Condensation monitoring system, condensation monitoring method, and condensation monitoring program

Abstract

When transporting products whose quality may be affected by condensation from one building to another, information is generated to select a route where condensation is less likely to occur. [Solution] The condensation monitoring system (1) includes a temperature acquisition unit (110) that acquires the dew point and estimated temperature of the product surface at multiple observation points, a condensation determination unit (111) that determines whether or not condensation is likely to occur on the product at each observation point based on the temperature difference between the estimated temperature and the dew point, and a generation unit (112) that generates route information indicating a transport route that does not pass through observation points where it has been determined that condensation is likely to occur.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a dew condensation monitoring system, a dew condensation monitoring method, and a dew condensation monitoring program.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses obtaining meteorological prediction data such as the temperature and dew point in a storage warehouse, predicting the transition of the surface temperature of metal products in the storage warehouse based on this data, and comparing this predicted value with the dew point prediction data to predict the presence or absence of dew condensation.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Dew condensation may occur not only when products are stored in a building such as a warehouse but also, for example, when products are being transported from the building where they are stored to another building.

[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure aims to generate information for selecting a route with a low possibility of dew condensation occurring when transporting a product whose quality may be affected by dew condensation from the building where the product is stored to another building.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the above problems, a condensation monitoring system according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a condensation monitoring system that monitors whether or not condensation occurs on a product when it is transported through a transport path from a building where the quality of the product may be affected by condensation is stored to another building, the condensation monitoring system comprises: a first measuring unit that measures a first surface temperature which is the surface temperature of the product or a sample thereof; a second measuring unit that is arranged at a plurality of observation points provided in the transport path and measures the temperature and relative humidity at each observation point; and a condensation monitoring device, the condensation monitoring The apparatus includes: a temperature acquisition unit that acquires an estimated temperature, which is the surface temperature of the product when it passes through each observation point, based on the first surface temperature, and acquires a dew point for each observation point based on the air temperature and relative humidity; a condensation determination unit that determines whether or not condensation is likely to occur on the product at each observation point based on the temperature difference between the first surface temperature or the estimated temperature at each observation point and the dew point; and a generation unit that generates route information indicating a route for transporting the product that does not pass through observation points where the condensation determination unit has determined that condensation is likely to occur on the product.

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, a dew condensation monitoring method according to one aspect of the present disclosure monitors whether the product is transported without dew condensation occurring when transporting the product from a building where a product that may be affected in quality by dew condensation is stored to another building through a transport path, and includes: a first measurement step of obtaining information indicating a first surface temperature of the product or a sample thereof; a second measurement step of obtaining information indicating the air temperature and relative humidity at each of a plurality of observation points set in the transport path; a temperature acquisition step of obtaining, for each observation point, an estimated temperature that is the surface temperature of the product assuming that the product is installed at each observation point, and obtaining a dew point for each observation point from the air temperature and the humidity; a dew condensation determination step of determining whether there is a possibility of dew condensation occurring on the product at each observation point based on the temperature difference between the first surface temperature or the dew point and the estimated temperature at each observation point; and a generation step of generating route information indicating a route for transporting the product without passing through an observation point determined by the dew condensation determination step to have a possibility of dew condensation occurring on the product.

[0008] The dew condensation monitoring method according to each aspect of the present disclosure may be implemented by a computer. In this case, a dew condensation monitoring program that causes the computer to function as each step (software element) of the dew condensation monitoring method, and a computer-readable recording medium on which it is recorded also fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

Advantages of the Invention

[0009] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to generate information for selecting a route with a low possibility of dew condensation occurring when transporting a product that may be affected in quality by dew condensation from a building where the product is stored to another building.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010] [Figure 1] It is a diagram showing an example of a dew condensation monitoring system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] It is a diagram showing an example of a measurement unit provided at an observation point. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of the configuration of a condensation monitoring system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] This figure shows one example of a condensation detection unit's determination. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of route information generated by the generation unit. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of the order information generated by the generation unit. [Figure 7] This flowchart shows an example of a condensation monitoring method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] One embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail. Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example of a condensation monitoring system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The condensation monitoring system 1 is a system that monitors to prevent condensation from occurring on the surface of products handled within a condensation monitoring area. Products are those whose quality may be affected by condensation, such as metal products, precision instruments, and electronic components. The condensation monitoring system 1 comprises a first measuring unit, a second measuring unit, and a condensation monitoring device 10. In Figure 1, the condensation monitoring device 10 is a server located on the premises of the manufacturing plant PL. Hereafter, the manufacturing plant PL will be described as a steel mill that handles metal products.

[0012] The manufacturing plant PL has four warehouses W1, W2, W3, and W4, which are buildings capable of storing metal products, for example. Warehouse W1 is located in the northwest of the manufacturing plant PL and has loading / unloading ports D11, D12, D13, and D14. Loading / unloading ports D11 and D12 face road X1 located on the north side of warehouse W1. Loading / unloading ports D13 and D14 face road X2 located on the south side of warehouse W1. Warehouse W2 is located in the northeast of the manufacturing plant PL and has loading / unloading ports D21, D22, D23, and D24. Loading / unloading ports D21 and D22 face road X1 located on the north side of warehouse W2. Loading / unloading ports D23 and D24 face road X2 located on the south side of warehouse W2. Warehouse W3 is located in the southwest of the manufacturing plant PL and has loading / unloading ports D31, D32, D33, and D34. Loading / unloading exits D31 and D32 face road X3 located north of warehouse W3. Loading / unloading exits D33 and D34 face road X4 located south of warehouse W3. Warehouse W4 is located in the southeastern part of the manufacturing plant PL and has loading / unloading exits D41, D42, D43 and D44. Loading / unloading exits D41 and D42 face road X3 located north of warehouse W4. Loading / unloading exits D43 and D44 face road X4 located south of warehouse W4. Roads X1, X2, X3 and X4 run in an east-west direction. Roads Y1, Y2 and Y3 run north-south through the manufacturing plant PL. Roads Y1, Y2 and Y3 all intersect with roads X1, X2, X3 and X4. Finished products shall be temporarily stored in either warehouse W1 or W2. When shipping products, products stored in warehouses W1 and W2 are transported to either warehouse W3 or W4.

