Refrigerator and refrigerator control system

Abstract

This invention provides a cold storage facility and a cold storage control system that can maintain the cooling capacity of a cold storage facility during power outages for extended periods without the use of an external power source. The cold storage facility includes: a cooling unit for cooling the interior of the cold storage facility; and a cold storage control unit that, upon receiving a forecast regarding the cause of a power outage for an area including the location of the cold storage facility, switches the operating mode of the cold storage facility from a first mode to a second mode in which the internal temperature of the cold storage facility is lower than in the first mode. When the cold storage facility is operating in the second mode, the cold storage control unit utilizes the cooling unit to perform cooling, thereby reducing the temperature fluctuation inside the cold storage facility compared to the temperature fluctuation in the first mode.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to cold storage facilities and cold storage control systems. Background Technology

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a building supply system capable of preserving food in a cold storage facility during a power outage. The building supply system includes a power supply vehicle that can be connected to a designated building and a cold storage facility. In the event of a power outage in the designated building, power is supplied to the cold storage facility via the power supply vehicle.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-078689 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The technical problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] This invention provides a cold storage facility and a cold storage control system that can maintain the cooling capacity of the cold storage facility for a long time during a power outage, even without the use of an external power source.

[0008] Technical solutions for solving technical problems

[0009] The cold storage facility of the present invention includes: a cooling unit for cooling the interior of the cold storage facility; and a cold storage control unit that, in the event of a forecast regarding the cause of a power outage being issued to an area including the location where the cold storage facility is installed, switches the operating mode of the cold storage facility from a first mode to a second mode in which the internal temperature of the cold storage facility is lower than that of the first mode. When the operating mode of the cold storage facility is the second mode, the cold storage control unit utilizes the cooling unit to cool the facility so that the temperature fluctuation inside the cold storage facility is smaller than the temperature fluctuation inside the cold storage facility in the first mode.

[0010] Furthermore, the cold storage control system of the present invention includes a cold storage warehouse and a server capable of communicating with the cold storage warehouse. When a forecast regarding the cause of a power outage is issued to an area including the location of the cold storage warehouse, the server sends a transfer instruction to the cold storage warehouse, causing the cold storage warehouse to switch its operating mode from a first mode to a second mode where the internal temperature of the cold storage warehouse is lower than in the first mode. Upon receiving the transfer instruction, the cold storage warehouse switches its operating mode from the first mode to the second mode. In the second mode, the interior of the cold storage warehouse is cooled to reduce the temperature fluctuation inside the cold storage warehouse compared to the temperature fluctuation in the first mode.

[0011] In addition, this specification contains the entire contents of Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-191823, filed on November 18, 2020.

[0012] The effects of the invention

[0013] The cold storage room and its control system of the present invention can reduce the internal temperature of the cold storage room before a power outage occurs. Furthermore, by suppressing temperature fluctuations and reducing the internal temperature, it can suppress variations in cooling capacity during power outages caused by different times of occurrence. Therefore, even without the use of an external power source, the cooling capacity of the cold storage room can be maintained for an extended period during a power outage. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the structure of a cold storage control system.

[0015] Figure 2 This is a longitudinal sectional view of the cold storage.

[0016] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating the refrigeration cycle of a cold storage facility.

[0017] Figure 4 It is a block diagram representing the structure of a cold storage warehouse, a cold storage warehouse control server, and terminal devices.

[0018] Figure 5 It is a time sequence diagram showing the status of each part of the cold storage.

[0019] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the cold storage control system.

[0020] Figure 7 It is a graph comparing the changes in the internal temperature (room temperature) of the refrigerator compartment and the freezer compartment.

[0021] Figure 8 This diagram shows an example of the user interface displayed on the touch panel by the operation control unit.

[0022] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the cold storage control system.

[0023] Figure 10 This is a longitudinal sectional view of the cold storage.

[0024] Figure 11 This is a diagram illustrating the refrigeration cycle of a cold storage facility.

[0025] Figure 12 It is a block diagram representing the structure of the cold storage, cold storage controller, and terminal device.

[0026] Figure 13 It is a time sequence diagram showing the status of each part of the cold storage.

[0027] Figure 14 It is a graph comparing the temperature changes inside the refrigerator compartment and the freezer compartment. Detailed Implementation

[0028] (Knowledge, etc., that forms the basis of this invention)

[0029] The aforementioned existing technology can maintain the cooling capacity of the cold storage during a power outage, but it requires an external power source, such as a power supply vehicle. It is possible to lower the internal temperature of the cold storage before a power outage, but if the internal temperature fluctuates significantly during this process, the cooling capacity will vary depending on the timing of the power outage. Therefore, depending on the timing of the power outage, it may be impossible to maintain the cooling capacity for an extended period during a power outage.

[0030] Therefore, the present invention provides a cold storage and a cold storage control system that can maintain the cooling capacity of the cold storage for a long time during a power outage, even without the use of an external power source.

[0031] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, sometimes unnecessary detailed descriptions will be omitted. For example, detailed descriptions of known matters or repetitive descriptions of substantially the same structure may be omitted.

[0032] Furthermore, the accompanying drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present invention, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0033] (Implementation Method 1)

[0034] The following uses Figures 1-9 Description of Implementation Method 1.

[0035] (1-1. Structure)

[0036] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the structure of the cold storage control system 1000.

[0037] The cold storage control system 1000 is a system that controls the cold storage 1 via a global network (GN) connected to the GN. The GN includes communication networks such as the Internet and telephone networks.

[0038] The cold storage control system 1000 includes cold storage unit 1. In Figure 1 In this embodiment, a cold storage unit 1 is located in user P's home H. The cold storage unit 1 includes a main body 10 with an open front surface, within which two storage compartments are formed: a refrigerator compartment 11 and a freezer compartment 12. A rotating door 11A is provided at the opening on the front surface of the refrigerator compartment 11. A drawer 12A for storing food is provided in the freezer compartment 12.

[0039] One example of how H corresponds to "the location of the cold storage".

[0040] Figure 2 This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the cold storage 1 in Implementation Method 1. Figure 3 This is a diagram showing the refrigeration cycle 157A of the cold storage 1 in Embodiment 1.

[0041] exist Figure 2 The diagram shows the X, Y, and Z axes. The X, Y, and Z axes are orthogonal to each other. The Z-axis represents the vertical direction. The X and Y axes are parallel to the horizontal direction. The X-axis represents the horizontal direction. The Y-axis represents the forward and backward direction. The positive direction of the X-axis represents the right. The positive direction of the Y-axis represents the front. The positive direction of the Z-axis represents the top.

[0042] like Figure 2 As shown, a refrigerator compartment 11 and a freezer compartment 12 are formed in the main body 10 of the cold storage 1. The refrigerator compartment 11 is formed above the freezer compartment 12. The freezer compartment 12 is formed below the refrigerator compartment 11.

[0043] In embodiment 1, the refrigeration cycle 157A of the cold storage 1 uses a cooler 154 to generate cold air that cools each storage compartment of the cold storage 1. This method is called a single evaporator method. Figure 3 As shown, in the refrigeration cycle 157A of Embodiment 1, the compressor 151, condenser 152, capillary tube 153 and cooler 154 are connected in a ring, so that the refrigerant compressed by the compressor 151 is circulated to cool the inside of the cold storage 1.

[0044] The cold storage 1 has a compressor 151 at the upper rear of the cold storage compartment 11. In addition, the cold storage 1 has a cooler 154, a cooling fan 155 that delivers the cold air generated by the cooler 154 to the cold storage compartment 11 and the cold storage compartment 12, and a damper 156 that regulates the amount of cold air delivered by the cooling fan 15 at the rear of the freezer compartment 12.

[0045] Within the refrigerator compartment 11, a first outlet 111A, a second outlet 111B, and a third outlet 111C are formed at the rear of the refrigerator compartment 11. These outlets are openings for discharging cold air generated by the cooler 154 into the space of the refrigerator compartment 11 where food is stored. Additionally, a refrigerator compartment cold air return vent is formed at the rear of the refrigerator compartment 11. This vent is used to return the cold air discharged from the first outlet 111A, second outlet 111B, and third outlet 111C back to the cooler 154.

[0046] Within the freezer compartment 12, a fourth outlet 111D and a fifth outlet 111E are formed at the rear of the freezer compartment 12. The fourth outlet 111D and the fifth outlet 111E are openings for discharging cold air generated by the cooler 154 into the space of the freezer compartment 12 where food is stored. Additionally, within the freezer compartment 12, a freezer cold air return port is formed at the rear of the freezer compartment 12. The freezer cold air return port is an opening for returning the cold air discharged from the fourth outlet 111D and the fifth outlet 111E to the cooler 154.

[0047] return Figure 1 The cold storage 1 is connected to a communication device 2 located in user P's home H, and communicates with the cold storage control server 3 via the communication device 2. The cold storage control server 3 corresponds to an example of a "server".

[0048] Communication device 2 connects to the Global Network (GN) and communicates with the cold storage control server 3, which is also connected to the GN. Communication device 2 functions as an interface device for connecting cold storage 1 to the GN. Furthermore, when a communication connection is established between terminal device 4 and communication device 2, communication device 2 also functions as an interface device for connecting terminal device 4 to the GN. Communication device 2 has functions such as modem functionality, router functionality, and NAT (Network Address Translation) functionality. Communication device 2 transmits and receives data between cold storage 1 and the cold storage control server 3 connected to the GN. Additionally, communication device 2 transmits and receives data between terminal device 4 (where a communication connection has been established) and the cold storage control server 3 connected to the GN.

[0049] The cold storage control system 1000 includes a terminal device 4 with a touch panel 42. The terminal device 4, for example, is a smartphone or tablet, and is used by a user P of the cold storage 1. The terminal device 4 has an application installed for controlling the operation of the cold storage 1. In the following description, the application for controlling the operation of the cold storage 1 will be referred to as the "cold storage control application" and marked with the reference numeral "413".

[0050] exist Figure 1In the diagram, dashed lines represent users P who are at home, and solid lines represent users P who have left home (H). When terminal device 4 is used by user P who is at home, it communicates with the cold storage control server 3 connected to the global network GN, either via communication device 2 or without communication device 2, according to the function of the cold storage control application 413, to control the operation of the cold storage 1. Conversely, when terminal device 4 is used by user P who has left home (H) and a communication connection with communication device 2 cannot be established, it communicates with the cold storage control server 3 connected to the global network GN without communication device 2, according to the function of the cold storage control application 413, to control the operation of the cold storage 1.

