Heat adjustment monitoring device, heat adjustment monitoring program, and heat adjustment monitoring method

Abstract

To properly notify a user of a bad condition of a heat regulation device.SOLUTION: A heat regulation monitoring device 20 comprises: a state amount recording part 21B for recording a state amount of a combustion device 30 when any of plural predefined conditions is satisfied in the combustion device 30 under each of the plural conditions into a memory device 23; and an analysis part 21C for obtaining latest statistical data by statistically analyzing collection of the state amount recorded in the memory device 23 under each of the plural conditions. The heat regulation monitoring device 20 further comprises a comparison part 21 for outputting comparison results by comparing the latest statistical data with reference statistical data prepared as the analysis data of the collection of the state amount of the combustion device 30 under each of the plural conditions.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a heat control monitoring device, a heat control monitoring program, and a heat control monitoring method for monitoring a heat control device that performs heat control such as heating or cooling.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for monitoring the activity of a burner flame (ultraviolet intensity in Patent Document 1) for each of a plurality of sub-sequences constituting a combustion sequence (in Patent Document 1, "pilot ignition (trial)", "pilot only", "main ignition", and "main stable"). In this technique, when the activity of the flame of the burner to be monitored deviates from a predetermined range defined for each sub-sequence, it is determined that there is a problem with the combustion device. The user can grasp that there is a problem with the combustion device by checking this determination result.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The technique described in Patent Document 1 above only determines that there is a problem with the combustion device when the activity of the burner flame deviates from a predetermined range defined for each sub-sequence, and does not consider the tendency of changes in the activity of the flame. Therefore, there is still room for improvement in this technique. Note that such problems can be generally said of the state quantities of heat control devices.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object thereof is to appropriately let a user grasp a problem with a heat control device.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, a heat control monitoring device according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a state quantity recording unit configured to record, in a storage unit for each of a plurality of predetermined conditions in a heat control device, a state quantity of the heat control device when any one of the plurality of conditions is satisfied, an analysis unit configured to statistically analyze a set of the state quantities recorded in the storage unit for each of the plurality of conditions to obtain first statistical data, and a comparison unit configured to compare, for each of the plurality of conditions, the first statistical data with second statistical data serving as a reference prepared as statistical data of a set of state quantities of the heat control device and output a comparison result.

[0007] The analysis unit may be configured to statistically analyze, in the same manner as when obtaining the first statistical data, a set of the state quantities recorded in the storage unit before a malfunction occurs in the heat control device, and obtain statistical data of the set as the second statistical data.

[0008] The state quantity recording unit may be configured to record, in the storage unit, a plurality of types of the state quantities when the satisfied condition is a specific condition, the analysis unit may be configured to obtain the first statistical data for each type of the state quantities, and the comparison unit may compare the first statistical data with the second statistical data for each type of the state quantities.

[0009] The heat control monitoring device may further include a sequential recording unit configured to sequentially record, in the storage unit, a plurality of types of state values representing a state of the heat control device, and the state quantity recording unit may be configured to, for each type of the state values, extract, from the state values sequentially recorded in the storage unit, a state value when any one of the plurality of conditions is satisfied, and record, in the storage unit as the state quantity, the extracted state value or a derived value derived based on the state value.

[0010] The successive recording unit may be configured to obtain the plurality of types of state values from a plurality of controllers that directly or indirectly control the heating adjustment device.

[0011] The plurality of conditions may include that the status of the heating adjustment device has changed and that the current time has reached a predetermined date and time that arrives regularly.

[0012] The plurality of conditions may include that a predetermined period has elapsed, and the state quantity when the predetermined period has elapsed is the sum or statistical quantity of values representing the state of the heating adjustment device that changes with time during the period.

[0013] The first statistical data includes first distribution data that divides the range of the state quantity into a plurality of divided classes and shows the distribution of the number of state quantities belonging to each class. The second statistical data includes second distribution data that divides the range of the state quantity into a plurality of divided classes and shows the distribution of the number of state quantities belonging to each class. The comparison unit compares the first statistical data and the second statistical data by graphing the first distribution data and the second distribution data in association with each other with the class of the state quantity as the first axis and the number of state quantities as the second axis, and outputs each graph of the first distribution data and the second distribution data that are graphed in association with each other as the comparison result.

[0014] The comparison unit may be configured to estimate the presence or absence of a malfunction of the heating adjustment device based on the difference between the first statistical data and the second statistical data, and output the estimation result as the comparison result.

[0015] The heat control monitoring program according to the second aspect of the present invention causes a computer to execute a state quantity recording step of recording, in a storage unit for each of a plurality of predetermined conditions in a heat control device, a state quantity of the heat control device when any one of the plurality of conditions is satisfied; an analysis step of statistically analyzing a set of the state quantities recorded in the storage unit for each of the plurality of conditions to obtain first statistical data; and a comparison step of comparing, for each of the plurality of conditions, the first statistical data with second statistical data serving as a reference prepared as statistical data of a set of state quantities of the heat control device, and outputting a comparison result.

[0016] The heat control monitoring method according to the third aspect of the present invention includes a state quantity recording step of recording, in a storage unit for each of a plurality of predetermined conditions in a heat control device, a state quantity of the heat control device when any one of the plurality of conditions is satisfied; an analysis step of statistically analyzing a set of the state quantities recorded in the storage unit for each of the plurality of conditions to obtain first statistical data; and a comparison step of comparing, for each of the plurality of conditions, the first statistical data with second statistical data serving as a reference prepared as statistical data of a set of state quantities of the heat control device.

Advantages of the Invention

[0017] According to the present invention, a user can appropriately grasp a malfunction of a heat control device.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0018]

Figure 1

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Figure 14

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0019] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention and its modified examples will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0020] (Embodiment) As shown in FIG. 1, a heat adjustment monitoring device 20 according to an embodiment of the present invention is used in a heating system 10. The heating system 10 heats (adjusts the heat) the inside of the combustion chamber R by burning fuel gas, thereby heating a heating target such as steel in the combustion chamber R. The heating system 10 reforms the heating target by this heating. The heat adjustment monitoring device 20 monitors the heating system 10 (more specifically, a combustion device 30 described later). The user can grasp the presence or absence of malfunction of the heating system 10 (more specifically, the combustion device 30 described later) by checking the monitoring result (statistical data described later). Here, "malfunction" refers to a mild abnormality that allows heating, before the state where combustion cannot be performed more specifically than heating.

