JP5279617B2 - Integrated management system, integrated management method, integrated management apparatus, and integrated management program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an integrated management system, an integrated management method, an integrated management device and an integrated management program, allowing update of a control program without stopping operation control of equipment. <P>SOLUTION: This integrated management system 100 includes a stabilization instruction part 114 instructing to perform the operation control of the interlocking equipment such that an operation state of UD equipment is stabilized to an interlocking equipment controller executing the operation control of the interlocking equipment. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&amp;INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an integrated management system including a plurality of devices provided in a store, an integrated management method for controlling the integrated management system, an integrated management apparatus, and an integrated management program.

  In stores such as supermarkets and convenience stores, a plurality of devices including refrigeration or refrigeration equipment (hereinafter referred to as “showcase”), air conditioning equipment, lighting equipment, and the like may be operated continuously for 24 hours. Generally, in such a store, an integrated management system for monitoring the operation state of each device and optimizing the operation state is introduced. By operating each device systematically with the integrated management system, it is possible to realize overall energy saving of the entire store.

  The operation of each device is performed based on a control program stored in a device controller that controls the operation of each device. Each device controller is integrated and managed by an integrated controller provided in the store.

  Here, it is desirable that the control program is updated according to climate change, a change in the configuration of each device, or aged deterioration of each device. Since control suitable for each device is performed by such an update, energy saving in the entire store can be maintained or promoted.

  However, each device controller cannot be updated to a new control program during execution of the control program. For this reason, when updating the control program, it is necessary to once terminate the operation of the device controller and each device, that is, interrupt the service. In addition, although it is possible to provide two integrated management systems in each store and to replace them each time the control program is updated, it is difficult to adopt from the viewpoint of introduction cost.

  Therefore, a method of updating the control program while the control program is not operating has been proposed (see Patent Document 1). Specifically, the control program is updated only when each device controller does not control the operation of each device based on the control program.

JP 11-259284 A

  However, there is a problem that the method described in Patent Document 1 cannot be applied to a device control unit that performs operation control of a device that is always in an operating state like a showcase. Specifically, since the device controller constantly controls the operation of the device based on the control program, the opportunity to update the control program in the device controller is lost.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described situation, and provides an integrated management system, an integrated management method, an integrated management apparatus, and an integrated management program that can update a control program without stopping operation control of equipment. For the purpose.

  An integrated management system according to a feature of the present invention stores a plurality of devices and a control program for controlling the operation of each of the plurality of devices, and controls a plurality of devices based on the control program. An integrated management system comprising a control unit and an integrated management apparatus that integrates and manages a plurality of device control units, and a control program for a first device control unit that controls the operation of the first device among the plurality of devices The operation state of the first device is stabilized with respect to the communication unit that transmits another control program different from the second device control unit that controls the operation of the second device linked to the first device among a plurality of devices. And a stabilization instruction unit that instructs to control the operation of the second device and an update from the control program to another control program based on the operation state of the first device. A determination unit that determines whether or not the operation state of the first device is affected by the restart of the first device control unit, and a determination unit that the operation state of the first device is not affected by the restart. In this case, the gist is to have a restart instruction unit that instructs the first device control unit to restart.

  According to the integrated management system according to the feature of the present invention, by controlling the operation of the second device, the operation state of the first device can be made not affected by the restart of the first device control unit. . Therefore, it is possible to update to another control program while maintaining an appropriate operation of the first device.

  In the present invention, “interlocking” means that one device moves in synchronization with another device. When one device is linked to another device, the control output from the other device control unit to the other device as the control value output from the one device control unit to the one device varies. The value varies.

  Further, in the present invention, “the operation state is stabilized” means that the fluctuation of the control value output from one device control unit to one device falls within a predetermined range, or is installed in one device. It means that the fluctuation of the detection value of the sensor falls within a predetermined range. The predetermined range is a range that can be handled as having no fluctuation, and may be “0”.

  In the present invention, “the operation state is affected” means that the control value output to one device before the one device control unit is restarted and one when the restart of one device control unit ends. This means that one device cannot continue smooth operation due to a large difference from the control value output to the other device. This is likely to occur when the operating state of one device is not stabilized. Therefore, whether or not the operating state is affected can be determined by whether or not the operating state of one device is stabilized.

  The integrated management system according to the feature of the present invention includes a first device and a first device based on system operation information indicating an operation state of each of a plurality of devices and setting information set in advance for operation control of the plurality of devices. An interlock pattern acquisition unit that acquires an interlock pattern indicating that the two devices are interlocked with each other, a control parameter acquisition unit that is associated with the interlock pattern and acquires a control parameter used for operation control of the second device; You may have. In this case, since the operation of the second device can be controlled by the control parameter corresponding to the interlock pattern between the first device and the second device, the operation of the second device can be controlled uniformly and accurately.

  In the integrated management system according to the features of the present invention, the restart instruction unit may be provided in the first device control unit. In this case, since it can be restarted by the judgment of the first device control unit itself, it is not necessary to transmit a restart instruction from the integrated management apparatus to the first device control unit. As a result, the processing load on the integrated management apparatus can be reduced.

