Temperature adjustment device

Abstract

A temperature adjustment device (1) comprising: a pump (10) that discharges a heat medium (HW) and that is adjustable to an arbitrary output; heat equipment (20) that is connected to the pump (10) and that heats or cools a target with the heat medium (HW); a constant flow rate adjustment valve (30) that is connected to the heat equipment and that, when the pressure difference between an inlet and an outlet is not less than a reference pressure, adjusts the flow rate of the heat medium (HW) flowing through the heat equipment (20) to a prescribed flow rate; and a control unit that, from a state in which the flow rate of the heat medium in the constant flow rate adjustment valve (30) is not the prescribed flow rate, increases the output of the pump, and that, when a first index pertaining to the flow rate of discharge from the pump changes from a value outside a first range to a value included in the first range, controls output of the pump (10) so as to stop the increase of the output of the pump (10).

Description

Temperature control device

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a temperature adjustment device.

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a heating device in which a discharge header branches into multiple heating pipes that are guided to each radiator. Patent Document 1 also discloses providing a constant flow control valve between the discharge header and the heating pipes.

[0003] Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open Publication No. 54-057754

[0004] In a temperature control device that uses a thermal device connected to a constant flow rate control valve, it is desired to reduce energy consumption when supplying a heat medium to the thermal device.

[0005] The present disclosure provides a technology for reducing energy consumption in a temperature adjustment device that uses thermal equipment connected to a constant flow rate adjustment valve.

[0006] A temperature control device according to a first aspect includes: a pump that discharges a heat medium and is adjustable to an arbitrary output; a thermal device that is supplied with the heat medium and heats or cools an object using the heat medium; a constant flow rate adjustment valve that is connected to the thermal device and adjusts the flow rate of the heat medium flowing through the thermal device to a specified flow rate when a pressure difference between an inlet and an outlet is equal to or greater than a reference pressure; and a control unit that controls an output of the pump so as to increase an output of the pump when the flow rate of the heat medium in the constant flow rate adjustment valve is not the specified flow rate, and stop increasing the output of the pump when a first index related to the flow rate discharged by the pump changes from a value outside a first range to a value included in the first range, or to decrease an output of the pump when the flow rate of the heat medium in the constant flow rate adjustment valve is the specified flow rate, and stop decreasing the output of the pump when a second index related to the flow rate discharged by the pump changes from a value included in a second range to a value outside the second range.

[0007] According to the temperature adjustment device of the first aspect, it is possible to reduce energy consumption in a temperature adjustment device that uses thermal equipment to which a constant flow rate adjustment valve is connected.

[0008] A temperature control device of a second aspect is the temperature control device of the first aspect, further comprising a plurality of combinations of the thermal equipment connected in parallel to the pump and the constant flow rate control valves connected to the thermal equipment, and the control unit may control the output of the pump so as to increase an output of the pump when the flow rate of the heat medium in at least one of the constant flow rate control valves included in the plurality of the constant flow rate control valves is not the specified flow rate, and stop increasing the output of the pump when a first index related to the flow rate discharged by the pump changes from a value outside the first range to a value included in the first range, or to decrease the output of the pump when the flow rates of the heat medium in all of the constant flow rate control valves included in the plurality of the constant flow rate control valves are the specified flow rate, and stop decreasing the output of the pump when a second index related to the flow rate discharged by the pump changes from a value included in the second range to a value outside the second range.

[0009] A temperature control device of a third aspect is the temperature control device of the first or second aspect, wherein the first index is an increase rate of the flow rate discharged by the pump relative to an increase in the output of the pump, and the second index may be a decrease rate of the flow rate discharged by the pump relative to a decrease in the output of the pump.

[0010] A temperature control device of a fourth aspect is the temperature control device of the first or second aspect, wherein the first index is a rate of change in power consumption in the pump relative to an increase in output of the pump, and the second index may be a rate of change in power consumption in the pump relative to a decrease in output of the pump.

[0011] A temperature control device of a fifth aspect includes: a pump that discharges a heat medium and is adjustable to any output; a plurality of thermal devices that are connected in parallel to the pump and that heat or cool an object using the heat medium; a plurality of constant flow rate control valves that are provided in one-to-one correspondence with the plurality of thermal devices, each of the plurality of constant flow rate control valves being connected to a corresponding thermal device and adjusting the flow rate of the heat medium flowing through the corresponding thermal device to a specified flow rate when a pressure difference between an inlet and an outlet is equal to or greater than a reference pressure; and a control unit that measures the pressure difference in each of the plurality of constant flow rate control valves and controls the output of the pump in the plurality of constant flow rate control valves to the reference pressure of each of the constant flow rate control valves.

