Environment sensing system

Abstract

To provide an environment sensing system capable of evaluating a heat radiation condition of an ambient environment and providing a notification on the basis of the result of the evaluation to prompt a user to perform operation appropriate for a device.SOLUTION: An environment sensing system is for a cold device (for example, refrigerator 100) including a drive source (compressor 110) that generates cold, a heat absorption / radiation part to outside (condenser 112) and an external temperature detection section (ambient temperature sensor 105). The environment sensing system includes: an evaluation section 200 that evaluates a heat absorption / radiation condition indicating whether the ambient environment of the cold device is appropriate for heat absorption / radiation on the basis of a change amount of the detection temperature obtained by the external temperature detection section in a predetermined evaluation period; and an output section 201 that makes a notification of the evaluation result of the heat absorption / radiation condition evaluated by the evaluation section 200.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a technique for an environmental sensing system. [Background technology]

[0002] Refrigerators, heat pump water heaters, washing and drying machines, etc. are examples of cooling and heating devices that cool or heat objects such as food, water, and clothing. These devices have the function of controlling the object to a predetermined temperature by supplying a predetermined power to a power source that drives the device. Since the device absorbs and releases heat from the outside during operation, there is a problem that if poor heat absorption or release occurs due to device failure or installation in a narrow space, the operating load increases, leading to increased power consumption and a shortened lifespan of the device.

[0003] In response to this, Patent Document 1 discloses a refrigerator that "detects poor heat dissipation when the difference between the temperature around the case and the temperature of the refrigerant after condensation falls below a predetermined value, and determines whether the cause of the poor heat dissipation is a malfunction of the cooling fan or a clogged ventilation path based on the rate of change of the temperature difference. According to this invention, it is possible to detect poor heat dissipation and identify the cause and quickly address it" (see abstract). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 7-270020 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The method described in Patent Document 1 makes it possible to detect poor heat dissipation caused by equipment failure or malfunction based on the operating principle of the equipment and to identify the cause, thereby enabling rapid response when poor heat dissipation occurs.

[0006] On the other hand, the technology of Patent Document 1 is a so-called equipment sensing technology that detects abnormalities in equipment, and therefore cannot detect an increase in the operating load due to poor heat dissipation conditions in the surrounding environment even when the equipment is not broken. For example, if a refrigerator is installed in a place where heat is likely to build up and the temperature around the housing rises, the operating load increases in order to maintain the amount of heat dissipation required for control. However, since the refrigerator is not broken, it is difficult to detect this using the judgment criteria of the conventional technology based on the operation at the time of a breakdown. In addition, since it is difficult for the user to sense this while the equipment is operating normally, the increased load condition is not resolved, and there is a high possibility that poor heat dissipation will become chronic.

[0007] The present invention is an environmental sensing technology for solving such problems, and aims to encourage users to operate their devices appropriately by evaluating the heat dissipation conditions of the surrounding environment and providing notifications based on the evaluation results. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the environmental sensing system of the present invention is an environmental sensing system for a cold-heat device that includes a driving source for generating cold heat, an external heat absorption and radiation unit, and an external temperature detection unit, and is characterized by having an evaluation unit that evaluates heat absorption and radiation conditions that indicate whether the surrounding environment of the cold-heat device is suitable for heat absorption and radiation based on the amount of change in the detected temperature by the external temperature detection unit during a predetermined evaluation period, and an output unit that notifies the evaluation result of the heat absorption and radiation conditions evaluated by the evaluation unit. Other solutions will be described appropriately in the embodiments. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, the heat dissipation conditions of the surrounding environment are evaluated and a notification based on the evaluation results is given, thereby encouraging the user to operate the device in an appropriate manner. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an environment sensing system for a refrigerator in a first embodiment. [Figure 2A] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing time variations in the ambient temperature and the operating load of the drive source of a refrigerator in an environment with poor heat dissipation conditions in the first embodiment. [Figure 2B] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing time variations in the ambient temperature and the operating load of the drive source of a refrigerator in an environment with good heat dissipation conditions in the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] 4 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a process performed by the environment sensing system in the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen displayed on an output unit in the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen displayed on an output unit in the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a configuration of an environment sensing system of a heat pump washer-dryer in a second embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing changes over time in the ambient temperature and the operating load of the drive source of a heat pump washer-dryer in a second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of display of recommended products based on the evaluation results of heat absorption and radiation conditions in the output unit of the second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the configuration of an environment sensing system of a heat pump water heater in a third embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing changes over time in the ambient temperature and the operating load of the driving source of a heat pump water heater in a third embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an execution selection screen for an operation plan based on the evaluation result of a heat absorption and release condition in an output section of the third embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a computer. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Next, a mode for carrying out the present invention (referred to as an "embodiment") will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate.

[0012] [First embodiment] First, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. <Configuration of refrigerator environment sensing system Z> 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a refrigerator environment sensing system Z in a first embodiment. In the first embodiment, the refrigerator environment sensing system Z is shown, which evaluates the heat dissipation condition of the surrounding environment of a refrigerator 100 and notifies the result. The refrigerator environment sensing system Z includes a refrigerator (cooling device) 100, an evaluation unit 200, an output unit 201, and a storage unit 202.

[0013] (Refrigerator 100) The interior space 101 of the refrigerator 100 is separated from the outside by a heat-insulating box filled with a heat insulating material 102. The interior space 101 is divided into a plurality of rooms, such as a refrigerator room and a freezer room, and each room is provided with an openable and closable door 103 (doors 103a, 103b, 103c, 103d). The refrigerator 100 is provided with a compressor 110 (drive source), an evaporator 111 (heat absorption section), a condenser 112 (heat dissipation section), and an expansion valve 113 (expansion device) that constitute a refrigeration cycle. The refrigerator 100 is also provided with a blower fan 104 (blower fans 104a, 104b). The refrigerator 100 is also provided with an ambient temperature sensor 105.

[0014] The refrigeration cycle is formed by circulating a refrigerant (heat transfer medium) through a flow path in which an evaporator 111, a compressor 110, a condenser 112, and an expansion valve 113 are connected in a ring shape. The evaporator 111 is a heat exchanger that absorbs heat from the interior space 101. The compressor 110, which is driven according to the amount of input energy, compresses the gas-phase refrigerant evaporated in the evaporator 111. The condenser 112 cools the gas-phase refrigerant compressed in the compressor 110 with cooling water or air, thereby dissipating heat contained in the gas-phase refrigerant. At this time, the gas-phase refrigerant is liquefied to become a liquid refrigerant. The expansion valve 113 expands the liquid refrigerant discharged from the condenser 112 to produce a low-pressure, low-temperature two-phase refrigerant, which is then sent to the evaporator 111.

