparatus according to the second embodiment. Here, as an example of the refrigerant heating operation process of the air-conditioning apparatus according to the second embodiment, the refrigerant heating operation process when the activation time is set in advance by a timer or the like and is clear will be described.

  When waiting for the air conditioner, that is, during the start-up reservation by the timer, the refrigerant stagnation determining means 12 performs outdoor air or compressor or outdoor heat exchange from an arbitrary time within a predetermined period before the scheduled start time to a predetermined period. Whether or not the refrigerant is in a stagnation state at an arbitrary time within the predetermined period described above based on the temperature change of the refrigerant circuit such as the cooler or the transition history of the temperature difference between the outside air temperature or the outdoor heat exchanger temperature and the compressor temperature Is determined (step ST301).

  If it is not in the refrigerant stagnation state (step ST301; No), it is determined whether or not the scheduled start time has been exceeded (step ST302). If the scheduled start time has been exceeded (step ST302; Yes), the air conditioner The normal operation mode is entered (step ST308), and the process is terminated. If the scheduled start time has not been exceeded (step ST302; No), the process returns to step ST301.

  If it is in the refrigerant stagnation state (step ST301; Yes), the temperature sensor 17c estimates the refrigerant stagnation amount, and based on the estimated refrigerant stagnation amount, the refrigerant heating output and the refrigerant necessary for eliminating the refrigerant stagnation state The heating time is calculated (step ST303).

  Subsequently, the refrigerant stagnation determination means 12 determines whether or not the time obtained by adding the refrigerant heating time to the current time exceeds the scheduled start time (step ST304). If the time obtained by adding the refrigerant heating time to the current time does not exceed the scheduled start time (step ST304; No), the process returns to step ST301.

  When the time obtained by adding the refrigerant heating time to the current time exceeds the scheduled activation time (step ST304; Yes), the refrigerant stagnation determining means 12 starts counting the refrigerant heating time, and at the same time the voltage phase command value θ ′ and An amplitude command value A ′ is generated and output. Thereby, the refrigerant heating operation is started (step ST305).

  The refrigerant stagnation determining means 12 determines whether or not the refrigerant heating time has elapsed since the output of the voltage phase command value θ ′ and the amplitude command value A ′ is started (step ST306). If the refrigerant heating time has not elapsed (step ST306; No), the voltage phase command value θ ′ and the amplitude command value A ′ are continuously output until the refrigerant heating time elapses, and when the refrigerant heating time has elapsed (step 306). ST306; Yes), it is determined that the refrigerant staying in the compressor 1 is heated and vaporized and leaked to the outside of the compressor 1, and the outputs of the voltage phase command value θ ′ and the amplitude command value A ′ are output. Stop. Thereby, refrigerant | coolant heating operation stops (step ST307), an air conditioning apparatus transfers to normal operation mode (step ST308), and complete | finishes a process.

  Next, a modification of the refrigerant heating operation process of the air-conditioning apparatus according to Embodiment 2 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a modification of the refrigerant heating operation process of the air-conditioning apparatus according to the second embodiment. Here, as a modified example of the refrigerant heating operation process of the air-conditioning apparatus according to the second embodiment, the refrigerant heating operation process when the next activation time can be predicted will be described.

  When the activation time of the air conditioner is predicted, for example, a weekly calendar may be used for each weekday or holiday classification, or for each day of the week. In addition, when installing the air conditioning apparatus according to the first embodiment in a general household, the wake-up time and the return time are predicted, and when installed for business use, the start time and the like are predicted. May be set as the estimated start time, respectively. Furthermore, the estimated activation time may be changed by the user in unit time increments (for example, in increments of minutes, minutes, or tens of minutes) and may be set as an on-timer. In this case, the refrigerant heating operation process may be executed according to the flowchart of FIG.

  In addition, for example, the predicted start time may be corrected monthly or seasonally using an annual calendar. Further, weather forecast information may be acquired from the Internet or the like on a daily or weekly basis, and each predicted activation time may be corrected. Moreover, you may give the width | variety of starting activation time, for example for several minutes and several tens of minutes.