[0013] Multiple observation points A are provided along the transport routes of the manufacturing plant PL to observe the occurrence of condensation. The transport routes include roads X1, X2, X3, and X4, as well as roads Y1, Y2, and Y3, and indoor passages within warehouses W1, W2, W3, and W4. Of the observation points A, the observation point A provided on the indoor side of the loading / unloading exit of the building where the products are stored is designated as the first observation point. In cases where there are multiple loading / unloading exits D11, etc., of the building where the products are stored, as in this embodiment, the occurrence of condensation differs for each loading / unloading exit, so it is desirable to provide an observation point A at each loading / unloading exit. Figure 1 illustrates the locations where observation points A are provided with circles. In Figure 1, observation points A are provided on the indoor side of each loading / unloading exit D11, etc., of warehouses W1, W2, W3, and W4, outdoors around warehouses W1, W2, W3, and W4, and on roads Y1, Y2, and Y3. Observation point A, located on the indoor side of each loading / unloading exit D11, is an example of the first observation point. Note that observation point A located outdoors around warehouses W1, W2, W3, and W4 may also be located on the outdoor side of each loading / unloading exit D11, etc.

[0014] Observation points A, located outdoors around warehouses W1, W2, W3, and W4, may be used to observe the occurrence of condensation on the roads surrounding warehouses W1, W2, W3, and W4. In Figure 1, roads X1, X2, X3, and X4 are located around any one of warehouses W1, W2, W3, and W4, so observation points A are not provided for roads X1, X2, X3, and X4. However, observation points A may also be provided for roads X1, X2, X3, and X4. For example, if roads X1, X2, X3, and X4 are longer east-west than those in Figure 1, it is preferable to provide observation points A for roads X1, X2, X3, and X4.

[0015] Observation point A is provided in the area where none of the warehouses W1, W2, W3, and W4 are located nearby on roads Y1, Y2, and Y3. For example, in the case of road Y1, observation point A is provided between the intersection with road X2 and the intersection with road X3. Similarly, observation point A is provided between the intersection with road X2 and the intersection with road X3 for roads Y2 and Y3, respectively. Observation point A may also be provided on the roads surrounding each of the warehouses W1, W2, W3, and W4.

[0016] Figure 2 shows an example of a measurement unit provided at an observation point. In this embodiment, a first measurement unit 20, a sample 30, and a second measurement unit 40 are arranged at each observation point A. The sample 30 is a sample of the product to be targeted for reducing the possibility of condensation, and may be the product itself. If the product itself is not used as the sample 30, it is preferable that the sample 30 be made of a material and has a shape similar to the product to be targeted for reducing the possibility of condensation, and has a similar temperature time constant. The sample 30 and the first measurement unit 20 may be provided for each type of product passing through observation point A. For example, if steel pipes are stored near the loading / unloading outlet D11 of warehouse W1, the steel pipes will be placed as the sample 30 at observation point A located on the indoor side of the loading / unloading outlet D11. If other steel products besides steel pipes are further stored near the loading / unloading outlet D11 of warehouse W1, a sample 30 and a first measurement unit 20 corresponding to those steel products may be further placed at observation point A located at the loading / unloading outlet D11 of warehouse W1. Furthermore, if it is difficult to install the sample 30 outdoors, the sample 30 and the first measurement unit 20 may be installed indoors only.

[0017] The first measuring unit 20 measures the surface temperature of a product or sample. The first measuring unit 20 includes, for example, a temperature sensor 21, a measuring module 22, a wireless communication unit 23, and a holder 24. The temperature sensor 21 is a sensor used to measure the first surface temperature, which is the surface temperature of the sample 30. The temperature sensor 21 is, for example, a thermocouple with a protective tube, where the joint point where the tips of two different metals are in contact is in contact with the surface of the sample 30. The temperature sensor 21 also measures the first surface temperature of the sample 30 according to the thermoelectric voltage generated when it comes into contact with the surface of the sample 30. The wireless communication unit 23 communicates wirelessly with the condensation monitoring device 10 and transmits information indicating the first surface temperature of the sample 30 measured by the temperature sensor 21 to the condensation monitoring device 10. The holder 24 holds the temperature sensor 21 and the wireless communication unit 23 on the sample 30. The holder 24 is, for example, a magnetic base and is fixed to the surface of the sample 30 by a magnet.

[0018] The second measurement unit 40 is positioned at each of the multiple observation points A and measures the temperature t [°C] and relative humidity RH [%] at each observation point A. The second measurement unit 40 is, for example, a thermometer and hygrometer with wireless communication capabilities that measures the temperature t and relative humidity RH at observation point A and transmits information indicating the measurement results to the condensation monitoring device 10.

[0019] Figure 3 shows an example of the configuration of a condensation monitoring system. The condensation monitoring system 1 comprises a first measurement unit 20, a second measurement unit 40, and a condensation monitoring device 10. The condensation monitoring device 10 comprises a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, a display unit 13, and a communication unit 14. The control unit 11 is composed of, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), RAM (Random Access Memory), etc. The storage unit 12 is composed of, for example, a non-volatile information recording medium such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or SSD (Solid State Drive). The display unit 13 is, for example, a display. The communication unit 14 communicates wirelessly with the first measurement unit 20 and the second measurement unit 40 located at each observation point A.

[0020] The memory unit 12 stores information about each observation point A installed in the manufacturing plant PL. The information about observation point A includes, for example, identification information for identifying each observation point A and information indicating the location where each observation point A is installed. In the case of an observation point A installed on the indoor side, such as an entrance / exit D11, the information indicating the location where the observation point A is installed may be information for identifying the entrance / exit D11, etc. In the case of an observation point A installed outdoors around a warehouse W1, etc., the information indicating the location where the observation point A is installed may be information for identifying the warehouse W1, etc. In the case of an observation point A installed on a road Y1, etc., the information indicating the location where the observation point A is installed may be information for identifying the road Y1, etc.