[0015] The blower fan 104 blows low-temperature air generated by heat exchange in the evaporator 111 into the interior space 101 (the temperature of the interior space 101 is controlled by the compressor 110).

[0016] In order to explain the method of controlling the refrigerator 100, it is assumed that the topmost partitioned room in the interior space 101 in FIG. 1 is the refrigerator room, and the middle room is the freezer room. The refrigerator room and the freezer room are cooled by air generated by two blower fans 104. When cooling the refrigerator room, blower fan 104a operates, and when cooling the freezer room, blower fan 104b operates, and low-temperature air from the evaporator 111 is blown into each room. The start and stop of cooling of each room is controlled based on the temperature inside the refrigerator. Specifically, cooling starts when the temperature inside the refrigerator reaches or exceeds a predetermined value, and cooling stops when the temperature falls below the predetermined value. This allows the temperature inside the refrigerator to be kept within a constant range.

[0017] In refrigerator 100 that operates for a long time, moisture in interior space 101 condenses and solidifies in evaporator 111, forming frost, which adheres to evaporator 111. As frost adhesion progresses, the performance of evaporator 111 decreases, and a defrosting operation is performed within a predetermined time interval. During the defrosting operation, compressor 110 stops, and a heater (not shown) is operated to increase the temperature of evaporator 111 and melt the frost. Then, when the temperature of evaporator 111 reaches a predetermined value or higher, compressor 110 starts, and cooling of interior space 101 resumes.

[0018] (Evaluation section 200) The evaluation unit 200 is composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and the like, and executes processing in accordance with an evaluation method for the heat dissipation conditions of the surrounding environment, which will be described later. For this purpose, the evaluation unit 200 is configured to acquire necessary information and signals from the ambient temperature sensor 105, the temperature sensor 120, and the compressor 110 via signal lines and the like. The evaluation unit 200 also has a communication function, and transmits the evaluation results to the output unit 201 and the storage unit 202.

[0019] (Output unit 201) The output unit 201 (display device) displays the evaluation results and the like obtained by the evaluation unit 200. The output unit 201 may be installed on the surface of the refrigerator 100, or may be a terminal (such as a smartphone or a PC) with a communication function used by a user.

[0020] (Storage unit 202) The storage unit 202 is composed of a hard disk (HD) and a random access memory (RAM), and stores the evaluation result by the evaluation unit 200, operation information of the refrigerator 100, and the like.

[0021] <Method for evaluating the heat dissipation conditions of the surrounding environment> 2A and 2B are diagrams showing an evaluation target and evaluation period 305 in evaluation unit 200, where Fig. 2A corresponds to a case where refrigerator 100 is installed in an environment with poor heat dissipation conditions, and Fig. 2B corresponds to a case where refrigerator 100 is installed in an environment with good heat dissipation conditions. The method for evaluating the surrounding environment will be described with reference to Figs. 1, 2A, and 2B as appropriate.

[0022] 2A and 2B, the horizontal axis indicates time, the left vertical axis indicates actual environment temperature 301 represented by a solid line and ambient temperature sensor value 302 (value of ambient temperature sensor 105) represented by a dashed line, and the right vertical axis indicates operating load 303 of compressor 110 represented by a dotted line. Also, Figs. 2A and 2B show changes over time in actual environment temperature 301 (room temperature of the room in which refrigerator 100 is installed), ambient temperature sensor value 302, and operating load 303 of compressor 110. Operating load 303 of compressor 110 refers to the rotation speed and power consumption of compressor 110, etc.

[0023] When the heat dissipation conditions of the surrounding environment are poor, the exhaust air, whose temperature has risen due to heat dissipation from the condenser 112, accumulates in the installation space, causing the ambient temperature sensor value 302 to become higher than the actual environment temperature 301, which appears as the temperature deviation 304 in Fig. 2A. In contrast, when the heat dissipation conditions of the surrounding environment are good, the exhaust air does not accumulate in the installation space, and the ambient temperature sensor value 302 becomes approximately the same as the actual environment temperature 301. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 2B, the temperature deviation 304 becomes a small value.

[0024] In this way, the temperature deviation 304 increases as the surrounding environment of the refrigerator 100 becomes more difficult to dissipate heat, so by evaluating this temperature deviation 304, the heat dissipation conditions of the surrounding environment can be estimated.

[0025] There are two specific methods for evaluating the temperature deviation 304. The first method of evaluating the temperature deviation 304 will be described. When there is another temperature sensor 120 (see FIG. 1) installed farther away from the refrigerator 100, the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 120 is the actual environment temperature 301, so the temperature deviation 304 is calculated from the difference between the temperatures detected by the temperature sensor 120 and the ambient temperature sensor 105.

[0026] The second evaluation method of the temperature deviation 304 will be described. When there is no separate temperature sensor 120 (see FIG. 1) provided farther away from the refrigerator 100, the temperature deviation 304 is estimated only from the ambient temperature sensor value 302. The specific method is as follows. First, when the compressor 110 is temporarily stopped due to a defrosting operation or the like, the heat radiation from the condenser 112 stops. Then, the temperature around the housing approaches the actual environment temperature 301, and the ambient temperature sensor value 302 decreases. The amount of change 306 at this time is proportional to the temperature deviation 304, so by acquiring the amount of change 306, the temperature deviation 304 can be indirectly evaluated. The evaluation period 305 of the amount of change 306 in the refrigerator 100 is during defrosting when the compressor 110 (drive source) is temporarily stopped, and the amount of change 306 is the difference between the ambient temperature sensor value 302 at the start and end of the defrosting. The evaluation period 305 corresponds to a period during which the driving source is stopped. The evaluation period 305 may also include a predetermined operation period after the driving source is stopped. In other words, the evaluation period 305 may be a period during which the driving source is stopped and a period during which the driving source is started.

[0027] 3 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the process performed by the evaluation unit 200 in the first embodiment, with reference to FIGS. 1, 2A, and 2B as appropriate. In FIG. 3, the actual environment temperature 301 is represented as TR, the ambient temperature sensor value 302 is represented as TS, and the temperature deviation that is the difference between the actual environment temperature 301 and the ambient temperature sensor value 302 is represented as ΔT (=TR−TS).