[0012] According to the temperature adjustment device of the fifth aspect, it is possible to reduce energy consumption in a temperature adjustment device that uses thermal equipment to which a constant flow rate adjustment valve is connected.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an outline of the configuration of a temperature control device according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the operation of a constant flow rate control valve in the temperature control device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating the processing of a control unit in the temperature control device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the pump output and the flow rate change rate in the temperature control device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the discharge pressure and the flow rate and the power consumption when the pump in the temperature control device according to the second embodiment is a positive displacement pump. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the discharge pressure and the flow rate and the power consumption when the pump in the temperature control device according to the second embodiment is a positive displacement pump. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an outline of the configuration of a temperature control device according to a third embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating the operation of each of multiple constant flow rate control valves in the temperature control device according to the third embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the pressure difference and the flow rate change caused by multiple constant flow rate control valves in the temperature control device according to the third embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the pressure difference and the flow rate change caused by multiple constant flow rate control valves in the temperature control device according to the third embodiment. Fig. 11 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the pressure difference due to a plurality of constant flow rate regulating valves and the rate of change of flow rate relative to the pump output in the temperature adjustment device according to the third embodiment. Fig. 12 is a diagram illustrating an outline of the configuration of the temperature adjustment device according to the fourth embodiment.

[0014] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that, in the description of the specification and drawings relating to each embodiment, components having substantially the same or corresponding functional configurations may be designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations may be omitted. Furthermore, to facilitate understanding, the scale of each part in the drawings may differ from the actual scale.

[0015] First Embodiment A temperature control device according to the first embodiment will be described. The temperature control device according to the first embodiment includes a pump, a thermal device, a constant flow rate adjustment valve, and a control unit. The pump in the temperature control device according to the first embodiment is a pump that discharges a heat medium and is adjustable to any output. The thermal device in the temperature control device according to the first embodiment is supplied with a heat medium and heats or cools an object using the heat medium. The constant flow rate adjustment valve in the temperature control device according to the first embodiment is connected to the thermal device and adjusts the flow rate of the heat medium flowing through the thermal device to a specified flow rate when the pressure difference between the inlet and outlet is equal to or greater than a reference pressure. The control unit in the temperature control device according to the first embodiment increases the output of the pump when the flow rate of the heat medium in the constant flow rate adjustment valve is not the specified flow rate, and controls the output of the pump to stop increasing the output of the pump when a first index related to the flow rate discharged by the pump changes from a value outside a first range to a value included in the first range. Alternatively, the control unit in the temperature control device according to the first embodiment reduces the output of the pump from a state in which the flow rate of the heat medium in the constant flow control valve is at a specified flow rate, and controls the output of the pump so as to stop the reduction in the output of the pump when a second index related to the flow rate discharged by the pump changes from a value included in the second range to a value outside the second range.

[0016] In addition, in the temperature control device of the first embodiment, the first index is the rate of increase in the flow rate discharged by the pump relative to an increase in the pump output, and the second index is the rate of decrease in the flow rate discharged by the pump relative to a decrease in the pump output.

[0017] 1 is a diagram showing an outline of the configuration of a temperature control device 1, which is an example of a temperature control device according to the first embodiment. The temperature control device 1 is a device that controls temperature using a thermal device 20 that heats or cools a target RM. The target RM is, for example, a living room, kitchen, toilet, hallway, conference room, hall, etc.

[0018] <Temperature Adjustment Device 1 > The temperature adjustment device 1 includes a pump 10 , a thermal device 20 , a constant flow rate adjustment valve 30 , a flow meter 40 , a heat medium supply source 50 , and a control unit 60 .

[0019] [Pump 10] The pump 10 discharges the heat medium HW. The pump 10 is connected to the thermal equipment 20. The heat medium HW discharged from the pump 10 is supplied to the thermal equipment 20. The pump 10 is a pump that can be adjusted to any output. The pump 10 is, for example, an inverter pump that can control the rotation speed of a motor by an inverter. The pump 10 includes, for example, an axial flow pump.

[0020] [Thermal Equipment 20] The thermal equipment 20 heats or cools the target RM by the heat medium HW supplied from the pump 10. The thermal equipment 20 is, for example, a radiator, a fan convector, a floor heating panel, or the like.

[0021] [Constant Flow Rate Regulating Valve 30] The constant flow rate regulating valve 30 is a valve that regulates the flow rate to a specified value when the pressure difference between the inlet and outlet is equal to or greater than a reference pressure.

[0022] 2 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the constant flow rate control valve 30 in the temperature control device 1, which is an example of the temperature control device according to the first embodiment. The horizontal axis of Fig. 2 represents the pressure difference ΔP between the inlet and outlet of the constant flow rate control valve 30, and the vertical axis represents the flow rate Q of the heat medium HW flowing through the constant flow rate control valve 30. Line L1 shows the relationship between the pressure difference ΔP and the flow rate Q.

[0023] In the constant flow rate control valve 30, when the pressure difference ΔP is less than the reference pressure Ps, the flow rate Q increases as the pressure difference ΔP increases. When the pressure difference ΔP is equal to or greater than the reference pressure Ps, the flow rate Q in the constant flow rate control valve 30 becomes the specified flow rate Qs regardless of the pressure difference ΔP. When the pressure difference ΔP increases further and exceeds the maximum operating pressure Pmax, the flow rate Q increases again. The range in which the flow rate Q becomes the specified flow rate Qs, i.e., the range in which the pressure difference ΔP is equal to or greater than the reference pressure Ps, is called the flow rate adjustment range RCQ.

