Control system, control method, and transport refrigeration device

Abstract

To automatically start an engine for a refrigerator appropriately. [Solution] The control system is a control system for a transport refrigeration device that includes a refrigerator having a compressor, an engine used to drive the compressor, a battery used to start the engine, a generator driven by the engine to charge the battery, and a location information acquisition unit that acquires location information, and includes an automatic start-up unit that automatically starts the engine when specified conditions are met, and an execution state control unit that sets the automatic start-up of the engine by the automatic start-up unit to an executable or unexecutable state when the position indicated by the location information is within a region that has been preset by a specified setting operation.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a control system, a control method, and a transport refrigeration device. [Background technology]

[0002] The transport refrigeration system described in Patent Document 1 includes a generator that generates power to drive a refrigerator, an engine that drives the generator, a battery that charges the power generated by the generator, a charge / discharge device that controls charging of the battery and supply of power from the battery, and a power conversion device that converts power supplied from the generator or power supplied from the battery. The refrigerator uses an electrically driven compressor, and the refrigerator is driven using the power converted by the power conversion device. The transport refrigeration system switches between power supplied from the generator and power supplied from the battery depending on the operating conditions determined by the load state or position information of the refrigerator. Furthermore, when the refrigerator is driven using power supplied from the battery, the engine is automatically stopped, and if the remaining charge capacity of the battery falls below a predetermined value, the engine is automatically started to charge the battery. According to the transport refrigeration equipment described in Patent Document 1, for example, when passing through a tunnel where the engine must be stopped for safety reasons, a pre-tunnel signal can be detected using a position information signal, etc., and the engine can be automatically stopped and switched to battery operation, or a post-tunnel signal can be detected using a position information signal, etc., and if the remaining battery charge appears to be low, the engine can be restarted. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2005-61697 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Incidentally, the conditions for determining whether the engine should be started automatically include a decrease in the remaining charge of the battery as described in Patent Document 1, as well as, for example, when the commercial power supply is cut off when the compressor is driven using an external commercial power supply, or when the engine has not been operated for a certain period of time.

[0005] Furthermore, when starting the engine, consideration must be given to safety restrictions, noise restrictions, etc. For example, automatic engine start may be prohibited or may not be desirable when traveling on a ferry or parked near residential areas. On the other hand, there may be cases where automatic engine start is actively desired within a designated area, such as inside a warehouse.

[0006] However, the transport refrigeration system described in Patent Document 1 has the problem that it does not have a configuration that meets these needs.

[0007] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a control system, a control method, and a transport refrigeration device that can automatically start a refrigeration engine appropriately. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to solve the above problem, the control system of the present disclosure is a control system for a transport refrigeration device comprising a refrigeration machine having a compressor, an engine used to drive the compressor, a battery used to start the engine, a generator driven by the engine and charging the battery, and a location information acquisition unit that acquires location information, and is equipped with an automatic start-up unit that automatically starts the engine when specified conditions are met, and an execution state control unit that sets the automatic start-up of the engine by the automatic start-up unit to an executable or unexecutable state when the position indicated by the location information is within a region that has been preset by a specified setting operation.

[0009] The control method relating to this disclosure is a control method for a transport refrigeration system comprising: a refrigerator having a compressor; an engine used to drive the compressor; a battery used when starting the engine; a generator driven by the engine and for charging the battery; and a position information acquisition unit for acquiring position information, the method comprising: a step of automatically starting the engine when predetermined conditions are met; and a step of disabling or enabling the automatic starting of the engine when the position indicated by the position information is within a range predetermined by a predetermined setting operation.

