System and method for remotely monitoring refrigeration and cooling systems

Abstract

Systems and methods for remotely monitoring a refrigeration system to detect refrigerant leaks include a local monitoring station including at least one sensor configured to be associated with a refrigeration system containing refrigerant, the sensor measuring at least one parameter of the refrigeration system. The at least one server is in communication with the local monitoring station and is accessible by the at least one user communication device. Software located at least partially on the local monitoring station and / or the server: regularly records data from the sensors to generate recorded sensor data; collecting the recorded sensor data over time to generate collected sensor data; determining, via at least one algorithm, from the collected sensor data, whether a refrigerant leak is occurring in the monitored refrigeration system, thereby generating a status of the refrigeration system; and communicating the status of the refrigeration system to at least one server.

Description

[0001] Related Applications

[0002] The present invention claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 396,460, filed on August 9, 2022, entitled “Systems and Methods of Remote Monitoring of Refrigeration and Cooling Systems,” the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to systems and methods for monitoring refrigeration and cooling systems. More particularly, the present invention relates to systems and methods for monitoring refrigerant leaks and overall performance of refrigeration and cooling systems. Background Art

[0004] Maintaining peak efficiency in refrigeration and cooling systems is critical. One reason is that even under optimal conditions, they require a lot of electricity to operate, so it is important to avoid operating at less than optimal conditions, which would require additional electricity. Another reason is that many of these systems rely on refrigerants, such as R-404a, R-134a, R-22, or similar refrigerants. No system can contain the refrigerant perfectly, and refrigerants often leak. This is problematic for two reasons: first, the loss of refrigerant can negatively affect system performance, and second, these chemicals are both greenhouse gases and, in some cases, ozone depleting substances. Keeping them under control is extremely important.

[0005] Existing leak detection systems have shortcomings. One type of conventional leak detection is a direct detection system via an environmental detector that analyzes the concentration of refrigerant particles in the air. If the refrigerant is detected at a certain level in the environment, it is clear that a leak has occurred. While this method is effective, it has its limitations because it requires the installation of a large number of sensors that can be affected by air currents or poor placement.

[0006] Another direct detection method uses a portable leak detector that allows physical analysis of the facility by manually moving the detector around the facility, ductwork, etc. This is a time-consuming method and does not rule out the possibility of missing a leak if the detector does not pass over the right location at the right time.

[0007] Another direct detection method is to use fluorescent tracers or bubbling agents to visually identify leaks. This involves the same challenges as portable leak detectors and does not guarantee that all leaks will be found.

[0008] The above method is used to conduct periodic checks based on the equivalent tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) contained in the facility, and cannot be continuously and remotely monitored because the alarm is only issued on site. This makes it impossible to access the operating data of the facility remotely and is limited to local leak detection, without being able to ensure the overall tightness of the system.

[0009] For other indirect methods, measurements are sometimes incomplete and the actual presence of leaks cannot be determined. Link interfaces provide very little information about the operation of remote equipment, and there are almost no analytical tools or dedicated tools to improve system performance and reduce direct and indirect greenhouse gas emissions (leakage and energy). Remote preliminary diagnosis is not possible if only local systems are used. A technician needs to go to the site.

[0010] With leakage rates of 20% to 30% (source: EPA: https: / / www.epa.gov / section608 / stationary-refrigeration-leak-repair-requirements) and energy consumption accounting for 50% of a supermarket’s final energy consumption, there is a great potential for optimizing the operation of refrigeration facilities. Today, there are few devices that allow for a detailed analysis of the facility’s behavior. Summary of the invention

[0011] The above and other objects are achieved by the present invention, which includes systems and methods for remotely monitoring refrigeration and cooling systems.

[0012] In one embodiment, the present invention is a system for remotely monitoring refrigeration and cooling systems to detect refrigerant leaks. A local monitoring station has at least one sensor configured to be associated with a refrigeration system containing a refrigerant, the sensor measuring at least one parameter of the refrigeration system, and the local monitoring station further includes at least one local processor. At least one server is remote from the local monitoring station and communicates with the local monitoring station and is accessible by at least one user communication device through a communication channel. Software is at least partially located on the local monitoring station. The at least one local processor is configured to execute software so that the local monitoring station: periodically records data from at least one sensor to generate recorded sensor data; collects the recorded sensor data over time to generate collected sensor data; uses the collected sensor data to determine whether a refrigerant leak is occurring in the monitored refrigeration system through at least one algorithm, thereby generating a state of the refrigeration system; and transmits the state of the refrigeration system to at least one server.

[0013] The at least one server may preferably send at least one message to the at least one user communication device via the communication channel, the message relating to the status of the refrigeration system.The at least one sensor may preferably measure the amount of refrigerant in the refrigeration system.

[0014] Optionally, at least one sensor is a weight sensor connected to an external column in fluid communication with the main refrigerant storage tank, wherein the weight of the external column is indicative of the level of refrigerant in the main refrigerant storage tank, and the at least one parameter is the weight of the external column. Optionally, the weight sensor comprises a strain gauge.

[0015] The at least one sensor may further include a temperature sensor that measures the refrigerant output temperature of the main refrigerant storage tank. The software may further cause the local monitoring station to: determine the density of the refrigerant from the output temperature; calculate the height of the refrigerant in the main refrigerant storage tank from at least the external column volume, the external column weight, and the density; calculate the weight of the main refrigerant storage tank from the tank type, the calculated refrigerant height, the density, and the tank diameter; and compare the calculated weight of the main refrigerant storage tank to a pre-set low liquid level threshold. If the calculated weight of the main refrigerant storage tank is less than the pre-set low liquid level threshold, a low liquid level alarm is sent from the local monitoring station to the server, and a low liquid level alarm is sent from the server to at least one user communication device.

[0016] Optionally, the software may further enable the local monitoring station to: determine whether a slope of sensor data collected within a time period calculated via a linear function is lower than a preset statistical threshold; if the slope is lower than the preset statistical threshold, send a statistical alert from the local monitoring station to the server, and send a statistical alert from the server to at least one user communication device.

[0017] Optionally, the software may further cause the local monitoring station to summarize the refrigerant levels over multiple time periods of different lengths. Shorter time periods are used to identify leaks of smaller magnitude, and longer time periods are used to identify leaks of larger magnitude. Optionally, for each of at least a plurality of time periods, the software further causes the local monitoring station to determine at least one of the following steps a), b) or c): a) whether the difference in refrigerant level between the start and end of a set time period is greater than a fixed threshold; b) whether the difference in level between the start and end of a time period and the relative maximum volume of the main refrigerant storage tank is greater than a fixed threshold; or c) whether the share of the drop relative to all liquid levels is greater than a fixed threshold. The software further causes the local monitoring station to determine d) that the drop in refrigerant level is not caused by a point discontinuity. If at least one of steps a)-c) and d) occurs, an alarm is generated.

[0018] The present invention also includes a method for remotely monitoring a refrigeration system to detect a refrigerant leak. An embodiment of the method of the present invention includes the following steps: providing at least one sensor associated with a refrigeration system including a refrigerant; measuring at least one parameter of the refrigeration system via the sensor; periodically recording data from the at least one sensor at a local monitoring station including at least one local processor, thereby generating recorded sensor data; collecting the recorded sensor data over time at the local monitoring station, thereby generating collected sensor data; determining via the local processor whether a refrigerant leak is occurring in the monitored refrigeration system through at least one algorithm and the collected sensor data, thereby generating a state of the refrigeration system; transmitting the state of the refrigeration system from the local monitoring station to at least one server; and sending at least one message from the at least one server to at least one user communication device via a communication channel, the message being related to the state of the refrigeration system.

[0019] Preferably, the measuring step further comprises the step of measuring the amount of refrigerant in the refrigeration system. The at least one sensor may be a weight sensor connected to an external column in communication with the main refrigerant storage tank, in which case the measuring step further comprises the step of measuring the weight of the external column, wherein the weight of the external column indicates the level of refrigerant in the main refrigerant storage tank.

[0020] The measuring step may further include the step of measuring the refrigerant output temperature of the main refrigerant storage tank using a temperature sensor, the method further including the steps of: determining the density of the refrigerant by the output temperature; calculating the height of the refrigerant in the main refrigerant storage tank by at least the external column volume, the external column weight and the density; calculating the weight of the main refrigerant storage tank by the tank type, the calculated refrigerant height, the density and the tank diameter; and comparing the calculated weight of the main refrigerant storage tank with a preset low liquid level threshold. If the calculated weight of the main refrigerant storage tank is less than the preset low liquid level threshold, a low liquid level alarm may be sent from the local monitoring station to the server, and a low liquid level alarm may be sent from the server to at least one user communication device.

[0021] The method may further include the following steps: determining whether the slope of the collected sensor data within a time period calculated via a linear function is lower than a preset statistical threshold; if the slope is lower than the preset statistical threshold, sending a statistical alarm from the local monitoring station to the server, and sending a statistical alarm from the server to at least one user communication device.

[0022] The method may further include the following steps: aggregating the refrigerant levels in multiple time periods of different lengths via a local processor; identifying leaks of smaller magnitude through shorter time periods in the time period; and identifying leaks of larger magnitude through longer time periods in the time period. For each of at least a plurality of time periods, the method may further include: at least one of steps a), b, or c): a) determining whether the difference in refrigerant level between the start and end of a set time period is greater than a fixed threshold; b) determining whether the difference in level between the start and end of a time period and the relative maximum volume of the main refrigerant storage tank are greater than a fixed threshold; or c) determining whether the share of the decline relative to all levels is greater than a fixed threshold. The method may further include the following steps: d) determining that the decline in the refrigerant level is not caused by a point discontinuity; and e) generating an alarm if at least one of steps a)–c) and d) occurs.