[0021] The dew condensation monitoring device 10 includes a temperature acquisition unit 110, a dew condensation determination unit 111, and a generation unit 112. The control unit 11 functions as the temperature acquisition unit 110, the dew condensation determination unit 111, and the generation unit 112 by executing a dew condensation monitoring program stored in the storage unit 12.

[0022] (Temperature acquisition unit) The temperature acquisition unit 110 acquires the dew point temperature T d [°C] of each observation point A and the estimated temperature T surf [°C] of the surface of the product at each observation point A. The dew point temperature T d is the temperature at which dew condensation starts. The estimated temperature T surf of the surface of the product at each observation point A is the estimated value of the surface temperature of the product when the product is assumed to be placed at the observation point A. The temperature acquisition unit 110 acquires the first surface temperature of the sample 30 transmitted by the wireless communication unit 23 via the communication unit 14, and based on the surface temperature, acquires the estimated temperature T surf of the surface of the product at the observation point A. The temperature acquisition unit 110 may acquire the first surface temperature of the sample 30 transmitted by the wireless communication unit 23 as the estimated temperature T surf , or may correct the surface temperature of the sample 30 based on the actual shape and material of the product to acquire the estimated temperature T surf . Also, when only the sample and the first measurement unit 20 are installed indoors, based on the first surface temperature of the indoor sample 30 and the air temperature at the outdoor observation point, the surface temperature of the product at the observation point A is estimated, and the estimated temperature T surf of the observation point is acquired.

[0023] (Acquisition of dew point temperature T d ) The temperature acquisition unit 110 acquires the dew point temperature T d of each observation point A based on the air temperature t and relative humidity RH of each observation point A acquired from the second measurement unit 40 arranged at each observation point A. An example of the method by which the temperature acquisition unit 110 acquires the dew point temperature T d will be described below.

[0024] The temperature acquisition unit 110 uses, for example, Tetens' equation shown below to determine the saturated water vapor pressure e based on the temperature t at each observation point A. s Calculate [hPa]. e s = 6.1078 × 10 7.5t / (t+237.3) Note that the saturated water vapor pressure e s The method for calculating this is not limited to Tetens' formula; other methods, such as Wagner's formula, may also be used.

[0025] The temperature acquisition unit 110 acquires the relative humidity RH at each observation point A and the saturated water vapor pressure e at each observation point A. s Based on this, the water vapor pressure e [hPa] in the air at each observation point A is calculated using the following formula. e=e s ×RH / 100

[0026] The temperature acquisition unit 110 uses the following formula to determine the dew point T of each observation point A based on the water vapor pressure e in the air at each observation point A. d Obtain it. T d =273.3log 10 (6.1078 / e) / log 10 {(e / 6.1078)-7.5}

[0027] (Condensation determination section) The condensation determination unit 111 determines the estimated temperature T of each observation point A. surf and dew point T d Temperature difference T surf -T d Based on the temperature in [°C], it is determined whether or not condensation may occur on the product at each observation point A.

[0028] Figure 4 is a diagram used to explain the determination made by the condensation determination unit. Figure 4 shows the estimated temperature T at one of the multiple observation points A. surf and dew point T d Temperature difference T surf -T d This shows an example of the change over time. The condensation determination unit 111 estimates the temperature T surf From dew point T d The temperature difference T after subtracting surf -Td For observation point A where the dew point T is greater than the first threshold, it is determined that there is no risk of condensation occurring on the product. In Figure 4, the dew point T at observation point A is shown up to time T1. d and estimated temperature T surf Temperature difference T surf -T d This value is above the first threshold.

[0029] The dew condensation determination unit 111 detects the temperature difference T surf -T d For observation point A where the temperature difference T is below the first threshold, it is determined that there is a risk of condensation occurring on the product. surf -T d Observation point A, where the temperature difference T falls below the first threshold, is designated as a warning observation point. The condensation determination unit 111 determines that there is a risk of condensation occurring on the product at observation point A (warning observation point), and then checks the temperature difference T. surf -T d When the temperature difference T exceeds the second threshold, it is determined that there is no longer a risk of condensation occurring on the product. In other words, the condensation determination unit 111 determines that the temperature difference T surf -The temperature difference T at the warning observation point where Td was below the first threshold. surf -When Td exceeds the second threshold, the location is no longer considered a warning observation point. In other words, the first threshold is set to a value where condensation is likely to occur, and the second threshold is set to a value where there is no risk of condensation occurring at all, so the second threshold is a value greater than the first threshold.

[0030] One of the conditions for generating the warning information described later is the number of observation points A (warning observation points) where the condensation determination unit 111 has determined that there is a risk of condensation occurring on the product. Therefore, by making the second threshold larger than the first threshold, the condensation determination unit 111 can determine that any observation point A other than the one where there is no possibility of condensation occurring on the product is an observation point A (warning observation point) where there is a risk of condensation occurring on the product, and the generation unit 112 can determine whether or not to generate warning information based on the number of observation points A (warning observation points) including the observation point A where there is a risk of condensation occurring on the product. In Figure 4, at time T2, the temperature difference T surf -T dThis value is above the second threshold. In other words, the condensation determination unit 111 determines that there is a risk of condensation occurring on the product at observation point A during the period from time T1 to T2.

[0031] (Generation part) The generation unit 112 in Figure 3 generates route information indicating a route for transporting the product that avoids passing through observation points A (warning observation points) where the condensation determination unit 111 has determined that condensation may occur on the product. Furthermore, the generation unit 112 generates issuance information indicating locations where condensation countermeasures should be taken, based on the proportion of observation points A (warning observation points) among multiple observation points A where condensation may occur on the product.

[0032] The route information and issuance information generated by the generation unit 112 are used, for example, to notify the management user of the condensation monitoring system 1, to inform employees working on-site at the manufacturing plant PL, and to control various parts of the condensation monitoring system 1. For example, the condensation monitoring device 10 may display a message regarding condensation countermeasures on the display unit 13 of the condensation monitoring device 10 based on the route information and issuance information generated by the generation unit 112, or it may send an email regarding condensation countermeasures to an email address registered in the condensation monitoring system 1. Alternatively, the condensation monitoring device 10 may use an alarm device installed within the manufacturing plant PL to notify employees based on the route information and issuance information generated by the generation unit 112.