  During standby of the air conditioner, the refrigerant stagnation determining means 12 is a refrigerant circuit such as outside air or a compressor or an outdoor heat exchanger from an arbitrary time within a predetermined period before a predicted start time predicted in advance to a predetermined period. It is determined whether or not the refrigerant is in a stagnation state at an arbitrary time within the predetermined period described above from the change in temperature of the air or the transition history of the temperature difference between the outdoor air temperature or the outdoor heat exchanger temperature and the compressor temperature ( Step ST401).

  If it is not in the refrigerant stagnation state (step ST401; No), the refrigerant stagnation determination means 12 determines whether or not the driving operation command is input (step ST402). If the driving operation command is not input (step ST402; No), It is determined whether or not the predicted activation time has been exceeded (step ST403).

  When the predicted activation time is exceeded (step ST403; Yes), the process returns to step ST401. If the predicted activation time has not been exceeded (step ST403; No), the process returns to step ST402. If the driving operation command is input (step ST402; Yes), the air conditioner shifts to the normal operation mode (step ST404) and ends the process.

  If it is in the refrigerant stagnation state (step ST401; Yes), the refrigerant stagnation determination means 12 estimates the refrigerant stagnation amount, and based on the estimated refrigerant stagnation amount, the refrigerant heating output and the refrigerant necessary for eliminating the refrigerant stagnation state The heating time is calculated (step ST405).

  Subsequently, the refrigerant stagnation determining means 12 determines whether or not the time obtained by adding the refrigerant heating time to the current time has exceeded the predicted activation time (step ST406). If the time obtained by adding the refrigerant heating time to the current time does not exceed the predicted activation time (step ST406; No), the process returns to step ST401.

  When the time obtained by adding the refrigerant heating time to the current time exceeds the predicted activation time (step ST406; Yes), the refrigerant stagnation determining means 12 starts counting the refrigerant heating time, and at the same time the voltage phase command value θ ′ and An amplitude command value A ′ is generated and output. Thereby, the refrigerant heating operation is started (step ST407).

  The refrigerant stagnation determining means 12 determines whether or not the refrigerant heating time has elapsed since the output of the voltage phase command value θ ′ and the amplitude command value A ′ is started (step ST408). If the refrigerant heating time has not elapsed (step ST408; No), the voltage phase command value θ ′ and the amplitude command value A ′ are continuously output until the refrigerant heating time has elapsed, and when the refrigerant heating time has elapsed (step ST ST408; Yes), it is determined that the refrigerant staying in the compressor 1 is heated and vaporized and leaked to the outside of the compressor 1, and the outputs of the voltage phase command value θ ′ and the amplitude command value A ′ are output. Stop. As a result, the refrigerant heating operation stops (step ST409).

  Subsequently, the refrigerant stagnation determination means 12 determines whether or not a driving operation command is input (step ST402). If the driving operation command is not input (step ST402; No), it is determined whether or not the predicted start time has been exceeded. (Step ST403).

  When the predicted activation time is exceeded (step ST403; Yes), the process returns to step ST401. If the predicted activation time has not been exceeded (step ST403; No), the process returns to step ST402. If the driving operation command is input (step ST402; Yes), the air conditioner shifts to the normal operation mode (step ST404) and ends the process.

  In the flowcharts shown in FIG. 12 and FIG. 13 described above, in step ST306 and step ST408, it is determined whether or not the calculated refrigerant heating time has elapsed, and the refrigerant leakage determination is performed. For example, the refrigerant leakage determination is performed using the temperature change of the outside air described in the example illustrated in FIG. 3 of the first embodiment or the temperature change of the refrigerant circuit 100 such as the compressor 1 or the outdoor heat exchanger 3. Further, for example, the temperature difference between the outside air temperature and the temperature of the compressor 1 described in the example shown in FIG. 4 of the first embodiment, or the temperature and the compression of the outdoor heat exchanger 3. It is also possible to make a refrigerant leak determination using a temperature difference from the temperature of the machine 1. Further, when the refrigerant leakage amount from the compressor 1 can be detected, the refrigerant leakage determination can be performed by directly detecting the refrigerant leakage amount.

