JP7415075B1 - air conditioning system - Google Patents

Abstract

[Problem] To set an appropriate operation mode in an outdoor unit.
An air conditioning system 1 includes an outdoor unit 10, a heat medium flow path 12, an indoor unit 14, a central control unit, a storage device 42 in which correlation history data 50 is stored, and the central control unit 44, before setting the operation mode of the outdoor unit 10, the outdoor An estimated mode is derived that is an estimate of the operating mode at the time of setting the future operating mode of the outdoor unit 10, and operating state information, which is information indicating the actual operating state of the indoor unit, is derived when setting the operating mode of the outdoor unit 10. is acquired, and it is determined which of the cooling operation mode and the heating operation mode is to be set as the operation mode of the outdoor unit 10 based on the estimated mode and the operation state information.
[Selection diagram] Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to an air conditioning system.

For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an air conditioning system that sets the start date of a cooling period and the start date of a heating period from a representative value of past outside temperature data.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-112352

However, in the technology of Patent Document 1, the start date of the cooling period and the start date of the heating period are set only from past outside temperature data, and the setting accuracy of the cooling period and heating period may be affected depending on the condition of the indoor unit. In some cases, the outdoor unit may not be able to be set to an appropriate operating mode among the cooling mode and the heating mode.

In addition, in air conditioning systems, there are some cases where the cooling or heating operation mode of the outdoor unit cannot be changed using the indoor unit, permission from the administrator is required to change it, and there are cases where the operation mode of the outdoor unit or heating cannot be changed using the indoor unit. There are some cases that require the indoor unit to be stopped. For this reason, for example, a situation may occur where you want to cool the room where the indoor unit is installed, but the outdoor unit is set to heating mode. Therefore, in the air conditioning system, it may be difficult to determine which of the cooling mode and the heating mode is appropriate to set as the operating mode of the outdoor unit.

In view of such problems, an object of the present invention is to provide an air conditioning system that can set an appropriate operation mode in the outdoor unit.

In order to solve the above problems, the air conditioning system of the present invention has a cooling operation mode and a heating operation mode as operation modes, an outdoor unit that can be switched between the cooling operation mode and the heating operation mode, and an outdoor unit that cools the outdoor unit. There is a heat medium flow path through which the heat medium corresponding to the set operation mode among the operation mode and heating operation mode flows, and the setting modes are cooling setting mode and heating setting mode. The central control unit that controls the operation of the connected indoor unit and outdoor unit determines the relationship between the weather conditions at the installation location of the outdoor unit, and the set operating mode of the outdoor unit's cooling operation mode and heating operation mode. a storage device in which correlation history data shown is stored, and the central control unit stores the past correlation history data and the future operation mode setting at the installation position of the outdoor unit before setting the operation mode of the outdoor unit. Based on the weather forecast that predicts the weather at that time, we derive an estimated mode that is an estimate of the future operation mode of the outdoor unit, and when setting the operation mode of the outdoor unit, Operating status information indicating the operating status of the indoor unit, including the setting mode set in the indoor unit, and a temperature difference indicating the temperature difference between the set temperature of the indoor unit and the temperature detected at a predetermined position of the indoor unit. Based on the estimated mode and the operating state information, it determines whether to set the cooling operation mode or the heating operation mode as the operation mode of the outdoor unit, and determines the operation mode to be set. When making a decision, if the estimation mode of the outdoor unit and the setting mode of the indoor unit are different, it is determined based on the temperature difference information which of the estimation mode and the setting mode should be determined as the operation mode to be set to the outdoor unit. do.
In order to solve the above problems, the air conditioning system of the present invention has a cooling operation mode and a heating operation mode as operation modes, an outdoor unit that can be switched between the cooling operation mode and the heating operation mode, and an outdoor unit that cools the outdoor unit. There is a heat medium flow path through which the heat medium corresponding to the set operation mode among the operation mode and heating operation mode flows, and the setting modes are cooling setting mode and heating setting mode. The central control unit that controls the operation of the connected indoor unit and outdoor unit determines the relationship between the weather conditions at the installation location of the outdoor unit, and the set operating mode of the outdoor unit's cooling operation mode and heating operation mode. a storage device in which correlation history data shown is stored, and the central control unit stores the past correlation history data and the future operation mode setting at the installation position of the outdoor unit before setting the operation mode of the outdoor unit. Based on the weather forecast that predicts the weather at that time, we derive an estimated mode that is an estimate of the future operation mode of the outdoor unit, and when setting the operation mode of the outdoor unit, Operating status information indicating the operating status of the indoor unit, including the setting mode set in the indoor unit, operation status information indicating whether the indoor unit is operating or not, and indoor Obtain operating state information that includes either or both of the temperature difference information indicating the temperature difference between the set temperature in the indoor unit and the temperature detected at a predetermined position of the indoor unit, and based on the estimation mode and the operating state information. to determine which of the cooling operation mode and heating operation mode to set as the operation mode of the outdoor unit, and when determining the operation mode to be set, if the estimated mode of the outdoor unit and the setting mode of the indoor unit are different, Based on either or both of the operation information and the temperature difference information, it is determined which of the estimation mode and the setting mode is to be determined as the operation mode to be set in the outdoor unit.
In order to solve the above problems, the air conditioning system of the present invention has a cooling operation mode and a heating operation mode as operation modes, an outdoor unit that can be switched between the cooling operation mode and the heating operation mode, and an outdoor unit that cools the outdoor unit. Controls the operation of the indoor unit connected to the outdoor unit and the outdoor unit through the heat medium flow path through which the heat medium corresponding to the set operation mode among the operation mode and the heating operation mode flows, and the heat medium flow path. The storage device includes a central control unit, and a storage device that stores correlation history data indicating a relationship between weather conditions at the installation location of the outdoor unit and a set operation mode among a cooling operation mode and a heating operation mode of the outdoor unit. , before setting the operation mode of the outdoor unit, the central control unit determines whether the outdoor unit is Deriving the estimated mode, which is an estimate of the operating mode when setting the future operating mode of the machine, and acquiring operating state information, which is information indicating the actual operating state of the indoor unit, when setting the operating mode of the outdoor unit. Then, based on the estimation mode and the operating state information, it is determined which of the cooling operation mode and the heating operation mode is to be set as the operation mode of the outdoor unit.

