Milk flow control unit, computer-based method for controlling milk flow, computer program, and non-volatile data carrier.

Abstract

A balancing tank (120) receives milk extracted from a milking animal. A control unit (110) controls the milk flow (F) from the balancing tank (120) to a storage tank (130). The control unit (110) receives a temperature indication signal (T) that measures the temperature of the milk flow (F) before it enters the storage tank (130). The control unit (110) generates a first control signal (C1) to a milk pump (150), thereby causing the milk flow (F) to be pumped out of the balancing tank (120). At least one sensor (121, 122) generates a level indication signal (S(L)). TH :H TH The liquid level indication signal reflects the milk level (L) in the balance tank (120) for both low and high threshold liquid levels. The control unit (110) uses the temperature indication signal (T) and the liquid level indication signal (S(L)) as the basis for its calculation. TH :H TH Generate a first control signal (C1) such that only the liquid level indication signal (s(L) is activated. TH :H TH The milk level (L) in the balance tank (120) is reflected at the low threshold level (L). TH ) and the high threshold liquid level (H) TH In the case of a temperature reading between 150 and 250, the speed of the milk pump (150) is controlled by the first control signal (C1) based on the temperature indication signal (T).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention generally relates to milk flow and cooling regulation. In particular, the invention relates to a control unit and a corresponding computer-implemented method, the control unit being arranged to control milk flow via a cooling system between a balancing tank and a storage tank. The invention also relates to a computer program and a non-volatile data carrier storing such a computer program. Background Technology

[0002] For quality and hygiene reasons, it is important that the temperature of milk extracted from dairy animals be kept sufficiently low throughout storage. Due to the fact that different animals produce varying amounts of milk per unit time, the rate at which the incoming milk stream enters the system is typically unstable, at least to some extent. The number of animals from which milk is extracted during milking may also vary. Therefore, controlling the cooling of milk between the input balancing tank and the storage tank, where milk is stored until transported to a dairy plant or similar facility, is challenging.

[0003] WO 97 / 16962 discloses an apparatus for cooling a product, comprising a heat exchanger structure including a first evaporator and a second evaporator separate from the first evaporator, wherein the first heat exchanger is integrated with the first evaporator and the second heat exchanger is integrated with the second evaporator. In operation, the product or intermediate heat transfer medium is cooled in at least two first stages. During the first stage, heat is removed from the product or medium by the first evaporator, which cools the product or medium to an intermediate temperature. During the second stage, heat is removed from the product or medium by the second evaporator, which further cools the product or medium to a desired temperature. Energy efficiency is improved because the product or medium is partially cooled by the evaporator, which operates at an evaporation temperature higher than that required to achieve the desired temperature. WO 97 / 16962 also discloses a control unit for controlling the temperature of milk by controlling a pump, such that if the temperature of the milk downstream of the heat exchanger is too low, the flow rate through the heat exchanger structure is increased, and vice versa, if the temperature is too high, the flow rate is decreased.

[0004] Therefore, there exists a device capable of adaptively pumping and cooling products (such as extracted milk) that can be used to transfer the product from a balancing tank to a storage tank while simultaneously cooling it. However, known solutions leave room for further energy savings in pumping and cooling the extracted milk. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a solution that solves the above-mentioned problems and enables more efficient pumping and cooling of the extracted milk before storing it in a storage tank.

[0006] According to one aspect of the invention, the objective is achieved by a control unit arranged to control the milk flow via a cooling system between a balancing tank and a storage tank. It is assumed that the balancing tank receives input in the form of milk extracted from a plurality of milking animals. The control unit is configured to generate a first control signal to a milk pump in the cooling system, the pump being arranged to pump the milk flow out of the balancing tank. The balancing tank includes at least one sensor configured to generate level indication signals reflecting the milk level in the balancing tank for a low threshold level and a high threshold level, respectively. The control unit is configured to receive the level indication signals and a temperature indication signal from a temperature sensor that measures the temperature of the milk flow before it enters the storage tank. The control unit is configured to generate the first control signal based on the level indication signals and the temperature indication signals, such that the speed of the milk pump is controlled by the first control signal based on the temperature indication signal only if the level indication signal reflects that the milk level in the balancing tank is between the low threshold level and the high threshold level.

