JP5615105B2 - Performance evaluation method for heat insulation container and refrigerant, performance evaluation apparatus using this performance evaluation method, program for performance evaluation apparatus, and recording medium recording the program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a performance evaluation method for a heat insulating container and a refrigerant. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method for evaluating a heat insulating (cold) performance of a heat insulating container such as a heat insulating container, and a total absorption of a refrigerant (a cryogen) used together with the heat insulating container. A method for evaluating the amount of heat, an evaluation method for evaluating whether or not the refrigerant has heat absorption capability capable of maintaining the inside of the heat insulation container at the commodity management temperature when the refrigerant is accommodated in the heat insulation container, and heat insulation of the heat insulation container based on the above method Performance evaluation apparatus for evaluating performance (heat outflow) and program used for the apparatus, performance evaluation apparatus for evaluating heat absorption of refrigerant used in the heat insulation container, program used for the apparatus, and refrigerant in the heat insulation container Performance evaluation apparatus for evaluating whether or not the refrigerant can maintain product temperature control when the product is accommodated, a program used for the apparatus, and the programs It relates to a recording medium for recording the ram.

  A product such as food and a refrigerant are accommodated in a container with a lid made of foamed resin, and the product is stored for a certain period of time in a cold state. Select a thermal insulation container that has a cold insulation performance that does not cause over-specification in relation to the temperature at which the product should be stored in the thermal insulation container (product management temperature) and the required storage time. It is preferable to select and use a kind and amount of refrigerant having endothermic performance from the viewpoint of reducing storage costs. Therefore, it is necessary to be able to objectively evaluate the cold insulation performance of the heat insulating container, the heat absorption amount and the heat absorption capability of the refrigerant, and an evaluation method therefor is described in Non-Patent Document 1, etc.

  At present, dry ice is mainly used as a refrigerant. However, since the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions has become a social requirement, it is required to use other frozen regenerators instead of dry ice as refrigerant. Many types of frozen regenerator materials have been proposed.

Edited by the Japanese Standards Association, JIS Handbook Logistics and Packaging 1987, “Cold Roll Box Pallet” Z0614, published by the Japanese Standards Association, April 12, 1987, p1045-1050

  When a new refrigerant is proposed to replace dry ice, the user must know how much heat absorption the refrigerant has before using it, in other words, the total endothermic amount of the refrigerant, It is desirable that it is possible to easily know whether or not the container has an endothermic capacity enough to lower the product management temperature. In relation to this, it is desirable that the cold insulation performance of the heat insulating container can be easily evaluated by the same method.

  However, the current evaluation method is a method of actually measuring the temperature of a required location, and evaluating the cold insulation performance of the container and the heat absorption performance of the refrigerant using the measured temperature as a parameter, and the method is not easy to implement. . In addition, it is inevitable that measurement errors occur.

  This invention is made | formed in view of the above situations, and evaluates the cold insulation performance of the heat insulation container and the heat absorption performance of a refrigerant | coolant which can be implemented more easily than actually measuring the temperature of each location. It is an object to disclose a new evaluation method.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present inventors have conducted a lot of experiments and researches to have a PTC heater, that is, a heating element layer having a positive resistance temperature coefficient, in which a current flows and the temperature rises. Then, the resistance value of the heating element layer increases to decrease the current flowing through the heating element layer, thereby suppressing the heat generation of the heating element layer. Conversely, when the temperature of the heating element layer decreases, the resistance value of the heating element layer decreases. A PTC heater having a function of increasing the current flowing through the heating element layer and increasing the heat generation of the heating element layer is put into the heat insulation container and energized. From the power consumption (amount) at that time, the heat insulation container It has been found that it is possible to grasp the cold insulation performance, the heat absorption amount and the heat absorption capacity of the refrigerant. The present invention is based on the above findings.

  According to a first performance evaluation apparatus of the present invention, a PTC heater is disposed in a heat insulating container placed in a state where the heat insulating container is in an initial state of a management temperature and sealed under the management temperature, and the PTC heater is provided. It is a performance evaluation apparatus for measuring the power consumption of the PTC heater by measuring the power consumption of the PTC heater, and measuring the power consumption of the PTC heater when energized. The time information counted by the power consumption measuring means and the timer means is used as time information, and the time information and the power consumption information are obtained using the power consumption measured by the power consumption measuring means at the time of counting as the power consumption information. Control means for outputting in association with each other, storage means for storing the time information and power consumption information output by the control means, and the storage means Based on the stored time information and power consumption information, determination means for determining whether or not the first stable state in which power consumption is stable for a fixed time, and the power consumption by the determination means are in the first stable state. The time information and power consumption information is read from the storage means, visualization data for visualizing the relationship between time and power consumption is generated and output, and the visualization means outputs And a display means for displaying the visualization data.

  A program suitable for the first performance evaluation apparatus and a recording medium for recording the program are also provided. In other words, this program measures the power consumption of a PTC heater by placing a PTC heater in an insulated container that is placed in an initial state of the controlled temperature and sealed in the controlled temperature. A program for controlling a performance evaluation apparatus comprising a storage means for evaluating the heat insulation performance of the heat insulation container and a display means for displaying visualization data of the heat insulation performance of the heat insulation container, and energizing the PTC heater The time is counted from this time, and the power consumption of the PTC heater when energized is measured. The counted time is used as time information, and the power consumption measured during the counting is used as power consumption information. The power consumption information is output in association with each other, the output time information and power consumption information are stored in the storage means, and the time information stored by the storage means Based on the information and the power consumption information, it is determined whether or not the first stable state in which the power consumption is stable for a certain period of time. If it is determined that the power consumption is in the first stable state, the time information is stored from the storage means. And power consumption information are read out, visualization data for visualizing the relationship between time and power consumption is generated and output, and the output visualization data is displayed by the display means.

  The first performance evaluation device can evaluate the heat insulation performance of the heat insulation container by the first performance evaluation method based on the power consumption of the PTC heater. Specifically, the first performance evaluation method is for a predetermined time (until the inside of the heat insulation container is at the same level as the management temperature) without covering the place where the heat insulation container is maintained at a constant temperature (under the management temperature). Leave). When the temperature inside the heat insulation container is in the same level as the control temperature (initial state), the heat insulation container is sealed and the PTC heater disposed inside the heat insulation container is energized to measure power consumption every time. Here, the arrangement of the PTC heater in the heat insulating container may be at any point before the heat insulating container is sealed. When it is determined (determined) whether or not the measured power consumption of the PTC heater is in a stable state (first stable state) and it is determined (determined) that the power consumption is in the first stable state, at least the time and the power consumption value Visualize the relationship. Thereby, the heat insulation performance of a container can be evaluated.

  The stable state refers to a state where the temperature inside the heat insulation container is constant, in other words, a state where heat flows out uniformly between the high temperature heat insulation container and the low temperature outside (outside air). That is, the power consumption of the PTC heater in the stable state here can be regarded as the amount of heat flowing out from the heat insulating container. Therefore, if the power consumption of the heater in the first stable state is a small value close to 0, the heat outflow amount from the inside of the heat insulation container to the outside is regarded as small, and the heat insulation performance of the heat insulation container is excellent. Can be evaluated.

  The determination that the power consumption is in a stable state is made based on time (time) (time information) and power consumption (power consumption information). Specifically, for example, if the average power consumption of the power consumption information is ± 0.1 W in 300 seconds, it is determined that the power consumption is constant. Alternatively, if the difference between the power consumption information at a certain time point and the power consumption information at a time point after 300 seconds and the power consumption at a time point after 300 seconds are within ± 0.1 W, it is determined to be constant. You may make it do. The time (hour) used for this evaluation may be 1 second interval or 2 second interval as long as it can be evaluated. Here, the determination time, power consumption error, and the like are set as appropriate, and are not limited to the above numerical values.

  Visualization includes not only graphing the relationship between time (time) and power consumption, but also displaying data obtained by calculation to be described later.

  Preferably, the storage unit stores first reference data in advance, and when the determination unit determines that the power consumption is in the first stable state, the visualization unit reads the first reference data from the storage unit. The display means is a performance evaluation apparatus for displaying the output reference data and a program for controlling the performance evaluation apparatus. That is, in this evaluation method, the first reference value is set in advance, and the PTC heater is placed in the heat insulation container that is placed in the initial state of the control temperature and sealed in the control temperature. Then, after the energized PTC heater is energized and the power consumption is measured at each time, and after the first stable state in which the power consumption is stable for a certain period of time based on the measured power consumption, Is visualized and compared with the preset first reference value.

  The power consumption value in the stable state may be either an average power consumption value for a fixed time (for example, 300 seconds) or a power consumption value at a certain point in the stable state.