[0033] (Route information) Figure 5 shows an example of route information generated by the generation unit. In Figure 5, among the multiple observation points A exemplified in Figure 1, observation point A that has been determined to be at risk of condensation occurring on the product (warning observation point) is indicated by a black circle. In the following, the generation unit 112 will be assumed to generate route information for the route from warehouse W2 to either warehouse W3 or W4.

[0034] Candidate routes for transporting the product are predetermined, and information indicating each candidate route is stored in the storage unit 12 in order of route length. The information indicating the candidate routes consists of, for example, a sequence of identification information for observation points A that the route passes through. The generation unit 112 selects, for example, the candidate route that does not pass through observation point A (warning observation point) that the condensation determination unit 111 has determined to be at risk of condensation occurring on the product, and which has the shortest route length. The generation unit 112 generates route information based on the information indicating the selected candidate route.

[0035] In the example shown in Figure 5, the outdoor observation point A surrounding warehouse W4 has been determined by the condensation determination unit 111 to be at risk of condensation occurring on the products. Therefore, the generation unit 112 excludes candidate routes that pass through the outdoor area surrounding warehouse W4 from its selection. As a result, the route information generated by the generation unit 112 will show routes that do not pass through the outdoor area surrounding warehouse W4.

[0036] Of the loading / unloading exits W21, W22, W23, and W24 of warehouse W2, observation point A, located on the indoor side of loading / unloading exits D23 and D24, has been determined by the condensation determination unit 111 to be at risk of condensation occurring on the products. Therefore, the generation unit 112 excludes candidate routes that pass through loading / unloading exits D23 and D24 of warehouse W2 from the selection criteria. The route information generated by the generation unit 112 will indicate routes that do not pass through loading / unloading exits D23 and D24 when products are loaded out of warehouse W2.

[0037] The condensation determination unit 111 has determined that observation point A on road Y2 is at risk of condensation occurring on the product. Therefore, the generation unit 112 excludes candidate routes passing through observation point A on road Y2 from the selection criteria.

[0038] The observation points A at the loading / unloading exits D33 and D34 of warehouse W3 have been determined by the condensation determination unit 111 to be at risk of condensation occurring on the products. Therefore, the generation unit 112 excludes candidate routes that pass through observation points A at the loading / unloading exits D33 and D34 from the selection. The route information generated by the generation unit 112 will indicate routes that do not pass through loading / unloading exits D33 and D34 when loading products into warehouse W3.

[0039] The generation unit 112 selects the shortest route candidate from among the remaining route candidates that were not excluded. In the case of Figure 5, route candidate P1 is selected that passes through each observation point A in the order listed: the loading / unloading exit D21 of warehouse W2, the outdoor area around warehouse W2, the outdoor area around warehouse W1, road Y1, the outdoor area around warehouse W3, and the loading / unloading exit D31 of warehouse W3. The generation unit 112 generates route information based on the information indicating route candidate P1. By receiving notifications based on the route information generated by the generation unit 112, employees of the manufacturing plant PL can select a route that is less likely to cause condensation when transporting products.

[0040] If there is no route to transport the product that does not pass through observation point A (warning observation point) where condensation is determined to be likely to occur on the product, the generation unit 112 may generate information as route information indicating that there is no route in which condensation is not likely to occur on the product. By receiving notification based on this information, employees of the manufacturing plant PL can take various measures to prevent condensation. For example, employees of the manufacturing plant PL can close all loading / unloading exits D11, etc., of warehouses W1, W2, W3, and W4, and carry out ventilation, dehumidification, and heat retention measures inside warehouses W1, W2, W3, and W4.

[0041] Furthermore, the generation unit 112 may generate information for observation point A (warning observation point) where it has been determined that condensation may occur on the product, regardless of whether there is a path where condensation may not occur on the product. For example, it may generate information notifying that outdoor observation point A around warehouse W4 has been determined to be at risk of condensation occurring on the product. Upon receiving notification based on this information, employees of the manufacturing plant PL can take measures to prevent condensation, such as closing all of the loading and unloading exits D41, D42, D43, and D44 of warehouse W4 to isolate warehouse W4 from the surrounding outdoors.

[0042] If, as a result of condensation countermeasures being implemented at the manufacturing plant PL, the judgment result of the condensation determination unit 111 changes at each observation point A, and a path exists in which there is no risk of condensation occurring on the product, the generation unit 112 may generate path information indicating that path.

[0043] If an autonomous mobile robot or the like is used to transport products at the manufacturing plant, the route information generated by the generation unit 112 may be transmitted to the autonomous mobile robot or the like via the communication unit 14. The autonomous mobile robot may then transport the products by selecting a route that does not pose a risk of condensation occurring on the products, based on the route information.

[0044] (Issuance Information) Figure 6 shows an example of the warning information generated by the generation unit. In the warning information shown in Figure 6, there are multiple types of warnings, and each type has defined warning criteria and actions for condensation countermeasures. In Figure 6, four types of warnings are shown as examples: "Warning (General)", "Advisory (General)", "Advisory (West)", and "Advisory (East)".

[0045] The issuance of "Warning (Overall)" and "Advisory (Overall)" indicates that condensation countermeasures should be taken throughout the entire PL of the manufacturing plant. The issuance of "Advisory (West)" indicates that condensation countermeasures should be taken in the western half of the PL of the manufacturing plant. The issuance of "Advisory (East)" indicates that condensation countermeasures should be taken in the eastern half of the PL of the manufacturing plant.

[0046] Information regarding a "Warning (Overall)" is generated when it is determined that there is a risk of condensation occurring at all observation points A located on roads Y1, Y2, and Y3 within the manufacturing plant PL, or when it is determined that there is a risk of condensation occurring on the product at more than half of the observation points A located within the manufacturing plant PL. When the criteria for issuing a "Warning (Overall)" are met, information regarding a "Warning (Overall)" is generated with higher priority than "Warning (West)" and "Warning (East)".

