Cooling device, method for operating cooling device, and system for controlling cooling device

Abstract

The invention provides a cooling device which can contribute to mitigating a sudden increase in substantial power demand when installed in a region where the sudden increase in substantial power demand is problematic. The control unit (60) executes a cold storage operation in which the compressor (30) is driven and cold is stored in the cold storage material (51) during cooling in the warehouse, in a second time period set in advance before a region in which the actual power demand is suddenly increased, on the basis of the amount of change over one day in the actual power demand obtained by subtracting the power generated by the solar power generation facility from the actual power consumption. The control unit (60) executes a cooling operation for driving the refrigeration fan (23) and the freezing fan (25) to release the cold energy stored in the cold storage material (51) in a state in which the compressor (30) is stopped in a first time period, which is a region in which the substantial power demand increases sharply after the second time period.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a cooling device with a cold storage function, an operating method of the cooling device and a control system of the cooling device. Background Art

[0002] Patent document 1 discloses a cold storage, comprising: a cold storage material arranged on at least the upper surface of the inner wall surface of a storage room; and a receiving device for receiving a power demand signal from a device for measuring power consumption, and performing normal operation according to the power demand signal, that is, switching between normal operation in which cooling operation is performed in a manner that the temperature in the cold storage room reaches a first temperature, and cold storage operation in which cooling operation is performed in a manner that the temperature in the cold storage room reaches a second temperature lower than the first temperature.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Patent Publication No. 5843483 Summary of the invention

[0006] Problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] The present invention provides a cooling device, a method for operating the cooling device, and a control system for the cooling device, which can help alleviate a sharp increase in actual power demand when the cooling device is installed in an area where a sharp increase in actual power demand becomes a problem.

[0008] Technical solutions to solve problems

[0009] The cooling device in the present invention includes: a compressor, a cooler, a fan, a cold storage mechanism that stores cold through cooling by the cooler; and a control unit that controls the compressor and the fan, wherein the control unit drives the compressor to store cold in the cold storage mechanism during in-store cooling based on the change in actual power demand in one day obtained by subtracting electric energy generated by renewable energy from actual power consumption, in a pre-set second time period that is earlier than an area where the actual power demand increases sharply, and performs a cooling operation of driving the fan to release the cold energy stored in the cold storage mechanism in a first time period that is an area where the actual power demand increases sharply after the second time period, with the compressor stopped.

[0010] In addition, this specification contains all the contents of Japanese Patent Application / Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-158367 filed in Japan on September 30, 2022.

[0011] Effects of the Invention

[0012] The cooling device in the present invention cools the refrigerator compartment and the freezer compartment by releasing the cold energy stored in the cold storage mechanism during the first time period which is the area where the actual power demand increases sharply, thereby reducing the power consumption in the area where the actual power demand increases sharply. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1 This is a schematic cross-sectional view schematically showing the refrigerator according to the first embodiment.

[0014] Figure 2 This is a perspective view showing the refrigeration heat exchanger according to the first embodiment.

[0015] Figure 3 This is a block diagram showing the control structure of the first embodiment.

[0016] Figure 4 This is a graph showing the change in actual power demand during a day in the first embodiment.

[0017] Figure 5 This is a flowchart showing the operation of the cold storage in the first embodiment.

[0018] Figure 6 This is a sequence diagram showing the operation of the refrigerator in the first embodiment.

[0019] Figure 7 This is a schematic cross-sectional view schematically showing a cold storage according to the second embodiment.

[0020] Figure 8 This is a block diagram showing the control structure of implementation mode 2.

[0021] Fig. 9 This is a sequence diagram showing the operation of the cold storage in the second embodiment.

[0022] Fig.10 This is a block diagram showing the control structure of implementation mode 3.

[0023] Fig.11 This is a sequence diagram showing the operation of the cold storage in the third embodiment.

[0024] Fig.12 It is a schematic diagram showing a cooling system in Modification 1 of the present invention.

[0025] Fig.13 It is a schematic diagram showing a cooling system in Modification 2 of the present invention.

[0026] Fig.14 This is a schematic diagram showing a control system of the cooling device in the fifth embodiment.

[0027] Fig.15This is a schematic diagram showing a control system of a cooling device in a sixth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] (Insights, etc. that form the basis of this disclosure)

[0029] When the inventors conceived of the present invention, in regions where solar power generation equipment and the like are introduced on a large scale, a rapid increase in actual electricity demand, a so-called duck curve phenomenon, has become a problem.

[0030] In these areas, the actual power demand (net load) obtained by subtracting the electric energy generated by solar power generation facilities and the like from the actual power consumption characteristically changes during a day.

[0031] In the early morning, people get up and start consuming electricity, and the actual electricity demand gradually increases. During the day, a large amount of electricity is supplied from solar power generation equipment, and the actual electricity demand decreases. When it is evening, the power supply from solar power generation equipment disappears, and the actual electricity demand increases sharply. When it is night, people go to bed, and the actual electricity demand decreases.

[0032] If the one-day change in the actual power demand is expressed as a curve graph, the curve graph is similar to the shape of a duck, so the above phenomenon is defined as the duck curve phenomenon.

[0033] However, in a cooling device such as a cold storage, it is necessary to cool the entire storage 1. Therefore, the inventors have discovered that in areas where the duck curve phenomenon becomes a problem, if the existing cooling device is kept as it is, it will not contribute to the alleviation of the duck curve phenomenon. In order to solve this problem, the subject of the present invention is formed.

[0034] The present invention provides a cooling device, a method for operating the cooling device, and a control system for the cooling device, which can contribute to alleviating a sharp increase in actual power demand (duck curve phenomenon) when the cooling device is installed in an area where a sharp increase in actual power demand becomes a problem.

[0035] Hereinafter, the embodiments are described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, unnecessary detailed descriptions are sometimes omitted. For example, detailed descriptions of well-known matters or repeated descriptions of substantially the same structures are sometimes omitted. This is to avoid the following description being too lengthy and to make it easy for those skilled in the art to understand.

[0036] In addition, the drawings and the following description are provided for those skilled in the art to fully understand the present invention, and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the patent claims.

[0037] (Implementation Method 1)

[0038] Below, use Figure 1 to Figure 6Implementation method 1 will be described.

[0039] [1-1. Configuration]

[0040] [1-1-1. Structure of cold storage]

[0041] Figure 1 This is a schematic cross-sectional view schematically showing the refrigerator of the present invention.

[0042] like Figure 1 As shown, the refrigerator 1 includes a box-shaped body 10. A partition plate 11 is provided at the substantially center of the body 10 in the vertical direction to partition the internal space of the body 10. The upper side of the partition plate 11 is a refrigerating chamber 12, and the lower side of the partition plate 11 is a freezing chamber 13.

[0043] A refrigerator compartment door 14 is provided on the front of the refrigerator compartment 12 so as to be openable and closable, and a freezer compartment door 15 is provided on the front of the freezer compartment 13 so as to be openable and closable.

[0044] A refrigeration duct 20 extending in the vertical direction is provided at the rear of the refrigerating chamber 12. A freezing duct 21 extending in the vertical direction is provided at the rear of the freezing chamber 13. A refrigeration cooler 22 is housed inside the refrigeration duct 20 and at the back of the refrigerating chamber 12.

[0045] A refrigeration fan 23 is disposed above the refrigeration cooler 22. The refrigeration fan 23 is driven so that the air inside the refrigeration chamber 12 is sucked from below the refrigeration duct 20, and after heat exchange through the refrigeration cooler 22, is blown out from above the refrigeration duct 20 toward the inside of the refrigeration chamber 12.