[0023] In another embodiment, the present invention includes a system for remotely monitoring a refrigeration system. A local monitoring station includes at least one sensor configured to be associated with a refrigeration system including a refrigerant, the sensor measuring at least one parameter of the refrigeration system, and the local monitoring station further includes at least one local processor. At least one server includes at least one remote processor, the server is remote from the local monitoring station and in communication with the local monitoring station, and is accessible by at least one user communication device via a communication channel. Software is at least partially located on at least one of the local monitoring station or the server, wherein at least one of the at least one local processor or the at least one remote processor is configured to execute the software to cause the system to: periodically log data from at least one sensor to generate logged sensor data; collect the logged sensor data over time to generate collected sensor data; use the collected sensor data to determine the state of at least one parameter by at least one algorithm to generate the state of the refrigeration system; and transmit the state of the refrigeration system to at least one user communication device. Optionally, the at least one server sends at least one message to the at least one user communication device via the communication channel, the at least one message being related to the state of the refrigeration system. The at least one sensor optionally measures the amount of refrigerant in the refrigeration system.

[0024] Optionally, the at least one sensor is a weight sensor connected to an external column in fluid communication with the main refrigerant tank, wherein the weight of the external column is indicative of the refrigerant level in the main refrigerant tank, and the at least one parameter includes the weight of the external column.

[0025] The at least one sensor may further include a temperature sensor that measures the refrigerant output temperature of the main refrigerant storage tank. The software may further cause the system to: determine the density of the refrigerant from the output temperature; calculate the height of the refrigerant in the main refrigerant storage tank from at least the external column volume, the external column weight, and the density; calculate the weight of the main refrigerant storage tank from the tank type, the calculated refrigerant height, the density, and the tank diameter; and compare the calculated weight of the main refrigerant storage tank to a pre-set low liquid level threshold. If the calculated weight of the main refrigerant storage tank is less than the pre-set low liquid level threshold, a low liquid level alarm is optionally sent from at least one of the local monitoring station or the server, and thereby the low liquid level alarm is sent to at least one user communication device.

[0026] Optionally, the software further enables the system to: determine whether a slope of sensor data collected over a time period calculated via a linear function is lower than a pre-set statistical threshold; if the slope is lower than the pre-set statistical threshold, send a statistical alarm from at least one of the local monitoring station or the server, and thereby send a statistical alarm to at least one user communication device.

[0027] Optionally, the software further causes the system to summarize the refrigerant levels in multiple time periods of different lengths, wherein the shorter time periods in the time period are used to identify leaks of smaller magnitude, and wherein the longer time periods in the time period are used to identify leaks of larger magnitude. For each of at least a plurality of time periods, the software further causes the system to determine at least one of the following steps a), b), or c): a) whether the difference in refrigerant level between the start and end of the set time period is greater than a fixed threshold; b) whether the difference in level between the start and end of the time period and the relative maximum volume of the main refrigerant storage tank are greater than a fixed threshold; or c) whether the share of the decrease relative to all liquid levels is greater than a fixed threshold; and the software further causes the local monitoring station to determine d) that the decrease in refrigerant level is not caused by point discontinuity, wherein if at least one of steps a)-c) and d) occurs, an alarm is generated.

[0028] In another embodiment, the present invention includes a method for remotely monitoring a refrigeration system. At least one sensor associated with a refrigeration system including a refrigerant is provided. At least one parameter of the refrigeration system is measured via the at least one sensor. Data from the at least one sensor is periodically recorded at at least one of a local monitoring station including at least one local processor or at least one remote server in communication with the local monitoring station and including at least one remote processor, thereby generating recorded sensor data. The recorded sensor data is collected over time at at least one of the local monitoring station and at least one remote server, thereby generating collected sensor data. At least one of the local processor or the remote processor determines a state of the at least one parameter using at least one algorithm and the collected sensor data, thereby generating a state of the refrigeration system. At least one message is sent from at least one of the local monitoring station or at least one server to at least one user communication device via a communication channel, the at least one message being related to the state of the refrigeration system.

[0029] Optionally, the measuring step further comprises the step of measuring the amount of refrigerant in the refrigeration system. Optionally, the at least one sensor is a weight sensor connected to an external column in communication with the main refrigerant storage tank, and the measuring step further comprises the step of measuring the weight of the external column, wherein the weight on the outside of the column indicates the level of refrigerant in the main refrigerant storage tank.

[0030] Optionally, the measuring step further includes the step of measuring the refrigerant output temperature of the main refrigerant tank using a temperature sensor. The method may further include the steps of determining the density of the refrigerant by the output temperature; calculating the height of the refrigerant in the main refrigerant tank by at least the external column volume, the external column weight and the density; calculating the weight of the main refrigerant tank by the tank type, the calculated refrigerant height, the density and the tank diameter; and comparing the calculated weight of the main refrigerant tank with a preset low liquid level threshold. The method may further include the steps of sending a low liquid level alarm from at least one of the local monitoring station or the at least one remote server if the calculated weight of the main refrigerant tank is less than the preset low liquid level threshold, and thereby sending a low liquid level alarm to at least one user communication device.

[0031] Optionally, the method may further include the following steps: determining whether the slope of the collected sensor data within a time period calculated via a linear function is lower than a preset statistical threshold; if the slope is lower than the preset statistical threshold, sending a statistical alarm from at least one of the local monitoring station or at least one remote server, and thereby sending a statistical alarm to at least one user communication device.

[0032] Optionally, the method may further include the following steps: aggregating the refrigerant level in multiple time periods of different lengths via at least one of a local processor or a remote processor; identifying leaks of smaller magnitude through shorter time periods in the time period; identifying leaks of larger magnitude through longer time periods in the time period. For each of at least a plurality of time periods, the method may further include: at least one of steps a), b or c): a) determining whether the difference in refrigerant level between the start and end of a set time period is greater than a fixed threshold; b) determining whether the difference in level between the start and end of a time period and the relative maximum volume of the main refrigerant storage tank are greater than a fixed threshold; or c) determining whether the drop share relative to all liquid levels is greater than a fixed threshold. The method may further include the following steps: determining that the drop in the refrigerant level is not caused by point discontinuity; and e) generating an alarm if at least one of steps a)–c) and d) occurs.

[0033] The present invention is dedicated to the centralized and remote monitoring of refrigeration systems. Through regular measurements (preferably once every five seconds) and algorithm learning, it simplifies the management of refrigeration facilities, improves the performance of refrigeration systems, and greatly reduces the impact of refrigeration systems on the environment.

[0034] On the other hand, unlike ambient air detection systems and other direct measurement systems, the present invention makes it possible to place itself inside the facility via an indirect measurement method, thus guaranteeing effective leak detection, free from external interference. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] Figure 1A is a schematic diagram of the refrigerant measurement system.

[0036] Figure 1B is a schematic diagram of a refrigerant measurement system including a local Internet of Things (IoT) device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 1C is a schematic diagram of a refrigerant measurement system of an embodiment of the present invention depicting the column and the measurements being taken.

[0038] Figure 2A is an exemplary screenshot of remote parameterization of a local Internet of Things (IoT) using a centralized system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 2B is another exemplary screenshot of remote parameterization of a local Internet of Things (IoT) using a centralized system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 2C is another exemplary screenshot of remote parameterization of a local Internet of Things (IoT) using a centralized system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 3 is an exemplary screen shot of an email sent by the system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 4A is an exemplary screen shot of a graphical interface system diagram of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 4B is an exemplary screenshot of a graphical interface real-time enthalpy diagram according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Figure 5 is a block diagram of an exemplary computing environment in which various embodiments of the invention may be implemented and in which various embodiments of the invention may be used.

[0045] Fig. 6A is an exemplary screen shot of a web application dashboard of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] Figure 6B is an exemplary screenshot of an equipment home page of a web application of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] Figure 6C is an exemplary screenshot of a web application of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] Fig.6D is an exemplary screenshot of a fluid curve page of a web application dashboard according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] Fig. 6E is an exemplary screenshot of an energy monitoring page of a web application dashboard of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] Fig. 6F is an exemplary screenshot of a device performance page of a web application dashboard of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] Fig. 7A is an exemplary screen shot of a configuration monitoring system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] Figure 7B is an exemplary screen shot of a configuration monitoring system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] Figure 7C is an exemplary screen shot of a configuration monitoring system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] Fig.7D is an exemplary screen shot of a configuration monitoring system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] Fig. 7Eis an exemplary screen shot of a configuration monitoring system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0056] Fig. 8A Schematic diagram of an overall refrigeration / cooling monitoring system and method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0057] Figure 8B Schematic diagram of a refrigeration and cooling monitoring system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0058] Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram of a local monitoring station according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0059] Fig. 10A is an exemplary screen shot of an overall dashboard of a local monitoring station of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0060] Fig. 10B are exemplary screen shots of aspects of a local monitoring station of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0061] Fig. 10C is an exemplary screen shot of a recalculation module of a local monitoring station according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0062] Fig. 10D is an exemplary screen shot of a confirmation module of a local monitoring station according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0063] Fig.10E is an exemplary screen shot of an installation diagram of a local monitoring station of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0064] Fig.10F is an exemplary screenshot of the refrigerant level status of a local monitoring station according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0065] Figure 10G is an exemplary screen shot of an event log of a local monitoring station in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0066] Fig.11 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary algorithm adopted by an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0067] Now, reference will be made to FIGS. 1 to Fig.11 It should be understood that these drawings are exemplary in nature and are in no way intended to limit the scope of the invention, which is defined by the claims.

