JP6025022B2 - Compressor operation control device and operation control method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an operation control device and an operation control method for controlling a compressor used in a cooling system for cooling the interior of a vehicle space.

  The vehicle is equipped with a cooling system that cools the inside of the vehicle space in addition to the power train necessary for traveling. In general, various types of power sources have been devised for use in a vehicle cooling system, but in this case, a refrigerant supplied from a compressor driven by a vehicle engine is used to evacuate the vehicle space. The target is a cooling mode.

  Conventionally, the timing for operating the compressor of the cooling system has been appropriately performed according to the necessity on the cooling system side, regardless of the operating state of the engine. However, the operation of the cooling system, ie the compressor, is a load on the engine. Therefore, a part of the output of the engine that is originally output for running is consumed for the operation of the compressor, resulting in a deterioration of the fuel consumption rate. On the other hand, the output of the engine changes every moment according to the running state of the vehicle, but the influence on the fuel consumption rate by the operation of the compressor varies depending on the operating state.

  For example, in Patent Document 1, the operation of an alternator driven by an engine is performed in a feedback region (FB region) or an idle region where fuel injection is performed when the engine is in a fuel cut region (FC region) that is a no-load region. Focusing on the fact that the adverse effect on the fuel consumption rate is less than that in a loaded area such as (ID area), the operation of the alternator is concentrated during no-load no-load operation. Thus, the alternator can be efficiently operated at an appropriate timing while suppressing deterioration of the fuel consumption rate.

  Also, for example, in Patent Document 2, focusing on the fact that the fuel consumption rate decreases as the engine output increases, if the fuel consumption rate is larger than a predetermined value (that is, the fuel consumption is bad), the air conditioner The engine output is increased by lowering the output of the electric fan that supplies cooling air to the condenser for use and increasing the output of the compressor for the air conditioner. In such a case, although the output of the engine increases, the fuel consumption rate falls below a predetermined value, so that the fuel consumption can be improved.

JP-A-7-87680 JP 2006-218920 A

  In Patent Document 1, basically, the operation of the alternator is concentrated when the engine is in a no-load operation, and if the alternator is insufficient in the no-load operation alone, the alternator is operated even in a load-operated operation. Yes. However, the influence of the operation of the alternator on the fuel consumption rate varies depending on the operating state of the engine even during load operation. That is, in Patent Document 1, when the alternator is operated during a load operation, the operation condition of the alternator is not sufficiently optimized, and there is room for further improvement of the fuel consumption rate.

In Patent Document 2, instead of reducing the output of the electric fan, the output of the compressor is increased to improve the fuel efficiency while keeping the cooling capacity constant. However, since the fuel consumption of electric fans and compressors varies depending on the output size, it is not always possible to expect an improvement in fuel consumption by offsetting the fuel decrease due to the decrease in the output of the electric fan and the fuel increase due to the increase in the compressor output. .
Further, when the fuel consumption rate is larger than a predetermined value set in advance (that is, fuel consumption is poor), the compressor output is increased in order to increase the engine output even when the air conditioner is not required to operate. I.e., the air conditioner is activated. Therefore, it adversely affects the temperature controllability of the air conditioner, for example, overcooling.

  Accordingly, the present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems. By controlling the operation of the compressor of the cooling system in accordance with the operating state of the engine, a good fuel consumption rate can be obtained and the compressor can be operated at an efficient timing. It is an object of the present invention to provide an operation control device and an operation control method for a compressor that can operate the compressor.

In order to solve the above problems, an operation control device for a compressor according to the present invention is an operation control device that controls a compressor used in a cooling system that is operated by an engine mounted on a vehicle and cools the inside of the vehicle space. ,
Engine parameter detecting means for detecting an operating parameter of the engine;
Compressor parameter detecting means for detecting a state parameter relating to the operation of the compressor;
An engine fuel consumption map that defines the relationship between the operating parameter and the fuel consumption rate, and a first operation priority that is defined by associating the first operation priority with the priority of the operation of the compressor as an index in order for each range of the fuel consumption rate. 1 operation priority information and first operation necessity information defined in advance by associating the first operation necessity with the necessity of operation of the compressor as an index for each state parameter range related to the operation of the compressor. Stored storage means;
First operation necessity degree calculating means for calculating the first operation necessity degree based on a detection value by the compressor parameter detecting means and first operation necessity degree information stored in the storage means;
A fuel consumption rate is calculated based on a detection value by the engine parameter detection unit and an engine fuel consumption map stored in the storage unit, and the calculated fuel consumption rate and the first operation priority stored in the storage unit are calculated. First operation priority calculating means for calculating a first operation priority in the current operating state based on the information;
Compressor control means for operating the compressor when the first operation necessity calculated by the first operation necessity calculation means is equal to or higher than the first operation priority calculated by the first operation priority calculation means; , Provided.

According to the present invention, priority is given to an operation region that is advantageous for the fuel consumption rate when the compressor is operated according to the first operation priority information, thereby suppressing deterioration of the fuel consumption rate associated with the operation of the compressor. The compressor can be operated at an appropriate timing. In particular, when the foot brake or auxiliary brake is used and the driver deliberately decelerates the vehicle (hereinafter referred to as vehicle deceleration), or the driver does not operate the accelerator pedal or similar functions (such as auto cruise) In addition, the vehicle is running in inertia (hereinafter referred to as inertia running) and the engine is not injecting fuel (hereinafter referred to as no load), but the engine is injecting fuel (hereinafter referred to as being present). Even when the compressor is operated under the load), the compressor can be operated at an appropriate timing according to the first operation necessity. Therefore, the compressor can be operated efficiently while improving the fuel consumption rate. Can be achieved.
In the present specification, the term “inside the vehicle space” includes the interior of the vehicle, the inside of the loading platform mounted on the vehicle, and the like.

  The first operation priority information is set to the highest when the vehicle is decelerated and the engine is in a no-load state, and is the next highest when the engine is in inertia and the engine is in a no-load state. Further, when the engine is in a loaded state, the priority may be set so as to decrease as the fuel consumption rate increases.

