JP2012225590A - Local air conditioning system and control device for the same - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To display a current temperature and an estimated temperature status of each of places relating to a plurality of local air conditioners so as to be easily visually grasped.SOLUTION: On a whole screen 50, a physical layout of local air conditioners is displayed with rectangular shapes, and a color indicating a current temperature state is displayed in the rectangular shape(51). A simulation result display screen 52 is displayed on the basis of a result of simulation. On the screen 52, the estimated temperature state of each local air conditioner after a predetermined time is displayed with the rectangular shape and the color (71, 72), and the estimated temperature state of a cold zone is displayed in a different color (73).

Description

  The present invention relates to an apparatus for monitoring a plurality of local air conditioners.

  Computers such as server devices generate heat during operation (mainly their CPUs generate heat), and a computer room containing a large number of computers becomes a space with a high average heat generation density. Depending on the installation position and number of computers, the operating state, etc., there may be a local area where the heat generation density is high or low. From the above, a computer or the like such as a server device may be referred to as a heating element (especially in an operating state). In addition, computers such as server devices are often mounted on racks. Usually, a plurality of racks are installed and a rack row is formed, and there are not a few cases where a plurality of rack rows exist.

  As an example of such an air conditioning system for cooling a computer room, a local air conditioning system in which a plurality of local cooling devices are arranged at various locations in the computer room is known. Such a local air-conditioning system, for example, distributes a plurality of local cooling devices (local air-conditioners) connected to a cooling source unit and refrigerant pipes on each rack in order to solve a locally high temperature problem. Installed to remove locally generated heat.

FIG. 9 shows a conventional general local air conditioning system configuration.
In FIG. 9, a plurality of racks in which various heating elements (computers such as server devices and various electronic devices) are accommodated are arranged in a computer room (IDC; Internet data center, etc.). The plurality of racks are usually arranged in an orderly manner to form a rack row. In many cases, a plurality of rack rows are arranged. In the figure, there are two rack rows each consisting of eight racks, but the present invention is not limited to this example. In addition, as shown in FIG. 9, a local air conditioner is often installed above each rack corresponding to each rack, but this is not a limitation.

  The local air conditioning system basically includes a plurality of local cooling devices (local air conditioners) 1 provided above the rack row, a cooling source unit 2 common to the plurality of local cooling devices 1, A refrigerant forward pipe 3 for supplying refrigerant from the source unit 2 to the plurality of local cooling devices 1, a refrigerant return pipe 4 for collecting the refrigerant from each local cooling device 1 by the cold heat source unit 2, a controller 5, etc. Is done. In the figure, arrows shown in the vicinity of the pipes 3 and 4 indicate the direction in which the refrigerant flows.

In addition, although it described as the local cooling device (local air conditioner) 1 etc. with respect to code | symbol '1' as mentioned above, it shall unify to "local air conditioner 1" in subsequent description.
The cold heat source unit 2 is provided corresponding to the local air conditioner group of one rack row. Therefore, if there are three rack rows, three cold heat source units 2 are provided. In the illustrated example, there are two rack rows, and as shown in the figure, two cooling heat source units 2 are provided, one for each local air conditioner group in each rack row. As shown in the figure, two rack rows each consisting of eight racks are denoted as row A and row B, and a cold heat source unit 2A corresponding to row A and a cold heat source unit 2B corresponding to row B are provided. Is provided.

  Each cold heat source unit 2 includes a condenser 2a, a refrigerant pressure feeding unit 2b (pump or the like), an inverter 2c, and the like. Refrigerant recovered from each local air conditioner 1 flows into the condenser 2a through the refrigerant return pipe 4 and cold water is supplied from an external device (not shown). After heat exchange between the refrigerant and the cold water is performed in the condenser 2a, the refrigerant is pumped to the refrigerant forward pipe 3 by the refrigerant pumping unit 2b and supplied to the plurality of local air conditioners 1.

  In the illustrated example, the refrigerant pressure feeding unit 2b has two pumps, but only one pump may be provided. Further, the cold heat source unit 2 may further include a compressor, a refrigerant storage tank, and the like, which are not particularly described here.

  The cold heat source unit 2 is installed, for example, in a machine room adjacent to the computer room. Moreover, the said refrigerant | coolant outward path piping 3 and the refrigerant | coolant return path piping 4 are arrange | positioned through a ceiling back etc., for example. Of course, the cold heat source unit 2 and each local air conditioner 1 are connected in advance to the refrigerant forward piping 3 and the refrigerant backward piping 4.

  The controller 5 is a control device for managing and controlling the entire local air conditioning system, and includes an arithmetic processor such as a CPU / MPU, a memory, an input / output interface, and the like. Although not shown or described in particular, each local air conditioner 1 has a small controller (referred to as a local controller).

  The controller 5 includes all the local air conditioners 1 (here, 16 in total in the A row and the B row), and a total of two cold heat source units 2A and 2B corresponding to each row. Control via communication line. Regarding the cold heat source unit 2, the inverter 2 c is mainly controlled via the communication line 6. Each local air conditioner 1 communicates with the local controller (not shown) via a communication line (not shown), and status data (current temperature, air volume, normal / abnormal, operation / stop, etc.) from each local controller. Or any command (set temperature, run / stop command, etc.) is transmitted. Each local controller executes control according to this command.

  Here, the controller 5 includes a display (not shown), and displays various kinds of information on the display. For example, a list of status data collected from each local controller via a communication line (not shown) as described above is displayed.

  Here, a predetermined identification ID (referred to as a station number) is assigned in advance to each local controller, and this station number is used in the communication. For example, in response to a predetermined request from the controller 5, the local controller adds its own station number to the status data (measured temperature, air volume, normal / abnormal, operation / stop, etc.) of its own local air conditioner 1 and returns it. To do.

  Thus, the controller 5 displays the status data of each local air conditioner 1 together with the station numbers, for example, in the order of the station numbers. Alternatively, each status data is displayed as a list in the order of station numbers (station numbers = 1, 2, 3,...) Without displaying station numbers.

  Further, when the user performs setting work for the local air conditioner 1 in the controller 5, the station numbers of each local air conditioner 1 are displayed in a list, and the user selects and designates an arbitrary station number from the list to be set. The local air conditioner 1 is designated. The controller 5 displays a setting screen for performing arbitrary setting (change of set temperature, etc.) for the designated local air conditioner 1.

  The invention of Patent Document 1 is an air conditioner monitoring system / monitoring method for controlling supplementary operation and energy saving operation of an air conditioner with a controller, and includes a description of color-coded screen display of temperature states.

JP 2006-64254 A

  Here, as described above, a computer such as a server device housed in each rack generates heat during operation (mainly, its CPU or the like generates heat), and the amount of generated heat is a processing load of the server device or the like. Fluctuates depending on. Server load depends on the user.

  For this reason, in the case of the above-mentioned local air conditioning system, when the processing load of the server device or the like in any rack becomes high at any time and the current temperature becomes higher (or becomes higher) than the set temperature, the administrator It is necessary to take measures such as lowering the set temperature of the local air conditioner 1 corresponding to this rack or increasing the air volume (individual setting).

  Computers such as server devices are more likely to fail if not adequately cooled, and server failures are likely to lead to a major problem of data loss. It is necessary to change the setting.

  However, when the controller 5 displays the state data of each local air conditioner 1 according to the station number order or the like as in the above-described prior art, there is a problem that the actual physical arrangement is not known. For example, when a local air conditioner whose setting is to be changed is determined on the entire screen and a local air conditioner whose setting is to be changed is selected from a list of local air conditioners on another screen, an erroneous selection of the local air conditioner is likely to occur.

  Moreover, since the station number and state data of each local air conditioner 1 are displayed in a list as described above in the above prior art, the position data of the local air conditioner 1 at which position is easy to understand visually. It was hard to say.

  Further, as described above, Patent Document 1 discloses color-coded display of the temperature state, for example, “red = high temperature,..., Blue = low temperature” is displayed. Rather than just looking at the color, you will be able to grasp the approximate temperature.

  However, in the case of an air conditioning system as well as the above-described local air conditioning system, the administrator or the like checks (manages) the temperature itself, but also checks (manages) whether the temperature is in accordance with the set temperature. In Patent Document 1, even if the temperature itself can be easily grasped, the temperature state (whether the grasped temperature is the set temperature or not (whether it is an appropriate temperature), and if it is not appropriate, is it further undercooled or overcooled) Etc.) do not know.

  For this reason, the administrator or the like needs to determine the temperature state based on the current temperature and the set temperature obtained by color-coded display (note that the set temperature is displayed separately, for example). In particular, in the case of the local air conditioning system, the set temperatures of the plurality of local air conditioners 1 may be different from each other. Therefore, the current temperature is grasped by color display, and the temperature status is determined based on this and the set temperature. It is necessary to do this and takes time and effort. In particular, when many local air conditioners 1 are installed, it takes much time and effort.

  In addition, regarding the local air conditioning system, not only the temperature conditions but also other states (normal / abnormal (failure), operation / stop, presence / absence of installation, etc.) and installation positions of a plurality of local air conditioners 1 can be easily grasped. It is requested.

