Control device and program

Abstract

To control a fan system in consideration of changed fan characteristics.SOLUTION: A control device comprises a control unit for controlling a fan system including a fan, and a motor for driving the fan. The control unit comprises a fan characteristic storage unit for storing correlation information correlated with fan characteristics that are characteristics of the fan, controls the fan system on the basis of the correlation information, and comprises a correction unit for correcting the correlation information so as to deal with the fan characteristics changed depending on secular deformation of the fan.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a control device and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes an electronic device that calculates a deviation value from a normal boundary in the relationship between a power index related to the driving power of a fan and the measured rotation speed of the fan, and detects blockages in an air passage through which the fan takes in outside air from outside the housing and blows it to the heat dissipation fins. Patent Document 1 discloses that the deviation value calculated is corrected in accordance with aging in order to compensate for the decrease in the ability to detect blockages due to deterioration of the lubricating oil used in the fan's bearings and adhesion of dust near the fan's rotating part. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5175622 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In controlling a fan system having a fan driven by a motor, the status of the fan system may be estimated. In this case, the status of the fan system is estimated based on information acquired from a sensor or the like and information on the characteristics of the fan that is stored in advance. However, if the characteristics of the fan change due to the influence of deformation over time of the fan itself, the estimated result deviates from the actual status, and the accuracy of the control of the fan system decreases. The present disclosure aims to control a fan system taking into account changing fan characteristics. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The control device disclosed herein includes a control unit that controls a fan system including a fan that is a rotating body driven by a motor and a bearing for the fan, and the control unit includes a fan characteristic storage unit that stores correlation information that correlates with fan characteristics that are characteristics of the fan. ,before A correction unit corrects the correlation information so as to correspond to fan characteristics that change in accordance with aging deformation of the fan. Based on the correlation information, the fan system performs one of the following: air volume control, static pressure monitoring, static pressure control, abnormality monitoring, vibration suppression, noise suppression, and estimation of the refrigeration efficiency or refrigeration capacity of a refrigeration device equipped with the fan system. In this case, the fan system can be controlled to take into account the changing fan characteristics. The control unit may obtain at least one value of the ambient temperature of the fan and the rotation speed of the fan, and correct the correlation information based on the obtained value. In this case, the fan system can be controlled by taking into account a change in fan characteristics based on at least one of the ambient temperature of the fan and the rotation speed of the fan. Furthermore, when the control unit controls the air volume of the fan based on a relationship between at least one of the driving power of the motor, the rotational speed of the fan, and the static pressure of the fan and the air volume of the fan, the fan characteristics may represent the relationship. In this case, the air volume of the fan can be controlled by taking into account a change in the fan characteristics based on at least one of the driving power of the motor, the rotational speed of the motor, and the static pressure of the fan. Furthermore, when the control unit acquires a physical quantity that is correlated with the static pressure of the fan and monitors the static pressure of the fan based on the relationship between the physical quantity and the static pressure of the fan, the fan characteristics may represent the relationship. In this case, the static pressure of the fan can be monitored taking into account changes in the fan characteristics that are based on the physical quantity that is correlated with the static pressure of the fan. Furthermore, when the control unit acquires a physical quantity that correlates with an abnormality in the fan system and monitors the abnormality in the fan system based on the relationship between the physical quantity and the abnormality in the fan system, the fan characteristic may represent the relationship. In this case, the abnormality in the fan system can be monitored by taking into account a change in the fan characteristic based on the physical quantity that correlates with the abnormality in the fan system. The abnormality in the fan system may be vibration or noise of the fan system, in which case abnormalities in the vibration or noise of the fan system can be monitored taking into account changes in fan characteristics. Furthermore, when the control unit obtains a physical quantity that is correlated with the refrigeration efficiency of a refrigeration device equipped with the fan system and predicts the refrigeration efficiency of the refrigeration device based on the relationship between the physical quantity and the refrigeration efficiency of the refrigeration device, the fan characteristic may represent the relationship. In this case, the refrigeration efficiency of the refrigeration device can be predicted taking into account a change in the fan characteristic based on the physical quantity that is correlated with the refrigeration efficiency of the refrigeration device. Furthermore, when the control unit obtains a physical quantity that is correlated with the cooling capacity of a refrigeration device equipped with the fan system and predicts the cooling capacity of the refrigeration device based on the relationship between the physical quantity and the cooling capacity of the refrigeration device, the fan characteristics may represent the relationship. In this case, the cooling capacity of the refrigeration device can be predicted taking into account a change in the fan characteristics based on the physical quantity that is correlated with the cooling capacity of the refrigeration device. From another viewpoint, a control device according to the present disclosure includes a control unit for controlling a fan system including a fan that is a rotating body driven by a motor and a bearing for the fan, the control unit acquiring a physical quantity that is correlated with an ambient temperature of the fan, and controlling the fan system based on a history of the acquired physical quantity. or to perform any of the following operations: airflow control, static pressure monitoring, static pressure control, abnormality monitoring, vibration suppression, noise suppression, or estimation of the refrigeration efficiency or refrigeration capacity of a refrigeration device equipped with the fan system. In this case, the fan system can be controlled taking into account changes in fan characteristics based on the history of physical quantities correlated with the ambient temperature of the fan. The control unit may estimate the ambient temperature of a fan of a refrigeration device including the fan system, a flow path for transporting a fluid by the fan, and a heat exchanger installed in the flow path, based on at least one of the temperature around the fan and the temperature of the heat exchanger. In this case, the ambient temperature of the fan can be obtained without actually measuring it. From another viewpoint, the program of the present disclosure has a function of storing correlation information correlated with fan characteristics, which are characteristics of the fan, in a computer that controls a fan system including a fan that is a rotating body driven by a motor and a bearing of the fan. ,before A function of having a correction unit that corrects the correlation information so as to correspond to fan characteristics that change in accordance with aging deformation of the fan; a function of performing, based on the correlation information, any one of air volume control, static pressure monitoring, static pressure control, abnormality monitoring, vibration suppression, noise suppression, and estimation of the refrigeration efficiency or refrigeration capacity of a refrigeration device including the fan system; In this case, the fan system can be controlled taking into account the changing fan characteristics. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a control system according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an apparatus used in the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the oil cooling device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 5A and 5B are diagrams for explaining the characteristics of a fan to which the present embodiment is applied, in which (A) is a diagram showing differential pressure characteristics and (B) is a diagram showing power characteristics. [Diagram 5] 6 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between pressure loss due to a filter and the degree of deceleration of a fan. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of a control device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing deformation of a fan over time. [Figure 8] 11 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the history of the temperature of a fan and a deformation index of the fan. FIG. [Figure 9] 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating the relationship between the history of the rotation speed of a fan or motor and the deformation index of the fan, where (A) shows the case where the fan is rotated at 45°C, and (B) shows the case where the fan is rotated at 60°C. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart showing a process for controlling an air volume of a fan. [Figure 11]5 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the rotation speed of a fan and the driving power of a motor. FIG. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart showing a process for determining whether a filter is clogged. [Figure 13] 13 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the deceleration time of the fan and the pressure loss index due to the filter when the rotation speed of the fan immediately before the driving force of the fan is removed is a predetermined rotation speed. FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 11 is a schematic configuration diagram of a control system according to a third embodiment. [Figure 15] 4 is a flowchart showing a process flow for controlling the static pressure of a fan. [Figure 16] 10 is a flowchart showing a process for suppressing vibration caused by a fan. [Figure 17] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the relationship between the vibration characteristics of a fan and the vibration area, in which (A) is a diagram showing the case of an initial fan that has not been deformed with age, and (B) is a diagram showing the case of a fan that has been deformed with age. [Figure 18] FIG. 13 shows the results of frequency analysis of the phase current supplied to the motor, where (A) shows the order components when the fan and motor are balanced, and (B) shows the order components when the fan and motor are not balanced. [Figure 19] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the difference in intensity of the spectrum. [Figure 20] 4 is a flowchart showing a process for controlling the refrigeration efficiency by a fan. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0007] Hereinafter, an embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that dimensions in the drawings are appropriately changed from the actual scale for clarity and simplification of the drawings, and do not represent actual relative dimensions. In the drawings, the same reference numerals represent the same or corresponding parts.

[0008] (First embodiment) FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a control system 100 according to the first embodiment. The control system 100 is a system that controls a device including a fan 6 and a motor 7 that drives the fan. The control system 100 is provided with an oil cooling device 10 and a control device 20 that controls the oil cooling device 10. In the control system 100, the oil cooling device 10 and the control device 20 are capable of communicating information with each other via a communication line. In the case of this embodiment, the communication line is not particularly limited as long as it realizes information communication between the devices, and is connected via a network such as the Internet, for example.

[0009] An oil cooling device 10, which is an example of a fan system, includes a fan and a motor that drives the fan, and cools oil. The oil cooling device 10 is a device that cools, for example, hydraulic oil, lubricating oil, and cutting fluid (hereinafter referred to as "oil") of a machine tool 200 by circulating it through an oil tank 300. Examples of the machine tool 200 include industrial machines such as molding machines and presses.

[0010] The oil cooling device 10 includes a compressor 1, a condenser 2, a pressure reducing mechanism 3, an evaporator 4, a fan 6, a motor 7, and a computer 8. The compressor 1, the condenser 2, the pressure reducing mechanism 3, and the evaporator 4 are connected in a circular manner by a communication pipe for a refrigerant that cools the oil, and form a refrigerant circuit RC equipped with a bypass mechanism 5. The refrigerant circuit RC, the fan 6, the motor 7, and the computer 8 are housed in a housing 11. The housing 11 is provided with an air intake 12 on the side where the condenser 2 is disposed, and a filter 13 is attached.

[0011] The refrigerant circuit RC is a refrigerant circuit that circulates a refrigerant that cools the oil. To connect the refrigerant circuit RC, a liquid connecting pipe or a gas connecting pipe is used as the connecting pipe according to the state of the refrigerant.

[0012] The compressor 1 compresses gas refrigerant in an evaporated state. Specifically, the compressor 1 compresses the gas refrigerant that flows in from the connecting pipe on the evaporator 4 side, and discharges it to the connecting pipe on the condenser 2 side. The gas refrigerant discharged to the connecting pipe on the condenser 2 side has its temperature and pressure increased by compression, and becomes a gas refrigerant with a higher temperature and pressure than the gas refrigerant that flows in from the connecting pipe on the evaporator 4 side.

[0013] The condenser 2, which is an example of a heat exchanger, condenses the gas refrigerant in a compressed state. Specifically, the condenser 2 cools the high-temperature, high-pressure gas refrigerant that flows in from the connecting piping on the compressor 1 side, and discharges it to the connecting piping on the pressure reduction mechanism 3 side. The state of the refrigerant discharged to the communication pipe on the pressure reducing mechanism 3 side changes due to condensation accompanying cooling, and becomes a high-temperature, high-pressure liquid refrigerant.

