JP2006349302A - Power consumption reducer, and power consumption reduction method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a power consumption reducer capable of maintaining a desired indoor environment to save electric power. <P>SOLUTION: This power consumption reducer 1 attached to indoor air conditioning equipment or indoor refrigerating equipment MC, and for stopping forcibly an operation of the equipment at set timing for a set time to reduce an electric power consumption of the equipment, controls the presence of the forcible stop or timing thereof, based on a room temperature and/or indoor humidity, controls also the presence of release for the forcible stop or timing thereof, based on the room temperature and/or the indoor humidity, stops forcibly an operation condition for the equipment MC, when the room temperature and/or the indoor humidity are within a set range, based on outputs from a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor 12 (ST6, ST7), and releases also the forcibly stop when the room temperature and/or the indoor humidity exceed the set ranges during the forcible stop (ST8, ST9). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a power consumption reduction device and a power consumption reduction method for reducing power consumption of various devices such as an air conditioner and a refrigerator.

  Air conditioners and refrigerators use a large amount of power from the built-in compressor (compressor), so power consumption is reduced, or in addition, contract power consumption and thus basic electricity charges are reduced. Equipment may be attached. Conventional power consumption reduction devices, as represented by so-called demand control, attempt to reduce power consumption by forcibly stopping the operation of the compressor for a set time at regular intervals.

  However, in the conventional method in which the operation is forcibly stopped for a set time every fixed time, there is a risk of deteriorating the indoor environment. In other words, when the air conditioner is operated using the power consumption reduction device, the room temperature is 28 ° C. or more in midsummer, but if the cooling operation is forcibly stopped at regular intervals, the room becomes muddy. It was something that would end up. On the other hand, if the room temperature is, for example, 20 ° C. or less in midwinter, the room is chilly if the heating operation is forcibly stopped at regular intervals.

  Similarly, in the case of a refrigerator, when the power consumption reduction device is installed and operated, the refrigeration operation is forcibly stopped at regular intervals even though the internal temperature is equal to or higher than the predetermined temperature. There was a risk of adversely affecting food ingredients.

  Furthermore, these things were the same not only about the temperature of the room (inside the room) but also about the humidity. For example, when a power consumption reduction device is attached to an air conditioner and the operation is performed, if the operation is forcibly stopped at regular intervals even when the indoor humidity is high, the room becomes sultry. Further, particularly in factories that handle paper and powder, it may be desired to save energy while keeping the indoor humidity within a predetermined range.

  The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a power consumption reduction apparatus and a power consumption reduction method capable of realizing power saving while maintaining a desired indoor environment.

  The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, and the invention according to claim 1 can reduce power consumption of the device by forcibly stopping the operation of the device for a set time at a set timing. A power consumption reduction device that controls the presence or timing of the forced stop or the presence or timing of the release of the forced stop based on an output of a temperature sensor and / or a humidity sensor. .

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, the power consumption of the device can be reduced by forcibly stopping the operation of the device for a set time at the set timing. In addition, the forced stop of the device or the release thereof is controlled based on the indoor temperature and / or humidity, so that it is possible to reduce the power in consideration of the indoor environment.

  The invention according to claim 2 is attached to indoor air-conditioning equipment or refrigeration equipment, and forcibly stops the operation of the equipment for a set time at a set timing, thereby reducing power consumption of the equipment. An apparatus for reducing power consumption, characterized in that the presence or timing of the forced stop is controlled based on the temperature and / or humidity in the room.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, the power consumption of the device can be reduced by forcibly stopping the operation of the device for a set time at the set timing. In addition, since the forced stop of the device is controlled based on the indoor temperature and / or humidity, it is possible to reduce the power in consideration of the indoor environment.

  The invention according to claim 3 is provided with a temperature sensor that measures the temperature of the room and a humidity sensor that measures the humidity of the room, and the temperature of the room based on the output of the temperature sensor and the humidity sensor. The power consumption reduction device according to claim 2, wherein the forced stop is performed only when both the humidity and the humidity are within a set range.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, if either the indoor temperature or the humidity is outside the set range, the indoor environment can be prevented from deteriorating by controlling to forcibly stop.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the forcible stop target device is a compressor of an air conditioner, a refrigerator, or a refrigerator, and the forced stop is during operation of the compressor and from a previous restart. The power consumption reduction device according to claim 3, wherein the power consumption reduction device is performed after elapse of a set protection time or more.

  According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the compressor is not forcibly stopped unless the protection time set from the restart has elapsed. Therefore, the burden on the compressor can be eased and failure can be prevented.

  The invention according to claim 5 is attached to indoor air-conditioning equipment or refrigeration equipment, and forcibly stops the operation of the equipment for a set time at a set timing, thereby reducing power consumption of the equipment. An apparatus for reducing power consumption, characterized in that the presence / absence or timing of release of the forced stop is controlled based on the temperature and / or humidity in the room.

