JP2017219243A - Abnormality detection system for refrigerator freezer equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an abnormality detection system that can early detect abnormality of each of a plurality of pieces of refrigerator freezer equipment and be configured at low cost.SOLUTION: An abnormality detection system (10) comprises a plurality of communication pipes (40) connecting each of a plurality of pieces of refrigerator freezer equipment 20 to one abnormality detection device (30), each of the refrigerator freezer equipment includes at least one of a compressor (23), an evaporator with an air blowing fan (22a), and a condenser with an air blowing fan (24a) which are freezing circuit components. The abnormality detection device includes a selector valve (31) comprising a plurality of input ports (31A) and one output port (31B), a measurement chamber (32a) connected to the output port and comprising a noise meter (32b) inside, and a control and evaluation device (33) connected electrically to the selector valve and noise meter, the communication pipes each having a first end part (40a) arranged nearby the compressor or air blowing fan and a second end part (40b) connected to one of the input ports of the selector valve.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a system for detecting an abnormality of each of a plurality of refrigeration equipment.

  In stores such as supermarkets and convenience stores, refrigeration equipment such as refrigerated showcases and refrigerated showcases are used to store products in a refrigerated or frozen state.

  There are two types of refrigeration equipment: a built-in type and a separate type. In the built-in refrigeration refrigerator, all of the evaporator, the compressor, the condenser and the expansion mechanism that constitute the refrigeration circuit are arranged inside a showcase installed indoors. On the other hand, in the separate refrigeration equipment, among the equipment constituting the refrigeration circuit, the expansion mechanism and the evaporator are inside the showcase installed indoors, and the compressor and the condenser are installed outdoors Are arranged inside each.

  A plurality of showcases are usually installed, and the operating states of the showcase and the condensing unit are monitored and controlled by a store centralized management system.

The store central management system collects information such as the temperature and humidity in the store and the temperature in each showcase, and controls the showcase and the condensing unit so that they are always operated in an optimal state. It has functions such as monitoring the internal temperature and issuing an alarm when the temperature rises.

  By the way, the compressor, and the blower fan attached to the evaporator and the condenser are devices including a movable part, and devices not including the movable part (a heat exchanger portion of the evaporator and the condenser, and an expansion valve). Compared with an expansion mechanism such as a capillary tube), there is a high possibility that an abnormality will occur due to deterioration over time.

  Conventionally, if a failure occurs in a refrigeration unit installed in a store, for example, when an overtemperature warning is issued by a store centralized management system, an engineer covers the showcase and the condensing unit cover in order. The state of the refrigeration circuit components that are opened and arranged inside, in particular, the compressor that is a device including moving parts, and the state of the blower fan attached to the evaporator and the condenser have been checked visually or audibly.

  However, in such a method, in order to identify the cause of the failure, the cover of the showcase and the condensing unit are first opened in order, and then the state of the refrigeration circuit components arranged inside is visually or audibly checked. There is a need. Therefore, it took a long time to identify the cause of the failure.

  Among these, it is conceivable to use the apparatus of Patent Document 1 as a method for shortening the time required for checking the state of the refrigeration circuit component device by hearing.

  This device includes a plurality of microphones and a plurality of noise indicators electrically connected to the microphones so that noises at a plurality of locations can be detected simultaneously. If the microphones of this device are placed near the refrigeration circuit components placed inside the showcase and the condensing unit, the noise generated by these devices can be detected at the same time. It is possible to specify in a short time whether a noise is generated, that is, whether an abnormality has occurred.

JP 2005-164252 A

  However, the apparatus of Patent Document 1 requires the same number of noise indicators as the number of places where noise is to be detected, and there is a problem that the entire apparatus becomes expensive.

  Moreover, even when the apparatus of Patent Document 1 is used, it is impossible to detect in advance a failure of the refrigeration equipment, and it is inevitable to stop the operation of the refrigeration equipment due to the failure.

  On the other hand, failure of refrigeration equipment may be caused by leakage of refrigerant from the refrigeration circuit. Therefore, conventionally, when directly detecting the leakage of the refrigerant, a gas detector (leak tester) is attached to each of the plurality of refrigeration equipment. However, such a method requires the same number of gas detectors as the number of refrigeration units, which not only increases the installation cost, but also requires that the gas detectors be calibrated periodically. There was a problem that it was also high.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and provides an abnormality detection system that can detect each abnormality of a plurality of refrigeration equipment at an early stage and can be configured at low cost. For the purpose.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, a refrigeration equipment abnormality detection system of the present invention connects a plurality of refrigeration equipment, one abnormality detection device, each of the plurality of refrigeration equipment, and the abnormality detection device. Each of the plurality of refrigeration units includes at least one of a compressor, an evaporator with a blower fan, and a condenser with a blower fan, each of which constitutes a refrigeration circuit. The abnormality detection device includes a switching valve having a plurality of input ports and one output port, a measurement chamber connected to the output port and having a sound level meter therein, and each of the switching valve and the sound level meter electrically A first end portion of the connecting pipe is disposed in the vicinity of the compressor or the blower fan, and a second end portion of the connecting pipe is the switching unit. Connected to one of the plurality of input ports, and the switching valve is configured to perform a switching operation in response to a switching command from the control / evaluation device, and the control / evaluation device receives from the sound level meter By analyzing and evaluating the measured signals, it is determined whether or not an abnormality has occurred in each of the plurality of refrigeration units.