[0021] In addition to the heat adjustment monitoring device 20, the heating system 10 includes a combustion device 30 that burns fuel gas in the combustion chamber R, a combustion control device 71 that controls the operation of the combustion device 30 according to a predetermined combustion sequence, and a temperature controller 75 that instructs the combustion control device 71 to start the combustion sequence or the like so that the temperature in the combustion chamber R becomes the target temperature. The temperature controller 75 indirectly controls the combustion device 30 via the combustion control device 71. Hereinafter, the combustion device 30, the combustion control device 71, and the temperature controller 75 will be described first, and then the heat adjustment monitoring device 20 will be described.

[0022] The combustion device 30 includes a combustion appliance 40, an air supply system 50, and a fuel supply system 60.

[0023] The combustion device 40 includes a combustion furnace 41 that forms a combustion chamber R, and a main burner 42 that burns fuel gas in the combustion chamber R to heat the inside of the combustion chamber R. The combustion device 40 further includes a pilot burner 43 that burns fuel gas to ignite the main burner 42, and an ignition device (igniter) 44 that generates an ignition spark for igniting the pilot burner 43. The combustion device 40 further includes a flame detector 45 that detects the activity of the flames of each of the burners 42 and 43, and a temperature sensor 46 that detects the temperature inside the combustion chamber R. The activity of the flame is a degree indicating how actively the flame is generated. The flame detector 45 detects the activity of the flame, for example, by detecting electromagnetic waves (here, ultraviolet rays) radiated from the flame of the main burner 42 or the pilot burner 43. The flame detector 45 detects and outputs the activity of the flame by converting the intensity of the electromagnetic waves into a frame voltage or a frame current and outputting it. The activity of the flame may be represented by the number of discharges between electrodes by the electromagnetic waves.

[0024] The air supply system 50 supplies air to each of the burners 42 and 43 of the combustion device 40. The air supply system 50 includes a damper 51, a flow meter 52, and a blower 53. The damper 51 controls the flow rate of air to the main burner 42. The flow meter 52 detects the flow rate of air to the main burner 42. The blower 53 blows air when it is turned on. By this blowing, air is supplied to each of the burners 42 and 43.

[0025] The fuel supply system 60 supplies fuel gas from the outside to the main burner 42 and the pilot burner 43 of the combustion device 40. The fuel supply system 60 includes a damper 61, a flow meter 62, a main valve 63, and a pilot valve 64. The damper 61 controls the flow rate of fuel to the main burner 42. The flow meter 62 detects the flow rate of fuel to the main burner 42. The main valve 63 opens and closes the fuel flow path connected to the main burner 42. The fuel supply system 60 also includes a pilot valve 64 that opens and closes the fuel flow path connected to the pilot burner 43.

[0026] Each of the systems 50 and 60 supplies air and fuel gas such that the air-fuel ratio, which is the ratio of the air to the fuel gas supplied to the main burner 42, is within a predetermined range of ratios that is favorable for combustion. For example, the opening degrees of the dampers 51 and 61 are linkage-controlled, thereby maintaining the air-fuel ratio within a predetermined range of ratios.

[0027] The combustion control device 71 is configured to include various computers such as a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) and a personal computer. The combustion control device 71 is also called a burner controller. The combustion control device 71 controls the combustion device 30 according to a predetermined combustion sequence in order to heat the inside of the combustion chamber R. Hereinafter, the combustion sequence will be described with reference to FIG. 2. At the start of the combustion sequence, the blower 53 of the air supply system 50 is off, and each valve 63 and 64 of the fuel supply system 60 is closed. That is, at the start of the combustion sequence, air and fuel are not supplied to the main burner 42 and the pilot burner 43. As shown in FIG. 2, the combustion sequence includes sub-sequences such as "pre-purge" (step S1), "pilot ignition" (step S2), "pilot only" (step S3), "main ignition" (step S4), "main stabilization" (step S5), and "steady combustion" (step S6).

[0028] In the pre-purge, the combustion control device 71 controls the damper 51 to the fully open position and operates the blower 53 of the air supply system 50 to send fresh air into the combustion chamber R through the main burner 42 and the pilot burner 43. Thereby, the fuel gas remaining in the combustion chamber R is discharged to the outside. The pre-purge is performed for a certain period of time.

[0029] After pre-purge, the combustion control device 71 controls dampers 51 and 61 to a low opening position. Thereafter, the combustion control device 71 controls the pilot valve 64 of the fuel supply system 60 to an open state to start fuel supply to the pilot burner 43 and executes pilot ignition to operate the ignition device 44 to generate an ignition spark. Thereby, the pilot burner 43 ignites. The combustion control device 71 detects ignition of the pilot burner 43 when the intensity of the flame detected by the flame detector 45 exceeds a first predetermined value. After this detection, the combustion control device 71 executes pilot only to stabilize the flame of the pilot burner 43.

[0030] After pilot only, the combustion control device 71 executes main ignition to control the main valve 63 of the fuel supply system 60 to an open state to start fuel supply to the main burner 42. Thereby, the main burner 42 ignites using the flame of the pilot burner 43 as an ignition source. The combustion control device 71 detects ignition of the main burner 42 when the intensity of the flame detected by the flame detector 45 exceeds a second predetermined value or when it has increased by a predetermined amount since the detection of ignition of the pilot burner 43. After detecting ignition, the combustion control device 71 executes main stabilization to stabilize the flame of the main burner 42. After detecting ignition of the main burner 42 and before main stabilization, the combustion control device 71 closes the pilot valve 64 of the fuel supply system 60 to stop fuel supply to the pilot burner 43 and extinguish the flame of the pilot burner 43.

[0031] After the main stabilization, the combustion control device 71 shifts to steady combustion. The inside of the combustion chamber R is heated by the steady combustion of the main burner 42. In steady combustion, the combustion control device 71 controls the opening degrees of the dampers 51 and 61 to control the flow rates of air and fuel to the main burner 42, thereby controlling the thermal power (activity of the flame) of the main burner 42. The combustion control device 71 controls the opening degrees of the dampers 51 and 61 by inputting an operation amount to the dampers 51 and 61. The operation amount is indicated by the opening degrees of the dampers 51 and 61, and the dampers 51 and 61 operate so as to have the opening degrees indicated by the input operation amount. At the timing of the end of steady combustion, the combustion control device 71 turns off the blower 53 of the air supply system 50, controls the main valve 63 of the fuel supply system 60 to the closed state, and stops the supply of air and fuel to the main burner 42.

[0032] The combustion control device 71 stores a sequence number indicating whether it is currently executing a combustion sequence and the current sub-sequence when executing the combustion sequence. For example, the state of not executing the combustion sequence is assigned the sequence number "0". The sequence numbers "1" to "6" are assigned to the sub-sequences of pre-purge, pilot ignition, pilot only, main ignition, main stabilization, and steady combustion. The combustion control device 71 updates the sequence number it stores based on the start of execution of the combustion sequence, the switching of sub-sequences, etc.

