JP2011257434A - Engine life estimation device and refrigeration device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an engine estimation device that is low in cost and high in reliability.SOLUTION: A current detection part (41) and a voltage detection part (42) respectively detect a current value and a voltage value output by an engine generator (1). An operation part (5) determines a weighting constant based on the current value and the voltage value, weights operation hours of an engine (11) using the weighting constant, and calculates integration hours by integrating the weighted operation hours. A determination part (6) compares the integration hours with reference hours, and when determined that the integration hours exceeds the reference hours, notifies an information part (8) of that. The notified information part (8) announces it externally. Since the current detection part (41) and the voltage detection part (42) can be constituted by an electric circuit, an engine life can be estimated at low cost and with high reliability.

Description

  The present invention relates to an engine life prediction apparatus and a refrigeration apparatus, and more particularly to life prediction using a generator that uses an engine as a power source.

  Patent Documents 1 to 4 disclose techniques for predicting engine life using engine speed, output torque, power consumption, and the like. For example, in Patent Document 1, an engine speed and a rack position (an alternative value of engine torque) are detected by an engine speed sensor and a rack position sensor, and a weight is determined based on the detected speed and rack position. The engine life is calculated by weighting the engine operating time using the weight.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-211622 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 06-010748 JP 2001-011900 A JP 2005-171940 A

  However, the techniques described in Patent Documents 1 to 4 have a problem that the reliability is low and the manufacturing cost increases because sensors such as an engine speed detector and a torque detector are required.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a low-cost and highly reliable engine life prediction apparatus.

  A first aspect of an engine life prediction apparatus according to the present invention includes a current detection unit (41) that detects a current value output from a generator (12) that uses an engine (11) as a power source, and the generator. A detection unit (4) having a voltage detection unit (42) for detecting a voltage value output from the power source, and a weight constant determined based on the current value and the voltage value. A calculation unit (5) that applies weighting and calculates the integrated time by adding the weighted operation time, and a determination unit that determines the life of the engine by comparing the integrated time with a preset reference value (6).

  A second aspect of the engine life predicting apparatus according to the present invention is the engine life predicting apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the calculation unit (5) outputs from the generator as a horizontal axis and a vertical axis. The weighting constant determined by associating the current value and the voltage value with each other is used in a weighting table in which the weighting constant is set corresponding to the combination of the current and the voltage.

  A third aspect of the engine life prediction apparatus according to the present invention is the engine life prediction apparatus according to the first or second aspect, wherein the converter (2) converts alternating current output from the generator into direct current. ), And the detection unit is connected to at least the input side of the converter.

  A fourth aspect of the engine life predicting apparatus according to the present invention is the engine life predicting apparatus according to the first or second aspect, wherein the converter (2) converts alternating current output from the generator into direct current. ), And the detection unit is connected to at least the output side of the converter.

  A fifth aspect of the engine life prediction apparatus according to the present invention is the engine life prediction apparatus according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, and converts AC power output from the generator. When the determination unit determines that the integration time has exceeded the reference value, at least one of the maximum output power and the maximum output frequency of the power conversion device (2, 31, 35) And a power converter control unit (20, 34, 36) for limiting the power consumption.

  A sixth aspect of the engine life prediction apparatus according to the present invention is the engine life prediction apparatus according to the fifth aspect, wherein a plurality of the reference values are set in advance, and the power converter control unit According to each of the reference values, at least one of the maximum output power and the maximum output frequency is limited.

  A seventh aspect of the engine life predicting apparatus according to the present invention is the engine life predicting apparatus according to the fifth or sixth aspect, wherein loads (32, 33) are supplied with electric power from the power converter. The detection unit is connected to the output side of the power conversion device, and the calculation unit weights the operation time of the load using the weight constant, and operates the weighted load. The accumulated time is calculated by integrating the time, and the life of the load is judged by comparing the accumulated time with a preset reference value.

  An eighth aspect of the engine life prediction apparatus according to the present invention is the engine life prediction apparatus according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, wherein the accumulated time exceeds the reference value. When the determination unit determines, an informing unit (8) for informing the outside is further provided.

