JP2010139119A - Air conditioning control system and air conditioning control method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To accurately figure out temperatures of respective places in an air conditioning room for quickly and suitably carrying out control when a problem occurs. <P>SOLUTION: In an air conditioning control system including at least the air conditioning room, a processing device, and a terminal, the processing device is equipped with functions of obtaining temperature distribution in the air conditioning room by simulation based on simulation model data and measured data of a detector, sequentially adding a plurality of countermeasure parameters for carrying out the simulation when temperature at a predetermined position in the air conditioning room goes beyond a predetermined range of temperature, and repeating addition of the countermeasure parameters and the simulation until the temperature obtained from the result of the simulation goes within the temperature range. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an air conditioning control system and an air conditioning control method, and more particularly to an air conditioning control system and an air conditioning control method for performing control using simulation.

  Computer equipment or the like is usually installed in an air-conditioning room (for example, a server room) in which air-conditioning equipment is installed in order to guarantee operation, and the air-conditioning equipment keeps the environment in the air-conditioning room constant. However, in an air-conditioned room with a large area, temperature distribution occurs due to the arrangement and operation status of computer equipment, the way air flows, and the like, causing problems such as a local rise in temperature.

  Therefore, when operating the air conditioning equipment, it is necessary to grasp the temperature distribution of the entire air conditioning room, but it is difficult for air conditioning equipment managers and users to understand the temperature distribution and perform air conditioning control when problems occur. It is. Thus, various methods for controlling the air conditioning equipment have been proposed so that more accurate control can be performed.

  For example, in Patent Document 1 below, regarding an air conditioning control method for controlling a plurality of air conditioning areas for each area, a temperature distribution is obtained by performing a thermal environment simulation assuming a maximum heat generation condition before constructing an actual control algorithm. When calculating the contribution rate that defines the degree of influence of each air conditioning equipment by performing a diffusion simulation based on the airflow distribution obtained by analyzing the simulation results, and constructing an actual control algorithm, multiple air conditioning equipment units Set the contribution rate to the temperature detection position and set the target temperature at each temperature detection position, and adjust the air conditioning control temperature based on the difference between the target temperature and the actual temperature using the contribution rate of the air conditioning equipment as a weight A method is disclosed.

Japanese Patent No. 4144822

  Here, when performing air conditioning control manually, in order to check whether the suction temperature of equipment (for example, servers and racks) installed in the air conditioning room in the operational state is the recommended temperature, individually set the temperature sensor. It must be installed and checked, and for that purpose the system must be temporarily shut down. Further, in this method, unnecessary man-hours such as man-hours for installing the temperature sensor and man-hours for measuring the temperature are generated. Also, with this method, it is not possible to quickly control the air conditioning when a problem occurs such as when the temperature rises locally.

  On the other hand, in the air conditioning system as in Patent Document 1, since the temperature distribution in the air conditioned room is obtained by simulation, the number of man-hours for installing and measuring the temperature sensor can be reduced. However, this method is a method for improving the efficiency of air conditioning control by weighting the air conditioning equipment that greatly affects the sensor far from the target temperature and optimizing the individual air conditioning equipment. When an element that is not included in the initial simulation (for example, equipment failure or unexpected change in environment) occurs in the feedback loop for verifying optimization, a situation where the loop does not readily converge occurs temporarily. Extreme control (too hot, too cold) can result.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and its main purpose is to accurately grasp the temperature of each place in the air-conditioned room, and to perform quick and appropriate control when a problem occurs. Another object is to provide an air conditioning control system and an air conditioning control method.

  To achieve the above object, the present invention provides an air-conditioning control system comprising at least an air-conditioning room including an air-conditioning equipment and a detector, a processing device for controlling the air-conditioning equipment, and a terminal. When the temperature distribution in the air-conditioned room is obtained by simulation based on the simulation model data created in advance and the measurement data acquired from the detector, and the temperature at a predetermined position in the air-conditioned room deviates from a predetermined temperature range Performs the simulation by sequentially adding a plurality of countermeasure parameters that prescribe the control conditions of the air conditioning equipment, and until the temperature at the predetermined position determined from the result of the simulation falls within the temperature range. The function of adding the countermeasure parameter and repeating the simulation is provided.