[0010] The transport refrigeration system according to this disclosure comprises a refrigeration unit having a compressor, an engine used to drive the compressor, a battery used when starting the engine, a generator driven by the engine to charge the battery, and a position information acquisition unit that acquires position information. The engine is automatically started when predetermined conditions are met, and if the position indicated by the position information is within a range predetermined by a predetermined setting operation, the automatic startup of the engine is controlled to be either disabled or enabled. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the control system, control method, and transport refrigeration device disclosed herein, the engine for the refrigeration unit can be started automatically and appropriately. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a control system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating another configuration example of a control system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an operation screen in the control system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing another example of an operation screen in the control system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5]10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the remote monitoring device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of a remote monitoring server according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of a controller according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram illustrating the configuration of a computer according to at least one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Hereinafter, the control system, control method, and transport refrigeration apparatus according to the embodiments of this disclosure will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 8. In each figure, the same or corresponding components are given the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will be omitted as appropriate.

[0014] (Control system configuration) Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of a control system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing another example configuration of a control system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The control system 100 shown in Fig. 1 includes a transport refrigeration unit 1, a remote monitoring server 2, and a terminal 3. There may be multiple transport refrigeration units 1 and multiple terminals 3. In addition, there may be multiple remote monitoring servers 2 as long as they are able to share certain information.

[0015] The transport refrigeration system 1 shown in Figure 1 is installed in trucks for land transport, containers for rail transport, etc. The transport refrigeration system 1 comprises a diesel engine 11, a chiller 12, a generator 13, a battery 14, a controller 15, and a remote monitoring device 16.

[0016] The refrigeration unit 12 comprises a compressor 121, a condenser 122, an expansion valve 124, an evaporator 123, a refrigeration unit control board 125, refrigeration unit sensors 126, and auxiliary equipment such as a fan (not shown). The refrigeration unit 12 works in conjunction with a controller 15 (described later) to control the temperature inside a storage compartment installed in a truck, container, etc., for freezing or refrigeration purposes, for example, based on the output signals of the refrigeration unit sensors 126. The refrigeration unit sensors 126 include, for example, multiple sensors such as temperature sensors and pressure sensors. The refrigeration unit control board 125 is configured using a computer such as a microcontroller. In the example shown in Figure 1, the compressor 121 is mechanically driven by a diesel engine 11 via a belt 17.

[0017] The diesel engine 11 is used to drive the compressor 121 and is a separate engine for the refrigeration unit 12, for example, from the engine used to drive the truck. The operation of the diesel engine 11 is controlled by the controller 15. Although the diesel engine 11 is an example of an engine according to this disclosure, in other embodiments it may be an engine that uses a fuel other than diesel fuel.

[0018] The battery 14 is a storage battery used when starting the diesel engine 11. When starting the diesel engine 11, actuators for warming up and supplying fuel, a starter motor for starting, and the like are driven by power supplied from the battery 14.

[0019] The generator 13 is mechanically driven by the diesel engine 11 via a belt 17 to generate DC power. The power generated by the generator 13 is used to charge the battery 14 and to operate the refrigerator 12, the controller 15, and the remote monitoring device 16.

[0020] Controller 15 controls each part (each device) in transport refrigeration system 1, such as diesel engine 11 and refrigerator 12. For example, controller 15 controls the output of diesel engine 11 in accordance with the load on refrigerator 12, prevents malfunctions such as breakdowns in diesel engine 11 and refrigerator 12, monitors detection signals from refrigerator sensors 126 and various sensors (not shown) equipped in diesel engine 11, and records maximum, minimum, average, and other values ​​at regular intervals. Controller 15 can be configured using a computer such as a microcontroller, and includes automatic startup unit 151 as a functional block configured from a combination of hardware and software of a computer, for example.

