Control and Refrigeration Systems

Abstract

To perform processing for control of a heat source unit according to cooling capacity and an operation situation of a plurality of cooling units respectively.SOLUTION: A refrigerant circuit (25) includes: a heat source unit (40) which has a compression element (42) and a radiator (43); and a plurality of cooling units (50) each of which has an evaporator (52) and each of which executes or stops a cooling operation according to the difference between the temperature of a cooling object and the set temperature. A control part (33) outputs information showing the capacity required in the heat source unit (40) based on first information which can be used to lead-out cooling capacity required in each of the plurality of cooling units (50), and second information which shows the temperature of the cooling object and the set temperature in each of the plurality of cooling units (50).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to control systems and refrigeration systems. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a refrigeration system including a refrigeration unit and a plurality of showcases. The refrigeration unit includes a first compressor, a first radiator, and a refrigeration controller. The showcase includes an expansion valve, an evaporator, and a showcase controller. The first compressor, the first radiator, the expansion valve, and the evaporator form a first refrigeration cycle circuit that cools the showcase.

[0003] The showcase controller controls the opening of the expansion valve according to the difference between the refrigerant temperature on the outlet side and the refrigerant temperature on the inlet side of the evaporator. As a result, the interior of the showcase is cooled to a predetermined temperature. Meanwhile, the refrigerator controller stops operation of the first compressor when the pressure on the low-pressure side of the first refrigeration cycle circuit falls below a predetermined value. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-011423 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In the refrigeration device of Patent Document 1, the control of the refrigeration units by the refrigeration controller is performed independently without considering "the cooling capacity required in each of the multiple showcases" and "the operating status of each of the multiple showcases." Therefore, it is difficult to perform processing for controlling the refrigeration units in accordance with the cooling capacity and operating status of each of the multiple showcases. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A first aspect of the present disclosure relates to a control system applied to a refrigeration device (20) that performs a refrigeration cycle by circulating refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit (25), the control system including a heat source unit (40) having a compression element (42) and a radiator (43), and a plurality of cooling units (50), each having an evaporator (52) and performing or stopping a cooling operation depending on the difference between the temperature of an object to be cooled and a set temperature. The control system includes a control unit (33) that controls the refrigeration device (20), and the control unit (33) outputs information indicating a capacity required in the heat source unit (40), based on first information that can be used to derive a cooling capacity required in each of the plurality of cooling units (50), and second information that indicates the temperature of the object to be cooled and the set temperature in each of the plurality of cooling units (50).

[0007] In the first aspect, the cooling capacity required for each of the plurality of cooling units (50) can be derived based on the first information. Furthermore, the operational status (whether the cooling operation is being performed or stopped) of each of the plurality of cooling units (50) can be derived based on the second information. Then, information indicating the "capacity required for the heat source unit (40)" according to the cooling capacity and operational status of each of the plurality of cooling units (50) can be output in consideration of the "cooling capacity required for each of the plurality of cooling units (50)" and the "operational status of each of the plurality of cooling units (50)." In this way, processing for controlling the heat source unit (40) can be performed according to the cooling capacity and operational status of each of the plurality of cooling units (50).

[0008] A second aspect of the present disclosure is a control system in which, in the control system of the first aspect, the first information includes information on a representative cooling capacity which is a representative value of the cooling capacity of each of the plurality of cooling units (50), and the capacity required in the heat source unit (40) is a capacity corresponding to the sum of the representative cooling capacities of the cooling units (50) among the plurality of cooling units (50) which are performing the cooling operation.

[0009] In the second aspect, it is possible to output information indicating the “capacity required in the heat source unit (40)” according to the sum of the representative cooling capacities of the cooling units (50) that are performing the cooling operation among the plurality of cooling units (50). This makes it possible to perform processing for controlling the heat source unit (40) according to the representative cooling capacity and operation status of each of the plurality of cooling units (50).

[0010] A third aspect of the present disclosure is a control system according to the second aspect, wherein the representative cooling capacity of each of the plurality of cooling units (50) is a capacity corresponding to a representative heat capacity that is a representative value of the heat capacity of each of the plurality of cooling units (50).

[0011] In the third aspect, the representative cooling capacity of each of the plurality of cooling units (50) can be appropriately set based on the representative heat capacity of each of the plurality of cooling units (50). This makes it possible to appropriately perform processing for controlling the heat source unit (40) depending on the representative cooling capacity and operating status of each of the plurality of cooling units (50).

[0012] A fourth aspect of the present disclosure is a control system in which, in the control system of the first aspect, the first information includes information that can be used to derive a predicted cooling capacity, which is a predicted value of the cooling capacity required in each of the plurality of cooling units (50), and the capacity required in the heat source unit (40) is a capacity corresponding to the sum of the predicted cooling capacities of each of the plurality of cooling units (50).

[0013] In the fourth aspect, it is possible to output information indicating the “capacity required in the heat source unit (40)” according to the sum of the predicted cooling capacities of the plurality of cooling units (50). This makes it possible to perform processing for controlling the heat source unit (40) according to the predicted cooling capacities of the plurality of cooling units (50).

[0014] A fifth aspect of the present disclosure is a control system in which, in the control system of the fourth aspect, information that can be used to derive the predicted cooling capacity of each of the plurality of cooling units (50) includes information on a representative heat capacity that is a representative value of the heat capacity of each of the plurality of cooling units (50), and the predicted cooling capacity of each of the plurality of cooling units (50) is a capacity that corresponds to the representative heat capacity of the cooling unit (50) and the difference between the temperature of the object to be cooled in the cooling unit (50) and the set temperature.

[0015] In the fifth aspect, the predicted cooling capacity of each of the plurality of cooling units (50) can be appropriately set based on the “representative heat capacity of the cooling unit (50)” obtained from the first information and the “difference between the temperature of the object to be cooled in the cooling unit (50) and the set temperature” obtained from the second information. This makes it possible to appropriately perform processing for controlling the heat source unit (40) according to the predicted cooling capacity of each of the plurality of cooling units (50).

[0016] A sixth aspect of the present disclosure is a control system in which, in the control system of the fourth or fifth aspect, each of the plurality of cooling units (50) has a showcase (50a), and cools the air in the showcase (50a) during the cooling operation, and information that can be used to derive the predicted cooling capacity of each of the plurality of cooling units (50) includes information regarding the amount of contents stored in the showcase (50a) of each of the plurality of cooling units (50), and the predicted cooling capacity of each of the plurality of cooling units (50) is a capacity corresponding to the amount of contents stored in the showcase (50a) of that cooling unit (50).

[0017] In the sixth aspect, the predicted cooling capacity of each of the plurality of cooling units (50) can be appropriately set based on the “amount of contents stored in each showcase (50a) of the plurality of cooling units (50)” obtained from the first information. This makes it possible to appropriately perform processing for controlling the heat source unit (40) according to the predicted cooling capacity of each of the plurality of cooling units (50).