  According to the air-conditioning control system and the air-conditioning control method of the present invention, the temperature of each place in the air-conditioned room can be accurately grasped, and quick and appropriate control can be performed when a problem occurs.

  The reason is that the temperature distribution of the entire air-conditioned room is grasped based on the sensor measurement data and the simulation model.

  In addition, for each area in the air-conditioned room, register multiple countermeasure parameters that specify the control to be performed when a problem occurs, repeat the simulation by sequentially adding countermeasure parameters to areas that are outside the recommended temperature range, This is because the air-conditioning equipment is controlled when the temperature is within the recommended temperature range, so that there is no extreme control. Further, if the problem is not improved even if all the countermeasure parameters are added, a report is sent to the terminal of the air conditioning room manager or the user.

  Further, by registering countermeasure parameters for both the case where the upper limit of the recommended temperature range is exceeded and the case where the upper limit of the recommended temperature range is exceeded, countermeasures suitable for the problem that has occurred can be implemented.

  As shown in the background art, various proposals have been made regarding air conditioning control of an air conditioning room. However, in the related method, there is a problem that an appropriate control cannot be performed due to insufficient measures when a problem such as a local temperature rise occurs.

  Therefore, in the present invention, first, the temperature distribution is obtained using simulation software so that the temperature of each place in the air-conditioned room can be grasped with the minimum temperature sensor. Secondly, for each area, a plurality of countermeasure parameters that specify the control to be performed when a problem occurs are registered, and when there is a change in the environment in a certain area, a simulation with the countermeasure parameters for that area added is performed. Determining whether measures are appropriate. If the problem cannot be resolved, repeat the simulation with the next countermeasure parameter added, and if the problem can be resolved, send the instruction information to the air conditioning equipment, and if all the countermeasure parameters are added, the problem cannot be solved. , To that effect.

  Specifically, the air conditioning control system is composed of an air conditioning room divided into a plurality of areas, a processing device for controlling the air conditioning of the air conditioning room, and terminals of air conditioner managers and users. Connect with a communication network. And the data measured with the sensor (temperature, electric power, wind speed) installed in the air conditioned room are transmitted to a processing apparatus, and simulation is performed with the simulation software in the processing apparatus using this measurement data and simulation model data. Thereby, the temperature of each place in the air-conditioned room is accurately grasped while minimizing the number of sensors. Based on the simulation results, after sequentially selecting a plurality of countermeasure parameters that pre-registered ON / OFF of the air conditioner, temperature setting change, fan air volume change, ON / OFF instruction, etc., the countermeasure parameters are selected. In addition, the simulation is performed again to determine whether the countermeasure is appropriate. This increases the reliability of the air conditioning control by enabling appropriate control when a problem occurs. Furthermore, if the problem cannot be solved even by simulation with all the countermeasure parameters added, an abnormality report is sent to the terminal. This makes it possible to respond quickly when a problem occurs.

  Hereinafter, a description will be given with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an air conditioning control system according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a layout of an air conditioning room and an air flow. Moreover, FIG. 3 is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the air-conditioning control method of this embodiment, and FIG. 4 is a figure which shows an example of the temperature measurement point and sensor arrangement | positioning of an air-conditioning room.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the air conditioning control system of the present embodiment includes an air conditioning room 10 such as a server room, a processing device 100 that controls the air conditioning room 10, a terminal 300 of an administrator or user of the air conditioning room 10, and the like. These are connected via a communication network 200 such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or a WAN (Wide Area Network). Hereinafter, individual devices will be described.

<Air conditioning room 10>
The air conditioning room 10 is composed of equipment such as servers and racks arranged in the room, air conditioners 11 to 1n, fans 21 to 2n, sensors 3n, a relay device 40, and the like. Note that n is an integer of 2 or more.

  The air conditioners 11 to 1n and the fans 21 to 2n are air conditioning equipment that controls the environment in the air conditioning room 10, and are arranged so that the environment of each area according to the arrangement of devices such as servers and racks can be kept constant. And connected to the relay device 40 so as to be communicable. In the present embodiment, the inside of the air conditioning room 10 is divided into two areas, but the number of areas is arbitrary, and it is not always necessary to divide into a plurality of areas.

  The sensor 3n is a detector that measures environmental elements such as temperature, electric power, and wind speed in the air conditioning room 10, and is connected to the relay device 40 so as to be communicable.