[0024] That is, when the pressure difference ΔP between the inlet and outlet is equal to or greater than the reference pressure Ps, the constant flow rate adjustment valve 30 adjusts the flow rate Q of the heat medium HW flowing through the constant flow rate adjustment valve 30 to the specified flow rate Qs.

[0025] [Flow Meter 40] The flow meter 40 measures the flow rate discharged from the pump 10. The flow meter 40 outputs the measured flow rate Qp to the control unit 60.

[0026] [Heat Medium Supply Source 50] The heat medium supply source 50 discharges the heat medium HW, which has been adjusted to a predetermined temperature, to the pump 10. The heat medium supply source 50 also recovers the heat medium HW from the thermal equipment 20. The heat medium supply source 50 then adjusts the temperature of the recovered heat medium HW to the predetermined temperature.

[0027] The heat medium supply source 50 may be, for example, a heat pump type water heater, but any type of equipment may be used as long as it generates cold water and hot water.

[0028] [Controller 60] The controller 60 controls the pump output of the pump 10. The controller 60 is configured with a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The controller 60 performs processing by having the processor execute a program. The controller 60 may also be configured with an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit), FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or the like.

[0029] The processing of the control unit 60 will be described. Fig. 3 is a flow diagram illustrating the processing of the control unit 60 in the temperature control device 1, which is an example of a temperature control device according to the first embodiment. Note that the processing shown in Fig. 3 may be performed continuously while the temperature control device 1 is operating, or may be performed when the flow rate changes significantly due to the opening or closing of a valve, for example.

[0030] (Step S10) The control unit 60 determines whether the pump output is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. The predetermined value may be a pump output that is equal to or greater than the minimum operating pressure and equal to or less than the maximum operating pressure of the connected constant flow control valve. For example, the predetermined value may be a pump output that results in a pump inlet / outlet differential pressure of 30 kPa to 400 kPa.

[0031] If the pump output is not equal to or greater than the predetermined value (NO in step S10), the control unit 60 proceeds to step S20. If the pump output is equal to or greater than the predetermined value (YES in step S10), the control unit 60 proceeds to step S40.

[0032] (Step S20) If the pump output is not equal to or greater than the predetermined value (NO in step S10), it is estimated that the pressure difference ΔP at the constant flow rate regulation valve 30 is lower than the reference pressure Ps. The control unit 60 increases the output of the pump 10 to increase the pressure difference ΔP at the constant flow rate regulation valve 30. Then, by increasing the pressure difference ΔP at the constant flow rate regulation valve 30, the flow rate at the constant flow rate regulation valve 30 increases.

[0033] The control unit 60 increases the output of the pump 10 by a predetermined output.

[0034] (Step S30) Next, the control unit 60 determines whether the first index is outside the first range. In the temperature adjustment device 1, the first index is the rate of increase in flow rate relative to an increase in output of the pump 10. Here, the relationship between the pressure difference and the rate of change in flow rate in the constant flow rate adjustment valve 30 will be described. Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the pump output Pout and the rate of change in flow rate ΔQ in the temperature adjustment device 1, which is an example of the temperature adjustment device according to the first embodiment.

[0035] The horizontal axis of Fig. 4 represents the pump output Pout, and the vertical axis represents the rate of change ΔQ of the flow rate Q of the heat medium HW flowing through the constant flow rate control valve 30. Line L2 represents the relationship between the pump output Pout and the rate of change ΔQ of the flow rate. The pressure difference between the inlet and outlet of the constant flow rate control valve 30 is correlated with the output of the pump 10. Therefore, the relationship in Fig. 4 can be derived by differentiating the relationship between the pressure difference ΔP and the flow rate Q shown in Fig. 2.

[0036] 4, as the pump output Pout increases from a state in which the pump output Pout is zero, the flow rate change rate ΔQ gradually decreases. Then, when the pump output Pout becomes equal to or greater than the reference output Pouts, the flow rate change rate ΔQ becomes zero. When the pump output Pout is equal to the reference output Pouts, the pressure difference ΔP across the constant flow rate control valve 30 becomes the reference pressure Ps.

[0037] By setting the pump output Pout to the reference output Pouts, it is possible to minimize the energy consumed by the pump 10 when the specified flow rate Qs is flowed through the constant flow rate adjustment valve 30. Therefore, the control unit 60 controls the pump output Pout to be the reference output Pouts, which is the optimum value.

[0038] Specifically, the control unit 60 measures the flow rate increase rate ΔQ1 in response to an increase in the output of the pump 10. The control unit 60 then determines whether the measured flow rate increase rate ΔQ1 is within a predetermined determination range SR. For example, the determination range SR is a range in which the flow rate increase rate ΔQ1 is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value ΔQth. The determination range SR is an example of a first range.