[0028] First, the evaluation unit 200 acquires operation information of the refrigerator 100 (S101). The operation information includes information on the operation load 303 of the compressor 110, such as the rotation speed and power consumption of the compressor 110, and information on the ambient temperature sensor 105.

[0029] Next, the evaluation unit 200 checks whether or not there is another temperature sensor 120 (S110). If there is another temperature sensor 120 (S110, No), the evaluation unit 200 acquires the actual environment temperature 301, which is the detected temperature, (S121) and calculates the temperature deviation 304 (S122). On the other hand, if there is no temperature sensor 120 (S110, Yes), the evaluation unit 200 calculates the amount of change 306 (S120).

[0030] Then, after S120 (if there is no other temperature sensor 120), the evaluation unit 200 evaluates the heat dissipation conditions of the surrounding environment by threshold judgment using the amount of change 306, and if the amount of change 306 is equal to or greater than a reference threshold, it judges the heat dissipation conditions to be "poor", and if the amount of change 306 is less than the threshold, it judges the heat dissipation conditions to be "good" (S130a), and proceeds to S131.

[0031] After S122 (if there is another temperature sensor 120), the evaluation unit 200 evaluates the heat dissipation conditions of the surrounding environment by threshold judgment using the temperature deviation 304, and if the temperature deviation 304 is equal to or greater than a reference threshold, judges the heat dissipation conditions to be "poor", and if it is less than the threshold, judges it to be "good" (S130b), and proceeds to S131.

[0032] Next, in S131, the evaluation unit 200 transmits the evaluation result to the output unit 201. Note that the evaluation result is not limited to the result of the threshold judgment, but also includes the value of the temperature deviation 304 or the amount of change 306, and the like.

[0033] <Display screen 400> 4 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen 400 displayed on the output unit 201. In this example, the output unit 201 is assumed to be a smartphone or tablet held by a user. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the heat dissipation conditions are relatively poor. The display screen 400 displays the evaluation result of the current heat dissipation condition by the evaluation unit 200. The evaluation result display unit 410 displays the result of the threshold judgment by the evaluation unit 200.

[0034] Also, a scoring result display section 411 may be provided separately from the evaluation result display section 410, and the quality of the heat dissipation conditions evaluated in finer steps than the evaluation result display section 410 may be visually shown in an easy-to-understand manner using an evaluation bar, star ratings, or the like. In the example of Fig. 4, an inverted triangle shows the current state of the heat dissipation conditions, with the further to the left of the bar indicating worse heat dissipation conditions and the further to the right of the bar indicating better heat dissipation conditions.

[0035] The details display section 420 describes the basis for the evaluation results of the heat dissipation conditions displayed in the evaluation result display section 410 and the scoring result display section 411. For example, the actual environment temperature 301 used in the evaluation or the ambient temperature of the refrigerator 100 may be displayed. In addition, for a user whose heat dissipation conditions are evaluated as "bad", a presumed cause and benefits of resolving the problem are described. For example, possible causes include installing the refrigerator 100 in a narrow space or arranging a lot of furniture near the refrigerator 100. In addition, benefits of resolving the problem include reduced power consumption and longer product life. In addition, for a user whose heat dissipation conditions are evaluated as "good", a content encouraging the user to continue using the current method may be displayed.

[0036] The suggested content display unit 430 displays a method for improving the heat dissipation conditions or a usage method suitable for the current heat dissipation conditions. For example, as a method for improving the heat dissipation conditions, the unit notifies the user whether there is an obstacle such as a cardboard box blocking the top surface or the exhaust port of the refrigerator, and displays advice such as moving the object if it can be moved, or using a rack or the like to secure the necessary space if it cannot be moved. As a usage method suitable for the current heat dissipation conditions, advice such as lowering the temperature control setting is displayed. Here, if there are multiple suggested contents, it is preferable to list them in bullet points and distinguish each suggested content by numbers or letters.

[0037] Furthermore, an input unit 205 may be provided in the display screen 400 so that the user can input the proposal contents that have been implemented or that there were no proposal contents that could be implemented. In this case, if there are multiple proposal contents, corresponding numbers or letters are displayed in the input unit 205. This input information may be stored in the storage unit 202 and referred to at the next and subsequent proposals, and the proposal contents may be customized for each user, such as excluding proposal contents that have not been implemented consecutively. Incidentally, in the example of FIG. 4, multiple proposal contents (improvement measures) are displayed as "usage advice" in the proposal content display unit 430, such as "1. On the top surface of the refrigerator", "2. On the exhaust port of the refrigerator", and "3 (improvement measure 3)", and the user can input the number of the usage advice that has been implemented, i.e., the proposal contents (improvement measures) via the input unit 205.

[0038] The timing for displaying the evaluation results of the heat dissipation conditions on the display screen 400 may be a pre-specified date and time, or may be a timing specified by the user through the input unit 205, which is provided to allow the user to set whether or not to output the evaluation results and the timing.

[0039] Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen 400 displayed on the output unit 201 when the heat dissipation conditions have changed significantly since the previous evaluation due to the user's actions, etc. Note that the example shown in Fig. 5 shows an example in which the heat dissipation conditions have changed from a relatively bad state to a good state.

[0040] The display screen 400 includes an evaluation result display section 410 and a scoring result display section 411. It also includes a history display section 440, which displays the latest and past evaluation results of the heat dissipation conditions. For example, a graph is displayed with the horizontal axis representing the date and the vertical axis representing the evaluation results, and the graph displays a reference line 441, plots 442, and an evaluation result change amount 443. The reference line 441 indicates a threshold value for determining that the heat dissipation conditions are "bad." The plots 442 correspond to the evaluation results of each time. It also includes a detail display section 420, which displays the effect of improving the heat dissipation conditions. For example, it displays an estimated value of the reduction rate of annual power consumption.

[0041] That is, the evaluation unit 200 can compare the evaluation result of the heat absorption and radiation conditions at the previous evaluation stored in the storage unit 202 with the current evaluation result, and output to the output unit 201 the degree of improvement of the heat absorption and radiation conditions.

[0042] The environmental sensing system also includes an input unit 205 (see FIG. 4), and a storage unit 202 that stores the output contents output to the output unit 201, as well as user input information corresponding to the input contents input from the input unit 205. The evaluation unit 200 can correct the output contents based on the output contents and user input information up to the previous evaluation stored in the storage unit 202, and output the corrected output contents to the output unit 201.