  In the example shown in FIG. 9, the local air conditioners 1 are installed on all racks. In such a case, for example, when the station number is a serial number such as 1, 2, 3, 4,..., The third rack is counted from the end of the rack row if the station number = 3, for example. It is also possible to infer that the position is. However, the present invention is not limited to this example, and there is a case where there is a rack in which the local air conditioner 1 is not installed. In such a case, the position cannot be estimated from the station number.

  Here, the temperature state data of the local air conditioner 1 is obtained by measuring the temperature of the cold air at the outlet of the local air conditioner 1 and the temperature of the suction port. However, normally, the air flowing into each rack is cold air in the space between the rack rows (called a cold zone or the like). This is because the cool air sent out from the outlet of each local air conditioner 1 is sucked into each rack of the rack row after being accumulated in the cold zone. And normally, the temperature of the air which flows in in each rack is not necessarily the same as the temperature of the cold air sent out from the blower outlet of the local air conditioner 1. This is because, for example, the temperature of the cold air from the other local air conditioners 1 is different from that of the own machine (the setting value is different), so that the temperature changes by mixing. Alternatively, for example, the influence of heat from the heating elements (server device, CPU, etc.) in the rack is affected to some extent even outside the rack. Alternatively, for example, there is a configuration in which cold air supplied from an unillustrated general air conditioner flows into the cold zone from the underfloor space through the floor opening.

  From the above, the cold zone is, for example, a predetermined space formed by a plurality of racks, is a cold air supply destination from a plurality of local air conditioners 1, and faces the air suction surface of each rack. It can be said that it is a space.

  Or since the air of the said cold zone mixes the cold air sent out from the some local air conditioner 1, even if the temperature of the air sent out from a certain local air conditioner 1 is 18 degreeC, for example, it is different. If the temperature of the air sent out from the local air conditioner 1 is 22 ° C., the temperature of the air in which they are mixed naturally becomes higher than 18 ° C.

  In any case, it is desired to know not only the temperature of the cold air at the outlet of the local air conditioner 1 but also the temperature of the air in the cold zone, and it is desirable that the information be displayed visually and in an easily understandable manner. However, since the cold zone also serves as a role for workers to pass and work, if a thermometer is installed at various locations in the cold zone, it will hinder traffic and work.

  Here, conventionally, for example, when there is a change in the load or environment of the server, the setting value of the cold air blowing temperature and the air volume of the local air conditioner 1 may be changed for some other reason by the judgment of the administrator or the like. is there. In this case, the validity of the new set value (for example, whether or not the temperature state of the cold zone has reached a desired state) is not known unless a certain amount of time has passed, and if the set value is not valid. If it is determined, it is necessary to change the set value and wait until a predetermined time elapses to determine the validity. In some cases, it takes a very long time.

  For this reason, when the set temperature of the local air conditioner 1 is changed, there is a demand for knowing in advance what the temperature state of the air in the cold zone will be. For example, currently the set temperature is 20 ° C, and there is no particular problem. However, when the set temperature is set to 21 ° C for energy saving, it may be necessary to know in advance whether there is no problem in the temperature state of the cold zone. is there. If it is determined that a problem is likely to occur due to the prediction in advance, the set temperature can be stopped at 21 ° C. and the current state can be maintained. On the other hand, if it is not possible to predict in advance, the set temperature is actually changed to 21 ° C, the situation is seen, and there is a problem (the temperature in the cold zone is too high). It will be troublesome.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a local air conditioning system having a plurality of local air conditioners, each of which is installed at an arbitrary position, and a control device that manages and controls the plurality of local air conditioners. And a local air conditioning system capable of displaying the predicted temperature state and the like visually in an easy-to-understand manner and also displaying the predicted temperature states of a specific area related to the plurality of local air conditioners in a visually easy-to-understand manner Etc. is to provide.

  The local air conditioning system of the present invention includes a plurality of local air conditioners installed corresponding to the plurality of racks in a computer room in which a plurality of racks each mounted with a heating element are installed. A local air conditioning system having a control device for monitoring and controlling the local air conditioner, wherein the control device displays each specific figure indicating the physical arrangement of each local air conditioner on the entire screen and Specific graphic display means for displaying also in the prediction result display screen arranged in the screen or in the vicinity thereof, and measurement data including the measurement temperature related to each local air conditioner are collected, and each local is based on the measurement data A current status color-coded display means for determining a color indicating a current temperature status of the air conditioner, and displaying the determined color on a specific figure on the entire screen corresponding to the local air conditioner; Simulation means for obtaining a predicted temperature after a predetermined time according to each local air conditioner and a predicted temperature after the predetermined time of the predetermined space formed by the plurality of racks by simulation according to a predetermined set temperature; A color corresponding to the predicted temperature after the predetermined time according to each local air conditioner is determined, the determined color is displayed on the specific figure in the prediction result display screen, and the predetermined time in the predetermined space A predicted temperature color display means for determining a color corresponding to a later predicted temperature and displaying the determined color in a corresponding area in the prediction result display screen;

Moreover, in the said local air conditioning system, the said simulation means shall assume that the estimated temperature after the said predetermined time which concerns on each said local air conditioner is the said preset temperature.
Further, in the local air conditioning system, for example, the predetermined space formed by the plurality of racks is a cold air supply destination from the plurality of local air conditioners and faces an air suction port of each rack. It is a cold zone that is a space.

  According to the above-mentioned local air conditioning system, the current temperature status and the predicted temperature status of each local air conditioner can be displayed in a visually easy-to-understand manner by specific graphic display and color display, and further, for example, a predetermined zone such as a cold zone. The predicted temperature status of the space can also be obtained and displayed visually. For example, it is possible to predict a temperature condition of a predetermined space such as a cold zone according to a change in the set temperature, and to display the predicted temperature condition in an easily understandable manner.

  According to the local air conditioning system of the present invention, the local air conditioner management device, and the like, the local air conditioner having a plurality of local air conditioners each installed at an arbitrary position and a control device that manages and controls the plurality of local air conditioners In the system, the current temperature state and the predicted temperature state of each local air conditioner are displayed in a visually easy-to-understand manner, and the predicted temperature states in a specific area related to the plurality of local air conditioners are also displayed in a visually easy-to-understand manner. Can do.

(A) is a block diagram of the whole local air-conditioning system of this example, (b) is an example of a monitoring screen. It is an example of a setting table. It is a flowchart figure of a status display process. It is an example of the various screens concerning setting operation. It is a process flowchart figure concerning setting operation. It is a figure for demonstrating regarding the simulation according to arbitrary settings, and the display of the result. It is a figure which shows the specific example of a simulation result display screen. It is a configuration / function block diagram of a controller. It is a figure which shows the conventional general local air-conditioning system structure.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
Fig.1 (a) is a schematic block diagram of the whole local air-conditioning system of this example.
Moreover, FIG.1 (b) shows an example of the monitoring screen in the local air conditioner management apparatus of this example.

  As an example, the controller 10 of the local air conditioning system in FIG. 1A also has a function as a local air conditioner management device, but also has other functions. Other functions are not particularly described, but may be substantially the same functions as the conventional controller 5 described above, for example. In this description, functions as a local air conditioner management device will be mainly described.

In this example, the monitoring screen (overall screen) 20 of FIG. 1B is displayed on a display (not shown) of the controller 10.
The overall configuration itself of the local air conditioning system shown in FIG. 1A is substantially the same as the conventional one, and the same reference numerals are given to substantially the same components, and the description thereof is omitted or simplified. The point different from the conventional one is basically the controller 10 in the present example compared to the controller 5 in the prior art. The controller 10 has a function that the controller 5 does not have, and thereby, an effect that has not been obtained conventionally can be obtained.

  In the following description, two rows of racks A and B each consisting of 12 racks are taken as an example, and eight local air conditioners 1 are installed in each rack row A and B, for a total of 16 units. Each local air conditioner 1 is assigned the serial station number. The local air conditioner 1 with the station number = 1 is the local air conditioner (1), and the local air conditioner 1 with the station number = 2 is the local air conditioner ( 2)... The local air conditioner 1 with the station number = 16 is referred to as a local air conditioner (16) or the like.

  The local air conditioning system of this example is basically the same as the above-described conventional system, and a plurality of local air conditioners 1 provided above each rack row, and cold heat common to the plurality of local air conditioners 1. Source unit 2, refrigerant forward piping 3 for supplying the refrigerant from the cold heat source unit 2 to the plurality of local air conditioners 1, and refrigerant return piping 4 for the cold heat source unit 2 to collect the refrigerant from each local air conditioner 1. Further, a controller 10 is provided in place of the conventional controller 5. The cold heat source unit 2 includes a condenser 2a, a refrigerant pressure feeding unit 2b (a pump or the like), an inverter 2c, and the like, as in the conventional case.

  The controller 10 also has substantially the same functions as the controller 5 (functions for controlling and managing the cooling heat source unit 2 and each local air conditioner 1), but the monitoring screen display / setting is different from that of the controller 5. A setting function is provided. This display / setting function displays the physical arrangement and status (current temperature state, further future temperature state (predicted temperature)) of each local air conditioner 1 in an easily understandable manner. In addition, a future temperature state (predicted temperature) of a cold zone, which will be described later, is also displayed in a visually easy-to-understand manner. In addition, individual settings and batch settings of local air conditioners can be performed with no error-free operation. Details will be described later.