[0068] The two main components of the system of the present invention are the local monitoring device 200 and the network platform connected to it. Using measurements preferably taken every 5 seconds and data analysis tools, the local monitoring device 200 can understand the normal operation of the facility in order to identify drift and alert the operator. The local monitoring device 200 can monitor multiple refrigeration units simultaneously and is suitable for all types of storage tanks for all refrigerants.

[0069] The system’s web platform can be accessed via smartphone, tablet or computer and contains all the plant’s operating data as well as key indicators that simplify the management of the refrigeration plant while reducing direct and indirect greenhouse gas emissions. 6A to 6F As shown in Figure 1, the system not only allows users to find all managed facilities, but also provides alarms, reminders and suggestions to improve the performance of the equipment. Through independent and secure connections, the solution of the present invention simplifies and improves the management of the equipment group.

[0070] In more detail, the system is based on two main components: a locally connected IoT device 200 and a server 300 with software for collecting, analyzing and reporting local sensor data. The system is applicable to all facilities with a liquid reservoir and all refrigerants. Multiple measurement cards can be connected to the IoT device to measure multiple parameters of the system (including but not limited to pressure, temperature at the tank inlet and outlet, external temperature, refrigerant weight and level, etc.) in order to provide information to the local IoT device. See Figure 1B After a learning period of normal system operation, local processing is performed based on this data via at least one of the algorithms described below to define whether the current weight is considered "normal" in use of the cooling system or whether the system is leaking.

[0071] All of this data is also sent to a centralized system in real time. Based on that information, the centralized system can provide more information by extending the algorithm, but also allows technicians to interact with the system remotely to qualify and quantify the problem before arriving on site, or to adjust settings and leak detection sensitivity. An extended leak detection algorithm is one that may require more computing power or more data than the local device can provide, such as a machine learning algorithm based on similar data from another local Internet of Things (IoT) device.

[0072] The modularity of the system enables the use of different types of methods to detect leaks: for example, using the preferred indirect weighing system developed by Matelex in Paris, France, or other types of level calculation (e.g. ultrasonic or other). The Matelex system is based on a mobile column connected to the main tank by two connectors (one connector at the top of the mobile column and the other connector at the bottom of the mobile column). The level of the fluid in the mobile column is the same as the level of the fluid in the tank. The system measures the weight of this mobile column and from this calculates the volume of the fluid in the main tank. See e.g. Figure 1A and Figure 1C .

[0073] like Figure 1A As shown, a typical refrigeration system 40 generally comprises a circuit 1, a compressor 2, a condenser 3, an expander 4 and an evaporator 5, in which case several components are arranged in parallel. In addition, the refrigeration device comprises a refrigerant reservoir 6 with a refrigerant L, which is arranged on the circuit 1 downstream of the condenser 3. As required, one or more evaporators 5 are used, which is achieved by controlling a solenoid valve 50 installed on the circuit 1 upstream of each evaporator 5. It should be understood that the amount of refrigerant L contained in the reservoir 6 is different depending on the number of evaporators 5 used. Of course, it can be expected that the amount of refrigerant L is sufficient to cope with the extreme case of using all evaporators 5 at the same time. However, in the event of a leak in the circuit 1, this amount may be insufficient and pose a risk to the user of the device.

[0074] Regardless of the operation of the facility, the detection of leaks requires knowing the fill level of the tank 6. In one example, Figure 1A As shown, the tank 6 is associated with an external column 7 , which is arranged vertically and connected to the tank 6 by a flexible conduit 70 for balancing the liquid level of the refrigerant L.

[0075] The external column 7 is supported by a support, in this embodiment a suspension 71, which incorporates a weighing mechanism such as a strain gauge 72. The level measurement device also comprises a central unit 8 connected to the strain gauge 72 and intended to determine the level of the refrigerant in the tank 6. In fact, knowing the characteristics of the external column 7 (i.e. its empty weight and dimensions) and of the refrigerant L it contains (i.e. its properties and temperature), knowing the total weight of the external column 7 and of the refrigerant L it contains, it is immediately possible to determine the weight of the refrigerant and therefore its level in the external column 7 and therefore the level reached in the tank 6.

[0076] Furthermore, in the application shown, the central unit is also connected, without limitation, to a clock 80, to at least one external temperature sensor 81, to a sensor 82 for measuring the temperature of the refrigerant L in the tank 6 (which can also be placed on the liquid line) and to an alarm 83 (which can be audible or visual, electrical contact or any other information means).

[0077] The data recorded by the one or more temperature sensors 81, 82 and the clock 80 make it possible to build up a database in which specific conditions of use are matched to the filling level of the tank 6. At the same time, the central processing unit (CPU) 8 builds up the level, temperature and activity data of the refrigerant L (i.e. date and time) and compares them with the contents contained in the memory.

[0078] If the filling level is lower than it should be, taking into account the deviations that have been predefined by the user, the central unit 8 will conclude that a leak has occurred and activate the alarm 83. The installation is thus continuously monitored and leaks can be detected without having to wait for extreme conditions of use. The detection device allows other modes of use. The central unit 8 can thus establish statistical data, for example a periodic average of the liquid level, which can be daily or weekly, for example. The central unit 8 can also conclude that a leak has occurred if it is found that the daily average is steadily decreasing from day to day and this does not correspond to a constant change in activity and / or external temperature. The principle is the same as for establishing a weekly average. Note that in all cases, and mainly in the cases described above, the central unit 8 will take the calendar into account when establishing its statistical data, in particular integrating holidays or non-working days, on which the activity may differ from that of other days and weighting the average accordingly.

[0079] Local monitoring station 200 (see Figure 1B , Fig. 8A , Figure 8B and Fig. 9 ) can identify normal liquid level changes in the refrigerant tank and determine the reference liquid level. Once a leak occurs, the solution is to send an email (see Figure 3 ) and estimates leakage rates and losses. The optional energy module for local installation monitors the energy consumption of the facility's motors, the frequency of compressor starts and operating hours, and issues an alarm in the event of energy drift or risk of failure.

[0080] Fig. 8A , Figure 8B A schematic diagram of the overall system according to the present invention is shown, Fig. 9A schematic diagram of a local monitoring station 200 is shown. The refrigeration / cooling system being monitored is connected to a plurality of sensors, which in turn are connected to one or more measurement modules. An IoT device is also connected to the measurement module, for example, via a Power over Ethernet (POE) connection using a protocol such as MQTT. The IoT device is also connected to a local interface (MMI), such as a screen, keyboard, touch screen, etc. A real-time connection is provided between the IoT device and a central computer running a remote monitoring web application (also preferably via the MQTT protocol). Other ways of connecting various devices are considered to be within the scope of the present invention. General purpose input / output (GPIO) devices are also typically connected to IoT devices, such as cards for communicating alarm states with the outside world.

[0081] Figure 8B 2 is a schematic diagram of a refrigeration and cooling monitoring system according to an embodiment of the present invention. A single local monitoring station 200 can monitor one or more refrigeration units 40 (see Fig. 9 Details of the equipment). Each local monitoring station 200 sends raw data to the server 300 periodically (e.g., every five seconds) via a protocol such as MQTT. When the server 300 receives the data, the data is converted, some business rules are applied, and the data is stored in a database 320. If necessary, an alert is sent to the user involved in supervising this equipment via email, SMS or other channels. The raw data and the converted data can be obtained through an API 330 or a network (Web) interface. The user can remotely configure the local monitoring station 200 through the server through the device management service 340 in the following manner.

[0082] Fig. 92 is a schematic diagram of a local monitoring station according to an embodiment of the present invention. A set of sensors 210 are connected to the local monitoring station 200 to monitor data and send the data to the measurement module 220. The measurement module 220 samples the data regularly (such as every 5 seconds) and converts the data into numerical data through an analog-to-digital converter. Then, the computing device running on the measurement card in the measurement module 220 sends the data to the controller 250 through a protocol such as MQTT. Part of the data comes from the energy module 230, which monitors energy consumption and works in the same way as the measurement module 220 (sending data regularly, such as once every 5 seconds). In the case of binary data (such as whether the motor is running), part of the data comes from the GPIO card / module 240, rather than quantitative data (such as temperature, weight, etc.). All data is sent to the controller 250. According to the unit description, the algorithm (described below) converts these raw data into processed data, the main data being the estimated weight of the refrigerant in the device. The algorithm uses this data to predict whether there is a leak. Finally, these data are stored locally on the local database 252 of the local monitoring station 200 and sent to the server 300. If a detection algorithm (described below) on computing device 254 detects a leak, controller 250 sends a command to GPIO module 240 to trigger the activation of a local alarm.

[0083] The web applications discussed in more detail below analyze the data from the facilities and present it in the form of clear indicators. FIG. 2A to FIG. 2C . A centralized monitoring dashboard is provided that displays facilities on a map based on color codes of facility status. The dashboard also contains a list of alarms and suggestions on how to improve performance, as well as level curves with filters to simplify readings. See e.g. Figure 4A and Figure 4B .

[0084] Some features of the system of the present invention are as follows:

[0085] facility:

[0086] -Easy wiring: RJ45 everywhere, POE power supply

[0087] - Single outdoor temperature sensor with wireless capability

[0088] - Better electrical safety: All components coming out of the cabinet are low voltage connectivity:

[0089] - Independent off-grid client connections via 4G and other technologies

[0090] -Wi-Fi and Ethernet

[0091] Connectivity:

[0092] -Connect to customer's BMS

[0093] Electronics:

[0094] - Modularity

[0095] - Improve reliability

[0096] - Remote display

[0097] calculate

[0098] - Additional data collection (heat recovery, condensate, temperature, pressure, etc.)

