Phase change prediction device, phase change prediction module, phase change prediction system, and phase change control system

Abstract

To provide a phase change prediction device which can be downsized and can save power.SOLUTION: A phase change prediction device 1A for predicting a phase change of a prediction target object includes: a housing 10 including a sealed part; a reference material 20 encapsulated in the housing 10 so that a space 25 remains in the sealed part of the housing 10, the reference material changing its phase earlier than a prediction target object; and a heat flux sensor 30 provided in the external surface or the internal surface of the housing 10 on the reference material side 20, the heat flux sensor detecting a heat flux from the reference material 20.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a phase change prediction device, a phase change prediction module, a phase change prediction system, and a phase change control system. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent document 1 discloses a phase change prediction sensor that is characterized by comprising a thermoelectric element, one of two surfaces located in the heat transport direction that can be thermally contacted with an object to be detected, and a phase change detector having at least a detection unit in thermal contact with the other surface of the thermoelectric element. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 4-128643 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the phase change prediction sensor described in Patent Document 1, a thermoelectric cooling element is used as a thermoelectric element in order to make the temperature of the phase change detector lower than the temperature of the object to be detected, as shown in Fig. 1 of Patent Document 1, etc. However, the phase change prediction sensor described in Patent Document 1 has problems in that the size of the entire sensor is large due to the presence of the thermoelectric cooling element, and further, the power consumption of the entire sensor is large due to cooling by the thermoelectric cooling element.

[0005] The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and aims to provide a phase change prediction device that can be made small and energy-efficient. Another aim of the present invention is to provide a phase change prediction module that can be made small and energy-efficient. Another aim of the present invention is to provide a phase change prediction system that can predict whether or not a phase change will occur in an object to be predicted. Another aim of the present invention is to provide a phase change control system that can prevent a phase change in an object to be predicted. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The phase change prediction device of the present invention is a phase change prediction device that predicts a phase change of an object to be predicted, and is characterized in that it comprises a housing including a sealed portion, a reference substance that is enclosed in the sealed portion of the housing so that space remains in the sealed portion of the housing and that changes phase before the object to be predicted, and a heat flux sensor that is provided on at least the outer or inner surface of the housing facing the reference substance and that detects heat flux from the reference substance.

[0007] The phase change prediction module of the present invention is characterized in that it comprises a phase change prediction device of the present invention, an integrated circuit for processing an output signal from the phase change prediction device, a wireless transmitter for transmitting the output signal processed by the integrated circuit to the outside, a power supply for driving the integrated circuit and the wireless transmitter, a substrate on which the phase change prediction device, the integrated circuit, the wireless transmitter, and the power supply are mounted, and a module housing in which the phase change prediction device, the integrated circuit, the wireless transmitter, the power supply, and the substrate are provided.

[0008] The phase change prediction system of the present invention is characterized in that it comprises a prediction unit including the phase change prediction device of the present invention, and the prediction unit predicts the presence or absence of a phase change in the object to be predicted based on an output signal from the phase change prediction device.

[0009] In a first aspect, the phase change control system of the present invention is characterized in that it comprises: a phase change prediction system of the present invention; and a temperature control unit that controls the temperature of the object to be predicted while referring to the temperature and humidity of the outside air around the object to be predicted, based on the prediction result of the prediction unit of the phase change prediction system as to whether or not there is a phase change in the object to be predicted.

[0010] In a second aspect, the phase change control system of the present invention is characterized in that it comprises: a phase change prediction system of the present invention; and a humidity control unit that controls the humidity of the object to be predicted while referring to the temperature and humidity of the outside air around the object to be predicted, based on the prediction result of the prediction unit of the phase change prediction system as to whether or not there is a phase change in the object to be predicted.

[0011] In a third aspect, the phase change control system of the present invention is characterized in that it comprises: a phase change prediction system of the present invention; and a wind speed control unit that controls the wind speed around the object to be predicted while referring to the temperature and humidity of the outside air around the object to be predicted, based on the prediction result of the prediction unit of the phase change prediction system as to whether or not there is a phase change in the object to be predicted.

[0012] In a fourth aspect, the phase change control system of the present invention is characterized in that it comprises: the phase change prediction system of the present invention; and a wind direction control unit that controls the wind direction around the object to be predicted while referring to the temperature and humidity of the outside air around the object to be predicted, based on the prediction result of the prediction unit of the phase change prediction system as to whether or not there is a phase change in the object to be predicted. Effect of the Invention

[0013] According to the present invention, a phase change prediction device that can be made compact and energy-efficient can be provided. According to the present invention, a phase change prediction module that can be made compact and energy-efficient can be provided. According to the present invention, a phase change prediction system that can predict whether or not a phase change will occur in an object to be predicted can be provided. According to the present invention, a phase change control system that can prevent a phase change in an object to be predicted can be provided. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a phase change prediction device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of a cross section along line a1-a2 of the phase change prediction device shown in FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view showing an example in which the outer shape of the housing is different from that in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view showing another example in which the outer shape of the housing is different from that in FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view showing yet another example in which the outer shape of the housing is different from that in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view showing another example of the phase change prediction device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of a cross section of the phase change prediction device shown in FIG. 6 taken along line a3-a4. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a phase change prediction device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a schematic plan view showing an example of the phase change prediction device shown in FIG. 8 as viewed from the height direction. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of a cross section of the phase change prediction device shown in FIG. 8 taken along line segment b1-b2. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of an aspect excluded from the phase change prediction device of the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a schematic plan view showing an example of the phase change prediction device shown in FIG. 11 as viewed from the height direction. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of a cross section along line segment b3-b4 of the phase change prediction device shown in FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a perspective schematic diagram showing an example of a phase change prediction device according to the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of a cross section along the line segment c1-c2 of the phase change prediction device shown in FIG. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of a phase change prediction module of the present invention. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing another example of the phase change prediction module of the present invention. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing an example of a phase change prediction system of the present invention. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a block diagram showing an example of a first embodiment of a phase change control system of the present invention. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a block diagram showing an example of the second embodiment of the phase change control system of the present invention. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a block diagram showing an example of the third embodiment of the phase change control system of the present invention. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a block diagram showing an example of the fourth embodiment of the phase change control system of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0015] The phase change prediction device of the present invention, the phase change prediction module of the present invention, the phase change prediction system of the present invention, and the phase change control system of the present invention will be described below. Note that the present invention is not limited to the following configurations, and may be modified as appropriate within the scope of the present invention. In addition, a combination of multiple individual preferred configurations described below also constitutes the present invention.

[0016] The following embodiments are merely examples, and it goes without saying that partial replacement or combination of the configurations shown in different embodiments is possible. In the second and subsequent embodiments, the description of the matters common to the first embodiment will be omitted, and the differences will be mainly described. In particular, the same effects and advantages due to the same configuration will not be mentioned one by one for each embodiment.

[0017] In the following description, unless there is a need to distinguish between the various embodiments, they will simply be referred to as the "phase change prediction device of the present invention," the "phase change prediction module of the present invention," the "phase change prediction system of the present invention," and the "phase change control system of the present invention."