[0051] The cold storage control system 1000 includes a cold storage control server 3. The cold storage control server 3 is a server device that controls the operation of the cold storage 1, is connected to the global network GN, and communicates with the cold storage 1, the terminal device 4, and the weather warning server 5.

[0052] Furthermore, in the various figures, the cold storage control server 3 is represented by a box, but this does not mean that the cold storage control server 3 consists of a single server device. For example, the cold storage control server 3 may also be composed of multiple server devices that handle different tasks. Additionally, in the various figures, the cold storage control server 3 and the weather warning server 5 are illustrated as separate server devices, but the cold storage control server 3 and the weather warning server 5 may also be configured as a single server device.

[0053] Weather warning server 5 is a server device that provides weather warning information. Weather warning information indicates whether a weather warning has been issued for the area, including the location of cold storage 1. Weather warnings may include, for example, warnings about the causes of power outages such as storms, blizzards, heavy rain, heavy snow, high tides, floods, and ocean waves. This warning about the causes of power outages corresponds to an example of a forecast about the causes of power outages.

[0054] In addition, the area for issuing weather warnings provided by the weather warning server 5 can be any area that includes the location where the cold storage 1 is located, such as a primary subdivision area, a secondary subdivision area, or other areas.

[0055] Additionally, while a box represents weather warning server 5 in each diagram, this does not mean that weather warning server 5 consists of a single server device. For example, weather warning server 5 could also consist of multiple server devices handling different tasks.

[0056] Next, the structure of the cold storage 1, the cold storage control server 3, and the terminal device 4 will be described.

[0057] Figure 4This is a block diagram representing the structure of the cold storage 1, the cold storage control server 3, and the terminal device 4.

[0058] First, the structure of cold storage room 1 will be described.

[0059] The cold storage unit 1 includes a cold storage control unit 13, a cold storage communication unit 14, a cooling unit 15, and a sensor unit 16.

[0060] The cold storage control unit 13 includes a cold storage processor 130, which acts as a processor for executing programs such as a CPU and MPU, and a cold storage unit 131, controlling various parts of the cold storage 1. The cold storage control unit 13 reads the control program 1311 stored in the cold storage unit 131 from the cold storage processor 130 and performs various processes through hardware and software cooperation.

[0061] The cold storage unit 131 has a storage area for storing programs executed by the cold storage processor 130 and data processed by the cold storage processor 130. The cold storage unit 131 stores various data, including the control program 1311 executed by the cold storage processor 130 and setting data 1312 regarding the settings of the cold storage 1. The cold storage unit 131 has a non-volatile storage area. Alternatively, the cold storage unit 131 may also have a volatile storage area, constituting the working area of ​​the cold storage processor 130.

[0062] The cold storage communication unit 14 has communication hardware that conforms to the prescribed communication standards. Under the control of the cold storage control unit 13, it communicates with devices connected to the global network GN according to the prescribed communication standards. The cold storage communication unit 14 also communicates with the cold storage control server 3 according to the prescribed communication standards. The communication standards used by the cold storage communication unit 14 can be either wireless communication standards (such as IEEE 802.11a / 11b / 11g / 11n / 11ac, Bluetooth (registered trademark)) or wired communication standards.

[0063] The cooling unit 15 includes a compressor 151, a condenser 152, a capillary tube 153, a cooler 154, a cooling fan 155, and a damper 156, which are mechanisms for cooling each storage compartment of the cold storage 1. Under the control of the cold storage control unit 13, it cools each storage compartment of the cold storage 1.

[0064] The sensor unit 16 includes various sensors such as a temperature sensor 161 that detects the internal temperature of the cold storage 1, and opening / closing sensors that detect the opening and closing of doors and drawers installed on the cold storage 1. The sensor outputs the detection value to the cold storage control unit 13 for each sensor. Figure 4 As shown, the sensor unit 16 includes a refrigerator compartment temperature sensor 161A and a freezer compartment temperature sensor 161B as a temperature sensor 161.

[0065] The cold storage temperature sensor 161A is installed at a specified location in the cold storage 11, such as near the cold air return port, to detect the internal temperature of the cold storage 11.

[0066] The freezer temperature sensor 161B is installed at a predetermined location in the freezer 12, such as near the cold air return port, to detect the temperature inside the freezer 12.

[0067] The cold storage control unit 13 switches the cold storage 1 to either the normal operation mode or the power outage pre-cooling operation mode, wherein the internal temperature of the cold storage 1 in the power outage pre-cooling operation mode is lower than that in the normal operation mode. The normal operation mode is the operation mode (operation mode) in which the internal temperature of the cold storage 1 is higher than that in the power outage pre-cooling operation mode.

[0068] The normal operating mode corresponds to one example of "Mode 1", and the power outage pre-cooling operating mode corresponds to one example of "Mode 2".

[0069] By switching to a power outage pre-cooling operation mode before a power outage occurs, the internal temperature of cold storage 1 can be lower than the normal operating mode before a power outage. Therefore, cold storage 1 can maintain the internal temperature for a longer period of time during a power outage and can inhibit the deterioration of the freshness of food stored in cold storage 1 during a power outage.

[0070] See below for reference. Figure 5 The operation of cold storage 1 in normal operation mode and power outage pre-cooling operation mode is described.

[0071] Upon receiving a transfer instruction from the cold storage control server 3 via the cold storage communication unit 14 to switch the operating mode to the power outage pre-cooling operating mode, the cold storage control unit 13 switches the operating mode of the cold storage 1 from the normal operating mode to the power outage pre-cooling operating mode and begins the power outage pre-cooling operation. Upon receiving an end instruction from the cold storage control server 3 via the cold storage communication unit 14 to end the power outage pre-cooling operation mode, the cold storage control unit 13 ends the power outage pre-cooling operation and switches the operating mode of the cold storage 1 from the power outage pre-cooling operating mode to the normal operating mode.

[0072] Next, the structure of the cold storage control server 3 will be explained.

[0073] The cold storage control server 3 includes a server control unit 30 and a server communication unit 31.

[0074] The server control unit 30 includes a server processor 300, which acts as a processor for executing programs such as a CPU and MPU, and a server storage unit 310, which controls various parts of the cold storage control server 3. The server control unit 30 reads the control program 311 stored in the server storage unit 310 from the server processor 300 and performs various processes through hardware and software cooperation.

[0075] The server storage unit 310 has a storage area for storing programs executed by the server processor 300 and data processed by the server processor 300. The server storage unit 310 stores various data, including the control program 311 executed by the server processor 300, setting data 312 regarding the settings of the cold storage control server 3, and the cold storage control database 313. The server storage unit 310 has a non-volatile storage area. Alternatively, the server storage unit 310 may also have a volatile storage area, constituting the working area of ​​the server processor 300.

[0076] The cold storage control database 313 is a database that stores various information about the operation and control of the cold storage 1. A record R stored in the cold storage control database 313 has a user ID 3131, cold storage communication information 3132, terminal device communication information 3133, and installation location information 3134. In addition, a record R stored in the cold storage control database 313 may also have one or more other types of information.

[0077] User ID 3131 is identification information that identifies user P using the cold storage control application 413, and is appropriately assigned to user P using the cold storage control application 413.

[0078] Cold storage communication information 3132 is information used for communicating with cold storage 1. Cold storage communication information 3132 includes, for example, the address information and security information of cold storage 1.

[0079] Terminal device communication information 3133 is used for communication with terminal device 4, which has the cold storage control application 413 installed by user P with user ID 3131 corresponding to the same record R. Terminal device communication information 3133 includes, for example, the address information and security information of terminal device 4.

[0080] Location information 3134 indicates the location of the cold storage 1. In this embodiment, since the location of the cold storage 1 is user P's own home H, location information 3134 indicates the address, postal code, etc. of home H.

[0081] The server communication unit 31 includes communication hardware conforming to prescribed communication standards, and under the control of the server control unit 30, communicates with devices connected to the global network GN according to prescribed communication standards. In this embodiment, the server communication unit 31 communicates with the cold storage 1, the terminal device 4, and the weather warning server 5.

[0082] Next, the structure of terminal device 4 will be described.

[0083] The terminal device 4 includes a terminal control unit 40, a terminal communication unit 41, and a touch panel 42.

[0084] The terminal control unit 40 includes a terminal processor 400, which acts as a processor for executing programs such as a CPU and MPU, and a terminal storage unit 410, controlling various parts of the terminal device 4. The terminal control unit 40 reads the control program 411 stored in the terminal storage unit 410 from the terminal processor 400 and executes various processes through hardware and software cooperation. A cold storage control application 413 can be pre-installed in the terminal device 4. The cold storage control application 413 is read from the terminal storage unit 410 and executed by the terminal processor 400, thereby enabling the terminal control unit 40 to function as a setting unit 401, a communication control unit 402, and an operation control unit 403. Details of these functional units will be explained later.

[0085] The terminal storage unit 410 has a storage area for storing programs executed by the terminal processor 400 and data processed by the terminal processor 400. The terminal storage unit 410 stores various data, including the control program 411 executed by the terminal processor 400, setting data 412 regarding the settings of the terminal device 4, cold storage control application 413, and user ID 3131. The terminal storage unit 410 has a non-volatile storage area. Alternatively, the terminal storage unit 410 may also have a volatile storage area, constituting the working area of ​​the terminal processor 400.

[0086] The terminal communication unit 41 includes communication hardware conforming to a prescribed communication standard. Under the control of the terminal control unit 40, it communicates with devices connected to the global network GN according to the prescribed communication standard. The terminal communication unit 41 communicates with the cold storage control server 3 according to the prescribed communication standard, based on the functions of the cold storage control application 413. The communication standard used by the terminal communication unit 41 is a wireless communication standard.

[0087] The touch panel 42 includes a display panel such as a liquid crystal display panel, and a touch sensor that is overlapped with or integrally disposed with the display panel. The display panel displays various images under the control of the terminal control unit 40. The touch sensor detects touch operations and outputs the results to the terminal control unit 40. The terminal control unit 40 performs processing corresponding to the touch operation based on the input from the touch sensor.

[0088] As described above, the terminal control unit 40 functions as the setting unit 401, the communication control unit 402, and the operation control unit 403.