[0099] -Heat recovery and condenser water addition included in the detection algorithm

[0100] use:

[0101] - Monitor multiple devices with the same solution

[0102] -Real-time remote parameterization

[0103] -Real-time online information

[0104] - User-friendly graphical interface

[0105] -Ability to wirelessly display graphical interface on customer tablet

[0106] Help and Information:

[0107] - New user onboarding process

[0108] - Diary + Complete History

[0109] 7A to 7E Various exemplary screen shots of the system are shown.These are screen shots of a web application user interface that enables a user to remotely configure a controller located at a refrigeration system to be monitored.

[0110] Fig. 7A Refers to condensing evaporators. The aim is to obtain as much information as possible about the facility being monitored in order to analyse its behaviour as well as possible. It is useful to know what type of compressors are being used, as their start frequency and running hours can be monitored in order to warn of possible failures. The presence of floating or non-floating high pressure enables better monitoring, as it achieves energy savings.

[0111] Figure 7BThe characteristics of this external column are involved. After entering information about the type of refrigerant used, the size of the receiver to be monitored and technical information about the condenser and evaporator, the user is prompted to enter the characteristics of the external column used for level measurement. This external column is connected to the receiver via a hose and is weighed continuously. Due to the principle of communicating vessels, it is possible to know if there is a leak. In order to ensure good leak detection, accurate information such as the distance between the external column and the tank must be obtained.

[0112] Figure 7C Involves the association of cards. Its purpose is to connect the equipment to the refrigeration equipment being monitored, whether it is a measurement card or a GPIO module, which enables the onboard platform to be connected to the peripheral equipment. The user can visually identify the equipment in order to associate it correctly.

[0113] Fig.7D This is related to the Figure 7C Here, the pressure probe is associated and indicates what measurement the pressure probe makes, such as at the tank inlet or outlet.

[0114] Fig. 7E Involves alarm setup. At the end of the "Add New Unit" process, the Refrigeration Engineer determines the level for the low level alarm and can add a second threshold. She / he will also remotely select the sensitivity of the detection.

[0115] Description of the local monitoring station 200 screen

[0116] The local monitoring station 200 has an interface that can be viewed on computers, tablets and smartphones from a browser (by connecting to a dedicated WiFi access point or local network) or on a dedicated device using a specific application. The local monitoring station 200 is installed by a refrigeration technician on behalf of the refrigeration equipment owner to monitor system operation. Each monitoring station 200 can monitor multiple refrigeration units.

[0117] Fig. 10A An exemplary screen shot of the overall dashboard is shown. Fig. 10A In the dashboard, a summary view of equipment that is in an alarm state (the status of the control units) is given and actions are recommended to ensure its correct operation (maintenance).

[0118] The status of the local monitoring station 200 itself includes permission and connection information.

[0119] New control units can be added to supervision via the "Add" button in the "Facilities" section.

[0120] Fig. 10B Exemplary screen shots showing various aspects of the monitoring system of the present invention. Fig. 10BIn the display, various messages corresponding to the status of the monitored control unit are displayed:

[0121] -normal

[0122] - Low level alarm

[0123] -Statistics alerts

[0124] -Technical Alerts

[0125] Current Alerts

[0126] In box 402, a list of active alarms with technical details and time and date stamps is displayed. The "Recalculate" button opens a module (an exemplary screen shot of which is shown in FIG. Fig. 10C ), allowing the user to initiate a training phase (eg, a 7 day analysis period during which the local monitoring station 200 determines the average level) or a recalculation.

[0127] The "Confirm" button in box 402 opens a dialog box (an exemplary screen shot of which is shown in FIG. Fig. 10D ), to acknowledge an ongoing alarm. A check box indicates whether a leak has been found.

[0128] Box 404 lists recommendations for analyzing the data obtained from the different measurements, such as replacing a required annual kit or configuring the low level threshold so that it does not adapt to the actual level.

[0129] Box 406 displays the equipment number, equipment name, refrigerant in the equipment, reference level and low level configuration. The weight control button opens a module that displays the measured gross weight, the external column tare value, the height of the liquid in the external column and instructions on how to ensure the external column weight is measured correctly.

[0130] Box 408 displays the date of the last tare, last annual kit change, last training session, last recalculation, and last identification (user login) at the local monitoring station 200 .

[0131] As shown in block 410 and in more detail as Fig.10E As shown in the exemplary screenshot of , the installation diagram is visually adapted to the configuration of the control unit, showing the values ​​measured and calculated in real time by the local monitoring station 200. Thus, the tank can be displayed vertically, horizontally or tilted, and the display will adjust accordingly. The following values ​​are displayed:

[0132] - High pressure (HP) and low pressure (LP) pressure

[0133] - Compressor suction and discharge temperatures, tank inlet and outlet temperatures, external temperature

[0134] - Current weight, reference level, low level alarm threshold and unmonitored weight (corresponding to the level below the tap).

[0135] Click the Zoom In button in the lower right corner to access the following additional information:

[0136] -density

[0137] -Cooling capacity

[0138] -Coefficient of Performance (COP)

[0139] GPIO module input status (compressor operation / heat recovery / condenser water addition)

[0140] exist Fig.10F Box 412, shown in more detail in the exemplary screenshot of , shows the refrigerant level in the receiver (HP). This is represented here by a solid line with variations. The dashed line smoothed over the level represents the reference level. This is established after a period of learning how the facility works, which period enables the normal variations in the refrigerant level to be learned and thus the reference level to be established. The dashed line is the low level alarm threshold determined by the refrigeration operator.

[0141] By clicking on the "Zoom in" button in the lower right corner, the user can access 2 tabs: "Trend" (shows the trend of measured value changes over a predefined period of time) and "Daily" (gives a detailed and precise record of the measured values ​​obtained).

[0142] It is also possible to select a specific time period for a trend curve or a specific date for a daily curve.

[0143] All actions performed on the equipment, manually or automatically, locally or remotely, are listed in box 414, and the event log along with the timestamp and type of the event is in Figure 10G This is shown in more detail in the exemplary screenshot of FIG.

[0144] Click the "Zoom In" button in the lower right corner to add the option to filter by event type (select list). Click the "Info" arrow to open the module showing detailed information.

[0145] The following is a step-by-step description of the configuration mode of a typical embodiment according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0146] Accessible by clicking the "Configure" button on the Central 1 to Central 4 tabs, showing a module containing e.g. 7 tabs. Access requires authentication via a personal code generated on the web application.

[0147] parameter

[0148] This tab allows you to configure the device according to different categories (expand-collapse).

[0149] Identification: Name and installation date of the control unit.

[0150] Refrigerant: Nominal charge, tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) equivalent and refrigerant type

[0151] Storage tank: tank type (horizontal, vertical, inclined), tank volume (dm 3 ), number of tanks, tank length / height (mm), inclination (mm), tank inner diameter (mm) and subcooler at tank outlet (toggle button).

[0152] Condenser-evaporator: condenser volume (dm 3 ), compressor and condenser type, HP or LP set point temperature, floating HP, adaptive LP, heat recovery / condenser water addition (toggle button).

[0153] External column: column tube (1" 5 / 8 copper, 1" 5 / 8 K65 copper or 40*2 stainless steel), distance between tank openings (mm), distance between tank bottom and bottom opening (mm).

[0154] Card association

[0155] This tab is used to associate measurement modules, GPIO modules and energy modules with the controller. After clicking the refresh button (which updates the list of available modules connected to the switch), expand-collapse for each type of module.

[0156] Therefore, the modules listed contain the following information:

[0157] The availability of the card (indicating whether it is associated with another control unit).

[0158] Serial number (for visual identification)

[0159] The "Associate" toggle button is used to connect the module to the control unit during configuration. The "Identify" button flashes the LED of the associated module, making it easier to find in the machine room or electrical cabinet.

[0160] engine

[0161] This tab is used to configure the Energy Module according to the number of motors to be monitored.

[0162] The following fields are required:

[0163] Engine Name

[0164] Motor type (compressor, condenser fan, pump, etc.)

[0165] The presence of the drive

[0166] Distribution of the entire device (in percentage (%))

[0167] Brand / Reference (optional)

[0168] Mode (three-phase, single-phase, balanced three-phase)

[0169] Associated Current Transformer (CT)

[0170] Probe

[0171] Temperature sensors identified by serial number are associated and located via a selection list. If necessary, a manual calibration can be performed to correct the sensor readings.

[0172] Modifiable range of pressure transmitters.

[0173] GPIO

[0174] Each GPIO input and output is configured via a corresponding select list.

[0175] The LED indicates the status of the input in real time (the LED is grey if the input is not active, green if the input is active (e.g. compressor running)).

[0176] Tare

[0177] This tab allows to define an external column tare by clicking on the "Calculate Tare" button.

[0178] If the tare value is too low, an error is displayed.

[0179] The information message gives the theoretical tare weight of the external column and information about the tare procedure.

[0180] alarm

[0181] Use this tab to set the low level alarm threshold and the sensitivity of the statistical alarm.

[0182] A second low level alarm threshold can be activated (via a toggle button) which is used only when the compressor is stopped. This is used to manage pump down or fluid migration in the condenser.

[0183] The sensitivity of the alarm is set within a limited range using a slider. This sensitivity affects how quickly the alarm is triggered when the algorithm detects a leak.

[0184] The "Alarm Relay Test" button simulates the output relays for a few seconds to check that the alarm chain is operating correctly.