  An integrated management method according to a feature of the present invention stores a plurality of devices and a control program for controlling the operation of each of the plurality of devices, and controls a plurality of devices based on the control program. An integrated management method used in an integrated management system including a control unit and an integrated management apparatus that integrates and manages a plurality of device control units, the first device control unit controlling the operation of the first device among the plurality of devices On the other hand, the step of transmitting another control program different from the control program, and the second device control unit that controls the operation of the second device linked to the first device among the plurality of devices, An instruction to control the operation of the second device so that the operation state is stabilized, and an update from the control program to another control program based on the operation state of the first device A step of determining whether or not the operation state of the first device is affected by the restart of the first device control unit that is performed, and a determination unit that the operation state of the first device is not affected by the restart And the step of instructing the first device control unit to restart.

  An integrated management apparatus according to a feature of the present invention stores a plurality of devices and a control program for controlling the operation of each of the plurality of devices, and controls a plurality of devices based on the control program. In an integrated management system including a control unit, an integrated management apparatus that integrally manages a plurality of device control units, the control program for a first device control unit that controls the operation of the first device among the plurality of devices The operation state of the first device is stabilized with respect to the communication unit that transmits another control program different from the second device control unit that controls the operation of the second device linked to the first device among a plurality of devices. This is performed in accordance with the stabilization instruction unit that instructs to control the operation of the second device and the update from the control program to another control program based on the operation state of the first device. The determination unit that determines whether or not the operation state of the first device is affected by the restart of the one device control unit, and the determination unit that the operation state of the first device is not affected by the restart In this case, the gist is to include a restart instruction unit that instructs the first device control unit to restart.

  An integrated management program according to a feature of the present invention stores a plurality of devices and a control program for controlling the operation of each of the plurality of devices, and controls a plurality of devices based on the control program. In an integrated management system that includes a control unit and an integrated management device that integrally manages a plurality of device control units, a computer that functions as an integrated management device that performs integrated management of a plurality of device control units has a first device out of the plurality of devices. A step of transmitting another control program different from the control program to the first device control unit that controls the operation of the second device, and a second device that controls the operation of the second device linked to the first device among the plurality of devices. Instructing the control unit to control the operation of the second device so that the operation state of the first device is stabilized, and based on the operation state of the first device A step of determining whether or not the operating state of the first device is affected by the restart of the first device control unit performed in association with an update from the control program to another control program; and the operating state of the first device When the determination unit determines that the device is not affected by the restart, the gist is to execute a step of instructing the first device control unit to restart.

  According to the features of the present invention, it is possible to provide an integrated management system, an integrated management method, an integrated management apparatus, and an integrated management program that can update a control program without stopping operation control of the device.

It is a conceptual diagram which shows the structure of the integrated management system 100 which concerns on embodiment of this invention. 1 is a configuration diagram of an integrated management system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. It is a detailed block diagram of the cooling system 20 which concerns on embodiment of this invention. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an integrated controller 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the example of a display in the display part 14 which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a functional block block diagram which shows each function performed by CPU11 which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the control parameter used for the classification | category of the interlocking pattern which concerns on embodiment of this invention, and the operation control of an interlocking apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the integrated controller 10 which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the integrated controller 10 which concerns on embodiment of this invention.

  Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the description of the drawings in the following embodiments, the same or similar parts are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals.

[Concept of integrated management system]
The concept of the entire integrated management system according to this embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing a configuration of an integrated management system 100 according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the integrated management system 100 includes a cooling system 20 and an air conditioning system 30.

  In addition, the cooling system 20 and the air conditioning system 30 are configured by a plurality of devices including a plurality of apparatuses and a plurality of devices. Specifically, the cooling system 20 includes a plurality of devices such as a showcase 21 that is a refrigeration device or a refrigeration device, a compressor 22, and a condenser 23. The air conditioning system 30 includes an indoor unit 31 and a compressor. 32, and a plurality of devices such as a condenser 33. Further, each of the plurality of devices is configured by a plurality of devices such as a control device (relay, fan, valve, switch, etc.) and a sensor device (pressure sensor, temperature sensor, humidity sensor, current sensor, voltage sensor, etc.). .

  The integrated management system 100 is provided with another system (for example, a lighting system) not shown.

  The integrated management system 100 according to the present embodiment can achieve energy saving as the entire system by performing integrated management of the cooling system 20 and the air conditioning system 30. Specifically, the integrated management system 100 includes a plurality of devices (hereinafter, “a plurality of devices” and “a plurality of devices”) included in the cooling system 20 and a plurality of devices included in the air conditioning system 30. Are controlled in various combinations (hereinafter referred to as “interlocking control”).

(About interlock control)
Interlocking control of a plurality of devices is classified into interlocking levels 1 to 3 as shown in FIG.

  The interlocking level 1 is “interlocking control over a plurality of systems” as executed between the cooling system 20 and the air conditioning system 30.

  Interlocking level 2 is a “one-of-a-kind” that is executed between a plurality of devices in order to perform functions unique to the cooling system 20 and the air conditioning system 30 (such as refrigeration / freezing of displayed products and indoor cooling / heating). “Interlocked control within the system”.

  Interlocking level 3 is “interlocking control within one apparatus” as executed between a plurality of devices constituting each of a plurality of apparatuses.

  It should be noted that when interlocking control at interlocking level 1 is performed, interlocking control at interlocking level 2 and interlocking level 3 is normally performed at the same time. Similarly, when interlocking control at interlocking level 2 is performed, usually interlocking control at interlocking level 3 is performed simultaneously.

(About interlocking patterns)
Next, the interlock patterns of the interlock levels 1 to 3 will be described with specific examples. The interlock pattern indicates a combination of a plurality of devices that are interlocked. In addition, the combination of a some apparatus may be limited within one interlocking level, and may straddle two or more interlocking levels.