  The relay device 40 transmits information sent from the air conditioning equipment and the sensor 3n periodically (for example, every 30 minutes) to the simulation parameter unit 130 in the processing device 100, and the air conditioning from the processing unit 120 in the processing device 100. Instruction information to the equipment is transmitted to the fans 21 to 2n and the air conditioners 11 to 1n.

<Processing apparatus 100>
The processing apparatus 100 includes a database 110, a simulation parameter unit 130, simulation software 140, a processing unit 120, and the like.

  The database 110 includes simulation model data (Table 3) necessary for the simulation software 140 to simulate, countermeasure parameters (Table 4) that define the control to be performed when a problem occurs, and instruction information to the air conditioning equipment based on the simulation results (Table 4). Table 2) is stored.

  The simulation parameter unit 130 stores and updates parameters to be transmitted to the simulation software 140 such as information on various sensors 3n and layout information of the air conditioning room 10 to be controlled.

  Based on the information transmitted from the simulation parameter unit 130, the simulation software 140 has a temperature range (hereinafter referred to as suction temperature) of a device such as a server or rack that is recommended for the device (hereinafter referred to as a recommended temperature). A simulation of whether or not to enter the temperature range is performed, and the result is transmitted to the processing unit 120.

  The processing unit 120 stores area information of the air conditioning room 10, receives countermeasure parameters from the database 110, transmits them to the simulation parameter unit 130, receives a result simulated by the simulation software 140, and is an area that exceeds the recommended temperature range Select a countermeasure parameter to change the operating state of the air conditioning equipment corresponding to Next, the selected countermeasure parameter is transmitted to the simulation parameter unit 130, the result of simulation performed by the simulation software 140 is received, and it is determined whether the temperature of the area where the problem has occurred falls within the recommended temperature range. If not, the countermeasure parameter for changing the operation state of the air conditioning equipment is selected again. As a result of repeating the above process, if the temperature is within the recommended temperature range, the instruction information for changing the operation status of the air conditioning equipment is transmitted to the relay device 40. Further, simulation results and instruction information are transmitted to the database 110 as needed. The processing unit 120 may be configured as hardware, or may be configured as a program that causes a computer to function as the processing unit 120.

<Terminal 300>
The terminal 300 is a personal computer, a mobile phone, or the like, and includes an operation unit that inputs parameters for a simulation model, a display unit that displays a simulation result, and the like.

  A schematic operation of the air conditioning control system having the above configuration will be described.

  (1) The terminal 300 accesses the database 110 via the communication network 200, inputs an initial layout and conditions, creates a basic model, performs a simulation, and matches the measurement data of various sensors 3n. Is stored in the database 110.

  (2) The relay device 40 periodically sends measurement data from various sensors 3n (temperature, power, wind speed) disposed in the air conditioning room 10 to the processing device 100 via the communication network 200 (for example, at intervals of 30 minutes). . The simulation parameter unit 130 transmits the received measurement data and the simulation model data obtained from the database 110 to the simulation software 140 to perform the simulation.

  (3) The processing unit 120 determines whether the suction temperature of the server or the rack is within the recommended temperature range for each area based on the simulation result, and detects a location that deviates from the upper limit and the lower limit.

  (4) The simulation parameter unit 130 receives the countermeasure parameters of the air conditioning equipment for the area detected in (3) from the database 110 and causes the simulation software 140 to perform the simulation again. As a result of the simulation, if the problem in the same area has not been improved, the simulation is repeated with the next countermeasure parameter added.

  (5) When any of the countermeasures in the simulation of (4) causes the server or rack suction temperature to fall within the recommended temperature range, the processing unit 120 is based on the countermeasure parameters used in the simulation of (4). The instruction information is transmitted to the relay device 40.

  (6) When the intake temperature of the server or rack does not fall within the recommended temperature range, an abnormality report is sent to the terminal 300.

  Next, the air conditioning control operation of the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the layout example of FIG. 2, the flowchart of FIG. 3, and Tables 1 to 6. It is assumed that countermeasure parameters are registered in the database 110 in advance. Table 1 is an example of measurement data transmitted from the various sensors 3n to the simulation parameter unit 130 via the relay device 40. Table 2 is an example of instruction information transmitted from the processing unit 120 to the air conditioning equipment via the relay device 40. Table 3 shows simulation model data for performing a simulation with the simulation software 140. Table 4 shows countermeasure parameters that define conditions for controlling the air conditioning equipment when each area in FIG. 4 deviates from the recommended temperature range. Table 5 is data specifying an area that deviates from the recommended temperature range. Table 6 is data indicating the temperature of the simulation point for each area set based on the recommended temperature range.