  A ninth aspect of the engine life prediction apparatus according to the present invention is the engine life prediction apparatus according to the eighth aspect, wherein a plurality of the reference values are set in advance, and the notification unit Notify according to each.

  A tenth aspect of the engine life prediction apparatus according to the present invention is the engine life prediction apparatus according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, wherein the accumulated time exceeds the reference value. An engine controller (7) is further provided for restricting at least one of the maximum output and the maximum rotation speed of the engine when the determination unit determines.

  An eleventh aspect of the engine life prediction apparatus according to the present invention is the engine life prediction apparatus according to the tenth aspect, in which the engine controller determines that the accumulated time exceeds the reference value. When the unit determines, the engine is stopped.

  A twelfth aspect of the engine life prediction apparatus according to the present invention is the engine life prediction apparatus according to the tenth aspect, wherein a plurality of the reference values are set in advance, and the engine controller Depending on each, at least one of the maximum output and the maximum rotation speed is limited.

  A thirteenth aspect of the engine life prediction apparatus according to the present invention is the engine life prediction apparatus according to the third or fourth aspect, wherein the determination unit determines that the accumulated time exceeds the reference value. A converter control unit (20) for limiting the maximum output voltage of the converter when determined.

  A fourteenth aspect of the engine life prediction apparatus according to the present invention is the engine life prediction apparatus according to the thirteenth aspect, wherein a plurality of the reference values are preset, and the converter control unit The maximum output voltage is limited according to each.

  A fifteenth aspect of the engine life prediction apparatus according to the present invention is the engine life prediction apparatus according to any one of the first to fourteenth aspects, wherein the generator drives the motor (32).

  A sixteenth aspect of the engine life prediction apparatus according to the present invention is the engine life prediction apparatus according to any one of the first to fifteenth aspects, and is provided so as to be replaceable, and records the accumulated time. A nonvolatile recording medium (9) is further provided.

  A first aspect of a refrigeration apparatus according to the present invention includes the engine life prediction apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 16.

  According to the first and second aspects of the engine life prediction apparatus according to the present invention, the detection unit can be configured by an electric circuit, so that a low-cost and highly reliable engine life prediction apparatus can be provided.

  According to the third aspect of the engine life predicting apparatus of the present invention, the detection unit detects on the input side of the converter, and therefore it is easy to detect the AC frequency.

  According to the fourth aspect of the engine life predicting apparatus of the present invention, the detection unit can measure the voltage based on the low output potential of the converter, so that the detection accuracy can be improved.

  According to the fifth, tenth, and thirteenth aspects of the engine life predicting apparatus according to the present invention, the time when the engine stops due to the life can be extended.

  According to the sixth, twelfth, and fourteenth aspects of the engine life predicting apparatus according to the present invention, it is possible to extend the timing for stopping according to the life of the engine more finely.

  According to the seventh aspect of the engine life prediction apparatus of the present invention, it is also possible to predict the load life.

  According to the eighth aspect of the engine life prediction apparatus of the present invention, the user can easily check the engine life.

  According to the ninth aspect of the engine life predicting apparatus of the present invention, the user can know the engine life in detail, and thus can respond quickly.

  According to the eleventh aspect of the engine life prediction apparatus of the present invention, the engine is stopped before the engine life, so that it is possible to prevent engine failure due to the life.

  According to the fifteenth aspect of the engine life prediction apparatus of the present invention, the detection unit can be configured by an electric circuit, and a sensor for measuring the torque of the motor is not necessary.

  According to the sixteenth aspect of the engine life prediction apparatus of the present invention, for example, when the detection unit, the accumulated time calculation unit, the determination unit, and the recording medium are provided on the same substrate, Even in the case of replacement, it is possible to prevent the accumulated time from being lost by attaching the recording medium to a new substrate.

