Temperature control system, temperature control method, control device, and computer program

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing temperature control systems in manufacturing plants face challenges in achieving high responsiveness without adversely affecting the operation state or constituent devices, particularly when switching temperature conditions.

Innovation Solution

A temperature control system that includes a refrigeration apparatus and fluid circulation apparatus, controlled by a device that adjusts compressor rotation speed and fluid flow rate in response to changes in target temperature, using initial operation control to enhance responsiveness while minimizing impact on the system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If gain adjustment is performed in PID control to improve responsiveness, then responsiveness is improved, but high demand for responsiveness cannot be satisfied in some cases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveresponsivenessVSAvoidcontrol effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by calculating a feedforward control amount based on the target temperature change before applying it to the compressor. This allows the compressor to be adjusted in advance according to the anticipated temperature change, improving responsiveness without relying solely on PID gain adjustment. The feedforward control amount is calculated using the relationship between target temperature and compressor rotation speed, enabling proactive control rather than reactive adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Speed

If a large control amount is suddenly input in feedforward control to improve responsiveness, then responsiveness can be improved, but stable operation of the device may be impaired

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveresponsivenessVSAvoidstable operation
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies dynamics by gradually increasing the feedforward control amount over multiple control cycles rather than inputting a large control amount suddenly. The compressor rotation speed is adjusted incrementally based on the target temperature, allowing the system to adapt smoothly to temperature changes while maintaining stable operation. This dynamic adjustment prevents shock loads on the compressor and ensures reliable operation during temperature transitions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Speed

If a large control amount is suddenly input in feedforward control to improve responsiveness, then responsiveness can be improved, but an undesirable load or impact may be applied to the constituent device

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveresponsivenessVSAvoidundesirable load
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements beforehand cushioning by gradually applying the feedforward control amount over multiple control cycles instead of suddenly inputting a large control amount. This incremental approach cushions the impact on the compressor and other constituent devices, preventing undesirable loads while still achieving improved responsiveness. The gradual adjustment allows the mechanical components to adapt smoothly to the control changes, avoiding shock and stress.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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

The system effectively improves responsiveness while mitigating undesirable influences on the operation state and devices, ensuring stable performance during temperature condition switches.

Implementation Method 1

a fluid circulation apparatus including a main flow path having a heat exchange unit between an inlet and an outlet... allowing the fluid in the heat exchange unit to exchange heat with the refrigerant in the evaporator

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat exchange: Heat Exchanger

Data Source

PatentUS20260009574A1Temperature control system, temperature control method, control device, and computer program
Publication Date: 2026.01.08 SHINWA CONTROLS
  • US20260009574A1 patent drawing
  • US20260009574A1 patent drawing
  • US20260009574A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A temperature control system according to an embodiment includes a refrigeration apparatus, a fluid circulation apparatus including a heat exchange unit between an inlet and an outlet and allowing a fluid in the heat exchange unit to exchange heat with a refrigerant in an evaporator 14 of the refrigeration apparatus, a first temperature sensor detecting a temperature of a fluid circulating in a downstream portion of the heat exchange unit in a main flow path, and a control device. The control device controls a compressor so that a rotation speed of the compressor lowers to a set value derived on the basis of a target temperature when a target temperature of the fluid is changed, and performs an initial operation control of changing a flow rate of a fluid circulating in the heat exchange unit in the main flow path simultaneously with, before, or after the control of the compressor.