(i) Example of interlocking pattern of interlocking level 1 Example 1: In a food department where a showcase 21 on which refrigerated goods are displayed is installed, the set temperature of the air conditioning system 30 is controlled to be low. Since the COP (efficiency) is better in the air conditioning system 30 than in the cooling system 20, it is possible to save energy in the entire sales area by controlling the room temperature of the food department to be lower.

  Example 2: In the clothing department, the cooling temperature of the air conditioning system 30 is controlled to be higher.

  Example 3: In a food department where a showcase 21 equipped with interior lighting is installed, the lighting of the whole department is darkened.

  Example 4: When only a food department is open for 24 hours, the air conditioning system 30 of another department is stopped at night.

  Example 5: In a store that operates 24 hours a day, the cooling temperature is controlled to be higher at night when the customer's feet fall.

(ii) Example of interlocking pattern of interlocking level 2 Example 1: The internal temperature of the showcase 21 is controlled by controlling the amount of refrigerant flowing into the showcase 21 and the low pressure control of the compressor 22.

  Example 2: The temperature of the refrigerant flowing into the showcase 21 is controlled by controlling the amount of refrigerant flowing into the sub-cooler while detecting the refrigerant temperature before and after the sub-cooler.

  Example 3: When there are two or more refrigerant pipes, the refrigerant temperature is controlled for each refrigerant pipe.

  Example 4: When a plurality of showcases 21 are installed, the defrosting operation of each showcase 21 is executed according to a predetermined combination.

(iii) Example of interlocking pattern of interlocking level 3 Example: Based on the discharge pressure sensor value of the compressor 22, the output (ie, cooling capacity) of the fan of the condenser 23 is controlled.

[Outline of integrated management system]
Next, an outline of the integrated management system according to this embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  The integrated management system 100 according to the present embodiment includes a plurality of devices, a plurality of device controllers that control operations of the plurality of devices, and an integrated controller that integrally manages the plurality of device controllers. The plurality of devices and the plurality of device controllers are distributed and provided in the cooling system 20 and the air conditioning system 30 that constitute the integrated management system 100.

  The integrated controller integrally manages a plurality of device controllers. The plurality of device controllers control the operation of each of the plurality of devices based on various control programs. Operation control of each of the plurality of devices is performed based on a control signal output from an I / F (interface) of each device controller.

  In the present embodiment, one device controller among a plurality of device controllers is controlled from one control program (hereinafter “current control program”) to another control program (hereinafter “UD control program”) in accordance with an instruction from the integrated controller. Update to. The update involves a restart of the control program (a so-called “power-on reset” performed without turning off the device controller). At this time, a device (hereinafter referred to as “UD device”) whose operation is controlled by one device controller (hereinafter referred to as “UD device controller”) to be updated is output from the I / F before restarting. It should be noted that the operation control based on the generated control signal is maintained. Accordingly, the application layer in the UD device controller that executes the update of the control program and the physical layer in the UD device controller that outputs the control signal from the I / F are hierarchically and electrically separated. Therefore, even when the UD device controller is restarted, the operating state of the UD device based on the control signal output from the I / F is maintained.

  When the integrated controller restarts the UD device controller, the integrated controller controls another device controller (hereinafter referred to as “linked device”) linked to the UD device (hereinafter referred to as “linked device controller”). ) To control the operation of the interlocking device so that the operation state of the UD device is stabilized.

  Next, when it is determined that the operating state of the UD device is not affected by the restart of the UD device controller, the integrated controller instructs the UD device controller to restart.

  Note that the operation state of the device is an index indicating how the device is operated by the device controller, and the fluctuation range of the control output value for the device controller to control the operation of the device, This is indicated by the fluctuation range of the sensor value transmitted from the sensor to the device controller.

[Configuration of integrated management system]
Next, the configuration of the integrated management system according to this embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

(Overall configuration of integrated management system 100)
FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of the integrated management system 100 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the integrated management system 100 includes a plurality of stores S, a network 1, a central DB (database) 2, and a remote management controller 3.

  The store S is, for example, a supermarket or a convenience store. The store S can communicate with the remote management controller 3 via the network 1. A plurality of device controllers installed in the store S are integrated and managed by the integrated controller 10. The configuration of the store S will be described later.

  The network 1 connects the store S and the remote management controller 3 so that they can communicate with each other. As the network 1, for example, a network constructed by the Internet or a dedicated communication line can be used.

  The central DB 2 stores various UD control programs for controlling the operation of a plurality of devices installed in the store S. The UD control program is a program for updating the current control program currently used in the store S. The current control program is updated to an optimal UD control program for each of a plurality of devices according to the environment of the store S.

  The central DB 2 stores control parameters used for stabilizing the operating state of the UD device. The control parameter is stored for each interlocking pattern.

  The remote management controller 3 manages the integrated controller 10 installed in the store S via the network 1. The remote management controller 3 can access the central DB 2. When a later-described UD control program is newly stored in the central DB 2, the remote management controller 3 notifies the integrated controller 10 to that effect. In response to a request from the integrated controller 10, the remote management controller 3 acquires a UD control program from the central DB 2 and transmits it to the integrated controller 10.

  Further, in response to a request from the integrated controller 10, the remote management controller 3 acquires control parameters corresponding to the interlock pattern from the central DB 2 and transmits them to the integrated controller 10.

(Composition in the store)
Next, the configuration in the store S will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, the store S is provided with an integrated controller 10, a cooling system 20, and an air conditioning system 30.