[0046] A refrigeration cooler 24 is housed inside the refrigeration duct 21 and on the back of the freezer compartment 13. A refrigeration fan 25 is disposed above the refrigeration cooler 24. The refrigeration fan 25 is driven so that the air inside the freezer compartment 13 is sucked in from the bottom of the refrigeration duct 21, and after heat exchange through the refrigeration cooler 24, is blown out from the top of the refrigeration duct 21 to the inside of the freezer compartment 13.

[0047] A heater 26 is disposed below the freezing pipe 21 .

[0048] A compressor 30 is provided at the upper rear portion of the main body 10. The compressor 30 is connected to a condenser 31 via a refrigerant pipe 32. The condenser 31 is connected to a three-way valve 33, and the three-way valve 33 is connected to the refrigeration cooler 22 via an expansion mechanism 34.

[0049] Furthermore, the refrigeration cooler 24 is connected to the three-way valve 33 via an expansion mechanism 35 .

[0050] Furthermore, a refrigeration refrigerant cycle is formed in which the refrigerant circulates sequentially through the compressor 30, the condenser 31, the three-way valve 33, the expansion mechanism 34 and the refrigeration cooler 22, and a freezing refrigerant cycle is formed in which the refrigerant circulates sequentially through the compressor 30, the condenser 31, the three-way valve 33, the expansion mechanism 35 and the freezing cooler 24.

[0051] The refrigeration refrigerant cycle and the freezing refrigerant cycle can be switched by switching the three-way valve 33 .

[0052] [1-1-2. Structure of cooler]

[0053] Next, the structure of the cooler mounted in refrigerator 1 is demonstrated.

[0054] Figure 2 It is a perspective view showing the cooler according to the first embodiment.

[0055] The refrigerating cooler 22 and the freezing cooler 24 have the same structure, so Figure 2 In the following, the refrigeration cooler 22 will be described.

[0056] like Figure 2 As shown, the refrigeration cooler 22 includes a refrigerant conducting member 40 through which the refrigerant flows. The refrigerant conducting member 40 is composed of a multi-hole flat tube in which a plurality of substantially square passages are continuously arranged.

[0057] The refrigerant conducting member 40 is formed in a meandering shape including a plurality of flat tubes 41 formed substantially in parallel at predetermined intervals and a bent portion 42 connecting end portions of the flat tubes 41 .

[0058] In the present embodiment, six flat tubes 41 are configured between headers described later.

[0059] In addition, the number of the flat tubes 41 is not limited thereto, and can be set arbitrarily.

[0060] Furthermore, the flat tubes 41 and the bent portions 42 may be integrated so that one flat tube 41 is formed in a circuitous manner between headers.

[0061] In the present embodiment, the flat tubes 41 and the curved portions 42 are divided into three regions, namely, an upper region 43 , a middle region 44 , and a lower region 45 in the up-down direction.

[0062] In the present embodiment, the vertical division is performed into three regions, but the vertical division may be performed into two regions or four or more regions.

[0063] An inlet-side header 46 and an outlet-side header 47 extending vertically are provided at one end of the flat tubes 41 located on the outermost sides.

[0064] like Figure 2 As shown, a partition plate 48 is provided at a position corresponding to the boundary between the upper region 43 and the middle region 44 of the inlet side header 46. Positions corresponding to the middle region 44 and the lower region 45 of the inlet side header 46 are in communication.

[0065] A partition plate 49 is provided at a position corresponding to the boundary between the middle region 44 and the lower region 45 of the outlet side header 47. Positions corresponding to the upper region 43 and the middle region 44 of the outlet side header 47 are in communication.

[0066] like Figure 2 As shown by the middle arrow, the refrigerant flowing in from the upper portion of the inlet header 46 flows through the interior of the upper region 43 of the refrigerant conducting member 40 to the outlet header 47. The refrigerant flowing into the outlet header 47 flows into the middle region 44 of the refrigerant conducting member 40 and flows into the inlet header 46, flows through the inlet header 46, flows in the lower region 45, and then flows out from the lower portion of the outlet header 47.

[0067] Air flow paths 50 and cold storage materials 51 as cold storage means are alternately arranged between the flat tubes 41 of the refrigerant conducting member 40 .

[0068] In the present embodiment, air flow paths 50 are formed at the outermost portion and the central portion, and regenerator materials 51 are disposed between the air flow paths 50 .

[0069] Fins 54 are arranged inside the air flow path 50 and are continuously arranged so as to be inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the flat tubes 41 and bent in a zigzag shape. The fins 54 continuously form the air flow path 50 having a substantially triangular cross-sectional shape inside the air flow path 50 .

[0070] Thus, the air in the refrigerator flowing from the bottom to the top of the refrigeration duct 20 flows in the air flow path 50, and at this time, it exchanges heat with the refrigerant flowing inside the refrigerant conducting member 40, and is cooled to a predetermined temperature. In addition, the refrigerant flowing inside the refrigerant conducting member 40 also exchanges heat with the refrigerant material 51, and the refrigerant material 51 is also cooled to a predetermined temperature.

[0071] In the present embodiment, the regenerator 51 is made of a thin film member of a metal material such as aluminum. The regenerator 51 is flexible and can be deformed. The thickness of the regenerator 51 is configured to have substantially the same dimension as the gap between the flat tubes 41 .

[0072] Furthermore, by pressing the regenerator 51 into the gaps between the flat tubes 41 , the regenerator 51 comes into close contact with the surfaces of the flat tubes 41 , whereby the regenerator 51 can be held between the flat tubes 41 .

[0073] The refrigerant material 51 needs to cool the refrigerator compartment 12 cooled to about 4°C, so the refrigerant material 51A for refrigeration with a melting point lower than 4°C, for example, the refrigerant material 51A for refrigeration with a melting point of -3°C to -15°C is used. In addition, the refrigerant material 51 needs to cool the inside of the freezer compartment 13 cooled to about -18°C, so the refrigerant material 51B for freezing with a melting point lower than -18°C, for example, the refrigerant material 51B for freezing with a melting point of -21°C is required.

[0074] [1-1-3. Description of control structure]

[0075] Figure 3 This is a block diagram showing the control structure of the first embodiment.

[0076] like Figure 3 As shown, refrigerator 1 includes control unit 60. Control unit 60 includes a processor such as CPU or MPU for executing a program and a memory such as ROM or RAM. The processor reads a control program stored in the memory and executes the process to perform various processes through the cooperation of hardware and software.

[0077] The control unit 60 controls the compressor 30 , the refrigerating fan 23 , the freezing fan 25 , the three-way valve 33 , and the heater 26 based on the temperatures detected by the refrigerating room temperature sensor 61 and the freezing room temperature sensor 62 .

[0078] Figure 4 It is a graph showing the daily change in actual electricity demand.

[0079] Figure 4 Pattern A (dashed line curve) and pattern B (solid line curve) are curves showing the change in actual power demand in a certain area over a day.

[0080] Mode B shows a typical duck curve phenomenon, where the actual power demand decreases around 8:00 to 17:00 due to the use of renewable energy equipment such as solar power generation, and the actual power demand increases sharply from 17:00 to 20:00. In addition, in the case of mode A, the actual power demand decreases slightly around 8:00 to 17:00, but the actual power increases sharply from 17:00 to 20:00, similar to mode B. Mode A is also described in the embodiment as a so-called duck curve phenomenon.

[0081] In response to such a rapid increase in substantial electric energy in a specific time period of the day, it is necessary to perform a cooling operation using a cool storage mechanism to reduce substantial electric energy.

[0082] The control unit 60 executes a cold storage operation of driving the compressor 30 to store cold in the cold storage material 51 during in-store cooling, based on the daily change in the actual power demand obtained by subtracting the electric energy generated by renewable energy such as solar power generation equipment from the actual power consumption, in a pre-set second time period ahead of the area where the actual power demand increases sharply.

[0083] Here, the area where the actual power demand increases sharply is, for example, the evening time period, specifically, the time period from 17:00 to 20:00.

