Control device and program

Abstract

The fan system is controlled in consideration of varying fan characteristics. A control device is provided with a control unit that controls a fan system including a fan and a motor that drives the fan, the control unit having a fan characteristic storage unit that stores related information relating to fan characteristics, which are fan characteristics, and that controls the fan system on the basis of the related information, the control unit has a correction unit that corrects the related information in accordance with fan characteristics that change in accordance with annual deformation of the fan.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a control device and a program. Background Art

[0002] Patent document 1 describes an electronic device that calculates a deviation from a normal boundary in a relationship between a power index related to the driving power of a fan and a measured rotation speed of the fan, and detects blockage in an air supply path in which the fan takes in outside air from outside the housing and supplies air to a heat sink. Patent document 1 discloses a technique that corrects the deviation calculated based on the change over time in order to compensate for the decrease in the ability to detect blockage due to deterioration of lubricating oil used in the fan bearings, dust attached to the vicinity of the fan rotating part, and other reasons as the performance of the fan changes over time.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 5175622 Summary of the invention

[0006] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0007] When controlling a fan system having a fan driven by a motor, the condition of the fan system is sometimes estimated. In this case, the condition of the fan system is estimated based on information obtained from a sensor or the like and information about the characteristics of the fan stored in advance. However, when the characteristics of the fan change due to the influence of the deformation of the fan itself over time, the estimated result deviates from the actual condition, and the accuracy of the control of the fan system decreases.

[0008] An object of the present disclosure is to control a fan system taking into account varying fan characteristics.

[0009] Means for solving problems

[0010] The control device disclosed in the present invention includes a control unit for controlling a fan system, the fan system including a fan and a motor driving the fan, the control unit having a fan characteristic storage unit, the fan characteristic storage unit storing relevant information related to the characteristics of the fan, i.e., the fan characteristics, the control unit controls the fan system based on the relevant information, and the control unit having a correction unit, the correction unit correcting the relevant information in a manner corresponding to the fan characteristics that change due to the deformation of the fan over time. In this case, the fan system can be controlled in consideration of the changing fan characteristics.

[0011] Here, the control unit may obtain at least one of the ambient temperature of the fan and the rotation speed of the fan, and correct the related information based on the obtained value. In this case, the fan system can be controlled by considering the change of the fan characteristics based on at least one of the ambient temperature of the fan and the rotation speed of the fan.

[0012] In addition, when the control unit controls the air volume of the fan based on the relationship between the air volume of the fan and at least one of the driving power of the motor, the rotation speed of the fan, and the static pressure of the fan, the fan characteristic may represent the relationship. In this case, the air volume of the fan can be controlled by considering the change of the fan characteristic based on at least one of the driving power of the motor, the rotation speed of the motor, and the static pressure of the fan.

[0013] Alternatively, when the control unit obtains a physical quantity related to the static pressure of the fan and monitors the static pressure of the fan based on the relationship between the physical quantity and the static pressure of the fan, the fan characteristic may represent the relationship. In this case, the static pressure of the fan may be monitored by considering changes in the fan characteristic based on the physical quantity related to the static pressure of the fan.

[0014] Alternatively, when the control unit obtains a physical quantity related to an abnormality of the fan system and monitors the abnormality of the fan system based on a relationship between the physical quantity and the abnormality of the fan system, the fan characteristic may represent the relationship. In this case, it is possible to monitor the abnormality of the fan system by considering a change in the fan characteristic based on the physical quantity related to the abnormality of the fan system.

[0015] Furthermore, the abnormality of the fan system may be vibration of the fan system or noise of the fan system. In this case, the abnormality of the vibration of the fan system or noise of the fan system can be monitored in consideration of changes in fan characteristics.

[0016] Alternatively, when the control unit obtains a physical quantity related to the refrigeration efficiency of the refrigeration device having the fan system and predicts the refrigeration efficiency of the refrigeration device based on the relationship between the physical quantity and the refrigeration efficiency of the refrigeration device, the fan characteristic may represent the relationship. In this case, the refrigeration efficiency of the refrigeration device can be predicted by considering changes in the fan characteristic based on the physical quantity related to the refrigeration efficiency of the refrigeration device.

[0017] Alternatively, when the control unit obtains a physical quantity related to the cooling capacity of the refrigeration device having the fan system and predicts the cooling capacity of the refrigeration device based on the relationship between the physical quantity and the cooling capacity of the refrigeration device, the fan characteristic may represent the relationship. In this case, the cooling capacity of the refrigeration device can be predicted by considering changes in the fan characteristic based on the physical quantity related to the cooling capacity of the refrigeration device.

[0018] From another point of view, the control device of the present disclosure includes a control unit for controlling a fan system including a fan and a motor for driving the fan, wherein the control unit obtains a physical quantity related to the ambient temperature of the fan and controls the fan system based on the history of the obtained physical quantity. In this case, the fan system can be controlled by taking into account changes in fan characteristics based on the history of the physical quantity related to the ambient temperature of the fan.

[0019] Alternatively, the control unit may estimate the ambient temperature of the fan of a refrigeration device including the fan system, a flow path for conveying fluid through the fan, and a heat exchanger disposed in the flow path based on at least one of the temperature around the fan and the temperature of the heat exchanger. In this case, the ambient temperature of the fan can be obtained even without actually measuring it.

[0020] In addition, from another point of view, the program of the present disclosure enables a computer that controls a fan system including a fan and a motor that drives the fan to realize the following functions: save relevant information related to the characteristics of the fan, i.e., fan characteristics; control the fan system based on the relevant information; and have a correction unit that corrects the relevant information in a manner corresponding to the fan characteristics that change due to the deformation of the fan over time. In this case, the fan system can be controlled in consideration of the changed fan characteristics. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] Figure 1 It is a schematic configuration diagram of a control system according to the first embodiment.

[0022] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a device used in the first embodiment.

[0023] Figure 3 It is a diagram showing an example of the functional structure of the oil cooling device according to the first embodiment.

[0024] Figure 4 1 and 2 are diagrams for explaining fan characteristics to which the present embodiment is applied. (A) is a diagram showing differential pressure characteristics, and (B) is a diagram showing power characteristics.

[0025] Figure 5This is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the pressure loss caused by the filter and the degree of deceleration of the fan.

[0026] Figure 6 It is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the control device according to the first embodiment.

[0027] Figure 7 It is a figure which shows the deformation of a fan over time.

[0028] Figure 8 This is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the temperature history of the fan and the deformation index of the fan.

[0029] Fig. 9 It is a graph used to illustrate the relationship between the history of the rotation speed of the fan or motor and the deformation index of the fan. (A) is a graph showing the case where the fan is rotated at 45 [°C], and (B) is a graph showing the case where the fan is rotated at 60 [°C].

[0030] Fig.10 This is a flowchart showing the flow of processing for controlling the air volume by a fan.

[0031] Fig.11 This is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the rotation speed of the fan and the driving power of the motor.

[0032] Fig.12 This is a flowchart showing the flow of a process for determining whether a filter is clogged.

[0033] Fig.13 This is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the deceleration time of the fan and the pressure loss index of the filter when the rotation speed immediately before the driving force of the fan is eliminated is a predetermined rotation speed.

[0034] Fig.14 It is a schematic configuration diagram of a control system according to the third embodiment.

[0035] Fig.15 This is a flowchart showing the flow of processing for controlling the static pressure of a fan.

[0036] Fig.16 This is a flowchart showing the flow of processing for suppressing vibration caused by a fan.

[0037] Fig.17 The diagrams show the relationship between the vibration characteristics of a fan and the vibration region. (A) shows the initial state of a fan that has not been deformed over the years, and (B) shows the state of a fan that has been deformed over the years.

[0038] Fig.18The diagram shows the results of frequency analysis of the phase current supplied to the motor, wherein (A) shows the order components when the fan and the motor are balanced, and (B) shows the order components when the fan and the motor are not balanced.

[0039] Fig.19 It is a graph showing the difference in the intensity of the spectrum.

[0040] Fig. 20 This is a flowchart showing the flow of a process for controlling the cooling efficiency by a fan. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, the dimensions on the accompanying drawings are appropriately changed from the actual scale for the sake of clarity and simplification of the drawings, and do not represent the actual relative dimensions. In addition, in the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals represent the same parts or equivalent parts.

[0042] (First Embodiment)

[0043] Figure 1 It is a schematic configuration diagram of the control system 100 according to the first embodiment.

[0044] The control system 100 is a system for controlling a device including a fan 6 and a motor 7 for driving the fan. The control system 100 is provided with an oil cooling device 10 and a control device 20 for controlling the oil cooling device 10. In addition, in the control system 100, the oil cooling device 10 and the control device 20 can communicate information with each other via a communication line. In the case of the present embodiment, the communication line is not particularly limited as long as it realizes information communication between the devices, and for example, it is connected via a network such as the Internet.

[0045] The oil cooling device 10 as an example of a fan system includes a fan and a motor driving the fan to cool the oil. The oil cooling device 10 is a device that circulates the working oil, lubricating oil, or cutting fluid (hereinafter referred to as "oil") of the machine tool 200 through the oil tank 300 to cool the machine tool 200. Examples of the machine tool 200 include industrial machines such as molding machines and press machines.

[0046] The oil cooling device 10 includes a compressor 1, a condenser 2, a decompression mechanism 3, an evaporator 4, a fan 6, a motor 7, and a computer 8. The compressor 1, the condenser 2, the decompression mechanism 3, and the evaporator 4 are connected in a ring shape by a communication pipe for a refrigerant that cools the oil, and constitute a refrigerant circuit RC having a bypass mechanism 5.

[0047] The refrigerant circuit RC, the fan 6, the motor 7, and the computer 8 are accommodated in a housing 11. The housing 11 is provided with an air intake port 12 on the side where the condenser 2 is arranged, and a filter 13 is attached.

[0048] The refrigerant circuit RC is a refrigerant circuit that circulates a refrigerant that cools the oil to perform cooling.

[0049] In the connection of the refrigerant circuit RC, as the communication pipe, a liquid communication pipe, a gas communication pipe, or the like is used depending on the state of the refrigerant.

[0050] The compressor 1 compresses the gas refrigerant in a state where the refrigerant is evaporated. Specifically, the compressor 1 compresses the gas refrigerant flowing in from the communication pipe on the evaporator 4 side, and discharges the gas refrigerant to the communication pipe on the condenser 2 side.

[0051] The gas refrigerant discharged to the communication pipe on the condenser 2 side has its temperature and pressure increased by compression, and becomes a gas refrigerant of higher temperature and higher pressure than the gas refrigerant flowing in from the communication pipe on the evaporator 4 side.

[0052] The condenser 2 , which is an example of a heat exchanger, condenses the compressed gas refrigerant. Specifically, the condenser 2 cools the high-temperature and high-pressure gas refrigerant flowing in from the communication pipe on the compressor 1 side, and discharges the gas refrigerant to the communication pipe on the pressure reducing mechanism 3 side.

[0053] The state of the refrigerant discharged to the communication pipe on the pressure reducing mechanism 3 side changes due to condensation accompanying cooling, and becomes a high-temperature and high-pressure liquid refrigerant.