[0039] If the first index is outside the first range (YES in step S30), the control unit 60 returns to step S20 and repeats the process. If the first index is not outside the first range (NO in step S30), the control unit 60 ends the process. By ending the process, the control unit 60 stops increasing the output of the pump 10.

[0040] The control unit 60 repeats the processes of steps S20 and S30, thereby making it possible to bring the pump output Pout closer to the reference output Pouts, as indicated by arrow A in FIG.

[0041] (Step S40) If the pump output is equal to or greater than the predetermined value (YES in step S10), it is estimated that the pressure difference ΔP across the constant flow rate regulation valve 30 is higher than the reference pressure Ps. The control unit 60 reduces the output of the pump 10 to reduce the pressure difference ΔP across the constant flow rate regulation valve 30. Then, by reducing the pressure difference ΔP across the constant flow rate regulation valve 30, the flow rate across the constant flow rate regulation valve 30 decreases.

[0042] The control unit 60 reduces the output of the pump 10 by a predetermined output.

[0043] (Step S50) Next, the control unit 60 determines whether the second index is within the second range. In the temperature adjustment device 1, the second index is the flow rate reduction rate relative to the output reduction of the pump 10. As in step S30, the control unit 60 controls the pump output Pout to become the reference output Pouts, which is the optimal value.

[0044] Specifically, the control unit 60 measures a flow rate decrease rate ΔQ2 relative to a decrease in the output of the pump 10. Then, the control unit 60 determines whether the measured flow rate decrease rate ΔQ2 is within a predetermined determination range SR. For example, the determination range SR is a range in which the flow rate decrease rate ΔQ2 is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value ΔQth. The determination range SR is an example of a second range.

[0045] If the second index is within the second range (YES in step S50), the control unit 60 returns to step S40 and repeats the process. If the second index is not within the second range (NO in step S50), the control unit 60 ends the process. By ending the process, the control unit 60 stops reducing the output of the pump 10.

[0046] The control unit 60 repeats the processes of steps S40 and S50, thereby making it possible to bring the pump output Pout closer to the reference output Pouts, as indicated by arrow B in FIG.

[0047] In the above example, the same threshold value ΔQth is used in steps S30 and S50, but different threshold values ​​may be used in steps S30 and S50.

[0048] According to the temperature control device of the first embodiment, in a temperature control device using a thermal device connected to a constant flow rate adjustment valve, the pump output can be optimized to reduce energy consumption.

[0049] Second Embodiment A temperature control device according to a second embodiment will be described. The temperature control device according to the second embodiment differs from the temperature control device according to the first embodiment in the first and second indices. The first index in the temperature control device according to the second embodiment is the rate of change in power consumption in the pump relative to an increase in pump output. The second index in the temperature control device according to the second embodiment is the rate of change in power consumption in the pump relative to a decrease in pump output.

[0050] The relationship between the discharge pressure of the pump, the flow rate, and the power consumption will be described.

[0051] First, the relationship between the discharge pressure of a positive displacement pump and the flow rate and power consumption will be described. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the discharge pressure of the pump in a temperature control device according to the second embodiment when the pump is a positive displacement pump. The horizontal axis of FIG. 5 represents the pump discharge pressure DP, and the vertical axis represents the pump flow rate Q or power consumption PC. Lines L3u and L3d represent the relationship between the pump discharge pressure DP and the flow rate Q. Lines L4u and L4d represent the relationship between the pump discharge pressure DP and the power consumption PC. Note that lines L3u and L4u represent a state where the pump output is higher than lines L3d and L4d. For example, lines L3u and L4u represent a case where the inverter output is 60 Hz, and lines L3d and L4d represent a case where the inverter output is 50 Hz.

[0052] For a positive displacement pump, increasing the pump discharge pressure reduces the flow rate. On the other hand, for a positive displacement pump, increasing the pump discharge pressure increases the power consumption.

[0053] For example, in FIG. 5 , if the discharge pressure DP and flow rate Q are the values ​​indicated by point P30 and the discharge pressure DP and power consumption PC are the values ​​indicated by point P40, for example, if the constant flow rate control valve 30 is outside the flow rate adjustment range RCQ, increasing the pump output will also increase the flow rate Q. Therefore, if the constant flow rate control valve 30 is outside the flow rate adjustment range RCQ and the discharge pressure DP and flow rate Q are the values ​​indicated by point P30, increasing the pump output will cause the discharge pressure DP and flow rate Q to change along arrow A31 in FIG. 5 . The discharge pressure DP and flow rate Q will then reach the values ​​indicated by point P31. Furthermore, if the constant flow rate control valve 30 is outside the flow rate adjustment range RCQ and the power consumption PC and flow rate Q are the values ​​indicated by point P40, increasing the pump output will cause the power consumption PC and flow rate Q to change along arrow A41 in FIG. 5 . The power consumption PC and flow rate Q will then reach the values ​​indicated by point P41.