  The maximum electric power that can be input during the refrigerant heating operation is determined by each phase winding impedance of the motor 8 and the like. In addition, the electric power that can be input during the refrigerant heating operation may be limited by regulations of the Radio Law. For example, in the case of a heating device with a frequency exceeding 10 kHz and an output of 50 W, there is a restriction by the Radio Law 100, so that the amplitude of the voltage command is adjusted in advance so that it does not exceed 50 W, and the flowing current is detected to be 50 W or less. By feeding back in this manner, the compressor 1 can be heated in compliance with the Radio Law.

  In such a case, even if the upper limit of the amplitude command value A ′ is determined by the upper limit constraint of the electric power that can be input for the refrigerant heating operation as described above, the refrigerant heating time calculated by the output / heating time calculation unit 45 has elapsed. There is a case where the leakage of the refrigerant staying in the compressor 1 is not completed. For this reason, when the upper limit of the amplitude command value A ′ is restricted and the refrigerant heating output calculated by the output / heating time calculating unit 45 cannot be obtained, it is necessary to extend the refrigerant heating time accordingly. is there. In this case, it becomes impossible to shorten the time until the blowout temperature of the indoor unit reaches the predetermined temperature.

  Therefore, for example, the output / heating time calculation unit 45 holds the relationship between the refrigerant heating output, the amplitude command value A ′, and the refrigerant heating time in a table in advance, and the amplitude command value A ′ is set. What is necessary is just to set a refrigerant | coolant heating output and a refrigerant | coolant heating time so that a constraint condition may not be exceeded.

  In both cases, the timing for performing the refrigerant heating operation is the time when the time obtained by adding the refrigerant heating time to the current time exceeds the predicted startup time, or the scheduled startup time or the predicted startup time. The amount of power consumed may be determined by comparison.

  In this case, the refrigerant stagnation determining means 12 estimates the power consumption when the refrigerant heating operation is performed when the time obtained by adding the refrigerant heating time to the current time exceeds the estimated startup time, and the scheduled startup time Alternatively, the outside air temperature at the predicted start time or the temperature of the refrigerant circuit 100 such as the compressor 1 or the outdoor heat exchanger 3 is predicted, and a predicted value of temperature change or temperature difference is obtained from the predicted value, and the predicted value is obtained. Based on this, the refrigerant heating time and the amplitude command value A ′ are obtained, and the power consumption when the refrigerant heating operation is performed at the scheduled start time or the predicted start time is estimated.

  The estimated value of the power consumption when the refrigerant heating operation is performed when the time obtained by adding the refrigerant heating time to the current time exceeds the estimated startup time, and the refrigerant heating operation is performed at the scheduled startup time or the predicted startup time. If the refrigerant heating operation is performed with the smaller power consumption, the power consumption required to eliminate the refrigerant stagnation phenomenon inside the compressor 1 can be suppressed. Can do.

  Moreover, you may make it determine the timing which performs refrigerant | coolant heating operation according to the length of refrigerant | coolant heating time.

  When the refrigerant heating operation is performed at the scheduled start-up time or the predicted start-up time, the time from the planned start-up time or the predicted start-up time until the blowout temperature of the indoor unit reaches a predetermined temperature is the refrigerant heating time, that is, the start-up time Since the time until the compressor 1 starts normal operation and the time until the blowout temperature actually rises and reaches the predetermined temperature after the compressor 1 starts normal operation is added, The longer the heating time is, the longer it takes for the temperature of the indoor unit to reach the predetermined temperature. Therefore, an upper limit threshold is provided for the refrigerant heating time, and when the refrigerant heating time is equal to or greater than the upper threshold, the refrigerant heating operation is performed at a time that is more than the refrigerant heating time before the scheduled activation time or the estimated activation time. That's fine.