  In addition, the above-mentioned “miss” particularly means that the setting is performed for the local air conditioner 1 different from the setting target local air conditioner 1. Or, when the status information of an arbitrary local air conditioner 1 is displayed, the position of the local air conditioner 1 is misunderstood. The “status information” is information such as temperature, air volume, normal / abnormal, operation / stop, etc. as described in the prior art.

  The controller 10 is a control device that controls the entire local air conditioning system, and includes an arithmetic processor such as a CPU / MPU, a memory, an input / output interface, and the like. The processing function of the controller 10 of the present description is realized by executing an application program stored in advance in a memory or the like by an arithmetic processor such as a CPU / MPU.

  Further, as described in the related art, each local air conditioner 1 has a local controller (not shown). The local controller has already been described in the prior art and will not be described here.

  The controller 10 is connected to all the local air conditioners 1 (16 units in total in the A row and B row) and the two cold heat source units 2A and 2B corresponding to each row. Control through. Regarding the cold heat source unit 2, the inverter 2 c is mainly controlled via the communication line 6. Each local air conditioner 1 communicates with the local controller (not shown) via the communication line 7 to acquire predetermined information (such as the status information) from each local controller, or any command (set temperature) Etc.). Each local controller executes control according to this command.

  The controller 10 is a control device that controls the entire local air conditioning system as described above, and thereby performs temperature control of a specific area. This specific area is, for example, an area shown on the monitoring screen (overall screen) 20 in FIG. 1B, that is, two rack rows of A row and B row, and a space between the rack rows (the cold cold shown). Zone) and may be called “Aisle”.

  Here, the controller 10 includes a display with a touch panel (not shown), and displays, for example, the monitoring screen (overall screen) 20 of FIG. 1B on the display and receives input from the touch panel. In addition, although it is good also as input devices, such as a normal display and a mouse | mouth, instead of a display with a touch panel, a touch panel shall be used in this example.

The input by the touch panel is an operation in which an arbitrary position on the touch panel (on the display) is touched, and the touch position coordinates are detected.
As will be described in detail later, on the monitoring screen (overall screen) 20, a display showing the physical arrangement of each local air conditioner 1 is performed, and any local air conditioner 1 can be designated by the touch operation or the like, A setting screen for setting the specified local air conditioner 1 is displayed. Further, a screen showing detailed information indicating the state of the designated local air conditioner 1 is displayed.

  On the monitoring screen (overall screen) 20, a color indicating the current status of each local air conditioner 1 is further displayed in the display indicating the physical arrangement of each local air conditioner 1. The status includes, for example, the current temperature state (any of appropriate temperature / undercooling / overcooling) determined by comparing the set temperature with the measured temperature, and a color indicating either of these temperature states is displayed. Is done. In an example to be described later, one of blue, light blue, and skin color is displayed.

However, the status is not limited to the temperature state, but includes abnormalities, stopping, etc., as will be described later, and colors corresponding to these (red, white in the example described later) are also displayed.
Further, the status is determined based on, for example, state data collected from each local controller via the communication line 7 as described above. This state data is, for example, the operation / stop state of the local air conditioner 1, the measured temperature, the air volume, and normal / abnormal. In particular, the current temperature state (any of appropriate temperature / undercooling / overcooling) is determined based on the measured temperature and the set temperature (set temperature range including a predetermined margin). Details will be described later.

  Here, in this example, it is assumed that there are a total of 16 local air conditioners 1 for each row as described above, and as shown in FIG. It is assumed that there are eight air conditioners (8) and that there are eight air conditioners (9) to (16) for the row B.

  However, the configuration itself having 8 units in each row is the same as the configuration in FIG. 9, but in FIG. 9, there are 8 racks in each row. That is, the local air conditioner 1 is provided corresponding to all racks. In contrast, in this example, it is assumed that there are 12 racks for each row. Therefore, for each row, the local air conditioner 1 is provided on any 8 racks among the 12 racks, and conversely, on any 4 racks, the local air conditioners 1 are provided. The air conditioner 1 does not exist.

In this way, the group of local air conditioners for each row may be installed by so-called “hanuke”. This is a configuration corresponding to the following case, for example.
・ When local air conditioners are added according to the additional installation of servers;
When local air conditioners are not required for all racks (for example, when one local air conditioner 1 is installed for every two racks, cooling is sufficient);
Correspondingly, in this example, for example, the color display indicating the current status includes a color display indicating “no installation of the local air conditioner 1” (gray in an example described later). Details will be described later.

For example, in the case of the above example, a monitoring screen 20 as shown in FIG. 1B is displayed on a display (not shown) of the controller 10, for example.
On the monitoring screen 20, the physical arrangement of each local air conditioner 1 is indicated by a rectangle. However, in this example, this physical arrangement includes not only the position where the air conditioner is actually arranged, but also the position where the local air conditioner 1 can be arranged. That is, in this example, it can be considered that the physical arrangement of each rack is shown.

  In this example, there are twelve racks for each row, and the local air conditioners 1 can be arranged for all twelve, but the local air conditioners 1 are arranged on eight of the racks, and the remaining four The local air conditioner 1 is not arranged on each rack. Of course, this is only an example, and in this example, a new one will be added on any one or more (possibly all four) racks of the four racks where the local air conditioner 1 has not been arranged. There is also a possibility that a local air conditioner 1 is additionally installed.

  As described above, the physical arrangement of each local air conditioner 1 is indicated by a rectangle on the monitoring screen 20, but this is not limited to the position where the local air conditioner 1 is currently arranged, and may be arranged. Is included, and in the above example, the position is substantially synonymous with the physical arrangement position of each rack.

  From the above, as shown in FIG. 1B, the monitoring screen 20 indicates the physical arrangement of each local air conditioner 1, and the arrangement positions of the 12 racks in the A row are indicated by rectangles. The arrangement positions of the 12 racks in the B row are indicated by rectangles. In this example, as shown in the figure, for each column, 12 rectangles are displayed so as to be aligned to form one column.

In the illustrated display example, “A” means the A column and “B” means the B column.
Further, a1, a2,..., A12 in the illustrated display example indicate physical arrangement numbers of the respective rectangles in the A column. Similarly, b1, b2,..., B12 in the illustrated display example indicate physical arrangement numbers of the respective rectangles in the B column. This physical arrangement number is an identification number arbitrarily assigned to each rectangle when creating each rectangle drawn on the monitoring screen 20.

  Although not particularly shown, the controller 10 stores display information (not shown) of each rectangle on the monitoring screen 20 in advance in a memory (not shown). This display information (not shown) is stored for each rectangle in association with the display coordinates (XY coordinates, length in the X direction, length in the Y direction, etc.) of the rectangle in association with the physical arrangement number of the rectangle. It is what.

  In an actual configuration, each local air conditioner 1 is provided at the position indicated by each rectangle (however, as described above, not all rectangles are provided). The illustrated cold zone, which is a space between A and the rack row B (usually a space used as a passage), is cooled. The cold air in the cold zone flows into the racks of the rack row A and the rack row B, and cools computers such as server devices and various electronic devices mounted in the racks.

  Since the cold zone space is not divided, the cold air supplied from the plurality of local air conditioners 1 is mixed to some extent, but the temperature of the cold zone space is not uniformized, Since the load (that is, the amount of heat generation) of the mounted equipment may be different for each rack, there are a relatively high temperature portion and a low temperature portion in the cold zone space. Each local air conditioner 1 measures the temperature in the vicinity of its own device (for example, the temperature in the vicinity of the air outlet of the local air conditioner 1, which is referred to as the blowing temperature), and the controller 10 receives each local air conditioner. 1 measured temperature etc. are collected regularly.

  As a result, the controller 10 displays a color-coded display indicating the current temperature status of each local air conditioner 1 described above (and will be described in detail later) on the monitoring screen 20 (the temperature status in the vicinity of each local air conditioner 1 (appropriate temperature / cooling). (Insufficient / overcooled) is easily displayed).

  Although not particularly shown, the controller 10 stores management information (not shown) of each local air conditioner 1 in a memory (not shown). This local air conditioner management information is information that is also stored and managed by the conventional controller 5, and the content thereof may be substantially the same as that of the conventional one. Therefore, the local air conditioner management information will be briefly described here.

  First, each local air conditioner 1 includes the above-described local controller (not shown). This local controller includes an arithmetic processor such as a CPU / MPU (not shown), a memory, a communication interface, a sensor unit, and the like. Each local air conditioner is assigned a unique identification number (referred to as a station number) in advance, and the local controller's memory stores the station number of its own in advance. When sending to, send it including its own station number.

  Here, the sensor unit is, for example, the above-described temperature sensor or the like for measuring “the temperature of each local air conditioner 1 in the vicinity of its own device (cold air blowing temperature, etc.)”, and the local controller measures the measured temperature (blowing temperature). Temperature) is collected and stored. The local controller also has a self-diagnosis function, and determines whether the state of the own device (local air conditioner 1) is normal or abnormal (failure), and stores the determination result. Further, the local controller sets its own device (local air conditioner 1) to the operating state / stopped state according to, for example, a command from the controller 10 (set values such as an operation / stop command, a set temperature, a set air volume, etc.). In the above, the refrigerant inflow amount, the air volume, and the like are controlled in accordance with the above command (this control method is an existing technology and is not particularly described).