[0033] Returning to FIG. 1, the temperature controller 75 gives various instructions to the combustion control device 71 so that the temperature in the combustion chamber R changes over time in the same manner as the time change of the target temperature specified by the temperature program shown in FIG. 3, for example, using the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 46 as the feedback value. The temperature controller 75 gives instructions regarding the start of the combustion sequence, the end of steady combustion (the end timing of the combustion sequence), the flow rates of fuel and air during steady combustion, etc., based on the relationship between the feedback value and the target temperature. When giving instructions for the flow rates of fuel and air, the temperature controller 75 supplies the target values of the flow rates to the combustion control device 71. The combustion control device 71 uses the flow rates detected by the flow meters 52 and 62 as feedback values and controls the opening degrees of the dampers 51 and 61 so that the flow rates become the target values. Specifically, the combustion control device 71 controls the opening degrees of the dampers 51 and 61 by inputting an operation amount corresponding to the difference between the feedback value and the target value to the dampers 51 and 61. The combustion device 30 may include a set of a plurality of main burners 42 and pilot burners 43. In this case, the heating power of each set of main burners 42, that is, the flow rates of fuel and air, may be fixed, and the degree of heating in the combustion chamber R may be adjusted by the number of flames of the main burners 42. In this case, the number of main burners 42 to be ignited is controlled by the temperature controller 75.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 3, the temperature program is divided into a plurality of segments SG1 to SG7. In segments SG1 and SG3, the target temperature gradually rises over time. That is, in segments SG1 and SG3, the time change of the target temperature has an upward gradient. In segments SG2, SG4, and SG6, the target temperature is constant. In segments SG5 and SG7, the target temperature gradually decreases over time. That is, in segments SG5 and SG7, the time change of the target temperature has a downward gradient. The reason for providing a gradient in the time change of the segment target temperature is to prevent damage, that is, the occurrence of abnormalities, such as on the wall surface of the combustion chamber R due to a rapid change in the temperature in the combustion chamber R. Segments SG2 etc. where the target temperature is set constant are provided to cause the reforming of the heating target in the combustion chamber R due to that temperature.

[0035] A plurality of types of temperature programs are prepared, and which temperature program is used for heating is specified by a higher-level device of the thermostat 75. The thermostat 75 stores a pattern number indicating whether the current temperature program is being executed and the type thereof when the temperature program is being executed. Further, the thermostat 75 also stores a segment number indicating the current segment when the temperature program is being executed. When the temperature program is not being executed, the pattern number and the segment number are set to "0". The thermostat 75 also stores segment setting information indicating the setting of the current segment, for example, the gradient of the time change of the temperature of the segment, the period of the segment, the target temperature of the segment, and the like.

[0036] The heat adjustment monitoring device 20 in FIG. 1 is configured to include various computers such as a personal computer. As shown in FIG. 4, the heat adjustment monitoring device 20 includes a processor 21 such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a RAM (Random Access Memory) 22 that functions as the main memory of the processor 21, and a non-volatile storage device 23 that stores a heat adjustment monitoring program executed by the processor 21. The storage device 23 also stores state values, state quantities, recent statistical data, and reference statistical data, which will be described later. The heat adjustment monitoring device 20 further includes a display 24 that displays various screens, which will be described later, an operating device 25 operated by a user, and a communication module 26 for the processor 21 to communicate with the combustion control device 71.

[0037] In this embodiment, the processor 21 operates as a sequential recording unit 21A, a state quantity recording unit 21B, an analysis unit 21C, and a comparison unit 21D shown in FIG. 5 by executing the heat adjustment monitoring program stored in the storage device 23.

[0038] The sequential recording unit 21A communicates with the combustion control device 71 and the thermostat 75 via the communication module 26, periodically and sequentially acquires a plurality of types of current state values from these devices, and functions as a data collector that sequentially records them in the storage device 23. Each state value is a value representing the state of the combustion device 30.

[0039] The sequential recording unit 21A acquires, as the state values, the respective flow rates of the fuel and air supplied to the main burner 42, the respective operation amounts input to the dampers 51 and 61, and the activity levels of the flames of the main burner 42 and the pilot burner 43 from the combustion control device 71. The combustion control device 71 detects the respective flow rates of the fuel and air by the flow meters 52 and 62 and transmits them to the sequential recording unit 21A. The sequential recording unit 21A may directly communicate with the flow meters 52 and 62 to acquire the respective flow rates. The combustion control device 71 detects the activity level of the flame by the flame detector 45 and transmits it to the sequential recording unit 21A. The sequential recording unit 21A also acquires the sequence number from the combustion control device 71 as the state value.

[0040] The sequential recording unit 21A acquires, as the state values, the target temperature in the combustion chamber R, the temperature in the combustion chamber R, and the target values of the respective flow rates of air and fuel output to the combustion control device 71 from the temperature controller 75. The temperature controller 75 detects the temperature in the combustion chamber R by the temperature sensor 46 and transmits it to the sequential recording unit 21A. The sequential recording unit 21A also acquires the pattern number, the segment number, and the segment setting information from the combustion control device 71 as the state values.

[0041] The sequential recording unit 21A records the acquired multiple types of state values in the storage device 23 together with the date and time (including the date and time) for each type of state value. As a result, in the storage device 23, a plurality of state values are recorded in chronological order for each type of state value, and these multiple state values constitute time-series data indicating the temporal change of the state value.

[0042] Based on the state values recorded in the storage device 23, the state quantity recording unit 21B acquires, for each of the plurality of predetermined conditions in the combustion device 30, a state quantity representing the state of the combustion device 30 when any one of the conditions is satisfied, and records it in the storage device 23. The state quantity is either the state value itself or a derived value derived based on the state value.

[0043] The state quantity recording unit 21B, for example, in the state quantity acquisition and recording process, first waits until any one of a plurality of predetermined conditions (details will be described later) is satisfied (step S11 and the discrimination result of No). When the condition is satisfied (step S11; Yes), the state quantity recording unit 21B extracts and acquires the state value at the time when the condition is satisfied from the time-series data of the state values of the type corresponding to the condition among the state values recorded in the storage device 23 (step S12). The type of state value corresponding to the condition is associated in advance for each condition in order to grasp the malfunction of the combustion device 30. The state values acquired when one condition is satisfied may be of multiple types.

[0044] The above-mentioned plurality of conditions include that the status of the combustion device 30 has changed and that a predetermined period has elapsed.