  Preferably, the measurement chamber further includes a gas detector that is electrically connected to the control / evaluation device, and an exhaust device that places the inside in a negative pressure state. The refrigerant gas concentration of the refrigeration circuit in the measurement chamber is measured, and when the measured concentration exceeds a threshold value, a detection signal is output to the control / evaluation device, and the control The evaluation device determines whether or not an abnormality has occurred in each of the plurality of refrigeration units by confirming the presence or absence of the detection signal received from the gas detector.

  Preferably, when an abnormality detection operation by the abnormality detection device is started, the control / evaluation device determines whether the first input port and the output port of the plurality of input ports are connected to the switching valve. A command signal for switching to a communication state is output, and in this state, it is determined whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the first refrigeration unit among the plurality of refrigeration units corresponding to the first input port, and thereafter The same process is repeated to determine whether or not an abnormality has occurred in all the refrigeration equipment.

  Preferably, operating states of the plurality of refrigeration equipment are controlled by one central control device, the central control device is electrically connected to the control / evaluation device, and the abnormality detection device is the control When the evaluation device receives an abnormality detection operation start command signal from the centralized control device, the abnormality detection operation is started.

  Preferably, the central control device outputs the abnormality detection operation start command signal at a predetermined time.

  Preferably, the compressor is attached with a sensor for measuring the operation state, and the central control device estimates and estimates the load state of the refrigeration circuit based on the measurement signal received from the sensor. When the load state satisfies a predetermined condition, the abnormality detection operation start command signal is output.

  Preferably, the sensor measures a frequency or output of an inverter motor that drives the compressor, or a discharge refrigerant pressure, and a discharge refrigerant temperature of the compressor.

  According to the present invention, each abnormality of a plurality of refrigerated refrigeration equipments can be detected at an early stage before the occurrence of a failure through measurement of noise generated by the refrigeration circuit constituent equipment. In addition, since only one sound level meter is used to measure noise generated by a plurality of devices, the system can be configured at low cost.

  Furthermore, if the abnormality detection operation by the abnormality detection device of the refrigeration and refrigeration equipment abnormality detection system is performed based on a command from the store central management system, the accuracy of abnormality detection can be improved, or the abnormality can be further improved. An excellent effect of being able to detect at an early stage can be obtained.

It is a schematic explanatory drawing which shows 1st Embodiment of the refrigeration equipment abnormality detection system of this invention. It is a schematic explanatory drawing which shows the modification of 1st Embodiment of the refrigeration equipment abnormality detection system of this invention. It is a schematic explanatory drawing which shows 2nd Embodiment of the refrigeration equipment abnormality detection system of this invention.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a schematic explanatory view showing a first embodiment of the refrigeration / freezer equipment abnormality detection system of the present invention.

  The refrigeration equipment abnormality detection system 10 of the first embodiment is configured to detect an abnormality of a built-in refrigeration equipment, and includes a plurality of showcases 20 (refrigeration equipment) and an abnormality detection device 30. And a plurality of communication pipes 40 laid between each of the plurality of showcases 20 and the abnormality detection device 30, and a store centralized management system 50.

  The showcase 20 is, for example, a refrigerated showcase or a frozen showcase installed in a store such as a supermarket or a convenience store.

  Each showcase 20 incorporates a refrigeration circuit 21. In the refrigeration circuit 21, an evaporator 22, a compressor 23, a condenser 24, and an expansion mechanism 25 are arranged in this order in a refrigerant flow direction on a pipe line through which the refrigerant circulates. FIG. 1 faithfully shows the position of the refrigeration circuit 21 in the showcase 20 and the relative positional relationship of the devices (evaporator 22, compressor 23, condenser 24, and expansion mechanism 25) constituting the refrigeration circuit 21. Not shown in

  In the evaporator 22, the low-pressure liquid-phase refrigerant absorbs heat from the air in the cabinet of the showcase 20 introduced by the evaporator fan 22a (blower fan) and evaporates (vaporizes) under a constant pressure. Cool the air inside. Thereby, the goods in a store | warehouse | chamber can be stored in the state refrigerated or frozen.

  The low-pressure gas-phase refrigerant that has flowed out of the evaporator 22 is compressed by the compressor 23 and flows into the condenser 24 as a high-temperature and high-pressure gas-phase refrigerant. In the condenser 24, the high-temperature gas-phase refrigerant dissipates heat to the ambient air introduced by the condenser fan 24a (blower fan) and condenses (liquefies) under a constant pressure. The high-pressure liquid-phase refrigerant that has flowed out of the condenser 24 is expanded in an enthalpy manner in an expansion mechanism 25 such as an expansion valve or a capillary tube, becomes a low-pressure liquid-phase refrigerant, and returns to the evaporator 22.

  The operation states of the plurality of showcases 20 are monitored and controlled by the store central management system 50 (central control device). The store centralized management system 50 normally collects information such as the temperature and humidity in the store where a plurality of showcases 20 are installed, the temperature in each storecase 20 and the like, and each showcase 20 is always in an optimal state. While controlling so that it may drive | operate, it has functions, such as monitoring the internal temperature and issuing an alarm at the time of overheating.

  In the refrigeration equipment abnormality detection system 10 of the first embodiment, sensors (not shown) for measuring the discharge refrigerant pressure and the discharge refrigerant temperature are attached to the compressors 23 of the refrigeration circuits 21 of the plurality of showcases 20. These sensors and the store centralized management system 50 are electrically connected by a measurement signal line 51. In addition, the store central management system 50 is electrically connected to a control / evaluation device 33 of the abnormality detection device 30 described later by a signal line 52.