[0018] A seventh aspect of the present disclosure relates to a refrigeration system including the control system of any one of the first to sixth aspects and the refrigeration device (20), wherein the heat source unit (40) operates based on information indicating a capacity required for the heat source unit (40).

[0019] In the seventh aspect, the heat source unit (40) can be operated so as to achieve the “capacity required of the heat source unit (40)” indicated in the information output from the control unit (33). [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a piping diagram illustrating the configuration of a refrigeration system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating connections between components in the refrigeration system according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of the cooling unit. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a first process of the control system. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating the second process of the control system. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a piping diagram illustrating the configuration of a refrigeration system according to a modified example of the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating connections between components in a refrigeration system according to a modified example of the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals and their description will not be repeated.

[0022] (Embodiment) 1 illustrates the configuration of a refrigeration system (10) according to an embodiment. The refrigeration system (10) includes a refrigeration unit (20) and a control system (30) applied to the refrigeration unit (20).

[0023] [Refrigeration equipment] The refrigeration system (20) includes a heat source unit (40) and a plurality of cooling units (50). The cooling units (50) have the same configuration. The cooling units (50) constitute a refrigeration facility such as a showcase, a refrigerator, or a freezer, and cool the interior of the refrigeration facility. For example, the heat source unit (40) is installed outdoors, and the cooling units (50) are installed indoors.

[0024] The heat source unit (40) includes a heat source circuit (41), a heat source fan (45), and a heat source control section (46). The heat source circuit (41) includes a compression element (42) and a heat source heat exchanger (43). Each of the plurality of cooling units (50) includes a utilization circuit (51), a utilization fan (55), and a utilization control section (56). The utilization circuit (51) includes a utilization heat exchanger (52) and a utilization expansion valve (53).

[0025] The heat source circuit (41) of the heat source unit (40) and the utilization circuits (51) of the plurality of cooling units (50) are connected by a gas connection pipe (21) and a liquid connection pipe (22). In this example, the utilization circuits (51) of the plurality of cooling units (50) are connected in parallel to the heat source circuit (41) of the heat source unit (40). Specifically, the gas connection pipe (21) is connected to the gas end of the heat source circuit (41), the liquid connection pipe (22) is connected to the liquid end of the heat source circuit (41), the gas end of the utilization circuit (51) is connected to the gas connection pipe (21), and the liquid end of the utilization circuit (51) is connected to the liquid connection pipe (22).

[0026] In this manner, the heat source circuit (41) of the heat source unit (40) and the utilization circuits (51) of the plurality of cooling units (50) are connected to form a refrigerant circuit (25). The refrigerant circuit (25) includes the heat source unit (40) and the plurality of cooling units (50). The refrigerant circuit (25) is filled with a refrigerant. For example, the refrigerant may be a natural refrigerant such as carbon dioxide, or other refrigerants. The refrigeration system (20) performs a refrigeration cycle by circulating the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit (25).

[0027] <Compression element> The compression element (42) draws in a refrigerant, compresses the drawn refrigerant, and discharges the compressed refrigerant. An inlet of the compression element (42) is connected to one end of the gas communication pipe (21) through a refrigerant pipe.

[0028] In this example, the compression element (42) is composed of one compressor. The inlet of the compression element (42) is composed of a suction port of the compressor, and the outlet of the compression element (42) is composed of a discharge port of the compressor. For example, the compressor constituting the compression element (42) is a rotary compressor having an electric motor and a compression mechanism rotationally driven by the electric motor. Furthermore, the compressor constituting the compression element (42) is a variable displacement compressor whose rotation speed (operating frequency) is adjustable.

[0029] <Heat source fan> The heat source fan (45) is disposed near the heat source heat exchanger (43) and delivers heat source air to the heat source heat exchanger (43). For example, the heat source air is outdoor air.

[0030] <Heat source heat exchanger> The heat source heat exchanger (43) exchanges heat between the refrigerant flowing through the heat source heat exchanger (43) and the heat source air transferred to the heat source heat exchanger (43). For example, the heat source heat exchanger (43) is a fin-and-tube heat exchanger. A gas end of the heat source heat exchanger (43) is connected to an outlet of the compression element (42) through a refrigerant pipe. A liquid end of the heat source heat exchanger (43) is connected to one end of the liquid connecting pipe (22) through a refrigerant pipe. In this example, the heat source heat exchanger (43) functions as a radiator.

[0031] <Heat source sensor> The heat source unit (40) is provided with a heat source sensor (60) that detects various physical quantities in each part of the heat source unit (40). For example, the heat source sensor (60) includes various sensors such as a pressure sensor and a temperature sensor. Examples of the physical quantities detected by the heat source sensor (60) include the pressure and temperature of the high-pressure side (high-pressure refrigerant) of the refrigerant circuit (25), the pressure and temperature of the low-pressure side (low-pressure refrigerant) of the refrigerant circuit (25), the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant in the heat-source heat exchanger (43), and the temperature of the air drawn into the heat source unit (40). The heat source sensor (60) transmits a detection signal indicative of the detection result to the heat source control unit (46).

[0032] <Heat source control unit> The heat source control section (46) is connected to each part of the heat source unit (40) via signal lines. In this example, as shown in FIG. 2, the compression element (42), the heat source fan (45), the heat source sensor (60), and the like are connected to the heat source control section (46). The heat source control section (46) also receives signals transmitted from outside the heat source unit (40). The heat source control section (46) then controls each part of the heat source unit (40) based on the detection signal of the heat source sensor (60) and the signal transmitted from outside the heat source unit (40). In this way, the operation of the heat source unit (40) is controlled.

[0033] For example, the heat source control unit (46) includes a processor and a memory electrically connected to the processor for storing programs and information for operating the processor. The processor executes the programs to realize various functions of the heat source control unit (46).

[0034] <Users> The utilization fan (55) is disposed near the utilization heat exchanger (52) and delivers utilization air to the utilization heat exchanger (52). For example, the utilization air is the air inside the refrigerator.

[0035] <Used heat exchanger> The utilization heat exchanger (52) exchanges heat between the refrigerant flowing through the utilization heat exchanger (52) and utilization air delivered to the utilization heat exchanger (52). For example, the utilization heat exchanger (52) is a fin-and-tube heat exchanger. A liquid end of the utilization heat exchanger (52) is connected to the liquid connecting pipe (22) through a refrigerant pipe. A gas end of the utilization heat exchanger (52) is connected to the gas connecting pipe (21) through a refrigerant pipe. In this example, the utilization heat exchanger (52) functions as an evaporator.

[0036] <Utilization expansion valve> The utilization expansion valve (53) is provided in a refrigerant pipe between the liquid end of the utilization heat exchanger (52) and the liquid connecting pipe (22). The utilization expansion valve (53) has an adjustable opening. For example, the utilization expansion valve (53) is an electrically operated valve.

