WO2023220788A1 - Système et dispositif de surveillance de réseau de réfrigération - Google Patents

Système et dispositif de surveillance de réseau de réfrigération Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2023220788A1
WO2023220788A1 PCT/AU2023/050430 AU2023050430W WO2023220788A1 WO 2023220788 A1 WO2023220788 A1 WO 2023220788A1 AU 2023050430 W AU2023050430 W AU 2023050430W WO 2023220788 A1 WO2023220788 A1 WO 2023220788A1
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Prior art keywords
refrigeration
installation
monitoring system
network monitoring
sensor device
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/AU2023/050430
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Vinney KUMAR
Original Assignee
Hussmann Australia Pty Ltd
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Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from AU2022901357A external-priority patent/AU2022901357A0/en
Application filed by Hussmann Australia Pty Ltd filed Critical Hussmann Australia Pty Ltd
Publication of WO2023220788A1 publication Critical patent/WO2023220788A1/fr

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L12/00—Data switching networks
    • H04L12/02—Details
    • H04L12/12—Arrangements for remote connection or disconnection of substations or of equipment thereof
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
    • G05B—CONTROL OR REGULATING SYSTEMS IN GENERAL; FUNCTIONAL ELEMENTS OF SUCH SYSTEMS; MONITORING OR TESTING ARRANGEMENTS FOR SUCH SYSTEMS OR ELEMENTS
    • G05B19/00—Programme-control systems
    • G05B19/02—Programme-control systems electric
    • G05B19/04—Programme control other than numerical control, i.e. in sequence controllers or logic controllers
    • G05B19/048—Monitoring; Safety
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F25D21/00—Defrosting; Preventing frosting; Removing condensed or defrost water
    • F25D21/02—Detecting the presence of frost or condensate
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F25D29/00—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F25D29/00—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices
    • F25D29/005—Mounting of control devices
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F25D29/00—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices
    • F25D29/008—Alarm devices
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
    • G05B—CONTROL OR REGULATING SYSTEMS IN GENERAL; FUNCTIONAL ELEMENTS OF SUCH SYSTEMS; MONITORING OR TESTING ARRANGEMENTS FOR SUCH SYSTEMS OR ELEMENTS
    • G05B19/00—Programme-control systems
    • G05B19/02—Programme-control systems electric
    • G05B19/04—Programme control other than numerical control, i.e. in sequence controllers or logic controllers
    • G05B19/042—Programme control other than numerical control, i.e. in sequence controllers or logic controllers using digital processors
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L67/00—Network arrangements or protocols for supporting network services or applications
    • H04L67/01—Protocols
    • H04L67/02—Protocols based on web technology, e.g. hypertext transfer protocol [HTTP]
    • H04L67/025—Protocols based on web technology, e.g. hypertext transfer protocol [HTTP] for remote control or remote monitoring of applications
    • H—ELECTRICITY
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    • H04L67/00—Network arrangements or protocols for supporting network services or applications
    • H04L67/01—Protocols
    • H04L67/12—Protocols specially adapted for proprietary or special-purpose networking environments, e.g. medical networks, sensor networks, networks in vehicles or remote metering networks
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L67/00—Network arrangements or protocols for supporting network services or applications
    • H04L67/01—Protocols
    • H04L67/12—Protocols specially adapted for proprietary or special-purpose networking environments, e.g. medical networks, sensor networks, networks in vehicles or remote metering networks
    • H04L67/125—Protocols specially adapted for proprietary or special-purpose networking environments, e.g. medical networks, sensor networks, networks in vehicles or remote metering networks involving control of end-device applications over a network
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04Q—SELECTING
    • H04Q9/00—Arrangements in telecontrol or telemetry systems for selectively calling a substation from a main station, in which substation desired apparatus is selected for applying a control signal thereto or for obtaining measured values therefrom
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04Q—SELECTING
    • H04Q9/00—Arrangements in telecontrol or telemetry systems for selectively calling a substation from a main station, in which substation desired apparatus is selected for applying a control signal thereto or for obtaining measured values therefrom
    • H04Q9/02—Automatically-operated arrangements
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
    • F25B2400/00—General features or devices for refrigeration machines, plants or systems, combined heating and refrigeration systems or heat-pump systems, i.e. not limited to a particular subgroup of F25B