  According to the first aspect of the refrigeration apparatus of the present invention, since the detection unit can be configured by an electric circuit, it is possible to provide a refrigeration apparatus that predicts the life of the engine with low cost and high reliability.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a refrigeration apparatus to which an engine life prediction apparatus according to a first embodiment is applied. It is a figure which shows a weighting table. It is a schematic block diagram of the freezing apparatus to which the engine lifetime prediction apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment is applied. It is a figure which shows a weighting table. It is a schematic block diagram of the freezing apparatus to which the engine life prediction apparatus which concerns on 3rd Embodiment is applied. It is a schematic block diagram of the freezing apparatus to which the engine life prediction apparatus which concerns on 4th Embodiment is applied. It is a schematic block diagram of the freezing apparatus to which the engine life prediction apparatus which concerns on 4th Embodiment is applied. It is a schematic block diagram of the freezing apparatus to which the engine life prediction apparatus which concerns on 5th Embodiment is applied.

  Hereinafter, an engine life prediction apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, the same code | symbol shows the same or an equivalent part, and the overlapping description is abbreviate | omitted.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration diagram of a refrigeration apparatus to which the engine life predicting apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention is applied.

  The refrigeration apparatus includes an engine generator 1, a converter 2, a compressor drive unit 3, a detection unit 4, a calculation unit 5, a determination unit 6, an engine controller 7, a notification unit 8, and a nonvolatile memory. 9 and. The refrigeration apparatus is mounted on a trailer, for example, and includes a mechanism (a heat exchanger, a fan, etc.) for cooling the inside of the trailer box, but is not the essence of the present invention, and thus illustration is omitted.

  The engine generator 1 includes an engine 11 and a generator 12. The generator 12 is driven by using the engine 11 as a power source, for example, generates a three-phase alternating current and supplies it to the converter 2. The generator 12 may generate a single-phase alternating current, and may be any generator such as a permanent magnet field generator, an induction generator, a wound field generator, a reluctance generator, or the like. It may be.

  The converter 2 includes a diode bridge 21, a reactance 22, and a smoothing capacitor 23. The diode bridge 21 converts the AC voltage from the engine generator 1 into a DC voltage. The reactance 22 reduces DC voltage ripple from the diode bridge 21. The smoothing capacitor 23 smoothes the DC voltage from the diode bridge 21.

  The compressor drive unit 3 includes an inverter 31, a motor 32, and a compressor 33. The inverter 31 is controlled by an inverter control unit (not shown), converts direct current from the converter 2 into arbitrary alternating current, and supplies the alternating current to the motor 32. The motor 32 rotates in response to the alternating current from the inverter 31 and drives the compressor 33. The compressor 33 compresses the refrigerant and circulates it in a refrigerant circuit (not shown).

  The detection unit 4 is connected to the input side of the converter 2 and includes a current detection unit 41 and a voltage detection unit 42. The current detector 41 detects the current value output from the engine generator 1. The voltage detector 42 detects the voltage value output from the engine generator 1.

  The calculation unit 5 includes a weight constant determination unit 52 and an accumulated time calculation unit 53.

  The weight constant determination unit 52 determines the weight constant based on the current value detected by the current detection unit 41 and the voltage value detected by the voltage detection unit 42. Specifically, an example of the weighting table used when determining the weighting constant is shown in FIG. In the weighting table, the horizontal axis is a voltage value and the vertical axis is a current value, and the voltage value and the current value are each divided into a plurality of ranges. A weighting constant is set for each region specified by the combination of the voltage value range and the current value range.

  Specifically, in the weighting table illustrated in FIG. 2, the voltage value is divided into four ranges of Vi (i = 0 to 3), and the current value is divided into four ranges of Aj (j = 0 to 3). The weight constant kij is set in advance in a region specified by the combination of the voltage value range Vi and the current value range Aj.

  The weighting constant kij is obtained, for example, by actually measuring the life Lij of the engine 11 under conditions based on all combinations of the voltage value ranges V0 to V3 and the current value ranges A0 to A4. Specifically, for example, the weighting constant kij is set so that kij · Lij becomes a constant value (for example, the average value of Lij) in all combinations. Note that it is not always necessary to actually measure the lifetimes in all combinations, the lifetimes of only main conditions may be measured, weight constants for the conditions may be determined, and the others may be obtained by approximation.

  The weight constant kij varies depending on the characteristics of the engine 11, but generally increases as the load on the engine 11 is heavy, and the upper right of the weighting table.

  Then, the weighting constant determination unit 52 uses this weighting table to determine the weighting constant kij specified by the combination of the current value detected by the current detection unit 41 and the voltage value detected by the voltage detection unit 42.