[0043] According to the first embodiment, it is possible to detect that the operating load 303 of the compressor 110 is increasing due to poor heat dissipation conditions in the surrounding environment even though the refrigerator 100 is not broken. For example, when the refrigerator 100 is in an environment where heat dissipation is easy with no surrounding walls or furniture, the actual environment temperature 301 and the surrounding temperature are almost the same, and the temperature deviation degree 304 is approximately 0 degrees. On the other hand, when the refrigerator 100 is in a place where heat dissipation is difficult because the surrounding walls are close, the temperature deviation degree 304 increases. Therefore, the evaluation unit 200 can evaluate the heat dissipation conditions by making a threshold determination using the temperature deviation degree 304.

[0044] Moreover, according to the first embodiment, by installing another temperature sensor 120 at a distance from the refrigerator 100, it is possible to acquire the actual environmental temperature 301. This makes it possible to directly calculate the temperature deviation 304, thereby enabling evaluation of the heat dissipation condition with high accuracy.

[0045] Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, the amount of change 306 can be calculated from the operating load 303 of the compressor 110 and the ambient temperature. In addition, since the amount of change 306 is proportional to the temperature deviation 304, the heat radiation condition can be evaluated using the amount of change 306 instead of the temperature deviation 304. In other words, the heat radiation condition can be evaluated only from the operation information.

[0046] In addition, according to the first embodiment, the user can understand the heat dissipation conditions of the surrounding environment of the refrigerator 100 being used, and can learn how to improve them and how to use it appropriately. Specifically, the user can easily understand whether the current heat dissipation conditions are "good" or "bad" from the evaluation result display unit 410 of the display screen 400. Also, the user can intuitively understand whether the heat dissipation conditions are good or bad from the scoring result display unit 411 and at a finer scale than the evaluation result display unit 410.

[0047] Furthermore, from the “Detailed Report” in the detailed display section 420, the user can check the basis for the evaluation results of the heat dissipation conditions, and if the heat dissipation conditions are “poor,” the user can understand the presumed cause and the benefits that can be enjoyed if the heat dissipation conditions are improved.

[0048] In addition, the "Usage Advice (Improvement Measures)" in the proposal content display section 430 allows the user to learn how to improve the heat dissipation conditions and how to use the device in a way that suits the heat dissipation conditions (method of use that suits the heat absorption and dissipation conditions), making it possible for the user to easily select and put into practice the proposal content that they can easily implement.

[0049] In this way, it is possible to present the user with a well-founded evaluation result of the heat dissipation conditions and appropriate usage methods, etc., and to encourage a change in the user's behavior. Furthermore, by taking action based on the notification, the user can operate the device more appropriately, and enjoy benefits such as reduced electricity costs and an extended device lifespan.

[0050] Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, the contents of suggestions that the user has implemented and the contents of suggestions that the user has not implemented are stored, so that it becomes possible to make suggestions suited to the user based on the number of suggestions made.

[0051] Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, the user can grasp the degree to which the heat dissipation conditions have improved as a result of the measures taken by the user. In addition, the user can confirm the effects of the improvements, such as the reduction rate of annual power consumption. In this way, the user can be encouraged to establish new behavior.

[0052] The evaluation unit 200 in the first embodiment may be built into the refrigerator 100, or may be installed in a location other than the refrigerator 100, for example, in a cloud environment. If the evaluation unit 200 is built into the refrigerator 100 having a communication function, it is not necessary to provide the evaluation unit 200 with its own communication function. In other words, the evaluation unit 200, the output unit 201, and the storage unit 202 may all be built into the refrigerator 100, all may be installed outside the refrigerator 100, or only some of them may be installed outside the refrigerator 100.

[0053] [Second embodiment] Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. <Configuration of the environmental sensing system Za for heat pump washer-dryer> 6 is a diagram showing the configuration of an environment sensing system Za for a heat pump washer-dryer in a second embodiment. In the second embodiment, the environment sensing system Za for a heat pump washer-dryer is shown, which evaluates the heat dissipation condition of the surrounding environment of a heat pump washer-dryer 500 and issues a notification.

[0054] The heat pump washer-dryer environment sensing system Za includes a heat pump washer-dryer 500 (a cooling device), an evaluation unit 200, an output unit 201, and a selection unit 203.

[0055] (Heat Pump Washer Dryer 500) Heat pump washer-dryer 500 includes washing tub 501 (clothes holding section), door 502, and motor 503. Heat pump washer-dryer 500 further includes blower 504 (air blowing device), duct 505, and ambient temperature sensor 506. Heat pump unit 510 is also included, in which compressor 511, evaporator 512, condenser 513, and expansion valve 514 are connected in a ring shape. Furthermore, heat pump unit 510 includes intake port 522 and intake valve 523.

[0056] A user opens door 502, puts clothes to be washed into washing tub 501, and closes door 502. This causes the clothes to be held in washing tub 501. Thereafter, motor 503 rotates washing tub 501 to perform the washing process, spin-drying process, and drying process. Washing water, rinsing water, etc. are drained through drain pipe 521.

[0057] After the washing and spin cycles are completed, the drying cycle is started. When the drying cycle starts, wet clothes are put into the washing tub 501. When the drying cycle starts, the blower 504 and the heat pump cycle H are activated.

[0058] A heat pump cycle H is formed by circulating a refrigerant (heat transfer medium) through a flow path in which an evaporator 512, a compressor 511, a condenser 513, and an expansion valve 514 are connected in a ring shape. The evaporator 512 is a heat exchanger that absorbs heat from the air that flows into the heat pump. The compressor 511, which is driven according to the amount of input energy, compresses the gas-phase refrigerant evaporated in the evaporator 512. The condenser 513 is a heat exchanger that releases heat possessed by the high-temperature gas-phase refrigerant compressed in the compressor 511 to the air. In the condenser 513, the gas-phase refrigerant is liquefied to become a liquid refrigerant. The expansion valve 514 expands the liquid refrigerant discharged from the condenser 513 to become a low-pressure, low-temperature two-phase refrigerant, and sends it to the evaporator 512.

[0059] By operating blower 504, an air flow is generated in a flow path including washing tub 501, heat pump unit 510, duct 505, and blower 504. Moisture contained in wet clothes mixes with the air in washing tub 501, becomes highly humid, flows into heat pump unit 510, and passes through evaporator 512 and condenser 513 in that order. In evaporator 512, the temperature of the air is reduced and dehumidified, and in the subsequent condenser 513, the dehumidified low-temperature air is heated to a high temperature, and this high-temperature, low-humidity air flows back into washing tub 501 through duct 505 and blower 504.