  The first reference data is a value obtained by the above evaluation method for a container (reference container) having desired heat insulation performance in advance. That is, the power consumption value in the first stable state (first reference power consumption value) in the case of the reference container. As described above, the smaller the power consumption in the first stable state, the better the heat insulation performance. As a reference for comparing how much heat insulation performance should be, the first reference consumption of the reference container The power value is indicated. That is, if the value is smaller than the first consumption reference value, it is evaluated that the desired heat insulation performance is satisfied.

  The first reference data may be a value obtained by a difference between the power consumption value in the initial state of the reference container and the power consumption value in the first stable state. In this case, it is desirable to further include comparison calculation means for calculating a difference between the power consumption in the initial state and the power consumption in the first stable state and outputting the difference as comparison data. The display unit displays the comparison data output by the comparison calculation unit. In this case, if it is a value larger than the power consumption difference in the reference container, the amount of heat outflow is regarded as being small, and it can be evaluated as a container having excellent heat insulation performance. Of course, the value of any first reference data is obtained under the same conditions (control temperature) as the container to be tested. Further, the power consumption in the initial state may be measured by energizing the PTC heater once with the lid open, or may be the power consumption in the initial state when the measurement is started with the lid closed.

  Preferably, when the determination unit determines that the power consumption is in the first stable state, the time information and the power consumption information in the first stable state are read from the storage unit until the first stable state, and The apparatus further comprises a heat outflow amount calculating means for calculating a heat outflow amount and outputting it as heat outflow amount data, wherein the display means displays the data of the heat outflow amount output by the heat outflow amount calculating means, and This program controls the performance evaluation apparatus. That is, the PTC heater is placed in a sealed heat insulating container placed under the management temperature t0 and energized, and the heat value Q1 of the PTC heater is calculated from the power value w1 when the power consumption of the PTC heater becomes a stable value. Is calculated, and the heat insulation performance of the heat insulation container is evaluated by regarding the value as the theoretical outflow heat amount from the heat insulation container.

  The power consumption value used to calculate the heat outflow amount may be either an average power consumption value for a certain period of time (for example, 300 seconds) in a stable state or a power consumption value at a certain point in the stable state. Of course, the heat outflow amount may be an average value of the calculated heat outflow amount by calculating the heat outflow amount based on the power consumption values at all times in the stable state.

  In the second performance evaluation apparatus, a PTC heater is placed in a heat insulation container placed in an initial state of a control temperature and sealed in a control temperature, and energized. A performance evaluation apparatus for measuring power consumption and evaluating the heat absorption performance of the refrigerant by introducing the refrigerant into the heat insulating container and measuring the power consumption when the power consumption of the PTC heater is in the first stable state. The timer means for counting time from when the PTC heater is energized, the power consumption measuring means for measuring the power consumption of the PTC heater when energized, and the time counted by the timer means as time information Control means for outputting the time information and the power consumption information in association with the power consumption measured by the power consumption measuring means at the time of counting as the power consumption information; Based on the time information and power consumption information stored by the storage means and the time information and power consumption information output by the control means, in a final stable state where the power consumption is stable for a fixed time. And stable state determination means for determining whether the power consumption in the final stable state is equivalent to the power consumption in the first stable state, and the power consumption is the final stable state by the stable state determination means, When it is determined that the power consumption in the final stable state and the power consumption in the first stable state are equal, the time information and the power consumption information are read from the storage means, and the relationship between time and power consumption Visualization means for creating and outputting visualization data for visualizing the data, and display means for displaying the visualization data output by the visualization means A.

  A program suitable for the second performance evaluation apparatus and a recording medium for recording the program are also provided. That is, this program arranges and energizes a PTC heater in a heat insulating container placed in a state where the heat insulating container is in an initial state of the control temperature and is sealed at the control temperature, and the power consumption of the PTC heater is Storage means for evaluating the performance of the heat absorption amount of the refrigerant by measuring the power consumption by introducing the refrigerant into the heat insulating container when the power consumption of the PTC heater is stable in the first stable state; A program for controlling a performance evaluation apparatus comprising display means for displaying visualization data of the endothermic performance of a refrigerant, counting time from when the PTC heater is energized, and calculating the power consumption of the PTC heater when energized Measure and use the counted time as time information and use the power consumption measured at the time of counting as power consumption information to associate the time information with the power consumption information. The output time information and power consumption information are stored in the storage means, and based on the time information and power consumption information stored by the storage means, the final power consumption is stabilized for a predetermined time. It is determined whether the power consumption in the final stable state is equal to the power consumption in the first stable state, the power consumption is in the final stable state, and the power consumption in the final stable state If it is determined that the power and the power consumption in the first state are equal, the time information and the power consumption information are read from the storage means, and visualization data for visualizing the relationship between the time and the power consumption is generated and output. The output visualization data is displayed by display means.

  The second performance evaluation apparatus can evaluate the heat absorption performance of the refrigerant by the second performance evaluation method based on the power consumption of the PTC heater. Specifically, as in the first performance evaluation method, the second performance evaluation method is left for a predetermined time without the lid of the heat insulation container under the control temperature, and the temperature inside the heat insulation container is the same as the control temperature. A PTC heater is arranged (measured) inside the heat insulating container in a state (initial state) when the temperature reaches about, and the heat insulating container is sealed with a lid. And it supplies with electricity to a PTC heater and measures power consumption for every time. It is determined whether or not the measured power consumption of the PTC heater is in the first stable state, and if it is determined that the power consumption is in the first stable state, the refrigerant is put into the heat insulating container. Then, the refrigerant absorbs heat from the time point s1 when the refrigerant is introduced into the heat insulating container, and after passing through the second stable state, the heat absorbable capacity decreases and the power consumption of the PTC heater becomes stable (final stable state). In addition, after the time point s2 until the power consumption in the first stable state and the power consumption in the final stable state become equal, the relationship between the time (time) from at least the time point s1 to the time point s2 and the power consumption is visualized. To do. The second stable state is a state in which the inside of the heat insulating container is cooled and maintained at a constant temperature state by the endothermic action of the refrigerant, that is, the PTC heater is stable. Therefore, the user can visually check this state. That is, the power consumption in the second stable state can be regarded as the heat absorption amount of the refrigerant, and it can be evaluated that the heat absorption performance of the refrigerant is better as the heat absorption amount is larger.

  Preferably, the second reference data is stored in the storage unit in advance, and the power consumption is the final stable state by the stable state determination unit, and the power consumption in the final stable state and the power consumption in the first stable state Are determined to be equivalent to each other, the visualization unit reads out and outputs the second reference data from the storage unit, and the display unit displays the output second reference data and the performance evaluation A program for controlling the device. In the method for evaluating the endothermic performance of the refrigerant based on the power consumption of the PTC heater, the second reference value is set in advance, and the inside of the heat insulating container is sealed at the initial management temperature and under the management temperature. A PTC heater is placed in a heat-insulated container placed in a state, energized to the placed PTC heater to measure power consumption at each time, and based on the measured power consumption, the PTC heater When the power consumption becomes stable in the first stable state, the refrigerant is put into the heat insulating container, and after the refrigerant is put in, the power consumption is stabilized for a certain time, and then consumed again for a certain time. After the power is stable in the final stable state and the power consumption in the final stable state becomes equal to the power consumption in the first stable state, the relationship between the time and the power consumption value is visualized, and the second Comparing the power consumption and the second reference value in the constant state.

  The second reference data is a value obtained by the above evaluation method for a refrigerant (reference refrigerant) having a desired endothermic performance in advance. That is, the power consumption value in the second stable state (second reference power consumption value) when the reference refrigerant in the heat insulating container is charged. As described above, the greater the power consumption in the second stable state, the better the heat absorption performance. As a reference for comparing the degree of heat absorption performance, the second reference power consumption value of the reference refrigerant is Indicated. That is, it is evaluated that the desired endothermic performance is satisfied if the value is larger than the second consumption reference value.

  The second reference data may be a power consumption value in the initial state of the heat insulating container. In this case, the power consumption information of the PTC heater in the initial state is measured, the power consumption information of the PTC heater in the measured initial state is stored in the storage means, and the power consumption is in the final stable state. If it is determined that the power consumption in the final stable state is equal to the power consumption in the first stable state, the visualization unit reads power consumption information in the initial state from the storage unit, and The read power consumption information is output as reference data. In the method for evaluating the endothermic performance of the refrigerant based on the power consumption of the PTC heater, the heat insulation container is placed in the heat insulation container placed in the initial state of the management temperature and sealed in the management temperature. The PTC heater is arranged, the power consumption in the initial state is measured by energizing the arranged PTC heater, and the power consumption is measured at each time, and the PTC heater is measured at a certain time based on the measured power consumption. The refrigerant is put into the heat insulating container when the power consumption becomes stable in the first stable state, and after passing the refrigerant, after passing through the second stable state in which the power consumption is stable for a certain time, again for a certain time. After the power consumption in the final stable state is equal to the power consumption in the first stable state, the relationship between the time and the power consumption is possible. The reduction. Then, the power consumption in the second stable state is compared with the power consumption value in the initial state. If the power consumption value in the second stable state is larger than the power consumption value in the initial state, it can be considered that the heat absorption amount of the refrigerant is excellent.

