Pumping equipment and control equipment

Abstract

To smoothly equalize an integrated operation time of each pump.SOLUTION: According to one embodiment of the present invention, a pump device acquires an integrated operation time and an integrated number of operations of each pump machine. The pump device acquires a total operation time which is obtained by totaling the integrate operation time of each pump machine, and a total number of operations which is obtained by totaling the integrated number of operations at each prescribed time zone of one day. The pump device calculates an average operation time of each pump machine on the basis of the total operation time and the total number of operations at each prescribed time zone. The pump device selects at least one first time zone in descending order of the average operation time, and selects at least one second time zone in ascending order of the average operation time, out of the average operation time at each prescribed time zone. The pump device drives each pump machine so as to equalize the integrated operation time of each pump machine during a first time zone. The pump device drives each pump machine so as to equalize the integrated number of operations of each pump machine during a second time zone.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a pump device and a management device. [Background technology]

[0002] Generally, pump systems are known that perform alternating operation, in which multiple pumps are driven alternately, and parallel operation, in which multiple pumps are driven simultaneously. In these types of pump systems, the accumulated operating time of each pump varies over time because the multiple pumps are operated by switching between them. To address this issue, a known control method is to smooth the operating time by changing the switching order of the pumps, thereby distributing the wear of parts and preventing the operation from concentrating on a specific pump. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-045982 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] While the above-described control of smoothing the operation time does not usually pose any particular problems, the inventors have found that there is room for improvement in that, if the operation time of each pump is short, multiple operations are required to smooth out the variations in the accumulated operation time of each pump. Therefore, it is desirable to efficiently smooth the accumulated operation time rather than performing smoothing randomly throughout the day.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to efficiently smooth the integrated operation time of each pump. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, a pump device includes a plurality of pumps arranged in parallel. The pump device includes an integrating unit, a totaling unit, a calculation unit, a time period selection unit, a time smoothing unit, and a count smoothing unit. The integrating unit calculates the integrated operating time and the integrated operating count of each pump in the plurality of pumps. The totaling unit calculates, for each predetermined time period of a day, a total operating time by adding up the integrated operating times of each pump and a total operating count by adding up the integrated operating counts of each pump. The calculation unit calculates, for each predetermined time period, an average operating time of each pump based on the total operating time and the total operating count. The time period selection unit selects at least one first time period in descending order of the average operating time for each predetermined time period, and at least one second time period in descending order of the average operating time. The time smoothing unit drives each pump during the first time period so as to smooth the integrated operating time of each pump. The number smoothing unit drives each of the pumps so as to smooth the cumulative operation number of each of the pumps during the second time period.

[0007] According to another aspect of the present invention, a pump device includes a plurality of pumps arranged in parallel with each other. flow rate A sensor, a setting unit, and a control unit an accumulator, a summing unit, a calculation unit, a time period selection unit, a time smoothing unit, and a count smoothing unit; The above flow rate The sensor is provided in each pump of the plurality of pumps, and measures the flow rate of the fluid based on the rotation of an impeller that rotates upon receiving the fluid discharged from each pump. The setting unit sets a stop flow rate for each pump. The control unit flow rate Sensor flow signal and the stop flow rate, Stop Control. The integrating unit calculates the accumulated operating time and the accumulated number of operations for each of the pumps. The totaling unit calculates, for each predetermined time period of a day, a total operating time by adding up the accumulated operating times of each of the pumps and a total number of operations by adding up the accumulated numbers of operations of each of the pumps. The calculating unit calculates, for each predetermined time period, an average operating time for each of the pumps based on the total operating time and the total number of operations. The time period selecting unit selects, from the average operating times for each of the predetermined time periods, at least one first time period in descending order of average operating time and at least one second time period in descending order of average operating time. The time smoothing unit drives each of the pumps during the first time period so as to smooth the accumulated operating time of each of the pumps. The number of times smoothing unit drives each of the pumps during the second time period so as to smooth the accumulated number of operations of each of the pumps.

[0008] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a management device is a device capable of communicating with a pump apparatus including a plurality of pumps arranged in parallel with one another. The management device includes a receiving unit, a totaling unit, a calculation unit, a time period selection unit, a first transmission unit, and a second transmission unit. The receiving unit receives operation data from the pump apparatus regarding the accumulated operating time and the accumulated number of operations of each pump unit in the plurality of pumps. The totaling unit calculates, for each predetermined time period of a day, a total operating time by adding up the accumulated operating times of each pump unit and a total number of operations by adding up the accumulated numbers of operations of each pump unit, based on the received operation data. The calculation unit calculates, for each predetermined time period, an average operating time of each pump unit based on the total operating time and the total number of operations. The time period selection unit selects at least one first time period in descending order of the average operating time for each predetermined time period, and at least one second time period in descending order of the average operating time. The first transmission unit transmits to the pump device a start time and an end time of the first time period to drive each pump so as to smooth the accumulated operation time of each pump during the first time period, and the second transmission unit transmits to the pump device a start time and an end time of the second time period to drive each pump so as to smooth the accumulated operation count of each pump during the second time period. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, the integrated operation time of each pump can be efficiently smoothed. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a management system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the management device of FIG. 1; [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the pump device of FIG. 1. [Figure 4]4 is a flowchart for explaining an example of operation in the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram for explaining step S20 in FIG. 4. [Figure 6] 5 is a flowchart for explaining step S40 in FIG. 4. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram for explaining step S42 in FIG. 6. [Figure 8] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram for explaining step S42 in FIG. 6. [Figure 9] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram for explaining steps S41 to S47 in FIG. 6. [Figure 10] 5 is a flowchart for explaining step S60 in FIG. 4. [Figure 11] 5 is a flowchart for explaining step S80 in FIG. 4. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart for explaining step S60 in an operation example of the second embodiment. [Figure 13] 10 is a flowchart for explaining step S80 in an operation example of the second embodiment. [Figure 14] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of operation in the fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The pump device and management device according to each embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. Hereinafter, elements that are identical or similar to elements already described will be assigned the same or similar reference numerals, and duplicate descriptions will generally be omitted. For example, when there are multiple identical or similar elements, a common reference numeral may be used to describe each element without distinction, and a subnumber may be used in addition to the common reference numeral to describe each element distinctly.

[0012] First Embodiment FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a management system including a pump device and a management device according to a first embodiment. This management system includes a management device 1 and multiple pump devices 5-n (n is an index). While FIG. 1 shows a configuration in which n is 2, this is not limited to this and n can be any number equal to or greater than 1. Hereinafter, when no particular distinction is needed, the pump device will be simply referred to as a pump device 5. The management system is a computer system that uses the management device 1 to manage operational data measured for the pump devices 5.

[0013] 1, the management device 1 and the pump device 5 are connected via a network NW, such as a mobile communication network such as 4G or 5G, or a relatively long-distance wireless communication line such as Wimax. In other words, the management device 1 and the pump device 5 are capable of communicating with each other.

[0014] The management device 1 is a computer having a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), memories such as ROM (Read Only Memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory), a display device, an input device, and a communication device. The management device 1 has a large-capacity storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), or an integrated circuit storage device for managing various data related to multiple pump devices 5. This large-capacity storage device will be referred to as a database. For example, the management device 1 stores various data related to the pump devices 5 in the database and manages the operating status of the pump devices 5.

[0015] The pumping device 5 is, for example, a mechanical device (water supply device) that supplies water to a building. The pumping device 5 is, for example, a so-called direct-connection pressure-boosting type water supply device that is directly connected to a water main pipe, directly boosts the pressure of water flowing through the water main pipe, and supplies water to supply destinations such as faucets and shower heads installed in the building. Note that the type of the pumping device 5 according to this embodiment is not limited to the direct-connection pressure-boosting type, and any type such as a direct-connection direct pressure type, a water tank water supply type, and an elevated water tank water supply type can be used as appropriate.

[0016] Next, the management device 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the block diagram of FIG.

[0017] The management device 1 includes an operation unit 11, a display unit 12, a storage unit 13, a database 14, a communication unit 15, and a control unit 16.

[0018] The operation unit 11 is a keyboard, a mouse, or the like, and receives requests and instructions from the administrator and transmits them to the control unit 16 .

[0019] The display unit 12 is a display device that uses a device such as a liquid crystal panel, an organic EL (electroluminescence) panel, a 7-segment LED (light-emitting diode), or an LED lamp, and visually displays information provided by the control unit 16 to the administrator. The display unit 12 may display log data under the control of the control unit 16.

[0020] The memory unit 13 uses semiconductor memory such as SDRAM (synchronous dynamic RAM), NAND (inverted AND) flash memory, or EEPROM (registered trademark) (electrically erasable programmable ROM), and stores the control program and control data of the control unit 16.

[0021] The database 14 is a storage device with a relatively larger storage capacity than the storage unit 13, and may include a storage medium such as a semiconductor memory or an HDD (Hard Disk Drive). The database 14 is used to store log data.

[0022] The log data is received from the pump device 5 and is stored so that it can be compiled for each pump device 5. The log data includes various data such as operating status data of the pump device 5 and an abnormality notification when the pump device 5 is in an abnormal state.

[0023] The communication unit 15 communicates with the pump device 5 through the network NW.

[0024] The control unit 16 includes a processor such as a CPU or an MPU, and a memory. The processor may be configured as a dedicated circuit such as an ASIC or an FPGA. The memory stores control programs and control data read from the storage unit 13, and the processor executes the control programs to realize the function of a management device. The management function is to store data received from the pump device 5 as log data in the database 14, and manage the status of the pump device 5 based on the log data.

[0025] Next, the pump device 5 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the block diagram of FIG.

[0026] The pump device 5 includes a control device 50 and a pump section 60. The pump section 60 includes three pumps 61a-61c arranged in parallel, designated, for example, from the left, as pump No. 1, pump No. 2, and pump No. 3. The number of pumps is not limited to three, and any number may be used. The suction sections of the pumps 61a-61c are connected to a water supply pipe extending from a water source, such as a water tank, via suction pipes 63a-63c, in which on-off valves 62a-62c are installed, and via a branch section 64. The discharge sections of the pumps 61a-61c are connected to a demand pipe 68 extending from a demand side, such as a building or an apartment building, via discharge pipes 67a-67c, in which check valves 65a-65c and on-off valves 66a-66c are installed. This configuration configures the pump section 60, in which the three pumps 61a-61c are connected in parallel. However, an accumulator 70, flow rate sensors 71a, 71b, 71c, and a pressure sensor 72 are provided on the discharge sides of the pumps 61a to 61c. An inverter 54 is also provided to variably control the power supply frequency (of the motors) of the pumps 61a to 61c. The inverter 54, flow rate sensors 71a to 71c, and pressure sensor 72 are connected to a control device 50. The control device 50 controls the alternating operation or parallel operation of the pumps 61a to 61c in accordance with a pump control algorithm such as constant target pressure control, depending on the demand detected by the flow rate signals from the flow rate sensors 71a to 71c and the pressure signal from the pressure sensor 72. The control device 50 also drives the pumps 61a to 61c so as to smooth the total integrated operation time and the total integrated operation count of the pumps 61a to 61c.