[0037] <Used Sensor> The cooling unit (50) is provided with a utilization sensor (70) for detecting various physical quantities in each part of the cooling unit (50). For example, the utilization sensor (70) includes various sensors such as a pressure sensor and a temperature sensor. Examples of the physical quantities detected by the utilization sensor (70) include the pressure and temperature of the high-pressure side (high-pressure refrigerant) of the refrigerant circuit (25), the pressure and temperature of the low-pressure side (low-pressure refrigerant) of the refrigerant circuit (25), the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant in the utilization heat exchanger (52), and the temperature of the air drawn into the cooling unit (50). The utilization sensor (70) transmits a detection signal indicative of the detection result to the utilization control unit (56). This controls the operation of the cooling unit (50).

[0038] In this example, the utilization sensor (70) includes an inside temperature sensor (71) and a superheat sensor (72). The inside temperature sensor (71) detects the temperature of the inside air to be cooled by the cooling unit (50). The superheat sensor (72) detects the degree of superheat of the refrigerant at the refrigerant outlet of the utilization heat exchanger (52). For example, the superheat sensor (72) includes an inlet temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the refrigerant at the refrigerant inlet of the utilization heat exchanger (52) and an outlet temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the refrigerant at the refrigerant outlet of the utilization heat exchanger (52). The difference between the temperatures of the refrigerant detected by the inlet temperature sensor and the outlet temperature sensor corresponds to the degree of superheat of the refrigerant at the refrigerant outlet of the utilization heat exchanger (52).

[0039] <Usage Control Unit> The usage control unit (56) is connected to each part of the cooling unit (50) via a signal line. As shown in FIG. 2, the usage control unit (56) is connected to the usage expansion valve (53), the usage fan (55), the usage sensor (70), etc. The usage control unit (56) also receives signals transmitted from outside the cooling unit (50). The usage control unit (56) controls each part of the cooling unit (50) based on the detection signal of the usage sensor (70) and the signal transmitted from outside the cooling unit (50).

[0040] For example, the usage control unit 56 includes a processor and a memory electrically connected to the processor for storing programs and information for operating the processor. The processor executes the programs to realize various functions of the usage control unit 56.

[0041] [Cooling unit structure] 3 illustrates the structure of the cooling unit 50. In this example, the cooling unit 50 includes a showcase 50a. The cooling unit 50 cools the air inside the showcase 50a (internal air) during the cooling operation.

[0042] The showcase (50a) is formed with an internal space (50b) and an air passage (50c). The internal space (50b) is a space with one side (in this example, the front side) open. In this example, the internal space (50b) is provided with a plurality of shelves for displaying the items stored in the internal space (50b).

[0043] The air passage (50c) has an inlet (50d) and an outlet (50e) that open to the interior space (50b). The inlet (50d) and the outlet (50e) are formed in the showcase (50a) along the periphery of the open surface of the interior space (50b). In this example, the inlet (50d) is formed in the lower part of the showcase (50a), and the outlet (50e) is formed in the upper part of the showcase (50a).

[0044] A utility fan (55) and a utility heat exchanger (52) are disposed in the air passage (50c). The utility fan (55) generates an air flow in the air passage (50c) that flows from the air inlet (50d) through the utility fan (55) and the utility heat exchanger (52) to the air outlet (50e). As a result, air drawn into the air passage (50c) from the interior space (50b) through the air inlet (50d) is cooled in the utility heat exchanger (52), which serves as an evaporator, and is then blown out from the air passage (50c) through the air outlet (50e) into the interior space (50b). An air curtain is formed on the open surface of the interior space (50b) by the air flow from the air outlet (50e) to the air inlet (50d).

[0045] The inside temperature sensor (71) and a temperature sensor (81) described later are arranged near the inlet (50d) and detect the temperature of air sucked into the air passage (50c) from the inside space (50b) through the inlet (50d) as the “temperature of the inside air.”

[0046] [Operation of the refrigeration device] Next, with reference to FIG. 1, the operation of the refrigeration system (20) will be described.

[0047] The heat source unit (40) drives the compression element (42) and the heat source fan (45). The heat source control section (46) controls the compression element (42) and the heat source fan (45).

[0048] Each of the plurality of cooling units (50) performs or stops a cooling operation depending on the difference between the temperature of the object to be cooled and the set temperature. The cooling operation is an operation for cooling the interior of the cooling unit (50). In this example, the temperature of the object to be cooled is the temperature of the air inside the cooling unit (50). The set temperature is a predetermined target temperature of the air inside the compartment.

[0049] Specifically, in the cooling unit (50), when the inside temperature detected by the inside temperature sensor (71) exceeds a set temperature, the utilization control section (56) controls the drive of the utilization fan (55) and adjusts the opening of the utilization expansion valve (53) so that the cooling operation is performed. In the cooling unit (50) performing the cooling operation, the utilization control section (56) adjusts the opening of the utilization expansion valve (53) so that the degree of superheat detected by the superheat sensor (72) becomes a preset target degree of superheat. In addition, when the inside temperature detected by the inside temperature sensor (71) does not exceed the set temperature, the utilization control section (56) stops the utilization fan (55) and fully closes the utilization expansion valve (53) so that the cooling operation is stopped.

[0050] [Refrigerant flow during operation of the refrigeration device] In the heat source unit (40), the refrigerant discharged from the compression element (42) dissipates heat in the heat source heat exchanger (43) which is a radiator. The refrigerant flowing out of the heat source heat exchanger (43) flows into the liquid connecting pipe (22). The refrigerant flowing into the liquid connecting pipe (22) flows into one of the cooling units (50) which is performing a cooling operation.

[0051] In the cooling unit (50) performing the cooling operation, the refrigerant flowing into the cooling unit (50) from the liquid connecting pipe (22) is reduced in pressure in the utilization expansion valve (53) and then evaporated in the utilization heat exchanger (52), which is an evaporator. This cools the air inside the storage compartment. The refrigerant flowing out of the utilization heat exchanger (52) flows into the heat source unit (40) through the gas connecting pipe (21).

[0052] In the heat source unit (40), the refrigerant that has flowed into the heat source unit (40) through the gas communication pipe (21) is drawn into the compression element (42) and compressed.

[0053] [Control System] The control system (30) controls the refrigeration system (10). In this example, the control system (30) includes an information acquisition unit (31), a storage unit (32), and a control unit (33).

[0054] <Information acquisition department> The information acquiring unit (31) acquires information about the refrigeration system (10). The information acquired by the information acquiring unit (31) is transmitted to the control unit (33). For example, the information acquiring unit (31) includes various sensors such as a pressure sensor and a temperature sensor, a receiving unit that receives information and data, and an operation unit into which a user inputs information and data.

[0055] The information about the refrigeration system (10) includes information about the heat source unit (40) and information about each of the plurality of cooling units (50). The information about each of the plurality of cooling units (50) includes at least a part of "information that can be used to derive the cooling capacity required for each of the plurality of cooling units (50)" and "information indicating the temperature of the object to be cooled and the set temperature for each of the plurality of cooling units (50)."

[0056] Hereinafter, information that can be used to derive the cooling capacity required for each of the plurality of cooling units (50) will be referred to as “first information.” Information indicating the temperature of the object to be cooled and the set temperature for each of the plurality of cooling units (50) will be referred to as “second information.”