[0084] During this time period, families gather at home, prepare dinner at home, and use more lighting and air conditioning equipment, so the actual power demand tends to increase. Generally, areas where the actual power demand increases sharply can see such a trend over a year.

[0085] In addition, in winter, heating demand increases, and therefore the time period from 5:00 to 8:00 is also included as an area where actual electricity demand increases sharply.

[0086] In addition, the first time period can be changed arbitrarily.

[0087] In the present embodiment, the control unit 60 performs a cold storage operation of driving the compressor 30 to store cold in the cold storage material 51 during the internal cooling in a preset second time period before the preset first time period, based on the daily variation in the actual power demand obtained by subtracting the electric energy generated by renewable energy sources such as solar power generation equipment and wind power generation equipment from the actual power consumption. The second time period for performing the cold storage operation requires at least about 2 hours.

[0088] Furthermore, in the second time period, the control unit 60 executes a cooling operation in which the fan is driven to release the cold energy stored in the cold storage material 51 while the compressor 30 is stopped.

[0089] Furthermore, the control unit 60 drives the compressor 30 to cool the interior of the refrigerator to a set temperature in a third time period set in advance after the first time period, and performs a cooling operation to stabilize the interior temperature at the set temperature without performing a defrosting operation.

[0090] Furthermore, control unit 60 may make a notification using a display unit or a buzzer of refrigerator 1 when the cooling operation is executed, when the door is opened and closed multiple times, or when the open state continues for a long time.

[0091] During the cooling operation, the refrigerator compartment 12 or the freezer compartment 13 cannot be cooled at a high capacity using the compressor 30. Therefore, by prompting the user to pay attention, the temperature rise during the cooling operation can be suppressed.

[0092] In addition, control unit 60 may display the power saving effect such as the current power usage and electricity fee of refrigerator 1 on the display unit. This can visualize the power saving of the user and improve the power saving awareness.

[0093] Furthermore, the notification of the opening and closing of the door or the display of the power saving effect described above may be displayed on a terminal device such as a smartphone that can communicate with the control unit 60 .

[0094] [1-2. Action]

[0095] The operation of refrigerator 1 configured as described above will be described below.

[0096] Figure 5 It is a flowchart which shows the operation|movement of refrigerator 1. Figure 6 It is a timing chart showing the operation of refrigerator 1 .

[0097] First, the control unit 60 performs normal operation before a preset second time period before a region where the actual power demand increases sharply, based on a daily change in the actual power demand obtained by subtracting the power generated by the solar power generation equipment from the actual power consumption (SA1).

[0098] In normal operation, the refrigerant is sent to the condenser 31 by driving the compressor 30, and the refrigerant is sent to the refrigeration cooler 22 by switching the three-way valve 33. When the refrigerant flows in the refrigeration cooler 22, the refrigeration fan 23 is driven, and when the air in the refrigerator room 12 flows from the bottom to the top of the refrigeration duct 20, it exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the refrigeration cooler 22 and is cooled, and returns to the refrigeration room 12. Thus, the refrigeration room 12 is cooled (SA2). In this case, the cold storage material 51A for cold storage is also cooled together with the refrigerant flowing in the refrigeration cooler 22.

[0099] Similarly, the three-way valve 33 is switched to deliver refrigerant to the freezing cooler 24. When the refrigerant flows in the freezing cooler 24, the freezing fan 25 is driven. When the air in the freezer compartment 13 flows from the bottom to the top of the freezing pipe, the air is cooled by heat exchange with the refrigerant in the freezing cooler 24 and returns to the freezing compartment 13. Thus, the freezing compartment 13 is cooled (SA3). In this case, the freezing cold storage material 51B is also cooled together with the refrigerant flowing in the freezing cooler 24.

[0100] When the internal temperatures of the refrigerating room 12 and the freezing room 13 are cooled to a predetermined temperature, the compressor 30 is stopped (SA4).

[0101] By performing normal operation in this way, the refrigeration cooler 22 and the freezing cooler 24 are cooled and store cold. When the compressor 30 stops and there is no refrigerant flowing in the refrigeration cooler 22 or the freezing cooler 24, it becomes a cold storage operation state for releasing cold energy.

[0102] Next, when the second time period before the first time period comes (SA5: YES), the control unit 60 starts the cold storage operation (SA6).

[0103] During the cold storage operation, the compressor 30 is driven, and the three-way valve 33 is switched to the refrigeration cooler 24 side, so that the refrigerant flows to the refrigeration cooler 24, and the refrigeration fan 25 is driven to cool the freezer chamber 13 through the refrigeration cooler 24, and the refrigeration cold storage material 51B is cooled (SA7).

[0104] This control is performed until the freezing rate of the regenerator material 51B for freezing reaches approximately 100%.

[0105] Thereafter, the three-way valve 33 is switched to the refrigerating cooler 22 side, the refrigerant flows to the refrigerating cooler 22, and the refrigerating fan 23 is driven to cool the refrigerating chamber 12 and the refrigerating regenerator 51A (SA8).

[0106] This control is also continued until the freezing rate of the cold storage material 51A for refrigeration reaches approximately 100%.

[0107] In addition, when the cold storage material 51A is storing cold, the rotation speed of the refrigeration fan 23 is controlled based on the temperature inside the refrigeration room 12, and the refrigeration fan 23 is driven at a reduced rotation speed when the temperature is lower than the set temperature, and the refrigeration fan 23 is stopped when the temperature inside the refrigeration room 12 becomes 1.5°C or lower.

[0108] Thus, in the cold storage operation, by cooling the freezer compartment before cooling the refrigerator compartment, the refrigerator compartment 12 is cooled to a temperature detected by the refrigerator compartment temperature sensor 61 of 1.5°C to prevent freezing, and the temperature does not fall below 0°C even if it undershoots.

[0109] On the other hand, since the freezing chamber 13 has no lower limit temperature, a large overcooling (deep cooling) is performed. Therefore, even if it is overcooled, the sensible heat can be stored in the cold storage material 51B for freezing.

[0110] Then, the freezing chamber cooling operation and the refrigerating chamber cooling operation are repeatedly performed until the first time period (cooling operation start time) is reached.

[0111] Then, when the cool storage operation in the second time period is completed and the first time period begins ( SA9 : YES), the control unit 60 starts the cool release operation ( SA10 ).

[0112] The cooling operation stops the compressor 30. The control unit 60 controls the rotation speed of the refrigerating fan 23 based on the internal temperature of the refrigerating chamber 12 detected by the refrigerating room temperature sensor 61. Similarly, the control unit 60 controls the rotation speed of the freezing fan 25 based on the internal temperature of the freezing chamber 13 detected by the freezing room temperature sensor 62.

[0113] Furthermore, when the temperature inside the refrigerator compartment 12 is higher than the first temperature (e.g., 6° C.) for a predetermined time (e.g., 10 minutes) (SA11-1: Yes), the cooling operation is terminated (SA12). Furthermore, when the temperature inside the refrigerator compartment 12 is lower than the first temperature (SA11-1: No) and the temperature inside the freezer compartment 13 is higher than the second temperature (e.g., -18° C.) for a predetermined time (e.g., 10 minutes) (SA11-2: Yes), the cooling operation is also terminated (SA12).

[0114] When the temperature inside the refrigerator compartment 12 is lower than the first temperature and the temperature inside the freezer compartment 13 is lower than the second temperature (SA11-2: No), and when the first time period has passed (SA11-3: Yes), the cooling operation is terminated (SA12).

[0115] Basically, the start of the third time period is preset, but as mentioned above, when the temperature inside the refrigerator compartment 12 is higher than 6°C, or when the temperature inside the freezer compartment 13 is higher than -18°C for a specified time (for example, 10 minutes), the cooling operation is terminated without waiting for the end of the first time period, and the third time period that was originally scheduled to start is advanced to start the cooling operation inside the compartment.