  First, simulation model data (Table 3) input from the terminal 300 to the database 110 is transmitted to the simulation parameter unit 130 (step S1 in FIG. 3). The simulation model data includes the size of the air conditioning room, the initial room temperature, the size and characteristics of each device and air conditioning equipment in the air conditioning room, and the like.

  Next, measurement data (Table 1) of various sensors S1 to Sn installed in the air conditioning room 10 is periodically input (for example, at intervals of 30 minutes) to the simulation parameter unit 130 via the relay device 40 (step). S2). The measurement data includes information for identifying the sensor, information for identifying the air conditioning equipment in which the sensor is installed, measurement items, measurement numerical values, and the like.

  Next, the data (measurement data and simulation model data) input in steps S1 and S2 are transmitted from the simulation parameter unit 130 to the simulation software 140, and the simulation software 140 executes a simulation (step S3). The internal operation flow of the simulation software 140 is described below.

  1. The parameter is acquired and the execution command is acquired (Table 3).

  2. Divide the room layout into meshes.

  3. Simulation is executed from parameters (heat generation amount of indoor equipment (server / rack, fan, air conditioner), air conditioner outlet temperature, air volume, initial room temperature), and the indoor temperature distribution and server / rack suction temperature are calculated.

  4). The temperature distribution in mesh units is calculated, and the result of the server / rack suction temperature is output.

  Next, the simulation result executed in step S3 is transmitted to the processing unit 120, and the processing unit 120 points to the temperature sensor set for each area (for example, areas A and B in FIG. 2) based on the simulation result. Of the representative points (points V1 and V9 in area A in Table 6, points V6 and V9 in area B) of (points V1 to V12 in FIG. 4) are compared with the recommended temperature range ( Step S4).

  As a result of the comparison, if the temperature of the representative point is within the recommended temperature range (step S5) and the system is activated (step S6), the process is terminated.

  On the other hand, when there is an area where the temperature of the representative point is not within the recommended temperature range (step S7), thereafter, data (Table 5) specifying the area is transmitted from the processing unit 120 to the database 110 (step S8). It is determined whether the countermeasure [1] for each area in Table 4 has been implemented (step S9). If not implemented, the countermeasure parameter corresponding to the countermeasure [1] from the database 110 via the processing unit 120 is determined. Is received (step S10). The countermeasure parameters include information for specifying the air conditioning equipment to be controlled, control items, instruction values thereof, and the like.

  Next, the parameter of the measure [1] is input to the simulation parameter unit 130 (step S11), and the simulation is executed again in step S3. If the temperature of the point in the area is not within the recommended temperature range, step Proceeding to S7, since measure [1] has already been implemented, measure [2] shown in Table 4 is implemented (steps S12, 13, and S11).

  This operation is repeated until the temperature falls within the recommended temperature range, the countermeasure n shown in Table 4 is performed (step S14), and the process proceeds to steps S11, S3, and S4. If the temperature falls within the recommended temperature range (step S5), the system Since it is not at the time of starting (step S15), the process part 120 transmits the instruction information (Table 2) for making the air conditioning equipment implement the countermeasure n which implemented the simulation to the relay apparatus 40 (step S16). This instruction information includes information for specifying the air conditioning equipment to be controlled, a control item, its instruction value, and the like.

  On the other hand, if the temperature does not fall within the recommended temperature range even after countermeasure n is implemented, there may be a problem with the air conditioners 11 to 1n and fans 21 to 2n. Is reported (step S17).

  As described above, the temperature distribution in the air conditioning room 10 is obtained by simulation using the sensor measurement data and the simulation model data. If there is an area that deviates from the predetermined recommended temperature range, the countermeasure parameter is added and the simulation is performed. Then, it is determined whether the temperature is within the recommended temperature range, and appropriate control can be performed by repeating the simulation by sequentially adding countermeasure parameters until the temperature is within the recommended temperature range. In addition, even if a simulation with all countermeasure parameters added is performed, if the temperature does not fall within the recommended temperature range, the terminal 30 is notified so that a problem can be quickly dealt with.

