Control device, management device, control method, management method and program

Abstract

This enables proper control of backflow cleaning in wells. [Solution] The control device comprises: an inflow water volume acquisition unit that acquires the amount of water flowing into the well; a relationship information acquisition unit that acquires relationship information showing the relationship between the inflow water volume, the amount of water pumped out from the well, and the state of the well; a determination unit that determines a control amount for pumping water from the well based on the inflow water volume acquired by the inflow water volume acquisition unit and the relationship information; and a control unit that controls the amount of water pumped out by a pump capable of pumping water from the well based on the control amount determined by the determination unit.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a control device, a management device, a control method, a management method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Closed-loop and open-loop geothermal energy systems are known. In a closed-loop system, a heat transfer medium circulates within a circulation pipe, and heat exchange takes place between the heat transfer medium and a heat pump. In an open-loop system, water is pumped from a pumping well and returned to a return well, while heat exchange takes place between the water and a heat pump. A screen is installed inside the return well. By raising the water level in the return well and applying pressure, the water in the return well is forced to enter the ground through the screen. Small particles such as soil, sand, and debris are present inside the return well. When the water in the return well enters the ground, these particles may clog gaps in the ground. When particles clog gaps in the ground, the water in the return well cannot enter the ground, causing the return well to become blocked.

[0003] As countermeasures against blockage in open-loop return wells, (1) a method to reduce dissolved oxygen in the groundwater, and (2) a method of backwashing by pumping water from the return well and flowing the water into the return well from the ground are known. Patent documents 1 to 3 disclose examples of techniques for performing backwashing. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-48501 [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 4415404 [Patent Document 3] Patent No. 7026346 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0005] Method (2) above is less expensive and more practical than method (1) above. However, method (2) above lacks a method for predicting the required water volume from numerical data during operation, and control for automatic backwashing has not been established. Therefore, backwashing of wells cannot be properly controlled.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and its objective is to provide a technology that can appropriately control the backflow cleaning of wells. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, a control device is provided comprising: an inflow water volume acquisition unit that acquires the amount of water flowing into a well; a relationship information acquisition unit that acquires relationship information showing the relationship between the inflow water volume, the amount of water pumped up from the well, and the state of the well; a determination unit that determines a control amount for pumping water from the well based on the inflow water volume acquired by the inflow water volume acquisition unit and the relationship information; and a control unit that controls the amount of water pumped by a pump capable of pumping water from the well based on the control amount determined by the determination unit. By determining a control amount for pumping water from the well based on the inflow water volume and the relationship information, and controlling the amount of water pumped by a pump capable of pumping water from the well based on the determined control amount, it is possible to perform backflow cleaning of the well with an appropriate amount of water pumped when backflow cleaning of the well is necessary. In this way, it is possible to appropriately control backflow cleaning of the well. Furthermore, it does not require manual labor. Furthermore, it enables automated operation of backwash cleaning of wells.

[0008] The determination unit determines whether the current date corresponds to a first predetermined date or a second predetermined date. If the current date corresponds to the first predetermined date, the determination unit determines the control amount corresponding to the first predetermined date based on the inflow amount acquired by the inflow amount acquisition unit, the relationship information, and a first predetermined coefficient. If the current date corresponds to the second predetermined date, the determination unit determines the control amount corresponding to the second predetermined date based on the inflow amount acquired by the inflow amount acquisition unit, the relationship information, and a second predetermined coefficient different from the first predetermined coefficient. This makes it possible to determine the control amount when pumping water from the well according to the time of year, and to control the backflow cleaning of the well more appropriately.

[0009] The control device includes a water level acquisition unit that acquires the water level in the well, a determination unit that determines whether the water level is above a threshold, and the control unit, if the water level is above the threshold, controls the amount of water pumped by the pump based on a control amount greater than the control amount determined by the determination unit. When the water level in the well is above the threshold, increasing the control amount when pumping water from the well makes it possible to stably resolve or suppress blockage of the well and prevent the water in the well from overflowing.

[0010] The control device described above includes a water level acquisition unit that acquires the water level in the well, and an update unit that updates the related information in accordance with the changes in the water level over time. Due to the changes in the well over time, the relationship between the amount of water flowing in, the amount of water to be pumped out of the well, and the state of the well changes. By updating the related information in accordance with the changes in the water level in the well over time, it is possible to automatically determine the amount of water to be pumped out of the well more appropriately.

[0011] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a management device including: an inflow water volume acquisition unit that acquires the inflow water volume of water flowing into a well; a relationship information acquisition unit that acquires relationship information indicating the relationship among the inflow water volume, the pumping water volume of water pumped from the well, and the state of the well; a determination unit that determines a control amount when pumping water from the well based on the inflow water volume acquired by the inflow water volume acquisition unit and the relationship information; and an output unit that outputs the control amount. By determining the control amount when pumping water from the well based on the inflow water volume and the relationship information, and outputting the determined control amount, it is possible to appropriately control the backflow cleaning of the well.