  The operating state of the compressor 23 measured by the sensor, that is, the discharged refrigerant pressure and the discharged refrigerant temperature have a high correlation with the load state of the refrigeration circuit 21. Therefore, the load state of the refrigeration circuit 21 can be accurately estimated by measuring these. Using this, the store centralized management system 50 is configured to estimate the load state of the refrigeration circuit 21 at predetermined time intervals based on the operating state of the compressor 23 received via the measurement signal line 51. Has been.

  Since a certain relationship exists between the discharge refrigerant pressure and the rotation speed of the compressor 23, the frequency or output of the inverter motor that drives the compressor 23 is measured instead of the sensor that measures the discharge refrigerant pressure. You may use the sensor to do.

  As described above, the refrigeration circuit 21 incorporated in each showcase 20 includes devices including movable parts, such as a compressor 23, an evaporator fan 22a, and a condenser fan 24a. These devices (hereinafter collectively referred to as “refrigeration circuit component devices”) are operated in a state corresponding to the refrigeration load required for the refrigeration circuit 21, and at that time, each of them has a noise having a specific frequency characteristic. Occur.

  Here, when some abnormality occurs in a certain refrigeration circuit component device, the noise generated by the device changes. The change in noise can be perceived as a change in at least one of pitch, volume and sound quality in terms of hearing, but objectively, the change in noise frequency characteristics (correlation between sound pressure level and frequency of noise) Can be detected.

  This change in noise is considered to appear as a sign of failure prior to the failure of the showcase 20, and by detecting this change, the refrigeration circuit component device that has failed before the showcase 20 has failed. And failure prevention measures based on the specified result can be taken.

  Therefore, the refrigeration equipment abnormality detection system 10 according to the first embodiment includes built-in refrigeration circuit components (compressor 23, evaporator fan 22a) for each of n (n is an integer of 2 or more) showcases 20. And a noise sound wave generated by one of the condenser fans 24a) is propagated to the abnormality detection device 30 through a corresponding one of the n (n is an integer of 2 or more) communication pipes 40, thereby detecting the abnormality. The apparatus 30 is configured to measure, analyze and evaluate noise, and to determine whether or not the device has an abnormality.

  The communication tube 40 has a first end 40a disposed in the vicinity of one of the refrigeration circuit components of each of the n showcases 20 (for example, the compressor 23), and a second end 40b described later. Connected to the abnormality detection device 30.

  FIG. 1 shows an example in which the compressor 23 is a target for abnormality detection, and the first end 40a of the connecting pipe 40 is disposed in the vicinity thereof. However, the abnormality detection of the evaporator fan 22a or the condenser fan 24a is performed. The first end 40a of the connecting pipe 40 may be disposed in the vicinity thereof. In addition, two or more devices among the compressor 23, the evaporator fan 22a, and the condenser fan 24a may be the target of abnormality detection. In this case, the communication pipe 40 is set to 2n according to the number of abnormality detection target devices. One or 3n books will be provided.

  The connecting pipe 40 is preferably made of a resin material such as polypropylene, polyethylene, or vinyl chloride.

  When metal pipes are used, (1) the pipe vibrates due to resonance with the sound wave of noise, and noise is generated. (2) The sound wave of noise repeats (resonates) inside the pipe. (3) Pipe. The sound wave that reaches the outlet end of the pipe may be different from the sound wave of the original noise because external noise propagates inside the pipe through the pipe wall, and noise measurement may not be performed accurately. Because there is, it is not preferable.

  Such a phenomenon can be avoided by using a pipe made of a resin material such as polypropylene, polyethylene, or vinyl chloride.

  The connecting pipe 40 is arranged in the vicinity of the other connecting pipe 40 particularly in the vicinity of the second end portion 40b, but it is preferable to arrange the connecting pipe 40 so as not to contact each other. This is for preventing the sound wave propagating through the inside of the adjacent connecting tube 40 from propagating through the tube wall of the contacted portion.

  Further, when there is a noise source near the laying path of the connecting pipe 40, the connecting pipe 40 is laid as far as possible from the noise generating source, or between the connecting pipe 40 and the noise generating source. It is preferable to provide means for blocking or weakening noise propagation (for example, a sound insulation wall, a sound absorbing material, etc.).

  The abnormality detection device 30 includes a switching valve 31, a noise measurement unit 32, and a control / evaluation device 33.

  The switching valve 31 includes n (n is an integer of 2 or more) input ports 31A1, 31A2,... 31An, and one output port 31B. The second end portions 40b of the n communication tubes 40 are connected to the input ports 31A1, 31A2,... 31An, and the output port 31B is connected to the noise measuring unit 32. The switching valve 31 is electrically connected to the control / evaluation device 33 through a control signal line 34.

  The switching valve 31 has a built-in valve mechanism (not shown), and the operation of the valve mechanism allows the first input port 31A1 and the output port 31B to communicate with each other (first communication state), the second input port 31A2 and State in which output port 31B communicates (second communication state) ... n communication states in the state in which n-th input port 31An and output port 31B communicate (n-th communication state), the input port side and the output It is configured to be switched to a total of (n + 1) states in a non-communication state where the port side does not communicate. The switching valve 31 is normally in a non-communication state, but when a switching command signal is received from the control / evaluation device 33 via the control signal line 34, the valve mechanism operates and switches to a communication state corresponding to the received switching command signal. .

  The switching valve 31 can be configured as a rotary valve provided with a rotary valve mechanism, for example.

  The noise measurement unit 32 includes a measurement chamber 32a and a noise meter 32b disposed in the measurement chamber 32a.