[0185] Managing Local Monitoring Stations

[0186] This module allows configuration of the following elements:

[0187] Network Wiring

[0188] Regional Settings

[0189] Network Wiring

[0190] The connection type can be Network Module, Ethernet JR45, Wifi.

[0191] For RJ45 and WiFi, you can modify DHCP, gateway, subnet mask, IP address and access point parameters.

[0192] Regional Settings

[0193] This menu allows you to set the country of use, the time zone and the date and time format. The selection of the measurement system (metric or imperial) enables the selection of the units in which the data are displayed.

[0194] 7A to 7E Another set of exemplary configuration screens according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0195] Continuous sync / Continuous sync with the cloud

[0196] Fig. 10A The icon in the upper right corner of the header shows the sync status:

[0197] HMI with controller (to ensure data update)

[0198] Controller with server (to ensure data exchange)

[0199] For example, when synchronization is working, the icon is green, and when synchronization is not working, the icon turns red.

[0200] 6A to 6F Depicts an exemplary screenshot of a web application according to an embodiment of the present invention. The web application can be displayed on computers, tablets and smartphones through a browser or a dedicated application. Refrigeration technicians and refrigeration facility owners use the web application to monitor the operation of refrigeration units. The web application provides a global dashboard containing a map and a list of equipment in alarm status (leakage, energy drift, technical problems, etc.), refrigerant level and energy consumption curves, as well as user and location management and remote settings.

[0201] Fig. 6A An example screenshot of the global dashboard for a web application. The dashboard provides an overview of equipment alerts and recommends actions to ensure they are functioning properly. On the right, a map with visual indicators shows where the equipment is installed. Different symbols and / or colors will indicate different things, for example:

[0202] - Green: No leakage

[0203] -Blue: Learning period for system operation

[0204] -Orange: Lost connection

[0205] - Red: Leak (low level or statistical alarm)

[0206] Clicking on a location (colored marker) will display an equipment tag with the following content:

[0207] - Location

[0208] -Place name

[0209] - Equipment name and number

[0210] -Connection equipment details

[0211] - Name of the technician responsible for the equipment

[0212] The left side lists the equipment in the park that is in alarm state. Each user can only access the equipment that he owns or manages. The alarm type is displayed, and the user clicks to enter the equipment main page, which has the description and information of the relevant equipment.

[0213] from Fig. 6A In the left menu of the screen, click "Equipment" to enter the main equipment page, an example screenshot of which is in Figure 6B This main page is dedicated to search. Equipment can be searched from the map using filters (location, equipment installation site, group, brand) or using the free search function. The results are displayed as a list with the site name in the title, and clicking on it will display a drop-down list of the different equipment available at the site.

[0214] In the results list, several categories are available as tabs:

[0215] -All equipment

[0216] - Alarm equipment

[0217] - Equipment to be inspected in the near future (annual maintenance)

[0218] - Equipment that is not equipped with technicians responsible for maintenance

[0219] For example, the web application displays 5 to 100 items per page and has a button to remove all filters. The navigation on the map is dynamic, enabling the list to be updated.

[0220] From this page, the Add button can be used to create a new equipment list, which takes the user to the Figure 6C .

[0221] Figure 6CExemplary equipment screenshots are preferably accessible from multiple pages:

[0222] - Click on "Equipment" in the alert from the dashboard list or map;

[0223] - From the equipment search or equipment list (main page equipment).

[0224] This page will guide users to the following information:

[0225] - Equipment identification information: Equipment number, refrigeration equipment reference and name, refrigerant contained in the equipment, reference level, low level alarm threshold.

[0226] - Equipment history information: installation date, date of last tare of the external column dedicated to level measurement, date of last algorithm learning and last logging of the refrigeration unit operation.

[0227] -Equipment version: equipment type, software version, kernel version, hardware version, etc.

[0228] - A map showing the geographic location of the equipment

[0229] -Information of the installer responsible for the installation: branch name, location, phone number, email address, manager's name.

[0230] Fig.6D An exemplary screenshot of the Fluid Curves page is shown. It shows the refrigerant level (HP) in the receiver. Its typical variation is shown here. The smooth straight line above the level represents the reference level. It is established after a certain period of learning how to operate the system. This period allows the system to learn the normal variations of the refrigerant level and thus establish a reference level. The dash-dotted line at the bottom of the graph is the low level alarm threshold set by the refrigeration operator.

[0231] Here the trend curve (smoothed) and the daily curve (more detailed) are shown. The curve can be zoomed in for detailed level analysis.

[0232] It is also possible to select a specific time period for a trend curve or a specific date for a daily curve.

[0233] When the refrigerant level drops below one of these two thresholds, an alert is sent via email and displayed on the control panel and unit.

[0234] On the right side of the screen are filters, which allow the user to add or remove data to better read the map:

[0235] -Liquid level

[0236] -temperature:

[0237] ○Storage tank entrance

[0238] ○Storage tank outlet

[0239] ○HP temperature

[0240] ○ External temperature

[0241] -Other temperatures:

[0242] ○Overheat temperature

[0243] ○Measured discharge temperature

[0244] ○LP temperature

[0245] -Advanced options:

[0246] ○ Channels below liquid level within one hour

[0247] ○ Gas flash

[0248] ○Low temperature (nb / h)

[0249] -Events: Display events on the curve:

[0250] ○Alarm

[0251] ○Refill

[0252] Button allows to delete the filter.

[0253] Fig. 6E An example screenshot of the Energy Monitoring page is shown. Based on the same principle as the refrigerant level curves, the user can find the Energy Monitoring curves here. They are available as trend curves and daily curves for a more detailed analysis. The equipment motor consumption is in kilowatt-hours (kWh) and includes:

[0254] -compressor

[0255] -Condenser

[0256] -Pump

[0257] With the help of filters, other information can be added, such as: cooling capacity, actual equipment coefficient of performance or COP (measured, not estimated), and events such as alarms and recharges.

[0258] Fig. 6F An exemplary screen shot of the Equipment Performance page is shown. The Performance tab monitors the start frequency and run time of the refrigeration equipment.

[0259] The same applies to compressors to monitor how often they start and run, identifying short cycles that could damage the compressor.

[0260] Other screens and pages not depicted may also be available on the web application of the present invention. For example, the activity screen serves as an equipment log. It contains a list of events with date and time, such as:

[0261] -Leak Alarm

[0262] -Energy Drift (available through Energy Modules)

[0263] - Acknowledge the alarm

[0264] - Start the relearning process

[0265] -Reboot

[0266] You can filter by event type and select a date.

[0267] The Alarms screen displays all current alarms for the device as well as the alarm history. For an active alarm: the alarm type, description, and the date and time it was triggered are displayed. The arrow on the right allows the user to view detailed alarm information while in the same mode:

[0268] - Details about the device

[0269] -Alarm details (sensitivity)

[0270] -Liquid level contour

[0271] - Suggestions, etc.

[0272] This display also appears when an alert is received via email. One click takes the user to this mode.

[0273] Another screen displays a list of users associated with the equipment, including their name, company and role, and whether they have received an alert. People who have not received an alert via email can still access the data from the platform. Information can be modified from Manage - Users.

[0274] exist FIG. 6C to FIG. 6F In the upper right corner of the exemplary screen you can see two buttons: a Settings button and a Start button.

[0275] Settings: Access remote settings.

[0276] Alarm Settings: Allows the user to set the low level alarm threshold, second threshold and time delay to trigger the alarm.

[0277] Statistical alarm sensitivity setting (reference level)

[0278] Configuration: Modify information about the refrigerant in the system, reservoir type and capacity, high and low pressure setpoints, and information about the condenser, evaporator and compressor (type, capacity, power). All this information is important for leak detection.

[0279] Measurement Card: Here the user defines the range and offset for the high and low pressure gas pressure transmitters. Calibrations are made for the various temperature probes. The External Column category then provides access to information on the liquid column specific to level measurement (material, tare weight, and distance between high and low openings). The System section displays information on the measurement board, including version and address.

[0280] Energy Module: Connects current transformers to the motor whose power is to be measured, indicating the power in amperes, the number of current transformers (CTs) and the corresponding load.

[0281] Network: The Network section contains information such as the connection type (wifi, ethernet, 4G) and the MAC address of the device, followed by DHSCP information and information on any VPN servers. Different users (e.g., engineers, administrators, owners, IT staff, etc.) will have different levels of access to this (and other) sections; some sections may be grayed out to indicate that that particular user or class of users does not have access.

[0282] Run button: used to relearn device operation, acknowledge alarms, recalculate reference levels after a leak or fluid top-up, e.g. request a data update and restart the unit.

[0283] Other pages and screens allow users to view and manage their own access and the access of others. Search bars and filters enable quick finding of users or user groups, as well as deactivating users temporarily or permanently.

[0284] The Customer Site Management page allows the user to manage where the system equipment is installed. It displays sites that are running and sites that are not running. Sites can be searched using the search bar and sorted by clicking on the column headers. The "Edit" function allows the user to edit site / store information such as:

[0285] - Name of the customer location

[0286] - Chain / Brand

[0287] -The name of the installer responsible for the location

[0288] -Contact details and email addresses for site administrators

[0289] - Start and end date of subscription to the web platform

[0290] - On the right side, the user will find information about the location of the site.

[0291] From the Gear tab, users can link sites to stores, and from the Users tab, they can link users to sites they own or manage. After selecting a store, the Pause Subscription button becomes active, allowing the subscription to be temporarily suspended.

[0292] The Documentation Area is a user-specific document space, but also allows for sharing of equipment-related and therefore facility-related documents, such as logbooks, plans or annual regulatory inspection certificates. This document library should preferably have the ability to be shared with other users.