[0060] When compressor 511 is in operation and operating load 303 of compressor 511 is high, in order to suppress operating load 303, intake valve 523 is opened, surrounding air is taken in from intake port 522, and the temperature and humidity of the air coming out of washing tub 501 are lowered in advance before it is allowed to flow into heat pump unit 510.

[0061] When heat pump washer-dryer 500 is in an environment with poor heat dissipation conditions, the temperature of the surrounding air rises due to heat dissipation from the housing body (part that dissipates heat to the outside). Therefore, when the heat dissipation conditions are poor, high-temperature air is taken in, and the air coming out of washing tub 501 flows into heat pump unit 510 without decreasing in temperature. As a result, the energy required for dehumidification increases, that is, operating load 303 of compressor 511 increases. Ambient temperature sensor 506 measures the ambient temperature of heat pump washer-dryer 500.

[0062] (Selection Department 203) The selection unit 203 is composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and the like, and executes a process of selecting a recommended product for replacement purchase based on the evaluation results by the evaluation unit 200, and transmits information on the selected recommended product to the output unit 201.

[0063] Here, the recommended product may be selected using the evaluation results of the evaluation unit 200, equipment information of the currently used product (equipment information of the cooling and heating device), inventory management information of the product in the market, warehouse, or in accordance with the production plan, and product information. Specifically, the aforementioned information is used to calculate the compatibility rate of the product with the current heat dissipation conditions, and a product with a higher compatibility rate than the currently used product is selected as the recommended product. For example, for a user who is evaluated as having poor heat dissipation conditions, a product that is smaller than the current product, a product with a different location for the air intake 522, a product that generates less heat when drying, etc. are selected.

[0064] <Method for evaluating the heat dissipation conditions of the surrounding environment> Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an evaluation target and evaluation period 305 in evaluation unit 200. Fig. 6 is referred to as appropriate. In Fig. 7, the horizontal axis indicates time, the vertical axis in the upper diagram indicates temperature, and the vertical axis in the lower diagram indicates operating load 303 of compressor 511. The upper diagram in Fig. 7 shows changes over time in actual environmental temperature 301 (room temperature of the room in which heat pump washer-dryer 500 is installed) and ambient temperature sensor value 302 (value of ambient temperature sensor 506), and the lower diagram shows changes over time in operating load 303 of compressor 511.

[0065] When the air temperature in the installation space rises due to heat dissipation from the housing body, the ambient temperature sensor value 302 becomes higher than the actual environmental temperature 301, which appears as temperature deviation 304 in Fig. 7. Temperature deviation 304 increases as the ambient environment of heat pump washer-dryer 500 becomes more difficult to dissipate heat, so the heat dissipation conditions of the ambient environment are estimated by evaluating this temperature deviation 304.

[0066] A method of estimating the temperature deviation 304 from only the ambient temperature sensor value 302 in the heat pump washer-dryer 500 will be described. First, when the compressor 511 operates, heat is released from the housing body, and the temperature around the housing rises from the actual environment temperature 301. Since the amount of change 306 at this time is proportional to the temperature deviation 304, the temperature deviation 304 can be indirectly evaluated by acquiring the amount of change 306. The evaluation period 305 of the amount of change 306 is during the drying process in which the compressor 511 operates, and the amount of change 306 is the difference between the ambient temperature sensor value 302 at the start of the drying process and the end of the drying process. Here, the ambient temperature sensor value 302 at the start of the drying process may be replaced with a value at the start of the heat pump washer-dryer 500. Also, the ambient temperature sensor value 302 at the end of the drying process may be replaced with a value at which the ambient temperature sensor value 302 becomes constant after a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the drying process. This makes it possible to calculate the amount of change 306 in the heat pump washer-dryer 500 that may be turned off after the operation is finished.

[0067] That is, the predetermined evaluation period 305 is determined based on either the stop time or the start time of the driving source, or both. The processing procedure of the evaluation unit 200 conforms to the flowchart shown in FIG.

[0068] <Display screen 400> If it is determined that the installation environment is poor, as in the first embodiment, the device will provide information on how to improve the heat dissipation conditions, such as by encouraging the removal of obstacles, or will notify the user of how to use the device in a way that is suitable for the current heat dissipation conditions. However, in the second embodiment, information to be notified at a different time will be described regarding model selection at the time of replacement based on heat dissipation conditions.

[0069] 8 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen 400 displayed on the output unit 201 when a recommended model is proposed as a replacement for the product based on the heat dissipation conditions evaluated by the evaluation unit 200. The timing for displaying the recommended replacement model on the display screen 400 may be when the usage period of the current product reaches a predetermined period or when the user operates the input unit 205 for requesting the display of a replacement product proposal. Alternatively, the timing may be determined in cooperation with a system that presents the user with an appropriate timing for selling the product in use. In other words, the timing is generally different from the timing for displaying the evaluation method for heat dissipation conditions in the first embodiment.

[0070] The display screen 400 includes an evaluation result display section 410 and a product information display section 450. The product information display section 450 also includes a used product information display section 451 and a replacement product suggestion section 452.

[0071] The product information display section 451 displays information on the product currently being used, obtained from the operation information. The product information includes the model, washing capacity, size, energy saving performance, etc. of the product currently being used. Also, the compatibility rate with the current heat dissipation conditions calculated by the selection section 203 is displayed. Furthermore, the external appearance of the product is displayed.

[0072] The replacement product suggestion section 452 displays information on the recommended products selected by the selection section 203. The information on the recommended products includes the model, washing capacity, size, energy saving performance, etc. of the recommended products. Also, the compatibility rate calculated by the selection section 203 is displayed. Furthermore, the appearance of the products is displayed.

[0073] In addition to new products, the replacement product suggestion unit 452 may present used or refurbished products shown in the used or refurbished product information display unit 453. That is, when recommended products are output to the output unit 201, both used or refurbished products and new products can be output. Furthermore, the configuration may be such that the user can select whether or not to display used or refurbished products.

[0074] In addition, the display screen 400 may be provided with an input unit 205, and may be configured to move to a screen where the recommended product can be purchased or temporarily reserved. In this way, the burden on the user when replacing the product can be reduced. That is, the user can proceed to a purchase screen for the recommended product from the input unit 205, or the recommended product can be temporarily reserved.