[0021] When a predetermined condition is satisfied, the automatic start unit 151 automatically starts the diesel engine 11 if an execution state control unit 162 (described later) of the remote monitoring device 16 has set a state in which automatic start of the diesel engine 11 by the automatic start unit 151 is executable. On the other hand, if the execution state control unit 162 has set a state in which automatic start of the diesel engine 11 is not executable, the automatic start unit 151 does not automatically start the diesel engine 11 even if the predetermined condition is satisfied. The predetermined condition (hereinafter also referred to as an execution condition) includes a plurality of different individually determinable factors, such as (1) the state of charge of the battery 14 falling below a predetermined state, (2) the compressor 121a (FIG. 2) is electrically driven and can be driven by an externally supplied power source (hereinafter also referred to as an external power source) as described later, and the supply of the external power source is cut off when the compressor 121a is driven by the external power source, and (3) the diesel engine 11 has not been operated for a certain period of time. In this embodiment, the automatic start-up function when the execution condition (1) above is met is called the battery charging automatic start-up function, the automatic start-up function when the execution condition (2) above is met is called the power outage automatic start-up function, and the automatic start-up function when the execution condition (3) above is met is called the long-term shutdown automatic start-up function.

[0022] The remote monitoring device 16 transmits and receives predetermined information to and from the remote monitoring server 2 via a mobile communication network or the like. The remote monitoring device 16 is a functional block composed of a combination of hardware such as a computer including a microcontroller and GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) sensors, and software, and includes a position information acquisition unit 161, an execution state control unit 162, and a communication unit 163. The position information acquisition unit 161 receives GNSS signals and acquires position information consisting of latitude, longitude, and altitude at predetermined intervals. The position information acquisition unit 161 may also be configured to acquire position information using sensors that detect acceleration, angular acceleration, etc. The position information acquired by the position information acquisition unit 161 is repeatedly transmitted to the remote monitoring server 2 at predetermined intervals, along with, for example, identification information of the transport refrigeration device 1 and detection signals from various sensors recorded by the controller 15.

[0023] The execution state control unit 162 sets the automatic startup of the diesel engine 11 by the automatic startup unit 151 to either an unstartable state or an enableable state if the location indicated by the location information acquired by the location information acquisition unit 161 is within a predetermined area set by a predetermined setting operation. In this embodiment, the determination of whether the location indicated by the location information is within a predetermined area set by a predetermined setting operation, and the setting of the area by a predetermined setting operation, are performed by the remote monitoring server 2 as described later.

[0024] The communication unit 163 transmits and receives predetermined information to and from the remote monitoring server 2 via a mobile communication network.

[0025] The remote monitoring server 2 includes a region setting unit 21, a position determining unit 22, and a communication unit 23 as functional blocks configured by a combination of hardware such as a computer and software.

[0026] The terminal 3 is a terminal such as a personal computer, tablet terminal, or smartphone, and includes an input / output unit 31 and a communication unit 32 as functional blocks configured by a combination of hardware and software. The input / output unit 31 accepts input operations from a user using, for example, a display device and an input device such as a touch panel, a display, a mouse, or a keyboard, and outputs (displays, prints, etc.) information provided from the remote monitoring server 2 to the user. The communication unit 32 transmits and receives predetermined information to and from the remote monitoring server 2 via a wide area communication network such as the Internet.

[0027] The region setting unit 21 sets a region in which automatic startup of the diesel engine 11 by the automatic startup unit 151 is disabled or enabled through a predetermined setting operation on the input / output unit 31. FIGS. 3 and 4 are schematic diagrams showing examples of operation screens displayed by the input / output unit 31 of the terminal 3 in the control system 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The operation screen 310a shown in FIG. 3 and the operation screen 310b shown in FIG. 4 each include a map display region 311, a drop-down list 312 for selecting a function name, and a group box 333 including two option buttons for setting whether the region R11 or R12 set on the map is enabled or disabled. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the shaded region R11 is enabled for the automatic startup function during power outage. In this example, the automatic startup function during power outage is executed when the condition for executing the automatic startup function during power outage (i.e., the supply of external power has been interrupted) is met and the transport refrigeration equipment 1 is located within the region R11. On the other hand, even if the conditions for executing the automatic start-up during power outage are met, the function is not executed when the transport refrigeration equipment 1 is located outside the area R11. Also, in the example shown in Figure 4, the shaded area R12 is set to a state where the automatic start-up during long-term shutdown function is not executable. In this example, even if the conditions for executing the automatic start-up during long-term shutdown function (the diesel engine 11 not being operated for a certain period of time) are met, the automatic start-up during long-term shutdown function is not executed when the transport refrigeration equipment 1 is located within the area R12. On the other hand, when the conditions for executing the automatic start-up during long-term shutdown function are met, the function is executed when the transport refrigeration equipment 1 is located outside the area R12.