[0045] Examples of the status of the combustion device 30 changing include that the segment number or sequence number sequentially stored in the storage device 23 has become a certain value (including the start or end of the temperature program, combustion sequence), and that the segment number or sequence number has changed from a certain value, that the temperature in the combustion chamber R (the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 46) has reached the target temperature, and the like. The state value extracted by the state quantity recording unit 21B is, for example, the state value at the timing when the condition is satisfied, the state value at the timing after a predetermined time has elapsed from that timing, or the average value of a short period including before and after that timing.

[0046] Examples of the predetermined period include a period during which the temperature in the combustion chamber R at the start of the temperature program reaches the second temperature (for example, 200°C) from the first temperature (for example, 35°C) that is equal to or lower than a predetermined temperature. Also, the predetermined period may be, for example, a period from the timing when the temperature in the combustion chamber R reaches the target temperature until a predetermined time has elapsed. The state value extracted by the state quantity recording unit 21B is, for example, the total or statistical quantity (such as the average value) of the state values that change with time during the period, or the state value at a predetermined timing during the period.

[0047] Thereafter, the state quantity recording unit 21B records, in the storage device 23, the state value acquired in step S12 or a derived value derived based on the state value as the state quantity of the combustion device 30 (step S13). The state quantity recording unit 21B calculates a derived value that becomes a specific type of state quantity based on the state value using a predetermined formula or acquires it by referring to a table. Such calculation or reference derives the derived value. The derived value includes, for example, the difference between multiple types of state values. There may be multiple types of state quantities. When recording the state quantity, the state quantity recording unit 21B classifies the state quantity for each state quantity that can be statistically compared with each other and records it in the storage device 23. Being statistically comparable with each other means that it can be used for generating the statistical data described later. For example, it means that the types of state quantities are the same, the above conditions that triggered the acquisition of the state quantity are the same, and the pattern number, segment number, and sequence number are the same. When recording the state quantity in the storage device 23, the state quantity recording unit 21B may record, for example, the pattern number, segment number, sequence number, date and time, etc. when the above conditions are satisfied, in association with the state quantity in the storage device 23. These may be referred to as appropriate later.

[0048] When the state quantity recording unit 21B records the state quantity in the storage device 23 in step S13, for example, it executes the state quantity recording process of FIG. 7. This process is performed individually for each classified state quantity.

[0049] In the state quantity recording process of FIG. 7, the state quantity recording unit 21B records the state quantity in the Nth (initial value is 0) storage area among the 0th to 49th storage areas (see FIG. 8) provided in the storage device 23 (step S13A). This storage area is prepared for each classified state quantity.

[0050] After step S13A, the state quantity recording unit 21B determines whether N = 49 (step S13B). If N is not equal to 49 (No), 1 is added to N (step S13C). When N is 49 (step S13B; Yes), the state quantity recording unit 21B initializes N to 0 (step S13D). Through such a series of processes, as shown in FIG. 8, when 50 state quantities (a1 to a50) with N = 0 to 49 are recorded in the storage device 23, the subsequently obtained state quantities are overwritten starting from N = 0. As a result, the latest 50 state quantities are recorded in the storage device 23. These 50 state quantities are recorded for each of the state quantities classified above.

[0051] Returning to FIG. 5, the analysis unit 21C statistically analyzes the set of state quantities with N = 0 to 49 stored in the storage device 23 at the initial stage after the manufacture of the combustion device 30, and obtains the statistical data of this set obtained from this analysis as reference statistical data. The analysis unit 21C performs this process for each of the above-classified state quantities.

[0052] The analysis unit 21C obtains reference statistical data by starting the reference statistical data generation process shown in FIG. 8 for each of the above-classified state quantities from the first operation start after the manufacture of the combustion device 30. In the reference statistical data generation process shown in FIG. 8, the analysis unit 21C first monitors each storage area of N = 0 to 49 in the storage device 23 and waits until state quantities are recorded in all of them (step S21). When state quantities are recorded in each storage area of N = 0 to 49 (step S21; Yes), the analysis unit 21C reads out a set of a total of 50 state quantities from each of these storage areas (step S22). Then, the analysis unit 21C statistically analyzes the read set of 50 state quantities (step S23), and records the statistical data of the set of state quantities obtained by this analysis in the storage device 23 as reference statistical data (step S24).

[0053] In the statistical analysis of step S24, as shown in FIG. 10, the number of state quantities belonging to the same preset class is counted as the frequency. The class is obtained by dividing the range of the state quantity into a plurality of divided classes. The reference statistical data includes distribution data showing the distribution of the number of state quantities belonging to each class of the state quantity, as shown in FIG. 10. This distribution data is also referred to as reference distribution data hereinafter. The reference distribution data serves as a reference for comparison with the most recent distribution data described later. The above-mentioned class may be the value of the state quantity itself. For example, when the state quantity is specified in units of 1 °C and the decimal part is rounded off, each numerical value of 1 °C, 2 °C, 3 °C,... that the state quantity can take may be treated as a class of the state quantity.

[0054] When the reference distribution data shown in FIG. 10 is graphed with the class of the state quantity on the horizontal axis and the number (frequency) of state quantities on the vertical axis, a graph (frequency line graph) as shown in FIG. 11 is obtained. The black circles in the graph of FIG. 11 are attached to the class values of the classes. As shown in FIG. 11, the graph of the reference distribution data often has a Gaussian distribution with a narrow width in the horizontal axis direction, that is, a small standard deviation.

[0055] The reference statistical data generation process shown in FIG. 9 may be started before the operation test after the manufacture of the combustion device 30, or may be started after the start of the actual operation of the combustion device 30 after the end of the operation test. The above-mentioned manufacture includes the case where the combustion device 30 becomes new by repairing, fixing, modifying, or replacing the combustion device 30. Further, the reference statistical data generation process may be started at an arbitrary timing when the user wants to register the reference statistical data. In this case, the user instructs to that effect via the operation device 25. The reference statistical data generation process may be executed at a time before a malfunction occurs in the combustion device 30.

[0056] Returning to FIG. 5, after the reference statistical data is obtained, the analysis unit 21C acquires, at an arbitrary timing, the set of state quantities stored in the storage device 23 at that time for each of the state quantities classified above. This set is the set of the latest 50 state quantities, and is the set of the same number of state quantities as the number of state quantities that served as the basis for generating the reference statistical data. The analysis unit 21C statistically analyzes this set of state quantities for each of the state quantities classified above, and obtains the statistical data of this set obtained by this analysis as the latest statistical data and records it in the storage device 23. The latest statistical data is used for comparison with the reference statistical data. Note that the number of state quantities used for generating the latest statistical data and the reference statistical data is not limited to 50 and is arbitrary. The user examines whether there is a malfunction in the combustion device 30 based on the result of this comparison. Therefore, when the user wants to examine whether there is a malfunction in the combustion device 30, the user inputs the above comparison instruction to the operation device 25. In response to this input, the analysis unit 21C performs the above statistical analysis and obtains the latest statistical data.