[0116] When it is the third time period when the cooling operation is finished (SA13: YES), the control unit 60 starts the in-compartment cooling operation (SA14). The in-compartment cooling operation is performed to lower the temperatures of the refrigerating room 12 and the freezing room 13 that have risen due to the cooling operation.

[0117] The in-compartment cooling operation drives the compressor 30 to send the refrigerant to the refrigerating cooler 22 , and drives the refrigerating fan 23 to exchange heat between the refrigerant in the refrigerating cooler 22 and the air in the refrigerating room 12 , thereby cooling the refrigerating room 12 .

[0118] When the temperature in the refrigerator compartment 12 drops to a predetermined temperature, the three-way valve 33 is switched to send the refrigerant to the freezing cooler 24. The freezing fan 25 is driven to exchange heat between the refrigerant in the freezing cooler 24 and the air in the freezing compartment 13, thereby cooling the freezing compartment 13.

[0119] When the interior temperatures of the refrigerating room 12 and the freezing room 13 are cooled to a predetermined temperature (SA15: YES), the interior cooling operation is terminated and the operation shifts to the normal operation (SA1).

[0120] Furthermore, the control unit 60 is configured to execute the defrosting operation in a time period other than the first time period, the second time period, and the third time period, that is, when the normal operation is executed.

[0121] Generally, when the door is frequently opened and closed, such as when preparing a meal, it is determined that the amount of frost on the cooler has increased, and a defrosting operation is sometimes performed.

[0122] However, in this embodiment, the first time period corresponds to the preparation of meals, and the possibility of performing the cooling operation is high. Therefore, if the defrosting operation is performed during the cooling operation, the refrigerant 51 melts, and the cooling by the refrigerant 51 may not be performed.

[0123] Therefore, in the present embodiment, by controlling to perform the defrosting operation during the normal operation, the cooling operation using the regenerator 51 can be performed.

[0124] [1-3. Effects, etc.]

[0125] As described above, in the present embodiment, the compressor 30, the refrigerating cooler 22 and the freezing cooler 24 (coolers), the refrigerating fan 23 and the freezing fan 25 (blowers), the refrigerating cold storage material 51A and the freezing cold storage material 51B (cold storage material) for storing cold by cooling the refrigerating cooler 22 and the freezing cooler 24, and the control unit 60 for controlling the compressor 30, the refrigerating fan 23 and the freezing fan 25 are included. The control unit 60 drives the compressor 30 to store cold in the cold storage material 51 during the internal cooling based on the daily variation of the actual power demand obtained by subtracting the electric energy generated by the solar power generation equipment from the actual power consumption, and performs the cold storage operation in which the compressor 30 is driven in the second time period which is set in advance of the area where the actual power demand increases sharply. In the first time period after the second time period, which is an area where the actual power demand increases sharply, the control unit 60 drives the refrigeration fan 23 and the freezing fan 25 while stopping the compressor 30 to perform a cooling operation to release the cold energy stored in the refrigeration cold storage material 51A and the freezing cold storage material 51B.

[0126] Thus, in the first time period which is a region where the actual power demand increases sharply in the so-called duck curve phenomenon, the cold energy stored in the cold storage material 51 is released to cool the refrigerator compartment 12 and the freezer compartment 13, thereby reducing the power consumption in the region where the actual power demand increases sharply. Therefore, when the cold storage 1 is installed in a region where the duck curve phenomenon becomes a problem, the duck curve phenomenon can be alleviated.

[0127] In addition, in the present embodiment, the control unit 60 drives the compressor 30 to perform the interior cooling operation in a third time period set in advance after the first time period.

[0128] Thus, the cooling operation is performed in the first time period, and when the internal temperatures of refrigerating room 12 and freezing room 13 rise, refrigerating room 12 and freezing room 13 can be quickly cooled.

[0129] In addition, although the present invention is configured as a solar power generation facility, the present invention is not limited to this, and the actual power demand is the power obtained by subtracting the power generated by renewable energy such as wind power generation.

[0130] (Implementation Method 2)

[0131] [2-1. Structure]

[0132] Next, Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described.

[0133] Figure 7 This is a schematic cross-sectional view schematically showing refrigerator 1 according to the second embodiment.

[0134] In the present embodiment, the refrigerating cooler 22 is not used, and both the freezing chamber 13 and the refrigerating chamber 12 are cooled by only the freezing cooler 24 .

[0135] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the damper 27 is provided between the duct 20 for refrigeration and the duct 21 for freezing.

[0136] The damper 27 can switch whether the air that has exchanged heat with the refrigerant in the freezing cooler 24 is sent from the freezing duct 21 to the freezing chamber 13 or from the refrigerating duct 20 to the refrigerating chamber 12 .

[0137] Furthermore, by adjusting the opening and closing amount of damper 27, the flow rate of cold air sent to freezing room 13 or refrigerating room 12 can be adjusted.

[0138] [2-1-2. Description of control structure]

[0139] Figure 8 This is a block diagram showing the control structure of implementation mode 2.

[0140] like Figure 8 As shown, in this embodiment, refrigerator 1 includes control unit 60 similarly to Embodiment 1. Control unit 60 controls compressor 30, freezing fan 25, damper 27, and heater 26 based on the detected temperatures of refrigerating room temperature sensor 61 and freezing room temperature sensor 62.

[0141] The control unit 60, similarly to the first embodiment, performs a cold storage operation of driving the compressor 30 to store cold in the refrigeration cold storage material 51B during in-store cooling, based on the daily change in the actual power demand obtained by subtracting the electric energy generated by the solar power generation equipment from the actual power consumption, in a pre-set second time period ahead of the area where the actual power demand increases sharply.

[0142] In this embodiment, the control unit 60 executes a cold storage operation of driving the compressor 30 to store cold in the refrigeration cold storage material 51B during in-store cooling in a predetermined second time period before a predetermined first time period based on the change in the actual power demand in one day obtained by subtracting the electric energy generated by the solar power generation equipment from the actual power consumption.

[0143] Furthermore, in the first time period, the control unit 60 drives the refrigeration fan 25 while the compressor 30 is stopped, thereby performing a cooling operation for releasing the cold energy stored in the refrigeration regenerator 51B.

[0144] Furthermore, the control unit 60 drives the compressor 30 to perform the interior cooling operation in a third time period set in advance after the first time period.

[0145] [2-2. Action]

[0146] Fig. 9 This is a sequence diagram showing the operation of refrigerator 1 in the second embodiment.

[0147] like Fig. 9 As shown, the control unit 60 performs normal operation before a preset second time period before the area where the actual power demand increases sharply, based on the daily change in the actual power demand obtained by subtracting the electric energy generated by the solar power generation equipment from the actual power consumption.

[0148] During normal operation, the compressor 30 is driven to deliver the refrigerant to the freezing cooler 24 via the condenser 31. While the refrigerant is flowing in the freezing cooler 24, the freezing fan 25 is driven to cause the air in the freezer chamber 13 to flow from the bottom to the top of the freezing pipe 21, thereby exchanging heat with the refrigerant in the freezing cooler 24 and being cooled, and then returning to the freezer chamber 13.

[0149] Thus, the freezing chamber 13 is cooled, and the freezing cold storage material 51B is also cooled by the refrigerant flowing in the freezing cooler 24. At this time, the damper 27 is opened, and the cold air passing through the freezing cooler 24 is sent to the refrigeration duct 20 to cool the refrigeration chamber 12. When the refrigeration chamber 12 is cooled to a predetermined temperature, the damper 27 is closed, and only the freezing chamber 13 is cooled.

[0150] The refrigerating chamber 12 is cooled by controlling the opening and closing of a damper 27 disposed upstream of the refrigerating duct 20 , so that cold air passing through the freezing cooler 24 is sent to the refrigerating duct 20 , thereby cooling the refrigerating chamber 12 .