  The measurement chamber 32a is connected to the output port 31B of the switching valve 31.

  The sound level meter 32b is disposed in the measurement chamber 32a at a position where noise radiated from the output port 31B of the switching valve 31 can be measured, and is electrically connected to the control / evaluation device 33 via the measurement signal line 35. ing. The sound level meter 32b measures noise radiated from the output port 31B of the switching valve 31 into the measurement chamber 32a, and uses the acquired measurement data as a measurement signal via the measurement signal line 35 to control / evaluate the device 33. It is configured to output to.

  If the sound wave reaching the measurement chamber 32a is weak, such as when the sound wave attenuation on the propagation path (the pipe 40 and the switching valve 31) from each showcase 20 to the measurement chamber 32a is large, the noise meter The measurement signal output by 32b is also weak. In such a case, it is preferable to interpose a signal amplifier (amplifier) on the measurement signal line 35.

  The control / evaluation device 33 is electrically connected to the switching valve 31 via the control signal line 34, the sound level meter 32 b via the measurement signal line 35, and the store centralized management system 50 via the signal line 52.

  The control / evaluation device 33 has functions of controlling the switching valve 31 and analyzing and evaluating the measurement signal received from the sound level meter 32b.

  When the abnormality detection device 30 starts an abnormality detection operation at a predetermined timing, which will be described later, the control / evaluation device 33 sends a switching command signal to the first communication state to the switching valve 31 via the control signal line 34. To do. The switching valve 31 that has received the switching command signal operates the valve mechanism and switches to the first communication state. Then, the sound level meter 32b reaches the output port 31B from the refrigeration circuit component device of the first showcase 20 (first refrigeration refrigeration device) through the communication tube 40 and the first input port 31A1 of the switching valve 31. The noise radiated into the measurement chamber 32 a is measured, and the measurement signal is output to the control / evaluation apparatus 33 through the measurement signal line 35. Subsequently, the control / evaluation apparatus 33 transmits a switching command signal to the second communication state to the switching valve 31 via the control signal line 34. Then, when the measurement signal output from the sound level meter 32b is received in the same manner as described above, a command signal for switching to the next communication state is transmitted. In this manner, noise is measured in each of the n communication states of the switching valve 31, and when reception of the measurement signal in the nth communication state is completed, the control / evaluation device 33 switches to the non-communication state. Send command signal. Thus, the switching valve 31 returns to the non-communication state.

  The control / evaluation device 33 analyzes and evaluates the received measurement signal, and determines whether or not an abnormality has occurred in any of the refrigeration circuit components of the n showcases 20. The procedure of measurement signal analysis and evaluation will be described in detail below.

  When receiving the measurement signal from the sound level meter 32b, the control / evaluation device 33 performs frequency analysis on the measurement signal and calculates the frequency characteristic of the noise (correlation between the sound pressure level of the noise and the frequency). The frequency analysis can be performed using, for example, an FFT (Fast Fourier Transform) analyzer.

  Further, the control / evaluation apparatus 33 is configured to receive the load state of the refrigeration circuit 21 from the store centralized management system 50 via the signal line 52.

  Then, the calculated frequency characteristic is compared with the noise database of the refrigeration circuit constituent devices stored in the storage device (not shown) to determine whether or not an abnormality has occurred.

  The noise database stores the frequency characteristics of noise during normal operation for each of various refrigeration circuit load conditions (for example, high load condition, medium load condition, low load condition, etc.) for each refrigeration circuit component device. It is.

  The control / evaluation apparatus 33 obtains the frequency characteristics of normal noise in the load state of the refrigeration circuit 21 received from the store central management system 50 from the noise database for the refrigeration circuit constituent devices corresponding to the measurement signal received from the sound level meter 32b. Read and compare with the calculated frequency characteristics.

  As a result, when there is a significant difference between the two, for example, when the calculated frequency characteristic has a unique peak that is not found in the normal frequency characteristic, an abnormality has occurred in the device. Judge that. On the other hand, if there is no significant difference between the two, it is determined that the device is operating normally, that is, no abnormality has occurred.

  These determination results can be output by any method. For example, the control / evaluation device 33 may be provided with a display device such as an alarm lamp or a display, and the determination result may be output visually. The determination result may be output as an electrical signal to the store centralized management system 50 via the signal line 52.

  A method for detecting each abnormality of the plurality of showcases 20 using the refrigeration equipment abnormality detection system 10 configured as described above will be described in detail below.

  As already described, when the abnormality detection device 30 starts the abnormality detection operation, the noise of each of the refrigeration circuit components in the n showcases 20 is sequentially measured and analyzed and evaluated to generate an abnormality. The presence or absence of is determined.

  The timing for starting the abnormality detection operation can be set by various methods.

  First, there is a method of periodically starting an abnormality detection operation.

  Abnormality detection does not need to be performed frequently, but it is preferable to perform abnormality detection at least once a day in consideration of the operating status of the refrigeration equipment. Therefore, it is preferable to configure the refrigeration equipment abnormality detection system so as to start the abnormality detection operation at a predetermined time every day.

  For example, in the case of a store such as a 24-hour convenience store, the number of shoppers to visit and the traffic volume around the store are larger in the daytime period than in the nighttime period. When applying the refrigeration / refrigeration equipment abnormality detection system of the present invention to the refrigeration / refrigeration equipment installed in such stores, the noise during the daytime is very disturbing and suitable for measuring the noise of refrigeration circuit components. Absent.