[0027] The control device 50 includes a communication device 51, an input device 53, an inverter 54, an interface 55, a display device 56, a storage device 57, and a control unit 58, which are connected to one another via a bus.

[0028] The communication device 51 performs long-distance communication using a mobile communication network or wireless communication standards such as Wimax and Wi-Fi. The communication device 51 transmits and receives various data to and from the management device 1 via a long-distance communication line.

[0029] Regarding the establishment of a wireless connection by the communication device 51, for example, in the case of Wi-Fi, the wireless connection may be established by inputting a pre-set SSID (service set identifier) ​​and password for a Wi-Fi access point.

[0030] The input device 53 converts a user's instruction into an electrical signal. As the input device 53, for example, an operation panel, a touch panel, a keyboard, a mouse, various switches, etc. may be used. Note that a voice input device may also be used as the input device 53. The electrical signal from the input device 53 is supplied to the control unit 58 via a bus.

[0031] The inverter 54 generates power to operate the pumps 61a to 61c. Specifically, the inverter 54 supplies AC power of a predetermined frequency to the pumps 61a to 61c (the motors of the pumps 61a to 61c). The inverter 54 also receives an inverter control signal from the control unit 58. The inverter 54 operates in response to the inverter control signal. For example, the inverter 54 stops or starts operation in response to the inverter control signal, which corresponds to an operation stop signal or an operation start signal. The inverter 54 also controls the rotation speed of the motor in response to the inverter control signal, which corresponds to a rotation speed control signal.

[0032] Specifically, the inverter 54 includes a converter circuit, a smoothing capacitor, and an inverter circuit (not shown). The converter circuit converts AC power taken in from an AC power source into DC power by rectifying it. The smoothing capacitor smoothes the voltage of the DC power output by the converter circuit to obtain DC power with a substantially constant voltage. The inverter circuit then converts the DC power obtained by the smoothing capacitor into AC power with a predetermined frequency according to an inverter control signal (corresponding to a rotation speed control signal) from the control device 50, and supplies the AC power to the motor.

[0033] The interface 55 is, for example, an input / output interface such as a port, etc. The interface 55 connects, for example, the control device 50 and the pump unit 60, and transmits and receives various signals.

[0034] The display device 56 displays various data. Any display may be used as the display device 56, such as a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) display, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, an LED display, or a plasma display. Note that a projector may also be used as the display device 56.

[0035] The storage device 57 is a memory device such as a ROM, RAM, HDD, SSD (solid state drive), or integrated circuit storage device that stores various data. The storage device 57 may be implemented as a single physical memory device or as multiple memory devices physically separated within the pump device 5. The storage device 57 stores the operating time and number of operations for each time period. It is preferable to store the operating time and number of operations for each pump unit, but if the memory capacity is small, it is not necessary to store them for each pump unit. The storage device 57 stores the average operating time, maximum operating time, and minimum operating time calculated by the control unit 58 from the operating time and number of operations stored for each time period. Because operating trends may differ by day of the week, it is preferable to store a week's worth of operating data. However, if the memory capacity is small, this storage is not necessary. Although operation may vary by month or season, if the memory capacity is small, there is no need to retain monthly or seasonal data; subsequent processing can be constantly reviewed based on the operating data from the previous day or week.

[0036] The control unit 58 is a processor (arithmetic device) such as a CPU or a microprocessor. The control unit 58 may be configured with a dedicated circuit such as an ASIC or FPGA. The control unit 58 executes various programs stored in the storage device 57 to realize the functions of the pump device 5. The functions of the pump device 5 include, in addition to general operation functions and communication functions, an integration function, a summing function, a calculation function, a time period selection function, a time smoothing function, a count smoothing function, a smoothing stop function, and a re-execution control function related to smoothing. The integration function, summing function, calculation function, time period selection function, time smoothing function, count smoothing function, smoothing stop function, and re-execution control function are examples of the integration unit, summing unit, calculation unit, time period selection unit, time smoothing unit, count smoothing unit, smoothing stop unit, and re-execution control unit, respectively.

[0037] The accumulating function of the control unit 58 calculates the accumulated operating time and the accumulated number of operations for each of the pumps 61a to 61c.

[0038] The totalizing function of the control unit 58 calculates the total operating time by adding up the accumulated operating times of each pump unit for each predetermined time period of the day, and the total number of operating times by adding up the accumulated number of operating times of each pump unit. The accumulated operating time for each predetermined time period of the day may be calculated by averaging the operating data for a predetermined number of days (e.g., seven days) for each predetermined time period. Similarly, the accumulated number of operating times may be calculated by averaging the operating data for a predetermined number of days.

[0039] The calculation function of the control unit 58 calculates the average operation time of each pump unit based on the total operation time and the total number of operations for each predetermined time period. The average operation time is the value obtained by dividing the total operation time by the total number of operations.

[0040] The time slot selection function of the control unit 58 selects at least one first time slot in descending order of average operation time from the average operation times for each predetermined time slot, and selects at least one second time slot in descending order of average operation time. Specifically, when correcting the variation in the accumulated operation time, it is preferable to select the time slot with the longest average operation time (first time slot). If there are multiple such time slots, it is preferable to select the time slot with the shortest operation time. For example, there is a tendency for operation time variations to be less likely to occur in time slots with short operation times, while variations to occur more likely to occur in time slots with long operation times. To utilize this tendency, the pump device 5 stores daily operation trends as an operation table. Based on this operation table, the control unit 58 does not select "time slots with short operation times" for time smoothing, which are the cause of variation in the accumulated operation count in time smoothing, but selects only "time slots with long operation times" (first time slots) for time smoothing. Furthermore, while the control unit 58 selected the "time period with long operation times" for time smoothing, it is preferable to select the "time period with short operation times" (second time period) for frequency smoothing. For example, in a commercial building, toilets automatically flush at night, and although the start-up time is short because the amount of water is low, the pump always starts up. In this case, it is preferable to operate the pump unit with the lowest cumulative operation count to perform frequency smoothing.

[0041] The time smoothing function of control unit 58 drives each pump so as to smooth the accumulated operating time of each pump during the first time period. For example, if the difference between the maximum and minimum accumulated operating times of each pump is equal to or greater than a predetermined time, the time smoothing function may not drive the pump corresponding to the maximum accumulated operating time and may drive the remaining pumps in rotation.

[0042] The number of times smoothing function of control unit 58 drives each pump so as to smooth the cumulative operation number of each pump during the second time period. For example, if the difference between the maximum and minimum cumulative operation numbers of each pump is equal to or greater than a predetermined number of times, the number of times smoothing function may not drive the pump corresponding to the maximum cumulative operation number, and may drive the remaining pumps in rotation.

[0043] In addition, when two or more pumps out of a plurality of pumps are operating in parallel and one of the pumps is to be reduced, each of the time smoothing function and the number of times smoothing function of the control unit 58 may reduce the pump that was most recently added.

[0044] The re-execution control function of the control unit 58 periodically re-executes the summing function, the calculation function, and the time slot selection function. Accordingly, the re-execution control function of the control unit 58 periodically updates the first time slot used in the time smoothing function and the second time slot used in the frequency smoothing function. Specifically, the summing function and calculation function calculate the average operating time for each time slot over a certain period of time, and the time selection function, the time smoothing function, and the frequency smoothing function select time slots from the respective average operating times to perform smoothing operations. The re-execution control function periodically re-executes the summing function, the calculation function, and the time selection function to recalculate and re-select the calculated average operating time and the selected time slot. This allows the time slots for smoothing control to be changed in accordance with changes in the time slots during which water is used, for example, due to changes in residents or changes in the residents' lifestyles in apartment complexes or condominiums. Furthermore, in factories where water is used for production, the time slots for smoothing control can be changed in accordance with changes in the factory's operating conditions, such as changes in the products produced over a certain period of time or changes in the amount of water used for other reasons. For example, if cooling water is used for air conditioning, the amount of water used will change depending on the season. Furthermore, if water is used for cooling equipment in addition to air conditioning, the amount of water used will change depending on the operating status of the equipment. Therefore, periodically reviewing and updating (reselecting) the first and second time slots for smoothing control is effective from the perspective of adapting to changes in the time slots during which the pump device 5 is used.

[0045] The number of boards constituting the control device 50 can be designed as desired, and it can also be designed as desired which of the communicator 51, input device 53, inverter 54, interface 55, display device 56, storage device 57, and control unit 58 each board is physically equipped with. Furthermore, the functions of the control unit 58 are not limited to being performed by a single control unit 58, and may be shared by multiple physically separated processors.

[0046] Next, an example of the operation of the pump device 5 and the management device 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 4 to 11. In the following description, to avoid complexity, the functions of the control unit 58 will be described as being mainly responsible for the operation of the control unit 58.

[0047] (Step S10) As shown in FIG. 4, the pump device 5 operates each pump in rotation. As described above, pumps 1, 2, and 3 are pump 61a, pump 61b, and pump 61c, respectively. At this time, the control unit 58 of the pump device 5 stores, in the storage device 57, operation data Ta to Tc, including the operation time per operation, the number of operations per operation, the cumulative operation time, and the cumulative number of operations, for each pump at each time. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the operation data Ta of pump 1, the operation data Tb of pump 2, and the operation data Tc of pump 3 each include the operation time per operation, the number of operations per operation, the cumulative operation time, and the cumulative number of operations, for each time. Furthermore, the pump device 5 periodically transmits the operation data Ta to Tc of each pump to the management device 1. The management device 1 stores and manages the received operation data Ta to Tc in the database 14.

[0048] (Step S20) 4, the control unit 58 of the pump device 5 sums up the cumulative operating times of the pump units. The control unit 58 may transmit the sum of the cumulative operating times of the pump units to the management device 1 together with the operating data Ta to Tc.

[0049] (Step S30) The control unit 58 determines whether the summed value in step S20 exceeds a threshold value, and if not, returns to step S10. Here, the threshold value is, for example, 10 hours, and indicates the time corresponding to the test run of the pump. That is, in step S30, if the threshold value is not exceeded, the control unit 58 returns to step S10 so as not to perform smoothing control during the test run period when the operating time varies greatly. On the other hand, if the threshold value is exceeded, the test run period of the pumps 61a to 61c has ended, and the control unit 58 proceeds to step S40.