  Furthermore, both of the above-described two methods for determining the timing for performing the refrigerant heating operation can be applied. In this case, the user may be able to select whether to give priority to suppression of power consumption or to give priority to shortening the time until the blowout temperature of the indoor unit reaches a predetermined temperature.

  As described above, according to the air conditioning apparatus of the second embodiment, when the activation time is set and clear in advance by a timer or the like, the activation determination is performed in a predetermined period before the set scheduled activation time, Based on the refrigerant stagnation continuation period up to the arbitrary time while recording the transition of the outside air from the arbitrary time within the predetermined period or the temperature change of the refrigerant circuit 100 such as the compressor 1 or the outdoor heat exchanger 3 to a certain period of time. Then, the refrigerant stagnation amount in the compressor 1 is estimated, and based on the estimated refrigerant stagnation amount, the refrigerant heating time and the refrigerant heating output required to eliminate the refrigerant stagnation phenomenon are calculated, and the refrigerant heating is performed from the current time. Since the refrigerant heating operation was performed when the time elapsed exceeded the estimated startup time, the startup time was set in advance by a timer or the like. Even if, in addition to the effects described in the first embodiment, outlet temperature of the indoor unit it is possible to shorten the time until the predetermined temperature.

  Further, when the next start time can be predicted, the start determination is performed in a predetermined period before the predicted start time, and the outside air from the arbitrary time within the predetermined period to the predetermined period or the compressor 1 or the outdoor The transition of the temperature change of the refrigerant circuit 100 such as the heat exchanger 3 is recorded, the amount of refrigerant stagnation inside the compressor 1 is estimated based on the refrigerant stagnation duration until the arbitrary time, and the estimated refrigerant stagnation Based on the amount, the refrigerant heating time and the refrigerant heating output required to eliminate the refrigerant stagnation phenomenon are calculated, and the refrigerant heating operation is performed when the time when the refrigerant heating time has elapsed from the current time is equal to or greater than the predicted start time. In addition to the effects described in the first embodiment, the blowout temperature of the indoor unit becomes a predetermined temperature even when the next start time can be predicted. It is possible to shorten the time in to become.

  In addition, when the operation command is not input after the estimated start time, the normal standby state is restored, so that wasteful power consumption can be suppressed.

  In the above-described embodiment, it has been described that each switching element of the inverter is driven at a high frequency that does not generate rotational torque or unnecessary vibration that drives the motor. For example, the AC voltage applied to each switching element of the inverter If the frequency is about 14 kHz or more, the vibration sound of the motor iron core can be substantially outside the audible range, and the generation of noise can be suppressed. In addition, when a magnet-embedded motor (IPM motor) is applied as a compressor motor, the rotor surface where the high-frequency magnetic flux interlinks also becomes a heat generating portion, which increases the contact surface of the refrigerant and promptly heats the compression mechanism. Since it is realized, it is possible to heat the refrigerant efficiently.

  Moreover, in the air conditioning apparatus concerning embodiment mentioned above, it is suitable to use a scroll type compression mechanism as a compression mechanism of a compressor. In the scroll-type compression mechanism, it is difficult to perform high-pressure relief of the compression chamber. Therefore, if the compressor is started in a state where the refrigerant stays inside the compressor, an excessive stress is applied to the compression mechanism, which is not preferable. According to the air conditioner according to the embodiment, the operation mode is shifted to the normal operation mode after the refrigerant heating operation, so that the compression mechanism can be started up without applying excessive stress.

  Moreover, the structure of the air conditioning apparatus concerning embodiment mentioned above is good also as a structure shown in FIG. 14 as a position modification of the structure shown in FIG. FIG. 14 is a view showing a modification of the air conditioner shown in FIG.