  Here, the controller 10 collects state data of each local air conditioner 1 on a regular basis, for example. This is to transmit a predetermined command (referred to as a data collection command) to each local air conditioner 1 via the communication line 7.

  When receiving the data collection command, the local controller of each local air conditioner 1 receives its own state data (the normal / abnormal (failure), the operating / stopped state, the measured temperature (blowing temperature), etc.) It returns to the controller 10 together with its own station number.

  The controller 10 stores management information (not shown) of the local air conditioner in its own memory (not shown). Although this management information is not particularly illustrated, the status data (the normal / abnormal (failure), the operating / stopped state, the measured temperature (blowing temperature)) is associated with the station number for each local air conditioner. Etc.) and the set value data (set temperature, set air volume, etc.) are further stored.

  The controller 10 updates the management information (the state data) with the newly collected state data. Of course, at that time, the management information to be updated is determined using the station number. Further, when a new command is transmitted, the controller 10 updates the management information (the set value data) with the set values (set temperature, set air volume, etc.).

Again, the monitoring screen 20 shown in FIG.1 (b) is demonstrated.
On the monitoring screen 20, as already described, a display is provided so that the physical arrangement of each local air conditioner 1 can be easily understood. In addition, the current status of the aisle (especially each local air conditioner 1) is easily displayed. An understandable display is performed. For each rectangle, a color indicating the current status of the aisle (in particular, the local air conditioner 1 at a position corresponding to the rectangle) is displayed in the rectangle. However, in FIG. 1B, patterns are shown instead of colors. The colors that these patterns mean and the “current status” indicated by these colors are shown on the lower side of FIG.

As shown on the lower side of FIG. 1B, in this example, the “current status” indicated by each color is listed below, but of course, the present invention is not limited to this example.
Blue: Current temperature = set temperature-less than 1 ° C
Light blue: Current temperature = Set temperature ± 1 ° C range Skin color: Current temperature = Set temperature + 1 ° C exceeded Red: Abnormal White: Stopped Gray: No local air conditioner Note that the above statuses are associated with each color (not shown) (Referred to as a color classification table) is stored in advance in a memory (not shown) of the controller 10.

  As described above, first, gray means “no local air conditioner”. As described above, in this example, since eight local air conditioners are installed for 12 racks in each row of rows A and B, local air conditioning is provided on four racks in each row. The machine is not installed. Accordingly, four of the 12 rectangles for each column on the monitoring screen 20 are displayed in gray. In the illustrated example, for example, in the case of column A, four rectangles of physical arrangement numbers = “a2”, “a5”, “a8”, and “a11” are displayed in gray. The physical arrangement number “without local air conditioner” can be found by referring to a setting table 30 shown in FIG.

  The “current status” corresponding to the color other than gray can be recognized / determined by referring to the management information (not shown) of the local air conditioner. That is, as described above, this management information is associated with the station number of each local air conditioner, and the latest state data (normal / abnormal (failure), operating state / stopped state, measured temperature (blowing temperature)) of each local air conditioner. Etc.) and set value data (set temperature, set air volume, etc.) are stored. By referring to the color classification table, the color corresponding to the recognized / currently determined “current status” can be determined.

  This determination process is not particularly shown in a flowchart, but first, by referring to the management information, if the normal / abnormal (failure) is “abnormal (failure)”, it is determined to be “red”. When the normal / abnormal (failure) is “normal” and the operating / stopped state is “stopped”, it is determined as white. When normal / abnormal (failure) is “normal” and the operating / stopped state is “operating”, the measured temperature (blowing temperature), the set temperature, and a predetermined margin (± 1 ° C. in this example) ) To determine the color indicating the current temperature state (the blue, light blue, or skin color).

  As described above, the meaning of light blue is “current temperature = set temperature ± 1 ° C. range”, which means that the current blowing temperature is almost the set temperature (appropriate temperature). On the other hand, blue and skin color mean that the current blowing temperature is not appropriate, blue means overcooling, and skin color means undercooling.

  That is, the meaning of blue is “current temperature = preset temperature−1 ° C.”, and the current blowing temperature is lower than the appropriate temperature range (set temperature ± 1 ° C. range), and therefore excessive cooling occurs. It means a state. The meaning of the skin color is “current temperature = set temperature + 1 ° C exceeded”, and the current blowing temperature is higher than the appropriate temperature range (set temperature ± 1 ° C range), meaning that it is undercooled To do.

  In this way, by referring to the existing management information (not shown), it is possible to determine the color indicating the current status while identifying each local air conditioner 1 by its station number, but the physical arrangement number I do n’t know. Therefore, the setting table 30 shown in FIG. 2 is registered in advance. The setting table 30 is stored in a memory (not shown) of the controller 10.

  The setting table 30 illustrated in FIG. 2 is a table in which physical arrangement numbers and station numbers are associated and registered. For example, physical arrangement number = 'a1' and station number = '1' are associated with each other. Thus, by referring to this, the color indicating the current status of the local air conditioner 1 with the station number = “1” is displayed in the rectangle with the physical arrangement number = “a1” shown in FIG. In this example, this color is 'light blue'. The display coordinates of each rectangle corresponding to each physical arrangement number can be understood by referring to the display information (not shown) of each rectangle described above.

  In addition, in FIG. 2, the station number corresponding to the physical arrangement number is not registered (indicated by −) means “no local air conditioner”. The rectangle with the physical arrangement number “no local air conditioner” is displayed in “gray” in this example.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart of the status display process in the controller 10.
In FIG. 3, the controller 10 periodically collects the state data of each local air conditioner 1 as described above (step S1).

  Then, status determination is performed for each local air conditioner 1 based on the collected state data (step S2). This may be performed by referring to the management information of the local air conditioner.

  Specific examples of the status to be determined include normal / abnormal, operation / stop, temperature status (appropriate temperature / undercooling / overcooling), and the like. First, normal / abnormal is determined. If it is determined to be abnormal, the determination result is retained and the present determination process is terminated. If it is determined that the operation is normal, the operation / stop determination is subsequently performed. If it is determined that the operation is stopped, the determination result is retained and the determination process is terminated. If it is determined that the operation is performed, the temperature status (appropriate temperature / undercooling / overcooling) is further determined. As described above, by comparing the measured temperature with the installation temperature, it is determined whether the temperature is appropriate, insufficient cooling, or excessive cooling.

  Subsequently, for each local air conditioner 1, the color corresponding to the status determined in step S <b> 2 is determined with reference to the color coding table (not shown) (the table in which each status is associated with each color). (Step S3).

  Further, for each local air conditioner 1, the station number is used to search the setting table 30 in FIG. 2 to determine the physical arrangement number corresponding to the station number. Further, by referring to the display information described above, the display coordinates (XY coordinates, etc.) of the rectangle corresponding to the determined physical arrangement number are acquired (step S4).

Then, for each local air conditioner 1, the color determined in step S3 is displayed (in a rectangle) within the display coordinates (XY coordinates) obtained in step S4 (step S5).
Although not particularly illustrated, the physical arrangement number without installation of the local air conditioner 1 (physical arrangement number for which the corresponding station number is not registered) is further referred to after the process of step S5 with reference to the setting table 30. Extract and refer to the display information described above to obtain the display coordinates (XY coordinates) of the rectangle corresponding to the physical arrangement number without the installation, and perform processing for displaying “gray” in the rectangle You can do it.

  From what has been described above, for example, when a supervisor or the like looks at the monitoring screen 20 shown in FIG. 1B, for example, the physical arrangement of the local air conditioners 1 (including the presence or absence of installation), the current status of each local air conditioner 1 Status (normal / abnormal, operation / stop, temperature status (appropriate temperature / undercooling / overcooling), etc.) can be easily grasped. With the physical arrangement, the presence / absence of local air conditioners, abnormalities, current temperature conditions, and the like can be easily understood visually. This is extremely effective particularly when the equipment configuration such as the station number and the arrangement order in the actual rack are different, or when there is a rack in which no local air conditioner is installed. In addition, during maintenance, it is possible to immediately identify the location of an abnormal device and to respond quickly.

  Further, as described in the status determination in step S2, the abnormality (or operation stop) state is preferentially displayed when there is an abnormality (or when the operation is stopped) (the display of the temperature state is prioritized). do not do).

Next, the setting operation on the monitoring screen 20 will be described below with reference to FIGS.
The monitoring screen 20 shown in FIG. 4 is substantially the same as that shown in FIG. 1B, and each rectangle indicating the physical arrangement of each rack, which is the installation target position of the local air conditioner 1, is displayed. For each rectangle, “color” is displayed to indicate whether the local air conditioner 1 is installed and the status of the local air conditioner 1 (normal / abnormal, operation / stop, temperature status (appropriate temperature / undercooling / overcooling), etc.) Has been.