  According to the research and development of the present inventor, the adverse effect on the fuel consumption rate due to the operation of the compressor is the smallest when the vehicle is decelerated and when the engine is not loaded compared to when the engine is loaded, and when the engine is coasting It has been found that the number of no-load operation is less. In addition, it has been found that the adverse effect on the fuel consumption rate due to the operation of the compressor is small as the output of the engine increases even during the load operation. Based on these findings, in this aspect, the first operation priority is set to the highest when the vehicle is decelerated and the engine is unloaded, and when the inertia is running and the engine is unloaded, the next highest priority is set. Thus, when there is a load, the priority is set so as to increase toward the high load side where a good fuel consumption rate can be obtained. As a result, even when the engine cannot cover the operation of the cooling system that is required only by operating the compressor during no-load operation, the compressor can be operated at a timing when a good fuel consumption rate can be obtained during load operation. Can be operated.

  The operating parameter may be an engine speed and a fuel injection amount.

  The fuel consumption rate when the engine is subjected to a predetermined load when the compressor is operated is affected by various operating parameters. According to the inventor's research and development, it has been found that the fuel consumption rate can be satisfactorily improved by the operation control device by selecting the engine speed and the fuel injection amount as operating parameters.

  The first operation priority calculation means may set the first operation priority separately from the fuel consumption rate when the drive wheel and the engine are not dynamically connected.

  According to this aspect, when the driving wheel and the engine are not dynamically connected, for example, when the gear stage of the transmission is in a neutral state or when the engine power is cut off by the clutch, the engine is blown idle. In this case, it is possible to effectively avoid a situation in which the compressor is unnecessarily operated and fuel is unnecessarily consumed.

  The first operation necessity information may be set stepwise based on a difference between a temperature in the vehicle space and a preset temperature set in advance.

  In this aspect, by monitoring the difference between the temperature in the vehicle space and the preset temperature, the adverse effect on the fuel consumption rate is reduced while considering that the temperature in the vehicle space becomes the set temperature. Thus, the compressor can be operated efficiently.

The operation control device includes an engine control unit that controls the engine and a compressor control unit that controls the compressor.
The compressor control unit includes the first operation necessity calculation means and the compressor control means,
The engine control unit has the first operation priority calculation means,
The first operation necessity calculated by the first operation necessity calculation means is output to the engine control unit,
When the first operation priority calculation means determines that the first operation necessity input to the engine control unit is equal to or higher than the first operation priority, the first operation priority calculation means A permission signal for permitting the operation of the engine is generated, and the permission signal is output to the compressor control unit,
The compressor control means may operate the compressor based on the permission signal input to the compressor control unit.

  According to this aspect, since the engine control unit and the compressor control unit are provided separately, it is effective, for example, when a refrigerator is mounted on a truck or when a cooler is mounted on a vehicle. Specifically, the control according to the present invention can be executed by providing an engine control unit on the vehicle body side and incorporating the compressor control unit into a cooling control unit such as a refrigerator or a cooler.

An alternator driven by the engine;
A battery for storing electric power generated by the alternator;
Alternator parameter detecting means for detecting a state parameter relating to the operation of the alternator;
The second operation necessity level using the detection value by the alternator parameter detection means and the necessity of operation of the alternator as an index is defined in association with the state parameter relating to the operation of the alternator and stored in the storage means. Second operation necessity calculation means for calculating the second operation necessity based on two operation necessity information;
A fuel consumption rate is calculated based on the detected value by the engine parameter detection means and the engine fuel consumption map stored in the storage means, and the second priority is calculated based on the calculated fuel consumption rate and the priority of the alternator operation. Second operation priority for calculating a second operation priority in the current operating state based on second operation priority information defined in association with the fuel consumption rate and stored in the storage means A calculation means;
Alternator control means for operating the alternator when the second operation necessity calculated by the second operation necessity calculation means is equal to or higher than the second operation priority calculated by the second operation priority calculation means; , May be provided.

In this way, by prioritizing the operation region that is advantageous for the fuel consumption rate when the alternator is operated according to the second operation priority information, it is possible to appropriately suppress the deterioration of the fuel consumption rate due to the operation of the alternator. The alternator can be actuated at any time. Even when the vehicle is decelerated or coasting and when the alternator is operated not only in a no-load state but also in a loaded state, the alternator can be operated at an appropriate timing according to the second operation necessity. Therefore, efficient alternator operation can be achieved while improving the fuel consumption rate.
In addition, the alternator generates electricity during operation and stores the electric power in a battery. For this reason, when the second operation necessity is equal to or higher than the second operation priority, the alternator is operated, so that the alternator generates power while suppressing the adverse effect on the fuel consumption rate of the load generated when the alternator is operated. Power can be efficiently used in the cooling system. As a result, the fuel consumption rate of the vehicle can be further improved.

  The second operation necessity information may be set stepwise based on a charging rate of the battery that stores electric power generated by the alternator.

  The electric power generated by the alternator is stored in a battery. In general, an appropriate charging rate range is specified in advance for a battery. If the battery is charged outside this range, problems such as shortening the battery life may occur. In this aspect, by monitoring the battery charging rate, the alternator can be operated efficiently so that the adverse effect on the fuel consumption rate is reduced while considering that the charging rate of the battery falls within an appropriate range. it can.

In order to solve the above problems, an operation control method for a compressor according to the present invention is an operation control method for controlling a compressor used in a cooling system that is operated by an engine mounted on a vehicle and cools the inside of the vehicle space. ,
An operation parameter detection step of detecting an operation parameter of the engine;
A compressor parameter detection step of detecting a state parameter relating to the operation of the compressor;
The detection value of the state parameter detected by the compressor parameter detection step and the first operation necessity level based on the necessity of operation of the compressor are defined in advance in association with each state parameter range related to the operation of the compressor. A first operation necessity calculation step for calculating the first operation necessity based on the first operation necessity information,
The fuel consumption rate is calculated based on the detected value of the operating parameter detected by the operating parameter detecting step and the engine fuel consumption map that predetermines the relationship between the fuel consumption rate of the engine and the operating parameter, and the calculated fuel Based on the first operation priority information that is defined in advance by associating the first operation priority with the consumption rate and the priority of the operation of the compressor as an index for each range of the fuel consumption rate, in the current operation state A first operation priority calculating step of calculating a first operation priority;
Compressor operation step of operating the compressor when the first operation necessity calculated in the first operation necessity calculation step is equal to or higher than the first operation priority calculated in the first operation priority calculation step. And.

  This method can be suitably implemented by the above-described operation control method.

  According to the present invention, when the compressor is operated according to the first operation priority information, priority is given to an operation region that is advantageous for the fuel consumption rate, thereby suppressing deterioration of the fuel consumption rate associated with the operation of the compressor. However, the compressor can be operated at an appropriate timing. Especially when the compressor is operated not only during no-load operation of the engine during vehicle deceleration or coasting but also during load-loaded operation, the compressor is operated at an appropriate timing according to the first operation necessity. Since it can be operated, efficient compressor operation can be achieved while improving the fuel consumption rate.