Further, there are a cooling setting mode and a heating setting mode as setting modes of the indoor unit, and the operating state information may include at least the setting mode set in the indoor unit.

In addition, there are a cooling setting mode and a heating setting mode as setting modes for the indoor unit, and the operating status information includes the setting mode set for the indoor unit, as well as operation/non-operation information indicating whether the indoor unit is operating or not. The central control unit can control the estimation mode of the outdoor unit and the setting of the indoor unit. If the modes are different, it is determined which of the estimation mode and the setting mode is to be determined as the operation mode to be set in the outdoor unit, based on either or both of the operation status information and temperature difference information. You may also do so.

In addition, the central control unit acquires the weather conditions at the time when the operation mode to be set for the outdoor unit is determined, associates the acquired weather conditions with the determined operation mode, and uses the associated weather conditions and operation mode to Correlation history data may also be updated.

Further, there are a plurality of outdoor units and an indoor unit, each of the plurality of indoor units is connected to one of the plurality of outdoor units, correlation history data is stored in a storage device for each outdoor unit, and the central control unit The estimation mode may be derived based on the correlation history data corresponding to the outdoor unit from which the estimation mode is derived, out of the correlation history data for each outdoor unit.

According to the present invention, it is possible to set an appropriate operation mode in the outdoor unit.

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an air conditioning system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating correlation history data. FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating pre-processing by the central control unit. FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating processing when setting the driving mode. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of determining the driving mode. FIG. 6 is a schematic block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an air conditioning system according to the second embodiment. FIG. 7 is a schematic block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an air conditioning system according to the third embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The dimensions, materials, and other specific numerical values shown in these embodiments are merely illustrative to facilitate understanding of the invention, and do not limit the invention unless otherwise specified. In this specification and the drawings, elements with substantially the same functions and configurations are given the same reference numerals to omit redundant explanation, and elements not directly related to the present invention are omitted from illustration. do.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an air conditioning system 1 according to the first embodiment. Note that in FIG. 1, the dashed arrow indicates the direction of signal transmission. The air conditioning system 1 includes an outdoor unit 10, a heat medium flow path 12, a plurality of indoor units 14, and a central control device 16. Although three indoor units 14 are illustrated in FIG. 1, the number of indoor units 14 is not limited to three, and may be one, two, or four or more.

The outdoor unit 10 has a cooling operation mode and a heating operation mode as operation modes. As will be described later, the outdoor unit 10 is configured to be able to switch between a cooling operation mode and a heating operation mode.

The heat medium flow path 12 is connected to the outdoor unit 10. The outdoor unit 10 is connected to a plurality of indoor units 14 through a heat medium flow path 12. A heat medium corresponding to the set operation mode among the cooling operation mode and the heating operation mode flows through the heat medium flow path 12 .

The outdoor unit 10 includes a communication section 20, a heating/cooling section 22, a heating/cooling switching section 24, and an outdoor control section 26. The communication unit 20 can establish communication with the plurality of indoor units 14 and the central control device 16.

The heating/cooling section 22 includes, for example, a heat exchanger, a compressor, a pressure reducer, and the like, and cools or heats the heat medium. More specifically, in the cooling operation mode, the cooling/heating section 22 cools the heat medium supplied to the outdoor unit 10 and sends the cooled heat medium to the plurality of indoor units 14 through the heat medium flow path 12. do. Further, in the heating operation mode, the cooling/heating section 22 heats the heat medium supplied to the outdoor unit 10 and sends the heated heat medium to the plurality of indoor units 14 through the heat medium flow path 12.

The cooling/heating switching unit 24 switches the operating mode between the cooling operating mode and the heating operating mode. For example, the heating/cooling switching section 24 can switch the operation mode by switching the flow path of the heat medium between the devices that make up the heating/cooling section 22 .

The outdoor control unit 26 includes a processor and a memory that stores programs. The outdoor control unit 26 controls the entire outdoor unit 10 by a processor executing a program. For example, the outdoor control unit 26 sets the operating mode under the control of the central controller 16, and causes the cooling/heating switching unit 24 to switch the operating mode.

The indoor unit 14 is installed in a space to be air-conditioned. Hereinafter, a space to be air-conditioned may be referred to as an air-conditioned space.

The indoor unit 14 has a cooling setting mode and a heating setting mode as setting modes. When the user of the indoor unit 14 wants to cool the space to be air-conditioned, the setting mode of the indoor unit 14 is set to the cooling setting mode, and when the user wants to heat the space to be air-conditioned, the setting mode of the indoor unit 14 is set to the heating setting mode. Can be done.

