WO2023181358A1 - Air conditioning system - Google Patents

Abstract

This air conditioning system has: an air conditioning device; an input means which acquires weather prediction information from an information processing device which provides the weather prediction information and in which a target comfortable degree set by a user and an allowable range of the comfortable degree are inputted; a storage means for storing therein equipment information that relates to the air-conditioning performance of the air conditioning device, operation history information that relates to records of measured data and operation data of the air conditioning device in relation to past weather information, and a list of several kinds of air-conditioning controls executable by the air conditioning device; a load estimation means for predicting a heat load in the future on the basis of the weather prediction information, the equipment information, and the operation history information; a comfortable degree estimation means for estimating, with respect to the predicted heat load, the comfortable degree of the user by each of the several kinds of air-conditioning controls; a power consumption estimation means for estimating power consumption in a case where each of the several kinds of air-conditioning controls is executed by the air conditioning device with respect to the predicted heat load; and a selection means for selecting, from among the several kinds of air-conditioning controls, an air-conditioning control that indicates a comfortable degree within the allowable range, a lesser power consumption, and a greater comfortable degree.

Description

air conditioning system

The present disclosure relates to an air conditioning system that air conditions a target space.

Conventionally, air conditioning control systems have been known that select one energy-saving control method from multiple energy-saving control methods based on measured values such as indoor temperature and information such as weather information obtained via the Internet, with the aim of saving energy in air conditioners. (For example, see Patent Document 1). The air control system disclosed in Patent Document 1 causes the air conditioner to execute one selected energy saving control, but when a command to cancel the energy saving control is received from the user, the energy saving control is ended.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2011-208857

The air conditioning control system disclosed in Patent Document 1 can reduce the power consumption of the air conditioner when energy saving control is executed, but there is a risk that user comfort may be impaired. On the other hand, in the air conditioning control system disclosed in Patent Document 1, when the user feels uncomfortable and inputs a command to cancel the energy saving control while the energy saving control is being executed, the energy saving control ends. In this case, although the user's comfort is improved, no energy saving effect can be obtained. Therefore, it is difficult to achieve both energy saving performance of the air conditioner and user comfort.

The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and provides an air conditioning system that reduces power consumption without impairing user comfort.

The air conditioning system according to the present disclosure acquires the weather forecast information from an air conditioner that air-conditions a target space and an information processing device that provides weather forecast information that is predicted weather information, and sets the weather forecast information by the user. an input means into which a target comfort level and an allowable range of comfort level are input; equipment information that is information related to the air conditioning capacity of the air conditioner; and operating data and measurement data of the air conditioner with respect to past weather information. storage means for storing operation history information that is a record and a list of a plurality of types of air conditioning control executed by the air conditioner; a load estimating means for predicting a load; a comfort estimating means for estimating the comfort level of the user for each of the plurality of types of air conditioning control with respect to the thermal load predicted by the load estimating means; and the load estimating means. power consumption estimating means for estimating power consumption when the air conditioning control is executed by the air conditioner for each of the plurality of types of air conditioning control with respect to the heat load predicted by the means; Among the air conditioning controls, an air conditioning control in which the comfort level is within the allowable range, the power consumption is smaller, and the comfort level is higher is selected as the air conditioning control to be executed by the air conditioner. and a selection means.

According to the present disclosure, as air conditioning control executed by an air conditioner, among a plurality of types of air conditioning control, an air conditioning system whose comfort level is within a user's tolerance range, whose power consumption is smaller, and whose comfort level is higher. Control is selected. Therefore, power consumption can be reduced without sacrificing user comfort. As a result, it is possible to achieve both energy saving of the air conditioner and user comfort.

1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of an air conditioning system according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a connection configuration with a network for the air conditioning system according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 2 is a refrigerant circuit diagram of the air conditioner shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the controller shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of information stored by the storage means shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the control list shown in FIG. 5. FIG. 2 is a graph showing an example of the relationship between the load of the load-side unit shown in FIG. 1 and outside temperature. 3 is a diagram showing an example of weather forecast information provided from the weather information providing server shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of an image displayed by the remote controller shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is a hardware configuration diagram showing an example of the configuration of the calculation means shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 5 is a hardware configuration diagram showing another example of the configuration of the calculation means shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of the air conditioning system according to the first embodiment. 3 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of the air conditioning system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining a specific example of the process described with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13. FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of an energy saving effect estimated by the control selection method according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of an air conditioning system according to a second embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of an air conditioner according to Embodiment 2. FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the refrigeration cycle controller shown in FIG. 17. FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the information processing device shown in FIG. 16. FIG.

Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail using the drawings. The various specific setting examples described in this embodiment are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited to the described setting examples. Furthermore, in the embodiments of the present disclosure, communication means either or both of wireless communication and wired communication. In this embodiment, the communication may be a communication method that includes a mixture of wireless communication and wired communication. The communication method may be, for example, one in which wireless communication is performed in a certain section and wired communication is performed in another space. Further, communication from one device to another device may be performed by wired communication, and communication from another device to a certain device may be performed by wireless communication.

Embodiment 1.
The configuration of the air conditioning system according to the first embodiment will be explained. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an air conditioning system according to a first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the air conditioning system 1 includes an air conditioner 10 that air conditions a room that is a target space OBs, and a controller 4 that controls the air conditioner 10. The air conditioner 10 includes a heat source side unit 2 and load side units 3a and 3b.

The heat source side unit 2 and the load side units 3a and 3b are connected via a refrigerant pipe 8. In the configuration example shown in FIG. 1, a controller 4 is provided in the heat source side unit 2. The controller 4 is connected to the load side units 3a and 3b via a signal line 7. A remote controller 5 is connected to the controller 4 via a signal line 7. The remote controller 5 has a display device 6. The display device 6 is, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a connection configuration with a network for the air conditioning system according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the air conditioning system 1 is communicatively connected to a weather information providing server 50 via a network 100. Controller 4 shown in FIG. 1 is connected to network 100. The weather information providing server 50 is an information processing device that provides weather prediction information, which is predicted weather information, to the controller 4 via the network 100. The weather information includes, for example, information on the weather, outside temperature, and outside humidity. Weather forecast information is future weather information. The weather prediction information includes a temperature prediction value, a humidity prediction value, a solar radiation amount prediction value, and the like.

The network 100 is, for example, the Internet. The communication connection between controller 4 and network 100 may be wired or wireless, or a combination of wired and wireless. The wireless communication may be short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), or may be a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark).

FIG. 3 is a refrigerant circuit diagram of the air conditioner according to the first embodiment. In FIG. 3, the signal line 7 for communicatively connecting the controller 4 and the load-side units 3a and 3b is not shown. The heat source unit 2 includes a controller 4 , a compressor 21 , a heat source heat exchanger 22 , a four-way valve 23 , and a fan 24 . The heat source side unit 2 is provided with an outside air temperature sensor 25 that detects outside air temperature.

The load-side unit 3a includes a load-side heat exchanger 31a, an expansion valve 32a, and a fan 33a. The load side unit 3a is provided with a measuring section 34a. The load-side unit 3b includes a load-side heat exchanger 31b, an expansion valve 32b, and a fan 33b. The load side unit 3b is provided with a measuring section 34b.