[0014] The pressure reducing mechanism 3 reduces the pressure of the liquid refrigerant in a state in which the gas refrigerant is condensed. Specifically, the pressure reducing mechanism 3 adjusts the flow rate of the high-temperature, high-pressure liquid refrigerant that flows in from the connecting pipe on the condenser 2 side, and discharges it to the connecting pipe on the evaporator 4 side. The liquid refrigerant discharged into the connecting pipe on the evaporator 4 side has its temperature and pressure reduced by the pressure reduction accompanying the flow rate adjustment, and becomes a liquid refrigerant with a lower temperature and pressure than the liquid refrigerant that flows in from the connecting pipe on the condenser 2 side. The pressure reducing mechanism 3 is, for example, an electric expansion valve whose opening degree can be adjusted.

[0015] The evaporator 4 evaporates the liquid refrigerant in a depressurized state. Specifically, the evaporator 4 exchanges heat with the low-temperature and low-pressure liquid refrigerant that has flowed in from the connecting pipe on the pressure reducing mechanism 3 side with the surroundings, and discharges it to the connecting pipe on the compressor 1 side. The state of the refrigerant discharged to the connecting pipe on the compressor 1 side changes due to evaporation accompanying heat exchange, and becomes a low-temperature, low-pressure gas refrigerant.

[0016] As a result, in the evaporator 4, the oil circulating through the oil tank 300 exchanges heat with the refrigerant circulating through the refrigerant circuit RC, and absorbs heat. In other words, in the evaporator 4, the oil circulating through the oil tank 300 is cooled.

[0017] The bypass mechanism 5 adjusts the cooling capacity of the oil circulating through the oil tank 300. Specifically, the bypass mechanism 5 adjusts the flow rate of high-temperature, high-pressure gas refrigerant supplied to the evaporator 4, and discharges it to the connecting pipe on the evaporator 4 side. The bypass mechanism 5 is, for example, an electric expansion valve whose opening degree can be adjusted.

[0018] The fan 6 generates a flow of air that flows from outside the oil cooling device 10 into the oil cooling device 10 and passes through the condenser 2. Specifically, the fan 6 rotates so that air is sucked from the air intake port 12 through the filter 13. The air filtered by the filter 13 is supplied to the condenser 2 and then discharged from an exhaust port (not shown). The air that flows due to the rotation of the fan 6 is an example of a fluid. The fan 6 may be disposed anywhere that is capable of generating the above air flow.

[0019] The fan 6 is made of a resin material. The fan 6 is a rotating body that is driven by a motor 7. The fan 6 refers only to the rotating body, and does not include the fan bearings.

[0020] The motor 7 is an electric motor that rotates the fan 6. In other words, the motor 7 is an electric motor that drives the fan 6. Specifically, the rotating shaft of the motor 7 is connected to the rotating center of the fan 6 directly or via a gear, and drives the fan 6 when driving power is supplied.

[0021] The computer 8 processes information related to the oil cooling device 10 and controls the entire oil cooling device 10. Specifically, the computer 8 monitors abnormalities in the oil cooling device 10 and controls the refrigerant circuit RC and the motor 7 based on the information related to the oil cooling device 10. The computer 8 is configured with, for example, one or more microcomputers. Furthermore, the computer 8 may realize some of the functions of the computer 8 by using a virtual server machine in a so-called cloud environment, for example.

[0022] The information relating to the oil cooling device 10 includes, for example, the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit RC, and the temperatures of the members that constitute the refrigerant circuit RC. Other examples of information related to the oil cooling device 10 include the operating time and driving power of the motor 7, the temperature and rotation speed of the fan 6, and the like. Other examples of the information related to the oil cooling device 10 include the degree to which the rotation speed of the fan 6 decelerates after the driving force of the fan 6 is removed (hereinafter referred to as "deceleration rate"). The deceleration rate includes, for example, the time it takes for the rotation speed of the fan 6 to decelerate and stop after the supply of current to the motor 7 is stopped (hereinafter referred to as "deceleration time").

[0023] The housing 11 transports air flowing due to the rotation of the fan 6 inside the housing 11. Specifically, the housing 11 forms, as an example of a flow path, a flow path that transports air flowing in from the air intake port 12. This flow path may be formed by a structure such as a duct arranged inside the housing 11. In this embodiment, a condenser 2 is installed in the flow path.

[0024] Filter 13 is provided in housing 11 and has a path through which air passes. For example, when filter 13 is formed of nonwoven fabric, gaps between fibers of the nonwoven fabric become the path through which air passes. Furthermore, when air containing fine particles is supplied to the filter 13, the filter 13 becomes clogged. The clogged filter 13 reduces the amount of air supplied to the condenser 2, and the ability of the oil cooling device 10 to cool the oil decreases. In this embodiment, the term "fine particles" refers to matter suspended in the air, such as sand, dust, pollen, and oil mist.

[0025] The control device 20, which is an example of a control device, uses information correlated with the fan characteristics, which are the characteristics of the fan 6 (hereinafter referred to as "correlated information") to control the oil cooling device 10 including the fan system. Specifically, the control device 20 acquires information related to the oil cooling device 10 from the oil cooling device 10. The control device 20 provides the oil cooling device 10 with correlation information corresponding to the information related to the oil cooling device 10. Examples of the control device 20 include a computer device, a tablet information terminal, a smartphone, and other information processing devices. In addition, the control device 20 may be distributed across multiple virtual server machines in a so-called cloud environment to realize the functions of the control device 20.

[0026] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the device used in the first embodiment, and shows an example of the hardware configuration of the computer 8 and the control device 20 of the oil cooling device 10. The device according to this embodiment has a control unit 110 that controls the operation of the entire device. The device may also have a secondary storage unit 120 that records information related to the oil cooling device 10, and a communication unit 130 that transmits and receives information via a communication line (not shown). Furthermore, the device may have an input unit such as keys or a touch panel that accepts input operations from a user, and a display unit consisting of a liquid crystal display panel, an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display panel, or the like that displays images, characters, and the like to the user.

[0027] The control unit 110, which is an example of a control unit, includes a CPU 110a which controls the entire device as an example of a processor, a RAM 110b which is used as a working memory or the like for the CPU 110a, and a ROM 110c which stores programs executed by the CPU 110a. The control unit 110 also includes a non-volatile memory 110d which is rewritable and can retain data even if the power supply is interrupted, and an interface unit 110e which controls each unit such as the communication unit 130 connected to the control unit 110. The non-volatile memory 110d is composed of, for example, a battery-backed SRAM, a flash memory, etc. Furthermore, the control unit 110 reads the programs stored in the secondary storage unit 120, whereby each process of the terminal device of this embodiment is executed.

[0028] The secondary storage unit 120 is configured, for example, by a hard disk drive (HDD), a semiconductor memory, etc. The secondary storage unit 120 differs depending on the product form of the oil cooling device 10 and the control device 20.

[0029] Here, the program executed by CPU 110a can be provided to control unit 110 in a state where it is stored in a computer-readable recording medium such as a magnetic recording medium (magnetic tape, magnetic disk, etc.), an optical recording medium (optical disk, etc.), a magneto-optical recording medium, a semiconductor memory, etc. Also, the program executed by CPU 110a may be provided to control unit 110 using a communication means such as the Internet.

[0030] Next, the functional configuration of the oil cooling device 10 will be described. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the oil cooling device 10 according to the first embodiment. Each function of the oil cooling device 10 shown in FIG. 3, the oil cooling device 10 has an operation record database (DB) 81 and a fan characteristic DB 82. The oil cooling device 10 also has a drive control unit 83, a temperature estimating unit 84, a pressure loss estimating unit 85, a clogging determining unit 86, and a communication processing unit 87.

[0031] The operation record DB 81 records values ​​(hereinafter referred to as "acquired values") acquired while the oil cooling device 10 is operating. The acquired values ​​are values ​​indicating physical quantities that indicate the status of the oil cooling device 10 that constitutes the fan system. In other words, the operation record DB 81 stores the history of the acquired values ​​of the oil cooling device 10.

[0032] The acquired values ​​include not only measured values ​​measured by a sensor (not shown) but also values ​​associated with control by drive control unit 83. The values ​​associated with control by drive control unit 83 are not limited to values ​​in a state controlled by drive control unit 83, but may be values ​​in an uncontrolled state corresponding to the state when controlled by drive control unit 83. The measured values ​​obtained by the sensors include various temperatures such as the temperature of the condenser 2. In addition, the values ​​associated with the control by the drive control unit 83 include, for example, the deceleration time Ti of the fan 6, the rotation speed N of the fan 6 or the motor 7, and the operation time ti of the fan 6 or the motor 7.

[0033] The deceleration time Ti of the fan 6 may be obtained by stopping the supply of drive power to the motor 7 before the power of the oil cooling device 10 is turned off. The deceleration time Ti of the fan 6 may be obtained by stopping the supply of drive power to the motor 7 after the fan 6 is rotationally driven during the period from when the power of the oil cooling device 10 is turned on until the refrigerant circuit RC starts operating, for example.

[0034] The fan characteristic DB 82, which is an example of a fan characteristic storage unit, stores correlation information that correlates with the fan characteristics of the fan 6. In other words, the fan characteristic DB 82 stores correlation information regarding the fan 6.

[0035] The correlation information includes, for example, internal fan characteristics that are information used to estimate the status of the fan system. The internal fan characteristics are, for example, a relational expression or a table that represents the fan characteristics of the fan 6 itself. In addition, the correlation information includes, for example, control parameters used to control the fan system, such as command values ​​used by the drive control unit 83 to realize a commanded state of the fan system, and threshold values ​​used by the clogging determination unit 86.

[0036] Here, the fan characteristics of the fan 6 will be described. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the characteristics of a fan to which this embodiment is applied, where (A) is a diagram showing differential pressure characteristics and (B) is a diagram showing power characteristics. 4(A), the differential pressure characteristic is the relationship between the static pressure Ps, which indicates the pressure difference before and after the filter 13, and the air volume Q of the fan 6. Even if the rotation speed N of the fan 6 is different from N1, N2, or N3, there is similarity between the differential pressure characteristics corresponding to the rotation speed N. 4(B), the power characteristics take into consideration not only the differential pressure characteristics shown by the solid line, but also the relationship shown by the dashed line between the drive power W of the motor 7 at a given rotation speed N and the air volume Q of the fan 6. This power characteristic shows the drive power W of the motor 7 for one air volume Q and one static pressure Ps.