[0007] Thus, when the milk level is within the specified range, the temperature sensor effectively controls the milk flow (pump speed) to achieve the desired / stable temperature of the milk flowing from the cooling system into the storage tank. This makes the control unit independent of milk flow sensors or meters, which are typically more complex / expensive and unsanitary than temperature sensors. Furthermore, the milk level sensor can be configured as two floats located at the low and high threshold levels in the balance tank, but it can also be any other type of milk level sensor (such as a hydrostatic sensor) capable of generating continuous / linear level indication signals for different milk levels between the low and high threshold levels. The aforementioned control unit is advantageous because it enables different types of control of the milk pump (and the cooling system) at more extreme milk levels in the balance tank. Therefore, the aforementioned control unit is advantageous because it can, for example, avoid unnecessary operation of the milk pump (and cooling system) when the milk level is below the low threshold level, while allowing the milk pump to operate at a predetermined high (maximum) speed when the milk level is above the high threshold level. In other words, when the milk level is below and above the low and high threshold levels respectively, milk temperature no longer controls the pump speed, allowing the control unit to achieve more important (primary) parameters, such as energy saving and ensuring the receiving capacity of the balance tank. Therefore, it should be emphasized that during high (maximum) pump speed operation at the high threshold level, the milk temperature can still be maintained within an acceptable and desirable range by temporarily increasing the cooling effect of the cooling system.

[0008] According to one embodiment of this aspect of the invention, the control unit is configured to generate the first control signal such that if the level indication signal reflects that the milk level in the balance tank is higher than or equal to the high threshold level, the milk pump pumps milk out of the balance tank at a predetermined high speed. This is desirable because it minimizes the risk of the balance tank overflowing, which is considered more important than the milk temporarily reaching excessively high temperatures due to insufficient cooling in the cooling system. Therefore, preferably, the predetermined high speed represents the maximum possible pumping speed for the milk pump.

[0009] According to another embodiment of this aspect of the invention, the control unit is configured to generate a second control signal based on the temperature indication signal, such that if the temperature indication signal reflects that the milk temperature is higher than a set temperature, the cooling capacity of the cooling system is increased. Therefore, when the milk temperature is high, the milk pump will also operate at the predetermined high speed, and the temperature indication signal can be used to increase the capacity of the cooler and / or the coolant pump speed.

[0010] Similarly, according to another embodiment of this aspect of the invention, the control unit is configured to generate the second control signal based on the temperature indication signal, such that if the temperature indication signal reflects that the milk temperature is lower than the set temperature, the cooling capacity of the cooling system is reduced. Therefore, when the milk temperature is low, the milk pump will operate at the predetermined high speed, and the temperature indication signal is used to further reduce the cooling capacity of the cooling system by reducing the cooling capacity of the cooler and / or the speed of the coolant pump, thereby saving energy usage.

[0011] According to another embodiment of this aspect of the invention, the control unit is configured to generate the first control signal such that if the level indication signal reflects that the milk level in the balance tank is below or equal to the low threshold level, the milk pump pumps the milk flow from the balance tank at a predetermined low speed. This saves energy and reduces the risk of emptying the balance tank. Preferably, the predetermined low speed indicates that the milk pump is inactive. Furthermore, whenever the milk pump is inactive, the coolant system, including the cooler and coolant pump, is preferably placed in an idle mode or turned off. Thus, this embodiment saves even more energy.

[0012] According to another embodiment of this aspect of the invention, the control unit is configured to generate the first control signal based on the temperature indication signal, such that if the temperature indication signal indicates that the milk temperature is within a predetermined interval from a set temperature, the milk flow is pumped out of the balance tank at a predetermined nominal rate. However, if the temperature indication signal indicates that the milk temperature is below the predetermined interval, the control unit is configured to generate the first control signal such that the milk flow is pumped out of the balance tank at an increasing rate higher than the predetermined nominal rate; and if the temperature indication signal indicates that the milk temperature is above the predetermined interval, the control unit is configured to generate the first control signal such that the milk flow is pumped out of the balance tank at a decreasing rate lower than the predetermined nominal rate. That is, this allows for high milk production while maintaining the milk temperature within an acceptable range and saving energy.