  Therefore, it is preferable to perform the above-described abnormality detection operation in a time zone in which noise that becomes a disturbance is small, for example, in the late night / early time zone. If the abnormality detection operation is performed in such a time zone, the accuracy of abnormality detection can be increased.

  Specifically, the refrigeration / freezer equipment abnormality detection system is configured so that the time when the noise that becomes the disturbance is expected to be the smallest is selected in advance and the abnormality detection operation is started at the same time every day. More specifically, the store central management so that an abnormality detection operation start command signal is output from the store central management system 50 to the control / evaluation device 33 of the abnormality detection device 30 via the signal line 52 at a predetermined time every day. The system 50 may be configured.

  On the other hand, in a store such as a supermarket that closes at night, the front of the showcase is covered with a cover (night cover) in order to save energy during the closing time, so that the cool air in the cabinet does not flow out. Therefore, the refrigeration circuit of the refrigeration equipment during the closing time is operated with a relatively low load. In this case, since the refrigeration circuit components are also operated in a relatively low load state, the level of generated noise is low, and even if an abnormality has occurred, it can be detected through noise measurement. Have difficulty. That is, when applying the refrigeration / refrigeration equipment abnormality detection system of the present invention to the refrigeration / refrigeration equipment installed in such a store, the abnormality detection operation described above is performed during the closing time because the noise that causes disturbance is small. However, there is a high possibility that the abnormality cannot be detected.

  Therefore, in such a case, the time period during which the level of noise generated by the refrigeration circuit component equipment is high, that is, the refrigeration circuit is operated in a high load state, and thus the refrigeration circuit component equipment is also operated in a high load state. It is advisable to perform an abnormality detection operation during the time period. It can be said that such a time zone is a time zone in which the possibility that an abnormality will occur is high because the refrigeration circuit components are operated in a high load state. Therefore, it is preferable to perform the abnormality detection operation in such a time zone from the viewpoint of detecting an abnormality early.

  The time zone during which the refrigeration circuit is operated under a high load state includes a time zone when the temperature is high (for example, around 2 pm), a time zone when there are a large number of shoppers to visit ( Time zone during which the temperature in the cabinet tends to rise), time zone during which the product is replenished (a time zone during which the temperature inside the cabinet tends to rise because the store clerk takes in and out the product), and the like.

  Such a time zone may be set in advance based on information such as weather forecasts, statistical data on the number of shoppers to visit, and a product replenishment schedule, and an abnormality detection operation may be performed during that time zone. It is more effective to cause the abnormality detection operation to be performed when the state becomes actually high.

  Therefore, in the store centralized management system 50, when the load state of the refrigeration circuit 21 estimated for each predetermined time interval satisfies a preset condition, the control / evaluation device 33 of the abnormality detection device 30 is transmitted via the signal line 52. The store central management system 50 may be configured so that an abnormality detection operation start command signal is output.

  In the above description, the example in which the store central management system 50 outputs the abnormality detection operation start command signal to the control / evaluation device 33 of the abnormality detection device 30 has been described. However, the control / evaluation device of the abnormality detection device 30 is described. An operation for starting an abnormality detection operation may be performed by operating a switch provided at 33. In this case, the abnormality detection operation is started when the employee of the store operates the switch at a desired timing.

  According to the refrigeration / refrigeration equipment abnormality detection system of the first embodiment configured as described above, the abnormality of each of the plurality of showcases can be detected at an early stage before the occurrence of a failure through measurement of noise generated by the refrigeration circuit component equipment. Can be detected. In addition, since only one sound level meter is used to measure noise generated by a plurality of devices, the system can be configured at low cost.

  Furthermore, if the abnormality detection operation by the abnormality detection device of the refrigeration and refrigeration equipment abnormality detection system is performed based on a command from the store central management system, the accuracy of abnormality detection can be improved, or the abnormality can be further improved. An excellent effect of being able to detect at an early stage can be obtained.

(Modification of the first embodiment)
In the above, an example in which the refrigeration / refrigeration equipment abnormality detection system of the present invention is applied to abnormality detection of a built-in refrigeration / refrigeration equipment has been described. It can also be applied to detection.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic explanatory view showing a refrigeration / freezer equipment abnormality detection system 110 according to a modification of the first embodiment configured to detect an abnormality of the separate refrigeration equipment. Of the elements included in the refrigerated refrigerating apparatus abnormality detection system 110, the elements corresponding to the elements included in the refrigerated refrigerating apparatus abnormality detection system 10 are numbered to the elements included in the refrigerated refrigerating apparatus abnormality detection system 10. The number added with 100 is attached.

  The refrigeration equipment abnormality detection system 110 includes a plurality of showcases 120 (refrigeration and refrigeration equipment), a condensing unit 160 (refrigeration and refrigeration equipment), an abnormality detection device 130, a plurality of showcases 120 and a condensing unit 160, respectively. And a plurality of communication pipes 140 laid between the abnormality detection device 130 and the store centralized management system 150. Among these, the condensing unit 160 is arrange | positioned outdoors and others are each arrange | positioned indoors.

  An expansion mechanism 125 and an evaporator 122 are disposed inside each showcase 120. On the other hand, a compressor 123 and a condenser 124 are disposed inside the condensing unit 160. FIG. 2 does not faithfully show the arrangement of the expansion mechanism 125 and the evaporator 122 in the showcase 120 and the arrangement of the compressor 123 and the condenser 124 in the condensing unit 160.

  The evaporator 122, the compressor 123, the condenser 124, and the expansion mechanism 125 are arranged in this order in the direction in which the refrigerant flows on a pipe line through which the refrigerant circulates, and constitute a refrigeration circuit as a whole.