Each of the measurement units 34a and 34b has a room temperature sensor 41, a humidity sensor 42, and a temperature sensor 43. The room temperature sensor 41 detects the room temperature Tr, which is the temperature of the air in the target space OBs. The humidity sensor 42 detects the humidity of the air in the target space OBs. The temperature sensor 43 of the measurement unit 34a detects the temperature of the air blown out from the load side unit 3a into the target space OBs. The temperature sensor 43 of the measurement unit 34b detects the temperature of the air blown out from the load side unit 3b into the target space OBs.

The compressor 21, the heat source side heat exchanger 22, the expansion valve 32a, and the load side heat exchanger 31a are connected by a refrigerant pipe 8, and a refrigerant circuit 20 in which refrigerant circulates is configured. Further, the compressor 21, the heat source side heat exchanger 22, the expansion valve 32b, and the load side heat exchanger 31b are connected by a refrigerant pipe 8, and a refrigerant circuit 20 in which refrigerant circulates is configured. Compressor 21, expansion valves 32a and 32b, fans 33a, 33b and 24, and four-way valve 23 are each communicatively connected to controller 4. Each of the measurement units 34a and 34b is communicatively connected to the controller 4.

The compressor 21 compresses and discharges the refrigerant it draws in. The compressor 21 is, for example, an inverter type compressor whose capacity can be changed. The four-way valve 23 changes the direction of refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant circuit 20. The heat source side heat exchanger 22 is a heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the refrigerant and the outside air. The heat source side heat exchanger 22 is, for example, a fin-and-tube heat exchanger. The fan 24 supplies outside air to the heat source side heat exchanger 22.

The expansion valves 32a and 32b reduce the pressure of the refrigerant and expand it. The expansion valves 32a and 32b are, for example, electronic expansion valves. The load-side heat exchangers 31a and 31b are heat exchangers that exchange heat between the refrigerant and indoor air. The load-side heat exchangers 31a and 31b are, for example, fin-and-tube heat exchangers. The fan 33a sucks air from inside the room and supplies the sucked air to the load-side heat exchanger 31a. The fan 33b sucks air from inside the room and supplies the sucked air to the load-side heat exchanger 31b.

A heat pump is realized by circulating the refrigerant sealed in the refrigerant pipe 8 through the refrigerant circuit 20 while repeating compression and expansion. The load-side units 3a and 3b condition the indoor air by performing operations such as cooling, heating, dehumidification, and blowing air.

Note that although FIGS. 1 and 3 show a case where there are two load-side units, the number of load-side units may be one, or three or more. Moreover, although FIG. 1 and FIG. 3 have shown the case where the number of the heat source side units 2 is one, the number of the heat source side units 2 may be plural.

Further, although FIGS. 1 and 3 show a case where the controller 4 is provided in the heat source side unit 2, the installation position of the controller 4 is not limited to the heat source side unit 2. The controller 4 may be provided in the load side unit 3a or 3b, or may be provided in a position other than the heat source side unit 2 and the load side units 3a and 3b.

Each of the measurement units 34a and 34b may have a temperature sensor (not shown) that detects the condensation temperature and evaporation temperature. Furthermore, the measurement unit 34a may include a refrigerant temperature sensor (not shown) that detects the temperature of the refrigerant at each of the refrigerant outlet and the refrigerant inlet of the load-side heat exchanger 31a. The measurement unit 34b may include a refrigerant temperature sensor (not shown) that detects the temperature of the refrigerant at each of the refrigerant outlet and the refrigerant inlet of the load-side heat exchanger 31b. The heat source side unit 2 may be provided with a refrigerant temperature sensor (not shown) that detects the temperature of the refrigerant at each of the refrigerant outlet and the refrigerant inlet of the heat source side heat exchanger 22.

Next, the configuration of the controller shown in FIG. 3 will be explained. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the controller shown in FIG. 3. As shown in FIG. 4, the controller 4 includes input means 11, storage means 12, and calculation means 13.

(Input means 11)
The input means 11 is a means for receiving operating data and measurement data from the air conditioner 10 and receiving weather prediction information from the weather information providing server 50. Further, the input means 11 is means for a user to input user information to the controller 4 via the remote controller 5. The input means 11 is, for example, a module (not shown) including a communication circuit and an input device. Input devices are, for example, a mouse (not shown) and a keyboard (not shown). The operation data and measurement data will be explained in detail later. The user information includes the target value of the comfort index, the permissible range of the comfort index, and the application time set by the user. The application time is a time from a predetermined time when air conditioning control selected by a method described later is applied. For example, when the air conditioner 10 performs a cooling operation, if the user desires the room temperature Tr to be lower than the current level so that the user feels comfortable within 4 hours from the current time, the application time is 4 hours.

The data input to the controller 4 via the input means 11 is not limited to the data described above. For example, the user may input the cooling operation period or the heating operation period to the input means 11 via the remote controller 5. Furthermore, when the air conditioner 10 is installed in a company's office or the like, the user may input the working hours schedule to the input means 11 via the remote controller 5.

(Storage means 12)
The storage unit 12 is, for example, a storage device such as an SSD (Solid State Drive) or an HDD (Hard Disk Drive). FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of information stored by the storage means shown in FIG. 4. The storage means 12 stores equipment information, driving history information, and a control list. The device information is information related to the air conditioning capacity of the air conditioner 10. The device information includes device configuration information and a device characteristic table. The driving history information is information that records the driving data and measurement data of the air conditioner 10 in response to past weather information. The control list is a list of multiple types of air conditioning controls executed by the air conditioner 10. Furthermore, the storage means 12 stores weather prediction information received from the weather information providing server 50 via the input means 11. Furthermore, the storage means 12 stores estimation information that is a result of the calculation processing performed by the calculation means 13. The estimated information includes information on power consumption and energy saving effect. The various information stored in the storage means 12 will be explained in detail below.

(Device configuration information)
The device configuration information is information serving as various conditions necessary for the calculation processing executed by the calculation means 13. The equipment configuration information includes, for example, information on the model name, number, rated capacity, and rated power consumption of each of the heat source side unit 2 and the load side units 3a and 3b. Further, the equipment configuration information may include information such as the model name of the compressor 21 and the model names of the expansion valves 32a and 32b. Further, the equipment configuration information includes information on the connection relationship between the heat source side unit 2 and the load side units 3a and 3b. In the case of the configuration examples shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the connection relationship information is information indicating that the load side units 3a and 3b are connected in parallel to the heat source side unit 2. Further, the device configuration information may include information such as the type of data received from the outside via the input means 11 and the data reception cycle.

(Equipment characteristics table)
The device characteristic table is a data table used when calculating the load processed by the air conditioner 10 and the amount of power consumed by the load based on operating data and measurement data. When the operating data includes the frequency of the compressor 21 and the measurement data includes the high pressure and low pressure of the refrigerant circuit 20, the device characteristic table includes a refrigerant flow rate data table. The refrigerant flow rate data table is a table showing the refrigerant flow rate using the frequency of the compressor 21 and the high pressure and low pressure of the refrigerant circuit 20 as variables. When the operating data includes the opening degrees of the expansion valves 32a and 32b, the device characteristic table includes an expansion valve characteristic data table representing the relationship between the opening degrees and Cv values of the expansion valves 32a and 32b.