[0151] When the freezing chamber 13 is cooled to a set temperature (eg, −18° C.), and when the refrigerating chamber 12 is lower than a set temperature (eg, 4° C.), the compressor 30 is stopped.

[0152] Next, when the second time period before the first time period comes, the control unit 60 starts the cold storage operation.

[0153] In the cold storage operation, the compressor 30 is driven to allow the refrigerant to flow to the refrigeration cooler 24, and the freezer compartment 13 is cooled by the refrigeration cooler 24, and the cold storage material 51B is cooled.

[0154] This control is performed until the freezing rate of the regenerator material 51B for freezing reaches approximately 100%.

[0155] When the cool storage operation in the second time period is completed and the first time period begins, the control unit 60 starts the cool release operation.

[0156] The cooling operation stops the compressor 30. The control unit 60 controls the rotation speed of the refrigeration fan 25 to a low rotation operation lower than that during normal operation based on the internal temperatures of the freezer compartment 13 and the refrigerator compartment 12, and controls the opening and closing of the damper 27, thereby adjusting the cooling amount, and performing the cooling operation while suppressing overcooling of the refrigerator compartment 12.

[0157] Furthermore, similarly to Embodiment 1, when the temperature inside the refrigerator compartment 12 is higher than 6°C, or the temperature inside the freezer compartment 13 is higher than -18°C for a predetermined period of time (e.g., 10 minutes), the cooling operation is terminated and the cooling operation inside the compartment is started without waiting for the end of the first time period.

[0158] When the cooling operation is completed after the first time period has elapsed, the control unit 60 starts the in-compartment cooling operation.

[0159] During the in-store cooling operation, the compressor 30 is driven and the refrigerant is delivered to the freezing cooler 24 , the freezing fan 25 is driven to exchange heat between the refrigerant in the freezing cooler 24 and the air in the freezer compartment 13 , thereby cooling the freezer compartment 13 , and the damper 27 is opened and closed to cool the refrigerator compartment 12 .

[0160] When the interior temperatures of the refrigerating room 12 and the freezing room 13 are cooled to a predetermined temperature, the interior cooling operation is terminated and the operation is shifted to the normal operation.

[0161] [2-3. Effects, etc.]

[0162] As described above, in this embodiment, the compressor 30, the refrigeration cooler 24 (cooler), the refrigeration fan 25 (blower), the refrigeration cold storage material 51B (cold storage material) that is cooled by the cooler, and the control unit 60 that controls the compressor 30 and the refrigeration fan 25 are included. The control unit 60 drives the compressor 30 to store cold in the refrigeration cold storage material 51B during the in-store cooling, based on the change in the actual power demand in one day obtained by subtracting the electric energy generated by the solar power generation equipment from the actual power consumption. In the second time period that is set in advance of the area where the actual power demand increases sharply, the control unit 60 drives the refrigeration fan 25 to perform the cooling operation of releasing the cold energy stored in the refrigeration cold storage material 51B in the first time period that is the area where the actual power demand increases sharply after the second time period.

[0163] Thus, in the first time period which is a region where the actual power demand increases sharply in the so-called duck curve phenomenon, the cold energy stored in the cold storage material 51B for freezing is released to cool the refrigerating chamber 12 and the freezing chamber 13, thereby reducing the power consumption in the region where the actual power demand increases sharply. Therefore, when the cold storage 1 is installed in a region where the duck curve phenomenon becomes a problem, the duck curve phenomenon can be alleviated.

[0164] (Implementation 3)

[0165] [3-1. Structure]

[0166] Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0167] Fig.10 This is a schematic cross-sectional view schematically showing refrigerator 1 according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

[0168] like Fig.10 As shown, in the present embodiment, the refrigerating cooler 22 is provided with the cold storage material 51A, but in the present embodiment, the freezing cooler 24 is not provided with the cold storage material.

[0169] [3-2. Action]

[0170] Fig.11 This is a sequence diagram showing the operation of refrigerator 1 in the third embodiment.

[0171] like Fig.11 As shown, the control unit 60 performs normal operation before a preset second time period before the area where the actual power demand increases sharply, based on the daily change in the actual power demand obtained by subtracting the electric energy generated by the solar power generation equipment from the actual power consumption.

[0172] During normal operation, the compressor 30 is driven to send the refrigerant to the refrigerating cooler 22 or the freezing cooler 24 via the condenser 31. While the refrigerant is flowing in the refrigerating cooler 22 or the freezing cooler 24, the refrigerating fan 23 or the freezing fan 25 is driven to cool the refrigerating chamber 12 or the freezing chamber 13.

[0173] At this time, the cold storage material 51A for refrigeration is also cooled by the refrigerant flowing through the cooler 22 for refrigeration.

[0174] Next, when the second time period before the first time period comes, the control unit 60 starts the cold storage operation.

[0175] In the cold storage operation, the compressor 30 is driven, and first, the three-way valve 33 is switched to the freezing cooler 24 side, so that the refrigerant flows to the freezing cooler 24, and the freezing chamber 13 is cooled by the freezing cooler 24. This operation continues until the freezing chamber 13 reaches a predetermined temperature (e.g., -26°C) or for a predetermined time (e.g., 2 hours).

[0176] Thereafter, the three-way valve 33 is switched to the refrigerating cooler 22 side, and the refrigerating chamber 12 is cooled by the refrigerating cooler 22, and the refrigerating regenerator 51A is cooled. This control is continued until the freezing rate of the refrigerating regenerator 51A reaches approximately 100%.

[0177] In addition, when the cold storage material 51A for refrigeration is storing cold, control is performed as follows: the rotation speed of the refrigeration fan 23 is controlled based on the temperature inside the refrigeration room 12, and the rotation speed is reduced and driven when it is lower than the set temperature, and when the temperature inside the refrigeration room 12 is 1.5° C. or lower, the refrigeration fan 23 is stopped. In this case, the temperature of the cold storage material 51A for refrigeration is reduced, so the cold storage of the cold storage material 51A for refrigeration can be performed at the same time.

[0178] When the cool storage operation in the second time period is completed and the first time period begins, the control unit 60 starts the cool release operation.

[0179] The cooling operation stops the compressor 30. The control unit 60 controls the rotation speed of the refrigeration fan 23 to operate at a low speed or intermittently based on the internal temperature of the refrigeration room 12 detected by the refrigeration room temperature sensor 61.

[0180] The refrigeration fan 25 is stopped. Thus, heat exchange between the refrigeration cooler 24 and the air in the freezer compartment 13 is suppressed.

[0181] Furthermore, similarly to Embodiment 1, when the temperature inside the refrigerator compartment 12 is higher than 6°C, or the temperature inside the freezer compartment 13 is higher than -18°C for a predetermined period of time (e.g., 10 minutes), the cooling operation is terminated and the cooling operation inside the compartment is started without waiting for the end of the first time period.

[0182] When the cooling operation is completed after the first time period has elapsed, the control unit 60 starts the in-compartment cooling operation.

[0183] In the in-compartment cooling operation, the compressor 30 is driven to send the refrigerant to the refrigerating cooler 22 or the freezing cooler 24 , thereby cooling the refrigerating room 12 or the freezing room 13 .

[0184] When the interior temperatures of the refrigerating room 12 and the freezing room 13 are cooled to a predetermined temperature, the interior cooling operation is terminated and the operation is shifted to the normal operation.

[0185] [3-3. Effects, etc.]