[0013] According to another embodiment of this aspect of the invention, the cooling system includes a heat exchanger configured to transfer heat energy from the milk flow to a cooling medium circulating in the cooler by means of a coolant pump that operates in response to a second control signal. Here, the control unit is configured to generate the second control signal based on the temperature indication signal, such that if the temperature indication signal indicates that the milk temperature is higher than the predetermined interval during a first uninterrupted period, the flow of the cooling medium is increased and / or the cooling capacity of the cooler is improved. Similarly, the control unit is configured to generate the second control signal based on the temperature indication signal, such that if the temperature indication signal indicates that the milk temperature is lower than the predetermined interval during a second uninterrupted period, the flow of the cooling medium is reduced and / or the cooling capacity of the cooler is decreased. Therefore, the cooler can also achieve highly efficient energy use.

[0014] According to another aspect of the invention, the objective is achieved by a computer-implemented method for controlling milk flow via a cooling system between a balancing tank and a storage tank, wherein the balancing tank receives input in the form of milk extracted from multiple milking animals, and the method involves receiving a temperature indication signal from a temperature sensor that measures the temperature of the milk flow before it enters the storage tank. The method also involves generating a first control signal for a milk pump in the cooling system, the pump being arranged such that the milk flow is pumped from the balancing tank, and the first control signal being generated based on the temperature indication signal. It is assumed that the balancing tank includes at least one sensor configured to generate level indication signals reflecting the milk level in the balancing tank for low and high threshold levels, respectively. Furthermore, the method involves receiving the level indication signal and further generating the first control signal based on the level indication signal. Here, the speed of the milk pump is controlled by the first control signal based on the temperature indication signal only if the level indication signal reflects that the milk level in the balancing tank is between the low and high threshold levels. The advantages of this method and its preferred implementation are apparent from the discussion of the control unit proposed in the above reference.

[0015] According to another aspect of the invention, this objective is achieved by a computer program that can be loaded into a non-volatile data carrier communicatively connected to a processing unit. The computer program includes software for executing the described method when the program is run on the processing unit.

[0016] According to another aspect of the invention, this objective is achieved by a non-volatile data carrier containing the aforementioned computer program.

[0017] Other advantages, beneficial features and applications of the invention will become apparent from the following description and dependent claims. Attached Figure Description

[0018] The invention will now be explained in more detail by way of preferred embodiments disclosed as examples and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0019] Figure 1 A milk processing system including a control unit according to one embodiment of the present invention is illustrated schematically;

[0020] Figure 2 A graph illustrating the relationship between set milk flow rate, milk temperature, and milk level in a balance tank according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0021] Figure 3 A block diagram of the control unit according to the present invention is shown; and

[0022] Figure 4A flowchart illustrates a general method according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. Detailed Implementation

[0023] exist Figure 1 The diagram shows a milk processing system including a control unit 110 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Control unit 110 is arranged to control the milk flow via cooling system 170 between balancing tank 120 and storage tank 130. Storage tank 130 is adapted to accumulate milk collected over a relatively long period of time, i.e., between consecutive milk extractions, for further transport to a dairy plant or similar facility, which typically occurs every 24 or 48 hours. Therefore, storage tank 130 has a relatively large capacity. On the other hand, balancing tank 120 has a relatively small capacity because milk is only briefly stored here before being transported through cooling system 170. Balancing tank 120 is adapted to receive milk in the form of input M. IN The milk is extracted from multiple milking animals. Therefore, one or more milking points can deliver milk directly or, for example, via so-called end units or receivers to the balance tank 120.

[0025] A temperature sensor 140 is disposed on a milk conduit that delivers milk into the storage tank 130. The temperature sensor 140 is configured to measure the temperature of the milk flow F before it enters the storage tank 130. The balancing tank 120 includes at least one sensor, represented herein by a first sensor 121 and a second sensor 122, which are configured to generate values ​​for a low threshold liquid level L, respectively. TH and high threshold liquid level H TH The level indicator signal s(L) reflects the milk level L in the balance tank 120. TH :H TH For example, the low threshold liquid level L TH This can represent 10% of the storage capacity of the balance tank 120, and the high threshold liquid level H TH This can represent 90% of the storage capacity of the balance tank 120.