  The integration time calculation unit 53 weights the operation time of the engine 11 based on the weight constant kij determined by the weight constant determination unit 52, and calculates the integration time by integrating the weighted operation time. Specifically, for example, when the operating time during which the engine 11 is operating under the condition that the weighting constant is kij (the voltage value is in the range Vi and the current value is in the range Aj) is tij, the integration time calculation unit 53 The time T is calculated by the following formula. Here, the symbol Σ indicates the total sum for the subscripts i and j.

  T = Σ (kij · tij) (1)

  The accumulated time calculation unit 53 records the calculated accumulated time T in the nonvolatile memory 9.

  The determination unit 6 includes a threshold determination unit 61 and a threshold setting unit 62. The threshold value determination unit 61 predicts the life of the engine 11 by comparing the integration time T calculated by the integration time calculation unit 53 with a preset reference time.

  The threshold setting unit 62 sets a reference time. Specifically, the reference time is set together when the weight constant is set in advance by actual measurement. For example, the reference time is set 100 hours before kij · Lij (for example, Lij average value).

  When the threshold value determination unit 61 determines that the accumulated time T exceeds a preset reference time, the threshold value determination unit 61 notifies the engine controller 7 and the notification unit 8 to that effect.

  Upon receiving the notification, the engine controller 7 limits at least one of the maximum rotation speed and the maximum output of the engine 11. By this operation, it is possible to extend the time when the engine 11 stops due to its life. Further, since the output of the engine 11 is limited, the output of the compressor 33 is limited as a result, and the time when the compressor 33 stops due to its life can be extended.

  The notification unit 8 that has received the notification notifies the outside that the accumulated time has exceeded the reference time, for example, by sound or display. With this operation, the user can recognize that the life of the engine 11 is near, and can prompt the user to take maintenance.

  As described above, the lifetime of the engine 11 is predicted by detecting the current and voltage output from the engine generator 1. Since the detection part 4 can be comprised with an electrical circuit, a reliable lifetime prediction apparatus can be provided. In addition, since a rotational speed detector, a torque detector, and the like of the engine 11 are unnecessary, a low-cost life prediction apparatus can be provided.

  In the present invention, a plurality of reference times can be set. For example, the threshold determination unit 61 uses the reference times T1, T2, and T3 (T1 <T2 <T3) set by the threshold setting unit 62 and the integration time T calculated by the integration time calculation unit 53. And compare. When the accumulated time T exceeds the reference time T1, the engine controller 7 and the notification unit 8 are notified of this.

  The engine controller 7 that has received the notification that the accumulated time T has exceeded the reference time T1 limits the maximum rotational speed of the engine 11 to N1 and / or limits the maximum output to P1. Upon receiving the notification, the notification unit 8 notifies the outside, for example, by a sound or display for calling attention.

  When the accumulated time T exceeds the reference time T2, the threshold determination unit 61 notifies the engine controller 7 and the notification unit 8 to that effect. The engine controller 7 that has received the notification that the accumulated time T has exceeded the reference time T2 limits the maximum rotational speed of the engine 11 to N2 (<N1) and / or limits the maximum output to P2 (<P1). To do. Upon receiving the notification, the notification unit notifies the outside by, for example, a sound or display for prompting a warning.

  When the accumulated time T exceeds the reference time T3, the threshold determination unit 61 notifies the engine controller and the notification unit 8 to that effect. The engine controller 7 that has received the notification that the accumulated time T has exceeded the reference time T2 stops the engine 11. The notification unit that has received the notification notifies the outside by sound or display that the engine 11 has come to an end of life and has stopped.

  Therefore, the life of the engine 11 can be extended finely, and the user can know the life of the engine 11 in detail, so that a quick response can be made. Furthermore, since the engine 11 is stopped before the life of the engine 11, a failure of the engine 11 can be prevented. Even in this case, as a result, the life of the compressor 33 can be extended finely, and failure due to the life of the compressor 33 can be prevented.

  In addition, by providing the notification unit 8 in, for example, a driver's seat of a trailer, a user can be made to directly recognize a caution, a warning, a stop, or the like.

