WO2024127867A1 - Air conditioning control system and control method - Google Patents

Abstract

An air conditioning control system (10) comprises: a plurality of air conditioning devices (20) for individually temperature-regulating a plurality of adjacent areas (81), which are a plurality of areas (81) each having a defined target value of a thermal environment; a plurality of sensor units (30) for individually sensing a detected value of the thermal environment in the plurality of areas (81); an acquiring unit (55) for transmitting, to a server device (60), data relating to an index of a thermal sensation of a person located in each of the plurality of areas (81), in order to acquire, from the server device (60), control information for controlling the plurality of air conditioning devices (20) such that a difference between the target value and the detected value in each of the plurality of areas (81) is reduced, and the person located in each of the plurality of areas (81) feels the thermal environment of the area to be comfortable; and a control unit (56) that controls the plurality of air conditioning devices (20) using the acquired control information.

Description

Air conditioning control system and control method

The present invention relates to an air conditioning control system and a control method.

Technology for controlling the thermal environment in an indoor space is known. Patent Document 1 discloses an information processing device that can realize air conditioning control according to the duration that a detected object remains present or absent.

JP 2017-116197 A

The present invention provides an air conditioning control system that can bring the thermal environments of multiple areas, where changes in the thermal environment affect each other, closer to a target.

An air conditioning control system according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of air conditioners for individually adjusting the temperature of a plurality of adjacent areas, each of which has a target value for the thermal environment; a plurality of sensor units for individually sensing detected values of the thermal environment in the plurality of areas; an acquisition unit that acquires control information from the external server device to control the plurality of air conditioners so that the difference between the target value and the detected value in each of the plurality of areas is reduced and the person located in each of the plurality of areas feels comfortable in the thermal environment of the area by transmitting data related to an index of thermal sensation of the person located in each of the plurality of areas to an external server device; and a control unit that controls the plurality of air conditioners using the acquired control information.

A control method according to one aspect of the present invention is a control method executed by a computer, and includes a transmission step of transmitting to an external server device data relating to a plurality of air conditioners for individually adjusting the temperature of a plurality of adjacent areas, each of which has a target value for the thermal environment, a plurality of sensor units for individually sensing the detected values of the thermal environment in the plurality of areas, and an index of thermal sensation of a person located in each of the plurality of areas; an acquisition step of acquiring from the external server device control information for controlling the plurality of air conditioners so that, as a result of transmitting the data, the difference between the target value and the detected value in each of the plurality of areas is reduced and the person located in each of the plurality of areas feels comfortable in the thermal environment of the area; and a control step of controlling the plurality of air conditioners using the acquired control information.

An air conditioning control system according to one aspect of the present invention can bring the thermal environments of multiple areas, where changes in the thermal environment affect each other, closer to a target.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of an air conditioning control system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a space to which the air-conditioning control system according to the embodiment is applied. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an outline of the feedback control. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a target area and adjacent areas adjacent to the target area. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an overview of the control of the thermal environment. FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a first example of control of a thermal environment. FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a second example of control of the thermal environment. FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a third example of control of the thermal environment. FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a fourth example of control of the thermal environment.

Below, the embodiments are described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiments described below are all comprehensive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, component placement and connection forms, steps, and order of steps shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present invention. Furthermore, among the components in the following embodiments, components that are not described in an independent claim are described as optional components.

Note that each figure is a schematic diagram and is not necessarily a precise illustration. In addition, in each figure, the same reference numerals are used for substantially the same configurations, and duplicate explanations may be omitted or simplified.

(Embodiment)
[composition]
First, the configuration of an air conditioning control system according to an embodiment will be described. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of an air conditioning control system according to an embodiment. Fig. 2 is a diagram (plan view) showing a space to which an air conditioning control system according to an embodiment is applied. In Fig. 2, an air conditioner 20 is indicated by a dashed circle, and a sensor unit 30 is indicated by a solid circle.

The air conditioning control system 10 is a system that can provide an individual thermal environment to users located in a space 80 within a facility. The space 80 is, for example, an indoor space that is not partitioned by walls. The space 80 is, for example, an office space with a free address system. As shown in FIG. 2, the space 80 is, for example, divided into a number of areas 81, each of which has seats (chairs 82 and desks 83). The dashed lines (straight lines) in FIG. 2 indicate the division lines. The space 80 is, for example, divided into a matrix when viewed from above, but there is no particular limitation on the method of dividing the space 80.

As shown in FIG. 1, the air conditioning control system 10 specifically includes a plurality of air conditioning devices 20, a plurality of sensor units 30, a plurality of setting reception devices 40, and a control device 50. The air conditioning devices 20, the sensor units 30, and the setting reception devices 40 are installed in each of a plurality of areas 81. Also shown in FIG. 1 is a server device 60.

Air conditioner 20 is installed on the ceiling or walls of space 80, and adjusts the temperature of the space by sending temperature-adjusted air into space 80. Air conditioner 20 performs heating operation by sending warm air into space 80 using the heat generated when a refrigerant (gas) liquefies. Air conditioner 20 also performs cooling operation by sending cooled air into space 80 when a refrigerant (liquid) evaporates. The set temperature of air conditioner 20, the wind speed of air conditioner 20, and the direction (wind direction) of air conditioner 20 are controlled by control device 50.