[0026] Control unit 110 is configured to receive a temperature indication signal T from temperature sensor 140. Control unit 110 is also configured to receive the liquid level indication signal s(L) from at least one sensor 121 / 122. TH :H TH Based on the temperature indication signal T and the liquid level indication signal s(L) TH :H THThe control unit 110 is configured to generate a first control signal C1 to the milk pump 150 in the cooling system 170, the milk pump 150 being arranged such that the milk flow F is pumped from the balance tank 120 and passes through the cooling system 170. Specifically, this is based on the temperature indication signal T and the liquid level indication signal s(L). TH :H TH The first control signal C1 is generated so that only the liquid level indication signal s(L) is activated. TH :H TH The milk level L in the balance tank 120 is at the low threshold level L. TH With the high threshold liquid level H TH In the case of a temperature reading between the specified values, the speed of the milk pump 150 is controlled by the first control signal C1 based on the temperature indication signal T. Otherwise, that is, when the milk level L is not at the low threshold level L... TH and the high threshold liquid level H TH Within the given range, the first control signal C1 is not based on the temperature indication signal T, as will be particularly noted below. Figure 2 The explanation.

[0027] Figure 2 A diagram is shown representing the temperature T of the milk flow F before it enters the storage tank 130 along the horizontal axis and the milk level L in the balancing tank 120 along the vertical axis.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the invention, the control unit 110 is configured to generate the first control signal C1, such that if the liquid level indication signal s(L) is... TH :H TH This reflects that the milk level L in the balance tank 120 is higher than or equal to the high threshold level H. TH Then the milk pump 150 causes the milk flow F to be at a predetermined high speed F. HI Pumped from the balance tank 120, at 80% or higher of, for example, the maximum speed of the milk pump 150. That is, if the milk level L is higher than or equal to the high threshold level H. TH If this happens, there is a risk that the balance tank 120 will overflow. In this case, it is important to quickly lower the milk level L. Therefore, the predetermined high-speed F HI Preferably, this represents the maximum possible pumping speed of the milk pump 150, thereby reducing the milk level L in the balance tank 120 as quickly as possible.

[0029] Alternatively, it may be preferable if the liquid level indication signal s(L) TH :H TH This reflects that the milk level L in the balance tank 120 is lower than or equal to the low threshold level L. TH Then the control unit 110 is configured to generate the first control signal C1, causing the milk pump 150 to make the milk flow F at a predetermined low speed F.LO Pumped from the balance tank 120 at, for example, 20% or less of the maximum speed of the milk pump 150. That is, otherwise, in this case, the balance tank 120 might be emptied and there is a risk of injecting unwanted air bubbles into the milk. Therefore, it is advantageous that this predetermined low speed F... LO This indicates that the milk pump 150 is not in operation, meaning that no milk will be pumped out of the balance tank 120 at all.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the invention, the control unit 110 is configured to generate the second control signal C2 based on the temperature indication signal T, such that if the temperature indication signal T reflects a milk temperature higher than, for example, a set temperature T of 3.5 degrees Celsius... SET This increases the cooling capacity of the cooling system 170. This means that the milk pump 150 can operate at a higher, preferably fixed, speed, which in turn allows the cooling capacity of the cooler 167 and / or the speed of the coolant pump 165 in the cooling system 170 to be increased based on the temperature indication signal T.

[0031] Similarly, according to another embodiment of the invention, the control unit 110 is preferably configured to generate the second control signal C2 based on the temperature indication signal T, such that if the temperature indication signal T reflects that the milk temperature is lower than the set temperature T, the control unit 110 is configured to generate the second control signal C2. SET This reduces the cooling capacity of the cooling system 170. In other words, energy can be saved by reducing the cooling of the milk in this situation.

[0032] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 110 is configured to generate the first control signal C1 based on the temperature indication signal T, such that if the temperature indication signal T indicates that the milk temperature is within the range of a set temperature T... SET The predetermined interval T between them R Within, for example, between 3 and 5 degrees Celsius, the milk flow F is made to flow at a predetermined nominal speed F. NOM The milk is pumped from the balance tank 120 at, for example, about 50% of the maximum speed of the milk pump 150. Therefore, a steady flow of milk F can be efficiently delivered to the storage tank 130 through the cooling system 170.