It is a block diagram showing a cooling system and an operation control device concerning a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a graph which shows the relationship between the engine output torque and fuel injection quantity in a fixed engine speed. It is a graph which shows the relationship between the fuel injection quantity of an engine and a fuel consumption rate in a fixed engine speed. It is an example of compressor operation priority information which prescribes | regulates the relationship between the fuel consumption rate of an engine, and compressor operation priority. It is an example of compressor operation necessity information which prescribes | regulates the relationship between a temperature difference and compressor operation necessity. It is an example of the engine fuel consumption map which shows the relationship between the engine speed and the fuel consumption rate calculated | required experimentally beforehand. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the action | operation control apparatus which concerns on this embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the cooling system and operation control apparatus which concern on 2nd embodiment of this invention. It is an example of the alternator operation necessity information that defines the relationship between the battery charge rate and the alternator operation necessity. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the action | operation control apparatus which concerns on this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the flow of the subroutine of alternator control.

<First embodiment>
Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the embodiments shown in the drawings. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes, relative arrangements, and the like of the component parts described in this example are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention only to specific examples unless otherwise specified. Only.

<Configuration of cooling system and operation control device>
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a cooling system and an operation control device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle 1 includes an engine 2 mounted on the vehicle main body 1A and a cooling system 3 capable of freezing the inside of the freezer 1B mounted on the rear of the vehicle.

  Although the 6-cylinder reciprocating engine 2 is used as the engine 2 in the present embodiment, it is not limited to this. The engine 2 is provided with a rotation speed sensor 4 for detecting the engine rotation speed. The rotational speed measured by the rotational speed sensor 4 is output to an engine control unit (hereinafter referred to as engine ECU 10) described later.

The cooling system 3 includes a compressor 5, a temperature sensor 19, and an operation control device 8.
The compressor 5 is connected to the output shaft of the engine 2 via a belt 9 (fan belt). The compressor 5 is driven using a part of the output of the engine 2 to compress the refrigerant and supply it to the condenser. The compressor 5 is provided exclusively for the cooling system 3.

  A temperature sensor 19 for detecting the temperature in the refrigerator is provided in the freezer 1B. The temperature detected by the temperature sensor 19 is output to a compressor control unit (hereinafter referred to as a compressor ECU 20) which will be described later.

  The operation control device 8 includes an engine ECU 10 and a compressor ECU 20. The engine ECU 10 and the compressor ECU 20 will be described in detail below. First, the engine ECU 10 will be described, and then the compressor ECU 20 will be described.

  The engine ECU 10 includes an engine parameter detection unit 11, an engine storage unit 12, and a compressor operation priority calculation unit 13 (corresponding to a first operation priority calculation unit).

  The engine parameter detection means 11 detects the engine speed, which is an operation parameter of the engine 2, based on a detection signal from the speed sensor 4.

  The engine storage means 12 corresponds to the fuel consumption rate with the engine fuel consumption map necessary for control in the engine ECU 10 and the compressor operation priority (corresponding to the first operation priority) with the priority of the operation of the compressor 5 as an index. The compressor operation priority information (corresponding to the first operation priority information) defined in advance is stored in advance, and is configured to be readable by appropriate access. A detailed description of the compressor operation priority and the compressor operation priority information will be described later.

The compressor operation priority calculation unit 13 calculates the fuel consumption rate based on the detected value of the engine parameter detection unit 11 and the engine fuel consumption map stored in the engine storage unit 12.
Subsequently, the compressor operation priority in the current operating state is calculated based on the calculated fuel consumption rate and the compressor operation priority information stored in the engine storage unit 12.

In addition, the compressor operation priority calculation means 13 is the compressor operation necessity level (corresponding to the first operation necessity level, which will be described later in detail) output from the compressor ECU 20 and input to the engine ECU 10. It is determined whether or not the priority is higher. That is, it is determined whether or not the compressor 5 is to be operated.
When the compressor operation necessity level is equal to or higher than the compressor operation priority (when it is determined that the compressor 5 is to be operated), a permission signal is generated. The permission signal generated by the compressor operation priority calculation unit 13 is output to the compressor ECU 20.

  The vehicle 1 is provided with an accelerator opening sensor for detecting the driver's intention to accelerate on an accelerator pedal that is depressed by the driver. The accelerator opening measured by the accelerator opening sensor is output to the engine ECU 10.

  Further, a foot brake switch and an auxiliary brake switch for detecting the driver's intention to decelerate are provided on a foot brake pedal (not shown) that the driver steps on and an auxiliary brake lever (not shown) that the driver operates. A foot brake signal indicating whether or not the foot brake is operating and an auxiliary brake signal indicating whether or not the auxiliary brake is operating are output to the engine ECU 10.

  Further, a transmission (not shown) and a clutch (not shown) are provided on a power transmission path for transmitting output power from the engine 2 to the drive wheel side. A neutral signal indicating whether or not the transmission is in a neutral state and a clutch signal indicating whether or not the clutch is in a connected state are output from the transmission to the engine ECU 10.

Next, the compressor ECU 20 will be described.
The compressor ECU 20 includes a compressor parameter detection unit 21, a compressor storage unit 22, a compressor operation necessity calculation unit 23 (corresponding to a first operation necessity calculation unit), and a compressor control unit 24.

  The compressor parameter detection means 21 detects the temperature in the freezer 1 </ b> B based on the detection signal of the temperature sensor 19.

  The compressor storage means 22 is a compressor operation that is defined by associating the degree of necessity of compressor operation with the necessity of operation of the compressor 5 as an index with the difference between the value detected by the temperature sensor 19 and a preset temperature set in advance. Necessity degree information (corresponding to the first operation necessity degree information) is stored in advance, and is configured to be readable by appropriate access. A detailed description of the compressor operation necessity level and the compressor operation necessity level information will be described later.

The compressor operation necessity degree calculation means 23 is based on the value detected by the compressor parameter detection means 21 and the compressor operation necessity information stored in the compressor storage means 22, and the compressor operation necessity in the current temperature state in the freezer 1B. Calculate the degree.
Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the operation of the compressor 5 is necessary according to the calculated necessity of compressor operation.
When it is determined that the operation of the compressor 5 is necessary, the calculated compressor operation necessity level is output to the engine ECU 10.