The sensor unit 30 is a sensor unit that detects (senses) thermal environment parameters in the area 81 in which the sensor unit 30 is installed. The sensor unit 30 includes a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, a wind speed sensor, and a wind direction sensor, and measures the temperature, humidity, wind speed, wind direction, and the like at the position where the sensor unit 30 is installed. The sensor unit 30 also transmits detection value information indicating the detection values of the temperature, humidity, wind speed, wind direction, and the like to the control device 50. The sensor unit 30 is installed, for example, on a desk 83. The sensor unit 30 may include a sensor that can measure a thermal environment parameter (at least one of temperature, humidity, wind speed, and wind direction) that is to be brought closer to a target value in controlling the thermal environment.

The setting reception device 40 is a device that allows the user to manually set target values for the thermal environment parameters (at least one of temperature, humidity, wind speed, and wind direction) of the area 81 in which the user is located. The setting reception device 40 is also a device that allows the user to input an index of thermal sensation. The index of thermal sensation is an index (an index indicating comfort) that indicates how the user feels about the thermal environment in the area 81 in which the user is located, and is expressed, for example, in three levels: "cold," "comfortable," and "hot."

The setting reception device 40 is, for example, a dedicated remote controller that has one-to-one correspondence with the air conditioning device 20. The setting reception device 40 transmits target value information indicating the target value set by the user, and thermal sensation information indicating an index of thermal sensation input by the user, to the control device 50. Note that instead of a dedicated remote controller, a mobile terminal such as a smartphone owned by the user and having an application program installed may be used as the setting reception device 40.

The control device 50 is a controller that controls multiple air conditioners 20 installed in the space 80. The control device 50 is realized, for example, by an edge server installed in a facility including the space 80, or a cloud server installed outside the facility. Specifically, the control device 50 includes a communication unit 51, an information processing unit 52, and a storage unit 53.

The communication unit 51 is a communication module (communication circuit) that enables the control device 50 to communicate with the multiple air conditioners 20, the multiple sensor units 30, the multiple setting reception devices 40, and the server device 60. The communication performed by the communication unit 51 is, for example, wired communication, but may also be wireless communication. There is no particular limitation on the communication standard used for the communication.

The information processing unit 52 processes information related to the control of the air conditioner 20 in the space 80. The information processing unit 52 is realized, for example, by a microcomputer, but may also be realized by a processor.

The information processing unit 52 has, as its functional components, a detection unit 54, an acquisition unit 55, and a control unit 56. The functions of the detection unit 54, the acquisition unit 55, and the control unit 56 are realized, for example, by a microcomputer or a processor constituting the information processing unit 52 executing a computer program stored in the storage unit 53. The detailed functions of the detection unit 54, the acquisition unit 55, and the control unit 56 will be described later.

The storage unit 53 is a storage device that stores information necessary for the above information processing, computer programs executed by the information processing unit 52, etc. The storage unit 53 is realized, for example, by a HDD (Hard Disk Drive), but may also be realized by a semiconductor memory, etc.

The server device 60 is a computer that provides the control device 50 with setting values for feedforward control (described below). The server device 60 is realized, for example, by an edge server installed in a facility including the space 80, or a cloud server installed outside the facility. The server device 60 is equipped with a machine learning model, and can determine (calculate) the setting values for feedforward control using the machine learning model. The machine learning model here has a broad meaning, and the machine learning performed by the machine learning model includes various algorithms such as deep learning. In other words, there are no particular limitations on the specific algorithm for machine learning.

In the following embodiment, the server device 60 is described as an external server device that is not included in the air conditioning control system 10, but it may be included in the air conditioning control system 10. In other words, the air conditioning control system 10 may include the server device 60.

[Feedback control issues]
As described above, each of the multiple areas 81 is provided with an air conditioner 20, a sensor unit 30, and a setting reception device 40 in order to control the thermal environment in the area 81. The thermal environment here specifically means temperature, humidity, wind speed, wind direction, etc. In the following, for the sake of simplicity, control for bringing temperature closer to a target value will be described as an example, but control for bringing one or more of temperature, humidity, wind speed, wind direction, etc. closer to a target value (for example, control for bringing temperature and wind speed closer to a target value) is also possible. In other words, in the following description, temperature as a thermal environment parameter can be read as humidity, wind speed, wind direction, etc.

For example, when a target temperature value is set in the setting reception device 40 installed in a target area 81 out of the multiple areas 81, the control unit 56 of the control device 50 controls the air conditioning device 20 installed in the target area 81 to achieve the temperature indicated by the target value in the target area 81. Feedback control can be considered as a control method for achieving the temperature indicated by the target value. Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an overview of feedback control.

As shown in FIG. 3, in feedback control, the control device 50 calculates a set value so that the deviation between the detection value of the sensor unit 30 installed in the target area 81 and the target value is zero (the detection value and the target value are equal), and controls the air conditioner 20 installed in the target area 81 based on the calculated set value. Specifically, the set value here is the set temperature.