  The integrated controller 10 can communicate with the cooling system 20 and the air conditioning system 30 via the communication line 40. The integrated controller 10 achieves energy saving as the entire store S by integrally managing the cooling system 20 and the air conditioning system 30.

  The cooling system 20 includes a plurality of showcases 21, a compressor 22, a condenser 23, equipment controllers 24 to 26, and the like. The air conditioning system 30 includes an indoor unit 31, a compressor 32, a condenser 33, device controllers 34 to 36, and the like. Since the basic configurations of the cooling system 20 and the air conditioning system 30 are the same as described above, the cooling system 20 will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 3 is a detailed configuration diagram of the cooling system 20 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the cooling system 20 is provided with a plurality of showcases 21, a compressor 22, a condenser 23, a plurality of device controllers 24 to 26, and a refrigerant pipe P. Each showcase 21, the compressor 22, and the condenser 23 are connected by a refrigerant pipe P through which a refrigerant flows. The compressor 22 and the condenser 23 constitute a refrigerant supply device 27 that supplies refrigerant to each showcase 21.

  Each showcase 21 includes an evaporator 21a, a temperature sensor 21b, and a solenoid valve 21c. The refrigerant is expanded in the electromagnetic valve 21c, and the expanded refrigerant is vaporized in the evaporator 21a to become low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant gas. The temperature sensor 21 b measures the internal temperature and transmits it to the device controller 24 and the integrated controller 10. The electromagnetic valve 21c has a function of adjusting the amount of refrigerant supplied to each showcase 21 according to the opening. The opening degree of the electromagnetic valve 21c is controlled by the device controller 24. Specifically, the device controller 24 controls the opening degree of the electromagnetic valve 21c according to the temperature difference between the internal temperature and the set temperature according to the current control program. Note that the device controller 24 performs monitoring of the temperature difference between the internal temperature and the set temperature and the control of the opening degree of the electromagnetic valve 21c at a predetermined cycle Tc24.

  The compressor 22 includes three compressors 22a to 22c having different compression capacities, a temperature sensor 22d, and a pressure sensor 22e. The low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant gas vaporized by the evaporator 21a is compressed by the compressors 22a to 22c controlled by the device controller 25 to become a high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant gas. The refrigerant gas compressed by the compressors 22a to 22c is guided to the condenser 23 via the refrigerant pipe P. The temperature sensor 22 d measures the refrigerant temperature at the inlet of the compressor 22. The pressure sensor 22 e measures the refrigerant pressure at the inlet of the compressor 22. Such refrigerant temperature and refrigerant pressure are transmitted to the device controller 25 and the integrated controller 10. In order to manage the temperature of each showcase 21, the device controller 25 controls the refrigerant pressure to a constant target value according to the current control program. Specifically, the device controller 25 controls the refrigerant pressure at the inlet of the compressor 22 by adjusting the operating capacity of the compressor 22. Note that the device controller 25 performs refrigerant pressure monitoring and compressor 22 operation capability control at a predetermined cycle Tc25.

  The condenser 23 includes fans 23a to 23c and a pressure sensor 23d. The high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant gas discharged from the compressor 22 is cooled and condensed by the fans 23a to 23c to become a liquid. The refrigerant condensed by the condenser 23 is guided to each showcase 21 via the refrigerant pipe P. The pressure sensor 23 d measures the refrigerant pressure discharged from the compressor 22. Such refrigerant pressure is transmitted to the device controller 26 and the integrated controller 10. The device controller 26 controls the operation of the fans 23a to 23c according to the current control program. Generally, the device controller 26 improves the operation capability of the fans 23a to 23c as the discharge pressure is higher. In addition, the apparatus controller 26 shall perform monitoring of discharge pressure and control of the operation capability of fan 23a-23c by predetermined period Tc25.

[Schematic configuration of integrated controller]
Next, a schematic configuration of the integrated controller 10 will be described.

  FIG. 4 is a schematic configuration diagram of the integrated controller 10. In the following description, portions related to the present invention will be mainly described. As shown in FIG. 4, the integrated controller 10 includes a CPU 11, a memory 12, a communication unit 13, a display unit 14, and a receiving unit 15.

  The CPU 11 controls the integrated controller 10 as a whole. The configuration of the CPU 11 will be described later.

  The memory 12 temporarily stores a UD control program and control parameters transmitted from the remote management controller 3. The UD control program and control parameters are deleted from the memory 12 after being transmitted to the device controllers 24 to 26. The memory 12 stores an integrated management program executed by the CPU 11 and various variables. Further, the memory 12 stores system operation information for a certain period described later.

  The communication unit 13 receives the UD control program and control parameters from the remote management controller 3 and transmits the UD control program, the stabilization instruction, and the restart instruction to the device controllers 24 to 26. Moreover, the communication part 13 receives the driving | running state of each apparatus controller 24-26.

  Here, the operating state is the fluctuation range of the control output value that each device controller 24 to 26 transmits to each device in order to control the operation of each device (showcase 21, compressor 22 and condenser 23), Or it is shown by the fluctuation range of the sensor value transmitted to each apparatus controller 24-26 from the sensor installed in each apparatus. The smaller the fluctuation range of the control output value or the sensor value, that is, the more uniform the operation of each device is, the more stable the operation state is. On the other hand, the larger the fluctuation range of the control output value or the sensor value, that is, the more unstable the operation of each device, the more unstable the operation state. Therefore, it should be noted that the magnitude of the opening degree of the solenoid valve 21c, the magnitude of the operating capacity of the compressor 22, and the magnitude of the operating capacity of the fans 23a to 23c are not related to whether or not the operating state is stable. is there. That is, if the opening degree of the solenoid valve 21c is constant in a large state, the operation state of the showcase 21 is stable.