[0054] The decompression mechanism 3 decompresses the liquid refrigerant in a condensed state of the gas refrigerant. Specifically, the decompression mechanism 3 adjusts the flow rate of the high-temperature and high-pressure liquid refrigerant flowing in from the communication pipe on the condenser 2 side, and discharges it to the communication pipe on the evaporator 4 side.

[0055] The liquid refrigerant discharged to the communication pipe on the evaporator 4 side has its temperature and pressure reduced due to the decompression accompanying the flow rate adjustment, and becomes a liquid refrigerant of low temperature and pressure compared with the liquid refrigerant flowing in from the communication pipe on the condenser 2 side.

[0056] The pressure reducing mechanism 3 is, for example, an electric expansion valve whose opening degree can be adjusted.

[0057] The evaporator 4 evaporates the liquid refrigerant in a decompressed state. Specifically, the evaporator 4 exchanges heat with the surroundings of the low-temperature and low-pressure liquid refrigerant flowing in from the communication pipe on the decompression mechanism 3 side, and discharges the liquid refrigerant to the communication pipe on the compressor 1 side.

[0058] The state of the refrigerant discharged to the communication pipe on the compressor 1 side changes due to evaporation accompanying heat exchange, and becomes a low-temperature and low-pressure gas refrigerant.

[0059] As described above, in the evaporator 4 , the oil circulating through the oil tank 300 exchanges heat with the refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant circuit RC to absorb heat. In other words, in the evaporator 4 , the oil circulating through the oil tank 300 is cooled.

[0060] The bypass mechanism 5 adjusts the cooling capacity of the oil circulating through the oil tank 300. Specifically, the bypass mechanism 5 adjusts the flow rate of the high-temperature and high-pressure gas refrigerant supplied to the evaporator 4, and discharges it to the communication pipe on the evaporator 4 side.

[0061] The bypass mechanism 5 is, for example, an electric expansion valve whose opening degree can be adjusted.

[0062] The fan 6 generates an air flow that flows from the outside of the oil cooling device 10 into the oil cooling device 10 and passes through the condenser 2. Specifically, the fan 6 rotates in such a manner as to suck air from the air inlet 12 through the filter 13. The air filtered by the filter 13 is supplied to the condenser 2 and then discharged from the exhaust port (not shown). The air that flows due to the rotation of the fan 6 is an example of a fluid.

[0063] The fan 6 may be arranged at any location as long as the above-mentioned air flow can be generated.

[0064] The fan 6 is formed using a resin material.

[0065] The fan 6 is a rotating body driven by the motor 7. The fan 6 refers only to the rotating body and does not include a bearing of the fan.

[0066] The motor 7 is an electric motor that rotates the fan 6. In other words, the motor 7 is an electric motor that drives the fan 6. Specifically, the rotation shaft of the motor 7 is connected to the rotation center of the fan 6 directly or via a gear, and the fan 6 is driven when driving power is supplied.

[0067] The computer 8 processes information related to the oil cooling device 10 and controls the entire oil cooling device 10. Specifically, the computer 8 monitors abnormality of the oil cooling device 10 or controls the refrigerant circuit RC and the motor 7 based on the information related to the oil cooling device 10.

[0068] The computer 8 is composed of, for example, one or more microcomputers. In addition, the computer 8 may also implement a part of the functions of the computer 8 using a virtual server machine in a so-called cloud environment, for example.

[0069] Examples of the information related to the oil cooling device 10 include the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit RC and the temperatures of components constituting the refrigerant circuit RC.

[0070] In addition, as information related to the oil cooling device 10, for example, the operating time and driving power of the motor 7, the temperature and rotation speed of the fan 6, etc. are mentioned.

[0071] In addition, as information related to the oil cooling device 10, for example, the degree of deceleration of the rotation speed of the fan 6 from the elimination of the driving force of the fan 6 (hereinafter referred to as "deceleration degree"), etc. The deceleration degree includes, for example, the time from the stop of the supply of current to the motor 7 to the time when the rotation speed of the fan 6 is decelerated and stopped (hereinafter referred to as "deceleration time").

[0072] The housing 11 conveys air flowing by the rotation of the fan 6 inside the housing 11. Specifically, as an example of a flow path, the housing 11 forms a flow path for conveying air flowing in from the air inlet 12. In addition, the flow path may be formed by a structure such as a duct arranged in the housing 11.

[0073] In the case of this embodiment, the condenser 2 is provided in the flow path.

[0074] The filter 13 is provided in the housing 11 and has a path through which air passes. For example, when the filter 13 is formed of a nonwoven fabric, gaps between fibers of the nonwoven fabric serve as a path through which air passes.

[0075] Furthermore, when air containing particles is supplied to the filter 13, clogging of the filter 13 occurs. Due to clogging of the filter 13, the air supplied to the condenser 2 decreases, and the oil cooling capability of the oil cooling device 10 decreases.

[0076] It should be noted that in the present embodiment, "fine particles" refer to objects floating in the air, and examples thereof include sand, dust, pollen, and oil mist.

[0077] The control device 20 as an example of the control device controls the oil cooling device 10 including the fan system using information related to the characteristics of the fan 6 , that is, the fan characteristics (hereinafter referred to as “related information”).

[0078] Specifically, the control device 20 acquires information related to the oil cooling device 10 from the oil cooling device 10. The control device 20 provides the oil cooling device 10 with related information corresponding to the information related to the oil cooling device 10.

[0079] Examples of the control device 20 include a computer, a tablet-type information terminal, a smartphone, and other information processing devices. The control device 20 may be distributed to a plurality of virtual server machines in a so-called cloud environment to realize the functions of the control device 20.

[0080] Figure 2 1 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the device used in the first embodiment, and shows an example of the hardware configuration of the computer 8 and the control device 20 of the oil cooling device 10 .

[0081] The device of this embodiment has a control unit 110 that controls the operation of the entire device. In addition, the device may also have a secondary storage unit 120 that records information related to the oil cooling device 10, and a communication unit 130 that transmits and receives information via a communication line not shown. In addition, the device may also have an input unit such as a key or a touch panel that accepts input operations from the user, and a display unit composed of a liquid crystal display panel or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display panel that displays images, text, etc. to the user.

[0082] The control unit 110 as an example of a control unit includes a CPU 110a as an example of a processor that controls the entire device, a RAM 110b used as a work memory of the CPU 110a, and a ROM 110c that stores programs executed by the CPU 110a. In addition, the control unit 110 includes a non-volatile memory 110d that can be rewritten and can retain data even when power supply is interrupted, and an interface unit 110e that controls each unit such as a communication unit 130 connected to the control unit 110.

[0083] The nonvolatile memory 110d is composed of, for example, a battery-backed SRAM, a flash memory, etc. The control unit 110 reads a program stored in the secondary storage unit 120 to execute each process of the terminal device of the present embodiment.

[0084] The secondary storage unit 120 is constituted by, for example, a hard disk device (HDD), a semiconductor memory, etc. The secondary storage unit 120 differs depending on the product form of the oil cooling device 10 and the control device 20 .

[0085] Here, the program executed by the CPU 110a can be provided to the control unit 110 in a state stored in a computer-readable recording medium such as a magnetic recording medium (a magnetic tape, a magnetic disk, etc.), an optical recording medium (an optical disk, etc.), a magneto-optical recording medium, a semiconductor memory, etc. In addition, the program executed by the CPU 110a can also be provided to the control unit 110 using a communication means such as the Internet.

[0086] Next, the functional structure of the oil cooling device 10 will be described.

[0087] Figure 3 It is a diagram showing an example of the functional structure of the oil cooling device 10 according to the first embodiment.

[0088] Figure 3 The functions of the oil cooling device 10 shown are mainly realized by the computer 8 .

[0089] like Figure 3As shown, the oil cooling device 10 includes an operation record database (DB) 81 and a fan characteristic DB 82. In addition, the oil cooling device 10 includes a drive control unit 83, a temperature estimation unit 84, a pressure loss estimation unit 85, a clogging determination unit 86, and a communication processing unit 87.

[0090] The operation record DB 81 records values ​​(hereinafter referred to as “acquired values”) acquired during the operation of the oil cooling device 10. The acquired values ​​are values ​​indicating physical quantities showing the status of the oil cooling device 10 constituting the fan system.

[0091] In other words, the operation record DB 81 stores the history of the acquired values ​​of the oil cooling device 10 .

[0092] The acquired values ​​include not only the measured values ​​measured by the sensor (not shown) but also the values ​​accompanying the control of the drive control unit 83. The values ​​accompanying the control of the drive control unit 83 are not limited to the values ​​of the state controlled by the drive control unit 83, but may be the values ​​of the uncontrolled state corresponding to the state when being controlled by the drive control unit 83.

[0093] The measured values ​​measured by the sensor include, for example, various temperatures such as the temperature of the condenser 2. In addition, the values ​​controlled by the drive control unit 83 include, for example, the deceleration time Ti of the fan 6, the rotation speed N of the fan 6 or the motor 7, and the operation time ti of the fan 6 or the motor 7.

[0094] The deceleration time Ti of the fan 6 can also be obtained by stopping the supply of driving power to the motor 7 before the power supply of the oil cooling device 10 is turned off. The deceleration time Ti of the fan 6 can also be obtained by stopping the supply of driving power to the motor 7 after the fan 6 is driven to rotate, for example, during the period before the power supply of the oil cooling device 10 is turned on and the refrigerant circuit RC is operated.

[0095] The fan characteristic DB 82 as an example of a fan characteristic storage unit stores the related information about the fan characteristics of the fan 6. In other words, the fan characteristic DB 82 stores the related information about the fan 6.

[0096] The related information includes, for example, internal fan characteristics as information for estimating the status of the fan system. The internal fan characteristics are, for example, a relational expression or a table representing the fan characteristics of the fan 6 itself.

[0097] The related information includes, for example, control parameters used to control the fan system, such as command values ​​used by the drive control unit 83 and thresholds used by the clogging determination unit 86 to realize the commanded fan system conditions.

[0098] Here, the fan characteristics of the fan 6 will be described.

[0099] Figure 4 1 and 2 are diagrams for explaining fan characteristics to which the present embodiment is applied. (A) is a diagram showing differential pressure characteristics, and (B) is a diagram showing power characteristics.

[0100] exist Figure 4 In (A), the differential pressure characteristic is the relationship between the static pressure Ps indicating the differential pressure before and after the filter 13 and the air volume Q by the fan 6. Even when the rotation speed N of the fan 6 is different from N1, N2, and N3, the differential pressure characteristics corresponding to the rotation speed N are similar to each other.

[0101] exist Figure 4 In (B), the power characteristic considers not only the differential pressure characteristic shown by the solid line, but also the relationship between the driving power W of the motor 7 at a predetermined rotation speed N and the air volume Q by the fan 6 shown by the dotted line. This power characteristic represents the driving power W of the motor 7 under the conditions of one air volume Q and one static pressure Ps.

[0102] The fan characteristics applied in this embodiment are not limited to the above-mentioned fan characteristics, and include the relationship between the rotation speed N of the fan 6 and the vibration, the relationship between the rotation speed N of the fan 6 and the noise, etc. In other words, the fan characteristics applied in this embodiment are information indicating the correlation involved in the fan 6, and any information indicating the status of the fan system of the oil cooling device 10 is sufficient.

[0103] return Figure 3 Description.

