Control system and refrigerating system

Abstract

The control unit (33) derives, on the basis of priority information that indicates the priority of each of the plurality of cooling units (50), first information that can be used to derive the cooling capacity required for each of the plurality of cooling units (50), and second information that can be used to derive the capacity that can actually be exhibited by the heat source unit (40), the priority information indicating the priority of each of the plurality of cooling units (50), the first information being used to derive the cooling capacity required for each of the plurality of cooling units (50), and the second information being used to derive the capacity that can actually be exhibited by the heat source unit (40). Control information for controlling the cooling operation of each of the plurality of cooling units (50) such that the cooling unit (50) having a high priority among the plurality of cooling units (50) can preferentially perform the cooling operation is output.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a control system and a refrigeration system. Background Technology

[0002] Patent document 1 discloses a refrigeration device including a refrigeration unit and multiple display cases. The refrigeration unit is equipped with a first compressor, a first heat exchanger, and a refrigeration controller. The display cases are equipped with an expansion valve, an evaporator, and a display case controller. The first compressor, the first heat exchanger, the expansion valve, and the evaporator constitute a first refrigeration cycle loop for cooling the display cases.

[0003] The display case controller adjusts the opening of the expansion valve based on the temperature difference between the refrigerant at the evaporator outlet and inlet. This cools the interior of the display case to a predetermined temperature. Conversely, when the pressure on the low-pressure side of the first refrigeration cycle circuit falls below a predetermined value, the refrigeration controller stops the operation of the first compressor.

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2013-011423 Summary of the Invention

[0007] -The technical problem the invention aims to solve-

[0008] In the refrigeration device of Patent Document 1, the refrigeration unit controller operates independently without considering the required cooling capacity of each display case. Furthermore, when the actual capacity of the refrigeration unit decreases, the cooling capacity of each display case decreases uniformly. Therefore, it is impossible to control the cooling action of each display case to ensure that specific display cases requiring cooling are prioritized.

[0009] - Technical solutions used to solve technical problems -

[0010] The first aspect of this disclosure relates to a control system applied to a refrigeration device 20, the refrigeration device 20 having a refrigerant circuit 25 including a heat source unit 40 and a plurality of cooling units 50, wherein a refrigeration cycle is performed by circulating refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit 25, the heat source unit 40 having a compression mechanism 42 and a heat exchanger 43, and the plurality of cooling units 50 each having an evaporator 52 and performing or stopping cooling operations based on the difference between the temperature of the object being cooled and a set temperature, the control system including a control unit 33 controlling the refrigeration device 20, the control unit 33 based on priority information, first information, and... The second information is output as control information, which is used to control the cooling action of each of the plurality of cooling units 50, so that the cooling unit 50 with higher priority among the plurality of cooling units 50 can perform cooling action with priority over the cooling unit 50 with lower priority. The priority information indicates the priority of each of the plurality of cooling units 50. The first information can be used to derive the required cooling capacity in each of the plurality of cooling units 50, and the second information can be used to derive the actual capacity that can be exerted in the heat source unit 40.

[0011] In the first aspect, based on the first information, the required cooling capacity of each of the plurality of cooling units 50 can be derived. Furthermore, based on the second information, the actual capacity that can be utilized in the heat source unit 40 can be derived. Moreover, taking into account both the "required cooling capacity of each of the plurality of cooling units 50" and the "actual capacity that can be utilized in the heat source unit 40," control information is output that "controls the cooling operation of each of the plurality of cooling units 50 so that the cooling unit 50 with higher priority among the plurality of cooling units 50 can perform cooling operation preferentially over the cooling unit 50 with lower priority." Thus, for example, even when the capacity of the heat source unit 40 is insufficient, the cooling unit requiring cooling can be prioritized for operation.

[0012] A second aspect of this disclosure is that, based on the control system of the first aspect, each of the plurality of cooling units 50 has a display case 50a, and the air inside the display case 50a is cooled during the cooling operation, wherein the priority of each of the plurality of cooling units 50 is set according to the type of items stored in the display case 50a of the cooling unit 50.

[0013] According to the second aspect, the priority of the cooling unit 50 can be appropriately set according to the category of the items stored in the display case 50a of the cooling unit 50. Therefore, processing based on the priority of the cooling unit 50 can be performed appropriately.

[0014] A third aspect of this disclosure is that, based on the control system of the first or second aspect, when the capacity corresponding to the sum of the cooling capacities required in each of the plurality of cooling units 50 is greater than the capacity that can actually be utilized in the heat source unit 40, the control unit 33 outputs the control information.

[0015] According to the third aspect, when the actual capacity of the heat source unit 40 is insufficient, based on the aforementioned control information, the cooling action of each of the multiple cooling units 50 can be controlled, allowing the higher-priority cooling unit 50 to perform its cooling action before the lower-priority cooling unit 50. Therefore, even when the capacity of the heat source unit 40 is insufficient, the cooling capacity of the higher-priority cooling unit 50 can be easily ensured.

[0016] A fourth aspect of this disclosure is that, based on the control system of the third aspect, the control information is information for controlling the cooling action of each of the plurality of cooling units 50, such that a cooling unit 50 with lower priority among the plurality of cooling units 50 stops its cooling action before a cooling unit 50 with higher priority.

[0017] According to the fourth aspect, based on the aforementioned control information, the cooling action of each of the multiple cooling units 50 can be controlled, such that the cooling unit 50 with lower priority among the multiple cooling units 50 stops its cooling action before the cooling unit 50 with higher priority. Therefore, even if the heat source unit 40 has insufficient capacity, the cooling capacity of the cooling unit 50 with higher priority among the multiple cooling units 50 can be easily ensured.

[0018] The fifth aspect of this disclosure is that, based on the control system of the third or fourth aspect, the control information is information for controlling the cooling action of each of the plurality of cooling units 50, such that a higher priority cooling unit 50 among the plurality of cooling units 50 can prioritize ensuring cooling capacity over a lower priority cooling unit 50.

[0019] According to the fifth aspect, based on the aforementioned control information, the cooling action of each of the multiple cooling units 50 can be controlled, so that the cooling unit 50 with higher priority among the multiple cooling units 50 can ensure cooling capacity more preferentially than the cooling unit 50 with lower priority. Therefore, even if the capacity of the heat source unit 40 is insufficient, the cooling capacity of the cooling unit 50 with higher priority among the multiple cooling units 50 can be easily ensured.

[0020] A sixth aspect of this disclosure is that, based on the control system of any one of the third to fifth aspects, the first information includes information related to a representative value of the cooling capacity of each of the plurality of cooling units 50, i.e., representative cooling capacity, and the sum of the cooling capacities required in each of the plurality of cooling units 50 is the sum of the representative cooling capacities of each of the plurality of cooling units 50.

[0021] According to the sixth aspect, based on the sum of the representative cooling capacities of each of the multiple cooling units 50, it is possible to appropriately determine whether the capacity of the heat source unit 40 is insufficient. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately process the output control information.

[0022] The seventh aspect of this disclosure is that, based on the control system of any one of the third to fifth aspects, the control unit 33 outputs control information based on the priority information, the first information, the second information, and the third information, wherein the third information represents the temperature of the object to be cooled in each of the plurality of cooling units 50 and the set temperature, the first information includes information that can be used to derive a predicted value of the cooling capacity required in each of the plurality of cooling units 50, i.e., predicted cooling capacity, and the sum of the cooling capacities required in each of the plurality of cooling units 50 is the sum of the predicted cooling capacities of each of the plurality of cooling units 50.

[0023] According to the seventh aspect, based on the sum of the predicted cooling capacities of each of the multiple cooling units 50, it is possible to appropriately determine whether the capacity of the heat source unit 40 is insufficient. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately process the output control information.

[0024] The eighth aspect of this disclosure is that, based on the control system of any one of the first to seventh aspects, the priority includes a first priority and a second priority lower than the first priority, wherein the first priority is a priority set for a cooling unit 50 among the plurality of cooling units 50 that prohibits the forced cessation of the cooling operation, and the second priority is a priority set for a cooling unit 50 among the plurality of cooling units 50 that allows the forced cessation of the cooling operation.

[0025] According to the eighth aspect, the multiple cooling units 50 can be classified into: cooling units 50 that can be forcibly stopped from cooling operation when the heat source unit 40 is insufficient, and cooling units 50 that do not stop cooling operation even when the heat source unit 40 is insufficient. Therefore, when the heat source unit 40 is insufficient, the process of selecting "the cooling unit 50 that is forcibly stopped from cooling operation" from the multiple cooling units 50 can be performed smoothly.

[0026] The ninth aspect of this disclosure relates to a refrigeration system comprising a control system according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, the refrigeration device 20, and an adjustment unit 35 capable of adjusting the flow rate of refrigerant to each of the plurality of cooling units 50, the adjustment unit 35 operating based on the control information.

[0027] According to the ninth aspect, by enabling the regulating unit 35, which is capable of adjusting the flow rate of refrigerant according to each cooling unit 50 based on control information, control based on the priority of each cooling unit 50 (control according to the cooling action of each cooling unit 50) can be performed. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 This is a piping system diagram illustrating the structure of the refrigeration system according to an embodiment.

[0029] Figure 2 This is a block diagram showing the connections of various parts in the refrigeration system according to an embodiment.

[0030] Figure 3 This is a simplified diagram showing the structure of the cooling unit.

[0031] Figure 4 This is a graph showing the relationship between the categories and priorities of the items stored in the cooling unit.

[0032] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating the first heat source processing of the control system.

[0033] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating the first utilization process of the control system.

[0034] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating the cooling capacity control of the control system.

[0035] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating the second heat source processing of the control system.

[0036] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating the second utilization process of the control system.

[0037] Figure 10 This is a piping system diagram illustrating the structure of a modified refrigeration system according to an embodiment.

[0038] Figure 11 This is a block diagram showing the connections of various parts in a refrigeration system according to a modified embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0039] The embodiments will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that identical or corresponding parts in the drawings are labeled with the same symbols and will not be described again.

