JP2015049022A - Centralized control device for refrigeration device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a centralized control device capable of performing centralized control of refrigeration devices of a plurality of shops smoothly.SOLUTION: A centralized control device for a refrigeration device is configured by: a terminal controller SC provided at a refrigeration device of each of the shops P1, P2 respectively; a master controller MC provided at each shop respectively, and performing transmission/reception of data with the terminal controller of the shop; and a centralized controller RC for performing transmission/reception of the data with the master controller of each shop. The centralized controller collects data regarding an operation state of the refrigeration device from the terminal controller via the master controller, and transmits data regarding an operation condition of the refrigeration device to the terminal controller via the master controller.

Description

  The present invention relates to a centralized control apparatus that centrally controls the operation of refrigeration apparatuses installed in a plurality of stores.

  Conventionally, a plurality of showcases (cooling devices) are installed in a store such as a supermarket, and the products are displayed and sold while being cooled. And these showcases were connected to the refrigerator installed outside the store in parallel by refrigerant piping to constitute a refrigeration apparatus, and the refrigerant was supplied to the evaporator provided in each showcase (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).

  In recent years, in this type of refrigeration system, it has become impossible to use chlorofluorocarbon-based refrigerants due to natural environmental problems. For this reason, the thing using the carbon dioxide which is a natural refrigerant | coolant is developed as a substitute of a fluorocarbon refrigerant | coolant. It is known that this carbon dioxide refrigerant is a refrigerant having a high and low pressure difference, has a low temperature with respect to the critical pressure, and the compression causes the high pressure side of the refrigeration cycle to be in a supercritical state (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-63770 Japanese Patent Publication No. 7-18602

  Here, when a plurality of showcases (cooling devices) and refrigerators as described above are controlled in a concentrated manner, conventionally, a host control means is installed in each store, and terminal control means attached to each showcase etc. A method of transmitting and receiving data between them is employed. In addition to this, there are cases where, for example, a maintenance management company, a chain headquarters of a store, or the like has built a system for centrally monitoring showcases of a plurality of stores.

  However, conventional centralized control from outside the store has been limited to, for example, a worker of a maintenance management company confirming data sent from each store on a PC. In particular, in the refrigeration system that uses carbon dioxide as a refrigerant as described above, the refrigerant circuit is extremely high in pressure, so it often stops due to equipment and environmental factors, and the maintenance workability becomes extremely complicated. Improvement was desired.

  The present invention has been made in order to solve the conventional technical problem, and provides a centralized control device capable of smoothly performing centralized control of refrigeration apparatuses in a plurality of stores.

  The central control device of the present invention centrally controls the operation of the refrigeration apparatus of a plurality of stores where the refrigeration apparatus is installed, and each terminal control means provided in the refrigeration apparatus of each store, and each store This centralized control means is constructed from a higher-level control means for transmitting / receiving data to / from the terminal control means of the store and a centralized control means for transmitting / receiving data to / from the higher-level control means of each store. Is characterized in that data relating to the operating state of the refrigeration apparatus is collected from the terminal control means via the upper control means, and data relating to the operating conditions of the refrigeration apparatus is transmitted to the terminal control means via the upper control means.

  The centralized control device according to a second aspect of the present invention is the centralized control device according to the second aspect, wherein the centralized control unit has a plurality of versions of the control program executed by each higher-level control unit and transmits / receives data to / from the higher-level control unit. Is characterized in that the version of the control program of the host control means is selected and data is transmitted and received.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a centralized control device according to the above-mentioned invention, wherein the refrigeration apparatus is composed of a refrigerator and a plurality of cooling devices to which refrigerant is supplied from the refrigerator, and a low pressure detecting means for detecting a low pressure. The power amount detecting means for detecting the power consumption amount and the outside air temperature detecting means for detecting the outside air temperature, or a plurality of or all of them, and they are connected to the terminal control means, The central control means are the low-pressure pressure of the refrigeration apparatus collected from the terminal control means via the host control means, the valve opening of the expansion valve provided in the cooling device, the power consumption, and the operation of the compressor provided in the refrigerator. The refrigeration system low-pressure control value and / or compressor control method is determined based on the data on the operation state consisting of any one of the state and the outside air temperature, or a combination thereof, and the operation condition is determined. Through the upper control unit as data, and transmits to the terminal control means.

  The central control device according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the central control device according to the present invention, wherein the central control means stores data relating to past operating states of the refrigeration apparatus, and the current operation transmitted from the terminal control means via the host control means. The low pressure control value of the refrigeration apparatus is determined by comparing the data relating to the state and the data relating to the past operation state.

  The central control device according to the invention of claim 5 is characterized in that, in the above invention, the central control means stores data relating to the operating state for the past one year.

  The central control device according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in each of the above inventions, the refrigeration apparatus uses carbon dioxide as a refrigerant, and the high pressure side becomes a supercritical pressure.

  According to the central control device of the present invention, the central control means collects data related to the operating state of the refrigeration apparatus from the terminal control means provided in the refrigeration apparatus of each store via the upper control means of each store, Since the data relating to the operating conditions of the refrigeration apparatus is transmitted to the terminal control means of each store via the means, the operation state of the refrigeration apparatus of each store is concentrated by the central control means provided in the maintenance management company etc. outside the store Monitor and, when a warning (abnormality) such as high pressure or high temperature occurs in the refrigeration system, send data on the operating conditions from the centralized control means to automatically change or restart the operating conditions Is possible.

  This makes it possible to control the refrigeration apparatuses installed in a plurality of stores in a very smooth manner, and is extremely effective particularly in the case of a refrigeration apparatus using a carbon dioxide refrigerant.

  In this case, the version of the control program may differ depending on the higher level control means of each store. However, as in the invention of claim 2, the central control apparatus has a plurality of versions of the control program executed by each higher level control means. When the data is transmitted / received to / from the host control means, if the version of the control program of the host control means is selected and the data is transmitted / received, the central control means can be used without any trouble by the central control means. Can be controlled centrally.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, the refrigeration apparatus is composed of a refrigerator and a plurality of cooling devices to which refrigerant is supplied from the refrigerator, and a low pressure detecting means for detecting a low pressure and a power consumption amount are detected. The centralized control means when the power amount detecting means and the outside air temperature detecting means for detecting the outside air temperature, any one or more or all of them are connected to the terminal control means. , The low pressure of the refrigeration apparatus collected from the terminal control means via the host control means, the valve opening of the expansion valve provided in the cooling device, the power consumption, the operating state of the compressor provided in the refrigerator, and Based on the data related to the operating state consisting of any one of the outside air temperatures or a combination thereof, the low-pressure control value of the refrigeration system and / or the control method of the compressor is determined, and the higher-order data regarding the operating conditions Through the control means, by sending to the terminal control means, taking into account the environmental factors and equipment factors, so the operation of the refrigeration apparatus of each store can be properly centralized control.

  In this case, the central control means as in the invention of claim 4 stores the data relating to the past operation state of the refrigeration apparatus, the data relating to the current operation state transmitted from the terminal control means via the host control means and the past. By comparing the data relating to the operating state and determining the low-pressure control value of the refrigeration apparatus, it is possible to realize appropriate control using the operation history of the refrigeration apparatus. In particular, by storing data related to the operating state for the past year as in the invention of claim 5, predictive control considering the operating state of the same period of one year ago is possible, and more accurate centralized control is possible. It can be realized.

It is a figure which shows the refrigerating cycle of the freezing apparatus of one Example to which this invention is applied. It is a figure which shows the structure of the centralized control system of the freezing apparatus of FIG. It is a functional block diagram of the centralized controller which comprises the centralized control system of FIG. It is a functional block diagram of the master controller which comprises the centralized control system of FIG. It is a functional block diagram of the terminal controller which comprises the centralized control system of FIG. It is a flowchart explaining operation | movement of the centralized control system of FIG. 3 is another flowchart for explaining the operation of the centralized control system in FIG. 2.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a refrigeration cycle of a refrigeration apparatus R according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a central control system (central control apparatus) of the refrigeration apparatus R. The refrigeration apparatus R in the present embodiment is employed in a store such as a supermarket, and includes a refrigerator 3 installed outside the store and a showcase 5 installed in the store as an example of a cooling device. The refrigerator 3 and each showcase 5 are connected by a high-pressure pipe 7 (liquid pipe) and a low-pressure pipe 9 at the installation site to constitute a predetermined refrigerant circuit 1 of the refrigeration cycle (FIG. 1). (Only one showcase 5 is shown).

