Control device for cooling fluid supply device for outdoor heat exchanger

Abstract

To provide a control device for a cooling fluid supply device for an outdoor heat exchanger capable of controlling the cooling fluid supply device for the outdoor heat exchanger by using a cloud server.SOLUTION: A sensor outputs and transmits information on an outdoor heat exchanger, for example, an ambient temperature, a temperature of a heat radiation fin, electricity consumed in an outdoor heat exchanger 102 and the like to a cloud server 116 via the Internet 126. In the cloud server 116, calculation is performed by using a predetermined algorithm on the basis of the information transmitted from the sensor 108, and control information on a cooling fluid supply device for supplying cooling fluid to the outdoor heat exchanger or a cooling auxiliary device of the outdoor heat exchanger is output. In the outdoor heat exchanger, supply of the cooling fluid from the cooling fluid supply device is controlled on the basis of the control information output from the cloud server 116.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a control device for a cooling fluid supply device for an outdoor heat exchanger that can improve the heat exchange efficiency in an outdoor heat exchanger of a cooling device or a refrigeration device. In particular, the present invention relates to a control device for a cooling fluid supply device for an outdoor heat exchanger that can improve the heat exchange efficiency of an outdoor heat exchanger in a cooling device or a refrigeration device by using a cloud server.

Background Art

[0002] As a first prior art, when a temperature sensor arranged near an outdoor heat exchanger detects a predetermined temperature, a solenoid valve is opened to sprinkle tap water treated by a soft water treatment device onto the outdoor heat exchanger, so that calcium etc. contained in the tap water is deposited on the outdoor heat exchanger, and a control device for a cooling auxiliary device that prevents scale adhesion is known (Patent Document 1).

[0003] As a second prior art, in a water sprinkling system that sprinkles water on a temperature-rising object such as an outdoor heat exchanger, a water sprinkling system that is remotely operationally controlled from a user's portable terminal device via cloud computing is known (Patent Document 2).

[0004] As a third prior art, in a water sprinkling device that sprinkles water on a heat exchanger of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner, a water sprinkling unit that performs the water sprinkling by performing a first sprinkling that sprinkles a first water on the heat exchanger and a second sprinkling that sprinkles a second water having a different water quality from the first water on the heat exchanger, and a control unit that controls the water sprinkling so that the first sprinkling is an intermittent sprinkling in which the start and stop of the sprinkling are alternately repeated, the intermittent sprinkling is executed a plurality of times with a pause period in between, and the second sprinkling is performed during the pause period are provided (Patent Document 3).

[0005] As a fourth prior art, when controlling the water sprinkling to an outdoor unit, it is known that the operation monitoring and setting change of the water sprinkling control device to the outdoor unit are performed at an operation monitoring center via the Internet (Non-Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Non-Patent Documents

[0007]

Non-Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0008] In the first prior art, when the temperature exceeds a predetermined temperature, by spraying soft water onto the heat exchanger, the heat dissipation effect in the heat exchanger can be enhanced, power saving can be achieved, and there is an advantage that precipitation in the heat exchanger such as calcium contained in tap water can be prevented. However, when changing the predetermined temperature that triggers the soft water spraying, it is necessary to go to the location where each sensor is arranged to make the setting change, which is troublesome. Similarly, when the control program is changed, it is also necessary to go there for updating. Therefore, it is strongly desired that the control program can be easily updated and the setting can be easily changed.

[0009] In the second prior art, it is a sprinkling system that performs remote operation control from the user's mobile terminal device via cloud computing, so there is an advantage that the user can enter and exit a room at an appropriate temperature from the time of returning home by operating the air conditioner before returning home. However, since the control in cloud computing is presumed to be only on / off control of the sprinkling system, more advanced control is desired.

[0010] In the third prior art, in intermittent water spraying, when the detected temperature of the temperature sensor provided in the outdoor unit is equal to or lower than a predetermined value, water spraying with less impurities is performed during the intermittent water spraying, so there is an advantage that cooling of the outdoor unit can be promoted while saving water. However, since the control is performed in individual heat exchangers, as in the first prior art, it is desired that the control program can be easily updated.

[0011] In the fourth prior art, when the temperature exceeds a predetermined temperature, by spraying soft water on the heat exchanger, the heat dissipation effect in the heat exchanger can be enhanced and power saving can be achieved. Also, the setting change of the set temperature in each control device can be performed via the Internet, which is very convenient. However, since the control is performed by individual heat exchangers, as in the first prior art, it is desired that the control program can be easily updated.