[0047] The issuance of a "Warning (General)" prompts employees of the Plant PL to take measures to prevent condensation throughout the entire Plant PL. When a "Warning (General)" issuance is generated, employees of the Plant PL shall temporarily suspend all product transport, close all entry / exit ports D11 etc. in warehouses W1, W2, W3, and W4, and conduct various inspections. If there are products in transit at the time of issuance, transport may be temporarily suspended after the completion of that transport. If, as a result of temporarily suspending product transport, warehouses W1 and W2 become full of temporarily stored products, the product production line may be stopped.

[0048] Information regarding the issuance of a "Warning (Overall)" is generated when it is determined that there is a risk of condensation occurring at some of the observation points A installed on the road, or when it is determined that there is a risk of condensation occurring on products at 30% or more of the observation points A installed at the manufacturing plant PL (in other words, when 30% or more of the observation points A installed at the manufacturing plant PL are warning observation points). Information regarding the issuance of a "Warning (Overall)" is generated with priority over "Warning (West)" and "Warning (East)" when the issuance criteria are met.

[0049] The issuance of a "Warning (Overall)" prompts employees of the Plant Planning Division (PL) to take measures to prevent condensation throughout the entire Plant Planning Division. When a "Warning (Overall)" is issued, employees of the Plant Planning Division (PL) will implement condensation prevention measures such as ventilation using fans and insulation using heating equipment in warehouses W1, W2, W3, and W4, etc. In addition, employees of the Plant Planning Division (PL) will increase the frequency of various inspections of warehouses W1, W2, W3, and W4.

[0050] Information regarding a "West Warning" is issued when it is determined that there is a risk of condensation occurring on the product at 30% or more of the observation points A located on the west side of the manufacturing plant's product line. Conversely, information regarding a "East Warning" is issued when it is determined that there is a risk of condensation occurring on the product at 30% or more of the observation points A located on the east side of the manufacturing plant's product line.

[0051] Information issued regarding "West Warning" prompts employees of the manufacturing plant to take measures against condensation in the western half of the manufacturing plant. Information issued regarding "East Warning" prompts employees of the manufacturing plant to take measures against condensation in the eastern half of the manufacturing plant. When information regarding "West Warning" is generated, the frequency of various inspections in warehouses W1 and W3 on the west side is increased. On the other hand, when information regarding "East Warning" is generated, the frequency of various inspections in warehouses W2 and W4 on the east side is increased. The generation unit 112 may also generate warnings to increase the frequency of various inspections in warehouses W1 and W2 on the north side, and warnings to increase the frequency of various inspections in warehouses W3 and W4 on the south side.

[0052] In the example shown in Figure 5, of the 23 observation points A located within the manufacturing plant PL, 9 observation points A are determined to be at risk of condensation occurring on the product. Of the observation points A located on roads Y1, Y2, and Y3, observation point A located on road Y2 is determined to be at risk of condensation occurring on the product. Therefore, the criteria for issuing a "Warning (Overall)" are not met, but the criteria for issuing a "Caution (Overall)" are met, so the generation unit 112 generates information for issuing a "Caution (Overall)".

[0053] The "Warning (Overall)" issuance information is output via the display unit 13, etc., and notified to employees of the manufacturing plant. When employees who have been notified of the "Warning (Overall)" issuance information take the prescribed condensation countermeasures actions, the judgment result of the condensation judgment unit 111 improves. The generation unit 112 further generates route information and issuance information based on the improved judgment result of the condensation judgment unit 111. When the judgment result of the condensation judgment unit 111 improves due to the efforts of employees of the manufacturing plant, etc., and the conditions for issuing the "Warning (Overall)" are no longer met, the number of outdoor transport routes that can be used for transporting products increases, and the risk of the manufacturing plant's operation being shut down decreases.

[0054] Furthermore, the condensation determination unit 111 in this embodiment determines at regular intervals whether or not there is a risk of condensation occurring on the product. Therefore, even if the product is transported along a route that does not pass through observation point A, which the condensation determination unit 111 has determined to be at risk of condensation occurring on the product, the generation unit 112 may generate warning information during product transport due to changes in weather or other factors. Even if warning information prompting condensation countermeasures is generated during product transport, implementing condensation countermeasures can reduce the possibility of condensation occurring on the product while it is being transported outdoors.

[0055] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a condensation monitoring method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In the condensation monitoring system 1, the process shown in Figure 7 is repeatedly executed at a predetermined cycle.

[0056] (First measurement step) In S100, the condensation monitoring device 10 acquires information indicating the first surface temperature of the product or a sample thereof. For example, the first measuring unit 20 measures the surface temperature of the product sample 30, and the control unit 11 of the condensation monitoring device 10 acquires the measurement result from the first measuring unit 20. That is, the control unit 11 of the condensation monitoring device 10 controls the communication unit 14 to communicate wirelessly with the wireless communication unit 23 of the first measuring unit 20 and acquires information indicating the surface temperature of the product sample 30 measured by the first measuring unit 20.

[0057] (Second measurement step) In S110, the condensation monitoring device 10 acquires information indicating the temperature and relative humidity at each observation point. For example, the second measurement unit 40 measures the temperature and humidity at each observation point A, and the control unit 11 of the condensation monitoring device 10 acquires the measurement results from the second measurement unit 40. That is, the control unit 11 of the condensation monitoring device 10 controls the communication unit 14 to communicate wirelessly with the second measurement unit 40 and acquires information indicating the temperature t [°C] and relative humidity RH [%] at observation point A measured by the second measurement unit 40. Note that the order of processing in S110 and processing in S100 can be interchanged, and they may be processed in parallel.

[0058] (Temperature acquisition step) In S120, the control unit 11 functions as a temperature acquisition unit 110 and the dew point T of each observation point A provided at the manufacturing plant PL d The control unit 11 obtains the dew point T of each observation point A based on the temperature t and relative humidity RH obtained from the second measurement unit 40 of each observation point A via the communication unit 14 in S110. d Obtain it.