  In this case, the refrigerator 3 is provided with a refrigerant outlet 3A and a refrigerant inlet 3B, and each showcase 5 is provided with a refrigerant inlet 5A and a refrigerant outlet 5B. One end of the high-pressure pipe 7 is connected to the refrigerant outlet 3A of the refrigerator 3, and the refrigerant inlet 5A of each showcase 5 is connected to the other end. Further, one end of the low pressure pipe 9 is connected to the refrigerant inlet 3B of the refrigerator 3, and the refrigerant outlet 5B of each showcase 5 is connected to the other end (each showcase 5 is connected to the high pressure pipe 7 and the low pressure pipe). 9 in parallel).

  In this refrigeration cycle, carbon dioxide whose refrigerant pressure (high pressure) on the high pressure side is equal to or higher than its critical pressure (supercritical) is used as the refrigerant. This carbon dioxide refrigerant is a natural refrigerant that is friendly to the global environment and takes into consideration flammability and toxicity. As the lubricating oil, existing oils such as mineral oil (mineral oil), alkylbenzene oil, ether oil, ester oil, and PAG (polyalkyl glycol) are used.

  The refrigerator 3 of an Example is provided with the two compressors 11 as a compression means arrange | positioned in parallel. In this embodiment, the compressor 11 is an internal intermediate pressure type multi-stage compression rotary compressor, and is driven by the hermetic container 12, an electric element (not shown) disposed and housed in the hermetic container 12, and this electric element. The rotary compression mechanism portion is composed of a first rotary compression element (low-stage side first compression element) 18 and a second rotary compression element (high-stage side second compression element) 20. Yes.

  The first rotary compression element 18 compresses the low-pressure refrigerant sucked into the compressor 11 from the low-pressure side of the refrigerant circuit 1 via the low-pressure pipe 9 and the refrigerant introduction port 3B, raises the pressure to an intermediate pressure, and discharges it. The rotary compression element 20 further sucks in the intermediate pressure refrigerant compressed and discharged by the first rotary compression element 18, compresses it to a high pressure, and discharges it to the high pressure side of the refrigerant circuit 1. The compressor 11 is a variable frequency compressor, and the rotation speed of the first rotary compression element 18 and the second rotary compression element 20 can be controlled by changing the operating frequency of the electric element. Yes.

  On the side surface of the hermetic container 12 of the compressor 11, a low-stage suction port 22 and a low-stage discharge port 24 that communicate with the first rotary compression element 18, and a high-stage side that communicates with the second rotary compression element 20. A suction port 26 and a high-stage discharge port 28 are formed. Refrigerant introduction pipes 30 are respectively connected to the low-stage suction ports 22 of the respective compressors 11, merged with the respective refrigerant introduction pipes 31 on the upstream side, and then connected to the low-pressure pipe 9 at the refrigerant introduction port 3 </ b> B. .

  Low-pressure (LP: about 2.6 MPa in a normal operation state) refrigerant gas sucked into the low-pressure portion of the first rotary compression element 18 by the low-stage suction port 22 is intermediate pressure by the first rotary compression element 18. The pressure is increased to (MP: about 5.5 MPa in a normal operation state) and discharged into the sealed container 12. Thereby, the inside of the airtight container 12 becomes an intermediate pressure (MP).

  Then, intermediate pressure discharge pipes 36 are connected to the low-stage discharge ports 24 of the compressors 11 from which the refrigerant gas of intermediate pressure in the hermetic container 12 is discharged. 38 is connected to one end of 38. The intercooler 38 cools the intermediate pressure refrigerant discharged from the first rotary compression element 18 by air, and an intermediate pressure suction pipe 40 is connected to the other end of the intercooler 38. The suction pipe 40 is branched into two and then connected to the high-stage suction port 26 of each compressor 11.

  The medium pressure (MP) refrigerant gas sucked into the intermediate pressure portion of the second rotary compression element 20 by the high-stage suction port 26 is compressed in the second stage by the second rotary compression element 20. It becomes a refrigerant gas of high temperature and pressure (HP: supercritical pressure of about 9 MPa in a normal operation state). The high-stage discharge port 28 provided on the high-pressure chamber side of the second rotary compression element 20 of each compressor 11 is connected to a high-pressure discharge pipe 42, and merges at each downstream side, and an oil separator 44, a gas cooler 46 as a radiator, and an intermediate heat exchanger 80 constituting a split cycle, and is connected to the high-pressure pipe 7 at the refrigerant outlet 3A.

  The gas cooler 46 cools the high-pressure discharged refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11, and a gas cooler blower 47 for air-cooling the gas cooler 46 is disposed in the vicinity of the gas cooler 46. In the present embodiment, the gas cooler 46 is juxtaposed with the intercooler 38 and the oil cooler 74 described above, and these are arranged in the same air passage 45. The air passage 45 is provided with an outside air temperature sensor (outside air temperature detecting means) 56 for detecting the outside air temperature where the refrigerator 3 is disposed. In addition, the high-stage discharge ports 28 and 28 have a discharge pressure sensor 48 that detects the discharge pressure (high-pressure side pressure HP) of the refrigerant discharged from the second rotary compression element 20, and a discharge that detects the discharge refrigerant temperature. A temperature sensor (not shown) or the like is provided.

  On the other hand, each showcase 5 is installed in the store and connected to the high-pressure pipe 7 and the low-pressure pipe 9 in parallel. An electromagnetic valve 60 is attached in front of the refrigerant introduction port 5A of each showcase 5 (on the upstream side of the refrigerant), and the high-pressure pipe 7 is connected to the refrigerant introduction port 5A via the electromagnetic valve 60. This solenoid valve 60 is a valve device that opens a flow path when energized and seals the flow path when not energized, and has a large diameter of 4 mm to 10 mm, and in the embodiment has a diameter of 7.8 mm. Is used.

  A refrigerant inlet 5A, a main expansion valve 62 (main throttle means) as a throttle means, and an evaporator 63 are sequentially connected to the downstream side of the solenoid valve 60, and the outlet side of the evaporator 63 is a refrigerant outlet. Connected to 5B. Each evaporator 63 is provided with an unillustrated cool air circulation blower that blows air to the evaporator 63. The low-pressure pipe 9 connected to the refrigerant outlet 5B is connected to the low-stage suction port 22 communicating with the first rotary compression element 18 of each compressor 11 via the refrigerant introduction pipes 31 and 30 as described above. Connected. Thereby, the refrigerant circuit 1 of the refrigeration apparatus R in the present embodiment is configured. Incidentally, 130 is a safety valve connected to the low pressure pipe 9, 131 is an on-off valve (valve device) connected to the inlet side of the safety valve 130, 132 is a capillary tube (pressure reducing means) 132, and the low pressure increases to the set value. When it does, it opens and leaks the refrigerant.

  1, 58 is a high-pressure sensor (high-pressure detector), 49 is an intermediate pressure sensor, and 32 is a low-pressure sensor (low-pressure detector). Terminal control means). The discharge temperature sensor (not shown) is provided at the high-stage discharge port 28 of each compressor 11 and detects the discharge temperature of the refrigerant discharged from the second rotary compression element 20. The high-pressure sensor 58 is connected to a high-pressure side of the refrigerant circuit 1, in the embodiment, a shunt 82 described later, and detects the high-pressure side pressure HP of the refrigerant that has passed through the intermediate heat exchanger 80. The low-pressure sensor 32 is provided on the refrigerant introduction pipe 31 connected to the low-stage suction port 22 of the compressor 11 on the low-pressure side of the refrigerant circuit 1, in the embodiment, on the downstream side of each evaporator 63. The refrigerant suction pressure (low pressure LP) toward the inlet pipe 30 is detected. The intermediate pressure sensor 49 detects a pressure (intermediate pressure MP) of an intermediate pressure portion of the refrigerant circuit 1, that is, a third communication circuit 103 on the downstream side of an electromagnetic valve 104 described later in the embodiment.