The indoor unit 14 includes a communication section 30, a heat exchanger 32, a temperature sensor 34, a user interface 36, and an indoor control section 38. Note that in FIG. 1, the user interface is abbreviated as UI. The communication unit 30 can establish communication with the outdoor unit 10 and the central control device 16.

The heat exchanger 32 exchanges heat between the heat medium flowing through the heat medium flow path 12 and the air supplied from the air-conditioned space, and sends out the air after heat exchange to the air-conditioned space.

The temperature sensor 34 is installed at a predetermined position in the indoor unit 14 and detects the temperature at the position. As will be described later, the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 34 is transmitted to the central control device 16 and used to determine the operating mode of the outdoor unit 10.

For example, the temperature sensor 34 is installed at an inlet portion where the heat medium is fed into the indoor unit 14 from the heat medium flow path 12, and detects the temperature of the heat medium fed into the indoor unit 14.

Note that the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 34 is not limited to the temperature of the heat medium fed into the indoor unit 14. For example, the temperature sensor 34 may be installed at an exit portion where the heat medium is sent from the indoor unit 14 to the heat medium flow path 12, and may detect the temperature of the heat medium sent out from the indoor unit 14. Further, for example, the temperature sensor 34 may be installed at a position facing the air-conditioned space in the indoor unit 14 to detect the temperature of the air-conditioned space at the position of the indoor unit 14.

The user interface 36 includes, for example, an input function such as an input switch, and an output function such as a display device. The user can input the setting mode and temperature setting of the indoor unit 14 through the user interface 36.

The indoor control unit 38 includes a processor and a memory that stores programs. The indoor control unit 38 controls the entire indoor unit 14 by a processor executing a program. For example, the indoor control unit 38 controls the temperature, air volume, etc. of the air sent to the air-conditioned space.

The central control device 16 controls the operation of the outdoor unit 10. The central control device 16 may be installed in the same building where the outdoor unit 10 is installed to control the outdoor unit 10, or it may be installed in a separate location from the building where the outdoor unit 10 is installed. The outdoor unit 10 may be controlled by remote control.

The central control device 16 includes a communication section 40, a storage device 42, and a central control section 44. The communication unit 40 can establish communication with the outdoor unit 10 and the indoor unit 14.

The storage device 42 is composed of a nonvolatile storage element such as an HDD or a flash memory, for example. Correlation history data 50 is stored in the storage device 42 . The correlation history data 50 will be detailed later.

The central control unit 44 includes a processor and a memory that stores programs. The central control unit 44 controls the operation of the entire central control device 16 and the outdoor unit 10 by a processor executing a program.

The central control unit 44 determines the operation mode to be set in the outdoor unit 10 from among the cooling operation mode and the heating operation mode, instructs the determined operation mode to the outdoor unit 10, and causes the outdoor unit 10 to set the operation mode. The central control unit 44 determines the operating mode of the outdoor unit 10 at predetermined intervals and updates the operating mode of the outdoor unit 10. The predetermined time here is, for example, one hour, but is not limited to this example and may be set to any time.

The indoor unit 14 transmits a startup instruction to the outdoor unit 10 when a startup operation is received through the user interface 36 or when a preset time has come due to timer reservation or the like. When the outdoor unit 10 receives the instruction to start the indoor unit 14, it starts operating in the set operation mode among the cooling operation mode and the heating operation mode. When the outdoor unit 10 starts operating, a heat medium corresponding to the set operation mode is sent to the indoor unit 14 through the heat medium flow path 12. Then, in the heat exchanger 32 of the indoor unit 14, heat is exchanged between the heat medium and the air in the air-conditioned space, and the temperature of the air-conditioned space is harmonized.

By updating the operation mode of the outdoor unit 10, the central control unit 44 can switch the operation mode of the outdoor unit 10 from the cooling operation mode to the heating operation mode, and can also switch the operation mode from the heating operation mode to the cooling operation mode. Can be done. In this way, the air conditioning system 1 has a cooling/heating switching type configuration.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the correlation history data 50. As shown in FIG. 2, the correlation history data 50 shows the relationship between the weather conditions at the installation position of the outdoor unit 10 and the operating mode actually set among the cooling operating mode and the heating operating mode in the outdoor unit 10.

The weather conditions include, for example, at least one of the outside temperature, humidity, and weather at the installation location of the outdoor unit 10. That is, in the correlation history data 50, there is a one-to-one correspondence between outside temperature, humidity, weather, or a combination of these conditions and the set driving mode.

Note that the weather conditions are not limited to outside temperature, humidity, and weather, but include any index related to the weather at the installation location of the outdoor unit 10, such as the amount of solar radiation, cloud cover, and sunshine hours at the installation location of the outdoor unit 10. But that's fine.

The correlation history data 50 is updated, for example, at the timing when the operation mode of the outdoor unit 10 is set (updated). Note that the correlation history data 50 may be updated at the timing when the air conditioning load of the outdoor unit 10 becomes a predetermined value or more, or may be updated at the timing when the operating time of the outdoor unit 10 becomes a predetermined time or more. .