[0018] The drawings shown below are schematic diagrams, and the dimensions, aspect ratio, and scale may differ from those of the actual product.

[0019] In this specification, unless otherwise specified, terms indicating the relationship between elements (e.g., "parallel", "perpendicular", etc.) and terms indicating the shape of elements not only mean the literal strict form, but also mean a range that is substantially equivalent, for example, a range that includes a difference of about a few percent.

[0020] [Phase change prediction device] The phase change prediction device of the present invention is a phase change prediction device that predicts a phase change of an object to be predicted, and is characterized in that it comprises a housing including a sealed portion, a reference substance that is enclosed in the sealed portion of the housing so that space remains in the sealed portion of the housing and that changes phase before the object to be predicted, and a heat flux sensor that is provided on at least the outer or inner surface of the housing facing the reference substance and that detects heat flux from the reference substance.

[0021] <Embodiment 1> In the phase change prediction device of the first embodiment of the present invention, the housing itself is a sealed part.

[0022] Fig. 1 is a perspective schematic diagram showing an example of a phase change prediction device according to embodiment 1 of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram showing an example of a cross section along line a1-a2 of the phase change prediction device shown in Fig. 1.

[0023] A phase change prediction device 1A shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 predicts a phase change of an object to be predicted.

[0024] The prediction object is not particularly limited as long as it changes phase between solid, liquid, and gas.

[0025] The phase change prediction device 1A includes a housing 10, a reference material 20, and a heat flux sensor 30.

[0026] The housing 10 includes a sealed portion.

[0027] In the example shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the housing 10 is itself a sealed part and has a hollow structure.

[0028] In this specification, the term "sealed portion" refers to a portion in which the inside and outside are not spatially connected and which is substantially sealed in an airtight state. For example, a portion in which the inside and outside are spatially connected with some surfaces open does not fall under the category of a sealed portion.

[0029] The material of the housing 10 is not particularly limited, but is preferably a material with high thermal conductivity. For example, a metal material is preferable as the material of the housing 10. Examples of such metal materials include simple metals such as copper, aluminum, nickel, magnesium, titanium, and iron, and alloys containing at least one of these simple metals as a main component.

[0030] The reference substance 20 is sealed in a sealed portion of the housing 10 (the housing 10 itself in Figs. 1 and 2). In the example shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the reference substance 20 is sealed inside the housing 10, which is a sealed portion.

[0031] The reference substance 20 is enclosed in the sealed portion of the housing 10 so that a space 25 remains in the sealed portion of the housing 10. In this manner, the reference substance 20 is enclosed in a part of the sealed portion of the housing 10. As a result, in the sealed portion of the housing 10, a reference substance region 20R in which the reference substance 20 exists and a spatial region 25R in which the space 25 exists coexist.

[0032] If the spatial region 25R exists in the sealed portion of the housing 10, the spatial region 25R functions as a so-called buffer when the volume of the reference substance region 20R increases with the phase change of the reference substance 20. Therefore, when the volume of the reference substance region 20R increases with the phase change of the reference substance 20, the housing 10 is prevented from expanding and breaking.

[0033] In the sealed portion of the housing 10, the volume ratio between the reference substance region 20R and the spatial region 25R is not particularly limited. For example, in the sealed portion of the housing 10, the volume of the reference substance region 20R may be the same as the volume of the spatial region 25R, or may be different from the volume of the spatial region 25R. When the volume of the reference substance region 20R is different from the volume of the spatial region 25R, the volume of the reference substance region 20R may be larger than the volume of the spatial region 25R, or may be smaller than the volume of the spatial region 25R.

[0034] When the phase change prediction device 1A predicts a phase change of an object to be predicted, the reference material 20 changes phase before the object to be predicted. For example, when it is desired to predict a phase change of an object to be predicted from a gaseous state to a solid state (e.g., frosting) by the phase change prediction device 1A, the reference material 20 needs to change phase from a gaseous state to a solid state before the object to be predicted.

[0035] The reference substance 20 is not particularly limited as long as it undergoes a phase change before the prediction target substance.

[0036] The reference substance 20 may be in a solid, liquid, or gas state at room temperature and pressure. For example, examples of the reference substance 20 that is in a liquid state at room temperature and pressure include water and various solvents.

[0037] The air pressure in the space 25 may be the same as or different from the normal pressure. When the air pressure in the space 25 is different from the normal pressure, the air pressure in the space 25 may be higher or lower than the normal pressure.

[0038] When the air pressure in the space 25 is different from normal pressure, the temperature at which the reference material 20 changes phase can be changed compared to when the air pressure in the space 25 is the same as normal pressure. This can also be seen from a phase diagram showing the relationship between the state (solid, liquid, and gas) of the reference material 20 and the temperature and pressure. In this way, by adjusting the air pressure in the space 25, the reference material 20 can change phase at a predetermined temperature.

[0039] The heat flux sensor 30 is provided on at least the outer or inner surface of the housing 10 on the side of the reference material 20 .

[0040] 1 and 2, the heat flux sensor 30 is provided on the outer surface of the housing 10 on the side of the reference material 20 (the lower side in FIGS. 1 and 2). That is, in the example shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the heat flux sensor 30 faces (overlaps) the reference material 20 via the wall of the housing 10.

[0041] The heat flux sensor 30 may be provided on the inner surface of the housing 10 on the side of the reference material 20 (the lower side in FIGS. 1 and 2). In this case, the heat flux sensor 30 contacts (overlaps) the reference material 20.

[0042] When viewed from the direction in which the heat flux sensor 30 and the reference material 20 overlap (the top-bottom direction in Figures 1 and 2), the heat flux sensor 30 may overlap a portion of the reference material 20 or the entire reference material 20.

[0043] The heat flux sensor 30 may be provided on the entire outer or inner surface of the housing 10, or on a part of the outer or inner surface of the housing 10, as long as it is provided on at least the outer or inner surface of the housing 10 facing the reference material 20.

[0044] As long as the heat flux sensor 30 is provided on at least the outer surface or inner surface of the housing 10 on the side of the reference substance 20, one or more heat flux sensors 30 may be provided.

[0045] The heat flux sensor 30 does not have to be provided in the housing 10 (e.g., it does not have to be attached) before the phase change prediction device 1A is used, but it must be provided in the housing 10 (e.g., attached) when the phase change prediction device 1A is used.

[0046] The heat flux sensor 30 detects the heat flux from the reference material 20 .

[0047] The heat flux is determined by the amount of heat (energy) flowing from a high temperature part to a low temperature part per unit time and unit area. In the phase change prediction device 1A, the reference material 20 is the high temperature part, and the heat flux sensor 30 is the low temperature part, and the heat flux flowing from the reference material 20 to the heat flux sensor 30 is detected by the heat flux sensor 30.

[0048] The heat flux sensor 30 may have a thermoelectric conversion element. In this case, the thermoelectric conversion principle of the thermoelectric conversion element is not particularly limited.

