Control devices, control systems

Abstract

There is a problem of setting the same data collection interval for all controls in a refrigeration cycle device during polling. A control device (10) is connected to a first device (30, 30a, 30b, 30c) in a communicative manner to control the first device (30). The control device (10) includes a data collection unit (11) and a collection interval determination unit (12). The data collection unit (11) collects data for control from the first device (30) through polling. The collection interval determination unit (12) determines the data collection interval (CI) of the data collection unit (11) based on the setting content (SU, SU1, SU2, SU3, SU4) of the control.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a control device and a control system. Background Art

[0002] As shown in Patent Document 1 (International Publication No. WO2018 / 179366), there is a technology that, when collecting operating data of a plurality of refrigeration cycle devices, determines a priority according to the refrigeration cycle device and sets a data collection interval according to the priority. Summary of the invention

[0003] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0004] In Patent Document 1, since the data collection interval is set for each refrigeration cycle device, the same data collection interval is set for all controls in the refrigeration cycle device. Therefore, there is a problem that appropriate data cannot be collected for each control.

[0005] Means for solving problems

[0006] The control device of the first viewpoint is connected to the first device in a communicable manner and controls the first device. The control device includes a data collection unit and a collection interval determination unit. The data collection unit collects data for control from the first device by polling. The collection interval determination unit determines the data collection interval of the data collection unit based on the setting content of the control.

[0007] In the control device of the first aspect, the collection interval determination unit determines the data collection interval of the data collection unit based on the setting content of the control for the first device (refrigeration cycle device, etc.). Therefore, the control device can set a different data collection interval for each control in the first device. As a result, the control device can perform appropriate data collection at each control.

[0008] The control device of the second aspect is based on the control device of the first aspect, and performs a plurality of controls on one first device.

[0009] The control device according to the second aspect can determine the data collection interval for each of a plurality of controls performed on one first device by means of such a configuration.

[0010] The control device of the third aspect is the control device of the first aspect, and is connected to a plurality of first devices in a communicable manner. The control device performs a plurality of controls on each of the plurality of first devices.

[0011] The control device according to the third aspect has such a configuration, so that the data collection interval can be determined for each of the plurality of controls performed on the plurality of first devices.

[0012] A control device according to a fourth aspect is the control device according to the second aspect or the third aspect, further comprising a storage unit, wherein the storage unit stores one or more data items constituting data for each control.

[0013] The control device according to the fourth aspect can determine one or more data items to be collected for each control by such a configuration.

[0014] A control device according to a fifth aspect is the control device according to the fourth aspect, wherein the storage unit further stores a collection interval for each data item.

[0015] The control device according to the fifth aspect can determine the collection interval for each data item by such a configuration.

[0016] A control device according to a sixth aspect is the control device according to the fourth aspect or the fifth aspect, wherein the collection interval determination unit determines the collection interval for each data item so that a total number of collection times per unit time by the data collection unit is equal to or less than a first predetermined number of times.

[0017] The control device of the sixth aspect can determine the collection interval for each data item by such a configuration so that the total number of collection times per unit time does not exceed the first predetermined number of times which is an upper limit value determined according to the network structure or the like.

[0018] The control device of the seventh aspect is based on the control device of any one of the fourth to sixth aspects, wherein the collection interval determination unit determines the collection interval of each data item in such a manner that the number of collection times of each data item per unit time by the data collection unit is greater than a second prescribed number determined for each data item.

[0019] The control device of the seventh aspect can determine the collection interval for each data item by such a configuration so that the number of collection times for each data item per unit time is equal to or greater than the second predetermined number of times which is the minimum number of collection times required to maintain each control.

[0020] The control device of an eighth aspect is the control device of any one of the fifth to seventh aspects, wherein the storage unit further stores a first rule for determining a collection interval of the data item according to the control setting content. The collection interval determination unit determines the collection interval of the data item according to the control setting content based on the first rule.

[0021] The control device according to the eighth aspect has such a configuration, and can determine the collection interval of the data items according to the setting content of the control based on the content of the first rule.

[0022] The control device of a ninth aspect is the control device of any one of the fifth to seventh aspects, wherein the storage unit further stores a second rule for determining the priority of the data item to be collected according to the setting content of the control. The collection interval determination unit determines the priority of the data item according to the setting content of the control based on the second rule. The collection interval determination unit determines the collection interval of the data item based on the determined priority.

[0023] The control device of the ninth aspect can determine the collection interval of the data items according to the setting content of the control based on the content of the second rule by such a configuration.

[0024] The control device according to a tenth aspect is the control device according to the ninth aspect, wherein the collection interval determination unit determines the collection interval for each data item by proportionally allocating the first predetermined number of times per unit time according to the priority of each data item.

[0025] The control device according to the tenth aspect has such a configuration, and can determine the collection interval for each data item by allocating the first predetermined number of times in proportion to the priority of each data item.

[0026] The control device of an eleventh aspect is the control device of the ninth aspect, wherein the storage unit further stores a third rule for determining the collection interval of the data item according to the priority of the data item. The collection interval determination unit determines the collection interval of the data item according to the priority of the data item based on the third rule.

[0027] The control device according to the eleventh aspect can determine the collection interval of the data items according to the priority of the data items in accordance with the content of the third rule by such a configuration.

[0028] A control system according to a twelfth aspect includes the control device according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects and one or more first devices. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] Figure 1 It is the overall structural diagram of the air conditioning system.

[0030] Figure 2 : is a diagram showing a refrigerant circuit of a refrigeration unit.

[0031] Figure 3 It is a functional block diagram of the control device.

