KR20230030309A - Control apparatus for freeze protection - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a control device for preventing freezing, comprising: a mode setting part configured to set a control mode of a heater that dissipates heat into a pipe; a monitoring part configured to monitor an operating state of the heater; a display part configured to output a control mode or operating state of the heater; a heater driving part configured to control an output voltage supplied to the heater; and a control part operably connected to the mode setting part, the monitoring part, the display part, and the heater driving part, and configured to generate an operation control signal of the heater according to a monitoring result of the monitoring part. Therefore, the control device for preventing freezing of the present invention can efficiently manage energy consumed in an entire system.

Description

Freeze protection control device {CONTROL APPARATUS FOR FREEZE PROTECTION}

The present invention relates to a control device for preventing freezing.

In general, when a fire breaks out in a building, firefighting equipment such as an indoor fire hydrant and a sprinkler is installed to extinguish it at an early stage and protect life and property. Since such firefighting equipment is not provided with its own heating device, a situation in which firefighting water in the firefighting pipe is frozen due to a cold wave in winter and freezes occurs.

Accordingly, in the prior art, in order to prevent pipe freezing, the pipe is wrapped with an insulating material, a heating wire is wrapped around the outside of the pump to directly heat it, or a heater is installed in the pump room connected to the fire pipe to maintain the temperature inside the pipe at a temperature above the freezing point. have been presented

However, if the sub-zero temperature continues for a long time, not only the energy loss of the freeze protection system using heat is large, but there is a possibility that a fire may occur due to abnormal overheating of the heating wire.

The background description of the invention has been prepared to facilitate understanding of the present invention. It should not be construed as an admission that matters described in the background art of the invention exist as prior art.

Korean Patent Registration No. 10-1286956 (2013.07.23.)

Therefore, there is a need for a control device for preventing freezing that can prevent fire by controlling a heating device (hereinafter, referred to as a heater) that supplies heat to pipes and efficiently manage energy consumed in the entire system.

As a result, the inventors of the present invention tried to develop a control device for preventing freezing that can determine the heater's power supply, current supply state, and disconnection, and control the operation of the heater accordingly.

At this time, the inventors of the present invention, by detecting the error of the heater based on the temperature value of the heating unit detected by the temperature sensor and whether overcurrent or no current detected by the current sensor, anti-freezing control that can control the system more precisely device was constructed.

The tasks of the present invention are not limited to the tasks mentioned above, and other tasks not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

In order to solve the above problems, a control device for preventing freezing is provided according to an embodiment of the present invention. The apparatus includes a mode setting unit configured to set a control mode of a heater dissipating heat into a pipe, a monitoring unit configured to monitor an operating state of the heater, a display unit configured to output a control mode or operating state of the heater, and the heater A heater driving unit configured to control an output voltage supplied to a heater and operably connected to the mode setting unit, the monitoring unit, the display unit, and the heater driving unit, and generating an operation control signal of the heater according to a monitoring result of the monitoring unit. It is configured to include a control unit configured to.

According to a feature of the present invention, the mode setting unit is configured to set at least one of automatic control of the heater, a reference temperature of the heater, a temperature error correction value of the heater, whether to detect a low current of the heater, and a device identification number. can be configured.

According to another feature of the present invention, the mode setting unit may include a first setting mode for automatically turning on/off the operation of the heater and a second setting mode for manually turning on the operation of the heater. The display unit may be configured to output different temperature control data according to the first and second setting modes.

According to another feature of the present invention, the monitoring unit includes a first monitoring unit configured to measure the temperature of an area where the heater is disposed, a second monitoring unit configured to check various error signals related to a connection line of the heater, It may include at least one of a third monitoring unit configured to sense a current flowing through the heater and a fourth monitoring unit configured to measure a temperature of an area adjacent to the heater driving unit.

According to another feature of the present invention, the control unit may be configured to switch on/off the heater according to a comparison result between a temperature value measured through the first monitoring unit and a preset first reference temperature. .

According to another feature of the present invention, the control unit is configured to confirm a short circuit of the heater through the second monitoring unit before transmitting an operation control signal to the heater driver, and as a result of the check, the heater is short-circuited. In this case, it may be configured to stop supplying the output voltage through the heater driver.

According to another feature of the present invention, the control unit detects a change in the amount of current to the heater through the third monitoring unit, and when a change in the amount of current is detected a preset number of times or more for a predetermined time, the heater driver through the heater driving unit. It may be configured to stop supplying the output voltage to the furnace and adjust the amount of the output voltage output to the heater through a cycle control mode.

According to another feature of the present invention, the cycle control mode may be a mode configured to control the number of output cycles of the output power output to the heater.

According to another feature of the present invention, the control unit, after the output voltage for a preset time is supplied to the heater according to the control of the driving unit, the non-current of the current flowing through the heater through the second monitoring unit Alternatively, it may be configured to determine whether or not there is overcurrent.