[0057] In this example, the information acquiring section (31) includes a plurality of temperature sensors (81) corresponding to the plurality of cooling units (50). The plurality of temperature sensors (81) have the same configuration. The temperature sensors (81) detect the temperature inside the cooling units (50). The plurality of temperature sensors (81) included in the information acquiring section (31) detect the “temperature of the object to be cooled in each of the plurality of cooling units (50),” which is part of the second information. The temperature sensors (81) transmit detection signals indicating the detection results to the control section (33).

[0058] <Storage part> The storage unit (32) stores various information and data related to the refrigeration system (10). Specifically, the storage unit (32) stores information related to the heat source unit (40), information related to each of the cooling units (50), information used for control in the refrigeration system (10), data related to the operating status of the refrigeration device (20), and the like.

[0059] In this example, the “information regarding each of the plurality of cooling units (50)” stored in the memory section (32) includes the first information and the remaining part of the second information, “the set temperature in each of the plurality of cooling units (50).”

[0060] The information and data stored in the memory unit (32) may be information and data input by a user, may be information and data automatically collected by the control unit (33), or may be new information and data generated based on the information and data automatically collected by the control unit (33) (for example, information and data obtained by machine learning).

[0061] <Control Unit> The control unit (33) controls the refrigeration device (20). In this example, the control unit (33) is connected to each part of the refrigeration system (10) via signal lines. As shown in FIG. 2 , the control unit (33) is connected to an information acquisition unit (31) (in this example, a plurality of temperature sensors (35)), a storage unit (32), a heat source control unit (46), and the like. The control unit (33) also receives a signal (not shown) transmitted from outside the refrigeration system (10). The control unit (33) controls the refrigeration system (10) including the refrigeration device (20) based on the information obtained by each part of the refrigeration system (10) and the signal transmitted from outside the refrigeration system (10).

[0062] For example, the control unit 33 includes a processor and a memory electrically connected to the processor for storing programs and information for operating the processor. The processor executes the programs to realize various functions of the control unit 33.

[0063] [Processing by the control unit] The control unit (33) outputs information indicating the capacity required for the heat source unit (40) based on first information that can be used to derive the cooling capacity required for each of the plurality of cooling units (50) and second information that indicates the temperature of the object to be cooled and the set temperature for each of the plurality of cooling units (50). Hereinafter, the information indicating the capacity required for the heat source unit (40) will be referred to as “third information.”

[0064] Furthermore, the control unit (33) outputs the third information to the heat source control unit (46) of the heat source unit (40). The heat source control unit (46) controls the operation of the heat source unit (40) by controlling each component of the heat source unit (40) (specifically, the compression element (42)) based on the “capacity required of the heat source unit (40)” indicated in the third information. In this example, the higher the capacity required of the heat source unit (40), the higher the rotation speed of the compressor constituting the compression element (42). In this way, the heat source unit (40) operates based on the third information (information indicating the capacity required of the heat source unit (40)).

[0065] In this example, the first information includes information on a "representative cooling capacity" that is a representative value of the cooling capacity of each of the plurality of cooling units (50). The capacity required of the heat source unit (40) is a capacity corresponding to the sum of the representative cooling capacities of the cooling units (50) that are performing a cooling operation among the plurality of cooling units (50). Then, the control unit (33) outputs, based on the first information and the second information, third information indicating the "capacity required of the heat source unit (40)" that corresponds to the sum of the representative cooling capacities of the cooling units (50) that are performing a cooling operation among the plurality of cooling units (50).

[0066] Hereinafter, the process related to the representative cooling capacity (the process of outputting the third information) will be referred to as “first process.” The representative cooling capacity will be described in detail later.

[0067] In this example, the first information includes information that can be used to derive a "predicted cooling capacity" that is a predicted value of the cooling capacity required in each of the plurality of cooling units (50). The capacity required in the heat source unit (40) is a capacity corresponding to the sum of the predicted cooling capacities of the plurality of cooling units (50). Then, the control unit (33) outputs third information that indicates the "capacity required in the heat source unit (40)" corresponding to the sum of the predicted cooling capacities of the plurality of cooling units (50), based on the first information and the second information.

[0068] Hereinafter, the process related to the predicted cooling capacity (the process of outputting the third information) will be referred to as a “second process.” The predicted cooling capacity will be described in detail later. For example, the control unit (33) selectively performs the first process and the second process in response to an instruction from outside the refrigeration system (10).

[0069] [Cooling capacity of cooling unit] Next, a description will be given of the cooling capacity required for the cooling unit (50). Hereinafter, the cooling capacity required for the cooling unit (50) will be referred to as the "cooling capacity of the cooling unit (50)."

[0070] <1st cooling capacity> The cooling capacity of the cooling unit (50) includes “a cooling capacity required to cool an object to be cooled in the cooling unit (50).” Hereinafter, the cooling capacity required to cool an object to be cooled in the cooling unit (50) will be referred to as “a first cooling capacity.”

[0071] The first cooling capacity is a capacity corresponding to the product of the "heat capacity of the cooling unit (50)" and the "difference between the temperature of the object to be cooled in the cooling unit (50) and the set temperature." Specifically, the larger this product is, the larger the first cooling capacity is. The heat capacity of the cooling unit (50) is the amount of heat required to change the temperature of the object to be cooled by a unit temperature (1°C). To be precise, the difference between the temperature of the object to be cooled and the set temperature is the temperature difference obtained by subtracting the set temperature from the temperature of the object to be cooled.

[0072] For example, if the cooling unit (50) is a "cooling unit (50) that cools the air in the showcase (50a)," the heat capacity of the cooling unit (50) varies depending on the product of the "amount of items stored in the showcase (50a)" and the "specific heat of the items stored in the showcase (50a)." Specifically, the larger this product, the larger the heat capacity of the cooling unit (50). The "amount of items stored in the showcase (50a)" can be expressed as the product of the "internal cooling volume of the showcase (50a) (specifically, the volume of the internal space (50b))" and the "accommodation rate of the items stored in the showcase (50a) (specifically, the ratio of the volume of the items to the volume of the internal space (50b))."

[0073] Considering the above, the first cooling capacity (Q1) can be expressed by the following formula 1. In formula 1, "V" is the cooling internal volume of the showcase (50a). "r1" is the storage rate of the items stored in the showcase (50a). "c" is the specific heat of the items stored in the showcase (50a). "T1" is the temperature inside the showcase (50a) (the temperature of the object to be cooled in the cooling unit (50)). "T0" is the set temperature.

[0074]

number

[0075] The heat capacity of the cooling unit (50) is an example of static information (information that does not change depending on the operating status of the cooling unit (50)) that can be used to derive the cooling capacity of the cooling unit (50). Specifically, the specific heat of the items stored in the showcase (50a), the cooling internal volume of the showcase (50a), the amount of items stored in the showcase (50a), and the storage rate of the items stored in the showcase (50a) are examples of static information that can be used to derive the cooling capacity of the cooling unit (50).