    • F25B2400/22—Refrigeration systems for supermarkets
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F25D2700/00—Means for sensing or measuring; Sensors therefor
    • F25D2700/02—Sensors detecting door opening
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F25D2700/00—Means for sensing or measuring; Sensors therefor
    • F25D2700/04—Sensors detecting the presence of a person
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F25D2700/00—Means for sensing or measuring; Sensors therefor
    • F25D2700/12—Sensors measuring the inside temperature
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
    • G05B—CONTROL OR REGULATING SYSTEMS IN GENERAL; FUNCTIONAL ELEMENTS OF SUCH SYSTEMS; MONITORING OR TESTING ARRANGEMENTS FOR SUCH SYSTEMS OR ELEMENTS
    • G05B2219/00—Program-control systems
    • G05B2219/20—Pc systems
    • G05B2219/26—Pc applications
    • G05B2219/2654—Fridge, refrigerator
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
    • G05B—CONTROL OR REGULATING SYSTEMS IN GENERAL; FUNCTIONAL ELEMENTS OF SUCH SYSTEMS; MONITORING OR TESTING ARRANGEMENTS FOR SUCH SYSTEMS OR ELEMENTS
    • G05B23/00—Testing or monitoring of control systems or parts thereof
    • G05B23/02—Electric testing or monitoring
    • G05B23/0205—Electric testing or monitoring by means of a monitoring system capable of detecting and responding to faults
    • G05B23/0218—Electric testing or monitoring by means of a monitoring system capable of detecting and responding to faults characterised by the fault detection method dealing with either existing or incipient faults
    • G05B23/0224—Process history based detection method, e.g. whereby history implies the availability of large amounts of data
    • G05B23/0227—Qualitative history assessment, whereby the type of data acted upon, e.g. waveforms, images or patterns, is not relevant, e.g. rule based assessment; if-then decisions
    • G05B23/0235—Qualitative history assessment, whereby the type of data acted upon, e.g. waveforms, images or patterns, is not relevant, e.g. rule based assessment; if-then decisions based on a comparison with predetermined threshold or range, e.g. "classical methods", carried out during normal operation; threshold adaptation or choice; when or how to compare with the threshold
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
    • G05B—CONTROL OR REGULATING SYSTEMS IN GENERAL; FUNCTIONAL ELEMENTS OF SUCH SYSTEMS; MONITORING OR TESTING ARRANGEMENTS FOR SUCH SYSTEMS OR ELEMENTS
    • G05B23/00—Testing or monitoring of control systems or parts thereof
    • G05B23/02—Electric testing or monitoring
    • G05B23/0205—Electric testing or monitoring by means of a monitoring system capable of detecting and responding to faults
    • G05B23/0259—Electric testing or monitoring by means of a monitoring system capable of detecting and responding to faults characterized by the response to fault detection
    • G05B23/0267—Fault communication, e.g. human machine interface [HMI]
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L12/00—Data switching networks
    • H04L12/28—Data switching networks characterised by path configuration, e.g. LAN [Local Area Networks] or WAN [Wide Area Networks]
    • H04L12/2803—Home automation networks
    • H04L12/2823—Reporting information sensed by appliance or service execution status of appliance services in a home automation network
    • H04L12/2825—Reporting to a device located outside the home and the home network
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L12/00—Data switching networks
    • H04L12/28—Data switching networks characterised by path configuration, e.g. LAN [Local Area Networks] or WAN [Wide Area Networks]
    • H04L12/2803—Home automation networks
    • H04L12/2823—Reporting information sensed by appliance or service execution status of appliance services in a home automation network
    • H04L12/2827—Reporting to a device within the home network; wherein the reception of the information reported automatically triggers the execution of a home appliance functionality
    • H04L12/2829—Reporting to a device within the home network; wherein the reception of the information reported automatically triggers the execution of a home appliance functionality involving user profiles according to which the execution of a home appliance functionality is automatically triggered
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04Q—SELECTING
    • H04Q2209/00—Arrangements in telecontrol or telemetry systems
    • H04Q2209/10—Arrangements in telecontrol or telemetry systems using a centralized architecture
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    • H04Q—SELECTING
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    • H04Q2209/00—Arrangements in telecontrol or telemetry systems
    • H04Q2209/80—Arrangements in the sub-station, i.e. sensing device
    • H04Q2209/82—Arrangements in the sub-station, i.e. sensing device where the sensing device takes the initiative of sending data

Definitions

  • the invention relates to system and device when used for the remote monitoring of a refrigeration installation, and more particularly for monitoring operating parameters across a plurality of refrigeration installations.