  When the value of the second reference data is the power consumption value in the initial state, it is preferable that the initial state is the temperature in the heat insulating container, that is, the management temperature is a temperature for managing the product. As a result, if the power consumption of the PTC heater in the second stable state (that is, the state where the inside of the container is lowered to a constant temperature by the refrigerant) is larger than the power consumption of the PTC heater in the initial state, the power is managed by the refrigerant in the heat insulating container. It is considered that the temperature has been lowered below the temperature, and it can be evaluated that the endothermic amount of the refrigerant can maintain the management temperature. Of course, the value of any second reference data is a value obtained under the same condition (control temperature) with the same insulated container being tested.

  Preferably, based on the time information and power consumption information stored by the storage means, a first determination is made to determine whether the power consumption is stable and stable in a second time through a first stable state. And when it is determined by the first determination means that the second stable state is established, the time information until the second stable state and the power consumption information in the second stable state are stored as the first power consumption information. Based on the time information and power consumption information stored in the storage means, the power consumption is stabilized for a certain time based on the first calculation means that reads out the first calorific value from the first calculation means and the time information and power consumption information stored in the storage means. Second determination means for determining whether or not the final stable state is reached, and if the second determination means determines that the final stable state is reached, time information and consumption in the final stable state from the storage means Second calculation means for reading out the force information and calculating a second heat generation amount, calculating a heat absorption amount of the refrigerant from the calculated first heat generation amount and the second heat generation amount, and outputting as heat absorption amount data; The display means is a performance evaluation apparatus that displays the data of the endothermic amount output by the second calculation means, and a program that controls the performance evaluation apparatus.

  Thus, the heat absorption amount of the refrigerant can be calculated from the heat generation amount of the PTC heater based on the second evaluation method. That is, based on the calorific value calculated by the power consumption of the PTC heater in the second stable state and the calorific value of the PTC heater in the time from the first stable state through the second stable state to the final stable state, The amount of endotherm can be calculated. Specifically, the PTC heater is placed in a sealed heat insulating container placed under the control temperature t0 and energized. After the power consumption of the PTC heater reaches a stable power value w1, the refrigerant is put into the heat insulating container. The power consumption of the PTC heater fluctuates due to the charging of the refrigerant and the power consumption of the PTC heater again becomes a stable power value w1 from the time s1 is turned on, and the consumption in the time sa (= s2-s1) until s2. An integrated value WT of electric power is obtained, a calorific value Q2 of the PTC heater at the time sa is calculated from the integrated value WT, and the electric power value w1 when the power consumption of the PTC heater becomes the stable value and the A power amount WT2 obtained by integrating the time sa (= s2-s1) is obtained, and the heat generation amount Q3 of the PTC heater at the time sa is calculated from the power amount WT2, and the heat generation amount Q3 is subtracted from the heat generation amount Q2. The values had can evaluate the heat absorption amount of the refrigerant by regarded as heat absorption amount of the refrigerant.

  The third performance evaluation apparatus according to the present invention is a performance for evaluating the performance of a refrigerant by disposing a PTC heater in an insulated container placed at a product management temperature and measuring the power consumption of the PTC heater. An evaluation device, timer means for counting time from when the PTC heater is energized, power consumption measuring means for measuring power consumption of the PTC heater at the time of energization, and time information counted by the timer means In addition, the power consumption measured by the power consumption measuring means at the time of counting is used as power consumption information, the control means for associating and outputting the time information and the power consumption information, and the time information output by the control means Based on the storage means for storing the power consumption information and the time information and power consumption information stored by the storage means, the initial stable state is determined. The first determination means for determining whether or not the power consumption is stable for a certain period of time, and the time stored by the storage means when the first determination means determines that the intermediate stable state is established. Based on the information and the power consumption information, a second determination means for determining whether the power consumption is stable for a certain period of time through the intermediate stable state, and the final stable state by the second determination means. If it is determined, the visualization means for reading out the time information and the power consumption information from the storage means and creating and outputting the visualization data visualizing the relationship between the time and the power consumption, and the visualization data output by the visualization means And a display means for displaying.

  A program suitable for the third performance evaluation apparatus and a recording medium for recording the program are also provided. That is, this program stores various information for evaluating the refrigerant absorption performance by arranging a PTC heater in a heat insulating container placed at a product management temperature and measuring the power consumption of the PTC heater. A program for controlling a performance evaluation apparatus comprising a storage means and a display means for displaying visualization data of refrigerant performance, counting time from when the PTC heater is energized, The power consumption is measured, and the time when the time is counted is set as time information. The power consumption measured at the time of counting is used as power consumption information, and the time information and the power consumption information are output in association with each other. The time information and the power consumption information are stored in the storage means, and the initial stable state is passed based on the time information and the power consumption information stored by the storage means. It is determined whether or not the intermediate stable state in which power consumption for a certain period of time is stable, and if it is determined that the intermediate stable state is reached, the intermediate stable state is determined based on the time information and power consumption information stored by the storage means. After that, it is determined whether the power consumption is stable for a certain period of time, and if it is determined to be the final stable state, the time information and the power consumption information are read from the storage means, and the time and power consumption Visualization data visualizing the relationship is created and output, and the output visualization data is displayed by a display means.

  The third performance evaluation device can evaluate the performance of the refrigerant by the third performance evaluation method based on the power consumption of the PTC heater. The third performance evaluation method is a method for evaluating the performance of the refrigerant based on the power consumption of the PTC heater. The PTC heater is placed in a heat insulating container placed with the lid open at the product management temperature. The PTC heater is energized to measure power consumption at each time, and based on the measured power consumption, when the power consumption of the PTC heater reaches a stable initial stable state for a certain time, the lid After the initial stable state, based on the measured power consumption, when the power consumption of the PTC heater is stable and stable, the refrigerant is put into the heat insulation container. After the intermediate stable state, based on the measured power consumption, the relationship between the time and the power consumption value after the power consumption of the PTC heater becomes stable and stable in a certain time Visualized, and compares the power consumption in the power consumption and the initial steady state in the final stable state. Thereby, it can be evaluated whether a refrigerant | coolant has the performance which can maintain merchandise management temperature.

  A third evaluation method according to the present invention is an evaluation method for evaluating the relationship between the product management temperature and the endothermic capacity of the refrigerant, and is a PTC heater in a heat-insulated container placed in a product management temperature environment without a lid. The power is supplied until the power consumption reaches the first stable value (initial stable state), and the heat-insulated container is covered with the energized state, and in this state, the power consumption of the PTC heater is the second stable value. (After the intermediate stable state), the refrigerant is put into the heat insulating container, and after the refrigerant is charged, the energization of the PTC heater is continued until the power consumption of the PTC heater reaches the third stable value (final stable state). By comparing the first power stable value in the initial state and the third power stable value in the final stable state, the refrigerant has an endothermic capacity capable of maintaining the inside of the heat insulating container at the commodity management temperature. Whether or not Worth.

Specifically, the product is left for a predetermined time under the product management temperature without covering the heat-insulating container, a PTC heater is arranged, the PTC heater is energized, and the power consumption is measured at each time. It is determined whether or not the measured power consumption of the PTC heater is in the stable initial stable state, and when it is determined that the power consumption is in the initial stable state, the heat insulating container is covered and sealed. When the endothermic capacity is reduced after passing through the initial stable state and the power consumption of the PTC heater becomes stable in a certain time, the refrigerant is put into the heat insulating container. Then, after the power consumption of the PTC heater increases due to the heat absorption effect of the refrigerant, when the power consumption of the PTC heater reaches a stable final state in a certain period of time, the relationship between the time and the power consumption is visualized. The endothermic performance can be evaluated. That is, the power consumption in the final stable state can be regarded as the heat absorption performance of the refrigerant, and the higher the value of the power consumption of the PTC heater at the product management temperature (initial stable state), the higher the heat absorption performance of the refrigerant. Can be evaluated as excellent. Thereby, it is possible to evaluate whether the refrigerant has an endothermic ability capable of maintaining the inside of the heat insulating container at the commodity management temperature or not over-spec.
Here, the merchandise management temperature refers to the temperature for managing the merchandise stored in the heat insulating container.

  The third performance evaluation apparatus preferably further includes an alarm unit that outputs data indicating that the first determination unit determines that the intermediate stable state is in the intermediate stable state and displays the data on the display unit. Thereby, it can be known that the power consumption is in a stable state after a predetermined time has elapsed from the initial state. That is, it is possible to clearly grasp when the refrigerant is put into the heat insulating container.