[0049] The heat flux sensor 30 may have a thermoelectric conversion element that utilizes the Seebeck effect as the thermoelectric conversion principle, that is, the heat flux sensor 30 may include a thermoelectric material having the Seebeck effect.

[0050] Examples of thermoelectric materials that have the Seebeck effect include p-type materials such as Bi2Te3 and F e Si2, Zn3Sb4, Ca3Co4O9, (Ti,Zr,Hf)Ni(Sn,Sb), CeFe 3.5 Co 0.5 Sb 12 For n-type materials, Bi2Te 2.96 Se 0.04 , PbTe, CoSb3, FeSi2(Co), Mg 3.2 Sb 1.5 Bi 0.49 Te 0.01 , CaMnO3, Fe2Val 0.5 S 0.5 etc.

[0051] The heat flux sensor 30 may have a thermoelectric conversion element that utilizes the anomalous Nernst effect as the thermoelectric conversion principle, that is, the heat flux sensor may include a thermoelectric material having the anomalous Nernst effect.

[0052] Examples of thermoelectric materials having the anomalous Nernst effect include intermetallic compounds represented by chemical compositions such as Fe3Al, Fe3Ga, Mn3Sn, Mn3Ga, Co2MnGa, Co2MnAl, Co2MnIn, Mn3Ge, Fe2NiGa, CoTiSb, CoVSb, CoCrSb, CoMnSb, and TiGa2Mn.

[0053] The heat flux sensor 30 may have a temperature sensor element (eg, a thermistor) whose electrical resistance changes with a change in temperature, instead of the thermoelectric conversion element.

[0054] The shape of the heat flux sensor 30 is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include a plate shape, a thin strip shape, a sheet shape, and a film shape.

[0055] The phase change prediction device 1A is installed so as to be in contact with an object to be predicted when predicting a phase change of the object to be predicted.

[0056] For example, when the prediction object is a solid, the phase change prediction device 1A may be attached to the prediction object. In this case, the phase change prediction device 1A may be attached directly to the prediction object, or may be attached to the prediction object via an adhesive or the like.

[0057] Furthermore, when the object to be predicted is a liquid or a liquid, the phase change prediction device 1A may be suspended in the object to be predicted.

[0058] In the following, a case will be described in which frost formation (phase change from gas to solid) on an object to be predicted is predicted by the phase change prediction device 1A.

[0059] When frost formation on an object to be predicted is predicted by the phase change prediction device 1A, for example, the following conditions are set. - Select air containing water vapor (moisture) as the object to be predicted. As a reference substance 20, select a substance that freezes (changes phase) at a temperature between 7°C and 10°C under normal pressure. -Set the air pressure in space 25 to normal pressure.

[0060] Under the above conditions, the phase change prediction device 1A is installed so as to be in contact with the atmosphere in a non-frosted state, for example, suspended in the atmosphere in a non-frosted state. As is generally said, considering that frost is likely to occur when the temperature (air temperature) of the atmosphere is 3°C or higher and 4°C or lower, in the phase change prediction device 1A suspended in the atmosphere, the reference material 20 freezes at a stage before frost occurs in the atmosphere, specifically, at a temperature of 7°C or higher and 10°C or lower. When the reference material 20 freezes, the heat flux sensor 30 detects the heat flux from the reference material 20. Specifically, the heat flux from the reference material 20 flows into the heat flux sensor 30, and a thermoelectromotive voltage is generated in the heat flux sensor 30. In this way, in the phase change prediction device 1A, the thermoelectromotive voltage generated by the phase change of the reference material 20 is detected by the heat flux sensor 30, so that frost in the atmosphere can be predicted at a stage before frost occurs in the atmosphere.

[0061] As described above, the phase change prediction device 1A refers to the phase change of the reference material 20 when predicting the phase change of the prediction object. Therefore, the phase change prediction device 1A does not require a component that increases the size and power consumption, such as the thermoelectric cooling element of the phase change prediction sensor described in Patent Document 1, when predicting the phase change of the prediction object. Therefore, the phase change prediction device 1A can be made smaller and more energy-efficient.

[0062] In the above, the phase change prediction device 1A predicts frosting as an example of a phase change from gas to solid of a prediction target, but the phase change prediction device 1A can predict any phase change between solid, liquid, and gas of a prediction target. For example, the phase change prediction device 1A can also predict condensation as an example of a phase change from gas to liquid of a prediction target.

[0063] 1 and 2 show an embodiment in which the outer shape of the housing 10 is a prism (including a rectangular parallelepiped and a cubic shape), but the outer shape of the housing 10 is not particularly limited and may be other than a prism.

[0064] FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view showing an example in which the outer shape of the housing is different from that in FIG.

[0065] In the example shown in FIG. 3, the outer shape of the housing 10 is spherical.

[0066] 3, the heat flux sensor 30 is provided on the entire outer surface of the housing 10, including the outer surface of the housing 10 on the side of the reference material 20. That is, in the example shown in FIG. 3, the heat flux sensor 30 covers the entire outer surface of the housing 10.

[0067] FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view showing another example in which the outer shape of the housing is different from that in FIG.

[0068] In the example shown in FIG. 4, the outer shape of the housing 10 is spherical.

[0069] In the example shown in Fig. 4, two heat flux sensors 30 are provided on the outer surface of the housing 10. Specifically, in the example shown in Fig. 4, one heat flux sensor 30 is provided to go around (one revolution) a path (meridian) including the outer surface of the housing 10 on the reference material 20 side of the housing 10, among the outer surfaces of the housing 10. In addition, in the example shown in Fig. 4, the other heat flux sensor 30 is provided to go around (one revolution) a path (latitude line) perpendicular to the path (meridian) of one heat flux sensor 30 in a planar view, among the outer surfaces of the housing 10. Note that, in a planar view, the paths of the one heat flux sensor 30 and the other heat flux sensor 30 may intersect in a manner other than perpendicular.

[0070] FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view showing yet another example in which the outer shape of the housing is different from that in FIG.

[0071] In the example shown in FIG. 5, the outer shape of the housing 10 is cylindrical.

[0072] In the example shown in Figure 5, the heat flux sensor 30 is arranged to go around (make one revolution) a path on the outer surface of the housing 10 facing the reference material 20, at a position lower than the reference material 20 in the height direction (the up-down direction in Figure 5).

[0073] In the following, an embodiment in which the outer shape of the housing 10 is a prismatic column (including a rectangular parallelepiped and a cubic shape) will be shown, but the same applies to embodiments in which the outer shape of the housing 10 is another shape.

[0074] Fig. 6 is a perspective schematic diagram showing another example of the phase change prediction device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram showing an example of a cross section along the line a3-a4 of the phase change prediction device shown in Fig. 6.

[0075] The phase change prediction device 1B shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 further includes a base material 40 in addition to the housing 10, the reference material 20, and the heat flux sensor 30.

[0076] The base material 40 is provided on the outside of the housing 10 on the opposite side of the heat flux sensor 30 to the reference material 20 .