[0032] Figure 4 is a flowchart of the polling process performed by the control device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] (1) Overall structure of air conditioning system

[0034] The air conditioning system 100 performs air conditioning of a target space RM in a building. Figure 1 1 is an overall structural diagram of the air conditioning system 100. Figure 1 As shown, the air conditioning system 100 includes a control system 200 . The control system 200 includes a control device 10 and one or more first devices 30 .

[0035] The first device 30 is an air conditioner such as an air conditioner or a heat source device. The air conditioning system 100 has one or more first devices 30 of various types. In this embodiment, the first device 30 is three refrigeration units 30a to 30c. Figure 1 In FIG. 1 , refrigeration units 30 a to 30 c are shown as the first device 30 .

[0036] The control device 10 is a device for controlling the first device 30. The air conditioning system 100 has one or more control devices 10 of multiple types. The control device 10 can perform multiple controls on one first device 30, or can perform multiple controls on multiple first devices 30 respectively. In this embodiment, the control device 10 performs multiple controls on three refrigeration units 30a to 30c respectively.

[0037] like Figure 1 As shown, the control device 10 is connected to the refrigeration units 30a to 30c in a communicable manner via a network NW. The network NW is, for example, Modbus, BACnet, Ethernet, or the like.

[0038] In addition, if Figure 1 As shown, the air conditioning system 100 has an air conditioning unit 80. Figure 1 , one of the plurality of air conditioning units 80 is shown as a representative. In the present embodiment, the air conditioning unit 80 is assumed to be an air handling unit. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the air conditioning unit 80 may be other air conditioners such as a fan coil unit.

[0039] (2) Detailed structure of air conditioning system

[0040] (2-1) Refrigeration unit

[0041] Figure 2 30a to 30c is a diagram showing the refrigerant circuit of the refrigeration units 30a to 30c. Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the refrigeration units 30a-30c mainly include compressors 32a-32c, radiators 34a-34c, expansion valves 36a-36c, evaporators 38a-38c, primary pumps 41a-41c, various sensors (not shown) and control units 39a-39c. The compressors 32a-32c, radiators 34a-34c, expansion valves 36a-36c, and evaporators 38a-38c are connected through the first refrigerant circuit 31a-31c. The first refrigerant circuit 31a-31c is filled with a refrigerant such as R32. The primary pumps 41a-41c are provided in the heat source side flow paths 40a-40c. Water as a heat medium flows in the heat source side circuits 48a-48c.

[0042] The compressors 32a to 32c suck low-pressure refrigerant, compress the refrigerant through a compression mechanism (not shown), and discharge the compressed refrigerant. The compressors 32a to 32c are, for example, positive displacement compressors of a rotary type or a scroll type. The compression mechanism of the compressors 32a to 32c is driven by a compressor motor (not shown). The compressor motor is a motor capable of speed control based on an inverter. By controlling the speed of the compressor motor, the capacity of the compressors 32a to 32c is controlled.

[0043] The radiators 34a to 34c have first heat transfer tubes connected to the first refrigerant circuits 31a to 31c and second heat transfer tubes connected to the second refrigerant circuits 60a to 60c. The radiators 34a to 34c perform heat exchange between the refrigerant flowing in the first heat transfer tubes on the first refrigerant circuits 31a to 31c and the heat medium flowing in the second heat transfer tubes on the second refrigerant circuits 60a to 60c. The radiators 34a to 34c are, for example, tube-fin type heat exchangers having a plurality of heat transfer tubes and fins.

[0044] The expansion valves 36a to 36c are mechanisms for adjusting the pressure and flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through the first refrigerant circuits 31a to 31c. In the present embodiment, the expansion valves 36a to 36c are electronic expansion valves.

[0045] The evaporators 38a to 38c include first heat transfer tubes connected to the first refrigerant circuits 31a to 31c and second heat transfer tubes connected to the heat source side flow paths 40a to 40c. The evaporators 38a to 38c perform heat exchange between the refrigerant flowing in the first heat transfer tubes on the first refrigerant circuits 31a to 31c and the heat medium flowing in the second heat transfer tubes on the heat source side flow paths 40a to 40c. The evaporators 38a to 38c are, for example, tube-fin type heat exchangers including a plurality of heat transfer tubes and fins.

[0046] The primary pumps 41a to 41c deliver water from the heat source side flow paths 40a to 40c from the upstream side to the downstream side. The primary pumps 41a to 41c are variable frequency driven pumps, so their capacities can be adjusted, and the water supply pressure (or discharge flow rate) can be regulated.

[0047] In this embodiment, the various sensors provided in the refrigeration units 30a to 30c include a cold water temperature sensor, an outside air temperature sensor, and an outside air humidity sensor. The cold water temperature sensor measures the temperature of water flowing in the heat source side flow paths 40a to 40c after passing through the evaporators 38a to 38c. The outside air temperature sensor measures the temperature of the outdoor air where the refrigeration units 30a to 30c are provided. The outside air humidity sensor measures the humidity of the outdoor air where the refrigeration units 30a to 30c are provided.

[0048] The control units 39a to 39c receive control signals from the control device 10 and control the operation of the refrigeration units 30a to 30c. The control units 39a to 39c include a control operation device and a storage device. The control operation device can use a processor such as a CPU or a GPU. The control operation device reads out a program stored in the storage device and performs a predetermined operation process according to the program. Furthermore, the control operation device can write the operation result to the storage device or read out the information stored in the storage device according to the program. In addition, the control units 39a to 39c include a timer.