  In the evaluation method according to the present invention, the power consumption of the PTC heater is used as a basic parameter, and the relationship between time and power consumption is visualized and evaluated. Conventionally known devices and measurement methods for power consumption measurement can be used as they are, so it is very easy and highly accurate to evaluate the heat insulation performance of the heat insulation container, evaluate the heat absorption amount of the refrigerant, and heat insulation. It is possible to evaluate the relationship between the merchandise management temperature when the refrigerant is accommodated in the container and the heat absorption capability of the refrigerant.

It is a conceptual diagram which shows the whole performance evaluation apparatus by this invention. It is a block diagram which shows a part of electrical structure of the computer system of the performance evaluation apparatus by this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process of CPU. It is a menu screen displayed by a display. It is a flowchart which shows the process of CPU in a container heat insulation performance evaluation test. It is the 1st start screen displayed by a display. It is a processing result screen of the heat insulation container performance evaluation displayed by a display. It is a flowchart which shows the process of CPU in a refrigerant | coolant thermal absorption performance evaluation test. It is a processing result screen of the endothermic performance evaluation of the refrigerant | coolant displayed by a display. The figure for demonstrating the method to evaluate the cold preservation performance of the heat insulation container by this invention. The figure for demonstrating the evaluation method of the heat absorption amount of the refrigerant | coolant by this invention. It is the flowchart 1 which shows the process of CPU in a refrigerant | coolant evaluation test. It is the flowchart 2 which shows the process of CPU in a refrigerant | coolant evaluation test. It is a start screen displayed by a display. It is an alarm screen displayed by a display. It is a process result screen of the heat absorption capability of the refrigerant | coolant displayed by a display. The figure for demonstrating the method of evaluating the relationship between the merchandise management temperature in the heat insulation container by this invention, and the heat absorption capability of a refrigerant | coolant.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described based on embodiments.
FIG. 1 shows the overall configuration of a performance evaluation apparatus for a heat insulating container (a cold container) and a refrigerant (a cryogen). In FIG. 1, the performance evaluation device 1 includes a computer system 2, a power supply device 3, and a PTC heater 20. All power is supplied by the power supply device 3. The PTC heater 20 is arranged in a meandering manner in parallel with the bottom surface of the main body of the heat insulating container 10 as the first test body. The refrigerant 30 as the second test body is put into the main body of the heat insulating container 10 after passing through a predetermined test process. At this time, the refrigerant 30 is placed on a pedestal (not shown) installed inside the heat insulating container.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a part of the electrical configuration of the computer system 2.
The overall operation of the computer system 2 is controlled by the CPU 25.
A test start command given from the user by the input device 29 is inputted to the CPU 25. Then, the CPU 25 outputs a test start signal to the control circuit 26. A power-on signal for energizing the PTC heater 20 is output from the control circuit 26 to which the test start signal is input to the power source 3. The control circuit 26 includes a timer 28. The timer 28 starts a clock when the power supply 3 is energized. The input device 29 includes a keyboard and a mouse.

  The power source 3 supplies power to the PTC heater 20 when a power-on signal is input. The power supplied from the power source 3 to the PTC heater 20 is converted into a digital signal by the A / D converter 22 as a power output (power consumption information) from the power detection element 21 and is supplied to the CPU 25. The PTC heater 20 is a general ceramic heater and is supplied with commercial power.

  The CPU 25 records the power consumption information in the memory 27 in association with the time information. The memory 27 is a storage unit that stores various data such as time information, power consumption information, reference data representing a reference power consumption value, and various programs necessary for operation processing of the computer system 2, and is a semiconductor memory such as a RAM and a ROM. It includes an external storage device such as a device, a hard disk, and a floppy disk.

  The CPU 25 also determines whether or not the power consumption is stable based on the time information and the power consumption information recorded in the memory 27. Here, the power consumption information in a stable state means a state in which the average (value) of power consumption information (power consumption) for 300 seconds in the time information is within a range of ± 0.1 W. Alternatively, the difference between the power consumption information at a certain time point, the power consumption information at a time point after 300 seconds, and the power consumption information after 300 seconds may be within ± 0.1 W, It may be a case where the reference power is set in advance and the difference from the reference power is within ± 0.1 W. Here, 300 seconds is used as a reference, but the present invention is not limited to this.

  Further, the CPU 25 performs (1) container heat insulation performance evaluation processing, (2) refrigerant heat absorption performance evaluation processing, and (3) refrigerant performance evaluation processing, which will be described later, based on the power consumption information and the time information of the timer 28. Is displayed on the display 30. The display device 30 includes a display or the like.

  FIG. 3 shows the processing of the CPU 25 when the computer system 2 of the performance evaluation apparatus 1 is turned on. When the power of the performance evaluation apparatus 1 is turned on, the CPU 25 reads a program from the memory 27 and executes it in order, and causes the display 30 to display the menu screen shown in FIG. Based on this menu screen, the user selects “container heat insulation performance evaluation test and refrigerant heat absorption performance evaluation test” or “refrigerant performance evaluation test”.

(1) Container Insulation Performance Evaluation Processing FIG. 5 shows the processing of the CPU 25 when the user selects the container insulation performance evaluation test and the refrigerant endothermic performance evaluation test (clicks the character string 41 on the menu screen of FIG. 4). Show.

  First, the CPU 25 displays a first start screen on the display 30 (FIG. 6). When the user clicks the start button 71 with the input device 29 based on the first start screen (step 50), a test start command is input to the CPU 25.

  The CPU 25 to which the test start command is input outputs a test start signal to the control circuit 26. Then, the control circuit 26 causes the power supply 3 to output a power-on signal for energizing the PTC heater 20. Thereby, energization of the PTC heater 20 from the power source 3 is started.

  Further, the CPU 25 causes the timer 28 to start a clock by the control circuit 26 to which the test start signal is input. Thereby, the timer 28 counts the time every second, and this is given to the CPU 25 as time information.

  Further, the CPU 25 causes the control circuit 26 to supply the CPU 25 with the power consumption (power consumption data) detected by the power detection element 21 when the timer 28 is counted, as power consumption information via the A / D converter 22.

  The CPU 25 records the given power consumption information in the memory 27 in association with the time information (step 51).

  The CPU 25 determines whether or not the power consumption information recorded in the memory 27 is in a stable state (a constant value (power consumption value W1 in FIG. 10)). In this embodiment, it is determined whether or not the average (value) of power consumption information (power consumption) for 300 seconds in the time information is within a range of ± 0.1 W.

  When the CPU 25 determines that the power consumption information is in the first stable state (power consumption value W1) (YES in step 52), the CPU 25 stops recording time information and power consumption information in the memory 27. Then, the CPU 25 reads time information and power consumption information from the memory 27 and creates visualization (graph) data for visualizing the relationship between time and power consumption (step 53). At this time, the CPU 25 calculates the difference between the power consumption in the initial state and the power consumption in the first stable state and outputs it as power consumption difference data (comparison data). The CPU 25 reads the first reference data from the memory 27 and outputs it. Further, the CPU 25 calculates the heat generation amount of the PTC heater, that is, the heat outflow amount of the container based on the time information until the first stable state and the power consumption information in the first stable state (Q = 0.24 × power consumption). (Stable state) x time (time from the start of measurement to the stable state)), created as heat outflow data.

  The CPU 25 gives the output visualization data, comparison data, first reference data, and calculated calorific value data to the display 30, and the display 30 displays a graph of the relationship between time and power consumption, comparison value, first reference A heat insulation performance evaluation processing screen showing the value and the heat outflow amount is displayed (step 54) (FIG. 7). When it is determined that the power consumption value w1 is not constant, time information and power consumption information are continuously recorded in the memory 27 (NO in step 52).

  On the display screen, the user selects whether to continue or end the refrigerant endothermic performance evaluation test (step 55).

  The concept of the container heat insulation performance evaluation (first performance evaluation) method of the present invention will be described below. FIG. 10 shows power consumption / temperature-time characteristics.

  In the first performance evaluation method of the present invention, the heat insulating container 10 as a test body is formed of, for example, polystyrene. Before executing the first performance evaluation method, first, the container is left at a control temperature for a certain time (for example, 30 minutes) without being covered, that is, the heat insulation container 10 is in an initial state with the control temperature. When the test is started (before the start button 71 is clicked on the first start screen), the user covers the heat insulating container 10 to put the heat insulating container in a sealed state.

  The concept of the thermal insulation container performance evaluation (first evaluation) method of the present invention will be described below. FIG. 10 shows power consumption / temperature-time characteristics.

  When energization of the PTC heater 20 is started, a current corresponding to the temperature in the heat insulating container 10, that is, the management temperature t0 (initial state) flows in the PTC heater 20 at the measurement site. Due to the heat generated by the PTC heater 20, the temperature inside the heat insulating container 10 gradually increases (the dashed line in FIG. 10), and the current flowing through the PTC heater 20 gradually decreases in inverse proportion (solid line in FIG. 10). When the heat insulating container 10 is made of a complete heat insulating material, the temperature in the heat insulating container 10 rises to a temperature at which the value of the current flowing through the PTC heater 20 becomes zero.