[0293] Expert reports on refrigeration systems are preferably provided at least on two levels:

[0294] - Facility level only

[0295] - At the device group level, centrally view the performance indicators of all devices owned or managed

[0296] These reports may include the following information:

[0297] - Leakage rate

[0298] - Defects noted (annual kit replacement date, insufficient fluid charge,)

[0299] -Average Energy Efficiency Ratio (COP)

[0300] - tank filling percentage (%),

[0301] -HP drift, the average leakage rate of all monitored facilities

[0302] The present invention contemplates a variety of different leak detection algorithms that will be run on the local monitoring station 200, the server 300, or partially on both.

[0303] Fig.11 One such algorithm is graphically depicted in . Its main purpose is to initially log suspected leaks in refrigeration / cooling facilities by triggering alarm relays in the relevant facilities and sending an email to the owner of the store via the remote server 300. In addition, it can also detect low levels of refrigerant in the tanks by triggering alarms and sending emails to avoid refrigerant depletion.

[0304] In order for the algorithm to function optimally, there needs to be important primary input data, as well as secondary input data for other functions. Fig.11 :

[0305] Main input data

[0306] The main data used for the proper functioning of the algorithm are:

[0307] The temperature at the tank outlet in °C 'output_temp'.

[0308] The measured weight of the external column in grams 'column_weight'.

[0309] Statistics limit to trigger a statistics alarm, when the calculated level falls below the defined threshold "statistics_3_days_limit", the relay is activated and an email is sent.

[0310] Low level threshold in grams, when the defined threshold is less than the calculated weight 'low_level_limit', a low level alarm is sounded by activating a relay and sending an email.

[0311] Low level delay, when the weight is continuously less than the threshold, the alarm is activated and an email is sent to the customer to warn him / her of "low level delay low_level_delay".

[0312] The external column diameter "column_diameter" as defined by the refrigeration engineer.

[0313] The tank diameter "tank_diameter" as defined by the refrigeration engineer.

[0314] The tank type "tank_type" can be vertical or horizontal (inclined or not).

[0315] Tank tilt refers to the tilt angle of a vertical tank "tank_tilt".

[0316] Secondary input data

[0317] The inlet temperature of the tank in °C 'input_temp'.

[0318] External temperature "external_temp" in °C.

[0319] The discharge temperature "discharge_temp" and suction temperature "suction_temp" in °C used for energy calculations.

[0320] Low pressure (lp) and high pressure (hp) in bars for energy calculations and other functions.

[0321] Matfluid is a library that allows calculation of density, enthalpy, etc. from temperature or pressure.

[0322] Continue to refer Fig.11When the local monitoring station 200 is initially installed, the refrigeration engineer must perform some operations to install all the required sensors and calculate the tare weight (column_tare) of the external column by measuring the weight of the external column when it is empty.

[0323] When these operations are completed, a "relearning" must preferably be performed, which consists in collecting measurements over a period of time (for example seven days), which the local monitoring station 200 uses to calculate an average reference value (average_reference) of weight during this period.

[0324] The measurement module 220 sends input data with column weight and output temperature to the local monitoring station 200 approximately every five seconds, and the local monitoring station 200 uses an internal library (Matfluid) to determine the density based on the output temperature. The controller 250 calculates the liquid height by the external column height, external column tare, external column diameter and density. In addition, the local monitoring station determines the weight (tank_weight) of the tank based on the tank type, the calculated liquid height, the density and the tank diameter. The calculated tank weight is compared with the set low liquid level threshold. If the tank weight is less than the low liquid level threshold, the counter increases. If the low liquid level delay is less than the count and the calculated tank weight is still less than the low liquid level threshold, the local monitoring station 200 triggers a low liquid level alarm, activates a relay, and sends an email. The local monitoring station 200 also saves each calculated weight and other parameters into a database.

[0325] Every hour, the local monitoring station 200 retrieves the data recorded during that hour to calculate the average of all parameters, and then checks whether the slope calculated by the linear function, parameters such as tank weight (tank_weight) and the average reference value (average_reference) calculated during the relearn period is not lower than the statistical threshold entered by the customer. If the slope (old_slope_3_days) is lower than the threshold, the local monitoring station 200 triggers a statistical alarm, activates a relay, and sends an email. The local monitoring station 200 also records the average data into the database.

[0326] exist Fig.11 In the example above, a vertical tank is given. For a horizontal tank, the calculation remains the same, only the formula for calculating the liquid weight changes.

[0327] Another version of the algorithm according to an embodiment of the present invention is as follows.

[0328] The first step of the algorithm is to aggregate the water level values ​​for several different window sizes (from one week to six months). A six-month window size will identify leaks of smaller magnitude, while a one-month window size will identify leaks of larger magnitude. Preferably, one hundred values ​​are retained for each aggregation period, each of which estimates several criteria:

[0329] 1. The level difference between the start and end of the time period is greater than a fixed threshold;

[0330] 2. The level difference between the beginning and end of the period and the relative maximum capacity of the tank are greater than a fixed threshold;

[0331] 3. The drop relative to the level range is greater than a fixed threshold, where:

[0332] Set (xt)1≤t≤100 as the set of liquid levels in the set time period:

[0333] Transform the time series by moving the method,

[0334] The gradient is estimated by the fourth-order final difference,

[0335] The attenuation portion of all changes is estimated by the following formula:

[0336]

[0337] 4. The drop in liquid level is not caused by point discontinuity, so it is determined that:

[0338] Let (xt)1≤t≤100 be the set of liquid level values ​​in the set time period:

[0339] - time series transformation by moving median,

[0340] The gradient is estimated by second-order finite differences,

[0341] - Detect discontinuities - If the value of the following formula is below a fixed threshold

[0342]

[0343] - Estimation of criterion 3, in the absence of discontinuities, if this criterion is not activated, the drop can be explained by the discontinuity of the points.

[0344] If all of the above criteria 1-4 are met, an alert is generated.

[0345] Figure 5An exemplary computing environment is depicted in which various embodiments of the present invention may be implemented and in which various embodiments of the present invention may be employed. The computing system environment is only one example of a suitable computing environment and is not intended to imply any limitation on the scope of use or functionality. Many other general or special computing system environments or configurations may be used. Examples of well-known computing systems, environments, and / or configurations that may be suitable for use include, but are not limited to, personal electronic devices such as smart phones and smart watches, tablet computers, personal computers (PCs), server computers, handheld or laptop devices, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based systems, network personal computers (PCs), minicomputers, mainframe computers, embedded systems, distributed computing environments including any of the above systems or devices, and the like.

[0346] Computer executable instructions, such as program modules executed by a computer, may be used. Typically, program modules include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc. that perform specific tasks or implement specific abstract data types. Distributed computing environments may be used in which tasks are performed by remote processing devices linked through a communication network or other data transmission medium. In a distributed computing environment, program modules and other data may be located in local computer storage media and remote computer storage media including memory storage devices.

[0347] refer to Figure 5 , an exemplary system for implementing various aspects described herein includes a computing device, such as computing device 100. In its most basic configuration, computing device 100 typically includes at least one processing unit 102 and memory 104. Depending on the exact configuration and type of computing device, memory 104 may be volatile (such as random access memory (RAM)), non-volatile (such as read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, etc.), or some combination of the two. The most basic configuration is Figure 5 106. The computing device 100 may have additional features / functionality. For example, the computing device 100 may include additional storage (removable storage and / or non-removable storage), including but not limited to magnetic or optical disks or tapes. The additional storage may be Figure 5 1 and 2. The computing device 100 is shown in FIG. 1 by removable storage 108 and non-removable storage 110. As used herein, computing device 100 may be a physical hardware device, a virtual device, or a combination of both.

[0348] The computing device 100 typically includes or is equipped with various computer-readable media. Computer-readable media can be any available media that can be accessed by the computing device 100, including volatile media and non-volatile media, removable media and non-removable media. By way of example and not limitation, computer-readable media can include computer storage media and communication media.

[0349] Computer storage media includes volatile and nonvolatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information such as computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data. Memory 104, removable storage 108, and non-removable storage 110 are all examples of computer storage media. Computer storage media include, but are not limited to, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory or other memory technology, compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), digital versatile disk (DVD) or other optical storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to store the desired information and can be accessed by computing device 100. Any such computer storage media can be part of computing device 100.

[0350] The computing device 100 may also include a communication connection 112 that allows the device to communicate with other devices. Each such communication connection 112 is an example of a communication medium. Communication media typically contain computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data in a modulated data signal such as a carrier wave or other transport mechanism, and include any information delivery media. The term "modulated data signal" refers to a signal whose one or more characteristics are set or changed to encode information in the signal. By way of example and not limitation, communication media include wired media (such as a wired network or a direct wired connection) and wireless media (such as acoustic, radio frequency (RF), infrared and other wireless media). The term "computer-readable medium" as used herein includes storage media and communication media.

[0351] The computing device 100 may also include input devices 114, such as a keyboard, a mouse, a pen, a voice input device, a touch input device, etc., and may also include output devices 116, such as a display, a speaker, a printer, etc. All of these devices are well known and therefore need not be discussed in detail herein unless otherwise stated.

[0352] In particular, if Figure 5 As shown, computing device 100 may be one computing device among a plurality of computing devices 100 interconnected via network 118. It is understood that network 118 may be any suitable network; each computing device 100 may be connected thereto via connection 112 in any suitable manner, and each computing device 100 may communicate with one or more computing devices among other computing devices 100 in network 118 in any suitable manner. For example, network 118 may be a wired or wireless network within a company or home, etc., and may include direct or indirect coupling with an external network (such as the Internet, etc.).

