TEMPERATURE CONTROL DEVICE, SYSTEM COMPRISING A TEMPERATURE CONTROL DEVICE, AND METHOD OF CHANGING AN OPERATING STATE OF AN ELECTRONIC COMPONENT

Abstract

Example embodiments relate to a temperature control device, wherein a control unit performs the following steps to change an operating state of an electronic component: the control unit outputs an intention signal, the control unit receives and evaluates signals during a waiting time, and in case neither an intention signal from another unit having a higher priority, nor a change signal is present within the waiting time, the control unit outputs a change signal and changes the operating state of the electronic component. Example embodiments further relate to a system including a temperature control device and to a method of changing an operating state of an electronic component.

Description

FIELD OF DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to a temperature control device. The present disclosure further relates to a system comprising at least one temperature control device. The present disclosure further relates to a method of changing an operating state of an electronic component. The temperature control device is preferably suitable for controlling the temperature of the air in a room or a medium, for example water. This involves, for example, an air conditioner.

BACKGROUND

If electronic apparatus or components which may also be considered as electrical loads are switched on, or if an operating or working state is changed, the power requirement in many cases increases sharply for a certain switch-on time. This may be problematic for the energy supply. A difficulty occurs when an entire system having a plurality of electronic components is present, all of which are supplied by a common source of energy. In particular, the simultaneous starting of components may lead to an overloading. This can be compensated by dimensioning the source of energy appropriately large to provide sufficient energy for this special periods. However, for normal operation, the source of energy would then generally be oversized. In the prior art, it is therefore known that a central unit controls the individual components and prevents simultaneous starting or changing in an operating state. The disadvantage thereof is that such a special central unit must be present, the latter requiring regular maintenance and being critical for the functioning of the overall system.

Document DE 10 2018 130 625 A1 describes a supply network in which loads are switched on individually. For this purpose, it is provided in one configuration that reservation signals are used.

In air conditioners, it is known, for example, that switching on a compressor compressing the coolant used can lead to very high switch-on currents. If, for example, the compressors of several air conditioners in a mobile home are now switched on simultaneously, the power supply can thus be overloaded.

The object on which the present disclosure is based consists in solving the problem given in the prior art of simultaneous switching-on of several electronic components in a system.

SUMMARY

According to a first teaching, the present disclosure achieves the object by means of a temperature control device. According to a second teaching, the present disclosure achieves the object by means of a system comprising a temperature control device. According to a third teaching, the present disclosure achieves the object by a method of changing an operating state of an electronic component.

The present disclosure achieves the object by a temperature control device, comprising a control unit, an electronic component, an energy supply interface, and a communication interface, wherein the electronic component receives electrical energy via the energy supply interface, wherein the control unit sends and receives signals via the communication interface, wherein the control unit acts on the electronic component such that an operating state of the electronic component changes, wherein a change in the operating state leads at least temporarily to a change in the need of the electronic component for electrical energy, wherein the control unit performs at least the following steps to change the operating state of the electronic component: the control unit outputs an intention signal via the communication interface, during a waiting time, the control unit receives signals via the communication interface and evaluates them to determine whether they are an intention signal from another unit or a change signal from another unit, and in case neither an intention signal from another unit having a higher priority than the temperature control device, nor a change signal from another unit is present within the waiting time, the control unit outputs a change signal via the communication interface and changes the operating state of the electronic component.

In one configuration, the temperature control device is an air conditioner. In an alternative configuration, it is a heater. In a further configuration, the temperature control device is a refrigerator.

The temperature control device has an electronic component which is characterized, for example, by having a high switching-on current. It thus requires, for example, considerably more current upon switching-on than during ongoing operation. In this example, the change in the operating state would thus be the switching on of the electronic component. Alternatively, the change in the operating state is the increase of a power level, for example. Generally, changes in operating states are preferably considered which lead to a higher energy requirement during or within a certain time after the change. In addition to the electronic component, the temperature control device comprises a control unit acting on the electronic component. An energy supply interface and a communication interface are furthermore provided.