[0037] The fan characteristics to which this embodiment is applied are not limited to the above fan characteristics, but include the relationship between the rotation speed N of the fan 6 and vibration, and the relationship between the rotation speed N of the fan 6 and noise. In other words, the fan characteristics to which this embodiment is applied may be information indicating a correlation involving the fan 6, and may be information indicating the status of the fan system of the oil cooling device 10.

[0038] Returning to the explanation of Figure 3. The drive control unit 83 adjusts the current supplied to the motor 7 based on information correlated with the fan characteristics, which are the characteristics of the fan 6 (hereinafter referred to as "correlation information"), to control the drive of the fan 6. The current supplied to the motor 7 is the driving force of the fan 6. For example, when the motor 7 is a three-phase motor, the current supplied to the motor 7 is a three-phase AC driving current. Specifically, the drive control unit 83 has, for example, an inverter circuit that converts direct current from a direct current source into alternating current to be supplied to the motor 7, and drives the motor 7 by switching a plurality of switching elements in the inverter circuit. Driving the motor 7 rotates the fan 6. Further, the drive control unit 83 adjusts the drive force and rotation speed of the fan 6, and controls, for example, the air volume, vibration, noise, and the like caused by the rotation of the fan 6.

[0039] The temperature estimation unit 84 obtains information correlating with the temperature of the fan 6, and estimates the temperature of the fan 6. In other words, the temperature estimation unit 84 obtains information correlating with the temperature of the fan 6, and estimates the ambient temperature of the fan 6. In this embodiment, the ambient temperature of the fan 6 is not limited to the temperature of the atmosphere in which the fan 6 is placed, but may be the intake temperature of the fan 6, which indicates the temperature of the air sucked in by the fan 6, or the temperature of the fan 6 itself.

[0040] Examples of information correlated with the temperature of the fan 6 include a measured value obtained by measuring the temperature of the air around the fan, and a measured value obtained by directly measuring the temperature of the fan 6 itself. Also, examples of information correlated with the temperature of the fan 6 include a measured value obtained by measuring the temperature of the condenser 2, a measured value obtained by measuring the temperature of the air drawn in by the fan 6, and the like. The temperature estimation unit 84 may estimate the above-mentioned measured value measured by a sensor (not shown) as the temperature of the fan 6, or may estimate a value calculated based on the measured value as the temperature of the fan 6.

[0041] The pressure loss estimation unit 85 estimates a pressure loss index z relating to the pressure loss caused by the filter 13. Specifically, the pressure loss estimation unit 85 estimates the degree of the pressure loss caused by the filter 13 based on the degree of deceleration of the fan 6.

[0042] Even if the driving force of the fan 6 is removed, the fan 6 will continue to rotate due to inertia, but a load torque To is generated in the fan 6 and the motor 7, causing the rotation speeds of the fan 6 and the motor 7 to decelerate. The load torque To is expressed by the following formula (1). Furthermore, the static pressure Ps when the filter 13 is clogged is greater than the static pressure Ps when the filter 13 is not clogged, so the degree of pressure loss due to the filter 13 increases.

[0043]

number

[0044] FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the pressure loss caused by the filter 13 and the degree of deceleration of the fan 6. In FIG. 5 shows an example in which the fan 6 has fan characteristics in which the load torque To increases when the pressure loss due to the filter 13 increases. In this case, the fan 6 is an axial flow fan such as a propeller fan.

[0045] 5, the vertical axis indicates the rotation speed N [rpm] of the fan 6, and the result of measuring the deceleration time Ti of the fan 6 from when the driving force of the fan 6 is removed until the rotation speed of the fan 6 decelerates and stops, when the rotation speed N immediately before the driving force of the fan 6 is removed is a predetermined rotation speed. The deceleration time Ti [sec] of the fan 6 is measured as the time from when the driving force of the fan 6 is removed until the rotation of the fan 6 stops. 5, under the same rotation speed N of the fan 6, the deceleration time Ti of the fan 6 when the filter 13 is clogged is shorter than the deceleration time Ti of the fan 6 when the filter 13 is not clogged. In other words, under the same rotation speed N of the fan 6, the deceleration rate of the fan 6 when the degree of pressure loss due to the filter 13 is large is greater than the deceleration rate of the fan 6 when the degree of pressure loss due to the filter 13 is small.

[0046] 5, there is a correlation between the degree of pressure loss caused by the filter 13, the rotation speed N [rpm] of the fan 6, and the deceleration time Ti [sec] of the fan 6. Using this correlation, it is possible to estimate the pressure loss index z of the filter 13 based on the rotation speed N of the fan 6 and the deceleration time Ti of the fan 6.

[0047] 3 determines whether or not the filter 13 is clogged. Specifically, the clogging determination unit 86 determines that the filter 13 is clogged when the pressure loss index z of the filter 13 is equal to or greater than a preset threshold value, and determines that the filter 13 is not clogged when the pressure loss index z is less than the threshold value. In addition, the clogging determination unit 86 determines that the filter 13 is clogged when the deceleration of the fan 6 is equal to or greater than a threshold value set for each rotation speed N of the fan 6, and determines that the filter 13 is not clogged when the deceleration is less than the threshold value. Here, the threshold value set for each rotation speed N of the fan 6 refers to a threshold value set for each rotation speed N immediately before the drive force of the fan 6 is removed when, for example, the degree of deceleration of the fan 6 is the deceleration time Ti of the fan 6. Also, if the rotation speed N immediately before the drive force of the fan 6 is removed when the clogging determination unit 86 determines whether the filter 13 is clogged is set to one in advance, only one threshold value may be set without providing multiple threshold values.

[0048] The communication processing unit 87 transmits information about the fans 6 to the control device 20. In addition, the communication processing unit 87 receives information about the fans 6 from the control device 20.

[0049] Next, the functional configuration of the control device 20 will be described. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the control device 20 according to the first embodiment. Each function of the control device 20 shown in FIG. 6, the control device 20 has a deformation estimation unit 21, a characteristic estimation unit 22, and a communication processing unit 23. The control device 20 also has a fan characteristic DB 24, as an example of a fan characteristic storage unit, in which correlation information correlated with the fan characteristic of the fan 6 is stored.

[0050] The deformation estimation unit 21 estimates a deformation index x A Estimate. Specifically, the deformation estimation unit 21 estimates the degree of deformation of the fan 6 in accordance with aging deformation, based on the history of the acquired values ​​of the oil cooling device 10. The deformation estimation unit 21 estimates the deformation index x AAs the deformation amount, not only an index correlating with the deformation of the fan 6 over time but also the amount of deformation of the fan 6 (hereinafter referred to as the "deformation amount") may be estimated.

[0051] Stress acts on the rotating fan 6, generating distortion according to the elastic modulus of the resin material of the fan 6. If this stress continues to act, the elastic modulus of the resin material of the fan 6 changes over time, causing the distortion to increase, resulting in so-called creep deformation. In this embodiment, creep deformation of the fan 6 over time or due to aging is referred to as aging deformation.

[0052] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing deformation of the fan 6 over time. The fan 6a shown in Fig. 7 is a new product. On the other hand, the fan 6b shown in Fig. 7 is a fan having the same shape as the fan 6a, and has been rotated at a rotation speed of 1500 rpm for 170 hours in an environment of 60°C.

[0053] In the example shown in Figure 7, when comparing the height of the blades of fan 6, there is a difference in the height of the blades between fan 6a and fan 6b. Specifically, fan 6b has deformed over time, with a deformation of 8 mm. The resistance force that fan 6b shown in Figure 7 experiences when rotating is reduced compared to fan 6a, which has not deformed over time.

[0054] The deformation estimation unit 21 calculates a deformation index x based on, for example, the history of the temperature Tm of the fan 6. A Specifically, the deformation estimation unit 21 estimates the deformation index x A Calculate.

[0055]

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[0056] Figure 8 shows the history of the temperature Tm of fan 6 and the deformation index x of fan 6. A FIG. FIG. 8 shows the amount of deformation of the fan 6 when the fan 6 is rotated at temperatures of 35° C., 40° C., 45° C., 50° C., 55° C., and 60° C. under the same rotation speed N of the fan 6.

[0057] In the example shown in FIG. 8, the horizontal axis indicates the operation time ti [hrs] of the fan 6 or the motor 7, and the deformation index x of the fan 6 is calculated for each temperature Tm [°C] of the fan 6. A The deformation amount [mm] is shown as the measured value. The regression curve shown by the curve reflects the tendency of the measured deformation amount shown by the dots. Fan 6 deformation index x A is calculated by substituting constants A and B based on the rotation speed N of the fan 6, the temperature Tm of the fan 6, and the operation time ti of the fan 6 or the motor 7 into the above formula (2).

[0058] In addition, the deformation estimation unit 21 calculates a deformation index x based on the history of the rotation speed N of the fan 6 or the motor 7, for example. A Specifically, the deformation estimation unit 21 may estimate the deformation index x A may be calculated.

[0059]

number

[0060] FIG. 9 shows the history of the rotation speed N of the fan 6 or the motor 7 and the deformation index x of the fan 6. A 4A shows the relationship between the temperature of the fan 6 and the rotational temperature of the fan 6 at 45° C., and FIG. 4B shows the relationship between the temperature of the fan 6 and the rotational temperature of the fan 6 at 60° C. FIG. 9 shows the amount of deformation of the fan 6 when the fan 6 is rotated at 1500 rpm and 1060 rpm under conditions of 45° C. and 60° C.

[0061] In the example shown in FIG. 9, the horizontal axis indicates the operation time ti of the fan 6 or the motor 7, and the deformation index x of the fan 6 is calculated for each rotation speed N of the fan 6 or the motor 7. A The deformation amount [mm] is shown as the measured value. The regression curve shown by the curve reflects the tendency of the measured deformation amount shown by the dots. Fan 6 deformation index x A is calculated by substituting constants a and b based on the rotation speed N of the fan 6 or motor 7 and the temperature Tm of the fan 6, and the operation time ti of the fan 6 or motor 7 into the above formula (3).

[0062] Next, the deformation index x when fan 6 is operated under different conditions is calculated. A The estimation method will be explained. For example, it is assumed that the fan 6 is operated for 5 hours under conditions of 45[° C.] and 1500 [rpm], and then operated for 2 hours under conditions of 60[° C.] and 1500 [rpm].

[0063] First, for example, by substituting a constant based on the rotation speed of the fan 6 of 1500 [rpm] and the temperature of the fan 6 of 45 [° C.], and the operation time of the fan 6 of 5 [hrs] into the above formula (3), the deformation index x A ' is calculated. Next, a constant based on the rotation speed of the fan 6, 1500 [rpm] and the temperature of the fan 6, 60 [°C], and the calculated deformation index x A By substituting , the deformation index x A The driving time ti' to reach the target point is calculated. Then, by substituting a constant based on the rotation speed of the fan 6, 1500 [rpm], the temperature of the fan 6, 60 [°C], and the time [hrs] obtained by adding 2 hours to the calculated operation time ti' into the above formula (3), the deformation index x of the fan 6 is calculated. A is calculated. In addition, the deformation index x when fan 6 is operated under different conditions is A The method of estimating is not limited to the above, and it may be estimated by taking into account the operation history of the fan 6.