[0104] The drive control unit 83 adjusts the current supplied to the motor 7 based on the characteristics of the fan 6, that is, the information related to the fan characteristics (hereinafter referred to as "related information"), and controls the driving of the fan 6. The current supplied to the motor 7 is the driving force of the fan 6. For example, when the motor 7 is a three-phase motor, the current supplied to the motor 7 is a three-phase AC driving current.

[0105] Specifically, the drive control unit 83 includes, for example, an inverter circuit that converts direct current from a direct current source into alternating current supplied to the motor 7, and switches a plurality of switching elements in the inverter circuit to drive the motor 7. The fan 6 is rotated by driving the motor 7.

[0106] Furthermore, the drive control unit 83 adjusts the driving force and the rotation speed of the fan 6 , and controls, for example, the air volume, vibration, noise, and the like caused by the rotation of the fan 6 .

[0107] The temperature estimation unit 84 acquires information on the temperature of the fan 6 and estimates the temperature of the fan 6. In other words, the temperature estimation unit 84 acquires information on the temperature of the fan 6 and estimates the ambient temperature of the fan 6.

[0108] In the present embodiment, the ambient temperature of the fan 6 is not limited to the temperature of the environment in which the fan 6 is placed, and may be the intake temperature of the fan 6 indicating the temperature of air sucked by the fan 6 or the temperature of the fan 6 itself.

[0109] Examples of information related to the temperature of the fan 6 include a value obtained by measuring the temperature of the air around the fan and a value obtained by directly measuring the temperature of the fan 6 itself. In addition, examples of information related to the temperature of the fan 6 include a value obtained by measuring the temperature of the condenser 2 and a value obtained by measuring the temperature of the air sucked by the fan 6.

[0110] The temperature estimating unit 84 may estimate the above-mentioned measurement value measured by a sensor (not shown) as the temperature of the fan 6 , or may estimate a value calculated based on the measurement value as the temperature of the fan 6 .

[0111] The pressure loss estimating unit 85 estimates a pressure loss index z related to the pressure loss caused by the filter 13. Specifically, the pressure loss estimating unit 85 estimates the degree of the pressure loss caused by the filter 13 based on the degree of deceleration of the fan 6.

[0112] Even if the driving force of the fan 6 is eliminated, the fan 6 continues to rotate due to inertia, but since the load torque To is generated in the fan 6 and the motor 7, the rotation speed of the fan 6 and the motor 7 is decelerated. The load torque To is represented by the following formula (1). In addition, the static pressure Ps when the filter 13 is clogged is greater than the static pressure Ps when the filter 13 is not clogged, so the degree of pressure loss caused by the filter 13 becomes greater.

[0113] [Mathematical formula 1]

[0114] To=(Ps+Pv)×Q / N…(1)

[0115] To: load torque

[0116] Ps: Static pressure [Pa]

[0117] Pv: Dynamic pressure [Pa]

[0118] Q: Air volume [m 3 / sec]

[0119] N: Rotation speed of fan 6 or motor 7 [rps]

[0120] Figure 5 This is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the pressure loss caused by the filter 13 and the degree of deceleration of the fan 6 .

[0121] exist Figure 5Here, the case where the fan 6 is a fan having a fan characteristic in which the load torque To increases when the pressure loss caused by the filter 13 increases is taken as an example. In this case, the fan 6 is an axial flow fan such as a propeller fan.

[0122] exist Figure 5 In the example shown, the vertical axis represents the rotation speed N [rpm (revolutions / minute)] of the fan 6, and represents the result of measuring the deceleration time Ti of the fan 6 from the elimination of the driving force of the fan 6 to the deceleration and stop of the rotation speed of the fan 6 when the rotation speed N immediately before the driving force of the fan 6 is eliminated is a predetermined rotation speed. Regarding the deceleration time Ti [sec (seconds)] of the fan 6, the time from the elimination of the driving force of the fan 6 to the stop of the rotation of the fan 6 is measured.

[0123] like Figure 5 As shown, under the condition that the rotation speed N of the fan 6 is the same, the deceleration time Ti of the fan 6 when the filter 13 is clogged is shorter than the deceleration time Ti of the fan 6 when the filter 13 is not clogged. In other words, under the condition that the rotation speed N of the fan 6 is the same, the deceleration degree of the fan 6 when the degree of pressure loss caused by the filter 13 is large is greater than the deceleration degree of the fan 6 when the degree of pressure loss caused by the filter 13 is small.

[0124] In addition, if Figure 5 As shown, the degree of pressure loss caused by the filter 13, the rotation speed N [rpm] of the fan 6, and the deceleration time Ti [sec] of the fan 6 are correlated. The pressure loss index z of the filter 13 can be estimated based on the rotation speed N of the fan 6 and the deceleration time Ti of the fan 6 using this correlation.

[0125] Figure 3 The clogging determination unit 86 shown determines whether the filter 13 is clogged. Specifically, the clogging determination unit 86 determines that the filter 13 is clogged when the pressure loss index z of the filter 13 is equal to or greater than a preset threshold, and determines that the filter 13 is not clogged when it is less than the threshold.

[0126] Furthermore, clogging determination unit 86 determines that filter 13 is clogged when the degree of deceleration of fan 6 is equal to or greater than a threshold value set for each rotation speed N of fan 6 , and determines that filter 13 is not clogged when the degree of deceleration of fan 6 is less than the threshold value.

[0127] Here, the threshold value set for each rotation speed N of the fan 6 refers to, for example, a threshold value set for the rotation speed N just before the driving force of the fan 6 is eliminated when the deceleration degree of the fan 6 is the deceleration time Ti of the fan 6. In addition, when the rotation speed N just before the driving force of the fan 6 is eliminated when the clogging determination unit 86 determines that the filter 13 is clogged is preset to one, it is also possible to set only one threshold value instead of providing multiple threshold values.

[0128] The communication processing unit 87 transmits information about the fan 6 to the control device 20 . In addition, the communication processing unit 87 receives information about the fan 6 from the control device 20 .

[0129] Next, the functional configuration of the control device 20 will be described.

[0130] Figure 6 It is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the control device 20 according to the first embodiment.

[0131] Figure 6 The functions of the control device 20 shown are mainly implemented by the control unit 110 .

[0132] like Figure 6 As shown, the control device 20 includes a deformation estimating unit 21, a characteristic estimating unit 22, and a communication processing unit 23. In addition, the control device 20 includes a fan characteristic DB 24 storing information related to fan characteristics of the fan 6 as an example of a fan characteristic storage unit.

[0133] The deformation estimation unit 21 estimates a deformation index x which is an index related to the deformation of the fan 6 over time (hereinafter referred to as “aging deformation”). A .

[0134] Specifically, the deformation estimating unit 21 estimates the degree of deformation corresponding to the aging deformation of the fan 6 based on the history of the acquired values ​​of the oil cooling device 10 .

[0135] In addition, as the deformation index x of the fan 6 A The deformation estimating unit 21 can estimate not only the index related to the deformation of the fan 6 over the years but also the amount of deformation of the fan 6 (hereinafter referred to as “deformation amount”).

[0136] Stress acts on the rotating fan 6, generating strain corresponding to the elastic modulus of the resin material of the fan 6. When the stress continues to act, the elastic modulus of the resin material of the fan 6 changes over time, and the strain increases, thereby generating so-called creep deformation. In this embodiment, the creep deformation of the fan 6 corresponding to time or age is referred to as age deformation.

[0137] Figure 7It is a diagram showing the deformation of the fan 6 over time.

[0138] Figure 7 The fan 6a shown is new. Figure 7 The fan 6b shown is a fan of the same shape as the fan 6a, and is a fan that has been rotated at a rotation speed of 1500 [rpm] for 170 hours in an environment of 60°C.

[0139] exist Figure 7 In the example shown, when comparing the heights of the blades of the fan 6, there is a difference in the height of the blades between the fan 6a and the fan 6b. Specifically, the fan 6b is deformed over time, and the deformation amount is 8 mm. Figure 7 The fan 6b shown encounters less resistance during rotation than the fan 6a which has not been deformed over the years.

[0140] The deformation estimating unit 21 estimates the deformation index x based on the history of the temperature Tm of the fan 6, for example. A Specifically, the deformation estimation unit 21 calculates the deformation index x based on the following equation (2), for example: A .

[0141] [Mathematical formula 2]

[0142] x A =A*Tm*ln(B*Tm*ti+1)…(2)

[0143] x A : Deformation index

[0144] A, B: constants based on the rotation speed N

[0145] Tm: Temperature of fan 6 [℃]

[0146] ti: operating time of fan 6 or motor 7 [hrs (hours)]

[0147] Figure 8 is used to explain the history of the temperature Tm of the fan 6 and the deformation index x of the fan 6 A A diagram of the relationship between .

[0148] exist Figure 8 , the deformation amounts of the fan 6 when the fan 6 is rotated at 35° C., 40° C., 45° C., 50° C., 55° C., and 60° C. under the condition that the rotation speed N of the fan 6 is the same are shown.

[0149] exist Figure 8 In the example shown, the horizontal axis represents the operating time ti [hrs] of the fan 6 or the motor 7, and the deformation index x [hrs] of the fan 6 is represented by each temperature Tm [°C] of the fan 6. AThe measured values ​​obtained by measuring the deformation amount [mm] are shown. In addition, the regression curve shown in the graph reflects the tendency of the measured values ​​of the deformation amount shown by the points.

[0150] Deformation index x of fan 6 A The calculation is performed by substituting constants A and B based on the rotation speed N of the fan 6, the temperature Tm of the fan 6, and the operation time ti of the fan 6 or the motor 7 into the above-mentioned formula (2).

[0151] Alternatively, the deformation estimating unit 21 may estimate the deformation index x based on the history of the rotation speed N of the fan 6 or the motor 7, for example. A Specifically, the deformation estimation unit 21 may calculate the deformation index x based on the following formula (3), for example: A .

[0152] [Mathematical formula 3]

[0153] x A =a*ln(b*ti+1)…(3)

[0154] x A : Deformation index

[0155] a, b: constants based on the rotation speed N of the fan 6 or the motor 7 and the temperature Tm of the fan 6

[0156] ti: operating time of fan 6 or motor 7 [hrs]

[0157] Fig. 9 is used to describe the history of the rotation speed N of the fan 6 or the motor 7 and the deformation index x of the fan 6 A , (A) is a diagram showing the relationship between the fan 6 and the rotation speed of the fan 6 at 45[°C], and (B) is a diagram showing the relationship between the fan 6 and the rotation speed of the fan 6 at 60[°C].

[0158] exist Fig. 9 , the deformation amount of the fan 6 when the fan 6 is rotated at 1500 [rpm] or 1060 [rpm] under the condition of 45 [° C.] or 60 [° C.] is shown.

[0159] exist Fig. 9 In the example shown, the horizontal axis represents the operation time ti of the fan 6 or the motor 7, and the deformation index x is shown as the fan 6 for each rotation speed N of the fan 6 or the motor 7. A The measured value obtained by measuring the deformation amount [mm]. In addition, the regression curve shown in the graph reflects the tendency of the measured value of the deformation amount shown by the point.

[0160] Deformation index x of fan 6 AThe calculation is performed by substituting constants a and b based on the rotation speed N of the fan 6 or the motor 7 and the temperature Tm of the fan 6 , and the operation time ti of the fan 6 or the motor 7 into the above-mentioned formula (3).