  However, the setting operation described here does not necessarily require such color-coded display. On the other hand, the display of each rectangle indicating the physical arrangement of each rack (each local air conditioner 1) is indispensable. In the following description, (1) to (6) correspond to (1) to (6) shown on the diagram of FIG.

  The controller 10 provides, for example, a touch panel as an input device by the user. Note that the input device may be a keyboard, a mouse, or the like, but here, a touch panel will be described as an example. Of course, the touch panel is arranged so as to be superimposed on the display on which the monitoring screen 20 is displayed.

  When the user touches the display position of a desired rectangle among the many rectangles on the monitoring screen 20 with a fingertip or the like, the touch position coordinates are detected by the touch panel and its control device (all not shown). As described above, since the position coordinates (XY coordinates) of each rectangle are registered, it is possible to determine which rectangle is designated.

  When an arbitrary rectangle is designated by the user (administrator or the like) in this way (1), the controller 10 is placed at an arbitrary position on the display (for example, next to the monitoring screen 20), and the pop-up screen 21 shown in the figure. (Individual status display screen 21) is displayed (2). The individual state display screen 21 displays various information (existence of abnormality, operation / stop, air volume setting value, temperature setting value, blowing temperature, etc.) regarding the local air conditioner 1 corresponding to the rectangle designated by the user. The For example, information stored in management information (not shown) of the local air conditioner is displayed.

  If a “gray” rectangle is designated by the user (administrator, etc.), the local air conditioner 1 is not installed in the rack as described above, so the individual status display screen 21 is not displayed. I will not.

  The user can know details and setting contents of the current state of the local air conditioner 1 by referring to the individual state display screen 21. Then, when it is desired to change the setting contents, the “to setting” button 21 a in the individual state display screen 21 is operated. In response to this operation, the controller 10 displays the illustrated individual setting screen 22 (3).

  This individual setting screen 22 is a setting screen of the local air conditioner 1 corresponding to the rectangle specified by the user. In the illustrated example, the air volume set value and the blowout temperature set value can be arbitrarily set. When the user operates the “execute” button 22 a shown in the figure after setting the air volume setting value and the blowout temperature setting value, the controller 10 sends these setting values to the local air conditioner 1 to be set via the communication line 7. Transmit (4). Further, the management information may be updated with these set values.

  Note that it is not always necessary to divide the status display and setting screens such as the individual status display screen 21 and the individual setting screen 22, and both status display and setting may be performed on one screen. . For example, a screen that further displays the status data of the local air conditioner 1 on the individual setting screen 22 may be displayed in a pop-up according to the user operation (designation of an arbitrary rectangle).

In addition, there is a case where it is desired to collectively set the entire aisle (same setting for all local air conditioners).
When all the local air conditioners 1 are desired to have the same setting, there is a problem that it takes time to set for each local air conditioner 1 by the individual setting. Furthermore, there is a problem that an operation error is likely to occur, such as a possibility that a local air conditioner 1 that is missing from setting may be generated if the user forgets to specify an arbitrary rectangle.

  Thus, in this example, as shown in FIG. 4, a “to collective setting” button 20 a is provided on the monitoring screen (overall screen) 20. When the user operates the “to collective setting” button 20a, the collective setting screen 23 shown in the figure is displayed (5). In the illustrated example, the air volume setting value and the blowout temperature setting value can be set, but the present invention is not limited to this example.

  A user (such as an administrator) inputs an arbitrary setting value on the collective setting screen 23. Then, the "execute" button 23a shown in the figure is operated. Thereby, the controller 10 transmits these set values to all the local air conditioners 1 via the communication line 7 (for example, by broadcast) (6). Thereby, each local air conditioner 1 updates the set value held by itself to the newly commanded set value. In the example shown in the figure, the air volume set value and the blowout temperature set value are updated. However, the present invention is not limited to this example.

  Of course, the display coordinates of the various buttons (20a, etc.) are stored in advance, and when the controller 10 detects the coordinates of the position operated by the user, it compares it with the display coordinates. Determine the operated button.

FIG. 5 is a processing flowchart of the controller 10 related to the setting operation on the monitoring screen.
In FIG. 5, when the user performs an arbitrary operation on the monitoring screen 20, the controller 10 detects that there has been an arbitrary operation (touch) on the touch panel and detects the coordinates of the operated position ( (Step S11, YES), the contents of the user instruction are discriminated by comparing the operation position coordinates with the display coordinates of the rectangles and buttons registered in advance (Step S12). For example, in the case of a button operation, the command assigned to the operated button is determined. When an arbitrary rectangle is designated, the physical arrangement number corresponding to the designated rectangle is determined. The method for determining the physical arrangement number is as described above.

  When the command is determined in step S12 (step S13, NO), the process of step S14 is executed. When the physical arrangement number is determined in step S12 (step S13, YES), the process of steps S15 and S16 is performed. Execute the process.

  Here, since there is only one button on the monitoring screen 20 in FIG. 4 (“go to batch setting” button 20a), when the command is determined in step S12 (NO in step S13), this is “ It becomes a command by the “to collective setting” button 20a. Therefore, in step S14, processing for displaying the collective setting screen 23 is performed. Since the operation after displaying the batch setting screen 23 has already been described, it will not be described here.

  On the other hand, when the physical arrangement number is determined in step S12 (step S13, YES), first, the station number corresponding to the physical arrangement number is determined by referring to the setting table 30 (step S15). . Then, various information (state data and setting values; presence / absence of abnormality, operation / stop, air flow setting value, temperature setting value, blowing temperature, etc.) regarding the local air conditioner 1 identified in step S15 is displayed on the pop-up screen 21. It is displayed (step S16). For example, the determined station number information is acquired from the management information (not shown) of the local air conditioner and displayed.

  As described above, a computer such as a server device stored in each rack generates heat during operation (mainly, its CPU or the like generates heat), and the amount of generated heat varies depending on the processing load of the server device or the like. . Server load depends on the user.

  For this reason, in the case of the above-mentioned local air conditioning system, when the processing load of the server device or the like in any rack becomes high at any time and the current temperature becomes higher (or becomes higher) than the set temperature, the administrator It is necessary to take measures such as lowering the set temperature of the local air conditioner 1 corresponding to this rack or increasing the air volume (individual setting).

Since a server failure is a big problem of data loss, it is necessary to change the setting without making a mistake in the local air conditioner.
However, when the controller 5 displays the status data of each local air conditioner 1 in order of station number (equipment configuration) or the like as in the prior art, there is a problem that the actual physical arrangement is not known. For example, when a local air conditioner whose setting is to be changed is determined on the entire screen and a local air conditioner whose setting is to be changed is selected from a list of local air conditioners on another screen, an erroneous selection of the local air conditioner is likely to occur.

  Moreover, since the state data of each local air conditioner 1 is displayed in a list in association with the station number as described above in the above prior art, it is possible to visually determine which position the state air conditioner 1 is in. It was hard to say that it was easy.

  On the other hand, according to the controller 10 (monitoring device) of this example, a screen display showing the physical arrangement of each local air conditioner 1 is prepared by preparing the setting table 30 for assigning the local air conditioners 1 to the physical arrangement. I do. Thereby, it becomes possible to reliably perform the individual setting for the local air conditioner 1 selected from the physical arrangement without any operation error. Also, batch setting can be performed.

  In addition, as described above, the color-coded display is not necessarily required for the setting operation. However, by performing the color-coded display, the local air conditioner 1 to be changed is easily visually recognized, and the local air conditioner 1 is directly displayed. By specifying the air conditioner 1 (rectangular), it is possible to change the setting by specifying the local air conditioner 1 whose setting is to be changed reliably without an operation error.

  For example, by designating the rectangle displayed in the above “skin color”, the local air conditioner 1 that is insufficiently cooled can be directly and reliably designated, for example, by changing the setting to increase the air volume setting value. It can be expected to solve the lack of cooling.

  Further, for example, in the example shown in FIG. 4, the rectangles displayed in the above “skin color” have three physical arrangement numbers “a6”, “a7”, and “b6”, which are shown in the illustrated aisle. This means that the area near the center is undercooled. This is likely due to the increased processing load on the server devices in the rack in this area and the increased heat generation.

  Therefore, the local air conditioner 1 with physical arrangement number = 'b7' close to this area is currently “light blue” (appropriate), but is expected to become “skin color” (insufficient cooling) in the near future. The Therefore, for the local air conditioner 1 having the physical arrangement number = 'b7', for example, it is conceivable to change the setting to increase the air volume setting value. Even in this case, the local air conditioner 1 with the physical arrangement number = 'b7' can be directly and reliably specified and changed.

  In this way, by displaying the status in color with the physical arrangement, the user can easily understand the state of the aisle, and can easily determine the local air conditioner 1 to be set, and further the local to be set. The air conditioner 1 can be directly specified without fail and an appropriate setting change can be made, and the aisle state can be quickly maintained in an appropriate state.

  In addition, here, in the example shown in FIG. 2, the station numbers for the column B are “9” to “16”, such as “9”, “10”,..., “15”, “16”. They are arranged in order, and the equipment configuration such as the station number is the same as the actual rack placement order (ignoring gray (no installation)). On the other hand, as for the row A, the station numbers are different as shown in the figure, such as “1”, “5”, “2”, “6”. The order of placement is different.

