WO2017100897A1 - System and method for controlling a refrigeration network and computer-readable medium - Google Patents

Abstract

A system for controlling a refrigeration network is described, the refrigeration network (2, 2', 2'', 2''') including at least one refrigeration apparatus (3, 3', 3'', 3''') associated with a database via a communication network, the system including means for obtaining control and operation parameters from at least one refrigeration apparatus (3, 3', 3'', 3''') of the refrigeration network (2, 2', 2'', 2'''), means for generating, from the control and operation parameters obtained, at least one service platform (P1, P2, P3, P4) of the refrigeration apparatus (3, 3', 3'', 3''') of the refrigeration network (2, 2', 2'', 2'''). The system also includes means for indicating the service platform (P1, P2, P3, P4) generated to a manager (10, 10', 10'', 10''') of the refrigeration network (2, 2', 2'', 2'''), in which the indication of the service platform (P1, P2, P3, P4) to the manager (10, 10', 10'', 10''') of the refrigeration network (2, 2', 2'', 2''') enables the manager (10, 10', 10'', 10''') to perform at least one control action related to the refrigeration apparatus (3, 3', 3'', 3''') of the refrigeration network (2, 2', 2'', 2'''). A method for controlling a refrigeration network and a computer readable medium are also described.

Description

 Report of the Invention Patent for "SYSTEM AND METHOD OF CONTROLLING A COMPUTER COOLING NETWORK"

[001] The present invention relates to a control system of a refrigeration network. More specifically, a control system capable of obtaining control parameters from at least one refrigeration cooling equipment, wherein obtaining such control parameters allows the refrigeration manager to perform at least one control action. control related to refrigeration equipment of the refrigeration network. A method of controlling a cooling network and a computer readable medium in harmony with the proposed system and method are also discussed.

The present invention claims priority of the applications BR 10 2016 005847 3 (17/03/2016), BR 10 2015 032003 5 (12/18/15) and BR 10 2016 005844 9 (17/03/2016) whose contents are incorporated herein. Description of the prior art

[003] Cooling network managers (such as managers of a particular brand that has its refrigeration equipment allocated to commercial establishments) are constantly looking for ways to optimize the efficiency and control of their refrigerators and thereby exploit as much potential as their product can. may return.

Taking as a non-limiting example a particular beverage brand that has hundreds of refrigerators arranged in different parts of a city (thus establishing a refrigeration network), the state of the art is currently lacking in providing means for the manager This cooling network can control and manage all your equipment in real time, twenty four hours a day and 365 days a year.

More specifically, the state of the art is in providing means for the cooling system manager to have at his fingertips real-time information obtained from each of the cooling equipment that is part of his cooling network, where such information is referenced. as parameters control, provide information related to energy efficiency, product disposition and distribution, and management of each equipment that integrates the refrigeration network.

Even more specifically, the characteristic of grouping control parameters in a single access base is not known in the prior art, which is referred to herein as a service platform, where such a service platform can be accessed by the user. manager of a cooling network via a remote device associated with a communication network. Thus, when accessing the said service platform, the refrigeration network manager will have at hand control parameters of all refrigeration equipment that is part of its refrigeration network. Where such control parameters are updated in real time, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and 365 days a year. In this way, the refrigeration network manager will be able to perform control actions related to each of the control parameters obtained, in which such actions aim at optimizing the performance and use of the refrigeration equipment that is part of the refrigeration network.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION The object of the present invention is to provide a control system of a refrigeration network formed by at least one refrigeration equipment.

[0010] The present invention also has as its object the provision of a control system of a refrigeration network, in which the refrigerating apparatus that integrates said refrigeration network is connected to a communication network.

[001] The present invention also provides a cooling system control system capable of obtaining control parameters of at least one cooling system cooling equipment. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a control system of a refrigeration network wherein obtaining control parameters allows the refrigeration manager to perform at least one control action related to refrigeration equipment. of the cooling network.

[0013] The present invention also aims to provide a cooling system control system wherein the indication of the control parameters of cooling equipment takes place on a service platform accessible by the cooling system manager via a remote device associated with a communication network.

[0014] The present invention also aims to provide a cooling network control system in which cooling equipment control parameters are updated in real time, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and 365 days. per year. A further object of the present invention is the provision of a control system of a refrigeration network in which control parameters can be obtained for refrigeration equipment integrating different refrigeration networks.

[0016] The present invention also aims to provide a cooling network control system that is based on external data obtained from a plurality of applications, wherein such external data is used to generate a service loop.

A further object of the present invention is the provision of a control system of a refrigeration network which is further based on operating history data of the refrigeration equipment.

[0018] The present invention also aims to provide a cooling system control system that combines operating and control parameters, operating history data and external data.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a control system of a refrigeration network using a plurality of diagnostic and operating algorithms from operating and control parameters, operating history data and external data obtained.

[0020] The present invention also aims at a control system of a refrigeration network that is capable of acting on refrigeration equipment without interference from its manager, but only from the operating and control parameters, data of operation and external data obtained.

[0021] The present invention aims to provide a control system based on the concept of internet of things. Finally, the present invention aims at providing a method of controlling a cooling network and a computer readable medium in harmony with the proposed control system of a cooling network.

Brief Description of the Invention The objectives of the present invention are achieved by means of a control system of a refrigeration network, the refrigeration network comprising at least one refrigeration equipment associated with a database via a communication network, the system comprising: means for obtaining control and operating parameters of at least one refrigeration equipment of the cooling network, means for generating, from the obtained control and operating parameters, at least one equipment service platform cooling system.

The system further comprises means for indicating to a cooling system manager the generated service platform, wherein indicating the service platform to the cooling system manager allows the manager to perform at least one control action related to the cooling equipment of the cooling network. Also described is a method of controlling a cooling network and a computer readable medium.