According to another feature of the present invention, the control unit, in a state in which the mode setting unit is set to detect a low current, when the current sensed through the third monitoring unit is equal to or less than a preset first current value, the display unit It may be configured to display a low current error code via and maintain the output voltage supply.

According to another feature of the present invention, the control unit displays an overcurrent error code through the display unit and maintains the output voltage supply when the current detected through the third monitoring unit is equal to or greater than the preset second current value. can be configured.

According to another feature of the present invention, the controller may be configured to transmit an output voltage blocking signal to the heater driver when the temperature measured through the fourth monitoring unit is equal to or greater than a preset second reference temperature.

According to another feature of the present invention, the heater is configured to include a bar-shaped heat generating unit, the heat generating unit is accommodated therein, and is coupled to the pipe to transfer the heat emitted from the heat generating unit to the pipe. The housing may have a hollow tube shape in a longitudinal direction capable of accommodating the heat generating unit, and an outer surface thereof may be provided in a shape corresponding to an outer surface of the pipe.

In order to solve the above problems, a freezing prevention method according to another embodiment of the present invention is provided. The method includes setting a control mode of a heater coupleable to a pipe, supplying power to the heater, monitoring an operating state of the heater, and generating an operation control signal of the heater according to a monitoring result. It consists of steps.

According to a feature of the present invention, the monitoring may include detecting a change in the amount of current to the heater and, when a change in the amount of current equal to or greater than a preset number of times is detected, the amount of output voltage supplied to the heater through a cycle control mode. An adjustment step may be further included.

According to another feature of the present invention, the cycle control mode may be a mode configured to control the number of output cycles of output power output to the heater.

Details of other embodiments are included in the detailed description and drawings.

According to the present invention, fire is prevented by controlling a heater supplying heat to prevent freezing and bursting of pipes, and energy consumed in the entire system can be efficiently managed.

In addition, the present invention detects an error of a heater based on whether an overcurrent or no current is detected by a current sensor and controls the heater to gradually operate, thereby making the system more precise than simply controlling the system through a temperature value. control and reduce the resulting energy loss.

In addition, the present invention can prevent a failure of the heater and a control device connected thereto by repeatedly performing an operation of monitoring the contact failure of the heater and controlling the output voltage supplied to the heater when the contact failure occurs.

In addition, the present invention outputs notifications for various errors through the display unit provided in the anti-freeze control device, so that the user can intuitively grasp the current control device and the state of the heater.

Effects according to the present invention are not limited by the contents exemplified above, and more various effects are included in the present invention.

1 is a schematic diagram of a control system for freezing protection according to an embodiment of the present invention.
2 is a perspective view of a heater managed by a control device for preventing freezing according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a heater according to an embodiment of the present invention taken along line III-III′ shown in FIG. 2 .
4 is a block diagram of a control device for preventing freezing according to an embodiment of the present invention.
5 is a circuit diagram of a control device for preventing freezing according to an embodiment of the present invention.
6 is a flowchart of a freezing prevention method using a control device for freezing prevention according to an embodiment of the present invention.
7 and 8 are flowcharts embodying step S130 shown in FIG. 6 .

Advantages and features of the present invention, and methods for achieving them, will become clear with reference to the embodiments described below in detail in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, but will be implemented in various different forms, and only these embodiments make the disclosure of the present invention complete, and the common knowledge in the art to which the present invention belongs It is provided to fully inform the holder of the scope of the invention, and the present invention is only defined by the scope of the claims. In connection with the description of the drawings, like reference numerals may be used for like elements.

In this document, expressions such as "has," "may have," "includes," or "may include" indicate the existence of a corresponding feature (eg, numerical value, function, operation, or component such as a part). , which does not preclude the existence of additional features.

In this document, expressions such as “A or B,” “at least one of A and/and B,” or “one or more of A or/and B” may include all possible combinations of the items listed together. . For example, “A or B,” “at least one of A and B,” or “at least one of A or B” (1) includes at least one A, (2) includes at least one B, Or (3) may refer to all cases including at least one A and at least one B.

Expressions such as “first,” “second,” “first,” or “second,” used in this document may modify various elements, regardless of order and/or importance, and refer to one element as It is used only to distinguish it from other components and does not limit the corresponding components. For example, a first user device and a second user device may represent different user devices regardless of order or importance. For example, without departing from the scope of rights described in this document, a first element may be named a second element, and similarly, the second element may also be renamed to the first element.

A component (e.g., a first component) is "(operatively or communicatively) coupled with/to" another component (e.g., a second component); When referred to as "connected to", it should be understood that the certain component may be directly connected to the other component or connected through another component (eg, a third component). On the other hand, when an element (eg, a first element) is referred to as being “directly connected” or “directly connected” to another element (eg, a second element), the element and the above It may be understood that other components (eg, a third component) do not exist between the other components.