Next, the operation of the central control section 44 will be explained. The central control unit 44 performs predetermined pre-processing before setting the operation mode of the outdoor unit 10. The pre-processing is performed, for example, the day before the driving mode setting date. Note that the pre-processing is not limited to the day before the driving mode setting date, but may be performed at any timing earlier than the driving mode setting timing on the current day of the driving mode setting date, for example.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating pre-processing by the central control unit 44. When the pre-processing start timing arrives, the central control unit 44 reads out the past correlation history data 50 stored in the storage device 42 (S10). The central control unit 44 acquires a weather forecast that predicts the weather at the time of setting the future driving mode at the installation position of the outdoor unit 10 (S11). The weather forecast may be obtained from a server device such as the Japan Meteorological Agency through the Internet, for example.

The central control unit 44 derives an estimated mode, which is an estimated mode of operation at the time of setting the future operation mode of the outdoor unit 10, based on the read past correlation history data 50 and the acquired weather forecast. (S12). For example, the central control unit 44 derives the driving mode corresponding to the acquired weather forecast as the estimated mode from the acquired weather forecast and the read correlation history data 50. The central control unit 44 stores the derived estimation mode in the storage device 42 (S13), and ends the pre-processing of FIG. 3.

Please note that weather forecasts may be incorrect. In preparation for a case where the weather forecast is incorrect, the central control unit 44 may, for example, correct each value of the weather conditions of the correlation history data 50 stored in the storage device 42 with data acquired by the outdoor unit 10. Here, the heating/cooling section 22 of the outdoor unit 10 sucks outside air into the heating/cooling section 22 using a fan when cooling or heating the heat medium. A suction temperature sensor installed at a position where the outdoor unit 10 sucks outside air can obtain a measured value of approximately the same temperature as the outside air temperature at the position of the outdoor unit 10. Based on this, the central control unit 44 may correct each value of the weather conditions in the correlation history data 50 using the measured value of the suction temperature sensor of the outdoor unit 10. By doing so, the accuracy of the correlation history data 50 can be improved.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating processing when setting the driving mode. The central control unit 44 performs the operation mode setting process shown in FIG. 4 when setting the operation mode of the outdoor unit 10. Note that the driving mode setting time may be set, for example, every hour on the day after the estimation mode is derived.

When the start timing of the driving mode setting process arrives, the central control unit 44 acquires driving state information that is information indicating the actual driving state of the indoor unit 14 (S20).

The operating state information includes at least the currently set setting mode of the indoor unit 14. Further, the operating state information may include one or both of operating/non-operating information and temperature difference information. The operation status information indicates whether or not the indoor unit 14 is currently in operation. The temperature difference information indicates the temperature difference between the current set temperature of the indoor unit 14 and the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 34 at a predetermined position of the indoor unit 14. The temperature detected by the temperature sensor 34 at a predetermined position of the indoor unit 14 is, for example, the temperature of the heat medium sent to the indoor unit 14; Alternatively, it may be the temperature of the air-conditioned space at the position of the indoor unit 14.

The central control unit 44 reads out the estimation mode derived in the most recent pre-processing from the storage device 42 (S21). The central control unit 44 determines which of the cooling operation mode and the heating operation mode is to be set as the operation mode of the outdoor unit 10, based on the read estimated mode and the operation state information acquired in step S20 ( S22).

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of determining the driving mode. The central control unit 44 determines whether the estimated mode of the outdoor unit 10 and the setting mode of the indoor unit 14 included in the operating state information are substantially the same. Note that the estimation mode and the setting mode are the same, which means "cooling" or "heating" of the cooling operation mode and heating operation mode in the estimation mode, and "cooling" or "heating" of the cooling setting mode and heating setting mode of the setting mode. It means the same thing as "cooling" or "heating."

If the estimated mode of the outdoor unit 10 and the setting mode of the indoor unit 14 included in the operating state information are substantially the same, the central control unit 44 determines the estimated mode as the operating mode of the outdoor unit 10. For example, when both the estimation mode and the setting mode are "cooling", the central control unit 44 determines the operating mode to be set for the outdoor unit 10 to be the "cooling" operating mode. Further, when both the estimation mode and the setting mode are "heating", the central control unit 44 determines the operation mode to be set for the outdoor unit 10 to be the "heating" operation mode.

On the other hand, if the estimated mode of the outdoor unit 10 and the setting mode of the indoor unit 14 included in the operating state information are different, the central control unit 44 selects one of the operating state information and the temperature difference information of the operating state information. Based on one or both, it is determined which of the estimation mode and the setting mode is to be determined as the operating mode to be set in the outdoor unit 10.

For example, when the estimation mode is "cooling" and the setting mode is "heating", the central control unit 44 considers only the operation presence information regardless of the temperature difference information, and the central control unit 44 indicates that the operation presence information is "absent". In other words, if the indoor unit 14 is not operating, it is presumed that the indoor unit 14 is not operating because it is in a setting mode different from the setting mode that it should be. "Cooling" may be determined as the operation mode. Further, when the estimation mode is "cooling" and the setting mode is "heating", the central control unit 44 considers only the operation presence information regardless of the temperature difference information, and the central control unit 44 indicates that the operation presence information is "present". In other words, if the indoor unit 14 is operating, it is assumed that the indoor unit 14 is operating because it is in the desired setting mode, so the "heating" indicated by the setting mode is operated. It may be determined as a mode.

