JP3311081B2 - Ice-containing fluid supply system - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to a method for converting a special solution into a solute,
An ice making machine that freezes water in a heat source fluid with a solvent as a solvent to produce an ice-containing fluid and a heat storage tank or a heat exchanger are connected via a supply pipe and a return pipe, and manufactured by an ice machine. The present invention relates to an ice-containing fluid supply system configured to supply an ice-containing fluid to a heat storage tank or a heat exchanger.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In this type of ice-containing fluid supply system,
For example, it is not possible to avoid the occurrence of leakage at a sealed portion of a pump or a piping system. Even if the amount of leakage is small, the amount becomes large when the operation time is long.

In addition, as this kind of heat source fluid, brine, which is an aqueous solution using a special solution as a solute and using water as a solvent, having a lower freezing point than water and a higher specific gravity than ice, is generally used. Because it leaks with ice,
Since the concentration of the leaked solution is high, the concentration of the heat source fluid supplied to the ice maker decreases, and as a result, ice easily adheres to the inner surface of the ice maker, and a large power is supplied to drive the motor of the ice maker. And damage may occur.

Therefore, conventionally, utilizing the fact that the concentration and the electrical conductivity are in a proportional relationship, the electrical conductivity is measured to measure the concentration of the heat source fluid to detect that the concentration has decreased. Or take a part of it as a sample, analyze the sample and measure the concentration of the heat source fluid to detect that the concentration has decreased, and repair any leaks based on the measurement results. Or replenish the stock solution of special solution.

[0005]

However, in the case of the method for measuring the electric conductivity, there is a disadvantage that the measuring equipment and equipment are large and expensive. On the other hand, in the case of a method for analyzing a sample, the fact is that the analysis is outsourced to a specialized company, etc., which has the disadvantage that the concentration measurement is expensive. All of the ice must be melted so that the ice is not contained in the working fluid, and it takes time and effort to detect a decrease in concentration, and the operation must be interrupted.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an ice-containing fluid supply system according to the first aspect of the present invention is a heat source fluid using a special solution as a solute and water as a solvent. The purpose of the present invention is to provide an ice-containing fluid supply system according to the invention according to claim 2, wherein the detection of the decrease in the concentration of the solution at
It is an object of the present invention to improve the detection accuracy of the concentration decrease.

[0007]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an ice-containing fluid supply system, wherein a special solution is used as a solute and water is used as a solvent for a heat source.
An ice maker that freezes water in it to produce an ice-containing fluid and a heat storage tank or a heat exchanger are connected via a supply pipe and a return pipe, and the ice-containing fluid produced by the ice machine is stored in a heat storage tank or In an ice-containing fluid supply system configured to supply to a heat exchanger, an inlet temperature sensor that measures the temperature of a heat source fluid at an inlet of the supply pipe to the ice maker, and an inlet temperature sensor that measures the temperature of the return pipe from the ice maker. An outlet temperature sensor that measures the temperature of the heat source fluid at the outlet, and a temperature that calculates a temperature difference between the temperature of the heat source fluid measured by the inlet temperature sensor and the temperature of the heat source fluid measured by the outlet temperature sensor. A difference calculating unit configured to determine whether the temperature difference calculated by the temperature difference calculating unit is within a set range, and output an alarm signal when the temperature difference is within the set range. I do.

The second aspect of the present invention provides an ice-containing fluid supply system according to the first aspect of the present invention.
The alarm control means described in the above, it is determined whether the temperature difference calculated by the temperature difference calculation means is within the set range, the temperature difference is within the set range, and is measured by the inlet temperature sensor or the outlet temperature sensor The temperature determining means for determining whether the temperature of the heat source fluid is higher than the set temperature is configured to output an alarm signal when it is determined that the temperature is higher than the set temperature.

[0009]

The present inventors have assiduously studied and, as a result, have found the following characteristics of an ice maker. That is, as shown in the schematic configuration diagram of FIG. 4, in the ice making machine 2, generally, the ice making units 2 a are connected in series in multiple stages, and a flow path from an inlet i to the ice making machine 2 to an outlet o is provided. The concentration of the solution at the outlet o is higher than the concentration of the solution in the heat source fluid at the inlet i due to the ice making,
The ice making temperature will decrease. Therefore, as shown in the graph of FIG. 5, when the concentration at the beginning of the operation is low (for example, 6%), a large temperature difference occurs between the inlet temperature ti and the outlet temperature to, and the ice making is completed. Even in the stable operation state at normal time when the concentration is high (for example, 12%),
A temperature difference of about 0.5 ° C occurs. On the other hand, when the concentration of the solution decreases due to the leakage of the solution, the change in the concentration due to ice making becomes small, and the temperature difference between the inlet temperature ti and the outlet temperature to becomes smaller.