[0077] 6 and 7, the base material 40 is provided on the opposite side of the housing 10 with respect to the heat flux sensor 30. That is, in the example shown in Fig. 6 and 7, the base material 40 faces (overlaps) the reference material 20 with the heat flux sensor 30 interposed therebetween.

[0078] When viewed from the direction in which the base material 40 and the heat flux sensor 30 overlap (the top-bottom direction in Figures 6 and 7), the base material 40 may overlap a portion of the heat flux sensor 30, or may overlap the entire heat flux sensor 30.

[0079] When the phase change prediction device 1B is placed so as to be in contact with the object to be predicted, the base material 40 is placed so as to be in contact with the object to be predicted.

[0080] For example, if the object to be predicted is a solid, the base material 40 may be attached to the object to be predicted. In this case, if the base material 40 itself has adhesive properties, the base material 40 may be attached directly to the object to be predicted. Alternatively, the base material 40 may be attached to the object to be predicted via an adhesive or the like.

[0081] Furthermore, when the prediction object is a liquid or a gas, the base material 40 may be suspended in the prediction object.

[0082] The material for the base material 40 is not particularly limited, but is preferably a material with high thermal conductivity. For example, a metal material is preferable as the material for the base material 40. Examples of such metal materials include simple metals such as copper, aluminum, nickel, magnesium, titanium, and iron, and alloys containing at least one of these simple metals as a main component.

[0083] When the base material 40 is made of a material with high thermal conductivity, if the base material 40 is placed in contact with the prediction object, the prediction object and the reference material 20 located on either side of the base material 40 tend to have the same temperature. Therefore, when the phase change prediction device 1B predicts the phase change of the prediction object, the prediction accuracy tends to be improved.

[0084] From the viewpoint of increasing the thermal conductivity of the base material 40, the base material 40 may be made of a material having high thermal conductivity, or may have a small thickness.

[0085] <Embodiment 2> Unlike the phase change prediction device of embodiment 1 of the present invention, the phase change prediction device of embodiment 2 of the present invention further includes a partition extending vertically from the inner surface of the sealed portion of the housing on the reference substance side to the inner surface on the space side.

[0086] In the phase change prediction device of embodiment 2 of the present invention, the partition divides the area in the sealed portion of the housing where at least the reference substance is present into multiple areas when viewed from the vertical direction, and is located at a height in the vertical direction equal to or greater than that of the reference substance.

[0087] Fig. 8 is a perspective schematic diagram showing an example of a phase change prediction device according to embodiment 2 of the present invention. Fig. 9 is a plan schematic diagram showing an example of the state of the phase change prediction device shown in Fig. 8 as viewed from the height direction. Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram showing an example of a cross section along line segment b1-b2 of the phase change prediction device shown in Fig. 8.

[0088] A phase change prediction device 2A shown in FIGS. 8, 9, and 10 includes a housing 10, a reference substance 20, a heat flux sensor 30, and a partition 50.

[0089] As shown in Figures 8 and 10, the partition 50 extends in the height direction (in Figures 8 and 10, the up-down direction) from the inner surface on the reference substance 20 side (the lower side in Figures 8 and 10) of the sealed portion of the housing 10 (the housing 10 itself in Figures 8 and 10) to the inner surface on the space 25 side (the upper side in Figures 8 and 10).

[0090] 8 and 10, the partition 50 extends partially in the height direction from the inner surface of the sealed portion of the housing 10 on the reference material 20 side toward the inner surface on the space 25 side. That is, in the example shown in Fig. 8 and 10, the partition 50 extends in the height direction in the sealed portion of the housing 10 so as to be connected to the inner surface on the reference material 20 side but not to be connected to the inner surface on the space 25 side.

[0091] The partition 50 may extend in the height direction from the inner surface of the sealed portion of the housing 10 on the reference material 20 side to the inner surface of the space 25 side. In other words, the partition 50 may extend in the height direction in the sealed portion of the housing 10 so as to connect the inner surface on the reference material 20 side and the inner surface on the space 25 side.

[0092] As shown in FIG. 9, the partition 50 divides the sealed portion of the housing 10 into a plurality of regions in which at least the reference substance 20 is present, when viewed from the height direction.

[0093] In the example shown in FIG. 9, the partition 50 divides the reference substance region 20R, in which the reference substance 20 exists, into a plurality of regions in the sealed portion of the housing 10 when viewed from the height direction.

[0094] When viewed from the height direction, the partition 50 may divide the sealed portion of the housing 10 into a plurality of spatial regions 25R in which the space 25 exists, in addition to the reference substance region 20R in which the reference substance 20 exists.

[0095] The areas of the multiple regions (including at least a portion of the reference substance region 20R) partitioned by the partitions 50 when viewed from the height direction may be the same as each other, may be different from each other, or may be partially different.

[0096] 10, the partition 50 exists at a height equal to or higher than that of the reference material 20. In other words, as shown in FIG 10, the reference material 20 exists at a height equal to or lower than that of the partition 50 in the height direction.

[0097] 10, the partition 50 is at the same height in the height direction as the reference material 20. In other words, in the example shown in FIG 10, the reference material 20 is at the same height in the height direction as the partition 50.

[0098] The partition 50 may be located at a height higher than the reference substance 20 in the height direction. In other words, the reference substance 20 may be located at a height lower than the partition 50 in the height direction.

[0099] In the phase change prediction device 2A, at least the reference material region 20R is divided into a plurality of regions in the sealed portion of the housing 10 by the partition 50 that exists at a height equal to or higher than that of the reference material 20 in the height direction, so that the reference material 20 as a whole is unlikely to flow (convect) even if the surroundings of the reference material 20 vibrate, particularly when the reference material 20 is liquid. Therefore, in the phase change prediction device 2A, even if the surroundings of the reference material 20 vibrate, the temperature of the reference material 20 tends to be stable, and as a result, the reference material 20 tends to undergo a stable phase change, so that the phase change of the prediction target can be stably predicted.

[0100] The following configurations are excluded from the phase change prediction device of the second embodiment of the present invention. Note that although the following configurations are excluded from the phase change prediction device of the second embodiment of the present invention, they are not excluded from the phase change prediction device of the present invention.

[0101] Fig. 11 is a perspective schematic diagram showing an example of an aspect excluded from the phase change prediction device of embodiment 2 of the present invention. Fig. 12 is a plan schematic diagram showing an example of a state in which the phase change prediction device shown in Fig. 11 is viewed from the height direction. Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram showing an example of a cross section along line segment b3-b4 of the phase change prediction device shown in Fig. 11.

[0102] In the phase change prediction device 2X shown in Figures 11, 12, and 13, as in the phase change prediction device 2A, the partition 50 extends vertically from the inner surface of the sealed portion of the housing 10 on the reference substance 20 side to the inner surface on the space 25 side.

[0103] 12, unlike the example shown in Fig. 9, the partition 50 does not divide the reference substance region 20R into a plurality of regions in the sealed portion of the housing 10 when viewed from the height direction. In the example shown in Fig. 12, in the reference substance region 20R, a flow path through which the reference substance 20 can flow as a whole is formed by the partition 50.