[0050] (Step S40) The control unit 58 performs the process of creating or updating the smoothing table. Step S40 includes steps S41 to S47, as shown in FIG.

[0051] (Step S41) The control unit 58 determines whether it is currently time to create the tables, and if it is time to create the tables (S41: Yes), the process proceeds to step S42. For example, if the test run period has just ended and the operation table and the smoothing table have not yet been created, the process proceeds to step S42. For example, the process proceeds to step S42 when the operation table T1 and the smoothing table T2 have already been created as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, but a predetermined creation time has arrived as shown in FIG. 9. The predetermined creation time is determined to have arrived when a predetermined creation cycle (a certain period) has passed since the creation date of the operation table T1 and the smoothing table T2. In FIG. 9, the predetermined creation cycle is 12 weeks (represented as three times, 1w to 4w). That is, in the example of FIG. 9, the process proceeds to step S42 every 12 weeks. The control unit 58 creates the tables on the first day of the first 1w and performs smoothing from the second day of the first 1w. However, the creation cycle and the smoothing time are not limited to these. For example, the creation cycle may be set to once a week, or may be determined by a fixed rule such as the first week of each month, or every season (every three months). Alternatively, for example, a table for each day of the week may be created every day in the first week, and smoothing may be performed by switching the tables for each day of the week in the second week. Then, 12 weeks later in the first week, a new table may be created and smoothing performed using the old table may be performed, and smoothing may be performed using the new table in the second week. A new table is created by re-executing the total function, calculation function, and time period selection function at regular intervals.

[0052] (Step S42) The control unit 58 creates an operation table T1 and a smoothing table T2 based on the operation data Ta to Tc of each pump unit.

[0053] First, the control unit 58 creates an operation table T1. For example, the control unit 58 calculates, for each predetermined time period of a day, a total operation time by adding up the accumulated operation times of each pump unit and a total number of operations by adding up the accumulated number of operations. The control unit 58 also calculates, for each predetermined time period, the average operation time of each pump unit (= total operation time ÷ total number of operations) based on the total operation time and the total number of operations. The control unit 58 also ranks the pumps in descending order of average operation time for each predetermined time period. As a result, the control unit 58 creates an operation table T1 in which the average operation time, total operation time, total number of operations, and average time ranking are associated with each other for each predetermined time period of a day, as shown in FIG. 7.

[0054] After creating the operation table T1, the control unit 58 creates a smoothing table T2 as shown in FIG. 8. For example, the control unit 58 selects at least one first time slot in descending order of the average driving time from among the average driving times for each predetermined time slot described above, and selects at least one second time slot in descending order of the average driving time. Specifically, for example, the control unit 58 selects five first time slots in descending order of the average time ranking in the operation table T1, and selects three second time slots in descending order of the average time ranking. Note that the number of first time slots (five) and the number of second time slots (three) are merely examples and are not limited thereto. The first time slot is a time range for which time smoothing control is performed, and is indicated by the name of the time smoothing time and the range of time values ​​in FIG. 8. The second time slot is a time range for which count smoothing control is performed, and is indicated by the name of the count smoothing time and the range of time values. As a result, the control unit 58 associates each of the first to fourth average time rankings with the name of the time-smoothed time and the range of time values, thereby creating rows 1 to 5 of the smoothing table T2. The average time ranking "first" is associated with a valid flag of "1" (valid), and the average time rankings "second," "third," and "fourth" are associated with a valid flag of "0" (invalid). Similarly, the control unit 58 associates each of the 22nd to 24th average time rankings with the name of the number-of-times-smoothed time and the range of time values, thereby creating rows 4 to 6 of the smoothing table T2. Similarly, the average time ranking "24th" is associated with a valid flag of "1" (valid), and the average time ranking "22nd" is associated with a valid flag of "0" (invalid). As a result, the control unit 58 creates a smoothing table T2 in which the operation mode, valid flag, average time ranking, name, and range are associated, as shown in FIG. 8. Supplementally, step S42 is a process for setting smoothing parameters in the smoothing table T2 when the operation mode is "automatic setting." The smoothing parameters in the smoothing table T2 when the operation mode is "manual setting" (validity flag and time smoothing start / end times, validity flag and number smoothing start / end times) can be set by the operator. In any case, when step S42 ends, step S40 ends and the process proceeds to step S50.

[0055] On the other hand, if the result of the determination in step S41 is that it is not time to create a table (S41: No), the process proceeds to step S43.

[0056] (Step S43) The control unit 58 determines whether it is time to calculate the difference in the accumulated operating time and the difference in the accumulated number of operations. For example, if the difference is calculated for each week from the creation of the smoothing table T2 (step S42), the control unit 58 determines whether it is the first day of each week, such as the first day of 1w when step S42 was executed, the first day of 2w, the first day of 3w, etc., in FIG. 9. If the result of the determination is that it is not time to calculate the difference (S43: No), the control unit 58 ends step S40 and proceeds to step S50. On the other hand, if the result of the determination in step S43 is that it is time to calculate the difference (S43: Yes), the control unit 58 proceeds to step S44.

[0057] (Step S44) The control unit 58 calculates the difference between the accumulated operating times and the accumulated number of operations. That is, the control unit 58 extracts the maximum and minimum values ​​from the accumulated operating times of each pump unit, and calculates the time difference between the two (= maximum value of accumulated operating time - minimum value). Similarly, the control unit 58 extracts the maximum and minimum values ​​from the accumulated number of operations of each pump unit, and calculates the difference between the two (= maximum value of accumulated number of operations - minimum value).

[0058] (Step S45) The control unit 58 determines whether it is time to compare the time difference and the number of times difference. For example, if the difference is to be compared every week from the time when the difference was calculated last time (step S44), it determines whether it is the first day of the 3w (4w, ...) of every week from the first day of the 2w when step S44 was executed in FIG. 9. If the result of the determination is that it is not time to compare the difference (S45: No), step S40 ends and the process proceeds to step S50. On the other hand, if the result of the determination in step S45 is that it is time to compare the difference (S45: Yes), the process proceeds to step S46-1.

[0059] (Step S46-1) The control unit 58 determines whether the difference in the accumulated operating time or the difference in the accumulated number of operations has increased in order to confirm whether the smoothing control based on the smoothing table T2 is effective. For example, the control unit 58 determines whether the time difference calculated in step S44 this time (e.g., the first day of the 3w) is larger than the time difference calculated in step S44 the previous time (e.g., the first day of the 2w). Similarly, the control unit 58 determines whether the difference in the number of operations calculated in step S44 this time is larger than the difference in the number of operations calculated in step S44 the previous time. If the result of the determination is that the time difference and the difference in the number of operations are not large (S46-1: No), the smoothing control is effective, so the control ends step S40 and proceeds to step S50. On the other hand, if the result of the determination in step S46-1 is that the time difference or the difference in the number of operations is large (S46-1: Yes), the smoothing control is not effective, so the control proceeds to step S47 via step S46-2.

[0060] (Step S46-2) Before strengthening the smoothing control, the control unit 58 checks the upper limit of the smoothing control. For example, there is a site where smoothing operation is prohibited for more than one-quarter of a day. In this case, the upper limit number of hours is set to "6," and time smoothing and count smoothing are shared within the upper limit number of hours. For example, the control unit 58 determines whether the number of hours of smoothing control has reached a predetermined upper limit number of hours. Specifically, the control unit 58 adds up the number of valid flags "1" for the time smoothing times corresponding to "automatic setting" in the smoothing table T2 and the number of valid flags "1" for the count smoothing times. The control unit 58 also determines whether the number of hours of smoothing control corresponding to the obtained total number of valid flags "1" has reached the upper limit number of hours (threshold value). If the determination result shows that the upper limit number of hours has been reached (S46-2: Yes), smoothing control cannot be further strengthened, and the control unit 58 ends step S40 and proceeds to step S50. On the other hand, if the result of the determination in step S46-2 is that the upper limit number of times has not been reached (S46-2: No), there is room for strengthening the smoothing control, so the process proceeds to step S47.

[0061] (Step S47) If the smoothing control is ineffective (S46-1: Yes) and the upper limit number of times has not been reached (S46-2: No), the control unit 58 updates the smoothing table T2 to increase the number of smoothed times. For example, if the determination result of step S46-1 indicates that the time difference has widened, the control unit 58 updates the validity flag associated with the time-smoothed time with the second-highest average time ranking in FIG. 8 to "1." This increases the range of times for which time-smoothing control is performed by one hour, which is expected to increase the effectiveness of the time-smoothing control. Similarly, for example, if the determination result of step S46-1 indicates that the difference in the number of times has widened, the control unit 58 updates the validity flag associated with the time-smoothed time with the 22nd-highest average time ranking in FIG. 8 to "1." This increases the range of times for which number-of-times smoothing control is performed by one hour, which is expected to increase the effectiveness of the number-of-times smoothing control.

[0062] Specifically, for example, it is assumed that the control unit 58 starts smoothing control at two times in FIG. 8: the time smoothing time for the average time ranking "1st" and the number of times smoothing time for the average time ranking "24th".

[0063] Thereafter, if the time difference and the number of times difference are not large in the first step S46-1, the control unit 58 further enables the valid flags of the time smoothed time of the "second place" average time ranking and one of the number of times smoothed time (1:00 to 2:00) of the "22nd place" average time ranking. As a result, the control unit 58 continues the smoothing control at four times: the time smoothed times of the "first place" and "second place" average time rankings and the number of times smoothed time of (one of) the "24th place" and "22nd place" average time rankings. In this case, it can be expected that the effects of both the time smoothing control and the number of times smoothing control will be enhanced.

[0064] Furthermore, if the time difference is large but the difference in the number of times is not large in step S46-1 for the second time, the control unit 58 further enables the valid flag of the time smoothed time of the average time ranking "third place." As a result, the control unit 58 continues the smoothing control at five times: the time smoothed times of the average time rankings "first place," "second place," and "third place," and the number of times smoothed times of (either) the average time rankings "24th place" or "22nd place." In this case, it can be expected that the effect of the number of times smoothing control will be increased.

[0065] Furthermore, if the time difference is large but the number of times difference is not large in step S46-1 for the third time, the control unit 58 further validates one of the time smoothed times (9:00 to 10:00) for the average time ranking "4th place." As a result, the control unit 58 continues the smoothing control for six times, including the time smoothed times for the average time rankings "1st place," "2nd place," "3rd place," and "4th place," and the number of times smoothed times for (one of) the average time rankings "24th place" and "22nd place." In this case, it is expected that the effect of the number of times smoothing control will increase. Furthermore, since the upper limit of six times has been reached, there will be no further transition from step S46-2 to step S47 for the fourth time.