[0054] On the other hand, in FIG. 5 , when the discharge pressure DP and flow rate Q are the values ​​indicated by point P30 and the discharge pressure DP and power consumption PC are the values ​​indicated by point P40, for example, if the constant flow rate control valve 30 is within the flow rate adjustment range RCQ, increasing the pump output will not increase the flow rate Q. Therefore, when the constant flow rate control valve 30 is within the flow rate adjustment range RCQ, if the discharge pressure DP and flow rate Q are the values ​​indicated by point P30 and the pump output is increased, the discharge pressure DP and flow rate Q change along arrow A32 in FIG. 5 . Then, the discharge pressure DP and flow rate Q reach the values ​​indicated by point P32. Furthermore, when the constant flow rate control valve 30 is within the flow rate adjustment range RCQ and the power consumption PC and flow rate Q are the values ​​indicated by point P40, if the pump output is increased, the power consumption PC and flow rate Q change along arrow A42 in FIG. 5 . Then, the power consumption PC and flow rate Q reach the values ​​indicated by point P42.

[0055] In the case of a positive displacement pump, the change in power consumption when the constant flow rate control valve 30 is outside the flow rate control range RCQ is indicated by arrow B31, and the change in power consumption when the constant flow rate control valve 30 is within the flow rate control range RCQ is indicated by arrow B32.

[0056] Therefore, in the case of a positive displacement pump, when the constant flow control valve 30 is within the flow control range RCQ, the rate of increase in power consumption increases when the pump output is increased compared to when the constant flow control valve 30 is outside the flow control range RCQ.

[0057] Next, the relationship between the discharge pressure and the flow rate and power consumption in a non-positive displacement pump will be described. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the discharge pressure and the flow rate and power consumption in a temperature control device according to the second embodiment, where the pump is a non-positive displacement pump. The horizontal axis of FIG. 6 represents the pump discharge pressure DP, and the vertical axis represents the pump flow rate Q or power consumption PC. Lines L5u and L5d represent the relationship between the pump discharge pressure DP and the flow rate Q. Lines L6u and L6d represent the relationship between the pump discharge pressure DP and the power consumption PC. Note that lines L5u and L6u represent a state where the pump output is higher than lines L5d and L6d. For example, lines L5u and L6u represent a case where the inverter output is 60 Hz, and lines L5d and L6d represent a case where the inverter output is 50 Hz.

[0058] For non-positive displacement pumps, increasing the pump discharge pressure reduces the flow rate. Conversely, for non-positive displacement pumps, increasing the pump discharge pressure reduces the power consumption.

[0059] For example, in FIG. 6 , if the discharge pressure DP and flow rate Q are the values ​​indicated by point P50 and the discharge pressure DP and power consumption PC are the values ​​indicated by point P60, for example, if the constant flow rate adjustment valve 30 is outside the flow rate adjustment range RCQ, increasing the pump output will also increase the flow rate Q. Therefore, if the constant flow rate adjustment valve 30 is outside the flow rate adjustment range RCQ and the discharge pressure DP and flow rate Q are the values ​​indicated by point P50, increasing the pump output will cause the discharge pressure DP and flow rate Q to change along arrow A51 in FIG. 6 . The discharge pressure DP and flow rate Q will then reach the values ​​indicated by point P51. Furthermore, if the constant flow rate adjustment valve 30 is outside the flow rate adjustment range RCQ and the power consumption PC and flow rate Q are the values ​​indicated by point P60, increasing the pump output will cause the power consumption PC and flow rate Q to change along arrow A61 in FIG. 6 . The power consumption PC and flow rate Q will then reach the values ​​indicated by point P61.

[0060] On the other hand, in FIG. 6 , if the discharge pressure DP and flow rate Q are the values ​​indicated by point P50 and the discharge pressure DP and power consumption PC are the values ​​indicated by point P60, for example, if the constant flow rate adjustment valve 30 is within the flow rate adjustment range RCQ, increasing the pump output will not increase the flow rate Q. Therefore, if the constant flow rate adjustment valve 30 is within the flow rate adjustment range RCQ, and the discharge pressure DP and flow rate Q are the values ​​indicated by point P50, increasing the pump output will cause the discharge pressure DP and flow rate Q to change along arrow A52 in FIG. 6 . The discharge pressure DP and flow rate Q will then reach the values ​​indicated by point P52. Furthermore, if the constant flow rate adjustment valve 30 is within the flow rate adjustment range RCQ, and the power consumption PC and flow rate Q are the values ​​indicated by point P60, increasing the pump output will cause the power consumption PC and flow rate Q to change along arrow A62 in FIG. 6 . The power consumption PC and flow rate Q will then reach the values ​​indicated by point P62.

[0061] In the case of a non-positive displacement pump, the change in power consumption when the constant flow rate control valve 30 is outside the flow rate control range RCQ is indicated by arrow B51, and the change in power consumption when the constant flow rate control valve 30 is within the flow rate control range RCQ is indicated by arrow B52.

[0062] Therefore, in the case of a non-positive displacement pump, when the constant flow control valve 30 is outside the flow control range RCQ, the rate of increase in power consumption is lower when the pump output is increased compared to when the constant flow control valve 30 is within the flow control range RCQ.