  The display unit 14 displays information related to the update of the UD control program when the UD control program is stored in the central DB 2. The information regarding the update is useful information when the user issues an update instruction using the receiving unit 15 described later.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the display unit 14 relates to the version of the current control program stored in each of the device controllers 24 to 26, the version of the UD control program downloaded from the remote management controller 3, or an update (not shown). Advice information (for example, “Please update”) is displayed. FIG. 5 illustrates the case where the device controller 24 is a UD device controller.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the display unit 14 displays a selection button, an update elapsed time, an update status, and the like. FIG. 5 shows that the update of the device controller 24 is in the middle stage (for example, “the stage where the control parameter is transmitted to the interlocking device”). In addition, the display part 14 may be provided with the input function by a touch panel etc., for example.

  The receiving unit 15 is a mouse or a keyboard for receiving a user operation. For example, when downloading the UD control program from the remote management controller 3, the user changes the “OFF” display to the “ON” display by pressing the selection button, and presses the “DL” execution button. Further, when updating to the UD control program, the user changes the “OFF” display to the “ON” display by pressing the selection button, and presses the “UD” execution button. When the display unit 14 has an input function such as a touch panel, the display unit 14 also serves as the receiving unit 15.

[Detailed configuration of integrated controller]
FIG. 6 is a functional block configuration diagram showing each function executed by the CPU 11. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the CPU 11 includes a system operation information acquisition unit 111, an interlock pattern acquisition unit 112, a control parameter acquisition unit 113, a stabilization instruction unit 114, a parameter holding unit 115, a determination unit 116, and a restart instruction unit 117. Have.

  The system operation information acquisition unit 111 acquires system operation information indicating the operation states of the showcase 21, the compressor 22, and the condenser 23 from the device controllers 24 to 26. The system operation information is information indicating the operation status of each of a plurality of devices, and includes, for example, sensor values, control output values, setting values, and alarm information transmitted by the device controllers 24 to 26. In this embodiment, the system operation information acquisition unit 111 temporarily stores the system operation information in the memory 12 and periodically stores the system operation information for a predetermined period in the central DB 2 via the communication unit 13. Send.

  The interlock pattern acquisition unit 112 acquires the interlock pattern based on the system operation information and the setting information set by the user for operating the integrated management system 100. The setting information is information set in advance for operation control of a plurality of devices. For example, defrosting operation schedule information in the plurality of showcases 21 and energy saving control between the cooling system 20 and the air conditioning system 30 are performed. Operational information used for System operation information is stored in the memory 12.

  Here, FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the control parameters used for the classification of the interlocking pattern and the operation control of the interlocking device when the control program of the cooling system 20 is updated. However, in FIG. 7, it should be noted that the interlock patterns are classified based only on the interlock level 1 and the interlock level 2. When the interlock patterns are classified in consideration of the interlock level 3, it is possible to classify into more interlock patterns than the example of FIG.

  The interlock pattern 1 is, for example, during normal operation in the daytime business hours, the air conditioning system 30 is in an operating state, and between the cooling system 20 and the air conditioning system 30, that is, for energy saving at the interlock level 1. This is a pattern in which interlocking control (hereinafter referred to as “energy saving interlocking control”) is performed.

  The interlocking pattern 2 is a pattern in which the energy-saving interlocking control cannot be practically performed even if the energy-saving interlocking control is set because the air conditioning system 30 is in a stopped state.

  The interlocking pattern 3 is a pattern in which, for example, normal operation is performed during a night business hours and the air conditioning system 30 is in an operating state, but the energy saving interlocking control is not performed.

  The interlock pattern 4 is, for example, a nighttime closing time zone, the air conditioning system 30 is in a stopped state, and the energy saving interlock control is not performed.

  The interlocking pattern 5 is a pattern in which, for example, the defrosting operation is performed during the daytime business hours, the air conditioning system 30 is in an operating state, and energy saving interlocking control is performed.

  Similarly to the interlocking pattern 2, the interlocking pattern 6 is a pattern in which the energy saving interlocking control cannot be practically performed.

  The interlock pattern 7 is a pattern in which, for example, the defrosting operation is performed in the night business hours and the air conditioning system 30 is in an operating state, but the energy saving interlock control is not performed.

  The interlocking pattern 8 is a pattern in which, for example, the defrosting operation is being performed during the nighttime closing hours, the air conditioning system 30 is in a stopped state, and the energy saving interlocking control is not performed.

  The interlock pattern as described above is set and registered at the time of system design, but may be additionally registered during system operation.

  The control parameter acquisition unit 113 acquires a control parameter that conforms to the interlock pattern acquired by the interlock pattern acquisition unit 112. The control parameter is a command value used for operation control of the interlocking device interlocked with the UD device. The interlocking device is controlled by the control parameter so that the operating state of the UD device is stabilized.

  Specifically, the control parameter acquisition unit 113 transmits a control parameter request including an interlock pattern to the remote management controller 3. The remote management controller 3 acquires control parameters corresponding to the interlock pattern from the central DB 2. The control parameter acquisition unit 113 receives control parameters from the remote management controller 3.

  Here, the control parameter is a command value transmitted and received as data, but it should be noted that in FIG. 7, the content indicated by the control parameter is expressed in natural language.