  Moreover, in this invention, the non-volatile memory 9 can also be provided in a freezing apparatus so that attachment or detachment is possible. For example, when replacing the life prediction device, the nonvolatile memory 9 before replacement is removed and attached to the life prediction device after replacement, so that the life of the engine 11 can be predicted without losing the accumulated time so far. it can.

(Second Embodiment)
FIG. 3 shows a schematic configuration diagram of a refrigeration apparatus to which the engine life predicting apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention is applied. Compared to the first embodiment, the detection unit 4 further includes a frequency detection unit 43, and the calculation unit 5 further includes a power calculation unit 51.

  The frequency detection unit 43 detects the frequency of the AC voltage output from the engine generator 1.

  The power calculation unit 51 calculates power using the current value detected by the current detection unit 41 and the voltage value detected by the voltage detection unit 42.

  The weight constant determination unit 52 calculates the rotation speed of the engine 11 based on the frequency detected by the frequency detection unit 43, and determines the weight constant based on the power and rotation speed calculated by the power calculation unit 51. Specifically, FIG. 4 shows an example of a weighting table for determining the weight constant. In the weighting table, the horizontal axis represents the rotation speed and the vertical axis represents the power, and the rotation speed and power are each divided into a plurality of ranges. A weighting constant is set for each region specified by the combination of the rotation speed range and the power range.

  Specifically, in the weighting table illustrated in FIG. 4, the rotation speed is divided into four areas of Ri (i = 0 to 3) and the electric power is divided into four areas of Pj (j = 0 to 3). The weight constant mij is set in advance in an area specified by the combination of the rotational speed range Ri and the power range Pj. The weighting constant mij is obtained, for example, by measuring the life Lij under conditions based on all combinations of the rotation speed ranges R0 to R3 and the power ranges P0 to P4.

  Specifically, for example, the weighting constant mij is set so that mij · Lij becomes a constant value (for example, the average value of Lij) in all combinations. Note that it is not always necessary to measure the lifetimes in all combinations, the lifetimes of only the main conditions may be measured, weight constants for the conditions may be determined, and the other may be obtained by approximation.

  Then, the weighting constant determining unit 52 uses this weighting table to specify the weighting constant specified by the combination of the number of revolutions calculated based on the frequency detected by the frequency detecting unit 43 and the power calculated by the power calculating unit 51. Determine mij.

  The integration time calculation unit 53 weights the operation time of the engine 11 based on the weight constant mij determined by the weight constant determination unit 52, and calculates the integration time by integrating the weighted operation time. Specifically, assuming that the operating time during which the engine 11 is operating under the condition that the weighting constant is mij (the rotational speed is in the range Ri and the electric power is in the range Pj) is tij, the integrated time calculating unit 53 calculates the integrated time T Is obtained from the following equation. However, Σ means the sum of the subscripts i and j.

  T = Σ (mij · tij) (2)

  Therefore, the life of the engine 11 can be predicted based on the AC power and frequency output from the engine generator 1. Therefore, the life prediction can be performed in consideration of the engine speed, so that the accuracy of the life prediction can be improved.

(Third embodiment)
FIG. 5 shows a schematic configuration diagram of a refrigeration apparatus to which an engine life prediction apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention is applied. Compared to the second embodiment, the detection unit 4 detects the direct current output from the converter 2.

  The current detection unit 41 detects the current value output from the converter 2 on the low potential side. The voltage detector 42 detects the voltage between the high potential and the low potential output from the converter 2.

  The frequency detection unit 43 detects the frequency of the AC voltage from the engine generator 1 by detecting the frequency of the ripple of the DC voltage output from the converter 2. When the generator 12 is a three-phase rotating electric machine, the frequency of the DC voltage ripple from the converter 2 is usually 6 times the frequency of the AC voltage from the engine generator 1.

  As in the second embodiment, the power calculation unit 51 calculates power using the current value detected by the current detection unit 41 and the voltage value detected by the voltage detection unit 42. The weight constant determination unit 52 determines the weight constant based on the power calculated by the power calculation unit 51 and the rotation speed of the engine 11 calculated from the frequency detected by the frequency detection unit 43. The method for setting the weight constant is the same as in the second embodiment, but it goes without saying that the weight constant is set based on the power and frequency output from the converter 2.