  According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the power consumption of the device can be reduced by forcibly stopping the operation of the device for a set time at the set timing. In addition, since the release of the forced stop of the device is controlled based on the indoor temperature and / or humidity, it is possible to reduce the power in consideration of the indoor environment. Typically, during a forced stop of the equipment, if the indoor temperature or humidity exceeds a set range, the forced stop is controlled to be terminated early, thereby preventing the indoor environment from deteriorating and saving energy. Can be planned.

  The invention according to claim 6 is provided with a temperature sensor that measures the temperature of the room and a humidity sensor that measures the humidity of the room, and based on an output of the temperature sensor or the humidity sensor during the forced stop. The power consumption reduction device according to claim 5, wherein the forced stop is canceled before the set time when either the temperature or the humidity in the room is out of the set range.

  According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, if either the indoor temperature or the humidity falls outside the set range, the indoor environment can be prevented from deteriorating by speeding up the return from the forced stop.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the forcible stop target device is an air conditioner, a refrigerator, or a refrigerator compressor, and either the indoor temperature or humidity is outside a set range during the forced stop. Then, the forced stop is canceled after the set protection time or more has elapsed since the forced stop. The power consumption reduction device according to claim 6, wherein the forced stop is canceled.

  According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, during the forced stop of the compressor, even if either the indoor temperature or the humidity falls outside the set range, the compression is not performed unless the protection time set from the forced stop elapses. The machine will not be restarted. Therefore, the burden on the compressor can be eased and failure can be prevented.

  In the invention according to claim 8, the target device for forced stop is a compressor of an air conditioner capable of cooling and heating, and, as the set range, a lower limit temperature at which heating operation is not forcibly stopped at a temperature below that, The upper limit temperature and the upper limit humidity at which the cooling operation is not forcibly stopped at a temperature or humidity higher than that are set, according to any one of claims 3, 4, 6, and 7. It is a power consumption reduction apparatus of description.

  According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, the heating operation is prevented from being forcibly stopped even though the room temperature is lower than the set lower limit temperature. Further, it is possible to prevent the cooling operation from being forcibly stopped even when the room temperature exceeds the set upper limit temperature or the room humidity exceeds the set upper limit humidity. Therefore, deterioration of the indoor environment can be prevented.

  According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, the forcible stop target device is an air conditioner that can be cooled, a refrigerator, or a compressor of a refrigerator, and the set range is set to a temperature, humidity, or temperature higher than that. The power consumption reduction device according to any one of claims 3, 4, 6, and 7, wherein an upper limit temperature and an upper limit humidity that do not forcibly stop the refrigeration operation are set. is there.

  According to the ninth aspect of the invention, the room temperature exceeds the set upper limit temperature, or the room humidity exceeds the set upper limit humidity, but the cooling or freezing operation is forcibly stopped. Is prevented. Therefore, deterioration of the indoor environment can be prevented.

  The invention according to claim 10 is attached to a device having a compressor, such as an indoor air conditioning device, an indoor refrigeration device, or an indoor refrigeration device, and sets the operation state of the compressor at a set timing. A power consumption reduction device for reducing the power consumption of the device by forcibly stopping only for a time, an operation monitoring unit for monitoring the operating state of the compressor, and a blocking unit for forcibly stopping the operating state of the compressor; A power consumption reduction comprising: a sensor for measuring the temperature and / or humidity in the room; and a timing control unit for controlling an operation timing of forced stop and release of the blocking unit based on an output of the sensor Device.

  According to the invention described in claim 10, the power consumption can be reduced by forcibly stopping the operation of the compressor for the set time at the set timing. In addition, the forced stop or release thereof is controlled based on the indoor temperature and / or humidity, so that it is possible to reduce the power in consideration of the indoor environment. Furthermore, since the control is performed while monitoring the operation state of the compressor, the device can be forcibly stopped by removing the air blowing by the temperature adjustment mechanism of the device itself (when the compressor is self-stopped), and reliable energy saving can be achieved. In addition, the compressor can be protected by preventing a forced stop immediately after the compressor is restarted or a restart immediately after the compressor is stopped.

  Furthermore, in order to reduce the power consumption of a device including a compressor, such as an indoor air conditioning device, an indoor refrigeration device, or an indoor refrigeration device, the invention described in claim 11 A power consumption reduction method for forcibly stopping an operation for a set time at a set timing, the step of measuring the temperature and / or humidity in the room, the operating state of the compressor, the temperature and / or humidity in the room, And adjusting the timing of releasing the forced stop based on the temperature and / or humidity of the room during the forced stop of the compressor. This is a method for reducing power consumption.

  According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, the power consumption of the device can be reduced by forcibly stopping the operation of the device for a set time at the set timing. In addition, the forced stop of the device or the release thereof is controlled based on the indoor temperature and / or humidity, so that it is possible to reduce the power in consideration of the indoor environment.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to realize power saving while maintaining a desired indoor environment.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of a power consumption reduction device and a power consumption reduction method of the present invention will be described.