[0064] In the above example, the deformation estimation unit 21 calculates the deformation index x A The deformation estimation unit 21 estimates the deformation by calculating, for example, the temperature Tm of the fan 6, the rotation speed N of the fan 6 or the motor 7, the operation time ti of the fan 6 or the motor 7, and the deformation index x A Using a correlation diagram or table showing the correlation between the deformation index x A may be estimated.

[0065] Returning to the explanation of Figure 6. The characteristic estimation unit 22 estimates information on the fan characteristics of the fan 6. Specifically, the characteristic estimation unit 22 estimates correlation information that correlates with the fan characteristic according to the aging deformation of the fan 6, based on the history of the acquired values ​​of the oil cooling device .

[0066] The correlation between the fan characteristics changes depending on the aging deformation of the fan 6. Specifically, correlation information correlated with the fan characteristics of the aging-deformed fan 6 differs from correlation information correlated with the fan characteristic y of the initial fan 6 that is not aging-deformed (hereinafter referred to as "initial characteristic y").

[0067] The characteristic estimation unit 22 estimates the correlation information based on at least one value of the temperature Tm of the fan 6 and the rotation speed N of the fan 6. In other words, the characteristic estimation unit 22 corrects the correlation information based on at least one value of the temperature Tm of the fan 6 and the rotation speed N of the fan 6. The characteristic estimating section 22 is an example of a correcting section.

[0068] The characteristic estimation unit 22 estimates a fan characteristic Y (hereinafter referred to as a "corrected characteristic Y") corrected to correspond to the aged deformed fan 6 as an internal fan characteristic corresponding to the aged deformation of the fan 6, for example, based on a history of acquired values ​​of the oil cooling device 10. Specifically, the characteristic estimation unit 22 calculates the corrected characteristic Y, for example, based on the following formula (4).

[0069]

number

[0070] The characteristic estimation unit 22 is not limited to a configuration that corrects the relational equation itself that represents the fan characteristic of the fan 6. The characteristic estimation unit 22 may estimate correlation information by adding a correction value to the result calculated from the initial characteristic y so as to correspond to the fan 6 that has been deformed over time. In addition, the characteristic estimation unit 22 may estimate, for example, a command value or a threshold value corrected to correspond to the fan 6 that has deformed over time as a control parameter corresponding to the deformation of the fan 6 over time, based on the history of values ​​acquired from the oil cooling device 10. The calculation of the correction characteristic Y using the history of the acquired values ​​may be performed when a predetermined condition is satisfied. As an example of "when a predetermined condition is satisfied", the calculation of the correction characteristic Y using the history of the acquired values ​​may be performed when the clogging determination unit 86 determines that the filter 13 is clogged, when the oil cooling device 10 is turned on, or when the oil cooling device 10 is turned off. As an example of "when a predetermined condition is satisfied", the calculation of the correction characteristic Y using the history of the acquired values ​​may be performed when a predetermined time has elapsed, or when at least one of the temperature Tm of the fan 6 and the rotation speed N of the fan 6 changes.

[0071] Additionally, the characteristic estimation unit 22 may acquire a history of values ​​acquired from the oil cooling device 10, for example, and learn the fan characteristics corresponding to the fan 6 that has deformed over time. In this case, the control device 20 controls the oil cooling device 10 based on at least the history of a physical quantity that correlates with the temperature Tm of the fan 6. The functions of the characteristic estimation unit 22 are not limited to those described above, but rather it is sufficient that the correlation information is processed so that the oil cooling device 10 is controlled based on the correlation that changes in response to the aging deformation of the fan 6.

[0072] The communication processing unit 23 receives information about the fan 6 from the oil cooling device 10. Specifically, the communication processing unit 23 receives from the oil cooling device 10 acquired values ​​indicating physical quantities that indicate the status of the oil cooling device 10 that constitutes the fan system. Furthermore, the communication processing unit 23 transmits information regarding the fan 6 to the oil cooling device 10. Specifically, the communication processing unit 23 transmits correlation information regarding the fan 6 to the oil cooling device 10.

[0073] (Air volume control) Next, a process for controlling the air volume of the fan 6 will be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of a process for controlling the air volume of the fan 6. FIG. 10 shows an example in which the air volume is controlled to be constant based on the air volume characteristics indicating the correlation between the rotation speed N of the fan 6 that realizes a certain air volume Q and the driving power W of the motor 7. The air volume characteristic is an example of a fan characteristic, and represents the relationship between the air volume of the fan 6 and at least one of the driving power W of the motor 7, the rotation speed N of the fan 6, and the static pressure Ps of the fan 6.

[0074] The oil cooling device 10 issues a command for a certain airflow rate Q (S101). Specifically, the oil cooling device 10 issues a command for a certain airflow rate Q by the fan 6, for example, B The instruction is to be as follows. Next, the oil cooling device 10 acquires the rotation speed N1 of the fan 6 and the driving power W1 of the motor 7 as acquired values ​​(S102). Specifically, the oil cooling device 10 acquires the rotation speed N1 of the fan 6 and the driving power W1 of the motor 7 as physical quantities correlated with the air volume Q. The oil cooling device 10 compares the obtained value with the air volume characteristic of the fan 6 (S103).

[0075] Here, the air volume characteristics of the fan 6 will be described. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the rotation speed N of the fan 6 and the driving power W of the motor 7. In FIG. FIG. 11 shows the correlation between the rotation speed N of the fan 6 and the drive power W of the motor 7 with respect to the air volume characteristic that realizes a certain air volume Q even when there is a pressure loss due to the filter 13.

[0076] In the example shown in Figure 11, the air volume Q A Air volume characteristic A and air volume Q A Larger airflow Q B Air volume characteristic B and air volume Q are achieved. B Larger airflow Q C With respect to the air volume characteristic C that realizes the above, the correlation between the rotation speed N of the fan 6 and the drive power W of the motor 7 is shown by a solid line. The correlation shown in FIG. 11 indicates the initial characteristic y of the air volume of the fan 6 before it is deformed with age. For example, when the filter 13 is not clogged and the fan 6 is rotated under the conditions of a rotation speed N1 and a driving power W2, the air volume Q B is blown out.

[0077] On the other hand, for example, when the filter 13 is clogged and the fan 6 is rotated under the condition of the rotation speed N1, the air passing through the filter 13 is reduced, so the air volume Q is reduced to the air volume Q B In the example shown in FIG. 11, when the fan 6 is rotated under the conditions of a rotation speed N1 and a driving power W1, the air volume Q B Smaller airflow Q A is blown out.

[0078] When filter 13 is clogged, the air volume Q B In order to achieve this, for example, the rotation speed N of the fan 6 may be increased to a rotation speed N2, and the drive power W of the motor 7 may be adjusted to a drive power W3 based on the air volume characteristic B shown in FIG.

[0079] Next, the oil cooling device 10 estimates the air volume Q based on the acquired value and the air volume characteristic of the fan 6 (S104). Specifically, the oil cooling device 10 estimates that the air volume Q of the fan 6 is, for example, air volume Q based on the air volume characteristic A that is the intersection of the rotation speed N1 and the driving power W1. A It is estimated that.

[0080] Then, the oil cooling device 10 compares the commanded air volume Q (hereinafter, "commanded air volume Q") with the estimated air volume Q (hereinafter, "estimated air volume Q") (S105). The oil cooling device 10 determines whether the absolute value of the difference between the command air volume Q and the estimated air volume Q is less than a predetermined value (S106).

[0081] When the absolute value of the difference between the command air volume Q and the estimated air volume Q is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (No in S106), the oil cooling device 10 increases or decreases the rotation speed N according to the difference between the command air volume Q and the estimated air volume Q (S107). Specifically, the oil cooling device 10 increases or decreases the rotation speed N according to the magnitude of the absolute value of the difference between the command air volume Q and the estimated air volume Q and the magnitude relationship between the command air volume Q and the estimated air volume Q. For example, when the commanded air volume Q is larger than the estimated air volume Q, if the absolute value of the difference between the commanded air volume Q and the estimated air volume Q is equal to or larger than a threshold, the rotation speed N is increased by 2 [rpm], and when the absolute value of the difference between the commanded air volume Q and the estimated air volume Q is smaller than a threshold, the rotation speed N is increased by 1 [rpm]. In addition, when the commanded air volume Q is smaller than the estimated air volume Q, the rotation speed N is decreased according to the magnitude of the absolute value of the difference between the commanded air volume Q and the estimated air volume Q. Next, the oil cooling device 10 repeats the processes from S102 onwards until the absolute value of the difference between the command air volume Q and the estimated air volume Q becomes less than a predetermined value. In S106, if the absolute value of the difference between the command air volume Q and the estimated air volume Q is less than the predetermined value (Yes in S106), the oil cooling device 10 ends the process.

[0082] When the fan 6 is deformed over time, the air volume characteristic changes from the initial characteristic y. Therefore, even if the driving power W of the motor 7 is adjusted based on the air volume characteristic shown in FIG. 11, it may not be possible to control the air volume Q to a constant value.

[0083] In this embodiment, the control device 20 corrects the relational equation showing the correlation between the air volume Q, the rotation speed N, and the driving power W, based on at least one of the acquired values ​​of the temperature Tm of the fan 6 and the rotation speed N of the fan 6. The control device 20 also specifies a correction value for correcting the result calculated using the relational equation showing the correlation between the air volume Q, the rotation speed N, and the driving power W to correspond to the fan 6 that has deformed over time. Then, the control device 20 provides the oil cooling device 10 with the corrected relational equation and the specified correction value. As a result, in the oil cooling device 10, the air volume of the fan 6 can be controlled to be constant regardless of whether or not the fan 6 has deformed over time.

[0084] Alternatively, the command value of the first air volume Q may be corrected so as to correspond to the aged fan 6. In this case, the control device 20 provides the oil cooling device 10 with the corrected command value of the first air volume Q or a correction value for correcting the command value of the first air volume Q so as to correspond to the aged fan 6.

[0085] In addition, when the impact of changes in air path characteristics due to clogged filters or the like, which indicate the difficulty of air flow in the flow path within the oil cooling device 10, is small, the oil cooling device 10 may specify the driving power W that realizes a specified air volume Q based on a relational equation that shows the correlation between the air volume Q and the driving power W. In this case, the oil cooling device 10 adjusts the rotation speed N of the fan 6 so as to achieve the commanded one air volume Q at the commanded driving power W. Specifically, the oil cooling device 10 adjusts the command value of the rotation speed N of the fan 6 at the commanded driving power W as the driving power W capable of achieving the commanded one air volume Q.