[0076] Furthermore, the "difference between the temperature of the object to be cooled in the cooling unit (50) and the set temperature" is information that can be derived from the second information indicating the temperature of the object to be cooled in the cooling unit (50) and the set temperature, and is dynamic information (information that changes depending on the operating conditions of the cooling unit (50)) that can be used to derive the cooling capacity of the cooling unit (50).

[0077] The specific heat (c) of the items contained in the showcase (50a) can be estimated from the type of the items. Examples of the types of items include frozen foods, meat, fresh fish, fruits and vegetables, and soft drinks. The type of items contained in the showcase (50a) can be estimated from the temperature set in the showcase (50a). For example, when the temperature set in the showcase (50a) is "0°C," it can be estimated that the type of items contained in the showcase (50a) is "meat" or "fresh fish," and the specific heat (c) of the items can be estimated to be the specific heat corresponding to "meat" or "fresh fish."

[0078] The type of items stored in the showcase (50a) and the set temperature of the showcase (50a) are examples of static information (information that does not change depending on the operating status of the cooling unit (50)) that can be used to derive the cooling capacity of the cooling unit (50).

[0079] For example, the desired information may be derived from the above information using an information table showing the correspondence between the above information (type of contents, set temperature, etc.) and the desired information to be derived (specific heat (c), heat capacity, cooling capacity, etc.).

[0080] <Second cooling capacity> The cooling capacity of the cooling unit (50) may include, in addition to the first cooling capacity, a “cooling capacity required for the cooling unit (50) to absorb heat.” Hereinafter, the cooling capacity required for the cooling unit (50) to absorb heat will be referred to as a “second cooling capacity.”

[0081] The second cooling capacity is a capacity that corresponds to the product of the "internal cooling volume of the cooling unit (50)," the "heat absorption rate of the cooling unit (50)," and the "difference between the ambient temperature and the temperature of the object to be cooled in the cooling unit (50)." Specifically, the larger this product, the larger the second cooling capacity. The heat absorption rate of the cooling unit (50) depends on the structure of the cooling unit (50) (ease of escape of cold air). The easier it is for cold air to escape from the cooling unit (50), the larger the heat absorption rate of the cooling unit (50). The difference between the ambient temperature and the temperature of the object to be cooled is, to be precise, the temperature difference obtained by subtracting the temperature of the object to be cooled from the ambient temperature.

[0082] For example, when the cooling unit (50) is a "cooling unit (50) that cools the air in the showcase (50a)," the heat absorption rate of the cooling unit (50) (how easily the cool air escapes) depends on the type of the showcase (50a).

[0083] If the showcase (50a) is a "sealed type like a refrigerator," the heat absorption rate of the cooling unit (50) is relatively small. If the showcase (50a) is a "glass-door type," the heat absorption rate of the cooling unit (50) is greater than that of the "sealed type." If the showcase (50a) is an "open type without a door," the heat absorption rate of the cooling unit (50) is relatively greater.

[0084] Furthermore, when the cooling unit (50) is a "cooling unit (50) that cools the air in the showcase (50a)," the ambient temperature of the cooling unit (50) is the "temperature of the air in the facility in which the showcase (50a) is installed," and the temperature of the object to be cooled by the cooling unit (50) is the "temperature inside the showcase (50a)."

[0085] In consideration of the above, the second cooling capacity (Q2) is expressed by the following formula 2. The cooling capacity (Q) of the cooling unit (50) including the first cooling capacity (Q1) and the second cooling capacity (Q2) is expressed by the following formula 3. In formulas 2 and 3, "r2" is the heat absorption rate of the cooling unit (50). "T2" is the air temperature in the facility where the showcase (50a) is installed (the ambient temperature of the cooling unit (50)).

[0086]

number

[0087] The cooling internal volume of the cooling unit (50) and the heat absorption rate of the cooling unit (50) are examples of static information (information that does not change depending on the operating conditions of the cooling unit (50)) that can be used to derive the cooling capacity of the cooling unit (50). The difference between the ambient temperature of the cooling unit (50) and the temperature of the object to be cooled is an example of dynamic information (information that changes depending on the operating conditions of the cooling unit (50)) that can be used to derive the cooling capacity of the cooling unit (50).

[0088] For example, the desired information may be derived from the above information using an information table showing the correspondence between the above information (such as the type of showcase (50a)) and the desired information to be derived (such as the heat absorption rate and the cooling capacity).

[0089] [Representative cooling capacity] Next, the representative cooling capacity will be described. The representative cooling capacity is a representative value of the cooling capacity of the cooling unit (50). The representative cooling capacity is a static cooling capacity that does not change depending on the operating conditions of the cooling unit (50) (specifically, the difference between the temperature of the object to be cooled and the set temperature).

[0090] The representative cooling capacity is set to a cooling capacity that is exerted by the cooling unit (50) when the operating condition of the cooling unit (50) is a predetermined condition. For example, the representative cooling capacity is set to a maximum cooling capacity (rated cooling capacity) that the cooling unit (50) can exert when the operating condition of the cooling unit (50) is a predetermined condition.

[0091] For example, the representative cooling capacity may be set to a capacity corresponding to a "first representative cooling capacity" that is a representative value of the first cooling capacity (cooling capacity required to cool the object to be cooled) of the cooling unit (50). The first representative cooling capacity is a capacity corresponding to a "representative heat capacity" that is a representative value of the heat capacity of the cooling unit (50). Specifically, the first representative cooling capacity may be set to a capacity corresponding to the product of the "representative heat capacity of the cooling unit (50)" and the "representative value (e.g., an expected maximum value) of the difference between the temperature of the object to be cooled in the cooling unit (50) and the set temperature."

[0092] The representative heat capacity may be set to a heat capacity corresponding to the product of a "representative value (e.g., an expected maximum value) of the amount of items contained in the showcase (50a)" and a "representative value of the specific heat (c) of the items contained in the showcase (50a)." The first representative cooling capacity and the representative heat capacity are information that changes depending on the amount and specific heat of the items contained in the showcase (50a).

[0093] Furthermore, the representative value of the specific heat (c) of the items contained in the showcase (50a) may be set to the specific heat of the items that are predetermined to be contained in the showcase (50a). Furthermore, the representative value of the amount of items contained in the showcase (50a) may be set to a value corresponding to the product of the "refrigerated internal volume (V) of the showcase (50a)" and the "representative value (e.g., an expected maximum value) of the accommodation rate (r1) of the items contained in the showcase (50a)."

[0094] Furthermore, the representative cooling capacity may be set to a capacity corresponding to the "first representative cooling capacity" and a "second representative cooling capacity" that is a representative value of the second cooling capacity of the cooling unit (50) (cooling capacity required for the cooling unit (50) to absorb heat). Specifically, the second representative cooling capacity may be set to a capacity corresponding to the product of the "internal cooling volume (V) of the showcase (50a)," the "heat absorption rate of the showcase (50a)," and the "representative value (e.g., the expected maximum value) of the difference between the ambient temperature in the cooling unit (50) and the temperature of the object to be cooled." The second representative cooling capacity is information that changes depending on the structure of the showcase (50a).