Further, when the estimation mode is "cooling" and the setting mode is "heating", only the temperature difference information is considered regardless of the operation status information, and the central control unit 44 determines that the temperature difference indicated by the temperature difference information is set to a predetermined value. If the temperature difference is below, it is assumed that the operating load on the indoor unit 14 is extremely small because the setting mode is different from the desired setting mode, so the estimation mode is assumed to be correct, and the setting mode indicated by the estimation mode is assumed to be correct. "Cooling" may be determined as the operation mode. Further, when the estimation mode is "cooling" and the setting mode is "heating", only the temperature difference information is considered regardless of the operation status information, and the central control unit 44 determines that the temperature difference indicated by the temperature difference information is set to a predetermined value. If it is larger than the temperature difference, it is assumed that the operating load on the indoor unit 14 is large because it is in the desired setting mode, so it is assumed that the estimated mode is incorrect, and the "heating" indicated by the setting mode is operated. It may be determined as a mode.

Further, when the estimation mode is "cooling" and the setting mode is "heating", both the operation presence information and the temperature difference information are considered, and the operation presence information indicates "no", and If the temperature difference indicated by the temperature difference information is less than or equal to the predetermined temperature difference, the central control unit 44 determines that the operating load on the indoor unit 14 is extremely small even if the operation status information changes to "Yes" after this point in time. Since it is presumed, "cooling" indicated by the estimated mode may be determined as the operation mode. Further, when the estimation mode is "cooling" and the setting mode is "heating", both the operation presence information and the temperature difference information are taken into consideration, and the operation presence information indicates "yes", and If the temperature difference indicated by the temperature difference information is less than or equal to the predetermined temperature difference, the central control unit 44 changes the "cooling" indicated by the estimation mode to the operating mode because it is presumed that the operating load on the indoor unit 14 is extremely small. It may be determined as

Further, when the estimation mode is "cooling" and the setting mode is "heating", both the operation presence information and the temperature difference information are considered, and the operation presence information indicates "no", and If the temperature difference indicated by the temperature difference information is larger than the predetermined temperature difference, it is assumed that the central control unit 44 is in the desired setting mode, and even if the operation status information changes to "Yes" after the current time, the Since it is presumed that the operating load on the machine 14 is large, "heating" indicated by the setting mode may be determined as the operating mode. Further, when the estimation mode is "cooling" and the setting mode is "heating", both the operation presence information and the temperature difference information are taken into consideration, and the operation presence information indicates "yes", and If the temperature difference indicated by the temperature difference information is larger than the predetermined temperature difference, the central control unit 44 is presumed to be in the desired setting mode, and therefore determines "heating" indicated by the setting mode as the operating mode. Good too.

Further, for example, when the estimation mode is "heating" and the setting mode is "cooling", the central control unit 44 considers only the operation presence information regardless of the temperature difference information, and the central control unit 44 determines that the operation presence information is "no". In other words, if the indoor unit 14 is not operating, it is assumed that the indoor unit 14 is not operating because it is in a setting mode different from the setting mode that it should be, so the estimation mode is ``Heating'' may be determined as the operation mode. Further, when the estimation mode is "heating" and the setting mode is "cooling", only the operation presence information is considered regardless of the temperature difference information, and the central control unit 44 indicates that the operation presence information is "present". In other words, if the indoor unit 14 is operating, it is assumed that the indoor unit 14 is operating because it is in the desired setting mode, so the "cooling" indicated by the setting mode is operated. It may be determined as a mode.

Further, when the estimation mode is "heating" and the setting mode is "cooling", only the temperature difference information is considered regardless of the operation status information, and the central control unit 44 determines that the temperature difference indicated by the temperature difference information is a predetermined value. If the temperature difference is below, it is assumed that the operating load on the indoor unit 14 is extremely small because the setting mode is different from the desired setting mode, so the estimation mode is assumed to be correct, and the setting mode indicated by the estimation mode is assumed to be correct. "Cooling" may be determined as the operation mode. Further, when the estimation mode is "heating" and the setting mode is "cooling", only the temperature difference information is considered regardless of the operation status information, and the central control unit 44 determines that the temperature difference indicated by the temperature difference information is a predetermined value. If it is larger than the temperature difference, it is assumed that the operating load on the indoor unit 14 is large because it is in the desired setting mode, so it is assumed that the estimation mode is incorrect, and the "cooling" indicated by the setting mode is operated. It may be determined as a mode.

Further, when the estimation mode is "heating" and the setting mode is "cooling", both the operation presence information and the temperature difference information are considered, and the operation presence information indicates "no", and If the temperature difference indicated by the temperature difference information is less than or equal to the predetermined temperature difference, the central control unit 44 determines that the operating load on the indoor unit 14 is extremely small even if the operation status information changes to "Yes" after this point in time. Since it is presumed, "heating" indicated by the estimated mode may be determined as the operation mode. Further, when the estimation mode is "heating" and the setting mode is "cooling", both the operation presence information and the temperature difference information are taken into consideration, and the operation presence information indicates "yes", and If the temperature difference indicated by the temperature difference information is less than or equal to the predetermined temperature difference, the central control unit 44 changes the "heating" indicated by the estimation mode to the operating mode because it is presumed that the operating load on the indoor unit 14 is extremely small. It may be determined as

Further, when the estimation mode is "heating" and the setting mode is "cooling", both the operation presence information and the temperature difference information are considered, and the operation presence information indicates "no", and If the temperature difference indicated by the temperature difference information is larger than the predetermined temperature difference, it is assumed that the central control unit 44 is in the desired setting mode, and even if the operation status information changes to "Yes" after the current time, the Since it is presumed that the operating load on the air conditioner 14 is large, "cooling" indicated by the setting mode may be determined as the operating mode. Further, when the estimation mode is "heating" and the setting mode is "cooling", both the operation presence information and the temperature difference information are taken into consideration, and the operation presence information indicates "yes", and If the temperature difference indicated by the temperature difference information is larger than the predetermined temperature difference, the central control unit 44 is presumed to be in the desired setting mode, and therefore determines "cooling" indicated by the setting mode as the operating mode. Good too.