[0026] Brief Description of the Drawings The present invention will hereinafter be described in more detail based on an exemplary embodiment shown in the drawings. The figures show:

Figure 1 is a representation of a refrigeration network comprising four refrigeration equipment and a single manager;

Figure 2 is a representation of two refrigeration networks, each comprising two refrigeration equipment, each network comprising its respective manager;

Figure 3 is a representation of four refrigeration networks each comprising a single refrigeration equipment, each equipment having its respective manager;

Figure 4 is a representation of the service fabric generated by the system proposed in the present invention;

Figure 5 is a preferred representation of the initial access interface of the system proposed in the present invention;

Figure 6 is a preferred representation of the system interface proposed in the present invention and referring to the geographic location packet;

Figure 7 is a preferred representation of a system interface proposed in the present invention and referring to the invasive product package; Figure 8 is a representation of a preferred interface of the system proposed in the present invention and referring to the best retail package for sales according to its location;

Figure 9 is a representation of a preferred interface of the system proposed in the present invention and referring to the product health package; Figure 10 is a representation of a preferred interface of the system proposed in the present invention illustrating possible control actions to be taken by a refrigeration manager; Figure 11 is a representation of a flow chart referring to the method of controlling a refrigeration network proposed in the present invention; and

[0039] Figure 12 - is a preferred representation of the service fabric, where each service package has its respective icon assigned.

[0040] Detailed Description of the Figures

Referring to 1 to 3, the present invention relates to a cooling system control system, hereinafter referred to as a control system, wherein cooling system 2 comprises at least one cooling equipment 3 ( refrigerator 3). More specifically, and according to the embodiment of FIG. 1, the refrigeration network may comprise a plurality of 3, 3 ', 3 "and 3"' refrigeration equipment arranged in different locations.

By different locations, it is understood that 3, 3 ', 3 "and 3"' refrigeration equipment may be arranged in different locations of the same establishment (such as a commercial establishment), in addition, refrigeration equipment 3, 3 ', 3 "and 3"' may be arranged in a plurality of separate commercial establishments.

Thus, it is understood that the present invention is preferably beneficial for use in a commercial refrigeration network 2, said commercial refrigeration network 2 preferably comprising a plurality of 3, 3 ', 3 ", 3"' refrigeration equipment. .

Referring to Figure 1, cooling network 2 comprises cooling equipment 3, 3 ', 3 ", 3"' and such equipment is managed by a single manager 10. Alternatively, Figure 2 illustrates cooling networks. 2 and 2 'where each is managed by its respective manager 10 and 10', wherein each network 2 and 2 'comprises a pair of 3,3' and 3 ", 3"'refrigeration equipment respectively. [0045] Figure 3 illustrates the 2, 2 ', 2 "and 2"' cooling networks where each comprises a single 3, 3 ', 3 "and 3"' cooling equipment managed by its respective manager. 10, 10 ', 10 "and 10"'.

The amount of cooling equipment and nets illustrated in Figures 1 to 3 should obviously not be considered as a limiting feature of the present invention. In alternative embodiments, the teachings of the invention could be applied to any number of cooling nets and equipment. .

Additionally, by a refrigeration manager, such as the managers 10, 10 ', 10 "and 10"' referenced in figures 1 to 3, one should preferably understand how the manager of a particular brand that has its equipment refrigeration facilities in a particular commercial establishment.

Referring to Figure 2, the manager 10 of a first ice cream brand is considered, wherein such a brand allocates coolers 3 and 3 'at certain commercial points. Additionally, the manager 10 'of a second ice cream brand is considered, wherein such brand allocates the 3 "and 3"' refrigerators at certain commercial points.

Thus, it is understood that the same commercial establishment may comprise refrigerators managed by different managers, such as the 3 'and 3 "refrigerators illustrated in Figure 2. Thus, reference to managers 10, 10', 10" and 10 "'in the present invention should preferably be understood as the manager of a particular brand having its refrigeration equipment arranged in at least one commercial establishment. Alternatively, the teachings of the present invention are also valid when considering the manager. , 10 ', 10 "and 10"' as the owner of the business premises where refrigeration equipment is arranged.

In order for the objectives of the present invention to be fully achieved, refrigeration equipment of the same network of such as the 3, 3 ', 3 "and 3"' equipment of Figure 1 must be connected to a communication network, such as the world wide web (internet).

The manner in which such equipment connects to the internet does not represent the preferred aspect of the present invention, so any form of internet connection is acceptable.

In a preferred embodiment, one may allocate the necessary equipment (such as a network card) for connecting the refrigeration equipment to the internet on an upper portion of the refrigeration equipment, such as the upper 30 portion of the refrigeration equipment. 3 illustrated in figure 1. It is noteworthy that each refrigeration equipment must have means to connect to the internet, so that equipment arranged in the same physical environment can be grouped and consequently connected to the internet in the same way. In addition, 3, 3 ', 3 "and 3"' refrigeration equipment of the same refrigeration network must be associated with a database, such as a cloud database, where This database communicates with both 3, 3 ', 3 "and 3"' refrigeration equipment as well as with any device that is also connected to the worldwide computer network, so that information (control and operating parameters, data external data and operating history data) from each 3, 3 ', 3 "and 3"' refrigeration equipment can be remotely viewed, for example, on a manager 10 mobile device.

In addition, it should be noted that refrigeration equipment that integrates different refrigeration networks, such as equipment 3 and 3 "of Figure 2, may be arranged in the same commercial establishment and consequently connected to the Internet in the same way. and even if they integrate different cooling networks, equipment 3 and 3 "may be associated with the same cloud database, where said database communicates with both equipment manager 10 and manager 10 '. of equipment 3 ". In any case, it is interesting to ensure that each manager will have access only to data / information concerning the refrigeration equipment of their own network, for this purpose, and only preferably, a security protocol, such as the login insert. and password can be used.