The compressor operation necessity level input to the engine ECU 10 is determined by the compressor operation priority calculation unit 13 as described above to determine whether the compressor operation necessity level is equal to or higher than the compressor operation priority level. After the determination, a permission signal generated when the compressor operation necessity level is equal to or higher than the compressor operation priority is output to the compressor ECU 20.
The compressor control unit 24 performs operation control of the compressor 5 based on the permission signal input to the compressor ECU 20.

  FIG. 2 is a graph showing the relationship between the output torque of the engine 2 and the fuel injection amount at a certain engine speed. FIG. 3 is a graph showing the relationship between the fuel injection amount of the engine 2 and the fuel consumption rate. 2 and 3, the state where the compressor 5 is operated is indicated by a solid line, and the state where the compressor 5 is not operated is indicated by a broken line.

  First, as shown in FIG. 2, as the fuel injection amount increases, the output torque of the engine 2 also increases. This tendency is common regardless of whether or not the compressor 5 is operated, but the output torque of the engine 2 is smaller when the compressor 5 is operated. This is a result reflecting that a part of the output torque of the engine 2 is consumed by the operation of the compressor 5.

Next, as shown in FIG. 3, as the fuel injection amount (substantially equivalent to the load of the engine 2) increases, the fuel consumption rate decreases, and on the high fuel injection amount side, the fuel consumption rate gradually approaches a predetermined value. It behaves like Here, when comparing the fuel consumption rates when the compressor 5 is operating and when it is not operating, the difference is large on the low fuel injection amount side, but is small on the high fuel injection amount side. This indicates that the adverse effect on the fuel consumption rate due to the operation of the compressor 5 becomes relatively smaller as the engine 2 becomes a higher load side.
For example, when the compressor 5 is required to output 3 kW while the vehicle 1 is running, and the engine 2 is operating at 10 kW and 100 kW, the loss ratio of the compressor 5 is 100 kW. The case is smaller.

  Thus, by the research and development of the inventor of the present application, the deterioration of the fuel consumption rate can be suppressed by operating the compressor 5 when the engine 2 is on the high load side during the load operation. In the control system according to the present embodiment, the compressor operation priority is defined for each range of the fuel consumption rate of the engine 2 in view of the characteristics shown in FIGS.

FIG. 4 is an example of compressor operation priority information 31 that defines the relationship between the fuel consumption rate of the engine 2 and the compressor operation priority, and is stored in the engine storage unit 12 in advance.
As shown in FIG. 4, the fuel consumption rate is “when the vehicle 1 is decelerated and the engine 2 is no load”, “when coasting and the engine 2 is no load”, “ab”, “bc” “Cd”... “Hi” is divided into predetermined ranges, and the compressor operation priorities are ranked in order.
As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the ranking is “the vehicle 1 is decelerated and the engine 2 is unloaded” at the top, and “the inertial driving and the engine 2 is unloaded” is the next rank. In addition, the engine 2 is set in the order in which the fuel consumption rate in the loaded operation is favorable. In the present embodiment, the number of ranks of compressor operation priorities is set to 10 so that the operation of the compressor 5 can be finely adjusted according to the fuel consumption rate. However, the number is not limited to this number. It can be determined as appropriate. In order to finely adjust the fuel consumption rate, the number of ranks is increased. On the other hand, if it is not necessary to finely adjust the fuel consumption rate, the number of ranks is reduced.
By providing the compressor operation priority in this manner, the compressor 5 can be preferentially operated in a state where the fuel consumption rate is good, so that the compressor 5 can be efficiently operated while suppressing deterioration of the fuel consumption rate. Can be activated.

Further, in the operation control apparatus 8 according to the present embodiment, the degree of necessity for compressor operation is defined in order to consider the necessity of operation of the compressor 5.
FIG. 5 is an example of compressor operation necessity information 32 that prescribes the temperature difference ΔT, which is the difference between the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 19 and the set temperature, in association with the compressor operation necessity degree. 22 is stored.
As shown in FIG. 5, the compressor operation necessity is defined based on the temperature difference ΔT. For example, when the temperature difference ΔT is large, it is determined that the necessity of operating the compressor is high, assuming that the necessity of operating the compressor 5 to cool the inside of the freezer 1B is high. On the other hand, when the temperature difference ΔT is small, the necessity for the operation of the compressor 5 is low, and the compressor operation necessity is set low. In this embodiment, the number of ranks required for compressor operation (except for zero compressor operation requirement) is set to 10 which is the same as the number of ranks for compressor operation priority. However, the present invention is limited to this. Instead, it can be determined appropriately according to design and the like. When the temperature in the freezer 1B is adjusted more finely, the number of ranks is increased. On the other hand, when it is not necessary to finely adjust the temperature in the freezer 1B, the number of ranks is reduced.

FIG. 6 is an example of an engine fuel consumption map 33 showing the relationship between the engine speed and the fuel consumption rate obtained in advance on a trial basis. Here, the engine speed and the fuel injection amount are adopted as the operation parameters of the engine 2.
The fuel consumption rate when the engine 2 receives a predetermined load when the compressor 5 is operated is affected by various operating parameters. According to the inventor's research and development, it has been found that the fuel consumption rate can be satisfactorily improved by the control system by selecting the engine speed and the fuel injection amount as operating parameters.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the fuel consumption rate distribution of the engine 2 is shown on the assumption that the output of the engine 2 consumed when the compressor 5 is operated is constant. In FIG. 6, the lines with the same fuel consumption rate are shown in contour lines. Here, in particular, the compressor operation priority defined for each range of the fuel consumption rate based on the compressor operation priority information 31 shown in FIG. 4 is also shown.

More specifically, for example, in FIG. 6, the frequency of the compressor operation priority “1” having the least adverse effect on the fuel consumption rate (that is, when the vehicle 1 is decelerated and the engine 2 is in the no-load state) is low. If 5 cannot operate sufficiently, the compressor operating priority is “2” in the region where the fuel consumption rate is good and the fuel consumption rate is good next (ie, the inertia (engine brake is operating but accelerator When the pedal is not depressed) When running, the engine 2 is in a no-load state.
Further, if the compressor 5 cannot sufficiently operate even when the region where the compressor operation priority is “2” is used, the region where the compressor operation priority is “3” with the next best fuel consumption rate is used. Thus, by operating the compressor 5 preferentially in the operation region where the fuel consumption rate is good, the compressor 5 can be operated efficiently while suppressing the deterioration of the fuel consumption rate.