[0040] (Implementation Method)

[0041] Figure 1 The structure of the refrigeration system 10 according to the embodiment is shown. The refrigeration system 10 includes a refrigeration device 20, a control system 30 applied to the refrigeration device 20, and an adjustment unit 35.

[0042] [Refrigeration equipment]

[0043] The refrigeration unit 20 has a heat source unit 40 and multiple cooling units 50. The multiple cooling units 50 have identical structures. The cooling units 50 constitute refrigeration equipment such as display cases, cold storage rooms, and freezers, cooling the interior of the refrigeration equipment. For example, the heat source unit 40 is located outdoors, while the cooling units 50 are located indoors.

[0044] The heat source unit 40 includes a heat source circuit 41, a heat source fan 45, and a heat source control unit 46. The heat source circuit 41 has a compression mechanism 42 and a heat source heat exchanger 43. Each of the plurality of cooling units 50 includes a utilization circuit 51, a utilization fan 55, and a utilization control unit 56. The utilization circuit 51 has a utilization heat exchanger 52 and a utilization expansion valve 53.

[0045] The heat source circuit 41 of the heat source unit 40 is connected to the utilization circuit 51 of the multiple cooling units 50 via a gas connection pipe 21 and a liquid connection pipe 22. In this example, the utilization circuits 51 of the multiple cooling units 50 are connected in parallel with the heat source circuit 41 of the heat source unit 40. Specifically, the gas-side end of the heat source circuit 41 is connected to the gas connection pipe 21, the liquid-side end of the heat source circuit 41 is connected to the liquid connection pipe 22, the gas-side end of the utilization circuit 51 is connected to the gas connection pipe 21, and the liquid-side end of the utilization circuit 51 is connected to the liquid connection pipe 22.

[0046] In this manner, the heat source circuit 41 of the heat source unit 40 is connected to the utilization circuit 51 of the multiple cooling units 50, thereby forming a refrigerant circuit 25. The refrigerant circuit 25 includes the heat source unit 40 and the multiple cooling units 50. A refrigerant is filled in the refrigerant circuit 25. For example, the refrigerant can be a natural refrigerant such as carbon dioxide, or other refrigerants. The refrigeration device 20 performs a refrigeration cycle by circulating the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit 25.

[0047] <Compression Mechanism>

[0048] The compression mechanism 42 draws in refrigerant, compresses the drawn-in refrigerant, and sprays it out. The inlet of the compression mechanism 42 is connected to one end of the gas connection pipe 21 through a refrigerant pipeline.

[0049] In this example, the compression mechanism 42 is composed of a compressor. The inlet of the compression mechanism 42 is the compressor's suction port, and the outlet of the compression mechanism 42 is the compressor's discharge port. For example, the compressor constituting the compression mechanism 42 is a rotary compressor having an electric motor and a compression mechanism driven by the electric motor. Alternatively, the compressor constituting the compression mechanism 42 is a variable capacity compressor with adjustable speed (operating frequency).

[0050] <Heat source fan>

[0051] A heat source fan 45 is positioned near a heat source heat exchanger 43 to supply heat source air to the heat source heat exchanger 43. For example, the heat source air is outdoor air.

[0052] <Heat source heat exchanger>

[0053] The heat source heat exchanger 43 facilitates heat exchange between the refrigerant flowing within it and the heat source air supplied to it. For example, the heat source heat exchanger 43 is a finned tube heat exchanger. The gas-side end of the heat source heat exchanger 43 is connected to the outlet of the compression unit 42 via a refrigerant pipe. The liquid-side end of the heat source heat exchanger 43 is connected to one end of the liquid connection pipe 22 via a refrigerant pipe. In this example, the heat source heat exchanger 43 functions as a heat exchanger.

[0054] <Heat Source Sensor>

[0055] A heat source sensor 60 is provided in the heat source unit 40 to detect various physical quantities in each part of the heat source unit 40. For example, the heat source sensor 60 includes various sensors such as pressure sensors and temperature sensors. Examples of physical quantities detected by the heat source sensor 60 include: the pressure and temperature of the high-pressure side (high-pressure refrigerant) of the refrigerant circuit 25, the pressure and temperature of the low-pressure side (low-pressure refrigerant) of the refrigerant circuit 25, the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant in the heat source heat exchanger 43, and the temperature of the air drawn into the heat source unit 40. The heat source sensor 60 sends a detection signal indicating the detection result to the heat source control unit 46.

[0056] <Heat Source Control Department>

[0057] The heat source control unit 46 is connected to various parts of the heat source unit 40 via signal lines. For example... Figure 2 As shown, in this example, the heat source control unit 46 is connected to the compression mechanism 42, the heat source fan 45, the heat source sensor 60, etc. Furthermore, the heat source control unit 46 receives signals sent from outside the heat source unit 40. Then, based on the detection signal from the heat source sensor 60 and the signals sent from outside the heat source unit 40, the heat source control unit 46 controls each part of the heat source unit 40. Thus, the operation of the heat source unit 40 is controlled.

[0058] For example, the heat source control unit 46 has a processor and a memory electrically connected to the processor, which stores programs and information used to make the processor work. Various functions of the heat source control unit 46 are implemented by the processor executing the programs.

[0059] <Using a fan>

[0060] A fan 55 is positioned near the heat exchanger 52 to supply usable air to the heat exchanger 52. For example, the usable air is air from the storage room.

[0061] <Using a heat exchanger>

[0062] Heat exchanger 52 is used to exchange heat between the refrigerant flowing in heat exchanger 52 and the working air supplied to heat exchanger 52. For example, heat exchanger 52 is a finned tube heat exchanger. The liquid side of heat exchanger 52 is connected to liquid connection pipe 22 via a refrigerant pipe. The gas side of heat exchanger 52 is connected to gas connection pipe 21 via a refrigerant pipe. In this example, heat exchanger 52 functions as an evaporator.

[0063] <Using an expansion valve>

[0064] An expansion valve 53 is installed on the refrigerant line between the liquid side of the heat exchanger 52 and the liquid connection pipe 22. The opening of the expansion valve 53 is adjustable. For example, the expansion valve 53 is an electric valve.

[0065] <Using Sensors>

[0066] The cooling unit 50 is equipped with sensors 70 for detecting various physical quantities in different parts of the cooling unit 50. For example, the sensors 70 include various sensors such as pressure sensors and temperature sensors. Examples of physical quantities detected by the sensors 70 include: the pressure and temperature of the high-pressure side (high-pressure refrigerant) of the refrigerant circuit 25, the pressure and temperature of the low-pressure side (low-pressure refrigerant) of the refrigerant circuit 25, the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant in the heat exchanger 52, and the temperature of the air drawn into the cooling unit 50. The sensors 70 send detection signals indicating the detection results to the control unit 56. This controls the operation of the cooling unit 50.

[0067] In this example, sensor 70 includes an internal temperature sensor 71 and a superheat sensor 72. The internal temperature sensor 71 detects the temperature of the air inside the cooling unit 50, which is the object of cooling. The superheat sensor 72 detects the superheat of the refrigerant at the refrigerant outlet of the heat exchanger 52. For example, the superheat sensor 72 has an inlet temperature sensor that detects the refrigerant temperature at the refrigerant inlet of the heat exchanger 52, and an outlet temperature sensor that detects the refrigerant temperature at the refrigerant outlet of the heat exchanger 52. The difference between the refrigerant temperatures detected by the inlet temperature sensor and the outlet temperature sensor corresponds to the superheat of the refrigerant at the refrigerant outlet of the heat exchanger 52.

[0068] <Utilizing the Control Department>

[0069] The control unit 56 is connected to various parts of the cooling unit 50 via signal lines. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the control unit 56 is connected to the expansion valve 53, the fan 55, the sensor 70, and the like. Furthermore, the control unit 56 receives signals transmitted from outside the cooling unit 50. Then, based on the detection signals from the sensor 70 and the signals transmitted from outside the cooling unit 50, the control unit 56 controls each part of the cooling unit 50.

[0070] For example, the control unit 56 has a processor and a memory electrically connected to the processor, which stores programs and information for making the processor work. Various functions of the control unit 56 are realized by the processor executing the programs.

[0071] [Structure of the cooling unit]

[0072] Figure 3 The structure of the cooling unit 50 is shown. In this example, the cooling unit 50 has a display case 50a. The cooling unit 50 cools the air (air inside the display case) inside the display case 50a during the cooling operation.

[0073] The display case 50a forms an internal storage space 50b and an air passage 50c. The internal storage space 50b is a space with one open side (the front in this example). In this example, multiple shelves are provided in the internal storage space 50b for displaying the items stored in the internal storage space 50b.

[0074] The air passage 50c has an intake 50d and an exhaust 50e that open into the storage space 50b. The intake 50d and exhaust 50e are formed in the display case 50a along the periphery of the open surface of the storage space 50b. In this example, the intake 50d is formed in the lower part of the display case 50a, and the exhaust 50e is formed in the upper part of the display case 50a.

[0075] A fan 55 and a heat exchanger 52 are arranged in the air passage 50c. The fan 55 generates an airflow within the air passage 50c that flows from the intake 50d through the fan 55 and the heat exchanger 52 to the outlet 50e. Thus, air drawn into the air passage 50c from the storage space 50b through the intake 50d is cooled in the heat exchanger 52, which acts as an evaporator, and is then blown out of the air passage 50c into the storage space 50b through the outlet 50e. Furthermore, an air curtain is formed at the open surface of the storage space 50b by the airflow from the outlet 50e to the intake 50d.

[0076] Temperature sensor 71 and temperature sensor 81 (described later) are arranged near the inlet 50d to detect the temperature of the air drawn into the air passage 50c from the storage space 50b through the inlet 50d as the "temperature of the storage air".

[0077] [Operation of the refrigeration unit]

[0078] Next, refer to Figure 1 The operation of the refrigeration unit 20 will be explained.

[0079] In the heat source unit 40, the compression mechanism 42 and the heat source fan 45 operate. The heat source control unit 46 controls the compression mechanism 42 and the heat source fan 45.