[0104] In the example shown in Fig. 13, unlike the example shown in Fig. 10, the partition 50 exists at a lower height in the height direction than the reference material 20. In other words, in the example shown in Fig. 13, unlike the example shown in Fig. 10, the reference material 20 exists at a higher height in the height direction than the partition 50. In the example shown in Fig. 13, the reference material 20 existing at a higher height than the partition 50 can flow as a whole.

[0105] <Embodiment 3> In the phase change prediction device of embodiment 3 of the present invention, unlike the phase change prediction device of embodiment 1 of the present invention, the housing includes a sub-housing which is a sealed portion, and a main housing in which the sub-housing is provided.

[0106] Fig. 14 is a perspective schematic diagram showing an example of a phase change prediction device according to embodiment 3 of the present invention. Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram showing an example of a cross section along line c1-c2 of the phase change prediction device shown in Fig. 14.

[0107] In a phase change prediction device 3A shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, a housing 10 includes a sub-housing 10a and a main housing 10b.

[0108] The sub-housing 10a is a sealed portion.

[0109] The sub-housing 10a is provided inside the main housing 10b.

[0110] In the example shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the main housing 10b has a sealed hollow structure and contains the sub-housing 10a therein.

[0111] It should be noted that main housing 10b does not have to be sealed and some of its faces may be open.

[0112] The number of sub-housings 10a is not particularly limited, and may be one or more.

[0113] When there are multiple sub-housings 10a, the multiple sub-housings 10a may be arranged two-dimensionally inside the main housing 10b so as to spread in a direction perpendicular to the height direction (up and down direction in Figures 14 and 15), or may be arranged three-dimensionally so as to spread in a direction perpendicular to the height direction (up and down direction in Figures 14 and 15) and stacked in the height direction (up and down direction in Figures 14 and 15).

[0114] In the phase change prediction device 3A, the reference material 20 is sealed in the sub-housing 10a so that a space 25 remains in the sub-housing 10a.

[0115] In the phase change prediction device 3A, when the number of sub-housings 10a is multiple, the reference substance 20 needs to be enclosed in at least one of the multiple sub-housings 10a, and specifically, it may be enclosed in some of the sub-housings 10a or in all of the sub-housings 10a.

[0116] In the phase change prediction device 3A, the heat flux sensor 30 is provided on at least the outer or inner surface of the sub-housing 10a on the side of the reference material 20, or on at least the outer or inner surface of the main housing 10b on the side of the reference material 20.

[0117] In the example shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the heat flux sensor 30 is provided on the outer surface of the main housing 10b on the side of the reference material 20 (the lower side in FIGS. 14 and 15).

[0118] The heat flux sensor 30 may be provided on the inner surface of the main housing 10b on the side of the reference material 20 (the lower side in Figs. 14 and 15).

[0119] The heat flux sensor 30 may be provided on the outer surface of the sub-housing 10a on the side of the reference material 20 (the lower side in FIGS. 14 and 15).

[0120] The heat flux sensor 30 may be provided on the inner surface of the sub-housing 10a on the side of the reference material 20 (the lower side in FIGS. 14 and 15).

[0121] In the phase change prediction device 3A, when the number of sub-housings 10a in which the reference material 20 is enclosed is multiple, the multiple sub-housings 10a are provided inside the main housing 10b, and therefore, particularly when the reference material 20 is liquid, the reference material 20 as a whole is less likely to flow (convect) even if the surroundings of the reference material 20 vibrate. Therefore, in the phase change prediction device 3A, for example, even if the surroundings of the reference material 20 vibrate, the temperature of the reference material 20 tends to be stable, and as a result, the reference material 20 tends to undergo a stable phase change, and the phase change of the prediction target can be stably predicted.

[0122] The phase change prediction device 3A may further have a partition extending in the height direction from the inner surface of the sub-housing 10a on the reference substance 20 side to the inner surface on the space 25 side. In this case, the partition provided inside the sub-housing 10a preferably divides the region (reference substance region 20R) in which at least the reference substance 20 is present in the sub-housing 10a into multiple regions when viewed from the height direction. Furthermore, the partition provided inside the sub-housing 10a preferably exists at a height equal to or higher than that of the reference substance 20 in the height direction.

[0123] [Phase change prediction module] The phase change prediction module of the present invention is characterized in that it comprises a phase change prediction device of the present invention, an integrated circuit for processing an output signal from the phase change prediction device, a wireless transmitter for transmitting the output signal processed by the integrated circuit to the outside, a power supply for driving the integrated circuit and the wireless transmitter, a substrate on which the phase change prediction device, the integrated circuit, the wireless transmitter, and the power supply are mounted, and a module housing in which the phase change prediction device, the integrated circuit, the wireless transmitter, the power supply, and the substrate are provided.

[0124] FIG. 16 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of a phase change prediction module of the present invention.

[0125] The phase change prediction module 100A shown in FIG. 16 includes a phase change prediction device 1A, an integrated circuit 110, a wireless transmitter 120, a power source 130, a substrate 140, and a module housing 150.

[0126] The phase change prediction device 1A has the configuration already described with reference to FIGS.

[0127] The integrated circuit 110 processes the output signal from the phase change prediction device 1A.

[0128] The integrated circuit 110 may be a chip-shaped IC chip.

[0129] The wireless transmitter 120 transmits the output signal processed by the integrated circuit 110 to an external device. For example, the wireless transmitter 120 transmits the output signal processed by the integrated circuit 110 to an external receiver.

[0130] The wireless transmitter 120 may for example be a so-called radio module.

[0131] A power supply 130 powers the integrated circuit 110 and the wireless transmitter 120 .

[0132] The power source 130 may be, for example, a battery.

[0133] On the substrate 140, the phase change prediction device 1A, the integrated circuit 110, the wireless transmitter 120, and the power supply 130 are mounted.

[0134] The phase change prediction device 1A, the integrated circuit 110, the wireless transmitter 120, and the power source 130 are appropriately connected by wiring or the like (not shown).

[0135] The phase change prediction device 1A is preferably mounted as far away as possible from the integrated circuit 110 and the power supply 130 so as to reduce the thermal influence from the integrated circuit 110 and the power supply 130 which tend to generate heat. For example, as shown in FIG. 16, the phase change prediction device 1A is preferably mounted at a position farther away from the integrated circuit 110 and the power supply 130 than the wireless transmitter 120 is.

[0136] Inside the module housing 150, a phase change prediction device 1A, an integrated circuit 110, a wireless transmitter 120, a power supply 130, and a substrate 140 are provided.

[0137] The phase change prediction device 1A, specifically, the heat flux sensor 30, is preferably in contact with the module housing 150 so that thermal information can be acquired from outside the module housing 150. In the example shown in FIG. 16, the heat flux sensor 30 is in contact with the module housing 150 while being sandwiched between the housing 10 and the module housing 150.

[0138] Alternatively, it is preferable that the space between the phase change prediction device 1A and the module housing 150, specifically, between the heat flux sensor 30 and the module housing 150, be filled with a material having high thermal conductivity.