  For example, when the device controller 25 that controls the operation of the compressor 22 in the cooling system 20 is a UD device controller, the control parameter corresponding to the interlocking pattern 1 is “maximum output of the compressor 22 and the condenser 23”. At the same time, “increase the indoor set temperature from the normal time” of the air conditioning system 30 to be interlocked. As a result, the compressor 22 is stabilized at the maximum output, but at the same time, the increase in power consumption commensurate with the maximum output of the condenser 23 is complemented by increasing the indoor set temperature in the air conditioning system 30. Is done.

  The control parameter corresponding to the interlocking pattern 3 is, for example, “stop the compressor 22 and the condenser 23”. This is because the nighttime showcase load is small and the rise in room temperature is suppressed by the operation of the air conditioning system 30. Further, when inverter control of the compressor 22 is possible, the control parameter may be “minimize the outputs of the compressor 22 and the condenser 23”. Thus, the control parameter is determined according to the function of the device.

  The control parameter corresponding to the interlock pattern 4 is, for example, “stop the compressor 22 and the condenser 23” when the room temperature is low. The control parameter is, for example, “maximize the output of the compressor 22 and the condenser 23” when the room temperature becomes high. Thus, the control parameter is determined according to environmental factors such as season and region.

  The control parameter corresponding to the interlock pattern 5 is “lower the set temperature before starting defrosting and return the set temperature after starting defrosting”. Thereby, the power consumption when returning the showcase 21 to the normal operation after the defrosting operation can be reduced.

  The control parameters corresponding to the interlock pattern 7 and the interlock pattern 8 are not particularly set. This is because the energy saving interlock control is stopped, the control parameter is not changed in the air conditioning system 30, and the stable state (the compressor 22 is stopped) is maintained during the defrosting operation of the cooling system 20. .

  On the other hand, when the control parameter acquisition unit 113 cannot acquire the control parameter from the remote management controller 3, the control parameter acquisition unit 113 can acquire the control parameter corresponding to the system operation information from the memory 12 or the central DB 2. Specifically, the control parameter acquisition unit 113 searches the memory 12 and the central DB 2 to acquire control parameters corresponding to past system operation information similar to the current system operation information.

  The stabilization instruction unit 114 instructs the interlocking device controller that performs operation control of the interlocking device to control the operation of the interlocking device so that the operation state of the UD device is stabilized. Specifically, the stabilization instruction unit 114 transmits a control parameter to the interlocking device controller.

  The parameter holding unit 115 holds a restart required time parameter Ts, a period parameter Tc, and a control required time parameter Tp. Each parameter is preset when each device controller 24 to 26 is installed, and is specific to each device controller 24 to 26.

  The restart required time parameter Ts is a parameter indicating the time required for restart performed in accordance with the update from the current control program to the UD control program.

Specifically, the restart required time parameter Ts is:
(I) Time required for temporary storage of all control output values and sensor values for each device controller 24 to 26 before restart (ii) Time required for power-on reset of the CPU in each device controller 24 to 26 (iii) For UD Time required for loading the control program (iv) This is the sum of the time required for loading all the temporarily saved control output values and sensor values.

  The cycle parameter Tc is a parameter indicating a predetermined cycle Tc24, a predetermined cycle Tc25, and a predetermined cycle Tc26 related to each of the device controllers 24 to 26.

  The required control time parameter Tp is a parameter indicating the time required for the control performed by each of the device controllers 24 to 26.

Specifically, the control required time parameter Tp is:
(I) Time required for acquisition of each sensor value (ii) Time required for calculation of control output value based on each sensor value (iii) Required for transmission of control output value to each showcase 21, compressor 22 and condenser 23 It is the sum of time.

  The determination unit 116 determines whether or not the operating state of the UD device is affected by the restart in the UD device controller.

  Specifically, the determination unit 116 sets an idling time parameter Ti, which is a time during which the CPU of the UD device controller does not perform arithmetic processing for controlling the UD device, output of the control output value, or the like, using the following equation (1): Calculated by The idling time parameter Ti is a value obtained by subtracting the required control time parameter Tp from the cycle parameter Tc.

Ti = Tc−Tp (1)
Next, the determination unit 116 determines whether or not the idling time parameter Ti is larger than the restart required time parameter Ts for the UD device controller. When Ti> Ts, the determination unit 116 determines that the operation state of the UD device is not affected by the restart of the UD device controller. This is because the CPU of the UD device controller can complete the update to the UD control program during the idling time.

  On the other hand, when the determination unit 116 determines that the idling time parameter Ti is equal to or less than the restart required time parameter Ts, and receives a determination request from the restart instruction unit 117, the control output value of the UD device or A change in sensor value is acquired from the system operation information acquisition unit 111. Then, the determination unit 116 determines whether or not the operating state of the UD device is stable.

  As described above, the fact that the operating state is stable is indicated by a small fluctuation in the control output value from the UD device controller to the UD device or the sensor value in the UD device.

  When it is determined that the operating state of the UD device is not affected by the restart of the UD device controller, the restart instruction unit 117 instructs the UD device controller to restart. As described above, the case where there is no influence from the restart is a case where Ti> Ts or a case where the operating state of the UD device is stable. When Ti> Ts, the UD device controller can complete the update from the current control program to the UD control program before executing the next operation control based on the control program. In addition, when the operation state of the UD device is stable, even if the operation control of the UD device is not performed with the periodic parameter Tc, the possibility that the operation state of the UD device is deteriorated is small.