[0012] An object of the present invention is to provide a control device for a cooling fluid supply device for an outdoor heat exchanger that can control the cooling fluid supply device for the outdoor heat exchanger using a cloud server.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0013] To achieve this object, the first invention according to claim 1 is configured as follows. A control device for a cooling fluid supply device for an outdoor heat exchanger, including an outdoor heat exchanger disposed outdoors, a cooling fluid supply device that supplies a cooling fluid to a cooling auxiliary device of the outdoor heat exchanger, a sensor that outputs information regarding the outdoor heat exchanger, a supply arithmetic device that determines supply or stop of the cooling fluid from the cooling auxiliary device based on the information from the sensor, and a supply control device that controls the supply of the cooling fluid from the cooling auxiliary device based on the output of the supply arithmetic device, wherein a cloud server is provided, and the cloud server includes the supply arithmetic device, and is a control device for a cooling fluid supply device for an outdoor heat exchanger.

[0014] The second invention according to claim 2 is configured as follows. The sensor is a control device for a cooling fluid supply device for an outdoor heat exchanger according to a first invention, which is characterized by including temperature-related information of the outdoor heat exchanger in calculations.

[0015] The third invention according to claim 3 is configured as follows. The cooling fluid from the cooling auxiliary device is supplied or stopped by the cooling fluid supply device. The cooling fluid supply device is connected to a main pipe directly connected to a water supply pipe and a sub-pipe connected to the main pipe via a water treatment device. The main pipe and the sub-pipe are provided with a water supply selection device that selectively switches between the main pipe and the sub-pipe based on a command from the supply calculation device of the cloud server. It is a control device for a cooling fluid supply device for an outdoor heat exchanger according to the first or second invention.

[0016] The fourth invention according to claim 4 is configured as follows. The water supply selection device is a control device for a cooling fluid supply device for an outdoor heat exchanger according to the third invention, which is characterized by switching from the main pipe to the sub-pipe a predetermined time before the end of water supply to the cooling auxiliary device.

Advantages of the Invention

[0017] In the first invention according to claim 1, the outdoor heat exchanger is cooled by the cooling fluid from the cooling fluid supply device, the cooling effect of the outdoor heat exchanger is improved, and the power consumption can be reduced. The output of the sensor that detects the state in the outdoor heat exchanger is transmitted to the cloud server. In the cloud server, the supply calculation device calculates the on / off information of the water supply from the cooling auxiliary device based on the output of the sensor and outputs it to the outdoor heat exchanger. Based on the output on / off information, the supply of the cooling fluid from the cooling auxiliary device of the outdoor heat exchanger is turned on or off. In other words, based on the outdoor unit calculation device of the outdoor heat exchanger, an open valve command or a close valve command is output to open or close the on-off valve. The cooling fluid supply device starts water supply based on an open valve command and stops water supply based on a close valve command. Therefore, since the water supply from the cooling auxiliary device is controlled by the cloud server, the set conditions or programs can be modified without moving to the location where the outdoor heat exchanger is installed, and there is an advantage that the object of the present invention can be achieved.

[0018] In the second invention according to claim 2, since the basic configuration is the same as that of the first invention, the object of the present invention can be achieved. Further, in the second invention, the sensor includes temperature-related information in the outdoor heat exchanger in the calculation. The temperature-related information in the outdoor heat exchanger is, for example, the temperature information of the heat dissipation fins in the outdoor heat exchanger, the outside air temperature information around the outdoor heat exchanger, the air temperature information flowing into the outdoor heat exchanger, the air temperature information flowing out of the outdoor heat exchanger, the humidity information around the outdoor heat exchanger, and the like. By utilizing the temperature-related information in the outdoor heat exchanger, there is an advantage that heat can be dissipated from the outdoor heat exchanger more effectively and the power consumption can be further reduced.

[0019] In the third invention according to claim 3, since the basic configuration is the same as that of the first invention, the object of the present invention can be achieved. Further, in the third invention, the cooling fluid supply device is connected to the main pipe directly connected to the water supply pipe and the auxiliary pipe passing through the water treatment device via a water supply selection device, and the water supply selection device can be selectively switched between the main pipe and the auxiliary pipe based on a command from the cloud server, so there is an advantage that the adhesion of scale contained in the tap water in the outdoor heat exchanger can be suppressed.