Furthermore, if the measurement data includes the refrigerant temperatures at the refrigerant outlet and refrigerant inlet of the load-side heat exchangers 31a and 31b that function as evaporators, the device characteristic table includes the evaporator inlet specific enthalpy data table and the evaporator inlet specific enthalpy data table. It may also include an exit specific enthalpy data table. The evaporator inlet specific enthalpy data table is a table showing specific enthalpy using the refrigerant temperature on the refrigerant inlet side of the load-side heat exchangers 31a and 31b functioning as evaporators as a variable. The evaporator outlet specific enthalpy data table is a table showing specific enthalpy using as a variable the refrigerant temperature on the refrigerant outlet side of the load-side heat exchangers 31a and 31b functioning as evaporators. Furthermore, the device characteristic table may include a specific enthalpy data table for the heat source side heat exchanger 22 that functions as a condenser. The device characteristic table may include a condenser inlet specific enthalpy data table and a condenser outlet specific enthalpy data table of the heat source side heat exchanger 22 functioning as a condenser. Furthermore, the device characteristic table may include each of the specific enthalpy data tables described above for the case where the load side heat exchangers 31a and 31b function as a condenser and the heat source side heat exchanger 22 functions as an evaporator. good. The device characteristic table includes a physical property data table showing the relationship between the saturation pressure and the temperature physical property value of the refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant circuit 20.

Additionally, the equipment characteristics table includes a compressor power data table and a fan power data table. The compressor power data table is a table showing data on the power of the compressor 21 using the frequency of the compressor 21 and the high pressure and low pressure of the refrigerant circuit 20 as variables. The power is power consumption [kW]. The fan power data table is a table showing power data of the fan 24 using the load factor of the heat source side unit 2 as a variable. By using the compressor power data table and the fan power data table, the amount of power consumed per unit time of the heat source side unit 2 can be determined.

(operating data and measurement data)
The driving history information includes driving data and measurement data. The operating data is data indicating the operating state of each device provided in the air conditioner 10, such as the compressor 21. The operation data includes, for example, the frequency of the compressor 21, the opening degrees of the expansion valves 32a and 32b, and the rotational speed of the fans 24, 33a and 33b. Further, the operation data may include information indicating whether the thermostat is on or off. The operation data may include a pulse value that is a signal that adjusts the opening degree of the expansion valves 32a and 32b.

The measurement data is a value detected by various sensors provided in the air conditioner 10. The measurement data is, for example, the outside air temperature detected by the outside air temperature sensor 25, the room temperature Tr detected by the room temperature sensor 41, and the humidity detected by the humidity sensor 42. The measurement data also includes the temperature of the air blown into the target space OBs from the load-side units 3a and 3b, which is detected by the temperature sensor 43. The measurement data may include the air volume of the fans 24, 33a, and 33b detected by a wind speed sensor (not shown). The measurement data may include information on evaporation temperature and condensation temperature, and may also include information on evaporation pressure and condensation pressure. Furthermore, the measurement data may include information on the pipe temperatures at the refrigerant outlet and refrigerant inlet of the load-side heat exchangers 31a and 31b functioning as evaporators.

The driving history information may include past weather information. The weather information includes, for example, one or both of outside temperature and outside humidity. The outside temperature included in the measurement data is an example of weather information. A humidity sensor (not shown) for detecting outside air humidity may be provided in the building in which the air conditioner 10 is installed, and information on the outside air humidity may be stored in the storage means 12. The amount of precipitation may be measured as weather information by a measuring device (not shown) provided in the building where the air conditioner 10 is installed, and the amount of precipitation may be stored in the storage means 12. Furthermore, past weather information may be provided from the weather information providing server 50. For example, the weather information providing server 50 may provide standard AMeDAS data for the area of the building where the air conditioner 10 is installed. These weather information is not limited to actual measured values, but may be an average value of actual measured values measured over a certain period of time. The measured weather information may be stored in the storage means 12 in real time, or the weather information measured over a certain period in the past may be stored in the storage means 12 all at once.

(control list)
The multiple types of air conditioning control executed by the air conditioner 10 include a normal control mode in which the air conditioner 10 operates with normal air conditioning control, and a demand control mode in which the air conditioner 10 operates in energy saving control that reduces the amount of power consumed by the air conditioner 10 compared to the normal control mode. It is classified into modes. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the control list shown in FIG. 5. The control list shown in FIG. 6 displays air conditioning control names such as normal control NORC, thermo-operation control THOC, rotation control ROTC, advanced power save control AVSC, and capacity save control ABSC. Normal control NORC air conditioning control belongs to the normal control mode. Four types of air conditioning control, including thermo-operation control THOC, rotation control ROTC, advanced power save control AVSC, and capacity save control ABSC, belong to the demand control mode.

The normal control NORC controls the compressor 21, the expansion valves 32a and 32b, and the fan 24 so that the room temperature Tr becomes the set temperature Ts. Normal control NORC is not limited by the power supplied to the compressor 21.

The thermo-operation control THOC is similar to the normal control NORC in that it controls the compressor 21, the expansion valves 32a and 32b, and the fan 24 so that the room temperature Tr becomes the set temperature Ts. However, in the thermo-operation control THOC, the power supplied to the compressor 21 is limited so that the power consumption of the compressor 21 is equal to or less than the predetermined upper limit power Pmax without changing the set temperature Ts.

When a plurality of load side units 3a and 3b are provided, the rotation control ROTC controls the set temperature Ts set for some of the load side units by only a predetermined temperature at a predetermined time interval. This temperature is more relaxed than the set temperature Ts. In the case of cooling operation, the temperature that is milder than the set temperature Ts is, for example, +2 [° C.]. In addition, in the rotation control ROTC, the load-side unit for relaxing the set temperature Ts and the time for relaxing the set temperature Ts are scheduled, but the target load-side unit and the time for relaxing the set temperature Ts can be changed by the user. I can do it.

The advanced power save control AVSC ranks the target value of the evaporation temperature and the save level of the frequency of the compressor 21 into a plurality of ranks. For example, in the case of cooling operation, the advanced power save control AVSC ranks the target value ET0 of the evaporation temperature into three stages of Ta, Tb, and Tc (Ta<Tb<Tc), and the compressor 2 This sets an upper limit for the frequency of . Thereby, the rotation speed of the compressor 21 is suppressed. If the save rate with respect to the upper limit of the frequency of the compressor 21 is x [%], the three save levels SL are, for example, as follows.
When SL=strong: ET0=Ta, x=70[%]
When SL=medium: ET0=Tb, x=80[%]
When SL=weak: ET0=Tc, x=90[%]

Capacity save control ABSC sets the upper limit value Fmax of the frequency of the compressor 21 so that the power consumption of the compressor 21 is equal to or less than the predetermined upper limit power Pmax without changing the set temperature Ts. . When the maximum frequency according to the specifications of the compressor 21 is Fmax0 and the save rate is x [%], the upper limit value Fmax of the frequency of the compressor 21 is calculated by equation (1).

(Power consumption)
The information on the power consumption amount is information on the power consumption amount for each of the plurality of types of air conditioning control, which is estimated by the calculation means 13. The power consumption amount is the total amount of power consumption for a predetermined period. The period of power consumption may be for the entire year, or may be for each cooling period and heating period. Further, the information on the power consumption amount includes not only the power consumption amount of the air conditioning control selected by the calculating means 13 but also the information on the power consumption amount of the air conditioning control that is not selected. That is, as power consumption information, the power consumption when the energy saving control is executed and the power consumption when the energy saving control is not executed are stored in the storage means 12. A case where energy saving control is not executed is a case where normal control is executed.