  The condenser 124 arranged in the condensing unit 160 and the expansion mechanism 125 arranged in each showcase 120 are connected by a liquid phase refrigerant pipe 126. The liquid-phase refrigerant pipe 126 is a single pipe in the portion immediately downstream of the condenser 124, but then branches off to reach the expansion mechanism 125 disposed in each showcase 120.

  The evaporator 122 arranged in each showcase 120 and the compressor 123 arranged in the condensing unit 160 are connected by a gas phase refrigerant pipe 127. The gas-phase refrigerant pipe 127 is configured to reach the compressor 123 arranged in the condensing unit 160 as one pipe after the pipes from the evaporator 122 arranged in each showcase 120 merge. ing.

  The low-pressure liquid phase refrigerant absorbs heat from the air in the cabinet of the showcase 120 introduced by the evaporator fan 122a (blower fan) in the evaporator 122 and evaporates (vaporizes) under a constant pressure. Cool the air inside.

  The low-pressure gas-phase refrigerant that has flowed out of the evaporator 122 reaches the compressor 123 via the gas-phase refrigerant pipe 127, is compressed there, and flows into the condenser 124 as a high-temperature and high-pressure gas-phase refrigerant. In the condenser 124, the high-temperature gas-phase refrigerant dissipates heat to the ambient air introduced by the condenser fan 124a (blower fan) and condenses (liquefies) under a constant pressure. The high-pressure liquid refrigerant that has flowed out of the condenser 124 reaches the expansion mechanism 125 via the liquid-phase refrigerant pipe 126, where it expands in an enthalpy manner, becomes a low-pressure liquid-phase refrigerant, and returns to the evaporator 122. .

  The operating states of the plurality of showcases 120 are monitored and controlled by the store centralized management system 150 (centralized control device), as in the refrigeration equipment abnormality detection system 10.

  In the refrigeration equipment abnormality detection system 110, sensors (not shown) for measuring the discharge refrigerant pressure and the discharge refrigerant temperature are attached to the compressor 123 arranged in the condensing unit 160, and these sensors and the store centralized management. The system 150 is electrically connected to the measurement signal line 151. Further, the store central management system 150 is electrically connected to a control / evaluation device 133 of an abnormality detection device 130 described later by a signal line 152.

  The refrigeration equipment abnormality detection system 110 includes an evaporator fan 122a arranged in each of n (n is an integer of 2 or more) showcases 120, and a compressor 123 arranged in a condensing unit 160. Is transmitted to the abnormality detection device 130 through a corresponding one of the (n + 1) communication pipes 140 (n is an integer of 2 or more), and the abnormality detection device 130 measures and analyzes the noise. And it is configured to evaluate and determine whether or not the device has an abnormality.

  The communication tube 140 has a first end 140a disposed in the vicinity of the evaporator fan 122a disposed in each of the n showcases 120 and the compressor 123 disposed in the condensing unit 160. The second end 140b is connected to an abnormality detection device 130 described later.

  In addition to the compressor 123 arranged in the condensing unit 160, the condenser fan 124a arranged in the condensing unit 160 is targeted for abnormality detection, and the first end 140a of the connecting pipe 140 is in the vicinity thereof. May be arranged. In this case, (n + 2) communication pipes 140 are provided.

  The abnormality detection device 130 includes a switching valve 131, a noise measurement unit 132, and a control / evaluation device 133.

  The switching valve 131 includes (n + 1) (n is an integer of 2 or more) input ports 131A1, 131A2,... 131An, 131A (n + 1), and one output port 131B. The input ports 131A1, 131A2,... 131An, 131A (n + 1) are connected to the second ends 140b of the (n + 1) connecting pipes 140, and the output port 131B is connected to the noise measuring unit 132. . In addition, the switching valve 131 is electrically connected to the control / evaluation device 133 by a control signal line 134.

  The switching valve 131 has a built-in valve mechanism (not shown), and the operation of the valve mechanism allows the first input port 131A1 and the output port 131B to communicate with each other (first communication state), the second input port 131A2 and The state in which the output port 131B communicates (second communication state) (n + 1) in the state in which the (n + 1) th input port 131A (n + 1) communicates with the output port 131B (the (n + 1) communication state). The communication state is configured to be switched to a total of (n + 2) states in a non-communication state where the input port side and the output port side do not communicate. The switching valve 131 is normally in a non-communication state, but when a switching command signal is received from the control / evaluation device 133 via the control signal line 134, the valve mechanism operates and switches to a communication state corresponding to the received switching command signal. .

  In addition, since the noise measurement part 132 has the structure similar to the noise measurement part 32 of the refrigeration equipment abnormality detection system 10, the description is abbreviate | omitted. In addition, the control / evaluation device 133 measures noise in each of the (n + 1) communication states of the switching valve 131, analyzes and evaluates the received measurement signal, and displays the n showcases 120 and the condensing unit. The same configuration as the control / evaluation apparatus 33 of the refrigeration / freezing equipment abnormality detection system 10 except that it is configured to determine whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the refrigeration circuit constituent equipment disposed inside any of the units 160. Therefore, detailed description is omitted.

  According to the refrigeration refrigeration equipment abnormality detection system of the modification of the first embodiment configured as described above, the abnormality of each of the plurality of showcases and the condensing unit is measured through measurement of noise generated by the refrigeration circuit constituent equipment. , Can be detected early before the failure occurs. In addition, since only one sound level meter is used to measure noise generated by a plurality of devices, the system can be configured at low cost.