(A) Centralized control system Next, the refrigeration apparatus R of the embodiment can be remotely managed by a centralized control system (the centralized control apparatus of the present invention). That is, both P1 and P2 in FIG. 2 indicate stores such as supermarkets. The centralized control system according to the embodiment includes a master controller MC as a high-order control means and a terminal controller SC as a terminal control means, each of which is installed in each store P1 and P2, and shows of the stores P1 and P2. In order to remotely manage the case 5 and the refrigerator 3, for example, it is constructed from a centralized controller RC as a centralized control means composed of a server installed in the maintenance management company P3.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the centralized controller RC includes a microcomputer 207, a hard disk 208 as a storage device connected to the microcomputer 207, a ROM 209, a RAM 211, an interface 212, an output control unit 214, an input control unit 216, and the like. It functions as a server. The interface 212 is capable of writing data to an external storage medium such as the SD card 210 and reading data from the external storage medium.

  In addition to the control program for the centralized controller RC itself, the hard disk 208 includes various data including data relating to operating conditions sent from the master controller MC of each store P1, P2, and data relating to operating conditions of the showcases 5 and the refrigerator 3. Data and data on the location of the stores P1 and P2 are stored, and a communication protocol and the like are also stored. The hard disk 208 of the centralized controller RC further stores a plurality of versions of the control program executed by the master controller MC installed in each store P1, P2.

  A printer 218 as an output means and a display 219 as a display means are connected to the output control means 214, and a keyboard 221 and a mouse 222 as input means are connected to the input control means 216. Furthermore, a terminal adapter 223 is connected to the microcomputer 207, and exchanges data with the master controller MC of each store P1 and P2 via a communication line L1 such as the Internet.

  Next, the master controller MC is provided in the management room of each store P1, P2, etc., as shown in FIG. 4, a microcomputer 324 as a control means, and a ROM 326, a RAM 327, which are storage devices connected to the microcomputer 324, It comprises an EEPROM 340, an interface 325, a transmission / reception means 329, an output control means 331, an input control means 332, and the like. The transmission / reception means 329 is constituted by a serial interface, and is connected to a terminal controller SC, which will be described later, via a communication line L2.

  The ROM 326 is electrically rewritable and includes a flash memory or the like that retains data even when the power is turned off. The ROM 326 includes a communication protocol, a control program for the master controller MC itself, and the like. The RAM 327 stores various data sent from the terminal controller SC, various data sent to the terminal controller SC, and control data of the master controller MC itself (display data of the liquid crystal display unit 334, etc.). Further, the EEPROM 340 stores data relating to various settings and installation states of the showcase 5 and the refrigerator 3 and is retained even when the power is turned off. Further, the interface 325 enables writing of data to an external storage medium such as the SD card 210 and reading of data from the external storage medium, like the interface 212 provided in the centralized controller RC. is there.

  For example, a liquid crystal display unit 334 as a display unit capable of displaying a plurality of columns and lines of characters and graphics and a buzzer 336 as an alarm unit are connected to the output control unit 331, and the input control unit 332 has an input unit. A key switch (function key or the like) 337, a dip switch 338, and a slide switch 339 are connected. The key switch 337 is a switch for performing various settings and display commands, and the dip switch 338 is a switch for setting the connection state of the terminal controller SC. The slide switch 339 is a switch for performing settings related to lighting control of the showcase 5 and night stop.

  Further, a terminal adapter 224 is connected to the microcomputer 324, and it is also possible to exchange data by communication with the centralized controller RC using the communication line L1. Further, the master controller MC is provided with a backup power source 328. The backup power source 328 is always charged, and when a power failure occurs, power is supplied from the backup power source 328 to the microcomputer 324 for a predetermined period.

  Next, the terminal controller SC is provided in each of the showcase 5 and the refrigerator 3 shown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 5, the microcomputer 454 and ROM 456, RAM 457, which are storage devices connected to the microcomputer 454, It comprises an EEPROM 450, an interface 453, a transmission / reception means 458, an output control means 459, and an input control means 461.

  The transmission / reception means 458 is configured by a serial interface, and is connected to the master controller MC via the communication line L2. Further, the interface 453 enables writing of data to an external storage medium such as the SD card 210 and reading of data from the external storage medium, like the interface 212 provided in the centralized controller RC. .

  The ROM 456 stores a communication protocol and a control program for the terminal controller SC itself, and the RAM 457 stores data related to various operating conditions of the showcase 5 and the refrigerator 3 sent from the master controller MC. The EEPROM 450 stores setting data for various operating conditions of the showcase 5 and the refrigerator 3 set by the terminal controller SC, and is retained even when the power is turned off. The output control means 459 is connected with a display means 462 for displaying an alarm, a buzzer 413 as an alarm means, and an actuator 463.

  In the case of the showcase 5, the actuator 463 is a main expansion valve 62, a solenoid valve 60, a defrosting heater, lighting, or the like. In the case of the refrigerator 3, the compressor 11, a gas cooler blower 47, an auxiliary expansion valve described later. (Auxiliary throttle means) 83, each valve (electric expansion valve or electromagnetic valve), etc. are meant. The input control means 461 is connected to a setting switch 464 and a sensor (represented by 466) that detects the internal temperature of the showcase 5 and the temperature and pressure of each part of the refrigerator 3. The temperature and pressure data detected by these sensors 466 are also written in the SD card 210 mounted by the RAM 457 and the interface 453. The setting switch 464 is for setting a channel number from 1 to 50 allocated for the control of the terminal controller SC. The microcomputer 454 has a sensor ID as individual identification information set for each showcase 5 and refrigerator 3.

  When the showcase 5 or the refrigerator 3 is installed, each of the terminal controllers SC is set with one of 1 to 50 by the setting switch 464, and A to C in the master controller MC to which the terminal controller SC is connected. By setting one of the above, the channel number (for example, A01) of each terminal controller SC is assigned and set.

  With the above configuration, in the master controller MC, the key switch 337, the dip switch 338, and the slide switch 339 are used to set the internal temperature, various alarms, and defrosting for each channel number (for example, A01) assigned to each terminal controller SC. Various set values, management temperatures, etc., and operating conditions such as a cooling storage (showcase SC) can be set.

  Data relating to the operating conditions of the showcase 5 and the refrigerator 3 set by the master controller MC is stored in the RAM 327 and the EEPROM 340 by the microcomputer 324 and transmitted from the transmission / reception means 329 to each terminal controller SC. In addition, the data is written in the SD card 210 attached to the interface 325.

  These data are distinguished and transmitted and written for each channel number. In response to a request from the centralized controller RC, the microcomputer 324 of the master controller MC transmits data set by the key switch 337 and the like to the centralized controller RC through the terminal adapter 224. Further, when the program data is transmitted from the centralized controller RC, the master controller MC receives the program data via the terminal adapter 224, and receives the data in the ROM 326 and the data in the SD card 210 attached to the interface 325. Rewrite the data.

  On the other hand, in the terminal controller SC, when the transmission / reception means 458 receives data relating to the operation condition for its own channel number (01 to 50), the microcomputer 454 stores the data in the RAM 457. Similarly, the microcomputer 454 stores data related to the operating conditions in the SD card 210 attached to the interface 453.

  The microcomputer 454 of the terminal controller SC provided in the showcase 5 is a set superheat degree (the superheat degree of the refrigerant in the evaporator 63) among the data related to the internal temperature of the showcase 5 from the sensor 466 and the data related to the operating conditions. And the main expansion valve 62 as the actuator 463 is controlled. The microcomputer 454 of the terminal controller SC provided in the refrigerator 3 compares the data relating to the temperature and pressure of each part of the refrigerator 3 from the sensor 466 with the set value in the data relating to the operating conditions, and serves as the actuator 463. The compressor 11, the gas cooler blower 47, the auxiliary expansion valve 83, each electric expansion valve, and the electromagnetic valve are controlled (details will be described later).

  Such data regarding the operating state of each showcase 5 and refrigerator 3 is sequentially stored in the RAM 457 and updated by the microcomputer 454. Similarly, data related to the operation state is stored and updated in the SD card 210 that is sequentially attached to the interface 453 by the microcomputer 454.

  The microcomputer 324 of the master controller MC polls each terminal controller SC once per minute, for example. When the microcomputer 454 of each terminal controller SC is polled by the master controller MC, the transmission / reception means 458 sends the data relating to the operation state of itself (showcase 5, refrigerator 3) stored in the RAM 457 together with its own channel number. Transmit to the master controller MC. The terminal controller SC automatically transmits data to the master controller MC when the alarm described above occurs in the showcase 5 or the refrigerator 3.