[0012] The present invention can also be regarded as a control method, a management method, a monitoring method, etc. having at least a part of the above processing, a program for causing a computer to execute at least a part of the above processing, or a computer-readable recording medium on which such a program is non-temporarily recorded. Further, it can also be regarded as a control system, a management system, a monitoring system, a heat utilization system, etc. including at least a part of the above processing. Each of the above configurations and processes can be combined with each other to constitute the present invention as long as no technical contradiction occurs.

Advantages of the Invention

[0013] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a technology capable of appropriately controlling the backflow cleaning of a well.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0014] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a heat utilization system. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control device. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a relationship map which is an example of relationship information. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of processing executed by the control device. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of processing executed by the control device. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a process performed by the control unit. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows the relationship between the water level inside the well and the amount of control used when pumping water from the well. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control device according to a modified example. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0015] The embodiments will be described below with reference to the figures. The embodiments shown below are one aspect of the present application and do not limit the scope of the rights of the present application.

[0016] A heat utilization system according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 8. <Configuration of the heat utilization system> Figure 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of the heat utilization system 1. As shown in Figure 1, the heat utilization system 1 comprises a well facility 10, a heat pump 20, and a control device 30.

[0017] <Configuration of well equipment> Wells 11 and 12 are each formed extending from the surface into the ground. Wells 11 and 12 are each equipped with casings, etc., and are configured to take in groundwater and return water from inside wells 11 and 12 to the ground. The well equipment 10 pumps water from inside well 11 to the surface, performs heat exchange on the surface for heat utilization, and then flows the water into well 12.

[0018] The well equipment 10 includes pipes 13 and 14. Pipe 13 connects well 11 and well 12. One end of pipe 13 is located inside well 11 and is immersed in the water inside well 11. The other end of pipe 13 is located inside well 12 and is immersed in the water inside well 12. One end of pipe 14 is located inside well 12 and is immersed in the groundwater inside well 12. The other end of pipe 14 is located outside well 12.

[0019] A pump 15 is installed at one end of the piping 13. When the pump 15 is driven, water from inside the well 11 flows through the piping 13 and into the well 12. In this way, water pumped from inside the well 11 flows into the well 12. The pump 15 adjusts the flow rate of water flowing through the piping 13 based on commands from the control device 30. A flow meter 16 is installed in the piping 13. The flow meter 16 measures the flow rate of water flowing through the piping 13.

[0020] A pump 17 capable of lifting water from well 12 is provided at one end of the piping 14. When the pump 17 is driven, the water from well 12 flows through the piping 14 and is discharged to the outside of well 12. In this way, the water lifted from well 12 is discharged to the outside of well 12. The water discharged to the outside of well 12 may flow into another well or be stored in a container such as a tank. For example, if particles such as sand, soil, or dust clog the gaps in the ground surrounding well 12, lifting the water from well 12 will return the particles clogged in the gaps in the ground surrounding well 12 back into well 12. Hereafter, the process of lifting water from well 12 will also be referred to as backwashing of well 12.

[0021] Pump 17 adjusts the water pumping rate based on commands from control device 30. A flow meter 18 is installed in piping 14. The flow meter 18 measures the flow rate of water flowing through piping 14. A water level gauge 19 is placed inside well 12. The water level gauge 19 measures the water level inside well 12.

[0022] The heat pump 20 is installed between the piping 13 and the load 40, such as the air conditioning equipment. The heat pump 20 includes a heat exchanger, condenser, evaporator, compressor, etc. The heat pump 20 exchanges heat with the water in the piping 13. When the load 40 is operating in cooling mode. The heat pump 20 provides the coolant obtained from the piping 13 to the load 40. When the load 40 is operating in heating mode, the heat pump 20 provides the warmth obtained from the piping 13 to the load 40. The heat pump 20 and the load 40 may be located inside the building.

[0023] <Control device configuration> The control device 30 is a controller that controls the entire geothermal energy utilization system. The control device 30 may be composed of dedicated equipment or a general-purpose computer. The control device 30 may be a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller), a personal computer It may also be an information processing device such as a TA. The control device 30 is equipped with hardware resources such as a processor, memory, and storage. The processor may be a CPU. The memory may be RAM (Random Access Memory). The storage may be a non-volatile storage device such as ROM (Read Only Memory) or flash memory. The control device 30 controls the pumps 15 and 17. The control device 30 acquires the measured values ​​from the flow meter 16. The control device 30 acquires the measured values ​​from the flow meter 18. The control device 30 acquires the measured values ​​from the water level gauge 19.

[0024] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control device 30. The control device 30 includes an inflow water volume acquisition unit 110, a pumping volume acquisition unit 120, a water level acquisition unit 130, a related information acquisition unit 140, a storage unit 150, a determination unit 160, a pump control unit 170, an update unit 180, and a communication unit 190. Not all of the components of the control device 30 shown in Figure 2 are essential, and components of the control device 30 may be added or removed as appropriate. For example, the control device 30 may include a display unit such as a display that shows various information or data, or an input unit such as a touch panel that accepts input operations. The display unit and the input unit may be configured as an integrated unit, or they may be configured as separate units.