  Furthermore, if the abnormality detection operation by the abnormality detection device of the refrigeration and refrigeration equipment abnormality detection system is performed based on a command from the store central management system, the accuracy of abnormality detection can be improved, or the abnormality can be further improved. An excellent effect of being able to detect at an early stage can be obtained.

(Second Embodiment)
The refrigeration / refrigeration equipment abnormality detection system of the first embodiment is configured to detect an abnormality of the refrigeration / refrigeration equipment (showcase and condensing unit) based on noise generated by the refrigeration circuit component equipment.

  In contrast, the refrigeration equipment abnormality detection system of the second embodiment detects an abnormality of the refrigeration equipment by detecting refrigerant leakage from the refrigeration circuit in addition to the noise generated by the refrigeration circuit components. Is configured to do. Therefore, the refrigeration-freezer abnormality detection system of 2nd Embodiment differs in the structure of the abnormality detection apparatus from the refrigeration-freezer abnormality detection system of 1st Embodiment.

  Below, the structure of the abnormality detection apparatus in the refrigeration equipment abnormality detection system of 2nd Embodiment is demonstrated in detail, and description is abbreviate | omitted about the other structure which is common in the refrigeration equipment abnormality detection system of 1st Embodiment. To do.

  FIG. 3 is a schematic explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the abnormality detection device in the second embodiment of the refrigeration equipment abnormality detection system of the present invention.

  An abnormality detection device 230 in the refrigeration equipment abnormality detection system according to the second embodiment includes a switching valve 231, a measurement unit 232, and a control / evaluation device 233.

  Among these, the switching valve 231 has the same configuration as the switching valve 31 in the refrigeration / refrigeration equipment abnormality detection system of the first embodiment. Further, the control / evaluation apparatus 233 has the same configuration as the control / evaluation apparatus 33 in the refrigeration equipment abnormality detection system of the first embodiment except for the number of measurement signal lines provided between the measurement unit 232 and the control / evaluation apparatus 233. It is. Therefore, the description about these is abbreviate | omitted.

  The measurement unit 232 includes a measurement chamber 232a, and a sound level meter 232b and a gas detector (leak tester) 232c are disposed therein.

  The measurement chamber 232a is connected to the output port 231B of the switching valve 231. Further, an exhaust pipe 232d is connected to a portion of the measurement chamber 232a that is away from the connection portion with the output port 231B of the switching valve 231, and an exhaust pump 232e is installed on the exhaust pipe 232d. The exhaust pipe 232d and the exhaust pump 232e constitute an exhaust device of the measurement chamber 232a.

  The sound level meter 232b is disposed in the measurement chamber 232a at a position where noise radiated from the output port 231B of the switching valve 231 can be measured, and is electrically connected to the control / evaluation device 233 via the measurement signal line 235b. ing. The sound level meter 232b measures noise radiated from the output port 231B of the switching valve 231 into the measurement chamber 232a, and uses the acquired measurement data as a measurement signal via the measurement signal line 235b to control / evaluate the device 233. It is configured to output to.

  The gas detector (leak tester) 232c is disposed in the measurement chamber 232a at a position where the concentration of the refrigerant gas that is the working fluid of the refrigeration circuit can be measured. The gas detector (leak tester) 232c is electrically connected to the control / evaluation device 233 by the measurement signal line 235c. It is connected to the. The gas detector (leak tester) 232c measures the refrigerant gas concentration in the measurement chamber 232a, and controls the detection signal via the measurement signal line 235c when the measured concentration exceeds a predetermined threshold. -It is comprised so that it may output to the evaluation apparatus 233.

  When the abnormality detection device 230 starts an abnormality detection operation, the control / evaluation device 233 transmits an operation command signal to the exhaust pump 232e via a control signal line (not shown) and to the switching valve 231 via the control signal line 234. In response to this, a command signal for switching to the first communication state is transmitted. The switching valve 231 that has received the switching command signal operates the valve mechanism and switches to the first communication state. At this time, since the inside of the measurement chamber 232a is in a negative pressure state due to the operation of the exhaust pump 232e, the air around the refrigeration circuit component equipment of the first refrigeration equipment is connected to the first input of the communication pipe and the switching valve 231. It flows into the measurement chamber 232a through the port 231A1 and the output port 231B. In this state, the sound level meter 232b measures noise radiated from the output port 231B of the switching valve 231 into the measurement chamber 232a, and outputs a measurement signal to the control / evaluation device 233 via the measurement signal line 235b. At the same time, the gas detector 232c measures the concentration of the refrigerant gas in the measurement chamber 232a. If the measured concentration exceeds a predetermined threshold, the detection signal is controlled and evaluated via the measurement signal line 235c. Output to the device 233. When the refrigerant is leaking from the refrigeration circuit of the first refrigeration equipment, the gas of the refrigerant flows into the measurement chamber 232a, so that the gas detector 232c outputs the detection signal first. This means that the refrigerant is leaking from the refrigeration circuit of the refrigeration equipment. Subsequently, the control / evaluation device 233 transmits a switching command signal to the second communication state to the switching valve 231 via the control signal line 234. Then, the measurement signal output from the sound level meter 232b is received in the same manner as described above, and when the measurement by the gas detector (leak tester) 232c is completed, a command signal for switching to the next communication state is transmitted. In this way, the noise and refrigerant gas concentration are measured in each of the n communication states of the switching valve 231, and when the measurement in the nth communication state is completed, the control / evaluation device 233 switches to the non-communication state. A switching command signal is transmitted. Thus, the switching valve 231 returns to the non-communication state.