[0020] In the fourth invention according to claim 4, since the basic configuration is the same as that of the first invention, the object of the present invention can be achieved. Further, in the fourth invention, the water supply selection device switches from the main pipe to the auxiliary pipe from a predetermined time before the end of water supply of the cooling auxiliary device, so the amount of treated water by the water treatment device can be suppressed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0021]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0022] The best mode of the control device for the cooling fluid supply device of the outdoor heat exchanger in the present invention is an outdoor heat exchanger arranged outdoors, a cooling fluid supply device that supplies cooling fluid to the cooling auxiliary device of the outdoor heat exchanger, a sensor that outputs information regarding the outdoor heat exchanger, a supply arithmetic unit that determines the supply or stop of the cooling fluid from the cooling auxiliary device based on the information from the sensor, and a supply control device that controls the supply of the cooling fluid from the cooling auxiliary device based on the output of the supply arithmetic unit. A cloud server is provided, It is preferable that the cloud server is a control device for a cooling fluid supply device of an outdoor heat exchanger, characterized by including the supply arithmetic unit. Also, it is preferable that the sensor includes temperature-related information of the outdoor heat exchanger in the calculation. Furthermore, the cooling fluid from the cooling auxiliary device is supplied or stopped by the cooling fluid supply device. The cooling fluid supply device is connected to a main pipe directly connected to a water supply pipe and a sub-pipe connected to the main pipe via a water treatment device. It is preferable that the main pipe and the sub-pipe are provided with a water supply selection device that selectively switches between the main pipe and the sub-pipe based on a command from the supply arithmetic unit of the cloud server. Furthermore, it is preferable that the water supply selection device switches from the main pipe to the sub-pipe a predetermined time before the end of the water supply of the cooling auxiliary device.

Example

[0023] First, the control device 100 for the cooling fluid supply device of the outdoor heat exchanger of Example 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 1. The control device 100 of the cooling fluid supply device for the outdoor heat exchanger in this Example 1 includes an outdoor heat exchanger 102 arranged outdoors, a cooling fluid supply device 106 that sprays cooling fluid toward the heat dissipation fins 134 of the outdoor heat exchanger 102 or fills the cooling auxiliary device 104 with water, a sensor 108 that outputs information regarding the outdoor heat exchanger 102, a supply calculation device 112 that determines the supply or stop of the fluid from the cooling fluid supply device 106 based on the information from the sensor 108, and a cloud server 116 that controls the supply of the cooling fluid from the cooling fluid supply device 106 based on the output of the supply calculation device 112. Further, in this Example 1, it includes an outdoor unit calculation device 118, an outdoor unit communication device 122, a cloud communication device 124, and the Internet 126.

[0024] First, the outdoor heat exchanger 102 will be described. The outdoor heat exchanger 102 has a function of conducting heat into the air to dissipate heat. The outdoor heat exchanger 102 is a known outdoor heat exchanger, for example, an outdoor heat exchanger used in an air conditioner in a supermarket, a commercial refrigeration device, or a commercial freezing device, etc., and is installed on the rooftop of a building or on the ground adjacent to the building. The outdoor heat exchanger 102 is generally composed of an outdoor unit body 132, heat dissipation fins 134, and a blower fan 136. As is well known, the outdoor heat exchanger 102 generates an air flow that flows through between the heat dissipation fins 134 toward the blower fan 136 by the blower fan 136, and conducts heat to the air flowing between the heat dissipation fins 134 to dissipate heat.

[0025] Next, the cooling auxiliary device 104 will be described. The cooling auxiliary device 104 has a function of assisting heat dissipation in the outdoor heat exchanger 102. In this Example 1, the cooling auxiliary device 104 attaches water to the heat dissipation fins 134 to directly enhance the heat dissipation effect of the heat dissipation fins, or indirectly enhances the heat dissipation effect by lowering the temperature of the air flowing between the heat dissipation fins 134 below the ambient temperature, thereby adopting a mechanism for enhancing the cooling effect in the outdoor heat exchanger 102. However, other mechanisms having the same function can be adopted.

[0026] Next, an example of the cooling auxiliary device 104 will be described with reference to FIG. 2(A). As an example of the cooling auxiliary device 104, as shown in FIG. 2(A), water can be directly sprayed from the nozzle 150 directly onto the heat radiation fins 134 of the outdoor heat exchanger 102. Due to the latent heat of vaporization when the water adhering to the heat radiation fins 134 evaporates, the heat radiation fins 134 are further cooled. In FIG. 2(A), the cooling auxiliary device 104 is the nozzle 150. Also, the cooling auxiliary device 104 illustrated in FIG. 2(B) arranges an air-permeable water retainer 138 on the upstream side of the air flow passing through the heat radiation fins 134, drips water from the nozzle 150 onto the air-permeable water retainer 138, and allows the air cooled by passing through the air-permeable water retainer 138 to reach the heat radiation fins 134, so as to promote heat dissipation. In FIG. 2(B), the cooling auxiliary device 104 is the air-permeable water retainer 138 and the nozzle 150. The air-permeable water retainer 138 is, for example, a porous body. Below the air-permeable water retainer 138, a water recovery gutter 146 is arranged, and the falling water can be recovered and recycled. Note that the nozzle 150 has a function of determining the direction in which water flows out, and the form in which water flows out may be a spray form, a jet state, or a drip state, etc. Furthermore, the nozzle 150 can be provided in a fixed state or movably. When the nozzle 150 is provided movably, the nozzle 150 can be swung within a predetermined angle range or rotated around its axis. When the nozzle 150 is moved, the number of nozzles 150 can be reduced.