[0057] The analysis unit 21C obtains the latest statistical data by performing the same processing as steps S22 to S24 of the reference statistical data generation process shown in FIG. 9 for each of the state quantities classified above, and records it in the storage device 23 by analysis using the same method as when obtaining the reference statistical data. Similar to the reference statistical data, the latest statistical data includes distribution data (see also FIG. 10) indicating the distribution of the number of state quantities belonging to each class of state quantities. This distribution data is also referred to as the latest distribution data below.

[0058] Returning to FIG. 5, upon the latest statistical data being recorded in the storage device 23, the comparison unit 21D reads out the latest statistical data and the reference statistical data from the storage device 23, compares them, and performs a process of outputting the comparison result. This comparison and output are performed for each of the state quantities classified above.

[0059] The comparison unit 21D here, as schematically shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, graphs the recent distribution data of the most recent statistical data and the reference distribution data of the reference statistical data with the horizontal axis being the amplitude class (class value) and the vertical axis being the frequency, while associating them with each other. Through this association and graphing, the most recent statistical data and the reference statistical data are compared. Here, on a common coordinate plane, the recent distribution data and the reference distribution data are graphed in a superimposed manner, so that the two are graphed while being associated with each other. The comparison unit 21D outputs the images of the graphs of the graphed recent distribution data and reference distribution data (the images in FIGS. 12 and 13) to the display 24 as the comparison result between the most recent statistical data and the reference statistical data. The images of the graphs of the graphed recent distribution data and reference distribution data may be arranged and displayed for each state quantity classified above.

[0060] When there is no malfunction in the combustion device 30 (before a malfunction occurs), the graph of the recent distribution data and the graph of the reference distribution data almost overlap as shown in FIG. 12. On the other hand, when a malfunction occurs in the combustion device 30, as shown in FIG. 13, the graph of the recent distribution data and the graph of the reference distribution data deviate from each other. Note that the deviation during a malfunction includes a state where the shapes (for example, standard deviations) of the two graphs are different.

[0061] Here, a specific example of the relationship between the plurality of conditions that trigger the recording of the state quantity and the graphs of the recent distribution data and the reference distribution data will be described.

[0062] One of the above-mentioned plurality of conditions may be that when the sequence number changes to "5", that is, when the combustion sequence has shifted to main stability. In this case, the activity of the flame at the timing of this shift becomes the state quantity on which the reference statistical data and the most recent statistical data are based. In such a case, when the recent statistical data has a tendency to have a lower flame activity than the reference statistical data, for example, there may be a malfunction such as a poor sensitivity of the ultraviolet rays of the flame detector 45 or a disturbance in the air-fuel ratio of the air and fuel supplied to the main burner 42.

[0063] One of the above plurality of conditions is that a period during which the temperature in the combustion chamber R at the start of the temperature program reaches the second temperature (for example, 200°C) from the first temperature that is equal to or lower than a predetermined temperature (for example, 35°C) has elapsed. That is, even if the temperature in the combustion chamber R has risen from the first temperature to the second temperature, it may be acceptable. In this case, the total or average (state value) of the fuel flow rate during the period until the temperature in the combustion chamber R rises from the first temperature to the second temperature becomes a state quantity based on the reference statistical data and the latest statistical data. When each graph of the reference statistical data and the latest statistical data at this time is as shown in FIG. 13, the total or average of the flow rate has an upward trend compared to the past. In such a case, it is considered that since the heat retention function of the combustion furnace 41 has deteriorated, a larger amount of thermal power is required to raise the temperature of the combustion furnace 41 to the second temperature. Therefore, there is a possibility that a malfunction has occurred in which the heat retention function of the combustion furnace 41 has deteriorated.

[0064] One of the above-mentioned plurality of conditions may be that the temperature in the combustion chamber R has reached the target temperature. In this case, after the temperature in the combustion chamber R has reached the target temperature, the fuel flow rate (state value) at the timing when the target temperature has not changed and a predetermined time (for example, 10 seconds) has elapsed (the timing when the temperature in the combustion chamber R is stable at the target temperature) becomes the first state quantity based on the reference statistical data and the latest statistical data. The deviation between the operation amount (state value) for the damper 61, that is, the opening degree, and the fuel flow rate (state value) at this timing also becomes the second state quantity based on the reference statistical data and the latest statistical data. This deviation may be a simple difference between the operation amount and the flow rate, or may be a difference between the two values obtained by multiplying one of them by a coefficient in order to match one of them to the other dimension, etc. (the same applies to other cases of the deviation of the state value). When the graphs of the reference statistical data and the latest statistical data for the first state quantity are as shown in FIG. 13, the flow rate when the temperature in the combustion chamber R reaches the target temperature has an upward trend compared to the past. In such a case, it is considered that the heat preservation function of the combustion furnace 41 has deteriorated, and thus a larger thermal power is required to maintain the temperature of the combustion furnace 41. Therefore, there may be a malfunction in that the heat preservation function of the combustion furnace 41 has deteriorated. When the graphs of the reference statistical data and the latest statistical data for the second state quantity are as shown in FIG. 13, the above deviation has an upward trend compared to the past. In such a case, the deviation between the operation amount input to the damper 61 and the actual opening degree of the damper 61 tends to increase. In this case, there may be a malfunction (sign of failure) in the actuator or the like that adjusts the opening degree of the damper 61. In this way, by obtaining a plurality of types of state quantities for the same establishment conditions and comparing the graphs of the reference statistical data and the latest statistical data for each of these plurality of types of state quantities, the user can grasp a plurality of types of malfunctions.

[0065] One of the above-mentioned plurality of conditions may be that a certain period (for example, 2 seconds) has elapsed even when the operation amount for the damper 61 reaches a predetermined set value (for example, a value specifying an opening degree of 50 percent). In this case, the fuel flow rate (state value) at the timing of the elapse of this certain period becomes the first state quantity based on the reference statistical data and the latest statistical data. Further, the deviation between the operation amount and the fuel flow rate at this timing also becomes the second state quantity based on the reference statistical data and the latest statistical data. When the graphs of the reference statistical data and the latest statistical data for the first state quantity are shifted, there is a difference between the opening degree of the damper 61 and the actual flow rate, and there may be a malfunction (sign of failure) in the actuator or the like that adjusts the damper 61. When the graphs of the reference statistical data and the latest statistical data for the second state quantity are as shown in FIG. 13, the above deviation has an upward trend compared to the past. In such a case, the deviation between the operation amount input to the damper 61 and the actual opening degree of the damper 61 tends to increase. In this case, there may be a malfunction (sign of failure) in the actuator or the like that adjusts the opening degree of the damper 61. Thus, by acquiring a plurality of types of state quantities for the same establishment conditions and comparing the graphs of the reference statistical data and the latest statistical data for each of the plurality of types of state quantities, the user can grasp the malfunction of the same location (such as an actuator) from a plurality of viewpoints. The graphs of the reference statistical data and the latest statistical data for each of the plurality of types of state quantities obtained by the establishment of one condition may be displayed side by side. Thereby, it is easy for the user to consider the malfunction.

