WO2021111148A1

WO2021111148A1 - Remote monitoring apparatus and system

Info

Publication number: WO2021111148A1
Application number: PCT/GB2020/053128
Authority: WO
Inventors: Andrew Skelton; Garry Turner; Ian LOWRY
Original assignee: Lowe Rental Limited
Priority date: 2019-12-05
Filing date: 2020-12-04
Publication date: 2021-06-10
Also published as: GB201917839D0

Abstract

Apparatus and system for remote monitoring and operation of a refrigerator unit or units, the apparatus comprising a remote monitoring module comprising a processing means, a means for two-way communication with a computer cloud network, and means for two-way communication with the control means of said refrigeration unit(s). The module may include an auxiliary means for two-way communication with a cloud network, for example a sub module for communication with a cellular network. The auxiliary mean for two-way communication with a cloud network is in communication with the processing means of the remote monitoring module such that in the event of a Wi-Fi dropout, communication with the cellular network is automatically activated.

Description

REMOTE MONITORING APPARATUS AND SYSTEM

The present invention relates to an apparatus and system for remote monitoring and operation of refrigerator units.

In this respect, refrigerators are well known in the art, for maintaining goods at low temperatures. Refrigerators are commonly used to store beverages or perishable goods such as foodstuffs, for example in display refrigerators in shops. Refrigerators also find use in the likes of laboratories or healthcare settings for the storage of samples, laboratory stocks or medicines. In supermarkets, particularly those specialising in frozen foodstuffs there may be many rows of refrigerator units of various types, each configured or set to store groups of goods at particular temperature ranges. In order to ensure that the refrigerator units are working effectively, efficiently and at the expected refrigerated function, it is necessary to regularly monitor the performance of the refrigerator units, for example by taking regular scheduled temperature readings from temperature gauges provided on the units. Where there are many refrigeration units in^' use at one location, or where a refrigeration unit is located remotely, for example in an outdoor vending machine, this task can be laborious and time consuming, and any delay in taking a reading can cause temperature-sensitive items to be lost. This issue is exacerbated in the case where a user has refrigeration units of multiple types and/ at multiple sites.

Thus, according to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a remote monitoring module for a refrigeration unit, the module comprising a processing means, a means for two-way communication with a computer cloud network, and means for two-way communication with the control means of a refrigeration unit.

Typically, the control means of a refrigeration unit is a controller or central processor in a manner known in the art.

Optionally, the means for two-way communication with a cloud network is a Wi-Fi communication means.

Optionally the Wi-Fi communication means is a Wi-Fi transmitter/receiver. Optionally the Wi-Fi communication means is releasably demountable from the module. Thus the Wi-Fi communication means can be replaced by upgraded hardware as the Wi-Fi standards are revised/updated.

Optionally, the Wi-Fi communication means is connectable to the module via a standard internal interface connection.

Optionally, the Wi-Fi communication means is connectable to the module via USB interface connection.

Optionally, the remote monitoring module comprises an auxiliary means for two-way communication with a cloud network. Optionally, the auxiliary means for two-way communication comprises a module for communication with a cellular network. Optionally, the cellular network includes any one or more of: Narrow Band-Internet of Things (NB-loT); M1; 2G; 5G. Optionally, the module is a cellular network module with a SIM. Conveniently, the auxiliary module is in communication with the processing means of the remote monitoring module such that in the event of a Wi-Fi drop-out, communication with the cellular network is automatically activated.

Optionally, the processing means of the remote monitoring module is configured to obtain or receive data pertaining to the operation of the refrigeration unit from the control means of said refrigeration unit.

Optionally, the data which remote monitoring module is configured to obtain or receive may include any information that is logged or sensed or otherwise handled by its controller or central processor of a refrigeration unit, for example, but not limited to any one or more of temperature, power consumption, voltage, current, fault codes, on/off status, alarm status, door open/closed status, defrosting, switch positions, or other information or data known in the art.