[0027] Next, the cooling fluid supply device 106 will be described. The cooling fluid supply device 106 has a function of supplying a cooling fluid to the cooling auxiliary device 104. The cooling fluid is water, preferably tap water (including well water) supplied at a predetermined pressure. However, stored rainwater or recycled tap water can also be used. In the first embodiment, the cooling fluid supply device 106 includes a water supply pipe 142 and a solenoid valve 144 disposed in the water supply pipe 142. A nozzle 150 is connected to the tip of the water supply pipe 142. In the first embodiment, a water supply selection device 148 including the solenoid valve 144 is disposed in the water supply pipe 142. The water supply pipe 142 may be either a public water supply pipe or a private water supply pipe, but it is preferable to use tap water that has been subjected to a predetermined treatment in consideration of water flow obstruction and the growth of various bacteria. The solenoid valve 144 is a known solenoid valve whose opening and closing are controlled by the outdoor unit arithmetic device 118.

[0028] In FIG. 2(A), by spraying tap water from the nozzle 150 toward the heat radiation fins 134, mist-like water adheres to the heat radiation fins 134. Since the adhering water takes away the heat of the heat radiation fins 134 and evaporates, the heat radiation fins 134 are cooled more than when cooled by an air flow. In FIG. 2(B), the nozzle 150 supplies tap water to the air-permeable water holding body 138. By supplying water from the nozzle 150 to the air-permeable water holding body 138, the air passing through the air-permeable water holding body 138 is cooled by the water supply and then reaches the heat radiation fins 134, so that the heat radiation effect of the heat radiation fins 134 is enhanced.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 2(C), in the water supply pipe 142 up to the nozzle 150, a main pipe 142M in which a pressure regulating valve 162, a check valve 164, and a main solenoid valve 144M are arranged in series, and a plurality of nozzles 150 are connected to the main pipe 142M in series or in parallel. In parallel with the main solenoid valve 144M, a sub-pipe 142S is provided. A sub-solenoid valve 144S and a water treatment device 166 are provided in the sub-pipe 142S. The sub-solenoid valve 144S is normally closed. When the main solenoid valve 144M is closed during the operation of the cooling auxiliary device 104, the sub-solenoid valve 144S is opened. When the main solenoid valve 144M is opened, the sub-solenoid valve 144S is closed or closed after a predetermined time. In other words, after supplying tap water through the main pipe 142M, tap water from the sub-pipe 142S is supplied from the nozzle 150, or tap water through the main pipe 142M and tap water through the sub-pipe 142S are alternately supplied. However, the opening and closing control of the main solenoid valve 144M and the sub-solenoid valve 144S is not limited to this.

[0030] The water treatment device 166 can remove calcium and the like in the tap water and suppress the scale adhering to the heat dissipation fins 134 and the air-permeable water retaining body 138 by using a reverse osmosis membrane or an ion exchange membrane. A pump 168 is arranged on the upstream side of the water treatment device 166 to pump tap water to the water treatment device 166.

[0031] Next, the water supply selection device 148 will be described. The water supply selection device 148 has a function of switching the main pipe 142M and the sub-pipe 142S based on a command from the cloud server 116. In other words, it has a function of selectively opening and closing the main solenoid valve 144M or the sub-solenoid valve 144S and switching whether the water supply from the nozzle 150 is directly tap water or treated tap water. Therefore, in the first embodiment, the main solenoid valve 144M and the sub-solenoid valve 144S constitute the water supply selection device 148.

[0032] Next, the sensor 108 will be described. Sensor 108 has a function of detecting information regarding the outdoor heat exchanger 102. In the present Example 1, the information regarding the outdoor heat exchanger 102 includes, as shown in FIG. 1, an outside air temperature sensor 152 that acquires outside air temperature information OATI around the outdoor heat exchanger 102, a heat exchanger temperature sensor 154 that acquires heat exchanger temperature information HETI of the heat dissipation fins 134, a humidity sensor 156 that acquires humidity information OHMI around the outdoor heat exchanger 102, and a current sensor 158 that acquires current information CRTI of the drive motor of the blower fan 136. However, the sensor 108 may include only a part of the above, or may include sensors for information that can reduce the power consumption of the outdoor heat exchanger 102 other than the above. For example, as shown in FIG. 3(A) or FIG. 3(B), an upstream air flow temperature sensor 172, a midstream air flow temperature sensor 174, or a downstream air flow temperature sensor 176 can be employed.

[0033] Next, the outside air temperature sensor 152 will be described. The outside air temperature sensor 152 has a function of measuring the air temperature around the outdoor heat exchanger 102 and outputting it as outside air temperature information OATI. The outside air temperature sensor 152 can adopt public or private outside air temperature information OATI provided in the area where the outdoor heat exchanger 102 is installed.