[0028] In the examples shown in Figures 3 and 4, one area is set for each function, but multiple areas may be set. However, when multiple areas are set, the settings for executable and non-executable states for each area must be the same for each function. For example, when multiple areas are set for the automatic startup function when stopped, it is not possible to set some areas to executable state and the remaining areas to non-executable state.

[0029] When the region setting unit 21 selects the unexecutable state as the region setting state, the region set by the region setting unit 21 may initially include a range on water, such as the sea, a lake, or a river, excluding a portion corresponding to a bridge or tunnel through which a vehicle can travel, as a range in which automatic startup of the diesel engine 11 is unexecutable. Here, a tunnel through which a vehicle can travel is, for example, an undersea tunnel or an undersea tunnel through which a vehicle can travel. A bridge or tunnel through which a vehicle can travel may be passed by the vehicle while traveling. On the other hand, a range on water excluding a portion corresponding to a bridge or tunnel through which a vehicle can travel is presumed to be a state in which a vehicle is being transported by a vessel, such as a ferry. When a vehicle is being transported by a vessel, such as a ferry, startup of the diesel engine 11 is often prohibited. Therefore, by initially setting a range on water where a vehicle does not travel as an unexecutable state, the effort required for setting by the user can be reduced.

[0030] The settings made by the area setting unit 21 are stored in a predetermined storage area, associated with, for example, the user's identification information and the identification information of the transport refrigeration device 1 (or remote monitoring device 16).

[0031] The position determination unit 22 determines, for each automatically activated function, whether the position information received from the remote monitoring device 16 is within each area set by the area setting unit 21. If the position determination unit 22 determines that switching between the executable state and the non-executable state is necessary, it generates a signal (referred to as an execution state setting signal) instructing switching to the non-executable state or the executable state and transmits it to the remote monitoring device 16.

[0032] 3, when the position determination unit 22 determines that the transport refrigeration apparatus 1 has entered the area R11, it generates an execution state setting signal that instructs the remote monitoring device 16 to set the automatic startup function in the event of a power failure to an executable state, and transmits the generated execution state setting signal via the communication unit 23 to the remote monitoring device 16. When the position determination unit 22 determines that the transport refrigeration apparatus 1 has left the area R11, it generates an execution state setting signal that instructs the remote monitoring device 16 to set the automatic startup function in the event of a power failure to an executable state, and transmits the generated execution state setting signal via the communication unit 23 to the remote monitoring device 16.

[0033] 4, when the position determination unit 22 determines that the transport refrigeration equipment 1 has entered area R12, it generates an execution state setting signal instructing the remote monitoring device 16 to set the automatic startup function during long-term shutdown to an executable state, and transmits the generated execution state setting signal via the communication unit 23 to the remote monitoring device 16. When the position determination unit 22 determines that the transport refrigeration equipment 1 has left area R12, it generates an execution state setting signal instructing the remote monitoring device 16 to set the automatic startup function during long-term shutdown to an executable state, and transmits the generated execution state setting signal via the communication unit 23 to the remote monitoring device 16.

[0034] The communication unit 23 transmits and receives predetermined information (signals) between the terminal 3 and the remote monitoring device 16.