Here, the target area 81 and the adjacent area 81 affect each other due to changes in temperature. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing the target area 81 and the adjacent area 81. In Figure 4, the target area 81 is described as target area 81a, and the adjacent area 81 is described as adjacent area 81b. In Figure 4, the detection ranges of sensor unit 30a and sensor unit 30b are conceptually illustrated.

As shown in FIG. 4, the detection value of the sensor unit 30a installed in the target area 81a is affected not only by the air conditioning unit 20a installed in the target area 81a, but also by the air conditioning unit 20b installed in the adjacent area 81b. Similarly, the detection value of the sensor unit 30b installed in the adjacent area 81b is affected not only by the air conditioning unit 20b installed in the adjacent area 81b, but also by the air conditioning unit 20a installed in the target area 81a.

If this happens, then when feedback control is performed in both the target area 81a and the adjacent area 81b, hunting may occur. In addition, it may take a long time for the temperatures in both the target area 81a and the adjacent area 81b to converge.

[Overview of thermal environment control in air conditioning control system]
Therefore, the control device 50 performs most of the control by feedforward control that takes into account the change in the target value and the influence of disturbances, and suppresses the occurrence of overshoot and oscillatory response. Furthermore, the control device 50 realizes the reduction of the remaining small deviation between the target value and the detected value by feedback control. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an overview of the control of the thermal environment in the air-conditioning control system 10. As shown in FIG. 5, the control device 50 (control unit 56) uses both feedforward control and feedback control that reduces the deviation between the target value and the detected value of the thermal environment after the feedforward control for each of the multiple air-conditioning devices 20.

The purpose of the air conditioning control system 10 controlling the multiple air conditioning devices 20a is to provide a thermal environment that users located in each of the multiple areas 81 feel comfortable in. A user's thermal sensation is affected not only by temperature but also by various thermal environment parameters such as humidity and wind speed. For example, it is known that even in a space with the same temperature, the perceived temperature increases when there is no wind compared to when there is wind.

As shown in FIG. 5, when determining the set value for feedforward control, the thermal sensation index (one of three levels: "cold," "comfortable," or "hot") of the user located in each of the multiple areas 81 is taken into consideration.

The control device 50 obtains the feedforward control setting values from the server device 60. The server device 60 is equipped with a machine learning model that has learned the feedforward control setting values for each of the multiple air conditioners 20 based on learning data provided in advance from the control device 50, etc.

Here, the above learning data includes the following information (a) to (d):

(a) Information indicating the positional relationship between the multiple air conditioners 20 (heat sources) and the multiple sensor units 30; (b) Detection values of each of the multiple sensor units 30; (c) Setting values of each of the multiple air conditioners 20; and (d) Indicators of thermal sensation of users located in each of the multiple areas 81.

Information (a) is specifically information indicating the position (coordinates) of the air outlet of each of the multiple air conditioning devices 20 and the position (coordinates) of each sensor included in the multiple sensor units 30. Information (a) may also include information indicating the position of the chair 82 (i.e., the user's position). Information (a) is stored (registered) in the memory unit of the control device 50, for example, when the air conditioning control system 10 is introduced. Information (a) can also be thought of as information indicating the distance between each of the multiple air conditioning devices 20 and each of the multiple sensor units 30.

The information (a) is necessary because the way in which the air sent out from the air conditioner 20 hits the sensor unit 30 varies depending on the relative positions of the air conditioner 20's outlet and the sensor unit 30. It is known that the amount of heat and air that reaches a certain position from a heat source is inversely proportional to the square of the distance from the heat source.

The detection values of information (b) can be acquired by the acquisition unit 55 from multiple sensor units 30, for example. The setting values of information (c) indicate the settings (set temperature, wind speed, and wind direction) at which the multiple air conditioners 20 are currently operating, and these are stored in the memory unit 53.

Using such learning data, the server device 60 (machine learning model) can learn the detection values of each of the multiple sensor units 30 when the multiple air conditioners 20 are operating according to the set values (information (d)), and an index of the thermal sensation of the users located in each of the multiple areas 81. In other words, the server device 60 (machine learning model) can output the set values of the feedforward control of each of the multiple air conditioners 20.

Furthermore, it is not essential that the learning data includes all of the information (a)-(d), and some of the information may be omitted as necessary. Furthermore, the learning data may include information other than the information (a)-(d).

For example, the learning data may include information indicating radiant heat for the multiple areas 81. In the case where a general air conditioning system that adjusts the temperature of the entire space 80 (multiple areas 81) is installed in the space 80, the learning data may include information indicating the operating state (set value, etc.) of the general air conditioning. The learning data may also include meteorological information for the location where the space 80 (multiple areas 81) is located. Specifically, the meteorological information is information on the outside temperature, etc. If the learning data includes this information, the data included in the request information described below will also include this information.

The learning data may be data in a transient state (a state in which the temperature has not converged in each of the multiple areas 81 and the target value and the detected value are different) or data in a steady state (a state in which the temperature, etc. has converged in each of the multiple areas 81 and the target value and the detected value are equal).