Alternatively, associating cooling equipment from different cooling networks (such as equipment 3 and 3 "in Figure 2) with the independent cloud database would also be fully acceptable.

Thus, from the above description, it is understood that the present invention addresses the concept of the "internet of things", in which refrigeration equipment is connected to the world wide web.

[0059] The present invention is based on the use of a plurality of sensors associated with each of the 3, 3 ', 3 "and 3"' refrigeration equipment that integrate a given refrigeration network. Thus, from such sensors, it becomes possible to obtain control and operation parameters of the refrigerators that integrate a given refrigeration network.

Preferably, and as will be discussed later, said plurality of sensors detect: the internal temperature of the refrigerator, the temperature of the environment in which the refrigerator is arranged, the number of times the refrigerator door has been opened, the proximity of people around the refrigerator, the vibration rate of the refrigerator and its components, the noise level emitted by the refrigerator during its operation, the energy consumption of the refrigerator, the amount of products disposed inside the refrigerator, how Such products are arranged inside the refrigerator, among other aspects.

Additionally, and in conjunction with the use of said plurality of sensors, the control and operating parameters may be obtained from the use of imaging elements associated with the refrigeration equipment. Such image elements, preferably configured as video cameras, may preferably be faceted to the internal area of the refrigerator to thereby obtain control and operating parameters associated with the arrangement and distribution of products within the refrigerator. Additionally, such cameras can be faceted to the outside of the refrigerator to obtain parameters related to consumer movement around the refrigerator.

Additionally, in addition to the possibility of detecting control and operating parameters from said sensors, the system proposed in the present invention is capable of receiving and sending external data from a plurality of applications, wherein said applications are associated. to a communication network, such as the internet.

Thus, it is understood that the system uses data available on the world wide web, such as, only preferably, climate forecast and current temperature of the environment in which the refrigerator is disposed, to provide better management and control of the 3.3 ', 3 ", 3"' refrigeration equipment.

Accordingly, and as described above, the system proposed in the present invention comprises means for sensing, diagnosing and controlling the operation of refrigeration equipment 3, 3 ', 3 ", 3"' locally as well as means for sensing, diagnose and interact with an environment in which 3, 3 ', 3 ", 3"' refrigeration equipment is arranged.

Both the control and operation parameters of the 3, 3 ', 3 ", 3"' refrigeration equipment and external data obtained from the applications are sent to the cloud database, which is still able to interpret these parameters and external data as discussed below.

The system proposed in the present invention, and more specifically its database, further comprises a plurality of diagnostic and operating algorithms, each of which is related to the control and operating parameters obtained from refrigeration equipment 3, 3 ', 3 ", 3"' well to external data obtained from applications connected to the internet. It is understood that the diagnostic and control algorithms are still associated with the combination of control and operation parameters with external data.

[0068] In addition to related control and operating parameters and external data, the plurality of algorithms is also related to data from the usage history of 3, 3 ', 3 ", 3"' refrigeration equipment. Where such usage history data refer to data obtained from the plurality of sensors as well as data obtained from cameras installed in refrigerators and even related to external data obtained directly from applications connected to the internet. Thus, it is understood that the system is capable of sensing the cooling equipment 3, 3 ', 3 ", 3"' (as well as the environment in which it is disposed) in real time, as well as storing the data. thus representing usage history data that will be used to optimize cooling network performance and management 2, 2 ', 2 ", 2"'. For example, if you measure the temperature of the room where the refrigerator is disposed at 25 ^< C on a given day, this data will be stored, representing a data from the temperature usage history and measurement day and which may be in the future. used to provide better control of the 3, 3 ', 3 ", 3"' refrigerator. Thus, for example, one can link the sales of that particular day to the ambient temperature.

Of course, it is understood that the combination of usage history data with control and operating parameters and external data is fully acceptable.

From obtaining control and operating parameters, external data and usage history data, it becomes possible to generate a service platform Pi, P2, P3, P4 as shown in Figure 4.

Preferably, the indication of said service platform Pi, P2, P3, P4 to the cooling network manager 2, 2 ', 2 ", 2"' occurs in a service mesh 20, whose interface is preferably similar to that shown in figure 4. Referring to Figure 5, said service mesh 20 shall be accessible by cooling system manager 10 via a remote device, such as a cellular device or any other device and apparatus capable of communicating with the global network. of computers. The service mesh 20 allows the refrigeration equipment manager 3 to navigate a plurality of platforms and service packages that integrate the system proposed in the present invention.

More specifically, in this preferred embodiment of the present invention the service platform comprises an energy efficiency platform Pi, a P ₂ product layout platform, a P ₃ product distribution platform and a P ₄ equipment management platform. 3 that form the cooling network 2.

Further, and as shown in Figure 4, each of the service platforms Pi, P ₂ , P3 and P ₄ comprises a plurality of service packets PIA, PIB, P2A, P2B, P2C P2D, P3A, P3B. , P3C P3D, P3E, R _4, R _4b, R _4c, P4D, R ₄ and associated refrigeration equipment 3 and its cooling network 2 that integrates this.

[0078] With such service packages P _1A, GDP, P2A, P2B, P2C, P2D, P3A, P3B, P3C, P3D, P3E, R _4, R _4b, R _4c, P4D, E ₄ E, Manager 10 of a given refrigeration equipment may take control actions aimed at improving the performance and operation of the refrigerator, allowing the refrigerator to return as much as expected to its manager.

[0079] Thus, each of the IAP service packages, GDP, P2A, P2B, P2C, P2D, P3A, P3B, P3C, P3D, P3E, R _4, R _4b, R _4c, P4D, R ₄ and are associated with their respective service platform Pi, P ₂ , Ρ3, 4. For example, it is understood that service packages P _I A, P _I B are associated with service platform Pi, ie energy efficiency.