[0089] The setting unit 401 performs various settings regarding the functions of the cold storage control application 413. For example, the setting unit 401 sets setting values ​​to corresponding setting items in application setting data stored in a designated storage area accessible by the cold storage control application 413, thereby performing various settings regarding the functions of the cold storage control application 413. Furthermore, the application setting data is data regarding the settings of the functions of the cold storage control application 413, including various setting items.

[0090] The setting unit 401 sets the installation location of the cold storage 1. For example, the setting unit 401 displays a user interface on the touch panel 42 for the user P to input their home address and postal code, and sets the input address and postal code as the installation location of the cold storage 1. The installation location information 3134 indicating the installation location of the cold storage 1 set by the setting unit 401 is output to the communication control unit 402.

[0091] The communication control unit 402 controls the terminal communication unit 41 to receive and send various information to the cold storage control server 3. When setting location information 3134 is output from the setting unit 401, the communication control unit 402 adds the user ID 3131 stored in the terminal storage unit 410 and sends the output setting location information 3134 to the cold storage control server 3 through the terminal communication unit 41. When the cold storage control server 3 receives the setting location information 3134 from the terminal device 4, it refers to the cold storage control database 313 and updates the setting location information 3134 of the record R of the user ID 3131 added to the received setting location information 3134.

[0092] Upon receiving the termination instruction information from the operation control unit 403, the communication control unit 402 transmits the termination instruction information to the cold storage control server 3 via the terminal communication unit 41. When transmitting the termination instruction information to the cold storage controller 3, the communication control unit 402 adds the user ID 3131 stored in the terminal storage unit 410 to the termination instruction information.

[0093] Upon receiving an instruction from user P to end the power outage pre-cooling operation mode, the operation control unit 403 generates end instruction information and outputs it to the communication control unit 402. For example, the operation control unit 403 displays a user interface on the touch panel 42 asking whether to end the power outage pre-cooling operation mode. Upon receiving an instruction to end the power outage pre-cooling operation mode from this user interface, the operation control unit 403 generates and outputs end instruction information.

[0094] (1-2. Actions)

[0095] Next, the operation of the cold storage 1 and the cold storage control system 1000 in Embodiment 1 will be described.

[0096] First, refer to Figure 5 The operation of each part of the cold storage 1 in the normal operation mode and the power outage pre-cooling operation mode is explained.

[0097] Figure 5 This is a timeline diagram showing the status of each part of cold storage 1.

[0098] exist Figure 5 In the sequence diagram, timing diagram CA represents the state of compressor 151. Timing diagram CB represents the temperature state inside the refrigerator compartment 11. Additionally, timing diagram CC represents the temperature state inside the freezer compartment 12. Furthermore, timing diagram CD represents the opening and closing state of the damper 156.

[0099] First, the operation of cold storage 1 under normal operating conditions will be explained.

[0100] exist Figure 5 In the above, the period during which cold storage 1 operates in normal mode is from time T1 to time T2.

[0101] like Figure 5 As shown in the timing diagram CA, in normal operating mode, the cold storage control unit 13 keeps the compressor 151 in a state that alternates between a stopped state and a low-speed rotating state. The stopped state is when the compressor 151 is not driven to rotate. The low-speed rotating state is when the rotation speed is lower than the high-speed rotating state (described later) but higher than the stopped state.

[0102] In addition, such as Figure 5 As shown in the timing diagram CD, in normal operation mode, the cold storage control unit 13 keeps the damper 156 in a state that is repeatedly open and closed according to the temperature inside the cold storage 11.

[0103] Specifically, the cold storage control unit 13 controls the opening and closing frequency of the temperature control damper 156 in the cold storage compartment 11 so that the temperature difference between the damper 156 when it is open and when it is closed is α (K: Kelvin). α (K) is, for example, 2 (K).

[0104] The cold storage control unit 13, based on the temperature detected by the cold storage temperature sensor 161A, opens the damper 156 and simultaneously operates the compressor 151 at low speed when the target temperature of the cold storage compartment 11 (hereinafter referred to as the first target temperature of the cold storage compartment) rises by α (K) from the normal operating mode. As a result, both the cold storage compartment 11 and the freezer compartment 12 are cooled simultaneously. During this cooling, the temperature inside the cold storage compartment 11 decreases due to airflow. On the other hand, during this cooling, the airflow to the freezer compartment 12 decreases compared to the case where the freezer compartment 12 is cooled alone, thus causing the temperature inside the freezer compartment 12 to rise. When the temperature inside the cold storage compartment 11 drops to the first target temperature of the cold storage compartment, the cold storage control unit 13 closes the damper 156, ending the cooling of the cold storage compartment 11. Upon this termination, the freezer compartment 12 begins cooling separately. As a result, the temperature inside the cold storage compartment 11 rises, while the temperature inside the freezer compartment 12 falls. When the temperature inside the freezer compartment 12 drops to the target temperature of the freezer compartment 12 under normal operating conditions (hereinafter referred to as the first target temperature of the freezer compartment), the cold storage control unit 13 stops the compressor 151. Then, when the temperature inside the cold storage compartment 11 rises by α (K) from the first target temperature of the cold storage compartment, the cold storage control unit 13 opens the damper 156 and simultaneously sets the compressor 151 to low-speed operation.

[0105] As described above, the cold storage control unit 13 controls the opening and closing frequency of the internal temperature control damper 156 of the cold storage compartment 11 so that the temperature difference between the open and closed states of the damper 156 is α (K).

[0106] Next, the pre-cooling operation mode during power outages will be explained.

[0107] exist Figure 5 In the above, the period from time T2 to time T4 is the period during which the cold storage 1 operates in the power outage pre-cooling mode.

[0108] As mentioned above, the power outage pre-cooling operation mode includes a temperature reduction mode and a temperature maintenance mode.

[0109] The temperature reduction mode is a mode that lowers the internal temperature of each storage compartment in cold storage room 1 compared to the normal operating mode. Figure 5 In the above, the period during which the cold storage 1 operates in temperature reduction mode is from time T2 to time T3.

[0110] like Figure 5 As shown in the timing diagram CA, the cold storage control unit 13 keeps the compressor 151 in a high-speed rotation state in the temperature reduction mode. The high-speed rotation state is a state in which the compressor is driven at a higher speed than the low-speed rotation state.

[0111] In addition, such as Figure 5As shown in the timing diagram CD, in the power outage pre-cooling operation mode, the cold storage control unit 13 keeps the air damper 156 in a state of repeated opening and closing based on the temperature inside the cold storage compartment 11 and the temperature inside the freezer compartment 12.

[0112] Specifically, for the internal temperature of the cold storage compartment 11, the cold storage control unit 13 controls the opening and closing frequency of the damper 156 so that the temperature difference between when the damper 156 is open and when the damper 156 is closed is βK. β(K) is a temperature difference lower than α(K), for example, 0.5(K).

[0113] The cold storage control unit 13 opens the damper 156 and simultaneously rotates the compressor 151 at high speed, cooling both the refrigerator compartment 11 and the freezer compartment 12. During this cooling, the temperature inside the refrigerator compartment 11 decreases due to airflow. On the other hand, during this cooling, the airflow to the freezer compartment 12 decreases compared to cooling the freezer compartment 12 alone, causing the temperature inside the freezer compartment 12 to rise. Based on the temperature detected by the refrigerator compartment temperature sensor 161A, the cold storage control unit 13 closes the damper 156 when the temperature inside the refrigerator compartment 11 drops to the target temperature of the refrigerator compartment 11 in the power outage pre-cooling operation mode (hereinafter referred to as the second target temperature of the refrigerator compartment), ending the cooling of the refrigerator compartment 11. Upon this termination, the freezer compartment 12 begins to be cooled separately. As a result, the temperature inside the refrigerator compartment 11 rises, while the temperature inside the freezer compartment 12 falls. The cold storage control unit 13 aims to lower the internal temperature of the freezer compartment 12 in the power outage pre-cooling operation mode (hereinafter referred to as the second target temperature of the freezer compartment). Here, because the temperature difference for controlling the opening and closing of the damper 156 is reduced compared to the normal operation mode, the internal temperature of the refrigerator compartment 11 rises by β (K) from the second target temperature of the refrigerator compartment before the internal temperature of the freezer compartment 12 reaches the second target temperature of the freezer compartment. The cold storage control unit 13 uses this as a trigger to reopen the damper 156, simultaneously cooling both the refrigerator compartment 11 and the freezer compartment 12. The cold storage control unit 13 repeats this control in the temperature reduction mode until the internal temperature of the freezer compartment 12 drops to the second target temperature of the freezer compartment.

[0114] The second target temperature for the refrigerator compartment is, for example, 3 K lower than the first target temperature for the refrigerator compartment. The second target temperature for the freezer compartment is, for example, 5 K lower than the first target temperature for the freezer compartment.

[0115] As described above, for the internal temperature of the cold storage compartment 11, the cold storage control unit 13 controls the opening and closing frequency of the damper 156 so that the temperature difference between the open and closed states of the damper 156 is β (K). In addition, the cold storage control unit 13 lowers the internal temperature of the freezer compartment 12 to the second target temperature of the freezer compartment by frequently opening and closing the damper 156, which has an internal temperature difference of β (K) in the cold storage compartment 11.

[0116] The cold storage control unit 13 continues in temperature reduction mode until a transition to temperature maintenance mode is triggered. The transition is triggered when a specified period has elapsed since the start of the temperature reduction mode, or when the cold storage compartment 11 reaches the second target temperature of the cold storage compartment and the freezer compartment 12 reaches the second target temperature of the freezer compartment.

[0117] When the former is triggered, the cold storage control unit 13 starts timing for a predetermined period from the start of the temperature reduction mode, and after the predetermined period has elapsed, switches the operating mode of the cold storage 1 to the temperature maintenance mode. This predetermined period is the period during which the interior of the cold storage compartment 11 and the freezer compartment 12 can reach the target temperature of the power outage pre-cooling operation mode, and is predetermined.

[0118] When the latter is triggered, the cold storage control unit 13 monitors the internal temperature of the cold storage compartment 11 and the internal temperature of the freezer compartment 12 based on the temperatures detected by the cold storage compartment temperature sensor 161A and the freezer compartment temperature sensor 161B. When both the cold storage compartment 11 and the freezer compartment 12 reach the second target temperature, the cold storage control unit 13 switches the operating mode of the cold storage compartment 1 to the temperature maintenance mode.

[0119] Next, the temperature maintenance mode will be explained.