  However, the actual heat insulating container 10 has a predetermined heat transmissivity k that is regulated by the container material and the wall thickness, and the heat transmissivity k, the container surface area A, the internal temperature t1, and the environmental temperature t0. An amount of heat calculated as the product of the temperature difference Δt continuously flows out of the heat insulating container 10. For this reason, the heat insulating container 10 is maintained at a constant temperature t1 while the PTC heater 20 continues to generate heat with the same amount of heat Q1 as the heat outflow amount Qout. Then, the current corresponding to the heat quantity Q1 continuously flows through the PTC heater 20, and the power consumption continues to be a stable power value w1.

  Therefore, the calorific value Q1 of the PTC heater 20 calculated from the power value w1 when the stable value is obtained is a heat outflow amount radiated from the heat insulating container 10 to the outside air when used at the environmental temperature t0. Can be considered.

  That is, in the first evaluation, if the power consumption value in the first stable state is 0, it is considered that there is no heat outflow amount of the heat insulating container 10. Therefore, the power consumption value of the PTC heater in the first stable state may be close to zero. However, in actuality, since there is a heat outflow in the heat insulating container, it is possible to evaluate how close it should be by setting the value of the first reference data, that is, the first reference power consumption value. .

  As the first reference power consumption value, the power consumption in the first stable state obtained by using an insulated container (reference container) having a desired heat insulation performance under the same control temperature is used, or the power consumption in the initial state of the reference container. And the difference between the power consumption in the first stable state is used. When the difference in power consumption is the first reference power consumption value, as a first evaluation, the difference between the power consumption in the initial state and the power consumption in the first stable state is obtained and compared with the first reference power consumption value. To do. When the difference in power consumption is larger than the difference in the first reference power consumption value, it can be evaluated that the desired heat insulation performance is obtained. The first reference power consumption value (in the case of a difference in power consumption) is, for example, equivalent to 10 W under a management temperature of −15 ° C. In the performance evaluation device, it is preferable that the first reference power consumption value of power consumption can be changed.

  Conventionally, the heat outflow amount Qout radiated from the heat insulating container 10 to the outside air has been obtained as a product of the temperature difference Δt between the heat transmissivity k, the container surface area S, the container temperature t1, and the environmental temperature t0 as described above. Therefore, it is difficult to perform the work and it is unavoidable that the value fluctuates due to a measurement error. However, in the method according to the present invention described above, the calorific value Q1 is the value when the PTC heater 20 becomes the above-described stable value. Since it is a value uniquely dependent on the value of the electric power value w1 and can be called a theoretical value, the calorific value Q1 can be calculated easily and without measurement errors.

Therefore, in the experimental results actually conducted by the present inventors, the heat outflow amount obtained as the product of the temperature difference Δt of the heat transmissivity k, the container surface area S, the container temperature t1, and the management temperature t0 by the equation (1). The coincidence between Qout and the heater calorific value Q1 (theoretical value) calculated from the stable power value w1 of the PTC heater 20 was 98.7%, which was almost coincident.
Formula (1) Qout = heat transmissivity k × container surface area S × time (until stable state) × Δt
Q1 = 0.24 × power consumption × time (until stable state)

(2) Refrigerant endothermic performance evaluation process Before the user clicks the start button 81, the power consumption information (power consumption value w1) is in a stable state based on the contents described on the heat insulation performance processing screen shown in FIG. A refrigerant which is a test body is put inside the heat insulation container 10 in the (first stable state). When the user who has finished this operation clicks the start button 81 with the input device 29, the CPU 25 performs the processing shown in FIG.

  When the start button 81 is clicked, a second test start command is input to the CPU 25. The CPU 25 to which the second test start command is input outputs a second test start signal to the control circuit 26. The control circuit 26 to which the second test start signal is input starts the timer 28 again (starts counting), and gives the CPU 25 time information with a flag set at this time point s1. Further, as described above, the control circuit 26 causes the CPU 25 to provide time information and power consumption information. The CPU 25 records the given power consumption information in the memory 27 in association with the time information (step 61).

  Further, the CPU 25 determines whether the power consumption information is in the final stable state (power consumption value w3) after passing through the second stable state (power consumption value w2), and the power consumption value w3 in the final stable state is in the first stable state. It is determined whether or not the power consumption value w1 is equal to (step 62). Whether the power consumption value w3 is equal to the power consumption value w1 is determined when the average value of the power consumption value w1 and the average value of the power consumption value w3 for 60 seconds are within ± 0.1 W, respectively. To be. Having passed the second stable state may be determined by determining whether a certain time (for example, 300 seconds) has elapsed, or by determining whether the time information has been clocked for 300 seconds.

  If the CPU 25 determines that the power consumption value w3 is equal to the power consumption value w1 (YES in step 62), the CPU 25 sets a time information flag as time s2 when the power consumption w3 is equal to the power consumption w1. The CPU 25 stops recording time information and power consumption information in the memory 27. Then, the CPU 25 reads time information and power consumption information from the memory 27, and creates visualization (graph) data of the relationship between time and power consumption (step 63). At this time, the CPU 25 also displays the power consumption value in the initial state (power consumption value in the initial state used in the first evaluation) (second reference power consumption value) as a reference line in the graph. Create as reference data. Further, the CPU 25 calculates the heat generation amount of the PTC heater, that is, the heat absorption amount of the refrigerant, based on the time information from the time point s1 when the flag is set to the time point s2 in the stable state and the power consumption information in the final stable state (Q = 0.24 × power consumption (final stable state) × time sa (from time point s1 to time point s2)), and the heat absorption amount data.

  The CPU 25 also gives the created visualization (graph) data, the second reference data, and the heat absorption amount data to the display 30, and shows a graph of the relationship between the power consumption when the reference line created by the display 30 is present and the refrigerant absorption. The amount of heat is displayed on the endothermic performance evaluation processing screen (step 64) (FIG. 9). If it is determined that the power consumption value is not constant, time information and power consumption information are continuously recorded in the memory 27 (NO in step 62).

  When the user clicks the end buttons 43, 72, 82, 91 on the display screen, a test end signal is input from the CPU 25 to the control circuit 26. When a power-off signal for stopping energization of the PTC heater 20 from the control circuit 26 is output to the power supply, the energization of the PTC heater 20 is interrupted. Further, the timer 28 ends the clock.

  The concept of the refrigerant performance evaluation (second evaluation) method of the present invention will be described below. FIG. 11 shows power consumption / temperature-time characteristics.

  In FIG. 11, the graph from time 0 to s1 shows a refrigerant (for example, minus 25) in a state where the PTC heater 20 maintains a stable power value w1 as in the case of the container heat insulation performance evaluation described with reference to FIG. (° C. type frozen storage material or dry ice) 30 is put into the heat insulating container 10. In FIG. 11, the time when the refrigerant 30 is introduced is shown as s1.

  As the input refrigerant 30 absorbs heat, the temperature t in the heat insulating container 10 gradually decreases. On the other hand, in inverse proportion, the power consumption of the PTC heater 20 gradually increases from the stable power value w1. After that, the heat absorption amount of the refrigerant 30, the heat generation amount of the PTC heater 20, and the heat flow out of the heat insulation container 10 are balanced, and the heat insulation container 10 has a stable temperature t2 and the PTC heater 20 has power consumption w2. This state continues, and the state continues while the refrigerant 30 has the prescribed endothermic energy.

  When a certain time elapses, the endothermic energy of the refrigerant 30 decreases, and the temperature t in the heat insulating container 10 rises accordingly. Further, the power consumption w of the PTC heater 20 gradually decreases. Then, after s2 when the endothermic energy of the refrigerant 30 becomes 0, the temperature t in the heat insulating container 10 and the PTC heater 20 return to the same state as when the refrigerant 30 was charged, and the temperature t1, the consumption The state of power w1 continues.

  The initial state is a state in which the inside of the heat insulating container is maintained at a controlled temperature. In other words, if the management temperature is set to a temperature for managing products, it can be said that the initial state is maintained at a temperature for managing products stored in the heat insulating container 10. Therefore, if the power consumption of the PTC heater in the second stable state (the state where the inside of the container is lowered to a constant temperature by the refrigerant) is larger than the power consumption of the PTC heater in the initial state, the inside of the heat insulating container is more than the control temperature by the refrigerant. Is also considered lowered. That is, when the power consumption of the PTC heater in the second stable state is larger than the power consumption in the initial state, it can be evaluated that the heat absorption amount of the refrigerant can be maintained below the management temperature.

  Here, the power consumption value in the initial state corresponds to, for example, 21 W under a management temperature of −15 ° C. Of course, the reference value may be provided by an empirically derived value so that the second reference value can be changed in the performance evaluation apparatus.