As used in this document, the expression "configured to" means "suitable for," "having the capacity to," depending on the circumstances. ," "designed to," "adapted to," "made to," or "capable of." The term "configured (or set) to" may not necessarily mean only "specifically designed to" hardware. Instead, in some contexts, the phrase "device configured to" may mean that the device is "capable of" in conjunction with other devices or components. For example, the phrase "a processor configured (or configured) to perform A, B, and C" may include a dedicated processor (e.g., embedded processor) to perform those operations, or by executing one or more software programs stored in a memory device. , may mean a general-purpose processor (eg, CPU or application processor) capable of performing corresponding operations.

Terms used in this document are only used to describe a specific embodiment, and may not be intended to limit the scope of other embodiments. Singular expressions may include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, may have the same meaning as commonly understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art described in this document. Among the terms used in this document, terms defined in a general dictionary may be interpreted as having the same or similar meaning as the meaning in the context of the related art, and unless explicitly defined in this document, an ideal or excessively formal meaning. not be interpreted as In some cases, even terms defined in this document cannot be interpreted to exclude the embodiments of this document.

Each feature of the various embodiments of the present invention can be partially or entirely combined or combined with each other, and as those skilled in the art can fully understand, various interlocking and driving operations are possible, and each embodiment can be implemented independently of each other. It may be possible to implement together in an association relationship.

1 is a schematic diagram of a control system for freezing protection according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1 , the anti-freeze control system 1000 may include a control device 100 for anti-freeze and a plurality of heaters 200 .

The freezing prevention control system 1000 is for preventing freezing of firefighting equipment, and the freezing prevention control device 100 and a plurality of heaters 200 may be provided where the firefighting equipment is inserted and installed. For example, the plurality of heaters 200 of the freezing prevention control system 1000 may be installed in a pipe of a ceiling into which a sprinkler is inserted to prevent a sprinkler from freezing in a building. In addition, the anti-freezing control device 100 may be connected to the plurality of heaters 200 and control the operation of each heater 200 according to the driving state of the plurality of heaters 200 .

Depending on the embodiment, the anti-freezing control device 100 may be connected in parallel with a plurality of heaters 200, and receive an error signal such as disconnection or overcurrent from any one heater 200 among the plurality of heaters 200. can

2 is a perspective view of a heater managed by a control device for preventing freezing according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a heater cut along line III-III′ shown in FIG. 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention. it is a cross section

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3 , the heater 200 transfers heat to the pipe P to heat the fluid contained in the pipe P, thereby preventing the pipe P from freezing or bursting. When heat is transferred to the pipe (P), the fluid flowing through the pipe (P) causes a convection phenomenon, and the fluid can generally maintain a room temperature state.

That is, the heater 200 of the anti-freeze control system 1000 transfers heat locally only to a portion of the pipe P, and the fluid flowing along the pipe P heats the entire fluid by convection. . Accordingly, compared to the heating wire installed in the entire section of the pipe (P) to heat the pipe (P) as a whole, the amount of material consumption and electricity consumption can be significantly reduced, and through this, the installation cost and maintenance cost of the facility for preventing freezing can save

In addition, in one embodiment of the present invention, the heater 200 is described as a purpose for preventing freezing and bursting of the pipe P, but the heater 200 is not limited thereto. The heater 200 of the present invention may be used for heating other objects.

Meanwhile, the heater 200 may accommodate a heating unit 12 for applying heat to the pipe P therein. Specifically, the housing 11 accommodates the heat generating unit 12 therein and maintains contact with the heat generating unit 12, thereby transferring the heat emitted from the heat generating unit 12 to the pipe P. .

To this end, the housing 11 may be made of an aluminum material having high heat conduction efficiency and strong durability. In addition, the housing 11 may be made of a metal-based material having high heat conduction efficiency, such as copper or stainless steel.

The housing 11 may have a hollow tubular shape accommodating into the heating unit 12 along the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction). Here, the heating unit 12 may have a bar shape having a predetermined length, and may be accommodated inside the housing 11 and placed in contact with the inner surface of the housing 11 .

The heat generating unit 12 may receive AC power through the power line 13 . In addition, a signal line connected to the anti-freeze control device 100 may be additionally disposed in the area where the power line 13 is disposed in the heater 200 . The heater 200 may receive a line error signal or a control signal from the freezing prevention control device 100 through the corresponding signal line.

The housing 11 has no gaps that cause heat loss, and since the outer surface is provided in a shape corresponding to the outer surface of the pipe P, the heat transfer efficiency of the heat generating unit 12 can be maximized.

In addition, the heater 200 may include a plurality of covers 14 and 15 for covering openings on one side and the other side of the housing 11 . The plurality of covers 14 and 15 may be made of a heat-resistant material that is not deformed by heat.