In case an operating state of the electronic component is to be changed, i.e. if in particular a moment of increased energy requirement is approaching, the control unit performs the following steps using the communication interface: an intention signal (a “request signal”, short form: RS) is output via which the control unit informs all other units receiving signals from the temperature control device that a change in the operating state is intended. During a waiting time, the control unit listens for signals via the communication interface, receives signals, if necessary, and evaluates them.

The relevant signals respectively belong to one of two classes: they can be other intention signals by means of which the control units of other units, for example other temperature control devices, communicate their intention to change an operating state of an electronic component. However, they may also be change signals (“turning on signal”, short form: TOS) from other units, indicating that a change in the operating state is already carried out. If a change signal is present, there is already an increased need for energy in the system so that in this period, the electronic component of the temperature control device should just not undergo a change in the operating state thereof. If an intention signal from another unit is present, it is relevant whether the other unit has a higher priority than the temperature control device. If this is the case, the other unit thus quasi has “right of way” and can make a change in an operating state first. If the priority of the other unit is lower than that of the temperature control device, the temperature control device can change the operating state of the electronic component thereof first. Overall, the control unit waits for a predefined waiting time (Tw). Then—after the waiting time Tw—it changes the operating state of the electronic component if there is no change signal and no intention signal from a unit having a higher priority. The control unit sends out its change signal to signalize that this change takes place and thus no other unit should make a change.

Overall, it is thus ensured that a change in an operating state and thus an increased energy demand only occurs if no other unit is currently changing an operating state and no unit having a higher rank wants to make a change. The associated signals are received and evaluated within a time window having a predetermined duration (the waiting time). Therefore, there is a start delay which depends on the waiting time each time the operating state is changed.

According to example embodiments, ensuring that only one unit is respectively switched on in a system is not realized centrally, but by the temperature control device of the units themselves. Therefore, such a source of energy is sufficient which is designed for the increased energy requirement for the change of an operating state of only one electronic component.

The following configurations relate to the response of the temperature control device to intention signals and change signals.

One configuration of the temperature control device provides that in case an intention signal from another unit is present and the other unit has a higher priority than the temperature control device, the control unit receives and evaluates signals during the restarting waiting time. In this configuration, the case is handled in which the control unit receives an intention signal from a unit having a higher priority than the temperature control device. Therefore, this is a case in which the temperature control device has to wait for the other unit. It is thus provided that the control unit again starts receiving and evaluating signals, wherein in this configuration, the entire waiting time starts again from the beginning. Thus, a counter or a timer, for example, is set to zero again.

An alternative or additional configuration of the temperature control device consists in that in case a change signal is present, the control unit receives and evaluates signals during the restarting waiting time. In this case, another unit is just changing an operating state of an electronic component, thus switching it on, for example. For this case, the temperature control device restarts the waiting time and receives signals. The other unit thus has at least the waiting time for changing the operating time. This also results in a criterion for dimensioning the waiting time. In any case, it should be longer than the time during which the units or the temperature control device has the increased energy requirement. Or in other words: after the waiting time, the energy requirement of the electronic components in the system in which the temperature control device and the other unit or the other units are located, should be back at a normal level so that the operating state of the electronic components of the temperature control device can be changed without overloading the power supply.

A further configuration of the temperature control device provides that the control unit outputs the intention signal several times. Alternatively, the intention signal is permanently output. It is thus ensured in both variants that other units or other temperature control devices which are connected with the temperature control device via a communication channel receive the intention channel within the waiting time.

According to a configuration of the temperature control device, it is provided that in case the control unit outputs the change signal via the communication interface, the control unit also stops outputting the intention signal. Therefore, if the control unit changes the operating state and outputs a change signal to announce this, the intention signal is no longer sent.