[0059] In the subsequent S130, the control unit 11 functions as a temperature acquisition unit 110 and estimates the surface temperature of the product at each observation point A provided in the manufacturing plant PL. In S100, the control unit 11 obtains the surface temperature of the sample 30 from the first measurement unit 20 at each observation point A via the communication unit 14 and estimates the surface temperature T of the product. surf It will be obtained as follows. Note that the dew point T of each observation point A in S120 d The process of obtaining the estimated temperature T in S130. surf The order in which the processes for obtaining the data are performed can be changed, and they may be performed in parallel.

[0060] (Condensation detection step) In the subsequent S140, the control unit 11 functions as a condensation determination unit 111 and determines whether or not there is a risk of condensation occurring on the product at each observation point A provided in the manufacturing plant PL. The control unit 11 determines the estimated temperature T obtained in S130 for each observation point A provided in the manufacturing plant PL. surf And the dew point T obtained in S120 dTemperature difference T surf -T d For observation point A where the value is below a predetermined threshold, it is determined that there is a risk of condensation occurring on the product. The predetermined threshold may be changed depending on whether or not it was determined in the previous cycle's processing that there was a risk of condensation occurring on the product. Preferably, the threshold when it was determined in the previous cycle's processing that there was a risk of condensation occurring on the product (second threshold) is greater than the threshold when it was determined in the previous cycle's processing that there was no risk of condensation occurring on the product (first threshold). By making the second threshold greater than the first threshold, fluctuations in the determination result of the condensation determination unit 111 can be suppressed, thereby stabilizing the processing of the condensation monitoring device 10.

[0061] (Generation step) In the subsequent S150, the control unit 11 functions as a generation unit 112 and generates route information and issuance information. The control unit 11 selects a candidate route P1 from among the candidate routes stored in the storage unit 12 that is unlikely to cause condensation on the product, and generates route information. The control unit 11 also generates issuance information based on the percentage of observation points A that were determined to be likely to cause condensation on the product in S140.

[0062] In the subsequent S160, the control unit 11 outputs based on the route information and warning information generated in S150. For example, the control unit 11 may display a message based on the route information and warning information generated in S150 on the display unit 13 of the condensation monitoring device 10. The control unit 11 may also send an email based on the route information and warning information generated in S150 to an email address registered in the condensation monitoring system 1. Based on the route information and warning information generated in S150, the control unit 11 may control alarm devices installed in the manufacturing plant PL to notify employees. After processing in S160, the control unit 11 completes the processing for the current cycle shown in Figure 7.

[0063] [Variation] In the above embodiment, when the generation unit 112 generates route information, it excludes routes passing through observation point A, which is determined to be at risk of condensation occurring, from the list of route candidates stored in the storage unit 12, and selects the shortest route candidate from the remaining route candidates that were not excluded. However, the method by which the generation unit 112 generates route information is not limited to this. For example, the generation unit 112 may generate routes using an algorithm such as Dijkstra's algorithm for a graph in which observation point A is a node and transport paths between two observation points A are links. When generating routes using an algorithm such as Dijkstra's algorithm, the weight of links connected to observation point A, which is determined to be at risk of condensation occurring on the product, may be increased.

[0064] In the above embodiment, condensation countermeasures in warehouses W1, W2, W3, and W4 are carried out by employees of the manufacturing plant PL, but this is not limited to this. For example, the condensation monitoring device 10 may remotely control ventilation equipment, air conditioning equipment, blowers, heating equipment, etc., within the manufacturing plant PL based on the notification information generated by the generation unit 112 to carry out condensation countermeasures. In the above embodiment, inspection work within the manufacturing plant PL is carried out by employees of the manufacturing plant PL, but inspection work may also be carried out using a patrol robot or the like.

[0065] In the above embodiment, the condensation monitoring system 1 is assumed to include a condensation monitoring device 10 located within the premises of the manufacturing plant PL, but the configuration of the condensation monitoring system 1 is not limited to this. The condensation monitoring device 10 may consist of multiple servers. The condensation monitoring device 10 may be located outside the premises of the manufacturing plant PL. The functions of the condensation monitoring device 10 may be distributed to computing resources such as measurement modules 22 provided at each observation point A. For example, the server that performs the first and second measurement steps may be located within the premises of the manufacturing plant PL, while the servers that perform the temperature acquisition unit 110, the condensation determination unit 111, and the generation unit 112 may be located outside the premises of the manufacturing plant PL.

[0066] In the above embodiment, observation point A is set up on the indoor side of warehouse W1, such as the loading / unloading exit D11, outdoors around warehouse W1, on road Y1, etc. However, observation point A may be set up in any location where products are stored, transported, and managed. For example, it may be set up on a road outside the manufacturing plant PL, in a warehouse where products are shipped, or on a moving object such as a ship or airplane that transports products by sea or air. For observation point A outside the manufacturing plant PL, the temperature acquisition unit 110 determines the dew point T based on meteorological information, etc. d and estimated temperature T surf The temperature acquisition unit 110 may also acquire the temperature t and relative humidity RH of each observation point A based on meteorological information, etc. If observation points A are also provided outside the manufacturing plant PL, the generation unit 112 may generate issuance information for the manufacturing plant PL based on the proportion of observation points A provided inside the manufacturing plant PL that are determined to be at risk of condensation occurring on the product.

[0067] In the above embodiment, the temperature sensor 21 was described as a thermocouple, but the surface temperature of the sample 30 may be measured using a temperature sensor other than a thermocouple. For example, the surface temperature of the sample 30 may be measured using a contact-type thermometer.

[0068] [Examples of implementation using software] The function of the condensation monitoring device 10 (hereinafter referred to as "the device") is a program that causes a computer to function as the device, and can be realized by a program that causes a computer to function as each control block of the device (particularly each part included in the control unit 11).

[0069] In this case, the device includes a computer having at least one control device (e.g., a processor) and at least one storage device (e.g., memory) as hardware for executing the program. By executing the program using this control device and storage device, the functions described in each of the embodiments are realized.

[0070] The above program may be recorded on one or more computer-readable recording media, not temporary ones. These recording media may or may not be provided by the above device. In the latter case, the program may be supplied to the above device via any wired or wireless transmission medium.

[0071] Furthermore, some or all of the functions of each of the above control blocks can also be realized by logic circuits. For example, an integrated circuit in which logic circuits functioning as each of the above control blocks are formed is also included in the scope of this disclosure. In addition, it is also possible to realize the functions of each of the above control blocks by, for example, a quantum computer.