  When local air conditioners are arranged on all racks as in the above B row, the local to be changed from the local air conditioner list (list by station number) list as in the conventional case. Even when an air conditioner is selected, since the relationship between the station number and the physical arrangement (installation position) is easy to understand, a mistake in selecting a local air conditioner is relatively unlikely to occur.

  However, if the local air conditioner list is displayed as in the conventional case when there is “gray (no installation)” in the order as in the B row, for example, station numbers = “9” to “16” For example, when the user wants to select the local air conditioner 1 (physical arrangement number = 'b3') installed at the position of the third rack from the left in the figure of the rack group in row B, for example, May erroneously select station number = '11 ', which is the third station number in the list display, where station number = '10' should be selected.

When the order of the station numbers is different as in the above-mentioned column A, naturally, there is a higher possibility of erroneous selection in the prior art.
On the other hand, as described above, in this example, the local air conditioner 1 that is to be set can be directly and definitely specified to change the setting.

  Here, based on the various functions described above, an example in which the prediction result (simulation result) of the temperature state after a predetermined time (after 5 minutes, 10 minutes, 30 minutes, etc.) is also displayed in different colors. This will be described below.

  In this example, the controller 10 further has a function of a simulator 40 (shown in FIG. 6) described later. The function of the simulator 40 is also realized by executing an application program stored in advance in the memory or the like by an arithmetic processor such as the CPU / MPU similarly to the various functions of the controller 10 described above. In this example, the data collected in the process of S1 in the process of step S1 is stored in the database (DB) 41 (the memory, the hard disk, etc.), and the collected data is accumulated. The latest value of the collected data is used for displaying the monitoring screen 20 as real-time data.

  Here, the predicted result of the temperature state includes not only the temperature of each local air conditioner (cold air blowing temperature) but also the predicted result of the temperature of the cold zone. In this function, for example, when the set temperature is changed, the cold zone temperature is changed after a predetermined time (5 minutes, 10 minutes, 30 minutes, etc.) according to a new set value. When the user wants to know in advance, the prediction result is displayed in a form that is easy for the user to understand. The temperature of the cold zone is, for example, the temperature near the floor surface in the cold zone space or the temperature near the rack (the temperature just before being sucked into the rack), but is not limited to these examples.

In this method, the temperature (cold air blowing temperature) for each local air conditioner after a predetermined time (5 minutes, 10 minutes, 30 minutes, etc.) is assumed to be a new set value.
As described above, the cold zone is, for example, a predetermined space formed by a plurality of racks, and is a cold air supply destination from a plurality of local air conditioners 1 and a cold air suction surface of each rack. It can also be said that it is a facing space.

  Here, in this example, instead of displaying the collective setting screen 23 and the individual setting screen 22 in response to the user operation described with reference to FIG. 4, for example, the controller 10 performs, for example, the collective setting screen 23 ′ shown in FIG. Or the individual setting screen 22 'is displayed. The collective setting screen 23 ′ and the individual setting screen 22 ′ are almost the same as the collective setting screen 23 and the individual setting screen 22, except that a “simulation” button 23b and a “simulation” button 22b are further different as shown in the figure. Is provided.

  The user presses the “Simulation” button 23b or the “Simulation” button 22b after arbitrarily setting the blowing temperature setting value, the blowing air volume, etc., as in the case of the collective setting screen 23 and the individual setting screen 22 above. Then, the simulator 40 executes a simulation based on the setting data such as temperature and air volume, the collected data obtained in step S1 (accumulated data in the DB 41), preset parameters, and the like to obtain the predicted temperature. . This predicted temperature is a predicted value after a predetermined time of the temperature of each local air conditioner 1 and the temperature of the cold zone. In addition, in this example, although the estimated value of the blowing temperature of each local air conditioner 1 shall be considered to be the same as preset temperature, it is not restricted to this example.

  The collected data is, for example, the set value and current value of the blowing temperature and blowing air volume of each local air conditioner 1, the suction temperature / humidity (exhaust temperature and humidity from each rack) to each local air conditioner 1 and the like ( In addition to the sensor measurement value, the setting value held by the collection destination device is also collected, so there is a setting value in the collected data). Each rack has a front surface (cold air suction surface) facing the cold zone, and the cold air in the cold zone flows into the rack from the front surface to cool a heating element (server device or the like) in the rack. Then, the heating element is cooled to increase the temperature and become warm air, which is discharged from the exhaust surface (the rear surface or the upper surface of the rack). The discharged warm air is sucked into the local air conditioner 1 and cooled, and blown out as cool air. For example, the temperature of the warm air sucked into the local air conditioner 1 is the suction temperature (the temperature of exhaust from each rack) into each local air conditioner 1. The amount of heat generated by the heating element can be estimated based on the temperature of the cool air flowing into the rack and the temperature of the warm air discharged from the rack.

  Furthermore, in the case where the cold air from the unillustrated general air conditioner is supplied to the cold zone through the floor opening (not shown) from the floor (not shown), the blowing temperature and the air volume (wind speed) of the cold air are also described above. It may be included in the collected data. In this case, as the parameters, for example, the wind speed of the cold air under the floor and the size (or opening ratio, etc.) of the floor opening may be preset and stored.

  The parameter may be, for example, the amount of heat generated by a computer such as a server device stored in each rack (for example, when the amount of heat generated is assumed to be constant). Of course, the parameters and the collected data are not limited to the examples described above, and any data necessary for the simulation may be used as appropriate.

  Here, the simulation is executed assuming that the blowout temperature after a predetermined time (5 minutes, 10 minutes, 30 minutes, etc.) of each local air conditioner 1 is in accordance with the set temperature. And The same applies to the air volume, and it is assumed that the air volume is as set.

The function of the simulator 40 is an existing technology and is not particularly described here, but an example of the existing technology will be briefly described. For example, Reference 1 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2010-139119) discloses a technique for obtaining the temperature distribution of the entire air-conditioned room based on sensor measurement data and a simulation model. For example, the following prior art is disclosed.
The simulation parameter unit transmits input data (measurement data and simulation model data) to simulation software. The simulation software executes the following simulation.
(1) Obtain parameters and obtain execution commands.
(2) The indoor layout is divided into meshes.
(3) Based on the parameters (calorific value of indoor equipment (server / rack, fan, air conditioner), air conditioner blowout temperature, air volume, initial room temperature), simulation is performed, indoor temperature distribution, server / rack suction temperature Is calculated.
(4) The temperature distribution in mesh units is calculated and the result of the server / rack suction temperature is output.

  Further, for example, in Reference Document 2 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2008-82597), the simulation processing unit can adjust the temperature adjustment conditions (intensities of two levels) that can be adjusted based on the acquired temperature state (the ambient temperature of each device). It is disclosed that the temperature state of the equipment room is predicted while changing the degree of cooling and the strength of air blowing for cooling in two steps (strong and weak) from the initial conditions.

  Or, for example, in Reference 3 (“Evaluation of an efficient iDC air-conditioning system compatible with high heat generation data server”; Yoshihide Suwa, Nichifumi Iguchi; Obayashi Institute of Technology No.72 2008) A thermal airflow simulation is performed for an air conditioning system that blows air, supplies air into the room from the floor outlet installed in the cold aisle, and collects the air including heat exhaust from the server rack to the packaged air conditioner via the hot aisle. Implementation is disclosed.

  This reference 3 discloses that a server room is modeled and a thermal airflow simulation using a non-isothermal SGS model or the like is performed. As simulation results, airflow distribution and temperature distribution in the cold aisle center, the rack suction surface (cold aisle), the rack center, and the rack exhaust surface (hot aisle) are shown. The simulation results for cold aisle show how cold air blows out from under the floor to lower the temperature of the cold aisle space. The cold aisle floor is provided with holes (blowout openings) at various locations, and cold air is blown out from the blowout openings and flows into the cold aisle space.

  In this method, for example, a model in which cold air is supplied from each hole in the floor is replaced with a model in which cold air is supplied from each local air conditioner 1 described above, and a simulation substantially similar to the above-described Reference 3 is performed. Good. However, Reference 3 further discloses a “ceiling blowout method”. This “ceiling blowout method” is a method in which an air conditioning blowout port is provided on the cold aisle ceiling and a return suction port is provided on the hot aisle ceiling, and the simulation results are shown. In this simulation result, the airflow supplied from the air conditioning outlet on the ceiling reaches and collides with the floor surface. In this method, the simulation method related to the “ceiling blowing method” is used almost as it is (by replacing the cold air supply from the ceiling air-conditioning outlet with the cold air supply from each local air conditioner 1). Simulation is feasible.

  In addition, the reference 3 also shows simulation results in the case where the wind speed is insufficient, appropriate, or excessive according to the wind speed of the cold air from the outlet. You may make it perform a simulation, changing the wind speed of the cold air blown out from each local air conditioner 1 arbitrarily.

  Regarding the simulation related to the above “ceiling blowout method”, for example, Reference 4 (“Development of“ Cool Air Capture ”High Efficiency Air Conditioning System for Data Center”; Yoshihide Suwa, Nichifumi Iguchi; Obayashi Institute of Technology Report No. 73 2009).