[0161] Next, the deformation index x when the fan 6 is operated by changing the conditions in the middle of the process will be described. A method of inference.

[0162] For example, it is assumed that the fan 6 is operated at 45[°C] and 1500[rpm] for 5 hours and then operated at 60[°C] and 1500[rpm] for 2 hours.

[0163] First, for example, by substituting a constant based on the rotation speed of the fan 6 of 1500 [rpm], the temperature of the fan 6 of 45 [°C], and the operation time of the fan 6 of 5 [hrs] into the above formula (3), the deformation index x of the fan 6 is calculated. A ′.

[0164] Next, the constants based on the rotation speed of the fan 6 1500 [rpm] and the temperature of the fan 6 60 [° C.] and the calculated deformation index x A Substitute ' into the above formula (3) to calculate the deformation index x under the conditions of 60[℃] and 1500[rpm] A ′ operating time ti′.

[0165] Then, by substituting a constant based on the rotation speed of the fan 6 1500 [rpm] and the temperature of the fan 6 60 [°C], and the time [hrs] obtained by adding 2 hours to the calculated operation time ti′ into the above formula (3), the deformation index x of the fan 6 is calculated. A .

[0166] Furthermore, the deformation index x when the condition is changed midway and the fan 6 is operated is A The estimation method of is not limited to the above method, and it is sufficient as long as the operation history of the fan 6 is considered.

[0167] In the above example, the deformation estimating unit 21 calculates and estimates the deformation index x A The deformation estimation unit 21 may use, for example, the temperature Tm of the fan 6, the rotation speed N of the fan 6 or the motor 7, the operation time ti of the fan 6 or the motor 7, the deformation index x A The deformation index x is estimated by using a correlation diagram or table of the correlation relationship between A .

[0168] return Figure 6 Description.

[0169] The characteristic estimating unit 22 estimates information on the fan characteristics of the fan 6 .

[0170] Specifically, the characteristic estimating unit 22 estimates the relevant information on the fan characteristics corresponding to the aging deformation of the fan 6 based on the history of the acquired values ​​of the oil cooling device 10 .

[0171] The correlation of the fan characteristics changes according to the age-related deformation of the fan 6. Specifically, the relevant information about the fan characteristics of the fan 6 that has been deformed over the years is different from the relevant information about the fan characteristics y (hereinafter referred to as "initial characteristics y") of the initial fan 6 that has not been deformed over the years.

[0172] Characteristic estimating unit 22 estimates the relevant information based on at least one of temperature Tm of fan 6 and rotation speed N of fan 6. In other words, characteristic estimating unit 22 corrects the relevant information based on at least one of temperature Tm of fan 6 and rotation speed N of fan 6.

[0173] The characteristic estimating unit 22 is an example of a correcting unit.

[0174] The characteristic estimation unit 22 estimates, for example, based on the history of the acquired values ​​of the oil cooling device 10, the fan characteristic Y (hereinafter referred to as "corrected characteristic Y") corrected in a manner corresponding to the fan 6 deformed over time as the internal fan characteristic corresponding to the deformation over time of the fan 6. Specifically, the characteristic estimation unit 22 calculates the corrected characteristic Y based on, for example, the following formula (4).

[0175] [Formula 4]

[0176]

[0177] Y: Correction characteristics

[0178] y: Initial characteristics

[0179] x A : Deformation index

[0180] Tm: Temperature of fan 6

[0181] A, B: constants based on the rotation speed N

[0182] a, b: constants based on the rotation speed N of the fan 6 or the motor 7 and the temperature Tm of the fan 6

[0183] ti: operating time of fan 6 or motor 7 [hrs]

[0184] The characteristic estimating unit 22 is not limited to the configuration that corrects the relational expression itself representing the fan characteristic of the fan 6. The characteristic estimating unit 22 may estimate the relevant information by adding a correction value to the result calculated based on the initial characteristic y so as to correspond to the fan 6 that has been deformed over time.

[0185] Furthermore, characteristic estimating unit 22 may estimate, based on the history of acquired values ​​of oil cooling device 10 , for example, command values, threshold values, etc. corrected to correspond to aged deformation of fan 6 as control parameters corresponding to aged deformation of fan 6 .

[0186] The calculation of the correction characteristic Y using the history of the acquired values ​​may be performed when a predetermined condition is satisfied. As "when the predetermined condition is satisfied", for example, the calculation of the correction characteristic Y using the history of the acquired values ​​may be performed when the clogging of the filter 13 is determined by the clogging determination unit 86, when the power of the oil cooling device 10 is turned on, or when the power of the oil cooling device 10 is turned off. In addition, as "when the predetermined condition is satisfied", for example, the calculation of the correction characteristic Y using the history of the acquired values ​​may be performed when a predetermined time has passed, or when at least one of the temperature Tm of the fan 6 and the rotation speed N of the fan 6 changes.

[0187] Furthermore, in addition to this, the characteristic estimating unit 22 may acquire the history of the acquired values ​​of the oil cooling device 10, for example, and learn the fan characteristics corresponding to the fan 6 that has been deformed over time.

[0188] In this case, the control device 20 controls the oil cooling device 10 based on at least the history of the physical quantity related to the temperature Tm of the fan 6 .

[0189] The function of the characteristic estimating unit 22 is not limited to the above-described function, and the relevant information may be processed so as to control the oil cooling device 10 based on the correlation that changes according to the aging deformation of the fan 6 .

[0190] The communication processing unit 23 receives information related to the fan 6 from the oil cooling device 10. Specifically, the communication processing unit 23 receives, from the oil cooling device 10, an acquired value representing a physical quantity indicating a condition of the oil cooling device 10 constituting the fan system.

[0191] In addition, the communication processing unit 23 transmits information related to the fan 6 to the oil cooling device 10. Specifically, the communication processing unit 23 transmits information related to the fan 6 to the oil cooling device 10.

[0192] (Air volume control)

[0193] Next, a process of controlling the air volume by the fan 6 will be described.

[0194] Fig.10 1 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing for controlling the air volume by the fan 6 .

[0195] exist Fig.10Here, a case where the air volume is controlled to be constant based on the air volume characteristic indicating the correlation between the rotation speed N of the fan 6 and the driving power W of the motor 7 for realizing one air volume Q is taken as an example.

[0196] The air volume characteristic is an example of fan characteristics, and indicates the relationship between at least one of the drive power W of the motor 7 , the rotation speed N of the fan 6 , and the static pressure Ps of the fan 6 , and the air volume generated by the fan 6 .

[0197] The oil cooling device 10 instructs an air volume Q (S101). Specifically, the oil cooling device 10 instructs the air volume Q of the fan 6 to be, for example, an air volume Q B .

[0198] Next, the oil cooling device 10 obtains the rotation speed N1 of the fan 6 and the drive power W1 of the motor 7 as the obtained values ​​( S102 ). Specifically, the oil cooling device 10 obtains the rotation speed N1 of the fan 6 and the drive power W1 of the motor 7 as the physical quantities related to the air volume Q.

[0199] The oil cooling device 10 compares the acquired value with the air volume characteristic of the fan 6 ( S103 ).

[0200] Here, the air volume characteristics of the fan 6 will be described.

[0201] Fig.11 This is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the rotation speed N of the fan 6 and the driving power W of the motor 7 .

[0202] exist Fig.11 , regarding the air volume characteristics for achieving an air volume Q even when there is a pressure loss caused by the filter 13, the correlation between the rotation speed N of the fan 6 and the driving power W of the motor 7 is shown.

[0203] exist Fig.11 In the example shown, to achieve air volume Q A Air volume characteristics A, achieve specific air volume Q A Large air volume Q B Air volume characteristics B, achieve specific air volume Q B Large air volume Q C The air volume characteristic C of FIG. 7 shows the correlation between the rotation speed N of the fan 6 and the driving power W of the motor 7 by a solid line.

[0204] Fig.11 The shown correlation shows the initial characteristics y regarding the air volume of the initial fan 6 that has not been deformed by age.

[0205] For example, when the filter 13 is not clogged, the fan 6 is rotated at a rotation speed N1 and a driving power W2, and the air volume QB Supply air.

[0206] On the other hand, for example, when the filter 13 is clogged, if the fan 6 is rotated at the rotation speed N1, the air passing through the filter 13 decreases, and therefore the air volume Q is smaller than the air volume Q B Small. Fig.11 In the example shown, when the fan 6 is rotated under the conditions of the rotation speed N1 and the driving power W1, the specific air volume Q B Small air volume Q A Supply air.

[0207] In the state where the filter 13 is clogged, in order to achieve the air volume Q B For example, the rotation speed N of the fan 6 is increased to the rotation speed N2, and based on Fig.11 The air volume characteristic B shown may be obtained by adjusting the driving power W of the motor 7 to the driving power W3.

[0208] Next, the oil cooling device 10 estimates the air volume Q based on the acquired value and the air volume characteristic of the fan 6 (S104). Specifically, the oil cooling device 10 estimates the air volume Q of the fan 6 based on the air volume characteristic A which is the intersection of the rotation speed N1 and the drive power W1, for example, the air volume Q A .

[0209] Then, the oil cooling device 10 compares the commanded air volume Q (hereinafter referred to as “command air volume Q”) and the estimated air volume Q (hereinafter referred to as “estimated air volume Q”) ( S105 ).

[0210] The oil cooling device 10 determines whether the absolute value of the difference between the command air volume Q and the estimated air volume Q is smaller than a predetermined value (S106).

[0211] When the absolute value of the difference between the command air volume Q and the estimated air volume Q is greater than or equal to a predetermined value (S106: No), the oil cooling device 10 increases or decreases the rotation speed N according to the difference between the command air volume Q and the estimated air volume Q (S107). Specifically, the oil cooling device 10 increases or decreases the rotation speed N according to the absolute value of the difference between the command air volume Q and the estimated air volume Q and the magnitude relationship between the command air volume Q and the estimated air volume Q.

[0212] For example, when the command air volume Q is greater than the estimated air volume Q, when the absolute value of the difference between the command air volume Q and the estimated air volume Q is greater than the threshold, the rotation speed N increases by 2 [rpm], and when the absolute value of the difference between the command air volume Q and the estimated air volume Q is less than the threshold, the rotation speed N increases by 1 [rpm]. In addition, when the command air volume Q is less than the estimated air volume Q, the rotation speed N decreases according to the absolute value of the difference between the command air volume Q and the estimated air volume Q.

[0213] Then, the oil cooling device 10 repeats the processing after S102 until the absolute value of the difference between the command air volume Q and the estimated air volume Q becomes smaller than a predetermined value.

[0214] In S106 , when the absolute value of the difference between the command air volume Q and the estimated air volume Q is smaller than the predetermined value ( S106 : YES), the oil cooling device 10 ends the process.

[0215] When the fan 6 deforms over time, the air volume characteristic changes from the initial characteristic y. Fig.11 Even if the driving power W of the motor 7 is adjusted according to the air volume characteristics shown, the air volume Q may not be controlled to be constant.

[0216] In the case of the present embodiment, the control device 20 corrects the relational expression indicating the correlation between the air volume Q, the rotational speed N, and the driving power W based on at least one of the temperature Tm of the fan 6 and the rotational speed N of the fan 6 as the acquired values. In addition, the control device 20 determines a correction value that corrects the result calculated by the relational expression indicating the correlation between the air volume Q, the rotational speed N, and the driving power W in a manner corresponding to the fan 6 deformed over time. Then, the control device 20 provides the corrected relational expression and the determined correction value to the oil cooling device 10.