[0066] Among the above-mentioned plurality of conditions, in the combustion sequence, the sub-sequence may include four conditions: becoming "pilot ignition", becoming "pilot only", becoming "main ignition", and becoming "main stable". In this case, the flame activity after a predetermined period has elapsed from the timing of the transition becomes a state quantity based on the reference statistical data and the latest statistical data. In such a case, if there is a difference between the latest distribution data and the reference distribution data in some of the four sub-sequences, the user can grasp that there may be a malfunction in the equipment used to execute the above-mentioned part of the sub-sequence among the equipment constituting the combustion device 30 as the type of malfunction occurring in the combustion device 30. For example, if only in the main stable state, the graph of the latest distribution data is shifted to a lower flame activity side than the graph of the reference distribution data, since the flame activity tends to be weak, it is suspected that the air-fuel ratio of the fuel gas and air supplied to the main stable state is disturbed. In this case, there may be a malfunction of air or fuel leakage in the air or fuel supply path connected to the main stable state. If in all four sub-sequences, the graph of the latest distribution data is shifted in the direction of lower flame activity than the graph of the reference distribution data, the overall flame activity will be low. In such a case, for example, there may be a malfunction of poor sensitivity to ultraviolet rays in the flame detector 45. In such a case, the user can grasp that the flame detector 45 may be malfunctioning. Thus, by comparing the graphs of the latest distribution data and the reference distribution data of the same state quantity for a plurality of different conditions, the user can grasp the type of malfunction occurring in the combustion device 30, so the user can appropriately grasp the malfunction of the combustion device 30.

[0067] Note that the flow rate of the above fuel may be changed to the flow rate of air. Also, as the state value acquired by the sequential recording unit 21A, the rotation angle of an actuator (such as a motor) that adjusts the opening degree of the damper 51 or 61 instead of the flow rate may be detected.

[0068] In this embodiment, the recent distribution data and the reference distribution data are obtained by statistically analyzing a set of state quantities. The tendency of the change in the state quantity, that is, the tendency of the malfunction of the combustion chamber R, is likely to be reflected in the comparison result (the deviation between the two graphs) of the recent distribution data and the reference distribution data. Therefore, by checking the comparison result, the user can quickly grasp the possibility that a malfunction has occurred in the combustion device 30. Further, even if the state quantity changes significantly due to a sudden event that is not caused by a malfunction, since this influence is reduced by statistical analysis, the user can grasp the possibility that a malfunction has occurred in the combustion device 30 with a high degree of accuracy. Therefore, the user can appropriately (here, quickly or with a high degree of accuracy) grasp the malfunction of the combustion device 30. Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the state quantity is statistically analyzed for each of a plurality of conditions and the recent distribution data and the reference distribution data are obtained, the user can appropriately grasp various malfunctions according to the type of the state quantity.

[0069] The malfunction of the combustion device 30 gradually becomes serious. The deviation between the recent distribution data and the reference distribution data gradually increases as the malfunction becomes more serious. If we consider detecting a malfunction by comparing one state quantity with a threshold value without statistically analyzing the state quantity, depending on the threshold value, there may be a case where the malfunction is not detected unless the malfunction becomes serious to a certain extent. In this embodiment, since statistical analysis is used to let the user grasp the malfunction, such inconvenience does not occur.

[0070] The reference statistical data compared with the recent statistical data in this embodiment may be data serving as a reference for the comparison prepared as statistical data of a set of state quantities of the combustion device 30, particularly data prepared as statistical data of a set of state quantities of the combustion device 30 before a malfunction occurs in the combustion device 30. For this reason, the reference statistical data may be data obtained from the results of experiments using a combustion device of the same type as the combustion device 30 and prepared in advance. However, in this embodiment, reference statistical data based on a set of state quantities actually obtained when the combustion device 30 operates is prepared. Thereby, since reference statistical data reflecting the individual idiosyncrasies of the plurality of produced combustion devices 30 can be obtained, the user can more appropriately grasp the malfunction of the combustion device 30.

[0071] Also, as described above, for a specific condition (which may be some or all of the plurality of conditions), by recording a plurality of types of state quantities in the storage device 23 and obtaining reference statistical data and recent statistical data for each state quantity, the user can grasp the malfunction of the same location (such as an actuator) from multiple viewpoints or grasp different types of malfunctions, so that the malfunction of the combustion device 30 can be appropriately grasped.

[0072] Also, as described above, the state quantity can be easily obtained by extracting it from the state values sequentially recorded in the storage device 23. Also, for example, the relationship between the state quantity and the condition can be set by the user later.

[0073] Also, since the state values are acquired from the combustion control device 71 and the thermostat 75, which are a plurality of controllers that directly or indirectly control the combustion device 30, various state values can be collected. Furthermore, by simply adding the heat adjustment monitoring device 20 to the conventional system including the combustion control device 71 and the thermostat 75, the user can be appropriately made to grasp the malfunction of the combustion device 30.

[0074] Also, as described above, at least one of the plurality of conditions is that the status of the combustion device 30 has changed or that a predetermined period has elapsed, so that appropriate state quantities necessary for grasping the malfunction can be obtained.

[0075] Furthermore, as described above, by associating the recent distribution data and the reference distribution data with each other and graphing them, the recent statistical data and the reference statistical data are compared, and by displaying each graph of the recent distribution data and the reference distribution data that are associated with each other and graphed as a comparison result, the user can easily and accurately intuitively grasp the difference between the recent distribution data and the reference distribution data. Thereby, the user can appropriately grasp the malfunction of the combustion device 30.

[0076] (Modification example) The configuration of the above-described embodiment can be arbitrarily changed. The following modification examples are illustrated. Each modification example can also be combined with at least a part of others.

[0077] (Modification Example 1) The configuration of the combustion device 30 is arbitrary. For example, the combustion device 30 may be of a type having only the main burner 42 without the pilot burner 43. Also, the combustion device 30 may keep the pilot burner 43 ignited at all times. In this case, a flame detector for the main burner 42 and a flame detector for the pilot burner 43 may be prepared.