  The present invention can be applied to various conventionally known power consumption reduction devices. This type of device includes a demand control device that performs demand control for the purpose of reducing so-called basic electricity charges. The power consumption reduction device is a device that forcibly stops the operation of a control target device such as an air conditioner or a refrigerator at a set operation timing to reduce power consumption of the device. Typically, the operation of the compressor attached to the air conditioner or the like is forcibly stopped for a fixed time every fixed period. The power consumption reduction apparatus according to the present embodiment performs control of presence / absence or timing of the forced stop and / or presence / absence or timing of release of the forced stop in consideration of the room temperature and / or the room humidity. In this specification, “indoor” is a concept including “inside”.

  When performing control in consideration of the temperature, a temperature sensor for measuring the indoor temperature is necessary. In addition, when performing control in consideration of humidity, a humidity sensor that measures indoor humidity is required. Furthermore, when performing control in consideration of both temperature and humidity, both a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor are used. At this time, the temperature sensor and the humidity sensor do not need to be separate bodies, and a temperature / humidity sensor in which both are integrated may be used. In addition, although the kind of temperature sensor or humidity sensor is not ask | required, a thermistor can be used as a temperature sensor, for example, and a polymer film humidity sensor can be used as a humidity sensor.

  The compulsory stop of the compressor to which the power consumption reduction device is attached is made only when the room temperature and / or the room humidity are within the set range. At this time, the temperature range may be set as an upper limit temperature and a lower limit temperature, or only a specific temperature may be specified and set as a temperature range higher or lower. Similarly, the humidity range may be set as an upper limit humidity and a lower limit humidity, or may be set as a humidity range higher or lower by designating only a certain specific humidity.

  When the control is performed in consideration of the room temperature, the presence or timing of the forced stop of the compressor is controlled based on the output of the temperature sensor. Typically, the compressor is forcibly stopped only when the room temperature is within the set range. If the room temperature is not within the set range at the set timing, the compressor may be forcibly stopped after waiting until it is within the set range, or the forced stop at that time (timed) may be skipped. Also good. By the way, during the forced stop, it is possible to control whether or not the forced stop of the compressor is released or the timing based on the output of the temperature sensor. Typically, during a forced stop, the room temperature is constantly monitored, and if the room temperature falls outside the set range, the forced stop of the compressor should be canceled early.

  When controlling in consideration of indoor humidity, the presence or timing of the forced stop of the compressor is controlled based on the output of the humidity sensor. Typically, the compressor is forcibly stopped only when the indoor humidity is within the set range. If the indoor humidity is not within the set range at the set timing, the compressor may be forcibly stopped after waiting until it is within the set range, or the forced stop at that time (time limit) may be skipped. Also good. By the way, during the forced stop, it is possible to control whether or not the forced stop of the compressor is released or the timing based on the output of the humidity sensor. Typically, during a forced stop, the room humidity is constantly monitored, and if the room humidity falls outside the set range, the forced stop of the compressor should be canceled early.

  When the control is performed in consideration of both the room temperature and the room humidity, the presence or timing of the forced stop of the compressor is controlled based on the outputs of the temperature sensor and the humidity sensor. Typically, the compressor is forcibly stopped only when both the room temperature and the room humidity are within the set range. If either the room temperature or room humidity is not within the set range at the set timing, the compressor may be forcibly stopped after waiting until it is within the set range, or at that time (timed) The forced stop may be skipped. By the way, during the forced stop, it is possible to control whether or not the forced stop of the compressor is released or the timing based on the outputs of the temperature sensor and the humidity sensor. Typically, during a forced stop, the room temperature and the room humidity are constantly monitored, and if either the room temperature or the room humidity falls outside the set range, the forced stop of the compressor should be canceled early. When using a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor, priority can be given to temperature and humidity, and it can also control.

  When the power consumption reduction device is installed in an air conditioner, for example, the compressor is not forcibly stopped above the set upper limit temperature or upper limit humidity, thereby obstructing the cooling or dehumidifying operation in a room with high temperature or high humidity. And a comfortable indoor environment. On the other hand, by not forcibly stopping the compressor below the set lower limit temperature, a comfortable indoor environment is realized without impeding the low-temperature indoor heating operation.

  Furthermore, the operation of the humidifier and / or dehumidifier attached to the air conditioner (including the air conditioning system) may be operated based on the output of the humidity sensor. When the humidifier is used, the power consumption reduction device operates the relay contact provided in the middle of the power supply line to the humidifier, for example, and operates the humidifier below the set lower limit humidity. Moreover, when using a dehumidifier, a power consumption reduction apparatus operates the relay contact provided in the middle of the power supply line to a dehumidifier, for example, and operates a dehumidifier above the set upper limit humidity.