Thus, and referring to Figure 4 and the table below, the service packages P _I A, P _I B associated with the energy efficiency platform Pi correspond to: Pi energy efficiency platform

PlA Energy efficiency package of the environment in which the refrigerator is disposed

Pl B Refrigeration equipment energy efficiency package

The P ₂ A, P2B, P2C, P2D service packs associated with P2 product disposition platform correspond to:

The service packets P ₃ A, P3B, P3C, P;

P3 product distribution platform correspond:

P ₃ product distribution platform

P3A Store Management Package P ₃ A

P3B P _3B Invasive Product Package

P3C P _3C Inventory Management Pack

P3D P _3D Stock Break Package

P ₃ E Product Health Package P _3E Finally, the service packs P _4A , P ₄ B, P ₄ C, P ₄ D, P ₄ E associated with the P4 management platform correspond to:

Each of these service packages allows the manager 10 to view information and data related to the refrigeration equipment 3 and consequently to take actions aimed at optimizing the operation of the equipment.

[0085] By way of example, the energy efficiency package environment in which the refrigerator is arranged P _Y comprises means for reducing the power consumption of the environment in which the refrigerator is disposed. Similarly, the energy efficiency package of cooling equipment Pi _B comprises means for reducing the electrical energy consumption of cooling equipment 3.

To this end, the energy efficiency platform Pi is associated with control and operating parameters, operating history data, external data as well as a combination of these, where control and operating parameters, data from the Operating history and external data refer to at least one of: refrigeration equipment internal temperature, refrigeration equipment ambient temperature, refrigeration equipment energy consumption, ambient electrical energy cost in that the refrigeration equipment is arranged and at least one charge state of the refrigeration equipment. Similarly, the P _4A geographic location package provides means for determining the location of the refrigeration equipment and the P _4B fault analysis package provides means for assessing the cause of a refrigerator failure. . The improper operation package with P _4C failure potential allows to evaluate if any component of the refrigerator has non-normal operation, and consequently may result in a near failure.

The P _4D Type and Component Fault Indication Packet provides indication to manager 10 of refrigerator 3 which component failed to operate, and finally the P _4E Operational Status Packet tells manager 10 which the operating state of the refrigerator, such as on / off or the capacity level at which the compressor is operating.

To this end, the P ₄ management platform is associated with control and operation parameters, operation history data and external data, as well as their combination. Where the control and operating parameters, operating history data and external data refer to at least one of: refrigeration equipment internal temperature, refrigeration equipment ambient temperature, current value power supplied to each refrigeration equipment load, refrigeration equipment energy consumption, condition of at least one refrigeration equipment load, frequency of refrigeration equipment use, and quality of electrical energy supplied to refrigeration equipment.

More specifically, the P ₄ management platform and its P _4B Fault Cause Analysis Packs and P _4D Type and Component Fault Indication Packets are associated with control and operating parameters, data from the operating history, external data and their combination. Where such parameters and data represent at least one of: a history of faults correlated with the operation of loads, a history of faults correlated with internal temperature variation of refrigeration equipment, a history of faults correlated with the variation of the electric current supplied to the refrigeration equipment loads, fault history correlated with the refrigeration equipment electricity consumption, fault history correlated with the frequency of use of the refrigeration equipment and fault history correlated with the quality of the refrigeration equipment. electricity supplied to refrigeration equipment.

Similarly, the P _4A geographic location package is equivalent to at least one of the following control and operating parameters, external data and usage history data: geographical coordinates of the environment in which the refrigeration equipment is disposed and handling of refrigeration equipment.

Regarding the P ₃ product distribution platform, and more specifically the P ₃ E product health package, it relates to operating and control parameters, usage history data and external data related to at least one between the internal temperature of the refrigeration equipment and the frequency of use of the refrigeration equipment.

Also in relation to the P ₃ product distribution platform, and more specifically to the P _3B rogue product packages, P _3C inventory management package and P _3D stockout package, these are associated with the control parameters and operation, external data and usage history data relating to at least one of: refrigeration equipment internal temperature, refrigeration equipment energy consumption, refrigeration equipment frequency of use, the position of disposal of at least one product on the inside the refrigeration equipment, the type and quantity of products disposed within the refrigeration equipment and label data obtained by reading labels associated with each product disposed within the refrigeration equipment.

The P _3A store management package is associated with at least one of the following operating and control parameters, external data and operation history data: frequency of use of refrigeration equipment, frequency of consumers in the store the refrigeration equipment is arranged and how often the refrigeration equipment is accessed by the refrigeration manager to perform services in the commercial establishment (environment) in which the refrigeration equipment is disposed, thus allowing the proposed system in the present invention evaluate the quality of service provided to refrigeration equipment.

Regarding the P ₂ product placement platform, and more specifically the P ₂ A product promotion package and the P _2B sales attractiveness package, these are associated with control and operation parameters, external data and data. operating history related to at least one of: communications promoting the environment in which refrigeration equipment is disposed of, potential customer presence values (number of customers moving around the product), frequency of use of the cost and price values of products placed inside refrigeration equipment, the frequency of consumers in the environment in which the refrigeration equipment is disposed of, the history of the presence of potential customers and the environmental conditions in which the refrigeration equipment is installed. Cooling is willing.

The Best Business for Sale package according to its location P ₂ c is associated with the following parameters and data (historical and external), as well as a combination of at least one of: refrigeration equipment, the conditions of the environment in which the refrigeration equipment is arranged, the type and quantity of products disposed within the refrigeration equipment, the position of disposal of at least one product disposed within the refrigeration equipment and data. labels obtained by reading labels associated with each product placed inside the refrigeration equipment.

Thus, manager 1 0 of refrigeration equipment 3 will be able to navigate through each of the service packages displayed in service mesh 20 and consequently carry out actions aimed at operating optimization and increasing equipment revenue 3.

It is also noteworthy that control actions can be applied to the refrigerator directly from the control and operation algorithms, ie without actually requiring an action by the manager to be performed.