[0049] The control units 39a to 39c are electrically connected to each device such as the compressors 32a to 32c and primary pumps 41a to 41c in the refrigeration units 30a to 30c, and various sensors such as an outside air temperature sensor, an outside air humidity sensor, and a water supply temperature sensor so as to exchange control signals and information.

[0050] like Figure 1As shown, the control units 39a to 39c are connected to the control device 10 via the network NW so as to be able to communicate. The control units 39a to 39c receive control signals from the control device 10 via the network NW. In addition, the control units 39a to 39c periodically send data required by the control device 10 to control the refrigeration units 30a to 30c to the control device 10. In the present embodiment, the data sent by the control units 39a to 39c to the control device 10 is composed of an operating capacity DI1, a water supply temperature DI2, an external air humidity DI3, and an external air temperature DI4. Hereinafter, the operating capacity DI1, the water supply temperature DI2, the external air humidity DI3, and the external air temperature DI4 are described as data items DI. The operating capacity DI1 is an index indicating the operating amount of the refrigeration unit 30a to 30c, and is calculated based on the rotation speed of the compressor motor of the compressor 32a to 32c, etc. The water supply temperature DI2 is a measurement value of the water supply temperature sensor. The external air humidity DI3 is a measurement value of the external air humidity sensor. The outside air temperature DI4 is a measurement value of the outside air temperature sensor. The data item DI that the control units 39a to 39c send to the control device 10 depends on the type of control that the control device 10 performs on the refrigeration units 30a to 30c.

[0051] (2-2) Second refrigerant circuit

[0052] The second refrigerant circuits 60a to 60c are filled with water as a heat medium. Figure 2 As shown, the radiators 34a to 34c, water pumps 62a to 62c, and cooling towers CTa to CTc are connected to the second refrigerant circuits 60a to 60c. The water pumps 62a to 62c can adjust the discharge flow rate to circulate the water in the second refrigerant circuits 60a to 60c. The cooling towers CTa to CTc cool the water circulating in the second refrigerant circuits 60a to 60c. Figure 2 In FIG. 1 , arrows indicated on the water pumps 62 a to 62 c indicate the direction in which water flows.

[0053] (2-3) Heat source side circuit

[0054] Water as a heat medium flows through the heat source side circuits 48a to 48c. Figure 2 As shown, the heat source side circuit 48a~48c has: a heat source side flow path 40a~40c; a primary pump 41a~41c, which is provided in the middle of the heat source side flow path 40a~40c; and a heat transfer pipe portion of the evaporator 38a~38c connected to the heat source side flow path 40a~40c. In the evaporator 38a~38c, the water as the heat medium circulating in the heat source side flow path 40a~40c is cooled. Figure 2 In FIG. 1 , arrows indicated on the primary pumps 41 a to 41 c indicate the direction in which water flows.

[0055] (2-4) Return water header

[0056] like Figure 1 As shown, the water passing through the utilization side circuit 46 is sent to the heat source side circuits 48a to 48c via the return header 50. The upstream side of the heat source side circuits 48a to 48c is connected to the downstream side of the return header 50. The downstream side of the utilization downstream side confluence pipe 45 described later is connected to the upstream side of the return header 50.

[0057] The return water header 50 is provided with a flow sensor (not shown) for measuring the flow rate of water passing therethrough.

[0058] (2-5) Water supply header

[0059] like Figure 1 As shown, water passing through the heat source side circuits 48a to 48c is sent to the utilization side circuit 46 via the water supply header 90. The downstream side of the heat source side circuits 48a to 48c is connected to the upstream side of the water supply header 90. The upstream side of the utilization upstream side confluence pipe 42 described later is connected to the downstream side of the water supply header 90.

[0060] The water supply header 90 is provided with a secondary pump (not shown) that can deliver water from the heat source side circuits 48a to 48c to the utilization side circuit 46. The secondary pump is an inverter driven pump that can adjust the capacity and the discharge flow rate.

[0061] (2-6) Bypass circuit

[0062] like Figure 1 As shown, the bypass circuit 49 extends from the water supply header 90 and extends to the water return header 50 without merging with the heat source side circuits 48 a to 48 c and the utilization side circuit 46 .

[0063] The bypass circuit 49 is provided to return water excessively supplied to the water supply header 90 to the water return header 50 .

[0064] (2-7) Utilization side circuit

[0065] like Figure 1 As shown, the upstream-side confluence pipe 42 extending from the water supply header 90 toward the downstream side is divided into the utilization side loop 46 and the pipes connected to other utilization side loops not shown in the figure at the branching point P1. In addition, the utilization side loop 46 and the pipes connected to other utilization side loops not shown in the figure merge at the confluence point P2. The downstream-side confluence pipe 45 extends from the confluence point P2, and the downstream end of the downstream-side confluence pipe 45 is connected to the return header 50.

[0066] Water as a heat medium flows in the utilization side circuit 46. The utilization side circuit 46 includes a utilization side flow path 43, a flow control valve 44 provided in the middle of the utilization side flow path 43, and an air cooling heat exchanger 82 connected to the utilization side flow path 43. The flow control valve 44 adjusts the flow rate of water flowing in the utilization side flow path 43 by controlling the valve opening.