  In the case of an air conditioner that performs cooling and heating, it is better to set both the upper limit temperature (and / or upper limit humidity) and the lower limit temperature, but only when either one of them is set for cooling or heating The power consumption reduction control may be performed in consideration of the room temperature or the room humidity. In the case of a cooling machine, only a specific temperature (and / or specific humidity) corresponding to the upper limit temperature (and / or upper limit humidity) is set, and power consumption reduction control is performed only when the temperature is lower than the specific temperature. Can be done. Further, in the case of a dedicated heater, only a specific temperature corresponding to the lower limit temperature is set, and power consumption reduction control can be performed only when the temperature is equal to or higher than the specific temperature. In addition, even if it is a dedicated cooling unit or a dedicated heating unit, use a power consumption reduction device that can set the upper limit temperature and lower limit temperature, and practically only the upper limit temperature or lower limit temperature functions. Is also possible.

  The power consumption reduction device of the present invention can be applied not only to an air conditioner but also to a refrigerator or a refrigerator. In this case, the same control as that of the cooling only machine is performed by using a temperature sensor that measures the internal temperature and only the set temperature is different. Therefore, the compressor can be configured not to forcibly stop the compressor by the power consumption reduction control at a temperature of, for example, −18 ° C. or higher. Alternatively, the refrigerator can be configured not to forcibly stop the compressor by the power consumption reduction control at a temperature of, for example, 15 ° C. or higher.

  By the way, the compressor is repeatedly restarted and self-stopped (or forcedly stopped), but it is desirable not to stop for a predetermined time (first protection time) once the operation is started once by restarting. Moreover, it is desirable not to restart for a predetermined time (second protection time) once stopped. Therefore, it is preferable to consider the operation state of the compressor at the timing of forcibly stopping the compressor and / or the timing of releasing the forced stop.

  Specifically, at the timing when the compressor is forced to stop, it is confirmed whether or not the compressor is operating and whether or not the first protection time set since the previous restart has elapsed. A forced stop is made after the passage of time. If the compressor self-stops by the temperature control mechanism of the air conditioner before the first protection time elapses, the next restart is waited, and then the forced stop is made after the first protection time elapses. In this way, it is desirable to forcibly stop the compressor only when the compressor is in the operating state continuously for the first protection time or longer.

  In addition, if the room temperature or humidity is outside the set range during the forced stop of the compressor, and the forced stop is to be released early, the set second protection time has elapsed since the forced stop. The forced stop is released after the second protection time has elapsed. If the room temperature or room humidity falls outside the set range before the second protection time elapses, the forced stop is canceled after waiting until the second protection time elapses. If the room temperature or room humidity falls outside the set range after the second protection time has elapsed from the forced stop, the forced stop is immediately released. The first protection time and the second protection time may be the same or different.

  Hereinafter, the power consumption reduction apparatus and the power consumption reduction method of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a use state of an embodiment of a power consumption reduction apparatus of the present invention, and shows a connection relationship between the power consumption reduction apparatus 1 and a power device 2 to which the power consumption reduction apparatus 1 is attached.

  The power device 2 to be controlled is not particularly limited, but is typically an air conditioner or a refrigerator. Here, it demonstrates as an air conditioner which performs indoor air conditioning. The power consumption reduction device 1 of the present embodiment controls the operation of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner, in particular, its compressor.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the motor MC of the compressor is operated by receiving a three-phase AC voltage R, S, T of 200 V via a power line. The power consumption reduction device 1 operates a relay Re provided in the power supply line in order to forcibly stop the operation of the motor MC.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the power consumption reduction apparatus 1 of the present embodiment. As shown in this figure, the power consumption reduction device 1 of this embodiment includes a power supply device 3, a compressor operation state monitoring device (operation monitoring unit) 4, a compressor operation state indicator 5, a control presence / absence changeover switch 6, a control state. In addition to the display 7, the protection time setting device 8, the control rate setting device 9, the compressor controller (blocking unit) 10, the sensor 12 for measuring the temperature and / or humidity of the air-conditioned room and its sensor control unit 13, A central processing unit (microcomputer CPU) 11 that controls these operations is provided.

  The central processing unit 11 controls the operation of the entire power consumption reduction device according to a predetermined procedure (program), and in particular, controls the operation timing of the compressor forcibly stopping or releasing it by the shut-off unit based on the output of the sensor. . Moreover, the power supply device 3 receives AC 100V or 200V and converts it into a DC voltage.

  The compressor operation state monitoring device 4 grasps the operation state of the compressor. The operation state monitoring device 4 of the present embodiment is a current detector Se that detects a current value of a three-phase alternating current supplied to the motor MC, and the central processing unit 11 has a compressor based on the detected current value. It is determined whether or not it is in an operating state. However, the monitoring of the operating state of the compressor is not limited to the current detector Se. For example, the operation of the compressor may be monitored using an auxiliary contact of an electromagnetic contactor for a compressor that turns on / off the operation of the compressor. In addition, this electromagnetic contactor for compressors can also be utilized as said relay Re operated to forcibly stop the compressor.