[0080] Each of the multiple cooling units 50 performs or stops a cooling operation based on the difference between the temperature of the object being cooled and a set temperature. The cooling operation is the action performed to cool the air inside the cooling unit 50. In this example, the temperature of the object being cooled is the temperature of the air inside the cooling unit 50. The set temperature is a pre-set target temperature for the air inside the cooling unit.

[0081] Specifically, in the cooling unit 50, when the temperature inside the storage chamber detected by the internal temperature sensor 71 is higher than the set temperature, the control unit 56 controls the operation of the fan 55 and adjusts the opening of the expansion valve 53 to perform a cooling operation. While the cooling unit 50 is performing a cooling operation, the control unit 56 adjusts the opening of the expansion valve 53 to bring the superheat detected by the superheat sensor 72 to a preset target superheat. Furthermore, when the temperature inside the storage chamber detected by the internal temperature sensor 71 is not higher than the set temperature, the control unit 56 stops the fan 55 and fully closes the expansion valve 53 to stop the cooling operation.

[0082] [The flow of refrigerant during the operation of the refrigeration unit]

[0083] In the heat source unit 40, the refrigerant ejected from the compression mechanism 42 releases heat in the heat source heat exchanger 43, which acts as a heat releaser. The refrigerant flowing out of the heat source heat exchanger 43 flows into the liquid connection pipe 22. The refrigerant flowing into the liquid connection pipe 22 flows into the cooling unit 50, one of the multiple cooling units 50, which is performing a cooling operation.

[0084] In the cooling unit 50, which is performing a cooling operation, the refrigerant flowing into the cooling unit 50 from the liquid connection pipe 22 is depressurized using the expansion valve 53, and then evaporates in the heat exchanger 52, which serves as the evaporator. As a result, the air inside the storage unit is cooled. The refrigerant flowing out of the heat exchanger 52 flows into the heat source unit 40 through the gas connection pipe 21.

[0085] In the heat source unit 40, the refrigerant flowing into the heat source unit 40 from the gas connection pipe 21 is drawn into the compression mechanism 42 and compressed.

[0086] [Regulation Department]

[0087] The regulating unit 35 is configured to regulate the flow rate of refrigerant to each of the plurality of cooling units 50. In this example, the regulating unit 35 includes a plurality of regulating valves 36 corresponding to the plurality of cooling units 50.

[0088] Multiple regulating valves 36 have identical structures. The regulating valves 36 are connected between the liquid connection pipe 22 and the refrigerant inlet of the cooling unit 50 (specifically, via the liquid side of the circuit 51). In this example, the regulating valves 36 are electrically operated valves with adjustable opening. By adjusting the opening of the regulating valves 36, the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing in the cooling unit 50 is adjusted, thereby regulating the cooling capacity exerted in the cooling unit 50. Furthermore, by fully closing the regulating valves 36, the flow of refrigerant in the cooling unit 50 is stopped, thereby forcibly stopping the cooling operation of the cooling unit 50.

[0089] [Control System]

[0090] The control system 30 controls the refrigeration system 10. In this example, the control system 30 includes an information acquisition unit 31, a storage unit 32, and a control unit 33.

[0091] Information Acquisition Department

[0092] The information acquisition unit 31 acquires information related to the refrigeration system 10. The information acquired by the information acquisition unit 31 is sent to the control unit 33. For example, the information acquisition unit 31 includes various sensors such as pressure sensors and temperature sensors, a receiving unit for receiving information and data, and an operation unit for user input of information and data.

[0093] The information related to the refrigeration system 10 includes information related to the heat source unit 40 and information related to each of the plurality of cooling units 50. The information related to the heat source unit 40 includes "information that can be used to derive the actual capacity that can be achieved in the heat source unit 40". The information related to each of the plurality of cooling units 50 includes at least a portion of "information indicating the priority of each of the plurality of cooling units 50", "information that can be used to derive the required cooling capacity in each of the plurality of cooling units 50", and "information indicating the temperature and set temperature of the object being cooled in each of the plurality of cooling units 50".

[0094] Hereinafter, information indicating the priority of each of the multiple cooling units 50 will be referred to as "priority information". Information that can be used to derive the required cooling capacity in each of the multiple cooling units 50 will be referred to as "first information". Information that can be used to derive the actual capacity that can be performed in the heat source unit 40 will be referred to as "second information". Information indicating the temperature of the object being cooled in each of the multiple cooling units 50 and the set temperature will be referred to as "third information".

[0095] In this example, the information acquisition unit 31 includes multiple temperature sensors 81 corresponding to multiple cooling units 50. The multiple temperature sensors 81 have the same structure as each other. The temperature sensors 81 detect the internal temperature of the cooling units 50. The multiple temperature sensors 81 included in the information acquisition unit 31 detect the temperature of the object being cooled in each of the multiple cooling units 50 as part of third information. The temperature sensors 81 send detection signals indicating the detection results to the control unit 33.

[0096] <Storage Department>

[0097] The storage unit 32 stores various information and data related to the refrigeration system 10. Specifically, the storage unit 32 stores information related to the heat source unit 40, information related to each of the plurality of cooling units 50, information for control in the refrigeration system 10, data related to the operating status of the refrigeration device 20, etc.

[0098] In this example, the "information related to each of the plurality of cooling units 50" stored in the storage unit 32 includes priority information, first information, and the remaining "set temperature in each of the plurality of cooling units 50" as the third information. The "information related to the heat source unit 40" stored in the storage unit 32 includes second information.

[0099] It should be noted that the information and data stored in the storage unit 32 can be information and data input by the user, information and data automatically collected by the control unit 33, or new information and data generated based on the information and data automatically collected by the control unit 33 (such as information and data obtained through machine learning).

[0100] [Control Department]

[0101] The control unit 33 controls the refrigeration unit 20. In this example, the control unit 33 is connected to various parts of the refrigeration system 10 via signal lines. Figure 2 As shown, the control unit 33 is connected to the information acquisition unit 31 (in this example, multiple temperature sensors 35), the storage unit 32, the heat source control unit 46, and the adjustment unit 35 (in this example, multiple regulating valves 36). Furthermore, the control unit 33 receives signals transmitted from outside the refrigeration system 10 (not shown). Then, based on the information obtained from each part of the refrigeration system 10 and the signals transmitted from outside the refrigeration system 10, the control unit 33 controls the refrigeration system 10, which includes the refrigeration device 20.

[0102] For example, the control unit 33 has a processor and a memory electrically connected to the processor, which stores programs and information used to make the processor work. Various functions of the control unit 33 are realized by the processor executing the programs.

[0103] [Processing carried out by the control department]

[0104] Based on first information that can be used to derive the required cooling capacity in each of the plurality of cooling units 50, and third information indicating the temperature of the object being cooled in each of the plurality of cooling units 50 and the set temperature, the control unit 33 outputs information indicating the required capacity in the heat source unit 40. Hereinafter, the information indicating the required capacity in the heat source unit 40 will be referred to as "fourth information".

[0105] Furthermore, the control unit 33 outputs the fourth information to the heat source control unit 46 of the heat source unit 40. The heat source control unit 46 controls each part of the heat source unit 40 (specifically, the compression mechanism 42) based on the "capacity required in the heat source unit 40" indicated by the fourth information, thereby controlling the operation of the heat source unit 40. In this example, the higher the capacity required in the heat source unit 40, the higher the rotational speed of the compressor constituting the compression mechanism 42. In this way, the heat source unit 40 operates based on the fourth information (information indicating the capacity required in the heat source unit 40).

[0106] In this example, the first information includes information related to a representative value, or "representative cooling capacity," of the cooling capacity of each of the plurality of cooling units 50. The capacity required in the heat source unit 40 is the capacity corresponding to the sum of the representative cooling capacities of the cooling units 50 currently performing cooling operations. Then, based on the first and third information, the control unit 33 outputs fourth information, which represents the "capacity required in the heat source unit 40" corresponding to the sum of the representative cooling capacities of the cooling units 50 currently performing cooling operations.

[0107] Hereinafter, the processing related to the representative cooling capacity (the processing that outputs the fourth information) will be referred to as "first heat source processing". The representative cooling capacity will be explained in detail later.

[0108] Furthermore, in this example, the first information includes information that can be used to derive a predicted value, i.e., "predicted cooling capacity," for the cooling capacity required in each of the plurality of cooling units 50. The capacity required in the heat source unit 40 is the capacity corresponding to the sum of the predicted cooling capacities of each of the plurality of cooling units 50. Then, based on the first and third information, the control unit 33 outputs fourth information, which represents the "capacity required in the heat source unit 40" corresponding to the sum of the predicted cooling capacities of each of the plurality of cooling units 50.

[0109] Hereinafter, the processing related to the predicted cooling capacity (the processing of outputting the fourth information) will be referred to as "second heat source processing". The predicted cooling capacity will be explained in detail later. For example, the control unit 33 selectively performs first heat source processing and second heat source processing based on instructions from outside the refrigeration system 10.

[0110] Furthermore, the control unit 33 outputs control information for controlling the cooling operation of each of the multiple cooling units 50, based on priority information indicating the priority of each cooling unit 50 among the multiple cooling units 50, first information that can be used to derive the required cooling capacity of each cooling unit 50 among the multiple cooling units 50, and second information that can be used to derive the actual capacity that can be performed in the heat source unit 40. It should be noted that the control information is information used to control the cooling operation of each cooling unit 50 among the multiple cooling units 50, so that the cooling unit 50 with higher priority among the multiple cooling units 50 can perform cooling operation with priority over the cooling unit 50 with lower priority.

[0111] Furthermore, the control unit 33 outputs control information to the regulating unit 35. The regulating unit 35 operates based on the control information. Specifically, the control unit 33 outputs an opening adjustment signal corresponding to the control information to multiple regulating valves 36 contained in the regulating unit 35, thereby controlling the multiple regulating valves 36. The control of the regulating valves 36 will be explained in detail later.

[0112] In this example, when the total cooling capacity required in each of the multiple cooling units 50 is greater than the actual capacity that can be utilized in the heat source unit 40, the control unit 33 outputs control information.