[0034] Next, the upstream air flow temperature sensor 172 will be described. As shown in FIGS. 3(A) and 3(B), the upstream air flow temperature sensor 172 is disposed on the upstream side of the heat dissipation fins 134 in the air flow flowing into the outdoor heat exchanger 102, measures the temperature of the air flowing into the heat dissipation fins 134, and transmits it to the cloud server 116 as upstream air flow temperature UATI.

[0035] Next, the midstream air flow temperature sensor 174 will be described. As shown in FIG. 3(B), the midstream air flow temperature sensor 174 is disposed between the air-permeable water retention body 138 and the heat dissipation fins 134, measures the temperature of the air flowing through this part, and transmits the midstream air flow temperature information MATI to the cloud server 116.

[0036] Next, the downstream air flow temperature sensor - 176 will be described. As shown in FIGS. 3(A) and 3(B), the downstream air flow temperature sensor 176 is arranged downstream of the heat dissipation fins 134, measures the temperature of the air flow passing through this part, and transmits the downstream air flow temperature DATI to the cloud server 116.

[0037] Next, the heat exchanger temperature sensor 154 will be described. The heat exchanger temperature sensor 154 has the function of measuring the temperature of the outdoor heat exchanger 102 and outputting it as heat exchanger temperature information HETI. The temperature of the outdoor heat exchanger 102 can measure the temperature of, for example, the heat dissipation fins 134, but can also measure the temperature of other parts, such as the cover of the outdoor heat exchanger 102, the refrigerant temperature, etc.

[0038] Next, the humidity sensor 156 will be described. The humidity sensor 156 has the function of measuring the humidity around the outdoor heat exchanger 102 and outputting it as humidity information OHMI. The humidity sensor 156 can adopt the public or private humidity information OHMI provided in the area where the outdoor heat exchanger 102 is installed.

[0039] Next, the current sensor 158 will be mainly described with reference to FIG. 3. The current sensor 158 has the function of outputting the electric power used in the electric motor 160 etc. used in the outdoor heat exchanger 102 as current information CRTI. The current sensor 158 can adopt the current information CRTI in the switchboard for the outdoor heat exchanger 102.

[0040] Next, the cloud server 116 will be described. The cloud server 116 is a server connected via a communication line, and is a server that is a computer connected to the outdoor unit arithmetic units 118 of a plurality of outdoor heat exchangers 102. Therefore, based on the program recorded in the cloud server 116, it receives each piece of information from the sensor 108 from the outdoor unit arithmetic unit 118 of the outdoor heat exchanger 102 and transmits control information CNTI to the outdoor unit arithmetic unit 118. The communication line is the Internet 126.

[0041] Next, the supply arithmetic unit 112 in the cloud server 116 will be described. The supply arithmetic unit 112 has a function of outputting information for controlling the opening and closing of the solenoid valve 144 in the outdoor heat exchanger 102 based on each piece of information from the sensor 108. The cloud server 116 receives information from the sensors 108 of one or more outdoor unit arithmetic units 118 via the cloud communication device 124, executes arithmetic processing based on a predetermined algorithm using the information from the sensors 108, and transmits the control information CNTI, which is the result of the arithmetic, to the outdoor unit arithmetic unit 118 of the outdoor heat exchanger 102. In the first embodiment, the supply arithmetic unit 112 is step S2 described later. The supply arithmetic unit 112 can output control information using AI (artificial intelligence) based on each piece of information from the sensor 108. For example, the cooling fluid supply device 106 can be controlled based on the temperature information from the sensor 108 and the weather forecast information.

[0042] Next, the outdoor unit arithmetic unit 118 will be described. The outdoor unit arithmetic unit 118 has a function of controlling the operation of the cooling auxiliary device 104 for the outdoor heat exchanger 102. In the first embodiment, the outdoor unit arithmetic unit 118 is a computer, in other words, a program.

[0043] Next, the outdoor unit communication device 122 will be described. The outdoor unit communication device 122 has a function of communicating with the cloud server 116 via the Internet 126. In the first embodiment, a known communication device is used.

[0044] Next, the cloud communication device 124 will be described. The cloud communication device 124 has a function of communicating with the outdoor unit arithmetic unit 118 via the Internet 126. In the first embodiment, a known communication device is used for the cloud communication device 124.

[0045] Next, the Internet 126 will be described. The Internet 126 has a function of transmitting each piece of information from the sensor 108 in the outdoor heat exchanger 102 to the cloud server 116 and transmitting the control information CNTI from the cloud server 116 to the outdoor unit arithmetic device 118. In the first embodiment, the Internet 126 is a known Internet. However, the Internet 126 can be substituted by means having other similar functions.