In this way, in the heater 200, the housing 11 is made of a metal-based material, and the plurality of covers 14 and 15 covering the open area of the housing 11 are made of a heat-resistant material, so that an impact from the outside or , Even if used for a long time, there may be little deformation of the external appearance.

So far, the heater 200 controlled by the anti-freezing control device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention has been described, and the function of the anti-freezing control device 100 will be described below.

Figure 4 is a block diagram of a control device for freezing protection according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 5 is a circuit diagram of the control device for freezing protection according to an embodiment of the present invention.

4 and 5, the anti-freezing control device 100 includes a mode setting unit 110, a monitoring unit 120, a display unit 130, a heater driving unit 140, a control unit 150, and a power supply unit 160. ), a communication unit 170 and an output control unit 180 may be included. Each component can send and receive data to and from each other through one or more communication buses or signal lines.

The mode setting unit 110 may set a control mode of the heater 200 dissipating heat through the pipe P. Specifically, the mode setting unit 110 determines whether the heater 200 is automatically controlled, the reference temperature of the heater 200 (eg, a reference value for the heater 200 to operate, 1 to 80 ° C), and the heater 200 Temperature error correction value of (eg -9 ℃ ~ +9 ℃), whether the heater 200 detects low current (eg "-off", the output of the heater 200 is open, low current is not detected, " In the case of "-on-", it may be configured to set at least one of the output open of the heater 200, detection of a low current of 150 mA (35 W) or less) and a device identification number (eg, 1 to 100).

The mode setting unit 110 may set the control mode of the heater 200 through a physical button. For example, the mode setting unit 110 may set the control mode through a button provided on the outer surface of the control device 100 for freezing prevention. For another example, the mode setting unit 110 may receive a control mode setting input from a keyboard, a touch screen, a microphone, or the like.

According to the embodiment, a first setting mode for automatically turning on/off the operation of the heater 200 through the mode setting unit 110 and manually turning on the operation of the heater 200. A second setting mode may be set. For example, when the heater 200 is automatically controlled through the mode setting unit 110, the temperature of the heater 200 is automatically controlled according to the temperature value of the heater 200 measured by the monitoring unit 120 to be described later. can be controlled with For another example, when the heater 200 is manually controlled through the mode setting unit 110, the heater 200 is manually continuously operated regardless of the temperature value of the heater 200 measured by the monitoring unit 120. can be controlled to operate.

Meanwhile, data set through the mode setting unit 110 may be visually output through the display unit 130 to be described later. Specifically, the display unit 130 may output different temperature control data according to the first and second setting modes. For example, in the case of the first setting mode, the display unit 130 may output a preset automatic control temperature (SV, set point variable) value together with the current temperature (PV, process variable), and in the second setting mode In this case, the display unit 130 may output state data (eg, “H-on”) indicating that the heater 200 is manually controlled along with the current temperature.

The display unit 130 may output the control mode of the control device 100 for freezing prevention through the mode setting unit 110 or the operating state set by the monitoring unit 120 . Specifically, the display unit 130 may include a first display unit 131 capable of visually outputting the current temperature, set temperature, and status data. The first display unit 131 may include at least two or more four FNDs (Flexible Numeric Displays), and may output numbers or characters through seven segments.

In addition, the display unit 130 may include a second display unit 132 for notifying the user of the operating state of the anti-freeze control device 100 piecemeal. The second display unit 132 may include a plurality of LEDs, and may indicate different operating states according to colors output by the LEDs. For example, in the case of a green LED, it means to indicate the power input state of the control device 100 for freezing prevention, it can be notified that an abnormal power state of the control unit 150 has occurred. For another example, in the case of a red LED, it can be notified that the heater 200 is operating, and in the case of a yellow LED, various errors such as disconnection, overcurrent, short circuit, etc. can In addition, the anti-freeze control device 100 may notify the transmission and reception state with the external control system 300 through the green / red LED of the second display unit 132 .

The monitoring unit 120 may monitor the operating state of the heater 200 . Specifically, the monitoring unit 120 includes a first monitoring unit 121 configured to measure the temperature of an area where the heater 200 is disposed, and a second monitoring unit configured to check various error signals related to a connection line of the heater 200. The unit 122 may include a third monitoring unit 123 configured to detect a current flowing through the heater 200 and a fourth monitoring unit 124 configured to measure a temperature of an area adjacent to the heater driving unit 140. . Here, the monitoring unit configured to measure the temperature may include a temperature sensor (NTC sensor 121 and Temp Sensor 124), and the monitoring unit configured to measure the amount of current may include a current sensor. there is.

Meanwhile, the second monitoring unit 122 may detect a heater line error signal of the heater 200 from an output terminal connected to the heater 200 . Depending on the embodiment, the second monitoring unit 122 may be connected to the line error signal of the plurality of heaters 200 and detect the line error signal from any one heater 200 among the plurality of heaters 200. . For example, the line error signal may include a low current, no current, overcurrent, or short circuit error signal detected by the heater 200 itself.