[0113] It should be noted that, in this example, the control information is used to control the cooling action of each of the multiple cooling units 50, such that the cooling unit 50 with lower priority stops its cooling action before the cooling unit 50 with higher priority. Additionally, the control information is used to control the cooling action of each of the multiple cooling units 50, such that the cooling unit 50 with higher priority ensures its cooling capacity before the cooling unit 50 with lower priority.

[0114] Furthermore, in this example, the first information includes information related to a representative value, or "representative cooling capacity," of the cooling capacity of each of the plurality of cooling units 50. The sum of the required cooling capacity in each of the plurality of cooling units 50 is the sum of the representative cooling capacities of each of the plurality of cooling units 50. And, if the capacity corresponding to the sum of the representative cooling capacities of each of the plurality of cooling units 50 is greater than the capacity actually available in the heat source unit 40, the control unit 33 outputs control information.

[0115] Hereinafter, the processing related to the cooling capacity (processing of output control information) will be referred to as "first utilization processing".

[0116] Furthermore, in this example, the first information includes information that can be used to derive a predicted value, i.e., "predicted cooling capacity," for the cooling capacity required in each of the plurality of cooling units 50. The sum of the cooling capacities required in each of the plurality of cooling units 50 is the sum of the predicted cooling capacities of each of the plurality of cooling units 50. And, if the capacity corresponding to the sum of the predicted cooling capacities of each of the plurality of cooling units 50 is greater than the actual capacity that can be utilized in the heat source unit 40, the control unit 33 outputs control information.

[0117] Hereinafter, the processing related to the predicted cooling capacity (processing of output control information) will be referred to as "second utilization processing". For example, the control unit 33 selectively performs first utilization processing and second utilization processing based on instructions from outside the refrigeration system 10.

[0118] [Priority]

[0119] Next, refer to Figure 4 The priority of each of the multiple cooling units 50 is explained. The priority of a cooling unit 50 is set according to the cooling necessity of that cooling unit 50. The higher the cooling necessity of a cooling unit 50, the higher the priority set for that cooling unit 50.

[0120] In this example, the priority of each of the multiple cooling units 50 is set according to the category of items stored in the display case 50a of that cooling unit 50. Specifically, for each category of items intended to be stored in the display case 50a of the cooling unit 50, a priority is predetermined for the cooling unit 50 storing that category of items. The higher the cooling requirement of an item, the higher the priority of the cooling unit 50 storing that item.

[0121] Examples of storage categories include: frozen foods, lean meat, fresh fish, fruits and vegetables, and soft drinks. For instance, the need for cooling decreases in the following order: frozen foods, lean meat (or fresh fish), fruits and vegetables, and soft drinks.

[0122] exist Figure 4 In the example, the priority gradually decreases from "1" to "4". The cooling unit 50 for storing "frozen food" is assigned a priority of "1". The cooling unit 50 for storing "lean meat" is assigned a priority of "2". The cooling unit 50 for storing "fruits and vegetables" is assigned a priority of "3". The cooling unit 50 for storing "refreshing beverages" is assigned a priority of "4".

[0123] Furthermore, in this example, the priority includes a first priority and a second priority, which is lower than the first priority. The first priority is the priority set for the cooling unit 50 among the plurality of cooling units 50 that is prohibited from forcibly stopping the cooling operation. The second priority is the priority set for the cooling unit 50 among the plurality of cooling units 50 that is allowed to forcibly stop the cooling operation.

[0124] exist Figure 4 In the example, the priority "1" set for the cooling unit 50 that stores "frozen food" and the priority "2" set for the cooling unit 50 that stores "lean meat" are both first priorities. The cooling unit 50 that stores "frozen food" and the cooling unit 50 that stores "lean meat" are cooling units 50 that are prohibited from being forcibly stopped from cooling.

[0125] In addition, Figure 4 In the example, the priority "3" set for the cooling unit 50 that stores "fruits and vegetables" and the priority "4" set for the cooling unit 50 that stores "refreshing beverages" are both second priorities. The cooling unit 50 that stores "fruits and vegetables" and the cooling unit 50 that stores "refreshing beverages" are cooling units 50 that are allowed to forcibly stop the cooling operation.

[0126] [Priority setting]

[0127] In this example, when a category of items stored in the cooling unit 50 is specified, the control unit 33 responds to the specification by automatically setting the priority of the cooling unit 50 to "the priority corresponding to the specified category of items". Then, the control unit 33 records the priority setting result of the cooling unit 50 (which priority was set for which cooling unit 50) into the priority information stored in the storage unit 32.

[0128] For example, the storage unit 32 stores an information table (correspondence information) showing the correspondence between "the type of items stored in the cooling unit 50" and "the priority set for the cooling unit 50". When a user inputs an operation (e.g., a button operation) to the operation unit (not shown) to specify the type of items stored in the cooling unit 50, the control unit 33 checks the priority corresponding to the type of items specified by the operation from the information table stored in the storage unit 32. Then, the control unit 33 sets the priority of the cooling unit 50, whose type of items has been specified by the above operation, to "the priority checked from the information table".

[0129] [Capacity of the heat source unit]

[0130] Next, the capabilities of the heat source unit 40 will be explained. When the heat source unit 40 is functioning normally and without any abnormalities, its actual capability is the preset maximum capability (e.g., rated capability). However, if the heat source unit 40 malfunctions, its actual capability will be less than the preset maximum capability.

[0131] Examples of abnormalities in the heat source unit 40 as described above (the state in which the heat source unit 40 is unable to perform at its preset maximum capacity) include: abnormalities caused by external factors of the heat source unit 40, such as abnormal operating conditions of the refrigeration device 20, and abnormalities caused by internal factors of the heat source unit 40, such as malfunctions of its constituent elements.

[0132] Examples of abnormalities caused by external factors affecting the heat source unit 40 include a state where the operation of the compression mechanism 42 of the heat source unit 40 (specifically, the compressor speed) is limited because the pressure on the high-pressure side (high-pressure refrigerant) of the refrigerant circuit 25 is higher than a specified pressure. Examples of abnormalities caused by internal factors affecting the heat source unit 40 include a state where some of the compressors constituting the compression mechanism 42 malfunctions (e.g., fails).

[0133] Furthermore, the heat source control unit 46 derives the actual capabilities of the heat source unit 40 based on its operating status, such as whether there are any abnormalities. Then, the heat source control unit 46 sends this information, representing the actual capabilities of the heat source unit 40, to the control unit 33. The control unit 33 stores this information from the heat source control unit 46 into the storage unit 32.

[0134] Alternatively, the heat source control unit 46 sends information indicating the operating status of the heat source unit 40 to the control unit 33. Based on the information indicating the operating status of the heat source unit 40 sent from the heat source control unit 46, the control unit 33 derives the actual capabilities that the heat source unit 40 can perform. Then, the control unit 33 stores the information indicating the actual capabilities that the heat source unit 40 can perform in the storage unit 32.

[0135] The aforementioned "information indicating the actual capabilities of the heat source unit 40" and "information indicating the operating status of the heat source unit 40" are examples of information that can be used to derive the actual capabilities of the heat source unit 40.

[0136] [Cooling capacity of the cooling unit]

[0137] Next, the required cooling capacity in the cooling unit 50 will be explained. Hereinafter, the required cooling capacity in the cooling unit 50 will be referred to as "the cooling capacity of the cooling unit 50".

[0138] <First Cooling Capability>

[0139] The cooling capacity of the cooling unit 50 includes "the cooling capacity required in the cooling unit 50 to cool the object to be cooled". Hereinafter, the cooling capacity required in the cooling unit 50 to cool the object to be cooled will be referred to as "first cooling capacity".

[0140] The primary cooling capacity corresponds to the product of the "heat capacity of the cooling unit 50" and the "difference between the temperature of the object being cooled in the cooling unit 50 and the set temperature". Specifically, the larger their product, the greater the primary cooling capacity. It should be noted that the heat capacity of the cooling unit 50 is the amount of heat required to cause a unit temperature (1°C) change in the temperature of the object being cooled. The difference between the temperature of the object being cooled and the set temperature, more precisely, is the temperature difference obtained by subtracting the set temperature from the temperature of the object being cooled.

[0141] For example, when the cooling unit 50 is "a cooling unit 50 that cools the air inside the display case 50a", the heat capacity of the cooling unit 50 varies according to the product of "the amount of items stored in the display case 50a" and "the specific heat capacity of the items stored in the display case 50a". Specifically, the larger their product, the larger the heat capacity of the cooling unit 50. The "amount of items stored in the display case 50a" can be expressed as the product of "the cooling internal volume of the display case 50a (specifically, the volume of the storage space 50b)" and "the storage ratio of the items stored in the display case 50a (specifically, the ratio of the volume of the items to the volume of the storage space 50b)".

[0142] Based on the above, the first cooling capacity Q1 can be expressed as shown in Equation 1 below. In Equation 1, "V" is the internal cooling volume of display case 50a. "r1" is the storage rate of the items stored in display case 50a. "c" is the specific heat capacity of the items stored in display case 50a. "T1" is the internal temperature of display case 50a (the temperature of the object being cooled in cooling unit 50). "T0" is the set temperature.

[0143] [Formula 1]

[0144] It should be noted that the heat capacity of the cooling unit 50 is one example of static information (information that does not change depending on the operating conditions of the cooling unit 50) that can be used to derive the cooling capacity of the cooling unit 50. Specifically, the specific heat capacity of the items stored in the display case 50a, the cooling internal volume of the display case 50a, the quantity of items stored in the display case 50a, and the storage rate of the items stored in the display case 50a are examples of static information that can be used to derive the cooling capacity of the cooling unit 50.

[0145] In addition, the "difference between the temperature of the object being cooled in the cooling unit 50 and the set temperature" is information that can be derived from the third information representing the temperature of the object being cooled in the cooling unit 50 and the set temperature. It is dynamic information (information that changes according to the operating conditions of the cooling unit 50) that can be used to derive the cooling capacity of the cooling unit 50.