[0120] Temperature maintenance mode maintains the temperature inside the storage area that was lowered under temperature reduction mode. Figure 5 In the above, the operating mode of cold storage 1 is temperature maintenance mode for the period from time T3 to time T4.

[0121] like Figure 5 As shown in the timing diagram CA, the cold storage control unit 13 keeps the compressor 151 in a low-speed rotation state in the temperature maintenance mode. Maintaining the compressor 151 in a low-speed rotation state in the temperature maintenance mode has the following effects: If the compressor 151 repeatedly goes from a stopped state to a rotating state, the temperature fluctuations inside the cold storage compartment 11 and the freezer compartment 12 increase, making it impossible to maintain the temperature properly. Furthermore, when rotating at high speed, power consumption is high. Therefore, by maintaining the compressor 151 in a low-speed rotation state in the temperature maintenance mode, the temperature inside the cold storage compartment 11 and the freezer compartment 12 can be properly maintained, and the increase in power consumption can be suppressed.

[0122] In addition, such as Figure 5 As shown in the timing diagram CD, in the power outage pre-cooling operation mode, the cold storage control unit 13 keeps the damper 156 in a state of repeated opening and closing (open and closed state) according to either the internal temperature of the cold storage compartment 11 or the internal temperature of the freezer compartment 12.

[0123] Specifically, the cold storage control unit 13 opens the damper 156 when the temperature rises by β(K) from the second target temperature of the cold storage compartment based on the temperature detected by the cold storage compartment temperature sensor 161A, and closes the damper 156 when the second target temperature of the cold storage compartment is reached.

[0124] In addition, specifically, the cold storage control unit 13 closes the damper 156 when the temperature rises by β(K) from the second target temperature of the freezer compartment based on the temperature detected by the freezer compartment temperature sensor 161B, and opens the damper 156 when the second target temperature of the freezer compartment is reached.

[0125] Next, the operation of the cold storage control system 1000 regarding the transfer of the operating mode of the cold storage 1 will be explained.

[0126] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the cold storage control system 1000. Figure 6 In the flowchart FA, the actions of the cold storage control server 3 are represented, and in the flowchart FB, the actions of the cold storage 1 are represented.

[0127] Assuming in Figure 6 At the start of the flowchart shown (FB), the cold storage 1 is in normal operating mode. Additionally, in... Figure 6 In the flowchart FA shown, the server control unit 30 of the cold storage control server 3 uses one of the records R stored in the cold storage control database 313 as the processing object.

[0128] Referring to flowchart FA, server control unit 30 determines whether a weather warning has been issued for the area including the location of cold storage 1 (step SA1).

[0129] For example, in step SA1, the server control unit 30 sends a message to the weather warning server 5 via the server communication unit 31, inquiring whether a weather warning has been issued for the area including the location of the cold storage 1. This inquiry is performed every predetermined time interval (e.g., every 10 minutes). When inquiring, the message sent to the weather warning server 5 includes the location information 3134 of the record R of the processing object. The weather warning server 5, for example, determines whether a weather warning has been issued for the area including the location indicated by the location information 3134, which is included in the received message, based on a predetermined database that establishes a correspondence (association) between areas and weather warning issuance. If the weather warning server 5 determines that a weather warning has been issued, it sends weather warning issuance information indicating that a weather warning has been issued to the cold storage control server 3 in response to the inquiry. Conversely, if the weather warning server 5 determines that no weather warning has been issued, it sends weather warning issuance information indicating that no weather warning has been issued to the cold storage control server 3 in response to the inquiry. If the weather warning information received in response to an inquiry indicates that a weather warning has been issued, the server control unit 30 performs a positive determination in step SA1. On the other hand, if the weather warning information received in response to an inquiry indicates that no weather warning has been issued, the server control unit 30 performs a negative determination in step SA1.

[0130] If the server control unit 30 determines that a weather warning has not been issued for the area including the cold storage 1 (step SA1: No), the process ends.

[0131] On the other hand, if the server control unit 30 determines that a weather warning has been issued for the area including the location of the cold storage 1 (step SA1: Yes), it sends a transfer instruction message to the cold storage 1 through the server communication unit 31 based on the cold storage communication information 3132 contained in the record R of the processing object (step SA2).

[0132] Referring to flowchart FB, the cold storage control unit 13 determines whether it has received transfer instruction information from the cold storage control server 3 through the cold storage communication unit 14 (step SB1).

[0133] If the cold storage control unit 13 determines that no transfer instruction information has been received (step SB1: no), it will repeat the process of step SB1.

[0134] When the cold storage control unit 13 determines that it has received a transfer instruction (step SB1: Yes), it transfers the operating mode of the cold storage 1 from the normal operating mode to the temperature reduction mode of the power outage pre-cooling operating mode (step SB2).

[0135] Next, the cold storage control unit 13 determines whether a transfer trigger has occurred (step SB3).

[0136] If the cold storage control unit 13 determines that a transfer trigger has occurred (step SB3: Yes), it switches the operating mode of the cold storage 1 to the temperature maintenance mode of the power outage pre-cooling operating mode (step SB4).

[0137] Next, the cold storage control unit 13 determines whether it has received an end instruction message from the cold storage control server 3 through the cold storage communication unit 14 (step SB5).

[0138] Returning to the explanation of step SB3, if the cold storage control unit 13 determines that no transfer trigger has occurred (step SB3: no), it determines whether it has received the end instruction information from the cold storage control server 3 through the cold storage communication unit 14 (step SB6).

[0139] Returning to the description of flowchart FA, when the server control unit 30 sends the transfer instruction information to the cold storage 1, it determines whether the issued weather warning has been lifted (step SA3).

[0140] For example, in step SA3, similar to step SA1, the server control unit 30 queries the weather warning server 5 to determine whether a weather warning has been issued for the area including the location of the cold storage 1. If the weather warning information received from the weather warning server 5 in response to the query indicates that a weather warning has been issued, the server control unit 30 performs a negative determination in step SA3; if it indicates that no weather warning has been issued, the server control unit 30 performs a positive determination in step SA3.

[0141] If the server control unit 30 determines that the issued weather warning has not been lifted (step SA3: no), it will repeat the process of step SA3.

[0142] On the other hand, when the server control unit 30 determines that the issued weather warning has been lifted (step SA3: Yes), it sends an end instruction message through the server communication unit 31 based on the cold storage communication information 3132 contained in the record R of the processing object (step SA4).

[0143] Returning to the explanation of step SB5 in flowchart FB, if the cold storage control unit 13 determines that no end instruction information has been received (step SB5: no), it will repeat the process of step SB5.

[0144] On the other hand, when the cold storage control unit 13 determines that it has received the end instruction information (step SB5: Yes), it ends the power outage pre-cooling operation mode (step SB7). In step SB7, the cold storage control unit 13 switches the operation mode of the cold storage 1 from the power outage pre-cooling operation mode to the normal operation mode.

[0145] Returning to the explanation of step SB6, if the cold storage control unit 13 determines that no end instruction information has been received (step SB6: no), it will repeat the process of step SB3.

[0146] On the other hand, when the cold storage control unit 13 determines that it has received the end instruction information (step SB6: yes), it ends the power outage pre-cooling operation mode (step SB7).

[0147] As described above, when a weather warning is issued, the cold storage control system 1000 switches the operating mode of the cold storage 1 from the normal operating mode to the power outage pre-cooling operating mode. This lowers the internal temperature of the cold storage 1 when a weather warning is issued, thus enabling the internal temperature of the cold storage 1 to be lowered before a power outage occurs. Therefore, even without using an external power source, the refrigeration capacity of the cold storage 1 can be maintained for an extended period during a power outage.

[0148] In addition, the cold storage control unit 13 controls the opening and closing frequency of the damper 156 in the power outage pre-cooling operation mode so that the temperature difference between the cold storage compartment 11 and the freezer compartment 12 when the damper 156 is open and closed is β(K). As a result, the refrigeration capacity of the cold storage 1 can be maintained for a longer period of time during a power outage.

[0149] Reference Figure 7 Its effects are explained in detail.

[0150] Figure 7 This is a graph comparing the temperature changes inside the refrigerator compartment 11 and the freezer compartment 12. Figure 7 In the time series diagram, CE represents the internal temperature of the cold storage compartment. Additionally, in... Figure 7 In the time series diagram, CF represents the temperature inside the freezer compartment 12.

[0151] exist Figure 7 In the diagram, the period from time T5 to time T6 is the period when the cold storage 1 operates in normal mode, the period from time T6 to time T7 is the period when the cold storage 1 operates in temperature reduction mode, and the period from time T7 to time T8 is the period when the temperature is maintained mode.

[0152] In the timing diagram CE, the solid line represents the temperature variation inside the cold storage compartment 11 when the cold storage is cooled using existing cooling methods. Conversely, in the timing diagram CE, the dashed line represents the temperature variation inside the cold storage compartment 11 when the cold storage is cooled using the cooling method of the present invention.

[0153] In the time sequence diagram CF, the solid line represents the temperature variation inside the freezer compartment 12 when the freezer is cooled according to the existing cooling method. Conversely, in the time sequence diagram CF, the dashed line represents the temperature variation inside the freezer compartment 12 when the freezer is cooled according to the cooling method of the present invention.

[0154] The existing cooling method here does not consider the temperature difference between when the damper 156 is open and when the damper 156 is closed, and controls the opening and closing state of the damper 156 to reduce the temperature inside the warehouse.

[0155] Comparing the solid and dashed lines, it can be seen that, in the power outage pre-cooling operation mode of the present invention, compared with the existing cooling methods, the temperature fluctuations inside the refrigerator compartment 11 and the freezer compartment 12 can be suppressed.

[0156] Therefore, compared with existing cooling methods, the power outage pre-cooling operation mode of the present invention can suppress the difference in cooling capacity during power outages caused by different times of power outages. This allows the cold storage to maintain its cooling capacity for a longer period during power outages.