[0067] (2-8) Air conditioning unit

[0068] like Figure 1 As shown, the air conditioning unit 80 has a shell 81 of a roughly rectangular shape. An air passage for air circulation is formed inside the shell 81. One end of the ventilation duct RA is connected to the inlet end of the air passage of the shell 81. The other end of the ventilation duct RA is connected to the target space RM. In addition, the inlet end of the air passage is connected to one end of the external air duct OA. The other end of the external air duct OA is connected to the outside. One end of the air supply duct SA is connected to the outflow end of the air passage. The other end of the air supply duct SA is connected to the target space RM. The air in the target space RM and the air outside the house are introduced into the shell 81 through the ventilation duct RA and the external air duct OA, respectively. The temperature and humidity of the introduced air are adjusted in the shell 81. The air with adjusted temperature and humidity is transported to the target space RM through the air supply duct SA. In this way, air conditioning is performed in the target space RM.

[0069] In the air passage in the housing 81, an air cooling heat exchanger 82, an electric heater 84, a water spray humidifier 86, and a blower fan 88 are sequentially arranged from the upstream side to the downstream side. The air cooling heat exchanger 82 is a device that cools the air to lower the temperature of the air, or dehumidifies the air to lower the humidity. The air cooling heat exchanger 82 is a tube-fin type heat exchanger having a plurality of heat transfer fins and heat transfer tubes passing through the heat transfer fins. The electric heater 84 heats the air that has passed through the air cooling heat exchanger 82. The electric heater 84 can adjust the heating amount of the air. The water spray humidifier 86 humidifies the air flowing in the housing 81 by dispersing water from a box (not shown) arranged outside the housing 81 into the air from a nozzle. The water spray humidifier 86 can adjust the humidification amount of the air. The blower fan 88 generates a flow of air that is blown to the target space RM via the air cooling heat exchanger 82, the electric heater 84, and the water spray humidifier 86. The air blowing fan 88 can adjust the air blowing amount by changing the rotation speed stepwise through inverter control.

[0070] (2-9) Control device

[0071] The control device 10 controls the refrigeration units 30a to 30c (first device 30). Figure 3 is a functional block diagram of the control device 10. Figure 3As shown, the control device 10 mainly includes a data collection unit 11 and a collection interval determination unit 12 .

[0072] The control device 10 includes a control operation device and a storage device. The control operation device can use a processor such as a CPU or a GPU. The control operation device reads out a program stored in the storage device and performs a predetermined operation process according to the program. Furthermore, the control operation device can write the operation result to the storage device according to the program, or read out the information stored in the storage device. In addition, the control device 10 includes a timer. The data collection unit 11, the collection interval determination unit 12, the storage unit 13 described later, and the control setting unit 14 described later are various functional blocks implemented by the control operation device and the storage device.

[0073] The control device 10 is configured to receive various signals transmitted from a remote controller (not shown) operated by a user. The various signals transmitted from the remote controller include signals for instructing the operation / stop of the refrigeration units 30a to 30c and signals related to various settings. The signals related to various settings include, for example, signals for changing the setting contents SU of each control of the refrigeration units 30a to 30c, signals for switching the operation mode, and signals related to the set temperature and set humidity.

[0074] like Figure 1 As shown, the control device 10 is connected to the refrigeration units 30a to 30c (first device 30) in a communicable manner via the network NW. The control device 10 transmits control signals to the refrigeration units 30a to 30c via the network NW based on various signals transmitted from a remote controller.

[0075] In the present embodiment, the control performed by the control device 10 on the refrigeration units 30a to 30c is light load operation control, cold water antifreeze control, dual set point control, and natural cooling control. These controls are examples of the control performed by the control device 10 on the refrigeration units 30a to 30c. Therefore, the control performed by the control device 10 on the refrigeration units 30a to 30c is not limited to these.

[0076] The light load operation control is a control for making the refrigeration units 30a to 30c perform light load operation based on the operation capacity DI1 of the refrigeration units 30a to 30c and the water supply temperature DI2. Specifically, the light load operation control is, for example, the following control: when the operation capacity DI1 of the refrigeration units 30a to 30c is less than 25% and the water supply temperature DI2 is less than 7.5°C for a predetermined time SU1, the user is notified and the refrigeration units 30a to 30c are made to perform light load operation. In other words, when the refrigeration units 30a to 30c are not operated much and the water supply temperature DI2 is low to a certain extent for a predetermined time SU1, the control device 10 makes the refrigeration units 30a to 30c perform light load operation. The predetermined time SU1 is the setting content SU of the light load operation control.

[0077] The cold water antifreeze control is a control for forcibly operating the primary pumps 41a to 41c based on the water supply temperature DI2 of the refrigeration units 30a to 30c and the outside air temperature DI4. Specifically, the cold water antifreeze control is, for example, a control such that when the water supply temperature DI2 of the refrigeration units 30a to 30c is below 3.0°C and the outside air temperature DI4 is below 0°C for a predetermined time SU2, the primary pumps 41a to 41c are forcibly operated. In other words, when the water supply temperature DI2 and the outside air temperature DI4 are lower than a certain level for a predetermined time SU2, the control device 10 forcibly operates the primary pumps 41a to 41c to prevent water from freezing. The predetermined time SU2 is the setting content SU of the cold water antifreeze control.

[0078] The dual set point control is a control for changing the set temperature based on the outside air temperature DI4 of the refrigeration units 30a to 30c. Specifically, the dual set point control is, for example, a control for changing the set temperature of the refrigeration units 30a to 30c when the outside air temperature DI4 of the refrigeration units 30a to 30c is 20°C or less for a predetermined time SU3. In other words, when the outside air temperature DI4 is low to a certain extent for a predetermined time SU3, the control device 10 increases the set temperature of the refrigeration units 30a to 30c for energy saving. The predetermined time SU3 is the setting content SU of the dual set point control.