(Energy saving effect)
The information on the energy saving effect is the ratio of the reduction in the amount of power consumption when the air conditioning control selected by the calculating means 13 is executed to the amount of electricity consumed when the energy saving control is not executed. Similar to the power consumption, the period of energy saving effect may be a year-round period, or may be a period of each cooling period and heating period.

Next, the configuration of the calculation means 13 shown in FIG. 4 will be explained. The calculation means 13 is, for example, a microcomputer. The calculation means 13 includes a load estimation means 14 , a comfort level estimation means 15 , a power consumption estimation means 16 , a selection means 17 , and a refrigeration cycle control means 18 .

(Load estimation means 14)
The load estimating means 14 predicts future heat load in the following manner based on weather forecast information, equipment information, and driving history information. FIG. 7 is a graph showing an example of the relationship between the load of the load-side unit shown in FIG. 1 and the outside temperature. The vertical axis in FIG. 7 is the load [kW] of the load-side unit, and the horizontal axis in FIG. 7 is the temperature difference Td [K] between the indoor set temperature Ts and the outside temperature. Specifically, Td=(outside temperature)−(indoor set temperature Ts). The timing at which the data plotted in the graph shown in FIG. 7 was recorded will be explained. In the graph shown in FIG. 7, square marks are data for June, triangle marks are data for July, x marks are data for August, and diamond marks are data for September.

The load estimating means 14 calculates the air conditioning capacity of the air conditioner 10 using past operating data and equipment information. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the load estimating means 14 plots the relationship between the temperature difference Td and the load of the load-side units 3a and 3b for the past cooling operation period. Assuming that the load of the load-side units 3a and 3b is equal to the air conditioning capacity, the load estimating means 14 calculates the thermal load of the load-side units 3a and 3b based on the operation data and equipment information of the past cooling operation period. The load estimating means 14 calculates a regression line of y=ax+b from the graph shown in FIG. 7 as an approximate expression indicating the relationship between the outside air temperature and the heat load. The straight line shown in FIG. 7 is a regression line expressed by y=ax+b.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of weather forecast information provided from the weather information providing server shown in FIG. 2. Here, in order to simplify the explanation, a case is shown in which the weather information is the outside temperature. FIG. 8 shows predicted data of the outside air temperature every hour from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on the next day. Upon acquiring the prediction data, the load estimating means 14 assumes the set temperature Ts to be 26 [° C.] and calculates the temperature difference Td. The load estimation means 14 uses the calculated hourly temperature difference Td and the relational expression y=ax+b to predict the hourly heat load on the load-side units 3a and 3b on the next day.

(Comfort level estimation means 15)
In the first embodiment, a case will be described in which the comfort index is PMV (Predicted Mean Vote). PMV is the average value of the thermal sensation of the entire target space OBs. The range of PMV is -3 to +3. When PMV=0, it is considered neutral. When PMV=0, it is defined as comfortable. PMV=3 is defined as hot, PMV=2 is defined as warm, and PMV=1 is defined as slightly warm. It is defined as cold when PMV=-3, cool when PMV=-2, and slightly cool when PMV=-1. In other words, it is defined that the closer the PMV is to 0, the more comfortable a person is.

PMV in an office environment is defined by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). PMV defined by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers is expressed as PMVashrae. PMVashrae is expressed as a function of room temperature Tr and airflow velocity v, as shown in equation (2). Equation (2) is specifically expressed by equation (3).

In Equation (3), when it is assumed that the airflow velocity v is constant, for example, v=0.2 [m/s], the amount of variation in PMV and the amount of variation in room temperature Tr have a linear relationship. Specifically, in the case of cooling operation, the amount of variation in room temperature Tr becomes the amount of temperature rise, and in the case of heating operation, the amount of variation in room temperature Tr becomes the amount of temperature decrease. In the first embodiment, the amount of temperature increase with respect to the set temperature Ts in the cooling operation or the amount of temperature decrease with respect to the set temperature Ts in the heating operation is defined as the comfort level. That is, in the case of cooling operation, the smaller the amount of temperature rise, the higher the comfort level, and the larger the amount of temperature rise, the lower the comfort level. In the case of heating operation, the smaller the temperature drop, the higher the comfort level, and the larger the temperature drop, the lower the comfort level.

Based on this definition, the comfort level estimation means 15 sets the set temperature Ts set by the user as the target PMV. In the case of cooling operation, the comfort estimating means 15 determines the upper limit of the allowable temperature based on the set temperature Ts, based on the allowable range set by the user. In the case of heating operation, the comfort estimating means 15 determines a lower allowable temperature limit based on the set temperature Ts, based on the allowable range set by the user. For example, when the allowable range of PMV is ±0.5, the upper allowable limit is +2 [°C] and the upper allowable limit is -2 [°C]. The comfort level estimating means 15 gives evaluation points for each air conditioning control based on a linear or non-linear approximation formula to the degree of improvement in the comfort level. At this time, the comfort level estimating means 15 increases the evaluation point as the comfort level is closer to the set temperature Ts.

(Power consumption estimation means 16)
In the case of cooling operation, the power consumption estimating means 16 calculates the system refrigerant flow rate based on the specific enthalpy difference, which is the difference between the evaporator outlet specific enthalpy and the evaporator inlet specific enthalpy, and the system load to be estimated. . In the case of heating operation, the power consumption estimating means 16 calculates the system refrigerant flow rate based on the specific enthalpy difference, which is the difference between the condenser outlet specific enthalpy and the condenser inlet specific enthalpy, and the system load to be estimated. . For example, when estimating the amount of power consumed by the load-side unit 3a among the load-side units 3a and 3b, the power consumption estimating means 16 assumes that the system load is the heat load of the load-side unit 3a, and the system refrigerant flow rate is is the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through the load side unit 3a.

Furthermore, the power consumption estimating means 16 calculates the low pressure from the physical property data table and the evaporation temperature, and calculates the high pressure from the physical property data table and the condensation temperature. The low pressure is calculated using a physical property data table, and is set to be the saturated pressure Pe when the refrigerant temperature is the evaporation temperature. The high pressure is calculated using a physical property data table, and is set to be the saturated pressure Pd when the refrigerant temperature is the condensation temperature.

The power consumption estimating means 16 calculates the frequency of the compressor 21 for each system refrigerant flow rate using the refrigerant flow rate data table, high pressure, and low pressure. The frequency of the compressor 21 calculated for each system refrigerant flow rate is referred to as a system compressor frequency. The power consumption estimating means 16 calculates the compressor power consumption, which is the power consumption of the compressor 21, for each system load using the compressor power data table, the system compressor frequency, the high pressure, and the low pressure. . The power consumption estimation means 16 may take inverter loss into consideration in the determined compressor power consumption.

The power consumption estimating means 16 calculates fan power consumption, which is the power consumption of the fan 24, using the fan power data table. The power consumption estimation means 16 calculates the power consumption of the system load to be estimated by combining the fan power consumption and the compressor power consumption.