[0146] Furthermore, the specific heat capacity *c* of the items stored in display case 50a can be inferred based on the category of the items. Examples of categories of items include: frozen food, lean meat, fresh fish, fruits and vegetables, and soft drinks. Additionally, the category of items stored in display case 50a can be inferred based on the set temperature within display case 50a. For example, if the set temperature in display case 50a is "0°C," it can be inferred that the category of the items stored in display case 50a is "lean meat" or "fresh fish," and the specific heat capacity *c* of the items can be inferred to be the specific heat capacity corresponding to "lean meat" or "fresh fish."

[0147] It should be noted that the type of items stored in the display case 50a and the set temperature in the display case 50a are examples of static information (information that does not change depending on the operating conditions of the cooling unit 50) that can be used to derive the cooling capacity of the cooling unit 50.

[0148] For example, an information table that represents the correspondence between the above information (type of the stored item, set temperature, etc.) and the desired information (specific heat capacity c, heat capacity, cooling capacity, etc.) can be used to derive the desired information based on the above information.

[0149] <Second Cooling Capability>

[0150] In addition, the cooling capacity of the cooling unit 50 may include, in addition to the first cooling capacity, the "cooling capacity required due to heat absorption by the cooling unit 50". Hereinafter, the cooling capacity required due to heat absorption by the cooling unit 50 will be referred to as the "second cooling capacity".

[0151] The second cooling capacity corresponds to the product of three factors: the internal cooling volume of the cooling unit 50, the heat absorption rate of the cooling unit 50, and the temperature difference between the ambient temperature of the cooling unit 50 and the temperature of the object being cooled. Specifically, the larger the product, the greater the second cooling capacity. The heat absorption rate of the cooling unit 50 depends on its construction (the ease with which cold air can escape). The easier it is for cold air to escape from the cooling unit 50, the greater its heat absorption rate. The temperature difference between the ambient temperature and the temperature of the object being cooled is, more precisely, the temperature difference obtained by subtracting the temperature of the object being cooled from the ambient temperature.

[0152] For example, if the cooling unit 50 is a "cooling unit 50 for cooling the air inside the display case 50a", the heat absorption rate (the ease with which cold air escapes) of the cooling unit 50 depends on the type of the display case 50a.

[0153] When the display case 50a is a "closed type, such as a cold storage room," the heat absorption rate of the cooling unit 50 is relatively low. When the display case 50a is a "type with a glass door," the heat absorption rate of the cooling unit 50 is higher than that of the "closed type." When the display case 50a is an "open type without a door," the heat absorption rate of the cooling unit 50 is relatively high.

[0154] In addition, when the cooling unit 50 is "a cooling unit 50 that cools the air inside the display case 50a", the ambient temperature of the cooling unit 50 is "the temperature of the air inside the facility where the display case 50a is installed", and the temperature of the object cooled by the cooling unit 50 is "the temperature inside the display case 50a".

[0155] Based on the above, the second cooling capacity Q2 is expressed as shown in Equation 2 below. Furthermore, the cooling capacity Q of the cooling unit 50, which includes the first cooling capacity Q1 and the second cooling capacity Q2, is expressed as shown in Equation 3 below. In Equations 2 and 3, "r2" is the heat absorption rate of the cooling unit 50. "T2" is the temperature of the air inside the facility where the display case 50a is installed (the ambient temperature of the cooling unit 50).

[0156] [Formula 2]

[0157] It should be noted that the internal cooling volume of the cooling unit 50 and the heat absorption rate of the cooling unit 50 are examples of static information (information that does not change according to the operating conditions of the cooling unit 50) that can be used to derive the cooling capacity of the cooling unit 50. The difference between the ambient temperature of the cooling unit 50 and the temperature of the object being cooled is an example of dynamic information (information that changes according to the operating conditions of the cooling unit 50) that can be used to derive the cooling capacity of the cooling unit 50.

[0158] For example, an information table that represents the correspondence between the above information (such as the type of display case 50a) and the desired information (such as heat absorption rate and cooling capacity) can be used to derive the desired information based on the above information.

[0159] [Represents cooling capacity]

[0160] Next, the representative cooling capacity will be explained. The representative cooling capacity is a representative value of the cooling capacity of the cooling unit 50. The representative cooling capacity is the static cooling capacity that does not change based on the operating conditions of the cooling unit 50 (specifically, the difference between the temperature of the object being cooled and the set temperature).

[0161] The representative cooling capacity is set to the cooling capacity exerted by the cooling unit 50 when the operating condition of the cooling unit 50 is a preset condition. For example, the representative cooling capacity is set to the maximum cooling capacity (rated cooling capacity) that the cooling unit 50 can exert when the operating condition of the cooling unit 50 is a preset condition.

[0162] For example, the representative cooling capacity can also be set to a value corresponding to the first representative cooling capacity of the cooling unit 50 (the cooling capacity required to cool the object being cooled), namely, the "first representative cooling capacity". The first representative cooling capacity is a capacity corresponding to the representative value of the heat capacity of the cooling unit 50, namely, the "representative heat capacity". Specifically, the first representative cooling capacity can also be set to a capacity corresponding to the product of the "representative heat capacity of the cooling unit 50" and the "representative value of the difference between the temperature of the object being cooled in the cooling unit 50 and the set temperature (e.g., the expected maximum value)".

[0163] It should be noted that the representative heat capacity can also be set as the heat capacity corresponding to the product of "a representative value of the amount of items stored in display case 50a (e.g., the expected maximum value)" and "a representative value of the specific heat capacity c of the items stored in display case 50a". The first representative cooling capacity and the representative heat capacity are information that varies according to the amount and specific heat capacity of the items stored in display case 50a.

[0164] Furthermore, the representative value of the specific heat capacity c of the items stored in the display case 50a can also be set to the specific heat capacity of the items to be stored in the display case 50a as predetermined. Additionally, the representative value of the quantity of items stored in the display case 50a can also be set to a value corresponding to the product of "the cooling internal volume V of the display case 50a" and "the representative value of the storage rate r1 of the items stored in the display case 50a (e.g., the expected maximum value)".

[0165] Furthermore, the representative cooling capacity can also be set as a capacity corresponding to the representative value of the "first representative cooling capacity" and the second cooling capacity of the cooling unit 50 (the cooling capacity required due to the heat absorption of the cooling unit 50), namely, the "second representative cooling capacity". Specifically, the second representative cooling capacity can also be set as a capacity corresponding to the product of the "cooling internal volume V of the display case 50a", the "heat absorption rate of the display case 50a", and the "representative value (e.g., the expected maximum value) of the difference between the ambient temperature of the cooling unit 50 and the temperature of the object being cooled". The second representative cooling capacity is information that varies according to the construction of the display case 50a.

[0166] [First heat source treatment]

[0167] Next, refer to Figure 5 The first heat source processing performed by the control unit 33 will be explained. During the operation of the refrigeration system 10, the control unit 33 repeatedly performs... Figure 5 The processing is shown.

[0168] <Step S11>

[0169] The control unit 33 acquires first information (information that can be used to derive the required cooling capacity in each of the plurality of cooling units 50). In this example, the control unit 33 acquires the first information stored in the storage unit 32. It should be noted that the first information in the first heat source processing includes information related to the representative cooling capacity of each of the plurality of cooling units 50. Specifically, the first information includes the "representative cooling capacity (e.g., rated cooling capacity)" of each of the plurality of cooling units 50.

[0170] <Step S12>

[0171] The control unit 33 acquires third information (information indicating the temperature of the object being cooled in each of the plurality of cooling units 50 and the set temperature). In this example, the control unit 33 acquires the "temperature of the object being cooled in each of the plurality of cooling units 50 (the temperature inside the display case 50a)" as part of the third information obtained by the plurality of temperature sensors 81, and the remaining "set temperature of each of the plurality of cooling units 50 (the target value of the temperature inside the display case)" as part of the third information stored in the storage unit 32.

[0172] <Step S13>

[0173] Based on the third information obtained in step S12, the control unit 33 determines whether there is a "cooling unit 50 that is currently performing a cooling operation" among the multiple cooling units 50. For example, the control unit 33 determines whether there is a cooling unit 50 whose "temperature of the object being cooled (temperature inside the display case 50a)" obtained in step S12 is higher than the "set temperature (target value of the temperature inside the display case)". If there is a cooling unit 50 that is currently performing a cooling operation, the process in step S14 is performed; otherwise, the process in step S16 is performed.

[0174] <Step S14>

[0175] When there is a cooling unit 50 performing a cooling operation, the control unit 33 derives the required capacity in the heat source unit 40 based on the representative cooling capacity of each of the multiple cooling units 50 performing a cooling operation.

[0176] In this example, the control unit 33 extracts the sum of the representative cooling capabilities of each cooling unit 50 that is performing a cooling operation from the "representative cooling capabilities of each of the plurality of cooling units 50" obtained in step S11, and determines the extracted sum of representative cooling capabilities as the "capacity required in the heat source unit 40".

[0177] <Step S15>

[0178] Next, the control unit 33 outputs the information (fourth information) derived in step S14, representing the "capacity required in the heat source unit 40," to the heat source unit 40. Thus, the heat source unit 40 operates in a manner that fulfills the "capacity required in the heat source unit 40" derived in step S14. Specifically, the heat source control unit 46 controls each part of the heat source unit 40 (specifically, controls the compression mechanism 42) to fulfill the "capacity required in the heat source unit 40" represented by the fourth information.

[0179] <Step S16>

[0180] On the other hand, if there is no cooling unit 50 performing cooling operations in step S13, the control unit 33 outputs information indicating that the heat source unit 40 has stopped (e.g., an information signal instructing the heat source unit 40 to stop) to the heat source unit 40. As a result, the heat source unit 40 stops operating. Specifically, in response to the "information indicating that the heat source unit 40 has stopped" output from the control unit 33, the heat source control unit 46 causes each part of the heat source unit 40 (specifically, the compression mechanism 42 and the heat source fan 45) to stop.

[0181] [First Utilization Process]

[0182] Next, refer to Figure 6 The first utilization process performed by the control unit 33 will be explained. During the operation of the refrigeration system 10, the control unit 33 repeatedly performs... Figure 6 The processing is shown.