[0079] The natural cooling control is a control for stopping the operation of the refrigeration units 30a to 30c based on the external air humidity DI3 and the external air temperature DI4 of the refrigeration units 30a to 30c. Specifically, the natural cooling control is, for example, a control such that when the wet-bulb temperature (calculated based on the external air humidity DI3 and the external air temperature DI4) of the refrigeration units 30a to 30c is below 13°C and the external air temperature DI4 is below 18°C ​​for a predetermined time SU4, the operation of the refrigeration units 30a to 30c is stopped. In other words, when the wet-bulb temperature and the external air temperature DI4 are lower than a certain level for a predetermined time SU4, the control device 10 can use the external air for cooling, and therefore stops the operation of the refrigeration units 30a to 30c. The predetermined time SU4 is the setting content SU of the natural cooling control.

[0080] (2-9-1) Data Collection Department

[0081] The data collection unit 11 collects data for light load operation control, cold water antifreeze control, dual set point control, and natural cooling control from the refrigeration units 30a to 30c (first device 30) by polling. Here, the term "polling" is used to mean collecting data regularly. In addition, the data is composed of data items DI. As described above, in this embodiment, the data items DI are the operating capacity DI1, the water supply temperature DI2, the outside air humidity DI3, and the outside air temperature DI4.

[0082] like Figure 3 As shown, the data collection unit 11 collects data items DI from the refrigeration units 30a to 30c with reference to two tables stored in the storage unit 13. The first table is a table that determines the correspondence between the type of control and the data items DI to be collected in order to perform the control (hereinafter, described as "control × data item table TBL1"). The second table is a table that determines the collection interval CI for each data item DI (hereinafter, described as "data item × collection interval table TBL2"). In this embodiment, the collection interval CI is expressed by the number of collections per unit time.

[0083] (2-9-2) Storage unit

[0084] The storage unit 13 stores various data in a storage device.

[0085] like Figure 3 As shown, the storage unit 13 stores one or more data items DI constituting data collected from the refrigeration units 30a to 30c according to the type of control. This corresponds to the above-mentioned control×data item table TBL1. The following Table 1 summarizes the contents of the control×data item table TBL1.

[0086] [Table 1]

[0087]

[0088] In Table 1, corresponding parts are indicated with circles. For example, to perform light load operation control, the operation capacity DI1 and the water supply temperature DI2 are required as data items DI. The data collection unit 11 can determine the data items DI to be collected for each type of control by referring to the control×data item table TBL1.

[0089] In addition, if Figure 3 As shown, the storage unit 13 further stores the collection interval CI for each data item DI. This corresponds to the above-mentioned data item × collection interval table TBL2. The collection interval CI is determined by the collection interval determination unit 12. A specific example of the data item × collection interval table TBL2 is Table 4 or Table 6 described later. The data collection unit 11 can determine the collection interval CI for each data item DI by referring to the data item × collection interval table TBL2.

[0090] In addition, if Figure 3 As shown, the storage unit 13 further stores a second rule RL for determining the priority PR for collecting each data item DI according to the control setting content SU. The details of the second rule RL will be described later.

[0091] (2-9-3) Control setting section

[0092] like Figure 3 As shown, the control setting unit 14 sets the setting contents SU of each control. As described above, in this embodiment, the setting contents SU are the predetermined time periods SU1-SU4.

[0093] For example, when the refrigeration units 30a to 30c are activated, the control setting unit 14 sets initial values ​​for the predetermined time periods SU1 to SU4.

[0094] For example, when the setting content SU of the control is changed by the user, the control setting unit 14 sets the changed value for each of the predetermined time periods SU1 to SU4.

[0095] (2-9-4) Collection interval determination unit

[0096] The collection interval determination unit 12 determines the data collection interval CI of the data collection unit 11 based on the control setting content SU. Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 1 , the determined collection interval CI is stored in the data item×collection interval table TBL2 by the storage unit 13 .

[0097] First, if Figure 3As shown, the collection interval determination unit 12 determines the priority PR when collecting the data item DI according to the setting content SU of the control based on the second rule RL. The second rule RL is stored in the storage device through the storage unit 13.

[0098] In the second rule RL of the present embodiment, as shown in the following Table 2, for each data item DI, the priority PR (partial priority) is determined according to the type of corresponding control. In Table 2, the partial priority is shown in the circled position of Table 1. In the second rule RL of the present embodiment, the priority PR of each data item DI is the maximum value of the corresponding partial priority. In Table 2, the priority PR of each data item DI is shown in the rightmost column. In Table 2, the priority PR of each data item DI is the maximum value of the partial priority in the row direction. For example, for the water supply temperature DI2, the partial priority of the light load operation control is 2, and the partial priority of the cold water antifreeze control is 2, so the priority PR of the water supply temperature DI2 becomes their maximum value, that is, 2.

[0099] [Table 2]

[0100]

[0101] The second rule RL defines a partial priority (initial partial priority) when the setting contents SU of each control take an initial value. The initial partial priority is defined based on, for example, past data.

[0102] In addition, in the second rule RL of the present embodiment, a partial priority is determined when the setting content SU of each control is changed by the user.

[0103] The second rule RL for light load operation control is, for example, the following rule: "Whenever the specified time SU1 is shortened by X minutes from the initial value, the partial priorities of the operating capacity DI1 and the water supply temperature DI2 for light load operation control are set to values ​​increased by 1 from their respective initial partial priorities, and whenever the specified time SU1 is extended by Y minutes from the initial value, the partial priorities of the operating capacity DI1 and the water supply temperature DI2 for light load operation control are set to values ​​decreased by 1 from their respective initial partial priorities." This means that, for example, when the user shortens the specified time SU1, it is necessary to determine whether to perform light load operation in a short time, so the operating capacity DI1 and the water supply temperature DI2 are frequently collected. Here, X minutes and Y minutes are specified values ​​such as 5 minutes. The same applies to the X minutes and Y minutes described below.