For example, there is a refrigerator used for sales of soft drinks disposed of in a commercial establishment that opens only from Monday to Friday. Thus, on Saturdays and Sundays there is no movement in the shop and consequently there is no need for the refrigerator to operate at full capacity.

Thus, by means of the control and operating parameters and operating history data obtained, it is automatically known that on Saturdays and Sundays one can reduce the operating capacity of the refrigerator, for example by reducing the capacity of the compressor or even turning off certain loads, such as their internal lighting.

Unless effectively a manager instruction is sent, said action of reducing compressor capacity or turning off internal illumination can be automatically taken from the control and operation algorithms. Obviously, the actions described above should be considered only as non-limiting examples of the invention.

It is noteworthy that the access to each of the service mesh 20 service packs will present a particular interface to the refrigeration equipment manager, wherein said interface is perfectly displayed on the remote device (such as a mobile device) used. to access the system proposed in the present invention.

The proposed system further allows the establishment of several access profiles to said system, wherein each access profile will establish various privileges to be performed through the proposed system.

Thus, based on the privileges previously set and accessed through a security protocol (/ og / n / password), the system user (cooling system manager) can only consult the information available and obtained through the control and operation parameters, external data and operation history data as well as can perform control actions remotely and through your mobile device. Accordingly, it is understood that depending on the access profile assigned to the manager, this may represent an operational manager of refrigeration equipment (such as a maintenance technician), a tactical manager of the refrigeration network and commercial environments in which coolers are willing or even a strategic manager of the cooling network. To access the proposed system, the manager (user) uses any computational means known in the state of the art, such as a mobile device, tablet and computer, and through password validation and login he will access the system with his due profile level.

Once said system is accessed, manager 10 will be provided with a plurality of screens (interfaces) related to each of the PIA, PIB, P2A, P2B, P2C service packets P2D, P3A, P3B, P3C P3D, P3E, P ₄ A, P ₄ B, P ₄ C, P4D, P ₄ E previously discussed.

It is noteworthy that the layout of the displayed interfaces does not represent the main aspect of the present invention, however, and without representing any limitation on the scope of protection, Figure 6 illustrates a preferred representation of the interface regarding the geographic location packet. P _4A , where the manager 10 is shown on the screen of the remote device a geographical representation with the location of the equipment that integrates its cooling network, in this case, reference is made to equipment 3 and 3 '. [001 10] Figure 7 represents a preferred interface of the proposed system and referring to the P _3B Invasive Product Package, in which on the screen of its remote device the manager 10 will have the visualization of the internal area of the equipment (s). cooling system and consequently evaluate if there is any invasive product, that is, a product of a certain third-party brand and that should not be disposed in the manager's refrigerator 10. In this case, an indication, preferably by means of color, is used to represent an invasive product such as that shown in area B of Figure 7.

Similarly, Figure 8 represents a preferred interface of the proposed system and referring to the best retail package for sales according to its location P ₂ c, where manager 10 will be indicated on the screen of his remote device. that the refrigerator equipment 3, disposed in a certain neighborhood A is the one that has presented greater number of sales. [001 13] Figure 9 illustrates a preferred interface for the P ₃ E product health package, where the 3, 3 ', 3 "and 3"' refrigeration equipment manager 10 will be indicated, as on a scale. as a percentage, the health (quality) of products placed inside the 3, 3 ', 3 ", 3" refrigerators linked to the internal temperature of each equipment as well as the frequency of door opening.

It is noteworthy that this same interface could be used for a preferential representation regarding the sales attractiveness package.

[001 15] Figure 10 illustrates a preferred interface of the proposed system regarding possible control actions that may be taken by the refrigeration manager 10 from his remote device.

[001 16] In a non-limiting example, manager 10 may, for example, turn off / on the refrigerator's external display as well as its internal illumination, in addition to being able to change the compressor capacity level.

It is once again emphasized that such an exemplification should not entail any limitation to the system proposed in the present invention, so that when in use it is capable of switching off / on any of the loads of the refrigeration equipment. In complete harmony with the cooling system control system described above, the present invention further relates to a method of controlling a cooling system.

Thus, a method of controlling a 2, 2 ', 2 ", 2"' cooling network is discussed, wherein said 2,2 ', 2 ", 2"' cooling network comprises the least one 3, 3 ', 3 ", 3"' refrigeration equipment associated with a database via a communication network, wherein the method basically comprises the steps of:

[00120] Obtain control and operation parameters from at least one 3, 3 ', 3 ", 3"' refrigeration equipment from the 2, 2 ', 2 ", 2"' refrigeration network, generate from control and operation obtained, at least one service platform Pi, P2, P3, P4 of cooling equipment 3, 3 ', 3 ", 3"' of cooling network 2,2 ', 2 ", 2" \

Additionally, the proposed method is able to perform the following step: indicate to a manager 10.10 ', 10 ", 10"' of the cooling network 2.2 ', 2 ", 2"' the service platform Pi, P2, P3, P4 generated, where the indication of the service platform P1.P2. P3. 4 to manager 10,10 ', 10 ", 10"' of cooling network 2,2 ', 2 ", 2"' allows manager 10,10 ', 10 ", 10"' to perform at least one action of control related to cooling equipment 3, 3 ', 3 ", 3"' of cooling network 2,2 ', 2 ", 2"'.

In addition to the steps specifically mentioned above, it is understood that the proposed method is capable of performing other steps not specifically mentioned, but which are in complete harmony with the description of the control system of a previously performed cooling network. Thus, Figure 11 illustrates an exemplary flowchart of the cooling network control method proposed in the present invention. A particular refrigerator comprising a cooling network is considered, such as, for example, refrigerator 3 of cooling network 2 shown in Figure 1. In this way, and in harmony with the previously described system, we obtain parameters of control and operation of the refrigerator, as well as data of its operation history as well as external data, the latter coming from external applications associated with the internet. Subsequently, such data and parameters are sent to the plurality of diagnostic and operating algorithms, so that the service platform Pi, P ₂ , P ₃ and P ₄ and the respective service mesh 20 are generated.