  For supplementary explanation, since fuel is not injected in the no-load region where the compressor operation priority is “1” or “2”, the fuel consumption rate cannot be defined strictly. Further, the idling state is a state in which the engine 2 is operating autonomously and does not correspond to the no-load region because the fuel is injected. Examples of no-load areas include when the foot brake or auxiliary brake (excluding engine brake) is operating, or when the engine 2 is rotating but not rotating, such as during inertial running. is there. At this time, the fuel of the engine 2 is cut and is in a no-load state.

<Control flow by operation control device>
Next, a control flow by the operation control device 8 will be described.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the operation control device 8 according to the present embodiment.
First, the engine ECU 10 reads the engine fuel consumption map 33 stored in advance by accessing the engine storage unit 12 (step S1).
As shown in FIG. 6, the engine fuel consumption map 33 is a map showing engine characteristics that define the fuel consumption rate with respect to the engine speed and the fuel injection amount, which are operating parameters. The engine fuel consumption map 33 may be created in advance on a trial basis, may be created on a simulation basis, or may be created logically.

Next, the engine ECU 10 accesses the engine storage unit 12 again to acquire the compressor operation priority information 31, and reads the threshold value of the fuel consumption rate with respect to the compressor operation priority (step S2).
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, an upper limit threshold and a lower limit threshold that define the range of the fuel consumption rate corresponding to each compressor operation priority are read. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 6, the contour line for each threshold value is specified in the engine fuel consumption map 33, and the compressor operation priority is set for each region partitioned by the contour lines.

Next, the engine ECU 10 detects the engine rotational speed from the rotational speed sensor 4 in the engine parameter detection means 11. Further, an accelerator opening, a foot brake signal, an auxiliary brake signal, a clutch signal, and a neutral signal are also acquired (step S3).
Subsequently, the engine ECU 10 calculates the fuel injection amount based on the accelerator opening and the engine speed acquired from the speed sensor 4.

  Next, the compressor ECU 20 detects the temperature in the freezer 1B from the temperature sensor 19 in the compressor parameter detection means 21 (step S4).

Next, the compressor operation necessity calculation means 23 obtains the compressor operation necessity information 32 by accessing the compressor storage means 22 and also stores the compressor operation necessity information 32 in the freezer 1B obtained from the temperature sensor 19 by the compressor parameter detection means 21. Based on the temperature difference ΔT between the temperature and the set temperature, the compressor operation necessity degree is calculated (step S5).
The relationship between the temperature difference ΔT and the compressor operation necessity level is defined as shown in FIG. 5, and the corresponding compressor operation necessity level is calculated based on the temperature difference ΔT.

Next, the compressor operation necessity calculation means 23 determines whether or not the compressor 5 needs to be operated by determining whether or not the compressor operation necessity calculated in Step S5 is zero (Step S5). S6).
If the compressor operation necessity level is zero (step S6: YES), that is, if the temperature in the freezer 1B is kept at the set temperature, the compressor ECU 20 determines that the operation of the compressor 5 is unnecessary (step S11). The process is terminated (end).
On the other hand, when the compressor operation necessity level is not zero (step S6: NO), that is, when the temperature in the freezer 1B is far from the set temperature and the freezer 1B needs to be cooled, it is determined that the compressor 5 needs to be operated. Then, the compressor operation necessity calculated in step S5 is output to the engine ECU 10.

Next, the compressor operation priority calculation means 13 calculates the fuel consumption rate based on the engine fuel consumption map 33 in which the compressor operation priority is divided in steps S1 and S2, and the engine speed and various signals acquired in step S3. Calculate (step S7).
Subsequently, the compressor operation priority in the current operation state is calculated based on the fuel consumption rate calculated in step S7 and the compressor operation priority information 31 that preliminarily defines the relationship between the compressor operation priority and the fuel consumption rate. (Step S8).

Next, the compressor operation priority calculation means 13 calculates the compressor operation necessity calculated in step S5 (the compressor operation necessity degree output from the compressor operation necessity calculation means 23 and input to the engine ECU 10) in step S8. It is determined whether or not the priority is higher (step S9).
When the compressor operation necessity level is equal to or higher than the compressor operation priority (step S9: YES), the compressor operation priority calculation means 13 generates a permission signal. The permission signal generated by the compressor operation priority calculation unit 13 is output to the compressor ECU 20.
Subsequently, the compressor control unit 24 operates the compressor 5 based on the permission signal output from the compressor operation priority calculation unit 13 and input to the compressor ECU 20 (step S10).
On the other hand, when the compressor operation necessity level is less than the compressor operation priority (step S9: NO), it is determined that the compressor 5 is not operated (step S11), and the processing is ended (end).

In the calculation of the compressor operation priority in step S8, not only the engine speed and fuel injection amount of the engine 2 but also a foot brake signal and an auxiliary brake signal are considered. Thereby, it is determined whether or not the vehicle 1 is decelerated and the engine 2 is in a no-load state, or during inertial running and the engine 2 is in a no-load state.
When the vehicle 1 decelerates and the engine 2 is in a no-load state, the compressor operation priority is set to “1”, which is the highest as described above, and the engine 2 is in the no-load state during coasting. In this case, the compressor operation priority is set to “2” which is the next highest.
The highest compressor operation priority when the engine 2 is in a load operation is “3”, and the priority is specified based on the information acquired in step S1 and step S2 according to the fuel consumption rate of the engine 2 thereafter. Is done. Therefore, even if the compressor 5 is operated, adverse effects on the fuel consumption rate can be minimized.

  Furthermore, in step S8, a clutch signal and a neutral signal are also considered. Thereby, when the driving wheel and the engine 2 are not connected dynamically, for example, when the gear stage of the transmission is in a neutral state or when the power of the engine 2 is cut off by the clutch, the engine 2 is blown idle. When it does, it can avoid effectively that the compressor 5 act | operates unnecessarily.

  In the present embodiment, the case where the temperature in the freezer 1B is detected as the state parameter relating to the operation of the compressor 5 has been described. However, the pressure of the refrigerant supplied from the compressor 5 may be detected.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the case where there is only one compressor 5 has been described as an example. However, when there are a plurality of compressors 5, the above-described control may be performed individually for each compressor 5.