  Further, the time sa (= s2-s1) from the time s1 when the refrigerant 30 is introduced to the time s2 when the power consumption of the PTC heater 20 fluctuates due to the introduction of the refrigerant and the power consumption of the PTC heater again becomes a stable power value w1. The integrated value WT of the power consumption w at is calculated, and the total calorific value Q2 of the PTC heater 20 at the time sa is calculated from the integrated value WT, and the stable power value w1 of the power consumption of the PTC heater 20 is calculated. And the time sa (= s2-s1) are obtained, and the amount of heat generated Q3 of the PTC heater at the time sa is obtained from the amount of power WT2. Then, by subtracting the calorific value Q3 from the calorific value Q2, it is possible to obtain a calorific value that allows the total endothermic amount of the used refrigerant 30 to be considered. That is, it is possible to easily and objectively evaluate how much heat the refrigerant 30 has with the theoretical value obtained from the power consumption w and the time s of the PTC heater 20.

Accordingly, in the experimental results actually conducted by the present inventors, the heater heat value calculated from the heat absorption amount Qin obtained as the product of the latent heat of the refrigerant and the weight of the refrigerant according to the equation (2) and the power value of the PTC heater 20 is obtained. Was 95.7%, which was almost the same.
(Formula 2): Endothermic quantity Qin = weight of refrigerant over latent heat of refrigerant
= 0.24 x power consumption x time sa (= s2-s1)

  Since the above-described (1) container heat insulation performance evaluation process and (2) refrigerant endothermic performance evaluation process are continuously experimentally evaluated, the first reference power consumption value and the second reference power consumption value in the initial state are used for convenience. The power consumption of the heater is used. Of course, the first and second reference values may be preset values that provide desired performance. Further, (1) the container heat insulation performance evaluation process and (2) the refrigerant heat absorption performance evaluation process may be processed separately.

(3) Refrigerant performance evaluation process In the refrigerant performance evaluation test, as will be described later, the refrigerant performance evaluation test is started after the heat insulating container 10 is arranged in a state where the lid is removed under the product management temperature.

  The processing of the CPU 25 when the user selects the refrigerant performance evaluation test (clicks the character string 42 on the menu screen) is shown.

  12A and 12B show the processing of the CPU 25 during the refrigerant performance evaluation test. About the process similar to the container performance evaluation test mentioned above, the same code | symbol as FIG. 5 is attached | subjected and description is abbreviate | omitted.

  First, when the user clicks the start button 71 by the input device 29 based on the first start screen shown in FIG. 6 displayed by the display device 30 (step 50), the CPU 25 gives time information given by the control circuit 26. The power consumption information is recorded in the memory 27 (step 51).

  The CPU 25 determines whether or not the recorded power consumption information is in a stable state (initial stable state) (power consumption value w11) (step 52). When the CPU 25 determines that the power consumption is in a stable state (YES in step 52), the CPU 25 outputs a first interruption signal to the control circuit 26. The control circuit 26 to which the first interruption signal is input causes the timer 28 to interrupt or reset the time count to enter a standby state, and to interrupt the CPU 25 to provide time information. Further, the control circuit 26 interrupts the detection by the power detection element 21 and the supply of the power consumption information to the CPU 25 via the A / D converter 22. That is, the CPU 25 suspends recording of the power consumption information and time information in the memory 27. Further, the CPU 25 displays the first alarm screen shown in FIG. 13 on the display 30 (step 90).

  When the user clicks the start button 100 on the first alarm screen using the input device 29 after closing the lid of the heat insulating container 10 based on the first alarm screen of FIG. 13 (YES in step 91), the input device 29 The first restart command is output to the CPU 25. The CPU 25 to which the first restart command is input outputs a first restart signal to the control circuit 26. The control circuit 26 to which the first restart signal has been output causes the timer 28 to provide time information to the CPU 25, and causes the power detection element 21 to provide power consumption information to the CPU 25 via the A / D converter 22. Then, the CPU 25 captures time information and power consumption information and records them in the memory 27 (step 92).

  Further, the CPU 25 determines whether or not the recorded power consumption information is in a stable state (intermediate stable state) (power consumption value w12). If it is determined that the power consumption information is in the intermediate stable state (YES in step 93), the CPU 25 outputs a second interruption signal to the control circuit 26. The control circuit 26 to which the second interruption signal has been input causes the timer 28 to stop counting the time and put it in a standby state, thereby interrupting the CPU 25 from providing time information. Further, the control circuit 26 interrupts the detection by the power detection element 21 and the supply of the power consumption information to the CPU 25 via the A / D converter 22. That is, the CPU 25 temporarily suspends recording of time information and power consumption information in the memory 27. Further, the CPU 25 displays the second alarm screen shown in FIG. 14 on the display 30 (step 94).

  When the user accommodates the refrigerant 30 in the heat insulating container 10 based on the second alarm screen and clicks the start button 102 on the second alarm screen using the input device 29 (YES in step 95), the input device 29 A second restart command is output to the CPU 25. The CPU 25 to which the second restart command is input outputs a second restart signal to the control circuit 26. The control circuit 26 to which the second restart signal is output causes the timer 28 to provide time information to the CPU 25, and causes the power detection element 21 to provide power consumption information to the CPU 25 via the A / D converter 22. Then, the CPU 25 captures time information and power consumption information and records them in the memory 27 (step 96).

  The CPU 25 determines whether the power consumption has reached a stable state (final stable state) (power consumption value w13) after a certain period of time has elapsed after the intermediate stable state (step 97). Here, the CPU 25 is set when the average value of the power consumption value within 60 seconds is within ± 0.1 W after 300 seconds of the power consumption information.

  When the CPU 25 determines that the power consumption has reached the final stable state (YES in step 97), the CPU 25 creates a graph of the relationship between time and power consumption based on the time information and the power consumption information (step 98). The CPU 25 gives the graph of the relationship between the created time and power consumption to the display 30 and causes the display 30 to display the graph of the relationship between time and power consumption (step 99).

  As described above, when the user clicks the end buttons 101, 103, and 105 on the display screen, a test end signal is input from the CPU 25 to the control circuit 26. When a power-off signal for energizing the PTC heater 20 is output from the control circuit 26 to the power source, the energization to the PTC heater 20 is cut off. The timer 28 ends the clock.

  The concept of the refrigerant evaluation (third evaluation) method of the present invention will be described below. FIG. 16 shows power consumption / temperature-time characteristics.

  When actually using a refrigerant, whether the refrigerant has an endothermic ability to lower the temperature in the heat insulation container to the product management temperature such as −20 ° C., for example, in relation to the cold insulation performance of the heat insulation container to be used. It is necessary to determine whether. FIG. 16 illustrates a third evaluation method according to the present invention in which the evaluation can also be performed using the power consumption of the PTC heater as a parameter.

  Here, the same insulated container 10 with a lid as that used in the evaluation method described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11 is used, but the container 10 is used with the lid removed in the first stage. Further, the container 10 without the lid is left not in the management temperature but in the required product management temperature t11, for example, in an environment of −20 ° C. (a place where the temperature is controlled in a freezer or the like). A PTC heater 20 is arranged and energized in the container 10 in that state in the same manner as described with reference to FIG.

  By continuing the environment for a while, the power consumption of the PTC heater 20 disposed in the heat insulating container 10 becomes the first stable power value w11 (initial stable state). Since this first power stable value w11 is at the product management temperature both inside and outside the container, the product stored in the heat insulating container 10 is maintained at the product management temperature because there is no heat transfer inside and outside the container. It can be regarded as the energy of the heater necessary for this. When the PTC heater 20 is in a state of maintaining the first stable power value w11, the heat insulating container 10 is covered and the inside is shut off from the environment.

  If energization is continued in this state, due to the heat generated from the PTC heater 20, the temperature t11 in the heat insulating container 10 that is made a sealed space by closing the cover gradually increases, and the power consumption w11 of the PTC heater 20 gradually decreases. And in the state where the cold heat inflow amount depending on the cold insulation performance of the heat insulating container 10 and the heat generation amount of the PTC heater 20 are balanced, the temperature in the heat insulating container 10 is constant t12 (> t11), and the power consumption of the PTC heater 20 is It becomes constant at the second power stable value w12 (intermediate stable state) (<w11).

  After that state is reached, the refrigerant 30 is introduced into the heat insulating container 10 while the PTC heater 20 is energized. At that time, the sealing property of the heat insulating container 10 can be continuously maintained. The heat in the heat insulation container 10 is absorbed by the refrigerant 30, and the temperature in the heat insulation container 10 gradually decreases and decreases to a temperature t <b> 13 depending on the heat absorption capability of the refrigerant 30 and stabilizes. On the other hand, the amount of heat generated by the PTC heater 20 increases in inverse proportion to the decrease in temperature, and rises to the third stable power value w13 (final stable state) (> w11) and stabilizes. The duration at the temperature t13 is a value that depends on the amount of the refrigerant 30, and does not depend on the type of the refrigerant 30.

