A model generating part generates an analysis model for an airflow analysis of an indoor space. A temperature distribution estimating part performs the airflow analysis of the indoor space by using the analysis model and estimates a temperature distribution in the indoor space. A communication part acquires a temperature measured at a measurement point in the indoor space. A model correcting part collates the temperature distribution estimated by the temperature distribution estimating part with the temperature at the measurement point acquired by the communication part, and corrects the analysis model based on a collation result.

A quality determination apparatus includes a state detector and a main processing unit. The state detector detects a state index. The state index is an index indicating a state of a target article contained in a storage space where an internal environment is controlled. The main processing unit performs a determination operation. The determination operation is an operation of determining whether a sign condition indicating a sign of degradation of the target article is met based on the state index detected by the state detector.

The subject matter of this specification can be embodied in, among other things, a method for time shifting when a cold storage facility is cooled that includes determining a thermal model of a cold storage facility, obtaining an energy cost model that describes a schedule of variable energy costs over a predetermined period of time in the future, determining an operational schedule for at least a portion of a refrigeration system based on the thermal model, the energy cost model, and a maximum allowed temperature, and powering on the portion the refrigeration system based on the operational schedule, cooling, by the powered portion of the refrigeration system to a temperature below the maximum allowed temperature, reducing power usage of the powered portion of the refrigeration system based on the operational schedule, and permitting the facility to be warmed by ambient temperatures toward the maximum allowed temperature.

The subject matter of this specification can be embodied in, among other things, a method for time shifting when a cold storage facility is cooled that includes determining a thermal model of a cold storage facility, obtaining an energy cost model that describes a schedule of variable energy costs over a predetermined period of time in the future, determining an operational schedule for at least a portion of a refrigeration system based on the thermal model, the energy cost model, and a maximum allowed temperature, and powering on the portion the refrigeration system based on the operational schedule, cooling, by the powered portion of the refrigeration system to a temperature below the maximum allowed temperature, reducing power usage of the powered portion of the refrigeration system based on the operational schedule, and permitting the facility to be warmed by ambient temperatures toward the maximum allowed temperature.

A server for a control system for cooling systems is disclosed. The server includes a memory device configured to store instructions and a processor communicatively coupled to the memory device and a plurality of cooling systems. Each of cooling systems includes a motor, a sensor, a local memory, and a microprocessor communicatively coupled to the motor, the sensor, the local memory. The microprocessor is configured to control operation of the motor according to settings defined by configuration data stored in the local memory. In response to reading the instructions, the processor is configured to receive, from the sensor of each of the cooling systems, first sensor data, generate first configuration data by executing a first algorithm on the first sensor data, and instruct the microprocessor of at least one cooling system to write the first configuration data to the local memory of the at least one cooling system.

A method of measuring pressure includes the steps of (1) providing a vacuum cabinet with a storage compartment and an insulating space, and three temperature sensors; (2) sensing a first temperature level of an interior wall of the storage compartment; (3) sensing an ambient temperature level within the storage compartment; (4) sensing a second temperature level of an exterior wall of the storage compartment; (5) calculating an overall heat transfer coefficient (Q) using the ambient temperature level, the first temperature level, and a convective heat transfer coefficient for the interior wall of the storage compartment; (6) calculating a temperature differential between the second and first temperature levels; (7) determining a conductivity level (K) using the temperature differential, the overall heat transfer coefficient (Q) and a thickness of the insulating space; and (8) determining a pressure level (P) within the insulating space using the conductivity level (K).

A method for automatically filling a container with water and/or ice from a dispenser in a refrigerator door or within a refrigerator cavity includes the steps of: placing a container adjacent the dispenser; determining a volume of the container by using a camera associated with the dispenser, capturing a picture of the containing, visually estimating a volume of the container via a microprocessor associated with the camera or a cloud-based application associated with the camera, and converting the estimated container volume to an estimated weight based on densities of water and/or ice; filling the container with water and/or ice from the dispenser based on the estimated weight; and terminating filling of the container based on the estimated weight. And the refrigerator carrying out the method.

A portable refrigeration system for use in transport of medicines or other valuable, temperature sensitive materials is disclosed. The system can use GPS positioning technology to provide absolute global location along with internet connection through a cellular modem on board which allows for communication to the cloud of temperature and transit data during device use. The refrigerator 10 can be powered by a rechargeable battery back that may be recharged through connection to AC mains supply or connection to the photovoltaic panel 26 included with the device 10. The insulated container can be held at a constant temperature through the use of vacuum insulated panel construction. The device 10 can be cooled through the use of thermoelectric cooling modules 68 coupled to the insulated chamber 74 and paired with a heat exchanger 56 with heat pipes 60 and a system fan 54. The device 10 can be operated either through the included graphical user interface display 20 via touch or buttons or it may be accessed and controlled by a remote computer 80 through the cloud via a cellular connection 78.

A temperature control system is used for controlling a temperature of a control target to a target temperature that changes with lapse of time. The system includes: a first adjustment apparatus that includes a first tank that stores a first heat transfer medium, adjusts the temperature of the first heat transfer medium to a first set temperature, and supplies the temperature-adjusted first heat transfer medium; a first circulation circuit through which the first heat transfer medium flows from the first adjustment apparatus to a first flow-through path and returns to the first adjustment apparatus; an adjustment section that adjusts an amount of heat supplied from the first flow-through path to the control target; a memory that stores a relation between the lapse of time and the target temperature; and a controller.

A selection apparatus according to an aspect of the disclosure includes a calculation unit configured to calculate, based on data correlated with power consumption of portable cold-energy equipment and data related to a set temperature of the cold-energy equipment, an amount of power consumption expected during transportation of the cold-energy equipment to a predetermined destination; and a selection unit configured to select, based on the amount of power consumption calculated by the calculator, a rechargeable battery to be mounted on the cold-energy equipment.