[0104] The second rule RL regarding cold water antifreeze control is, for example, the following rule: "Whenever the specified time SU2 is shortened by X minutes from the initial value, the partial priority of the water supply temperature DI2 and the external air temperature DI4 for cold water antifreeze control is set to a value increased by 1 from their respective initial partial priority; whenever the specified time SU2 is extended by X minutes from the initial value, the partial priority of the water supply temperature DI2 and the external air temperature DI4 for cold water antifreeze control is set to a value decreased by 1 from their respective initial partial priority."

[0105] The second rule RL for the dual set point control is, for example, the following rule: "Whenever the prescribed time SU3 is shortened by X minutes from the initial value, the partial priority of the external air temperature DI4 for the dual set point control is set to a value increased by 1 from the initial partial priority of the external air temperature DI4, and whenever the prescribed time SU3 is extended by X minutes from the initial value, the partial priority of the external air temperature DI4 for the dual set point control is set to a value decreased by 1 from the initial partial priority of the external air temperature DI4."

[0106] The second rule RL for natural cooling control is, for example, the following rule: "Whenever the specified time SU4 is shortened by X minutes from the initial value, the partial priority of the external air humidity DI3 and the external air temperature DI4 for natural cooling control is set to a value increased by 1 from their respective initial partial priority; whenever the specified time SU4 is extended by X minutes from the initial value, the partial priority of the external air humidity DI3 and the external air temperature DI4 for natural cooling control is set to a value reduced by 1 from their respective initial partial priority."

[0107] Next, if Figure 3 As shown, the collection interval determination unit 12 determines the collection interval CI of the data item DI based on the determined priority PR. The collection interval determination unit 12 determines the collection interval CI of each data item DI so that the total number of collections per unit time of the data collection unit 11 is less than or equal to a first predetermined number of times. The first predetermined number of times is set to, for example, the maximum number of collections that can be achieved by the specifications of the network NW, the control device 10, and the specifications of the refrigeration units 30a to 30c.

[0108] The collection interval determination unit 12 determines the collection interval CI for each data item DI by proportionally allocating the first predetermined number of times per unit time according to the priority PR of each data item DI.

[0109] In addition, the collection interval determination unit 12 determines the collection interval CI of each data item DI in such a manner that the number of collections of each data item DI by the data collection unit 11 per unit time is equal to or greater than the second prescribed number determined for each data item DI. The second prescribed number is the minimum number of collections. When there is a number of collections less than the second prescribed number among the number of collections of each data item DI obtained by proportionally allocating the first prescribed number per unit time with the priority PR, the collection interval determination unit 12 changes the number of collections to the second prescribed number, for example. This increase is achieved, for example, by proportionally allocating other data items DI with the priority PR to reduce the number of collections of other data items DI.

[0110] Hereinafter, the collection interval CI when the refrigeration units 30a to 30c are activated and the collection interval CI when the setting contents SU of the control are changed by the user after the activation will be described with reference to specific examples.

[0111] (2-9-4-1) Collection interval at startup

[0112] In this case, the initial value is set for the setting content SU of each control by the control setting unit 14. Therefore, the initial section priority is set for the section priority.

[0113] Table 3 below shows an example in which the priority PR is determined for each data item DI of the refrigeration units 30a to 30c.

[0114] [Table 3]

[0115]

[0116] Table 4 below is a table in which a column of collection interval CI is added to Table 3. Some priorities are omitted. In Table 4, the collection interval CI of each data item DI of the refrigeration units 30a to 30c is determined by proportionally allocating the first prescribed number of times per unit time according to the priority PR. In Table 4, the first prescribed number of times is set to 300 times.

[0117] [Table 4]

[0118]

[0119] As shown in Table 4, for example, the operating capacity DI1 of the refrigeration unit 30a is determined to be 50 collections per unit time. Here, when the calculated number of collections per unit time is not an integer, for example, the decimal point of the calculation result is rounded off. In Table 4, the outside air humidity DI3 of the refrigeration unit 30a is rounded off.

[0120] (2-9-4-2) Collection interval when control settings are changed by the user

[0121] Table 5 below shows a case where the user changes the prescribed time SU3 of the dual set point control of the refrigeration unit 30a from the state of Table 3, and the corresponding partial priority of the outside air temperature DI4 increases from 1 as the initial partial priority to 2. Along with this, in Table 5, the priority PR of the outside air temperature DI4 of the refrigeration unit 30a increases from 1 to 2.

[0122] [Table 5]

[0123]

[0124] Table 6 below is a table in which a column of collection interval CI is added to Table 5. Some priorities are omitted. In Table 6, the first prescribed number of times per unit time is proportionally allocated by the priority PR to determine the collection interval CI of each data item DI of the refrigeration units 30a to 30c. In Table 6, the first prescribed number of times is set to 300 times, similarly to Table 4.

[0125] [Table 6]

[0126]

[0127] (3) Processing

[0128] use Figure 4 The polling process of the control device 10 is described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0129] As shown in step S1, when the refrigeration units 30a to 30c are started up, the control device 10 sets initial values ​​for the setting contents SU of each control of the refrigeration units 30a to 30c.

[0130] After step S1 is completed, as shown in step S2, the control device 10 determines the priority PR of each data item DI of the refrigeration units 30a to 30c based on the setting content SU (initial value) of each control.