  The compressor operation state indicator 5 displays the operation state of the compressor. The operation state indicator 5 of this embodiment is, for example, a green LED lamp. If the compressor to be controlled is in an operating state, the LED lamp is lit in green, and if the compressor is stopped, the LED lamp is turned off. .

  The control presence / absence changeover switch 6 sets whether or not to operate the power consumption reduction device 1. The changeover switch 6 of this embodiment is set to ON when the power consumption reduction device 1 is used, and is set to OFF when not used.

  The control status indicator 7 displays whether the power consumption reduction device 1 is in the control mode or the non-control mode. That is, it is displayed whether or not the compressor is being forcibly stopped by the power consumption reduction device 1. The control status indicator 7 of the present embodiment is, for example, a red LED lamp, and is provided at a position where it can be seen even when the case of the power consumption reduction device 1 is closed. If the operating state of the power consumption reduction device 1 is in the control mode, it blinks at 0.1 second intervals, and if it is in the non-control mode, it blinks at 2 second intervals.

  In the present embodiment, the protection time setting unit 8 is always in the non-control mode for several minutes after the compressor is restarted, and protects the compressor by not forcibly stopping, but the non-control mode is maintained. Set the time (first protection time). In this embodiment, even if the compressor is forcibly stopped, even if the room temperature or the room humidity exceeds the set range, the forced stop must be maintained for several minutes after the forcible stop. The compressor is protected by the above, but the duration (second protection time) for maintaining the control mode is set. In the present embodiment, the first protection time and the second protection time are the same. Further, the protection time setting device 8 of the present embodiment is a variable resistor, and based on the resistance value, for example, within a range of about 3 minutes to 15 minutes, the duration of the uncontrolled state after restarting the compressor, And the duration of the control state after the forced compressor stop can be set.

  The control rate setting unit 9 sets a power reduction rate (typically a control rate for demand control). The control rate setting device 9 of the present embodiment is composed of, for example, a switch that can be switched in multiple stages, and can set a control rate of 10% control, 15% control, etc. according to the switching position. Here, the control rate indicates what percentage of the operation time is set to the power saving mode. For example, when entering the control mode once every 30 minutes, 10% control forcibly stops the compressor for 3 minutes, and 15% control forcibly stops the compressor for 4.5 minutes. Become.

  Note that demand control is usually configured to enter the control mode at a rate of once every 30 minutes. However, a control cycle such as entering the control mode at a rate of twice per 30 minutes by operating a predetermined switch. (Time period) may be changed. In addition, when one room is air-conditioned by a plurality of air conditioners, it is desirable that each air conditioner (compressor) does not enter the control mode at the same time.

  In the present embodiment, the compressor controller 10 controls ON / OFF of the motor MC of the compressor by controlling a relay Re built in the power device 2 to be controlled. The compulsory stop of the compressor by the power consumption reduction device 1 is performed by providing a relay Re in the power supply line to the motor MC and operating whether or not power is supplied to the coil for opening the contact of the relay Re.

  Furthermore, in the power consumption reduction apparatus 1, at least one sensor 12 of the temperature sensor that measures the temperature of the air-conditioned room and the humidity sensor that measures the humidity of the air-conditioned room passes through the sensor control unit 13. Connected. In this embodiment, both a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor are used. That is, a sensor 12 that measures temperature and humidity is provided in a room that is air-conditioned by an air conditioner, and an output from the sensor 12 is sent to the sensor control unit 13 of the power consumption reduction device 1 main body. Thereby, the power consumption reduction apparatus 1 can always grasp the temperature and humidity of the air-conditioned room.

  The compressor to which the power consumption reduction device 1 is attached is forcibly stopped only when the room temperature and the room humidity are within the set ranges. Therefore, in the power consumption reduction apparatus 1, the setting ranges for temperature and humidity are set in advance so as to be registered or changeable. This setting is made via the sensor control unit 13 in this embodiment. At this time, the temperature range may be set as an upper limit temperature and a lower limit temperature, or only a specific temperature may be designated and set as a temperature range higher or lower. Similarly, the humidity range may be set as an upper limit humidity and a lower limit humidity, or may be set as a humidity range higher or lower by designating only a certain specific humidity.

  Next, operation | movement of the power consumption reduction apparatus 1 of a present Example attached to the air conditioner is demonstrated. When the power consumption reduction device 1 is in a non-operating state (the changeover switch 6 is OFF), the operation of the compressor is controlled based on the temperature adjustment mechanism of the air conditioner itself, and the compressor is in a self-stop state. Repeated restart.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the control state of the air conditioner by the power consumption reduction apparatus 1 of this embodiment. The power consumption reduction apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment repeats control every preset time period, and the compressor is forcibly stopped for the set stop time within the time limit period. In the state where the forced stop is released, the compressor repeats self-stop and restart based on the temperature control mechanism of the air conditioner itself. Although the time limit time and the stop time are appropriately set, in this embodiment, the time limit time is set to 30 minutes, and the forced stop time of the compressor is set to 4 minutes 30 seconds (control rate 15%).