Although a case has been described in which the control used to calculate the power consumption amount is evaporation temperature control, the control used to calculate the power consumption amount is not limited to evaporation temperature control. The power consumption estimating means 16 may calculate the power consumption by changing the frequency, condensing temperature, etc. of the compressor 21 in accordance with the characteristics of the control used to calculate the power consumption.

When the power consumption amount estimating means 16 calculates the power consumption amount for each air conditioning control as described above, the power consumption amount estimating means 16 stores information on the determined power consumption amount in the storage means 12. Further, the power consumption estimating means 16 assigns evaluation points to each air conditioning control based on a linear or nonlinear approximation formula to the degree of reduction in power consumption. At this time, the power consumption estimating means 16 increases the evaluation point as the amount of reduction in power consumption increases.

(Selection means 17)
The selection means 17 refers to the power consumption and comfort level estimated for each of the plurality of types of air conditioning control, and selects among the plurality of types of air conditioning control that the comfort level is within an acceptable range, the power consumption is smaller, and An air conditioning control with a high degree of comfort is selected as the air conditioning control to be executed by the air conditioner 10. For example, the selection means 17 calculates the total value of the evaluation points based on the power consumption and the comfort level obtained for each of the plurality of types of air conditioning control, and calculates the total value of the evaluation points based on the comfort level obtained for each of the plurality of types of air conditioning control. Opt for larger air conditioning controls. The selection means 17 instructs the refrigeration cycle control means 18 to execute the selected air conditioning control. Further, the selection means 17 determines the energy saving effect using the values of the power consumption of the selected air conditioning control and normal control, and causes the storage means 12 to store information on the obtained energy saving effect.

Further, the selection means 17 causes the display device 6 of the remote controller 5 shown in FIG. 1 to display the control list, the superiority of each air conditioning control, and information indicating the air conditioning control currently being executed. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of an image displayed by the remote controller shown in FIG. 1. A control list is displayed in image IMG1. In the control list, the degree of superiority of each air conditioning control is displayed in correspondence with the air conditioning control name. The superiority is the total value of estimated power consumption, estimated comfort, and evaluation points. Further, the control list shown in image IMG1 also includes a display field for displaying whether or not air conditioning control is being executed.

For example, referring to the control list shown in image IMG1, it can be seen that the advanced power save control AVSC has a power consumption of xxc, a comfort level of T2, and a total value of evaluation points of P2. Since a circle mark is placed in the column of the control being executed for the advanced power save control AVSC, this indicates that the advanced power save control AVSC is the air conditioning control selected by the selection means 17 and is the air conditioning control being executed. I understand.

As shown in image IMG1, the selection means 17 may also display on the display device 6 the application time and allowable range set by the user. In the case of the example shown in image IMG1, the application time is 4 hours, and the tolerance range is PMV±0.5.

(Refrigerating cycle control means 18)
In the normal control mode, the refrigeration cycle control means 18 controls the refrigeration cycle according to the normal control NORC. Specifically, the refrigeration cycle control means 18 controls the frequency of the compressor 21, the opening degrees of the expansion valves 32a and 32b, and the rotation speed of the fan 24 so that the room temperature Tr becomes the set temperature Ts. The refrigeration cycle control means 18 may control the rotation speed of the fans 33a and 33b.

In addition, in the demand control mode, the refrigeration cycle control means 18 adjusts the frequency of the compressor 21, the opening degrees of the expansion valves 32a and 32b, and the rotation speed of the fan 24 according to the air conditioning control instructed by the selection means 17. control. When air conditioning control is selected by the user via the input means 11 in the demand control mode, the refrigeration cycle control means 18 controls the frequency of the compressor 21 and the expansion valves 32a and 32b according to the selected air conditioning control. The opening degree of the fan 24 and the rotation speed of the fan 24 may be controlled.

Here, an example of the hardware of the calculation means 13 shown in FIG. 4 will be explained. FIG. 10 is a hardware configuration diagram showing an example of the configuration of the calculation means shown in FIG. 4. In FIG. When the various functions of the calculation means 13 are executed by hardware, the calculation means 13 shown in FIG. 4 is constituted by a processing circuit 80, as shown in FIG. The functions of the load estimating means 14, the comfort estimating means 15, the power consumption estimating means 16, the selecting means 17, and the refrigeration cycle controlling means 18 shown in FIG. 4 are realized by the processing circuit 80.

When each function is executed by hardware, the processing circuit 80 may be implemented using, for example, a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmed processor, a parallel programmed processor, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), or an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate). Array) or a combination of these. The functions of the load estimating means 14, the comfort level estimating means 15, the power consumption estimating means 16, the selecting means 17, and the refrigeration cycle controlling means 18 may be realized by the processing circuit 80, respectively. Furthermore, the functions of the load estimation means 14, the comfort level estimation means 15, the power consumption estimation means 16, the selection means 17, and the refrigeration cycle control means 18 may be realized by one processing circuit 80.

Further, another example of hardware of the calculation means 13 shown in FIG. 4 will be explained. FIG. 11 is a hardware configuration diagram showing another example of the configuration of the calculation means shown in FIG. 4. When the various functions of the calculation means 13 are executed by software, the calculation means 13 shown in FIG. 4 has a configuration including a processor 81 such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a memory 82, as shown in FIG. be. The functions of the load estimating means 14, the comfort level estimating means 15, the power consumption estimating means 16, the selecting means 17, and the refrigeration cycle control means 18 are realized by the processor 81 and the memory 82. FIG. 11 shows that processor 81 and memory 82 are communicably connected to each other via bus 83.

When each function is executed by software, the functions of the load estimation means 14, the comfort level estimation means 15, the power consumption estimation means 16, the selection means 17, and the refrigeration cycle control means 18 can be performed by software, firmware, or software and firmware. This is realized by a combination of Software and firmware are written as programs and stored in memory 82. The processor 81 realizes the functions of each means by reading and executing programs stored in the memory 82.

Examples of the memory 82 include ROM (Read Only Memory), flash memory, EPROM (Erasable and Programmable ROM), and EEPROM (Electrically Erasable and Programmable ROM). A nonvolatile semiconductor memory such as a programmable ROM (ROM) is used. Further, as the memory 82, a volatile semiconductor memory such as RAM (Random Access Memory) may be used. Further, as the memory 82, a removable recording medium such as a magnetic disk, a flexible disk, an optical disk, a CD (Compact Disc), an MD (Mini Disc), and a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) may be used.

Next, the operating procedure of the air conditioning system 1 of the first embodiment will be explained. 12 and 13 are flowcharts showing the operating procedure of the air conditioning system according to the first embodiment. In the initial state after the air conditioner 10 is started, the air conditioner 10 starts operating under normal control.

In step S1 shown in FIG. 12, the calculation means 13 determines whether the demand control mode has been selected by the user. If the demand control mode is not selected, the calculation means 13 returns to the determination in step S1. On the other hand, in the determination process of step S1, if the demand control mode is selected by the user, the calculation means 13 proceeds to the process of step S2.

In step S2, the load estimation means 14 acquires driving history information and weather prediction information from the storage means 12. The driving history information is driving data and measurement data. The operation data includes, for example, information on the frequency of the compressor 21 and the opening degrees of the expansion valves 32a and 32b. The measurement data includes, for example, information on condensation temperature and evaporation temperature. The weather forecast information is obtained from the weather information providing server 50 via the input means 11 and the network 100.