[0025] The inflow water volume acquisition unit 110 acquires the amount of water flowing through the piping 13 during a predetermined period based on the measurement value measured by the flow meter 16. In other words, the inflow water volume acquisition unit 110 acquires the amount of water that flows into the well 12 during a predetermined period. The predetermined period may be several minutes, several tens of minutes, several hours, one day, one week, or one month. The pumping water volume acquisition unit 120 acquires the amount of water flowing through the piping 14 during a predetermined period based on the measurement value measured by the flow meter 18. In other words, the pumping water volume acquisition unit 120 acquires the amount of water pumped from the well 12 during a predetermined period. The predetermined period may be several minutes, several tens of minutes, several hours, one day, one week, or one month.

[0026] The water level acquisition unit 130 acquires the water level in the well 12 based on the measurement value measured by the water level gauge 19. The water level acquisition unit 130 may acquire the water level in the well 12 at all times, or it may acquire the water level in the well 12 at predetermined timings or intervals. The relationship information acquisition unit 140 acquires relationship information showing the relationship between the amount of water flowing into the well 12 (inflow amount), the amount of water pumped out from the well 12 (pumping amount), and the state of the well 12. The state of the well 12 includes, but is not limited to, a state in which the well 12 is blocked, a state in which the well 12 is showing a tendency to block, and a state in which the well 12 is not blocked. The storage unit 150 stores various data and information. The storage unit 150 may store relationship information. The relationship information acquisition unit 140 may acquire relationship information from the storage unit 150, or it may acquire relationship information from an external storage device in which relationship information is stored.

[0027] Figure 3 is a diagram showing a relationship map, which is an example of relationship information. The horizontal axis of Figure 3 represents the amount of water (m³) that flowed into well 12. 3 The vertical axis of Figure 3 shows the amount of water (m³ / day) pumped from well 12. 3 This indicates the number of times per session. In Figure 3, the circle marks indicate that well 12 is not blocked, and the diamond marks indicate that well 12 is showing signs of blockage. The state of well 12 showing signs of blockage includes, for example, the state of well 12 when the water level in well 12 rises rapidly. The conditions of well 12 include, but are not limited to, the state of well 12 when the water level of well 12 is on an upward trend compared to the normal value, the state of well 12 when the water level of well 12 is more than twice the normal value, and the state of well 12 being blocked. Alternatively, the water level in well 12 when no water has been flowing in for a certain period (for example, one week) may be measured, and the average of the measured water levels may be taken as the normal value. The state of well 12 not being blocked includes, but are not limited to, the state of well 12 when the water level in well 12 is at the normal value, and the state of well 12 when the water level in well 12 is close to the normal value.

[0028] The dotted line DL1 in Figure 3 is the boundary line that separates the state in which well 12 is prone to blockage from the state in which well 12 is not blocked. Below the dotted line DL1, well 12 is prone to blockage, and above the dotted line DL1, well 12 is not blocked. For example, if the inflow volume is 200 (m³) 3 If the pumping volume is 1 (m³ / day), 3 If the inflow is 320 (m³) or more, well 12 is not blocked. For example, if the inflow is 320 (m³) or more, well 12 is not blocked. 3 If the pumping volume is 2 (m³ / day), 3 If the number of times is 1 or more, well 12 is not blocked.

[0029] The determination unit 160 determines the control amount for pumping water from the well 12 based on the inflow water volume acquired by the inflow water volume acquisition unit 110 and the related information acquired by the related information acquisition unit 140. The pump control unit 170 controls the start, stop, and drive amount of the pump 15. The pump control unit 170 controls the start, stop, and drive amount of the pump 17. The pump control unit 170 controls the pump 17 based on the control amount determined by the determination unit 160.

[0030] The update unit 180 updates relational information in accordance with the changes in the water level in well 12 over time. Due to the changes in well 12 over time, the relationship between the amount of water flowing in, the control amount used when pumping water from well 12, and the state of well 12 changes. Due to the changes in well 12 over time, the water level in well 12 changes. For example, even if backwashing of well 12 is performed daily, the water level in well 12 may gradually rise. By updating relational information in accordance with the changes in the water level in well 12 over time, the determination unit 160 can more appropriately determine the control amount used when pumping water from well 12. The update unit 180 may also update relational information using machine learning, with the changes in the water level in well 12 over time as training data. The update unit 180 may also update the relational map in Figure 3 by changing the slope of the dotted line DL1 in Figure 3 in accordance with the changes in the water level in well 12 over time. The renewal unit 180 may increase the slope of the dotted line DL1 in Figure 3 in accordance with the amount of rise in the water level due to the change in the water level in the well 12 over time. The renewal unit 180 may also change the slope of the dotted line DL1 in Figure 3 according to the season, such as spring, summer, autumn, winter, and the rainy season. For example, the slope of the dotted line DL1 may be increased in summer and the rainy season, and the slope of the dotted line DL1 may be made gentler in winter than in summer and the rainy season.