[0086] The control device 20 corrects the relational equation showing the correlation between the air volume Q and the driving power W based on at least one of the acquired values ​​of the temperature Tm of the fan 6 and the rotation speed N of the fan 6. Alternatively, the control device 20 specifies a correction value for correcting the result calculated using the relational equation showing the correlation between the air volume Q and the driving power W to correspond to the fan 6 that has deformed over time. Then, the control device 20 provides the oil cooling device 10 with the corrected relational equation and the specified correction value.

[0087] Alternatively, the command value for one air volume Q or the command value for the rotation speed N may be corrected to correspond to the aged fan 6. In this case, the control device 20 provides the oil cooling device 10 with the corrected command value for one air volume Q or the command value for the rotation speed N, or a correction value for correcting the command value for one air volume Q or the command value for the rotation speed N to correspond to the aged fan 6.

[0088] Furthermore, in the case where the influence of a change in air passage characteristics due to a clogged filter or the like, which indicates the difficulty of air flow in the flow passage in the oil cooling device 10, is small, the oil cooling device 10 may specify the rotation speed N that realizes the commanded one air volume Q based on a relational expression that indicates the correlation between the air volume Q and the rotation speed N. In this case, the oil cooling device 10 adjusts the rotation speed N of the fan 6 so that the commanded one air volume Q is achieved at the commanded rotation speed N. Specifically, the oil cooling device 10 adjusts the rotation speed N of the fan 6 to a command value that can realize the commanded one air volume Q. Furthermore, the control device 20 corrects the relational equation showing the correlation between the air volume Q and the rotation speed N based on at least one of the acquired values ​​of the temperature Tm of the fan 6 and the rotation speed N of the fan 6. Alternatively, the control device 20 specifies a correction value for correcting the result calculated using the relational equation showing the correlation between the air volume Q and the rotation speed N to correspond to the fan 6 that has deformed over time. Then, the control device 20 provides the oil cooling device 10 with the corrected relational equation and the specified correction value. In addition, the control device 20 does not provide a corrected command value or a corrected value for the command value when adjusting the rotation speed N of the fan 6 so that the air volume Q commanded by the oil cooling device 10 matches the air volume Q measured by a sensor or the like.

[0089] Second embodiment In the above example, the correlation information of the fan 6 estimated by the control device 20 of the present disclosure is used to control the air volume Q of the fan 6, but this is not limited thereto. The correlation information of the fan 6 estimated by the control device 20 of the present disclosure may be used to monitor the static pressure Ps of the fan 6, for example. The correlation information used for monitoring the static pressure Ps of the fan 6 is an example of a fan characteristic, and indicates the relationship between the static pressure Ps of the fan 6 and a physical quantity that is correlated with the static pressure Ps of the fan 6 .

[0090] Next, a process for determining whether the filter 13 is clogged by monitoring the static pressure Ps of the fan 6 will be described. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the flow of a process for determining whether the filter 13 is clogged. FIG. 12 shows an example in which clogging of the filter 13 is determined based on the pressure loss characteristic indicating the correlation between the deceleration time Ti of the fan 6 having the rotation speed N and the pressure loss index z caused by the filter 13.

[0091] The oil cooling device 10 acquires the deceleration time Ti of the fan 6 as an acquired value (S201). Specifically, the oil cooling device 10 acquires the deceleration time Ti of the fan 6 as a physical quantity correlated with the pressure loss index z. The oil cooling device 10 compares the obtained value with the pressure loss characteristic of the fan 6 (S202).

[0092] Here, the pressure loss characteristics of the fan 6 will be described. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the deceleration time Ti of the fan 6 and the pressure loss index z caused by the filter 13 when the rotation speed N immediately before the driving power W of the fan 6 is removed is a predetermined rotation speed. 13, the deceleration time Ti [sec] of the fan 6a (see FIG. 7) and the deceleration time Ti [sec] of the fan 6b (see FIG. 7) are shown for each pressure loss value [Pa] caused by the filter 13.

[0093] In the example shown in FIG. 13, the horizontal axis indicates the deceleration time Ti of the fan 6, and the pressure loss index z of the filter 13 is shown as a measured value of the pressure loss value [Pa] in a case where the fan 6 has not been deformed over time and a case where the fan 6 has been deformed over time. In the example shown in FIG. 13, when the pressure loss value due to the filter 13 is 40 [Pa], the deceleration time Ti of the fan 6 that has not undergone aging deformation is 3.27 [sec], whereas the deceleration time Ti of the fan 6 that has undergone aging deformation is 3.42 [sec]. A fan 6 that has undergone aging deformation receives a smaller resistance force than a fan 6 that has not undergone aging deformation, and the deceleration time Ti of the fan 6 becomes longer.

[0094] The regression curve shown by the curve reflects the tendency of the measured values ​​of the pressure loss values ​​shown by the dots. 13, the correlation between the deceleration time Ti of the fan 6a (see FIG. 7) and the pressure loss index z of the filter 13 is shown by a solid line, and the correlation between the deceleration time Ti of the fan 6b (see FIG. 7) and the pressure loss index z of the filter 13 is shown by a dashed line. In other words, in FIG. 13, the initial characteristic y of the pressure loss of the fan 6 in an early stage before age-related deformation is shown by a solid line, and the characteristic of the pressure loss of the fan 6 after age-related deformation is shown by a dashed line.

[0095] Next, the oil cooling device 10 estimates the pressure loss index z based on the acquired value and the pressure loss characteristics of the fan 6 (S203). Specifically, the oil cooling device 10 estimates the pressure loss index z based on the deceleration time Ti and the pressure loss characteristics of the fan 6. The oil cooling device 10 determines whether the filter 13 is clogged based on the threshold value (S204). Specifically, the oil cooling device 10 determines that the filter 13 is clogged when the pressure loss index z is equal to or greater than the threshold value, and determines that the filter 13 is not clogged when the pressure loss index z is less than the threshold value.

[0096] In this processing example, it is assumed that it is determined that the filter 13 is clogged. The oil cooling device 10 notifies the user of the clogging of the filter 13 (S205) and ends the process. Specifically, the oil cooling device 10 notifies the user of the clogging of the filter 13 by, for example, sound, light, display of an image or text, communication such as e-mail, or any combination of these, and ends the process.

[0097] When the fan 6 is deformed over time, the pressure loss characteristic changes from the initial characteristic y. Therefore, even if the clogging of the filter 13 is determined based on the initial characteristic y shown in FIG. 13, the accuracy of the determination of the clogging of the filter 13 may be reduced.

[0098] In this embodiment, the control device 20 corrects the relational expression showing the correlation between the deceleration time Ti and the pressure loss index z based on at least one of the acquired values ​​of the temperature Tm of the fan 6 and the rotation speed N of the fan 6. Alternatively, the control device 20 specifies a correction value for correcting the result calculated using the relational expression showing the correlation between the deceleration time Ti and the pressure loss index z so as to correspond to the fan 6 that has deformed over time. Then, the control device 20 provides the oil cooling device 10 with the corrected relational expression or the specified correction value.

[0099] The oil cooling device 10 estimates the pressure loss index z, for example, based on a history of values ​​acquired by the oil cooling device 10 and a relational expression corrected to accommodate the aged deformation of the fan 6. Specifically, the oil cooling device 10 calculates the pressure loss index z, for example, based on the following formula (5). This makes it possible to maintain the accuracy of determining whether the filter 13 is clogged in the oil cooling device 10, regardless of whether the fan 6 has been deformed over time.

[0100]

number

[0101] In addition, the oil cooling device 10 may determine that the filter 13 is clogged when the deceleration time Ti is less than a threshold value, and may determine that the filter 13 is not clogged when the deceleration time Ti is equal to or greater than the threshold value. In this case, the control device 20 corrects the threshold value set for the deceleration time Ti so as to correspond to the aged deformed fan 6. Then, the control device 20 provides the oil cooling device 10 with the corrected threshold value for the deceleration time Ti.

[0102] Physical quantities correlated with the pressure loss index z include not only the deceleration time Ti of the fan 6, but also, for example, the driving power W of the motor 7, the rotation speed N of the fan 6, the degree of disturbance, etc. "Disturbance" refers to a state in which the direction of flow of a fluid, the speed of flow of a fluid, or the pressure of a fluid fluctuates irregularly.

[0103] When the rotation speed N of the fan 6 is controlled to be constant, the rotation speed N of the fan 6 fluctuates slightly, but the average rotation speed N of the fan 6 is constant. On the other hand, as the filter 13 becomes more clogged, the pressure loss value due to the filter 13 increases. As the pressure loss value due to the filter 13 increases, the degree of turbulence of the air transported by the fan increases.

[0104] Third embodiment FIG. 14 is a schematic configuration diagram of a control system 2100 according to the third embodiment. A control system 2100 according to the third embodiment differs from the control system 100 according to the first embodiment in that it has a clean room 210 that corresponds to the oil cooling device 10. The following describes the differences from the first embodiment.

[0105] The control system 2100 is provided with a clean room 210 and a control device 220 that controls the clean room 210. In the control system 2100, the clean room 210 and the control device 220 are capable of communicating information with each other via a communication line.

[0106] A clean room 210 as an example of a fan system includes a fan 206 and a motor 207 that drives the fan 206, and controls a static pressure Ps of the clean room 210. The clean room 210 is a device that controls the static pressure Ps so that the air pressure in a room R of the clean room 210 surrounded by a housing 211a, for example, becomes higher than the atmospheric pressure.

[0107] The clean room 210 includes a fan 206, a motor 207, and a computer 208. The fan 206, the motor 207, and the computer 208 are housed in a housing 211b. The housing 211b is provided with an intake port 212 for drawing in air from the room R, and an exhaust port 214 for discharging the air from the room R. The housing 211b is also provided with a filter 213a for filtering the air drawn in from the room R, and a filter 213b for purifying the air to be discharged into the room R. Furthermore, the housing 211b is housed in the housing 211a. The housing 211a is provided with a duct 215 that draws in air outside the clean room 210, and an air damper 216 that exhausts air from the room R to the outside of the clean room 210.

[0108] The controller 220 , as an example of a controller, causes the clean room 210 to be controlled based on correlation information correlating to the fan characteristics of the fan 206 . Specifically, the control device 220 acquires information about the clean room 210 from the clean room 210. The control device 220 provides the clean room 210 with correlation information corresponding to the information about the clean room 210.