[Control of thermal environment example 1]
Next, a more detailed explanation will be given of the control of the thermal environment by the air-conditioning control system 10. FIG.

In a steady state (a state in which the temperatures in each of the multiple areas 81 are converging), the detection unit 54 of the control device 50 detects a change in the target temperature value in at least one of the multiple areas 81 (S11). The target value is changed, for example, by a user manually operating the setting reception device 40. Note that it is not essential that the target value is changed by the user, and for example, there are cases in which the target value is automatically changed based on predetermined schedule information.

When a change in the target value is detected, the acquisition unit 55 transmits request information to the server device 60 to request a set value for feedforward control (S12). Specifically, the acquisition unit 55 transmits the request information to the server device 60 using the communication unit 51. The request information includes data, which includes the above-mentioned information (a) to (d), as well as (e) a target value for the thermal environment (temperature) in each of the multiple areas 81. This data can be said to be data related to the multiple air conditioners 20, the multiple sensor units 30, and an index of thermal sensation of people located in each of the multiple areas 81. Note that the values of the information (b) to (e) included in the request information are the latest values at the time when the change in the target value is detected.

Here, when the server device 60 receives the request information, it can use the data included in the request information and a machine learning model to calculate feedforward control settings (operation mode, set temperature, wind speed, wind direction, etc.) that compensate (reduce) the difference between the target value and the detected value in each of the multiple areas 81 and make the index indicating the thermal sensation of the user (person) located in each of the multiple areas 81 "comfortable." The server device 60 transmits the calculated feedforward control settings for each of the multiple air conditioners 20 to the control device 50.

The communication unit 51 of the control device 50 receives the feedforward control setting values of each of the multiple air conditioners 20 in response to the request information. The acquisition unit 55 acquires the feedforward control setting values of each of the multiple air conditioners 20 received by the communication unit 51 (S13). The feedforward control setting value is an example of control information for controlling the multiple air conditioners 20 to reduce the difference between the target value and the detected value in each of the multiple areas 81 and to allow a user (person) located in each of the multiple areas 81 to feel a comfortable thermal environment in that area 81.

The control unit 56 then performs feedforward control on each of the multiple air conditioners 20 using the obtained feedforward control setting value (S14). The control unit 56 also performs feedback control based on the deviation between the target temperature value and the detected temperature value in each of the multiple areas 81 (S15). Specifically, the control unit 56 calculates the feedback control setting value based on the deviation between the target temperature value and the detected temperature value, and performs feedback control on each of the multiple air conditioners 20 using the calculated setting value.

In this way, the air conditioning control system 10 updates the feedforward control setting value for each of the multiple air conditioners 20 when the target temperature value in at least one of the multiple areas 81 is changed, and then performs feedback control on each of the multiple air conditioners 20. This allows the air conditioning control system 10 to suppress the occurrence of hunting, etc., and to bring the temperature of each of the multiple areas 81 closer to the target value with high accuracy. Furthermore, by adopting the feedforward control setting value, the air conditioning control system 10 can bring the thermal sensation index of the users located in each of the multiple areas 81 closer to "comfortable."

The server device 60 may use the data included in the request information as learning data. In other words, the server device 60 can update the machine learning model while providing the setting values for feedforward control to the control device 50.

[Control of thermal environment 2]
Next, a description will be given of a second example of control of the thermal environment by the air-conditioning control system 10. FIG.

In a steady state, the detection unit 54 of the control device 50 detects a change in the detected temperature value in at least one of the multiple areas 81 (S21). The change in the detected value occurs, for example, due to an external disturbance. A change in the detected value here means, for example, a clear change (such as a change of 1°C or more) rather than a slight change.

When a change in the detection value is detected, the acquisition unit 55 transmits request information to the server device 60 to request a set value for feedforward control (S22). Specifically, the acquisition unit 55 transmits the request information to the server device 60 using the communication unit 51. The request information includes data, and this data includes the above-mentioned information (a) to (e). Note that the values of information (b) to (e) included in the request information are the latest values at the time when the change in the detection value is detected. The subsequent processing in steps S22 to S25 is similar to the processing in steps S12 to S15, so a detailed description will be omitted.

In this way, the air conditioning control system 10 updates the feedforward control setting value for each of the multiple air conditioners 20 when a change occurs in the detected temperature value in at least one of the multiple areas 81 (multiple sensor units 30), and then performs feedback control on each of the multiple air conditioners 20. This allows the air conditioning control system 10 to suppress the occurrence of hunting, etc., and to bring the temperature of each of the multiple areas 81 closer to the target value with high accuracy. Furthermore, by adopting the feedforward control setting value, the air conditioning control system 10 can bring the thermal sensation index of the users located in each of the multiple areas 81 closer to "comfortable."

[Control of thermal environment example 3]
Next, a description will be given of a third example of thermal environment control by the air-conditioning control system 10. FIG.

In a steady state (a state in which the temperatures in each of the multiple areas 81 are converging), the detection unit 54 of the control device 50 detects a change in the thermal sensation index of at least one of the users located in each of the multiple areas 81 (S31). The thermal sensation index is changed, for example, by the user manually operating the setting reception device 40.