[0075] According to the second embodiment, it is possible to detect an increase in the operating load 303 of the compressor 511 due to poor heat dissipation conditions in the surrounding environment even though the heat pump washer-dryer 500 is not malfunctioning.

[0076] Furthermore, according to the second embodiment, the user can find out which recommended products are more suitable for the heat dissipation conditions than the product currently being used, and can compare product information, which makes it easier for the user to select a product that satisfies the user. Furthermore, the user can move to a screen where the recommended product can be purchased or temporarily reserved. In this way, the user can replace the product with a product that is more suitable for the heat dissipation conditions with little burden, which can promote the user's motivation to replace the product. Furthermore, by replacing the product based on the notification, the user can operate the device more appropriately after the replacement and enjoy benefits such as reduced electricity bills.

[0077] In addition, according to the second embodiment, the user can choose between used and refurbished products as replacement products, which promotes the improvement of the user's awareness of recycling and reuse, and allows the user to purchase products at a lower price than new products.

[0078] [Third embodiment] Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. <Configuration of the environmental sensing system Zb for heat pump water heaters> 9 is a diagram showing the configuration of an environment sensing system Zb of a heat pump water heater in the third embodiment. In the third embodiment, the environment sensing system Zb of the heat pump water heater is shown, which evaluates the heat dissipation condition of the heat pump water heater 700 and notifies the user.

[0079] The heat pump water heater environment sensing system Zb includes a heat pump water heater 700 , an evaluation unit 200 , an output unit 201 , and an input unit 205 .

[0080] (Heat Pump Water Heater 700) The heat pump water heater 700 includes a heat pump unit 710, a hot water storage unit 720, and a control unit 204. The heat pump unit 710 is equipped with a heat pump cycle H that heats cold water to generate hot water during a boiling operation. The hot water storage unit 720 is equipped with a water-side cycle (heating flow path) W that operates during a boiling operation, and a hot water supply flow path group F that operates during hot water supply. The control unit 204 will be described later.

[0081] The heat pump cycle H is a flow path in which a compressor (driving source) 711, a water / refrigerant heat exchanger (heat dissipation section, temperature adjustment device) 712, an expansion valve (expansion device) 713, and an evaporator (heat absorption section) 714 are connected in a circular shape. The evaporator 714 is provided with a blower fan 715. Each component of the heat pump cycle H will be described later.

[0082] (Water cycle) The water-side cycle is configured by connecting a hot water storage container 721, a boiling circulation pump 722, and a water / refrigerant heat exchanger 712 in a ring shape. The hot water supply flow path group F is configured by a flow path connecting a water pipe 724, a hot water storage container 721, and a hot water supply port (water supply device) 723 in series, and a pipe 725 directly connecting the water pipe 724 and the inlet of the hot water supply port.

[0083] (Heat pump cycle H) The heat pump water heater 700 is provided with an ambient temperature sensor 731 that measures the outside air temperature. The ambient temperature sensor 731 is disposed adjacent to the intake side of the evaporator 714.

[0084] Furthermore, the heat pump water heater 700 includes a control unit 204. The control unit 204 has a communication function, and transmits operation information such as the rotation speed of the compressor 711 and information on the temperature (temperature information) measured by the ambient temperature sensor 731 to the evaluation unit 200. Also, the control unit 204 executes a pre-installed operation plan or an operation plan provided from the outside, and controls the heat pump water heater 700.

[0085] The operation of the heat pump water heater 700 will be briefly described with reference to FIG. The refrigerant is compressed by a compressor 711 to a high temperature and high pressure state, and then in a water / refrigerant heat exchanger 712, it heats the cold water sent from a hot water storage container 721 by a boiling circulation pump 722, and in return, it dissipates its own heat to perform heat exchange.

[0086] Then, the refrigerant passes through expansion valve 713 to become a low-temperature, low-pressure state, and then receives heat from the outside air sent by blower fan 715 in evaporator 714, and then flows back into compressor 711. In water / refrigerant heat exchanger 712, water and refrigerant flow in opposite directions, and hot water heated by the refrigerant and increased in temperature is returned to hot water storage container 721. When supplying hot water, hot water flows from the top of hot water storage container 721 to the hot water outlet, and at the same time, tap water is supplied from water pipe 724 to the hot water outlet via piping 725. The hot water and tap water are mixed at the inlet of the hot water outlet, and then flow out from the hot water outlet. When supplying hot water, the opening of valve 726 is adjusted. Hot water storage container 721, whose pressure has decreased due to the flow of hot water, is replenished with tap water from water pipe 724 via valve 726.

[0087] Next, the operation of the evaporator 714 will be described. When the heat pump cycle H is driven, the blower fan 715 rotates, generating a flow of outside air from the evaporator 714 toward the blower fan 715. At the same time, as shown in FIG. 9, the refrigerant that has flowed into the evaporator 714 absorbs heat from the outside air and is then discharged from the evaporator 714.

[0088] During operation of the heat pump water heater 700, air with a lowered temperature is exhausted from the evaporator 714 due to heat absorption in the evaporator 714. At this time, if the heat pump unit 710 is installed in an extremely narrow place, or if an obstacle is accidentally installed on the intake or exhaust surface, a circulating flow in which the exhaust air returns to the intake air again may occur, or the air path of the air flowing through the evaporator 714 may be blocked. For example, a thin plate-like object may fly in due to a typhoon or strong wind, or the intake side of the evaporator 714 may be blocked due to accumulation of garbage. If this phenomenon continues, the ambient temperature of the evaporator 714 will decrease, and the detected temperature of the ambient temperature sensor 731 installed on the intake side of the evaporator 714 will also decrease. Since the refrigerant absorbs heat from the outside air with a low temperature, the operating load increases to maintain the amount of heat absorption.

[0089] <Method for evaluating the heat dissipation conditions of the surrounding environment> Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an evaluation target and evaluation period 305 in the evaluation unit 200. Refer to Fig. 9 as appropriate. In Fig. 10, the horizontal axis indicates time, the vertical axis in the upper diagram indicates temperature, and the vertical axis in the lower diagram indicates operating load 303 of the compressor 711. The upper diagram in Fig. 10 shows the time change of actual environmental temperature 301 (outdoor air temperature where the heat pump water heater 700 is installed) and ambient temperature sensor value 302 (value of ambient temperature sensor 731), and the lower diagram shows the time change of operating load 303 of the compressor 711.