[0033] If the temperature indicator signal T indicates that the milk temperature is lower than the predetermined interval T R Then the control unit 110 is configured to generate the first control signal C1 based on the temperature indication signal T, so that the milk flow F flows at a speed higher than the predetermined nominal speed F. NOM The rate of increase F ELVDThis means that the milk pump 150 pumps milk at 50% or higher of its maximum speed from the balance tank 120, thereby reducing milk cooling and transferring more milk to the storage tank 130 per unit time. Another second control signal C2 can also be used to reduce the speed of the coolant pump 165. This removes less heat from the milk.

[0034] If the temperature indicator signal T indicates that the milk temperature is higher than the predetermined interval T R Then the control unit 110 is configured to generate the first control signal C1 based on the temperature indication signal T, so that the milk flow F flows at a speed lower than the predetermined nominal speed F. NOM Decrease speed F LWD The milk is pumped from the balance tank 120 at 50% or less of its maximum speed by the milk pump 150, thus further cooling the milk as it passes through the cooling system 170 before entering the storage tank 130. A second control signal C2 can also be used to increase the speed of the coolant pump 165. This removes even more heat from the milk.

[0035] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cooling system 170 includes a heat exchanger 160, such as a plate heat exchanger (PHE), configured to transfer heat energy from the milk flow F to a cooling medium C, such as ethylene glycol circulated in a cooler 167 by a coolant pump 165. The coolant pump 165 is adapted to operate in response to a second control signal C2.

[0036] Here, the control unit 110 is also configured to generate the second control signal C2 based on the temperature indication signal T, such that if the temperature indication signal T indicates that the milk temperature is higher than the predetermined interval T during the first uninterrupted period (e.g., 60 seconds), the control unit 110 is configured to generate the second control signal C2. R This increases the flow of cooling medium C and / or improves the cooling capacity of cooler 167. Therefore, any excessively high milk temperature can be effectively reduced.

[0037] Furthermore, if the temperature indication signal T indicates that the milk temperature is lower than the predetermined interval T during the second uninterrupted period (e.g., 60 seconds)... R The control unit 110 is then configured to generate the second control signal C2 based on the temperature indication signal T, thereby reducing the flow of the cooling medium C and / or decreasing the cooling capacity of the cooler 167. This avoids unnecessary cooling of the milk and saves energy.

[0038] Figure 3A block diagram of a control unit 110 according to the invention is shown. It is generally advantageous that the controller 110 is configured to automatically perform the above-described processes by executing a computer program 317. Therefore, the controller 110 may include a memory unit 316 (i.e., a non-volatile data carrier) storing the computer program 317, which in turn includes software for causing processing circuitry in the controller 110, in the form of at least one processor 315, to perform the actions mentioned in this disclosure when the computer program 317 is executed on at least one processor 315.

[0039] In conclusion, and with reference Figure 4 In the flowchart above, we will now describe a computer-implemented method according to an embodiment of the present invention for controlling the milk flow F via a cooling system 170 between a balancing tank 120 and a storage tank 130, wherein the balancing tank 120 receives an input M in the form of milk. IN The milk is extracted from multiple milking animals.

[0040] In the first step 410, a temperature indication signal T is received from a temperature sensor 140, which measures the temperature of the milk flow F before it enters the storage tank 130. A liquid level indication signal s(L) is also received in step 410. TH :H TH The liquid level indication signal s(L) TH :H TH The milk level in the balance tank 120 is reflected for low and high threshold liquid levels, respectively.

[0041] The subsequent step 420 checks the liquid level indication signal s(L) TH :H TH Does the milk level in the balance tank 120 reflect the low threshold level and the high threshold level? If so, proceed to step 430. Otherwise, the process continues to step 440.

[0042] In step 430, the milk flow is controlled to the nominal rate by generating a first control signal C1 to the milk pump 150 in the cooling system 170. The process then loops back to step 410.

[0043] In step 440, the liquid level indication signal s(L) is checked. TH :H TH Does this indicate that the milk level in the balance tank 120 is higher than the high threshold level? If so, proceed to step 450. Otherwise, the process continues to step 460.