[0066] In either case, after step S47 is completed, step S40 is completed and the process moves to step S50.

[0067] (Step S50) The control unit 58 determines whether or not it is the start time of time smoothing based on the smoothing table T2 created or updated in step S40. That is, based on the valid flag "1" in the smoothing table T2 and the range "12:00 to 13:00" associated with the "time smoothing time" it determines whether or not the current time is the start time of time smoothing, "12:00." If the result of the determination is that the current time is not the start time (S50: No), the control unit 58 skips step S60 and proceeds to step S70. On the other hand, if the result of the determination in step S50 is that the current time is the start time (S50: Yes), the control unit 58 proceeds to step S60.

[0068] (Step S60) In step S60, the control unit 58 performs smoothing control of the accumulated operating time. That is, the control unit 58 drives each pump so as to smooth the accumulated operating time of that pump within the valid time smoothing time range "12:00 to 13:00" (during the first time slot) in the smoothing table T2. Step S60 is executed by including steps S61 to S68, for example, as shown in FIG.

[0069] (Step S61) The control unit 58 determines whether or not the machine is being started up or added based on the operation of the operator, the flow rate signals from the flow rate sensors 71a to 71c, the pressure signal from the pressure sensor 72, etc. If the machine is being started up or added (S61: Yes), the control unit 58 proceeds to step S62. If the machine is not being started up or added (S61: No), the control unit 58 proceeds to step S66.

[0070] (Step S62) The control unit 58 extracts the maximum and minimum values ​​from the cumulative operating time of each pump unit and calculates the time difference between them (= maximum value - minimum value of cumulative operating time). This time difference is an index showing the magnitude (range) of variation in cumulative operating time, and if it is equal to or greater than a predetermined time (threshold value), it needs to be reduced.

[0071] (Step S63) The control unit 58 determines whether the time difference obtained in step S62 is equal to or greater than a predetermined time, and if not (S63: No), skips step S64 and proceeds to step S65. On the other hand, if the result of the determination in step S63 is that the time difference is equal to or greater than the predetermined time (S63: Yes), proceeds to step S64.

[0072] (Step S64) The control unit 58 operates the pumps excluding the pump with the maximum accumulated operating time (maximum accumulated operating time). For example, if the pump with the maximum accumulated operating time is pump No. 1, the control unit 58 performs alternating operation or parallel operation using pumps No. 2 and No. 3 without using pump No. 1. In other words, the control unit 58 excludes the pump with the maximum accumulated operating time from the pumps to be operated in step S65.

[0073] (Step S65) The control unit 58 controls each pump so that the pumps are started and increased starting from the pump next to the pump that was previously in operation. For example, when starting pumps in a rotational order of Pump 1, Pump 2, Pump 3, Pump 1, Pump 2, Pump 3, ..., if the pump that was previously in operation was Pump 2, the pumps are started and increased starting from the pump that is next in number, Pump 3. If the pump that was previously in operation was Pump 3, the pump that is next in number is Pump 1. However, if Pump 1 is excluded in step S64 (S63: Yes), the pumps are skipped and the pumps are started and increased starting from the pump that is further next in number, Pump 2. The control unit 58 stores the order in which the pumps were started and increased in association with each other. The process from Yes in step S63 to step S65 is an example of a process in which, when the difference between the maximum and minimum accumulated operating times of each pump is equal to or greater than a predetermined time, the pump corresponding to the maximum accumulated operating time is not driven and the remaining pumps are driven in rotation. After step S65 is completed, the process proceeds to step S68.

[0074] (Step S66) On the other hand, if it is not startup or machine addition, the control unit 58 determines whether or not machine reduction is required based on the operator's operation, the flow rate signals from the flow rate sensors 71a to 71c, the pressure signal from the pressure sensor 72, etc. If machine reduction is required (S66: Yes), the process proceeds to step S67. If machine reduction is not required (S66: No), the process proceeds to step S68.

[0075] (Step S67) When two or more pumps are operating in parallel among a plurality of pumps, the control unit 58 reduces one of the pumps that was most recently added. For example, the control unit 58 reduces the pumps in the reverse order of the addition, and stops the remaining pump at a low flow rate. For example, if pump 2 is started and pump 3 is added, pump 3 is reduced and then pump 2 is stopped at a low flow rate.

[0076] (Step S68) The control unit 58 determines whether it is the end time of time smoothing based on the smoothing table T2. That is, based on the valid flag "1" in the smoothing table T2 and the range "12:00 to 13:00" associated with the "time smoothing time," it determines whether the current time is the end time of time smoothing, "13:00." If the result of the determination is that the current time is not the end time (S68: No), the process returns to step S61 and continues time smoothing control. On the other hand, if the result of the determination in step S68 is that the current time is the end time (S68: Yes), the process ends step S60 and proceeds to step S70.

[0077] (Step S70) The control unit 58 determines whether it is the start time of number of times smoothing based on the smoothing table T2. That is, based on the valid flag "1" and the range "23:00 to 0:00" associated with the "number of times smoothing time" in the smoothing table T2, it determines whether the current time is the start time of number of times smoothing, "23:00." If the result of the determination is that the current time is not the start time (S70: No), the control unit 58 skips step S80 and returns to step S10. On the other hand, if the result of the determination in step S70 is that the current time is the start time (S70: Yes), the control unit 58 proceeds to step S80.

[0078] (Step S80) In step S80, control unit 58 performs smoothing control of the cumulative operation count. That is, control unit 58 drives each pump so as to smooth the cumulative operation count of that pump within the valid count smoothing time range "23:00 to 0:00" (during the second time slot) in smoothing table T2. Step S80 is executed by including steps S81 to S88, for example, as shown in FIG. 11.

[0079] (Step S81) The control unit 58 determines whether or not the machine is being started up or added based on the operation of the operator, the flow rate signals from the flow rate sensors 71a to 71c, the pressure signal from the pressure sensor 72, etc. If the machine is being started up or added (S81: Yes), the control unit 58 proceeds to step S82. If the machine is not being started up or added (S81: No), the control unit 58 proceeds to step S86.

[0080] (Step S82) The control unit 58 extracts the maximum and minimum values ​​from the cumulative operation count of each pump unit, and calculates the difference between the two counts (= maximum value of cumulative operation count - minimum value). This count difference is an index showing the magnitude (range) of variation in the cumulative operation count, and needs to be reduced if it is equal to or greater than a predetermined count (threshold value).

[0081] (Step S83) The control unit 58 determines whether the difference in the number of times obtained in step S82 is equal to or greater than a predetermined number of times (e.g., 2 times), and if not (S83: No), skips step S84 and proceeds to step S85. On the other hand, if the result of the determination in step S83 is that the difference in the number of times is equal to or greater than the predetermined number of times (S83: Yes), proceeds to step S84.

[0082] (Step S84) Control unit 58 performs operation excluding the pump number with the maximum cumulative operation count (maximum cumulative operation count). For example, if the pump with the maximum cumulative operation count is pump number 1, control unit 58 performs alternating operation or parallel operation using pumps number 2 and 3 without using pump number 1. In other words, control unit 58 excludes the pump number with the maximum cumulative operation count from the pumps to be operated in step S85.

[0083] (Step S85) The control unit 58 controls each pump so that it starts and increases the pump pressure starting from the pump pressure next to the pump pressure that was last operated. As described above, the control unit 58 stores the pump pressures in association with the order in which they were started and increased. Similarly, the process from "Yes" in step S83 to step S85 is an example of a process in which, if the difference between the maximum and minimum cumulative operation counts of each pump is equal to or greater than a predetermined number, the pump pressure corresponding to the maximum cumulative operation count is not driven, and the remaining pump pressures are driven in rotation. After step S85 is completed, the process proceeds to step S88.

[0084] (Step S86) On the other hand, if it is not startup or machine addition, the control unit 58 determines whether or not machine reduction is required based on the operator's operation, the flow rate signals from the flow rate sensors 71a to 71c, the pressure signal from the pressure sensor 72, etc., and if machine reduction is required (S86: Yes), the process proceeds to step S87. If machine reduction is not required (S86: No), the process proceeds to step S88.

[0085] (Step S87) When two or more pumps are operating in parallel among a plurality of pumps, the control unit 58 reduces one of the pumps that was most recently added. For example, the control unit 58 reduces the pumps in the reverse order of the addition, and stops the remaining pump at a low flow rate. For example, if pump 2 is started and pump 3 is added, pump 3 is reduced and then pump 2 is stopped at a low flow rate.

[0086] (Step S88) The control unit 58 determines whether it is the end time of number smoothing based on the smoothing table T2. That is, based on the valid flag "1" and the range "23:00 to 0:00" associated with the "number smoothing time" in the smoothing table T2, it determines whether the current time is the end time of number smoothing, "0:00." If the result of the determination is that the current time is not the end time (S88: No), the control unit 58 returns to step S81 and continues the number smoothing control. On the other hand, if the result of the determination in step S88 is that the current time is the end time (S88: Yes), the control unit 58 ends step S80 and returns to step S10.

[0087] As described above, according to the first embodiment, in the pump device 5, the integration function of the control unit 58 calculates the integrated operating time and the integrated operating count of each pump of the multiple pumps 61a to 61c. The totalization function of the control unit 58 calculates, for each predetermined time period of a day, a total operating time by adding up the integrated operating times of each pump and a total operating count by adding up the integrated operating counts of each pump. The calculation function of the control unit 58 calculates, for each predetermined time period, an average operating time of each pump based on the total operating time and the total operating count. The time period selection function of the control unit 58 selects at least one first time period in descending order of the average operating time for each predetermined time period, and selects at least one second time period in descending order of the average operating time. The time smoothing function of the control unit 58 drives each pump during the first time period so as to smooth the integrated operating time of that pump. The number of times smoothing function of the control unit 58 drives each pump during the second time period so as to smooth the integrated operating count of that pump.

[0088] Therefore, by smoothing the accumulated operating time during the first time slot, when the average operating time is long, the accumulated operating time of each pump can be efficiently smoothed. Furthermore, by smoothing the accumulated operating count during the second time slot, when the average operating time is short, the accumulated operating count of each pump can be efficiently smoothed. Furthermore, even if the purpose of the building in which the pump device 5 is installed, the lifestyle rhythms of apartment residents, or the operating status of a factory changes, the variation in accumulated operating time can be smoothed without changing the pump settings, thereby extending the life of the pump device.

[0089] Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, the time smoothing function of the control unit 58 may, when the difference between the maximum and minimum accumulated operating times of each pump is equal to or greater than a predetermined time, not drive the pump corresponding to the maximum accumulated operating time, and drive the remaining pumps in rotation. The number of times smoothing function of the control unit 58 may, when the difference between the maximum and minimum accumulated operating times of each pump is equal to or greater than a predetermined number of times, not drive the pump corresponding to the maximum accumulated operating time, and drive the remaining pumps in rotation. In this case, in addition to the effects described above, the accumulated operating time and the accumulated operating times can be smoothed while driving the pumps in rotation.