[0031] The communication unit 190 is an interface for communicating with an external device. The external device may be a management server, a personal computer, a smartphone, a mobile terminal, or other device.

[0032] Relevant information may be generated during a test run before the formal operation of the heat utilization system 1, or it may be generated during the operation of the heat utilization system 1. For example, relevant information may be generated by recording the state of the well 12 while changing the inflow rate and the pumping rate.

[0033] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the process executed by the control device 30. In step S101, the determination unit 160 or the pump control unit 170 determines whether water has flowed through the pipe 13 within a predetermined time based on the measured value measured by the flow meter 16. The process of step S101 is a determination process for determining whether to perform backwashing of the well 12. The predetermined time may be, for example, 12 hours retroactively from the timing when step S101 is executed, or may be 24 hours retroactively from the timing when step S101 is executed. If water has flowed through the pipe 13 within the predetermined time (step S101; YES), the process proceeds to step S102. If water has not flowed through the pipe 13 within the predetermined time (step S101; NO), the backwashing of the well 12 is not performed and the flow in FIG. 4 ends. The predetermined time may be 12 hours retroactively from the timing when step S101 is executed, or may be 24 hours retroactively from the timing when step S101 is executed. If water has flowed through the pipe 13 within the predetermined time (step S101; YES), the process proceeds to step S102. If water has not flowed through the pipe 13 within the predetermined time (step S101; NO), the backwashing of the well 12 is not performed and the flow in FIG. 4 ends.

[0034] In step S102, the determination unit 160 determines the control amount when pumping water from the inside of the well 12 based on the inflow water amount acquired by the inflow water amount acquisition unit 110 and the relationship information. The control amount when pumping water from the inside of the well 12 (hereinafter also referred to as the pumping control amount) is the set amount of water pumped from the inside of the well 12 and is the target amount of pumping for performing backwashing of the well 12.

[0035] Referring to FIG. 3, an example of the process of determining the pumping control amount will be described. For example, when the inflow water amount acquired by the inflow water amount acquisition unit 110 is 200 (m 3 / day), the determination unit 160 determines a value of 1 (m 3 ) / time or more as the pumping control amount. That is, the determination unit 160 determines that the pumping amount when performing the process of pumping water from the inside of the well 12 once is 1 m 3 or more. Thus, the pumping control amount includes the pumping amount when performing the process of pumping water from the inside of the well 12 once, but is not limited thereto, and may include the pumping amount per unit time × pumping process time (backwashing time). The determination unit 160 may determine "200 L / min × 5 min" as the pumping control amount. For example, when the inflow water amount acquired by the inflow water amount acquisition unit 110 is 320 (m 3 / day), the determination unit 160 determines 2 (m3 The determination unit 160 determines a value of ( / time) or greater. The determination unit 160 may also determine "400 L / min × 5 min" as the pumping control amount.

[0036] In the above example, the determination unit 160 determines the lower limit of the pumping control amount, but it may also determine the upper limit of the pumping control amount. In this case, the pumping control amount is a range that includes both the lower limit and the upper limit. For example, the determination unit 160 may set the lower limit of the pumping control amount to 1 (m³). 3 The pumping control amount is set to 1.5 (m³ / cycle) and the upper limit of the pumping control amount is set to 1.5 (m³ / cycle). 3 The determination unit 160 may determine 2(m) as the lower limit of the pumping control amount. 3 The pumping control volume is set to 3 (m³ / cycle) and the upper limit of the pumping control volume is set to 3 (m³ / cycle). 3 You may decide on the number of times.

[0037] In step S103, the pump control unit 170 controls the pump 17 based on the pumping control amount. For example, if the pumping control amount is 1 (m³ 3 If the pumping control amount is 2(m³ / time), the pump 17 may be controlled so that the water in the well 12 is pumped up at a rate of 200 L / min × 5 min. For example, if the pumping control amount is 2(m³ / time), the pump 17 may be controlled so that the water in the well 12 is pumped up at a rate of 200 L / min × 5 min. 3 If the condition is ( / time), the pump 17 may be controlled so that the water in well 12 is pumped up at a rate of 400 L / min x 5 min. This pumps up the water in well 12 and performs backwashing of well 12.

[0038] The control device 30 may execute the flow shown in Figure 4 once a day. The control device 30 may execute the flow shown in Figure 4 at any time. The control device 30 may execute the flow shown in Figure 4 in the early morning, or in the middle of the night. The control device 30 may execute the flow shown in Figure 4 when water is not flowing through the pipe 13. The control device 30 may estimate the time period when water is not flowing through the pipe 13 based on the measured values ​​measured by the flow meter 16, and execute the flow shown in Figure 4 during the estimated time period. The control device 30 may use the measured values ​​measured by the flow meter 16 as training data and estimate the time period when water is not flowing through the pipe 13 using machine learning.