It is not essential that the thermal sensation index be changed by the user; for example, the thermal sensation index may be changed automatically based on predefined schedule information. The detection unit 54 may also estimate the thermal sensation index for each of the multiple areas 81 from the detected values of the temperature, humidity, air volume, etc. in that area 81, and detect a change (variation) in the estimated thermal sensation index.

When a change in the thermal sensation index is detected, the acquisition unit 55 transmits request information to the server device 60 to request a set value for feedforward control (S32). Specifically, the acquisition unit 55 transmits the request information to the server device 60 using the communication unit 51. The request information includes data, and this data includes the above-mentioned information (a) to (e). This data can be said to be data related to the multiple air conditioners 20, the multiple sensor units 30, and the thermal sensation index of people located in each of the multiple areas 81. Note that the values of the information (b) to (e) included in the request information are the latest values at the time when the change in the thermal sensation index is detected. The subsequent processing of steps S32 to S35 is similar to the processing of steps S12 to S15, so a detailed description will be omitted.

In this way, the air conditioning control system 10 updates the feedforward control setting value for each of the multiple air conditioners 20 when a change occurs in the thermal sensation index of at least one person located in each of the multiple areas 81, and then performs feedback control on each of the multiple air conditioners 20. This allows the air conditioning control system 10 to suppress the occurrence of hunting, etc., and to bring the temperature of each of the multiple areas 81 closer to the target value with high accuracy. Furthermore, by adopting the feedforward control setting value, the air conditioning control system 10 can bring the thermal sensation index of the users located in each of the multiple areas 81 closer to "comfortable."

[Control of thermal environment example 4]
Next, a description will be given of a fourth example of control of the thermal environment by the air-conditioning control system 10. FIG.

In control example 4, the set value of the feedforward control is periodically updated at update timings that occur at predetermined time intervals. The detection unit 54 of the control device 50 detects that the update timing has arrived (S41). The predetermined time intervals are appropriately determined empirically or experimentally.

When the arrival of the update timing is detected, the acquisition unit 55 transmits request information to the server device 60 to request the setting value of the feedforward control (S42). Specifically, the acquisition unit 55 transmits the request information to the server device 60 using the communication unit 51. The request information includes data, and this data includes the above-mentioned information (a) to (e). Note that the values of the information (b) to (e) included in the request information are the latest values at the time when the arrival of the update timing is detected. The subsequent processing of steps S42 to S45 is similar to the processing of steps S12 to S15, so a detailed description will be omitted.

In this way, the air conditioning control system 10 updates the feedforward control setting values for each of the multiple air conditioners 20 when the update timing arrives, and then performs feedback control on each of the multiple air conditioners 20. This allows the air conditioning control system 10 to suppress the occurrence of hunting, etc., and to bring the temperature of each of the multiple areas 81 closer to the target value with high accuracy. Furthermore, by adopting the feedforward control setting values, the air conditioning control system 10 can bring the thermal sensation index of the users located in each of the multiple areas 81 closer to "comfortable."

[Learning mode operation]
Furthermore, the air conditioning control system 10 may operate in a learning mode for providing learning data to the server device 60. In other words, the operation in the learning mode is an operation for generating learning data. In the learning mode, the air conditioning control system 10 operates, for example, as follows.

The control unit 56 of the control device 50 selects one of the multiple air conditioners 20 as the target air conditioner. The control unit 56 operates the target air conditioner at a first setting value (e.g., a set temperature of 25°C) and operates the non-target air conditioners (all air conditioners 20 other than the target air conditioner) at a second setting value (e.g., a set temperature of 20°C). In this state, the control unit 56 generates learning data (data including the above information (a) to (e)).

The control unit 56 repeats the above operations by changing the target air conditioner. When all of the multiple air conditioners 20 have been selected once as the target air conditioners, the operation in the learning mode ends. Note that the control unit 56 may change at least one of the first set value and the second set value and further repeat the operation in the learning mode. The learning data generated during the operation in the learning mode is provided from the control device 50 to the server device 60 as appropriate.

In this way, the air conditioning control system 10 can expand the variety of learning data by acquiring the detection values of each of the multiple sensor units 30 when the setting values of each of the multiple air conditioning devices 20 are forcibly changed.

In addition, in the learning mode operation, the order in which the multiple air conditioners 20 are selected as the target air conditioners is not particularly limited. When the multiple air conditioners 20 are arranged in a matrix as shown in FIG. 2, the central air conditioner 20 may be selected first as the target air conditioner, or the air conditioner 20 located at a corner may be selected first as the target air conditioner.

The server device 60 (machine learning model) may learn the setting values of the feedforward control not only by using the learning data based on the operating states of the multiple air conditioners 20 in the space 80, but also by using learning data based on the operating states of multiple other air conditioners in other spaces. For example, if the space 80 (multiple areas 81) is provided on the first floor of a facility, the server device 60 may collect learning data based on the operating states of multiple other air conditioners on a second floor (another space) in the same facility, in addition to the learning data based on the operating states of the multiple air conditioners 20 on the first floor (space 80). The second floor is a floor different from the first floor. The server device 60 may collect learning data based on the operating states of multiple air conditioners on three or more floors.