[0078] (Modification Example 2) The comparison unit 21D may graphically associate and graph the recent distribution data of the recent statistical data and the reference distribution data of the reference statistical data with the vertical axis being the class of the state quantity and the horizontal axis being the number of state quantities. The method of graphically associating and graphing is not limited to the method of overlapping each graph in the coordinate plane with the common vertical and horizontal axes as described above. For example, each graph may be shown on different coordinate planes with common scales of the coordinate axes. In this way, the method of graphically associating and graphing may be, for example, any method that allows the user to compare each distribution data. By graphically associating both data, the user can easily grasp the possibility of a malfunction occurring in the combustion device 30.

[0079] (Modification Example 3) Among the set of state quantities subject to the above statistical analysis, the state quantities with suddenly abnormal numerical values may be excluded from the analysis target.

[0080] (Modification Example 4) The comparison unit 21D may output an image in which the values of the most recent distribution data and the reference distribution data are shown side by side. Even with such numerical values, the user can appropriately grasp the malfunction of the combustion device 30. The most recent statistical data and the reference statistical data may include various statistical quantities such as the average value, the mode, the median, the standard deviation, and the variance value. The comparison unit 21D may output an image in which each statistical quantity of the most recent distribution data and the reference distribution data is shown side by side. Such a side-by-side display of each value is also a type of comparison between the most recent distribution data and the reference distribution data.

[0081] (Modification Example 5) For example, each time a new state quantity is recorded in the storage device 23, the analysis unit 21C may generate the latest most recent statistical data. In such a case, each time the latest most recent statistical data is generated, in addition to displaying the above graph, the comparison unit 21D estimates the presence or absence of a malfunction in the combustion chamber R based on the difference between the reference statistical data and the most recent statistical data (step S31), and if there is a malfunction (step S32; Yes), may output the estimation result to that effect as a comparison result (step S33). When there is no malfunction (step S32; No), the comparison unit 21D may or may not output the comparison result to that effect.

[0082] As at least part of the most recent statistical data and the reference statistical data, the analysis unit 21C may obtain any one of the statistical quantities of the average value of the state quantity, the mode in the distribution of the number of state quantities belonging to each class of the state quantity (the above distribution data), and the median in the said distribution, that is, the distribution data. As the statistical quantity, the standard deviation or the variance value may be used.

[0083] As described above, depending on the deviation between the two graphs of the most recent distribution data and the reference distribution data, the type of state quantity of the deviated graph, and the conditions that triggered the acquisition of the state quantity, the presence or absence of a malfunction and the type of malfunction are specified. Therefore, the comparison unit 21D can estimate the presence or absence of a malfunction and the type of malfunction by comparing the most recent statistical data and the reference statistical data, for example, between the above statistical quantities. The comparison unit 21D displays the estimation result on, for example, the display 24. Examples of the estimation result include a message such as "There may be a malfunction in the flame detector."

[0084] As described above, the tendency of the change in the state quantity is likely to be reflected in the comparison result between the most recent distribution data and the reference distribution data. Therefore, by the above estimation by the comparison unit 21D, the comparison unit 21D can detect early the possibility that a malfunction has occurred in the combustion device 30. Further, even if the state quantity changes greatly due to a sudden event not resulting from a malfunction of the combustion device 30, this influence is reduced by statistical analysis. Therefore, the comparison unit 21D can estimate with high accuracy the presence or absence of the possibility that a malfunction has occurred in the combustion device 30. And the user can appropriately grasp the malfunction (such as the presence or absence of a malfunction) of the combustion device 30 based on the result of the estimation by the comparison unit 21D.

[0085] (Modification Example 6) The specific method of the statistical analysis by the analysis unit 21C and the specific method of the comparison between the most recent statistical data and the reference statistical data by the comparison unit 21D are arbitrary. As described above, the tendency of the change in the state quantity is reflected in the statistical data of the state quantity. Therefore, the user can appropriately grasp the malfunction of the combustion device 30 by checking the comparison result.

[0086] (Modification Example 7) The above plurality of conditions may include that the current time has reached a predetermined date and time that arrives regularly. The state quantity recording unit 21B may, for example, refer to an internal calendar (not shown) and acquire the state quantity based on the state value at 10:00 on every Monday. By doing so, the state quantity is acquired regularly, so the user can regularly check the presence or absence of a malfunction.

[0087] The above plurality of conditions may include the occurrence of an alarm by the combustion control device 71 or the thermometer 75. The combustion control device 71 and the thermometer 75 may be configured as devices that issue an alarm when detecting any malfunction in the combustion device 30. In this case, the state quantity recording unit 21B monitors the occurrence of an alarm by the combustion control device 71 and the thermometer 75, and when the alarm occurs, acquires state quantities based on state values of types related to the alarm and records them in the storage device 23. Also, the state values at this time may be state values for a certain period before and after the timing of the alarm emission. Thereby, state quantities reflecting the states before and after the alarm can be obtained.

[0088] (Modification Example 8) The state values acquired by the sequential recording unit 21A and recorded in the storage device 23 may include the current value for driving the actuator of the damper 51 or 61, the resistance value of the damper 51 or 61, etc. The current value or the resistance value is used, for example, for detecting a disconnection. If the current value or the resistance value is taken as a state quantity, malfunctions in the actuator can be grasped. Also, as state values, the change amount of the operation quantity and the change amount of the flow rate obtained according to the change amount may be adopted. When these deviations become large, it means that there is a malfunction in the damper 51 or 61.

[0089] (Modification Example 9) The state quantity may be, in addition to the deviation of different types of state values, the logical product or logical sum of state values, etc.

[0090] (Modification Example 10) The hardware configuration of the heat adjustment monitoring device 20 is arbitrary. The heat adjustment monitoring device 20 may be configured as a gateway that connects the combustion control device 71, the thermometer 75, and other external devices. At least a part of the sequential recording unit 21A, the state quantity recording unit 21B, the analysis unit 21C, and the comparison unit 21D may be composed of various logic circuits such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) and an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array). At least a part of the above-mentioned units 21A to 21D may be provided in the combustion control device 71 or the thermometer 75. The heat adjustment monitoring device 20 may be a server computer, a cloud computer, or the like. The output destination of the comparison result may be a display such as a user terminal. The output destination of the comparison result may be a printer, a storage medium, a network, another computer, or the like. Each device such as the heat adjustment monitoring device 20 includes, in addition to a device in which the components of the device are integrated in one housing, a system in which the components of the device are distributed and housed in a plurality of housings. The combustion monitoring program may be recorded in a computer-readable non-temporary storage medium such as the above-mentioned storage device 23. The above state values and the like may be recorded only for a certain period in another storage unit such as a RAM which is a volatile storage device.