  As described above, the first stable power value w11 at the start is equivalent to the energy required to maintain the product stored in the heat insulating container 10 at the required product management temperature, and the first stable power value w11 By comparing the magnitude with the third stable power value w13, it is possible to evaluate whether or not the refrigerant 30 being used has an endothermic capacity that can be maintained at the commodity management temperature t11 required in the heat insulating container 10.

  In addition, in FIG. 16, the example at the time of using three types of refrigerant | coolants 30a, 30b, 30c is shown. When the first refrigerant 30a is used, the temperature in the heat insulating container 10 is stabilized at t13a (> t11), and the power consumption of the PTC heater 20 at that time, that is, the third power stable value w13a is the first power. It is smaller than the stable value w11. In this case, the heat absorption capacity of the refrigerant 30a is small to maintain the commodity management temperature t11, and it can be seen that the refrigerant 30a is inappropriate as a refrigerant.

  The third refrigerant 30c is, for example, dry ice, and dry ice has a high heat absorption capability. Therefore, the temperature in the heat insulating container 10 is stabilized at t13c (<t11), and the power consumption of the PTC heater 20 at that time, that is, the third The stable power value w13c is higher than the first stable power value w11. In this case, it can be seen that the heat absorption capacity of the refrigerant 30a is sufficient to maintain the commodity management temperature t11 and is suitable as a refrigerant. However, it can be said that the temperature in the heat insulation container 10 is further lower than the product management temperature t11 that is required, and that more than necessary cold energy is consumed.

  When the second refrigerant 30b is used, the temperature in the heat insulating container 10 is stabilized at t13b (= t11), and the power consumption of the PTC heater 20 at that time, that is, the third power stable value w13b is the first power. It is equal to the stable value w11. In this case, the heat absorption capability of the refrigerant 30b is sufficient to maintain the product management temperature t11 and is suitable as a refrigerant. Moreover, there is no useless use of cold energy. The second refrigerant 30b may be a single refrigerant, or can be obtained by mixing the first refrigerant 30b and the third refrigerant 30c.

  As described above, by adopting this evaluation method, it is determined whether the heat insulating container and the refrigerant to be used are appropriate or inappropriate for maintaining the desired product management temperature. Evaluation can be made by measuring the power consumption of the heater 20. Also in this case, since it is not necessary to measure the actual temperature, it is easy as an operation and an accurate evaluation without any measurement error can be performed.

  In the present invention, the refrigerant other than dry ice includes, for example, water containing an additive that lowers the freezing point, such as a freezing agent of −5 ° C. and −20 ° C.

10: Insulated container,
20 ... PTC heater,
30: Refrigerant.

Claims (22)