According to the configuration of the ice-containing fluid supply system according to the first aspect of the present invention, it is determined whether or not the temperature difference between the inlet and the outlet to the ice making machine is within a set range by paying attention to the above characteristics. When it is determined that the temperature difference has fallen within the set range, it is determined that the concentration has decreased, and an alarm is issued to prompt an appropriate action such as replenishing the stock solution or repairing the location where the leak has occurred. it can.

Further, in addition to the above-mentioned characteristics, as the concentration of the solution decreases, not only the temperature difference between the inlet and the outlet to the ice making machine falls within the set range, as shown by the dashed line in FIG.
It has also been found that the temperature of the solution at the inlet in that state is higher than normal, and according to the configuration of the ice-containing fluid supply system of the invention according to claim 2, this characteristic is also taken into consideration. When the difference is within the set range and the temperature of the heat source fluid at the inlet to the ice machine or at the outlet from the ice machine is higher than the set temperature, it is determined that the concentration has decreased, and an alarm is generated, Appropriate measures such as replenishing the undiluted solution or repairing the location where the leak occurred can be encouraged.

[0012]

Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is an overall system configuration diagram showing an embodiment of an ice-containing fluid supply system according to the present invention.
This shows a heat storage tank for storing cold water mixed with ice as an ice-containing fluid. In this heat storage tank 1, a special solution is used as a solute, and water is used as a solvent.
The ice making machine 2 that freezes the water in the heat source fluid to generate an ice-containing fluid is provided via a first supply pipe 4 and a first return pipe 5 with a first pump 3 interposed therebetween. Communication is established.

A heat exchanger 9 is connected to the heat storage tank 1 via a second supply pipe 7 for taking out cold water and a second return pipe 8 provided with a second pump 6 interposed therebetween. At the same time, a secondary pipe 10 is connected to the heat exchanger 9, and the secondary pipe 10 is configured to supply cold water to, for example, a heat exchanger for cooling provided in a building. ing.

At the inlet of the first supply pipe 4 to the ice making machine 2, the temperature of the heat source fluid flowing therethrough (inlet temperature ti)
And an inlet temperature sensor 11 for measuring
An outlet temperature sensor 12 for measuring the temperature (outlet temperature to) of the heat source fluid flowing therethrough is provided at the outlet side of the return pipe 5 from the ice making machine 2.

An inlet temperature sensor 11 and an outlet temperature sensor 12 are connected to a microcomputer 13, and an alarm lamp 14 attached to the ice making machine 2 is connected to the microcomputer 13. The alarm lamp 14 may be turned on or off when an abnormality occurs, and an alarm buzzer may be used in place of the alarm lamp 14, which are collectively referred to as alarm means. As shown in the block diagram of FIG. 2, the microcomputer 13 is provided with a temperature difference calculating means 15, an alarm control means 16, and an inlet temperature determining means 17.

In the temperature difference calculating means 15, the inlet temperature ti of the heat source fluid measured by the inlet temperature sensor 11 and the outlet temperature t of the heat source fluid measured by the outlet temperature sensor 12 are calculated.
The temperature difference Δt with respect to o is calculated. The alarm control means 16 determines whether or not the temperature difference Δt calculated by the temperature difference calculation means 15 is within a set range, and outputs an alarm signal when the temperature difference Δt is within the set range. ing. In the inlet temperature determining means 17, the inlet temperature ti of the heat source fluid measured by the inlet temperature sensor 11.
Is determined to be higher than the set temperature ts, and an alarm signal is output when it is determined that the inlet temperature ti is higher than the set temperature ts.

Next, the operation of the microcomputer 13 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. First, the temperature difference Δt between the inlet temperature ti and the outlet temperature to of the heat source fluid is calculated by the temperature difference calculating means 15 (S
1) whether the temperature difference is within a set range,
It is determined whether the temperature is lower than 0.3 ° C. (S2).

If the temperature difference is not smaller than 0.3.degree. C., it is determined that the state is normal, and the process returns to step S1. If the temperature difference is smaller than 0.3.degree. After 10 minutes, it is determined whether the inlet temperature ti is higher than the set temperature ts (S4).

In step S4, if the inlet temperature ti is not higher than the set temperature ts, it is determined that it is in a normal state, and the process returns to step S1. On the other hand, if the inlet temperature ti is higher than the set temperature ts, an alarm signal is output. Then, the alarm lamp 14 is turned on or blinks to notify that the density has decreased (S5).

With the above configuration, the special solution is converted into a solute,
Continuously and automatically monitors whether or not the concentration of the solution in the heat source fluid using as a solvent is lower than a predetermined value, and detects when the solution concentration is lower than a predetermined value. Then, an appropriate measure such as replenishing the undiluted solution or repairing the location of the leak can be taken at an early stage.