[0035] (Configuration of the control system 100a shown in Figure 2) The control system 100a shown in Figure 2 differs from the control system 100 shown in Figure 1 in the following ways. Specifically, in the transport refrigeration system 1a, which corresponds to the transport refrigeration system 1 shown in Figure 1, the compressor 121a in the refrigerator 12a, which corresponds to the compressor 121 in the refrigerator 12 shown in Figure 1, is electrically powered and equipped with an electric motor M1 for driving. Furthermore, the refrigerator control board 125a has a function for controlling the operation of the compressor 121a. Additionally, a power conversion unit 18 is newly provided to supply power to drive the compressor 121a etc. from an external power source such as a commercial power supply. Furthermore, the controller 15 has a function to stop the diesel engine 11 when the power conversion unit 18 is connected to a commercial power supply. In the configuration shown in Figure 2, it is desirable that the battery 14 has a sufficient battery capacity to drive the compressor 121a for a predetermined time when the diesel engine 11 is stopped.

[0036] In addition, in the transport refrigeration device 1a shown in Figure 2, the automatic startup unit 151 has an automatic startup function during long-term shutdown, which is a function that automatically starts when the execution condition (3) above is met, that is, when the supply of external power is cut off while the compressor 121a is being driven by an external power source.

[0037] (Example of control system operation) FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of operation of the remote monitoring device 16 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The process illustrated in FIG. 5 is executed by the remote monitoring device 16 at predetermined time intervals. In the process illustrated in FIG. 5, the communication unit 163 associates the location information acquired by the location information acquisition unit 161 with, for example, identification information of the transport refrigeration unit 1 (or the remote monitoring device 16) and transmits the information to the remote monitoring server 2 (step S11). Next, the communication unit 163 receives a reply from the remote monitoring server 2 (step S12). Next, the execution state control unit 162 determines whether the reply includes an execution state setting signal (step S13). If the execution state setting signal is included (step S13: YES), the execution state control unit 162 sets the automatic activation function indicated by the execution state setting signal to an executable state or an executable state (for example, by notifying the automatic activation unit 151) (step S14), and terminates the process illustrated in FIG. 5. On the other hand, if the execution state setting signal is not included (step S13: NO), the execution state control unit 162 terminates the process illustrated in FIG. 5.

[0038] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the remote monitoring server 2 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. It is assumed that the area setting unit 21 has set areas for each function in advance. The process illustrated in FIG. 6 is executed when the remote monitoring server 2 receives location information. In the process illustrated in FIG. 6, the communication unit 23 receives the location information and the like transmitted by the remote monitoring device 16 (step S21). Next, the location determination unit 22 determines whether entry into or exit from each set area has occurred (step S22). If entry into or exit from each set area has occurred (step S22: YES), the location determination unit 22 transmits an execution state setting signal to the remote monitoring device 16 via the communication unit 23 to set the automatic activation function set for that area to an executable state or an executable state (step S23), and the process illustrated in FIG. 6 ends. If entry into or exit from the set area has not occurred (step S22: NO), the location determination unit 22 ends the process illustrated in FIG. 6.

[0039] Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the controller 15 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. The process shown in Fig. 7 is executed by the controller 15 at predetermined time intervals. However, Fig. 7 shows an example of the process executed by the controller 15 shown in Fig. 2, and the processes of steps S34 to S36 are omitted in the controller 15 shown in Fig. 1.

[0040] 7, the automatic startup unit 151 determines whether or not an execution condition for the battery charging automatic startup function is met (step S31). If the execution condition is met (step S31: YES), the automatic startup unit 151 determines whether or not the function is set to an executable state (step S32). If the function is set to an executable state (step S32: YES), the automatic startup unit 151 executes the function (step S33).

[0041] On the other hand, if the execution condition is not met (step S31: NO), if the function is not set to an executable state (step S32: NO), or if the function is executed (step S33), the automatic activation unit 151 determines whether the execution condition for the automatic activation during power outage function is met (step S34). If the execution condition is met (step S34: YES), the automatic activation unit 151 determines whether the function is set to an executable state (step S35). If the function is set to an executable state (step S35: YES), the automatic activation unit 151 executes the function (step S36).