The heater driver 140 may control an output voltage supplied to the heater 200 . To this end, the heater driver 140 may include a switch 141, and for example, the switch 141 may be a non-contact switch.

The controller 150 is connected to the mode setting unit 110, the monitoring unit 120, the display unit 130, the heater driving unit 140, the power supply unit 160, the communication unit 170, and the output control unit 180 to prevent freezing. It is possible to control the overall operation of the control device 100. The controller 150 may monitor the operation of the heater 200 through a program stored in a memory (not shown) and may execute various commands for controlling the operation of the heater 200 accordingly.

The controller 150 may correspond to an arithmetic device such as a microprocessor or a central processing unit (CPU). In addition, the control unit 150 may be implemented in the form of an integrated chip (IC) such as a System on Chip (SoC) in which various computing devices are integrated.

The control unit 150 may switch on/off the heater 200 according to a comparison result between the temperature value measured through the first monitoring unit 121 and a preset first reference temperature. Here, the first reference temperature may be different according to the specification of the heater 200 or a user's set value. For example, the controller 150 may switch the heater 200 to the on state when the measured current temperature is equal to a preset first reference temperature while the heater 200 is off. In addition, when the measured current temperature is higher than the preset first reference temperature, the off state of the heater 200 may be maintained. For another example, the controller 150 switches the heater 200 to an off state when the measured current temperature is higher than a preset first reference temperature while the heater 200 is on. and when the measured current temperature is the same as the preset first reference temperature, the on state of the heater 200 may be maintained.

Depending on the embodiment, the control unit 150 may check the temperature value measured through the first monitoring unit 121 and the identification number of the heater 200 in the region (space) in which the temperature value is measured. Accordingly, the operating states of all heaters 200 requiring on/off state switching can be simultaneously controlled.

The controller 150 may check disconnection with the heater 200 through the second monitoring unit 122 before transmitting an operation control signal to the heater driver 140 . If, as a result of checking, when the heater 200 is disconnected, the control unit 150 may stop supplying an output voltage connected to the heater 200 through the heater driving unit 140 .

In addition, the controller 150 may output a notification of a short circuit with the heater 200 through the display unit 130. For example, the display unit 130 may notify a visual short circuit such as “Erro” or “-SH-”. can output

Meanwhile, the control unit 150 may check a short circuit with the heater 200 and a poor contact with the heater 200 through the second monitoring unit 122 . Specifically, the control unit 150 may detect a change in the amount of current to the heater 200 through the second monitoring unit 122 . If a change in the amount of current is detected more than a preset number of times during a predetermined time, the control unit 150 stops supplying the output voltage to the heater 200 through the heater driving unit 140 and supplies the heater 200 to the heater 200 through the cycle control mode. The amount of output voltage output can be adjusted. Here, the cycle control mode is a mode for controlling the number of output cycles of AC power of 60 Hz and 220 V supplied to the heater 200. For example, the control unit 150 controls the number of cycles of AC power output to the heater 200. can be sequentially increased or repeated. For example, the control unit 150 may output AC power of a first cycle corresponding to one cycle, output AC power of a second cycle corresponding to three cycles, and then outputting AC power of a third cycle corresponding to one cycle. AC power of the cycle may be output, and AC power of the fourth cycle corresponding to the three cycles may be output. In addition, the control unit 150 may stop power output for a predetermined period of time to move on to the next cycle. Here, the predetermined time may be a short time of 10 s or less.

As described above, when a contact failure is detected, the control unit 150 may prevent damage to the heater 200 by continuously supplying power without completely blocking power output to the heater 200 .

In addition, the controller 150 may output a notification of contact failure of the heater 200 through the display unit 130 . For example, the display unit 130 may output visual contact failure notifications such as “Erro” or “ARC”.

The control unit 150 may determine whether the current sensed through the third monitoring unit 123 is less than or equal to a preset first current value in a state in which the mode setting unit 110 is set to detect a low current. If the sensed current is equal to or less than the preset first current value, the controller 150 may display a low current error code through the display unit 130 and maintain the supply of the output voltage. Also, the controller 150 may detect no current of the heater 200 while detecting a low current. In this case, the control unit 150 may display a non-current error code through the display unit 130 and maintain the output voltage supply.

Meanwhile, a first current value serving as a reference for the control unit 150 to display the low current error code may be 125 mA to 175 mA. More specifically, the anti-freeze control device 100 may monitor whether the current flowing through the heater 200 is 150 mA or less, and through this, it is possible to determine whether the heater 200 is at least stable.

In addition, the control unit 150 may output a low current error code of the heater 200 through the display unit 130, and for example, the display unit 130 may display a visual display such as "Erro" or "-LC-". Error codes can be output.