[0095] [First process] Next, the first process performed by the control section (33) will be described with reference to Fig. 4. During operation of the refrigeration system (10), the control section (33) repeatedly performs the process shown in Fig. 4.

[0096] <Step (S11)> The control unit (33) acquires first information (information that can be used to derive the cooling capacity required for each of the plurality of cooling units (50)). In this example, the control unit (33) acquires the first information stored in the storage unit (32). The first information in the first process includes information on the representative cooling capacity of each of the plurality of cooling units (50). Specifically, the first information includes the "representative cooling capacity (e.g., rated cooling capacity)" of each of the plurality of cooling units (50).

[0097] <Step (S12)> The control unit (33) acquires second information (information indicating the temperature of the object to be cooled and the set temperature in each of the plurality of cooling units (50)). In this example, the control unit (33) acquires "the temperature of the object to be cooled in each of the plurality of cooling units (50) (the temperature inside the showcase (50a))," which is part of the second information obtained by the plurality of temperature sensors (81), and "the set temperature of each of the plurality of cooling units (50) (the target value of the temperature inside the cabinet)," which is the remaining part of the second information stored in the memory unit (32).

[0098] <Step (S13)> The control unit (33) determines, based on the second information acquired in step (S12), whether or not there is a "cooling unit (50) performing a cooling operation" among the plurality of cooling units (50). For example, the control unit (33) determines whether or not there is a cooling unit (50) whose "temperature of the object to be cooled (temperature inside the showcase (50a))" acquired in step (S12) exceeds the "set temperature (target value of the inside temperature)." If there is a cooling unit (50) performing a cooling operation, the process of step (S14) is performed; otherwise, the process of step (S16) is performed.

[0099] <Step (S14)> When a cooling unit (50) currently performing a cooling operation is present, the control unit (33) derives the capacity required for the heat source unit (40) based on the representative cooling capacity of each of the "cooling units (50) currently performing a cooling operation" among the plurality of cooling units (50).

[0100] In this example, the control unit (33) derives the sum of the representative cooling capacities of the cooling units (50) currently performing the cooling operation from the “representative cooling capacities of each of the plurality of cooling units (50)” acquired in step (S11), and determines the sum of the derived representative cooling capacities as the “capacity required in the heat source unit (40).”

[0101] <Step (S15)> Next, the control unit (33) outputs information (third information) indicating the “capacity required of the heat source unit (40)” derived in step (S14) to the heat source unit (40). As a result, the heat source unit (40) operates to achieve the “capacity required of the heat source unit (40)” derived in step (S14). Specifically, the heat source control unit (46) controls each part of the heat source unit (40) (specifically, the compression element (42)) to achieve the “capacity required of the heat source unit (40)” indicated in the third information.

[0102] <Step (S16)> On the other hand, if there is a cooling unit (50) performing a cooling operation in step (S13), the control unit (33) outputs information indicating that the heat source unit (40) is inactive (e.g., an information signal instructing the heat source unit (40) to be inactive) to the heat source unit (40). As a result, the heat source unit (40) is put into an inactive state. Specifically, in response to the "information indicating that the heat source unit (40) is inactive" output from the control unit (33), the heat source control unit (46) stops the components of the heat source unit (40) (specifically, the compression element (42) and the heat source fan (45)).

[0103] [Predicted cooling capacity] Next, the predicted cooling capacity will be described. The predicted cooling capacity is a predicted value of the cooling capacity of the cooling unit (50). The predicted cooling capacity is a dynamic cooling capacity that changes depending on the operating conditions of the cooling unit (50) (specifically, the difference between the temperature of the object to be cooled and the set temperature).

[0104] For example, the predicted cooling capacity may be set to a capacity according to a "first predicted cooling capacity" that is a predicted value of the first cooling capacity.

[0105] The first predicted cooling capacity is a capacity corresponding to the product of a “representative heat capacity” that is a representative value of the heat capacity of the cooling unit (50) and the “difference between the temperature of the object to be cooled in the cooling unit (50) and the set temperature (actual temperature difference).” For example, the first predicted cooling capacity may be set to a first cooling capacity (Q1) obtained by substituting the “actual temperature difference (T1-T0)” into Equation 1, in which the “cooling internal volume (V),” “accommodation rate (r1),” and “specific heat (c)” corresponding to the representative heat capacity of the cooling unit (50) have already been substituted.

[0106] Alternatively, the first predicted cooling capacity may be a capacity corresponding to the product of the “predicted heat capacity,” which is a predicted value of the heat capacity of the cooling unit (50), and the “difference between the temperature of the object to be cooled in the cooling unit (50) and the set temperature (actual temperature difference).”

[0107] The predicted heat capacity may be set to a heat capacity corresponding to the product of the "actual value of the amount of items contained in the showcase (50a)" and the "representative value (e.g., expected maximum value) or actual value of the specific heat (c) of the items contained in the showcase (50a)." The predicted heat capacity may also be set to a heat capacity corresponding to the product of the "representative value (e.g., expected maximum value) or actual value of the amount of items contained in the showcase (50a)" and the "actual value of the specific heat (c) of the items contained in the showcase (50a)." The first predicted cooling capacity is a capacity corresponding to at least one of the amount and specific heat of the items contained in the showcase (50a).

[0108] For example, the first predicted cooling capacity may be set to the first cooling capacity (Q1) obtained by substituting the “actual capacity ratio (r1)”, “actual specific heat (c)”, and “actual temperature difference (T1-T0)” into Equation 1, in which the “cooling internal volume (V)” corresponding to the structure of the cooling unit (50) has already been substituted.

[0109] The predicted cooling capacity may be set to a capacity corresponding to the "first predicted cooling capacity" and a "second predicted cooling capacity" that is a predicted value of the second cooling capacity of the cooling unit (50) (cooling capacity required for the cooling unit (50) to absorb heat). Specifically, the second predicted cooling capacity may be set to a capacity corresponding to the product of the "internal cooling volume (V) of the showcase (50a)," the "heat absorption rate of the showcase (50a)," and the "difference between the ambient temperature in the cooling unit (50) and the temperature of the object to be cooled (actual temperature difference)." For example, the second predicted cooling capacity may be set to a second cooling capacity (Q2) obtained by substituting the "actual temperature difference (T2 - T1)" into Equation 2, in which the "internal cooling volume (V)" and the "heat absorption rate (r2)" corresponding to the structure of the showcase (50a) have already been substituted.

[0110] [Second Processing] Next, the second process performed by the control unit (33) will be described with reference to Fig. 5. During operation of the refrigeration system (10), the control unit (33) repeatedly performs the process shown in Fig. 5. In the second process, the following steps (S21) and (S24, S25) are performed instead of steps (S11) and (S14) in the first process. Note that the remaining steps (S22, S23, S26, S27) of the second process are similar to steps (S12, S13, S15, S16) of the first process, and therefore will not be described.