[0157] In detail, among existing cooling methods, compared to Figure 7 The diagram illustrates power outages at time TA and time T7. When a power outage occurs at time T7, the internal temperature of the refrigerator compartment 11 is close to the second target temperature, thus maintaining its cooling capacity for an extended period during the power outage. However, when a power outage occurs at time TA, the internal temperature of the refrigerator compartment 11 is close to the first target temperature, meaning the temperature has not sufficiently decreased. Therefore, the cooling capacity of the refrigerator compartment 11 cannot be maintained for an extended period during the power outage. This is because, with conventional cooling methods, the internal temperature of the refrigerator compartment 11 fluctuates significantly when the temperature decreases. On the other hand, with the cooling method of this invention, temperature fluctuations are suppressed. Therefore, even when a power outage occurs at time TA, the internal temperature of the refrigerator compartment 11 has sufficiently decreased, allowing the cooling capacity of the refrigerator compartment 11 to be maintained for an extended period during the power outage.

[0158] In addition, since it can suppress temperature fluctuations inside the storage chamber, it can suppress freezing near the first outlet 111A to the third outlet 111C when the temperature inside the storage chamber is lowered.

[0159] In the operation of the aforementioned cold storage control system 1000, the termination trigger for the cold storage 1 to end the power outage pre-cooling operation mode is received upon receiving a termination instruction message from the cold storage 1 based on the cancellation of a weather alarm. However, the termination trigger for ending the power outage pre-cooling operation mode is not limited to this.

[0160] Here, we will explain several other termination triggers.

[0161] <First other end trigger>

[0162] In the structure of the pre-cooling operation mode that terminates the power outage based on the first other termination trigger, the cold storage 1 includes a cold storage operation unit as a functional unit. The cold storage operation unit includes operation units such as operation switches set in designated locations, detects the operation of the operation units by the user P, and outputs the detection results to the cold storage control unit 13. The cold storage operation unit may also have both an operation switch and a touch panel, or have a touch panel instead of an operation switch. The cold storage control unit 13 performs processing corresponding to the operation of the operation units based on the input from the cold storage operation unit.

[0163] When the cold storage control unit 13 receives an operation from user P that indicates the end of the power outage pre-cooling operation mode, it determines that an end trigger has occurred and ends the power outage pre-cooling operation mode.

[0164] <Second Other End Trigger>

[0165] In the structure of the pre-cooling operation mode that terminates power outage triggered by the second termination, the cold storage 1 receives termination instruction information from the terminal device 4 via the cold storage control server 3.

[0166] When the operation control unit 403 of the terminal device 4 receives an instruction from user P to end the power outage pre-cooling operation mode or an instruction to change the temperature inside the cold storage, it outputs an end instruction message to the communication control unit 402. The communication control unit 402 adds the user ID 3131 stored in the terminal storage unit 410 and sends the end instruction message output by the operation control unit 403 to the cold storage control server 3 through the terminal communication unit 41.

[0167] When the server control unit 30 of the cold storage control server 3 receives the termination instruction information from the terminal device 4 via the server communication unit 31, it refers to the cold storage control database 313 and determines the record R containing the user 1D 3131 added in the termination instruction information. Then, based on the cold storage communication information 3132 contained in the determined record R, the server control unit 30 sends the termination instruction information received from the terminal device 4 to the cold storage 1 via the server communication unit 31.

[0168] When the cold storage control unit 13 of the cold storage 1 receives the end instruction information from the cold storage control server 3 through the cold storage communication unit 14, it determines that an end trigger has occurred and ends the power outage pre-cooling operation mode.

[0169] In the operation of the cold storage control system 1000, it can be determined whether an incident has occurred. Figure 6 Any one of the termination triggers shown—the first other termination trigger and the second other termination trigger—can also determine whether any one of any multiple termination triggers has occurred. However, the termination triggers in the preferred power outage pre-cooling operation mode should include at least: Figure 6 The termination trigger shown refers to receiving a termination instruction message when the issued weather warning is lifted. This is because, when the weather warning is lifted, cold storage 1 can accurately terminate the power outage pre-cooling operation mode, thus suppressing unnecessary increases in refrigeration and power consumption within the cold storage.

[0170] (1-3. Variations)

[0171] Next, a variation of Implementation 1 will be described.

[0172] In Embodiment 1, the cold storage control system 1000 is configured to automatically switch the operating mode of the cold storage 1 to a power outage pre-cooling operating mode upon the issuance of a weather warning. In a variation of Embodiment 1, the cold storage control system 1000 is configured such that, upon the issuance of a weather warning, it queries user P whether to switch the operating mode of the cold storage 1 to the power outage pre-cooling operating mode; and if user P instructs to switch to the power outage pre-cooling operating mode after the query, the cold storage 1's operating mode is switched to the power outage pre-cooling operating mode.

[0173] In this modified example, the operation control unit 403 displays various user interfaces on the touch panel 42, and inquires whether to switch the operation mode of the cold storage 1 to the power outage pre-cooling operation mode, and receives instructions to switch the operation mode of the cold storage 1 to the power outage pre-cooling operation mode.

[0174] Figure 8 This diagram illustrates an example of the user interface displayed on the touch panel 42 by the operation control unit 403.

[0175] When the operation control unit 403 receives an inquiry instruction from the cold storage control server 3, and the display screen of the touch panel 42 is a non-application screen (HAG), it displays the first user interface UI1 on the touch panel 42 in the form of a push notification. The inquiry instruction information will be explained later. A non-application screen HAG, for example, represents a screen other than the application screen AG related to the cold storage control application 413, such as a home screen.

[0176] The first user interface UI1 includes an inquiry message J1 asking user P whether to switch the operating mode of the cold storage 1 to the power outage pre-cooling operating mode. When user P touches the first user interface UI1, the operation control unit 403 switches the display screen of the touch panel 42 from the non-application screen HAG to the application screen AG displaying the second user interface UI2. Furthermore, when the operation control unit 403 receives an inquiry instruction message from the cold storage control server 3, if the display screen of the touch panel 42 is the application screen AG, it does not display the first user interface UI1 on the touch panel 42, but instead displays the second user interface UI2 overlaid on the application screen AG.

[0177] The second user interface UI2 includes an inquiry message J1 asking the user P whether to switch the operating mode of the cold storage 1 to the power outage pre-cooling operating mode. Additionally, the second user interface UI2 includes a "Yes (YES)" button B1 and a "No (NO)" button B2. The "Yes" button B1 is a software button for accepting the instruction from user P to switch the operating mode of the cold storage 1 to the power outage pre-cooling operating mode. The "No" button B2 is a software button for accepting the instruction from user P not to switch the operating mode of the cold storage 1 to the power outage pre-cooling operating mode.

[0178] When user P touches the "No" button B2, the operation control unit 403 does not switch the operation mode of the cold storage 1 to the power outage pre-cooling operation mode, but instead stops displaying the second user interface UI2. On the other hand, when user P touches the "Yes" button B1, the operation control unit 403 switches the operation mode of the cold storage 1 to the power outage pre-cooling operation mode, and displays the third user interface UI3 on ​​the touch panel 42 instead of the second user interface UI2.

[0179] The third user interface UI3 includes: operation start information J2 indicating that the operation mode of the cold storage 1 has been switched to the power outage pre-cooling operation mode and the cold storage 1 has started the power outage pre-cooling operation.

[0180] Next, the operation of the cold storage control system 1000 in this modified example will be explained.

[0181] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the cold storage control system 1000 in this modified example. Figure 9 In the flowchart, FC represents the action of terminal device 4, FD represents the action of cold storage control server 3, and FE represents the action of cold storage 1.

[0182] exist Figure 9 In China, for the sake of Figure 6 The flowcharts shown use the same step numbers for the same steps, and their detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0183] Figure 9 The start time of each flowchart shown is... Figure 6 Similarly, cold storage unit 1 operates in normal mode. Additionally, in Figure 9 In the flowchart FD shown, the server control unit 30 of the cold storage control server 3 treats a certain record R as the processing object.

[0184] Referring to flowchart FD, when the server control unit 30 of the cold storage control server 3 determines that a weather alarm has been issued (step SA1: Yes), it sends an inquiry instruction information to the terminal device 4 via the server communication unit 31 to transfer the inquiry to the power outage pre-cooling operation mode based on the terminal device communication information 3133 contained in the record R of the processing object (step SD1).

[0185] Referring to flowchart FC, the communication control unit 402 of terminal device 4 determines whether an inquiry instruction message has been received from cold storage control server 3 through terminal communication unit 41 (step SC1).

[0186] If the communication control unit 402 determines that it has not received an inquiry instruction message from the cold storage control server 3 (step SC1: No), it will repeat the process of step SC1.

[0187] If the communication control unit 402 determines that it has received an inquiry instruction message from the cold storage control server 3 (step SC1: Yes), the operation control unit 403 causes the touch panel 42 to display the first user interface UI1 or the second user interface UI2, and asks the user P whether to switch the operation mode of the cold storage 1 to the power outage pre-cooling operation mode (step SC2).

[0188] Next, the communication control unit 402 determines whether it has received an alarm cancellation message indicating that the weather alarm has been lifted from the cold storage control server 3 through the terminal communication unit 41 (step SC3).

[0189] The following section will explain the situation where the communication control unit 402 makes a positive judgment in step SC3.

[0190] If the communication control unit 402 determines that it has not received alarm clearance information from the cold storage control server 3 (step SC3: No), the operation control unit 403 determines whether it has received an instruction from user P to switch the operation mode of the cold storage 1 to the power outage pre-cooling operation mode (step SC4). If the "Yes" button B1 of the second user interface UI2 has been touched, the operation control unit 403 makes an affirmative determination in step SC4.

[0191] Next, if the operation control unit 403 determines that it has not received an instruction from user P to switch the operation mode of the cold storage 1 to the power outage pre-cooling operation mode (step SC4: No), it determines whether it has received an instruction from user P not to switch the operation mode of the cold storage 1 to the power outage pre-cooling operation mode (step SC6). If the "No" button B2 on the second user interface UI2 is touched, the operation control unit 403 makes an affirmative determination in step SC6.

[0192] If the operation control unit 403 determines that it has not received an instruction from user P not to switch the operation mode of the cold storage 1 to the power outage pre-cooling operation mode (step SC6: No), the process returns to step SC3 and the determination in step SC3 is performed again.

[0193] On the other hand, if the operation control unit 403 determines that the user P has accepted the instruction not to switch the operation mode of the cold storage 1 to the power outage pre-cooling operation mode (step SC6: Yes), it stops the display of the second user interface UI2 and ends the inquiry on whether to switch the operation mode of the cold storage 1 to the power outage pre-cooling operation mode (step SC7).