[0217] Thus, in the oil cooling device 10 , it is possible to control the air volume of the fan 6 to be constant regardless of whether the fan 6 is deformed over time.

[0218] Alternatively, the command value of the air volume Q may be corrected in accordance with the fan 6 deformed over time. In this case, the control device 20 provides the oil cooling device 10 with the corrected command value of the air volume Q or a correction value obtained by correcting the command value of the air volume Q in accordance with the fan 6 deformed over time.

[0219] Furthermore, in addition to this, when the influence of changes in the air path characteristics caused by filter blockage, etc., which represent the difficulty of air flow in the flow path within the oil cooling device 10, is small, the oil cooling device 10 can also determine the driving power W for achieving a commanded air volume Q based on a relationship equation representing the correlation between the air volume Q and the driving power W.

[0220] In this case, the oil cooling device 10 adjusts the rotation speed N of the fan 6 with the commanded drive power W so as to achieve the commanded air volume Q. Specifically, the oil cooling device 10 uses the commanded drive power W as the drive power W that can achieve the commanded air volume Q, and adjusts the command value of the rotation speed N of the fan 6.

[0221] The control device 20 corrects the relational expression representing the correlation between the air volume Q and the drive power W based on at least one of the temperature Tm of the fan 6 and the rotation speed N of the fan 6 as the acquired values. Alternatively, the control device 20 determines a correction value that corrects the result calculated by the relational expression representing the correlation between the air volume Q and the drive power W in a manner corresponding to the fan 6 deformed over time. Then, the control device 20 provides the oil cooling device 10 with the corrected relational expression and the determined correction value.

[0222] In addition, the command value of the air volume Q or the command value of the rotation speed N may be corrected in a manner corresponding to the fan 6 deformed over the years. In this case, the control device 20 provides the oil cooling device 10 with the corrected command value of the air volume Q or the command value of the rotation speed N, or a correction value obtained by correcting the command value of the air volume Q or the command value of the rotation speed N in a manner corresponding to the fan 6 deformed over the years.

[0223] Furthermore, in addition to this, when the influence of the change in the air path characteristics caused by the clogging of the filter, etc., which indicates the difficulty of the air flowing through the flow path in the oil cooling device 10, is small, the oil cooling device 10 may determine the rotation speed N for realizing the commanded air volume Q based on the relational expression indicating the correlation between the air volume Q and the rotation speed N. In this case, the oil cooling device 10 adjusts the rotation speed N of the fan 6 at the commanded rotation speed N so as to achieve the commanded air volume Q. Specifically, the oil cooling device 10 adjusts the command value of the rotation speed N of the fan 6 to realize the commanded air volume Q.

[0224] In addition, the control device 20 corrects the relational expression representing the correlation between the air volume Q and the rotational speed N based on at least one of the temperature Tm of the fan 6 and the rotational speed N of the fan 6 as the acquired values. Alternatively, the control device 20 determines a correction value that corrects the result calculated by the relational expression representing the correlation between the air volume Q and the rotational speed N in a manner corresponding to the fan 6 deformed over time. Then, the control device 20 provides the corrected relational expression and the determined correction value to the oil cooling device 10.

[0225] Furthermore, the control device 20 does not provide a corrected command value or correction value for the command value when adjusting the rotation speed N of the fan 6 so that the air volume Q commanded by the oil cooling device 10 coincides with the air volume Q measured by the sensor or the like.

[0226] (Second Embodiment)

[0227] In the above example, the information about the fan 6 estimated by the controller 20 of the present disclosure is used to control the air volume Q of the fan 6, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The information about the fan 6 estimated by the controller 20 of the present disclosure may also be used to monitor the static pressure Ps of the fan 6, for example.

[0228] The related information for monitoring the static pressure Ps of the fan 6 is an example of fan characteristics, and indicates the relationship between the physical quantity related to the static pressure Ps of the fan 6 and the static pressure Ps of the fan 6 .

[0229] Next, a description will be given of a process for determining whether the filter 13 is clogged by monitoring the static pressure Ps of the fan 6 .

[0230] Fig.12 : is a flowchart showing the flow of processing for determining whether the filter 13 is clogged.

[0231] exist Fig.12 Here, a case where clogging of filter 13 is determined based on the pressure loss characteristic of the correlation between deceleration time Ti of fan 6 indicating rotation speed N and pressure loss index z of filter 13 is taken as an example.

[0232] The oil cooling device 10 acquires the deceleration time Ti of the fan 6 as an acquired value (S201). Specifically, the oil cooling device 10 acquires the deceleration time Ti of the fan 6 as a physical quantity related to the pressure loss index z.

[0233] The oil cooling device 10 compares the acquired value with the pressure loss characteristic of the fan 6 ( S202 ).

[0234] Here, the pressure loss characteristics of the fan 6 will be described.

[0235] Fig.13 This is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the deceleration time Ti of the fan 6 and the pressure loss index z of the filter 13 when the rotation speed N immediately before the drive power W of the fan 6 is eliminated is a predetermined rotation speed.

[0236] exist Fig.13 In FIG. 1 , the fan 6a (refer to FIG. 1 ) is shown according to each pressure loss value [Pa] of the filter 13. Figure 7 ) deceleration time Ti[sec] and fan 6b (refer to Figure 7 )’s deceleration time Ti [sec].

[0237] exist Fig.13 In the example shown, the horizontal axis represents the deceleration time Ti of the fan 6, and shows the measured values ​​of the pressure loss value [Pa] measured as the pressure loss index z of the filter 13 when the fan 6 has not been deformed over the years and when the fan 6 has been deformed over the years.

[0238] exist Fig.13 In the example shown, under the condition that the pressure loss value of filter 13 is 40 [Pa], the deceleration time Ti of fan 6 without aging deformation is 3.27 [sec], while the deceleration time Ti of fan 6 with aging deformation is 3.42 [sec].

[0239] Compared with fan 6 that has not undergone deformation over the years, fan 6 that has undergone deformation over the years experiences less resistance and a deceleration time Ti of fan 6 becomes longer.

[0240] The regression curve shown in the graph reflects the tendency of the measured values ​​of the pressure loss values ​​shown in the points.

[0241] exist Fig.13 In the figure, the fan 6a is indicated by a solid line (see Figure 7 ) and the correlation between the deceleration time Ti of the filter 13 and the pressure loss index z, and the dotted line indicates the correlation between the fan 6b (refer to Figure 7 )'s deceleration time Ti and the pressure loss index z of the filter 13.

[0242] In other words, Fig.13 In FIG. 1 , the initial characteristic y of the pressure loss of the initial fan 6 which has not undergone the age-related deformation is indicated by a solid line, and the characteristic y of the pressure loss of the fan 6 which has undergone the age-related deformation is indicated by a dotted line.

[0243] Next, the oil cooling device 10 estimates the pressure loss index z based on the acquired value and the pressure loss characteristic of the fan 6 ( S203 ). Specifically, the oil cooling device 10 estimates the pressure loss index z based on the deceleration time Ti and the pressure loss characteristic of the fan 6 .

[0244] The oil cooler 10 determines whether the filter 13 is clogged based on the threshold value (S204). Specifically, the oil cooler 10 determines that the filter 13 is clogged when the pressure loss index z is greater than the threshold value, and determines that the filter 13 is not clogged when the pressure loss index z is less than the threshold value.

[0245] In this processing example, it is assumed that it is determined that clogging of the filter 13 has occurred.

[0246] The oil cooling device 10 notifies the filter 13 of the clogging (S205), and ends the process. Specifically, the oil cooling device 10 notifies the filter 13 of the clogging through, for example, sound, light, image or text display, communication such as e-mail, or any combination thereof, and ends the process.

[0247] When the fan 6 deforms over time, the pressure loss characteristic changes from the initial characteristic y. Fig.13If the clogging of the filter 13 is determined based on the initial characteristics y shown, the accuracy of determining the clogging of the filter 13 may be reduced.

[0248] In the case of the present embodiment, the control device 20 corrects the relational expression indicating the correlation between the deceleration time Ti and the pressure loss index z based on at least one of the temperature Tm of the fan 6 and the rotation speed N of the fan 6 as the acquired values. Alternatively, the control device 20 determines a correction value that corrects the result calculated by the relational expression indicating the correlation between the deceleration time Ti and the pressure loss index z in a manner corresponding to the fan 6 deformed over time. Then, the control device 20 provides the corrected relational expression and the determined correction value to the oil cooling device 10.

[0249] The oil cooling device 10 estimates the pressure loss index z based on, for example, the history of the acquired values ​​of the oil cooling device 10 and the relational expression corrected to correspond to the aging deformation of the fan 6. Specifically, the oil cooling device 10 calculates the pressure loss index z based on, for example, the following equation (5).

[0250] Thus, in the oil cooling device 10 , the accuracy of determining whether the filter 13 is clogged can be maintained regardless of whether the fan 6 is deformed over time.

[0251] [Formula 5]

[0252]

[0253] z: Pressure loss index

[0254] Ti: deceleration time

[0255] Y: Correction characteristics

[0256] y: Initial characteristics

[0257] x A : Deformation index

[0258] Tm: Temperature of fan 6

[0259] A, B: constants based on the rotation speed N

[0260] a, b: constants based on the rotation speed N of the fan 6 or the motor 7 and the temperature Tm of the fan 6

[0261] ti: operating time of fan 6 or motor 7 [hrs]

[0262] Furthermore, the oil cooling device 10 may determine that the filter 13 is clogged when the deceleration time Ti is less than a threshold value, and may determine that the filter 13 is not clogged when the deceleration time Ti is equal to or greater than the threshold value.

[0263] In this case, the control device 20 corrects the threshold value set for the deceleration time Ti so as to correspond to the fan 6 deformed over time. Then, the control device 20 provides the oil cooling device 10 with the threshold value of the deceleration time Ti after the correction.

[0264] The physical quantity related to the pressure loss index z is not only the deceleration time Ti of the fan 6, but also includes, for example, the driving power W of the motor 7, the rotation speed N of the fan 6, the degree of turbulence, etc. "Turbulence" refers to a state in which the flow direction of the fluid, the flow speed of the fluid, or the pressure of the fluid changes irregularly.

[0265] When the rotation speed N of the fan 6 is controlled to be constant, although the rotation speed N of the fan 6 slightly changes, the average rotation speed N of the fan 6 is constant. On the other hand, when the clogging of the filter 13 increases, the pressure loss value caused by the filter 13 increases. When the pressure loss value caused by the filter 13 increases, the degree of turbulence of the air transported by the fan increases.

[0266] (Third Embodiment)

[0267] Fig.14 It is a schematic configuration diagram of a control system 2100 according to the third embodiment.

[0268] The control system 2100 of the third embodiment is different from the control system 100 of the first embodiment in the clean room 210 corresponding to the oil cooling device 10. The differences from the first embodiment will be described below.

[0269] The control system 2100 is provided with a clean room 210 and a control device 220 for controlling the clean room 210. In addition, in the control system 2100, the clean room 210 and the control device 220 can communicate information with each other via a communication line.