[0186] As described above, the present embodiment includes the compressor 30, the refrigerating cooler 22 and the freezing cooler 24 (cooler), the refrigerating fan 23 and the freezing fan 25 (blower), the refrigerating cold storage material 51A (cold storage material) that is stored cold by the cooling of the refrigerating cooler 22, and the control unit 60 that controls the compressor 30, the refrigerating fan 23 and the freezing fan 25. The control unit 60 drives the compressor 30 to store cold in the cold storage material 51A during the internal cooling, based on the duck curve phenomenon that represents the change in the actual power demand obtained by subtracting the electric energy generated by the solar power generation device from the actual power consumption, based on the duck curve phenomenon that represents the change in the actual power demand during the day, in the second time period that is preset before the area where the actual power demand increases sharply. The control unit 60 drives the refrigerating fan 23 to release the cold energy stored in the cold storage material 51A in the first time period that is the area where the actual power demand increases sharply after the second time period, and the control unit 60 stops the compressor 30.

[0187] Thus, in the first time period, which is the area where the actual power demand increases sharply, the cold energy stored in the cold storage material 51A for refrigeration is released to cool the refrigerating chamber 12, so that the power consumption in the area where the actual power demand increases sharply can be reduced. Therefore, the sharp increase in the actual power demand of the cold storage 1 can be alleviated.

[0188] (Implementation 4)

[0189] [4-1. Structure]

[0190] Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0191] Fig.12 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view schematically showing refrigerator 1 according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. In this embodiment, refrigerating cooler 22 is not used, and both freezing chamber 13 and refrigerating chamber 12 are cooled by freezing cooler 24 alone.

[0192] like Fig.12 As shown, in the present embodiment, the cold storage material 51 is not provided in the refrigeration cooler 24 .

[0193] [4-2. Action]

[0194] Fig.13 It is a sequence chart showing the operation of refrigerator 1 in the fourth embodiment.

[0195] like Fig.13 As shown, the control unit 60 performs normal operation before a preset second time period before the area where the actual power demand increases sharply, based on the daily change in the actual power demand obtained by subtracting the electric energy generated by the solar power generation equipment from the actual power consumption.

[0196] During normal operation, the compressor 30 is driven to deliver the refrigerant to the freezing cooler 24 via the condenser 31. While the refrigerant is flowing in the freezing cooler 24, the freezing fan 25 is driven to cause the air in the freezer chamber 13 to flow from the bottom to the top of the freezing pipe 21, thereby exchanging heat with the refrigerant in the freezing cooler 24 and being cooled, and then returning to the freezer chamber 13.

[0197] When the freezing chamber 13 is cooled to a predetermined temperature (−18° C.), the damper 27 is opened to send the cold air that has passed through the freezing cooler 24 to the refrigerating duct, thereby cooling the refrigerating chamber 12 .

[0198] Next, when the second time period before the first time period comes, the control unit 60 starts the cold storage operation.

[0199] The cold storage operation drives the compressor 30 to flow the refrigerant to the refrigeration cooler 24, and the freezer compartment is cooled by the refrigeration cooler 24. This operation continues until the freezer compartment 13 reaches a temperature (e.g., -26°C) lower than the set temperature (-18°C) or for a predetermined time (e.g., 2 hours).

[0200] The internal parts (such as storage boxes) and the inner walls of the freezer are cooled to -26°C, and the internal parts and the inner walls of the freezer are used as cold storage mechanisms to store cold energy. In addition, the food stored in the freezer 13 is also cooled to the same temperature, so the food can be used as a cold storage mechanism to store cold.

[0201] When the cool storage operation in the second time period is completed and the first time period begins, the control unit 60 starts the cool release operation.

[0202] The cooling operation stops the compressor 30. The control unit 60 controls the opening and closing of the damper 27 based on the internal temperature of the refrigerating room 12 detected by the refrigerating room temperature sensor 61.

[0203] Freezing fan 25 is stopped. Thus, freezer compartment 13 can maintain the interior temperature of the freezer compartment at or below the set temperature (-18°C) by cooling the interior components cooled to -26°C as a cold storage mechanism, the interior walls of the freezer compartment, and the food.

[0204] Also, similarly to the first embodiment, when the temperature inside the refrigerator compartment 12 is higher than 6° C., or the temperature inside the freezer compartment 13 is higher than −18° C. for a predetermined period of time (eg, 10 minutes), the cooling operation is terminated.

[0205] When the cooling operation is completed after the first time period has elapsed, the control unit 60 starts the in-compartment cooling operation.

[0206] During the in-store cooling operation, the compressor 30 is driven to deliver refrigerant to the freezing cooler 24 so that the refrigerant in the freezing cooler 24 exchanges heat with the air in the freezer compartment 13 , thereby cooling the freezer compartment 13 , and the damper 27 is controlled to open and close to cool the refrigerator compartment 12 .

[0207] When the interior temperatures of the refrigerating room 12 and the freezing room 13 are cooled to a predetermined temperature, the interior cooling operation is terminated and the operation is shifted to the normal operation.

[0208] [4-3. Effects, etc.]

[0209] As described above, the present embodiment includes a compressor 30, a refrigeration cooler 24 (cooler), a refrigeration fan 25 (blower), and a control unit 60 for controlling the compressor 30 and the refrigeration fan 25. The control unit 60 drives the compressor 30 to cool the interior of the warehouse to a temperature below a predetermined temperature in a pre-set second time period before the area where the actual power demand increases sharply, based on the change in the actual power demand in one day obtained by subtracting the power generated by the solar power generation equipment from the actual power consumption. The control unit 60 drives the refrigeration fan 25 to release the stored cold energy in a first time period after the second time period, which is an area where the actual power demand increases sharply, while stopping the compressor 30.

[0210] Thus, in the first time period, which is the area where the actual power demand increases sharply, the refrigerating chamber 12 and the freezing chamber 13 are cooled by releasing the stored cold energy, so that the power consumption in the area where the actual power demand increases sharply can be reduced. Therefore, when the cold storage 1 is set in an area where the sharp increase in the actual power demand becomes a problem, the sharp increase in the actual power demand can be alleviated.

[0211] (Implementation method 5)

[0212] Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0213] Fig.14 This is a schematic diagram showing a control system of a cooling device in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0214] like Fig.14 As shown, in the present modification, refrigerator 1 is configured to be able to communicate with control unit 60 and power company server 70 via cloud server 71 .

[0215] The electric power company determines whether the area where the actual power demand is increasing sharply has changed based on the amount of change in the actual power demand in one day obtained by subtracting the electric energy generated by the solar power generation equipment from the actual power consumption.

[0216] As a pre-set first time period that is earlier than the area where the actual electricity demand increases sharply, for example, when the time period from 17:00 to 20:00 is set, when the power company determines that the area where the actual electricity demand increases sharply is changed to, for example, the time period from 16:00 to 19:00, the power company server 70 sends the notice to the control unit 60 of the cold storage 1 via the cloud server 71.

[0217] When there is a change in the area where the actual power demand from power company server 70 increases sharply, control unit 60 of refrigerator 1 resets the first time period from 16:00 to 19:00.

[0218] The control unit 60 resets the second time zone and the third time zone respectively according to the reset of the first time zone.

[0219] Control unit 60 controls refrigerator 1 based on the reset first to third time periods. Control of refrigerator 1 based on the first to third time periods is the same as that of the first to third embodiments described above.

[0220] As described above, in implementation mode 5, the power company determines changes in the area where the actual electricity demand increases sharply, and sends the determination result to the cold storage 1. Thus, through the cold storage 1, the area where the actual electricity demand increases sharply can be set more accurately, and the electricity consumption in the area where the actual electricity demand increases sharply can be reduced.

[0221] (Implementation 6)

[0222] Next, a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0223] Fig.15 This is a schematic diagram showing a control system of a cooling device in Embodiment 6 of the present invention.

[0224] like Fig.15 As shown, in this embodiment, similarly to Embodiment 5, refrigerator 1 is configured to be able to communicate with control unit 60 and power company server 70 via cloud server 71 .