[Overview of integrated controller operation]
Next, a schematic operation of the integrated controller 10 will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a schematic operation of the integrated controller 10.

  In step S1, the integrated controller 10 displays that the UD control program is stored in the central DB 2 from the remote management controller 3.

  In step S <b> 2, the integrated controller 10 downloads a UD control program from the remote management controller 3 in accordance with a user operation.

  In step S3, the integrated controller 10 transmits a UD control program to the UD device controller in accordance with a user operation.

  In step S4, when the update is started by the user operation, the integrated controller 10 controls the operation of the interlocking device so that the operation state of the UD device is stabilized by the control parameter corresponding to the interlocking pattern. Details of step 4 will be described later.

  In step S5, the integrated controller 10 determines whether or not the operating state of the UD device is affected by the restart of the UD device controller. If it is determined that the driving state is not affected, the process proceeds to step S6. If it is determined that the driving state is affected, step S5 is repeated.

  In step S6, the integrated controller 10 instructs the UD device controller to restart.

  In step S7, the integrated controller 10 determines whether or not the restart of the UD device controller has been completed. If it is determined that the restart has been completed, the process proceeds to step S8. If it is determined that the restart has not been completed, step S7 is repeated.

  In step S8, the integrated controller 10 returns the operating state of the interlocking device to the state before the update start. Specifically, the integrated controller 10 notifies the completion of the restart to the interlocking device controller that executes operation control of the interlocking device.

  In step S9, if the control parameter corresponding to the interlock pattern at the time of the current update is not stored in the central DB 2, the integrated controller 10 associates the current interlock pattern with the control parameter and stores them in the central DB 2.

[Stabilization of UD equipment operating status]
Next, the operation (step S4 in FIG. 8) for stabilizing the operation state of the UD device by the integrated controller 10 will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the integrated controller 10.

  In step S41, the integrated controller 10 acquires system operation information and setting information.

  In step S42, the integrated controller 10 acquires the interlock pattern based on the system operation information and the setting information (see FIG. 7).

  In step S43, the integrated controller 10 transmits a control parameter request including the interlock pattern to the remote management controller 3.

  In step S44, the integrated controller 10 determines whether or not a control parameter has been acquired from the remote management controller 3. If the control parameter has been acquired, the process proceeds to step S48. If the control parameter has not been acquired, the process proceeds to step S45.

  In step S45, the integrated controller 10 searches for control parameters stored in the memory 12 based on the system operation information. Specifically, the integrated controller 10 searches the memory 12 for a control parameter corresponding to past system operation information similar to the current system operation information.

  In step S46, the integrated controller 10 searches for the control parameters stored in the central DB 2 based on the system operation information. System operation information is regularly stored in the central DB 2 by the integrated controller 10. The integrated controller 10 searches the central DB 2 for control parameters corresponding to past system operation information similar to the current system operation information.

  In step S47, the integrated controller 10 determines whether or not a control parameter has been acquired. If the control parameter is acquired, the process proceeds to step S48. If no control parameter is acquired, the process ends.

  In step S48, the integrated controller 10 controls the operation of the interlocking device using the control parameters. Specifically, the integrated controller 10 causes the interlocking device controller to control the operation of the interlocking device by transmitting control parameters to the interlocking device controller. Thereby, the operating state of the UD device is stabilized.

[Action and effect]
The integrated management system 100 according to the present embodiment provides a stabilization instruction that instructs the interlocking device controller that performs operation control of the interlocking device to control the interlocking device so that the operation state of the UD device is stabilized. Part 114.

  Therefore, by controlling the operation of the interlocking device, the operation state of the UD device can be made unaffected by the restart of the UD device controller. Therefore, it is possible to update to the UD control program while maintaining an appropriate operation of the UD device.

  In the integrated management system 100 according to the present embodiment, the operation of the interlocking device is controlled by the control parameter corresponding to the interlocking pattern between the UD device and the interlocking device. Accordingly, the operation of the interlocking device can be controlled uniformly and accurately.

  In the integrated management system 100 according to the present embodiment, the control parameter acquisition unit 113 acquires a control parameter corresponding to past system operation information similar to the current system operation information.

  Therefore, even if a control parameter corresponding to the current interlocking pattern is not set, an appropriate control parameter can be acquired from the control parameters used in the past in view of the current system operation status. it can.

[Other embodiments]
As mentioned above, although this invention was described by embodiment, it should not be understood that the description and drawing which form a part of this indication limit this invention. From this disclosure, various alternative embodiments, examples and operational techniques will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, the restart instruction unit 117 is provided in the integrated controller 10, but the restart instruction unit 117 may be provided in each of the device controllers 24 to 26. In this case, since the restart can be executed based on the judgment of the UD device controller itself, it is not necessary to transmit / receive system operation information and a restart instruction between the UD device controller and the integrated controller 10. As a result, the processing load on the integrated controller 10 can be reduced.

  Moreover, although the cooling system 20 was mainly demonstrated as an example in the said embodiment, it can implement similarly in the air-conditioning system 30 or the illumination facility which is not shown in figure.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although it does not touch in particular, each apparatus controller 24-26 normally acquires each sensor value, the step which calculates each control output value from a sensor value, each control output value, The steps of transmitting the sensor value to the integrated controller and transmitting the control output values to the UD device are repeated periodically. The time required to complete these steps is the control required time parameter Tp.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although not touched in particular, when each apparatus controller 24-26 receives a restart instruction | indication, all the control output values and sensor values regarding each apparatus controller 24-26 before restart are shown. A step of temporarily storing, a step of power-on resetting the CPU in each of the device controllers 24 to 26, a step of loading a UD control program, and a step of loading all temporarily stored control output values and sensor values are performed. . The time required to complete these steps is the restart required time parameter Ts.