[0109] (Static pressure control) Next, a process for controlling the static pressure Ps inside the room R of the clean room 210 will be described. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the flow of a process for controlling the static pressure Ps of the fan 206. FIG. 15 shows an example in which the air volume is controlled to be constant based on the static pressure characteristics indicating the correlation between the rotation speed N of the fan 206 that realizes a certain static pressure Ps and the driving power W of the motor 207.

[0110] The clean room 210 issues a command for a single static pressure Ps (S301). Next, the clean room 210 acquires the rotation speed N1 of the fan 206 and the driving power W1 of the motor 207 as acquired values ​​(S302). The physical quantity correlated with the static pressure Ps is not limited to the rotation speed N1 of the fan 6 and the driving power W1 of the motor 7, but may be, for example, the deceleration time Ti of the fan 6, the degree of disturbance, or the like.

[0111] Next, the clean room 210 compares the obtained value with the static pressure characteristic of the fan 206 (S303). The clean room 210 estimates the static pressure Ps based on the acquired value and the static pressure characteristics of the fan 206 (S304). Specifically, the clean room 210 estimates the static pressure Ps generated by the fan 206 based on the static pressure characteristics that are the intersection of the rotation speed N1 and the driving power W1.

[0112] Then, the clean room 210 compares the commanded static pressure Ps (hereinafter, "commanded static pressure Ps") with the estimated static pressure Ps (hereinafter, "estimated static pressure Ps") (S305). The clean room 210 determines whether the absolute value of the difference between the command static pressure Ps and the estimated static pressure Ps is less than a predetermined value (S306).

[0113] When the absolute value of the difference between the command static pressure Ps and the estimated static pressure Ps is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (No in S306), the clean room 210 increases or decreases the rotation speed N according to the difference between the command static pressure Ps and the estimated static pressure Ps (S307). Specifically, the clean room 210 increases or decreases the rotation speed N according to the magnitude of the absolute value of the difference between the command static pressure Ps and the estimated static pressure Ps and the magnitude relationship between the command static pressure Ps and the estimated static pressure Ps. For example, when the command static pressure Ps is greater than the estimated static pressure Ps, if the absolute value of the difference between the command static pressure Ps and the estimated static pressure Ps is equal to or greater than a threshold, the rotation speed N is increased by 2 [rpm], and when the absolute value of the difference between the command static pressure Ps and the estimated static pressure Ps is less than the threshold, the rotation speed N is increased by 1 [rpm]. Also, when the command static pressure Ps is smaller than the estimated static pressure Ps, the rotation speed N is decreased according to the magnitude of the absolute value of the difference between the command static pressure Ps and the estimated static pressure Ps. Next, the clean room 210 repeats the processes from S302 onwards until the absolute value of the difference between the command static pressure Ps and the estimated static pressure Ps becomes less than a predetermined value. In S306, if the absolute value of the difference between the command static pressure Ps and the estimated static pressure Ps is less than the predetermined value (Yes in S306), the clean room 210 ends the process.

[0114] In this processing example, the control device 220 corrects the relational equation showing the correlation between the static pressure Ps, the rotation speed N, and the driving power W, based on at least one of the acquired values ​​of the temperature Tm of the fan 206 and the rotation speed N of the fan 206. Alternatively, the control device 220 specifies a correction value for correcting the result calculated using the relational equation showing the correlation between the static pressure Ps, the rotation speed N, and the driving power W to correspond to the fan 206 that has deformed over time. Then, the control device 220 provides the clean room 210 with the corrected relational equation or the specified correction value. This makes it possible to monitor the static pressure Ps in the room R of the clean room 210 regardless of the presence or absence of aging deformation of the fan 206, and to prevent air from flowing into the room R through the air damper 216 or the like.

[0115] (Fourth embodiment) The correlation information of the fan 6 estimated by the control device 20 of the present disclosure may be used, for example, to monitor an abnormality in the fan system. The correlation information used for monitoring an abnormality in the fan system is an example of a fan characteristic, and indicates the relationship between a physical quantity correlated with the monitoring of an abnormality in the fan system and the monitoring of an abnormality in the fan system. The correlation information of the fan 6 is used, for example, to monitor vibrations and noise caused by the rotation of the fan 6, and to monitor abnormalities in components of the fan system.

[0116] (vibration suppression) Next, a process for suppressing vibrations caused by the fan 6, which is an example of an abnormality in the fan system, will be described. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the flow of a process for suppressing vibration caused by the fan 6. Figure 16 shows an example in which the vibration caused by the fan 6 is controlled based on vibration characteristics that indicate the correlation between the differential pressure characteristics before and after the filter 13 and the air path characteristics that indicate the difficulty of air flow in the flow path within the oil cooling device 10.

[0117] The oil cooling device 10 acquires the rotation speed N1 of the fan 6 and the driving power W1 of the motor 7 as acquired values ​​(S401). The physical quantity correlated with the vibration caused by the fan 6 is not limited to the rotation speed N1 of the fan 6 and the driving power W1 of the motor 7, but may be, for example, the deceleration time Ti of the fan 6, the degree of disturbance, etc. The oil cooling device 10 compares the obtained value with the vibration characteristics of the fan 6 (S402).

[0118] Here, the vibration characteristics of the fan 6 will be described. 17(A) and (B) are diagrams showing the relationship between the vibration characteristics and vibration area of ​​fan 6, where (A) shows the case of an initial fan 6 that has not been deformed over time, and (B) shows the case of a fan 6 that has been deformed over time. 17(A) and (B), the differential pressure characteristics for different rotation speeds N (N1, N2, N3) of fan 6 are shown by solid lines, and the air path characteristics are shown by dashed lines. The vibration area is the range shown by a rectangle. The intersection of the differential pressure characteristics and the air path characteristics indicates the air volume Q and static pressure Ps when fan 6 rotates at rotation speed N.

[0119] 17A, the intersection of the air volume Q and the static pressure Ps when the fan 6 rotates at the rotation speed N2 is within the vibration area. In this case, vibration occurs due to the rotation of the fan 6. The oil cooling device 10 suppresses vibrations caused by the rotation of the fan 6 by rotating the fan 6 at the rotation speed N1 or N3, avoiding the rotation speed N2.

[0120] When the fan 6 is deformed over time, the differential pressure characteristics change, and the vibration characteristics of the fan 6 also change. In the example shown in FIG. 17(B), not only the intersection of the air volume Q and static pressure Ps when the fan 6 rotates at the rotation speed N2, but also the intersection of the air volume Q and static pressure Ps when the fan 6 rotates at the rotation speed N3 are within the vibration area. In this case, the oil cooling device 10 rotates the fan 6 at the rotation speed N1, avoiding the rotation speeds N2 and N3, thereby suppressing vibrations caused by the rotation of the fan 6.

[0121] Next, the oil cooling device 10 estimates the vibration S caused by the rotation of the fan 6 based on the acquired value and the vibration characteristics of the fan 6 (S403). The oil cooling device 10 determines whether to avoid vibration caused by the rotation of the fan 6 based on the threshold value (S404). Specifically, the oil cooling device 10 determines to avoid vibration when the estimated vibration S is equal to or greater than the threshold value, and determines not to avoid vibration when the estimated vibration S is less than the threshold value.

[0122] In this processing example, a case is assumed in which it is determined that vibration should be avoided. The oil cooling device 10 specifies a rotation speed N that avoids vibrations caused by the rotation of the fan 6, based on a relational expression that indicates the vibration characteristics (S405). The oil cooling device 10 issues a command for the identified rotation speed N (S406), and ends the process.

[0123] If the fan 6 is deformed over time, the vibration characteristic changes from the initial characteristic y. Therefore, even if the rotation speed N2 is avoided, a situation may occur in which the vibration caused by the rotation of the fan 6 cannot be suppressed.

[0124] In this embodiment, the control device 20 corrects the relational equation indicating the vibration characteristics based on at least one of the acquired values ​​of the temperature Tm of the fan 6 and the rotation speed N of the fan 6. The control device 20 also specifies a correction value for correcting the result calculated using the relational equation indicating the vibration characteristics to correspond to the fan 6 that has deformed over time. The control device 20 then provides the oil cooling device 10 with the corrected relational equation and the specified correction value. As a result, in the oil cooling device 10, vibrations caused by the rotation of the fan 6 can be suppressed regardless of whether or not the fan 6 has deformed over time. Furthermore, the threshold value and the range of the vibration area may be corrected to accommodate a fan 6 that has deformed over time.

[0125] (Notification processing) When the estimated vibration is equal to or greater than the threshold, the oil cooling device 10 performs a notification process to notify information about the vibration caused by the rotation of the fan 6. As the notification process, for example, a lamp (not shown) may be turned on when the vibration is equal to or greater than a threshold value. Also, for example, a lamp may be turned on when the vibration is below a threshold value, and the lamp may be flashed when the vibration is equal to or greater than the threshold value. Also, for example, the blinking of the lamp may be different depending on whether the vibration is below the threshold value or not. Specifically, for example, when the vibration is below the threshold value, the lamp may be blinked so that it is alternately turned on for 1 second and off for 1 second, and when the vibration is above the threshold value, the lamp may be blinked so that it is alternately turned on for 1.4 seconds and off for 0.6 seconds.

[0126] As another example of the notification process, information indicating that the vibration is equal to or greater than a threshold value may be displayed on the display unit. As another example of the notification process, information indicating that the vibration is equal to or greater than a threshold may be transmitted to a terminal device used by a user. The notification process is not limited to the above process, and may be any process that notifies information regarding the vibrations caused by the rotation of the fan 6 by, for example, sound, light, display of an image or text, communication such as e-mail, or any combination of these.

[0127] (Noise suppression) Similar to the above processing example, noise caused by the fan 6, which is an example of an abnormality in the fan system, may be suppressed. In this processing example, the noise generated by the fan 6 is controlled based on noise characteristics that indicate the correlation between the differential pressure characteristics before and after the filter 13 and the air path characteristics within the oil cooling device 10. Furthermore, the oil cooling device 10 may perform a notification process to notify information related to the noise caused by the rotation of the fan 6 when the estimated noise is equal to or greater than a threshold value.

[0128] In this processing example, the control device 20 corrects the relational equation indicating the noise characteristics based on at least one of the acquired values ​​of the temperature Tm of the fan 6 and the rotation speed N of the fan 6. The control device 20 also specifies a correction value for correcting the result calculated using the relational equation indicating the noise characteristics to correspond to the aged deformation of the fan 6. The control device 20 then provides the oil cooling device 10 with the corrected relational equation and the specified correction value. As a result, in the oil cooling device 10, noise caused by the rotation of the fan 6 can be suppressed regardless of whether or not the fan 6 has been deformed over time. The threshold value may also be corrected to accommodate a fan 6 that has been deformed over time.