Optionally, the remote monitoring module comprises a memory for storing any such information obtained or received from a refrigeration unit. Thus, in the event of a temporary failure of the Wi-Fi communication means, data obtained from a refrigerator unit can be stored until such time that communication is restored whence it can be transmitted to an end user terminal via the cloud.

Optionally, the processing means of the remote monitoring module is configured to control the operation of the control means of a refrigeration unit so that module is capable of controlling the operation of the refrigeration unit.

Optionally, remote control of a refrigeration unit may include, but is not limited to, running defrost cycles, switching on/off, reducing power, adjusting set points, setting and manipulating alarm triggers, effecting an alarm on the item of refrigeration, changing the controller parameters, pushing defrost cycles, conveying a message onto a display of the refrigeration unit.

It will be understood that a terminal, may be any suitable terminal, for example but not limited to, a mobile terminal or hand-held device.

Optionally, a remote monitoring module may comprise a temperature measuring means or sub-module configured to measure directly the temperature of a refrigerator unit and/or ambient temperature.

Optionally, a remote monitoring module may comprise a voltage and/or current measuring means or sub-module configured to directly measure the voltage and/or current of a refrigerator unit.

Optionally, a remote monitoring module may have one or more accelerometers and/or gyro sensors for detecting if the refrigeration unit is being moved. Optionally, if movement is detected at a time when this is not anticipated, then a suitable alarm signal and/or notification can be activated and transmitted to an end user via the cloud.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a system and method for remotely monitoring one or more refrigeration units, the or each unit comprising a remote monitoring module in accordance with first aspect of the invention, wherein the or each remote monitoring module is in two-way wireless communication with an Internet of Things (IOT) data cloud network, and wherein functional data relating to the operation of the refrigeration unit or units is conveyable in real time to an end user or users at a terminal(s).

Optionally, via a program running on the terminal, the function and status of a refrigeration unit is displayed to a user, the user being able via the program running on the terminal to remote command the processing means of the remote monitoring module to control the operation of said refrigeration unit.

The various aspects of the present invention can be practiced alone or in combination with one or more of the other aspects, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the relevant arts. The various aspects of the invention can optionally be provided in combination with one or more of the optional features of the other aspects of the invention. In addition, optional features described in relation to one aspect can typically be combined alone or together with other features in different aspects of the invention. Any subject matter described in this specification can be combined with any other subject matter in the specification to form a novel combination.

Various aspects of the invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying figures. Still other aspects, features, and advantages of the present invention are readily apparent from the entire description thereof, including the figures, which illustrates a number of exemplary aspects and implementations. The invention is also capable of other and different examples and aspects, and its several details can be modified in various respects, all without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, each example herein should be understood to have broad application, and is meant to illustrate one possible way of carrying out the invention, without intending to suggest that the scope of this disclosure, including the claims, is limited to that example. Furthermore, the terminology and phraseology used herein is solely used for descriptive purposes and should not be construed as limiting in scope. In particular, unless otherwise stated, dimensions and numerical values included herein are presented as examples illustrating one possible aspect of the claimed subject matter, without limiting the disclosure to the particular dimensions or values recited. All numerical values in this disclosure are understood as being modified by "about". All singular forms of elements, or any other components described herein are understood to include plural forms thereof and vice versa.

Language such as "including", "comprising", "having", "containing", or "involving" and variations thereof, is intended to be broad and encompass the subject matter listed thereafter, equivalents, and additional subject matter not recited, and is not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps. Likewise, the term "comprising" is considered synonymous with the terms "including" or "containing" for applicable legal purposes. Thus, throughout the specification and claims unless the context requires otherwise, the word “comprise” or variations thereof such as “comprises” or “comprising” will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles and the like is included in the specification solely for the purpose of providing a context for the present invention. It is not suggested or represented that any or all of these matters formed part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present invention.