  The master controller MC receives and collects data relating to the operation state by the transmission / reception means 329, and data relating to the operation state for, for example, a maximum of 150 units is installed in the RAM 327 and the interface 325 for each terminal controller SC, that is, for each channel. Stored in the existing SD card 210. Similarly, the data related to the operation state in the RAM 327 and the SD card 210 is updated by transmitting the data related to the operation state from the terminal controller SC by the next polling.

  The master controller MC collects data related to the operation state of each showcase 5 and the refrigerator 3 from each terminal controller SC in such a procedure. Based on the operation of the key switch 337, the microcomputer 324 reads, for example, the internal temperature and the internal set temperature stored in the EEPROM 340 from the data collected in the RAM 327, and displays them on the liquid crystal display unit 334 together with each channel number. In addition, by operating the key switch 337, the transition of the internal temperature of the specific showcase 5 is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 334 as a graph.

  Then, in response to a request from the centralized controller RC, the collected data regarding the operation state in the RAM 327 is transmitted to the centralized controller RC via the terminal adapter 224. The master controller MC automatically transmits data to the centralized controller RC when an alarm (abnormality) occurs. In the data relating to the operating state, in the embodiment, at least the low pressure of the refrigerator 3 detected by the low pressure sensor 32, the valve opening degree of the main expansion valve 62 of the showcase 5, the power consumption of the refrigerator R (the refrigerator) Detected by an electric energy detection means (not shown) such as a watt hour meter provided at 3 etc.), the operation state of the compressor 11 of the refrigerator 3 (operation frequency and ON (start) / OFF (stop) state) , Data relating to the outside air temperature detected by the outside air temperature sensor 56, the high pressure detected by the high pressure sensor 58, the internal temperature of the showcase 5, and the like are included.

  When the microcomputer 207 of the centralized controller RC of the maintenance management company P3 receives the data regarding the operation state from the master controller MC of each store P1 or P2 via the terminal adapter 223, it is attached to the hard disk 208 and the interface 212. Save in the SD card 210. Then, the microcomputer 207 analyzes data transmitted from the master controller MC by a predetermined keyboard operation and obtains statistics or the like (the number of failures and the distribution of failure contents). In this case, the microcomputer 207 stores data related to the operation state of the showcase 5 and the refrigerator 3 of each store P1, P2 for the past year in the hard disk 208 as a data table, and is old when more than one year has passed. Erase from the data.

  Further, the microcomputer 207 of the centralized controller RC can input data related to the operating conditions of the showcase 5 and the refrigerator 3 (specified by the channel number) of each store P1, P2 by operating the keyboard 221 and the mouse 22. ing. The input data is stored in the hard disk 208 or the like. Then, the data related to the input operating conditions is transmitted from the centralized controller RC to the master controller MC via the terminal adapter 223, the communication line L1, and the terminal adapter 224.

  In this case, the microcomputer 207 of the centralized controller RC determines the version of the control program of the master controller MC from the data format related to the operating state received from the master controller MC. As described above, since each version of the control program of the master controller MC is stored in the hard disk 208, the centralized controller RC selects the determined version of the control program, and data on the operating conditions in the form of the version of the control program. Is transmitted to the master controller MC.

  The data relating to the operating condition includes a low-pressure control value, a control method of the compressor 11 (an increasing speed of the operating frequency) and the like which will be described later. The master controller MC that has received the data relating to the operating conditions stores it in the RAM 327 and transmits it to each terminal controller SC together with the channel number. Thereby, the centralized controller RC is configured to remotely control the showcase 5 and the refrigerator 3 of each store P1, P2 and to monitor and analyze the operation state.

(B) Basic control by terminal controller SC The terminal controller SC of each showcase 5 opens the electromagnetic valve 60 while the power is turned on during normal operation, and throttles the evaporator 63 with the main expansion valve 62. The supplied refrigerant is supplied and evaporated. In this case, the supercritical carbon dioxide refrigerant that has passed through the gas cooler 46 passes through the electromagnetic valve 60 through the high-pressure pipe 7 and reaches the main expansion valve 62. In the process of being throttled by the main expansion valve 62, the refrigerant is liquefied and flows into the evaporator 63. The liquid refrigerant that has flowed into the evaporator 63 evaporates, thereby exerting a cooling action. The cool air in the cabinet of the showcase 5 cooled by the evaporator 63 is circulated in the cabinet by the above-mentioned cool air circulation blower, and thereby the interior of each showcase 5 is cooled.

  In this case, the terminal controller SC of the showcase 5 controls the main expansion valve 62 as the actuator 463 on the basis of the received data regarding the operating condition addressed to itself, and sets the superheat degree of the refrigerant in the evaporator 63 as described above. To control. That is, when the degree of superheat of the refrigerant exiting the evaporator 63 is higher than the set degree of superheat, the valve opening is enlarged, and when it is low, it is reduced. Then, as the interior of the showcase 5 cools, the evaporation of the refrigerant in the evaporator 63 becomes slow, so that the valve opening of the main expansion valve 62 is reduced and eventually becomes fully closed. Since the cooling capacity is obtained by evaporating the refrigerant in the evaporator 63, the internal temperature is also controlled to the internal set temperature by controlling the superheat degree to the set superheat degree.

  The terminal controller SC of the refrigerator 3 operates the compressor 11 as the actuator 463 and the gas cooler blower 47 based on the received data relating to the operating condition and the opening / opening of each valve (electric expansion valve, electromagnetic valve). Control of opening and closing is performed, and recovery of refrigerant to a refrigerant amount adjustment tank 100 and an additional refrigerant amount adjustment tank 116, which will be described later, and control of discharge of refrigerant to the refrigerant circuit 1 are performed.

  In this case, the terminal controller SC of the refrigerator 3 uses the low-pressure control value composed of the ON value, OFF value, and differential value in the data relating to the operating conditions, and the low-pressure side pressure LP of the refrigerant circuit 1 detected by the low-pressure sensor 32. Is used to control the operating frequency of the compressors 11 and 11. In this case, the differential value is the difference between the low pressure cut value lower than the OFF value and the OFF value, and the relationship between the values is ON value> OFF value> low pressure cut value. When the cooling capacity is insufficient in each showcase 5, the valve opening degree of the main expansion valve 62 is expanded, so that the low pressure side pressure LP increases. The terminal controller SC of the refrigerator 3 increases the operating frequency of the compressor 11 at the predetermined increase speed described above when the low pressure LP detected by the low pressure sensor 32 becomes higher than the ON value. Thereby, the cooling capacity in the evaporator 63 of each showcase 5 is ensured.

  On the contrary, if the cooling capacity becomes excessive in the showcase 5, the main expansion valve 62 reduces the valve opening, so that the low pressure side pressure LP also decreases. The terminal controller SC of the refrigerator 3 reduces the operating frequency of the compressor 11 at a predetermined decrease rate when the low pressure side pressure LP becomes lower than the OFF value. The variable range of the operating frequency of the compressor 11 is, for example, 30 Hz to 60 Hz. This reduces excessive cooling capacity. In addition, when the low pressure side pressure LP is in the range of the OFF value or more and the ON value or less, the operation frequency of the compressor 11 is maintained as it is. Further, even if the operating frequency of the compressor 11 is lowered, the low-pressure side pressure LP is still lowered, and when it is lowered to the low-pressure cut value, the terminal controller SC stops the compressors 11 and 11 and again rises to the ON value. At the time, control for restarting the compressors 11 and 11 is executed.

(C) Control of centralized controller RC at the time of abnormality Next, the operation | movement when abnormality generate | occur | produces in the refrigerator 3 is demonstrated with reference to FIG. 6, FIG.

(C-1) High-pressure alarm and high-temperature alarm First, the operation when a high-pressure alarm or a high-temperature alarm occurs in the refrigerator 3 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. FIG. 6 shows operations of the centralized controller RC, the master controller MC, and the terminal controller SC in this case. When the high pressure HP detected by the high pressure sensor 58 in the refrigerator 3 rises abnormally and reaches a high pressure alarm value due to environmental factors or equipment factors, or the discharge temperature of the compressor 11 rises abnormally and causes a high temperature alarm. When the value is reached, the terminal controller SC forcibly stops the compressor 11, issues a high pressure alarm or a high temperature alarm with the buzzer 413, etc., and writes the alarm data in the data relating to the operation state and transmits it to the master controller MC. To do. When the master controller MC receives the data related to the operation state including the alarm data, the master controller MC issues a similar alarm by the buzzer 336 and the like, and transmits the data related to the operation state including the same alarm data to the centralized controller RC.