[0139] The phase change prediction module 100A operates, for example, as follows. First, in the phase change prediction device 1A, the heat flux sensor 30 detects the heat flux from the reference material 20. After that, the phase change prediction device 1A transmits an output signal (e.g., a thermoelectric voltage) due to the heat flux from the reference material 20 detected by the heat flux sensor 30 to the integrated circuit 110. Next, the integrated circuit 110 processes the output signal transmitted from the phase change prediction device 1A. Specifically, the integrated circuit 110 predicts the presence or absence of a phase change of the prediction object based on the output signal transmitted from the phase change prediction device 1A. Finally, the wireless transmitter 120 transmits the output signal processed by the integrated circuit 110 to an external receiver. Specifically, the wireless transmitter 120 transmits the prediction result of the presence or absence of a phase change of the prediction object by the integrated circuit 110 to an external receiver.

[0140] As described above, the phase change prediction device 1A can be made smaller and consume less power, so the phase change prediction module 100A including the phase change prediction device 1A can also be made smaller and consume less power.

[0141] FIG. 17 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing another example of the phase change prediction module of the present invention.

[0142] In a phase change prediction device 1A' of a phase change prediction module 100B shown in Fig. 17, the heat flux sensor 30 is provided around the outer surface of the housing 10 on the side of the reference material 20. In the example shown in Fig. 17, the heat flux sensor 30 is in contact with the module housing 150 without being sandwiched between the housing 10 and the module housing 150.

[0143] In the above, a configuration having the phase change prediction device 1A has been shown as an example of a phase change prediction module of the present invention, but the same applies to configurations having other phase change prediction devices.

[0144] [Phase change prediction system] The phase change prediction system of the present invention is characterized in that it comprises a prediction unit including the phase change prediction device of the present invention, and the prediction unit predicts the presence or absence of a phase change in the object to be predicted based on an output signal from the phase change prediction device.

[0145] FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing an example of a phase change prediction system of the present invention.

[0146] The phase change prediction system 200 shown in FIG.

[0147] The prediction unit 210 includes a phase change prediction device 1A (see FIGS. 1 and 2).

[0148] The prediction unit 210 predicts the presence or absence of a phase change of the prediction object based on the output signal from the phase change prediction device 1A.

[0149] The output signal from the phase change prediction device 1A referred to by the prediction unit 210 is, for example, a thermoelectromotive voltage due to a heat flux from the reference material 20 detected by the heat flux sensor 30. In this case, when the thermoelectromotive voltage detected by the heat flux sensor 30 is within a predetermined range, the prediction unit 210 determines that the reference material 20 is undergoing a phase change, thereby predicting that a phase change of the prediction object will occur in the near future (phase change of the prediction object: present). On the other hand, when the thermoelectromotive voltage detected by the heat flux sensor 30 is outside the predetermined range, the prediction unit 210 determines that the reference material 20 is not undergoing a phase change, thereby predicting that a phase change of the prediction object will not occur in the near future (phase change of the prediction object: absent).

[0150] In the prediction unit 210, the role of predicting the presence or absence of a phase change of the prediction target may be performed, for example, by the integrated circuit 110 of the phase change prediction module 100A (see FIG. 16). In this case, the prediction unit 210 may be composed of the phase change prediction device 1A and the integrated circuit 110.

[0151] Alternatively, the role of predicting the presence or absence of a phase change of the prediction object may be played by the phase change prediction device 1A in the prediction unit 210. In this case, the prediction unit 210 may be configured with the phase change prediction device 1A.

[0152] As described above, the phase change prediction system 200 can predict whether or not a phase change will occur in an object to be predicted.

[0153] It is preferable that the phase change prediction system 200 further includes a notification unit 220 that notifies the result of prediction by the prediction unit 210 as to whether or not a phase change will occur in the prediction object. In this case, a user of the phase change prediction system 200 can know in advance the timing of the occurrence of a phase change in the prediction object by receiving a notification from the notification unit 220 even if the user is in a location far away from the prediction object.

[0154] In the notification unit 220, the role of notifying the prediction result of the prediction unit 210 regarding the presence or absence of a phase change of the prediction target may be performed by, for example, the wireless transmitter 120 of the phase change prediction module 100A. In this case, the notification unit 220 may be configured by the wireless transmitter 120.

[0155] The notification means by the notification unit 220 is not limited to wireless and may be wired. That is, the notification unit 220 may be configured as a wired transmitter.

[0156] In the above, as an example of a phase change prediction system of the present invention, a configuration in which prediction unit 210 includes phase change prediction device 1A has been shown, but a configuration in which prediction unit 210 includes another phase change prediction device is also similar.

[0157] [Phase change control system] In a first aspect, the phase change control system of the present invention is characterized in that it comprises: a phase change prediction system of the present invention; and a temperature control unit that controls the temperature of the object to be predicted while referring to the temperature and humidity of the outside air around the object to be predicted, based on the prediction result of the prediction unit of the phase change prediction system as to whether or not there is a phase change in the object to be predicted.

[0158] FIG. 19 is a block diagram showing an example of a first embodiment of a phase change control system of the present invention.

[0159] The phase change control system 300A shown in FIG. 19 includes the phase change prediction system 200 and a temperature control unit 310.

[0160] The temperature control unit 310 controls the temperature of the object to be predicted based on the prediction result of the prediction unit 210 of the phase change prediction system 200 as to whether or not there is a phase change in the object to be predicted, while referring to the temperature and humidity of the air outside the object to be predicted.

[0161] There is no particular limitation on the temperature control unit 310 as long as it can control the temperature of the prediction target object. Examples of the temperature control unit 310 include a heater and a cooler.

[0162] In the phase change control system 300A, as described above, the temperature control unit 310 controls the temperature of the prediction object, so that the prediction object does not undergo a phase change at a stage before the prediction object undergoes a phase change. For example, in the phase change control system 300A, when the prediction unit 210 of the phase change prediction system 200 predicts frost formation (phase change of the prediction object: occurring) on ​​the prediction object (e.g., the atmosphere), the temperature control unit 310 can prevent frost formation on the prediction object by controlling to increase the temperature of the prediction object while referring to the temperature and humidity of the air outside the prediction object.

[0163] As described above, the phase change control system 300A can prevent a phase change of an object to be predicted before it occurs.

[0164] In the above, as an example of the first aspect of the phase change control system of the present invention, a configuration in which the prediction unit 210 of the phase change prediction system 200 includes the phase change prediction device 1A has been shown, but a configuration in which the prediction unit 210 of the phase change prediction system 200 includes another phase change prediction device is also similar.

[0165] In a second aspect, the phase change control system of the present invention is characterized in that it comprises: a phase change prediction system of the present invention; and a humidity control unit that controls the humidity of the object to be predicted while referring to the temperature and humidity of the outside air around the object to be predicted, based on the prediction result of the prediction unit of the phase change prediction system as to whether or not there is a phase change in the object to be predicted.

[0166] FIG. 20 is a block diagram showing an example of the second embodiment of the phase change control system of the present invention.