<Effect>
According to the operation control device 8 for the compressor 5 described above, the fuel is operated by operating the compressor 5 when the compressor operation necessity level is equal to or higher than the compressor operation priority specified in consideration of the operation state of the vehicle 1 or the engine 2. The compressor 5 can be operated at a timing that takes into consideration the operating state of the vehicle 1 and the engine 2 which is advantageous for the consumption rate. Accordingly, even when the vehicle 1 is decelerated or coasting and the engine 2 is operated not only during no-load operation but also when the engine 2 is operated under load, the compressor needs to be operated. Accordingly, since the compressor 5 can be operated at an appropriate timing, a good fuel consumption rate can be achieved.

  In particular, the compressor operation priority is the highest when the vehicle 1 is decelerated and the engine 2 is in a no-load state, and is set to the next highest when the engine 2 is coasting and the engine 2 is in a no-load state. When the engine 2 is in a loaded state, the priority is set to increase as the load increases. As described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, the adverse effect on the relative fuel consumption rate due to the operation of the compressor 5 is less as the load of the engine 2 becomes larger during the load operation. Therefore, when the engine 2 is in a loaded state, the priority of the cooling system 3 is set so that the priority becomes higher as the load increases. Even if it is not possible to cover, the compressor 5 can be operated at a timing at which a good fuel consumption rate can be obtained during a load operation.

  Further, since the engine ECU 10 and the compressor ECU 20 are provided separately, it is effective, for example, when a refrigerator is mounted on a truck or when a cooler is mounted on the vehicle 1. Specifically, the control according to the present invention can be executed by providing the engine ECU 10 on the vehicle body side and incorporating the compressor ECU 20 in a cooling control unit such as a refrigerator or a cooler.

<Second embodiment>
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the following description, portions corresponding to those of the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, description thereof is omitted, and differences are mainly described.

<Configuration of cooling system and operation control device>
FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a cooling system and an operation control device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
As shown in FIG. 8, the vehicle main body 1 </ b> A further includes an alternator 35 and a battery 36.
The alternator 35 is connected to the output shaft of the engine 2 via a belt 39. The alternator 35 generates electric power by being driven using a part of the output of the engine 2. The electric power generated by the alternator 35 is stored in the battery 36.
In the present embodiment, the belt 39 for connecting the alternator 35 and the engine 2 is newly provided. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the alternator 35, the compressor 5 and the engine are connected by a single belt 9. May be.

  The battery 36 is provided with an SOC sensor 37 for detecting a charging rate (hereinafter referred to as SOC). The SOC detected by the SOC sensor 37 is output to an engine ECU 40 described later.

The vehicle 1 also includes a cooling system 34 that can freeze the inside of the freezer 1B. The cooling system 34 includes an operation control device 38 instead of the operation control device 8 described in the first embodiment.
The operation control device 38 includes a compressor ECU 20 and an engine ECU 40.
The engine ECU 40 includes engine parameter detection means 11 and compressor operation priority calculation means 13 as in the first embodiment.
In this embodiment, the engine ECU 40 further includes an engine storage unit 41, an alternator parameter detection unit 42, an alternator operation necessity calculation unit 43 (corresponding to a second operation necessity calculation unit), and an alternator operation priority. Calculation means 44 (corresponding to second operation priority calculation means) and alternator control means 45 are provided.

  In addition to the engine fuel consumption map and compressor operation priority information, the engine storage means 41 indicates the alternator operation necessity (corresponding to the second operation necessity) using the necessity of operation of the alternator 35 as an index and the SOC of the battery 36. Alternator operation necessity information (corresponding to second operation necessity information) defined in association with each other is stored in advance, and is configured to be readable by appropriate access. A detailed description of the alternator operation necessity level and the alternator operation necessity level information will be described later.

  Further, the engine storage means 41 is provided with alternator operation priority information (corresponding to an alternator operation priority (corresponding to the second operation priority) with the priority of operation of the alternator 35 as an index associated with the fuel consumption rate) (Corresponding to the second operation priority information) is stored in advance, and is configured to be readable by appropriate access. A detailed description of the alternator operation priority and the alternator operation priority information will be described later.

  The alternator parameter detection means 42 detects the SOC of the battery 36 in which the electric power generated by the alternator 35 is stored based on the detection signal of the SOC sensor 37.

The alternator operation necessity degree calculation means 43 is based on the value detected by the alternator parameter detection means 42 and the alternator operation necessity degree information stored in the engine storage means 41, and the alternator operation necessity degree in the SOC state of the current battery 36. Is calculated.
Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the operation of the alternator 35 is necessary according to the calculated alternator operation necessity.
When it is determined that the operation of the alternator 35 is necessary, the calculated alternator operation necessity level is output to the alternator operation priority calculation unit 44.

By the way, the alternator operation priority calculation means 44 calculates the fuel consumption rate based on the detected value of the engine parameter detection means 11 and the engine fuel consumption map stored in the engine storage means 41.
Thereafter, the alternator operation priority in the current operating state is calculated based on the calculated fuel consumption rate and the alternator operation priority information stored in the engine storage unit 41.

Subsequently, the alternator operation priority calculation unit 44 determines whether the alternator operation necessity calculated by the alternator operation necessity calculation unit 43 is equal to or higher than the alternator operation priority in the current operating state. That is, it is determined whether or not the alternator 35 is operated.
When the alternator operation necessity level is equal to or higher than the alternator operation priority (when it is determined that the alternator 35 is to be operated), a permission signal for permitting the operation of the alternator 35 is generated. The permission signal generated by the alternator operation priority calculation unit 44 is output to the alternator control unit 45.

  The alternator control unit 45 controls the operation of the alternator 35 based on the permission signal generated by the alternator operation priority calculation unit 44.

Further, as in the first embodiment, when the engine 2 is on a high load side during a load operation, the alternator 35 is operated to suppress the deterioration of the fuel consumption rate (FIGS. 2 and 2). 3). In the control system according to the present embodiment, in view of this characteristic, the alternator operation priority is defined for each range of the fuel consumption rate of the engine 2.
The alternator operation priority is the same as the compressor operation priority described in the first embodiment (see FIG. 4). The fuel consumption rate is “when the vehicle 1 is decelerated and the engine 2 is unloaded”, Engine 2 is unloaded ”,“ ab ”,“ bc ”,“ cd ”...“ Hi ”, and the alternator operation priority is ranked in order. It has been.
In the present embodiment, the alternator operation priority is classified according to the same content as the compressor operation priority. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the alternator operation priority may be classified according to different content.