[00126] Said said service platform Pi, P ₂ , P ₃ and P ₄ and the respective service mesh 20, it is indicated to the refrigeration equipment manager on its remote device, as preferably represented in Figure 5. Thus The manager may carry out control actions aimed at improving the performance and operation of the refrigerator, allowing the refrigerator to return the maximum expected to the chain manager.

It is also noteworthy that control actions can be applied to the refrigerator directly from the control and operation algorithms, ie without actually requiring an action by the manager to be performed.

For example, there is a refrigerant used for sales of soft drinks disposed of in a commercial establishment that opens only from Monday to Friday. Thus, on Saturdays and Sundays there is no movement in the shop and consequently there is no need for the refrigerator to operate at full capacity.

Thus, through the control and operating parameters and operating history data obtained, it is automatically known that on Saturdays and Sundays the refrigerator's operating capacity can be reduced, for example by reducing the capacity of the compressor or even turning off certain loads, such as their internal lighting.

Unless effectively a manager instruction is sent, said action to reduce compressor capacity or turn off internal lighting can be automatically taken from the control and operation algorithms. Because it is reproducible on a remote device such as a mobile device, tablet and computer, the present invention further relates to a non-transient computer readable medium in harmony with the system and method described above. More specifically, the present invention relates to a non-transient computer readable medium associated with a cooling network, the 2 ', 2', 2 ", 2"'cooling network comprising at least one 3, 3' cooling equipment. , 3 ", 3"'associated with a database via a communication network, the computer readable medium being accessible by a manager 10,10', 10 ", 10"'from the cooling network 2,2', 2 ", 2"'and executable by a processor, where when executable by the processor, make the computer readable medium perform the steps of:

[00133] Obtain control and operation parameters from at least one 3, 3 ', 3 ", 3"' refrigeration equipment from the 2, 2 ', 2 ", 2"' refrigeration network, generate from control and operation obtained, at least one service platform Pi, P2, P3, P4 of cooling equipment 3, 3 ', 3 ", 3"' of cooling network 2,2 ', 2 ", 2"' and indicate to a manager 10,10 ', 10 ", 10"' cooling network 2, 2 ', 2 ", 2"' the service platform Pi, P2, P3, P4 generated, where the service platform indication Pi, P2, P3, P4 to manager 10.10 ', 10 ", 10"' cooling network 2, 2 ', 2 ", 2"' allows manager 10.10 ', 10 ", 10"' perform at least one control action related to cooling equipment 3, 3 ', 3 ", 3"' of cooling network 2,2 ', 2 ", 2"'.

Finally, in relation to the service network 20, it is understood that it can be updated by the cooling network manager 10 or even by the company providing the system and control method proposed in the present invention. Thus, it may be included, for example, new unreferenced service packs in the present invention, thus it is emphasized that the service packs that integrate the service fabric referenced in the present invention should not be considered as a limiting feature of the present invention. Also, it is possible to reshape the position of items for each of the service packs, as well as to make service packs considered "essential" by the manager, as well as their "favorite" service packs. In addition, for service packs whose interfaces have not been explicitly addressed in the present invention, it is understood that they must be configured in any way capable of establishing the information and actions for which such platforms are intended.

Still in relation to the service mesh 20, it may be indicated to the cooling network manager comprising icons linked to each service package, as preferably illustrated in Figure 12 of the present invention.

Having described a preferred embodiment example, it should be understood that the scope of the present invention encompasses other possible variations, being limited only by the content of the appended claims, including the possible equivalents thereof.

Claims

1 . Control system of a refrigeration network, the refrigeration network (2, 2 ', 2 ", 2"') comprising at least one refrigeration equipment (3, 3 ', 3 ", 3"') associated with a base data system via a communication network, the system comprising: means for obtaining control and operation parameters of at least one refrigeration equipment (3, 3 ', 3 ", 3"') of the refrigeration network ( 2, 2 ', 2 ", 2"') means for generating from the control and operating parameters obtained at least one service platform (Pi, P2, P3, P4) of refrigeration equipment (3.3 ', 3 ", 3"') of the cooling network (2,2 ', 2 ", 2"'), means for indicating to a cooling network manager (10,10, 10 ", 10" ') (2, 2 ', 2 ", 2"') the generated service platform (Pi, P2, P3, P4), wherein the indication of the service platform (Ρι, Ρ ^ ΡΛ) to the manager (10,10 ' , 10 ", 10" ') of the cooling network (2, 2', 2 ", 2" ') allows the manager (10,10', 10 ", 10" ') to perform at control action related to the refrigeration equipment (3, 3 ', 3 ", 3"') of the refrigeration network (2,2 ', 2 ", 2"').

Control system of a refrigeration network according to claim 1, characterized in that the control actions aim at operational optimization and revenue increase of refrigeration equipment (3, 3 ', 3 ", 3" '), where control actions are performed from a remote manager device (10,10', 10 ", 10" ') of the cooling network (2,2', 2 ", 2" ').

Control system of a refrigeration network according to claim 2, characterized in that it further comprises: means for sensing, diagnosing and controlling the operation of refrigeration equipment (3, 3 ', 3 ", 3"') locally, and means for sensing, diagnosing and interacting with an environment in which refrigeration equipment (3, 3 ', 3 ", 3"') is arranged.

Control system of a refrigeration network according to claim 3, further comprising: means for the database to receive and send the control and operation parameters of the refrigeration equipment (3, 3 ', 3 ", 3" ') integrating the cooling network (2.2', 2 ", 2" '), and means for the database to receive and send external data from a plurality of applications, where the The plurality of applications is associated with the communication network.