  The maximum voltage that can be applied to the motor 8 by the inverter 9 is determined by the DC bus voltage applied to the inverter 9. As shown in FIG. 14, the DC voltage in the air conditioner is boosted by the boost converter 31 to generate the DC bus voltage Vdc supplied to the inverter 9, thereby increasing the maximum value of the voltage applied to the motor 8. Thus, it is possible to supply a larger electric power to the motor 8 than the example shown in FIG. Note that the internal configuration of the boost converter 31 shown in FIG. 14 is an example, and the same effect can be obtained with other configurations as long as the DC voltage in the air conditioner can be boosted and supplied to the inverter 9. Needless to say, is obtained.

  When a concentrated winding motor having a small stator coil end and low winding resistance is applied as the compressor motor, the amount of heat generated by copper loss generated in the stator winding is small. In order to increase the copper loss, it is necessary to flow a large current through the stator winding. In this case, the current flowing through the inverter also increases, resulting in an excessive inverter loss.

  According to the air conditioner according to the above-described embodiment, by applying a high-frequency voltage, the inductance component of the stator winding increases and the winding impedance increases, so that the current flowing through the stator winding However, by applying a high-frequency voltage, the iron loss increases and the refrigerant can be effectively heated. Furthermore, since the current flowing through the stator winding is small, the inverter loss is also reduced, and the refrigerant can be heated more efficiently.

  When a concentrated winding motor is used as the compressor motor, it is desirable that the stator winding be wound with the phase terminal side of the motor starting to be wound and the neutral point side being ended. FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of how to wind the stator winding of the concentrated winding motor suitable for the air-conditioning apparatus according to the embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 15A, in the case of the concentrated winding motor, the coil is concentrated and wound for each magnetic pole tooth. At this time, the winding start line of each phase winding is located on the inner side of the coil, and the winding end line is located on the surface side of the coil. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 15B, refrigerant impedance exists between the end of winding of the coil and the compressor frame. Therefore, when the coil winding end is connected to the neutral point side, the influence of the refrigerant impedance on the phase voltage is reduced, so that stable phase voltage can be supplied, and noise and vibration can be further reduced.

  Note that the configuration shown in the above embodiment is an example of the configuration of the present invention, and can be combined with another known technique, and a part thereof is omitted without departing from the gist of the present invention. Needless to say, it is possible to change the configuration.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Compressor 2 Four-way valve 3 Outdoor heat exchanger 4 Expansion valve 5 Indoor heat exchanger 6 Refrigerant piping 7 Compression mechanism 8 Motor 9 Inverter 10 Bus voltage detection means 11 Inverter control means 12 Refrigerant stagnation judgment means 13 AC voltage generation means 14 Integration 15 PWM signal generation means 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d, 16e, 16f Switching element 17a, 17b, 17c Temperature sensor 21 Subtractor 22 Delayer 23 Comparator 31 Boost converter 41 Memory 42 Counter 43 Refrigerant stagnation amount estimation unit 44 Heat amount Calculation unit 45 Output / heating time calculation unit 100 Refrigerant circuit

Claims (12)