[0167] The phase change control system 300B shown in FIG. 20 includes the phase change prediction system 200 and a humidity control unit 320.

[0168] The humidity control unit 320 controls the humidity of the object to be predicted based on the prediction result of the prediction unit 210 of the phase change prediction system 200 as to whether or not there is a phase change in the object to be predicted, while referring to the temperature and humidity of the air outside the object to be predicted.

[0169] The humidity control unit 320 is not particularly limited as long as it can control the humidity of the prediction target object. Examples of the humidity control unit 320 include a humidifier and a dehumidifier.

[0170] In the phase change control system 300B, as described above, the humidity control unit 320 controls the humidity of the prediction object, so that the prediction object does not undergo a phase change at a stage before the prediction object undergoes a phase change. For example, in the phase change control system 300B, when the prediction unit 210 of the phase change prediction system 200 predicts frost formation (phase change of the prediction object: occurring) on ​​the prediction object (e.g., the atmosphere), the humidity control unit 320 can prevent frost formation on the prediction object by controlling to lower the humidity of the prediction object while referring to the temperature and humidity of the air outside the prediction object.

[0171] As described above, in the phase change control system 300B, it is possible to prevent a phase change of an object to be predicted before it occurs.

[0172] In the above, as an example of the second aspect of the phase change control system of the present invention, a configuration in which the prediction unit 210 of the phase change prediction system 200 includes the phase change prediction device 1A has been shown, but a configuration in which the prediction unit 210 of the phase change prediction system 200 includes another phase change prediction device is also similar.

[0173] In a third aspect, the phase change control system of the present invention is characterized in that it comprises: a phase change prediction system of the present invention; and a wind speed control unit that controls the wind speed around the object to be predicted while referring to the temperature and humidity of the outside air around the object to be predicted, based on the prediction result of the prediction unit of the phase change prediction system as to whether or not there is a phase change in the object to be predicted.

[0174] FIG. 21 is a block diagram showing an example of the third embodiment of the phase change control system of the present invention.

[0175] The phase change control system 300C shown in FIG. 21 includes the phase change prediction system 200 and a wind speed control unit 330.

[0176] The wind speed control unit 330 controls the wind speed around the object to be predicted, based on the prediction result of the prediction unit 210 of the phase change prediction system 200 as to whether or not there is a phase change in the object to be predicted, while referring to the temperature and humidity of the air outside the object to be predicted.

[0177] The wind speed control unit 330 is not particularly limited as long as it can control the wind speed around the prediction object. Examples of the wind speed control unit 330 include a circulator (air circulator) and an electric fan.

[0178] In the phase change control system 300C, as described above, the wind speed control unit 330 controls the wind speed around the prediction object, so that the prediction object does not undergo a phase change at a stage before the prediction object undergoes a phase change. For example, in the phase change control system 300C, when the prediction unit 210 of the phase change prediction system 200 predicts frost formation (phase change of the prediction object: occurring) on ​​the prediction object (e.g., the atmosphere), the wind speed control unit 330, while referring to the temperature and humidity of the outside air of the prediction object, controls to increase the wind speed around the prediction object so that the atmosphere around the prediction object is mixed, thereby preventing frost formation on the prediction object.

[0179] As described above, the phase change control system 300C can prevent a phase change of an object to be predicted before it occurs.

[0180] The above has shown a configuration in which the prediction unit 210 of the phase change prediction system 200 includes the phase change prediction device 1A as an example of the third aspect of the phase change control system of the present invention, but a configuration in which the prediction unit 210 of the phase change prediction system 200 includes another phase change prediction device is also similar.

[0181] In a fourth aspect, the phase change control system of the present invention is characterized in that it comprises: the phase change prediction system of the present invention; and a wind direction control unit that controls the wind direction around the object to be predicted while referring to the temperature and humidity of the outside air around the object to be predicted, based on the prediction result of the prediction unit of the phase change prediction system as to whether or not there is a phase change in the object to be predicted.

[0182] FIG. 22 is a block diagram showing an example of the fourth embodiment of the phase change control system of the present invention.

[0183] The phase change control system 300D shown in FIG. 22 includes the phase change prediction system 200 and a wind direction control unit 340.

[0184] The wind direction control unit 340 controls the wind direction around the prediction object based on the prediction result of the prediction unit 210 of the phase change prediction system 200 as to whether or not there is a phase change in the prediction object, while referring to the temperature and humidity of the outside air of the prediction object.

[0185] The wind direction control unit 340 is not particularly limited as long as it can control the wind direction around the prediction object. Examples of the wind direction control unit 340 include a circulator (air circulator) and an electric fan.

[0186] In the phase change control system 300D, as described above, the wind direction control unit 340 controls the wind direction around the prediction object, so that the prediction object does not undergo a phase change before the prediction object undergoes a phase change. For example, in the phase change control system 300D, when the prediction unit 210 of the phase change prediction system 200 predicts frost formation (phase change of the prediction object: occurring) on ​​the prediction object (e.g., the atmosphere), the wind direction control unit 340 refers to the temperature and humidity of the outside air of the prediction object and controls the wind direction around the prediction object to a plurality of directions so that the atmosphere around the prediction object is mixed, thereby preventing frost formation on the prediction object.

[0187] As described above, the phase change control system 300D can prevent a phase change of an object to be predicted before it occurs.

[0188] The above has shown a configuration in which the prediction unit 210 of the phase change prediction system 200 includes the phase change prediction device 1A as an example of the fourth aspect of the phase change control system of the present invention, but the same is true for a configuration in which the prediction unit 210 of the phase change prediction system 200 includes another phase change prediction device.

[0189] The phase change control system of the present invention may be a combination of the first, second, third, and fourth aspects. Specifically, the combination is as follows.

[0190] A first aspect of the phase change control system of the present invention may further include, in addition to the phase change prediction system and the temperature control unit, at least one selected from the group consisting of a humidity control unit, a wind speed control unit, and a wind direction control unit.

[0191] A second aspect of the phase change control system of the present invention may further include, in addition to the phase change prediction system and the humidity control unit, at least one selected from the group consisting of a temperature control unit, a wind speed control unit, and a wind direction control unit.

[0192] A third aspect of the phase change control system of the present invention may further include, in addition to the phase change prediction system and the wind speed control unit, at least one selected from the group consisting of a temperature control unit, a humidity control unit, and a wind direction control unit.

[0193] A fourth aspect of the phase change control system of the present invention may further include, in addition to the phase change prediction system and the wind direction control unit, at least one selected from the group consisting of a temperature control unit, a humidity control unit, and a wind speed control unit.

[0194] The phase change prediction device, the phase change prediction module, the phase change prediction system, and the phase change control system of the present invention can be used for a wide range of applications, for example, in fields such as agriculture. For example, the phase change prediction device, the phase change prediction module, the phase change prediction system, and the phase change control system of the present invention can be used in fields such as agriculture when frost formation on a farm field is anticipated.