Control system of a refrigeration network according to claim 4, characterized in that: the database comprises a plurality of diagnostic and operation algorithms, each of which diagnostic and operation algorithms are related to control and operation parameters of at least one refrigeration equipment (3, 3 ', 3 ", 3"') of the refrigeration network (2, 2 ', 2 ", 2"') as well as the combination of control and operation of refrigeration equipment (3, 3 ', 3 ", 3"') from the same refrigeration network (2.2 ', 2 ", 2"') or from different refrigeration networks (2.2 ' , 2 ", 2" ').

Control system of a refrigeration network according to Claim 5, characterized in that each of the diagnostic and operation algorithms is further related to the operating history data of the refrigeration equipment (3, 3 ', 3 ", 3" ') as well as the combination of control and operating parameters and operating history data for refrigeration equipment (3, 3', 3 ", 3" ') from the same refrigeration network (2 , 2 ', 2 ", 2"') or from different cooling networks (2,2 ', 2 ", 2"').

Control system of a refrigeration network according to claim 6, characterized in that each of the diagnostic and operating algorithms is further based on external data provided in a plurality of applications.

Control system of a refrigeration network according to claim 7, characterized in that it further comprises means for the cooling system to be control action is performed directly from the diagnostic and operation algorithms.

Control system of a refrigeration network according to Claim 8, characterized in that the service platform (Pi, P2, P3, 4) comprises at least one of an energy efficiency platform (Pi); product disposal platform (P ₂ ), a product distribution platform (P ₃ ) and a management platform (P ₄ ) for the cooling equipment (3, 3 ', 3 ", 3"') that make up the network cooling (2,2 ', 2 ", 2"').

Cooling network control system according to claim 9, characterized in that each of the service platforms (Pi, P ₂ , P ₃ , P4) comprises a plurality of service packages (P _I A ,

GDP, P2A, P2B, P2C P2D, P3A, P3B, P3C P3D, P3E, R _4, P4B, P4C P4D, P4E) -

1 1. A cooling system control system according to claim 10, characterized in that the energy efficiency platform (Pi) comprises an energy efficiency package of the environment in which the refrigerator is arranged (P _I A) and a package cooling equipment energy efficiency (P _I B), where: the energy efficiency package of the environment in which the refrigerator is disposed (P _I A) comprises means for reducing the electrical energy consumption of the environment in which the refrigerator is and the cooling equipment energy efficiency package (Pi _B ) comprises means for reducing the electrical energy consumption of the cooling equipment (3,3 ', 3 ", 3"').

Control system of a refrigeration network according to Claim 11, characterized in that the energy efficiency platform (Pi) is associated with control and operating parameters, operating history data and external data. as well as the combination of control and operating parameters, operating history data and external refrigeration equipment data (3, 3 ', 3 ", 3"'), where: control and operating parameters, operating history data, and external data refer to at least one of: refrigeration equipment internal temperature, refrigeration equipment ambient temperature, refrigeration equipment power consumption , cost of the electrical energy of the environment in which the refrigeration equipment is disposed and the condition of at least one charge of the refrigeration equipment.

Control system of a refrigeration network according to claim 10, characterized in that the management platform (P ₄ ) comprises at least one of a geographic location packet (P _4A ), a packet of failure cause analysis (P _4B ), an improperly operating package with potential for failure (P ₄ c), a type and component failure indication package (P _4D ) and an operational state package (P _4E ).

Control system of a refrigeration network according to claim 13, characterized in that the management platform (P ₄ ) is associated with control and operating parameters, operating history data and external data. as well as the combination of control and operating parameters, operating history data and external refrigeration equipment data (3, 3 ', 3 ", 3"'), where: control and operating parameters, Operating history data and external data refer to at least one of: refrigeration equipment internal temperature, ambient temperature in which the refrigeration equipment is disposed, electric current value supplied to each of the equipment loads cooling, power consumption of cooling equipment, condition of at least one of the cooling equipment loads, frequency of use of cooling equipment electricity supplied to the refrigeration equipment.

Control system of a refrigeration network according to Claim 14, characterized in that the fault analysis package (P _4B ) and the fault indication package by type and component (P _4D ) associated with control and operating parameters, operating history data and external data, as well as the combination of control and operating data, operating history data and external data of refrigeration equipment (3, 3 ', 3 ", 3"'), where: the control and operating parameters, operating history data and External data refer to at least one of: history of faults correlated with the operation of loads, history of faults correlated with the variation of the internal temperature of the refrigeration equipment, history of faults correlated with the variation of the electric current supplied to the loads. refrigeration equipment, fault history correlated with the electrical energy consumption of refrigeration equipment, failure history correlated with the frequency of use of refrigeration equipment and failure history correlated with the quality of the electrical power supplied to refrigeration equipment.

Control system of a refrigeration network according to claim 15, characterized in that the geographical location package (P _4A ) is associated with the control and operation parameters, the operation history data and the external data as well as the combination of control and operation parameters, operation history data and external refrigeration equipment data (3, 3 ', 3 ", 3"'), where: control and operation parameters, Operating history data and external data refer to at least one of: geographical coordinates of the environment in which the refrigeration equipment is located and movement history of the refrigeration equipment.

Control system of a refrigeration network according to claim 10, characterized in that the product distribution platform (P ₃ ) comprises at least one of a store management package (P ₃ A ), an attacker product package (P _3B), an inventory of management pack (P ₃ c), a stock break package _(3D P) and a product of the health package (P _3E).

Control system of a refrigeration network according to claim 17, characterized in that the product health package

(P _3E ) is associated with control and operating parameters, data from the operating history and external data as well as the combination of control and operating parameters, operating history data and external refrigeration equipment data (3, 3 ', 3 ", 3"'), where: control and operating parameters, operating history data and external data refer to at least one of: refrigeration equipment internal temperature and refrigeration equipment frequency of use.