[0270] The clean room 210 as an example of a fan system includes a fan 206 and a motor 207 driving the fan 206, and controls the static pressure Ps of the clean room 210. The clean room 210 is a device that controls the static pressure Ps so that the air pressure in the room R of the clean room 210 surrounded by a casing 211a is higher than the atmospheric pressure.

[0271] The clean room 210 includes a fan 206, a motor 207, and a computer 208. The fan 206, the motor 207, and the computer 208 are housed in a housing 211b. The housing 211b is provided with an air intake port 212 for sucking air from the room R and an air exhaust port 214 for exhausting air from the room R. In addition, the housing 211b is provided with a filter 213a for filtering the air sucked from the room R and a filter 213b for purifying the air exhausted to the room R.

[0272] The housing 211b is accommodated in the housing 211a. The housing 211a is provided with a duct 215 for sucking air from the outside of the clean room 210 and a damper 216 for discharging air in the room R to the outside of the clean room 210.

[0273] Control device 220 , which is an example of a control device, controls clean room 210 based on information related to fan characteristics of fan 206 .

[0274] Specifically, the control device 220 acquires information related to the clean room 210 from the clean room 210. The control device 220 provides the clean room 210 with related information corresponding to the information related to the clean room 210.

[0275] (Static pressure control)

[0276] Next, a process of controlling the static pressure Ps in the room R of the clean room 210 will be described.

[0277] Fig.15 : is a flowchart showing the flow of processing for controlling the static pressure Ps of the fan 206 .

[0278] exist Fig.15 In the above, a case where the air volume is controlled to be constant based on the static pressure characteristics indicating the correlation between the rotation speed N of the fan 206 and the driving power W of the motor 207 for achieving a static pressure Ps is taken as an example.

[0279] The clean room 210 commands a static pressure Ps (S301).

[0280] Next, the clean room 210 acquires the rotation speed N1 of the fan 206 and the driving power W1 of the motor 207 as acquired values ​​( S302 ).

[0281] The physical quantity related to the static pressure Ps is not limited to the rotation speed N1 of the fan 6 and the driving power W1 of the motor 7 , and examples thereof include the deceleration time Ti of the fan 6 and the degree of turbulence.

[0282] Next, the clean room 210 compares the acquired value with the static pressure characteristic of the fan 206 (S303).

[0283] Clean room 210 estimates static pressure Ps (S304) based on the acquired value and static pressure characteristics of fan 206. Specifically, clean room 210 estimates static pressure Ps by fan 206 based on static pressure characteristics that are the intersection of rotation speed N1 and drive power W1.

[0284] Then, the clean room 210 compares the commanded static pressure Ps (hereinafter referred to as “command static pressure Ps”) and the estimated static pressure Ps (hereinafter referred to as “estimated static pressure Ps”) ( S305 ).

[0285] The clean room 210 determines whether the absolute value of the difference between the command static pressure Ps and the estimated static pressure Ps is smaller than a predetermined value (S306).

[0286] When the absolute value of the difference between the command static pressure Ps and the estimated static pressure Ps is greater than a predetermined value (S306: No), the clean room 210 increases or decreases the rotation speed N according to the difference between the command static pressure Ps and the estimated static pressure Ps (S307). Specifically, the clean room 210 increases or decreases the rotation speed N according to the absolute value of the difference between the command static pressure Ps and the estimated static pressure Ps and the magnitude relationship between the command static pressure Ps and the estimated static pressure Ps.

[0287] For example, when the command static pressure Ps is larger than the estimated static pressure Ps, when the absolute value of the difference between the command static pressure Ps and the estimated static pressure Ps is greater than the threshold value, the rotation speed N increases by 2 [rpm], and when the absolute value of the difference between the command static pressure Ps and the estimated static pressure Ps is less than the threshold value, the rotation speed N increases by 1 [rpm]. In addition, when the command static pressure Ps is smaller than the estimated static pressure Ps, the rotation speed N decreases according to the absolute value of the difference between the command static pressure Ps and the estimated static pressure Ps.

[0288] Next, the clean room 210 repeats the processing after S302 until the absolute value of the difference between the command static pressure Ps and the estimated static pressure Ps becomes smaller than a predetermined value.

[0289] In S306, when the absolute value of the difference between the command static pressure Ps and the estimated static pressure Ps of the clean room 210 is smaller than the predetermined value (S306: Yes), the process ends.

[0290] In the case of this processing example, the control device 220 corrects the relational expression representing the correlation between the static pressure Ps, the rotational speed N, and the driving power W based on at least one of the temperature Tm of the fan 206 and the rotational speed N of the fan 206 as the acquired values. Alternatively, the control device 220 determines a correction value that corrects the result calculated by the relational expression representing the correlation between the static pressure Ps, the rotational speed N, and the driving power W in a manner corresponding to the fan 206 that has been deformed over the years. Then, the control device 220 provides the clean room 210 with the corrected relational expression and the determined correction value.

[0291] Thus, regardless of whether the fan 206 is deformed over time, the static pressure Ps in the room R of the clean room 210 is monitored, and the air is prevented from flowing into the room R through the damper 216 and the like.

[0292] (Fourth Embodiment)

[0293] The information related to the fan 6 estimated by the control device 20 of the present disclosure or the like may be used, for example, to monitor abnormalities in the fan system.

[0294] The information related to monitoring abnormality of the fan system is an example of fan characteristics, and indicates the relationship between a physical quantity related to monitoring abnormality of the fan system and monitoring of abnormality of the fan system.

[0295] The information related to the fan 6 is used, for example, to monitor vibration and noise generated along with the rotation of the fan 6 and to monitor abnormalities of components of the fan system.

[0296] (Vibration Suppression)

[0297] Next, a description will be given of a process of suppressing vibration caused by the fan 6 as an example of abnormality in the fan system.

[0298] Fig.16 1 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing for suppressing vibration caused by the fan 6 .

[0299] exist Fig.16 Here, the case where the vibration caused by the fan 6 is controlled based on the vibration characteristics indicating the correlation between the differential pressure characteristics before and after the filter 13 and the air path characteristics indicating the difficulty of the air flowing in the flow path in the oil cooling device 10 is taken as an example.

[0300] The oil cooling device 10 obtains the rotation speed N1 of the fan 6 and the driving power W1 of the motor 7 as the obtained values ​​(S401). The physical quantity related to the vibration caused by the fan 6 is not limited to the rotation speed N1 of the fan 6 and the driving power W1 of the motor 7, and examples thereof include the deceleration time Ti of the fan 6 and the degree of turbulence.

[0301] The oil cooling device 10 compares the acquired value with the vibration characteristic of the fan 6 ( S402 ).

[0302] Here, the vibration characteristics of the fan 6 will be described.

[0303] Fig.17 (A) and (B) are diagrams showing the relationship between the vibration characteristics and the vibration area of ​​the fan 6. (A) is a diagram showing the initial state of the fan 6 that has not undergone deformation over the years, and (B) is a diagram showing the state of the fan 6 that has undergone deformation over the years.

[0304] exist Fig.17 In (A) and (B), the differential pressure characteristics of the fan 6 at different rotation speeds N (N1, N2, N3) are represented by solid lines, and the wind path characteristics are represented by dotted lines. In addition, the vibration area is a range represented by a rectangle. The intersection of the differential pressure characteristic and the wind path characteristic represents the air volume Q and the static pressure Ps when the fan 6 rotates at the rotation speed N.

[0305] exist Fig.17In (A), the intersection of the air volume Q and the static pressure Ps when the fan 6 rotates at the rotation speed N2 is within the vibration region. In this case, vibrations accompanying the rotation of the fan 6 are generated.

[0306] The oil cooling device 10 avoids the rotation speed N2 and rotates the fan 6 at the rotation speed N1 or the rotation speed N3 , thereby suppressing vibrations generated due to the rotation of the fan 6 .

[0307] When the fan 6 is deformed over time, the differential pressure characteristics change, and the vibration characteristics of the fan 6 change.

[0308] exist Fig.17 In the example shown in (B), not only the intersection of the air volume Q and the static pressure Ps when the fan 6 rotates at the rotation speed N2 is within the vibration area, but also the intersection of the air volume Q and the static pressure Ps when the fan 6 rotates at the rotation speed N3 is within the vibration area.

[0309] In this case, the oil cooling device 10 avoids the rotation speed N2 and the rotation speed N3 and rotates the fan 6 at the rotation speed N1, thereby suppressing the vibration generated by the rotation of the fan 6.

[0310] Next, the oil cooling device 10 estimates the vibration S generated with the rotation of the fan 6 based on the acquired value and the vibration characteristics of the fan 6 ( S403 ).

[0311] The oil cooling device 10 determines whether to avoid vibration caused by the rotation of the fan 6 based on the threshold value (S404). Specifically, the oil cooling device 10 determines to avoid vibration when the estimated vibration S is greater than the threshold value, and determines not to avoid vibration when the estimated vibration S is less than the threshold value.

[0312] In this processing example, it is assumed that it is determined that vibration should be avoided.

[0313] The oil cooling device 10 determines the rotation speed N that avoids the vibration caused by the rotation of the fan 6 based on the relational expression representing the vibration characteristics ( S405 ).

[0314] The oil cooling device 10 instructs the determined rotation speed N ( S406 ), and ends the process.

[0315] When the fan 6 is deformed over time, the vibration characteristics change from the initial characteristics y. Therefore, even if the rotation speed N2 is avoided, the vibration accompanying the rotation of the fan 6 may not be suppressed.

[0316] In the case of the present embodiment, the control device 20 corrects the relational expression representing the vibration characteristics based on at least one of the temperature Tm of the fan 6 and the rotation speed N of the fan 6 as the acquired values. In addition, the control device 20 determines a correction value that corrects the result calculated by the relational expression representing the vibration characteristics in a manner corresponding to the fan 6 deformed over time. Then, the control device 20 provides the corrected relational expression and the determined correction value to the oil cooling device 10.

[0317] Thus, in oil cooling device 10 , regardless of whether fan 6 is deformed over time, vibrations generated by the rotation of fan 6 can be suppressed.

[0318] Furthermore, the threshold value and the range of the vibration region may be corrected to correspond to the fan 6 that has been deformed over time.

[0319] (Notification Processing)

[0320] When the estimated vibration is equal to or greater than the threshold value, the oil cooling device 10 performs a notification process of notifying information related to the vibration generated with the rotation of the fan 6 .

[0321] As the notification process, for example, a lamp (not shown) may be turned on when the vibration is equal to or greater than a threshold value.

[0322] Alternatively, for example, the lamp may be turned on when the vibration is less than a threshold value, and the lamp may be flashed when the vibration is greater than the threshold value.

[0323] In addition, for example, the flashing of the light may be different when the vibration is less than a threshold value and when the vibration is greater than the threshold value. Specifically, for example, when the vibration is less than the threshold value, the light may be flashed by repeatedly lighting up for 1 second and extinguishing for 1 second, and when the vibration is greater than the threshold value, the light may be flashed by repeatedly lighting up for 1.4 seconds and extinguishing for 0.6 seconds.

[0324] Furthermore, as the notification process, for example, information indicating that the vibration is equal to or greater than a threshold value may be displayed on the display unit.

[0325] In addition to this, as a notification process, for example, information indicating that the vibration is equal to or greater than a threshold value may be transmitted to a terminal device used by the user.