[0042] On the other hand, if the execution conditions are not met (step S34: NO), if the function is not set to an executable state (step S35: NO), or if the function has been executed (step S36), the automatic startup unit 151 determines whether the execution conditions for the automatic startup function during long-term shutdown have been met (step S37). If the execution conditions are met (step S37: YES), the automatic startup unit 151 determines whether the function is set to an executable state (step S38). If the function is set to an executable state (step S38: YES), the automatic startup unit 151 executes the function (step S39) and terminates the process shown in Figure 7.

[0043] On the other hand, if the execution condition is not met (step S37: NO), or if the function is not set to an executable state (step S38: NO), the automatic activation unit 151 ends the processing shown in FIG.

[0044] (Action and effect) In the control system, control method, and transport refrigeration apparatus configured as described above, transport refrigeration apparatus 1 or 1a includes refrigerator 12 or 12a having compressor 121 or 121a, diesel engine 11 used to drive compressor 121 or 121a, battery 14 used to start diesel engine 11, generator 13 driven by diesel engine 11 to charge battery 14, and location information acquisition unit 161 that acquires location information. Control system 100 or 100a of transport refrigeration apparatus 1 or 1a further includes automatic startup unit 151 that automatically starts diesel engine 11 when predetermined conditions are satisfied, and execution state control unit 162 that disables or enables automatic startup of diesel engine 11 by automatic startup unit 151 when the position indicated by the location information is within a region preset by a predetermined setting operation. Therefore, according to the control system, control method, and transport refrigeration device of the embodiment, the area in which automatic start of the diesel engine 11 is possible and the area in which it is not possible can be set arbitrarily, so that the engine for the refrigeration unit can be automatically started more appropriately compared to when such setting cannot be made.

[0045] (Other embodiments) Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above in detail with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to this embodiment, and design changes and the like are also included within the scope of the gist of the present disclosure. For example, with regard to the functions provided by each device such as the controller 15, the remote monitoring device 16, and the remote monitoring server 2, which device provides the functions is not limited to the above examples, and for example, some or all of the functions provided by the controller 15, the remote monitoring device 16, or the remote monitoring server 2 may be provided by another device.

[0046] <Computer Configuration> Figure 8 is a schematic block diagram showing the configuration of a computer according to at least one embodiment. The computer 90 includes a processor 91, main memory 92, storage 93, and an interface 94. The above-mentioned controller 15, remote monitoring device 16, refrigerator control board 125 or 125a, remote monitoring server 2, or terminal 3 is implemented in a computer 90. The operation of each of the above-mentioned processing units is stored in the form of a program in a storage 93. A processor 91 reads the program from the storage 93, loads it into a main memory 92, and executes the above-mentioned processing in accordance with the program. The processor 91 also allocates storage areas in the main memory 92 corresponding to each of the above-mentioned storage units in accordance with the program.

[0047] The program may be for realizing some of the functions to be performed by the computer 90. For example, the program may be combined with other programs already stored in storage or other programs implemented in other devices to perform the functions. In other embodiments, the computer may include a custom LSI (Large Scale Integrated Circuit) such as a PLD (Programmable Logic Device) in addition to or instead of the above configuration. Examples of PLDs include PAL (Programmable Array Logic), GAL (Generic Array Logic), CPLD (Complex Programmable Logic Device), and FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). In this case, some or all of the functions realized by the processor may be realized by the integrated circuit.

[0048] Examples of storage 93 include HDDs (Hard Disk Drives), SSDs (Solid State Drives), magnetic disks, magneto-optical disks, CD-ROMs (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), DVD-ROMs (Digital Versatile Disc Read Only Memory), and semiconductor memory. Storage 93 may be an internal medium directly connected to the bus of the computer 90, or an external medium connected to the computer 90 via an interface 94 or a communication line. Furthermore, if this program is distributed to the computer 90 via a communication line, the computer 90 that receives the program may expand it into main memory 92 and execute the above processing. In at least one embodiment, storage 93 is a tangible storage medium that is not temporary.