[0039] Based on the inflow water volume and related information, the pumping control amount is determined, and the pump 17 is controlled based on the pumping control amount, thereby ensuring proper backflow cleaning of the well 12. In this way, it is possible to properly control the backflow cleaning of the well 12. Furthermore, the well 12 can be cleaned without manual intervention. Automatic operation of backwashing is possible.

[0040] The relationship between the inflow rate, the pumping control rate, and the state of well 12 varies depending on the region, environment, building, etc. Therefore, in the initial stages of operation of the heat utilization system 1, manual tuning through setting changes is usually required. It is also possible to capture blockage signs more precisely as numerical values ​​and tune the automatic control parameters using machine learning to reduce or adjust the pumping control rate more appropriately. Tuning the automatic control parameters using machine learning makes tuning possible without human intervention.

[0041] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a process performed by the control device 30. In step S201, the determination unit 160 or the pump control unit 170 determines, based on the measured value measured by the flow meter 16, whether or not water flowed through the pipe 13 within a predetermined time. The process in step S201 is a determination process to determine whether or not to perform backflow cleaning of the well 12. The predetermined time may be, for example, 12 hours prior to the execution of step S201, or 24 hours prior to the execution of step S201. If water flowed through the pipe 13 within the predetermined time (step S201; YES), the process proceeds to step S202. If water did not flow through the pipe 13 within the predetermined time (step S201; NO), the process ends in Figure 5 without performing backflow cleaning of the well 12.

[0042] In step S202, the determination unit 160 or the pump control unit 170 determines whether the current date falls under a first predetermined date or a second predetermined date. The first predetermined date is, for example, January 1st to June 30th and October 1st to December 31st. The second predetermined date is, for example, July 1st to September 30th. The first and second predetermined dates are not limited to these dates and may be other dates. If the current date falls under a first predetermined date, the process proceeds to step S203. If the current date falls under a second predetermined date, the process proceeds to step S205.

[0043] In step S203, the determination unit 160 determines the pumping control amount corresponding to the first predetermined date based on the inflow water volume acquired by the inflow water volume acquisition unit 110, related information, and a first predetermined coefficient. The first predetermined coefficient is, for example, 1.0, but is not limited to this value.

[0044] Referring to Figure 3, an example of the process for determining the pumping control amount corresponding to the first predetermined date will be explained. For example, if the inflow water amount acquired by the inflow water amount acquisition unit 110 is 200 (m³) 3 If it is / day, the determination unit 160 is 1(m 3 Multiply the pumping control amount ( / time) by 1.0 to obtain 1(m³) as the pumping control amount corresponding to the first predetermined date. 3 A value of 320 (m³) or more is determined. For example, if the inflow water volume acquired by the inflow water volume acquisition unit 110 is 320 (m³), 3 If it is / day, the determination unit 160 is 2(m 3 Multiply the pumping control amount ( / time) by 1.0 to obtain 2(m³) as the pumping control amount corresponding to the first predetermined date. 3 A value of at least ( / time) is determined. Furthermore, the pumping control amount corresponding to the first predetermined date may include the pumping amount per unit time × pumping treatment time (backflow washing time). Here, the determination unit 160 determines the lower limit of the pumping control amount corresponding to the first predetermined date, but similar to step S102, the determination unit 160 may also determine the upper limit of the pumping control amount corresponding to the first predetermined date.

[0045] In step S204, the pump control unit 170 controls the pump 17 based on the pumping control amount corresponding to the first predetermined date. For example, if the pumping control amount corresponding to the first predetermined date is 1(m³) 3 If the pumping control amount corresponding to the first predetermined date is 2(m³), the pump 17 is controlled so that the water in the well 12 is pumped at a rate of 200 L / min × 5 min. 3 If the condition is ( / time), the pump 17 is controlled so that the water in well 12 is pumped out at a rate of 400 L / min x 5 min. This pumps out the water in well 12 and performs backwashing of well 12.

[0046] In step S205, the determination unit 160 determines the pumping control amount corresponding to the second predetermined date based on the inflow water volume acquired by the inflow water volume acquisition unit 110, related information, and a second predetermined coefficient. The second predetermined coefficient is different from the first predetermined coefficient. The second predetermined coefficient is a coefficient that is larger than the first predetermined coefficient, for example, 1.6, but is not limited to this value.