  Each process described in the above embodiment can be implemented as a computer control program and executed by a computer functioning as the integrated controller 10.

  Thus, it should be understood that the present invention includes various embodiments and the like not described herein. Therefore, the present invention is limited only by the invention specifying matters in the scope of claims reasonable from this disclosure.

1 ... Network 2 ... Central DB
3 ... Remote management controller 10 ... Integrated controller 11 ... CPU
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 12 ... Memory 13 ... Communication part 14 ... Display part 15 ... Reception part 20 ... Cooling system 21 ... Showcase 21a ... Evaporator 21b ... Temperature sensor 21c ... Solenoid valve 22a-22c ... Compressor 22d ... Temperature sensor 22e ... Pressure sensor 23 ... Condenser 23a-23c ... Fan 23d ... Pressure sensor 24 ... Device controller 24-26 ... Device controller 27 ... Refrigerant supply device 30 ... Air conditioning system 31 ... Indoor unit 32 ... Compressor 33 ... Condenser 34-36 ... Device controller 40 ... communication line 100 ... integrated management system 111 ... system operation information acquisition unit 112 ... interlocking pattern acquisition unit 113 ... control parameter acquisition unit 114 ... stabilization instruction unit 115 ... parameter holding unit 116 ... determination unit 117 ... restart instruction unit P ... Refrigerant piping S ... Store

Claims (6)

Multiple devices,
Storing a control program for controlling the operation of each of the plurality of devices, a plurality of device control units for controlling the operation of each of the plurality of devices based on the control program;
An integrated management system comprising an integrated management device that integrally manages the plurality of device control units,
A communication unit that transmits another control program different from the control program to a first device control unit that controls the operation of the first device among the plurality of devices;
For the second device control unit that controls the operation of the second device linked to the first device among the plurality of devices, the operation of the second device is performed so that the operation state of the first device is stabilized. A stabilization instruction unit for instructing control;
Whether or not the operation state of the first device is affected by the restart of the first device control unit that is performed in accordance with the update from the control program to the other control program based on the operation state of the first device. A determination unit for determining whether or not
A restart instruction unit that instructs the first device control unit to restart when the determination unit determines that the operation state of the first device is not affected by the restart. Integrated management system featuring. Based on the system operation information indicating the operation status of each of the plurality of devices and the setting information set in advance for operation control of the plurality of devices, the first device and the second device are interlocked. An interlocking pattern acquisition unit that acquires an interlocking pattern indicating that
The integrated management system according to claim 1, further comprising a control parameter acquisition unit that is associated with the interlocking pattern and acquires a control parameter used for operation control of the second device.   The integrated management system according to claim 1, wherein the restart instruction unit is provided in the first device control unit. A plurality of devices, a control program for controlling the operation of each of the plurality of devices, a plurality of device control units that control the operation of each of the plurality of devices based on the control program, and the plurality of devices An integrated management method used in an integrated management system comprising an integrated management device for integrated management of a control unit,
Transmitting another control program different from the control program to a first device control unit that controls operation of the first device among the plurality of devices;
For the second device control unit that controls the operation of the second device linked to the first device among the plurality of devices, the operation of the second device is performed so that the operation state of the first device is stabilized. Instructing to control;
Whether or not the operation state of the first device is affected by the restart of the first device control unit that is performed in accordance with the update from the control program to the other control program based on the operation state of the first device. A step of determining whether or not
And a step of instructing the first device control unit to perform the restart when it is determined that the operation state of the first device is not affected by the restart. An integrated management system comprising a plurality of devices and a plurality of device control units that store a control program for controlling the operation of each of the plurality of devices and control the operation of each of the plurality of devices based on the control program In the integrated management device for integrated management of the plurality of device control unit,
A communication unit that transmits another control program different from the control program to a first device control unit that controls the operation of the first device among the plurality of devices;
For the second device control unit that controls the operation of the second device linked to the first device among the plurality of devices, the operation of the second device is performed so that the operation state of the first device is stabilized. A stabilization instruction unit for instructing control;
Whether or not the operation state of the first device is affected by the restart of the first device control unit that is performed in accordance with the update from the control program to the other control program based on the operation state of the first device. A determination unit for determining whether or not
A restart instruction unit that instructs the first device control unit to restart when the determination unit determines that the operation state of the first device is not affected by the restart. A featured integrated management device. A plurality of devices, a control program for controlling the operation of each of the plurality of devices, a plurality of device control units that control the operation of each of the plurality of devices based on the control program, and the plurality of devices In an integrated management system comprising an integrated management device for integrated management of the control unit, a computer functioning as an integrated management device for integrated management of the plurality of device control units,
Transmitting another control program different from the control program to a first device control unit that controls operation of the first device among the plurality of devices;
For the second device control unit that controls the operation of the second device linked to the first device among the plurality of devices, the operation of the second device is performed so that the operation state of the first device is stabilized. Instructing to control;
Whether or not the operation state of the first device is affected by the restart of the first device control unit that is performed in accordance with the update from the control program to the other control program based on the operation state of the first device. A step of determining whether or not
An integrated management program that, when it is determined that the operating state of the first device is not affected by the restart, causes the first device controller to instruct the restart .

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