In this way, the server device 60 can improve the accuracy of calculating the feedforward control setting value by collecting learning data based on the operating states of multiple air conditioners on two or more floors in the same facility.

Furthermore, for example, when the space 80 (multiple areas 81) is provided within a first facility, the server device 60 may collect learning data based on the operating states of multiple other air conditioners in a second facility (other space) in addition to the learning data based on the operating states of multiple air conditioners 20 in the first facility (space 80). The second facility is a facility different from the first facility. The server device 60 may collect learning data based on the operating states of multiple air conditioners in three or more facilities.

In this way, the server device 60 can improve the accuracy of calculating the feedforward control setting value by collecting learning data based on the operating status of multiple air conditioners in each of the spaces within two or more facilities.

[Modification]
In the above embodiment, an example in which the temperature of each of the multiple areas 81 is controlled has been described, but instead of or in addition to the temperature, humidity, wind speed, wind direction, etc. may be controlled. The air-conditioning control system 10 can be applied to control of a thermal environment including at least one of temperature, humidity, wind speed, wind direction, etc.

Furthermore, the arrangement of the multiple air conditioners 20 and the multiple sensor units 30 in the above embodiment is merely an example. The multiple air conditioners 20 may be arranged in any manner as long as it is possible to individually adjust the temperature of the multiple adjacent areas 81. Furthermore, the multiple sensor units 30 may be arranged in any manner as long as it is possible to individually sense the detected values of the thermal environment in the multiple areas 81.

In addition, in the above embodiment, the target values for the thermal environment in each of the multiple areas 81 are set (changed) by a user located within the space 80, but it is not essential that the target values be set by a user. For example, the target values may be set by an administrator or the like located outside the space. Furthermore, the target values may be automatically changed based on predetermined schedule information.

In addition, in the above embodiment, one control device 50 communicates with multiple air conditioners 20, multiple sensor units 30, and multiple setting reception devices 40 to obtain information corresponding to multiple areas 81 (such as the above-mentioned information (a) to (e)). However, the air conditioning control system 10 may be equipped with multiple control devices 50 corresponding to multiple areas 80. Each of the multiple control devices 50 may obtain information corresponding to one area 81 corresponding to the control device 50 by communicating with the air conditioner 20, sensor unit 30, and setting reception device 40 corresponding to the control device 50.

In this case, each of the multiple control devices 50 acquires the feedforward control setting values by communicating with the server device 60, and performs feedforward control and feedback control on the air conditioning device 20 corresponding to that control device 50 based on the acquired setting values.

In addition, in the above embodiment, one air conditioning control system 10 corresponds to multiple areas 81, but multiple air conditioning control systems 10 may correspond to multiple areas 80, and each of the multiple air conditioning control systems 10 may process information corresponding to one area 81 corresponding to that air conditioning control system 10.

In this case, each of the multiple air conditioning control systems 10 acquires a set value for feedforward control, and performs feedforward control and feedback control on the air conditioning device 20 corresponding to that air conditioning control system 10 based on the acquired set value.

In addition, in the above embodiment, the air conditioning control system 10 (control device 50) controls the thermal environment of the space 80 using a combination of feedforward control and feedback control, but the feedback control may be omitted and the thermal environment of the space 80 may be controlled using only feedforward control.

[Effects, etc.]
Inventions derived from the disclosure of this specification are, for example, the following inventions. Hereinafter, the inventions derived from the disclosure of this specification will be described together with the effects and the like obtained by the inventions.

Invention 1 is an air conditioning control system 10 including a plurality of air conditioners 20 for individually adjusting the temperature of a plurality of adjacent areas 81, each of which has a target value for the thermal environment, a plurality of sensor units 30 for individually sensing the detected values of the thermal environment in the plurality of areas 81, and an acquisition unit 55 for acquiring control information from the server device 60 for controlling the plurality of air conditioners 20 so that the difference between the target value and the detected value in each of the plurality of areas 81 is reduced and the person in each of the plurality of areas 81 feels comfortable in the thermal environment of the area by transmitting data related to the index of thermal sensation of the person in each of the plurality of areas 81 to the server device 60, and a control unit 56 for controlling the plurality of air conditioners 20 using the acquired control information. The server device 60 is an example of an external server device.

Such an air conditioning control system 10 can bring the thermal environments of multiple areas 81, where changes in the thermal environment affect each other, closer to a target. Furthermore, the air conditioning control system 10 can bring the thermal sensation of the users located in each of the multiple areas 81 closer to a comfortable state.

Invention 2 is the air conditioning control system 10 of invention 1, in which the control information is information indicating the feedforward control setting values for each of the multiple air conditioning devices 20.

Such an air conditioning control system 10 can use feedforward control to bring the thermal environments of multiple areas 81, where changes in the thermal environment affect each other, closer to a target.

Invention 3, the control unit 56 is an air conditioning control system 10 according to invention 2, which uses both feedforward control and feedback control for each of the multiple air conditioning devices 20.