  First, at the start of the time limit, the timer variables T1 and T2 are reset to zero. Specifically, the time limit counter T1 and the stop time counter T2 are reset to 0 (ST1). Then, time counting by the time limit time counting counter T1 is started (ST2).

  Thereafter, the power consumption reduction device 1 is entered into the control mode and the compressor is forcibly stopped. For example, in an air conditioner in an office, a predetermined time until the air conditioner is started up first in the morning in the summer. If it is forcibly stopped every time, the indoor environment may not easily reach the desired level. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the compressor stop exceeds the upper limit stop time (for example, 15 minutes), the relay contact is maintained in the CLOSE state and the set non-control time (for example, 20 minutes). ) Continues the operation in the non-control mode without forcibly stopping (ST3, ST4). In other words, in this case, the air conditioner does not receive power consumption reduction control for the non-control time, and controls the operation of the compressor based on its own temperature adjustment mechanism. Even when the air conditioner is in a stopped state (power OFF state), the power consumption reduction apparatus 1 constantly monitors the operation of the compressor, and thus can perform such control. However, the processing of ST3 and ST4 may be omitted.

  Next, the power consumption reduction device 1 is entered into the control mode, and the compressor is forcibly stopped for the set stop time. Before that, the compressor is first in an operating state and protected from the previous restart. It is determined whether time has elapsed (ST5). Here, the time that should elapse from the restart is a value set by the protection time setter 8 and is typically 3 minutes. Therefore, typically, in the process of ST5, it is determined whether or not the operation state of the compressor has continued for 3 minutes or more from the previous restart. If not, the process waits for 3 minutes. . Since such a process is provided, it is possible to prevent the compressor from being forcibly stopped despite immediately after restarting, and to protect the compressor. Note that whether or not the compressor is operating and the restart timing of the compressor can be known from the output of the current detector Se. Further, since the compressor is forcibly stopped at the timing of the operation state, it is possible to reliably reduce power consumption. By the way, when the compressor self-stops 3 minutes after the restart of the compressor, it waits until the next restart and further waits until the protection time elapses.

  When it is confirmed that the compressor is in the operating state and has been in the operating state for the protection time or longer, it is next determined whether or not the indoor temperature and the indoor humidity by the sensor 12 are within the set range ( ST6). If any of these is within the set range, the relay contact is set to OPEN for the stop time set by the control rate setter 9 to forcibly stop the compressor (ST7 to ST11). Specifically, the compressor is stopped for 3 minutes at the time of 10% control and 4.5 minutes at the time of 15% control to be in a blowing state, and then the relay contact is returned to the CLOSE state. Specifically, when the compressor is forcibly stopped, time counting by the stop time counting counter T2 is started (ST7), and when the T2 reaches the stop time, the forced stop is released (ST10, ST11).

  By the way, the set temperature and the set humidity are appropriately set. For example, in the case of temperature setting, the upper limit is set to 28 ° C. and the lower limit is set to 20 ° C. The room temperature and the room humidity may be changed using a sensor control unit or the like. In this embodiment, both the room temperature and the room humidity can be set, and forced stop control is performed only when both are within the set range. Therefore, for example, during the cooling operation in midsummer, if the room temperature is 28 ° C. or higher or is higher than the set humidity, the power consumption reduction device 1 refrains from forcibly stopping the compressor. On the other hand, if the room temperature becomes 20 ° C. or less, for example, during heating operation in winter, the power consumption reduction device 1 refrains from forcibly stopping the compressor. In the flowchart of FIG. 3, when the temperature and humidity are outside the setting range, the process waits until the temperature and humidity are within the setting range. However, the forced stop processing of the compressor in the control cycle (time limit) may be skipped.

  In this embodiment, the room temperature and the room humidity are constantly monitored even during the forced stop of the compressor, and if they exceed the set range, the forced stop is canceled early even before the stop time expires (ST8, ST9). ). However, even if either the room temperature or the room humidity exceeds the set range before the protection time elapses after the forced stop, the process waits until the protection time elapses, and the forced stop is released immediately after the protection time elapses. Further, although the protection time has passed since the forced stop, if either the room temperature or the room humidity exceeds the set range before the stop time expires, the forced stop is immediately released at that time.

  In this way, after the set stop for at least the protection time is made, the relay contact is turned on to shift to the non-control mode (ST11), and the process from ST2 to 30 is performed based on the value of the timer variable T1. It is determined whether or not the minute has elapsed, and if 30 minutes have elapsed, the process returns to ST1 and enters the next time period (ST12).

  By the way, also in the process before ST12, it is preferable to always check whether the timer variable T1 reaches the time limit, and to move to the next time limit when it is reached. In this case, immediately before the compressor is forcibly stopped (ST7), if the remaining time is less than the protection time, that is, if the timer variable T1 is equal to or greater than "time limit time-protection time" (27 minutes in this embodiment), ST11 It is preferable to make a jump so that the forced stop at that time is skipped. As a result, even if the time limit expires during the forced stop, the protection time elapses from the forced stop, and the compressor can be protected even after the forced stop.