[0090] Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, when two or more pumps are operating in parallel among a plurality of pumps and one of the pumps is to be removed, the time smoothing function and the number of times smoothing function of the control unit 58 may remove the pump that was most recently added. In this case, in addition to the effects described above, the accumulated operating time of the pump that was started first can be made longer than that of the pump that was most recently added and removed, allowing for efficient adjustment of the accumulated operating time.

[0091] Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, the re-execution control function of the control unit 58 may periodically re-execute the totalization function, calculation function, and time period selection function of the control unit 58. In this case, in addition to the effects described above, even if the time period during which the pump device 5 is used changes due to changes in the lifestyles of residents of an apartment building or the operating status of a factory, the time period during which smoothing control is performed can be changed in accordance with the change in the time period.

[0092] (Modification of the first embodiment) In the first embodiment, the control unit 58 creates and replaces the daily smoothing table T2 at each creation cycle, as shown in FIG. 9 . However, this is not limiting. Specifically, the pump device 5 may be used in a typical building or apartment, or may be used to supply water to factory facilities. When used in a typical building or apartment, water may be used frequently during the day, frequently in the evening, and less frequently at night. When supplying water to factory facilities, the pump may supply the same amount of water throughout the day (i.e., supplying water without stopping), or there may be no difference between daytime and nighttime. That is, depending on the installation environment, the operating tendency of the pump device 5 may be the same every day or may change every day. When the operating tendency is the same every day, the daily smoothing table T2 may be used repeatedly. However, when the operating tendency changes every day, it is preferable to appropriately replace the smoothing table T2. Therefore, when the operating tendency changes every day, the control unit 58 may create and replace the daily smoothing table T2, for example. This also achieves the same effects as the first embodiment.

[0093] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the control unit 58 uses the smoothing table T2 for one day. However, this is not limiting. For example, the control unit 58 may have a calendar function and switch between multiple smoothing tables T2 created for each day of the week. Specifically, the control unit 58 may repeatedly use the smoothing table T2 for seven days, for example, using the smoothing table T2 for seven days for one day at a time, and referencing the smoothing table T2 for the first day on the eighth day. In this case, the totalization function of the control unit 58 calculates the total operating time and the total number of operations for each day of the week and for each predetermined time slot. The calculation function of the control unit 58 calculates the average operating time for each day of the week and for each predetermined time slot. The time slot selection function of the control unit 58 selects a first time slot and a second time slot for each day of the week. The time smoothing function of the control unit 58 drives each pump during the first time slot selected for each day of the week so as to smooth the accumulated operating time of the pump. The frequency smoothing function of the control unit 58 drives each pump so as to smooth the cumulative operation frequency of that pump during the second time slot selected for each day of the week. This modification, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, enables efficient smoothing according to the usage trends for each day of the week, even when pump operation trends vary significantly between days of the week, such as between weekdays and holidays in a commercial facility. Note that the totaling function, calculation function, time slot selection function, time smoothing function, and frequency smoothing function of the control unit 58 may operate for each day of the week, treating public holidays and substitute holidays as Sundays. In this case, in addition to the effects of the modification, similar pump usage trends, such as those for public holidays, substitute holidays, and Sundays in a commercial facility, can be consolidated into Sunday operation. Therefore, when selecting the first time slot or the second time slot based on the average operation time for a mixture of public holidays, substitute holidays, and weekdays, such as when a weekday is a public holiday or a substitute holiday, a decrease in accuracy of the first time slot or the second time slot can be suppressed.

[0094] Furthermore, although the first embodiment does not describe the inspection operation mode, this is not limiting. For example, the control unit 58 may be provided with a smoothing stop function that stops the operation of the time smoothing function and the count smoothing function while the inspection operation mode is being executed, and performs normal operation by driving each pump in rotation. In this case, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, even the pump corresponding to the maximum value of the accumulated operating time or accumulated operating count can be driven and inspected during the inspection operation mode.

[0095] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, before increasing the number of time periods for smoothing control, it is determined whether the number of time periods for smoothing control has reached the upper limit number of time periods. However, this is not limiting. For example, the sum of the number of rows (e.g., 3) of "time smoothing time" corresponding to "automatic setting" in the smoothing table T2 and the number of rows (e.g., 3) of "count smoothing time" may be limited to the upper limit number of time periods (e.g., 6). In this case, even if the valid flags of all "time smoothing time periods" and "count smoothing time periods" in the smoothing table T2 are set to "1" (valid), the total number of time periods for smoothing control (e.g., 6 (= 3 + 3)) will not exceed the upper limit number of time periods (e.g., 6). Therefore, according to this modified example, in addition to the same effects as the first embodiment, it is possible to omit the determination of whether the number of time periods for smoothing control has reached the upper limit number of time periods.

[0096] Each of the modifications of the first embodiment described above can be applied to each of the following embodiments to obtain the same effects.

[0097] <Second embodiment> The second embodiment is a modification of the first embodiment, in which, during smoothing control, pump numbers with smaller cumulative operating times or cumulative operating counts are preferentially started and increased, rather than being rotated.

[0098] Accordingly, when the difference between the maximum and minimum accumulated operating times of each pump is equal to or greater than a predetermined time, the time smoothing function of control unit 58 drives each pump in order of the least accumulated operating time. Also, for example, when two or more pumps are operating in parallel and one of the pumps is to be removed, the time smoothing function of control unit 58 removes the pump with the longest accumulated operating time from among the pumps operating in parallel.

[0099] Similarly, when the difference between the maximum and minimum cumulative operation counts of each pump is equal to or greater than a predetermined number, the number-of-times smoothing function of control unit 58 drives each pump in order of lowest cumulative operation count. Also, for example, when reducing the number of pumps in parallel operation, the number-of-times smoothing function of control unit 58 reduces the pump with the highest cumulative operation count among the pumps in parallel operation.

[0100] The other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0101] Next, an example of the operation of the pump device 5 configured as above will be described with reference to the flowcharts of Figures 12 and 13. In Figures 12 and 13, the capital letter "A" is added to the end or middle of the step numbers of processes different from those in Figures 11 and 12.

[0102] Now, it is assumed that steps S10 to S50 are executed in the same manner as described above, and step S60 is executed based on the determination result of step S50.

[0103] (Step S60) In step S60, the control unit 58 performs smoothing control of the integrated operating time. Step S60 is executed by including steps S62 to S68, for example, as shown in Fig. 12. Note that the above-mentioned step S61 is executed as step S64A2, which will be described later.

[0104] (Step S62) The control unit 58 extracts the maximum and minimum values ​​from the cumulative operating time of each pump unit, and calculates the time difference between the two (=maximum value of cumulative operating time-minimum value).

[0105] (Step S63) The control unit 58 determines whether the time difference obtained in step S62 is equal to or greater than a predetermined time, and if not (S63: No), skips the time smoothing control and proceeds to step S64A1. On the other hand, if the result of the determination in step S63 is that the time difference is equal to or greater than the predetermined time (S63: Yes), proceeds to step S64A2.

[0106] (Step S64A1) If the time difference between the integrated operation times is small (S63: No), the control unit 58 operates the pumps in normal rotation. After step S64A1 is completed, the process proceeds to step S68.

[0107] (Step S64A2) The control unit 58 determines whether the device is being started or added, as in step S61, and if it is being started or added (S64A2: Yes), the control unit 58 proceeds to step S65A. If it is not (S64A2: No), the control unit 58 proceeds to step S66.

[0108] (Step S65A) The control unit 58 controls each pump so that the pump with the smallest cumulative operating time (smallest cumulative operating time) is activated and added preferentially. More specifically, the control unit 58 controls each pump so that the pump with the smallest cumulative operating time is activated and added preferentially. The process from "Yes" in step S63 to step S65A is an example of a process in which, when the difference between the maximum and minimum cumulative operating times of each pump is equal to or greater than a predetermined time, the pumps are activated and added preferentially in order of the pump with the smallest cumulative operating time. After step S65A is completed, the process proceeds to step S68.

[0109] (Step S66) On the other hand, if it is not the time of startup or the time of adding machines, the control unit 58 determines whether it is the time of reducing the number of machines as described above, and if it is the time of reducing the number of machines (S66: Yes), the process proceeds to step S67A. If it is not the time of reducing the number of machines (S66: No), the process proceeds to step S68.

[0110] (Step S67A) The control unit 58 controls each pump so that the pump with the greatest cumulative operating time (maximum cumulative operating time) is preferentially reduced and stopped at a low water flow rate. For example, when reducing any of the pumps operating in parallel, the control unit 58 reduces the pump with the greatest cumulative operating time among the pumps operating in parallel.

[0111] (Step S68) The control unit 58 determines whether it is the end time of time smoothing based on the smoothing table T2. If the result of the determination is that the current time is not the end time (S68: No), the process returns to step S62 and continues the time smoothing control. On the other hand, if the result of the determination in step S68 is that the current time is the end time (S68: Yes), the process ends step S60 and proceeds to step S70.

[0112] (Step S70) As described above, the control unit 58 determines whether it is the start time of frequency smoothing. If the result of the determination is that the current time is not the start time (S70: No), step S80 is skipped and the process returns to step S10. On the other hand, if the result of the determination in step S70 is that the current time is the start time (S70: Yes), the process proceeds to step S80.

[0113] (Step S80) In step S80, the control unit 58 performs smoothing control of the integrated operation number. Step S80 is executed by including steps S82 to S88, for example, as shown in Fig. 13. Note that the above-mentioned step S81 is executed as step S84A2, which will be described later.

[0114] (Step S82) The control unit 58 extracts the maximum and minimum values ​​from the cumulative number of operations of each pump unit, and calculates the difference between the two numbers (=maximum value of cumulative number of operations−minimum value).

[0115] (Step S83) The control unit 58 determines whether the difference in the number of times obtained in step S82 is equal to or greater than a predetermined time, and if not (S83: No), skips the number of times smoothing control and proceeds to step S84A1. On the other hand, if the result of the determination in step S83 is that the difference in the number of times is equal to or greater than the predetermined number of times (S83: Yes), proceeds to step S84A2.

[0116] (Step S84A1) If the difference in the number of times obtained in step S82 is small (S83: No), the control unit 58 operates each pump in the normal rotation. After step S84A1 is completed, the process proceeds to step S88.