  As described above, the detection unit 4 can detect the direct current output from the converter 2 and predict the life of the engine 11 based on the detected current value, voltage value, and frequency. In addition, since the voltage can be detected based on the low potential side of the voltage output from the converter 2, the detection accuracy of the detection unit 4 can be improved.

  Moreover, since the current detection part 41 and the voltage detection part 42 are normally provided for control of the inverter 31, they can be diverted and manufacturing cost can be reduced.

  In addition, as described in the second embodiment, if the detection unit 4 detects AC between the engine generator 1 and the converter 2, it is easy to detect the frequency.

  In the third embodiment, the detection unit 4 and the calculation unit 5 according to the second embodiment have been described. However, the detection unit 4 and the calculation unit 5 according to the first embodiment are used. It doesn't matter. In this case, the table shown in FIG.

(Fourth embodiment)
FIG. 6 shows a schematic configuration diagram of a refrigeration apparatus to which an engine life prediction apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention is applied. In the refrigeration apparatus according to the first to third embodiments, the converter 2 is configured by a rectifier including the diode bridge 21. In the fourth embodiment, the converter 2 includes switch elements 24 to 29 and a smoothing capacitor 23. The converter 2 is controlled by the converter control unit 20. Further, the inverter control unit 34 controls the inverter 31.

  Each of the switch elements 24 to 29 has a configuration in which a transistor and a free Hall diode are connected in parallel. A set of switch elements 24 and 25, a set of switch elements 26 and 27, and a set of switch elements 28 and 29 connected in series with each other are connected in parallel to each other. The switch elements 24 to 29 are appropriately controlled by the converter control unit 20 to convert the alternating current output from the engine generator 1 into direct current.

  The engine controller 7 controls the rotational speed of the engine 11 according to the load of the engine generator 1. As a specific example, the output voltage of the converter 2 and the output voltage or output frequency of the inverter 31 are detected, and the rotational speed of the engine 11 is controlled according to the output voltage. Such an engine controller 7 enables an appropriate operation according to the load of the engine 11. Note that the converter control unit 20 controls the converter 2 in accordance with a change in the rotational speed of the engine 11 at this time, and outputs a desired output voltage from the converter 2.

  As in the first embodiment, the detection unit 4 detects the current value and the voltage value output from the engine generator 1, and the calculation unit 5 determines the weight determined based on the current value and the voltage value. Using the constant, the operation time of the engine 11 is weighted, and the weighted operation time is integrated to calculate the integrated time.

  The determination unit 6 predicts the life of the engine 11 by comparing the accumulated time calculated by the calculation unit 5 with a reference time. For example, if the engine controller 7 controls the rotational speed of the engine 11 according to the output voltage of the converter 2, when the determination unit 6 determines that the accumulated time exceeds the reference time, the converter Notify the control unit 20.

  Upon receiving the notification, the converter control unit 20 limits the maximum output voltage from the converter 2.

  Since the engine controller 7 controls the rotational speed of the engine 11 in accordance with the output voltage from the converter 2, the maximum rotational speed of the engine 11 is consequently limited, so that the time when the engine 11 stops due to its life can be extended. it can. Moreover, since the maximum output voltage of the converter 2 is limited, the output voltage from the inverter 31 can be limited, and thus the life of the compressor 33 can be extended.

  Similar to the first embodiment, when the determination unit 6 determines that the accumulated time exceeds the reference time, the determination unit 6 may notify the engine controller 7 directly. The engine controller 7 that has received the notification limits at least one of the maximum output and the maximum rotation speed of the engine 11.

  Further, when the engine controller 7 controls the rotation speed of the engine 11 according to the output voltage or output frequency of the inverter 31, the determination unit 6 determines that the accumulated time exceeds the reference time. This is notified to the inverter control unit 34. The inverter control unit 34 that has received the notification limits at least one of the maximum output power and the maximum output frequency of the inverter 31. Therefore, the life of the compressor 33 can be extended.