[0195] The present specification discloses the following:

[0196] <1> A phase change prediction device for predicting a phase change of an object to be predicted, comprising: A housing including a sealed portion; A reference substance that is sealed in the sealed portion of the housing so that a space remains in the sealed portion of the housing, and that changes phase before the prediction target substance; A phase change prediction device comprising: a heat flux sensor provided on at least the outer or inner surface of the housing facing the reference material, the heat flux sensor detecting the heat flux from the reference material.

[0197] <2> The housing is itself the sealed part. <1> The phase change prediction device according to claim 1.

[0198] <3> The housing includes a sub-housing that is the sealed portion, and a main housing in which the sub-housing is provided. <1> The phase change prediction device according to claim 1.

[0199] <4> a partition extending in a height direction from an inner surface of the sealed portion of the housing on the reference substance side to an inner surface of the sealed portion on the space side; the partition divides an area in which at least the reference substance is present into a plurality of areas in the sealed portion of the housing when viewed from the height direction, and is present at a height equal to or higher than that of the reference substance in the height direction. <1> ~ <3> 13. A phase change prediction device according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

[0200] <5> <1> ~ <4> A phase change prediction device according to any one of the above items, an integrated circuit for processing an output signal from the phase change predictor; a wireless transmitter for transmitting the output signal processed by the integrated circuit to an external device; a power supply for powering the integrated circuit and the wireless transmitter; a substrate on which the phase change prediction device, the integrated circuit, the wireless transmitter, and the power supply are mounted; A phase change prediction module comprising: a module housing having the phase change prediction device, the integrated circuit, the wireless transmitter, the power supply, and the substrate disposed therein.

[0201] <6> <1> ~ <4> A prediction unit including the phase change prediction device according to any one of the above items, A phase change prediction system characterized in that the prediction unit predicts whether or not a phase change will occur in the object to be predicted based on an output signal from the phase change prediction device.

[0202] <7> Further comprising a notification unit that notifies the result of the prediction by the prediction unit of the presence or absence of a phase change of the prediction object, <6> The phase change prediction system according to claim 1.

[0203] <8> <6> or <7> A phase change prediction system according to the present invention; A phase change control system comprising: a temperature control unit that controls the temperature of the object to be predicted while referring to the temperature and humidity of the outside air of the object to be predicted, based on the prediction result of the prediction unit of the phase change prediction system as to whether or not the object to be predicted will have a phase change.

[0204] <9> <6> or <7> A phase change prediction system according to the present invention; A phase change control system comprising: a humidity control unit that controls the humidity of the object to be predicted while referring to the temperature and humidity of the outside air of the object to be predicted, based on the prediction result of the prediction unit of the phase change prediction system as to whether or not the object to be predicted will have a phase change.

[0205] <10> <6> or <7> A phase change prediction system according to the present invention; A phase change control system comprising: a wind speed control unit that controls the wind speed around the object to be predicted while referring to the temperature and humidity of the outside air of the object to be predicted, based on the prediction result of the prediction unit of the phase change prediction system as to whether or not the object to be predicted will have a phase change.

[0206] <11> <6> or <7> A phase change prediction system according to the present invention; A phase change control system comprising: a wind direction control unit that controls the wind direction around the object to be predicted while referring to the temperature and humidity of the outside air of the object to be predicted, based on the prediction result of the prediction unit of the phase change prediction system as to whether or not the object to be predicted will have a phase change. [Explanation of symbols]

[0207] 1A, 1A', 1B, 2A, 2X, 3A Phase change prediction device 10. Chassis 10a Sub-enclosure 10b Main housing 20 Reference Materials 20R Reference Material Area 25 Space 25R spatial area 30 Heat Flux Sensor 40 Base material 50 Dividers 100A, 100B Phase change prediction module 110 Integrated Circuits 120 Radio Transmitter 130 Power supply 140 Substrate 150 module housing 200 Phase Change Prediction System 210 Prediction Department 220 Notification Department 300A, 300B, 300C, 300D Phase Change Control System 310 Temperature control unit 320 Humidity control unit 330 Wind Speed ​​Control Unit 340 Wind direction control unit

Claims

1. A phase change prediction device for predicting a phase change of an object to be predicted, comprising: A housing including a sealed portion; A reference substance that is sealed in the sealed portion of the housing so that a space remains in the sealed portion of the housing, and that changes phase before the prediction target; A phase change prediction device comprising: a heat flux sensor provided on at least the outer or inner surface of the housing facing the reference material, the heat flux sensor detecting the heat flux from the reference material.

2. The phase change predicting device according to claim 1 , wherein the housing itself is the sealed part.

3. The phase change prediction device according to claim 1 , wherein the housing includes a sub-housing that is the sealed portion, and a main housing in which the sub-housing is provided.

4. a partition extending in a height direction from an inner surface of the sealed portion of the housing on the reference substance side to an inner surface of the sealed portion on the space side, The phase change prediction device of claim 1, wherein the partition divides the area in which at least the reference substance is present in the sealed portion of the housing into multiple areas when viewed from the height direction, and is located at a height in the height direction equal to or greater than that of the reference substance.

5. A phase change prediction device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, an integrated circuit for processing an output signal from the phase change predictor; a wireless transmitter for transmitting the output signal processed by the integrated circuit to an external device; a power supply for powering the integrated circuit and the wireless transmitter; a substrate on which the phase change prediction device, the integrated circuit, the wireless transmitter, and the power supply are mounted; A phase change prediction module comprising: a module housing having the phase change prediction device, the integrated circuit, the wireless transmitter, the power supply, and the substrate disposed therein.

6. A prediction unit including the phase change prediction device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, A phase change prediction system characterized in that the prediction unit predicts whether or not a phase change will occur in the object to be predicted based on an output signal from the phase change prediction device.

7. The phase change prediction system according to claim 6 , further comprising a notification unit that notifies a prediction result of the prediction unit as to whether or not a phase change occurs in the object to be predicted.

8. The phase change prediction system according to claim 6 ; A phase change control system comprising: a temperature control unit that controls the temperature of the object to be predicted while referring to the temperature and humidity of the outside air of the object to be predicted, based on the prediction result of the prediction unit of the phase change prediction system as to whether or not the object to be predicted will have a phase change.

9. The phase change prediction system according to claim 6 ; A phase change control system comprising: a humidity control unit that controls the humidity of the object to be predicted while referring to the temperature and humidity of the outside air of the object to be predicted based on the prediction result of the prediction unit of the phase change prediction system as to whether or not the object to be predicted will have a phase change.

10. The phase change prediction system according to claim 6 ; A phase change control system comprising: a wind speed control unit that controls the wind speed around the object to be predicted while referring to the temperature and humidity of the outside air of the object to be predicted, based on the prediction result of the prediction unit of the phase change prediction system as to whether or not the object will undergo a phase change.

11. The phase change prediction system according to claim 6 ; A phase change control system comprising: a wind direction control unit that controls the wind direction around the object to be predicted while referring to the temperature and humidity of the outside air of the object to be predicted, based on the prediction result of the prediction unit of the phase change prediction system as to whether or not there is a phase change of the object to be predicted.

Images