[0326] The notification process is not limited to the above-mentioned process, and may be a process of notifying information related to the vibration generated by the rotation of the fan 6 by, for example, sound, light, display of images or text, communication such as e-mail, or any combination thereof.

[0327] (Noise Suppression)

[0328] Similar to the above-described processing example, it is also possible to suppress the noise caused by the fan 6 as an example of abnormality in the fan system.

[0329] In the case of this processing example, the noise caused by the fan 6 is controlled based on the noise characteristics indicating the correlation between the differential pressure characteristics before and after the filter 13 and the air passage characteristics in the oil cooling device 10 .

[0330] Furthermore, the oil cooling device 10 may perform a notification process of notifying information on the noise generated with the rotation of the fan 6 when the estimated noise is equal to or greater than a threshold value.

[0331] In addition, in the case of this processing example, the control device 20 corrects the relational expression representing the noise characteristics based on at least one of the temperature Tm of the fan 6 and the rotation speed N of the fan 6 as the acquired values. In addition, the control device 20 determines a correction value that corrects the result calculated by the relational expression representing the noise characteristics in a manner corresponding to the fan 6 that has been deformed over time. Then, the control device 20 provides the corrected relational expression and the determined correction value to the oil cooling device 10.

[0332] Thus, in the oil cooling device 10 , regardless of whether the fan 6 is deformed over time, it is possible to suppress the noise generated by the rotation of the fan 6 .

[0333] In addition, the threshold value may be corrected so as to correspond to the fan 6 that has been deformed over time.

[0334] (Monitoring of abnormalities of components of the fan system)

[0335] Next, a description will be given of a process of detecting an abnormality in a component of the fan system as an example of an abnormality in the fan system.

[0336] Examples of abnormalities in the components of the fan system include abnormal bearings of the motor 7 , misalignment, damage to a rotor (not shown), damage to the fan 6 , adhesion of dirt to the fan 6 , and imbalance between the fan 6 and the motor 7 .

[0337] In the case of this processing example, the oil cooling device 10 detects an abnormality in the component of the fan system based on a physical quantity related to the abnormality in the component of the fan system.

[0338] Examples of physical quantities related to abnormalities in components of the fan system include deceleration time Ti of the fan 6 , drive power W of the motor 7 , rotation speed N of the fan 6 , degree of turbulence, and current frequency components.

[0339] The "drive power W of the motor 7" is a composite of the product of current and voltage. For example, in the case of a three-phase AC circuit, the drive power W is a composite of the product of phase voltage, phase current, and power factor.

[0340] The “current order component” is each order component of each n-order frequency which is n times the frequency of the fundamental wave, and is, for example, each order component based on the phase current supplied to the motor 7. The primary frequency is the frequency of the fundamental wave.

[0341] Here, the imbalance of the fan 6 and the motor 7 as an example of abnormality of the components of the fan system will be described.

[0342] Fig.18 The diagram shows the results of frequency analysis of the phase current supplied to the motor 7, wherein (A) shows the order components when the fan 6 and the motor 7 are balanced, and (B) shows the order components when the fan 6 and the motor 7 are not balanced.

[0343] exist Fig.18 In (A) and (B), the results of frequency analysis of each waveform of the phase current supplied to the motor 7 by fast Fourier transform are taken as an example. Fig.18 In (A) and (B), the horizontal axis represents frequency [Hz], and the vertical axis represents the intensity of the spectrum for each frequency.

[0344] exist Fig.18 In the example shown in (A), the fan 6 and the motor 7 are balanced, and the spectrum exists only at the primary frequency of 25 [Hz].

[0345] On the other hand, Fig.18 In the example shown in (B), the fan 6 and the motor 7 are not balanced, so-called imbalance occurs, and not only the primary frequency but also two spectra at 20 [Hz] and 30 [Hz] exist. These two spectra represent the frequencies of the sidebands.

[0346] Fig.19 It is a graph showing the difference in the intensity of the spectrum.

[0347] exist Fig.19 In the example, the frequency analysis result of the phase current supplied to the motor 7 is used to obtain the balance between the fan 6 and the motor 7 (refer to Fig.18 (A)) and the case where the fan 6 and the motor 7 are not balanced (refer to Fig.18 (B)) as an example.

[0348] The spectrum of the primary frequency exists in both the case where the fan 6 and the motor 7 are balanced and the case where the fan 6 and the motor 7 are not balanced. In addition, at the primary frequency, the intensity of the spectrum hardly changes.

[0349] On the other hand, the spectrum of the sideband frequency does not exist when the fan 6 and the motor 7 are balanced, and exists when the fan 6 and the motor 7 are not balanced. Therefore, the difference in the intensity of the spectrum at 20 [Hz] and 30 [Hz], which are the sideband frequencies, is greater than that at 25 [Hz].

[0350] like Fig.19 As shown, the oil cooling device 10 detects the imbalance between the fan 6 and the motor 7 when a difference is generated in the intensity of the spectrum when the fan 6 and the motor 7 are balanced. In other words, the oil cooling device 10 detects the imbalance between the fan 6 and the motor 7 when a current order component different from the current order component when the fan 6 and the motor 7 are balanced is detected.

[0351] The oil cooling device 10 detects the imbalance of the fan 6 and the motor 7 based on the balance characteristics indicating the correlation between the current order component and the imbalance of the fan 6 and the motor 7 .

[0352] Furthermore, when the oil cooling device 10 detects an imbalance between the fan 6 and the motor 7 , it may perform a notification process of notifying information related to the imbalance.

[0353] In this case, the control device 20 corrects the relational expression representing the balance characteristic based on at least one of the temperature Tm of the fan 6 and the rotation speed N of the fan 6 as the acquired values. In addition, the control device 20 determines a correction value that corrects the result calculated by the relational expression representing the balance characteristic in a manner corresponding to the fan 6 deformed over time. Then, the control device 20 provides the corrected relational expression and the determined correction value to the oil cooling device 10.

[0354] Thus, in the oil cooling device 10 , it is possible to detect the imbalance between the fan 6 and the motor 7 regardless of whether the fan 6 is deformed over time.

[0355] (Fifth Embodiment)

[0356] In the above example, the oil cooling device 10 for cooling oil uses the information related to the fan 6 estimated by the control device 20 of the present disclosure, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The information related to the fan 6 estimated by the control device 20 of the present disclosure may also be used in a refrigeration device (not shown) in which the object to be cooled is a liquid other than oil, air, or the like.

[0357] The refrigeration device as an example of a fan system includes: a fan system including a fan 6 and a motor 7; a flow path through which air is conveyed by the fan 6; and a condenser 2 provided in the flow path. In this case, the temperature of the fan 6 of the refrigeration device is estimated based on at least one of the temperature around the fan 6 and the temperature of the condenser 2.

[0358] (Estimation of Refrigeration Efficiency)

[0359] Next, the process of estimating the cooling efficiency Rc of the refrigeration device according to the fifth embodiment will be described. In other words, the process of estimating the cooling efficiency Rc of the refrigeration device according to the fifth embodiment will be described.

[0360] Fig. 20 : is a flowchart showing the flow of a process for controlling the cooling efficiency Rc by the fan 6 .

[0361] exist Fig. 20 Here, a case where the cooling efficiency by the fan 6 is estimated based on the cooling efficiency characteristics indicating the correlation between the static pressure Ps of the fan 6 and the cooling efficiency of the refrigeration device is taken as an example.

[0362] The cooling efficiency characteristic is an example of a fan characteristic, and indicates the relationship between a physical quantity related to the cooling efficiency Rc of a refrigeration device including a fan system and the cooling efficiency Rc of the refrigeration device.

[0363] The refrigeration device acquires the rotation speed N1 of the fan 6 and the driving power W1 of the motor 7 as acquired values ​​( S501 ).

[0364] In addition, the physical quantity related to the static pressure Ps is not limited to the rotation speed N1 of the fan 6 and the driving power W1 of the motor 7, and examples thereof include the deceleration time Ti of the fan 6, the degree of turbulence, the current frequency component, etc. In addition, the physical quantity related to the static pressure Ps is also a physical quantity related to the cooling efficiency Rc.

[0365] Next, the refrigeration device compares the acquired value with the static pressure characteristic of the fan 6 ( S502 ).

[0366] The refrigeration device estimates static pressure Ps (S503) based on the acquired value and the static pressure characteristic of fan 6. Specifically, the refrigeration device estimates static pressure Ps by fan 6 based on the static pressure characteristic which is the intersection of rotation speed N1 and drive power W1.

[0367] Static pressure Ps caused by fan 6 increases due to clogging of filter 13. When acquiring deceleration time Ti of fan 6, the refrigeration device may estimate static pressure Ps caused by fan 6 based on pressure loss index z based on deceleration time Ti and pressure loss characteristics.

[0368] Then, the refrigeration device compares the static pressure Ps of the fan 6 and the refrigeration efficiency characteristics (S504).

[0369] The refrigeration device determines the refrigeration efficiency Rc based on the estimated static pressure Ps and the refrigeration efficiency characteristics (S505), and ends the process. In other words, the refrigeration device estimates the refrigeration efficiency Rc based on the estimated static pressure Ps and the refrigeration efficiency characteristics, and ends the process.

[0370] Furthermore, when the estimated cooling efficiency Rc is smaller than a threshold value, a notification process may be performed to notify that the cooling efficiency of the refrigeration device has deteriorated.

[0371] In the case of this processing example, the control device 20 corrects the relational expression representing the static pressure characteristics of the fan 6 based on at least one of the temperature Tm of the fan 6 and the rotation speed N of the fan 6 as the acquired values. Alternatively, the control device 20 determines a correction value that corrects the result calculated by the relational expression representing the static pressure characteristics of the fan 6 in a manner corresponding to the fan 6 deformed over time. Then, the control device 20 provides the refrigeration device with the corrected relational expression and the determined correction value.

[0372] This makes it possible to monitor the deterioration of the cooling efficiency of the refrigeration device due to clogging of the filter 13 regardless of whether the fan 6 is deformed over time.

[0373] In addition, the threshold value may be corrected so as to correspond to the fan 6 that has been deformed over time.

[0374] (Estimation of cooling capacity)

[0375] The cooling capacity of the refrigeration apparatus according to the fifth embodiment can also be estimated in the same manner as in the above-described processing example.

[0376] In the case of this processing example, the maximum cooling capacity of the refrigeration device is estimated based on the cooling capacity characteristics indicating the correlation between the static pressure Ps of the fan 6 and the cooling capacity of the refrigeration device. In other words, in the case of this processing example, the maximum cooling capacity of the refrigeration device is predicted based on the cooling capacity characteristics indicating the correlation between the static pressure Ps of the fan 6 and the cooling capacity of the refrigeration device.

[0377] The cooling capacity characteristic is an example of a fan characteristic, and indicates the relationship between a physical quantity related to the cooling capacity of a refrigeration device including a fan system and the cooling capacity of the refrigeration device.

[0378] Furthermore, the refrigeration device may perform a notification process for notifying information related to the estimated maximum cooling capacity of the refrigeration device. Specifically, the refrigeration device may perform a notification process for notifying that the maximum cooling capacity of the refrigeration device has deteriorated.

[0379] In this processing example, the control device 20 also corrects the relational expression representing the static pressure characteristic of the fan 6 based on at least one of the temperature Tm of the fan 6 and the rotation speed N of the fan 6 as the acquired values. The physical quantity related to the static pressure Ps is also a physical quantity related to the cooling capacity.