A configuration of the temperature control device provides that the control unit outputs the intention signal such that the intention signal comprises information about the priority of the temperature control device. The temperature control device is associated with a priority. The priority may be, for example, factory-set during manufacture or be specified during assembly in an overall system. Information about the priority of the temperature control device is output by the control unit via the intention signal such that other units which receive the intention signal of the temperature control device can determine whether or not they have to wait for the temperature control device. This is realized depending on the respective priorities thereof.

One configuration of the temperature control device consists in that the control unit outputs the change signal several times within a starting time and/or with an interval time via the communication interface. The starting time is the time necessary for changing the operating state, thus, for example, for starting the electronic component, until the energy demand has passed the initial peak.

One configuration of the temperature control device provides that the temperature control device is configured as an air conditioner and that the electronic component is a compressor. The compressor serves to compress the coolant and generally requires a very high current during start-up.

According to a second teaching, the present disclosure achieves the object by means of a system comprising a temperature control device, at least one other unit, a communication channel via which the temperature control device and the at least one other unit transmit signals, and a source of energy which supplies the temperature control device and the at least one other unit with electrical energy. The temperature control device is configured in accordance with any of the preceding of following configurations. The explanations relating to the temperature control device thus also apply accordingly to the system comprising the temperature control device. They are therefore not repeated. Conversely, the explanations and configurations of the system also apply accordingly to the temperature control device as a part of the system. In one configuration, the system comprises a plurality of temperature control devices which are designed according to the present disclosure in accordance with any of the above or following variants.

In the system according to example embodiments, the temperature control device and the other units of which at least one must be present and which are also temperature control devices, for example, communicate via a common communication channel. The communication is implemented, for example, in a wired or wireless manner, for example by radio. The source of energy is for example implemented by a generator or accumulator. In one configuration, the system comprises a plurality of air conditioners as temperature control device and other units. These air conditioners each comprise a control unit for performing the steps of changing an operating state of an electronic component. The electronic component is for example a compressor so that changing the operating state is turning on the compressor. The individual air conditioners each have a priority via which the order of priority in changing the operating state is predefined. The temperature control devices and the other units synchronize the change in operating states of electronic components independently and without a central unit. Therefore, the source of energy is to be designed only so as to be sufficient for the case of a change in an operating state of one electronic component. It is not necessary that the capacity can be provided for changing the operating state of more than one electronic component.

According to a further teaching, the present disclosure achieves the object by means of a method of changing an operating state of an electronic component, wherein an intention signal is output, wherein during a waiting time, signals are received and evaluated to determine whether they are an intention signal from another unit or a change signal from another unit, and wherein in case neither an intention signal from another unit having a higher priority than a unit associated with the electronic component, nor a change signal is present within the waiting time, a change signal is output and the operating state of the electronic component is changed.

Therefore, the method generally describes the changing of an operating state of an electronic component. This in particular involves such an electronic component which belongs to a device located in a system and which is supplied by a common source of energy along with other electronic components or apparatus. In this system, a common communication channel is further preferably provided so that a signal exchange can take place. The signal exchange allows synchronization between the devices. No central unit is thus required therefor as in the prior art.

The explanations as to the temperature control device and the system, and the configurations also apply accordingly to the method. A repetition is thus omitted. Furthermore, the method may generally also be implemented in a system comprising electronic components which each belong to separate units and the changes in operating states of which are synchronized. The separate units may also all be designed differently from a temperature control device. For example, one variant involves cranes at a common construction site, or washing machines or dryers in a laundromat.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

In detail, there are a multitude of possibilities for designing and further developing the temperature control device, the system and the method according to the present disclosure. For this purpose, reference is made, on the one hand, to the claims subordinate to the independent claims, and, on the other hand, to the description below of example embodiments in conjunction with the drawing, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of a system comprising a temperature control device, and

FIG. 2 shows a schematic representation of a time sequence of a synchronization between two units of a system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 schematically shows a system 100 comprising a temperature control device 1 and two other units 2, 3 which are, for example, also temperature control units.

Each of the three temperature control devices 1, 2, 3 has a control unit 10, 20, 30 and one electronic component 11, 21, 31. The control units 10, 20, 30 each act on the electronic components 11, 21, 31 with respect to the change in an operating state. This is here, for example, the starting of the electronic components 11, 21, 31.