  When the microcomputer 207 of the centralized controller RC receives the data relating to the operation state including the data of the high pressure alarm and the high temperature alarm, the microcomputer 207 takes in the outside air temperature in the data relating to the operation state at the time of occurrence in step S1 of FIG. It is determined whether or not the low-pressure pressure at the time of occurrence is a normal value with respect to the internal temperature, or whether or not the compressor 11 is repeatedly started / stopped within a low-pressure cut value. In step S3, it is determined whether or not the valve opening of the main expansion valve 62 at the time of occurrence is within a valve opening range in which the evaporator 63 functions sufficiently.

  Next, in step S4, the microcomputer 207 determines, based on the history of the data related to the operating state for the past year stored in the hard disk 208, for example, that day one year ago, or in addition to that day (for example, August). If it is one day, the past data of one year ago on August 1 and the surrounding days are extracted, and the past outside temperature, low pressure, and data related to the valve opening of the main expansion valve 62 (when normal) Data) and the current data at the time of the alarm occurrence. Then, it is determined whether the current data is within a normal range.

  Next, in step S5, the microcomputer 207 similarly uses the history of data relating to the operating state for the past one year stored in the hard disk 208 to similarly store the past power consumption data for one year (for the outside air temperature). (Ideal data) is extracted, and the past data is compared with the current data when the alarm is generated. And it is judged whether it is an ideal power consumption with respect to outside temperature.

  Then, the process proceeds to step S6 to determine the low-pressure control value (ON value, OFF value, differential value), the timing for opening the main expansion valve 62, the valve opening, the operating frequency of the compressor 11 and the like. For example, as described above, the outside air temperature, the low pressure, the valve opening degree of the main expansion valve 62, and the power consumption amount are compared with past data. If the microcomputer 207 determines that the load of environmental factors such as an increase in the amount of solar radiation has increased, the microcomputer 207 changes the opening timing of the main expansion valve 62 of each showcase 5, for example (each main expansion valve 62 has a different timing). Then, the master controller MC transmits to the terminal controller SC the restart condition of the compressor 11 and the data related to the determined operating condition of the timing when the main expansion valve 62 is opened.

  In addition, when it is determined that the stop of the compressor 11 is caused by a factor (equipment factor) of the refrigeration apparatus R itself (for example, a large amount of goods is put in the warehouse), the microcomputer 207 determines the low pressure control value and each setting. Only the restart instruction is transmitted to the terminal controller SC without changing the.

  Furthermore, when the power consumption is large even though the main expansion valve 62 is tight due to a decrease in environmental load such as outside air temperature and solar radiation, the microcomputer 207 determines that the low pressure control value is too low, Increase the low-pressure control value as a whole to reduce power consumption. And the data regarding the operating condition of the determined low voltage | pressure control value are transmitted to the terminal controller SC with the restart instruction | indication of the compressor 11 via the master controller MC. Thus, optimal operation control of the refrigerator 3 and the showcase 5 is realized in the terminal control means SC.

(C-2) Low Pressure Cut Next, the operation when the low pressure cut occurs in the refrigerator 3 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. FIG. 7 shows operations of the centralized controller RC, the master controller MC, and the terminal controller SC in this case. When the low pressure detected by the low pressure sensor 32 of the refrigerator 3 has dropped to the above-described low pressure cut value, the terminal controller SC of the refrigerator 3 stops the compressor 11 (low pressure cut). This low-pressure cut operation is included in the data relating to the operating state and is transmitted to the centralized controller RC via the master controller MC.

  When the microcomputer 207 of the centralized controller RC receives the data relating to the operation state including the low-pressure cut data, the microcomputer 207 takes in the outside air temperature in the data relating to the operation state at the time of occurrence in step S7 of FIG. A change in the low pressure (inclination at which the low pressure increases after the compressor 11 stops) is determined. In step S9, it is determined how much the internal temperature of the showcase 5 at the time of occurrence is different from the internal set temperature. Next, in step S10, the ON / OFF frequency of the compressor 11 at the time of occurrence is determined (how many times the compressor 11 is turned on within a specified time). In step S11, the ON / OFF of the compressor 11 at the time of occurrence is determined. The time interval (time interval between starting and stopping the compressor 11) is determined.

  Then, the process proceeds to step S12 to determine the above-described low pressure control value (ON value, OFF value, differential value), the timing for opening the main expansion valve 62, the valve opening degree, the rising speed of the operating frequency of the compressor 11, and the like. For example, when the compressor 11 frequently repeats ON / OFF with a low-pressure cut value even though there is no abnormality in the internal temperature, the microcomputer 207 reduces the increase speed of the operating frequency of the compressor 11 and makes it sudden. Avoid frequent ON / OFF due to increased refrigeration capacity. And the data regarding the driving | running condition of the rising speed determined to the terminal controller SC are transmitted via the master controller MC. Thereby, optimal operation control of the refrigerator 3 and the showcase 5 by the terminal controller SC is realized.

(D) Split Cycle Next, returning to FIG. 1, the split cycle of the refrigeration apparatus R of the embodiment will be described. The refrigeration apparatus R in the embodiment includes the first rotary compression element 18 (low stage side) of each compressor 11, an intercooler 38, a merger 81 as a merger that merges two fluid flows, and each compressor. 11 second rotary compression element 20 (higher stage side), oil separator 44, gas cooler 46, flow divider 82, auxiliary expansion valve 83, intermediate heat exchanger 80, electromagnetic valve 60, main expansion valve (main throttle means) 62 and the evaporator 63 constitute a refrigeration cycle.

  The flow divider 82 is a flow dividing device that divides the refrigerant from the gas cooler 46 into two flows. That is, the flow divider 82 of the present embodiment diverts the refrigerant that has exited the gas cooler 46 into the first refrigerant flow and the second refrigerant flow, the first refrigerant flow through the auxiliary circuit, and the second refrigerant flow. In the main circuit.

  The main circuit in FIG. 1 is the first rotary compression element 18 of the compressor 11, the intercooler 38, the merger 81, the second rotary compression element 20, the gas cooler 46, the flow divider 82, and the intermediate heat exchanger 80. 2 is an annular refrigerant circuit comprising a flow path 80B, an electromagnetic valve 60, a main expansion valve 62, and an evaporator 63. The auxiliary circuit is a first circuit of the auxiliary expansion valve 83 and the intermediate heat exchanger 80 from the flow divider 82. A circuit that reaches the merger 81 sequentially through the flow path 80A is shown. The second communication circuit 105 on the downstream side of the solenoid valve 106 and the capillary tube 107, which will be described later, merges with the first flow path 80A inlet on the downstream side of the auxiliary expansion valve 83.

  The auxiliary expansion valve 83 diverts the first refrigerant flow divided by the flow divider 82 and flowing through the auxiliary circuit. The intermediate heat exchanger 80 is a refrigerant (hereinafter referred to as a refrigerant discharged from a lower part of a refrigerant amount adjustment tank 100 described later) via the first refrigerant flow of the auxiliary circuit decompressed by the auxiliary expansion valve 83 and the second communication circuit 105. These are collectively referred to as a first refrigerant flow) and a heat exchanger that performs heat exchange between the second refrigerant flow divided by the flow divider 82. In the intermediate heat exchanger 80, a second flow path 80B through which the second refrigerant flow flows and a first flow path 80A through which the first refrigerant flow flows are provided in a heat exchangeable relationship. Since the second refrigerant flow is cooled by the first refrigerant flow flowing through the first flow path 80A by passing through the second flow path 80B of the intermediate heat exchanger 80, the ratio in the evaporator 63 Enthalpy is reduced.

  That is, in the refrigeration apparatus R in the embodiment having a split cycle, the refrigerant after radiating heat by the gas cooler 46 is divided, and the second refrigerant flow is cooled by the first refrigerant flow decompressed and expanded by the auxiliary expansion valve 83. The specific enthalpy at the inlet of the evaporator 63 can be reduced. As a result, the refrigeration effect can be increased and the performance can be effectively improved as compared with the conventional apparatus. Further, since the divided first refrigerant flow is returned to the second rotary compression element 20 (intermediate pressure portion) from the high-stage suction port 26 of the compressor 11, the first refrigerant flow from the low-stage suction port 22 of the compressor 11 is returned. The amount of the second refrigerant flow sucked into the first rotary compression element 18 (low pressure part) decreases, and the compression work in the first rotary compression element 18 (low stage part) for compression from low pressure to intermediate pressure Decrease. As a result, the compression power in the compressor 11 is reduced and the coefficient of performance is improved.