[0044] In step 450, the milk flow is controlled at a high rate via the first control signal C1 to the milk pump 150. Subsequently, the process loops back to step 410.

[0045] In step 460, the milk flow is controlled to a low rate via the first control signal C1 to the milk pump 150. Subsequently, the process loops back to step 410.

[0046] refer to Figure 4 All processing steps described, and any subsequences of those steps, can be controlled by a programmed processor. Furthermore, although embodiments of the invention described above with reference to the accompanying drawings include a processor and processing executed in at least one processor, the invention is therefore extended to computer programs suitable for practicing the invention, particularly computer programs on or within a carrier. This program can be in the form of source code, object code, intermediate source code, and object code such as partially compiled forms, or any other form suitable for use in implementing the processes according to the invention. The program can be part of an operating system or a separate application. The carrier can be any entity or device capable of carrying the program. For example, the carrier can include storage media such as flash memory, ROM (read-only memory), such as DVD (Digital Video / Universal Disc), CD (Compact Disc), or semiconductor ROM, EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), or magnetic recording media such as floppy disks or hard disks. Furthermore, the carrier can be a transmissible medium, such as electrical or optical signals, which can be transmitted via cable or optical fiber, or by radio or other means. When a program is embodied in a signal, the signal can be transmitted directly via a cable or other device or apparatus, and the carrier can be constituted by such a cable, device, or apparatus. Alternatively, the carrier can be an integrated circuit in which a program is embedded, which is adapted to perform related processing or to perform related processing.

[0047] By studying the accompanying drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims, those skilled in the art can understand and implement variations of the disclosed embodiments when practicing the claimed invention.

[0048] When used in this specification, the term "comprises" is used to specify the presence of the stated feature, integer, step, or component. This term does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more additional elements, features, integers, steps, or components, or groups thereof. The indefinite articles "a" or "an" do not exclude a plurality. In the claims, the word "or" should not be interpreted as an exclusive OR (sometimes referred to as "XOR"). Rather, expressions such as "A or B" cover all cases of "A and not B", "B and not A", and "A and B", unless otherwise stated. The fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not imply that combinations of these measures cannot be advantageously used. Any reference numerals in the claims should not be interpreted as limiting the scope.

[0049] It should also be noted that the features from the various implementation schemes described herein can be freely combined unless it is explicitly stated that such a combination would be unsuitable.

[0050] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described in the accompanying drawings, but can be freely varied within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A control unit (110) arranged to control milk flow (F) via a cooling system (170) between a balancing tank (120) and a storage tank (130), the balancing tank (120) receiving an input (M) in the form of milk. IN The milk is extracted from multiple milking animals, and the control unit (110) is configured to: A temperature indication signal (T) is received from a temperature sensor (140), which measures the temperature of the milk flow (F) before it enters the storage tank (130); and A first control signal (C1) is generated for the milk pump (150) in the cooling system (170), the milk pump (150) being arranged such that the milk flow (F) is pumped out from the balance tank (120), the first control signal (C1) being generated based on the temperature indication signal (T), characterized in that... The balancing tank (120) includes at least one sensor (121, 122), the at least one sensor being configured to generate a level indication signal (s(L)) reflecting the milk level (L) in the balancing tank (120) for low threshold level and high threshold level, respectively. TH :H TH The control unit (110) is configured to receive the liquid level indication signal (s(L)). TH :H TH Furthermore, based on the liquid level indication signal (s(L) TH :H TH The first control signal (C1) is generated only when the liquid level indication signal (s(L) is generated. TH :H TH The milk level (L) in the balance tank (120) is reflected in the low threshold level (L). TH ) and the high threshold liquid level (H) TH In the case of a temperature range between 0 and 10, the speed of the milk pump (150) is controlled by the first control signal (C1) based on the temperature indication signal (T). The control unit is configured to generate the first control signal (C1), such that if the liquid level indication signal (s(L)) is received, the liquid level indication signal (s(L)) is received. TH :H TH This reflects that the milk level (L) in the balance tank (120) is higher than or equal to the high threshold level (H). TH If the milk pump (150) causes the milk flow (F) to be at a predetermined high speed (F), then the milk pump (150) will cause the milk flow (F) to be at a predetermined high speed (F). HI Pumped out from the balance tank (120), The predetermined high speed (F) HI The pump speed is 80% or higher of the maximum pump speed of the milk pump (150).