[0090] As described above, when air flow is stagnant in the location where heat pump unit 710 is installed, air whose temperature has been reduced by heat absorption in evaporator 714 is exhausted into the installation space, causing ambient temperature sensor value 302 to become lower than actual environmental temperature 301, which appears as temperature deviation 304 in Fig. 10. Temperature deviation 304 increases the more difficult it is for the ambient environment of heat pump water heater 700 to absorb heat, so the heat dissipation conditions of the ambient environment are estimated by evaluating this temperature deviation 304.

[0091] A method for estimating temperature deviation 304 from only ambient temperature sensor value 302 in heat pump water heater 700 will be described. First, when compressor 711 operates, heat absorption in evaporator 714 begins, and the temperature around the housing drops from actual environment temperature 301. Since change amount 306 at this time is proportional to temperature deviation degree 304, temperature deviation degree 304 can be indirectly evaluated by acquiring change amount 306. Evaluation period 305 of change amount 306 is during boiling when compressor 711 operates, and change amount 306 is the difference between ambient temperature sensor value 302 at the start and end of boiling.

[0092] Here, the ambient temperature sensor value 302 at the end of boiling may be replaced with a value when a predetermined time or more has passed since the start of boiling and the ambient temperature sensor value 302 becomes constant. This makes it possible to calculate the amount of change 306 in the heat pump water heater 700.

[0093] That is, the predetermined evaluation period 305 is determined based on either the stop time or the start time of the driving source, or both.

[0094] The processing procedure of the evaluation unit 200 conforms to the flowchart shown in Fig. 3. The temperature sensor 120 other than the ambient temperature sensor 731 in Fig. 3 is, for example, a sensor separately installed by the user or an ambient temperature sensor of another device. This makes it possible to grasp the outside air temperature at the location where the heat pump unit 710 is installed.

[0095] <Display screen 400> 11 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen 400 displayed on the output unit 201. The display screen 400 includes an evaluation result display section 410, a scoring result display section 411, a details display section 420, a proposal content display section 430, and the input section 205.

[0096] If it is determined that the installation environment of the heat pump water heater 700, etc. is poor, a message is first sent to the user urging him / her to check the surrounding conditions, as in the first embodiment. If there is no abnormality and it is found that the cause is something that the user cannot improve, such as the installation location, it is advisable to display the proposed contents of an operation plan suited to the heat dissipation conditions. Here, the operation plan is provided in the form of an operation control program that changes the operation control of the heat pump unit 710 depending on the evaluation result of the installation environment, and is executed by the control unit 204 to control the operation of the heat pump water heater 700.

[0097] For example, for a user in poor heat dissipation conditions, an operation plan for boiling water during the daytime is displayed as shown in the proposal content display unit 430 in FIG. 11. By operating during the daytime when the temperature is relatively high, the ambient temperature is less likely to drop than when operating at night, and the operating load can be reduced. Alternatively, an operation plan for operating at low output during times when the frequency of use is low may be proposed. By implementing this, the amount of heat absorbed per unit time can be reduced, and the drop in the ambient temperature can be suppressed.

[0098] The proposal content display unit 430 may display a comparison with the current operating status in addition to the contents of the proposed operation plan. Also, the effect of executing the target operation plan may be displayed. For example, the reduction rate of annual power consumption.

[0099] The user can select an operation plan that he / she considers feasible from among the operation plans displayed in the proposal content display section 430 and submit an application for execution of the operation plan from the input section 205 .

[0100] The input unit 205 transmits an application for executing the operation plan to the control unit 204, and upon receiving the application, the control unit 204 executes the target operation plan. In addition, it may be possible to make it possible to apply from the input unit 205 for stopping or changing the executed operation plan.

[0101] According to the third embodiment, it is possible to detect an increase in the operating load 303 of the compressor 711 due to poor heat dissipation conditions in the surrounding environment even though the heat pump water heater 700 is not malfunctioning.

[0102] Moreover, according to the third embodiment, even in a cooling / heating device such as the heat pump water heater 700, in which it is difficult to change the surrounding environment easily, the user can know an operation plan suitable for the heat dissipation conditions, and can execute the target operation plan by only operating the display screen 400. Furthermore, by executing the operation plan, the user can operate the device more appropriately, and can enjoy benefits such as reduced electricity costs and a longer product life.

[0103] As described above, the environmental sensing system of the present embodiment is an environmental sensing system for a cold-heat device (e.g., refrigerator 100) equipped with a driving source for generating cold heat (e.g., compressor 110), a heat absorption and radiation unit to the outside (e.g., condenser 112), and an external temperature detection unit (e.g., ambient temperature sensor 105), and includes an evaluation unit 200 that evaluates the heat absorption and radiation conditions that indicate whether the surrounding environment of the cold-heat device is suitable for heat absorption and radiation based on the amount of change in the detected temperature at the external temperature detection unit during a predetermined evaluation period, and an output unit 201 that notifies the evaluation result of the heat absorption and radiation conditions evaluated by the evaluation unit 200. According to this, the heat radiation conditions of the surrounding environment are evaluated from the operation data of the device, and a notification is given based on the evaluation result, so that the user can sense poor heat radiation, and as a result, the user's behavior can be changed. Furthermore, the user can operate the device more appropriately by taking measures based on the notification, and can enjoy benefits such as reduced electricity bills and extended device life.

[0104] The environmental sensing system is an environmental sensing system for the heat absorption and dissipation conditions of a cooling device that has a driving source for generating cold heat, a heat absorption and dissipation unit to the outside, and an external temperature detection unit, and has an evaluation unit 200 that evaluates the heat absorption and dissipation conditions that indicate whether the surrounding environment is suitable for heat absorption and dissipation based on the temperature difference between the room temperature (see first embodiment) or the outside air temperature (see third embodiment) of the room in which the cooling device is located, and the temperature detected by the external temperature detection unit, and an output unit 201 that notifies the evaluation result of the heat absorption and dissipation conditions evaluated by the evaluation unit 200.

[0105] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a hardware configuration of a computer. For example, the evaluation unit 200 and the like are configured as a computer 900 having a CPU 901, a RAM 902, a ROM 903, a HDD 904, a communication I / F 905, an input / output I / F 906, and a media I / F 907. The communication I / F 905 is connected to an external communication device 915. The input / output I / F 906 is connected to an input / output device 916. The media I / F 907 reads and writes data from a recording medium 917. Furthermore, the CPU 901 improves and controls each processing unit by executing a program (also called an application or an abbreviation thereof) read into the RAM 902. This program can also be distributed via a communication line or recorded on a recording medium 917 such as a CD-ROM and distributed.