Also, the control unit 150 may determine whether the current sensed through the third monitoring unit 123 is greater than or equal to a preset second current value. If the sensed current is equal to or greater than the preset second current value, the controller 150 may display an overcurrent error code through the display unit 130 and maintain the supply of the output voltage.

Meanwhile, the second current value, which is a reference for the control unit 150 to display the overcurrent error code, may have an overcurrent range of 22.5A to 27.5A, that is, 5A. More specifically, the controller 150 may monitor whether the current flowing through the heater 200 is 25 A or more, and through this, it may be determined whether the heater 200 is maximally and stably driven.

In addition, the controller 150 may output an overcurrent error code with the heater 200 through the display unit 130. For example, the display unit 130 may display visual errors such as "Erro" and "-OC-". Code can be printed.

The control unit 150 may transmit an output voltage blocking signal to the heater driving unit 140 when the temperature measured by the fourth monitoring unit 124 is equal to or higher than a preset second reference temperature. That is, the controller 150 may measure the temperature of the area where the switch 141 is disposed so that the switch 141 is not damaged by heat.

Meanwhile, the second reference temperature for transmitting the output voltage cutoff signal may be 82.5°C or more and 87.5°C or less, and more specifically, the second reference temperature may be 85°C. In addition, whether the heater 200 operates may be determined based on the temperature value measured through the fourth monitoring unit 124 . For example, when the temperature measured by the fourth monitoring unit 124 is 50° C. or less, the control unit 150 switches the heater 200 in an off state to an on state, or the heater ( 200) can adjust the amount of output voltage supplied.

In addition, the controller 150 may output a notification of an abnormal temperature in the region of the switch 141 through the display unit 130 . For example, the display unit 130 may output visual warnings of abnormal temperatures such as “Erro” or “-Ot-”.

The power supply unit 160 may receive AC power. The power supply unit 160 may include a control power supply unit (Switching Power), through which AC power may be converted into DC power necessary for relay driving of the switch 141 and communication with an external device and output.

The communication unit 170 may connect the freezing prevention control device 100 to communicate with other devices. Specifically, the communication unit 170 may transmit and receive data related to the operation of the heater 200 through wired/wireless communication. wherein the wireless communication may use at least one of a plurality of communication standards, protocols and technologies, such as GSM, EDGE, CDMA, TDMA, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, VoIP, Wi-MAX, or any other suitable communication protocol; Wired communication may use one or more wired interfaces, for example, at least one of Ethernet, USB, FireWire, RS-232, RS-485, HDMI, or POTS.

For example, the communication unit 170 may transmit various types of errors detected by the device together with the device identification number of the control device 100 for freezing prevention to the control system 300, and the heater from the control system 300 ( 200) may receive control data such as control time and temperature.

On the other hand, the control system 300 for controlling the freezing prevention control device 100 from the outside may be one server, but may not be limited thereto. For example, the control system 300 may include a manager's smartphone, tablet PC, PC, and the like.

The output control unit 180 may control to output different contact points according to an error occurring in the freezing prevention control device 100 or an operating state. Specifically, the output controller 180 may output a B contact 181 when a power supply error occurs in the freezing prevention control device 100 . For example, the controller 180 may keep the output terminal closed when power supply is normal, and open the output terminal when power supply is abnormal.

In addition, the output control unit 180 may output the A contact 182 when an error occurs according to an abnormal temperature or an abnormal current value in the freezing prevention control device 100 . For example, the controller 180 may close the output terminal when an error occurs and maintain the output terminal open when power supply is abnormal.

In addition, the output control unit 180 may output the A contact 183 according to the operation of the heater 200 in the anti-freezing control device 100 . For example, the controller 180 may close the output terminal when the heater 200 operates, and may maintain the output terminal open when the heater 200 does not operate.

So far, the control device 100 for preventing freezing according to an embodiment of the present invention has been described. Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 6 to 8 , a freezing prevention method using the freezing prevention control device 100 will be described.

6 is a flow chart for a freezing prevention method using a control device for freezing protection according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIGS. 7 and 8 are flowcharts embodying step S130 shown in FIG. 6 .

Referring to FIG. 6 , the anti-freezing control device 100 may set a control mode of the heater 200 coupled to the pipe P (S110). Specifically, the control device 100 for preventing freezing may set whether or not to automatically control the heater 200 . Accordingly, the anti-freezing control device 100 is a first setting mode for automatically turning on/off the operation of the heater 200 or a second setting mode for manually turning on the operation of the heater 200. You can set the setting mode. For example, when the heater 200 is automatically controlled, the operation of the heater 200 may be automatically controlled according to the temperature value of the heater 200 . For another example, when the temperature of the heater 200 is manually controlled through the anti-freezing control device 100, the heater 200 may be controlled to continuously operate regardless of the temperature value.