[0129] (Monitoring abnormalities in fan system components) Next, a process for detecting an abnormality in a component of a fan system, which is an example of an abnormality in a fan system, will be described. Abnormalities in the components of the fan system include, for example, bearing abnormalities in the motor 7, misalignment, damage to a rotor (not shown), damage to the fan 6, adhesion of dirt to the fan 6, imbalance between the fan 6 and the motor 7, and the like.

[0130] In this processing example, the oil cooling device 10 detects an abnormality in a component of the fan system based on a physical quantity that correlates with the abnormality in the component of the fan system. Examples of physical quantities that are correlated with abnormalities in the components of the fan system include the deceleration time Ti of the fan 6, the driving power W of the motor 7, the rotation speed N of the fan 6, the degree of disturbance, and current order components. The "driving power W of the motor 7" refers to the composite amount of the products of the current and the voltage. For example, in the case of a three-phase AC circuit, the driving power W is the composite amount of the products of the phase voltage, the phase current, and the power factor. The "current order component" refers to each order component for each n-th order frequency, which is n times the frequency of the fundamental wave, and is, for example, each order component based on the phase current supplied to the motor 7. Also, the first order frequency refers to the frequency of the fundamental wave.

[0131] Here, an imbalance between the fan 6 and the motor 7, which is one example of an abnormality in the components of the fan system, will be described. FIG. 18 shows the results of frequency analysis of the phase current supplied to the motor 7, where (A) shows the order components when the fan 6 and the motor 7 are balanced, and (B) shows the order components when the fan 6 and the motor 7 are not balanced. 18(A) and (B) show examples of the results of frequency analysis using a Fast Fourier Transform on each waveform of the phase current supplied to the motor 7. In Fig. 18(A) and (B), the horizontal axis shows frequency [Hz], and the vertical axis shows the intensity of the spectrum for each frequency.

[0132] In the example shown in FIG. 18(A), the fan 6 and the motor 7 are balanced, and the spectrum exists only at the primary frequency of 25 [Hz]. 18B, the fan 6 and the motor 7 are not balanced, and there is an imbalance, and not only the first frequency but also two spectra at 20 Hz and 30 Hz exist. These two spectra indicate the frequencies of the sidebands.

[0133] FIG. 19 is a diagram showing the difference in intensity of the spectrum. FIG. 19 shows an example of the difference between the results of frequency analysis of the phase current supplied to the motor 7 when the fan 6 and the motor 7 are balanced (see FIG. 18(A)) and when the fan 6 and the motor 7 are not balanced (see FIG. 18(B)).

[0134] The spectrum related to the first frequency exists both when the fan 6 and the motor 7 are balanced and when the fan 6 and the motor 7 are unbalanced. Furthermore, at the first frequency, the intensity of the spectrum hardly changes. On the other hand, the spectrum related to the sideband frequency does not exist when the fan 6 and the motor 7 are balanced, but exists when the fan 6 and the motor 7 are not balanced. Therefore, the difference in the intensity of the spectrum between the sideband frequencies of 20 [Hz] and 30 [Hz] is larger than that of 25 [Hz].

[0135] 19, the oil cooling device 10 detects an imbalance between the fan 6 and the motor 7 when a difference occurs with respect to the intensity of the spectrum when the fan 6 and the motor 7 are balanced. In other words, the oil cooling device 10 detects an imbalance between the fan 6 and the motor 7 when a current order component different from the current order component when the fan 6 and the motor 7 are balanced is detected. The oil cooling device 10 detects the unbalance of the fan 6 and the motor 7 based on the balance characteristic indicating the correlation between the current order component and the unbalance of the fan 6 and the motor 7. Furthermore, when the oil cooling device 10 detects an imbalance between the fan 6 and the motor 7, it may perform a notification process to notify information regarding this imbalance.

[0136] In this case, the control device 20 corrects the relational equation indicating the balance characteristic based on at least one of the acquired values ​​of the temperature Tm of the fan 6 and the rotation speed N of the fan 6. The control device 20 also specifies a correction value for correcting the result calculated using the relational equation indicating the balance characteristic to correspond to the aged deformation of the fan 6. The control device 20 then provides the oil cooling device 10 with the corrected relational equation and the specified correction value. This makes it possible for the oil cooling device 10 to detect imbalance between the fan 6 and the motor 7, regardless of whether or not the fan 6 has deformed over time.

[0137] Fifth embodiment In the above example, the correlation information of the fan 6 estimated by the control device 20 of the present disclosure is used by the oil cooling device 10 that cools oil, but this is not limited to the above. The correlation information of the fan 6 estimated by the control device 20 of the present disclosure may also be used for a refrigeration device (not shown) that cools a liquid or air other than oil, for example.

[0138] A refrigeration device, as an example of a fan system, includes a fan system including a fan 6 and a motor 7, a flow path that transports air by the fan 6, and a condenser 2 installed in the flow path. In this case, the temperature of the fan 6 of the refrigeration device is estimated based on at least one of the temperature around the fan 6 and the temperature of the condenser 2.

[0139] (Estimation of refrigeration efficiency) Next, a process for estimating the refrigeration efficiency Rc of the refrigeration device according to the fifth embodiment will be described. In other words, a process for predicting the refrigeration efficiency Rc of the refrigeration device according to the fifth embodiment will be described. FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the flow of a process for controlling the refrigeration efficiency Rc of the fan 6. FIG. 20 shows an example in which the refrigeration efficiency of the fan 6 is estimated based on the refrigeration efficiency characteristic indicating the correlation between the static pressure Ps of the fan 6 and the refrigeration efficiency of the refrigeration device. The refrigeration efficiency characteristic is an example of a fan characteristic, and represents the relationship between a physical quantity correlating with the refrigeration efficiency Rc of a refrigeration device equipped with a fan system and the refrigeration efficiency Rc of the refrigeration device.

[0140] The refrigeration apparatus acquires the rotation speed N1 of the fan 6 and the driving power W1 of the motor 7 as acquired values ​​(S501). The physical quantity correlated with the static pressure Ps is not limited to the rotation speed N1 of the fan 6 and the driving power W1 of the motor 7, but may be, for example, the deceleration time Ti of the fan 6, the degree of disturbance, a current order component, etc. In addition, the physical quantity correlated with the static pressure Ps is also correlated with the refrigeration efficiency Rc.

[0141] Next, the refrigeration apparatus compares the obtained value with the static pressure characteristic of the fan 6 (S502). The refrigeration apparatus estimates the static pressure Ps based on the acquired value and the static pressure characteristics of the fan 6 (S503). Specifically, the refrigeration apparatus estimates the static pressure Ps by the fan 6 based on the static pressure characteristics that are the intersection of the rotation speed N1 and the driving power W1.

[0142] The static pressure Ps by the fan 6 increases due to clogging of the filter 13. When the refrigeration apparatus acquires the deceleration time Ti of the fan 6, the static pressure Ps by the fan 6 may be estimated from the deceleration time Ti and a pressure loss index z based on the pressure loss characteristic.

[0143] Then, the refrigeration apparatus compares the static pressure Ps by the fan 6 with the refrigeration efficiency characteristic (S504). The refrigeration device specifies the refrigeration efficiency Rc based on the estimated static pressure Ps and the refrigeration efficiency characteristic (S505), and ends the process. In other words, the refrigeration device estimates the refrigeration efficiency Rc based on the estimated static pressure Ps and the refrigeration efficiency characteristic, and ends the process. Furthermore, when the estimated refrigeration efficiency Rc is less than a threshold value, a notification process may be performed to notify the user of the deterioration of the refrigeration efficiency of the refrigeration device.

[0144] In this processing example, the control device 20 corrects the relational equation indicating the static pressure characteristics of the fan 6 based on at least one of the acquired values ​​of the temperature Tm of the fan 6 and the rotation speed N of the fan 6. Alternatively, the control device 20 specifies a correction value for correcting the result calculated using the relational equation indicating the static pressure characteristics of the fan 6 to correspond to the fan 6 that has deformed over time. Then, the control device 20 provides the corrected relational equation or the specified correction value to the refrigeration device. This makes it possible to monitor the deterioration of the refrigeration efficiency of the refrigeration apparatus caused by clogging of the filter 13, regardless of the presence or absence of aging deformation of the fan 6. The threshold value may also be corrected to accommodate a fan 6 that has been deformed over time.

[0145] (Estimated cooling capacity) Similar to the above processing example, the cooling capacity of the refrigeration device according to the fifth embodiment may be estimated. In this processing example, the maximum cooling capacity of the refrigeration device is estimated based on the cooling capacity characteristic that indicates the correlation between the static pressure Ps of the fan 6 and the cooling capacity of the refrigeration device. In other words, in this processing example, the maximum cooling capacity of the refrigeration device is predicted based on the cooling capacity characteristic that indicates the correlation between the static pressure Ps of the fan 6 and the cooling capacity of the refrigeration device. The cooling capacity characteristic is an example of a fan characteristic, and indicates the relationship between a physical quantity correlating with the cooling capacity of a refrigeration device equipped with a fan system and the cooling capacity of the refrigeration device.

[0146] The refrigeration device may also perform a notification process to notify information about an estimated maximum cooling capacity of the refrigeration device. Specifically, the refrigeration device may perform a notification process to notify about a deterioration in the maximum cooling capacity of the refrigeration device.

[0147] Also in this processing example, the control device 20 corrects the relational expression indicating the static pressure characteristic of the fan 6 based on at least one of the acquired values ​​of the temperature Tm of the fan 6 and the rotation speed N of the fan 6. The physical quantity correlated with the static pressure Ps is also correlated with the cooling capacity. Alternatively, the control device 20 specifies a correction value for correcting the result calculated using the relational equation indicating the static pressure characteristic of the fan 6 to correspond to the aged deformation of the fan 6. Then, the control device 20 provides the corrected relational equation and the specified correction value to the refrigeration device. This makes it possible to monitor the deterioration of the cooling capacity of the refrigeration device, regardless of the presence or absence of aging deformation of the fan 6.

[0148] In addition, in the present disclosure, the control device 20 is configured to generate correlation information used to control the operation of the oil cooling device 10 and the like, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the oil cooling device 10 may have the functions of the control device 20. Specifically, the oil cooling device 10 may have the functions of the deformation estimation unit 21, the characteristic estimation unit 22, etc., shown in FIG.