In this disclosure, whenever a composition, an element or a group of elements is preceded with the transitional phrase "comprising", it is understood that we also contemplate the same composition, element or group of elements with transitional phrases "consisting essentially of”, "consisting", "selected from the group of consisting of”, “including”, or "is" preceding the recitation of the composition, element or group of elements and vice versa. In this disclosure, the words “typically” or “optionally” are to be understood as being intended to indicate optional or non- essential features of the invention which are present in certain examples but which can be omitted in others without departing from the scope of the invention.

Any references to directional and positional descriptions such as, upper, lower, proximal, distal, inside, outside, rear, and directions e.g. “vertical”, and “horizontal” etc. are to be interpreted by a skilled reader in the context of the examples described to refer to the orientation of features shown in the drawings, and are not to be interpreted as limiting the invention to the literal interpretation of the term, but instead should be as understood by the skilled addressee.

It will be understood that the term “refrigerator unit” includes refrigerators, chillers, refrigerated cabinets, freezers, refrigerated vending machines, icemakers and the likes.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 shows schematic outlines of prior art remote refrigeration unit monitoring networks (a) and (b);

Figure 2 is a schematic outline of a remote refrigeration monitoring system in accordance with the invention; and

Figure 3 is schematic diagram of a refrigeration unit with a remote monitoring module in accordance with the invention.

Referring to the drawings, Figure 1 shows prior art remote refrigerator unit monitoring networks (a) and (b) in schematic format. In each network there are shown a number of refrigeration units or cases numbered 1 - 4 arranged a network. Four refrigeration units or cases are shown however it will be appreciated that the network may comprise any number of refrigeration units. In prior art remote refrigerator unit monitoring network (a) each refrigeration unit is physically connected to a hub or switch 5, which is in communication in turn to an edge device 7 which provides an entry point into a core network. Examples of an edge device 7 include routers, routing switches, integrated access devices (IADs), multiplexers, etc. In this way monitored data from each refrigeration unit is conveyed to a remotely located end user.

In prior art remote refrigerator unit monitoring networks (b) each refrigeration unit is physically connected in series to an edge device via RS485 communication link 6. In this way monitored data from each refrigeration unit is conveyed to a remotely located end user. In both prior art network types, failures at certain points in the network, for example failure of the hub/switch of network (a) or failure of the communication between refrigeration units 1 and 2 in the series of network (b), will cause monitoring to fail for the rest of the network.

With reference to Figure 2, which shows schematically the system in accordance with an aspect of the present invention, each exemplary refrigeration unit 1 - 4 in a network is provided with a remote monitoring module 10 (Figure 3). Each remote monitoring module 10 is in two-way wireless communication with an Internet of Things (IOT) data cloud network 9. Thus failure of the communication link associated with one individual refrigeration unit has no effect on other refrigeration units within the network. Four refrigeration units or cases re shown in Figure 2 however it will be appreciated that the network may comprise any number of refrigeration units.

With reference to Figure 3, which shows in schematic format the hardware of the system, there is shown a remote monitoring module 10 is installable on refrigeration unit 1.

Remote monitoring module 10 comprises a processing means 11, means 12 for two- way communication with the computer cloud network 9, and means 13 for two-way communication with the control means 1a of an refrigeration unit 1. Typically, the control means of a refrigeration unit 1 is a controller or central processor in a manner known in the art.

The means 12 for two-way communication with a cloud network 9 is optionally a Wi Fi communication means. Optionally the Wi-Fi communication means is a Wi-Fi transmitter/receiver 12. Optionally the Wi-Fi communication means is releasably demountable from the module 10. Optionally the Wi-Fi communication means is connectable to the module via a standard internal interface connection means. Thus the Wi-Fi communication means can be replaced by upgraded hardware as the Wi-Fi standards are revised/updated. Optionally, the remote monitoring module 10 comprises an auxiliary means 18 for two-way communication with a cloud network. Optionally, the auxiliary means for two-way communication comprises a module 18 for communication with a cellular network. Examples of a suitable cellular network include, but is not limited to, any one or more of: Narrow Band-Internet of Things (NB-loT); M1; 2G; 5G. Optionally, the module is a cellular network module 18 with a SIM. Optionally, the module is a 4G cellular network module 18 with a SIM. Conveniently, the auxiliary module is in communication with the processing means 11 of the remote monitoring module 10 such that in the event of a Wi-Fi drop-out, communication with the cellular network activates automatically.