In step S3, the load estimating means 14 calculates the future load for each unit time based on the approximate expression indicating the relationship between the outside air temperature and the heat load and the predicted value for each unit time of the outside air temperature read from the weather prediction information. The heat load on side units 3a and 3b is estimated. When the weather prediction information is predicted weather information for the next day, the load estimating means 14 estimates the heat load on the load side units 3a and 3b for each unit time on the next day. An approximate formula showing the relationship between outside air temperature and heat load is, for example, when outside air temperature is the explanatory variable (x) and the actual load rate of the load side units 3a and 3b is the objective variable (y), y = ax + b. This is a relational expression of the regression line expressed.

In step S4, the load estimating means 14 calculates the heat load for each system of the load side units 3a and 3b from the estimated heat load of the load side units 3a and 3b for each unit time.

In step S5, the comfort level estimating means 15 acquires information on the target PMV, tolerance range, and application time set by the user. For example, when the demand control mode is selected by the user, the target PMV, the allowable range, and the applicable time are input to the calculation means 13 via the input means 11. If the storage means 12 stores information on the target PMV, the allowable range, and the application time, the comfort level estimation means 15 may acquire these information from the storage means 12. The application time is the time during which air conditioning control in the demand control mode is applied. The information set by the user is not limited to the target PMV and the allowable range, but may also be the set temperature Ts and the allowable temperature range.

In step S6, the comfort estimating means 15 calculates an upper permissible temperature limit in the case of cooling operation, and calculates a lower permissible temperature limit in the case of heating operation, from the target PMV and permissible range set by the user. .

In step S7, the power consumption estimating means 16 estimates the power consumption for each of the plurality of types of air conditioning control. The power consumption estimating means 16 then assigns evaluation points to each air conditioning control based on a linear or nonlinear approximation formula to the estimated degree of reduction in power consumption. Specifically, the power consumption estimating means 16 increases the evaluation point as the amount of reduction in power consumption is greater.

In step S8, the comfort level estimating means 15 estimates the comfort level for each of the plurality of types of air conditioning control based on the target PMV and allowable range set by the user. Then, the comfort level estimating means 15 assigns evaluation points to each air conditioning control based on a linear or nonlinear approximation formula to the estimated degree of improvement in the comfort level. Specifically, when the target PMV is the set temperature Ts of the target space, the comfort level estimating means 15 increases the evaluation point as the comfort level is closer to the set temperature Ts.

In step S9, the selection means 17 determines whether the comfort level is within an allowable range in the demand control mode. Specifically, the selection means 17 determines whether or not there is an air conditioning control whose comfort level falls within an allowable range among all the energy saving controls. If there is no air conditioning control whose comfort level falls within the allowable range (step S9: No), the selection means 17 cancels the demand control mode. Then, in step S15, in order to cause the air conditioner 10 to operate under normal control, the selection means 17 instructs the refrigeration cycle control means 18 to perform normal control NORC.

On the other hand, in step S9, if there is one or more air conditioning controls whose comfort level falls within the allowable range among all the energy saving controls (step S9: Yes), the selection means 17 proceeds to the process of step S10. In step S10, the selection means 17 selects an air conditioning control that causes the air conditioner 10 to execute an air conditioning control that has an acceptable level of comfort, a smaller amount of power consumption, and a higher degree of comfort among the plurality of types of air conditioning controls. Selected as. For example, the selection means 17 calculates the total value of each evaluation point of power consumption and comfort level, and selects the air conditioning control with the largest total value as the air conditioning control to be executed by the air conditioner 10.

In step S11, the selection means 17 instructs the refrigeration cycle control means 18 to perform the selected air conditioning control in order to cause the air conditioner 10 to execute the selected air conditioning control.

In step S12, the selection means 17 causes the display device 6 of the remote controller 5 to display the superiority of the plurality of types of air conditioning control. At this time, the selection means 17 may display the control list, the superiority of each air conditioning control, and the selected air conditioning control on the display device 6. The degree of superiority is, for example, the total value of estimated power consumption, estimated comfort level, and evaluation points for each air conditioning control. The selected air conditioning control corresponds to the air conditioning control that is currently being executed.

In step S13, the selection means 17 determines whether the application time set by the user has elapsed since the start of the selected air conditioning control. If the application time has not elapsed, the calculation means 13 returns to the process of step S1. If the application time has elapsed, the selection means 17 proceeds to the process of step S15.

In step S14, the selection means 17 determines whether the user has input an instruction to cancel the demand control mode control. If an instruction to cancel the demand control mode is not input, the selection means 17 returns to step S13. On the other hand, if an instruction to cancel the demand control mode is input, the selection means 17 proceeds to the process of step S15.

According to the control selection method of the first embodiment, as the air conditioning control to be executed by the air conditioner 10, among the plurality of types of air conditioning controls, the comfort level is within the allowable range, and the power consumption is An air conditioning control with a smaller amount and a greater comfort level is selected. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the amount of power consumption without impairing the comfort of the user in the target space OBs in a predicted manner in response to changes in the air conditioning load. Further, if the comfort level exceeds the user's tolerance range, or if the selected air conditioning control application time has elapsed since the start of the demand control mode, the air conditioner 10 returns from the demand control mode to the normal control mode. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the user's comfort level from being impaired.

Next, as a specific example of the operation described with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13, a case where the air conditioner 10 performs cooling operation will be described. Here, a case will be explained in which the target PMV is the set temperature Ts and the tolerance range is the upper tolerance limit. FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining a specific example of the process described with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13. The vertical axis in FIG. 14 is power consumption. The horizontal axis in FIG. 14 is the comfort level indicating how much the room temperature Tr has risen from the set temperature Ts. In the case of the example shown in FIG. 14, the comfort level may be replaced with the estimated room temperature Tr.

In addition, here, energy saving control in the demand control mode is explained in the case of four types of air conditioning control: thermo operation control THOC, advanced power save control AVSC, capacity save control ABSC, and rotation control ROTC explained with reference to FIG. do.

The comfort level estimating means 15 calculates the temperature tolerance limit from the target PMV and tolerance range set by the user. For example, with respect to the set temperature Ts=26 [°C], a temperature of +2 [°C] is calculated as the upper allowable limit. In this case, the comfort level estimating means 15 has an upper allowable limit of 28 [° C.], as shown in FIG.

When the refrigeration cycle control means 18 executes the normal control NORC, the relationship between the power consumption and the room temperature Tr when the room temperature Tr rises from 26 [°C] to 28 [°C] is as shown in FIG. represented by a straight line. The equation showing the relationship between the power consumption and the room temperature Tr in the case of normal control NORC may be stored in advance in the storage means 12, or may be calculated by the comfort level estimation means 15 and the power consumption estimation means 16. .

Furthermore, regarding the four types of energy saving control, based on the comfort level estimated by the comfort level estimation means 15 and the power consumption estimated by the power consumption estimation means 16, FIG. The relationship between comfort level and comfort level is plotted with black circles. The numbers 0 to 10 displayed along the vertical axis in FIG. 14 are evaluation points based on power consumption. The numbers 0 to 10 displayed along the horizontal axis in FIG. 14 are evaluation points based on comfort level.