  The operation content of the power consumption reduction apparatus 1 is as described above, but the power consumption reduction apparatus 1 is assigned a different device number by a dip switch. Then, the device of device number 0 starts the processing of ST1 immediately after power-on, the device of device number 1 starts the processing of ST1 after the standby time TT after power-on, and the device of device number i The processing of ST1 is started after the waiting time after injection TT × i. Therefore, even when one room is air-conditioned with i devices, there is no adverse effect that i devices enter the control mode at the same time and the temperature of the room changes greatly. However, it is preferable that the start time and the end time of the time limit are the same for any device.

  FIG. 4 to FIG. 7 are examples of time charts when the power consumption reduction device 1 of the present embodiment is installed, and (A) shows the state of the compressor by the temperature control mechanism of the air conditioner itself. (B) shows the state of the compressor by the power consumption reduction device 1, and (C) shows the state of the compressor that combines (A) and (B).

  In the case of FIG. 4, the compressor entered a self-stop from time T11 by the temperature adjustment mechanism and restarted at time T12. The power consumption reduction apparatus 1 is assumed to be the timing for forcibly stopping the compressor at time TS. In this case, if the compressor is in the operating state at time TS and the protection time (3 minutes) or more has already elapsed since the previous restart T12, the power consumption reduction apparatus 1 will If the humidity is within the set range, the compressor is immediately forcibly stopped. Then, the forced stop is canceled at time TB after the forced stop time (5 minutes) has elapsed. After the forced stop is released, the compressor is either restarted or self-stopped by the temperature control mechanism of the air conditioner itself.

  By the way, during the forced stop of the compressor (time TS to TB) and at the time TX before the protection time (3 minutes) has elapsed since the forced stop of the compressor TS, either the room temperature or the room humidity falls within the set range. Suppose you exceed. In this case, the state is maintained until the protection time elapses from the forced stop time TS, and the forced stop is released at the time TB ′ when the protection time elapses.

  Further, it is assumed that either the room temperature or the room humidity exceeds the set range during the forced stop of the compressor (time TS to TB) and after the protection time (3 minutes) has elapsed since the forced stop of the compressor TS. In this case, when the set range is exceeded (time TB ″), the forced stop is immediately released.

  In the case of FIG. 5, the compressor entered a self-stop from time T21 by the temperature control mechanism and restarted at time T22. The power consumption reduction apparatus 1 is assumed to be the timing for forcibly stopping the compressor at time TS. In this case, at time TS, if the compressor is in an operating state and the protection time has not elapsed since the last restart T22, the system first waits until the protection time elapses. However, before the protection time elapses, the compressor self-stops at time T23. In this case, the compressor waits for restart at time T24, and the protection time elapses from time T24. If the temperature and humidity are within the set range, the compressor is forcibly stopped. Then, at time T26 after the elapse of the forced stop time, the forced stop is released. Note that the processing when either the room temperature or the room humidity exceeds the set range during the forced stop is the same as in FIG.

  In the case of FIG. 6, the compressor entered a self-stop from time T31 by the temperature adjustment mechanism and restarted at time T32. The power consumption reduction apparatus 1 is assumed to be the timing for forcibly stopping the compressor at time TS. In this case, at time TS, if the compressor is in an operating state and the protection time has not elapsed since the last restart T32, the system first waits until the protection time elapses. Then, the compressor continues operating until time T33 when the protection time elapses. If the temperature and humidity are within the set range, the compressor is forcibly stopped at time T33. Then, the forced stop is canceled at time T34 after the forced stop time has elapsed. Note that the processing when either the room temperature or the room humidity exceeds the set range during the forced stop is the same as in FIG.

  In the case of FIG. 7, the compressor has entered a self-stop from time T41 by the temperature adjustment mechanism. The power consumption reduction apparatus 1 is assumed to be the timing for forcibly stopping the compressor at time TS. In this case, since the compressor is stopped at time TS, it waits until the next restart. And since it restarts at time T42, if temperature and humidity are within the setting range at time T43 when the protection time elapses from time T42, the compressor is forcibly stopped. Then, the forced stop is canceled at time T44 after the forced stop time has elapsed. Note that the processing when either the room temperature or the room humidity exceeds the set range during the forced stop time is the same as in the case of FIG.

  The power consumption reduction device and the power consumption reduction method of the present invention are not limited to the configuration of the above embodiment, and can be changed as appropriate. In particular, the time limit, the forced compressor stop time, the upper limit stop time, the non-control time, and the compressor protection time in FIG. 3 are examples and needless to say, may be changed as appropriate.