[0049] <Additional Notes> The control system 100 or 100a described in each embodiment can be understood, for example, as follows.

[0050] (1) The control system 100 or 100a according to the first embodiment is a control system for a transport refrigeration device 1 or 1a comprising a refrigerator 12 or 12a having a compressor 121 or 121a, an engine (diesel engine 11) used to drive the compressor, a battery 14 used when starting the engine, a generator 13 driven by the engine and for charging the battery, and a position information acquisition unit 161 for acquiring position information, comprising an automatic start unit 151 that automatically starts the engine when predetermined conditions are met, and an execution state control unit 162 that puts the automatic start of the engine by the automatic start unit into an unexecutable state or an executable state when the position indicated by the position information is within an area predetermined by a predetermined setting operation. According to this embodiment and each of the following embodiments, the engine (diesel engine 11) for the refrigerator can be appropriately started automatically.

[0051] (2) The control system 100 or 100a of the second embodiment is the control system 100 or 100a of (1), wherein the predetermined conditions include a plurality of individually determineable items such as the charge state of the battery falling below a predetermined state, the compressor being electrically powered and drivable by an externally supplied power source, and the power supply being cut off when the compressor is being driven by the power source, and the engine not being operated for a certain period of time, and for each of the items, the area can be set to either a range that makes it impossible to execute or a range that makes it possible to execute.

[0052] (3) The control system 100 or 100a of the third embodiment is the control system 100 or 100a of (1) or (2), wherein the region includes, as an initial setting, a range on the sea or other body of water, excluding the portion corresponding to a bridge or tunnel on which a vehicle can travel, as a range in which the automatic startup of the engine is disabled. [Explanation of symbols]

[0053] 100, 100a...control system 1, 1a...Transportation refrigeration equipment 2...Remote monitoring server 3...Terminal 11...Diesel engine 12, 12a...Freezer 13...Generator 14...Battery 121, 121a...Compressor 151...Automatic start section 161...Location information acquisition unit 162...Execution state control unit

Claims

1. a refrigerator having a compressor; an engine used to drive the compressor; a battery used to start the engine; a generator driven by the engine and configured to charge the battery; a location information acquisition unit that acquires location information; A control system for a transport refrigeration unit comprising: an automatic start unit that automatically starts the engine when a predetermined condition is satisfied; an execution state control unit that disables or enables automatic startup of the engine by the automatic startup unit when the position indicated by the position information is within a region that has been set in advance by a predetermined setting operation; A control system comprising:

2. The predetermined condition includes a plurality of different matters that can be determined individually, such as the state of charge of the battery falling below a predetermined state, the compressor being electrically driven and capable of being driven by an externally supplied power source, the supply of the power source being cut off when the compressor is driven by the power source, and the engine not being operated for a certain period of time. For each of the items, the area can be set to either a range in which the item is disabled or a range in which the item is enabled. The control system of claim 1 .

3. The area includes, as an initial setting, a range on water such as the ocean, excluding a portion corresponding to a bridge or tunnel through which the vehicle can travel, as a range in which automatic start of the engine is disabled.

3. A control system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. a refrigerator having a compressor; an engine used to drive the compressor; a battery used to start the engine; a generator driven by the engine and configured to charge the battery; a location information acquisition unit that acquires location information; A control method for a transport refrigeration unit comprising: automatically starting the engine when a predetermined condition is met; a step of disabling or enabling automatic startup of the engine when the position indicated by the position information is within a region that has been preset by a predetermined setting operation; A control method comprising:

5. a refrigerator having a compressor; an engine used to drive the compressor; a battery used to start the engine; a generator driven by the engine and configured to charge the battery; a location information acquisition unit that acquires location information; Equipped with The engine is automatically started when a predetermined condition is met, When the position indicated by the position information is within a region that has been set in advance by a predetermined setting operation, automatic start of the engine is controlled to an execution disabled state or an execution enabled state. Transport refrigeration equipment.

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