[0047] Referring to Figure 3, an example of the process for determining the pumping control amount corresponding to the second predetermined date will be explained. For example, if the inflow water amount acquired by the inflow water amount acquisition unit 110 is 200 (m³) 3 If it is / day, the determination unit 160 is 1(m 3 Multiply the pumping control amount ( / time) by 1.6 and calculate the pumping control amount corresponding to the second predetermined date as 1.6(m 3 A value of 320 (m³) or more is determined. For example, if the inflow water volume acquired by the inflow water volume acquisition unit 110 is 320 (m³), 3 If it is / day, the determination unit 160 is 2(m 3 Multiply the pumping control amount by 1.6 ( / time) to get 3.2(m³) as the pumping control amount corresponding to the second predetermined date. 3 A value of at least ( / time) is determined. Furthermore, the pumping control amount corresponding to the second predetermined date may include the pumping amount per unit time × pumping treatment time (backflow washing time). Here, the determination unit 160 determines the lower limit of the pumping control amount corresponding to the second predetermined date, but similar to step S102, it may also determine the upper limit of the pumping control amount corresponding to the second predetermined date.

[0048] In step S206, the pump control unit 170 controls the pump 17 based on the pumping control amount corresponding to the second predetermined date. For example, if the pumping control amount corresponding to the second predetermined date is 1.6(m³) 3 If the pumping control amount corresponding to the second predetermined date is 3.2(m³), the pump 17 is controlled so that the water in well 12 is pumped at a rate of 400 L / min × 4 min. 3 If the condition is ( / time), the pump 17 is controlled so that the water in well 12 is pumped out at a rate of 400 L / min x 8 min. This pumps out the water in well 12 and performs backwashing of well 12.

[0049] The control device 30 may execute the flow shown in Figure 5 once a day. The control device 30 may execute the flow shown in Figure 5 at any time. The control device 30 may execute the flow shown in Figure 5 in the early morning, or in the middle of the night. The control device 30 may execute the flow shown in Figure 5 when water is not flowing through the pipe 13. The control device 30 may estimate the time period when water is not flowing through the pipe 13 based on the measured values ​​measured by the flow meter 16, and execute the flow shown in Figure 5 during the estimated time period. The control device 30 may use the measured values ​​measured by the flow meter 16 as training data and estimate the time period when water is not flowing through the pipe 13 using machine learning.

[0050] During periods of high temperatures (for example, from July 1st to September 30th), the duration of cooling operation at load 40 increases, and the amount of water flowing into well 12 tends to increase. This increase in water flowing into well 12 increases the likelihood of particles clogging gaps in the ground inside well 12, making well 12 more prone to blockage. If the current date falls within a second predetermined date, the pumping control amount corresponding to the second predetermined date is set to be greater than the pumping control amount corresponding to the first predetermined date. By determining the pumping control amount according to the time of year in this way, it is possible to more appropriately control the backflow cleaning of well 12.

[0051] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a process performed by the control device 30. In step S301, the determination unit 160 or the pump control unit 170 determines whether the water level in the well 12 is above a threshold value based on the measured value measured by the water level gauge 19. The threshold value can be set to any value and may be determined based on the results of experiments or simulations. Alternatively, the normal value of the water level in the well 12 may be determined, and twice that value may be used as the threshold. At least one of the determination unit 160 and the pump control unit 170 may acquire the measured value measured by the water level gauge 19.

[0052] If the water level in well 12 is above the threshold (step S301; YES), the process proceeds to step S302. If the water level in well 12 is below the threshold (step S301; NO), the process proceeds to step S305.

[0053] In step S302, the pump control unit 170 controls the pump 17 at the maximum flow rate. The maximum flow rate may be determined based on the size of the piping 14, the performance of the pump 17, etc. For example, the maximum flow rate may be 600 L / min, but is not limited to this value. The pump control unit 170 may also control the pump 17 so that water in the well 12 is pumped at a rate of 600 L / min × 5 min once a day for a predetermined period (e.g., one week).

[0054] In the above, the pump control unit 170 controls the pump 17 at the maximum flow rate, but is not limited to this control. The pump control unit 170 may control the pump 17 based on a pumping control amount greater than the pumping control amount determined in step S102. The pump control unit 170 may control the pump 17 based on a pumping control amount greater than the pumping control amount corresponding to a first predetermined date determined in step S203. The pump control unit 170 may control the pump 17 based on a pumping control amount greater than the pumping control amount corresponding to a second predetermined date determined in step S205. In these cases, the process proceeds to step S301. If the answer in step S301 is YES, in step S302, the pump control unit 170 controls the pump 17 at the maximum flow rate.

[0055] In step S303, the determination unit 160 or the pump control unit 170 determines whether the water level in the well 12 is below a threshold based on the measured value measured by the water level gauge 19. If the water level in the well 12 is below the threshold (step S303; YES), the process proceeds to step S305. If the water level in the well 12 is above the threshold (step S303; NO), the process proceeds to step S304.

[0056] In step S304, the communication unit 190 issues an abnormality notification. For example, the communication unit 190 may issue an abnormality notification to the user's equipment. The user's equipment may be a personal computer, smartphone, mobile terminal, etc. The abnormality notification may include a message indicating that well 12 is abnormal, a message indicating that well 12 is blocked, etc. The abnormality notification is displayed on a display device provided on the user's equipment. The user's equipment may be a display device that displays a warning, or an alert device that outputs a warning by sound, light, etc. The communication unit 190 may also issue an abnormality notification to the well operator's equipment. After the well operator confirms the abnormality notification, they can contact the user and propose a plan for cleaning work on well 12 to the user.