[0072] Furthermore, each process described in the above embodiments may be performed by AI (Artificial Intelligence). In this case, the AI ​​may operate on the control device described above, or it may operate on other devices (for example, an edge computer or a cloud server).

[0073] 〔summary〕 A condensation monitoring system in aspect 1 of the present disclosure is a condensation monitoring system that monitors whether or not condensation occurs on a product when it is transported through a transport path from a building in which a product whose quality may be affected by condensation is stored to another building, the condensation monitoring system comprises: a first measuring unit that measures a first surface temperature which is the surface temperature of the product or a sample thereof; a second measuring unit that is arranged at a plurality of observation points provided in the transport path and measures the temperature and relative humidity at each observation point; and a condensation monitoring device, the condensation monitoring device is The system includes: a temperature acquisition unit that acquires an estimated temperature, which is the surface temperature of the product when it passes through each observation point, based on a first surface temperature, and acquires a dew point for each observation point based on the air temperature and relative humidity; a condensation determination unit that determines whether or not condensation is likely to occur on the product at each observation point based on the temperature difference between the first surface temperature or the estimated temperature at each observation point and the dew point; and a generation unit that generates route information indicating a route for transporting the product that does not pass through observation points where the condensation determination unit has determined that condensation is likely to occur on the product.

[0074] According to the above configuration, for products whose quality may be affected by condensation, it is possible to generate information to select a route that is less likely to cause condensation when transporting the product from one building to another.

[0075] In the condensation monitoring system according to Embodiment 2 of the present disclosure, in Embodiment 1, the first measurement unit is provided at least a portion of the plurality of observation points, and the first measurement unit includes the product or a sample thereof, a temperature sensor for measuring the first surface temperature, and a wireless communication unit for transmitting the surface temperature measured by the temperature sensor to the condensation monitoring device via wireless communication, and the temperature acquisition unit may acquire the estimated temperature based on the first surface temperature transmitted by the wireless communication unit.

[0076] According to the above configuration, at least some of the observation points are equipped with a first measuring unit that measures the first surface temperature of the placed product or sample, and a wireless communication unit that transmits the measured first surface temperature to a condensation monitoring device via wireless communication. The temperature acquisition unit then acquires an estimated temperature based on the first surface temperature transmitted by the wireless communication unit. By acquiring an estimated temperature based on the first surface temperature, the surface temperature of the product can be accurately estimated, assuming that the product has reached that observation point.

[0077] If the first surface temperature of the product or sample is transmitted to the condensation monitoring device via wired communication, the cost of laying communication cables becomes high, making it difficult to increase the number of observation points. Since the wireless communication unit transmits the first surface temperature of the product or sample to the condensation monitoring device wirelessly, observation points can be established at a low cost. Furthermore, because the wireless communication unit transmits the first surface temperature of the product or sample to the condensation monitoring device wirelessly, observation points can be easily established in locations other than land, such as on ships at sea.

[0078] If the number of observation points is small, it may be possible to fail to find a route that transports products without causing condensation, even if such a route exists, potentially forcing the suspension of product transport. In a manufacturing plant, suspending product transport can lead to a shutdown of operations. By enabling the low-cost installation of observation points, it becomes easy to set up observation points throughout the entire monitored area, allowing for the accurate detection of routes that do not pass through observation points where condensation may occur, thereby reducing the risk of factory shutdowns.

[0079] The condensation monitoring system in embodiment 3 of the present disclosure may be configured such that, in embodiment 1 or 2, when there are multiple entrances and exits for the building where the product is stored, the multiple observation points further include a first observation point located on the indoor side of the entrances and exits for the building where the product is stored, and the route information generated by the generation unit indicates a route that transports the product without passing through the entrances and exits corresponding to the first observation points where it has been determined that condensation may occur on the product.

[0080] According to the above configuration, if there are multiple entrances and exits for the building where the product is stored, a route is generated that avoids passing through entrances and exits that are determined to be at risk of condensation occurring on the product, thereby reducing the possibility of condensation occurring during loading and unloading.

[0081] The condensation monitoring system in Embodiment 4 of the present disclosure may be configured such that, in any of Embodiments 1 to 3, the condensation determination unit determines an observation point among the plurality of observation points where the temperature difference obtained by subtracting the dew point from the estimated temperature is less than or equal to a first threshold as a warning observation point where condensation may occur on the product, and determines that there is no longer a risk of condensation occurring on the product when the temperature difference obtained by subtracting the dew point from the estimated temperature becomes greater than or equal to a second threshold which is greater than the first threshold for the warning observation point where condensation may occur on the product.

[0082] According to the above configuration, for a warning observation point where condensation is determined to be likely to occur on the product, the second threshold used to determine that there is no longer a risk of condensation occurring on the product is set to a value greater than the first threshold used to determine that there is a risk of condensation occurring on the product. If the second threshold used to determine that there is no longer a risk of condensation occurring on the product for a warning observation point where condensation is determined to be likely to occur is the same value as the first threshold, then when the temperature difference obtained by subtracting the dew point from the estimated temperature fluctuates near the first threshold, the judgment result of the condensation judgment unit will also fluctuate, making the entire condensation monitoring device prone to instability. By making the second threshold larger than the first threshold, fluctuations in the judgment result of the condensation judgment unit can be suppressed, thereby stabilizing the processing of the condensation monitoring device.

[0083] In the condensation monitoring system in aspect 5 of the present disclosure, in any of aspects 1 to 4, the generation unit may further generate warning information indicating locations where condensation countermeasures should be taken, based on the proportion of the observation points among the plurality of observation points that the condensation determination unit has determined to be at risk of condensation occurring on the product.