More specifically, in this illustrated example, the temperature control devices 10, 20, 30 are air conditioners distributed in an interior space. The electronic components 11, 21, 31 are each compressors which compress the coolant used for the cooling process. The starting of the compressors 11, 21, 31 as a change in the operating state from “switched-off” to “switched on” respectively leads to a very high switch-on current.

The electrical current is here provided by a common source of energy 5. The three temperature control devices 1, 2, 3 each have an energy supplying interface 12 to be connected to the source of energy 5.

To prevent several compressors 11, 21, 31 from being started simultaneously, the control units 10, 20, 30 are configured in a specific manner. This permits the use of such a source of energy 5 which is sufficiently dimensioned to allow the starting of one compressor 11, 21, 31. It is thus not necessary to select the source of energy 5 such that energy for more than one simultaneous starting can be provided. Furthermore, no central control unit which controls the individual air conditioners 1, 2, 3 is necessary, as the synchronization thereof is automatic and among one another.

A common communication channel 4 is provided for the synchronization. It can be implemented in a wired manner or, for example, by radio. The air conditioners 1, 2, 3 each have a communication interface 13 to send and receive signals.

In case a compressor 11 of a first air conditioner 1 is to be started, the associated control unit 10 outputs an intention signal RS (for request signal) which carries information about the priority of the first air conditioner 1. Furthermore, the control unit 10 listens for a predetermined waiting time Tw whether signals are transmitted via the communication channel 4 and receives the latter. The received signals are evaluated so as to determine whether they are intention signals RS from other air conditioners 2, 3 or change signals TOS (for turning on signal).

If intention signals RS are received, the priority of the emitting air conditioners 2, 3 is derived therefrom and compared with the own priority. In this illustrated example, the first air conditioner 1 has a higher priority than the second air conditioner 2 and a lower priority than the third air conditioner 3. If the second air condition 2 thus sends an intention signal RS, this is not relevant for the first air conditioner 1. However, if the third air conditioner 3 emits an intention signal RS, the latter takes precedence due to the higher priority. Consequently, the control unit 10 of the first air conditioner 1 again receives and evaluates signals for the waiting time Tw. The waiting process is thus extended for the first air conditioner 1.

If a change signal TOS has been received, this means that another air conditioner is already busy with the switching on of a compressor and thus causes an increased current requirement. Therefore, also in this case, the control unit 10 starts again listening for signals during the waiting time Tw and does not start its associated compressor 11.

If the waiting time Tw elapses without an intention signal RS from an air conditioner having a higher priority and without a change signal TOS, the control unit 10 starts the associated compressor 11 and sends itself a change signal TOS via the communication interface 13.

FIG. 2 shows by way of example the temporal signal progression of two temperature control devices according to example embodiments. For differentiation, the signals RS and TOS are provided with an index for the respective temperature control device.

The upper row shows the signals of a first temperature control device having a higher priority, and the lower row shows a second temperature control device having a lower priority. Here, both temperature control devices send their intention signals RS1, RS2 simultaneously to allow the start of a respective electronic component. They then receive the intention signals RS2, RS1 of the respective other temperature control device. As the first temperature control device has the higher priority, it can change the operating state of the electronic component after the waiting time Tw has elapsed. It sends a change signal TOS1 during a predefined starting time Ts. The second temperature control device receives the intention signal RS1 from the first temperature control device and recognizes on the basis of the priority that it has to wait for the waiting time Tw again. Within this period of time, the intention signal RS1 from the first temperature control device is meanwhile no longer present, but the change signal TOS1 thereof, so that the second temperature control device again waits for the waiting time Tw and receives signals. After the starting time Ts, the change signal TOS1 is no longer present, and the second temperature control device again waits for the waiting time Tw. After that, is also changes the operating state of the electronic component and sends its own change signal TOS2 with the interval time Ti.