The means for two-way communication with the control means 1a of the refrigeration unit 1 may comprise a wired connection or connections 13. The wired or wired connections 13 preferably have ‘plug and play’ functionality.

The processing means 11 of module 10 is configured to obtain or receive data pertaining to the operation of the refrigeration unit 1 from the control means 1a of said refrigeration unit.

Optionally, the processing means 11 of module 10 is configured to control the operation of the control means 1a of the refrigeration unit 1 so that module 10 is capable of controlling the operation of the refrigeration unit.

In Figure 3 only one exemplary refrigeration unit is shown, however it will be understood that a network may comprise any number of refrigeration units each equipped with a remote monitoring module 10.

The provision of two-way communications between remote monitoring modules 10 and refrigeration units 1, and two-way communication between the remote monitoring modules 10 and the cloud 9 enables functional data relating the operation of the refrigeration units 1 to be conveyed in real time to an end user(s) at a terminal(s) 20, who, via a program accessible via said terminal(s), can monitor the function and status of the refrigeration units 1 and optionally remotely command the processing means 11 of a module 11 to control the operation of the refrigeration units 1. Functional information obtained from a refrigeration unit 1 may include any information that is logged or sensed or otherwise handled by its controller or central processor 1a, for example, but not limited to any one or more of temperature, power consumption, voltage, current, fault codes, on/off status, alarm status, door open/closed status, defrosting, switch positions, moisture content or other information or data known in the art. In addition, the remote monitoring module can monitor and transmit store ambient temperature information.

Optionally, remote monitoring module 10 comprises a memory for storing any such information. In this way, in event of a temporary failure of the Wi-Fi communication means, data obtained from a refrigerator unit can be stored until such time that communication is restored whence it can be transmitted to an end user terminal 20 via cloud 9. As noted above an auxiliary module 18 for communication with a cellular network may also be provided such that in the event of a Wi-Fi drop-out, communication with the cellular network can be activated automatically.

Remote control of a refrigeration unit 1 may include, but is not limited to, running defrost cycles, switching on/off, reducing power, adjusting set points, setting and manipulating alarm triggers, effecting an alarm on the item of refrigeration, changing the controller parameters, pushing defrost cycles, conveying a message onto a display of the refrigeration unit etc.

It will be understood that a terminal 20, may be any suitable terminal, for example but not limited to, a mobile terminal or hand-held device.

Optionally, a module 10 may comprise a temperature measuring means or sub- module 14 configured to directly measure the temperature of a refrigerator unit and/or ambient temperature.

Optionally, a module 10 may comprise a voltage and/or current measuring means or sub-module 15 configured to directly measure the voltage and/or current of a refrigerator unit. Optionally, a module 10 may have one or more accelerometers and/or gyro sensors 16 for detecting if the refrigeration unit is being moved. If movement is detected at a time when this is not anticipated, then a suitable alarm signal and/or notification can be activated and transmitted to an end user via cloud 9 as described above.

Advantageously, present invention enables a plurality of refrigeration units to be remotely monitored without the need for complicated locally wired networks.

Traditionally wired prior art refrigerated unit monitoring systems where each refrigeration unit is physically connected to a hub or switch requires varying degrees of cabling meaning that when a refrigerator asset is located and connected to the monitoring system, subsequently moving that unit to a new location becomes a costly process that normally involves the services of specialist third parties. Advantageously, the use of wireless communication and connectivity to the Internet Of Things (IOT) obviates the use of costly anchoring of refrigerator assists by wired installations, and in turn enables store owners to freely move assets to suit new layout plans or remodelling programs.

The manual nature of temperature checks or cumbersome nature of existing software can lead to inaccuracies, failure to respond promptly to temperature issues, loss of stock etc. Advantageously, the present invention whereby triggers and alarms are automated, issues with refrigeration units can be identifying instantly, around the clock.