(E) Oil Separator An oil separator 44 is interposed in the high-pressure discharge pipe 42 that connects the high-stage discharge port 28 of the compressor 11 and the gas cooler 46 described above. The oil separator 44 separates and captures the oil contained in the high-pressure discharged refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11 from the refrigerant. The oil separator 44 returns the captured oil to the compressor 11. An oil return circuit 73 is connected. The oil return circuit 73 is provided with an oil tank 79 and an oil cooler 74 for cooling the captured oil. The oil return circuit 73 is branched into two systems on the downstream side of the oil cooler 74, and the flow rate is adjusted respectively. It is connected to the hermetic container 12 of the compressor 11 via a valve (electric valve) 76. Since the inside of the sealed container 12 of the compressor 11 is maintained at an intermediate pressure as described above, the trapped oil is caused by the differential pressure between the high pressure in the oil separator 44 and the intermediate pressure in the sealed container 12. 12 is returned. The hermetic container 12 of the compressor 11 is provided with an oil level float switch 77 that detects the level of oil held in the hermetic container 12.

  The oil cooler 74 is installed in the same air path 45 as the gas cooler 46 and is air-cooled by the gas cooler blower 47. Then, after passing through the oil cooler 74, it is separated into two systems and returns to the compressor 11 through the flow rate adjusting valve 76. As a result, the oil heated to a high temperature together with the high-temperature refrigerant is cooled by the oil cooler 74 and returned to the compressor 11, so that an increase in the temperature of the compressor 11 can be suppressed.

(F) Bypass piping Further, the refrigerator 3 has an intermediate pressure portion of the refrigerant circuit 1 on the outlet side of the intercooler 38, in the embodiment, an intermediate pressure suction pipe 40 on the outlet side of the intercooler 38, and the low pressure side of the refrigerant circuit 1. In the embodiment, a bypass pipe 84 communicating with the refrigerant introduction pipe 31 is provided. The bypass pipe 84 is provided with an electromagnetic valve 85 that opens the flow path when energized and seals the flow path when not energized.

  The electromagnetic valve 85 of the bypass pipe 84 is opened until the compressor 11 rises to a predetermined operating frequency from the startup when the compressor 11 is restarted after being stopped. When the solenoid valve 85 is opened, the first rotary compression element 18 raises the intermediate pressure, and the refrigerant discharged from the low-stage discharge port 24 to the intermediate pressure discharge pipe 36 passes through the intercooler 38 and bypass pipe 84. Then, the refrigerant flows into the refrigerant introduction pipe 31 on the low pressure side of the refrigerant circuit 1.

  As a result, the intermediate pressure portion and the low pressure side of the refrigerant circuit 1 are equalized, so that the pressure of the intermediate pressure portion and the pressure on the high pressure side approach each other while torque shortage occurs when the compressor 11 is started. This makes it possible to avoid a starting failure due to such a situation. In addition, after the operating frequency of the compressor 11 rises to a predetermined value, the solenoid valve 85 is not energized (closed).

(G) Refrigerant amount adjustment tank Next, adjustment of the circulating refrigerant amount of the refrigerant circuit 1 of the refrigeration apparatus R in the embodiment will be described. A refrigerant amount adjustment tank 100 is connected via a first communication circuit 101 to the high pressure side that is the supercritical pressure of the refrigerant circuit 1, in this embodiment, to the downstream side of the intermediate heat exchanger 80 of the refrigerator 3. . The refrigerant amount adjustment tank 100 is built in the refrigerator 3 together with the compressor 11 and the gas cooler 46, and has a predetermined volume. A first communication circuit 101 is connected to the upper part of the tank 100. Yes. The first communication circuit 101 is provided with an electric expansion valve 102 as a first valve device having a throttling function.

  The refrigerant amount adjustment tank 100 is connected to the third communication circuit 103 that communicates the upper part of the tank 100 with the intermediate pressure portion of the refrigerant circuit 1. In the present embodiment, the other end of the third communication circuit 103 is connected to the intermediate pressure suction pipe 40 on the outlet side of the intercooler 38 of the refrigerant circuit 1 as the intermediate pressure portion. The third communication circuit 103 is provided with an electromagnetic valve 104 as a third valve device.

  The refrigerant amount adjusting tank 100 is connected to the second communication circuit 105 that communicates the lower part of the tank 100 and the intermediate pressure part of the refrigerant circuit 1. In the present embodiment, the other end of the second communication circuit 105 communicates with the inlet of the first flow path 80A of the intermediate heat exchanger 80 that communicates with the intermediate pressure suction pipe 40 as an example of the intermediate pressure section. The second communication circuit 105 is provided with the electromagnetic valve 106 and the capillary tube 107 as a second valve device.

(G-1) Additional refrigerant amount adjusting tank Further, the additional refrigerant amount adjusting device 111 is connected to the refrigeration apparatus R of the embodiment. This additional refrigerant amount adjusting device 111 is an option for the refrigerator 3 in order to add an additional refrigerant amount adjusting tank 116 (also a refrigerant amount adjusting tank) to the refrigerant amount adjusting tank 100 according to the scale of the refrigeration apparatus R. It is attached to the outside of the refrigerator 3 (addition) and is detachably connected to the refrigerant circuit 1. In this case, the additional refrigerant amount adjusting device 111 includes an additional refrigerant amount adjusting tank 116 having a predetermined capacity inside an exterior case (not shown), and a first valve having a throttling function above the additional refrigerant amount adjusting tank 116. A first service port (service valve) 118 that communicates via an electric expansion valve 117 serving as a device, and a third service port that communicates via an electromagnetic valve 119 serving as a third valve device to the upper portion of the additional refrigerant amount adjustment tank 116. A service port (service valve) 121, a solenoid valve 122 as a second valve device, and a second service port (service valve) 124 communicating with a solenoid tube 122 as a second valve device via a capillary tube (not shown). The service ports 118, 121, and 124 are exposed to the outside from the additional refrigerant amount adjusting device 111.

  On the other hand, a high-pressure service port (service valve) 112 is connected in communication with the high-pressure side, which is the supercritical pressure of the refrigerant circuit 1, in the present embodiment, on the downstream side of the intermediate heat exchanger 80 of the refrigerator 3. An intermediate pressure service port (service valve) 113 is preliminarily attached to the third communication circuit 103 communicated with the intermediate pressure suction pipe 40 serving as an intermediate pressure region. A low-pressure service port (service valve) 114 is preliminarily attached to the refrigerant introduction pipe 31 on the low-pressure side of the refrigerant circuit 1, and these service ports 112 to 114 are also exposed to the outside from the refrigerator 3. ing.

  When the additional refrigerant amount adjusting device 111 is connected to the refrigerant circuit 1, the first service port 118 is provided by the first additional communication pipe 126 that constitutes the first additional communication circuit (first communication circuit). Is connected to the high-pressure service port 112 in a detachable manner, and the third service port 121 is connected to the intermediate pressure service port by the third additional communication pipe 127 constituting the third additional communication circuit (third communication circuit). The second service port 124 is detachably connected to the low-pressure service port 114 by the second additional communication pipe 128 constituting the second additional communication circuit (second communication circuit). Connect and communicate.

  As a result, the upper part of the additional refrigerant amount adjustment tank 116 is communicated with the high pressure side of the refrigerant circuit 1 via the first additional communication pipe 126, and the electric expansion valve 117 is provided in the first additional communication circuit. The upper part of the additional refrigerant amount adjusting tank 116 is also communicated with the intermediate pressure portion of the refrigerant circuit 1 via the third additional communication pipe 127, and the electromagnetic valve 119 is provided in the third additional communication circuit. . Further, the lower part of the additional refrigerant amount adjustment tank 116 is communicated with the low pressure side of the refrigerant circuit 1 via the second additional communication pipe 128, and the electromagnetic valve 122 is provided in the second additional communication circuit.

(G-2) Refrigerant recovery / refrigerant release control Hereinafter, recovery of the refrigerant from the refrigerant circuit 1 to the refrigerant quantity adjustment tank 100 and the additional refrigerant quantity adjustment tank 116 by the terminal controller SC of the refrigerator 3 and from them to the refrigerant circuit 1 Control of refrigerant discharge will be described. The terminal controller SC of the refrigerator 3 executes a high-pressure shut-off operation for stopping the operation of the compressor 11 when the high-pressure side pressure HP detected by the high-pressure sensor 58 exceeds a predetermined high-pressure protection value (for example, 12 MPa). It shall be. Based on this premise, the following control regarding refrigerant recovery and release will be described.