  The control / evaluation device 233 analyzes and evaluates the measurement signal received from the sound level meter 232b, confirms whether or not the detection signal is received from the gas detector 232c, and refrigerates any of the n refrigeration units. Determine whether an abnormality has occurred in the circuit configuration equipment. Analysis and evaluation of the measurement signal received from the sound level meter 232b are performed in the same procedure as in the first embodiment. Further, when a detection signal is received from the gas detector 232c in the i-th communication state (i is an integer of 1 to n), it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the i-th refrigeration unit.

  According to the refrigeration / refrigeration equipment abnormality detection system of the second embodiment configured as described above, each abnormality of a plurality of refrigeration / refrigeration equipments can be detected at an early stage before a failure occurs through detection of refrigerant gas leakage from the refrigeration circuit. Can be detected. In addition, since only one gas detector (leak tester) is used to detect leakage of refrigerant gas from the refrigeration circuits in a plurality of refrigeration units, the system can be configured at low cost and the gas detector Maintenance costs required for periodic calibration of the (leak tester) can be reduced.

  In the above description, an example in which the abnormality detection system of the present invention is applied to a plurality of refrigeration refrigerators has been described. However, the abnormality detection system of the present invention can also be applied to a plurality of air conditioning apparatuses.

10, 110 Refrigerated refrigeration equipment abnormality detection system 20, 120 Showcase (refrigerated refrigeration equipment)
21 Refrigeration circuit 22, 122 Evaporator 22a, 122a Evaporator fan (blower fan)
23, 123 Compressor 24, 124 Condenser 24a, 124a Condenser fan (fan)
25, 125 Expansion mechanism 30, 130, 230 Abnormality detection device 31, 131, 231 Switching valve 31A, 131A, 231A Input port 31B, 131B, 231B Output port 32, 132, 232 Noise measurement unit 32a, 132a, 232a Measurement chamber 32b , 132b, 232b Sound level meter 33, 133, 233 Control / evaluation device 34, 134, 234 Control signal line 35, 135, 235b, 235c Measurement signal line 40, 140 Communication pipe 50, 150 Store centralized management system (centralized control device)
51, 151 Measurement signal lines 52, 152 Signal line 126 Liquid phase refrigerant pipe 127 Gas phase refrigerant pipe 160 Condensing unit (refrigeration equipment)
232c Gas detector (leak tester)
232d Exhaust pipe 232e Exhaust pump

Claims (7)

Multiple refrigeration equipment,
One anomaly detector,
A plurality of connecting pipes for connecting each of the plurality of refrigeration equipment and the abnormality detection device;
With
Each of the plurality of refrigeration equipment includes at least one of a compressor that is an element constituting a refrigeration circuit, an evaporator with a blower fan, and a condenser with a blower fan,
The abnormality detection device is electrically connected to each of a switching valve having a plurality of input ports and one output port, a measuring chamber connected to the output port and having a sound level meter therein, and the switching valve and the sound level meter. Connected control and evaluation device,
A first end of the connecting pipe is disposed in the vicinity of the compressor or the blower fan, and a second end of the connecting pipe is connected to one of the input ports of the switching valve;
The switching valve is configured to perform a switching operation by a switching command from the control / evaluation device,
The control / evaluation apparatus determines whether or not an abnormality has occurred in each of the plurality of refrigeration equipment by analyzing and evaluating the measurement signal received from the sound level meter. . The measurement chamber further includes a gas detector that is electrically connected to the control / evaluation device, and an exhaust device that places the inside in a negative pressure state.
The gas detector measures the concentration of refrigerant gas in the refrigeration circuit in the measurement chamber, and outputs a detection signal to the control / evaluation device when the measured concentration exceeds a threshold value. Configured,
The control / evaluation apparatus determines whether or not an abnormality has occurred in each of the plurality of refrigeration units by confirming the presence or absence of the detection signal received from the gas detector. The refrigeration equipment abnormality detection system described in 1. When the abnormality detection operation by the abnormality detection device is started,
The control / evaluation device outputs a switching command signal to a state in which the first input port of the plurality of input ports and the output port communicate with each other with respect to the switching valve. It is determined whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the first refrigeration equipment among the plurality of refrigeration equipment corresponding to the first input port, and thereafter, the same processing is repeated to generate an abnormality in all the refrigeration equipment. The refrigeration / freezing equipment abnormality detection system according to claim 1, wherein the presence or absence of the refrigeration equipment is determined. The operating state of the plurality of refrigeration equipment is controlled by one centralized control device,
The central control device is electrically connected to the control / evaluation device,
The refrigeration equipment abnormality according to claim 3, wherein the abnormality detection device starts the abnormality detection operation when the control / evaluation device receives an abnormality detection operation start command signal from the central control device. Detection system. The refrigeration / freezer equipment abnormality detection system according to claim 4, wherein the central control device outputs the abnormality detection operation start command signal at a predetermined time. A sensor for measuring the operating state is attached to the compressor,
The centralized control device estimates the load state of the refrigeration circuit based on the measurement signal received from the sensor, and when the estimated load state satisfies a predetermined condition, the abnormality detection operation start command A signal is output. The refrigeration equipment abnormality detection system of Claim 4 characterized by the above-mentioned. 7. The sensor according to claim 6, wherein the sensor measures a frequency or output of an inverter motor that drives the compressor or a discharge refrigerant pressure and a discharge refrigerant temperature of the compressor. Refrigeration equipment abnormality detection system.

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