Meanwhile, the control device 100 for preventing freezing may output different temperature control data according to the first and second setting modes. For example, in the case of the first setting mode, the anti-freeze control device 100 may output a preset automatically controlled temperature (SV, set point variable) value together with the current temperature (PV, process variable), and the second In the case of the setting mode, the control device 100 for preventing freezing may output state data (eg, “H-on”) indicating that the heater 200 is manually controlled along with the current temperature.

After step S110, the anti-freezing control device 100 may supply rising power to the heater 200 (S120). Specifically, the anti-freezing control device 100 protects the heater 200 and the control device from the instantaneous pressure current that temporarily flows at the time of switching the heater 200 from an off state to an on state. For this purpose, power supply can be supplied. For example, the anti-freeze control device 100 may supply rising power to the heater 200 for about 30 seconds from the on state conversion time.

After step S120, the anti-freeze control device 100 may monitor the operating state of the heater 200 (S130), and may generate an operation control signal of the heater 200 according to the monitoring result (S140). Specifically, the control device 100 for preventing freezing includes the temperature of the heater 200, whether the heater 200 is disconnected, the current flowing through the heater 200, and the temperature of the area adjacent to the switch 141 operating the heater 200. At least one of them can be monitored.

Referring to FIG. 7 , the anti-freezing control device 100 may monitor whether the current flowing through the heater 200 is equal to or less than a first current value (S130-1). If the current flowing through the heater 200 is equal to or less than the first current value, the freezing prevention control device 100 may display a no-current or low-current error code (S130-2, Yes). Here, the first current value serving as a reference for displaying the no-current or low-current error code may be 125 mA to 175 mA. More specifically, the anti-freeze control device 100 may monitor whether the current flowing through the heater 200 is 150 mA or less, and through this, it is possible to determine whether the heater 200 is at least stable.

In addition, the anti-freeze control device 100 may generate an operation control signal for maintaining the output voltage supply to the heater 200 while displaying a no-current or low-current error code.

Conversely, if the current flowing through the heater 200 is greater than or equal to the first current value, the anti-freeze control device 100 may monitor whether the current flowing through the heater 200 is greater than or equal to the second current value (S130-3 , no).

After step S130, the control device 100 for preventing freezing may generate an operation control signal of the heater 200 according to the monitoring result (S140). If the current flowing through the heater 200 is equal to or greater than the second current value, the freezing prevention control device 100 may display an overcurrent error code (S130-4, Yes). Here, the second current value, which is a reference for displaying the overcurrent error code, may have an overcurrent range of 22.5A to 27.5A or less, that is, 5A. More specifically, the anti-freezing control device 100 may monitor whether the current flowing through the heater 200 is 25 A or more, and through this, it is possible to determine whether the heater 200 is maximally stable.

In addition, the control device 100 for preventing freezing may display an overcurrent error code and generate an operation control signal for maintaining the output voltage supply to the heater 200 .

In this way, the anti-freeze control device 100 may generate an operation control signal according to the under- or over-current value, and may monitor the abnormal pattern of the current.

Referring to FIG. 8 , the anti-freezing control device 100 may detect a change in the amount of current to the heater 200 and monitor whether the change in the amount of current is equal to or greater than a preset number of times for a predetermined time (S130-10). Specifically, the anti-freezing control device 100 may detect a rapid increase or decrease in the amount of current or a change in the amount of current in an aperiodic pattern.

If the current amount change is more than a preset number of times, the anti-freezing control device 100 may determine that it is a contact problem with the heater 200 and display a contact failure error code (S130-11, No). For example, the anti-freeze control device 100 may output a visual contact failure alarm such as "Erro" or "ARC" and at the same time enter the cycle control mode (S130- 20, eg). Here, the cycle control mode may be a mode for adjusting the amount of output voltage supplied to the heater 200 by controlling the number of output cycles of the 60Hz, 220V AC power supplied to the heater 200 . For example, the freezing prevention control device 100 may sequentially increase or repeat the number of cycles of AC power output to the heater 200 .

After step S130-20, the anti-freeze control device 100 may detect the current amount change again (S130-30). That is, the control device 100 for preventing freezing may determine whether a stable output voltage is supplied to the heater 200 through the cycle control mode and whether the connection state of the heater 200 has returned to normal.

If, when an abnormal current amount change is detected, the anti-freezing control device 100 may continue to maintain the cycle control mode (S130-20, Yes), and conversely, when a normal current amount change is detected, the anti-freezing control device ( 100) may generate a signal for maintaining the output voltage to the heater 200 (S140).

Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, the present invention is not necessarily limited to these embodiments, and may be variously modified and implemented without departing from the technical spirit of the present invention. . Therefore, the embodiments disclosed in the present invention are not intended to limit the technical idea of the present invention, but to explain, and the scope of the technical idea of the present invention is not limited by these embodiments. Therefore, the embodiments described above should be understood as illustrative in all respects and not limiting. The protection scope of the present invention should be construed according to the claims below, and all technical ideas within the equivalent range should be construed as being included in the scope of the present invention.