[0091] (Modification Example 11) The present invention is generally applicable to heating technologies that monitor heating in a heating chamber performed according to a predetermined heating process such as the above combustion sequence and the above temperature program. The heating process may be composed of a plurality of sub-processes such as the above sub-sequences. The heating monitoring device 20 may monitor, for example, a heating device that heats a heating chamber by an electric heater or the like. In this case, the state values and state quantities such as the above flow rate may be the current value flowing through the electric heater or the like. The state values and state quantities such as the manipulated variable become the voltage value applied to the electric heater or the like. In this case, instead of the combustion control device 71 and the temperature controller 75, one controller that controls the electric heater may be employed. The heating monitoring device 20 may monitor, for example, a cooling device such as a refrigerator. In the case of cooling, as the state quantity, the time required to drop from the first temperature to the second temperature may be used. Note that heating devices at high temperatures (for example, 100 °C or 200 °C or higher) generally deteriorate quickly and are prone to malfunction. For this reason, the present invention is particularly effective for heating devices that perform high-temperature heating. Such heating includes heating for processing a heating target such as steel. The processing includes a structural change of steel or the like.

[0092] (Heating Monitoring Method) A heating monitoring method is being performed in which the heating monitoring device 20 acquires a state quantity, performs a statistical analysis, and compares the most recent statistical data with reference statistical data. However, at least a part of this method may be performed by something or someone other than the heating monitoring device 20. By having the user check the comparison result obtained by comparing the most recent statistical data with the reference statistical data, the user can be made aware that a malfunction has occurred in the heating device as described above.

[0093] (Scope of the Present Invention) Although the present invention has been described above with reference to the embodiments and modification examples, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and modification examples. For example, the present invention includes various changes to the above embodiments and modification examples that can be understood by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technical idea of the present invention. Each configuration described in the above embodiments and modification examples can be appropriately combined within a non-contradictory range.

Description of Signs

[0094] 10… Heating system, 20… Reheating monitoring device, 21… Processor, 21A… Sequential recording unit, 21B… State quantity recording unit, 21C…… Analysis unit, 21D… Comparison unit, 23… Memory device, 25… Operating device, 40… Combustion equipment, 42… Main burner, 43… Pilot burner, 44… Ignition device, 45… Flame detector, 46… Temperature sensor, 50… Air supply system, 60… Fuel supply system, 71… Combustion control device, 75… Thermostat.

Claims

1. A state quantity recording unit configured to record, in a storage unit for each of a plurality of predetermined conditions, a state quantity of the heat control device when any one of the plurality of predetermined conditions is satisfied; An analysis unit configured to statistically analyze a set of the state quantities recorded in the storage unit for each of the plurality of conditions to obtain first statistical data; A comparison unit configured to compare, for each of the plurality of conditions, the first statistical data with second statistical data serving as a reference prepared as statistical data of a set of state quantities of the heat control device, and output a comparison result, wherein the heat control device is a combustion device that burns fuel by a burner; wherein the state quantity recording unit is configured to record a plurality of types of the state quantities in the storage unit when the satisfied condition is a specific condition; wherein the analysis unit is configured to obtain the first statistical data for each type of the state quantity; wherein the comparison unit is configured to compare the first statistical data with the second statistical data for each type of the state quantity; wherein the plurality of types of state quantities include a state quantity indicating the activity degree of a flame during combustion of the fuel by the burner and a state quantity indicating the flow rate of the fuel or air supplied to the burner during combustion; A heat control monitoring device.

2. The analysis unit is configured to statistically analyze, for each type, a set of the plurality of types of state quantities recorded in the storage unit before a malfunction occurs in the heat control device, in the same manner as when obtaining the first statistical data, and obtain statistical data of the set as the second statistical data. The heat control monitoring device according to claim 1.

3. Further comprising a sequential recording unit configured to sequentially record in the storage unit a plurality of types of state values representing the state of the heat control device; wherein the state quantity recording unit is configured to, for each type of the state value, extract a state value when any one of the plurality of conditions is satisfied from the state values sequentially recorded in the storage unit, and record, in the storage unit as the state quantity, the extracted state value or a derived value derived based on the state value. The heat control monitoring device according to claim 1.

4. The sequential recording unit is configured to acquire the plurality of types of state values from a plurality of controllers that directly or indirectly control the heat control device. The heat control monitoring device according to claim 3.

5. The plurality of conditions include that the status of the heat control device has changed and that the current time has reached a predetermined date and time that regularly arrives. The heat control monitoring device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The plurality of conditions include that a predetermined period has elapsed. When the predetermined period has elapsed, the state quantity is the sum or statistical quantity of values representing the state of the heat control device that changes over time during the period. The heat control monitoring device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The first statistical data includes first distribution data that divides the range of the state quantity into a plurality of divided classes and shows the distribution of the number of state quantities belonging to each class. The second statistical data includes second distribution data that divides the range of the state quantity into a plurality of divided classes and shows the distribution of the number of state quantities belonging to each class. The comparison unit By graphically associating the first distribution data and the second distribution data with each other with the first axis being the class of the state quantity and the second axis being the number of state quantities, the first statistical data and the second statistical data are compared. Each graph of the first distribution data and the second distribution data graphically associated with each other is output as the comparison result. The heat control monitoring device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The comparison unit is configured to estimate the presence or absence of a malfunction of the heat control device based on the difference between the first statistical data and the second statistical data and output the result of the estimation as the comparison result. The heat control monitoring device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. A heat control monitoring program that, when executed by a computer, causes the computer to function as the heat control monitoring device according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. A state quantity recording step of recording, in a storage unit for each of the plurality of conditions, the state quantity of the heat control device when any one of the plurality of predetermined conditions in the heat control device is satisfied; An analysis step of statistically analyzing the set of state quantities recorded in the storage unit for each of the plurality of conditions to obtain first statistical data; A comparison step of comparing, for each of the plurality of conditions, the first statistical data with second statistical data serving as a reference prepared as statistical data of the set of state quantities of the heat control device. The heat control device is a combustion device that burns fuel by a burner. In the state quantity recording step, when the established condition is a specific condition, a plurality of types of the state quantities are recorded in the storage unit, In the analysis step, the first statistical data is obtained for each type of the state quantity, In the comparison step, the first statistical data and the second statistical data are compared for each type of the state quantity, The plurality of types of state quantities include the activity of the flame during combustion of the fuel by the burner and the flow rate of the fuel or air supplied to the burner during combustion, Heat control monitoring method.

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