[0353] It should be understood that the various techniques described herein may be implemented in combination with hardware or software, or in combination with both where appropriate. Thus, the methods and apparatus of the presently disclosed subject matter, or certain aspects or portions thereof, may take the form of program code (i.e., instructions) contained in a tangible medium, such as a universal serial bus (USB) flash drive, a secure digital (SD) memory card, a read-only compact disk drive (CD-ROM), a hard drive, or any other machine-readable storage medium, wherein when the program code is loaded and executed by a machine (such as a computer), the machine becomes an apparatus for practicing the presently disclosed subject matter.

[0354] In the case of executing program code on a programmable computer, the computing device typically includes a processor, a storage medium readable by the processor (including volatile and non-volatile memory and / or storage elements), at least one input device and at least one output device. One or more programs can implement or utilize processes related to the currently disclosed subject matter, such as by using an application program interface (API), reusable controls, etc. Such programs can be implemented in high-level procedural or object-oriented programming languages ​​to communicate with the computer system. However, if necessary, the program can be implemented in assembly language or machine language. In any case, the language can be a compiled language or an interpreted language and combined with a hardware implementation.

[0355] Although exemplary embodiments may involve utilizing aspects of the presently disclosed subject matter in the context of one or more stand-alone computer systems, the subject matter is not so limited, but may be implemented in conjunction with any computing environment, such as network 118 or a distributed computing environment. Still further, aspects of the presently disclosed subject matter may be implemented in or across multiple processing chips or devices, and storage may similarly be implemented across multiple devices in network 118. Such devices may include, for example, personal computers, network servers, and handheld devices.

[0356] The system and method of the present invention have many advantages. It is a hybrid approach based on local processing and server-side platforms, and has modularity that allows expansion using the same hardware. Multiple measurements are taken in fast cycles (such as every 5 seconds), and a complete leak detection cycle is performed every hour to monitor the system in real time. In addition to detecting only leaks, the present invention also provides complete visibility of facility operations by monitoring operating parameters, refrigerant levels, refrigerant behavior in the facility, etc. The present invention enables centralized monitoring of multiple facilities on a single web application through warnings, reminders, and suggestions. Energy monitoring with additional modules enables monitoring of compressor operation and alarms when there is a risk of failure. The advanced ergonomics of the web application includes remote actions to facilitate diagnosis, avoid unnecessary trips, and simplify the management of refrigeration facility groups.

[0357] Centralized remote monitoring solves the problem of insufficient manpower in the market. By providing the possibility to access the information of the facilities from a computer or smartphone, unnecessary trips are avoided. The dashboard can easily identify the facilities that require priority intervention and clearly observe the level changes in the tanks.

[0358] All managed facilities are visible on the platform, which is equivalent to technicians being on site at all times.

[0359] In the case of leak detection, continuous monitoring ensures that no leaks occur. Unlike portable detectors or room controllers, disturbances such as airflow will not affect the quality of detection performed inside a facility.

[0360] Finally, energy monitoring reduces indirect emissions. Enthalpy diagrams (see Figure 4B ) enables real-time tracking of the behavior of the fluid in order to adjust the settings. This tool enables optimization of the operation of the equipment and, instead of a calculated performance coefficient (|Q| / W), has a real and detailed performance coefficient.

[0361] The benefits to the environment are major: leak detection can significantly reduce a facility’s leakage rate and reduce final energy consumption through energy monitoring and recommendations.

[0362] Finally, the web platform provides a shared view for refrigeration operators and facility owners, which is a real contribution to the execution of maintenance contracts, as it enables a more detailed monitoring of the system, especially where improvements in the performance of two refrigerants can be compared.

[0363] The invention is not limited to the above description. For example, data on facility operations provides new indicators for the industry, and the system is able to propose new indicators and give facilities the opportunity to propose their own indicators. The invention also provides access to external participants, such as an energy management platform for large supermarket performance indicators.

[0364] It should be understood that in the context of the present disclosure, "at least one of" following a series of elements refers to any one of the elements in the series or any combination of elements in the series, and the series includes all elements. Thus, for example, the expression "at least one of A, B, or C" means any one of A, B, C, A+B, A+C, B+C, or A+B+C.

[0365] Having described certain embodiments of the present invention, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the above description or the attached exemplary drawings. On the contrary, the scope of the present invention includes any equivalents that can be understood by ordinary technicians in this field.

Claims

1. A system for remotely monitoring a refrigeration system to detect refrigerant leaks, characterized in that: include: a local monitoring station comprising at least one sensor configured to be associated with a refrigeration system having a refrigerant, the sensor measuring at least one parameter of the refrigeration system, the local monitoring station further comprising at least one local processor; at least one server, the server being remote from the local monitoring station and in communication with the local monitoring station and accessible by at least one user communication device via a communication channel; as well as software located at least in part on the local monitoring station, wherein at least one local processor is configured to execute the software to cause the local monitoring station to: periodically logging data from the sensor to generate logged sensor data; collecting the recorded sensor data over time to generate collected sensor data; using the collected sensor data to determine, by at least one algorithm, whether a refrigerant leak is occurring in the monitored refrigeration system, thereby generating a status of the refrigeration system; as well as The status of the refrigeration system is transmitted to the server.

2. The system for remotely monitoring a refrigeration system to detect refrigerant leaks according to claim 1, characterized in that: At least one server sends at least one message to the at least one user communication device via a communication channel, the message being related to the status of the refrigeration system.

3. The system for remotely monitoring a refrigeration system to detect refrigerant leaks according to claim 1, wherein: At least one sensor measures an amount of refrigerant in the refrigeration system.

4. The system for remotely monitoring a refrigeration system to detect refrigerant leaks according to claim 3, characterized in that: At least one sensor is a weight sensor connected to an external column in fluid communication with the main refrigerant tank, wherein the weight of the external column indicates the level of refrigerant in the main refrigerant tank, and at least one parameter is the weight of the external column.

5. The system for remotely monitoring a refrigeration system to detect refrigerant leaks according to claim 4, wherein: The weight sensor includes a strain gauge.

6. The system for remotely monitoring a refrigeration system to detect refrigerant leaks according to claim 4, wherein: at least one sensor is a temperature sensor for measuring a refrigerant output temperature of the primary refrigerant tank; and The software further enables the local monitoring station to: determining the density of the refrigerant by the output temperature; calculating the height of the refrigerant in the primary refrigerant storage tank by at least the external column volume, the external column weight and the density; Calculate the weight of the primary refrigerant tank using the tank type, calculated refrigerant height, said density and tank diameter; as well as The calculated primary refrigerant tank weight is compared to a pre-set low level threshold.

7. The system for remotely monitoring a refrigeration system to detect refrigerant leaks according to claim 6, wherein: If the calculated primary refrigerant storage tank weight is less than the preset low liquid level threshold, a low liquid level alarm is sent from the local monitoring station to the server, and a low liquid level alarm is sent from the server to the at least one user communication device.

8. The system for remotely monitoring a refrigeration system to detect refrigerant leaks according to claim 6, wherein: The software further enables the local monitoring station to: Determine whether a slope of the collected sensor data within a period of time calculated via a linear function is lower than a preset statistical threshold; as well as If the slope is below the pre-set statistical threshold, a statistical alert is sent from the local monitoring station to the server, and a statistical alert is sent from the server to the at least one user communication device.

9. The system for remotely monitoring a refrigeration system to detect refrigerant leaks according to claim 3, wherein: The software further enables the local monitoring station to aggregate the refrigerant liquid level over a plurality of time periods of varying lengths, wherein the shorter of the time periods is used to identify leaks of smaller magnitude, and The longer of the time periods is used to identify leaks of greater magnitude.

10. The system for remotely monitoring a refrigeration system to detect refrigerant leaks according to claim 9, wherein: For each of at least a plurality of the time periods, the software further causes the local monitoring station to determine at least one of the following steps a), b) or c): a) Whether the difference in refrigerant level between the start and end of a set period is greater than a fixed threshold; b) whether the difference in liquid level between the beginning and end of the period and the relative maximum volume of the primary refrigerant storage tank is greater than a fixed threshold; or c) whether the share of the drop relative to all liquid levels is greater than a fixed threshold; and The software further causes the local monitoring station to determine d) that the decrease in the refrigerant level is not due to a point discontinuity, Wherein if at least one of steps a)-c) and d) occurs, an alarm is generated.

11. A method for remotely monitoring a refrigeration system to detect refrigerant leakage, characterized in that: The following steps are involved: providing at least one sensor associated with a refrigeration system containing a refrigerant; measuring at least one parameter of the refrigeration system by means of the sensor; periodically recording data from the at least one sensor at a local monitoring station comprising at least one local processor, thereby generating recorded sensor data; collecting the recorded sensor data over time at the local monitoring station to generate collected sensor data; determining, by the local processor, whether a refrigerant leak is occurring in the monitored refrigeration system using at least one algorithm and the collected sensor data to generate a status of the refrigeration system; transmitting a status of the refrigeration system from the local monitoring station to the at least one server; as well as At least one message is sent from the at least one server to at least one user communication device via a communication channel, the message relating to a status of the refrigeration system.

12. The method for remotely monitoring a refrigeration system to detect refrigerant leakage according to claim 11, characterized in that: The measuring step further includes the step of measuring an amount of refrigerant in the refrigeration system.

13. The method for remotely monitoring a refrigeration system to detect refrigerant leakage according to claim 12, characterized in that: The at least one sensor is a weight sensor connected to an external column connected to the main refrigerant tank, and the measuring step further includes the step of measuring the weight of the external column, wherein the weight of the external column indicates the liquid level of the refrigerant in the main refrigerant tank.