[0117] (Step S84A2) The control unit 58 determines whether the machine is being started or when more machines are being added, as in step S81 described above, and if the machine is being started or when more machines are being added (S84A2: Yes), the control unit 58 proceeds to step S85A. If the machine is not being started or when more machines are being added (S84A2: No), the control unit 58 proceeds to step S86.

[0118] (Step S85A) The control unit 58 controls each pump so that the pump with the smallest cumulative operation count (smallest cumulative operation count) is started and increased preferentially. More specifically, the control unit 58 controls each pump so that the pumps are started and increased preferentially in ascending order of cumulative operation count. The process from "Yes" in step S83 to step S85A is an example of a process in which, when the difference between the maximum and minimum cumulative operation counts of each pump is equal to or greater than a predetermined number, the pumps are driven preferentially in descending order of cumulative operation count. After step S85A is completed, the process proceeds to step S88.

[0119] (Step S86) On the other hand, if it is not the time of startup or the time of adding machines, the control unit 58 determines whether it is the time of reducing the number of machines as described above, and if it is the time of reducing the number of machines (S86: Yes), the process proceeds to step S87A. If it is not the time of reducing the number of machines (S86: No), the process proceeds to step S88.

[0120] (Step S87A) The control unit 58 controls each pump so that the pump with the largest cumulative operation count (maximum cumulative operation count) is preferentially reduced and stopped at a low water volume. For example, when reducing one of the pumps operating in parallel, the control unit 58 reduces the pump with the largest cumulative operation count among the pumps operating in parallel.

[0121] (Step S88) The control unit 58 determines whether it is the end time of the number of times smoothing based on the smoothing table T2. If the result of the determination is that the current time is not the end time (S88: No), the process returns to step S82 and continues the number of times smoothing control. On the other hand, if the result of the determination in step S88 is that the current time is the end time (S88: Yes), the process ends step S80 and returns to step S10.

[0122] As described above, according to the second embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, the integrated operation time of each pump can be efficiently smoothed by smoothing the integrated operation time during the first time slot in which the average operation time is long. Similarly, the integrated operation count of each pump can be efficiently smoothed by smoothing the integrated operation count during the second time slot in which the average operation time is short.

[0123] Furthermore, according to the second embodiment, the time smoothing function of the control unit 58 drives each pump in ascending order of integrated operating time when the difference between the maximum and minimum values ​​of the integrated operating time of each pump is equal to or greater than a predetermined time. The number of times smoothing function of the control unit 58 drives each pump in descending order of integrated operating time when the difference between the maximum and minimum values ​​of the integrated operating count of each pump is equal to or greater than a predetermined number of times. Therefore, in addition to the effects described above, by prioritizing driving each pump in descending order of integrated operating time, integrated operating time can be smoothed even more efficiently. Similarly, by prioritizing driving each pump in descending order of integrated operating count, integrated operating count can be smoothed even more efficiently.

[0124] Furthermore, according to the second embodiment, when two or more pumps are being operated in parallel, the time smoothing function of the control unit 58 reduces the pump with the longest accumulated operating time among the parallel operating pumps. Furthermore, when reducing the number of pumps in parallel operation, the number smoothing function of the control unit 58 reduces the pump with the longest accumulated operating count among the parallel operating pumps. Therefore, in addition to the effects described above, the configuration of reducing the pump with the longest accumulated operating time or accumulated operating count enables efficient adjustment of the accumulated operating time and accumulated operating count.

[0125] <Third embodiment> The third embodiment is a modified example of the first or second embodiment, and is a form of a pump device 5 having a structure that can reduce the variation in the accumulated operating time.

[0126] Specifically, in the configuration of the pump device 5 shown in Fig. 3, flow rate sensors 71a to 71c are provided in each of the pumps 61a to 61c. Here, each of the flow rate sensors 71a to 71c measures the flow rate of the fluid based on the rotation of an impeller that rotates upon receiving the fluid discharged from the corresponding pump.

[0127] Meanwhile, the control unit 58 of the pump device 5 has a setting function for setting a stop flow rate for each pump unit. The control unit 58 also controls the stop of each pump unit based on the flow rate signals from the flow rate sensors 71a to 71c and the stop flow rates.

[0128] Furthermore, the pump device 5 does not include the functions related to the creation / update process of the operation table T1 and the smoothing table T2 (the totalization function, calculation function, and time period selection function of the control unit 58). However, in the pump device 5, the rows associated with the manual setting mode (validity flag, time smoothing start / end times, and count smoothing start / end times) in the smoothing table T2 shown in FIG. 8 are available. That is, the control unit 58 has the time smoothing function and the count smoothing function similarly to the first or second embodiment. However, in the third embodiment, the first time period for which time smoothing control is performed is a time period specified by a start time and an end time manually set by the operator, and does not mean a time period selected in descending order of average operation time. Similarly, in the third embodiment, the second time period for which count smoothing control is performed is a time period specified by a start time and an end time manually set by the operator, and does not mean a time period selected in ascending order of average operation time.

[0129] The other configurations are the same as those of the first or second embodiment.

[0130] According to the above configuration, in the pump device 5, flow rate sensors 71a-71c are provided in each of the plurality of pumps 61a-61c, and measure the flow rate of the fluid based on the rotation of the impeller that rotates upon receiving the fluid discharged from each pump. The control unit 58 sets a stop flow rate for each pump, and controls the stop of each pump based on the flow rate signal and the stop flow rate of the flow rate sensors 71a-71c.

[0131] As described above, according to the third embodiment, the actual flow rate can be measured for each pump based on the rotation of the impeller, and the stop flow rate can be set for each pump, so that the variation in the cumulative operating time of each pump is reduced even without smoothing control. Therefore, the cumulative operating time of each pump can be efficiently smoothed.

[0132] Additionally, since the flow rate sensors 71a to 71c of each pump measure the flow rate of the fluid based on the rotation of the impeller that rotates upon receiving the fluid discharged from the pump, it is possible to detect a continuously changing flow rate according to the rotation speed of the impeller. In other words, it is possible to detect the flow rate in an analog manner.

[0133] On the other hand, as a comparative example, we will describe a pump device using a paddle-type flow sensor that turns on (opens) when the flow rate exceeds a certain level and turns off (closes) when the flow rate is below that level. In the pump device of the comparative example, the flow sensor turns the output on or off by moving when it receives water discharged from the pump. In other words, the flow sensor of the comparative example is designed to turn off the output by moving the paddle when the flow rate is above the stop flow rate, and does not detect continuously changing flow rates.

[0134] On the other hand, pump systems typically have a flow sensor installed for each pump, with at least one installed on the discharge pipe for each pump. A flow rate below a certain level detected by a flow sensor means, in simple terms, that a faucet has changed from open to closed. Pumps typically rotate clockwise. A pump draws water from the suction pipe and discharges it into the discharge pipe, but the impeller that pressurizes the water rotates clockwise. The structure in which each pump's discharge pipe is connected to the combined discharge pipe may be perfectly symmetrical, but this may not be possible due to circumstances such as a small pump installation area. If the structure is not symmetrical, the flow of water discharged from the pump will differ, resulting in an error in the operation of the flow sensor. This error causes differences in the time until each pump stops, leading to variations in the accumulated operating time over a long period of time.

[0135] The variation in the accumulated operating time caused by the asymmetrical structure of the discharge pipe connections for each pump cannot be reduced by a paddle-type flow sensor that turns on and off at a certain flow rate, as in the comparative example. This is because the difference in the water flow discharged from each pump in the asymmetrical structure is likely to cause errors in the on / off operation of the paddle-type flow sensor.

[0136] In contrast, according to the third embodiment, the flow rate sensors 71a to 71c can measure the actual flow rate, and by individually setting the stop flow rate for each pump, it is possible to correct the difference in the stop flow rate when the faucet is actually closed. This correction corrects the conventional cause of variation in the time until stop even when the same water usage is used, and therefore it is possible to minimize the variation in the accumulated operating time.

[0137] In addition, if the variation caused by the asymmetric structure is corrected by the third embodiment and the variation still becomes large, the variation can be suppressed most efficiently by performing the smoothing control described in the first or second embodiment. This modification will be described below.

[0138] (Modification of the third embodiment) In the third embodiment, the smoothing control in the first and second embodiments is not performed, but is not limited to this. For example, the control unit 58 of the pump device 5 may include the accumulating function, summing function, calculation function, time period selection function, time smoothing function, and count smoothing function described in the first or second embodiment. For example, the accumulating function of the control unit 58 calculates the accumulated operating time and the accumulated number of operations of each pump unit. The summing function of the control unit 58 calculates, for each predetermined time period of a day, a total operating time by summing up the accumulated operating times of each pump unit and a total number of operations by summing up the accumulated numbers of operations of each pump unit. The calculation function of the control unit 58 calculates, for each predetermined time period, an average operating time of each pump unit based on the total operating time and the total number of operations. The time period calculation function of the control unit 58 selects at least one first time period in descending order of the average operating time for each predetermined time period, and selects at least one second time period in descending order of the average operating time. The time smoothing function of the control unit 58 drives each pump so as to smooth the cumulative operating time of each pump during a first time period, as shown in, for example, FIG. 10 or FIG. 12. The number smoothing function of the control unit 58 drives each pump so as to smooth the cumulative operating number of each pump during a second time period, as shown in, for example, FIG. 11 or FIG. 13. This modification example can achieve the effects of the first or second embodiment in addition to the effects of the third embodiment. Therefore, as described above, variation can be suppressed most efficiently.

[0139] <Fourth embodiment> The fourth embodiment is a modification of each of the first to third embodiments, in which the smoothing time is determined on the management device 1 side and manually set in the pump device 5 from the management device 1 side.

[0140] Accordingly, in the pump device 5, the functions related to the creation / update process of the operation table T1 and the smoothing table T2 (the above-mentioned total function, calculation function, and time period selection function of the control unit 58) can be omitted. However, in the pump device 5, the rows associated with the manual setting mode (valid flag, time smoothing start / end times, number of times smoothing start / end times) in the smoothing table T2 shown in Fig. 8 are available for use. In other words, the time smoothing function and number of times smoothing function of the control unit 58 are provided in the same way as in the first or second embodiment.

[0141] On the other hand, the control unit 16 of the management device 1 has a receiving function, a totaling function, a calculation function, a time zone selection function, a first transmitting function, and a second transmitting function in addition to the functions of the management device 1. These receiving function, totaling function, calculation function, time zone selection function, first transmitting function, and second transmitting function are examples of a receiving unit, a totaling unit, a calculation unit, a time zone selection unit, a first transmitting unit, and a second transmitting unit.