[0063] Therefore, in the processing of the temperature adjustment device according to the second embodiment, in the case of a positive displacement pump, the control unit 60 measures the rate of increase in power consumption relative to the rate of increase in pump output in step S30 and determines whether the rate of increase in power consumption relative to the rate of increase in pump output is within a range (first range) that is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold. Also, in the processing of the temperature adjustment device according to the second embodiment, in the case of a positive displacement pump, the control unit 60 measures the rate of decrease in power consumption relative to the rate of decrease in pump output in step S50 and determines whether the rate of decrease in power consumption relative to the rate of decrease in pump output is within a range (second range) that is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold.

[0064] On the other hand, in the processing of the temperature adjustment device according to the second embodiment, in the case of a non-positive displacement pump, the control unit 60 measures the rate of increase in power consumption relative to the rate of increase in pump output in step S30 and determines whether the rate of increase in power consumption relative to the rate of increase in pump output is within a range (first range) where the rate is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold. Also, in the processing of the temperature adjustment device according to the second embodiment, in the case of a non-positive displacement pump, the control unit 60 measures the rate of decrease in power consumption relative to the rate of decrease in pump output in step S50 and determines whether the rate of decrease in power consumption relative to the rate of decrease in pump output is within a range (second range) where the rate is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold.

[0065] According to the temperature control device of the second embodiment, in a temperature control device using a thermal device connected to a constant flow rate control valve, the pump output can be optimized to reduce energy consumption. Furthermore, according to the temperature control device of the second embodiment, the flow rate can be controlled without measuring it.

[0066] In the above example, the power consumption of the pump is used, but the shaft power of the pump, which is correlated with the power consumption of the pump, may be measured to perform similar control.

[0067] Third Embodiment A temperature control device according to the third embodiment will be described. The temperature control device according to the third embodiment is the temperature control device according to the first or second embodiment, except that it includes multiple combinations of thermal devices connected in parallel to a pump and constant flow rate control valves connected to the thermal devices. The control unit in the temperature control device according to the third embodiment controls the output of the pump so as to increase the output of the pump when the flow rate of the heat medium in at least one constant flow rate control valve included in the multiple constant flow rate control valves is not at a specified flow rate.

[0068] 7 is a diagram showing an outline of the configuration of a temperature adjustment device 3, which is an example of a temperature adjustment device according to the third embodiment. The temperature adjustment device 3 is a device that heats or cools targets RM(1) to RM(N) (where N is an integer of 2 or more) using thermal equipment.

[0069] <Temperature adjustment device 3> The temperature adjustment device 3 includes a pump 10, thermal equipment 20(1) to 20(N), constant flow rate adjustment valves 30(1) to 30(N), a flow meter 40, a heat medium supply source 50, and a control unit 260. Here, N is an integer greater than or equal to 2. In other words, the temperature adjustment device 3 includes the pump 10, a plurality of thermal equipment 20, a plurality of constant flow rate adjustment valves 30, a flow meter 40, a heat medium supply source 50, and a control unit 260.

[0070] A combination of a thermal device 20(i) and a constant flow rate control valve 30(i) connected to the thermal device 20(i) is referred to as combination 70(i), where i is an integer greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to N. When there is no need to distinguish between the combinations 70(i), the combinations are collectively referred to as combination 70. That is, the temperature adjustment device 3 includes a plurality of combinations 70, each of which is a combination of a thermal device 20 and a constant flow rate control valve 30 connected to the thermal device 20. The plurality of combinations 70 are connected in parallel to the pump 10. Each of the plurality of constant flow rate control valves 30 is provided in one-to-one correspondence with each of the plurality of thermal devices 20. Each of the plurality of constant flow rate control valves 30 is connected to a corresponding thermal device. Furthermore, each of the plurality of constant flow rate control valves 30 adjusts the flow rate of the heat medium HW flowing through the corresponding thermal device.

[0071] When multiple constant flow control valves 30 are connected in parallel to the pump 10, it is determined whether the pump output is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. The predetermined value may be a pump output that is greater than the minimum operating pressure and less than the maximum operating pressure of all connected constant flow control valves. Since constant flow control valves with significantly different operating pressure ranges are generally not connected to the same system, it is possible to determine the range. For example, the pump output may be set to a value that results in a pump inlet / outlet differential pressure of 30 to 400 kilopascals. Since the processing other than step S10 is the same as that of the temperature control device according to the first embodiment and the temperature control device according to the second embodiment, for detailed explanations, please refer to the respective descriptions of the processing of the temperature control device according to the first embodiment and the temperature control device according to the second embodiment.

[0072] Here, a case where the specified flow rates Qs and reference pressures Ps of the plurality of constant flow rate regulation valves 30 are different will be described. Fig. 8 is a diagram illustrating the operation of each of the plurality of constant flow rate regulation valves 30 in a temperature regulation device 3, which is an example of a temperature regulation device according to the third embodiment. The horizontal axis of Fig. 8 represents the differential pressure in the constant flow rate regulation valve, and the vertical axis represents the flow rate in the constant flow rate regulation valve. As shown in Fig. 8, when the reference flow rates in the constant flow rate regulation valves are different, the reference pressures also differ, as indicated by the reference flow rates Q1, Q2, and Q3.