A PTC heater is placed in a heat insulation container placed in an initial state of the control temperature and hermetically sealed at the control temperature, and the power consumption of the PTC heater is measured to insulate the heat insulation container. A performance evaluation device for evaluating performance,
Timer means for counting the time from when the PTC heater is energized;
Power consumption measuring means for measuring the power consumption of the PTC heater when energized;
Control means for outputting the time information and the power consumption information in association with the time counted by the timer means as time information, and using the power consumption measured by the power consumption measuring means at the time of counting as the power consumption information When,
Storage means for storing time information and power consumption information output by the control means;
Determination means for determining whether or not the power consumption is in a first stable state based on time information and power consumption information stored by the storage means;
When the determination means determines that the power consumption is in the first stable state, the time information and the power consumption information are read from the storage means, and visualization data for visualizing the relationship between time and power consumption is created. Visualization means to output;
A performance evaluation apparatus comprising: display means for displaying the visualization data output by the visualization means. The storage means stores first reference data in advance,
When the determination means determines that the power consumption is in the first stable state, the visualization means reads and outputs the first reference data from the storage means,
The performance evaluation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display unit displays the output reference data. When it is determined by the determination means that the power consumption is in the first stable state, the time information until the first stable state and the power consumption information in the first stable state are read from the storage means and the heat outflow of the heat insulating container It further comprises heat outflow amount calculation means for calculating the amount and outputting as heat outflow amount data,
The performance evaluation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display unit displays heat outflow amount data output by the heat outflow amount calculation unit. A PTC heater is placed in a heat insulation container placed in an initial state of the control temperature and hermetically sealed at the control temperature, and the power consumption of the PTC heater is measured to insulate the heat insulation container. A program for controlling a performance evaluation apparatus comprising storage means for evaluating performance and display means for displaying visualization data of the heat insulation performance of the heat insulation container,
Count the time from when the PTC heater is energized,
Measure the power consumption of the PTC heater when energized,
The time when the time is counted is used as time information, the power consumption measured at the time of counting is used as power consumption information, and the time information and power consumption information are output in association with each other.
Storing the output time information and power consumption information in the storage means;
Based on the time information and the power consumption information stored by the storage means, it is determined whether or not the first stable state in which the power consumption is stable for a fixed time,
When it is determined that the power consumption is in the first stable state, the time information and the power consumption information are read from the storage means, and visualization data for visualizing the relationship between the time and the power consumption is generated and output.
A program for a performance evaluation apparatus, characterized in that the output visualization data is displayed by the display means. The storage means stores first reference data in advance,
If it is determined that the power consumption is in the first stable state, the first reference data is read from the storage means and output;
5. The performance evaluation apparatus program according to claim 4, wherein the output reference data is displayed by a display means. When it is determined that the power consumption is in the first stable state, the time information until the first stable state and the power consumption information in the first stable state are read from the storage means, the heat outflow amount of the heat insulating container is calculated, and the heat outflow amount data Output as
6. The performance evaluation apparatus program according to claim 4, wherein the output heat outflow data is displayed by the display means. A PTC heater is placed in a heat-insulated container placed in an initial state of a control temperature and sealed in a control temperature, energized, and the power consumption of the PTC heater is measured. A performance evaluation device for evaluating the heat absorption performance of a refrigerant by charging the refrigerant into a heat insulating container and measuring the power consumption in the first stable state where the power consumption of the heater is stable,
Timer means for counting the time from when the PTC heater is energized;
Power consumption measuring means for measuring the power consumption of the PTC heater when energized;
Control means for outputting the time information and the power consumption information in association with the time counted by the timer means as time information, and using the power consumption measured by the power consumption measuring means at the time of counting as the power consumption information When,
Storage means for storing time information and power consumption information output by the control means;
Based on the time information and power consumption information stored by the storage means, the final stable state where power consumption is stable for a fixed time, and the power consumption in the final stable state is the power consumption in the first stable state. Stable state determination means for determining whether or not
When the stable state determining means determines that the power consumption is the final stable state and the power consumption in the final stable state is equal to the power consumption in the first stable state, the time information from the storage means Visualization means for reading out power consumption information, creating and outputting visualization data for visualizing the relationship between time and power consumption,
A performance evaluation apparatus comprising: display means for displaying the visualization data output by the visualization means. The storage means stores second reference data in advance,
When the stable state determining means determines that the power consumption is the final stable state, and the power consumption in the final stable state is equal to the power consumption in the first stable state, the visualization means reads from the storage means Read and output the second reference data,
8. The performance evaluation apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the display means displays the output second reference data. First determination means for determining whether or not the second stable state in which power consumption is stable for a predetermined time through the first stable state based on the time information and the power consumption information stored by the storage means;
When it is determined by the first determination means that the state is the second stable state, the time information up to the second stable state and the power consumption information in the second stable state are read from the storage means as the first power consumption information. First calculating means for calculating a first calorific value;
Based on the time information and the power consumption information stored by the storage means, a second determination means for determining whether or not the final stable state in which the power consumption is stable for a predetermined time through the second stable state;
When the second determination means determines that the final stable state is reached, the time information and the power consumption information in the final stable state are read from the storage means to calculate the second heat generation amount, and the calculated second A second calculating means for calculating an endothermic amount of the refrigerant from the first exothermic amount and the second exothermic amount and outputting the endothermic amount data as endothermic amount data;
The performance evaluation apparatus according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the display means displays the data of the endothermic amount output by the second calculation means. A PTC heater is placed in a heat-insulated container placed in an initial state of a control temperature and sealed in a control temperature, energized, and the power consumption of the PTC heater is measured. Storage means for visualizing the endothermic performance of the refrigerant in order to evaluate the performance of the heat absorption amount of the refrigerant by putting the refrigerant into the heat insulating container and measuring the power consumption when the heater power consumption is in the first stable state A program for controlling a performance evaluation device comprising display means for displaying data,
Count the time from when the PTC heater is energized,
Measure the power consumption of the PTC heater when energized,
The time when the time is counted is used as time information, the power consumption measured at the time of counting is used as power consumption information, and the time information and power consumption information are output in association with each other.
Storing the output time information and power consumption information in the storage means;
Based on the time information and power consumption information stored by the storage means, the final stable state where power consumption is stable for a fixed time, and the power consumption in the final stable state is the power consumption in the first stable state. And whether it is equivalent to
When it is determined that the power consumption is the final stable state, and the power consumption in the final stable state and the power consumption in the first state are equal, the time information and the power consumption information are read from the storage unit, Create and output visualization data that visualizes the relationship between time and power consumption,
A program for a performance evaluation apparatus, characterized in that the output visualization data is displayed by a display means. The storage means stores second reference data in advance,
When it is determined that the power consumption is in the final stable state and the power consumption in the final stable state is equal to the power consumption in the first stable state, the second reference data is read from the storage means and output. And
The program for a performance evaluation apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the output second reference data is displayed by a display unit. Based on the time information and the power consumption information stored by the storage means, it is determined whether the second stable state in which the power consumption is stable for a predetermined time through the first stable state;
When the second stable state is determined, the time information until the second stable state and the power consumption information in the second stable state are read from the storage means as the first power consumption information, and the first heat generation amount is calculated. ,
Based on the time information and the power consumption information stored by the storage means, it is determined whether or not the final stable state in which the power consumption is stable for a certain time through the second stable state;
When the final stable state is determined, the time information and the power consumption information in the final stable state are read from the storage means to calculate the second heat generation amount, and the calculated first heat generation amount and second heat generation amount are calculated. Calculate the endothermic amount of the refrigerant according to the amount and output it as endothermic amount data,
12. The performance evaluation apparatus program according to claim 10, wherein the output endothermic data is displayed by the display means. A performance evaluation device for evaluating the performance of a refrigerant by arranging a PTC heater in an insulated container placed under a product management temperature, measuring the power consumption of the PTC heater,
Timer means for counting the time from when the PTC heater is energized;
Power consumption measuring means for measuring the power consumption of the PTC heater when energized;
Control means for outputting the time information and the power consumption information in association with the time counted by the timer means as time information, and using the power consumption measured by the power consumption measuring means at the time of counting as the power consumption information When,
Storage means for storing time information and power consumption information output by the control means;
A state where the PTC heater is placed in a heat insulating container placed in a state where the product management temperature is not covered and the power consumption of the PTC heater reaches a stable value, and then the heat insulating container is covered. in, on the basis of the power consumption information with the time information stored by the storage means, a first determination means for determining whether a certain time the power consumption is stable intermediate stable state,
After the first determination means determines that the intermediate stable state is present, the time information and the power consumption information stored by the storage means are stored in a state where the refrigerant is further disposed in the heat insulating container and the lid is covered. based on a second determination means for determining whether a certain time the power consumption is a stable final stable state,
Visualization means for reading out time information and power consumption information from the storage means and creating and outputting visualization data visualizing the relationship between time and power consumption when it is determined by the second determination means to be in the final stable state When,
A performance evaluation apparatus comprising: display means for displaying the visualization data output by the visualization means. Storage means for storing various information for disposing a PTC heater in a heat insulating container placed under a product management temperature, measuring power consumption of the PTC heater, and evaluating refrigerant absorption performance;
A program for controlling a performance evaluation apparatus comprising display means for displaying visualization data of the performance of a refrigerant,
Count the time from when the PTC heater is energized,
Measure the power consumption of the PTC heater when energized,
The time when the time is counted is used as time information, the power consumption measured at the time of counting is used as power consumption information, and the time information and power consumption information are output in association with each other.
Storing the output time information and power consumption information in a storage means;
A PTC heater was placed in a heat insulating container placed in a state where the lid was not placed under the product management temperature, and after passing through an initial state where the power consumption of the PTC heater became a stable value, the heat insulating container was covered. in the state, based on the power consumption information with the stored time information by said storage means, to determine whether a certain time the power consumption is stable intermediate stable state,
After determining that the intermediate is a stable state, the refrigerant is further disposed in a state in which the lid has been in heat insulating vessel, based on the power consumption information with the time information stored by the storage means, a certain time Determine whether the power consumption is in the stable final state,
When it is determined that the final stable state, the time information and the power consumption information are read from the storage means, and visualization data visualizing the relationship between the time and the power consumption is generated and output,
A program for a performance evaluation apparatus, characterized in that the output visualization data is displayed by a display means.   14. The performance evaluation apparatus according to claim 13, further comprising alarm means for outputting data to that effect and displaying the data on the display means when the first determination means determines that the intermediate stable state is reached. .   The recording medium which recorded the performance evaluation program as described in any one of Claims 4-6, 10-12, and 14.   This is a method for evaluating the heat insulation performance of a heat insulation container. When a PTC heater is placed in a sealed heat insulation container placed under a control temperature t0 and energized, the power consumption of the PTC heater becomes a stable value. An evaluation method characterized by calculating the heat generation amount Q1 of the PTC heater from the electric power value w1 and evaluating the heat insulating performance of the heat insulating container by regarding the value as the theoretical outflow heat amount from the heat insulating container.   This is a method for evaluating the amount of heat absorbed by the refrigerant. A PTC heater is placed in a sealed heat insulating container placed under a control temperature t0 and energized, and the power consumption of the PTC heater becomes a stable power value w1. Later, when the refrigerant is put into the heat insulating container, the power consumption of the PTC heater fluctuates due to the introduction of the refrigerant from s1 and when the power consumption of the PTC heater reaches a stable power value w1 again, the time sa (= The integrated value WT of the power consumption at s2-s1) is obtained, the calorific value Q2 of the PTC heater at the time sa is calculated from the integrated value WT, and further, the stable value of the power consumption of the PTC heater is obtained. Power amount WT2 obtained by integrating the power value w1 at the time and the time sa (= s2-s1) is obtained, and the heat generation amount Q3 of the PTC heater at the time sa is calculated from the power amount WT2 to calculate the heat generation amount. Evaluation method, wherein a value obtained by subtracting the amount of heat generated Q3 from 2 to evaluate the heat absorption amount of refrigerant be regarded as the endothermic amount of the refrigerant.   An evaluation method for evaluating the relationship between the product management temperature in a heat-insulated container and the heat absorption capacity of the refrigerant. A PTC heater is disposed in a heat-insulated container placed in a product management temperature environment without a lid. Energize until the power reaches the first stable power value, cover the heat insulating container in a state in which the power is continued, and in that state, after the power consumption of the PTC heater reaches the second stable power value, After the refrigerant is charged, the PTC heater is further energized after the refrigerant is charged until the power consumption of the PTC heater reaches the third power stable value, and the first power stable value and the third power stable value are The evaluation method characterized by evaluating whether the said refrigerant | coolant is provided with the heat absorption capability which can maintain the inside of the said heat insulation container at the said merchandise management temperature by comparing magnitude. A method for evaluating the heat insulation performance of a heat insulation container based on the power consumption of a PTC heater,
Set the first reference value in advance,
The PTC heater is placed in the heat insulation container that is placed in an initial state of the control temperature inside the heat insulation container and sealed under the control temperature,
Energize the placed PTC heater and measure the power consumption at each time,
Based on the measured power consumption, after the first stable state where the power consumption is stable for a certain time, the relationship between the time and the power consumption is visualized and compared with the preset first reference value. A method for evaluating the heat insulation performance of an insulated container. A method for evaluating the endothermic performance of a refrigerant based on the power consumption of a PTC heater,
Set the second reference value in advance,
A PTC heater is placed in an insulated container that is placed in an insulated container in an initial state of a controlled temperature and sealed in a controlled temperature,
Energize the placed PTC heater and measure the power consumption at each time,
Based on the measured power consumption, when the power consumption of the PTC heater is in the first stable state for a certain time, the refrigerant is put into the heat insulating container,
After charging the refrigerant, it passes through a second stable state in which power consumption is stable for a fixed time, and is again a final stable state in which power consumption is stable for a fixed time, and the power consumption in the final stable state is the first stable state. The heat absorption of the refrigerant characterized by comparing the power consumption in the second stable state with the second reference value by visualizing the relationship between the time and the power consumption value after being equal to the power consumption in the state Performance evaluation method. A method for evaluating the performance of a refrigerant based on the power consumption of a PTC heater,
A PTC heater is placed in an insulated container placed with the lid open under the product management temperature,
Energize the placed PTC heater and measure the power consumption at each time,
Based on the measured power consumption, when the power consumption of the PTC heater is in a stable initial stable state for a certain period of time, the lid is closed and the insulated container is sealed,
After the initial stable state, based on the measured power consumption, when the power consumption of the PTC heater reaches a stable intermediate stable state for a certain time, the refrigerant is put into the heat insulating container,
After the intermediate stable state, based on the measured power consumption, after the power consumption of the PTC heater becomes stable in a certain time, the relationship between the time and the power consumption value is visualized, and the final stable state A method for evaluating refrigerant performance, comprising comparing the power consumption in the first and the power consumption in the initial stable state.

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