Multisite organisations are known to face over-complex processes when trying to report on the location of their refrigeration assets. This is a manual process, and the final report of survey is likely to be outdated once completed. Advantageously, remotely monitoring refrigeration units in accordance with the present invention obviates the need for manual checking of fleets of refrigeration assets, which may be located across multiple sites and multiple types of refrigeration units.

In addition, real time tracking and real-time data provision from refrigerator assets allows more efficient and pro-active responses to asset breakdowns or alarms. In the prior art, there exists the problem of poor visibility of breakdowns, whereby a problem with a refrigeration unit might not be immediately apparent. A delay in identifying the existence of an issue can result in food waste, incur the expense of engineer call-outs, poor customer experience and loss of revenue. Such delays can be exacerbated by the length of time for an engineer to respond to a fault, which can be affected by the number of steps / departments involved in diagnosing the issue.

The two-way communication capability of the system employing the remote monitoring modules 10 of the present invention allows fixes to be remotely actioned, thereby reducing the costs associated with food waste, engineer call-outs and loss of revenue.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that variations and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A remote monitoring module for a refrigeration unit, the remote monitoring module comprising a processing means, a means for two-way communication with a computer cloud network, and means for two-way communication with the control means of a refrigeration unit.

2. A remote monitoring module as claimed in claim 1, wherein the means for two-way communication with a cloud network is a Wi-Fi transmitter/receiver.

3. A remote monitoring module as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising an auxiliary means for two-way communication with a cloud network, the auxiliary means comprising a module for communication with a cellular network.

4. A remote monitoring module as claimed in claim 3, wherein the module for two-way communication with a cellular network is in communication with the processing means of the remote monitoring module and is configured to automatically activate in the event of Wi-Fi drop-out or failure of the Wi-Fi transmitter/receiver.

5. A remote monitoring module as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the processing means is configured to obtain or receive data pertaining to the operation of a refrigerator unit from the control means of said refrigerator unit.

6. A remote monitoring module as claimed in claim 5, wherein the processing means of the remote monitoring module is configured to obtain or receive data that is logged or sensed or otherwise handled by the controller or central processor of a refrigeration unit.

7. A remote monitoring module as claimed in claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the processing means of the remote monitoring module is configured to obtain or receive data in relation to any one or more of temperature, power consumption, voltage, current, fault codes, on/off status, alarm status, door open/closed status, defrosting, switch positions, moisture content.

8. A remote monitoring module as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising a memory.

9. A remote monitoring module as claimed in any preceding clam, wherein the processing means of the remote monitoring module is configured to control the operation of the control means of a refrigeration unit.

10. A remote monitoring module as claimed in claim 9, wherein the remote monitoring module is configured to control any one or more of the functions of a refrigeration unit including but not limited to: running defrost cycles, switching on/off, reducing power, adjusting set points, setting and manipulating alarm triggers, effecting alarms, changing the controller parameters, pushing defrost cycles, conveying a message onto a display of a refrigeration unit.

11. A remote monitoring module as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising a temperature measuring means or sub-module configured to directly measure the temperature of a refrigerator unit and/or ambient temperature.

12. A remote monitoring module as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising a voltage and/or current measuring means or sub-module configured to directly measure the voltage and/or current of a refrigerator unit.

13. A remote monitoring module as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising one or more accelerometers and/or gyro sensors.

14. A system for remotely monitoring one or more refrigeration units, the or each refrigeration unit comprising a remote monitoring module as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the or each remote monitoring module is in two-way wireless communication with an Internet of Things (IOT) data cloud network, and wherein functional data relating to the operation of the one or more refrigeration units is conveyable in real time to an end user or users at a terminal(s) in communication with the data cloud.

15. A system for remotely monitoring one or more refrigeration units, as claimed in claim 14, wherein via a program accessible via a terminal or teminals, the or each remote monitoring module is remotely controllable to control the operation of a refrigeration unit.

16. A refrigeration unit comprising a remote monitoring module as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 13.