  In addition, for example, in the above embodiment, the example applied to an air conditioner that performs air conditioning is described. However, only one of the upper limit and the lower limit of the temperature (or humidity) is functioned or configured as such, It can also be applied to cooling only machines, heating only machines, refrigerators, and refrigerators. In addition, if the power reduction control is performed while determining the temperature (inside the room) and / or humidity, the flow of processing can be changed as appropriate.

It is the schematic which shows the use condition of one Example of the power consumption reduction apparatus of this invention, and has shown the connection relation of the power consumption reduction apparatus and the electric power apparatus with which it was attached. It is a block diagram of the power consumption reduction apparatus of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the control state of the air conditioner by the power consumption reduction apparatus of FIG. It is a time chart which shows the state of the compressor of the air conditioner which attached the power consumption reduction apparatus of FIG. 1, (A) shows the state by an air conditioner's own temperature control mechanism, (B) is the state by a power consumption reduction apparatus. (C) shows a state in which (A) and (B) are combined. It is a time chart which shows another example of FIG. 5 is a time chart showing still another example of FIG. 4. 5 is a time chart showing still another example of FIG. 4.

Explanation of symbols

1 Power consumption reduction device 2 Electric power equipment (air conditioners and refrigerators)
12 Temperature sensor and / or humidity sensor MC Applicable equipment subject to forced shut-off Se Operation monitoring unit (current detector)
Re blocking part (relay)

Claims (11)

It is a power consumption reduction device that forcibly stops the operation of the device at the set time and reduces the power consumption of the device,
A power consumption reduction apparatus that controls the presence or timing of the forced stop or the presence or timing of the release of the forced stop based on an output of a temperature sensor and / or a humidity sensor. A power consumption reduction device that is attached to an indoor air conditioning device or a refrigeration device, forcibly stops the operation of the device at a set time at a set timing, and reduces the power consumption of the device,
The power consumption reduction apparatus characterized by controlling the presence or timing of the forced stop based on the indoor temperature and / or humidity. A temperature sensor that measures the indoor temperature; and a humidity sensor that measures the indoor humidity;
The power consumption reduction according to claim 2, wherein the forced stop is performed only when both the temperature and humidity in the room are within a set range based on outputs of the temperature sensor and the humidity sensor. apparatus. The target device of the forced stop is an air conditioner, a refrigerator or a compressor of a refrigerator,
The power consumption reduction apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the forced stop is performed during the operation of the compressor and after a lapse of a protection time set since the previous restart. A power consumption reduction device that is attached to an indoor air conditioning device or a refrigeration device, forcibly stops the operation of the device at a set time at a set timing, and reduces the power consumption of the device,
The power consumption reduction apparatus characterized by controlling the presence or timing of cancellation of the forced stop based on the indoor temperature and / or humidity. A temperature sensor that measures the indoor temperature; and a humidity sensor that measures the indoor humidity;
During the forced stop, based on the output of the temperature sensor or the humidity sensor, if any of the indoor temperature or humidity falls outside the set range, the forced stop is canceled before the set time. The power consumption reduction device according to claim 5. The target device of the forced stop is an air conditioner, a refrigerator or a compressor of a refrigerator,
The forced stop is canceled after the set protection time or more has elapsed from the time of the forced stop when either the temperature or humidity in the room is out of a set range during the forced stop. Power consumption reduction device. The target device to be forcibly stopped is a compressor of an air conditioner capable of cooling and heating,
As the setting range, a lower limit temperature at which the heating operation is not forcibly stopped at a temperature lower than that, and an upper limit temperature and an upper limit humidity at which the cooling operation is not forcibly stopped at a temperature or humidity higher than that are set. The power consumption reduction apparatus according to claim 3, claim 4, claim 6, or claim 7. The target device of the forced stop is an air conditioner capable of cooling, a refrigerator or a compressor of a refrigerator,
The upper limit temperature and the upper limit humidity at which the cooling, refrigeration or freezing operation is not forcibly stopped at higher temperatures or humidity are set as the setting range. Or a power consumption reduction device according to claim 7. It is attached to a device equipped with a compressor such as an indoor air conditioning device, indoor refrigeration device, indoor refrigeration device, etc., and the operation state of the compressor is forcibly stopped for a set time at a set timing, and the device A power consumption reduction device that reduces power consumption of
An operation monitoring unit for monitoring an operation state of the compressor;
A shut-off section for forcibly stopping the operating state of the compressor;
A sensor for measuring the temperature and / or humidity in the room;
A power consumption reduction device comprising: a timing control unit that controls the operation timing of the forced stop and release of the blocking unit based on the output of the sensor. To reduce power consumption of equipment equipped with a compressor, such as indoor air conditioning equipment, indoor refrigeration equipment, or indoor refrigeration equipment, the compressor operation is forcibly stopped at the set timing for a set time. A method for reducing power consumption,
Measuring the indoor temperature and / or humidity;
Adjusting the forced stop timing of the compressor based on the operating state of the compressor and the indoor temperature and / or humidity;
Adjusting the timing for releasing the forced stop based on the indoor temperature and / or humidity during the forced stop of the compressor.

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