The explanation will be returned to FIG. 4. After determining the driving mode, the central control unit 44 instructs the outdoor unit 10 to use the determined driving mode (S23). The outdoor unit 10 that receives this instruction updates the setting of the operating mode.

Furthermore, after determining the driving mode, the central control unit 44 acquires the weather conditions at the current location of the outdoor unit 10 (S24). For example, the central control unit 44 may acquire outside air temperature, humidity, etc. from detection values of various sensors provided in the outdoor unit 10. Further, the central control unit 44 may obtain information such as the current weather from a server device such as the Japan Meteorological Agency through the Internet.

The central control unit 44 associates the weather conditions acquired in step S24 with the driving mode determined in step S22, and updates the correlation history data 50 with the correlated weather conditions and driving mode (S25), as shown in FIG. The series of processing ends.

For example, the initial correlation history data 50 may also include information such as "I originally wanted to use air conditioning, but when I started the indoor unit 14, the outdoor unit 10 was in the heating operation mode." In this example, the indoor unit 14 may be stopped early because the air conditioner is not properly cooled. Then, the estimation mode (for example, heating operation mode) and the setting mode (for example, cooling setting mode) are in different states, and the indoor unit 14 is not operating, and the central control unit 44 is in the setting mode ( For example, "cooling") is determined as the operating mode. In other words, the operating mode is corrected to the desired setting mode. At this time, the correlation history data 50 is updated with the corrected driving mode and weather conditions.

In this way, the correlation history data 50 is updated to more appropriate content, so the estimation accuracy of the estimation mode can be improved. As a result, the accuracy of determining the driving mode can be improved.

Note that the timing at which the correlation history data 50 is updated is not limited to when the driving mode is determined. For example, the central control unit 44 may acquire weather conditions and update the correlation history data 50 when the outdoor unit 10 is operated at a predetermined air conditioning load or more, or when the outdoor unit 10 is operated for a predetermined time or more. The correlation history data 50 may be updated by acquiring weather conditions when the weather conditions occur.

As described above, in the air conditioning system 1 of the first embodiment, the correlation history data 50 indicating the relationship between the weather conditions at the installation position of the outdoor unit 10 and the set operating mode is stored in the storage device 42. Before setting the operation mode, the central control unit 44 of the air conditioning system 1 of the first embodiment uses the past correlation history data 50 and the weather forecast at the time of setting the future operation mode at the installation position of the outdoor unit 10. The estimation mode is derived based on the The central control unit 44 determines the operating mode of the outdoor unit 10 based on the estimation mode and the operating state information of the indoor unit 14 at the time of setting the operating mode.

As a result, in the air conditioning system 1 of the first embodiment, the operating mode of the outdoor unit 10 is determined by considering both the operating mode estimated from the weather forecast for the outdoor unit 10 and the actual operating state of the indoor unit 14. Set.

Therefore, according to the air conditioning system 1 of the first embodiment, it is possible to set an appropriate operation mode in the outdoor unit 10.

For example, in the air conditioning system 1 of the first embodiment, the operating state information of the indoor unit 14 is used to set the operating mode of the outdoor unit 10, so that the indoor unit 14 is installed in either "cooling" or "heating" mode. It is possible to determine an appropriate operation mode that matches the conditions of the air-conditioned space. As a result, in the air conditioning system 1 of the first embodiment, for example, it is desired to perform "cooling" in the air-conditioned space where the indoor unit 14 is installed, but the "heating" operation mode is set in the outdoor unit 10. It is possible to prevent such situations.

Further, for example, in the air conditioning system 1 of the first embodiment, since the operating state information of the indoor units 14 is used to set the operating mode of the outdoor units 10, there are some indoor units 14 that are not operating, and some of the outdoor units 10 are not operating. Even if the operation is not appropriately reflected in the air-conditioned space of the indoor unit 14, an appropriate operation mode can be set in the outdoor unit 10.

(Second embodiment)
FIG. 6 is a schematic block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an air conditioning system 100 according to the second embodiment. In the air conditioning system 1 of the first embodiment described above, one outdoor unit 10 was provided in one heat medium flow path 12. In contrast, in the air conditioning system 100 of the second embodiment, two outdoor units 10 are provided in one heat medium flow path 12. Although FIG. 6 shows an example in which two outdoor units 10 are provided in one heat medium flow path 12, the number of outdoor units 10 provided in one heat medium flow path 12 is two. The number is not limited to , and may be any number of 2 or more.

The central control unit 44 regards the plurality of outdoor units 10 provided in one system as one outdoor unit 10 and controls each outdoor unit 10 . In this case, in the correlation history data 50, for example, the weather conditions at the position of the outdoor unit 10 regarded as one outdoor unit 10 and the operation mode of each outdoor unit 10 may be associated on a one-to-one basis.