  The terminal controller SC of the refrigerator 3 determines the target high pressure THP based on the outside temperature detected by the outside temperature sensor 56. In this case, the lower the outside air temperature, the lower the target high pressure THP for the high pressure side pressure. Next, based on the target high pressure THP and the high pressure side pressure HP of the refrigerant circuit 1 detected by the high pressure sensor 58, the electric expansion valve (first valve device) 102 and the electric expansion valve (first extension valve device) 117, the solenoid valve (second valve device) 106 and the solenoid valve (second extension valve device) 122, the solenoid valve (third valve device) 104, and the solenoid valve (third extension valve device) 119 are controlled. As a result, while collecting the refrigerant in the refrigerant quantity adjustment tank 100 and the additional refrigerant quantity adjustment tank 116, the refrigerant is discharged from them, and the degree of refrigerant collection and refrigerant release is adjusted, so that the inside of the refrigerant circuit 1 Control the amount of circulating refrigerant.

  Next, specific refrigerant recovery and refrigerant discharge control by the terminal controller SC of the refrigerator 3 will be described. In the following description, only the refrigerant recovery and discharge control (control of the electric expansion valve 102 and the electromagnetic valves 106 and 104) of the refrigerant amount adjustment tank 100 will be described, but the electric expansion valve 102 is also applied to the additional refrigerant amount adjustment tank 116. The explanation will be omitted on the assumption that the electric expansion valve 117 and the electromagnetic valves 122 and 119 respectively corresponding to the electromagnetic valves 106 and 104 are controlled similarly to the case of the refrigerant amount adjusting tank 100. However, the additional refrigerant amount adjustment tank 116 is connected to the low pressure side of the refrigerant circuit 1 by the electromagnetic valve 122 and is different from the refrigerant amount adjustment tank 100 in that the refrigerant is discharged.

  Now, assuming that the high-pressure side pressure HP of the refrigerant circuit 1 detected by the high-pressure sensor 58 is in the vicinity of the target high-pressure THP, the terminal controller SC determines the electric expansion valve 102 (in the case of the additional refrigerant amount adjustment tank 116, the electric expansion valve 117). Then, the valve opening of the valve is fully closed, the electromagnetic valve 106 (in the case of the additional refrigerant amount adjustment tank 116, the electromagnetic valve 119, the same applies hereinafter), and the electromagnetic valve 104 (in the additional refrigerant amount adjustment tank 116) is opened. In this case, the electromagnetic valve 122. The same applies hereinafter). In this state, the refrigerant amount adjustment tank 100 (and the additional refrigerant amount adjustment tank 116; the same applies hereinafter) is not communicated with the high pressure side, the upper part is not communicated with the intermediate pressure region, and only the lower part is in the intermediate pressure region (additional refrigerant amount). In the case of the adjustment tank 116, it communicates with the low pressure side). Accordingly, all the refrigerant in the refrigerant amount adjustment tank 100 is discharged to the intermediate pressure region of the refrigerant circuit 1 (low pressure side in the case of the additional refrigerant amount adjustment tank 116; the same applies hereinafter), and the refrigerant amount adjustment tank 100 becomes empty. Therefore, so-called liquid sealing is prevented.

  The terminal controller SC takes in the high pressure side pressure HP detected by the high pressure sensor 58 at every predetermined sampling timing T1 (for example, 200 ms) and compares it with the target high pressure THP. When the high-pressure side pressure HP increases and becomes higher than, for example, the target high-pressure THP + 1.0 (MPa) (target high-pressure THP + 1.0 <high-pressure side pressure HP), the terminal controller SC closes the electromagnetic valve 106 and the electric expansion valve 102 The valve opening is set to a state where the valve is opened from a fully closed state (zero step) to a predetermined step S (for example, 100 steps). Further, the electromagnetic valve 104 is opened.

  As a result, the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant discharged from the high-stage discharge port 28 of the compressor 11 passes through the oil separator 44 and is cooled by the gas cooler 46 and the intermediate heat exchanger 80, and then a part thereof is opened. Flows into the refrigerant amount adjustment tank 100 via the first communication circuit 101 (the first additional communication pipe 126 in the case of the additional refrigerant amount adjustment tank 116; the same applies hereinafter). .

  Further, when the high-pressure side pressure HP further increases, for example, becomes higher than the target high-pressure THP + 1.3 (MPa) (target high-pressure THP + 1.3 <high-pressure side pressure HP), the terminal controller SC closes the electromagnetic valve 106 and the electric expansion valve 102 The valve opening is further expanded by a predetermined step S, and the valve opening is expanded from the fully closed state to the step 2S (200 steps) opened. Further, the electromagnetic valve 104 remains open. As a result, the recovery rate of the refrigerant flowing from the first communication circuit 101 into the refrigerant amount adjustment tank 100 via the electric expansion valve 102 is increased.

  Further, when the high-pressure side pressure HP further increases, for example, becomes higher than the target high-pressure THP + 1.6 (MPa) (target high-pressure THP + 1.6 <high-pressure side pressure HP), the terminal controller SC closes the electromagnetic valve 106 and the electric expansion valve 102 The valve opening is further expanded from step 2S (200 steps) by a predetermined step S, and expanded from the fully closed state to the state opened by step 3S (300 steps). Further, the electromagnetic valve 104 remains open. As a result, the recovery rate of the refrigerant flowing into the refrigerant amount adjustment tank 100 from the first communication circuit 101 via the electric expansion valve 102 further increases.

  The third communication circuit 103 (in the case of the additional refrigerant amount adjustment tank 116) that connects the upper part of the refrigerant amount adjustment tank 100 and the intermediate pressure region of the refrigerant circuit 1 by opening the electromagnetic valve 104 so far. The pressure in the refrigerant quantity adjusting tank 100 can be released to the outside of the tank via the third additional communication pipe 127 (hereinafter the same). Therefore, even when the supercritical cycle operation in which the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit 1 is not liquefied, such as when the outside air temperature becomes high, the pressure in the refrigerant amount adjustment tank 100 decreases and the refrigerant amount adjustment tank The refrigerant flowing into 100 is liquefied and accumulated in the refrigerant quantity adjustment tank 100. That is, when the pressure in the refrigerant quantity adjustment tank 100 drops below the supercritical pressure, the refrigerant changes from the gas region to the saturation region, and the liquid level can be secured.

  Thereby, the refrigerant | coolant in the refrigerant circuit 1 can be collect | recovered to the refrigerant | coolant amount adjustment tank 100 (and expansion refrigerant | coolant amount adjustment tank 116) rapidly and efficiently. Accordingly, it is possible to eliminate the disadvantage that the refrigerant circuit 1 has an excessively high pressure on the high pressure side, resulting in an abnormally high pressure, and it is possible to prevent the compressor 11 from being overloaded due to the high pressure abnormality.

  Thus, the terminal controller SC increases the opening degree of the electric expansion valve 102 as the high-pressure side pressure HP increases, and increases the refrigerant recovery rate to the refrigerant amount adjustment tank 100.

  Next, by collecting the refrigerant in the refrigerant amount adjustment tank 100 in this way, the high-pressure side pressure HP detected by the high-pressure sensor 58 decreases, and the high-pressure side pressure HP is, for example, the target high pressure THP + 0.6 (MPa) or less. When the terminal controller SC decreases, the terminal controller SC reduces the valve opening of the electric expansion valve 102 to step S / 2 (a state in which 50 steps are opened from the fully closed state. The refrigerant recovery speed is the lowest), and the solenoid valve 104 is close up. Further, the electromagnetic valve 106 is opened after a predetermined time t1 (for example, 10 s) and then closed. Thus, a predetermined amount of refrigerant is released from the refrigerant amount adjustment tank 100 to the intermediate pressure region of the refrigerant circuit 1 via the electromagnetic valve 104 while collecting the refrigerant in the refrigerant amount adjustment tank 100 via the electric expansion valve 102. Is done.