[0131] After step S2 is completed, as shown in step S3, the control device 10 proportionally distributes the first predetermined number of times according to the priority PR determined in step S2, and determines the collection interval CI of each data item DI of the refrigeration units 30a to 30c.

[0132] After step S3 is completed, as shown in step S4, the control device 10 collects each data item DI from the refrigeration units 30a to 30c based on the control×data item table TBL1 and the data item×collection interval table TBL2 reflecting the collection interval CI determined in step S3.

[0133] After step S4 is finished, as shown in step S5, the control device 10 determines whether there is a refrigeration unit 30a-30c in operation. In other words, the control device 10 determines whether the user has stopped all refrigeration units 30a-30c. If there is a refrigeration unit 30a-30c being started, the control device 10 proceeds to step S6. If there is no refrigeration unit 30a-30c being started, the control device 10 ends the processing.

[0134] When the control goes to step S6 from step S5, as shown in step S6, the control device 10 determines whether the control setting content SU has been changed by the user. If the control setting content SU has been changed by the user, the control device 10 goes to step S7. If the control setting content SU has not been changed by the user, the control device 10 returns to step S4 and continues data collection.

[0135] When the process proceeds from step S6 to step S7 , as shown in step S7 , the control device 10 determines the priority PR of the refrigeration units 30 a to 30 c whose control settings SU are changed, based on the second rule RL and the changed settings SU.

[0136] After step S7 is completed, as shown in step S8, the control device 10 proportionally distributes the first predetermined number of times according to the priority PR determined in step S7, and determines the collection interval CI of each data item DI of the refrigeration units 30a to 30c.

[0137] After finishing step S8, the control device 10 returns to step S4 to continue data collection.

[0138] (4) Features

[0139] (4-1)

[0140] Conventionally, there is a technique in which, when collecting the operation data of a plurality of refrigeration cycle devices, a priority is determined for each refrigeration cycle device, and a data collection interval is set according to the priority.

[0141] However, in the prior art, since the data collection interval is set for each refrigeration cycle device, the same data collection interval is set for all controls in the refrigeration cycle device, which results in a problem that appropriate data cannot be collected for each control.

[0142] In the control device 10 of the present embodiment, the collection interval determination unit 12 determines the data collection interval CI of the data collection unit 11 based on the setting content SU of the control for the first device 30 (refrigeration cycle device, etc.). Therefore, the control device 10 can set a different data collection interval CI for each control in the first device 30. As a result, the control device 10 can perform appropriate data collection at each control.

[0143] (4-2)

[0144] The control device 10 of the present embodiment is communicably connected to the plurality of first devices 30. The control device 10 performs a plurality of controls on each of the plurality of first devices 30.

[0145] As a result, the control device 10 can determine the data collection interval CI for each of the plurality of controls performed on the plurality of first devices 30 .

[0146] (4-3)

[0147] In the control device 10 of the present embodiment, the storage unit 13 stores one or more data items DI constituting data according to the type of control.

[0148] As a result, the control device 10 can determine one or more data items DI to be collected according to the type of control.

[0149] (4-4)

[0150] In the control device 10 of the present embodiment, the storage unit 13 further stores the collection interval CI for each data item DI.

[0151] As a result, the control device 10 can determine the collection interval CI for each data item DI.

[0152] (4-5)

[0153] In the control device 10 of the present embodiment, the collection interval determination unit 12 determines the collection interval CI for each data item DI so that the total number of collection times per unit time by the data collection unit 11 is equal to or less than the first predetermined number of times.

[0154] As a result, the control device 10 can determine the collection interval CI for each data item DI so that the total number of collection times per unit time does not exceed the first predetermined number of times that is an upper limit value determined according to the network structure or the like.

[0155] (4-6)

[0156] In the control device 10 of this embodiment, the collection interval determination unit 12 determines the collection interval CI of each data item DI so that the number of collection times of each data item DI by the data collection unit 11 per unit time is equal to or greater than a second predetermined number determined for each data item DI.

[0157] As a result, the control device 10 can determine the collection interval CI for each data item DI so that the number of collection times for each data item DI per unit time is equal to or greater than the second predetermined number of times, which is the minimum number of collection times.

[0158] (4-7)

[0159] In the control device 10 of the present embodiment, the storage unit 13 further stores a second rule RL for determining the priority PR for collecting the data item DI according to the control setting content SU. The collection interval determination unit 12 determines the priority PR of the data item DI according to the control setting content SU based on the second rule RL. The collection interval determination unit 12 determines the collection interval CI of the data item DI based on the determined priority PR.

[0160] As a result, the control device 10 can determine the collection interval CI of the data item DI according to the setting content SU of the control in accordance with the content of the second rule RL.

[0161] (4-8)

[0162] In the control device 10 of the present embodiment, the collection interval determination unit 12 determines the collection interval CI for each data item DI by proportionally allocating the first predetermined number of times per unit time according to the priority PR of each data item DI.

[0163] As a result, the control device 10 can determine the collection interval CI for each data item DI by allocating the first predetermined number of times in proportion to the priority PR of each data item DI.

[0164] (5) Modification

[0165] (5-1) Modification 1A

[0166] In the present embodiment, the setting contents SU of each control are the predetermined time periods SU1 to SU4. However, the setting contents SU of each control may include "validity / invalidity" of each control.

[0167] For example, when the refrigeration units 30a to 30c are activated, the control setting unit 14 sets the setting content SU "valid / invalid" of each control to "valid". In other words, the initial value of the setting content SU "valid / invalid" is "valid".