A compressor for compressing the refrigerant;
An outdoor heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the outside air and the refrigerant;
A motor for driving the compressor;
An inverter for applying a desired voltage to the motor;
Inverter control means for controlling the inverter;
A bus voltage detecting means for detecting a DC bus voltage which is a power supply voltage of the inverter;
With
The inverter control means includes
During operation standby, a start determination is made in a predetermined period before the scheduled start time by the timer setting, and at any time within the predetermined period, based on the internal or external temperature of the compressor, Refrigerant stagnation determining means for determining whether or not the refrigerant stagnation state is likely to cause a refrigerant stagnation phenomenon;
AC voltage generating means for generating and outputting each phase voltage command signal having a frequency higher than that during normal operation when the refrigerant stagnation determining means determines that the refrigerant stagnation state is present;
PWM signal generating means for generating and outputting each phase PWM signal for driving the inverter based on each phase voltage command signal and the DC bus voltage;
Equipped with a,
When the refrigerant stagnation determining means determines that the refrigerant stagnation state is present at an arbitrary time within the predetermined period, the refrigerant stagnation determination means calculates a refrigerant heating time and a refrigerant heating output required to cancel the refrigerant stagnation state, When the time when the refrigerant heating time has elapsed from the time is equal to or greater than the scheduled start time, the amplitude command value and the voltage phase command value are calculated and output based on the refrigerant heating time and the refrigerant heating output,
The AC voltage generating means generates the phase voltage command signals based on the amplitude command value and the voltage phase command value.
An air conditioner characterized by that. A compressor for compressing the refrigerant;
An outdoor heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the outside air and the refrigerant;
A motor for driving the compressor;
An inverter for applying a desired voltage to the motor;
Inverter control means for controlling the inverter;
A bus voltage detecting means for detecting a DC bus voltage which is a power supply voltage of the inverter;
With
The inverter control means includes
At the time of operation standby, the start determination is performed in a predetermined period before the predicted start time predicted in advance, and at any time within the predetermined period, based on the internal or external temperature of the compressor, Refrigerant stagnation determining means for determining whether or not the refrigerant stagnation state is likely to cause a refrigerant stagnation phenomenon;
AC voltage generating means for generating and outputting each phase voltage command signal having a frequency higher than that during normal operation when the refrigerant stagnation determining means determines that the refrigerant stagnation state is present;
PWM signal generating means for generating and outputting each phase PWM signal for driving the inverter based on each phase voltage command signal and the DC bus voltage;
Equipped with a,
When the refrigerant stagnation determining means determines that the refrigerant stagnation state is present at an arbitrary time within the predetermined period, the refrigerant stagnation determination means calculates a refrigerant heating time and a refrigerant heating output required to cancel the refrigerant stagnation state, When the time when the refrigerant heating time has elapsed from the time is equal to or greater than the predicted start time, the amplitude command value and the voltage phase command value are calculated and output based on the refrigerant heating time and the refrigerant heating output,
The AC voltage generating means generates the phase voltage command signals based on the amplitude command value and the voltage phase command value.
An air conditioner characterized by that. The refrigerant stagnation judging means, each weekday or holiday division, or every day of the week, wake-up time, return home time or according to a specific time including opening time to claim 2, characterized in that said start prediction time, Air conditioner. The air conditioning apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein the refrigerant stagnation determining unit corrects the predicted activation time every month or every season. The refrigerant stagnation judging means, the outside air, said outdoor heat exchanger, or wherein, when the temperature change of the compressor is a positive value, from claim 1, wherein determining that the a refrigerant stagnation state 4 The air conditioning apparatus as described in any one of. The refrigerant stagnation determining means determines that the refrigerant is in a stagnation state when a temperature difference obtained by subtracting the temperature of the compressor from the outside air temperature or the temperature of the outdoor heat exchanger is a positive value. The air conditioning apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4 . The refrigerant stagnation determining means records the temperature change from the arbitrary time within the predetermined period to a certain period before, or the transition of the temperature difference, and based on the duration of the refrigerant stagnation state until the arbitrary time, The air conditioning apparatus according to claim 5 or 6 , wherein the refrigerant stagnation amount in the compressor is estimated, and the refrigerant heating output and the refrigerant heating time are calculated based on the refrigerant stagnation amount. . The air conditioning apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7 , wherein the DC bus voltage is obtained by boosting an arbitrary DC voltage. The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 8 , wherein a frequency of a voltage applied to the motor by the inverter is about 14 kHz or more. The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 9 , wherein the rotor of the motor has an IPM structure. The stator winding direction of the motor according to any one of claims 1 to 10 , wherein the phase terminal side of the motor starts winding and the neutral point side of the motor ends winding. Air conditioner. The air conditioning apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11 , wherein the compression mechanism of the compressor is of a scroll type.

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