[0183] <Step S21>

[0184] The control unit 33 acquires first information (information that can be used to derive the required cooling capacity in each of the plurality of cooling units 50). In this example, the control unit 33 acquires the first information stored in the storage unit 32. It should be noted that the first information in the first utilization process includes information related to the representative cooling capacity of each of the plurality of cooling units 50. Specifically, the first information includes the "representative cooling capacity (e.g., rated cooling capacity)" of each of the plurality of cooling units 50.

[0185] <Step S22>

[0186] The control unit 33 acquires second information (information used to derive the actual capabilities that can be achieved in the heat source unit 40). In this example, the control unit 33 acquires the second information stored in the storage unit 32.

[0187] <Step S23>

[0188] Based on the "representative cooling capacity of each of the plurality of cooling units 50" obtained in step S21, the control unit 33 derives the sum of the representative cooling capacity of each of the plurality of cooling units 50.

[0189] <Step S24>

[0190] In addition, based on the second information obtained in step S22, the control unit 33 derives the actual capabilities that can be achieved in the heat source unit 40.

[0191] <Step S25>

[0192] Next, the control unit 33 determines whether the actual capacity (actually usable capacity) of the heat source unit 40 is insufficient based on the "sum of representative cooling capacities of each of the plurality of cooling units 50" derived in step S23 and the "actual capacity that can be utilized in the heat source unit 40" derived in step S24. If the actual capacity of the heat source unit 40 is insufficient, the process in step S26 is performed; otherwise, the process ends.

[0193] For example, if the sum of the representative cooling capabilities of each of the multiple cooling units 50 is higher than the actual cooling capability that can be achieved in the heat source unit 40, the control unit 33 determines that the actual capability of the heat source unit 40 is insufficient.

[0194] <Step S26>

[0195] The control unit 33 performs cooling capacity control. In cooling capacity control, the control unit 33 outputs control information. It should be noted that, in this example, the control information is used to control the cooling action of each of the multiple cooling units 50, such that a lower-priority cooling unit 50 can stop its cooling action before a higher-priority cooling unit 50, and a higher-priority cooling unit 50 can ensure its cooling capacity before a lower-priority cooling unit 50.

[0196] Specifically, the control information includes stop information and assurance rate information. The stop information indicates the cooling unit 50 among the plurality of cooling units 50 that stops its cooling operation, and the assurance rate information indicates the assurance rate of the cooling capacity of the cooling unit 50 among the plurality of cooling units 50 that performs its cooling operation.

[0197] The adjustment unit 35 operates based on control information output from the control unit 33. As a result, the cooling operation of each of the plurality of cooling units 50 is controlled, such that a cooling unit 50 with lower priority among the plurality of cooling units 50 can stop its cooling operation before a cooling unit 50 with higher priority, and a cooling unit 50 with higher priority can ensure its cooling capacity before a cooling unit 50 with lower priority.

[0198] Specifically, the control unit 33 outputs a control signal corresponding to the stop information to the regulating valve 36 corresponding to the cooling unit 50 indicated by the stop information (a control signal to make the regulating valve 36 fully closed). As a result, refrigerant will not flow into the cooling unit 50 indicated by the stop information, and the cooling operation of the cooling unit 50 will stop.

[0199] Furthermore, the control unit 33 outputs a control signal corresponding to the assurance rate information (a control signal for adjusting the opening degree of the control valve 36) to the regulating valve 36 corresponding to the cooling unit 50 (the cooling unit 50 that performs the cooling operation) indicated by the assurance rate information. Specifically, the control unit 33 outputs a control signal to the regulating valve 36 in such a way that the higher the "assurance rate of cooling capacity in the cooling unit 50" indicated by the assurance rate information, the larger the opening degree of the regulating valve 36 corresponding to that cooling unit 50. As a result, the flow rate of refrigerant flowing to the cooling unit 50 indicated by the assurance rate information is adjusted, thereby adjusting the cooling capacity of the cooling unit 50. For example, when the assurance rate of cooling capacity in the cooling unit 50 is "100%", the regulating valve 36 corresponding to that cooling unit 50 is in a fully open state.

[0200] [Cooling capacity control]

[0201] Next, refer to Figure 7 Cooling capacity control performed by control unit 33 Figure 6 The process of step S26 shown will be explained.

[0202] <Step S31>

[0203] The control unit 33 determines whether there is a "cooling unit 50 that allows the cooling operation to be forcibly stopped" among the multiple cooling units 50 that are currently performing cooling operations. If there is a cooling unit 50 that allows the cooling operation to be stopped, the process in step S32 is performed; otherwise, the process in step S35 is performed.

[0204] In this example, the control unit 33 checks the priority of the cooling unit 50 that is performing the cooling operation from the priority information stored in the storage unit 32. Then, if there is a cooling unit 50 that is "set as the second priority" among the cooling units 50 that are performing the cooling operation, the control unit 33 determines that there is a cooling unit 50 that allows the cooling operation to be stopped.

[0205] <Step S32>

[0206] The control unit 33 identifies one of the cooling units 50 that is allowed to forcibly stop cooling operations as the "cooling unit 50 to be stopped". Figure 4 In the case of the priority shown, the control unit 33, for example, determines the cooling unit No. 4 that holds "cooled beverage water" as "cooling unit 50 that is scheduled to be stopped".

[0207] <Step S33>

[0208] Next, the control unit 33 determines whether stopping the cooling operation of the cooling unit 50, which is scheduled to be stopped, can resolve the insufficient capacity of the heat source unit 40. If the insufficient capacity of the heat source unit 40 can be resolved, the process proceeds to step S34; otherwise, it proceeds to step S31.

[0209] <Step S34>

[0210] Next, the control unit 33 outputs control information, which includes stop information for stopping the cooling unit 50 that was determined to be "the cooling unit 50 to be stopped" in step S32, to the adjustment unit 35.

[0211] <Step S35>

[0212] On the other hand, if there is no cooling unit 50 among the cooling units 50 that are performing cooling operations and which is allowed to forcibly stop the cooling operation, the control unit 33 outputs the "cooling capacity assurance rate" for each of the non-stop cooling units 50, so that the "actual capacity that the heat source unit 40 can perform" is allocated to each of the non-stop cooling units 50 according to a proportion corresponding to the priority set for the non-stop cooling units 50. It should be noted that the higher the priority of a cooling unit 50, the higher the cooling capacity assurance rate of that cooling unit 50, and the higher the capacity of the heat source unit 40 allocated to that cooling unit 50.

[0213] <Step S36>

[0214] Next, the control unit 33 outputs control information containing stop information and assurance rate information to the adjustment unit 35. The stop information is used to stop the cooling unit 50 that was determined to be "a cooling unit 50 to be stopped" in step S32. The assurance rate information represents the "assurance rate of cooling capacity in each cooling unit 50 among the non-stop cooling units 50" derived in step S35.

[0215] exist Figure 4 In the case of the indicated priority, the control information includes, for example, stop information indicating that cooling unit No. 3, which stores "fruits and vegetables," and cooling unit No. 4, which stores "refreshing beverages," should be stopped, and assurance rate information indicating the assurance rate of the cooling capacity of cooling unit No. 1, which stores "frozen food," and cooling unit No. 2, which stores "lean meat." Assurance rate information includes, for example, information indicating that the assurance rate of the cooling capacity in cooling unit No. 1, which stores "frozen food," is "100%," and information indicating that the assurance rate of the cooling capacity in cooling unit No. 2, which stores "lean meat," is "50%."

[0216] [Predicted cooling capacity]

[0217] Next, the predicted cooling capacity will be explained. The predicted cooling capacity is the predicted value of the cooling capacity of the cooling unit 50. The predicted cooling capacity is a dynamic cooling capacity that varies according to the operating conditions of the cooling unit 50 (specifically, the difference between the temperature of the object being cooled and the set temperature).

[0218] For example, the predicted cooling capacity can also be set to a capacity corresponding to the predicted value of the first cooling capacity, namely the "first predicted cooling capacity".

[0219] The first predicted cooling capacity is the capacity corresponding to the product of the representative value of the heat capacity of the cooling unit 50, i.e., the "representative heat capacity", and the "difference between the temperature of the object being cooled in the cooling unit 50 and the set temperature (actual temperature difference)". For example, the first predicted cooling capacity can also be set as the first cooling capacity Q1 obtained by substituting the "actual temperature difference (T1-T0)" into Equation 1, which has been substituted with the "cooling volume V", "capacity r1", and "specific heat capacity c" corresponding to the representative heat capacity of the cooling unit 50.

[0220] Alternatively, the first predicted cooling capacity may also be the capacity corresponding to the product of the predicted value of the heat capacity of the cooling unit 50, namely "predicted heat capacity" and "the difference between the temperature of the object being cooled in the cooling unit 50 and the set temperature (actual temperature difference)".

[0221] The predicted heat capacity can also be set as the heat capacity corresponding to the product of "the actual value of the amount of items stored in display case 50a" and "the representative value (e.g., the expected maximum value) or the actual value of the specific heat capacity c of the items stored in display case 50a". Alternatively, the predicted heat capacity can also be set as the heat capacity corresponding to the product of "the representative value (e.g., the expected maximum value) or the actual value of the amount of items stored in display case 50a" and "the actual value of the specific heat capacity c of the items stored in display case 50a". The first predicted cooling capacity is a capacity corresponding to at least one of the amount of items stored in display case 50a and the specific heat capacity.

[0222] For example, the first predicted cooling capacity can also be set as the first cooling capacity Q1 obtained by substituting "actual storage ratio r1", "actual specific heat capacity c", and "actual temperature difference (T1-T0)" into Equation 1, which has been substituted into "cooling internal volume V" corresponding to the structure of the cooling unit 50.

[0223] Alternatively, the predicted cooling capacity can also be set to a capacity corresponding to the predicted value of the "first predicted cooling capacity" and the second cooling capacity of the cooling unit 50 (the cooling capacity required due to the heat absorption of the cooling unit 50), namely the "second predicted cooling capacity". Specifically, the second predicted cooling capacity can also be set to a capacity corresponding to the product of the "cooling internal volume V of the display case 50a", the "heat absorption rate of the display case 50a", and the "difference between the ambient temperature of the cooling unit 50 and the temperature of the object being cooled (actual temperature difference)". For example, the second predicted cooling capacity can also be set to a second cooling capacity Q2 obtained by substituting the "cooling internal volume V" and "heat absorption rate r2" corresponding to the structure of the display case 50a into Equation 2.