[0194] Returning to the explanation of step SC4, when the operation control unit 403 receives an instruction to switch the operation mode of the cold storage 1 to the power outage pre-cooling operation mode (step SC4: Yes), it sends the transfer instruction information to the cold storage control server 3 through the terminal communication unit 41 (step SC5).

[0195] Referring to flowchart FD, server control unit 30 determines whether it has received transfer instruction information from terminal device 4 through server communication unit 31 (step SD2).

[0196] If the server control unit 30 determines that it has not received the transfer instruction information from the terminal device 4 through the server communication unit 31 (step SD2: No), it determines whether the issued weather warning has been lifted (step SD3).

[0197] When the server control unit 30 determines that the issued weather warning has been lifted (step SD3: Yes), it sends the warning lifting information to the terminal device 4 through the server communication unit 31 based on the terminal device communication information 3133 of the record R of the processing object (step SG4).

[0198] Referring to flowchart FC, when it is determined that the communication control unit 402 has received the alarm clearance information (step SF3: Yes), the operation control unit 403 stops the display of the first user interface UI1 and the second user interface UI2, and ends the inquiry on whether to switch the operation mode of the cold storage 1 to the power outage pre-cooling operation mode (step SC7).

[0199] Referring to the flowchart FD, returning to the explanation of step SD3, if the server control unit 30 determines that the issued weather warning has not been lifted (step SD3: No), it will perform the processing of step SD2 again.

[0200] Returning to the explanation of step SD2, when the server control unit 30 determines that it has received transfer instruction information from the terminal device 4 through the server communication unit 31 (step SD2: Yes), it sends the transfer instruction information received from the terminal device 4 to the cold storage 1 through the server communication unit 31 according to the cold storage communication information 3132 contained in the record R of the processing object (step SA2).

[0201] In this modified example, the termination triggering of the pre-cooling operation mode after a power outage in cold storage 1 is not limited to receiving termination instruction information from the cold storage control server 3 based on the cancellation of a weather alarm. Similar to embodiment 1, the cold storage control unit 13 can also determine whether an outage has occurred. Figure 6 The termination trigger can be any one of the following: the shown termination trigger, the first other termination trigger described above, and the second other termination trigger described above. Alternatively, it can be determined whether any one of any plurality of termination triggers has occurred. However, for the same reasons explained in Embodiment 1, it is preferable that the termination trigger of the power outage pre-cooling operation mode includes at least the following: Figure 6 The termination trigger shown indicates that the termination instruction message is received upon the cancellation of the weather alert.

[0202] (1-4. Effects, etc.)

[0203] As explained above, the cold storage 1 includes a cooling unit 15 and a cold storage control unit 13. The cooling unit cools the interior (inside) of the cold storage 1. In the event of an alarm regarding the cause of a power outage in the area including the location of the cold storage 1, the cold storage control unit switches the operating mode of the cold storage 1 from the normal operating mode to a power outage pre-cooling operating mode, where the internal temperature of the cold storage 1 is lower than in the normal operating mode. When the cold storage 1 is in the power outage pre-cooling operating mode, the cold storage control unit 13 cools it via the cooling unit 15 to minimize the temperature fluctuations inside the cold storage 1 compared to the normal operating mode.

[0204] Therefore, the cold storage 1 can lower its internal temperature before a power outage occurs. Furthermore, by reducing temperature fluctuations while lowering the internal temperature, it can suppress differences in cooling capacity during power outages caused by varying timing. Thus, even without external power, the cooling capacity of the cold storage 1 can be maintained for an extended period during a power outage.

[0205] The cooling unit 15 includes an air damper 156. The cold storage control unit 13 controls the air damper 156 to make the temperature fluctuation inside the cold storage 1 in the power outage pre-cooling operation mode smaller than the temperature fluctuation inside the cold storage 1 in the normal operation mode.

[0206] Therefore, by controlling the damper 156, the cooling capacity of the cold storage 1 can be maintained for a long time during a power outage, even without the use of an external power source. Thus, even when the cold storage 1 is a single evaporator type, the cooling capacity of the cold storage 1 can be maintained for a long time during a power outage without the use of an external power source.

[0207] The power outage pre-cooling operation modes include: a temperature reduction mode that lowers the internal temperature of cold storage 1 from the internal temperature during normal operation; and a temperature maintenance mode that maintains the lowered internal temperature under the temperature reduction mode.

[0208] Even after an alarm regarding the cause of a power outage is issued, the outage may not necessarily occur at the moment it is decided. Therefore, it is preferable to lower the temperature inside the storage facility in a temperature reduction mode and then maintain the temperature in a temperature maintenance mode. Thus, by including both a temperature reduction mode and a temperature maintenance mode in the power outage pre-cooling operation mode, preparations can be made for when an unexplained power outage might occur.

[0209] In the temperature reduction mode, the cold storage control unit 13 sets the compressor 151 to run at a higher speed than in the temperature maintenance mode.

[0210] Therefore, it is possible to suppress temperature fluctuations within the storage compartment while rapidly reducing the temperature of the cold storage compartment 11 and the freezer compartment 12 during power outage pre-cooling operation. Consequently, it is possible to quickly switch to temperature maintenance mode and more reliably maintain the cooling capacity of the cold storage compartment 1 during power outages for an extended period.

[0211] The cold storage control system 1000 includes a cold storage unit 1 and a cold storage control server 3 capable of communicating with the cold storage unit 1. When a weather warning regarding the cause of a power outage is issued for the area including the cold storage unit 1, the cold storage control server 3 sends a transfer instruction to the cold storage unit 1, indicating a power outage pre-cooling operation mode where the internal temperature of the cold storage unit 1 is lower than in the normal operation mode. Upon receiving the transfer instruction, the cold storage unit 1 transfers its operation mode from the normal operation mode to the power outage pre-cooling operation mode. In the power outage pre-cooling operation mode, the cold storage unit 1 cools its interior to minimize temperature fluctuations compared to the normal operation mode.

[0212] Thus, it achieves the same effect as cold storage 1.

[0213] The cold storage control system 1000 includes a terminal device 4 capable of communicating with the cold storage control server 3. Upon receiving an instruction from user P of the cold storage 1 to switch to a power outage pre-cooling operation mode, the terminal device 4 sends the switch instruction information to the cold storage control server 3. Upon receiving the switch instruction information, the cold storage control server 3 sends the received switch instruction information back to the cold storage 1.

[0214] When the internal temperature of cold storage 1 changes, there is a high probability that user P will want to end the power outage pre-cooling operation mode and change the internal temperature of cold storage 1 from the power outage pre-cooling operation mode temperature to another temperature. Therefore, cold storage 1 can end the power outage pre-cooling operation mode at the time desired by user P. Furthermore, user P can end the power outage pre-cooling operation mode by operating terminal device 4; therefore, even if user P is not at the location of cold storage 1 (such as their home H), user P can end the power outage pre-cooling operation mode at the desired time.

[0215] (Implementation Method 2)

[0216] Next, use Figures 10-14 The second implementation method will be described below.

[0217] In Embodiment 2, the same reference numerals are used for the same constituent elements as in Embodiment 1, and detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0218] (2-1. Structure)

[0219] Figure 10 This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the cold storage 1 in Implementation Method 2. Figure 11 This is a diagram illustrating the refrigeration cycle 157B of the cold storage 1 in Embodiment 2. Figure 10 In, it means with Figure 2 Same X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis.

[0220] like Figure 10 As shown, in the main body 10 of the cold storage 1 in Embodiment 2, a cold storage compartment 11 and a freezer compartment 12 are formed in the same manner as in Embodiment 1. The cold storage compartment 11 and the freezer compartment 12 are separated into an upper and lower position by an insulated partition wall 17 in the main body 10.

[0221] In the refrigeration cycle 157B of the cold storage 1 in Embodiment 2, the first cooler 154A generates cold air for cooling the refrigerator compartment 11, and the second cooler 154B generates cold air for cooling the freezer compartment 12. This method is, for example, referred to as a dual-evaporator method. Figure 11As shown, in the refrigeration cycle 157B of the cold storage 1 in Embodiment 2, the compressor 151, condenser 152, switching valve 158, first capillary tube 153A, and first cooler 154A are connected in a ring. When the switching valve 158 is supplying refrigerant to the first cooler 154A, the refrigerant compressed by the compressor 151 is circulated to cool the cold storage compartment 11. Furthermore, in the refrigeration cycle 157B of the cold storage 1 in Embodiment 2, the compressor 151, condenser 152, switching valve 158, second capillary tube 153B, and second cooler 154B are connected in a ring. When the switching valve 158 is supplying refrigerant to the second cooler 154B, the refrigerant compressed by the compressor 151 is circulated to cool the freezer compartment 12.

[0222] The cold storage 1 has a compressor 151 installed at the upper rear of the cold storage compartment 11. In addition, the cold storage 1 includes a first cooler 154A and a first cooling fan 155A for delivering the cold air generated by the first cooler 154A to the freezer compartment 12 at the rear.

[0223] In the refrigerator compartment 11 of embodiment 2, similar to embodiment 1, a first outlet 111A, a second outlet 111B, a third outlet 111C, and a refrigerator compartment cold air return outlet are formed at the rear of the refrigerator compartment 11.

[0224] In the freezer compartment 12 of embodiment 2, a second cooler 154B and a second cooling fan 155B are included at the rear of the freezer compartment 12 to deliver the cold air generated by the second cooler 154B to the freezer compartment 12.

[0225] In the freezer compartment 12 of embodiment 2, a fourth outlet 111D, a fifth outlet 111E, and a freezer cold air return outlet are formed at the rear of the freezer compartment 12.

[0226] Figure 12 This is a block diagram showing the structure of the cold storage 1, the cold storage control server 3, and the terminal device 4 in Embodiment 2.

[0227] By comparison Figure 4 and Figure 12 As can be seen, the cooling unit 15 in Embodiment 2 includes a compressor 151, a condenser 152, a first capillary tube 153A, a second capillary tube 153B, a first cooler 154A, a second cooler 154B, a first cooling fan 155A, a second cooling fan 155B, and a switching valve 158, etc., which are mechanisms for cooling each storage compartment of the cold storage 1. Under the control of the cold storage control unit 13, the cooling unit 15 cools each storage compartment of the cold storage 1.

[0228] (2-2. Action)

[0229] Next, the operation of the cold storage 1 and the cold storage control system 1000 in Embodiment 2 will be described.

[0230] First, refer to Figure 13 The operation of each part of the cold storage 1 in the normal operation mode and the power outage pre-cooling operation mode in Implementation Method 2 will be explained.