  • chillers and refrigeration installations such as those used in supermarkets use a significant amount of power to operate and require significant maintenance due to their typically larger sizes, heavy duty use, long operating hours, and the frequent opening and closing of doors by customers. While the chillers and refrigeration installations may themselves have individual controllers, each supermarket store for example typically stocks a large number of such installations, which means store operators would need to check and monitor each installation individually on a regular basis. This approach is time consuming, prone to operator error and not effective at identifying and rectifying any problems as they occur. This results in increased wasteful power usage and/or costly repairs if any operating issues with installations are not resolved in a timely manner. Conventional installations also do not provide their store operators with useful information about their use patterns or customer behaviours or tools to monitor and minimise energy use of refrigeration installations while maximising the performance and longevity of the installations.
  • the applicant has determined that it would be advantageous to provide an improved system and device for remotely monitoring a plurality of refrigeration installations.
  • the present invention in its preferred embodiments, seeks to at least in part alleviate some of the aboveidentified problems.
  • a refrigeration network monitoring system comprising: a remote server in communication with at least one sensor device provided at a respective refrigeration installation, wherein the remote server is configured to: monitor operation of the respective refrigeration installation based on output data received from the at least one sensor device; determine the value of at least one monitored parameter of the refrigeration installation based on the output data received from the at least one sensor device; and send a notification message to the refrigeration installation and/or a user when the at least one monitored parameter of exceeds one or more predetermined threshold values.
  • the remote server is further configured to be in communication with a controller provided at the respective refrigeration installation, and the remote server is configured to send one or more commands to the controller so as to alter one or more operating parameters of the refrigeration installation based on the output data and/or the at least one monitored parameter.
  • the refrigeration network comprises a plurality of refrigeration installations and the network of refrigeration installations are configured in real-time communication with the remote server.
  • the output data received from the at least one sensor device relate to a temperature of the refrigeration installation or a product temperature simulator of the refrigeration installation.
  • the output data received from the at least one sensor device relate to a fan performance of a cooling device of the refrigeration installation.
  • the output data received from the at least one sensor device relate to proximity of a user in relation to the refrigeration installation. In one embodiment, the output data received from the at least one sensor device relate to airflow of an air inlet and/or outlet of the refrigeration installation.
  • the output data received from the at least one sensor device relate to a fluid level of a drainage of the refrigeration installation.
  • the output data received from the at least one sensor device relate to an open or closed status of a door or night blind of the refrigeration installation.
  • the at least one monitored parameter of the refrigeration installation relates to whether a door of the refrigeration installation has been left open.
  • the at least one monitored parameter of the refrigeration installation relates to standard operating hours of a store.
  • the at least one monitored parameter of the refrigeration installation relates to blockages of airflow within the refrigeration installation.
  • the at least one monitored parameter of the refrigeration installation relates to blockage of a drain of the refrigeration installation.
  • the at least one monitored parameter of the refrigeration installation relates to defrosting requirement of the refrigeration installation.
  • the at least one monitored parameter of the refrigeration installation relates to foot traffic volume in proximity to the refrigeration installation.