As in the first embodiment, before setting the operation mode, the central control unit 44 uses the past correlation history data 50 and the future operation mode at the installation position of the outdoor unit 10, which is regarded as one outdoor unit. The estimated mode of each outdoor unit 10 is derived based on the weather forecast at the time of setting. The central control unit 44 determines the operating mode of each outdoor unit 10 based on the estimation mode and the operating state information of the indoor unit 14 at the time of setting the operating mode.

Thereby, in the air conditioning system 100 of the second embodiment, it becomes possible to set an appropriate operation mode in each outdoor unit 10, similarly to the first embodiment.

(Third embodiment)
FIG. 7 is a schematic block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an air conditioning system 200 according to the third embodiment. In the air conditioning system 100 of the second embodiment described above, two outdoor units 10 were provided in one heat medium flow path 12. On the other hand, in the air conditioning system 200 of the third embodiment, there are two systems of heat medium flow paths 12, and one outdoor unit 10 is provided for each system. In addition, although FIG. 7 shows an example in which there are two systems of heat medium flow paths 12, the number of systems is not limited to two, but may be any number of systems greater than or equal to two. That is, in the air conditioning system 200 of the third embodiment, the outdoor unit 10 is provided in a plurality of different heat medium flow paths 12 systems.

As shown in FIG. 7, the plurality of indoor units 14 connected to the outdoor unit 10 through the heat medium flow path 12 are different for each outdoor unit 10. In other words, each of the plurality of indoor units 14 is connected to one of the plurality of outdoor units 10.

The correlation history data 50 is stored in the storage device 42 for each outdoor unit 10 having a different system of the heat medium flow path 12.

The central control unit 44 derives the estimation mode based on the correlation history data 50 corresponding to the outdoor unit 10 from which the estimation mode is derived, out of the correlation history data 50 for each outdoor unit 10 .

For example, if there is a north outdoor unit connected to the indoor unit 14 installed in the air-conditioned space on the north side of the building, and a south outdoor unit connected to the indoor unit 14 installed in the air-conditioned space on the south side of the building. do. Assume that the north outdoor unit and the south outdoor unit have different systems of heat medium flow paths 12, as shown in FIG.

When the north outdoor unit and the south outdoor unit are installed in roughly the same location, such as outdoors, the outside air temperature of the north outdoor unit and the outside air temperature of the south outdoor unit are approximately the same. However, there is a bias in temperature between the air-conditioned space on the north side and the air-conditioned space on the south side. For example, the heating setting mode is set in the indoor unit 14 of the air-conditioned space on the north side, and the air-conditioned space on the south side The indoor unit 14 may be set to a cooling setting mode.

The central control unit 44 derives the estimated mode of the north outdoor unit based on the correlation history data 50 corresponding to the north outdoor unit and the weather forecast at the time of setting the future operating mode at the installation position of the north outdoor unit. Further, the central control unit 44 derives the estimated mode of the south outdoor unit based on the correlation history data 50 corresponding to the south outdoor unit and the weather forecast at the time of setting the future operation mode at the installation position of the south outdoor unit. do.

The central control unit 44 determines the operating mode of the north outdoor unit based on the estimated mode of the north outdoor unit and the operating state information of the indoor unit 14 connected to the north outdoor unit. Further, the central control unit 44 determines the operating mode of the south outdoor unit based on the estimated mode of the south outdoor unit and the operating state information of the indoor unit 14 connected to the south outdoor unit.

In this way, the central control unit 44 uses separate correlation history data 50 for each outdoor unit 10 with a different system of the heat medium flow path 12, so that, for example, the relationship between the outside air temperature and the operation mode in the north outdoor unit can be determined. , the relationship between the outside air temperature and the operation mode in the south outdoor unit can be managed independently. For example, even if the north outdoor unit and the south outdoor unit have the same outdoor temperature, the central control unit 44 sets the operation mode of the north outdoor unit to the heating operation mode, and sets the operation mode of the south outdoor unit to the cooling operation mode. It is possible to perform control such as setting.

Thereby, in the air conditioning system 200 of the third embodiment, it becomes possible to set an appropriate operation mode in each outdoor unit 10, similarly to the first embodiment.

Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. It is clear that those skilled in the art can come up with various changes and modifications within the scope of the claims, and these naturally fall within the technical scope of the present invention. Understood.

For example, the air conditioning systems 1, 100, and 200 of each of the embodiments described above are not limited to being applied to a multi-air conditioner for a building, but are also applicable to, for example, an air conditioning system for a small store, or a central air conditioning system that circulates cold and hot water within a building. It may be applied to an air conditioning system.

Also provided are programs that cause a computer to function as the central control unit 16, and storage media such as computer-readable flexible disks, magneto-optical disks, ROMs, CDs, DVDs, and BDs that record the programs. Here, the program refers to data processing means written in any language or writing method.

Note that each process shown in this specification does not necessarily have to be performed chronologically in the order described in the flowchart, and may include parallel processing or subroutine processing.