Cooling network control system according to Claim 18, characterized in that the Invasive Product (P ₃ B), Inventory Management (P _3C ) and Inventory Break (P _3C ) packages _3D ) are associated with control and operating parameters, operating history data as well as the combination of control and operating parameters, operating history data and external refrigeration equipment data (3, 3 ', 3 ", 3 "'), where: control and operating parameters, operating history data, and external data refer to at least one of: refrigeration equipment internal temperature, refrigeration equipment power consumption, frequency of use refrigeration equipment, the position of disposal of at least one product inside the refrigeration equipment, the type and quantity of products disposed within the refrigeration equipment and label data obtained by reading labels associated with each product disposed within the refrigeration equipment.

Control system of a refrigeration network according to Claim 19, characterized in that the store management package (P _3A ) is associated with the control and operation parameters, the operation history data and the external data as well as the combination of control and operating parameters, operating history data and external refrigeration equipment data (3, 3 ', 3 ", 3"'), where: the control and operating parameters , historical operating data and external data refer to at least one of: frequency of use of refrigeration equipment, frequency of consumers at the merchant where refrigeration equipment is disposed of and how often the refrigeration equipment is accessed by the refrigeration manager to perform services at the merchant where refrigeration equipment is disposed of.

21 Cooling network control system according to Claim 10, characterized in that the product disposal platform (P ₂ ) comprises at least one product promotion package (P ₂ A), an attractiveness package. from sales (P ₂ B), a best commercial package for sales according to its location (P ₂ c) and a product disposal package inside the refrigerator (P _2D ).

Cooling network control system according to claim 21, characterized in that the product promotion package (P _2A ) and the sales attractiveness package (P _2B ) are associated with the control parameters and operating history data and external data as well as the combination of control and operating parameters, operating history data and external refrigeration equipment data (3, 3 ', 3 ", 3"'), where: control and operating parameters, operating history data and external data refer to at least one of: promotion announcements of the environment in which the refrigeration equipment is disposed, potential customer presence values, frequency of refrigeration equipment, the cost and price values of products disposed of inside refrigeration equipment, the frequency of consumers in and refrigeration is arranged, the history of presence of potential customers and the conditions of the environment in which the refrigeration equipment is disposed.

Control system of a refrigeration network according to claim 22, characterized in that the best commercial package for sales according to its location (P _2C ) is associated with the control and operating parameters, the data from the history of external data as well as the combination of control and operating parameters, operating history data and external refrigeration equipment data (3, 3 ', 3 ", 3"'), where: the control parameters and operation, operation history data and external data refer to at least one of: refrigeration equipment sales history, refrigeration equipment environment conditions, type and quantity of products disposed of inside the refrigeration equipment, the position of disposition of at least one product disposed within the refrigeration equipment and label data obtained by reading labels associated with each product disposed within the refrigeration equipment.

Control system of a refrigeration network according to claims 10, 1 1, 1 3, 17 and 21, characterized in that: the indication of the service platform (Pi, P2, P3, P4) to the manager (1 0,1 0 ', 1 0 ", 1 0"') of the cooling network (2,2 ', 2 ", 2"') occurs in a service network (20) accessible by the manager (1 0,1 0 ', 1 0 ", 1 0"') from the cooling network (2, 2 ', 2 ", 2"') through the remote device, where the remote device is associated with the communication network. (2, 2 ', 2 ", 2"').

A refrigeration network control system according to claim 24, further comprising: means for including new platforms to the service network (20) as well as means for including new service packages to the service network (20). 20).

26. Non-transient computer readable medium associated with a refrigeration network, the refrigeration network (2, 2 ', 2 ", 2"') comprising at least one refrigeration equipment (3, 3 ', 3 ", 3"') associated with a database via a communication network, the computer readable medium being accessible by a refrigeration network manager (1 0,1 0', 1 0 ", 1 0"')', 2 ", 2"') and executable by a processor, where when executable by the processor, make the computer readable medium characterized by performing the steps of: obtain control and operating parameters of at least one refrigeration equipment (3,3 ', 3 ", 3"') from the refrigeration network (2,2 ', 2 ", 2"'), generate from the parameters at least one service platform (Pi, P2, 3, 4) from the cooling equipment (3,3 ', 3 ", 3"') of the cooling network (2,2 ', 2 ") , 2 "'), indicate to a manager (10,10', 10", 10 "') of the refrigeration network (2,2', 2", 2 "') the service platform (Pi, P2, P3 , P4) generated, where the indication of the service platform (Pi, P2, P3, P4) to the refrigeration network manager (10,10 ', 10 ", 10"') (2, 2 ', 2 ", 2 "') allows the manager (10,10', 10", 10 "') to perform at least one control action related to the cooling equipment (3, 3', 3", 3 "') of the cooling network (2.2 ', 2 ", 2"').

27. Method of controlling a refrigeration network, the refrigeration network (2, 2 ', 2 ", 2"') comprising at least one refrigeration equipment (3, 3 ', 3 ", 3"') associated with a database via a communication network, the method comprising the steps of: obtaining control and operation parameters from at least one refrigeration equipment (3,3 ', 3 ", 3"') of the network (2.2 ', 2 ", 2"'), generate from the control and operating parameters obtained at least one service platform (Pi, P2, P3, P4) of the refrigeration equipment (3, 3 ', 3 ", 3"') of the cooling system (2,2 ', 2 ", 2"'), indicate to a manager (10,10 ', 10 ", 10"') of the cooling system ( 2,2 ', 2 ", 2"') the service platform (Pi, P2, P3, P4) generated, where the indication of the service platform (Pi, P2, P3, P4) to the manager (10,10 ', 10 ", 10"') of the cooling network (2, 2 ', 2 ", 2"') allows the manager (10,10 ', 10 ", 10"') to perform at least one control action. re cooling equipment (3, 3 ', 3 ", 3"') of the refrigeration network (2,2 ', 2 ", 2"').