  Further, since the engine controller 7 controls the rotation speed of the engine 11 according to the output voltage or output frequency of the inverter 31, as a result, the maximum rotation speed of the engine 11 is limited, and thus the engine 11 is stopped due to its life. The time can be extended.

  In the first to third embodiments, although not shown, the inverter 31 is controlled by the inverter control unit 34. Therefore, as long as the engine controller 7 controls the rotational speed of the engine 11 in accordance with the output voltage or output frequency of the inverter 31, the maximum output power and the maximum output of the inverter 31 are also used in the first to third embodiments. At least one of the output frequencies may be limited.

  Note that, as shown in FIG. 7, a portion including the converter 2 and the inverter 31 may be configured by a matrix converter 35. The matrix converter 35 is controlled by the matrix converter control unit 36, and can directly convert alternating current from the engine generator 1 into arbitrary alternating current and supply it to the motor 32. And the detection part 4 detects the alternating current of the input side of the matrix converter 35, and estimates the lifetime of the engine 11 by the operation | movement of the calculating part 5 and the determination part 6. FIG. Specifically, when the determination unit 6 determines that the accumulated time calculated by the calculation unit 5 exceeds the reference time, the matrix converter control unit 36 outputs at least one of the maximum output power and the maximum frequency power output from the matrix converter 35. Limit either. Therefore, the life of the engine 11 can be extended.

  Similar to the first embodiment, when the determination unit 6 determines that the accumulated time exceeds the reference time, the determination unit 6 may notify the engine controller 7 directly. The engine controller 7 that has received the notification limits at least one of the maximum output and the maximum rotation speed of the engine 11.

  As in the first embodiment, a plurality of reference times may be provided, and the maximum output may be limited according to each of the reference times. In the fourth embodiment, the detection unit 4 and the calculation unit 5 according to the first embodiment have been described. However, the detection unit 4 and the calculation unit 5 of the second or third embodiment are described. May be used.

(Fifth embodiment)
FIG. 8 shows a refrigeration apparatus to which the engine life prediction apparatus according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention is applied. In the first to fourth embodiments, the lifetime of the engine 11 is predicted, but in the fifth embodiment, the lifetime of the compressor can be predicted.

  Specifically, the detection unit 4 detects the alternating current output from the inverter 31. Specifically, the current detection unit 41 detects a current value output from the inverter 31, and the voltage detection unit 42 detects a voltage value output from the inverter 31.

  Then, the calculation unit 5 weights the operation time of the compressor 33 by using the current value detected by the current detection unit 41 and the weighting constant determined based on the voltage value detected by the voltage detection unit 42. The accumulated operating time is integrated to calculate the integrated time. The method for setting the weight constant is the same as in the first embodiment, but the weight constant determines the life of the compressor 33 on the condition that the current value and voltage value output from the inverter 31 are combined. Needless to say, it is set by actual measurement.

  Then, when the determination unit 6 compares the integration time with the reference time and the integration time exceeds the reference time, the determination is sent to the engine controller 7, the notification unit 8, the converter control unit 20, and the inverter control unit 34. Notice. Note that the determination unit 6 does not necessarily need to notify all of them, and may notify at least one of them.

  The notification unit 8 that has received the notification notifies the outside by sound or display that the accumulated time of the compressor has exceeded the reference time. Therefore, the user can recognize that the life of the compressor 33 is near.

  Upon receiving the notification, the engine controller 7 limits at least one of the maximum output and the maximum rotation speed of the engine 11 or stops the engine 11. Upon receiving the notification, the converter control unit 20 limits the maximum output voltage of the converter 2. The inverter control unit 34 that has received the notification limits at least one of the maximum output power and the maximum frequency of the inverter 31. Therefore, it is possible to extend the time when the compressor 33 stops due to its life, and it is possible to stop the engine 11 and prevent a failure due to the life of the compressor.

  Although the fifth embodiment has been described using the detection unit 4 and the calculation unit 5 according to the first embodiment, the detection unit 4 and the calculation unit 5 according to the second embodiment may be used. Good. Further, the portion composed of the converter 2 and the inverter 31 may be constituted by a matrix converter.