[0380] Alternatively, control device 20 determines a correction value that corrects the result calculated by the relational expression representing the static pressure characteristic of fan 6 so as to correspond to fan 6 deformed over time. Then, control device 20 provides the refrigeration device with the corrected relational expression and the determined correction value.

[0381] This makes it possible to monitor the deterioration of the cooling capacity of the refrigeration device regardless of whether the fan 6 is deformed over time.

[0382] In the present disclosure, the control device 20 is configured to generate information related to control of the operation of the oil cooling device 10 and the like, but the present invention is not limited to this.

[0383] For example, the oil cooling device 10 may also have the function of the control device 20. Specifically, the oil cooling device 10 may also include Figure 6 The functions of the deformation estimating unit 21, the characteristic estimating unit 22, etc. are shown.

[0384] Here, the above-described embodiment can be understood as follows.

[0385] In the control device 20 of the present disclosure, the characteristic estimating unit 22 corrects the information related to the fan characteristics so as to correspond to the fan characteristics that change due to the aging deformation of the fan.

[0386] In this case, in the oil cooling device 10, the corrected related information is stored in the fan characteristic DB 82. In addition, based on the corrected related information, the drive control unit 83, the pressure loss estimation unit 85, and the clogging determination unit 86 are executed to control the fan system. Therefore, the fan system can be controlled in consideration of the fan characteristics that change due to the aging deformation of the fan 6.

[0387] In addition, the fan system may be controlled based on the corrected related information in the clean room 210 or the refrigeration device instead of in the oil cooling device 10 .

[0388] In addition, characteristic estimating unit 22 corrects the relevant information based on at least one value of temperature Tm of fan 6 and rotation speed N of fan 6 .

[0389] In this case, the fan system is controlled based on the corrected correlation information in the oil cooling device 10. Therefore, the fan system can be controlled in consideration of changes in fan characteristics based on at least one of the temperature Tm of the fan 6 and the rotation speed N of the fan 6.

[0390] In addition, the fan system may be controlled based on the corrected related information in the clean room 210 or the refrigeration device instead of in the oil cooling device 10 .

[0391] When characteristic estimating unit 22 controls air volume Q of fan 6 based on the correlation between air volume Q of fan 6 and at least one of drive power W of motor 7, rotation speed N of motor 7, and static pressure Ps of fan 6, fan characteristics represent the correlation.

[0392] Specifically, the fan characteristics represent the information about the air volume Q when characteristics estimating unit 22 corrects the relevant information based on at least one of temperature Tm of fan 6 and rotation speed N of fan 6 as acquired values ​​and controls the air volume Q based on the corrected relevant information.

[0393] In this case, the air volume Q of the fan 6 can be controlled in consideration of changes in fan characteristics based on at least one of the drive power W of the motor 7 , the rotation speed N of the motor 7 , and the static pressure Ps of the fan 6 .

[0394] Furthermore, when the characteristic estimating unit 22 monitors the static pressure Ps of the fan 6 based on the correlation between the physical quantity related to the static pressure Ps of the fan 6 and the static pressure Ps of the fan 6 , the fan characteristic indicates the correlation.

[0395] Specifically, the fan characteristics represent the information about the static pressure Ps when the characteristics estimating unit 22 corrects the information based on at least one of the temperature Tm of the fan 6 and the rotation speed N of the fan 6 as the acquired values ​​and monitors the static pressure Ps based on the corrected information.

[0396] In this case, the static pressure Ps of the fan 6 can be controlled in consideration of a change in the fan characteristic based on a physical quantity related to the static pressure Ps of the fan 6 .

[0397] Furthermore, when the characteristic estimating unit 22 monitors the abnormality of the fan system based on the correlation between the physical quantity related to the abnormality of the fan system and the abnormality of the fan system, the fan characteristic indicates the correlation.

[0398] Specifically, when the characteristic estimating unit 22 corrects the relevant information based on at least one of the temperature Tm of the fan 6 and the rotation speed N of the fan 6 as the acquired values ​​and monitors the abnormality of the fan system based on the corrected relevant information, the fan characteristic represents the relevant information of the abnormality of the fan system.

[0399] In this case, it is possible to monitor the abnormality of the fan system in consideration of a change in the fan characteristics based on a physical quantity related to the abnormality of the fan system.

[0400] In addition, the abnormality of the fan system is vibration of the fan system or noise of the fan system.

[0401] In this case, it is possible to monitor abnormality of vibration of the fan system or noise of the fan system in consideration of changes in fan characteristics.

[0402] Furthermore, when characteristic estimating unit 22 predicts cooling efficiency Rc of a refrigeration device based on the correlation between a physical quantity related to cooling efficiency Rc of a refrigeration device including a fan system and cooling efficiency Rc of the refrigeration device, the fan characteristic indicates the correlation.

[0403] Specifically, when characteristic estimating unit 22 corrects relevant information based on at least one of temperature Tm of fan 6 and rotation speed N of fan 6 as acquired values ​​and predicts cooling efficiency Rc based on the corrected relevant information, fan characteristics represent relevant information on cooling efficiency Rc.

[0404] In this case, the cooling efficiency Rc can be monitored in consideration of a change in the fan characteristics based on a physical quantity related to the cooling efficiency Rc.

[0405] Furthermore, when characteristic estimating unit 22 predicts the cooling capacity of the refrigeration device based on the correlation between the physical quantity related to the cooling capacity of the refrigeration device including the fan system and the cooling capacity of the refrigeration device, the fan characteristic indicates the correlation.

[0406] Specifically, the fan characteristics represent the information about the cooling capacity when characteristics estimating unit 22 corrects the relevant information based on at least one of temperature Tm of fan 6 and rotation speed N of fan 6 as acquired values ​​and predicts the cooling capacity based on the corrected relevant information.

[0407] In this case, the cooling capacity can be monitored in consideration of changes in fan characteristics based on a physical quantity related to the cooling capacity.

[0408] Furthermore, from another viewpoint, the characteristic estimating unit 22 of the control device 20 of the present disclosure controls the fan system based on the history of the physical quantity related to the temperature Tm of the fan 6 .

[0409] In this case, in the oil cooling device 10, the related information generated by the control device 20 learning the history of the physical quantity related to the temperature Tm of the fan 6 is stored in the fan characteristic DB 82. Therefore, the fan system can be controlled in consideration of the change in the fan characteristic based on the history of the physical quantity related to the temperature Tm of the fan 6.

[0410] In addition, for the temperature Tm of the fan 6 of a refrigeration device having a fan system, a flow path for conveying air flowing through the rotation of the fan 6, and a condenser 2 arranged in the flow path, the characteristic estimation unit 22 estimates the temperature Tm based on at least one of the temperature around the fan 6 and the temperature of the condenser 2.

[0411] In this case, the temperature Tm of the fan 6 can be obtained without actually measuring the temperature Tm itself.

[0412] Alternatively, the temperature estimating unit 84 may estimate the temperature Tm of the fan 6 based on at least one of the temperature around the fan 6 and the temperature of the condenser 2 , and provide the temperature Tm of the fan 6 to the control device 20 .

[0413] In addition, from another point of view, the program of the control device 20 disclosed in the present invention enables the control device 20 of the fan system that controls the oil cooling device 10 to implement the following functions: saving relevant information related to fan characteristics in the fan characteristic DB 24; providing relevant information to the oil cooling device 10 to control the fan system; and having a characteristic estimation unit 22, which corrects the relevant information in a manner corresponding to the fan characteristics that change according to the deformation of the fan 6 over the years.

[0414] In this case, the fan system can be controlled in consideration of the fan characteristics that change due to the aging deformation of the fan 6 .

[0415] In addition, not only the oil cooling device 10 but also a fan system in the clean room 210 or a refrigeration device may be controlled based on the corrected related information.

[0416] In addition, the above-described structures are not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be modified within the scope of the gist. In other words, it can be understood that various changes in form and details can be made without departing from the gist and scope of the claims.

[0417] The present invention is not limited to the above-described configurations, and a part of each configuration described above may be omitted, or other functions may be added to each configuration described above.

[0418] Description of symbols

[0419] 2 condenser; 6 fan; 7 motor; 8 computer; 10 oil cooling device; 13 filter; 20, 220 control device; 21 deformation estimation unit; 22 characteristic estimation unit; 23, 87 communication processing unit; 24, 82 fan characteristic DB; 81 operation record DB; 83 drive control unit; 84 temperature estimation unit; 85 pressure loss estimation unit; 86 clogging determination unit; 110 control unit.

Claims

1. A control device comprising a control unit, wherein the control unit controls a fan system, wherein the fan system includes a fan and a motor driving the fan, The control unit includes a fan characteristic storage unit, and the fan characteristic storage unit stores relevant information related to the characteristics of the fan, that is, the fan characteristics. The control unit controls the fan system based on the relevant information. The control unit includes a correction unit configured to correct the related information in accordance with fan characteristics that change due to aging deformation of the fan.

2. The control device according to claim 1, wherein: The control unit obtains at least one value of an ambient temperature of the fan and a rotation speed of the fan, and corrects the related information based on the obtained value.

3. The control device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: When the control unit controls the air volume of the fan based on a relationship between the air volume of the fan and at least one of the driving power of the motor, the rotation speed of the fan, and the static pressure of the fan, the fan characteristic indicates the relationship.

4. The control device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: When the control unit acquires a physical quantity related to the static pressure of the fan and monitors the static pressure of the fan based on a relationship between the physical quantity and the static pressure of the fan, the fan characteristic indicates the relationship.

5. The control device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: When the control unit acquires a physical quantity related to the abnormality of the fan system and monitors the abnormality of the fan system based on a relationship between the physical quantity and the abnormality of the fan system, the fan characteristic indicates the relationship.

6. The control device according to claim 5, wherein: The abnormality of the fan system is vibration of the fan system or noise of the fan system.

7. The control device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: When the control unit obtains a physical quantity related to the cooling efficiency of a refrigeration device including the fan system and predicts the cooling efficiency of the refrigeration device based on a relationship between the physical quantity and the cooling efficiency of the refrigeration device, the fan characteristic indicates the relationship.

8. The control device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: When the control unit acquires a physical quantity related to a cooling capacity of a refrigeration device including the fan system and predicts the cooling capacity of the refrigeration device based on a relationship between the physical quantity and the cooling capacity of the refrigeration device, the fan characteristic indicates the relationship.

9. A control device comprising a control unit for controlling a fan system, wherein the fan system includes a fan and a motor for driving the fan, The control unit acquires a physical quantity related to an ambient temperature of the fan, and controls the fan system based on a history of the acquired physical quantity.

10. The control device according to claim 9, wherein: The control unit estimates the ambient temperature of the fan of a refrigeration device including the fan system, a flow path for conveying fluid through the fan, and a heat exchanger provided in the flow path based on at least one of the temperature around the fan and the temperature of the heat exchanger.

11. A program for causing a computer that controls a fan system including a fan and a motor that drives the fan to realize the following functions: storing relevant information related to the characteristics of the fan, i.e., fan characteristics; controlling the fan system based on the relevant information; and A correction unit is provided for correcting the related information in a manner corresponding to fan characteristics that change due to aging deformation of the fan.

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