Depending on the configuration of the system, the predefined waiting time Tw and the predefined starting time Ts must be at least so long that the respectively emitted signals (i.e. the request signal or the change signal) can be received and processed by all control units concerned—preferably depending on the respective interval time T. Therefore, this is also dependent on the characteristics of the communication channel and the processing speed of the control units.

Furthermore, the starting time Ts must be specified to be at least long enough until the critical switch-on current of the electronic component concerned has dropped sufficiently and preferably until the electronic component is safely in the changed operating state, has been put into operation, for example.

The predefined interval time Ti preferably depends on the available communication channel. Shorter times Ti increase the reaction speed of the system, but at the same time generate higher communication loads.

While the disclosure has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the disclosure. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the disclosure without departing from the essential scope thereof. While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

• • 1 temperature control device
  • 2 other unit
  • 3 other unit
  • 4 communication channel
  • 5 source of energy
  • 10 control unit
  • 11 electronic component
  • 12 energy supply interface
  • 13 communication interface
  • 100 system
  • RS, RS1, RS2 intention signal
  • Ti interval time
  • TOS, TOS1, TOS2 change signal
  • Ts starting time
  • Tw waiting time

Claims

1. A temperature control device, comprising:

a control unit,

an electronic component,

an energy supply interface, and

a communication interface,

wherein the electronic component receives electrical energy via the energy supply interface,

wherein the control unit sends and receives signals via the communication interface,

wherein the control unit acts on the electronic component such that an operating state of the electronic component changes,

wherein a change in the operating state leads at least temporarily to a change in the need of the electronic component for electrical energy,

wherein the control unit performs at least the following steps to change the operating state of the electronic component;

the control unit outputs an intention signal (RS) via the communication interface,

during a waiting time (Tw), the control unit receives signals via the communication interface and evaluates them to determine whether they are an intention signal (RS) from another unit or a change signal (TOS) from another unit, and

in case neither an intention signal (RS) from another unit having a higher priority than the temperature control device, nor a change signal (TOS) from another unit is present within the waiting time (Tw), the control unit outputs a change signal (TOS) via the communication interface and changes the operating state of the electronic component.

2. The temperature control device according to claim 1,

wherein in case an intention signal (RS) from another unit is present and the other unit has a higher priority than the temperature control device, the control unit receives and evaluates signals during the restarting waiting time (Tw).

3. The temperature control device according to claim 1,

wherein in case a change signal (TOS) is present, the control unit receives and evaluates signals during the restarting waiting time (Tw).

4. The temperature control device according to claim 1,

wherein the control unit outputs the intention signal (RS) several times.

5. The temperature control device according to claim 4,

wherein in case the control unit outputs the change signal (TOS) via the communication interface, the control unit also stops the output of the intention signal (RS).

6. The temperature control device according to claim 1,

wherein the control unit outputs the intention signal (RS) such that the intention signal (RS) comprises information about the priority of the temperature control device.

7. The temperature control device according to claim 1,

wherein the control unit outputs the change signal (TOS) several times within a starting time (Ts) and/or with an interval time via the communication interface.

8. The temperature control device according to claim 1,

wherein the temperature control device is configured as an air conditioner, and

wherein the electronic component is a compressor.

9. A system, comprising:

at least one temperature control device according to claim 1,

at least one other unit,

a communication channel via which the temperature control device and the at least one other unit transmit signals, and

a source of energy which supplies the temperature control device and the at least one other unit with electrical energy.

10. The system according to claim 9,

wherein the at least one other unit is configured as a temperature control device.

11. A method of changing an operating state of an electronic component, comprising:

outputting an intention signal (RS),

during a waiting time (Tw), receiving and evaluating signals to determine whether they the signals are an intention signal (RS) from another unit or a change signal from another unit, and

wherein in case neither an intention signal (RS) from another unit having a higher priority than a unit associated with the electronic component, nor a change signal (TOS) is present within the waiting time (Tw), a change signal (TOS) is output and the operating state of the electronic component is changed.