[0142] The receiving function of the control unit 16 receives from the pump device 5 operation data Ta to tc relating to the accumulated operation time and accumulated operation count of each pump unit among the multiple pumps 61a to 61c. Here, the operation data relating to the accumulated operation time and accumulated operation count may be, for example, (a) operation data including the accumulated operation time and accumulated operation count of each pump unit, or (b) operation data including the operation start time and / or operation end time of each pump unit. Furthermore, in the case of (b) above, the control unit 16 calculates the operation time of one operation by subtracting the operation start time from a set of operation end times, and then accumulates each set of the operation start time and operation end time as the number of operations. The control unit 16 can calculate the accumulated operation time by accumulating the operation time for each operation, and can calculate the total operation time from the calculated accumulated operation time. Similarly, the control unit 16 can calculate the accumulated operation count by accumulating the number of operations for each operation, and can calculate the total number of operations from the calculated accumulated operation count. In the fourth embodiment, the above case (a) (the case of operation data Ta to tc including the cumulative operation time and cumulative operation count of each pump unit) will be described as an example.

[0143] The totalization function of the control unit 16 calculates the total operating time by adding up the accumulated operating times of each pump unit and the total number of operations by adding up the accumulated number of operations of each pump unit for each specified time period of the day based on the received operating data.

[0144] The calculation function of the control unit 16 calculates the average operation time of each pump unit based on the total operation time and the total number of operations for each predetermined time period.

[0145] The time period selection function of the control unit 16 selects at least one first time period in descending order of the average driving time for each predetermined time period, and selects at least one second time period in descending order of the average driving time.

[0146] The first transmission function of the control unit 16 transmits to the pump device 5 the start time and end time of the first time period for driving each pump unit so as to smooth out the accumulated operating time of each pump unit during the first time period.

[0147] The second transmission function of the control unit 16 transmits to the pump device 5 the start time and end time of the second time period for driving each pump unit so as to smooth out the cumulative number of operations of each pump unit during the second time period.

[0148] The other configurations are the same as those of the first to third embodiments.

[0149] Next, an example of the operation of the pump device 5 and management device 1 configured as above will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0150] (Step S10) The pump device 5 operates each pump in rotation as described above. Similarly, the control unit 58 of the pump device 5 stores in the storage device 57, for each pump at each time, operation data Ta to Tc including the operation time per operation, the number of operations per operation, the cumulative operation time, and the cumulative number of operations.

[0151] (Step S25) The pump device 5 periodically transmits the operation data Ta to Tc of each pump unit to the management device 1.

[0152] (Step S27) The control unit 16 of the management device 1 stores and manages the received operation data Ta to Tc in the database 14. Step S27 is an example of a process of receiving, from the pump device 5, operation data Ta to tc relating to the cumulative operation time and cumulative operation count of each pump unit among the multiple pumps 61a to 61c.

[0153] (Step S30B) The control unit 16 of the management device 1 determines whether the total operating time, which is the sum of the accumulated operating times of the pump units, exceeds a threshold value, and if not, returns to step S27. Here, the threshold value is, for example, 10 hours, and indicates the time corresponding to the test run of the pump. That is, in step S30B, if the threshold value is not exceeded, the process returns to step S27 so as not to perform the process of creating / updating the smoothing table during the test run period when the operating time varies greatly. On the other hand, if the threshold value is exceeded, the test run period of the pumps 61a to 61c has ended, and the process proceeds to step S40.

[0154] (Step S40) The control unit 16 of the management device 1 executes step S40, including steps S41 to S47, as described above. Here, in the description of step S40, the control unit 58 of the pump device 5 is appropriately referred to as the control unit 16 of the management device 1. The process of creating the operation table T1 in step S42 includes an example of a process of calculating, for each predetermined time slot of a day, a total operating time by summing up the accumulated operating times of each pump and a total operating count by summing up the accumulated operating counts of each pump, based on the received operation data, and an example of a process of calculating, for each predetermined time slot, an average operating time of each pump based on the total operating time and the total operating count. The process of creating the smoothing table T2 in step S42 also includes an example of a process of selecting at least one first time slot in descending order of the average operating time for each predetermined time slot, and selecting at least one second time slot in descending order of the average operating time. Furthermore, when a predetermined creation cycle (a fixed period) arrives in step S41, the process proceeds to step S42, and creating a new table in step S42 includes an example of processing for re-executing the total function, calculation function, and time period selection function every fixed period. Furthermore, after step S47 ends, step S40 ends and the process proceeds to step S48.

[0155] (Step S48) The control unit 16 of the management device 1 transmits the created / updated smoothed time to the pump device 5. The transmitted smoothed time includes an item and value for a time smoothing start time, an item and value for a time smoothing end time, an item and value for a count smoothing start time, and an item and value for a count smoothing end time. Step ST48 is an example of a process of transmitting to the pump device 5 the start time and end time of a first time slot for driving each pump so as to smooth the accumulated operating time of each pump during the first time slot. Step S48 is also an example of a process of transmitting to the pump device 5 the start time and end time of a second time slot for driving each pump so as to smooth the accumulated operating count of each pump during the second time slot.

[0156] (Step S49-1) When the control unit 58 of the pump device 5 receives the smoothed time from the management device 1, the control unit 58 sets the smoothed time in association with each of the items "time smoothing start time," "time smoothing end time," "number of times smoothing start time," and "number of times smoothing end time" in the smoothing table T2. The control unit 58 of the pump device 5 also sets a valid flag "1" indicating validity in association with each of the items "time smoothing start time," "time smoothing end time," "number of times smoothing start time," and "number of times smoothing end time" in the smoothing table T2. Note that the control unit 58 of the pump device 5 also sets (manually sets) the smoothed time in the smoothing table T2 when the smoothed time is input by an operator. That is, in step S49-1, the smoothed time to be manually set in the smoothing table T2 is set from the management device 1 side.

[0157] (Step S49-2) The control unit 58 of the pump device 5 periodically or irregularly determines whether a smoothing time has been set. This determination may be made based on whether values ​​have been set in association with each of the items "time smoothing start time," "time smoothing end time," "number of times smoothing start time," and "number of times smoothing end time," or based on whether the value of the valid flag is "1." In either case, if the result of the determination in step S49-2 is "No," the process returns to step S10, and if a smoothing time has been set, the process proceeds to step S50.

[0158] (Steps S50 to S80) Steps S50 to S80 are executed in the same manner as described above based on the time smoothing start time, time smoothing end time, number of times smoothing start time, and number of times smoothing end time that are transmitted and set from the management device 1. Note that the smoothing control of the accumulated operating time in step S60 may be executed as shown in either of Fig. 10 or Fig. 12. Similarly, the smoothing control of the accumulated number of times of operation in step S80 may be executed as shown in either of Fig. 11 or Fig. 13.

[0159] As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, in the management device 1, the receiving function of the control unit 16 receives from the pump device 5 operation data Ta to tc relating to the accumulated operating time and the accumulated operating count of each of the multiple pumps 61a to 61c. The totalizing function of the control unit 16 calculates, for each predetermined time slot of a day, a total operating time by adding up the accumulated operating times of each pump and a total operating count by adding up the accumulated operating counts of each pump, based on the received operation data. The calculating function of the control unit 16 calculates, for each predetermined time slot, an average operating time of each pump based on the total operating time and the total operating count. The time slot selecting function of the control unit 16 selects at least one first time slot in descending order of the average operating time for each predetermined time slot, and at least one second time slot in descending order of the average operating time. The first transmitting function of the control unit 16 transmits to the pump device 5 the start time and end time of the first time slot for driving each pump so as to smooth out the accumulated operating time of each pump during the first time slot. The second transmission function of the control unit 16 transmits to the pump device 5 the start time and end time of the second time period for driving each pump unit so as to smooth out the cumulative number of operations of each pump unit during the second time period.

[0160] Meanwhile, the pump device 5 drives each pump so as to smooth the cumulative operating time of each pump during the first time slot, based on the start time and end time of the first time slot received from the management device 1. Also, the pump device 5 drives each pump so as to smooth the cumulative operating count of each pump during the second time slot, based on the start time and end time of the second time slot received from the management device 1.

[0161] Therefore, even in a configuration in which the management device 1 transmits the start time and end time of the time smoothing control to the pump device 5, the integrated operating time can be efficiently smoothed by smoothing the integrated operating time during the first time slot in which the average operating time is long. Also, even in a configuration in which the management device 1 transmits the start time and end time of the number of times smoothing control to the pump device 5, the integrated operating number can be efficiently smoothed by smoothing the integrated operating number during the second time slot in which the average operating time is short.

[0162] Additionally, if the pump device 5 has a calendar function, smoothing can be performed more effectively. However, maintaining the calendar function accurately requires a battery to continue counting even when the pump device 5 is powered off. Power to the pump device 5 can be interrupted during maintenance or a power outage. While maintenance requires the calendar function's date and time to be readjusted after the maintenance, this is often not done due to the hassle. During a power outage, personnel are not present on-site, requiring a visit to set the calendar function's date and time. However, it is desirable to avoid such a visit. Therefore, a backup battery is installed. This battery must have a lifespan equal to the pump's lifespan, making it expensive. Meanwhile, recent advances in communication technology have reduced the cost of communication devices and communications, resulting in a need for remote monitoring of the pump's status. In this case, the time can be corrected via an NTP (network time protocol) server, eliminating the need for a calendar function or battery. The pump device 5's clock function, which has traditionally been used to record failure times and control start / stop times, can now be replaced by remote control. This eliminates the need for the pump device 5's clock function altogether. In the case of pump devices capable of remote communication, the operating time and operating unit information may be sent to the management device 1 after each operation, or may be sent periodically as hourly or daily data. The latter is desirable because the fewer the number of communication sessions, the lower the server capacity required, resulting in a less expensive configuration. Furthermore, when using the cloud, the fewer the number of accesses, the lower the management and maintenance costs, so the latter is also desirable. The management device 1 stores the operating time for each day of the week and time, and based on that information, sets the start and end times of smoothing control for the pump device 5 to perform smoothing. As described above, it is desirable to use the smoothing control setting function of the management device 1 for models with asymmetrical structures. For example, it is desirable to not only set the start and end times of smoothing control, but also to enable or disable the effective flag for each site, or to freely change the settings depending on the situation. Therefore, for pump devices 5 that can be remotely controlled from the management device 1, smoothing can be performed in a manner more suited to the user's preferences by setting smoothing control parameters from the management device 1.

[0163] Furthermore, according to the fourth embodiment, in the management device 1, the re-execution control function of the control unit 16 may periodically re-execute the totalization function, calculation function, and time period selection function of the control unit 16. In this case, as in the first embodiment, even if the time period during which the pump device 5 is used changes in accordance with changes in the lifestyle rhythm of residents of an apartment building or the operating status of a factory, the time period during which smoothing control is performed can be changed in accordance with the change in the time period.