2. The control unit (110) according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined high speed (F HI ) indicates the highest possible pump speed for the milk pump (150).

3. The control unit (110) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control unit (110) is configured to generate a second control signal (C2) based on the temperature indication signal (T), such that if the temperature indication signal (T) reflects that the milk temperature is higher than a set temperature (T), SET This improves the cooling capacity of the cooling system (170).

4. The control unit (110) according to claim 3, wherein the control unit (110) is configured to generate the second control signal (C2) based on the temperature indication signal (T), such that if the temperature indication signal (T) reflects that the milk temperature is lower than the set temperature (T), SET If the cooling system (170) is not properly cooled, the cooling capacity of the cooling system (170) will be reduced.

5. The control unit (110) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit (110) is configured to generate the first control signal (C1), such that if the liquid level indication signal (s(L)) is received, the control unit (110) generates the first control signal (C1) and the liquid level indication signal (C1 ... TH :H TH This reflects that the milk level (L) in the balance tank (120) is lower than or equal to the low threshold level (L). TH If the milk pump (150) causes the milk flow (F) to be at a predetermined low speed (F), then the milk pump (150) causes the milk flow (F) to be at a predetermined low speed (F). LO Pumped out from the balance tank (120).

6. The control unit (110) according to claim 5, wherein the predetermined low speed (F) LO ) indicates that the milk pump (150) is not in operation.

7. The control unit (110) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit (110) is configured to generate the first control signal (C1) based on the temperature indication signal (T), thereby causing the milk flow (F) to be pumped out of the balance tank (120) at the following rates: If the temperature indicator signal (T) indicates that the milk temperature is within the range of the set temperature (T) SET The predetermined interval (T) between them R Within ) then according to the predetermined nominal speed (F NOM ), If the temperature indicator signal (T) indicates that the milk temperature is lower than the predetermined interval (T), R If the speed is higher than the predetermined nominal speed (F), then the speed will be higher than the predetermined nominal speed (F). NOM The rate of increase of (F) ELVD ),as well as If the temperature indicator signal (T) indicates that the milk temperature is higher than the predetermined interval (T), R If the speed is lower than the predetermined nominal speed (F), then the speed will be lower than the predetermined nominal speed (F). NOM The rate of decrease of (F) LWD ).

8. The control unit (110) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cooling system (170) includes a heat exchanger (160) configured to transfer heat energy from the milk stream (F) to a cooling medium (C) circulating in a cooler (167) by means of a coolant pump (165) operating in response to a second control signal (C2), and the control unit (110) is further configured to generate the second control signal (C2) based on the temperature indication signal (T), such that: If the temperature indication signal (T) indicates that the milk temperature is higher than the predetermined interval (T) during the first uninterrupted time period. R If the flow of the cooling medium (C) increases and / or the cooling capacity of the cooler (167) is improved, and If the temperature indication signal (T) indicates that the milk temperature is lower than the predetermined interval (T) during the second uninterrupted period. R If the flow of the cooling medium (C) decreases and / or the cooling capacity of the cooler (167) is reduced.