The power consumption estimating means 16 assigns evaluation points to each air conditioning control for the degree of reduction in power consumption. The power consumption estimating means 16 increases the evaluation point as the amount of reduction in power consumption is greater. In the example shown in FIG. 14, evaluation points for power consumption are assigned such that the normal control NORC at the set temperature Ts is 0 and the normal control NORC at the upper allowable limit is 10. The relationship between the degree of reduction in power consumption and the evaluation points is not limited to linear approximation as shown in linear approximation y=ax+b, but may be non-linear approximation. Nonlinear approximations include, for example, polynomial approximation y=ax ² +bx+c, exponential approximation y=a×exp(bx), or logarithmic approximation y=logx.

The comfort level estimating means 15 assigns evaluation points to the degree of improvement in comfort level for each air conditioning control. In the example shown in FIG. 14, the comfort level is assumed to be between the set temperature Ts and the upper allowable limit, and evaluation points from 0 to 10 are assigned. The closer the comfort level is to the set temperature Ts, the higher the evaluation point and the greater the degree of improvement in the comfort level. The relationship between the degree of improvement in comfort level and the evaluation points is expressed by the linear or nonlinear approximation equation described above. The comfort level evaluation points may be calculated using the above linear or nonlinear approximation formula. The selection means 17 selects the air conditioning control that has the largest total value of the evaluation points given for the degree of reduction in power consumption and the points given for the degree of improvement in comfort level.

An example of a linear approximation formula (y=ax+b) for assigning evaluation points will be explained. As shown in FIG. 14, regarding power consumption, the evaluation point of thermo operation control THOC is 3, the evaluation point of advanced power save control AVSC is 8, the evaluation point of capacity save control ABSC is 9, and rotation The evaluation point for control ROTC is 7. Regarding the comfort level, the evaluation point for thermo-driving control THOC is 9, the evaluation point for advanced power save control AVSC is 8, the evaluation point for ability save control ABSC is 4, and the evaluation point for rotation control ROTC is 0. be. The comfort level evaluation point for the normal control NORC is 0 points.

The selection means 17 calculates the total value of the power consumption evaluation point and the comfort degree evaluation point for each air conditioning control. The total value of the thermo operation control THOC is 12, the total value of the advanced power save control AVSC is 16, the total value of the ability save control ABSC is 11, and the total value of the rotation control ROTC is 7. The total value of normal control NORC is 10. In the demand control mode, the air conditioning control with the largest total value is the advanced power save control AVSC. Therefore, the selection means 17 selects the advanced power save control AVSC as the air conditioning control to be executed by the air conditioner 10. Thereby, it is possible to achieve both energy saving performance of the air conditioner 10 and user comfort. The method for calculating the total value has been explained using addition, but may also be multiplication, or polynomial approximation y=ax+bx ² with priority.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of the energy saving effect estimated by the control selection method according to the first embodiment. FIG. 15 is an example of an image showing the results of the processing shown in FIG. 14. The selection means 17 displays the image IMG2 shown in FIG. 15 on the display device 6 of the remote controller 5.

As shown in FIG. 15, the selection means 17 causes the display device 6 to display a control list, the superiority of each air conditioning control, and information indicating the air conditioning control currently being executed. As shown in FIG. 15, the control list displays the estimated power consumption, the estimated comfort level, and the total value of evaluation points in correspondence with the air conditioning control name. Further, the control list shown in image IMG2 also includes a display field for displaying whether or not air conditioning control is being executed.

Referring to image IMG2 in FIG. 15, a circle is placed in the column of the control being executed for the advanced power save control AVSC with a total evaluation point of 16, indicating that this air conditioning control has been selected. In addition, the image IMG2 shown in FIG. 15 includes a button 111 that the user selects when the user wishes to change the air conditioning control, and a button 112 that the user selects when the user wishes to return to the previous screen. Displayed. For example, if the user wants to prioritize comfort level over power consumption for the air conditioning control that is currently being executed, after operating the remote controller 5 and selecting the button 111, an instruction to select the thermo-operation control THOC is issued. All you have to do is enter. In this way, the user can select an air conditioning control from a plurality of types of air conditioning control with reference to the energy saving effect and comfort level.

Furthermore, as shown in image IMG2, similarly to image IMG1, the selection means 17 may display the application time and allowable range set by the user on the display device 6. In the case of the example shown in image IMG2, the application time is 4 hours and the tolerance range is PMV±0.5.

The air conditioning system 1 of the first embodiment includes an air conditioner 10 that air-conditions the target space OBs, an input means 11, a storage means 12, a load estimation means 14, a comfort level estimation means 15, and a power consumption It has a quantity estimation means 16 and a selection means 17. The input means 11 acquires weather forecast information from the weather information providing server 50 that provides weather forecast information, and inputs the target PMV and allowable range set by the user. The storage unit 12 stores equipment information, which is information related to the air conditioning capacity of the air conditioner 10 , operation history information, which is a record of operation data and measurement data of the air conditioner 10 with respect to past weather information, and the air conditioner 10 . A control list in which a plurality of types of air conditioning control to be executed by are registered is stored. The load estimating means 14 predicts future heat load based on weather forecast information, equipment information, and driving history information. The comfort level estimating means 15 estimates the user's comfort level for each of the plurality of types of air conditioning control with respect to the heat load predicted by the load estimating means 14. The power consumption estimating means 16 estimates the power consumption when the air conditioning apparatus 10 executes the air conditioning control for each of the plurality of types of air conditioning control with respect to the heat load predicted by the load estimating means 14. Among the plurality of types of air conditioning control, the selection means 17 selects an air conditioning control that has a comfort level within an allowable range, consumes less power, and has a higher comfort level as an air conditioning control that causes the air conditioner 10 to execute it. , select.

Conventionally, when the air conditioner is made to perform energy saving control preferentially in order to reduce the amount of power consumed by the air conditioner, user comfort is often sacrificed. Specifically, when an air conditioner is caused to perform energy saving control, the fluctuation range of room temperature over a certain period of time exceeds the permissible range for user comfort. Furthermore, in conventional air conditioning control systems, multiple types of air conditioning controls are prepared in advance to reduce power consumption, and control that achieves both energy saving and user comfort has not been performed. Control was not performed to achieve both energy saving effects and user comfort.

On the other hand, according to the first embodiment, among the plurality of types of air conditioning control, the comfort level is within the permissible range and the power consumption is smaller. The air conditioning control with the higher degree of comfort is selected. Therefore, power consumption can be reduced without sacrificing user comfort. As a result, it is possible to achieve both energy saving performance of the air conditioner 10 and user comfort.

Embodiment 2.
The second embodiment has a system configuration different from the air conditioning system of the first embodiment. In the second embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed explanation thereof will be omitted. Furthermore, in the second embodiment, operations different from those in the first embodiment will be explained in detail, and detailed explanations of operations similar to those in the first embodiment will be omitted.

The configuration of the air conditioning system of Embodiment 2 will be explained. FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of an air conditioning system according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 16, the air conditioning system 1a includes an information processing device 9 and an air conditioning device 10a. The information processing device 9 and the air conditioner 10a are communicatively connected to each other via a network 100. The information processing device 9 is connected to a weather information providing server 50 via a network 100. The information processing device 9 is, for example, a server.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an air conditioner according to the second embodiment. The air conditioner 10a includes a heat source side unit 2, load side units 3a and 3b, and a refrigeration cycle controller 45. FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the refrigeration cycle controller shown in FIG. 17. The refrigeration cycle controller 45 includes a refrigeration cycle control means 18 and a storage means 46. The storage means 46 is, for example, an SSD.