[0046] The operation of the first embodiment with the above configuration will be described with reference to FIG. 4. First, the basic operation in the supply arithmetic device 112 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 4(A). In step S1, after collecting the information from the sensor 108, the process proceeds to step S2. Specifically, the current information CRTI from the current sensor 158, the outside air temperature information OATI from the outside air temperature sensor 152, or the heat exchanger temperature information HETI from the heat exchanger temperature sensor 154 is collected by the outdoor unit communication device 122 from the outdoor heat exchanger 102 to the cloud server 116 via the Internet 126 and the cloud communication device 124. The collection of the information from the sensor 108 is performed every predetermined time by polling via the outdoor unit communication device 122 of each outdoor heat exchanger 102 from the cloud server 116. Next, in step S2, it is determined whether to operate the cooling fluid supply device 106 using the current information CRTI, the outside air temperature information OATI, or the heat exchanger temperature information HETI collected by the cloud server 116. For example, as shown in FIG. 4(B), when the current information CRTI becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined value in step S21, it is determined that the load of the outdoor heat exchanger 102 has exceeded the predetermined power consumption, and in order to reduce the power consumption, the process proceeds to step S24. When the current information CRTI does not exceed the predetermined value, the process proceeds to step S22. In step S22, when the heat exchanger temperature information HETI exceeds a predetermined value, it is indirectly determined that the load of the outdoor heat exchanger 102 exceeds a predetermined power consumption, and the process proceeds to step S24 to operate the cooling fluid supply device 106. When the heat exchanger temperature information HETI does not exceed the predetermined value, the process proceeds to step S23. Furthermore, in step S22, when the outside air temperature information OATI exceeds a predetermined value, it is indirectly determined that the load of the outdoor heat exchanger 102 exceeds a predetermined power consumption, and the process proceeds to step S24 to operate the cooling fluid supply device 106. When the outside air temperature information OATI does not exceed the predetermined value, the process proceeds to step S25. In step S24, an open valve control command is output, and the process proceeds to step S3. In step S25, a close valve command is output, and the process proceeds to step S3. Therefore, in the present Example 1, step S2 corresponds to the supply arithmetic unit 112. In step S3, an open valve command or a close valve command is transmitted to the outdoor unit communication device 122 via the cloud communication device 124 and the Internet 126.

[0047] Next, the detailed open valve control in step S24 will be described with reference to FIG. 4(C). First, in step S241, after opening the main solenoid valve 144M, the process proceeds to step S242. By opening the main solenoid valve 144M, tap water having a predetermined water pressure is supplied to the cooling auxiliary device 104 via the main pipe 142M to the nozzle 150. In the example of FIG. 2(A), tap water is jetted from the nozzle 150 toward the heat radiation fin 134, or in the example of FIG. 2(B), tap water is dropped onto the air permeable water holding body 138.

[0048] In step S242, it is determined whether the first predetermined time T1 has elapsed. If the first predetermined time T1 has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S243. Therefore, during this first predetermined time T1, the spraying of tap water onto the heat dissipation fins 134 or the supply of tap water to the air-permeable water holding body 138 is continued. By spraying tap water onto the heat dissipation fins 134, the heat dissipation fins 134 are cooled by the latent heat of vaporization of the tap water, so the power consumption in the outdoor heat exchanger 102 is reduced. When tap water is supplied to the air-permeable water holding body 138, the air cooled in the air-permeable water holding body 138 reaches the heat dissipation fins 134, so the cooling effect of the heat dissipation fins 134 is enhanced and the power consumption in the outdoor heat exchanger 102 is reduced.

[0049] In step S243, after closing the main solenoid valve 144M, the process proceeds to step S244. By closing the main solenoid valve 144M, the injection of tap water from the nozzle 150 toward the heat dissipation fins 134 or the dripping onto the air-permeable water holding body 138 is stopped. The opening and closing control of the main solenoid valve 144M in steps S241 to S243 is opened during the first predetermined time T1 as shown in FIG. 4(D).

[0050] In step S244, after opening the sub-solenoid valve 144S, the process proceeds to step S246. By opening the sub-solenoid valve 144S, tap water having a predetermined water pressure is supplied to the nozzle 150 via the sub-pipe 142S, and tap water is injected from the nozzle 150 toward the heat dissipation fins 134 or supplied to the air-permeable water holding body 138.

[0051] In step S245, it is determined whether the second predetermined time T2 has elapsed. If the second predetermined time T2 has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S246. If the second predetermined time T2 has not elapsed, step S245 is looped.