[0231] Figure 13 This is a timeline diagram showing the status of each part of cold storage 1.

[0232] exist Figure 13 In the sequence diagram, timing diagram CG represents the state of compressor 151. Timing diagram CH represents the internal temperature of refrigerator compartment 11. Timing diagram CI represents the internal temperature of freezer compartment 12. Timing diagram CJ represents the state of switching valve 158.

[0233] First, the operation of cold storage 1 under normal operating conditions will be explained.

[0234] exist Figure 13 In the above, the period of normal operation mode of cold storage 1 is from time T9 to time T10.

[0235] like Figure 13 As shown in the timing diagram CG, in the normal operating mode, the cold storage control unit 13 keeps the compressor 151 in a state that alternates between a stopped state and a low-speed rotating state.

[0236] In addition, such as Figure 13 As shown in the timing diagram CG, in normal operation mode, the cold storage control unit 13 switches the state of the switching valve 158 to any one of the following states: cold storage supply state, freezer supply state, and closed state, based on the internal temperature of the cold storage compartment 11 and the internal temperature of the freezer compartment 12.

[0237] The refrigerator compartment supply state is when the refrigerant compressed by compressor 151 is supplied to the first cooler 154A. In the refrigerator compartment supply state, the refrigerant compressed by compressor 151 is not supplied to the second cooler 154B.

[0238] The freezer compartment supply state is the state in which the refrigerant compressed by the compressor 151 is supplied to the second cooler 154B. In the freezer compartment supply state, the refrigerant compressed by the compressor 151 is not supplied to the first cooler 154A.

[0239] The off state is the state in which the refrigerant compressed by the compressor 151 is not supplied to the first cooler 154A and the second cooler 154B.

[0240] Specifically, for the internal temperature of the cold storage compartment 11, the cold storage control unit 13 controls the state of the switching valve 158 so that the temperature difference between the state of the switching valve 158 when it is in the state of supplying the cold storage compartment and the state other than the state of supplying the cold storage compartment is α (K).

[0241] Specifically, based on the temperature detected by the refrigerator compartment temperature sensor 161A, when the temperature rises by α (K) from the first target temperature of the refrigerator compartment, the cold storage control unit 13 switches the switching valve 158 to the refrigerator compartment supply state and simultaneously sets the compressor 151 to a low-speed rotation state. As a result, the refrigerator compartment 11 is cooled, and its internal temperature decreases. On the other hand, during this cooling process, the freezer compartment 12 is not cooled, and therefore its internal temperature rises. When the internal temperature of the refrigerator compartment 11 drops to the first target temperature, the cold storage control unit 13 switches the switching valve 158 to the freezer compartment supply state, ending the cooling of the refrigerator compartment 11. As a result, the internal temperature of the refrigerator compartment 11 rises, while the cold storage control unit 13, by switching the switching valve 158 to the freezer compartment supply state, causes the internal temperature of the freezer compartment 12 to drop. When the internal temperature of the freezer compartment 12 drops to the first target temperature, the cold storage control unit 13 stops the compressor 151. Subsequently, when the temperature inside the cold storage compartment 11 rises by α (K) from the first target temperature of the cold storage compartment, the cold storage control unit 13 switches the switching valve 158 to the cold storage supply state and simultaneously sets the compressor 151 to the low-speed rotation state.

[0242] Next, the pre-cooling operation mode during power outages will be explained.

[0243] exist Figure 13 In the diagram, the operating mode of cold storage 1, which is a power outage pre-cooling operation, lasts from time T10 to time T12. Figure 13 In the above, the period during which the cold storage 1 operates in temperature reduction mode is from time T10 to time T11.

[0244] like Figure 13 As shown in the timing diagram CG, in the temperature reduction mode, the cold storage control unit 13 sets the compressor 151 to a high-speed rotation state.

[0245] In addition, such as Figure 13 As shown in the timing diagram CG, in the temperature reduction mode, the cold storage control unit 13 controls the state of the switching valve 158 according to the internal temperature of the cold storage compartment 11.

[0246] Specifically, the cold storage control unit 13 simultaneously supplies power to the cold storage compartment via the switching valve 158 and operates the compressor 151 at high speed to cool the cold storage compartment 11. During this cooling, the temperature inside the freezer compartment 12 rises. Based on the temperature detected by the cold storage compartment temperature sensor 161A, the cold storage control unit 13 switches the switching valve 158 to the freezer compartment supply state when the temperature inside the cold storage compartment 11 drops to the second target temperature of the cold storage compartment, ending the cooling of the cold storage compartment 11. Upon this termination, the freezer compartment 12 begins to be cooled. As a result, the temperature inside the cold storage compartment 11 rises while the temperature inside the freezer compartment 12 falls. The cold storage control unit 13 lowers the temperature inside the freezer compartment 12 with the second target temperature of the freezer compartment as the target. Here, the temperature difference controlling the switching valve 158 is reduced compared to the normal operating mode, so the temperature inside the cold storage compartment 11 rises by β(K) from the second target temperature of the cold storage compartment before the temperature inside the freezer compartment 12 reaches the second target temperature of the freezer compartment. Triggered by this, the cold storage control unit 13 re-energizes the switching valve 158 to supply power to the cold storage compartment, and cools the cold storage compartment 11 again. The cold storage control unit 13 repeatedly performs this control in the temperature reduction mode until the temperature inside the freezer compartment 12 drops to the second target temperature of the freezer compartment.

[0247] The cold storage control unit 13 continues the temperature reduction mode until the transfer trigger described in Embodiment 1 occurs.

[0248] Next, the temperature maintenance mode will be explained.

[0249] like Figure 13 As shown in the timing diagram CG, the cold storage control unit 13 keeps the compressor 151 running at a low speed in the temperature reduction mode.

[0250] In addition, such as Figure 13 As shown in the timing diagram CJ, in the power outage pre-cooling operation mode, the cold storage control unit 13 controls the state of the switching valve 158 according to either the internal temperature of the cold storage compartment 11 or the internal temperature of the freezer compartment 12.

[0251] Specifically, the cold storage control unit 13, based on the temperature detected by the cold storage temperature sensor 161A, sets the switching valve 158 to the cold storage supply state when the temperature rises by β(K) from the second target temperature of the cold storage, and sets the switching valve 158 to the freezer supply state when the second target temperature of the cold storage is reached.

[0252] In addition, specifically, the cold storage control unit 13 sets the switching valve 158 to the cold storage supply state when the temperature detected by the freezer compartment temperature sensor 161B rises by β(K) from the second target temperature of the freezer compartment, and sets the switching valve 158 to the cold storage supply state when the second target temperature of the freezer compartment is reached.

[0253] The operation of the cold storage control system 1000 regarding the shift in the operating mode of cold storage 1 is implemented as described in Implementation Method 1. Figure 6 The actions shown.

[0254] As described above, similar to Embodiment 1, Embodiment 2 can maintain the cooling capacity of the cold storage 1 for a long time during a power outage even without using an external power source.

[0255] In addition, in the power outage pre-cooling operation mode, by controlling the switching valve 158, the cooling capacity of the cold storage 1 can be maintained for a longer period of time during a power outage.

[0256] Reference Figure 14 This will provide a detailed explanation of the effect.

[0257] Figure 14 This is a graph comparing the temperature variations inside the refrigerator compartment 11 and the freezer compartment 12. Figure 14 In the time series diagram, CK represents the internal temperature of cold storage compartment 11. Additionally, in... Figure 14 In the time sequence diagram, CL represents the temperature inside the freezer compartment 12.

[0258] exist Figure 14 In the above, the period of normal operation mode of cold storage 1 is from time T13 to time T14, the period of temperature reduction mode is from time T14 to time T15, and the period of temperature maintenance mode is from time T15 to time T16.

[0259] In the time sequence diagram CK, the solid line represents the temperature variation inside the cold storage compartment 11 when the room is cooled according to the existing cooling method. Conversely, in the time sequence diagram CK, the dashed line represents the temperature variation inside the cold storage compartment 11 when the room is cooled according to the cooling method of the present invention.

[0260] In the timeline diagram CL, the solid line represents the temperature variation of the freezer compartment 12 when the interior is cooled according to the existing cooling method. Conversely, in the timeline diagram CL, the dashed line represents the temperature variation inside the freezer compartment 12 when the interior is cooled according to the cooling method of the present invention.

[0261] By comparing the solid and dashed lines, it can be seen that, under the power outage pre-cooling operation mode of the present invention, the temperature fluctuations inside the refrigerator compartment 11 and the freezer compartment 12 can be suppressed compared with the existing cooling methods.

[0262] Therefore, similar to Embodiment 1, the cooling capacity of the cold storage 1 can be maintained for a longer period of time during a power outage.

[0263] (2-3. Variations)

[0264] The above-described Embodiment 2, like Embodiment 1, is a structure that automatically switches the operating mode of the cold storage 1 to the power outage pre-cooling operating mode upon the issuance of a weather warning. In a variation of Embodiment 2, similar to the variation of Embodiment 1, the structure involves querying user P whether to switch the operating mode of the cold storage 1 to the power outage pre-cooling operating mode upon the issuance of a weather warning. After the query, if user P instructs to switch to the power outage pre-cooling operating mode, the operating mode of the cold storage 1 is switched to the power outage pre-cooling operating mode.

[0265] In this modified example, each device of the cold storage control system 1000 performs the same operation as in the modified example of Embodiment 1 described above.

[0266] (2-4. Effects, etc.)

[0267] According to the above-described Embodiment 2 and its variations, the same effects as those of Embodiment 1 and its variations are achieved.

[0268] Additionally, the cooling unit 15 includes a condenser 152, a first cooler 154A that generates cold air for the refrigerator compartment, a second cooler 154B that generates cold air for the freezer compartment, and a switching valve 158 that switches the refrigerant supply destination generated by the condenser 152 to either the first cooler 154A or the second cooler 154B. The cold storage control unit 13 controls the switching valve to ensure that the temperature fluctuation inside the cold storage 1 during the power outage pre-cooling operation mode is smaller than the temperature fluctuation inside the cold storage 1 during the normal operation mode.

[0269] Therefore, by controlling the switching valve 158, the cooling capacity of the cold storage 1 can be maintained effectively and for a long time during a power outage, even without the use of an external power source. Thus, even when the cold storage 1 is a dual-evaporator type, the cooling capacity of the cold storage 1 can be maintained for a long time during a power outage without the use of an external power source.