Such an air conditioning control system 10 performs most of the control using feedforward control, and the remaining small amount of reduction in the deviation between the target value and the detected value is achieved using feedback control. The air conditioning control system 10 can suppress the occurrence of hunting, etc.

Invention 4 is an air conditioning control system 10 according to any one of Inventions 1 to 3, in which the data includes information indicating the positional relationship between the multiple air conditioning devices 20 and the multiple sensor units 30.

Such an air conditioning control system 10 can acquire control information that takes into account the relative positions of the multiple air conditioning devices 20 and the multiple sensor units 30. In other words, the air conditioning control system 10 can control the multiple air conditioning devices 20 while taking into account the relative positions of the multiple air conditioning devices 20 and the multiple sensor units 30.

Invention 5, the air conditioning control system 10 of any of Inventions 1 to 4 is such that the acquisition unit 55 acquires control information from the server device 60 by transmitting data to the server device 60 when a target value in at least one of the multiple areas 81 is changed.

Such an air conditioning control system 10 can acquire (update) control information when the target value for the thermal environment is changed.

Invention 6, the air conditioning control system 10 of any one of Inventions 1 to 5 is configured such that the acquisition unit 55 acquires control information from the server device 60 by transmitting data to the server device 60 when a change occurs in the detection value in at least one of the multiple areas 81.

Such an air conditioning control system 10 can acquire (update) control information when the detected value of the thermal environment is changed.

Invention 7, the air conditioning control system 10 is described in any one of Inventions 1 to 6, in which the acquisition unit 55 acquires control information from the server device 60 by transmitting data to the server device 60 when a change occurs in the thermal sensation index of at least one person located in each of the multiple areas 81.

Invention 8, the air conditioning control system 10 of any of Inventions 1 to 7 is configured such that the acquisition unit 55 acquires control information from the server device 60 by transmitting data to the server device 60 at a predetermined time interval.

Such an air conditioning control system 10 can acquire (update) control information at a predetermined time interval.

Invention 9 is an air conditioning control system 10 according to any one of inventions 1 to 8, in which the data includes at least one of information indicating radiant heat for the multiple areas 81, information indicating the operating state of an overall air conditioning system that adjusts the temperature of the entire multiple areas 81, and weather information for the location where the multiple areas 81 are located.

Such an air conditioning control system 10 can acquire control information that takes into account at least one of the radiant heat for the multiple areas 81, the operating state of the overall air conditioning, and weather information. In other words, the air conditioning control system 10 can control multiple air conditioners 20 in consideration of at least one of the radiant heat for the multiple areas 81, the operating state of the overall air conditioning, and weather information.

Invention 10, the server device 60 is provided with a machine learning model that outputs control information based on received data, and the air conditioning control system 10 generates learning data by repeating control of operating only a target air conditioning device among the multiple air conditioning devices 20 at a different setting value from the other air conditioning devices while changing the target air conditioning device in a learning mode operation for providing learning data to the machine learning model.

Such an air conditioning control system 10 can increase the variety of learning data.

Invention 11, the multiple areas 81 are provided on a first floor of the facility, and the server device 60 collects learning data based on the operating states of multiple air conditioners 20 on the first floor, as well as learning data based on the operating states of multiple other air conditioners 20 on a second floor of the facility.

Such a server device 60 can improve the accuracy of control information by collecting learning data based on the operating status of multiple air conditioners on multiple floors in the same facility.

Invention 12, the multiple areas 81 are provided in a first facility, and the server device 60 collects learning data based on the operating states of multiple air conditioners 20 in the first facility, as well as learning data based on the operating states of multiple other air conditioners in a second facility.

Such a server device 60 can improve the accuracy of control information by collecting learning data based on the operating status of multiple air conditioners in each space within multiple facilities.

Invention 13 is a control method executed by a computer, the control method including a transmission step of transmitting to a server device 60 data relating to a plurality of air conditioners 20 for individually adjusting the temperature of a plurality of adjacent areas 81, each of which has a target value for the thermal environment, a plurality of sensor units 30 for individually sensing the detected values of the thermal environment in the plurality of areas 81, and an index of thermal sensation of a person located in each of the plurality of areas 81, an acquisition step of acquiring from the server device 60 control information for controlling the plurality of air conditioners 20 so that, as a result of transmitting the data, the difference between the target value and the detected value in each of the plurality of areas 81 is reduced and the person located in each of the plurality of areas 81 feels comfortable in the thermal environment of the area, and a control step of controlling the plurality of air conditioners 20 using the acquired control information.

Such a control method can bring the thermal environments of multiple areas 81, where changes in the thermal environment affect each other, closer to a target. Furthermore, the air conditioning control system 10 can bring the thermal sensation of the users located in each of the multiple areas 81 closer to a comfortable state.

(Other embodiments)
Although the embodiment has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment.

For example, in the above embodiment, the air conditioning control system is realized by multiple devices. In this case, the components (particularly functional components) of the air conditioning control system may be distributed in any way among the multiple devices. The air conditioning control system may also be realized as a single device. For example, the air conditioning control system may be realized as a single device equivalent to the control device.