[0052] In step S246, the sub-solenoid valve 144S is closed and the process ends. Therefore, during this second predetermined time T2, tap water via the sub-pipe 142S is injected from the nozzle 150 or supplied to the cooling auxiliary device 104. Since the water treatment device 166 is arranged in the auxiliary pipe 142S, water from which calcium and the like in tap water have been removed is sprayed from the nozzle 150 or supplied to the cooling auxiliary device 104, thereby preventing calcium and the like from adhering to these. In other words, since the tap water passing through the main solenoid valve 144M contains calcium and the like, there is a concern that calcium and the like may precipitate and adhere if it is dried as it is. Therefore, water from which calcium and the like supplied via the auxiliary pipe 142S have been substantially removed is jetted toward the heat radiation fins 134 or supplied to the cooling auxiliary device 104. By jetting water from which calcium and the like have been substantially removed toward the heat radiation fins 134 or supplying it to the cooling auxiliary device 104, calcium and the like adhering to the heat radiation fins 134 and the cooling auxiliary device 104 are washed away, suppressing adhesion thereto. The control of these steps S241 to S246 is such that the main solenoid valve 144M and the auxiliary solenoid valve 144S are controlled to open and close like the timing chart shown in FIG. 4(D).

[0053] In addition, the opening and closing valve control of the main solenoid valve 144M in steps S241 and S243 can be variously adopted in addition to the above-described control. For example, opening and closing the valve can be repeated in a predetermined pattern during a first predetermined time T1. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, when an opening valve command is output, the main solenoid valve 144M is opened for a third predetermined time T3, and then the main solenoid valve 144M is closed for a fourth predetermined time T4. Then, the main solenoid valve 144M is opened for a fifth predetermined time T5 shorter than the third predetermined time, and thereafter, closing the valve for the fourth predetermined time T4 and opening the valve for the fifth predetermined time T5 can be repeated a predetermined number of times. By providing a time for stopping the water supply, the amount of tap water used can be reduced.

[0054] In addition, various algorithms for supplying tap water using the information from the sensor 108 in the cloud server 116 can be adopted.

[0055] The operation in the outdoor unit arithmetic unit 118 of the outdoor heat exchanger 102 will be described with reference to FIG. 5. In step OS1 of the outdoor unit arithmetic unit 118, it is determined whether there is polling from the cloud server 116. If there is polling, the process proceeds to step OS2, and if there is no polling, the process proceeds to step OS4.

[0056] In step OS2, information from the sensor 108 is acquired and the process proceeds to step OS3. Specifically, current information CRTI from the current sensor 158, heat exchanger temperature information HETI from the heat exchanger temperature sensor 154, and outside air temperature information OATI from the outside air temperature sensor 152 are acquired.

[0057] In step OS3, after transmitting the control information CNTI acquired in step OS2 to the cloud server 116 via the outdoor unit communication device 122 and the Internet 126, the process returns to step OS1.

[0058] In step OS4, it is determined whether control information CNTI has been received from the cloud server 116. If control information CNTI has been received, the process proceeds to step OS5, and if not, the process returns to step OS1.

[0059] In step OS5, opening or closing control of the solenoid valve 144 is performed based on the control information CNTI. In other words, if it is opening information for the main solenoid valve 144M or the sub-solenoid valve 144S, those solenoid valves 144 are opened, and if it is closing information, those solenoid valves 144 are closed.

[0060] If neither polling nor control information CNTI is received, steps OS1 and OS4 are looped and the unit enters a standby state.

Embodiment

[0061] Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 7. Example 2 is an example in which the water supply selection device 148 switches from the main pipe 142M to the sub-pipe 142 a predetermined time before the end of the water supply of the cooling auxiliary device 104. In other words, Example 2 predicts the change in the outside air temperature based on the outside air temperature information OATI from the outside air temperature sensor 152, and controls the solenoid valve 144 based on the prediction. Specifically, when the outside air temperature information OATI becomes equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature T, the main solenoid valve 144M in Example 1 is opened. When the predicted time PT at which it is expected to become equal to or lower than the predetermined temperature T is output, the main solenoid valve 144M is closed and the sub-solenoid valve 144S is opened a predetermined time before the predicted time PT. The predetermined temperature T is 27.5 degrees Celsius in this Example 2. Then, the predicted time PT at which it becomes equal to or lower than the predetermined temperature T is predicted based on the outside air temperature information OATI up to that point, and the main solenoid valve 144M in Example 1 is closed so that the supply of tap water is stopped at the predicted time PT, and the sub-solenoid valve 144S is controlled to open.

[0062] This control will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 7(A). First, in step S31, it is determined whether the outside air temperature information OATI from the outside air temperature sensor 152 is equal to or higher than the predetermined temperature T. If it is equal to or higher than the predetermined temperature T, the process proceeds to step S32. If it is lower than the predetermined temperature T, step S31 is looped. In step S32, after the main solenoid valve 144M is opened at the first point P1, the process proceeds to step S33. In step S33, based on the outside air temperature information OATI transmitted in the past and public or private weather forecast information, predicted outside air temperature information POTI until a predetermined time later is output, and then the process proceeds to step S34. The "until a predetermined time later" in this case is, for example, 60 minutes.