[0057] In step S305, the control device 30 performs normal operation. As normal operation, the control device 30 may execute the flow shown in Figure 4 or the flow shown in Figure 5.

[0058] By monitoring the rise in the water level of well 12 and increasing the pumping control amount when the water level in well 12 exceeds a threshold, i.e., when well 12 shows signs of blockage, the blockage of well 12 can be reliably resolved or prevented. Furthermore, by issuing an alarm such as an abnormality notification when the water level in well 12 exceeds a threshold, the blockage of well 12 can be reliably resolved or prevented.

[0059] Figure 7 shows the relationship between the water level in well 12 and the pumping control amount. The horizontal axis of Figure 7 represents time (date), and the vertical axis of Figure 7 represents the water level (m) in well 12 and the inflow rate (m / day). The circles in Figure 7 represent the water level (m) in well 12, and the bar graph in Figure 7 represents the inflow rate (m / day). ) In Figure 7, the normal water level in well 12 is 1.2m. During periods (1) and (2), the controlled pumping rate is 250 L / min × 5 min. During period (3), the controlled pumping rate is 375 L / min × 5 min. During period (4), the controlled pumping rate is 375 L / min × 15 min. During period (5), the controlled pumping rate is 500 L / min × 5 min.

[0060] During periods (1) and (2), the water level in well 12 rises sharply. Since the pumping control amount in period (3) is greater than that in period (2), the water level in well 12 in period (3) is lower than that in period (2). Since the pumping control amount in periods (4) and (5) is greater than that in period (3), the water level in well 12 in periods (4) and (5) is lower than that in period (3). In period (5), the water level in well 12 is almost the same as the normal value. As shown in Figure 7, when the water level in well 12 rises, increasing the pumping control amount lowers the water level in well 12, restoring well 12 to an open state.

[0061] <Variation> The control device 30 may also function as a management device (monitoring device). Figure 8 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control device 30 according to a modified example. Components identical to those in the embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted. The modified example will be described below. The control device 30 includes an inflow water volume acquisition unit 110, a pumping volume acquisition unit 120, a water level acquisition unit 130, a related information acquisition unit 140, a storage unit 150, a determination unit 160, a pump control unit 170, an update unit 180, a communication unit 190, and an output unit 200. The pump control unit 170 controls the start, stop, and drive amount of the pump 15. The output unit 200 outputs the pumping control amount and predetermined notifications. The pumping control amount and predetermined notifications output by the output unit 200 are displayed on a display device provided by the user's equipment.

[0062] The user manually controls the pump 17, and the pump control unit 170 does not control the pump 17. The user manually controls the pump 17 based on the pumping control amount output by the output unit 200. In this way, by the user manually controlling the pump 17 based on the pumping control amount, water in the well 12 may be pumped up and backwashing of the well 12 may be performed.

[0063] The flow in Figure 4 may be modified as follows. In step S102, the output unit 200 further outputs the pumping control amount. In step S103, the user manually controls the pump 17 based on the pumping control amount.

[0064] The flow in Figure 5 may be modified as follows. In step S203, the output unit 200 further outputs the pumping control amount corresponding to the first predetermined date. In step S204, the user manually controls the pump 17 based on the pumping control amount corresponding to the first predetermined date. In step S205, the output unit 200 further outputs the pumping control amount corresponding to the second predetermined date. In step S206, the user manually controls the pump 17 based on the pumping control amount corresponding to the second predetermined date.

[0065] The flow in Figure 6 may be modified as follows. In step S302, the output unit 200 outputs a predetermined notification, including a message indicating that the water level in the well 12 is above a threshold. The output unit 200 may also output a predetermined notification, including a message indicating that the well 12 is showing signs of blockage. In step S302, the user manually controls the pump 17 at the maximum flow rate.

[0066] In the above, the user manually controls pump 17 at the maximum flow rate, but is not limited to this control. In step S302, the user controls the pumping control determined in step S102. The pump 17 may be manually controlled based on a pumping control amount greater than the control amount. In step S302, the user may manually control the pump 17 based on a pumping control amount greater than the pumping control amount corresponding to a first predetermined date determined in step S203. In step S302, the user may manually control the pump 17 based on a pumping control amount greater than the pumping control amount corresponding to a second predetermined date determined in step S205. In these cases, the process proceeds to step S301. If the answer in step S301 is YES, in step S302, the user manually controls the pump 17 at the maximum flow rate.

[0067] The control device 30 may be set to either a control mode or a management mode (monitoring mode). The control mode is a mode in which the pump control unit 170 automatically controls the start, stop, and drive amount of the pump 17. The management mode is a mode in which the user manually controls the start, stop, and drive amount of the pump 17. The user can set either a control mode or a management mode for the control device 30. When the control mode is set for the control device 30, the pump control unit 170 controls the pump 17 and backwashing of the well 12 is performed. When the management mode is set for the control device 30, the user manually controls the pump 17 and backwashing of the well 12 is performed.