  • the remote server is further configured to record the output data and monitored parameter(s), and provide such information to a user-accessible web portal.
  • a sensor device when used with a refrigeration installation of the refrigeration network monitoring system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, the device comprising: one or more sensors configured to output data in relation to a monitored parameter of the refrigeration installation; and data transmitter configured for sending and receiving data between the sensor device and a remote server.
  • the sensor device further comprises a controller configured to communicate with a control system of the refrigeration installation so as to alter one or more operating parameters of the refrigeration installation.
  • the word “about” or “approximately” when used in relation to a stated reference point for a quality, level, value, number, frequency, percentage, dimension, location, size, amount, weight or length may be understood to indicate that the reference point is capable of variation, and that the term may encompass proximal qualities on either side of the reference point.
  • the word “substantially” may be used merely to indicate an intention that the term it qualifies should not be read too literally and that the word could mean “sufficiently”, “mostly” or “near enough” for the patentee's purposes.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a refrigeration network monitoring system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
  • a system 10 specifically designed for monitoring a plurality of refrigeration installations 12, which for example could include any commercial or non-commercial chillers, refrigerators and freezers.
  • a sensor device 20 in the form of a hub is provided with each of the refrigeration installations 12 for obtaining sensed data using one or more connected sensors with respect to each refrigeration installation 12 and for communicating with a remote server 30.
  • the remote server 30 is configured to receive output data from the sensor device 20, process the data received and provide notifications to the store operator.
  • the system 10 is also configured such that the remote server 30 is able to provide command instructions to a controller 22 of the sensor device 20 to run diagnostics and/or adjust one or more operating parameters of the relevant refrigeration installation 12.
  • the sensor device 20 of the present invention may be built into new refrigeration installations 12 or retrofitted into existing refrigeration installations 12. Details of the system 10 will now be described below.
  • the sensor device 20 comprises a computing device 24 in a housing 21 and the computing device 24 is connected with a network transmitter 25 and one or more sensors 28.
  • the computing device 24 can be in the form of any suitable microcontroller or field programmable device (such as an H3 Cortex- A7) with on-board and/or external storage memory (for example, eMMC flash storage).
  • a range of sensors 28 or sensor systems may be used with the present invention, a non-limiting list of examples used in some the preferred embodiments are provided:
  • Infra-red sensor detects airflow blockage, also used as a blinds sensor
  • the one or more sensors 28 are connected to the computing device 24 to provide output data to the computing device 24, which is stored in the memory and/or sent via the network transmitter 25 to the remote server 30 for further processing.
  • the network transmitter 25 may be configured to have Ethernet and/or Wi-Fi connectivity capability for connecting to the internet or a local network. In some embodiments, the network transmitter 25 may also be provided with other capabilities such as cellular signal access via 4G, LTE, 5G for example for network connection. It is to be understood that the monitoring system 10 could be used for monitoring a single refrigeration installation 12 or a plurality of such refrigeration installations 12 remotely and in real-time.
  • the remote server 30 could take into account proximity of the refrigeration installations 12 with respect to one another to allow for efficient monitoring of like-installations 12 (for example, monitoring all chillers in a single supermarket store or monitoring installations 12 based on location).
  • sensor device 20 of the monitoring system 10 in accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention may comprise other sensors 28 and perform functions for use with refrigeration installations 12 not specifically described herein.
  • the computing device 24 may also act as a controller 26 which is connected to operating circuits of the refrigeration installation 12 such that power and/or other operating parameters of the installation may be altered by commands as instructed by the remote server 30.
  • the controller 26 may consist of a device separate from the computing device 24.
  • the system may include one or a combination of the following functions or features: a temperature sensor; a customer detecting sensor according to embodiments of the invention; an inlet blockage sensor; a door sensor; a defrost sensor according to an embodiment of the invention; a drain sensor and drain calibration; a blinds sensor and blinds sensor calibration; a fan sensor and fan calibration.