[0149] Here, the embodiment described above can be understood as follows. In the control device 20 of the present disclosure, the characteristic estimating unit 22 corrects the correlation information correlating with the fan characteristic so as to correspond to the fan characteristic that changes in accordance with the aging deformation of the fan. In this case, the oil cooling device 10 stores the corrected correlation information in the fan characteristic DB 82. Furthermore, based on the corrected correlation information, the drive control unit 83, the pressure loss estimation unit 85, and the clogging determination unit 86 execute processing to control the fan system. Therefore, the fan system can be controlled taking into account the fan characteristics that change in accordance with the aging deformation of the fan 6. It should be noted that the fan system may be controlled based on the corrected correlation information in the clean room 210 or the refrigeration device, rather than in the oil cooling device 10.

[0150] Furthermore, the characteristic estimation unit 22 corrects the correlation information based on at least one of the temperature Tm of the fan 6 and the rotation speed N of the fan 6 . In this case, the fan system is controlled based on the corrected correlation information in the oil cooling device 10. Therefore, the fan system can be controlled taking into consideration a change in fan characteristics based on at least one of the temperature Tm of the fan 6 and the rotation speed N of the fan 6. It should be noted that the fan system may be controlled based on the corrected correlation information in the clean room 210 or the refrigeration device, rather than in the oil cooling device 10.

[0151] In addition, when the characteristic estimation unit 22 controls the air volume Q of the fan 6 based on a correlation between at least one of the driving power W of the motor 7, the rotational speed N of the motor 7, and the static pressure Ps of the fan 6 and the air volume Q of the fan 6, the fan characteristics represent this correlation. Specifically, when the characteristic estimation unit 22 corrects the correlation information based on at least one of the acquired values ​​of the temperature Tm of the fan 6 and the rotation speed N of the fan 6, and the air volume Q is controlled based on the corrected correlation information, the fan characteristic represents the correlation information of the air volume Q. In this case, the air volume Q of the fan 6 can be controlled taking into consideration changes in fan characteristics based on at least one of the driving power W of the motor 7, the rotation speed N of the motor 7, and the static pressure Ps of the fan 6.

[0152] Furthermore, when the characteristic estimation unit 22 monitors the static pressure Ps of the fan 6 based on the correlation between the static pressure Ps of the fan 6 and a physical quantity correlated with the static pressure Ps of the fan 6, the fan characteristic represents this correlation. Specifically, when the characteristic estimation unit 22 corrects the correlation information based on at least one of the acquired values ​​of the temperature Tm of the fan 6 and the rotation speed N of the fan 6, and the static pressure Ps is monitored based on the corrected correlation information, the fan characteristic represents the correlation information of the static pressure Ps. In this case, the static pressure Ps of the fan 6 can be controlled taking into consideration a change in the fan characteristics based on a physical quantity that correlates with the static pressure Ps of the fan 6.

[0153] Furthermore, when the characteristic estimation unit 22 monitors an abnormality in the fan system based on a correlation between a physical quantity correlated with the abnormality in the fan system and the abnormality in the fan system, the fan characteristic represents this correlation. Specifically, the characteristic estimation unit 22 corrects the correlation information based on at least one of the acquired values ​​of the temperature Tm of the fan 6 and the rotation speed N of the fan 6, and when an abnormality in the fan system is monitored based on the corrected correlation information, the fan characteristic represents correlation information of the abnormality in the fan system. In this case, it is possible to monitor an abnormality in the fan system by taking into consideration a change in the fan characteristics based on a physical quantity that correlates with the abnormality in the fan system.

[0154] Additionally, the abnormality of the fan system is vibration of the fan system or noise of the fan system. In this case, abnormalities in the vibration or noise of the fan system can be monitored taking into account changes in the fan characteristics.

[0155] In addition, when the characteristic estimation unit 22 predicts the refrigeration efficiency Rc of the refrigeration device based on the correlation between a physical quantity correlated with the refrigeration efficiency Rc of the refrigeration device equipped with a fan system and the refrigeration efficiency Rc of the refrigeration device, the fan characteristic represents this correlation. Specifically, when the characteristic estimation unit 22 corrects the correlation information based on at least one of the acquired values ​​of the temperature Tm of the fan 6 and the rotation speed N of the fan 6, and the refrigeration efficiency Rc is predicted based on the corrected correlation information, the fan characteristic represents the correlation information of the refrigeration efficiency Rc. In this case, the refrigeration efficiency Rc can be monitored taking into account changes in fan characteristics based on a physical quantity correlated with the refrigeration efficiency Rc.

[0156] Furthermore, when the characteristic estimation unit 22 predicts the cooling capacity of a refrigeration device equipped with a fan system based on the correlation between a physical quantity correlated with the cooling capacity of the refrigeration device and the cooling capacity of the refrigeration device, the fan characteristic represents this correlation. Specifically, when the characteristic estimation unit 22 corrects the correlation information based on at least one of the acquired values ​​of the temperature Tm of the fan 6 and the rotation speed N of the fan 6, and the cooling capacity is predicted based on the corrected correlation information, the fan characteristics represent correlation information of the cooling capacity. In this case, the cooling capacity can be monitored taking into account changes in fan characteristics based on physical quantities that correlate with the cooling capacity.

[0157] From another perspective, the characteristic estimating unit 22 of the control device 20 according to the present disclosure controls the fan system based on the history of the physical quantity that correlates with the temperature Tm of the fan 6. In this case, in the oil cooling device 10, correlation information generated by the control device 20 learning the history of the physical quantity correlated with the temperature Tm of the fan 6 is stored in the fan characteristic DB 82. Therefore, it is possible to control the fan system taking into account the change in the fan characteristics based on the history of the physical quantity correlated with the temperature Tm of the fan 6.

[0158] In addition, the characteristic estimation unit 22 estimates the temperature Tm of the fan 6 of a refrigeration device that includes a fan system, a flow path through which air flows by the rotation of the fan 6, and a condenser 2 installed in the flow path, based on at least one of the temperature around the fan 6 and the temperature of the condenser 2. In this case, the temperature Tm of the fan 6 can be obtained without actually measuring it. The temperature estimation unit 84 may estimate the temperature Tm of the fan 6 based on at least one of the temperature around the fan 6 and the temperature of the condenser 2 , and provide the temperature Tm of the fan 6 to the control device 20 .

[0159] Also, from another perspective, the program of the control device 20 disclosed herein enables the control device 20, which controls the fan system of the oil cooling device 10, to realize the following functions: storing correlation information correlated to the fan characteristics in the fan characteristic DB 24; providing the correlation information to the oil cooling device 10 to control the fan system; and having a characteristic estimation unit 22 that corrects the correlation information to correspond to the fan characteristics that change in accordance with deformation of the fan 6 over time. In this case, the fan system can be controlled taking into account the fan characteristics that change in accordance with the aging deformation of the fan 6. In addition to the oil cooling device 10, the fan system may be controlled based on the corrected correlation information in the clean room 210 or the refrigeration device.

[0160] In addition, the configurations described above are not limited to the above embodiments, and can be modified without departing from the spirit of the invention. In other words, it is understood that various modifications of the form and details are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims. The present invention is not limited to the above-described configurations, and some of the configurations described above may be omitted, or other functions may be added to the configurations described above. [Explanation of symbols]

[0161] 2...condenser, 6...fan, 7...motor, 8...computer, 10...oil cooling device, 13...filter, 20, 220...control device, 21...deformation estimation unit, 22...characteristics estimation unit, 23, 87...communication processing unit, 24, 82...fan characteristics DB, 81...operation record DB, 83...drive control unit, 84...temperature estimation unit, 85...pressure loss estimation unit, 86...clogging determination unit, 110...control unit

Claims

1. A control unit is provided for controlling a fan system including a fan that is a rotating body driven by a motor and a bearing for the fan, The control unit is a fan characteristic storage unit for storing correlation information correlated with a fan characteristic that is a characteristic of the fan, a correction unit that corrects the correlation information to correspond to fan characteristics that change in accordance with aging deformation of the fan, Based on the correlation information, performing any one of air volume control, static pressure monitoring, static pressure control, abnormality monitoring, vibration suppression, noise suppression, and estimation of the refrigeration efficiency or refrigeration capacity of a refrigeration device including the fan system. Control device.

2. The control unit is Acquire at least one value of an ambient temperature of the fan and a rotation speed of the fan; correcting the correlation information based on the obtained value; The control device according to claim 1 .

3. When the control unit controls the air volume of the fan based on a relationship between at least one of the driving power of the motor, the rotation speed of the fan, and the static pressure of the fan, the fan characteristic represents the relationship. The control device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. When the control unit acquires a physical quantity correlated with the static pressure of the fan and monitors the static pressure of the fan based on the relationship between the physical quantity and the static pressure of the fan, the fan characteristic represents the relationship. The control device according to claim 1 or 2.

5. When the control unit acquires a physical quantity correlated with an abnormality of the fan system and monitors the abnormality of the fan system based on a relationship between the physical quantity and the abnormality of the fan system, the fan characteristic represents the relationship. The control device according to claim 1 or 2.

6. The abnormality of the fan system is vibration of the fan system or noise of the fan system. The control device according to claim 5.

7. When the control unit acquires a physical quantity correlated with the refrigeration efficiency of the refrigeration device including the fan system and predicts the refrigeration efficiency of the refrigeration device based on the relationship between the physical quantity and the refrigeration efficiency of the refrigeration device, the fan characteristic represents the relationship. The control device according to claim 1 or 2.

8. When the control unit acquires a physical quantity correlated with a cooling capacity of a refrigeration device equipped with the fan system and predicts the cooling capacity of the refrigeration device based on a relationship between the physical quantity and the cooling capacity of the refrigeration device, the fan characteristic represents the relationship. The control device according to claim 1 or 2.

9. A control unit is provided for controlling a fan system including a fan that is a rotating body driven by a motor and a bearing for the fan, The control unit is Acquire a physical quantity correlated with the ambient temperature of the fan; Based on the acquired history of physical quantities, performing any one of air volume control, static pressure monitoring, static pressure control, abnormality monitoring, vibration suppression, and noise suppression of the fan system, or estimating the refrigeration efficiency or refrigeration capacity of a refrigeration device equipped with the fan system. Control device.

10. The control unit is and estimating the ambient temperature of the fan of a refrigeration apparatus including the fan system, a flow path through which a fluid is transported by the fan, and a heat exchanger installed in the flow path, based on at least one of an ambient temperature of the fan and a temperature of the heat exchanger. The control device according to claim 9.

11. A computer controls a fan system including a fan that is a rotating body driven by a motor and a bearing for the fan, a function of storing correlation information correlated with a fan characteristic, the fan characteristic being a characteristic of the fan; a correction unit that corrects the correlation information to correspond to fan characteristics that change in accordance with aging deformation of the fan; a function of performing, based on the correlation information, any one of air volume control, static pressure monitoring, static pressure control, abnormality monitoring, vibration suppression, noise suppression, and estimation of the refrigeration efficiency or refrigeration capacity of a refrigeration device including the fan system; A program to achieve this.

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