[0106] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and includes various modified examples. For example, the above-described embodiment has been described in detail to clearly explain the present invention, and is not necessarily limited to all of the configurations described. In addition, it is possible to replace a part of the configuration of one embodiment with the configuration of another embodiment, and it is also possible to add the configuration of another embodiment to the configuration of one embodiment. In addition, it is possible to add, delete, or replace a part of the configuration of each embodiment with another configuration. [Explanation of symbols]

[0107] 100 Refrigerators (cooling devices) 101 Interior space 102 Insulation 103 Door 104 Blower fan 105 Ambient temperature sensor (external temperature detection part) 110 Compressor (drive source, refrigeration cycle) 111 Evaporator (heat absorption part, refrigeration cycle) 112 Condenser (heat dissipation section, refrigeration cycle, heat absorption and dissipation section) 113 Expansion valve (expansion device, refrigeration cycle) 120 Temperature Sensor 200 Evaluation Department 201 Output section (display device) 202 Storage section 203 Selection Department 204 Control section 205 Input section 301 Actual environment temperature 302 Ambient temperature sensor value 303 Driving Load 304 Temperature deviation degree 305 Evaluation Period 306 Change (evaluation target) 400 display screen 410 Evaluation result display unit 411 Scoring result display section 420 Detail display section 430 Proposal content display area 440 History display section 441 Reference Line 442 Plot 443 Change in evaluation results 450 Product information display section 451 Product information display section 452 Replacement Product Suggestion Department 453 Used or refurbished product information display section 500 Heat pump washer dryer 501 Washing tub (clothes holding section) 502 Door 503 Motor 504 Blower (air blower) 505 Duct 506 Ambient temperature sensor (external temperature detection part) 510 Heat Pump Unit 511 Compressor (drive source) 512 Evaporator (heat absorption part, heat absorption and radiation part) 513 Condenser (heat dissipation section) 514 Expansion valve (expansion device) 521 Exhaust pipe 522 Air Intake 523 Intake valve 700 Heat pump water heater (heat pump type heat storage device) 710 Heat Pump Unit 711 Compressor (drive source) 712 Water / refrigerant heat exchanger (heat radiation section, temperature control device) 713 Expansion valve (expansion device) 714 Evaporator (heat absorption part, heat absorption and radiation part) 715 Blower Fan 720 Hot Water Storage Unit 721 Hot water container 722 Circulation pump for boiling water 723 Hot water outlet (water supply device) 724 Water Pipes 725 Piping 726 Valve 731 Ambient temperature sensor (external temperature detection part) F Hot water supply flow paths H Heat pump cycle W Water cycle (heating flow path) Z Refrigerator Environmental Sensing System Environmental sensing system for Za heat pump washer-dryer Zb Heat Pump Water Heater Environmental Sensing System

Claims

1. An environmental sensing system for a cooling device including a driving source for generating cold heat, a heat absorption and radiation unit for absorbing and radiating heat to the outside, and an external temperature detection unit, an evaluation unit that evaluates a heat absorption / dissipation condition that indicates whether the surrounding environment of the cooling device is suitable for heat absorption / dissipation based on a change in the temperature detected by the external temperature detection unit during a predetermined evaluation period; an output unit that notifies an evaluation result of the heat absorption and radiation conditions evaluated by the evaluation unit; An environmental sensing system comprising:

2. 2. The environmental sensing system of claim 1, The predetermined evaluation period is determined based on either or both of the stop time and start time of the driving source. An environmental sensing system comprising:

3. 2. The environmental sensing system of claim 1, The output unit outputs, in addition to the evaluation result of the heat absorption and radiation conditions by the evaluation unit, either a method for improving the heat absorption and radiation conditions based on the evaluation result or a usage method suitable for the heat absorption and radiation conditions, or both of them. An environmental sensing system comprising:

4. 2. The environmental sensing system of claim 1, A control unit is provided in the environmental sensing system, The control unit executes an operation control program based on the evaluation result of the heat absorption and release condition by the evaluation unit. An environmental sensing system comprising:

5. 2. The environmental sensing system of claim 1, The environmental sensing system includes a storage unit, The evaluation unit compares the evaluation result of the heat absorption and radiation conditions at the previous evaluation stored in the storage unit with the current evaluation result, and outputs a degree of improvement of the heat absorption and radiation conditions to the output unit. An environmental sensing system comprising:

6. 4. The environmental sensing system according to claim 3, The environmental sensing system includes an input unit and a storage unit that stores the output content output to the output unit and user input information that corresponds to the output content input from the input unit, The evaluation unit modifies the output content based on the output content up to the previous evaluation stored in the storage unit and the user input information, and outputs the modified output content to the output unit. An environmental sensing system comprising:

7. 2. The environmental sensing system of claim 1, The environmental sensing system includes a selection unit that selects information on a recommended product selected based on the evaluation result of the heat absorption and release conditions, The selection unit outputs information about the recommended products to the output unit. An environmental sensing system comprising:

8. 8. The environmental sensing system according to claim 7, The selection unit selects the recommended products based on equipment information of the cooling device, inventory management information of the products, and a compatibility rate calculated from the equipment information. An environmental sensing system comprising:

9. 8. The environmental sensing system according to claim 7, When the recommended products are output to the output unit, both used or refurbished products and new products are output. An environmental sensing system comprising:

10. 8. The environmental sensing system according to claim 7, The environmental sensing system includes an input unit, From the input section, the user can proceed to a purchase screen for the recommended product, or the user can temporarily reserve the recommended product. An environmental sensing system comprising:

11. An environmental sensing system for detecting heat absorption and radiation conditions of a cooling device having a driving source for generating cold heat, a heat absorption and radiation unit for absorbing and radiating heat to the outside, and an external temperature detection unit, an evaluation unit that evaluates a heat absorption / dissipation condition that indicates whether or not the surrounding environment is suitable for heat absorption / dissipation based on a temperature difference between the room temperature or the outside air temperature of the room in which the cooling device is located and the temperature detected by the external temperature detection unit; an output unit that notifies an evaluation result of the heat absorption and radiation conditions evaluated by the evaluation unit; An environmental sensing system comprising:

Images