1, 100, 200 Air conditioning system 10 Outdoor unit 12 Heat medium flow path 14 Indoor unit 42 Storage device 44 Central control unit 50 Correlation history data

Claims (7)

There is a cooling operation mode and a heating operation mode as operation modes, and an outdoor unit that can be switched between the cooling operation mode and the heating operation mode;
a heat medium flow path through which a heat medium corresponding to the set operation mode of the cooling operation mode and heating operation mode of the outdoor unit flows;
The setting modes include a cooling setting mode and a heating setting mode, and an indoor unit connected to the outdoor unit through the heat medium flow path;
a central control unit that controls the operation of the outdoor unit;
a storage device that stores correlation history data indicating a relationship between weather conditions at the installation location of the outdoor unit and the operating mode set among a cooling operating mode and a heating operating mode of the outdoor unit;
Equipped with
The central control unit includes:
Before setting the operation mode of the outdoor unit, the outdoor Deriving an estimated mode that is an estimate of the operating mode at the time of setting the operating mode in the future in the machine,
Operating state information indicating the actual operating state of the indoor unit when setting the operating mode of the outdoor unit, including the setting mode set in the indoor unit, and the set temperature of the indoor unit and the operating state information. Obtaining operating state information including temperature difference information indicating a temperature difference from a temperature detected at a predetermined position of the indoor unit ,
Based on the estimated mode and the operating state information, determining which of a cooling operating mode and a heating operating mode is to be set as the operating mode of the outdoor unit ;
When determining the operation mode to be set, if the estimation mode of the outdoor unit and the setting mode of the indoor unit are different, select one of the estimation mode and the setting mode based on the temperature difference information. An air conditioning system that determines whether to determine the operation mode to be set for the outdoor unit . There is a cooling operation mode and a heating operation mode as operation modes, and an outdoor unit that can be switched between the cooling operation mode and the heating operation mode;
a heat medium flow path through which a heat medium corresponding to the set operation mode of the cooling operation mode and heating operation mode of the outdoor unit flows;
The setting modes include a cooling setting mode and a heating setting mode, and an indoor unit connected to the outdoor unit through the heat medium flow path;
a central control unit that controls the operation of the outdoor unit;
a storage device that stores correlation history data indicating a relationship between weather conditions at the installation location of the outdoor unit and the operating mode set among a cooling operating mode and a heating operating mode of the outdoor unit;
Equipped with
The central control unit includes:
Before setting the operation mode of the outdoor unit, the outdoor Deriving an estimated mode that is an estimate of the operating mode at the time of setting the operating mode in the future in the machine,
Operating state information indicating the actual operating state of the indoor unit when setting the operating mode of the outdoor unit, including the setting mode set in the indoor unit, and whether the indoor unit is operating. or operation/non-operation information indicating whether the indoor unit is not operating; and temperature difference information indicating a temperature difference between the set temperature of the indoor unit and the temperature detected at a predetermined position of the indoor unit. Obtain driving status information including one or both ,
Based on the estimated mode and the operating state information, determining which of a cooling operating mode and a heating operating mode is to be set as the operating mode of the outdoor unit ;
When determining the operation mode to be set, if the estimation mode of the outdoor unit and the setting mode of the indoor unit are different, the operation mode is determined based on either or both of the operation presence information and the temperature difference information. An air conditioning system that determines which of an estimation mode and the setting mode is to be determined as the operation mode to be set in the outdoor unit . There is a cooling operation mode and a heating operation mode as operation modes, and an outdoor unit that can be switched between the cooling operation mode and the heating operation mode;
a heat medium flow path through which a heat medium corresponding to the set operation mode of the cooling operation mode and heating operation mode of the outdoor unit flows;
an indoor unit connected to the outdoor unit through the heat medium flow path;
a central control unit that controls the operation of the outdoor unit;
a storage device that stores correlation history data indicating a relationship between weather conditions at the installation location of the outdoor unit and the operating mode set among a cooling operating mode and a heating operating mode of the outdoor unit;
Equipped with
The central control unit includes:
Before setting the operation mode of the outdoor unit, the outdoor Deriving an estimated mode that is an estimate of the operating mode at the time of setting the operating mode in the future in the machine,
When setting the operating mode of the outdoor unit, obtaining operating state information that is information indicating the actual operating state of the indoor unit;
An air conditioning system that determines which of a cooling operation mode and a heating operation mode is to be set as the operation mode of the outdoor unit based on the estimation mode and the operation state information. There are a cooling setting mode and a heating setting mode as setting modes of the indoor unit,
The air conditioning system according to claim 3 , wherein the operating state information includes at least the setting mode set in the indoor unit. There are a cooling setting mode and a heating setting mode as setting modes of the indoor unit,
The operating state information includes the setting mode set in the indoor unit, operation/non-operation information indicating whether or not the indoor unit is operating, and a set temperature in the indoor unit and a predetermined position of the indoor unit. Contains either or both of the temperature difference information indicating the temperature difference from the detected temperature,
When the estimation mode of the outdoor unit and the setting mode of the indoor unit are different, the central control unit selects the estimation mode based on either or both of the operation/non-operation information and the temperature difference information. The air conditioning system according to claim 3 , wherein it is determined which of the setting modes is to be determined as the operation mode to be set for the outdoor unit. The central control unit includes:
obtaining the weather conditions at the time when the operation mode to be set in the outdoor unit was determined;
Associating the acquired weather conditions with the determined driving mode,
The air conditioning system according to claim 3 , wherein the correlation history data is updated based on the weather conditions and the operation mode that are associated with each other. There are a plurality of the outdoor units and the indoor units,
Each of the plurality of indoor units is connected to one of the plurality of outdoor units,
The correlation history data is stored in the storage device for each outdoor unit,
The central control unit includes:
The air conditioning system according to claim 3 , wherein the estimated mode is derived based on the correlation history data corresponding to the outdoor unit from which the estimated mode is derived, out of the correlation history data for each outdoor unit.

Images