1000: control system for freezing prevention
100: anti-freeze control device
11: housing 12: heating unit
13: power line 14, 15: cover
110: mode setting unit 120: monitoring unit
121: first monitoring unit 122: second monitoring unit
123: third monitoring unit 124: fourth monitoring unit
130: display unit
131: first display unit 132: second display unit
140: heater driving unit 141: switch
150: control unit 160: power supply unit
170: communication unit 180: output control unit
200: heater
300: control system

Claims (16)

a mode setting unit configured to set a control mode of a heater dissipating heat into a pipe;
a monitoring unit configured to monitor an operating state of the heater;
a display unit configured to output a control mode or operating state of the heater;
a heater driver configured to control an output voltage supplied to the heater; and
a controller operably connected to the mode setting unit, the monitoring unit, the display unit, and the heater driving unit, and configured to generate an operation control signal of the heater according to a monitoring result of the monitoring unit; A control device for preventing freezing comprising a. According to claim 1,
The mode setting unit,
Control device for preventing freezing configured to set at least one of automatic control of the heater, a reference temperature of the heater, a temperature error correction value of the heater, whether to detect a low current of the heater, and a device identification number. According to claim 2,
The mode setting unit,
A first setting mode for automatically turning on/off the operation of the heater, and
A second setting mode for manually turning on the operation of the heater,
the display unit,
A control device for preventing freezing configured to output different temperature control data according to the first and second setting modes. According to claim 1,
The monitoring unit,
A first monitoring unit configured to measure the temperature of an area where the heater is disposed;
A second monitoring unit configured to check various error signals related to the connection line of the heater;
A third monitoring unit configured to detect a current flowing through the heater, and
A fourth monitoring unit configured to measure the temperature of an area adjacent to the heater driving unit, including at least one of, a control device for preventing freezing. According to claim 4,
The control unit,
According to the comparison result of the temperature value measured through the first monitoring unit and the first reference temperature set in advance, the control device for preventing freezing configured to switch on / off of the heater. According to claim 4,
The control unit,
Before transmitting an operation control signal to the heater driver, it is configured to check the short circuit of the heater through the second monitoring unit,
As a result of the check, when the heater is short-circuited, the control device for preventing freezing configured to stop supplying the output voltage through the heater driver. According to claim 4,
The control unit,
Sensing a change in the amount of current to the heater through the third monitoring unit,
Stop supplying an output voltage to the heater through the heater driver when a change in the amount of current is detected more than a preset number of times during a predetermined time period;
A control device for preventing freezing, configured to adjust the amount of output voltage output to the heater through a cycle control mode. According to claim 7,
The cycle control mode,
A control device for preventing freezing, which is a mode configured to control the number of output cycles of output power output to the heater. According to claim 4,
The control unit,
After the output voltage for a preset time is supplied to the heater according to the control of the driving unit,
Control device for preventing freezing, configured to determine whether the current flowing through the heater through the second monitoring unit is non-current or overcurrent. According to claim 2 or 9,
The control unit,
In a state in which the mode setting unit is set to detect a low current, when the current detected through the third monitoring unit is equal to or less than a preset first current value,
A control device for preventing freezing, configured to display a low current error code through the display unit and to maintain the output voltage supply. According to claim 4,
The control unit,
When the current sensed through the third monitoring unit is equal to or greater than the preset second current value,
A control device for preventing freezing, configured to display an overcurrent error code through the display unit and maintain output voltage supply. According to claim 4,
The control unit,
When the temperature measured through the fourth monitoring unit is equal to or higher than a preset second reference temperature, the control device for preventing freezing configured to transmit an output voltage cutoff signal to the heater driving unit. According to claim 1,
the heater,
A heating unit in the form of a bar,
A housing in which the heat generating unit is accommodated and coupled to the pipe is configured to transmit heat emitted from the heat generating unit to the pipe,
the housing,
It has a hollow tubular shape in which the heat generating unit can be accommodated in the longitudinal direction,
The outer surface is provided in a shape corresponding to the outer surface of the pipe, anti-freeze control device. Setting a control mode of a heater coupleable to a pipe;
supplying rising power to the heater;
monitoring an operating state of the heater; and
generating an operation control signal of the heater according to a monitoring result; Freeze protection method comprising a. According to claim 14,
The monitoring step is
Sensing a change in the amount of current to the heater, and
Adjusting the amount of the output voltage supplied to the heater through a cycle control mode when detecting a change in the amount of current more than a preset number of times; Freezing prevention method further comprising. According to claim 15,
The cycle control mode,
A mode configured to control the number of output cycles of output power output to the heater, the freezing prevention method.

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