[0164] (Modification of the fourth embodiment) In the fourth embodiment, the pump device 5 transmitted operation data including the accumulated operating time and accumulated number of operations of each pump (step S25), but this is not limited to this. For example, the pump device 5 may transmit an operation start time to the management device 1 when the operation of each pump starts, and transmit an operation end time to the management device 1 when the operation of each pump ends. Alternatively, the pump device 5 may transmit both the operation start time and the operation end time to the management device 1. In either case, the management device 1 calculates the time for one operation as the difference between the operation end time and the operation start time, and accumulates a pair of notifications of the operation start time and the operation end time as one operation. In this way, the management device 1 may calculate the accumulated operating time and the accumulated number of operations. Even with this modification, the same effects as those of the fourth embodiment can be obtained.

[0165] Furthermore, in the fourth embodiment, the totalization function, calculation function, and time zone selection function of the control unit 58 are omitted in the pump device 5, but this is not limiting. For example, in the pump device 5, when the automatic setting mode in the first and second embodiments and the manual setting mode in the fourth embodiment are used together as shown in Fig. 8, the totalization function, calculation function, and time zone selection function of the control unit 58 are not omitted. Even with this modification, in the manual setting mode in which the smoothing table T2 is manually set, the same effects as in the fourth embodiment can be obtained.

[0166] Furthermore, in the fourth embodiment, the pump device 5 executes the determinations of whether the current time is the time of the smoothing control, whether the cumulative operating time is equal to or greater than a predetermined time, and whether the cumulative number of operations is equal to or greater than a predetermined number, but this is not limiting. For example, the management device 1 may execute the determinations of whether the current time is the start time of the time smoothing control and whether the cumulative operating time is equal to or greater than a predetermined time, and if the determination results are affirmative, notify the pump device 5 to switch to the time smoothing control mode. The time smoothing control mode here refers to a mode in which steps S64 and S65 (or S65A) are performed at startup or when the number of pumps is increased, and step S67 (or S67A) is performed when the number of pumps is decreased. Similarly, the management device 1 may execute the determinations of whether the current time is the start time of the number smoothing control and whether the cumulative number of operations is equal to or greater than a predetermined number, and if the determination results are affirmative, notify the pump device 5 to switch to the number smoothing control mode. The frequency smoothing control mode here is a mode in which steps S84 and S85 (or S85A) are performed at startup or when the number of machines is increased, and step S87 (or S87A) is performed when the number of machines is decreased. Even with this modification, the same effects as in the fourth embodiment can be obtained.

[0167] In the above embodiments and modifications, the control unit 16 and the control unit 58 are described as executing several processes, but this is merely one example of implementation. For example, multiple processes described as being executed by one control unit 16 and one control unit 58 may be implemented across multiple separate control units or processors.

[0168] The various control units 16 described in the above embodiment and modifications may be implemented using circuits. The circuits may be dedicated circuits for implementing specific functions, or may be general-purpose circuits such as processors. Similarly, the functions of the control unit 58 may be implemented by dedicated circuits for implementing specific functions.

[0169] At least a part of the processing of the above-described embodiment and modified examples can be realized by using, for example, a processor installed in a general-purpose computer as basic hardware. A program for realizing the above-described processing may be provided by being stored on a computer-readable recording medium. The program is stored on the recording medium as an installable file or an executable file. Examples of recording media include magnetic disks, optical disks (CD-ROMs, CD-Rs, DVDs, Blu-ray (registered trademark) Discs, etc.), magneto-optical disks (MOs, etc.), and semiconductor memories. Any recording medium can be used as long as it can store the program and is computer-readable. Furthermore, the program for realizing the above-described processing may be stored on a computer (server) connected to a network such as the Internet and downloaded to a computer (client) via the network.

[0170] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made in the implementation stage without departing from the spirit of the invention. Furthermore, the embodiments may be implemented in appropriate combinations, in which case the combined effects can be obtained. Furthermore, the above-described embodiments include various inventions, and various inventions can be extracted by combining selected elements from the disclosed elements. For example, if the problem can be solved and the desired effect can be obtained even if some elements are deleted from all elements shown in the embodiments, the configuration from which these elements are deleted can be extracted as an invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0171] 1 Management device, 5 Pump device, 11 Operation unit, 12 Display unit, 13 Memory unit, 14 Database, 15 Communication unit, 16 Control unit, 50 Control device, 51 Communication device, 53 Input device, 54 Inverter, 55 Interface, 56 Display device, 57 Memory device, 58 Control Control section, 60... Pump section, 61a to 61c... Pump, 62a to 62c... On-off valve, 63a to 63c... Suction pipe, 64... Branch section, 65a to 65c... Check valve, 66a to 66c... On-off valve, 67a to 67c... Discharge pipe, 68... Demand pipe, 70... Accumulator, 71a to 71c... Flow rate sensor, 72... Pressure sensor

Claims

1. A pump device having a plurality of pumps arranged in parallel with each other, an integrating unit that calculates an integrated operation time and an integrated operation count for each pump number of the plurality of pumps; a totaling unit that calculates a total operation time by adding up the cumulative operation times of each of the pump units and a total operation count by adding up the cumulative operation counts of each of the pump units for each predetermined time period of a day; a calculation unit that calculates an average operation time of each of the pump units based on the total operation time and the total number of operations for each of the predetermined time periods; a time slot selection unit that selects at least one first time slot in descending order of the average driving time from among the average driving times for each of the predetermined time slots, and selects at least one second time slot in descending order of the average driving time; a time smoothing unit that drives each of the pump units so as to smooth an integrated operation time of each of the pump units during the first time period; a frequency smoothing unit that drives each of the pumps so as to smooth the cumulative operation frequency of each of the pumps during the second time period; A pumping device comprising:

2. when a difference between a maximum value and a minimum value of the accumulated operating time of each of the pumps is equal to or greater than a predetermined time, the time smoothing unit does not drive the pump corresponding to the maximum value of the accumulated operating time, and drives the remaining pumps in rotation; When the difference between the maximum and minimum values ​​of the cumulative operation counts of the pumps is equal to or greater than a predetermined number of times, the number-of-times smoothing unit does not drive the pump corresponding to the maximum value of the cumulative operation count, and drives the remaining pumps in rotation.

2. The pump device of claim 1.

3. 3. The pump device according to claim 2, wherein each of the time smoothing unit and the number of times smoothing unit reduces the pump number that was most recently added when any of the plurality of pumps is reduced during parallel operation of two or more pumps among the plurality of pumps.

4. the time smoothing unit drives the pumps in ascending order of the integrated operating time when a difference between a maximum value and a minimum value of the integrated operating time of each of the pumps is equal to or greater than a predetermined time; the number-of-times smoothing unit drives the pumps in ascending order of the integrated operation count when a difference between a maximum value and a minimum value of the integrated operation count of each pump is equal to or greater than a predetermined number of times; 2. The pump device of claim 1.

5. When any of the pumps is to be removed during parallel operation of two or more pumps among the plurality of pumps, the time smoothing unit removes the pump having the longest accumulated operating time from among the pumps in parallel operation, When reducing any of the pumps in the parallel operation, the number-of-times smoothing unit reduces the pump having the largest cumulative operation number among the pumps in the parallel operation.

5. The pump device according to claim 4.

6. the totaling unit calculates the total driving time and the total number of driving times for each day of the week and for each predetermined time period, the calculation unit calculates the average driving time for each day of the week and for each predetermined time period, the time period selection unit selects the first time period and the second time period for each day of the week, the time smoothing unit drives each of the pumps so as to smooth an integrated operation time of each of the pumps during the first time period selected for each of the days of the week; the number-of-times smoothing unit drives each of the pumps so as to smooth the cumulative operation number of each of the pumps during the second time period selected for each of the days of the week; 6. A pump device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. each of the totaling unit, the calculating unit, the time period selecting unit, the time smoothing unit, and the number of times smoothing unit performs an operation for each day of the week by regarding public holidays and substitute holidays as Sundays; 7. The pump device of claim 6.

8. a smoothing stop unit that stops the operation of the time smoothing unit and the number of times smoothing unit during execution of the inspection work mode, and performs normal operation in which the pumps are driven in rotation; The pump device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising:

9. The pump device according to claim 1 , further comprising a re-execution control unit that causes the totaling unit, the calculation unit, and the time period selection unit to be re-executed at regular intervals.

10. A pump device having a plurality of pumps arranged in parallel with each other, a flow rate sensor provided in each pump among the plurality of pumps, the flow rate sensor measuring the flow rate of the fluid based on rotation of an impeller that rotates upon receiving the fluid discharged from each pump; a setting unit that sets a stop flow rate for each pump; a control unit that controls the stop of each of the pumps based on the flow rate signal of the flow rate sensor and the stop flow rate; an integrating unit for calculating an integrated operation time and an integrated operation count for each pump unit; a totaling unit that calculates a total operation time by adding up the cumulative operation times of each of the pump units and a total operation count by adding up the cumulative operation counts of each of the pump units for each predetermined time period of a day; a calculation unit that calculates an average operation time of each of the pump units based on the total operation time and the total number of operations for each of the predetermined time periods; a time slot selection unit that selects at least one first time slot in descending order of the average driving time from among the average driving times for each of the predetermined time slots, and selects at least one second time slot in descending order of the average driving time; a time smoothing unit that drives each of the pump units so as to smooth an integrated operation time of each of the pump units during the first time period; a frequency smoothing unit that drives each of the pumps so as to smooth the cumulative operation frequency of each of the pumps during the second time period; A pumping device comprising:

11. A management device capable of communicating with a pump device having a plurality of pumps arranged in parallel with each other, a receiving unit that receives, from the pump device, operation data relating to an accumulated operation time and an accumulated operation count of each pump unit among the plurality of pumps; a totaling unit that calculates a total operation time by adding up the accumulated operation times of each of the pump units and a total operation count by adding up the accumulated operation counts of each of the pump units for each predetermined time period of a day based on the received operation data; a calculation unit that calculates an average operation time of each of the pump units based on the total operation time and the total number of operations for each of the predetermined time periods; a time slot selection unit that selects at least one first time slot in descending order of the average driving time from among the average driving times for each of the predetermined time slots, and selects at least one second time slot in descending order of the average driving time; a first transmission unit that transmits to the pump device a start time and an end time of the first time period for driving each of the pump units so as to smooth out an accumulated operation time of each of the pump units during the first time period; a second transmission unit that transmits to the pump device a start time and an end time of the second time period for driving each of the pumps so as to smooth the cumulative operation number of each of the pumps during the second time period; A management device comprising:

12. The management device according to claim 11 , further comprising a re-execution control unit that causes the totaling unit, the calculation unit, and the time period selection unit to be re-executed at regular intervals.

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