FIG. 9 is an example of alternator operation necessity information 51 that defines the relationship between the SOC of the battery 36 and the alternator operation necessity, and is stored in the engine storage unit 41 in advance.
As shown in FIG. 9, the alternator operation necessity is defined based on the SOC of the battery 36 in which the electric power generated by the alternator 35 is stored. For example, when the SOC of the battery 36 is small, it is determined that the necessity of operating the alternator 35 and the need to recover the SOC is high, and the necessity of alternator operation is increased. On the other hand, when the SOC of the battery 36 is high, the necessity of operation of the alternator 35 is set low so that the life of the battery 36 is not shortened by overcharging the battery 36, and the necessity of operation of the alternator 35 is low. ing. In this embodiment, the number of alternator operation necessity ranks (excluding alternator operation necessity zero) is set to 10 which is the same as the number of alternator operation priority ranks, but this is limited to this. Instead, it can be determined appropriately according to design and the like. When adjusting the SOC more finely, the number of ranks is increased. On the other hand, if it is not necessary to finely adjust the SOC temperature, the number of ranks is reduced.

  Next, the alternator operation priority defined for each range of the fuel consumption rate based on the alternator operation priority information will be described.

Specifically, as in the first embodiment (see FIG. 6), the alternator operation priority with the least adverse effect on the fuel consumption rate is “1” (that is, when the vehicle 1 is decelerated and the engine 2 is not used). If the frequency of the load state is low and the alternator 35 cannot operate sufficiently, then the alternator operation priority with the favorable fuel consumption rate with the least adverse effect on the fuel consumption rate is “2” (that is, inertia (engine This is the case when the brake is operating but the accelerator pedal is not depressed, except when the power of the engine 2 is cut off by the neutral state or the clutch. use.
Further, when the alternator 35 cannot operate sufficiently even if the alternator operation priority “2” is used, the region where the alternator operation priority “3” with the next best fuel consumption rate is used. In this way, by operating the alternator 35 preferentially in the operating region where the fuel consumption rate is good, the alternator 35 can be operated efficiently while suppressing the deterioration of the fuel consumption rate.

<Control flow by operation control device>
Next, a control flow by the operation control device 38 (see FIG. 8) composed of the engine ECU 40 and the compressor ECU 20 will be described.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the operation control device 38 according to the present embodiment.
First, similarly to the first embodiment, steps S1 to S9 are performed. Subsequently, either step S10 or step S11 is performed based on the determination result of step S9.
Then, after step S10 or step S11, alternator control is performed (step S12).

  In the alternator control, as shown in FIG. 11, the engine ECU 40 detects the SOC from the SOC sensor 37 in the alternator parameter detection means 42 (step S14).

Next, the alternator operation necessity calculation means 43 obtains the alternator operation necessity information 51 by accessing the engine storage means 41 and based on the SOC obtained from the SOC sensor 37 by the alternator parameter detection means 42. Then, the alternator operation necessity degree is calculated (step S15).
The relationship between the SOC and the alternator operation necessity is defined as shown in FIG. 9, and the corresponding alternator operation necessity is calculated based on the acquired SOC.

Next, the alternator operation necessity calculation means 43 determines whether or not the operation of the alternator 35 is necessary by determining whether or not the alternator operation necessity calculated in Step S15 is zero (step S15). S16).
When the alternator operation necessity is zero (step S16: YES), that is, when the SOC of the battery 36 does not need to be charged sufficiently high, the engine ECU 40 determines that the operation of the alternator 35 is unnecessary (step S21). As shown in FIG. 10, the process ends (END).
On the other hand, when the alternator operation necessity is not zero (step S16: NO), that is, when the SOC of the battery 36 is not small enough and needs to be charged, the alternator 35 needs to be operated as shown in FIG. The alternator operation necessity degree calculated in step S15 is output to the alternator operation priority calculation means 44.

  Next, the alternator operation priority calculation means 44 calculates the current operating state based on the fuel consumption rate calculated in step S7 and the alternator operation priority information that preliminarily defines the relationship between the alternator operation priority and the fuel consumption rate. The alternator operation priority at is calculated (step S18).

Subsequently, the alternator operation priority calculation unit 44 has the alternator operation necessity calculated in step S15 (output from the alternator operation necessity calculation unit 43) equal to or higher than the alternator operation priority calculated in step S18. It is determined whether or not (step S19).
When the alternator operation necessity level is equal to or higher than the alternator operation priority (step S19: YES), the alternator operation priority calculation unit 44 generates a permission signal for the alternator 35. The permission signal generated by the alternator operation priority calculation unit 44 is output to the alternator control unit 45.
Subsequently, the alternator control means 45 operates the alternator 35 based on the permission signal generated by the alternator operation priority calculation means 44 (step S20).
On the other hand, when the alternator operation necessity level is less than the alternator operation priority (step S19: NO), it is determined that the alternator 35 is not operated (step S21), and the process is ended (end) as shown in FIG. .

  In the calculation of the alternator operation priority in step S18, not only the engine speed and fuel injection amount of the engine 2, but also the foot brake signal, auxiliary brake signal, clutch signal, and neutral signal are calculated as in the first embodiment. Be considered.

<Effect>
According to the operation control device 38 for the compressor 5 described above, by operating the alternator 35 when the alternator operation necessity level is equal to or higher than the alternator operation priority specified in consideration of the operation state of the vehicle 1 or the engine 2, the fuel is generated. The alternator 35 can be operated at a timing that takes into consideration the operating state of the vehicle 1 and the engine 2 which is advantageous for the consumption rate. Thus, even when the vehicle 1 is decelerated or coasting and the engine 2 is not loaded, but the engine 2 is activated when the engine 2 is loaded, the alternator needs to be activated. Accordingly, the alternator 35 can be operated at an appropriate timing, so that a good fuel consumption rate can be achieved.

  In particular, the alternator operation priority is highest when the vehicle 1 is decelerated and the engine 2 is in a no-load state, and is set to the next highest when coasting and the engine 2 is in a no-load state. When the engine 2 is in a loaded state, the priority is set to increase as the load increases. As described with reference to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the adverse effect on the relative fuel consumption rate due to the operation of the alternator 35 decreases as the load of the engine 2 increases during the load operation. Therefore, it is necessary to charge the battery 36 that is required only by the operation of the alternator 35 when the engine 2 is in a no-load operation by setting the priority so that it becomes higher as the load increases in a loaded state. Even when it is not possible to cover a sufficient amount of electric power, the alternator 35 can be operated at a timing at which a good fuel consumption rate can be obtained during a load operation.