  Note that the fifth embodiment may be applied to any one of the first to fourth embodiments. That is, the output from the engine generator 1 or the converter 2 is detected and the output from the inverter 31 is also detected, and the weight constant for the engine 11 and the weight constant for the compressor 33 are determined by mutually different weighting tables. Then, by comparing the accumulated time of the engine 11 with the reference time of the engine 11 and comparing the accumulated time of the compressor 33 and the reference time of the compressor 33, the lifetime of the engine 11 and the compressor 33 is predicted. It doesn't matter.

  The present invention may be applied in combination with any of the first to fifth embodiments. Moreover, although the engine life prediction apparatus according to the present invention has been described in the aspect of being applied to a refrigeration apparatus, the present invention is not limited to this and can be applied to any apparatus to which power is supplied by an engine generator.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 2 Converter 4 Detection part 5 Operation part 6 Determination part 7 Engine controller 8 Notification part 9 Non-volatile memory 11 Engine 12 Generator 20 Converter control part 31 Inverter 34 Inverter control part 35 Matrix converter 36 Matrix converter control part 41 Current detection part 42 Voltage Detection unit 43 Frequency detection unit

Claims (17)

A current detection unit (41) for detecting a current value output from a generator (12) using the engine (11) as a power source;
A detection unit (4) having a voltage detection unit (42) for detecting a voltage value output from the generator;
A weighting constant determined based on the current value and the voltage value, weighting the operating time of the engine, and calculating the integrated time by adding the weighted operating time; ,
An engine life prediction apparatus comprising: a determination unit (6) that compares the accumulated time with a preset reference value to determine the life of the engine.   The arithmetic unit (5) adopts a current and voltage output from the generator as a horizontal axis and a vertical axis, and a weighting table in which a weighting constant is set corresponding to a combination of the current and the voltage. The engine life prediction apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the weighting constant determined in correspondence with a current value and the voltage value is used. Converter (2) for converting alternating current output from the generator into direct current
Further comprising
The engine life prediction apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the detection unit is connected to at least an input side of the converter. Converter (2) for converting alternating current output from the generator into direct current
Further comprising
The engine life prediction apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the detection unit is connected to at least an output side of the converter. A power converter (2, 31, 35) for converting AC power output from the generator;
When the determination unit determines that the integration time exceeds the reference value, a power conversion device control unit (20, 34) that limits at least one of the maximum output power and the maximum output frequency of the power conversion device. 36) The engine life prediction apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising: A plurality of the reference values are set in advance,
The engine power life prediction apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the power converter control unit limits at least one of the maximum output power and the maximum output frequency according to each of the reference values. A load (32, 33) to which power is supplied from the power converter;
The detection unit is connected to the output side of the power converter,
The arithmetic unit uses the weighting constant to weight the load operating time, integrates the weighted operating time of the load to calculate an integrated time,
The engine life prediction apparatus according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the life of the load is determined by comparing the accumulated time with a preset reference value. When the determination unit determines that the integrated time exceeds the reference value, an informing unit (8) for informing the outside
The engine life prediction apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising: A plurality of the reference values are set in advance,
The engine life prediction apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the notification unit notifies in accordance with each of the reference values. An engine controller (7) that restricts at least one of the maximum output and the maximum rotation speed of the engine when the determination unit determines that the accumulated time exceeds the reference value
The engine life prediction apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising:   The engine life prediction apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the engine controller stops the engine when the determination unit determines that the accumulated time exceeds the reference value. A plurality of the reference values are set in advance,
The engine life prediction apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the engine controller limits at least one of the maximum output and the maximum rotation speed of the engine according to each of the reference values. A converter control unit (20) for limiting the maximum output voltage of the converter when the determination unit determines that the accumulated time exceeds the reference value
The engine life prediction apparatus according to claim 3 or 4, further comprising: A plurality of the reference values are set in advance,
The engine life prediction apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the converter control unit limits a maximum output voltage according to each of the reference values.   15. The engine life prediction apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the generator drives a motor (32). The engine life prediction apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 15, further comprising a non-volatile recording medium (9) provided so as to be replaceable and recording the accumulated time.   A refrigeration apparatus comprising the engine life prediction apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 16.

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