[0270] (Other implementation methods)

[0271] As described above, the embodiments and modifications described herein are examples. However, the technology of the present invention is not limited thereto, and can also be applied to embodiments in which changes, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc., have been made. In addition, new embodiments can be formed by combining the constituent elements described in the above embodiments and modifications.

[0272] Therefore, other implementation methods are illustrated below.

[0273] In the above-described embodiments and variations, the structure of the cold storage 1 starting the power outage pre-cooling operation mode is triggered by receiving a transfer instruction information. However, the triggering of starting the power outage pre-cooling operation mode is not limited to this. The structure of the cold storage 1 can also be such that a button for starting the power outage pre-cooling operation mode is provided at a designated location, and the power outage pre-cooling operation mode is started when the user P operates the button. In this structure, the cold storage 1 continues in the power outage pre-cooling operation mode for a specified period (e.g., 24 hours) before the user P inputs an end instruction to the cold storage 1, or after starting the power outage pre-cooling operation mode. Thus, even if the cold storage 1 does not cooperate with the cold storage control server 3 or the cold storage control application 413, the user P can set the cold storage 1 to the power outage pre-cooling operation mode when he believes that a power outage may occur.

[0274] In the above-described embodiments and variations, examples illustrate the case of switching the operating mode of cold storage 1 from the normal operating mode to the power outage pre-cooling operating mode. However, the operating mode before the switch is not limited to the normal operating mode; any operating mode other than the power outage pre-cooling operating mode is acceptable. Furthermore, in the above-described embodiments, examples illustrate the case of switching the operating mode of cold storage 1 from the power outage pre-cooling operating mode to the normal operating mode. However, the target operating mode is not limited to the normal operating mode; any operating mode other than the power outage pre-cooling operating mode is acceptable. Here, the operating mode other than the power outage pre-cooling operating mode corresponds to an example of "Mode 1".

[0275] For example, in the temperature reduction mode, in addition to the structure that makes the compressor 151 rotate at high speed, a structure that makes the cooling fan 155, the first cooling fan 155A, and the second cooling fan 155B rotate at high speed compared to other modes can also be adopted.

[0276] For example, in the power outage pre-cooling operation mode of Embodiment 1, the structure suppresses temperature fluctuations inside the storage chamber by controlling the frequency of opening and closing of the damper 156; however, it could also suppress temperature fluctuations inside the storage chamber by controlling the opening degree of the damper 156. Furthermore, in the power outage pre-cooling operation mode of Embodiment 2, the structure suppresses temperature fluctuations inside the storage chamber by controlling the frequency of switching the state of the switching valve 158; however, it could also suppress temperature fluctuations inside the storage chamber by controlling the opening degree of the switching valve 158.

[0277] In the above-described embodiments and variations, a weather warning was used as an example of an alarm regarding the cause of a power outage. However, alarms regarding the cause of a power outage can also be alarms other than weather warnings, such as earthquake warnings, flood warnings, tsunami warnings, volcanic eruption warnings, and fire warnings. In this case, the cause of the power outage is a cause other than weather. Furthermore, in this case, a server device that provides information on whether alarms other than weather warnings have been issued is connected to the Global Network (GN) instead of the weather warning server 5, or the cold storage control server 3 is connected to both the weather warning server 5 and this server device. The cold storage control server 3 queries this server device to inquire whether an alarm has been issued.

[0278] Furthermore, the above-described implementation and variations are based on a structure where the issuance of an alarm triggers the cold storage 1 to begin a power outage pre-cooling operation. However, the trigger is not limited to alarms; it can also be a warning about the cause of a power outage. Warnings include various types such as heavy rain warnings and flood warnings, and lightning warnings, which have a high probability of causing a power outage, can also be used as a trigger. Moreover, the trigger is not limited to alarms and warnings; it can also be a forecast about other causes of power outages. In this case, a server device that provides information indicating whether a forecast has been issued is connected to the Global Network (GN) instead of the weather alarm 5, or the server device is connected in addition to the weather alarm 5. The cold storage control server 3 queries the server device to inquire whether a forecast has been issued. Alternatively, in this case, a server device that provides information indicating whether a forecast has been issued is connected to the Global Network (GN) instead of an alarm server other than a weather alarm, or the server device is connected in addition to an alarm server other than a weather alarm. The cold storage controller 3 queries the server device to inquire whether a forecast has been issued.

[0279] For example, in the above-described implementation methods and variations, the following structure can also be adopted: When the cold storage control server 3 sends transfer instruction information to the cold storage 1, it adds a cold storage ID (CID). The cold storage 1 only switches its operating mode to the power outage pre-cooling operating mode if the cold storage ID added in the transfer instruction information matches the cold storage ID assigned to it. The cold storage ID is information that identifies the cold storage 1, such as a manufacturing number.

[0280] For example, the types of compartments formed in the main body 10 of the cold storage 1 are not limited to the cold storage compartment 11 and the freezer compartment 12; other types of compartments such as an ice-making compartment, a fresh-freezing compartment, and a vegetable compartment may also be formed. Furthermore, the number of doors provided on the front surface of the cold storage compartment 11 can be multiple. When the air damper 156 is provided for each storage compartment, similar to Embodiment 1, the cold storage control unit 13 controls the air damper 156 separately to suppress temperature fluctuations in each storage compartment.

[0281] For example, the internal structure of the refrigerator compartment 11 and the freezer compartment 12, such as the number of shelves and the number of storage boxes, is not limited to... Figure 2 and Figure 10 .

[0282] For example, one or more temperature sensors 161 can be installed in each storage compartment of the cold storage 1.

[0283] For example, the functions of the cold storage control unit 13, the server control unit 30, and the terminal control unit 40 can also be implemented by multiple processors or semiconductor chips.

[0284] Figure 4 and Figure 12 The parts shown are just one example, and there are no particular restrictions on the specific installation method. That is, it is not necessarily necessary to install hardware corresponding to each part separately; of course, a structure in which the functions of each part are implemented by a processor executing a program can also be adopted. In addition, in the above embodiments, some functions implemented by software can be implemented as hardware, or some functions implemented by hardware can be implemented by software. Furthermore, the specific detailed structure of the other parts of the cold storage 1, the cold storage control server 3, and the terminal device 4 can be arbitrarily changed without departing from the essence of the present invention.

[0285] For example, Figure 6 and Figure 9 The steps shown are divided according to the main processing content for ease of understanding the operation of each device in the cold storage control system 1000. They can also be divided into more step units based on the processing content. Alternatively, a single step unit can contain more processing steps. Furthermore, the order of these steps can be appropriately changed without affecting the spirit of the invention.

[0286] Furthermore, since the above embodiments are used to illustrate the technology of the present invention, various changes, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc., can be made within the scope of the claims or their equivalents.

[0287] Industrial availability

[0288] As described above, the cold storage and cold storage control system of the present invention can be used to maintain the cooling capacity of the cold storage during a power outage.

[0289] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0290] 1 Cold storage

[0291] 3. Cold storage control server (server)

[0292] 4 terminal devices

[0293] 5 Weather Alert Servers

[0294] 11 Refrigeration Room

[0295] 12 Freezer compartments

[0296] 13 Cold Storage Control Department

[0297] 15 Cooling Section

[0298] 151 compressor

[0299] 152 condenser

[0300] 154 Cooler

[0301] 154A First Cooler

[0302] 154B Second Cooler

[0303] 156 air door

[0304] 158 switching valve

[0305] 1000 Cold Storage Control System

[0306] H (Home / Setup Location)

[0307] User P.

Claims

1. A cold storage warehouse, characterized in that, include: A cooling unit for cooling the interior of the cold storage room, the cooling unit comprising: a condenser; a first cooler for generating cold air in the cold storage compartment; a second cooler for generating cold air in the freezer compartment; and a switching valve for switching the supply destination of the refrigerant generated by the condenser to either the first cooler or the second cooler; and The cold storage control unit, upon issuing a forecast regarding the cause of a power outage to the area including the location of the cold storage, switches the cold storage's operating mode from a first mode to a second mode where the internal temperature of the cold storage is lower than in the first mode. The cold storage control unit, When the cold storage is operating in the first mode, the state of the switching valve is switched to any one of the following states: a cold storage compartment supply state that supplies refrigerant to the first cooler, a freezer compartment supply state that supplies refrigerant to the second cooler, and a closed state. When the cold storage is operating in the second mode, the state of the switching valve is switched to either the cold storage compartment supply state or the freezer compartment supply state, so that the switching frequency of the switching valve is higher than that of the switching valve in the first mode, and the cooling unit is used for cooling.

2. The cold storage warehouse as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The second mode includes: a temperature reduction mode that lowers the internal temperature of the cold storage from the internal temperature in the first mode; and a temperature maintenance mode that maintains the internal temperature lowered in the temperature reduction mode.

3. The cold storage warehouse as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The cold storage control unit sets the compressor speed to be higher in the temperature reduction mode than in the temperature maintenance mode.

4. A cold storage control system, comprising a cold storage warehouse and a server capable of communicating with the cold storage warehouse, characterized in that: The cold storage includes: Condenser; The first cooler that generates cold air for the refrigerator compartment; A second cooler that generates cold air for the freezer compartment; and a switching valve that switches the refrigerant supplied by the condenser to either the first cooler or the second cooler. When the server issues a forecast regarding the cause of a power outage in an area including the location of the cold storage facility, it sends a transfer instruction to the cold storage facility, causing it to switch its operating mode from a first mode to a second mode where the internal temperature of the cold storage facility is lower than the first mode. In the first mode, the cold storage unit switches the state of the switching valve to any one of the following states: a cold storage compartment supply state that supplies refrigerant to the first cooler, a freezer compartment supply state that supplies refrigerant to the second cooler, or a closed state. In the second mode, the cold storage room switches the state of the switching valve to either the cold storage compartment supply state or the freezer compartment supply state, so that the switching frequency of the switching valve is higher than that of the switching valve in the first mode, thereby cooling the inside of the cold storage room.

5. The cold storage control system as described in claim 4, characterized in that: Includes a terminal device capable of communicating with the server. When the user in the cold storage receives a transfer instruction to switch to the second mode, the terminal device sends the transfer instruction information to the server. Upon receiving the transfer instruction information, the server sends the received transfer instruction information to the cold storage.

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