[0111] <Step (S21)> The control unit (33) acquires first information (information that can be used to derive the cooling capacity required for each of the plurality of cooling units (50)). In this example, the control unit (33) acquires the first information stored in the storage unit (32). The first information in the second process includes information that can be used to derive the predicted cooling capacity of each of the plurality of cooling units (50). For example, the first information includes the “representative heat capacity” of each of the plurality of cooling units (50). Next, the process of step (S22) is performed.

[0112] <Step (S24)> If there is a cooling unit (50) performing a cooling operation in step (S23), the control unit (33) derives the predicted cooling capacity of each of the plurality of cooling units (50) based on the first information acquired in step (S21) and the second information acquired in step (S22).

[0113] For example, for each of the plurality of cooling units (50), the control unit (33) determines the predicted cooling capacity of the cooling unit (50) as the product of the “representative heat capacity” of the cooling unit (50) and the “difference between the temperature of the object to be cooled and the set temperature (actual temperature difference).”

[0114] <Step (S25)> Next, the control unit (33) derives the capacity required for the heat source unit (40) based on the “predicted cooling capacity of each of the plurality of cooling units (50)” derived in step (S24). Next, the process of step (S26) is performed.

[0115] For example, the control unit (33) derives the sum of the “predicted cooling capacities of the plurality of cooling units (50)” derived in step (S24), and determines the sum of the predicted cooling capacities as the “capacity required in the heat source unit (40).”

[0116] [Effects of the embodiment] As described above, in the refrigeration system (10) of the embodiment, the control unit (33) outputs information indicating the capacity required in the heat source unit (40) based on the first information that can be used to derive the cooling capacity required in each of the plurality of cooling units (50) and the second information that indicates the temperature of the object to be cooled and the set temperature in each of the plurality of cooling units (50).

[0117] In the above configuration, the cooling capacity required for each of the plurality of cooling units (50) can be derived based on the first information. Furthermore, the operational status (whether the cooling operation is being performed or stopped) of each of the plurality of cooling units (50) can be derived based on the second information. Then, information indicating the "capacity required for the heat source unit (40)" according to the cooling capacity and operational status of each of the plurality of cooling units (50) can be output in consideration of the "cooling capacity required for each of the plurality of cooling units (50)" and the "operational status of each of the plurality of cooling units (50)." In this way, processing for controlling the heat source unit (40) can be performed according to the cooling capacity and operational status of each of the plurality of cooling units (50).

[0118] Furthermore, in the refrigeration system (10) of the embodiment, by outputting information indicating the capacity required in the heat source unit (40) to the heat source unit (40), it is possible to perform feedforward control of the operation of the heat source unit (40) (specifically, the rotation speed of the compressor constituting the compression element (42)), thereby shortening the time required for the capacity exerted in the heat source unit (40) to become the “capacity required in the heat source unit (40).”

[0119] In the refrigeration device of Patent Document 1, the refrigeration units are controlled independently without considering the "cooling capacity required for each of the multiple showcases" or the "operating status of each of the multiple showcases." Therefore, even if all of the multiple showcases stop their cooling operations, the refrigeration units will not stop until the pressure on the low-pressure side of the first refrigeration cycle circuit falls below a predetermined value. This makes it difficult to reduce power consumption.

[0120] On the other hand, in the refrigeration system (10) of the embodiment, the operation of the heat source unit (40) can be controlled taking into consideration the "cooling capacity required in each of the plurality of cooling units (50)" and the "operational status of each of the plurality of cooling units (50)," and therefore, power consumption can be reduced more than in the refrigeration device of Patent Document 1.

[0121] In the refrigeration system (10) of the embodiment, the first information includes information on a representative cooling capacity, which is a representative value of the cooling capacity of each of the plurality of cooling units (50). The capacity required of the heat source unit (40) is a capacity corresponding to the sum of the representative cooling capacities of the cooling units (50) that are performing a cooling operation among the plurality of cooling units (50).

[0122] In the above configuration, it is possible to output information indicating the “capacity required in the heat source unit (40)” corresponding to the sum of the representative cooling capacities of the cooling units (50) that are performing the cooling operation among the plurality of cooling units (50). This makes it possible to perform processing for controlling the heat source unit (40) according to the representative cooling capacities and operating conditions of each of the plurality of cooling units (50).

[0123] In the refrigeration system (10) of the embodiment, the representative cooling capacity of each of the plurality of cooling units (50) is a capacity corresponding to a representative heat capacity that is a representative value of the heat capacity of each of the plurality of cooling units (50).

[0124] In the above configuration, the representative cooling capacity of each of the plurality of cooling units (50) can be appropriately set based on the representative heat capacity of each of the plurality of cooling units (50), thereby making it possible to appropriately perform processing for controlling the heat source unit (40) in accordance with the representative cooling capacity and the operating status of each of the plurality of cooling units (50).

[0125] In the refrigeration system (10) of the embodiment, the first information includes information that can be used to derive a predicted cooling capacity, which is a predicted value of the cooling capacity required in each of the plurality of cooling units (50). The capacity required in the heat source unit (40) is a capacity corresponding to the sum of the predicted cooling capacities of the plurality of cooling units (50).

[0126] In the above configuration, it is possible to output information indicating the “capacity required in the heat source unit (40)” according to the sum of the predicted cooling capacities of the plurality of cooling units (50). This makes it possible to perform processing for controlling the heat source unit (40) according to the predicted cooling capacities of the plurality of cooling units (50).

[0127] In the refrigeration system (10) of the embodiment, the information that can be used to derive the predicted cooling capacity of each of the plurality of cooling units (50) includes information on a representative heat capacity that is a representative value of the heat capacity of each of the plurality of cooling units (50). The predicted cooling capacity of each of the plurality of cooling units (50) is a capacity that depends on the representative heat capacity of the cooling unit (50) and the difference between the temperature of the object to be cooled in the cooling unit (50) and the set temperature.

[0128] In the above configuration, the predicted cooling capacity of each of the plurality of cooling units (50) can be appropriately set based on the “representative heat capacity of the cooling unit (50)” obtained from the first information and the “difference between the temperature of the object to be cooled in the cooling unit (50) and the set temperature” obtained from the second information. This makes it possible to appropriately perform processing for controlling the heat source unit (40) according to the predicted cooling capacity of each of the plurality of cooling units (50).

[0129] In the refrigeration system 10 according to the embodiment, each of the cooling units 50 cools the air in a showcase 50 a during a cooling operation. Information that can be used to derive the predicted cooling capacity of each of the cooling units 50 includes information about the amount of items stored in the showcase 50 a of each of the cooling units 50. The predicted cooling capacity of each of the cooling units 50 corresponds to the amount of items stored in the showcase 50 a of that cooling unit 50.

[0130] In the above configuration, the predicted cooling capacity of each of the plurality of cooling units (50) can be appropriately set based on the “amount of contents stored in each showcase (50a) of the plurality of cooling units (50)” obtained from the first information. This makes it possible to appropriately perform processing for controlling the heat source unit (40) according to the predicted cooling capacity of each of the plurality of cooling units (50).