[0224] [Second heat source treatment]

[0225] Next, refer to Figure 8 The second heat source processing performed by the control unit 33 will be explained. During the operation of the refrigeration system 10, the control unit 33 repeatedly performs... Figure 8 The process is shown below. In the second heat source process, the following steps S41, S44, and S45 are performed instead of steps S11 and S14 in the first heat source process. It should be noted that the remaining steps S42, S43, S46, and S47 of the second heat source process are the same as steps S12, S13, S15, and S16 of the first heat source process, respectively, and therefore are omitted from the description.

[0226] <Step S41>

[0227] The control unit 33 acquires first information (information that can be used to derive the required cooling capacity in each of the plurality of cooling units 50). In this example, the control unit 33 acquires the first information stored in the storage unit 32. The first information in the second heat source processing includes information that can be used to derive the predicted cooling capacity of each of the plurality of cooling units 50. For example, the first information includes the "representative heat capacity" of each of the plurality of cooling units 50. Next, the processing in step S42 is performed.

[0228] <Step S44>

[0229] If there is a cooling unit 50 performing a cooling operation in step S43, the control unit 33 derives the predicted cooling capacity of each of the plurality of cooling units 50 based on the first information obtained in step S41 and the third information obtained in step S42.

[0230] For example, for each of the multiple cooling units 50, the control unit 33 determines the product of the "representative heat capacity" of the cooling unit 50 and the "difference between the temperature of the object being cooled and the set temperature (actual temperature difference)" as the predicted cooling capacity of the cooling unit 50.

[0231] <Step S45>

[0232] Next, the control unit 33 derives the required capacity in the heat source unit 40 based on the "predicted cooling capacity of each of the plurality of cooling units 50" derived in step S44. Then, the process in step S46 is performed.

[0233] For example, the control unit 33 outputs the sum of the "predicted cooling capacity of each of the plurality of cooling units 50" exported in step S44, and determines the sum of the predicted cooling capacity as the "capacity required in the heat source unit 40".

[0234] [Second Utilization Process]

[0235] Next, refer to Figure 9 The second utilization process performed by the control unit 33 will be explained. During the operation of the refrigeration system 10, the control unit 33 repeatedly performs... Figure 9 The process is shown below. In the second utilization process, the following steps S51, S53, and S55 are performed to replace steps S21, S23, and S25 in the first utilization process. It should be noted that the remaining steps S52, S54, and S56 of the second utilization process are the same as steps S22, S24, and S26 of the first utilization process, respectively, and therefore are omitted from the description.

[0236] <Step S51>

[0237] The control unit 33 acquires first information (information that can be used to derive the required cooling capacity in each of the plurality of cooling units 50) and third information (information indicating the temperature of the object being cooled and the set temperature in each of the plurality of cooling units 50). It should be noted that the first information in the second utilization process includes information that can be used to derive the predicted cooling capacity of each of the plurality of cooling units 50. For example, the first information includes the "representative heat capacity" of each of the plurality of cooling units 50. Next, the process in step S52 is performed.

[0238] In this example, the control unit 33 acquires the first information stored in the storage unit 32. In addition, the control unit 33 acquires the "temperature of the object being cooled in each of the multiple cooling units 50 (the internal temperature of the display case 50a)" as part of the third information obtained by the multiple temperature sensors 81, and the "set temperature of each of the multiple cooling units 50 (the target value of the internal temperature)" as the remaining part of the third information stored in the storage unit 32.

[0239] <Step S53>

[0240] Based on the first information and the third information obtained in step S51, the control unit 33 derives the predicted cooling capacity of each of the multiple cooling units 50. Next, the processing in step S54 is performed.

[0241] For example, for each of the multiple cooling units 50, the control unit 33 determines the product of the "representative heat capacity" of the cooling unit 50 and the "difference between the temperature of the object being cooled and the set temperature (actual temperature difference)" as the predicted cooling capacity of the cooling unit 50.

[0242] <Step S55>

[0243] Based on the "sum of predicted cooling capacity of each of the multiple cooling units 50" derived in step S53 and the "actual capacity that can be utilized in the heat source unit 40" derived in step S54, the control unit 33 determines whether the actual capacity (actual capacity that can be utilized) of the heat source unit 40 is insufficient. If the actual capacity of the heat source unit 40 is insufficient, the process in step S56 is performed; otherwise, the process ends.

[0244] For example, if the sum of the predicted cooling capacity of each of the multiple cooling units 50 is higher than the actual capacity that can be utilized in the heat source unit 40, the control unit 33 determines that the actual capacity of the heat source unit 40 is insufficient.

[0245] [Effects of the Implementation Method]

[0246] As described above, in the refrigeration system 10 of the embodiment, the control unit 33 outputs control information for controlling the cooling operation of each of the plurality of cooling units 50 based on priority information indicating the priority of each of the plurality of cooling units 50, first information that can be used to derive the required cooling capacity in each of the plurality of cooling units 50, and second information that can be used to derive the actual capacity that can be performed in the heat source unit 40, so that the cooling unit 50 with higher priority among the plurality of cooling units 50 can perform cooling operation preferentially over the cooling unit 50 with lower priority.

[0247] Based on the above structure, the required cooling capacity of each of the plurality of cooling units 50 can be derived based on the first information. Furthermore, based on the second information, the actual capacity that can be utilized in the heat source unit 40 can be derived. Moreover, taking into account both the "required cooling capacity of each of the plurality of cooling units 50" and the "actual capacity that can be utilized in the heat source unit 40," control information is output that "controls the cooling action of each of the plurality of cooling units 50 so that the cooling unit 50 with higher priority among the plurality of cooling units 50 can perform cooling actions with priority over the cooling unit 50 with lower priority."

[0248] It should be noted that in conventional refrigeration devices (such as the refrigeration device in Patent Document 1), when the "actual capacity that can be performed in the heat source unit 40" is insufficient compared to the "required cooling capacity in each of the multiple cooling units 50," the capacity of each of the multiple cooling units 50 will uniformly decrease, thus preventing the cooling units containing frozen foods, fresh foods, etc., from being cooled preferentially. On the other hand, in the refrigeration system 10 of the embodiment, according to the above-described structure, even when the capacity of the heat source unit 40 is insufficient, the cooling units that should be cooled can be operated preferentially.

[0249] Furthermore, in the refrigeration system 10 of the embodiment, the priority of each of the plurality of cooling units 50 is set according to the type of items stored in the display case 50a of that cooling unit 50.

[0250] Based on the above structure, the priority of the cooling unit 50 can be appropriately set according to the category of the items stored in the display case 50a of the cooling unit 50. Therefore, processing based on the priority of the cooling unit 50 can be performed appropriately.

[0251] Furthermore, in the refrigeration system 10 of the embodiment, if the capacity corresponding to the sum of the cooling capacities required in each of the plurality of cooling units 50 is greater than the capacity that can actually be utilized in the heat source unit 40, the control unit 33 outputs control information.

[0252] Based on the above structure, when the actual capacity of the heat source unit 40 is insufficient, the cooling action of each of the multiple cooling units 50 can be controlled based on the aforementioned control information, so that the cooling unit 50 with higher priority among the multiple cooling units 50 can perform cooling action before the cooling unit 50 with lower priority. Therefore, even when the capacity of the heat source unit 40 is insufficient, the cooling capacity of the cooling unit 50 with higher priority among the multiple cooling units 50 can be easily ensured.

[0253] Furthermore, in the refrigeration system 10 of the embodiment, the control information is information used to control the cooling operation of each of the plurality of cooling units 50, such that the cooling unit 50 with lower priority among the plurality of cooling units 50 stops its cooling operation before the cooling unit 50 with higher priority.

[0254] Based on the above structure and the control information, the cooling action of each of the multiple cooling units 50 can be controlled, such that the cooling unit 50 with lower priority stops its cooling action before the cooling unit 50 with higher priority. Therefore, even if the heat source unit 40 is insufficient, the cooling capacity of the higher priority cooling unit 50 can be easily ensured.

[0255] In addition, in the refrigeration system 10 of the embodiment, the control information is information used to control the cooling operation of each of the plurality of cooling units 50, so that the cooling unit 50 with higher priority among the plurality of cooling units 50 can ensure cooling capacity more preferentially than the cooling unit 50 with lower priority.

[0256] Based on the above structure and the control information, the cooling action of each of the multiple cooling units 50 can be controlled, so that the cooling unit 50 with higher priority among the multiple cooling units 50 can ensure cooling capacity more preferentially than the cooling unit 50 with lower priority. Therefore, even if the capacity of the heat source unit 40 is insufficient, the cooling capacity of the cooling unit 50 with higher priority among the multiple cooling units 50 can be easily ensured.

[0257] Furthermore, in the refrigeration system 10 of the embodiment, the first information includes information related to a representative value of the cooling capacity of each of the plurality of cooling units 50, i.e., representative cooling capacity. The sum of the required cooling capacity in each of the plurality of cooling units 50 is the sum of the representative cooling capacity of each of the plurality of cooling units 50.

[0258] Based on the above structure, the sum of the representative cooling capacities of each of the multiple cooling units 50 can be used to appropriately determine whether the capacity of the heat source unit 40 is insufficient. Therefore, appropriate processing for output control information can be performed.

[0259] Furthermore, in the refrigeration system 10 of the embodiment, the control unit 33 outputs control information based on priority information, first information, second information, and third information indicating the temperature of the object to be cooled in each of the plurality of cooling units 50 and the set temperature. The first information includes information that can be used to derive a predicted value of the cooling capacity required in each of the plurality of cooling units 50, i.e., predicted cooling capacity. The sum of the cooling capacities required in each of the plurality of cooling units 50 is the sum of the predicted cooling capacities of each of the plurality of cooling units 50.