[0225] Furthermore, the cooling system of the present modification includes a terminal device 72 capable of communicating with the control unit 60 and the power company server 70 via the cloud server 71. The terminal device 72 is carried by the user of the refrigerator 1.

[0226] The cloud server 71 is configured to communicate with the power company server 70 so that, for an area (first time period) where actual power demand increases sharply as pre-set by the power company server 70, a notification is sent to the terminal device 72 before a specified time (e.g., 1 hour) of a pre-set second time period, and the user can choose whether to execute control of the cold storage 1 based on the pre-set first time period, second time period, and third time period.

[0227] Furthermore, when the user selects, through the terminal device 72 , to perform control based on the area where the actual power demand increases sharply, the selection result is transmitted to the control unit 60 .

[0228] When the user selects execution, control unit 60 controls refrigerator 1 based on the first time period, the second time period, and the third time period. When the user selects not to execute, normal operation is continued.

[0229] As described above, in Embodiment 6, cloud server 71 notifies terminal device 72 at a predetermined time (e.g., 1 hour) before the preset second time period, and the user can choose whether to execute control of cold storage 1 based on the preset first to third time periods.

[0230] Thus, depending on the daily situation, when the input load to the cold storage is large in the area (first time period) where the actual power demand increases sharply, it is possible to avoid setting according to the user's situation.

[0231] (Implementation 7)

[0232] Next, a seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0233] The structure of the embodiment 7 is the same as that of the embodiment 6, and the Fig.15 Provide explanation.

[0234] Fig.15 The structure is the same as that of Implementation 6, and the description is omitted.

[0235] Similar to Implementation 5, when the area where the actual power demand increases sharply (first time period) changes, the power company server 70 sends the changed area to the cloud server 71, and the cloud server 71 sends the judgment result of whether the area where the actual power demand increases sharply changes to the control unit 60 and terminal device 72 of the cold storage 1.

[0236] When a change in the area where the actual power demand increases sharply is sent from the cloud server 71 to the terminal device 72, the user can choose whether to control according to the new area where the actual power demand increases sharply sent from the power company server 70, or to control according to the area where the actual power demand increases sharply set in the cold storage 1.

[0237] Furthermore, when the user selects, through the terminal device 72 , to perform control based on the area where the actual power demand has suddenly increased, the selection result is transmitted to the control unit 60 .

[0238] The control unit 60 resets the area where the new actual power demand increases sharply as the first time period.

[0239] The control unit 60 resets the second time zone and the third time zone respectively according to the reset of the first time zone.

[0240] On the other hand, when the user does not select control based on the new area with a sharp increase in actual power demand sent from the power company server 70 through the terminal device 72, but selects control based on the area with a sharp increase in actual power demand pre-set in the cold storage 1, the control unit 60 controls the cold storage 1 based on the pre-set first time period to third time period.

[0241] Thus, in Embodiment 7, the power company sends the result of determining the change of the area where the actual power demand increases sharply to the cold storage 1 and the terminal device 72, and the user can select whether to perform control based on the new area where the actual power demand increases sharply sent from the power company server 70 or to perform control based on the area where the actual power demand increases sharply set in advance in the cold storage 1. Therefore, control can be performed based on the area where the actual power demand increases sharply in accordance with the user's wishes.

[0242] (Other Embodiments)

[0243] As described above, as an illustration of the technology disclosed in this application, embodiments 1 to 7 are described. However, the technology in the present invention is not limited thereto, and can also be applied to embodiments that have been changed, replaced, added, omitted, etc. In addition, the various components described in the above embodiments 1 to 7 can also be combined as a new embodiment.

[0244] (Note)

[0245] The following technology is disclosed through the description of the above embodiments.

[0246] (Technology 1) A cooling device comprising a compressor, a cooler, a fan, a cold storage mechanism that stores cold through cooling by the cooler; and a control unit that controls the compressor and the fan, wherein the control unit, based on a daily change in actual power demand obtained by subtracting electric energy generated by renewable energy from actual power consumption, performs a cold storage operation of driving the compressor to store cold in the cold storage mechanism during in-storage cooling in a predetermined second time period that is earlier than an area where the actual power demand increases sharply, and performs a cooling release operation of driving the fan to release the cold energy stored in the cold storage mechanism in a first time period that is an area where the actual power demand increases sharply after the second time period, with the compressor stopped.

[0247] According to this structure, in the first time period which is the area where the actual power demand increases sharply, the cold energy stored in the cold storage mechanism is released to cool the refrigerator and freezer, so that the power consumption in the area where the actual power demand increases sharply can be reduced. Therefore, when the cold storage is set in the time period of the area where the actual power demand increases sharply and in the area where the duck curve phenomenon becomes a problem, the sharp increase in the actual power demand can be alleviated.

[0248] (Technique 2) According to the cooling device described in Technique 1, the control unit drives the compressor to perform the in-compartment cooling operation in a third time period set in advance after the first time period.

[0249] According to this configuration, the cooling operation is performed in the first time period, and when the internal temperatures of the refrigerating room and the freezing room rise, the refrigerating room and the freezing room can be quickly cooled.

[0250] (Technique 3) The cooling device according to Technique 1 or Technique 2, wherein the area where the actual power demand increases sharply is a preset time period in the evening.

[0251] According to this configuration, by setting the area where the actual power demand increases sharply to the evening when power consumption is concentrated, such as during meal preparation, the power consumption in the area where the actual power demand increases sharply can be reduced.

[0252] (Technique 4) The cooling device according to Technique 1 or Technique 2, wherein the area where the actual power demand increases sharply is a preset time period in the early morning.

[0253] According to this configuration, by setting the area where the actual power demand increases sharply to the early morning when power consumption is concentrated, such as during meal preparation, the power consumption in the area where the actual power demand increases sharply can be reduced.

[0254] (Technique 5) The cooling device according to any one of Techniques 1 to 4, wherein the cooler is a refrigeration cooler for cooling a refrigeration chamber.

[0255] According to this configuration, the cold storage mechanism can store cold using the refrigeration cooler, and the cold storage mechanism can be used to perform a cooling operation.

[0256] (Technique 6) A cooling device according to any one of Techniques 1 to 4, wherein the cooler is a freezing cooler for cooling a freezing chamber.

[0257] According to this configuration, the cold storage mechanism can store cold using the refrigeration cooler, and a cooling operation can be performed using the cold storage mechanism.

[0258] (Technique 7) According to the cooling device described in any one of Techniques 1 to 7, the above-mentioned control unit performs the defrosting operation in a time period other than the above-mentioned first time period, the above-mentioned second time period, and the third time period.

[0259] According to this configuration, by executing the defrosting operation in a time period other than the first time period, the second time period, and the third time period, melting of the cold storage mechanism due to defrosting during the cooling operation can be suppressed, and the cooling operation using the cold storage mechanism can be performed efficiently.

[0260] (Technique 8) According to the cooling device described in any one of Techniques 1 to 7, when the cold storage operation in the second time period is performed, the in-store cooling is performed by cooling the freezer compartment before cooling the refrigerator compartment.

[0261] According to this structure, the refrigerator compartment is cooled to the internal temperature of the refrigerator compartment to prevent freezing, and even if the temperature undershoots, it will not drop below 0°C. On the other hand, the freezer compartment has no lower limit temperature, so the overcooling (deep cooling) becomes larger. Therefore, even if it is overcooled, the sensible heat can be stored in the cold storage mechanism.

[0262] (Technique 9) A method for operating a cooling device, wherein the cooling device includes a compressor, a cooler, a fan, and a cold storage mechanism that stores cold through cooling by the cooler, and based on a one-day change in actual power demand obtained by subtracting electric energy generated by renewable energy from actual power consumption, in a predetermined second time period that is earlier than an area where the actual power demand increases sharply, a cold storage operation is performed in which the compressor is driven to store cold in the cold storage mechanism during in-storage cooling, and in a first time period that is an area where the actual power demand increases sharply after the second time period, a cooling release operation is performed in which the fan is driven to release the cold energy stored in the cold storage mechanism while the compressor is stopped.