Furthermore, the order of the processes described in the above embodiment is merely an example. The order of multiple processes may be changed, and multiple processes may be executed in parallel. Furthermore, processes executed by a specific processing unit may be executed by another processing unit.

In addition, in the above embodiment, each component may be realized by executing a software program suitable for each component. Each component may be realized by a program execution unit such as a CPU or processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or semiconductor memory.

Furthermore, each component may be realized by hardware. For example, each component may be a circuit (or an integrated circuit). These circuits may form a single circuit as a whole, or each may be a separate circuit. Furthermore, each of these circuits may be a general-purpose circuit, or a dedicated circuit.

Furthermore, the general or specific aspects of the present invention may be realized as a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, or a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM. Furthermore, the present invention may be realized as any combination of a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, and a recording medium. For example, the present invention may be implemented as a control method executed by a computer such as an air conditioning control system, or may be realized as a program for causing a computer to execute such a control method. Furthermore, the present invention may be realized as a computer-readable non-transitory recording medium on which such a program is recorded.

In addition, the present invention also includes forms obtained by applying various modifications to each embodiment that a person skilled in the art may conceive, or forms realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions of each embodiment within the scope of the spirit of the present invention.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 10 Air conditioning control system 20, 20a, 20b Air conditioning device 30, 30a, 30b Sensor unit 40 Setting reception device 50 Control device 51 Communication unit 52 Information processing unit 53 Storage unit 54 Detection unit 55 Acquisition unit 56 Control unit 60 Server device (external server device)
80 Space 81 Area 81a Target area 81b Adjacent area 82 Chair 83 Desk

Claims (13)

a plurality of air conditioners for individually adjusting the temperature of a plurality of adjacent areas, each of which has a set target value for the thermal environment; a plurality of sensor units for individually sensing detected values of the thermal environment in the plurality of areas; and an acquisition unit for acquiring control information from the external server device for controlling the plurality of air conditioners so as to reduce a difference between the target value and the detected value in each of the plurality of areas and to allow the person located in each of the plurality of areas to feel comfortable in the thermal environment of the area by transmitting data related to an index of a thermal sensation of a person located in each of the plurality of areas to an external server device;
a control unit that controls the plurality of air conditioners using the acquired control information. The air conditioning control system according to claim 1 , wherein the control information is information indicating a set value of feedforward control for each of the plurality of air conditioners. The air conditioning control system according to claim 2 , wherein the control unit uses both the feedforward control and feedback control for each of the plurality of air conditioners. The air conditioning control system according to claim 1 , wherein the data includes information indicating a positional relationship between the plurality of air conditioners and the plurality of sensor units. The air conditioning control system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the acquisition unit acquires the control information from the external server device by transmitting the data to the external server device when the target value in at least one of the plurality of areas is changed. The air conditioning control system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the acquisition unit acquires the control information from the external server device by transmitting the data to the external server device when the detection value in at least one of the plurality of areas changes. The air conditioning control system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the acquisition unit acquires the control information from the external server device by transmitting the data to the external server device when a change occurs in the thermal sensation index of at least one of the people located in each of the plurality of areas. The air conditioning control system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the acquisition unit acquires the control information from the external server device by transmitting the data to the external server device at predetermined time intervals. The air conditioning control system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the data includes at least one of information indicating radiant heat for the plurality of areas, information indicating the operating status of overall air conditioning that adjusts the temperature of the entire plurality of areas, and weather information for a location where the plurality of areas are located. The external server device includes a machine learning model that outputs the control information based on the received data,
The air conditioning control system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein in a learning mode operation for providing learning data to the machine learning model, the air conditioning control system generates learning data by repeating control for operating only a target air conditioning device among the plurality of air conditioning devices at a different setting value from other air conditioning devices while changing the target air conditioning device. The plurality of areas are provided on a first floor of a facility,
The air conditioning control system according to claim 10, wherein the external server device collects learning data based on the operating states of a plurality of other air conditioning devices on a second floor within the facility, in addition to learning data based on the operating states of the plurality of air conditioning devices on the first floor. The plurality of areas are provided within a first facility,
The air conditioning control system according to claim 10 , wherein the external server device collects learning data based on the operating states of a plurality of other air conditioning devices in a second facility in addition to learning data based on the operating states of the plurality of air conditioning devices in the first facility. 1. A computer-implemented control method comprising:
a transmission step of transmitting to an external server device data relating to a plurality of air conditioners for individually adjusting the temperature of a plurality of adjacent areas, each of which has a target value for a thermal environment, a plurality of sensor units for individually sensing detected values of the thermal environment in the plurality of areas, and an index of a thermal sensation of a person located in each of the plurality of areas;
an acquisition step of acquiring control information from the external server device for controlling the plurality of air conditioners so that, as a result of transmitting the data, a difference between the target value and the detection value in each of the plurality of areas is reduced and the people located in each of the plurality of areas feel a comfortable thermal environment in the area;
and a control step of controlling the plurality of air conditioners using the acquired control information.

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