  When the refrigerant is discharged, the high pressure side pressure HP continues to decrease, for example, when the target high pressure THP + 1.2 (MPa) or lower (high pressure side pressure HP ≦ target high pressure + 1.2), the terminal controller SC similarly performs the electric expansion. The valve opening degree of the valve 102 is reduced to step S / 2, and the electromagnetic valve 104 is also kept closed. Further, the electromagnetic valve 106 is opened again for a predetermined time t1, and then closed. As a result, while the refrigerant is collected in the refrigerant quantity adjustment tank 100 via the electric expansion valve 102, a predetermined amount of refrigerant further enters the intermediate pressure region of the refrigerant circuit 1 from the refrigerant quantity adjustment tank 100 via the electromagnetic valve 104. Released.

  In addition, when the refrigerant is released, the high pressure side pressure HP continues to decrease, for example, when the target high pressure THP + 0.9 (MPa) or lower (high pressure side pressure HP ≦ target high pressure + 0.9), the terminal controller SC is electrically expanded. The valve opening degree of the valve 102 is reduced to step S / 2, and the electromagnetic valve 104 is also kept closed. Further, the electromagnetic valve 106 is opened again for a predetermined time t1, and then closed. As a result, while the refrigerant is collected in the refrigerant quantity adjustment tank 100 via the electric expansion valve 102, a predetermined amount of refrigerant further enters the intermediate pressure region of the refrigerant circuit 1 from the refrigerant quantity adjustment tank 100 via the electromagnetic valve 104. Released.

  When the refrigerant is discharged, the high pressure side pressure HP continues to decrease. For example, when the pressure falls below the target high pressure THP (high pressure side pressure ≦ target high pressure), the terminal controller SC fully closes the electric expansion valve 102, 104 is also closed. Further, the electromagnetic valve 106 is opened.

  Thus, the terminal controller SC gradually releases the refrigerant from the refrigerant amount adjustment tank 100 as the high pressure side pressure HP decreases, that is, by gradually opening the electromagnetic valve 106 for a predetermined time t1 at every sampling timing T2. Release to the low pressure side.

  By connecting the refrigerant amount adjustment tank 100 and the additional refrigerant amount adjustment tank 116 to the refrigerant circuit 1 in this way, surplus refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit 1 is supplied from the high-pressure side to the refrigerant amount adjustment tank 100 and the additional refrigerant amount. The refrigerant is recovered in the adjustment tank 116, and the refrigerant is discharged from the refrigerant amount adjustment tank 100 to the intermediate pressure region of the refrigerant circuit 1 and from the additional refrigerant amount adjustment tank 116 to the low pressure side, so that the circulating refrigerant amount in the refrigerant circuit 1 is appropriately adjusted. Can be maintained. Thereby, the disadvantage that the high pressure side in the refrigerant circuit 1 becomes abnormally high can be solved, and the overload operation of the compressor 11 due to the high pressure abnormality can be prevented.

  In particular, the terminal controller SC of the refrigerator 3 discharges the refrigerant to the refrigerant amount adjustment tank 100 and the additional refrigerant amount adjustment tank 116 while collecting the refrigerant, and adjusts the degree of collection and discharge based on the target high pressure THP, thereby adjusting the circulation refrigerant amount. Therefore, it is possible to prevent sudden fluctuations in the circulating refrigerant amount accompanying the recovery of the refrigerant to the refrigerant amount adjustment tank 100 and the additional refrigerant amount adjustment tank 116 and the release of the refrigerant therefrom.

  The terminal controller SC of the refrigerator 3 changes the refrigerant recovery rate to the refrigerant amount adjustment tank 100 and the additional refrigerant amount adjustment tank 116 as the high pressure side pressure HP of the refrigerant circuit 1 increases, and the high pressure side pressure HP is changed. Since the refrigerant recovery rate is increased as the temperature rises, excessive refrigerant recovery can be prevented in advance, and the circulation accompanying the recovery of the refrigerant to the refrigerant amount adjustment tank 100 and the additional refrigerant amount adjustment tank 116 is achieved. It is possible to effectively prevent sudden fluctuations in the refrigerant amount.

  Further, while collecting the refrigerant in the refrigerant amount adjustment tank 100 and the additional refrigerant amount adjustment tank 116, the refrigerant is discharged from the refrigerant amount adjustment tank 100 and the additional refrigerant amount adjustment tank 116 based on the high pressure side pressure HP of the refrigerant circuit 1. Then, as the high pressure side pressure HP of the refrigerant circuit 1 decreases, the refrigerant is gradually released from the refrigerant amount adjustment tank 100 and the additional refrigerant amount adjustment tank 116, and thus from the refrigerant amount adjustment tank 100 and the additional refrigerant amount adjustment tank 116. This makes it possible to effectively prevent a sudden change in the amount of circulating refrigerant accompanying the release of the refrigerant.

  Accordingly, it is possible to appropriately maintain and manage the circulating refrigerant amount in the refrigerant circuit 1 of the refrigeration apparatus R in which the high pressure side becomes the critical pressure, and to realize stable cooling performance.

  In the embodiment, the low pressure control value, the compressor operating frequency increase speed, etc. are changed when a high pressure alarm, a high temperature alarm, or a low pressure cut occurs. Also good. In the embodiment, the determination is made using all of the low pressure of the refrigeration apparatus R, the valve opening degree of the main expansion valve 63, the power consumption, the operating state of the compressor 11, and the outside air temperature. You may judge by either of these, or those combination.

  In the embodiment, a showcase installed in a store is taken as an example of a cooling device, but the present invention is also effective for a cooling coil to which a refrigerant is supplied from a refrigerator. Furthermore, the concept of the store in the present invention is not limited to a supermarket or a convenience store, but includes facilities such as production factories and offices. Furthermore, each numerical value illustrated in the embodiment is not limited thereto, and may be appropriately set according to the refrigeration apparatus R.

MC master controller R refrigeration equipment RC centralized controller SC terminal controller 1 refrigerant circuit 3 refrigerator 5 showcase 7 high pressure piping 9 low pressure piping 11 compressor 32 low pressure sensor 58 high pressure sensor 60 solenoid valve 62 main expansion valve 85 solenoid valve 100 refrigerant Volume adjustment tank 111 Additional refrigerant quantity adjustment device 116 Additional refrigerant quantity adjustment tank

Claims (6)

A centralized control device for a refrigeration apparatus that centrally controls the operation of the refrigeration apparatus in a plurality of stores where the refrigeration apparatus is installed,
Terminal control means provided in the refrigeration apparatus of each store;
Higher-order control means provided in each of the stores, for transmitting and receiving data to and from the terminal control means of the store;
Constructed from centralized control means for sending and receiving data to and from the host control means of each store,
The central control means collects data relating to the operating state of the refrigeration apparatus from the terminal control means via the upper control means, and data relating to operating conditions of the refrigeration apparatus to the terminal control means via the upper control means. The central control apparatus of the refrigeration apparatus characterized by transmitting.   The centralized control means has a plurality of versions of the control program executed by each higher order control means, and when data is transmitted to and received from the higher order control means, the control program of the higher order control means The centralized control device for a refrigeration apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the version is selected to transmit and receive data. The refrigeration apparatus includes a refrigerator and a plurality of cooling devices to which a refrigerant is supplied from the refrigerator, and includes a low pressure detection unit that detects a low pressure, a power detection unit that detects power consumption, an outside air One or more or all of the outside air temperature detecting means for detecting the temperature, which are connected to the terminal control means,
The central control means includes a low-pressure pressure of the refrigeration apparatus collected from the terminal control means via the host control means, a valve opening degree of an expansion valve provided in the cooling device, a power consumption amount, and provided in the refrigerator. Based on the data relating to the operating state consisting of any one of the operating state of the compressor and the outside air temperature, or a combination thereof, the low-pressure control value of the refrigeration device and / or the control of the compressor The central control apparatus for a refrigeration apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a system is determined, and data relating to the operating condition is transmitted to the terminal control means via the host control means.   The central control means stores data relating to the past operation state of the refrigeration apparatus, and the data relating to the current operation state transmitted from the terminal control means via the host control means and the past operation state. The central control device for a refrigeration apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the low-pressure control value of the refrigeration apparatus is determined by comparing data with respect to the refrigeration apparatus.   5. The central control device for a refrigeration apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the central control means stores data relating to the operating state for the past one year.   The central control device for a refrigeration apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the refrigeration apparatus uses carbon dioxide as a refrigerant, and a high pressure side becomes a supercritical pressure.

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