14. The method for remotely monitoring a refrigeration system to detect refrigerant leakage according to claim 13, characterized in that: The measuring step further comprises a step of measuring the refrigerant output temperature of the main refrigerant storage tank using a temperature sensor, and the method further comprises the following steps: determining the density of the refrigerant by the output temperature; calculating the height of the refrigerant in the primary refrigerant storage tank by at least the external column volume, the external column weight and the density; calculating the weight of the primary refrigerant tank using the tank type, the calculated refrigerant height, the density and the tank diameter; and The calculated primary refrigerant tank weight is compared to a pre-set low level threshold.

15. The method for remotely monitoring a refrigeration system to detect refrigerant leakage according to claim 14, characterized in that: Further comprising the steps of: If the calculated weight of the main refrigerant storage tank is less than the preset low liquid level threshold, a low liquid level alarm is sent from the local monitoring station to the server, and a low liquid level alarm is sent from the server to at least one user communication device.

16. The method for remotely monitoring a refrigeration system to detect refrigerant leakage according to claim 14, wherein: Further comprising the steps of: Determining whether a slope of the collected sensor data within a period of time calculated via a linear function is lower than a preset statistical threshold; as well as If the slope is below the pre-set statistical threshold, a statistical alert is sent from the local monitoring station to the server, and a statistical alert is sent from the server to the at least one user communication device.

17. The method for remotely monitoring a refrigeration system to detect refrigerant leakage according to claim 12, wherein: Further comprising the steps of: Summarizing the refrigerant liquid level in a plurality of time periods of different lengths by the local processor; Leaks of smaller magnitude are identified by the shorter of the time periods; as well as Leaks of greater magnitude are identified by longer intervals in the time period.

18. The method for remotely monitoring a refrigeration system to detect refrigerant leakage according to claim 17, wherein: For each of at least a plurality of the time periods, the method further comprises: At least one of steps a), b or c): a) determining whether a difference in the refrigerant level between the start and end of the set time period is greater than a fixed threshold; b) determining whether the difference in liquid level between the beginning and the end of the period and the relative maximum volume of the primary refrigerant storage tank is greater than a fixed threshold; or c) determining whether the drop share relative to all liquid levels is greater than a fixed threshold; and The method further comprises the following steps: d) confirm that the drop in refrigerant level is not due to a point discontinuity; and e) If at least one of steps a)–c) and d) occurs, generating an alarm.

19. A system for remotely monitoring a refrigeration system, characterized in that: include: a local monitoring station comprising at least one sensor configured to be in communication with a refrigeration system containing a refrigerant, the sensor measuring at least one parameter of the refrigeration system, the local monitoring station further comprising at least one local processor; at least one server, the server being remote from the local monitoring station and in communication with the local monitoring station and accessible by at least one user communication device via a communication channel, the server having at least one remote processor; as well as software located at least in part on at least one of the local monitoring station or the server, wherein at least one of the at least one local processor or the at least one remote processor is configured to execute the software so that the system: periodically recording data from the sensor to generate recorded sensor data; collecting the recorded sensor data over time to generate collected sensor data; using the collected sensor data to determine the state of the at least one parameter by at least one algorithm, thereby generating a state of the refrigeration system; as well as The status of the refrigeration system is communicated to the at least one user communication device.

20. The system for remotely monitoring a refrigeration system according to claim 19, wherein: The at least one server sends at least one message to the at least one user communication device via a communication channel, the message being related to the status of the refrigeration system.

21. The system for remotely monitoring a refrigeration system according to claim 19, wherein: The at least one sensor measures an amount of refrigerant in the refrigeration system.

22. The system for remotely monitoring a refrigeration system according to claim 21, characterized in that: The at least one sensor is a weight sensor connected to an external column in fluid communication with a primary refrigerant tank, wherein the weight of the external column is indicative of a refrigerant level in the primary refrigerant tank, and the at least one parameter is the weight of the external column.

23. The system for remotely monitoring a refrigeration system according to claim 21, characterized in that: The at least one sensor is a temperature sensor that measures the refrigerant output temperature of the primary refrigerant tank; and The software further causes the system to: determining the density of the refrigerant by the output temperature; calculating the height of refrigerant in the primary refrigerant storage tank at least based on the density; Calculate the weight of the primary refrigerant tank using the tank type, calculated refrigerant height, said density and tank diameter; as well as The calculated primary refrigerant tank weight is compared to a pre-set low level threshold.

24. The system for remotely monitoring a refrigeration system according to claim 23, wherein: If the calculated primary refrigerant tank weight is less than the predetermined low level threshold, a low level alarm is sent from at least one of the local monitoring station or the server, and thereby sent to the at least one user communication device.

25. The system for remotely monitoring a refrigeration system according to claim 23, wherein: The software further causes the system to: Determining whether a slope of the collected sensor data within a period of time calculated via a linear function is lower than a preset statistical threshold; and If the slope is below the predetermined statistical threshold, a statistical alert is sent from at least one of the local monitoring station or the server, thereby sending a statistical alert to the at least one user communication device.

26. The system for remotely monitoring a refrigeration system according to claim 21, wherein: The software further enables the system to summarize the refrigerant liquid level over a plurality of time periods of varying lengths, wherein the shorter of the time periods is used to identify leaks of smaller magnitude, and The longer of the time periods is used to identify leaks of greater magnitude.

27. The system for remotely monitoring a refrigeration system according to claim 26, wherein: For each of at least a plurality of the time periods, the software further causes the system to determine at least one of the following steps a), b), or c): a) whether the difference in refrigerant level between the start and end of the set time period is greater than a fixed threshold; b) whether the difference in liquid level between the beginning and the end of the time period and the relative maximum volume of the primary refrigerant tank is greater than a fixed threshold; or c) whether the share of the drop relative to all liquid levels is greater than a fixed threshold; and The software further causes the local monitoring station to determine d) that the decrease in the refrigerant level is not due to a point discontinuity, Wherein if at least one of steps a)-c) and d) occurs, an alarm is generated.

28. A method for remotely monitoring a refrigeration system, characterized in that: The following steps are involved: providing at least one sensor associated with a refrigeration system containing a refrigerant; measuring at least one parameter of the refrigeration system by means of the sensor; periodically recording data from at least one sensor at at least one of a local monitoring station including at least one local processor or at least one remote server in communication with the local monitoring station and including at least one remote processor, thereby generating recorded sensor data; collecting the recorded sensor data over time at at least one of the at least one local monitoring station and the at least one remote server to generate collected sensor data; determining, by at least one of the local processor or the remote processor, a state of the at least one parameter using at least one algorithm and the collected sensor data to generate a state of the refrigeration system; as well as At least one message is sent from at least one of the at least one local monitoring station or the at least one server to at least one user communication device via a communication channel, the at least one message being related to the status of the refrigeration system.

29. The method for remotely monitoring a refrigeration system according to claim 28, wherein: The measuring step further includes the step of measuring an amount of refrigerant in the refrigeration system.

30. The method for remotely monitoring a refrigeration system according to claim 29, wherein: The at least one sensor is a weight sensor connected to an external column connected to the main refrigerant tank, and the measuring step further includes the step of measuring the weight of the external column, wherein the weight of the external column indicates the liquid level of the refrigerant in the main refrigerant tank.

31. The method for remotely monitoring a refrigeration system according to claim 29, wherein: The measuring step further comprises the step of measuring the refrigerant output temperature of the main refrigerant storage tank using a temperature sensor, and the method further comprises the following steps: determining the density of the refrigerant by the output temperature; calculating the height of the refrigerant in the primary refrigerant storage tank at least based on the density; calculating the weight of the primary refrigerant tank using the tank type, calculated refrigerant height, said density and the tank diameter; and The calculated primary refrigerant tank weight is compared to a pre-set low level threshold.

32. The method for remotely monitoring a refrigeration system according to claim 31, wherein: The method further includes the following steps: if the calculated main refrigerant tank weight is less than the preset low liquid level threshold, a low liquid level alarm is sent from at least one of the at least one local monitoring station or the at least one remote server, and thereby a low liquid level alarm is sent to at least one user communication device.

33. The method for remotely monitoring a refrigeration system according to claim 31, wherein: The method further comprises the following steps: Determining whether a slope of the collected sensor data within a period of time calculated via a linear function is lower than a preset statistical threshold; and If the slope is below the predetermined statistical threshold, a statistical alert is sent from at least one of the at least one local monitoring station or the at least one remote server, thereby sending a statistical alert to the at least one user communication device.

34. The method for remotely monitoring a refrigeration system according to claim 29, wherein: The method further comprises the following steps: aggregating, via at least one of the local processor or the remote processor, refrigerant liquid levels over a plurality of time periods of varying lengths; Identifying leaks of smaller magnitude by shorter ones of the time periods; and Leaks of greater magnitude are detected by the longer of the time periods.

35. The method for remotely monitoring a refrigeration system according to claim 34, wherein: For each of at least a plurality of the time periods, the method further comprises: At least one of steps a), b or c): a) determining whether a difference in the refrigerant level between the start and end of the set time period is greater than a fixed threshold; b) determining whether the difference between the liquid level at the beginning and the end of the time period and the relative maximum volume of the primary refrigerant storage tank is greater than a fixed threshold; or c) determining whether the drop share relative to all liquid levels is greater than a fixed threshold; and The method further comprises the following steps: d) confirm that the drop in refrigerant level is not due to a point discontinuity; and e) If at least one of steps a)–c) and d) occurs, generating an alarm.

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