[0260] Based on the above structure, and considering the sum of the predicted cooling capacities of each of the multiple cooling units 50, it is possible to appropriately determine whether the capacity of the heat source unit 40 is insufficient. Therefore, appropriate processing for output control information can be performed.

[0261] Furthermore, in the refrigeration system 10 of the embodiment, the priority includes a first priority and a second priority that is lower than the first priority. The first priority is the priority set for the cooling unit 50 among the plurality of cooling units 50 that is prohibited from forcibly stopping the cooling operation. The second priority is the priority set for the cooling unit 50 among the plurality of cooling units 50 that is allowed to forcibly stop the cooling operation.

[0262] Based on the above structure, the multiple cooling units 50 can be classified into: cooling units 50 that can forcibly stop cooling operation when the heat source unit 40 is insufficient, and cooling units 50 that do not stop cooling operation even when the heat source unit 40 is insufficient. Therefore, when the heat source unit 40 is insufficient, the process of selecting "the cooling unit 50 that is forcibly stopped from cooling operation" from the multiple cooling units 50 can be performed smoothly.

[0263] Furthermore, in the refrigeration system 10 of the embodiment, the regulating unit 35 operates based on control information.

[0264] Based on the above structure, by operating the regulating unit 35 (in this example, the regulating valve 36 provided for each cooling unit 50) which is capable of adjusting the refrigerant flow rate according to each cooling unit 50 based on control information, control based on the priority of each cooling unit 50 (control of the cooling action according to each cooling unit 50) can be performed. Thus, taking into account both the "required cooling capacity in each of the multiple cooling units 50" and the "capacity actually available in the heat source unit 40," the cooling action of each of the multiple cooling units 50 can be controlled, allowing the cooling unit 50 with higher priority among the multiple cooling units 50 to perform cooling action preferentially over the cooling unit 50 with lower priority.

[0265] (Modifications of the implementation method)

[0266] Figure 10 The structure of a refrigeration system 10 according to a modified embodiment is shown. In the modified refrigeration system 10 of the embodiment, the control unit 33 is connected to the control unit 56, which differs from the refrigeration system 10 of the original embodiment. Furthermore, in the modified refrigeration system 10 of the embodiment, the control unit 33 is omitted. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The information acquisition unit 31 is shown. The other structures and processes of the refrigeration system 10 in the modified embodiment are the same as those in the refrigeration system 10 of the embodiment.

[0267] like Figure 11 As shown, in a variation of the embodiment, the control unit 33 is connected via a signal line to the utilization control unit 56 included in each of the plurality of cooling units 50, enabling communication with each utilization control unit 56 included in the plurality of cooling units 50. The control unit 33 obtains "information related to the cooling unit 50" from each utilization control unit 56 included in the plurality of cooling units 50. In this example, each utilization control unit 56 included in the plurality of cooling units 50 functions as an information acquisition unit 31.

[0268] The "information related to the cooling unit 50" obtained from the control unit 56 includes information obtained from the sensor 70, the set temperature in the cooling unit 50, etc. The information obtained from the sensor 70 includes the internal temperature of the storage unit obtained from the internal temperature sensor 71, etc.

[0269] In the modified refrigeration system 10 of the embodiment, the same effect as that of the refrigeration system 10 of the embodiment can be obtained.

[0270] It should be noted that in the modified refrigeration system 10 of the embodiment, if the opening of the expansion valve 53 can be adjusted by the control unit 56 controlled by the control unit 33, the expansion valve 53 may be omitted. Figure 10 The regulating valve 36 is shown. In this case, the expansion valve 53 is also used as the regulating valve 36.

[0271] (Other implementation methods)

[0272] In the above description, it can also be configured or set up as follows.

[0273] The control unit 33 can be configured to perform only the first heat source processing in the first heat source processing and only the second heat source processing in the second heat source processing. Similarly, the control unit 33 can be configured to perform only the first utilization processing in the first utilization processing and only the second utilization processing in the second utilization processing.

[0274] Alternatively, the heat source control unit 46 may control the operation of the heat source unit 40 (specifically, the speed of the compressor constituting the compression mechanism 42) based on the pressure of the low-pressure side (low-pressure refrigerant) of the refrigerant circuit 25, rather than based on the fourth information (information indicating the capability required in the heat source unit 40) output from the control unit 33.

[0275] Alternatively, the regulating valve 36 may be a solenoid valve capable of switching on and off. Among the multiple cooling units 50, there may also be cooling units 50 without a corresponding regulating valve 36. For example, the regulating valve 36 corresponding to a cooling unit 50 that preferentially stops cooling operation when the capacity of the heat source unit 40 is insufficient may also be a solenoid valve as described above. Furthermore, in the cooling unit 50 where cooling capacity is given the highest priority, a corresponding regulating valve 36 may not be provided.

[0276] The refrigeration unit 20 may also include, in addition to multiple cooling units 50 for cooling the interior of the refrigeration equipment, one or more refrigeration units (not shown) for cooling the interior space. Furthermore, the refrigeration unit 20 may also include other components such as a receiver for separating stored refrigerant into gaseous and liquid refrigerant.

[0277] The compression mechanism 42 can also consist of multiple compressors. These compressors can be connected in series or in parallel.

[0278] The control unit 33 can be composed of a single processor or multiple processors. These processors can be centrally located within a single housing or arranged in separate housings. The same applies to the heat source control unit 46 and the utilization control unit 56. Furthermore, the storage unit 32 can be composed of a single memory or multiple memories.

[0279] The terms “first,” “second,” and “third” mentioned above are used only to distinguish statements containing the above terms and do not limit the number or order of the statements.

[0280] The embodiments and variations have been described above. However, it should be understood that various changes in form and specific circumstances can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims. Furthermore, the elements involved in the above embodiments, variations, and other embodiments can be appropriately combined or substituted.

[0281] -Industry Applicability-

[0282] In summary, this disclosure is useful as a control system and a refrigeration system.

[0283] - Symbol Explanation -

[0284] 10 Refrigeration System

[0285] 20 Refrigeration unit

[0286] 25 Refrigerant Circuit

[0287] 30 Control System

[0288] 31 Information Acquisition Department

[0289] 32 Storage Unit

[0290] 33 Control Department

[0291] 35 Adjustment section

[0292] 40 heat source units

[0293] 41 Heat source circuit

[0294] 42 Compression Mechanism

[0295] 43. Heat source heat exchanger (heat exotherm)

[0296] 45 Heat source fan

[0297] 46 Heat Source Control Department

[0298] 50 cooling units

[0299] 51. Utilizing loops

[0300] 52. Utilizing a heat exchanger (evaporator)

[0301] 53. Using an expansion valve

[0302] 55. Using a fan

[0303] 56. Utilize the control unit

[0304] 50a display case

[0305] 60 Heat source sensor

[0306] 70. Utilizing sensors

Claims

1. A control system applied to a refrigeration device (20) having a refrigerant circuit (25) comprising a heat source unit (40) and a plurality of cooling units (50), wherein a refrigeration cycle is performed by circulating refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit (25), the heat source unit (40) having a compression mechanism (42) and a heat exchanger (43), and the plurality of cooling units (50) each having an evaporator (52) and performing or stopping a cooling operation based on the difference between the temperature of the object being cooled and a set temperature, characterized in that: The control system includes a control unit (33) that controls the refrigeration device (20). The control unit (33) outputs control information based on priority information, first information, and second information. The control information is used to control the cooling action of each of the plurality of cooling units (50), so that the cooling unit (50) with higher priority among the plurality of cooling units (50) can perform the cooling action before the cooling unit (50) with lower priority. The priority information indicates the priority of each of the plurality of cooling units (50). The first information can be used to derive the required cooling capacity in each of the plurality of cooling units (50). The second information can be used to derive the actual capacity that can be exerted in the heat source unit (40).

2. The control system according to claim 1, characterized in that: Each of the plurality of cooling units (50) has a display case (50a) that cools the air inside the display case (50a) during the cooling action. The priority of each of the plurality of cooling units (50) is set according to the category of the items stored in the display case (50a) of the cooling unit (50).

3. The control system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: When the sum of the cooling capacity required in each of the plurality of cooling units (50) is greater than the actual capacity that can be utilized in the heat source unit (40), the control unit (33) outputs the control information.

4. The control system according to claim 3, characterized in that: The control information is used to control the cooling action of each of the plurality of cooling units (50), such that the cooling unit (50) with lower priority among the plurality of cooling units (50) stops the cooling action before the cooling unit (50) with higher priority.

5. The control system according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that: The control information is used to control the cooling action of each of the plurality of cooling units (50) so that the cooling unit (50) with higher priority among the plurality of cooling units (50) can ensure cooling capacity more preferentially than the cooling unit (50) with lower priority.

6. The control system according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that: The first information includes information related to a representative value of the cooling capacity of each of the plurality of cooling units (50), i.e., information representing the cooling capacity. The sum of the cooling capacity required in each of the plurality of cooling units (50) is the sum of the representative cooling capacity of each of the plurality of cooling units (50).

7. The control system according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that: The control unit (33) outputs control information based on the priority information, the first information, the second information, and the third information, wherein the third information represents the temperature of the object being cooled in each of the plurality of cooling units (50) and the set temperature. The first information includes information that can be used to derive a predicted value of the cooling capacity required in each of the plurality of cooling units (50), i.e., information for predicting the cooling capacity. The sum of the required cooling capacity in each of the plurality of cooling units (50) is the sum of the predicted cooling capacity of each of the plurality of cooling units (50).

8. The control system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The priority includes a first priority and a second priority that is lower than the first priority. The first priority is a priority set for the cooling unit (50) among the plurality of cooling units (50) that is prohibited from being forcibly stopped from cooling. The second priority is a priority set for the cooling unit (50) among the plurality of cooling units (50) that allows the cooling operation to be forcibly stopped.

9. A refrigeration system comprising a control system as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, the refrigeration device (20), and an adjustment unit (35) capable of adjusting the flow rate of refrigerant to each of the plurality of cooling units (50), characterized in that: The regulating unit (35) operates based on the control information.

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