  Reference 4, for example, shows the floor area, floor outlet temperature, number of floor outlets, air conditioning airflow, heat generation, rack dimensions, rack airflow, etc., as the specifications of the server room standard model, The basic equations of simulation, the non-isothermal SGS model, and the like are shown. As a simulation result related to the “ceiling blowout method”, airflow distribution and temperature distribution in the cold aisle center, the rack suction surface (cold aisle), and the rack exhaust surface (hot aisle) are shown.

  The above-described prior arts of Reference Documents 1 to 3 show an example of the indoor temperature distribution simulation technique of the air conditioning system, and the simulation method executed by the simulator 40 of this example is not limited to these examples. References 1 to 3 introduce examples of the prior art, and details of the technical contents are not particularly described here.

  In any case, after a predetermined time (5 minutes, 10 minutes, and 30 minutes), the simulator 40 determines a new set value, the collected data stored in the DB 41, and a predefined parameter. Etc.) in the server room. Here, as an example, it is assumed that the temperature distribution in the cold zone after a predetermined time is obtained as a simulation result. This means, for example, the temperature distribution in the vicinity of the floor surface (or in the vicinity of the rack suction surface) in various places in the cold zone, but is not limited to this example.

Moreover, as above-mentioned, the cold air blowing temperature from each local air conditioner 1 shall be set temperature.
As a result, the controller 10 further uses the simulation result of the simulator 40 and the like to perform a process substantially similar to the display process of the monitoring screen 20 and the like, and displays the entire screen 50 described later as described below. I do.

  That is, first, the simulation results (predicted temperatures in each place; cold zone temperature distribution and cold air blowing temperature from each local air conditioner 1) after a predetermined time (5 minutes, 10 minutes, 30 minutes, etc.) As the temperature status (future temperature status), the color corresponding to these future temperature statuses is determined by the process substantially similar to step S3 in FIG. However, in step S3, the color indicating the difference between the current temperature and the set temperature is determined, but here the color corresponding to each predicted temperature is determined.

That is, for example, each temperature range and a color corresponding to each temperature range are stored in advance as described below.
Blue: 10 ° C or less Blue: 11 ° C to 14 ° C
Light blue: 15 ° C-18 ° C
Yellow: 19 to 22 ° C
Orange: 23 ° C to 26 ° C
Red: 27 ° C or higher And, for each of the above simulation results (predicted temperature in each place; cold zone temperature distribution and cold air blowing temperature from each local air conditioner 1), the temperature range corresponding to each temperature is obtained, Find the corresponding color.

  Then, the simulation result is displayed using the obtained color. For example, like the entire screen 50 shown in FIG. 6, both the present and future are obtained by inserting a simulation result display screen 52 into the monitoring screen 20 (color display screen indicating the current temperature status) described above. The temperature status is color-coded together.

  That is, in the entire screen 50 shown in FIG. 6, the current status display portion 51 corresponds to the display content of the monitoring screen 20, and as shown in the figure, the color-coded display (each column indicates the temperature status of each of the columns A and B). The color-coded display according to the temperature in the vicinity of the outlet of each local air conditioner 1 in the row is performed. In this example, the display is performed by inserting the simulation result display screen 52 in the cold zone area which is a blank portion on the monitoring screen 20.

Here, FIG. 7 shows a specific example of the simulation result display screen 52.
FIG. 7 shows a specific example of the entire screen 50 and an enlarged view of the simulation result display screen 52. In the example shown in the enlarged view, the simulation result display screen 52 includes an operation (forward / return) button 61, time information 62, a simulation result screen 70, and the like. However, the operation (feed / return) button 61 and the time information 62 are not necessarily required (for example, they are not necessary when it is decided to simulate only after 5 minutes).

  Here, a future temperature status after each predetermined time (5 minutes, 10 minutes, 30 minutes, etc.) is obtained by the simulator 40, and a color-coded display screen corresponding to each is created. To do. The user can specify an arbitrary time 5 minutes, 10 minutes, 30 minutes, etc. by operating the operation (feed / return) button 61, and the specified time (after 5 minutes, 10 minutes, 30 minutes later, etc.) are displayed in the time information 62, and the color-coded display screen corresponding to the specified time is displayed as a simulation result screen 70 (prediction result screen 70). For example, the initial setting value is 5 minutes, for example, and the color-coded display corresponding to each temperature predicted value after 5 minutes is performed on the simulation result screen 70 without any operation by the user. Also good.

The simulation result screen 70 may be a pop-up screen displayed on the monitoring screen 20.
The color-coded display screen (simulation result screen 70) itself may be substantially the same as the monitoring screen 20, and as described above, the physical arrangement of each local air conditioner 1 is indicated by a rectangle and the color corresponding to each rectangle. (The color corresponding to the predicted value of the cold air blowing temperature of each local air conditioner 1 obtained as a result of the simulation) is displayed (predicted status display indicated by reference numerals 71 and 72 in the drawing). The color corresponding to each rectangle has already been obtained as described above. However, the monitor screen 20 does not perform color-coded display regarding the cold zone. On the other hand, in the simulation result, the temperature distribution in the cold zone is also obtained, and the color corresponding to this temperature is also obtained. Therefore, as shown in the cold zone temperature display unit 73 shown in the figure, the various locations in the cold zone are obtained. The predicted temperature is displayed in different colors.

  However, the display of the cold zone temperature display unit 73 is not limited to the above example. For example, if the cold air blowing temperature from each local air conditioner 1 is as set temperature, the temperature in the cold zone is also almost the same as the set temperature (or a temperature of about 1 or 2 degrees Celsius). However, it can be considered as a normal state. In this case, by comparing the predicted temperature of the cold zone with the set temperature (or about plus or minus 1 ° C.), the temperature status of any one of the above “appropriate temperature / undercooling / overcooling” may be determined. Good. And you may make it display the color according to the determined temperature condition on the cold zone temperature display part 73. FIG.

  In addition, since the cold zone usually also serves as a role for workers to pass and work, it is imperative to install a temperature sensor that measures the temperature of the cold zone (because it hinders workers, etc.) In fact) it is difficult in practice. For this reason, the monitor screen 20 does not perform color-coded display indicating the current temperature of the cold zone, but since this can be predicted by simulation, the simulation result screen 70 also performs color-coded display of the cold zone.

The computer device (such as the controller 10) that performs color-coded display of the current and future temperature states described above may be referred to as, for example, a local air conditioner management device or a control device.
In the local air conditioner management apparatus (control apparatus) of this example, as described above, for example, for each specific figure (for example, a rectangle or the like), color coding indicating the current temperature status of the local air conditioner 1 corresponding to the specific figure In addition to displaying, based on the simulation results, color-coded display indicating the predicted temperature status (predicted temperature state, etc.) of each local air conditioner 1 after an arbitrary time (5 minutes, 10 minutes, etc.) is also performed. Color-coded display indicating the predicted temperature state of a specific area (such as a cold zone) related to a plurality of local air conditioners 1 (a plurality of racks) after an arbitrary time is also performed.

  The current temperature status includes any one of the appropriate temperature / undercooling / overcooling temperature status determined by comparing the set temperature with the measured temperature. Displays a color indicating the temperature status.

  On the other hand, in the color-coded display related to the predicted temperature status and the specific region, each temperature range and a color corresponding to each temperature range are registered in advance, and a color corresponding to the predicted temperature (corresponding to the corresponding temperature range) is displayed. Is displayed. However, not limited to this example, the color-coded display related to the specific region is any one of the appropriate temperature / undercooling / overcooling by comparing the set temperature with the predicted temperature in substantially the same manner as in the case of the current temperature status. The temperature state may be determined, and a color indicating any one of these temperature states of appropriate temperature / undercooling / overcooling may be displayed.

  On the screen showing the physical layout of each local air conditioner, whether the current status of each local air conditioner is appropriate, undercooled / overcooled, and the future temperature state (including cold zone) Can be displayed in a color-coded manner so that the user can easily understand the current and future air conditioning states. Regarding the temperature situation, it is also possible to compare the current temperature state with the future temperature state.

  In general, the temperature of the cold air blown from each local air conditioner 1 (blowout temperature) is not limited to the desired temperature even if the temperature of the cold air is as set. This point can be easily confirmed visually. If it is predicted that the air temperature in the cold zone will not reach the desired temperature (for example, if yellow or orange is displayed), lower the set temperature until the desired temperature is reached. It is also possible to take measures such as changing the setting (for example, until the display is light blue).

  In the above description, the case where the set temperature of the blowing temperature is changed is taken as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this example. Even when the set values of both the air flow rate and the blown air volume are changed, the above simulation can be performed and display according to the simulation result can be performed.

  By displaying in this way, the temperature distribution (prediction) of the cold zone, etc. at the new set value can be found when the set value of the blowout temperature or / and the blowout air volume is changed, and the validity of the new set value can be confirmed. It can be evaluated in advance (in the past, it was not known until a certain amount of time had passed after the change). As a result, if a new set value is evaluated as invalid (not appropriate), immediately change to another set value and perform simulation again to obtain an appropriate set value in a short time. You can find out. For example, because the load on the server device has increased (and thus the heat generation amount has increased), when the set temperature is lowered by 1 ° C., is it possible to cope with the increase in the heat generation amount? It is possible to determine whether the temperature is such that cooling is possible.