  • a temperature sensor a customer detecting sensor according to embodiments of the invention
  • an inlet blockage sensor a door sensor
  • a defrost sensor according to an embodiment of the invention
  • a drain sensor and drain calibration a blinds sensor and blinds sensor calibration
  • a fan sensor and fan calibration a fan sensor and fan calibration.
  • a proximity sensor (such as a Hall effect sensor) may be used when installing the sensor device 20 to the refrigeration installation 12 such that the status of the door will be monitored by the proximity sensor and subsequently conveyed to the computing device 24 for transmission via the network transmitter 25 to the remote server 30.
  • the remote server 30 When the remote server 30 received output data from the sensor that indicates the door of the refrigeration installation 12 as monitored has been in the open status beyond a predetermined threshold value (for example time in seconds), then an alert notification is sent by the remote server 30 to the store operator and/or to a display connected to the sensor device 20.
  • a predetermined threshold value for example time in seconds
  • the predetermined threshold values to be used by the remote server 30 can be configured by the store operator via an online website portal to which is configured to be associated with the remote server 30.
  • the monitoring system 10 Another function of the monitoring system 10 is the detection of the night blinds of the refrigeration installation 12 (when applicable) by the sensor device 20 using an infra-red sensor connected to the computing device 24.
  • the infra-red sensor is installed and calibrated such that the sensor is able to detect when the night blinds are positioned in use and when the blinds are open.
  • the monitoring system 10 has a controller 26 capable of interfacing with the refrigeration installation 12 so that when the night blinds are detected to be in use, the speed and performance of the evaporator fan of the installation 12 for example is reduced to lower energy use.
  • Other ways to reduce energy use may also be employed. This feature usefully aligns energy use of the refrigeration installations 12 with a store's operating hours in an effective manner while maintaining safe operating temperatures overnight. Instructions to reduce energy use of the installation 12 may be sent by the sensor device 20 or by the remote server 30.
  • the monitoring system 10 also comprises an infra-red sensor to monitor airflow in the air inlet and return air inlet of the refrigeration installation 12. If the remote server 30 detects from the sensor output data the presence of deflected airflow in the refrigeration installation 12 then a notification will be sent to the store operator to check whether the return air inlet of the installation 12 is inadvertently blocked by any products. Promptly removing any airflow blockages will improve refrigeration efficiency and reduce energy consumption. Infra-red sensors may also be used to detect if important airflow corridors inside the refrigeration space are obstructed by products.
  • the monitoring system 10 may also comprise one or more capsense sensors to detect the water level of refrigeration installation 12 drainages.
  • a sensor output indicating consistently high water level when compared with a predetermined threshold could be a sign of water flow blockage in the drain.
  • the remote server 30 can be configured to detect instances of high water level or prolonged high water levels and send appropriate notifications to the store operator for maintenance action. Identifying and resolving drain blockage issues promptly reduces the risk of water overflow causing damage to the store, long-term damages to the refrigeration installation 12 and expensive repair costs. Detecting drainage issues early also reduces the need for expensive chemical drain clearance when the blockage has become a significant issue, which involves time-consuming process of unloading goods from the installation 12 and disruption of sales from the time required to clear the blockage.
  • Another sensor that could be included with the monitoring system 10 is a capsense ice mesh sensor calibrated in the refrigeration installation 12 to detect when the evaporator coil requires defrosting.
  • Frosting of the evaporator coil reduces effectiveness of the installation 12, leads to temperature fluctuations inside the refrigerated space (which could cause microbe growth in the products) and occurs more frequently in high humidity environments.
  • defrosting involves a time-based cycle, detecting the optimal time to undertake defrosting of the refrigeration installations 12 will reduce time required to complete defrosting cycles, improve refrigeration performance and reduce energy consumption.
  • Performance of refrigeration installations 12 is determined by the effectiveness of the evaporator fan motors providing optimal air circulation.
  • Sensors such as current sensor and/or airflow sensors can be used by the remote server 30 to automatically monitor fan motor operations to detect any drop of air pressure below a predetermined threshold.