[0084] According to the above configuration, based on the proportion of warning observation points among multiple observation points that are determined to be at risk of condensation occurring on the product, information prompting condensation countermeasures is generated, and by implementing condensation countermeasures, the number of routes through which the product can be transported without passing through warning observation points that the condensation determination unit has determined to be at risk of condensation occurring on the product can be increased. Furthermore, even if the product is transported along a route that does not pass through warning observation points that the condensation determination unit has determined to be at risk of condensation occurring on the product, the generation unit may generate information prompting condensation countermeasures during product transport due to changes in weather or other factors. Even if information prompting condensation countermeasures is generated during product transport, by implementing condensation countermeasures, it is possible to reduce the possibility of condensation occurring on the product while it is being transported outdoors.

[0085] A condensation monitoring method in aspect 6 of the present disclosure is a condensation monitoring method for monitoring whether condensation occurs on a product when it is transported through a transport path from a building where the quality of the product is affected by condensation to another building, and the transport path is used to monitor whether condensation occurs on the product, and the method comprises: a first measurement step of acquiring information indicating a first surface temperature of the product or a sample thereof; a second measurement step of acquiring information indicating the air temperature and relative humidity of a plurality of observation points set in the transport path; a temperature acquisition step of acquiring an estimated temperature for each observation point, which is the surface temperature of the product assuming that the product is installed at each observation point, based on the first surface temperature, and acquiring the dew point for each observation point from the air temperature and relative humidity; a condensation determination step of determining whether condensation may occur on the product at each observation point based on the temperature difference between the first surface temperature or the dew point at each observation point and the estimated temperature; and a generation step of generating route information indicating a route for transporting the product without passing through observation points where it has been determined by the condensation determination step that condensation may occur on the product.

[0086] The above configuration reduces the possibility of condensation occurring when transporting products whose quality may be affected by condensation.

[0087] The condensation monitoring program in embodiment 7 of this disclosure causes a computer to function as the first measurement step, the second measurement step, the temperature acquisition step, the condensation determination step, and the generation step of the condensation monitoring method of embodiment 6.

[0088] The above configuration reduces the possibility of condensation occurring when transporting products whose quality may be affected by condensation.

[0089] [Additional notes] This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. Embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in different embodiments are also included in the technical scope of this disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0090] 1. Condensation monitoring system 10. Condensation monitoring device 11 Control Unit 12 Storage section 14 Communications Department 20 1st measurement section 21 Temperature sensor 23 Wireless Communication Department 30 samples 40 Second measuring section 110 Temperature acquisition section 111 Condensation determination section 112 Generation part A Observation point W1, W2, W3, W4 Warehouse X1, X2, X3, X4, Y1, Y2, Y3 Road

Claims

1. A condensation monitoring system that monitors whether condensation occurs on products being transported from a building where such products are stored to another building via a transport route, when such products are transported without condensation occurring on them, The aforementioned condensation monitoring system is A first measuring unit for measuring a first surface temperature, which is the surface temperature of the product or a sample thereof, A second measuring unit is provided at each of the multiple observation points located along the transport path, and measures the temperature and relative humidity at each observation point. Equipped with a condensation monitoring device, The aforementioned condensation monitoring device is A temperature acquisition unit that, based on the first surface temperature, acquires an estimated temperature for each observation point, which is the surface temperature of the product when the product passes through each observation point, and acquires the dew point for each observation point based on the air temperature and relative humidity, A condensation determination unit determines whether or not condensation is likely to occur on the product at each observation point based on the temperature difference between the first surface temperature or the estimated temperature at each observation point and the dew point. A generation unit generates route information indicating a route for transporting the product that does not pass through observation points where the condensation determination unit has determined that there is a risk of condensation occurring on the product. A condensation monitoring system having [specific features / features].

2. The first measuring unit is provided at least a portion of the plurality of observation points, The first measuring unit comprises the product or a sample thereof, a temperature sensor for measuring the first surface temperature, and a wireless communication unit for transmitting the surface temperature measured by the temperature sensor to the condensation monitoring device via wireless communication. The condensation monitoring system according to claim 1, wherein the temperature acquisition unit acquires the estimated temperature based on the first surface temperature transmitted by the wireless communication unit.

3. When there are multiple entrances and exits for the building where the aforementioned product is stored, The aforementioned plurality of observation points further include a first observation point located on the indoor side of the entrance / exit of the building where the product is stored. The condensation monitoring system according to claim 1, wherein the route information generated by the generation unit indicates a route for transporting the product without passing through the loading / unloading exit corresponding to the first observation point where it has been determined that condensation may occur on the product.

4. The condensation determination unit is, Of the aforementioned multiple observation points, observation points where the temperature difference obtained by subtracting the dew point from the estimated temperature is below a first threshold are determined to be warning observation points where condensation may occur on the product. The condensation monitoring system according to claim 1, wherein, with respect to the warning observation point where it has been determined that there is a risk of condensation occurring on the product, it is determined that there is no longer a risk of condensation occurring on the product when the temperature difference obtained by subtracting the dew point from the estimated temperature becomes greater than or equal to a second threshold which is greater than the first threshold.

5. The condensation monitoring system according to claim 1, wherein the generation unit further generates issuance information indicating locations where condensation countermeasures should be taken, based on the proportion of observation points among the plurality of observation points that the condensation determination unit has determined to be at risk of condensation occurring on the product.

6. A condensation monitoring method for monitoring whether condensation occurs on a product when it is transported from a building where the product is stored to another building via a transport route, where the product's quality may be affected by condensation. A first measurement step of obtaining information indicating the first surface temperature of the product or a sample thereof, A second measurement step involves acquiring information indicating the temperature and relative humidity at multiple observation points set along the transport path, A temperature acquisition step in which, based on the first surface temperature, an estimated temperature which is the surface temperature of the product assuming that the product is installed at each observation point is obtained for each observation point, and the dew point is obtained for each observation point from the air temperature and relative humidity, A condensation determination step that determines whether or not condensation is likely to occur on the product at each observation point, based on the temperature difference between the first surface temperature or the dew point at each observation point and the estimated temperature, A condensation monitoring method comprising a generation step of generating route information indicating a route for transporting the product that does not pass through observation points where it has been determined by the condensation determination step that there is a risk of condensation occurring on the product.

7. A condensation monitoring program for causing a computer to function as the first measurement step, the second measurement step, the temperature acquisition step, the condensation determination step, and the generation step of the condensation monitoring method according to claim 6.

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