  In the above embodiment, the case of controlling the temperature of the air-conditioning room has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and any environmental element such as humidity, atmospheric pressure, dust, or the amount of chemical substances. The same can be applied to the case of controlling Moreover, the control system and control method of the said embodiment are not limited to control of the air-conditioning equipment of an air-conditioning room.

  INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention can be used for applications such as air conditioning control of a data center having a large room area, such as housing hosting in addition to a general computer room.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the air-conditioning control system which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the layout of an air-conditioning room and airflow which concern on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the air-conditioning control method which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the temperature measurement point and sensor arrangement | positioning of an air-conditioning room which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Air conditioning room 11-1n Air conditioner 21-2n Fan 3n Sensor 40 Relay apparatus 100 Processing apparatus 110 Database 120 Processing part 130 Simulation parameter part 140 Simulation software 200 Communication network 300 Terminal

Claims (8)

In an air conditioning control system comprising at least an air conditioning room including an air conditioning facility and a detector, a processing device for controlling the air conditioning facility, and a terminal,
The processor is
Based on the simulation model data created in advance and the measurement data acquired from the detector, the temperature distribution in the air-conditioned room is determined by simulation,
When the temperature at a predetermined position in the air-conditioning room deviates from a predetermined temperature range, the simulation is performed by sequentially adding a plurality of countermeasure parameters that pre-register the control conditions for the air-conditioning equipment, and perform the simulation. An air conditioning control system comprising a function of repeating the addition of the countermeasure parameter and the simulation until the temperature at the predetermined position determined from the result is within the temperature range. The processing apparatus further includes:
When the temperature at the predetermined position falls within the temperature range, the instruction information for causing the air conditioning equipment to execute the control determined by the added countermeasure parameter is transmitted, and the plurality of countermeasure parameters are all added. 2. The air conditioning control system according to claim 1, wherein if the temperature at the predetermined position does not fall within the temperature range in the simulation, the terminal is notified that a problem has occurred. The air conditioning room is divided into a plurality of areas,
The air conditioning control system according to claim 1, wherein the countermeasure parameter is set for each area.   4. The countermeasure parameter according to claim 1, wherein the countermeasure parameter is individually set for each of a case where the upper limit of the temperature range is exceeded and a case where the countermeasure parameter falls below the lower limit of the temperature range. The air conditioning control system described in 1. An air conditioning control method in an air conditioning control system comprising at least an air conditioning room including an air conditioning facility and a detector, a processing device that controls the air conditioning facility, and a terminal,
A first step of registering a plurality of countermeasure parameters defining control conditions for the air conditioning equipment when the temperature in the air conditioning room deviates from a predetermined temperature range;
A second step of determining a temperature distribution in the air-conditioned room by simulation based on simulation model data created in advance and measurement data acquired from the detector;
When the temperature at a predetermined position in the air conditioning room deviates from the temperature range, the simulation is performed by sequentially adding the plurality of countermeasure parameters, and the temperature at the predetermined position obtained from the result of the simulation is the temperature. The air conditioning control method characterized by comprising at least a third step of repeating the addition of the countermeasure parameter and the simulation until it falls within the range.   When the temperature at the predetermined position falls within the temperature range, the air conditioning equipment is controlled by the added countermeasure parameter, and the simulation is performed with all of the plurality of countermeasure parameters added. The air conditioning control method according to claim 5, further comprising a fourth step of notifying the terminal that a problem has occurred when the temperature at a predetermined position does not fall within the temperature range. In the first step, a plurality of countermeasure parameters are registered for each of the plurality of areas of the air conditioning room,
In the third step, the simulation is performed by sequentially adding countermeasure parameters corresponding to the area including the predetermined position,
The air conditioning control method according to claim 6, wherein in the fourth step, control is performed on an air conditioning facility that has jurisdiction over the area. In the first step, a plurality of countermeasure parameters are registered for each of the case where the upper limit of the temperature range is exceeded and the case where the temperature range falls below the lower limit of the temperature range,
8. The simulation according to claim 5, wherein, in the third step, the simulation is performed by sequentially adding corresponding countermeasure parameters depending on whether the temperature exceeds or falls below the upper limit of the temperature range. The air conditioning control method according to any one of the above.

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