  • the remote server 30 can be configured such that if air pressure, as detected by the output data of the sensors, drops below a certain threshold for a prolonged period of time then a relevant notification is sent to the store operator for investigation.
  • servicing refrigeration installations 12 on early signs of maintenance reduce the risk of significant and prolonged equipment failure, reduces the risk of having products stored in unsafe refrigeration temperatures and maximises equipment uptime.
  • the monitoring system 10 may be provided with a temperature sensor to monitor the temperature inside the refrigeration space for compliance. Output data from the temperature sensor will be sent to the remote server 30 and then made available to the store operator in the form of a report so that manual temperature checks will not be required. This not only saves significant time when compared with manual temperature checks of each installation, but if the output data indicates that temperatures are outside of normal operating ranges then the remote server 30 can be configured to send an alert to the store operator for prompt action.
  • the monitoring system 10 is provided with sensors to detect foot traffic and count the number of customers that walk past the refrigeration installation 12 and/or record the amount of time customers linger around the installation 12. Sensors such as LIDAR, sonar, infra-red or other suitable detection mechanisms may be used.
  • LIDAR sensors may be installed on the left and right sides of the refrigeration installation and provide time-stamped output data to the remote server indicative of when someone has walked past the sensors and the time elapsed between the left and right sensors. This can be used by the remote server 30 to determine if customers have simply walked past the refrigeration installation 12 or stayed between the sensors (likely examining the products within) if the time a customer stayed between the sensors is above a certain threshold value. This information are highly useful metrics for a store operator to assist with the optimisation of product allocation and marketing activities.
  • the remote server 30 and the output data from the sensor device 20 as received by the remote server 30, analytical data processed by the remote server 30 as well as controller and notification settings can be accessed by a user (such as a store operator) via website interfaces.
  • preferred embodiments of the present invention relates to an Internet of Things (loT) system that interfaces with a remote computing platform (a "cloud network”) that can be used for detecting and capturing data in a refrigeration case (for example, a unit or installation) for monitoring, sending alarms, optimising operating parameters, as well as other commercial uses such as sending sales and marketing messages across a plurality of refrigeration cases.
  • a remote computing platform for example, a unit or installation
  • the loT system uses plug and play microcomputer controllers capable of interfacing with a cloud network or a designated remote server.
  • the remote server is in communication with at least one loT sensor device provided at a respective refrigeration installation, wherein the loT device captures the data and passed through the microcontroller to the Cloud remote server which is configured to: monitoring, analysing on actioning notification message to the refrigeration installation and/or a user when the at least one monitored parameter triggers based on one or more predetermined threshold values.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Automation & Control Theory (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Computing Systems (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Medical Informatics (AREA)
  • Cold Air Circulating Systems And Constructional Details In Refrigerators (AREA)
  • Devices That Are Associated With Refrigeration Equipment (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un système de surveillance de réseau de réfrigération, comprenant : un serveur distant en communication avec au moins un dispositif capteur disposé au niveau d'une installation de réfrigération respective, le serveur distant étant configuré pour : surveiller le fonctionnement de l'installation de réfrigération respective sur la base de données de sortie reçues en provenance dudit dispositif capteur ; déterminer la valeur d'au moins un paramètre surveillé de l'installation de réfrigération sur la base des données de sortie reçues en provenance dudit dispositif capteur ; et envoyer un message de notification à l'installation de réfrigération et/ou à un utilisateur lorsque ledit paramètre surveillé dépasse une ou plusieurs valeurs de seuil prédéterminées.
PCT/AU2023/050430 2022-05-20 2023-05-22 Système et dispositif de surveillance de réseau de réfrigération WO2023220788A1 (fr)

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AU2022901357A AU2022901357A0 (en) 2022-05-20 Refrigeration network monitoring system and device
AU2022901357 2022-05-20

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US20180347895A1 (en) * 2015-03-04 2018-12-06 Maersk Line A/S Control system for automatic controlling reefer container resources
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