[0131] In the refrigeration system (10) of the embodiment, the heat source unit (40) operates based on the "information indicating the capacity required of the heat source unit (40)" output from the control unit (33).

[0132] In the above configuration, the heat source unit (40) can be operated so as to achieve the “capacity required of the heat source unit (40)” indicated in the information output from the control unit (33).

[0133] (Modification of the embodiment) FIG. 6 illustrates the configuration of a refrigeration system (10) according to a modification of the embodiment. The refrigeration system (10) according to the modification of the embodiment differs from the refrigeration system (10) according to the embodiment in the connection between the control unit (33) and the usage control unit (56). Furthermore, the refrigeration system (10) according to the modification of the embodiment does not include the information acquisition unit (31) shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The other configurations and processes of the refrigeration system (10) according to the modification of the embodiment are similar to those of the refrigeration system (10) according to the embodiment.

[0134] 7, in the modified embodiment, the control unit (33) is connected to a usage control unit (56) included in each of the plurality of cooling units (50) via a signal line and is capable of communicating with the usage control unit (56) included in each of the plurality of cooling units (50). The control unit (33) acquires "information related to the cooling unit (50)" from the usage control unit (56) included in each of the plurality of cooling units (50). In this example, the usage control unit (56) included in each of the plurality of cooling units (50) functions as the information acquisition unit (31).

[0135] The “information related to the cooling unit (50)” obtained from the usage control unit (56) includes information obtained by the usage sensor (70), the set temperature of the cooling unit (50), etc. The information obtained by the usage sensor (70) includes the inside temperature obtained by the inside temperature sensor (71), etc.

[0136] The refrigeration system (10) of the modified embodiment can provide the same effects as those of the refrigeration system (10) of the embodiment.

[0137] (Other embodiments) In the above description, the following configuration or setting may be adopted.

[0138] The control unit (33) may be configured to perform only the first process out of the first process and the second process, or may be configured to perform only the second process.

[0139] The refrigeration system (20) may include one or more cooling units (not shown) for cooling the interior of the refrigeration facility, in addition to a plurality of cooling units (50) for cooling the interior of the refrigeration facility. The refrigeration system (20) may also include other components such as a receiver for separating the stored refrigerant into gas refrigerant and liquid refrigerant.

[0140] The compression element (42) may be composed of a plurality of compressors, which may be connected in series or in parallel.

[0141] The control unit (33) may be configured with a single processor or multiple processors. The multiple processors may be arranged together in a single housing, or may be arranged in different housings. The same applies to the heat source control unit (46) and the usage control unit (56). The storage unit (32) may be configured with a single memory or multiple memories.

[0142] The terms "first," "second," "third," etc. mentioned above are used to distinguish the words to which they are attached, and do not limit the number or order of the words.

[0143] Although the embodiments and modifications have been described, it will be understood that various modifications in form and details are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims. Furthermore, elements of the above-described embodiments, modifications, and other embodiments may be combined or substituted as appropriate. [Industrial Applicability]

[0144] INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY As described above, the present disclosure is useful as a control system and a refrigeration system. [Explanation of symbols]

[0145] 10 Refrigeration System 20 Refrigeration equipment 25 Refrigerant circuit 30 Control System 31 Information Acquisition Department 32 Storage section 33 Control Unit 40 Heat source unit 41 Heat source circuit 42 compression elements 43 Heat source heat exchanger (radiator) 45 Heat source fan 46 Heat source control unit 50 Cooling Unit 51 Circuit used 52 Utilization heat exchanger (evaporator) 53 Expansion valve 55 Fans Used 56 Usage control section 50a Showcase 60 Heat source sensor 70 Sensors Used

Claims

1. A control system is applied to a refrigeration device (20) that performs a refrigeration cycle by circulating a refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit (25), the control system comprising: a heat source unit (40) having a compression element (42) and a radiator (43); and a plurality of cooling units (50) each having an evaporator (52) and performing or stopping a cooling operation depending on a difference between a temperature of an object to be cooled and a set temperature, the refrigerant circuit (25), a control unit (33) that controls the refrigeration device (20), the control unit (33) outputs information indicating a capacity required in the heat source unit (40) based on first information that can be used to derive a cooling capacity required in each of the plurality of cooling units (50) and second information that indicates the temperature of the object to be cooled and the set temperature in each of the plurality of cooling units (50); the first information includes information on a representative cooling capacity that is a representative value of the cooling capacity of each of the plurality of cooling units (50); the capacity required of the heat source unit (40) is a capacity corresponding to the sum of representative cooling capacities of the cooling units (50) that are performing the cooling operation among the plurality of cooling units (50), The representative cooling capacity of each of the plurality of cooling units (50) is a capacity corresponding to a representative heat capacity, which is a representative value of the heat capacity of each of the plurality of cooling units (50). Control system.

2. A control system is applied to a refrigeration device (20) that performs a refrigeration cycle by circulating a refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit (25), the control system comprising: a heat source unit (40) having a compression element (42) and a radiator (43); and a plurality of cooling units (50) each having an evaporator (52) and performing or stopping a cooling operation depending on a difference between a temperature of an object to be cooled and a set temperature, the refrigerant circuit (25), a control unit (33) that controls the refrigeration device (20), the control unit (33) outputs information indicating a capacity required in the heat source unit (40) based on first information that can be used to derive a cooling capacity required in each of the plurality of cooling units (50) and second information that indicates the temperature of the object to be cooled and the set temperature in each of the plurality of cooling units (50); the first information includes information that can be used to derive a predicted cooling capacity that is a predicted value of a cooling capacity required in each of the plurality of cooling units (50); The capacity required for the heat source unit (40) is a capacity corresponding to the sum of the predicted cooling capacities of the plurality of cooling units (50). Control system.

3. 3. The control system of claim 2, the information that can be used to derive the predicted cooling capacity of each of the plurality of cooling units (50) includes information on a representative heat capacity that is a representative value of the heat capacity of each of the plurality of cooling units (50); The predicted cooling capacity of each of the plurality of cooling units (50) is a capacity corresponding to the representative heat capacity of the cooling unit (50) and the difference between the temperature of the object to be cooled in the cooling unit (50) and the set temperature. Control system.

4. 3. The control system of claim 2, Each of the plurality of cooling units (50) has a showcase (50a), and cools air in the showcase (50a) during the cooling operation; the information that can be used to derive the predicted cooling capacity of each of the plurality of cooling units (50) includes information about the amount of contents stored in the showcase (50a) of each of the plurality of cooling units (50); The predicted cooling capacity of each of the plurality of cooling units (50) is a capacity corresponding to the amount of items stored in the showcase (50a) of the cooling unit (50). Control system.

5. A control system according to any one of claims 1 to 4; A refrigeration system comprising the refrigeration device (20), The heat source unit (40) operates based on information indicating a capacity required in the heat source unit (40). Refrigeration system.

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