[0263] According to this structure, in the first time period which is the area where the actual power demand increases sharply, the cold energy stored in the cold storage mechanism is released to cool the refrigerator and freezer, so that the power consumption in the area where the actual power demand increases sharply can be reduced. Therefore, when the cold storage is set in an area where the duck curve phenomenon becomes a problem, the duck curve phenomenon can be alleviated.

[0264] (Technique 10) The method for operating the cooling device according to Technique 9, wherein the compressor is driven to perform the in-store cooling operation in a third time period set in advance after the first time period.

[0265] According to this configuration, the cooling operation is performed in the first time period, and when the internal temperatures of the refrigerating room and the freezing room rise, the refrigerating room and the freezing room can be quickly cooled.

[0266] (Technology 11) A control system for a cooling device, comprising a server device owned by an electric power company that manages electric power demand, and a control unit that can communicate with the above-mentioned server device and control the operation of the cooling device, the above-mentioned control unit performs a cold storage operation of driving a compressor to store cold in a cold storage mechanism in internal cooling based on the change in actual electric power demand in one day obtained by subtracting electric energy generated by renewable energy from actual power consumption, in a pre-set second time period before an area where the actual electric power demand increases sharply, and performs a cooling operation of driving a fan to release the cold energy stored in the above-mentioned cold storage mechanism while stopping the above-mentioned compressor in a first time period that is an area where the actual electric power demand increases sharply after the above-mentioned second time period, and in a case where a change in the area where the actual electric power demand increases sharply is sent from the above-mentioned server device, the area where the actual electric power demand increases sharply, i.e., the above-mentioned first time period, is changed to perform the above-mentioned cold storage operation and the cooling operation.

[0267] According to this structure, the power company determines the changes in the area where the actual power demand increases sharply and sends the determination result to the control unit, thereby enabling the control unit to more accurately set the area where the actual power demand increases sharply, thereby reducing the power consumption in the area where the actual power demand increases sharply.

[0268] (Technology 12) A control system for a cooling device according to Technology 11, further comprising a terminal device carried by a user of the cooling device and capable of communicating with the server device or the control unit. When a change in an area where actual power demand sharply increases is sent from the server device to the terminal device, the user can select through the terminal device whether to control based on the new area where actual power demand sharply increases sent from the server device or based on an area where actual power demand sharply increases pre-set in the control unit. The control unit performs control based on the area where actual power demand sharply increases selected by the terminal device.

[0269] According to this structure, the power company sends the result of determining the change of the area where the actual power demand increases sharply to the control unit and the terminal device, and the user can select whether to control based on the new area where the actual power demand increases sharply sent from the server device or based on the area where the actual power demand increases sharply set in the control unit in advance. Therefore, it is possible to control based on the area where the actual power demand increases sharply that meets the user's wishes.

[0270] Industrial Applicability

[0271] The present invention can reduce the electricity consumption in areas where the actual electricity demand increases sharply. When the cold storage is set in the time period of the area where the actual electricity demand increases sharply or in the area where the duck curve phenomenon becomes a problem, it can be appropriately utilized as a cold storage that can alleviate the sharp increase in the actual electricity demand.

[0272] Description of Reference Numerals

[0273] 1 Cold Storage

[0274] 10 Main Body

[0275] 11 Divider

[0276] 12. Cold Room

[0277] 13 Freezer

[0278] 14 Refrigerator door

[0279] 15 Freezer door

[0280] 20 Refrigeration pipes

[0281] 21 Refrigeration pipes

[0282] 22 Refrigeration cooler

[0283] 23 Refrigeration fan

[0284] 24 Refrigeration cooler

[0285] 25 Refrigeration fan

[0286] 26 Heater

[0287] 27 Air door

[0288] 30 Compressor

[0289] 31 Condenser

[0290] 32 Refrigerant piping

[0291] 33 Three-way valve

[0292] 34 Expansion mechanism

[0293] 35 Expansion mechanism

[0294] 40 Refrigerant conducting parts

[0295] 41 Flat tube

[0296] 51 Cold storage material

[0297] 60 Control Department

[0298] 70 Power Company Server

[0299] 71 Cloud Server

[0300] 72 terminal devices.

Claims

1. A cooling device, characterized in that: include: The invention comprises a compressor, a cooler, a fan, a cold storage mechanism capable of storing cold when the cooler cools the compressor, and a control unit for controlling the compressor and the fan. The control unit, Based on a daily change in actual power demand obtained by subtracting electric energy generated by renewable energy from actual power consumption, a cold storage operation is performed in which the compressor is driven to store cold in the cold storage mechanism during internal cooling in a second time period set in advance of a region where the actual power demand increases sharply. In a first time period which is a region where actual power demand increases sharply after the second time period, a cooling operation is performed in which the fan is driven to release cold energy stored in the cold storage mechanism while the compressor is stopped.

2. The cooling device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The control unit drives the compressor to perform a cooling operation in the storage compartment in a third time period set in advance after the first time period.

3. The cooling device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The area where the actual power demand increases sharply is a preset evening time period.

4. The cooling device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The area where the substantial power demand increases sharply is a preset time period in the early morning.

5. The cooling device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cooler is a refrigeration cooler for cooling a refrigeration chamber.

6. The cooling device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cooler is a refrigeration cooler for cooling a freezing chamber.

7. The cooling device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The control unit performs the defrosting operation in a time period other than the first time period, the second time period, and the third time period.

8. The cooling device according to claim 1, characterized in that: When the cold storage operation in the second time period is performed, the in-compartment cooling is performed by cooling the freezer compartment before cooling the refrigerator compartment.

9. A method for operating a cooling device, characterized in that: The cooling device includes a compressor, a cooler, a fan, and a cold storage mechanism capable of storing cold when cooled by the cooler. Based on a daily change in actual power demand obtained by subtracting electric energy generated by renewable energy from actual power consumption, a cold storage operation is performed in which a compressor is driven to store cold in a cold storage mechanism during internal cooling in a second time period set in advance of a region where actual power demand increases sharply. In a first time period which is a region where actual power demand increases sharply after the second time period, a cooling operation is performed in which the fan is driven to release cold energy stored in the cold storage mechanism while the compressor is stopped.

10. The operating method of the cooling device according to claim 9, characterized in that: In a third time period set in advance after the first time period, the compressor is driven to perform a cooling operation inside the storage compartment.

11. A control system for a cooling device, characterized in that: include: Server devices owned by power companies that manage electricity demand; and a control unit capable of communicating with the server device and controlling the operation of the cooling device, The control unit, Based on a daily change in actual power demand obtained by subtracting electric energy generated by renewable energy from actual power consumption, a cold storage operation is performed in which a compressor is driven to store cold in a cold storage mechanism during in-store cooling in a second time period that is preset before an area where actual power demand increases sharply, and a cooling operation is performed in which a fan is driven to release cold energy stored in the cold storage mechanism while the compressor is stopped in a first time period that is an area where actual power demand increases sharply after the second time period. When a change of the area where the actual power demand increases sharply is transmitted from the server device, the first time period as the area where the actual power demand increases sharply is changed, and the cool storage operation and the cool release operation are performed.

12. The control system of the cooling device according to claim 11, characterized in that: It also includes a terminal device, which is carried by a user of the cooling device and can communicate with the server device or the control unit. When a change in the area where the actual power demand increases sharply is sent from the server device to the terminal device, the user can select through the terminal device whether to control based on the new area where the actual power demand increases sharply sent from the server device or based on the area where the actual power demand increases sharply set in advance in the control unit. The control unit performs control based on the area where the actual power demand increases sharply, which is selected by the terminal device.

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