[0168] When the setting content SU “valid / invalid” of each control is “valid”, the collection interval determination unit 12 determines the collection interval CI according to the predetermined time SU1 to SU4 based on the second rule RL of the present embodiment, for example.

[0169] When the setting content SU “valid / invalid” of a certain control is “invalid”, the collection interval determination unit 12 determines the partial priority of the data item DI related to the control to the lowest allowable value, for example.

[0170] (5-2) Modification 1B

[0171] In the present embodiment, the collection interval determination unit 12 determines the priority PR of each data item DI according to the setting content SU of the control based on the second rule RL. Then, the collection interval determination unit 12 proportionally distributes the first predetermined number of times per unit time according to the priority PR, thereby determining the collection interval CI of each data item DI.

[0172] However, the collection interval determination unit 12 may determine the collection interval CI of each data item DI based on the setting content SU of each control without using the concept of priority PR. Hereinafter, the rule based on which the collection interval determination unit 12 determines the collection interval CI of each data item DI based on the setting content SU of each control is described as a first rule.

[0173] In other words, the storage unit 13 further stores a first rule for determining the collection interval CI of the data item DI according to the control setting content SU. The collection interval determination unit 12 determines the collection interval CI of the data item DI according to the control setting content SU based on the first rule.

[0174] As a result, the control device 10 can determine the collection interval CI of the data item DI according to the setting content SU of each control according to the content of the first rule.

[0175] In the first rule, for example, in Table 2, in the portion storing the partial priority, the partial priority is not set, but the inverse of the corresponding prescribed time SU1-SU4 is set. In the rightmost column of Table 2, the maximum value in the row direction is similarly set. In the first rule, the collection interval CI of each data item DI is determined by proportionally allocating the first prescribed number of times per unit time according to the maximum value.

[0176] (5-3) Modification 1C

[0177] In the present embodiment, the collection interval determination unit 12 determines the priority PR of each data item DI according to the setting content SU of the control based on the second rule RL. Then, the collection interval determination unit 12 proportionally distributes the first predetermined number of times per unit time according to the priority PR, thereby determining the collection interval CI of each data item DI.

[0178] However, the collection interval determination unit 12 may determine the collection interval CI for each data item DI based on the priority PR instead of using proportional allocation. Hereinafter, the rule based on which the collection interval determination unit 12 determines the collection interval CI for each data item DI based on the priority PR is described as a third rule.

[0179] In other words, the storage unit 13 further stores a third rule for determining the collection interval CI of the data item DI according to the priority PR of the data item DI. The collection interval determination unit 12 determines the collection interval CI of the data item DI according to the priority PR of the data item DI based on the third rule.

[0180] As a result, the control device 10 can determine the collection interval CI of the data item DI according to the priority PR of the data item DI in accordance with the content of the third rule.

[0181] The third rule is, for example, a rule that determines the number of collection times per unit time according to the value of the priority PR.

[0182] (5-4) Modification 1D

[0183] In this embodiment, the control device 10 is used to control the refrigeration units 30a to 30c in the air conditioning system 100. However, the control device 10 can also be used to control the ventilation device in the ventilation system, the outdoor unit in the ice thermal storage air conditioning system, etc. In addition, the control device 10 can also be used to control the water heater in the water heater system, etc.

[0184] (5-5)

[0185] Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, it should be understood that various modifications of the embodiments and details may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure described in the claims.

[0186] Description of symbols

[0187] 10: Control device;

[0188] 11: Data collection department;

[0189] 12: Collection interval determination unit;

[0190] 13: Storage unit;

[0191] 30, 30a-30c: first device;

[0192] 200: control system;

[0193] CI: collection interval;

[0194] DI, DI1~DI4: data items;

[0195] SU, SU1-SU4: Setting contents.

[0196] Prior art literature

[0197] Patent Literature

[0198] Patent Document 1: International Publication No. WO2018 / 179366

Claims

1. A control device (10) connected to a first device (30, 30a, 30b, 30c) in a communicable manner to control the first device, wherein: The control device (10) comprises: a data collection unit (11) for collecting data for performing the control from the first device by polling; and a collection interval determination unit (12) for determining a collection interval (CI) of the data by the data collection unit based on the setting contents (SU, SU1, SU2, SU3, SU4) of the control, The control device (10) performs a plurality of the controls on one of the first devices. The control device (10) further comprises a storage unit (13), wherein the storage unit (13) stores one or more data items (DI, DI1, DI2, DI3, DI4) constituting the data for each control. The storage unit further stores the collection interval for each of the data items. The storage unit further stores a second rule for determining a priority (PR) for collecting the data item according to the setting content of the control, The collection interval determination unit determines the priority of the data item according to the setting content of the control based on the second rule, and determines the collection interval of the data item to be collected by the data collection unit according to the determined priority, The collection interval determination unit determines the collection interval of each of the data items to be collected by the data collection unit so that the total number of collection times per unit time by the data collection unit is equal to or less than a first predetermined number of times, The collection interval determination unit determines the collection interval for each of the data items to be collected by the data collection unit by allocating the first predetermined number of times per unit time proportionally according to the priority of each of the data items.

2. The control device (10) according to claim 1, wherein: The control device (10) is connected to a plurality of the first devices in a communicable manner. The control device (10) performs a plurality of the controls on a plurality of the first devices respectively.

3. The control device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The collection interval determination unit determines the collection interval for each of the data items so that the number of times the data collection unit collects each of the data items per unit time is equal to or greater than a second predetermined number of times determined for each of the data items.

4. A control system (200), comprising: The control device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3; and 1 or more of said first devices.

Images