[0063] In step S34, in the predicted outside air temperature information POTI, the predicted time PT at which it becomes equal to or lower than the predetermined temperature T is calculated. If there is a predicted time PT at which it becomes equal to or lower than the predetermined temperature T, the process proceeds to step S35. If it does not become equal to or lower than the predetermined temperature T, the process returns to step S33 and enters a standby state until it drops to the predetermined temperature T. In step S35, at a second point in time P2, which is a predetermined time before the predicted time PT when the temperature reaches or falls below the predetermined temperature T, after closing the main solenoid valve 144M, the process proceeds to step S36.

[0064] In step S36, after opening the sub-solenoid valve 144S, the process proceeds to step S37. By opening the sub-solenoid valve 144S, tap water having a predetermined water pressure is supplied to the cooling auxiliary device 104 via the sub-pipe 142S to the nozzle 150.

[0065] In step S37, it is determined whether the temperature is at or below the predetermined temperature T. If the temperature is at or below the predetermined temperature T, the process proceeds to step S38. If the temperature is above the predetermined temperature T, step S37 is looped.

[0066] In step S38, the sub-solenoid valve 144S is closed at a third point in time P3, and the process ends. Therefore, between steps S36 and S38, tap water is supplied to the cooling auxiliary device 104 via the sub-pipe 142S. In FIG. 7(B), the curve TM is the outside air temperature information OATI on the simulated experiment day at the outside air temperature sensor 152. At a certain point in time TP, which is 19:00 in FIG. 7(B), a line having a predetermined slope representing the predicted outside air temperature information POTI is shown as a dashed line. As is clear from FIG. 7(B), the supply of tap water via the sub-pipe 142S starts at a second point in time P2, which is a predetermined time before the third point in time P3 at which it is predicted that the outside air temperature at which the supply of tap water stops will reach the predetermined temperature T. Therefore, the amount of tap water used can be reduced.

[0067] The upstream air flow temperature sensor 172, the midstream air flow temperature sensor 174, or the downstream air flow temperature sensor 176 can be used as the outside air temperature sensor 152. Also, by correlating the outputs of the upstream air flow temperature sensor 172, the midstream air flow temperature sensor 174, or the downstream air flow temperature sensor 176, the opening and closing of the solenoid valve 144 can be controlled.

[0068] In the present invention, the sensor 108 is not limited to the above-described sensors, and various sensors can be adopted. For example, a refrigerant pressure sensor in a refrigerant compressor can be adopted. Also, various algorithms in the cloud server 116 can be adopted.

Explanation of Signs

[0069] 102 Outdoor heat exchanger 104 Cooling auxiliary device 106 Cooling fluid supply device 108 Sensor 112 Supply arithmetic unit 116 Cloud server 126 Internet 142 Water pipe 142M Main pipe 142S Sub-pipe 148 Water supply selection device 166 Water treatment device

Claims

1. An outdoor heat exchanger (102) disposed outdoors, A cooling fluid supply device (106) that supplies a cooling fluid to a cooling assist device (104) of the outdoor heat exchanger (102), A sensor (108) that outputs information regarding the outdoor heat exchanger (102), A supply arithmetic unit (112) that determines supply or stop of the cooling fluid from the cooling assist device (104) based on the information from the sensor (108), A control device for a cooling fluid supply device for an outdoor heat exchanger that controls the supply of the cooling fluid from the cooling assist device (104) based on the output of the supply arithmetic unit (112), A cloud server (116) is provided, The cloud server (116) includes the supply arithmetic unit (112) A control device for a cooling fluid supply device for an outdoor heat exchanger, characterized in that.

2. The sensor (108) includes temperature-related information of the outdoor heat exchanger (102) in the calculation A control device for a cooling fluid supply device for an outdoor heat exchanger according to Claim 1, characterized in that.

3. The cooling fluid from the cooling assist device (104) is supplied or stopped by the cooling fluid supply device (106), and the cooling fluid supply device (106) is connected to a main pipe (142M) directly connected to a water supply pipe (142) and a sub-pipe (142S) connected to the main pipe (142M) via a water treatment device (166), The main pipe (142M) and the sub-pipe (142S) are provided with a water supply selection device (148) that selectively switches between the main pipe (142M) and the sub-pipe (142S) based on a command from the supply arithmetic unit (112) of the cloud server (116) A control device for a cooling fluid supply device for an outdoor heat exchanger according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that.

4. The water supply selection device (148) switches from the main pipe (142M) to the sub-pipe (142S) a predetermined time before the end of water supply of the cooling assist device (104) A control device for a cooling fluid supply device for an outdoor heat exchanger according to Claim 3, characterized in that.

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