As the ice-containing fluid in which water in the heat source fluid is frozen , for example, a special solution such as ethylene glycol, glycerin, propylene glycol, ethanol, calcium chloride or the like is used as a solute and water is used as a solvent. An aqueous solution is used which uses brine, which is an aqueous solution having a low specific gravity and a specific gravity greater than ice, and which freezes the water in the brine by an ice machine to produce a sherbet-like ice slurry.

In the above embodiment, the ice-containing fluid obtained by the ice making machine 2 is supplied to the heat storage tank 1 and taken out from the heat storage tank 1 to the heat exchanger 9. A configuration may be adopted in which the ice-containing fluid obtained by the ice making machine 2 is directly supplied to the heat exchanger 9 without providing 1.

In the above embodiment, in addition to the difference between the temperatures of the heat source fluid at the inlet and the outlet of the ice making machine 2, the inlet temperature determining means 17 determines whether or not the inlet temperature is higher than the set temperature, and determines whether the concentration has decreased. Although the detection can be performed with higher accuracy, the invention according to claim 1 may not include the inlet temperature determining means 17. An outlet temperature determining means for determining whether or not the outlet temperature is higher than the set temperature may be provided in place of the inlet temperature so that the concentration decrease can be detected more accurately. Means are collectively referred to as temperature determining means.

[0024]

As described above, according to the ice-containing fluid supply system according to the first aspect of the present invention, the temperature of the heat source fluid at each of the inlet and the outlet of the ice maker is adjusted by focusing on the characteristics of the ice maker. By simply providing an outlet temperature sensor and an inlet temperature sensor for measurement, it is determined whether or not the concentration has decreased based on the temperature difference. Therefore, the device configuration can be simplified and inexpensive, and only the temperature in the low temperature range is measured. Therefore, it is possible to easily use a high-accuracy temperature sensor to improve the detection accuracy of the concentration decrease. In addition, since an alarm is issued to notify that the concentration has dropped, the abnormal state is not unexpectedly continued, and appropriate measures such as replenishing the stock solution and repairing the location where the leak has occurred are encouraged to ensure good operation. It can be carried out.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, not only is the temperature difference between the inlet and the outlet of the ice making machine within the set range, but also the inlet or the outlet to the ice making machine. In addition to the fact that the temperature of the heat source fluid at the outlet from the ice making machine is higher than the set temperature, it is determined that the concentration has decreased and an alarm is issued, so the detection accuracy of the concentration decrease is further improved and Good operation can be performed.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an overall system configuration diagram showing an embodiment of an ice-containing fluid supply system according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart.

FIG. 4 is a schematic configuration diagram of an ice making machine.

FIG. 5 is a graph showing the change over time in the temperature of a solution.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Thermal storage tank 2 ... Ice machine 4 ... 1st supply side piping 5 ... 1st return side piping 9 ... Heat exchanger 11 ... Inlet temperature sensor 12 ... Outlet temperature sensor 15 ... Temperature difference calculation means 16 ... Alarm control means 17 ... Inlet temperature discrimination means

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuation of front page (56) References JP-A-4-165242 (JP, A) JP-A-51-14744 (JP, A) JP-A-5-340569 (JP, A) JP-A-5-145569 157295 (JP, A) (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) F24F 5/00 102 F25C 1/00

Claims (2)

(57) [Claims] A supply-side pipe and a return-side pipe are connected to an ice-making machine for generating ice-containing fluid by freezing water in a heat source fluid using water as a solvent with a special solution as a solute, and a supply-side pipe and a return-side pipe. And an ice-containing fluid supply system configured to supply the ice-containing fluid produced by the ice-making machine to the heat storage tank or the heat exchanger, wherein an inlet of the supply-side pipe to the ice-making machine is provided. An inlet temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the heat source fluid at the outlet, an outlet temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the heat source fluid at the outlet of the return pipe from the ice making machine, and an inlet temperature sensor. Temperature difference calculating means for calculating a temperature difference between the temperature of the heat source fluid and the temperature of the heat source fluid measured by the outlet temperature sensor, and determining whether the temperature difference calculated by the temperature difference calculating means is within a set range. And the temperature difference is set And an alarm control means for outputting an alarm signal when it is in the enclosure. 2. The alarm control unit according to claim 1, wherein the alarm control unit determines whether the temperature difference calculated by the temperature difference calculation unit is within a set range. An ice-containing fluid that outputs an alarm signal when it is determined that the temperature of the heat source fluid measured by the sensor or the outlet temperature sensor is higher than the set temperature when the temperature of the heat source fluid is higher than the set temperature. Feeding system.