[0073] This shows an example of flow rate when multiple constant flow rate control valves are used. Figures 9 and 10 are diagrams illustrating the relationship between pressure difference and flow rate change due to multiple constant flow rate control valves 30 in a temperature control device 3, which is an example of a temperature control device according to the third embodiment. Figure 10 is an enlarged view of a region of low pressure difference in Figure 9. In each of Figures 9 and 10, the horizontal axis represents the pressure difference at the constant flow rate control valve, and the vertical axis represents the flow rate at the constant flow rate control valve.

[0074] Each of lines L71, L72, L73, and L74 indicates the flow rate of some of the multiple constant flow rate regulation valves 30. As indicated by each of lines L71, L72, L73, and L74, the constant flow rate regulation valves 30 have different reference flow rates. The result of adding up all of the flow rates of the constant flow rate regulation valves 30 is shown by line L7.

[0075] As shown by line L7, the total flow rate fluctuates greatly around the reference pressure in the constant flow rate adjustment valve 30.

[0076] 11 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the pressure difference due to the multiple constant flow rate control valves 30 and the rate of change of flow rate relative to the pump output in the temperature control device 3, which is an example of the temperature control device according to the third embodiment. In each of FIGS. 9 and 10, the horizontal axis represents the pump output, and the vertical axis represents the rate of increase of flow rate relative to an increase in pump output.

[0077] When multiple constant flow control valves with different characteristics are connected, the rate of increase in flow rate relative to an increase in pump output exhibits characteristics such as those shown in Fig. 11. Therefore, by controlling using the threshold value ΔQth as in the first embodiment, it is possible to approach the target output, output Pout1 in Fig. 11. Furthermore, even when controlling using the rate of change in power consumption relative to pump output as in the second embodiment, the rate of increase in flow rate is reflected in the rate of change in power consumption of the pump, just as in the case of a single connection, so it is possible to approach the target output, output Pout1 in Fig. 11.

[0078] According to the temperature control device of the third embodiment, in a temperature control device that uses a plurality of thermal devices connected to constant flow rate adjustment valves, it is possible to optimize the pump output and reduce energy consumption.

[0079] Fourth Embodiment A temperature control device according to the fourth embodiment will be described. The temperature control device according to the fourth embodiment includes a pump, multiple thermal devices, multiple constant flow rate control valves, and a control unit. The pump in the temperature control device according to the fourth embodiment discharges a heat medium and is adjustable to any output. Each of the multiple thermal devices in the temperature control device according to the fourth embodiment is connected in parallel to the pump and heats or cools an object using the heat medium. The multiple constant flow rate control valves in the temperature control device according to the fourth embodiment are provided in one-to-one correspondence with the multiple thermal devices. Each of the multiple constant flow rate control valves in the temperature control device according to the fourth embodiment is connected to a corresponding thermal device and adjusts the flow rate of the heat medium flowing through the corresponding thermal device to a specified flow rate when the pressure difference between the inlet and outlet is equal to or greater than a reference pressure. The control unit in the temperature control device according to the fourth embodiment measures the pressure difference in each of the multiple constant flow rate control valves and controls the pump output so that the reference pressure of each of the multiple constant flow rate control valves is reached.

[0080] 12 is a diagram showing an outline of the configuration of a temperature adjustment device 4, which is an example of a temperature adjustment device according to the fourth embodiment. The temperature adjustment device 4 is a device that heats or cools targets RM(1) to RM(N) (where N is an integer of 2 or more) using thermal equipment.

[0081] <Temperature Adjustment Device 4> The temperature adjustment device 4 is different from the temperature adjustment device 3 in that it does not have the flow meter 40, instead providing a differential pressure gauge 31 for each constant flow rate adjustment valve 30, and providing a control device 360 ​​instead of the control device 260. The temperature adjustment device 4 includes a pump 10, thermal equipment 20(1) to 20(N), constant flow rate adjustment valves 30(1) to 30(N), differential pressure gauges 31(1) to 31(N), a heat medium supply source 50, and a control device 360, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 2. In other words, the temperature adjustment device 4 includes a pump 10, a plurality of thermal equipment 20, a plurality of constant flow rate adjustment valves 30, a plurality of differential pressure gauges 31, a heat medium supply source 50, and a control device 360.

[0082] The control unit 360 in the temperature adjustment device 4 obtains the pressure difference ΔP(N) from the pressure difference ΔP(1) measured by the differential pressure gauges 31(1) and 31(N). The control unit 360 then controls the pump 10 based on the obtained pressure difference ΔP(1) to pressure difference ΔP(N).