9. A computer-implemented method for controlling milk flow (F) via a cooling system (170) between a balancing tank (120) and a storage tank (130), wherein the balancing tank (120) receives input (M) in the form of milk. IN The milk is extracted from multiple milking animals, and the method includes: Receive a temperature indication signal (T) from a temperature sensor (140), which measures the temperature of the milk flow (F) before it enters the storage tank (130); as well as A first control signal (C1) is generated for a milk pump (150) in the cooling system (170), the milk pump (150) being arranged to pump the milk flow (F) from the balance tank (120), the first control signal (C1) being generated based on the temperature indication signal (T), characterized in that the balance tank (120) includes at least one sensor (121, 122), the at least one sensor being configured to generate a level indication signal (s(L)) reflecting the milk level (L) in the balance tank (120) for a low threshold liquid level and a high threshold liquid level, respectively. TH :H TH The method further includes: Receive the liquid level indication signal (s(L) TH :H TH )),as well as Further based on the liquid level indication signal (s(L) TH :H TH The first control signal (C1) is generated only when the liquid level indication signal (s(L) is generated. TH :H TH The milk level (L) in the balance tank (120) is reflected in the low threshold level (L). TH ) and the high threshold liquid level (H) TH In the case of a temperature range between 0 and 10, the speed of the milk pump (150) is controlled by the first control signal (C1) based on the temperature indication signal (T). The method further includes: generating the first control signal (C1), such that if the liquid level indication signal (s(L)) is... TH :H TH This reflects that the milk level (L) in the balance tank (120) is higher than or equal to the high threshold level (H). TH If the milk pump (150) causes the milk flow (F) to be at a predetermined high speed (F), then the milk pump (150) will cause the milk flow (F) to be at a predetermined high speed (F). HI ) is pumped out from the balance tank (120), wherein the predetermined high speed (F) HI The pump speed is 80% or higher of the maximum pump speed of the milk pump (150).

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the predetermined high speed (F HI ) indicates the highest possible pump speed for the milk pump (150).

11. The method according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the method comprises: A second control signal (C2) is generated based on the temperature indication signal (T), such that if the temperature indication signal (T) reflects that the milk temperature is higher than the set temperature (T), then... SET This improves the cooling capacity of the cooling system (170).

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the method comprises: The second control signal (C2) is generated based on the temperature indication signal (T), such that if the temperature indication signal (T) reflects that the milk temperature is lower than the set temperature (T), the control signal (C2) is activated. SET If the cooling system (170) is not properly cooled, the cooling capacity of the cooling system (170) will be reduced.

13. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 12, the method comprising: Generate the first control signal (C1) such that if the liquid level indication signal (s(L) is true, the liquid level indication signal (s(L) is true.) TH :H TH This reflects that the milk level (L) in the balance tank (120) is lower than or equal to the low threshold level (L). TH If the milk pump (150) causes the milk flow (F) to be at a predetermined low speed (F), then the milk pump (150) will cause the milk flow (F) to be at a predetermined low speed (F). LO Pumped out from the balance tank (120).

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the predetermined low speed (F) LO ) indicates that the milk pump (150) is not in operation.

15. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 14, the method comprising: The first control signal (C1) is generated based on the temperature indication signal (T), thereby causing the milk flow (F) to be pumped out of the balance tank (120) at the following rates: If the temperature indicator signal (T) indicates that the milk temperature is within the range of the set temperature (T) SET The predetermined interval (T) between them R Within ) then according to the predetermined nominal speed (F NOM ), If the temperature indicator signal (T) indicates that the milk temperature is lower than the predetermined interval (T), R If the speed is higher than the predetermined nominal speed (F), then the speed will be higher than the predetermined nominal speed (F). NOM The rate of increase of (F) ELVD ),as well as If the temperature indicator signal (T) indicates that the milk temperature is higher than the predetermined interval (T), R If the speed is lower than the predetermined nominal speed (F), then the speed will be lower than the predetermined nominal speed (F). NOM The rate of decrease of (F) LWD ).

16. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 15, wherein the cooling system (170) comprises a heat exchanger (160) configured to transfer heat energy from the milk stream (F) to a cooling medium (C) circulating in a cooler (167) by means of a coolant pump (165) operating in response to a second control signal (C2), and the method further comprises generating the second control signal (C2) based on the temperature indication signal (T), such that: If the temperature indication signal (T) indicates that the milk temperature is higher than the predetermined interval (T) during the first uninterrupted time period. R If the flow of the cooling medium (C) increases and / or the cooling capacity of the cooler (167) is improved, and If the temperature indication signal (T) indicates that the milk temperature is lower than the predetermined interval (T) during the second uninterrupted period. R If the flow of the cooling medium (C) decreases and / or the cooling capacity of the cooler (167) is reduced.

17. A computer program (317) capable of being loaded into a non-volatile data carrier (316) communicatively connected to a processing unit (315), the computer program (317) comprising software for performing the method according to any one of claims 9 to 16 when the computer program (317) is run on the processing unit (315).

18. A non-volatile data carrier (316) comprising a computer program (317) according to claim 17.

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