FIG. 8 is a configuration / function block diagram of the controller 10.
8, the controller 10 includes a communication interface 101, a memory 102, an arithmetic processor 103 such as a CPU / MPU, a display unit 104, an input unit 105, and the like.

  The communication interface 101 is connected to the communication line 6 or the communication line 7 to control the cooling / heating source unit 2 or to monitor / control each local air conditioner 1 via the communication line 6 or the communication line 7. This is a communication module for communication.

The display unit 104 is a display or the like, and displays various screens such as the monitoring screen (overall screen) 20, the individual state display screen 21, the individual setting screen 22, and the batch setting screen 23.
The input unit 105 is, for example, a touch panel in the above example, but is not limited to this example, and may be a keyboard, a mouse, or the like.

The memory 102 stores the above-described various information (such as the setting table 30 and management information (not shown) of the local air conditioner 1).
A predetermined application program is stored in the memory 102 in advance, and the arithmetic processor 103 reads out and executes this application program, thereby realizing the processing of the various processing function units shown in the drawing.

  That is, the arithmetic processor 103 realizes processing function units such as an entire screen control unit 111, an individual setting support unit 112, a batch setting support unit 113, and a simulation unit 114. The entire screen control unit 111 has a color-coded display unit 111a.

  The entire screen control unit 111 displays each specific figure (the above example is rectangular but not limited to this example) indicating the physical arrangement of each local air conditioner 1 (or each rack) on the entire screen (monitoring screen) 20. Display above.

  The individual setting support unit 112 discriminates the local air conditioner 1 corresponding to the designated specific figure when the user designates an arbitrary specific figure (rectangle or the like) on the entire screen 20 and detects it. Then, as described above, it can be determined by referring to the setting table 30, and an individual setting screen 22 for arbitrarily setting the determined local air conditioner 1 is displayed.

  In the above example, the individual state display screen 21 is displayed first, and then the individual setting screen 22 is displayed. However, as described above, the present invention is not limited to such an example. For example, according to the designation of the specific figure (rectangle or the like). The individual setting screen 22 may be displayed, and then the individual state display screen 21 may be displayed, or the individual setting screen 22 and the individual state display may be displayed without using two screens in this way. You may make it display the screen 21 collectively on one screen.

  In any case, setting and status display of the local air conditioner 1 corresponding to the position can be performed only by the user specifying an arbitrary position on the entire screen showing the physical arrangement of each local air conditioner 1. , You can definitely make settings.

  When there is an operation for designating a batch setting command on the entire screen 20 (when the above “to batch setting” button 20a is operated), the batch setting support unit 113 is the same for all the plurality of local air conditioners 1. A collective setting screen 23 for setting is displayed. As described above, the user can make a desired setting on the collective setting screen 23.

  Moreover, the said whole screen control part 111 (the color classification display part 111a) displays the color which shows the present status of the local air conditioner 1 corresponding to the specific figure for every said specific figure (rectangle etc.). The current status includes a temperature state (any one of appropriate temperature / undercooling / overcooling) determined by comparing the set temperature and the measured temperature, and the color-coded display unit 111a displays the appropriate temperature / undercooling / overcooling. A color indicating any of the above is displayed. In the above example, the appropriate temperature is displayed in light blue, the undercooling is displayed in skin color, and the overcooling is displayed in blue. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example, and the color can be freely set.

  Further, in the color display by the whole screen control unit 111 (the color-coded display unit 111a), a color indicating that the local air conditioner 1 is not installed (in this example, gray) in addition to the color display indicating the status. (But not limited to this example). In addition, as described above, display of a color (red, white) indicating abnormality or stopping is also included.

  The simulation unit 114 is a processing function unit corresponding to the simulator 40, and passes the simulation result (the result after 5 minutes, the result after 10 minutes, etc.) to the overall screen control unit 111, and the current temperature status. Not only the future temperature status, but also the future cold zone temperature status is displayed in different colors.

  That is, the entire screen control unit 111 further performs color-coded display based on the simulation result passed from the simulation unit 114 by the process substantially similar to steps S3 to S5 as in the case of the current temperature status. For this display, for example, a simulation screen is used to create a screen that is substantially similar to the monitoring screen 20, and the screen 70 is created by reducing the screen at a predetermined reduction rate. The status color-coded display screen (monitoring screen 20) is displayed so as to be fitted in a predetermined position (for example, as shown in FIG. 7). Of course, the present invention is not limited to such an example. For example, a color-coded display screen 70 based on the simulation result is provided near the color-coded display screen (monitoring screen 20) of the current temperature status (the direction is either the up / down / left / right direction). You may make it display.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Local air conditioner 2 Cold heat source unit 2a Condenser 2b Refrigerant pressure sending unit 2c Inverter 3 Refrigerant outbound piping 4 Refrigerant return piping 6 Communication line 7 Communication line 10 Controller 20 Monitoring screen 20a "To collective setting" button 21 Individual state display screen 21a " “To Setting” Button 22 Individual Setting Screen 22 ′ Individual Setting Screen 22a “Execute” Button 22b “Simulation” Button 23 Collective Setting Screen 23 ′ Collective Setting Screen 23a “Execute” Button 23b “Simulation” Button 30 Setting Table 40 Simulator 50 Overall Screen 51 Current Status Display Portion 52 Simulation Result Display Screen 61 Operation (Send / Return) Button 62 Time Information 70 Simulation Result Screen 71 Prediction Status Display 72 Prediction Status Display 73 Cold Zone Temperature Display Unit

Claims (7)

A plurality of local air conditioners installed corresponding to the plurality of racks in a computer room in which a plurality of racks each mounted with a heating element are installed, and monitoring and controlling the plurality of local air conditioners A local air conditioning system having a control device for
The controller is
Specific graphic display means for displaying each specific graphic indicating the physical arrangement of each local air conditioner on the entire screen and also displaying the prediction result display screen arranged in or near the entire screen;
Collecting measurement data including the measurement temperature related to each local air conditioner, determining a color indicating the current temperature status related to each local air conditioner based on the measurement data, and determining the determined color as the local air conditioner Current status color-coded display means for displaying on a specific figure on the entire screen corresponding to
According to the measurement data and an arbitrary set temperature, a predicted temperature after a predetermined time related to each local air conditioner and a predicted temperature after the predetermined time of a predetermined space formed by the plurality of racks are obtained by simulation. Simulation means;
A color corresponding to the predicted temperature after the predetermined time according to each local air conditioner is determined, the determined color is displayed on the specific figure in the prediction result display screen, and the predetermined time in the predetermined space A predicted temperature color-coded display means for determining a color according to a later predicted temperature and displaying the determined color in a corresponding area in the prediction result display screen;
A local air conditioning system characterized by comprising:   The local air conditioning system according to claim 1, wherein the simulation unit assumes that the predicted temperature after the predetermined time associated with each local air conditioner is the set temperature.   The predetermined space formed by the plurality of racks is a cold zone that is a cold air supply destination from the plurality of local air conditioners and is a space facing an air inlet of each rack. The local air conditioning system according to claim 1.   When there is an operation for designating an arbitrary specific figure on the entire screen, the local air conditioner corresponding to the designated specific figure is discriminated, and the temperature setting of the discriminated local air conditioner is arbitrarily performed The local air conditioning system according to claim 1, further comprising individual setting support means for displaying an individual setting screen for performing the operation.   When there is an operation for designating a batch setting command on the whole screen, it further has a batch setting support means for displaying a batch setting screen for causing the plurality of local air conditioners to perform the same temperature setting. The local air conditioning system according to claim 1, wherein   The color indicating the current temperature status is a color indicating a temperature state of any one of an appropriate temperature / undercooling / overcooling determined by comparing the set temperature with the measured temperature. Item 2. The local air conditioning system according to item 1. A plurality of local air conditioners installed corresponding to the plurality of racks in a computer room in which a plurality of racks each mounted with a heating element are installed, and monitoring and controlling the plurality of local air conditioners The control device in a local air conditioning system having a control device to perform,
Specific graphic display means for displaying each specific graphic indicating the physical arrangement of each local air conditioner on the entire screen and also displaying the prediction result display screen arranged in or near the entire screen;
Collecting measurement data including the measurement temperature related to each local air conditioner, determining a color indicating the current temperature status related to each local air conditioner based on the measurement data, and determining the determined color as the local air conditioner Current status color-coded display means for displaying on a specific figure on the entire screen corresponding to
According to the measurement data and an arbitrary set temperature, a predicted temperature after a predetermined time related to each local air conditioner and a predicted temperature after the predetermined time of a predetermined space formed by the plurality of racks are obtained by simulation. Simulation means;
A color corresponding to the predicted temperature after the predetermined time according to each local air conditioner is determined, the determined color is displayed on the specific figure in the prediction result display screen, and the predetermined time in the predetermined space A predicted temperature color-coded display means for determining a color according to a later predicted temperature and displaying the determined color in a corresponding area in the prediction result display screen;
The control apparatus of the local air conditioning system characterized by having.