[0083] The control unit 360 measures the pressure difference ΔP (m) at each of the constant flow rate control valves 30(1) to 30(N). The control unit 360 then controls the output of the pump 10 so that the pressure at each of the constant flow rate control valves 30(1) to 30(N) becomes equal to the reference pressure Ps for each of the constant flow rate control valves 30(1) to 30(N).

[0084] Furthermore, the control unit 360, for example, determines the pressure difference ΔP(m) that results in the smallest pressure difference among the pressure differences ΔP(1) to ΔP(N), where m is an integer between 1 and N. The pressure difference ΔP(m) that results in the smallest pressure difference is the pressure difference ΔP at the constant flow rate control valve 30 (constant flow rate control valve 30(m)) that results in the smallest pressure difference among the constant flow rate control valves 30(1) to 30(N). In other words, the control unit 360 identifies the constant flow rate control valve 30 that results in the smallest pressure difference. The control unit 360 may then control the output of the pump 10 so that the pressure difference ΔP(m) becomes the reference pressure Ps.

[0085] According to the temperature control device of the fourth embodiment, in a temperature control device using a thermal device connected to a constant flow rate adjustment valve, the pump output can be optimized to reduce energy consumption.

[0086] Although the embodiments have been described above, it will be understood that various changes in form and details are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims. Various modifications and improvements, such as combinations and substitutions with part or all of other embodiments, are possible.

[0087] This application claims priority from basic patent application No. 2024-053923, filed with the Japan Patent Office on March 28, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0088] 1, 3, 4 Temperature control device 10 Pump 20 Heating equipment 30 Constant flow rate control valve 40 Flow meter 60, 260, 360 Control unit HW Heat medium

Claims

1. A pump (10) that discharges a heat transfer medium (HW) and can be adjusted to any output; a thermal device (20) that receives the heat transfer medium (HW) and heats or cools a target (RM) using the heat transfer medium (HW); and a constant flow control valve (30) that is connected to the thermal device (20) and adjusts the flow rate of the heat transfer medium (HW) flowing through the thermal device (20) to a specified flow rate when the pressure difference between the inlet and outlet is equal to or greater than a reference pressure. and a control unit (60) that controls the output of the pump (10) so as to increase the output of the pump (10) when the flow rate of the heat transfer medium (HW) in the constant flow rate control valve (30) is not the specified flow rate, and stop increasing the output of the pump (10) when a first index related to the flow rate discharged by the pump (10) changes from a value outside a first range to a value included in the first range, or to decrease the output of the pump (10) when the flow rate of the heat transfer medium (HW) in the constant flow rate control valve (30) is the specified flow rate, and stop decreasing the output of the pump (10) when a second index related to the flow rate discharged by the pump (10) changes from a value included in a second range to a value outside the second range.

2. A plurality of combinations (70) of the thermal equipment (20) and the constant flow control valve (30) connected to the thermal equipment (20) are provided, which are connected in parallel to the pump (10); 2. The temperature adjustment device (3) according to claim 1, wherein the control unit (260) controls the output of the pump (10) so as to increase an output of the pump (10) when a flow rate of the heat medium (HW) in at least one of the constant flow rate adjustment valves (30) included in the plurality of constant flow rate adjustment valves (30) is not the specified flow rate, and stop increasing the output of the pump (10) when a first index related to a flow rate discharged by the pump (10) changes from a value outside the first range to a value included in the first range, or to decrease the output of the pump (10) when the flow rates of the heat medium (HW) in all of the constant flow rate adjustment valves (30) included in the plurality of constant flow rate adjustment valves (30) are the specified flow rate, and stop decreasing the output of the pump (10) when a second index related to a flow rate discharged by the pump (10) changes from a value included in the second range to a value outside the second range.

3. A temperature control device (1, 3) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the first index is a rate of increase in the flow rate discharged by the pump (10) relative to an increase in the output of the pump (10), and the second index is a rate of decrease in the flow rate discharged by the pump (10) relative to a decrease in the output of the pump (10).

4. A temperature control device (1, 3) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the first index is a rate of change in power consumption in the pump (10) relative to an increase in output of the pump (10), and the second index is a rate of change in power consumption in the pump (10) relative to a decrease in output of the pump (10).

5. A temperature control device (4) comprising: a pump (10) that discharges a heat transfer medium (HW) and is adjustable to any output; a plurality of thermal equipment (20) connected in parallel to the pump (10) and that heats or cools a target (RM) using the heat transfer medium (HW); a plurality of constant flow rate control valves (30) that are provided in one-to-one correspondence with the plurality of thermal equipment (20), each of the plurality of constant flow rate control valves (30) being connected to a corresponding one of the thermal equipment (20) and adjusting the flow rate of the heat transfer medium (HW) flowing through the corresponding one of the thermal equipment (20) to a specified flow rate when the pressure difference between the inlet and outlet is equal to or greater than a reference pressure; and a control unit (360) that measures the pressure difference in each of the plurality of constant flow rate control valves (30) and controls the output of the pump (10) so that the pressure of each of the plurality of constant flow rate control valves (30) becomes the reference pressure of the constant flow rate control valve (30).

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