[0068] The present invention can also be understood as a control method, management method, monitoring method, etc. having at least a part of the above processing, a program for causing a computer to execute at least a part of the above processing, or a computer-readable recording medium that non-temporarily records such a program. It can also be understood as a control system, management system, monitoring system, heat utilization system, etc. that include at least a part of the above processing. Each of the above configurations and processes can be combined with each other to constitute the present invention, as long as no technical contradictions arise. For example, a heat pump does not have to be used. Furthermore, the flow rate of pumped water may be increased or decreased not only by controlling the pump, but also, for example, by a flow control valve installed downstream of the pump. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0069] 1: Heat utilization system 10: Well equipment 11, 12: Well 13, 14: Piping 15, 17: Pump 16, 18: Flowmeter 19: Water level gauge 20: Heat pump 30: Control device 40: Load 110: Inflow water amount acquisition part 120: Pumping volume acquisition unit 130: Water level acquisition part 140: Related Information Acquisition Department 150: Storage section 160: Decision Section 170: Pump Control Unit 180: Update Department 190: Communications Department 200: Output section

Claims

1. An inflow volume acquisition unit that acquires the amount of water flowing into the well, A relationship information acquisition unit acquires relationship information showing the relationship between the amount of water flowing in, the amount of water pumped out from the well, and the state of the well. A determination unit determines the control amount when pumping water from the well, based on the inflow water volume acquired by the inflow water volume acquisition unit and the related information. A control unit controls the amount of water pumped by a pump capable of pumping water from the well, based on the control amount determined by the determination unit, A control device equipped with the following features.

2. The determination unit determines whether the current date corresponds to the first predetermined date or the second predetermined date. The determination unit, if the current date corresponds to the first predetermined date, determines the control amount corresponding to the first predetermined date based on the inflow amount acquired by the inflow amount acquisition unit, the related information, and the first predetermined coefficient. The determination unit determines the control amount corresponding to the second predetermined date based on the inflow amount acquired by the inflow amount acquisition unit, the relationship information, and a second predetermined coefficient different from the first predetermined coefficient, if the current date corresponds to the second predetermined date. The control device according to claim 1.

3. The unit includes a water level acquisition unit that acquires the water level in the well, The determination unit determines whether the water level is above a threshold, The control unit controls the amount of water pumped by the pump based on a control amount greater than the control amount determined by the determination unit when the water level is above a threshold. The control device according to claim 1.

4. A water level acquisition unit that acquires the water level in the well, An update unit that updates the relevant information in accordance with the changes in the water level over time, A control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising:

5. An inflow volume acquisition unit that acquires the amount of water flowing into the well, A relationship information acquisition unit acquires relationship information showing the relationship between the amount of water flowing in, the amount of water pumped out from the well, and the state of the well. A determination unit determines the control amount when pumping water from the well, based on the inflow water volume acquired by the inflow water volume acquisition unit and the related information. An output unit that outputs the aforementioned controlled amount, A control device equipped with the following features.

6. An inflow volume acquisition step to obtain the amount of water flowing into the well, A relationship information acquisition step involves acquiring relationship information that shows the relationship between the amount of water flowing in, the amount of water pumped from the well, and the state of the well. A determination step in which, based on the amount of water flowing in obtained in the water flow acquisition step and the related information, a control amount is determined when pumping water from the well. A control step that controls the amount of water pumped by a pump capable of pumping water from the well based on the control amount, A control method having

7. An inflow volume acquisition step to obtain the amount of water flowing into the well, The relationship between the amount of water flowing in, the amount of water pumped from the well, and the condition of the well is as follows: A relationship information acquisition step to obtain the relationship information to be shown, A determination step in which, based on the amount of water flowing in obtained in the water flow acquisition step and the related information, a control amount is determined when pumping water from the well. An output step that outputs the aforementioned controlled amount, A management method having

8. On the computer, An inflow volume acquisition step to obtain the amount of water flowing into the well, A relationship information acquisition step involves acquiring relationship information that shows the relationship between the amount of water flowing in, the amount of water pumped from the well, and the state of the well. A determination step in which, based on the amount of water flowing in obtained in the water flow acquisition step and the related information, a control amount is determined when pumping water from the well. A control step that controls the amount of water pumped by a pump capable of pumping water from the well based on the control amount, A program to execute.

9. On the computer, An inflow volume acquisition step to obtain the amount of water flowing into the well, A relationship information acquisition step involves acquiring relationship information that shows the relationship between the amount of water flowing in, the amount of water pumped from the well, and the state of the well. A determination step in which, based on the amount of water flowing in obtained in the water flow acquisition step and the related information, a control amount is determined when pumping water from the well. An output step that outputs the aforementioned controlled amount, A program to execute.

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