The refrigeration cycle control means 18 is, for example, a microcomputer. The refrigeration cycle control means 18 has a memory (not shown) that stores a program, and a CPU (not shown) that executes processing according to the program. The memory (not shown) provided in the refrigeration cycle control means 18 is, for example, nonvolatile memory such as EEPROM (Electrically Erasable and Programmable Read Only Memory) and flash memory. The refrigeration cycle control means 18 is configured by a CPU (not shown) executing a program.

The refrigeration cycle control means 18 stores the operational data and measurement data of the air conditioner 10a in the storage means 46 at regular intervals, and then stores the operational data and measurement data stored in the storage means 46 in the information processing device 9. Send. The fixed period is, for example, one week. Further, upon receiving selection information including air conditioning control information from the information processing device 9, the refrigeration cycle control means 18 controls refrigerant equipment such as the compressor 21 according to the air conditioning control content of the selection information. The refrigeration cycle control means 18 transmits user information input via the remote controller 5 to the information processing device 9. When an instruction to select the demand control mode is input via the remote controller 5, the refrigeration cycle control means 18 sends a demand control selection signal containing information indicating that the demand control mode has been selected to the information processing device 9. Send to.

FIG. 19 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the information processing device shown in FIG. 16. The information processing device 9 is, for example, a server that estimates comfort level and power consumption. The information processing device 9 includes an input means 11, a storage means 12, and a calculation means 13a. Of the five means of the calculation means 13 shown in FIG. 4, the calculation means 13a has a configuration that does not include the refrigeration cycle control means 18.

When the input means 11 receives one week's worth of operation data and measurement data from the air conditioner 10a at a constant cycle, it stores the received one week's worth of operation data and measurement data in the storage means 12. When the input means 11 receives user information from the air conditioner 10a, the input means 11 causes the storage means 12 to store the received user information. When the calculation means 13a receives the demand control selection signal from the air conditioner 10a via the input means 11, it executes the processing of the flow shown in FIGS. 12 and 13. The selection means 17 transmits selection information including information on the selected air conditioning control to the air conditioner 10a.

In the second embodiment, some of the load estimation means 14, comfort level estimation means 15, power consumption estimation means 16, and selection means 17 included in the calculation means 13a shown in FIG. It is good that it is provided in For example, the selection means 17 may be provided in the refrigeration cycle controller 45.

The operation of the air conditioning system 1a of the second embodiment is the same as that described with reference to FIGS. 12 to 15 in the first embodiment, so detailed description thereof will be omitted.

According to the second embodiment, the same effects as the first embodiment can be obtained even if the system configuration is different from the air conditioning system 1 of the first embodiment. Further, in the second embodiment, calculation processing for selecting an air conditioning control that achieves both energy saving and user comfort is executed by an information processing device 9 such as a server outside the air conditioner 10a. Therefore, the computational processing load on the refrigeration cycle controller 45 is reduced.

In the second embodiment, a case has been described with reference to FIG. Energy saving control may be selected for each air conditioner 10a. In this case, the computational processing load of the refrigeration cycle controller 45 provided in each of the plurality of air conditioners 10a is reduced.

1, 1a air conditioning system, 2 heat source side unit, 3a, 3b load side unit, 4 controller, 5 remote controller, 6 display device, 7 signal line, 8 refrigerant piping, 9 information processing device, 10, 10a air conditioner, 11 input means, 12 storage means, 13, 13a calculation means, 14 load estimation means, 15 comfort estimation means, 16 power consumption estimation means, 17 selection means, 18 refrigeration cycle control means, 20 refrigerant circuit, 21 compressor, 22 Heat source side heat exchanger, 23 Four-way valve, 24 Fan, 25 Outside air temperature sensor, 31a, 31b Load side heat exchanger, 32a, 32b Expansion valve, 33a, 33b Fan, 34a, 34b Measurement unit, 41 Room temperature sensor, 42 Humidity sensor, 43 Temperature sensor, 45 Refrigeration cycle controller, 46 Storage means, 50 Weather information providing server, 80 Processing circuit, 81 Processor, 82 Memory, 83 Bus, 100 Network, 111, 112 Button, IMG1, IMG2 Image, OBs Target space.

Claims (8)

an air conditioner that air conditions the target space;
an input means that acquires the weather forecast information from an information processing device that provides weather forecast information that is predicted weather information, and inputs a target comfort level and an acceptable range of the comfort level set by the user;
equipment information that is information related to the air conditioning capacity of the air conditioner; operation history information that is a record of operation data and measurement data of the air conditioner with respect to past weather information; storage means for storing a list of air conditioning controls for the species;
load estimating means for predicting future heat load based on the weather forecast information, the equipment information, and the driving history information;
Comfort level estimating means for estimating the comfort level of the user for each of the plurality of types of air conditioning control with respect to the heat load predicted by the load estimating means;
A power consumption amount estimation means for estimating the power consumption amount when the air conditioning control is executed by the air conditioner for each of the plurality of types of air conditioning control with respect to the heat load predicted by the load estimation means;
Among the plurality of types of air conditioning control, the air conditioning control causes the air conditioner to execute an air conditioning control in which the comfort level is within the allowable range, the power consumption is smaller, and the comfort level is higher. , a selection means for selecting,
Air conditioning system with. The selection means is
A total value of evaluation points based on the power consumption estimated for each of the plurality of types of air conditioning control and evaluation points based on the comfort level is calculated, and an air conditioner with the largest total value among the plurality of types of air conditioning control is calculated. select control,
The air conditioning system according to claim 1. The power consumption estimation means includes:
The evaluation points are assigned to each air conditioning control based on a linear or non-linear approximation formula to the degree of reduction in the amount of power consumption, and the larger the amount of reduction in the amount of power consumption is, the higher the evaluation point is.
The air conditioning system according to claim 2. The comfort level estimating means includes:
The target comfort level is set as the set temperature of the target space, and an upper or lower allowable limit based on the set temperature is determined from the allowable range, and based on a linear or nonlinear approximation formula for the degree of improvement in the comfort level. assigning the evaluation points to each air conditioning control, and increasing the evaluation points as the comfort level is closer to the set temperature;
The air conditioning system according to claim 2 or 3. The air conditioner has a normal control mode in which it operates with normal air conditioning control, and a demand control mode in which it operates with less power consumption than the normal control mode,
The storage means stores the list in which the plurality of types of air conditioning control belong to the demand control mode,
The load estimating means is
predicting the heat load when the demand control mode is selected by the user;
The selection means is
When one air conditioning control is selected from the plurality of types of air conditioning controls belonging to the demand control mode, operating the air conditioner in the demand control mode;
The air conditioning system according to any one of claims 1 to 4. The selection means is
When the time during which the selected air conditioning control is executed by the air conditioner passes an application time set by the user, canceling the demand control mode for the air conditioner;
The air conditioning system according to claim 5. The selection means is
If the comfort level of all of the plurality of types of air conditioning control is not within the permissible range, canceling the demand control mode for the air conditioner;
The air conditioning system according to claim 5 or 6. The air conditioner is provided with a display device,
The selection means is
displaying the list, the superiority of each air conditioning control, and the selected air conditioning control on the display device;
The air conditioning system according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

Images