Control system, moving unit, control method, and control program
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Solution Overview
Problem
Refrigerating machines in transport vehicles do not have a function to prevent mold growth when they are stopped, leading to potential foul smells due to moisture accumulation on heat exchanging parts.
Innovation Solution
A control system that includes a refrigeration control unit, a detection unit, and a drying control unit to perform a drying operation on the heat exchanging part of the evaporator after the refrigerating operation is completed, increasing the surface temperature to prevent mold growth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the refrigerating machine is stopped when no cargo is in the cargo space, then energy consumption is reduced, but moisture accumulates on the heat exchanging part leading to mold propagation
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit performs a drying operation by increasing the surface temperature of the heat exchanging part before the refrigerating machine is fully stopped. This preliminary action removes moisture that would otherwise accumulate and cause mold propagation during the stopped state
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit changes the temperature parameter of the heat exchanging part by switching it to a heating state, increasing the surface temperature to a predetermined value or higher. This parameter change enables moisture evaporation without requiring the entire refrigerating machine to operate
2Duration of action of stationary object
If the refrigerating machine is stopped, then operational wear is reduced, but the heat exchanging part gets wet and develops foul smell
Solution Approach 1:
Before the refrigerating machine enters the stopped state, the control unit activates the heating state to increase surface temperature of the heat exchanging part. This preliminary drying action prevents moisture accumulation that would lead to mold growth and foul smell during the extended stopped period
Solution Approach 2:
The system converts the harmful moisture that accumulates during stopped operation into a beneficial drying process by using controlled heating. The moisture that would cause mold is instead evaporated through the heating state, transforming a potential harm into a preventive measure
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Effectively suppresses mold growth by ensuring the heat exchanging parts of the refrigerating machine remain dry after the refrigeration cycle is finished, preventing moisture-related issues.
Implementation Method 1
performing a drying operation to increase a surface temperature of a heat exchanging part of the evaporator when the refrigerating operation is completed
Data Source
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AI summary
An object is to provide a control system, a moving unit, a control method, and a control program that can suppress mold growth. The control system applied to a refrigerating machine provided to a truck (1) includes: a refrigeration control unit configured to perform a refrigerating operation on a cargo space (2) provided with an evaporator of the refrigerating machine; a detection unit configured to detect completion of the refrigerating operation; and a drying control unit configured to perform a drying operation to increase a surface temperature of a heat exchanging part of the evaporator of an evaporator unit (4A) when the refrigerating operation is completed.