  Also in this embodiment, the effects described in the first embodiment can be obtained.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, the case where the inside of the freezer 1B is frozen as the cooling systems 3 and 34 has been described. However, the present invention can also be applied to an air conditioner that cools the interior of the vehicle 1 such as a bus or a truck or the inside of the loading platform. Needless to say, there are.

  INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention can be used for an operation control device and an operation control method for performing operation control of a compressor that is operated by power of an engine mounted on a vehicle.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Vehicle 1A Vehicle main body 1B Freezer 2 Engine 3 Cooling system 4 Rotational speed sensor 5 Compressor 8 Operation control device 9 Belt 10 Engine ECU (engine control unit)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 Engine parameter detection means 12 Engine memory | storage means 13 Compressor action | operation priority calculation means 19 Temperature sensor 20 Compressor ECU (compressor control unit)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 21 Compressor parameter detection means 22 Compressor memory | storage means 23 Compressor action | operation necessity calculation means 24 Compressor control means 31 Compressor action | operation priority information 32 Compressor action | operation necessity information 33 Engine fuel consumption map 34 Cooling system 35 Alternator 36 Battery 37 SOC sensor 38 Operation control Device 39 Belt 40 Engine ECU (Engine Control Unit)
41 Engine storage means 42 Alternator parameter detection means 43 Alternator operation necessity calculation means 44 Alternator operation priority calculation means 45 Alternator control means 51 Alternator operation necessity information

Claims (9)

An operation control device that controls a compressor that is operated by an engine mounted on a vehicle and that is used in a cooling system that cools the inside of the vehicle space,
Engine parameter detecting means for detecting an operating parameter of the engine;
Compressor parameter detecting means for detecting a state parameter relating to the operation of the compressor;
An engine fuel consumption map that defines the relationship between the operating parameter and the fuel consumption rate, and a first operation priority that is defined by associating the first operation priority with the priority of the operation of the compressor as an index in order for each range of the fuel consumption rate. 1 operation priority information and first operation necessity information defined in advance by associating the first operation necessity with the necessity of operation of the compressor as an index for each state parameter range related to the operation of the compressor. Stored storage means;
First operation necessity degree calculating means for calculating the first operation necessity degree based on a detection value by the compressor parameter detecting means and first operation necessity degree information stored in the storage means;
A fuel consumption rate is calculated based on a detection value by the engine parameter detection unit and an engine fuel consumption map stored in the storage unit, and the calculated fuel consumption rate and the first operation priority stored in the storage unit are calculated. First operation priority calculating means for calculating a first operation priority in the current operating state based on the information;
Compressor control means for operating the compressor when the first operation necessity calculated by the first operation necessity calculation means is equal to or higher than the first operation priority calculated by the first operation priority calculation means; ,
An operation control device for a compressor, comprising:   The first operation priority information is set highest when the vehicle is decelerated and the engine is in a no-load state, and is set next higher when coasting and the engine is in a no-load state. 2. The compressor operation control device according to claim 1, wherein when the engine is in a loaded state, the priority is set to decrease as the fuel consumption rate increases.   The compressor operation control device according to claim 1, wherein the operation parameters are an engine speed and a fuel injection amount.   2. The first operation priority calculating means can set a first operation priority separately from the fuel consumption rate when the driving wheel and the engine are not dynamically connected. 4. The compressor operation control device according to any one of items 1 to 3.   The first operation necessity information is set stepwise based on a difference between a temperature in the vehicle space and a preset temperature set in advance. The compressor operation control device according to Item. The operation control device includes an engine control unit that controls the engine, and a compressor control unit that controls the compressor,
The compressor control unit includes the first operation necessity calculation means and the compressor control means,
The engine control unit has the first operation priority calculation means,
The first operation necessity calculated by the first operation necessity calculation means is output to the engine control unit,
When the first operation priority calculation means determines that the first operation necessity input to the engine control unit is equal to or higher than the first operation priority, the first operation priority calculation means A permission signal for permitting the operation of the engine is generated, and the permission signal is output to the compressor control unit,
6. The compressor operation control device according to claim 1, wherein the compressor control means operates the compressor based on the permission signal input to the compressor control unit. An alternator driven by the engine;
A battery for storing electric power generated by the alternator;
Alternator parameter detecting means for detecting a state parameter relating to the operation of the alternator;
The second operation necessity level using the detection value by the alternator parameter detection means and the necessity of operation of the alternator as an index is defined in association with the state parameter relating to the operation of the alternator and stored in the storage means. Second operation necessity calculation means for calculating the second operation necessity based on two operation necessity information;
A fuel consumption rate is calculated based on the detected value by the engine parameter detection means and the engine fuel consumption map stored in the storage means, and the second priority is calculated based on the calculated fuel consumption rate and the priority of the alternator operation. Second operation priority for calculating a second operation priority in the current operating state based on second operation priority information defined in association with the fuel consumption rate and stored in the storage means A calculation means;
Alternator control means for operating the alternator when the second operation necessity calculated by the second operation necessity calculation means is equal to or higher than the second operation priority calculated by the second operation priority calculation means; ,
The compressor operation control device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising:   The compressor operation control device according to claim 7, wherein the second operation necessity information is set in a stepwise manner based on a charging rate of the battery that stores electric power generated by the alternator. An operation control method for controlling a compressor used in a cooling system that is operated by an engine mounted on a vehicle and cools the inside of the vehicle space,
An operation parameter detection step of detecting an operation parameter of the engine;
A compressor parameter detection step of detecting a state parameter relating to the operation of the compressor;
The detection value of the state parameter detected by the compressor parameter detection step and the first operation necessity level based on the necessity of operation of the compressor are defined in advance in association with each state parameter range related to the operation of the compressor. A first operation necessity calculation step for calculating the first operation necessity based on the first operation necessity information,
The fuel consumption rate is calculated based on the detected value of the operating parameter detected by the operating parameter detecting step and the engine fuel consumption map that predetermines the relationship between the fuel consumption rate of the engine and the operating parameter, and the calculated fuel Based on the first operation priority information that is defined in advance by associating the first operation priority with the consumption rate and the priority of the operation of the compressor as an index for each range of the fuel consumption rate, in the current operation state A first operation priority calculating step of calculating a first operation priority;
Compressor operation step of operating the compressor when the first operation necessity calculated in the first operation necessity calculation step is equal to or higher than the first operation priority calculated in the first operation priority calculation step. And a method for controlling the operation of the compressor.