JP2011214751A - Air-conditioning controller - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve energy saving performance in an entire air-conditioning element when one air-conditioning target space is air-conditioned by a plurality of air-conditioning elements.SOLUTION: This air conditioning controller 1 includes an operation control part 12b, a monitoring part 12a and an absence control appropriateness determination part 12c, and controls operation of a plurality of indoor units IU1-IU9. The indoor units IU1-IU9 air-condition a plurality of air-conditioning areas S1-S9 included in an indoor space S, respectively. The operation control part 12b can execute an absence control mode. The absence control mode is a control mode of stopping or lowering the capacity of the indoor unit corresponding to an absence area. The absence area is an area where a user is absent. The monitoring part 12a identifies the absence area. The absence control appropriateness determination part 12c determines appropriateness of the absence control mode by the operation control part 12b based on a map of the absence area identified by the monitoring part 12a in the indoor space S.

Description

  The present invention relates to an air conditioning controller that controls operations of a plurality of air conditioning elements that air-condition one air conditioning target space.

  Conventionally, one air conditioning target space may be air-conditioned by a plurality of air conditioning elements (for example, indoor units of air conditioning equipment). One air-conditioning target space is virtually divided into a plurality of air-conditioning areas in which a plurality of air-conditioning elements are mainly air-conditioned, but there is no need for air-conditioning for an air-conditioning area where the user is absent (hereinafter referred to as an absent area). . Therefore, for the purpose of energy saving, a technique has been proposed in which an infrared sensor or the like is installed and an absent control mode is executed when an absent area is automatically detected (for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-125727 of Patent Document 1). Issue gazette). The absent control mode is a control mode in which the air conditioning element corresponding to the absent area is stopped or the capacity is reduced.

  However, the present inventor has discovered that the air conditioning element as a whole may be warped more than when the absence control mode is actually executed than when it is not executed. The main cause is that when the absence control mode is executed, that is, when the air conditioning element corresponding to the absent area is stopped or the capacity is reduced, other air conditioning elements adjacent to the air conditioning element corresponding to the absent area are capable. The alternative is to supply. That is, normally, although the energy consumption of the air-conditioning element corresponding to the absent area decreases, the energy consumption of the other air-conditioning elements in the high rotation area where the operation efficiency is poor increases further.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram for conceptually explaining the above-described problem in the conventional absence control mode. Consider a case where one air-conditioning target space S is divided into a total of nine air-conditioning areas S1 to S9 in a 3 × 3 matrix as shown in FIGS. 1 (a) and 1 (b). In the air conditioning areas S1 to S9, indoor units A1 to A9 of air conditioning equipment are arranged, respectively. Under such an environment, the indoor units A1 to A9 perform uniform air conditioning (in other words, the same operation settings are set for the indoor units A1 to A9. For example, the indoor units A1 to A9 have a set temperature, a wind direction, and an air volume. It is considered that the energy consumption of the whole indoor units A1 to A9 in the state of FIG. 1A is set as shown in FIG. 1C. On the other hand, the energy consumption of the indoor units A1 to A9 as a whole when the heat exchange of the central indoor unit A5 is stopped from the state of FIG. 1A to the state of FIG. 1B is shown in FIG. ). That is, in the state of FIG. 1 (b), the energy consumption of the indoor unit A5 when the heat exchange is stopped is almost zero, but the overall energy consumption is the state of FIG. 1 (a). Will be more than. If the air that has not been sufficiently conditioned in the air-conditioning area S5 diffuses into the surrounding air-conditioning areas S2, S4, S6, and S8, and the indoor units A2, A4, A6, and A8 are only the air-conditioning areas S2, S4, S6, and S8, respectively. This is because the air conditioning is performed up to the air conditioning area S5, and the energy consumption of the indoor units A2, A4, A6, A8 increases.

  The subject of this invention is providing the air-conditioning controller which improves the energy-saving property in the whole air-conditioning element, when air-conditioning one air-conditioning object space by several air-conditioning element.

  The air conditioning controller according to the first aspect of the present invention includes an execution unit, a specifying unit, and a determination unit, and controls operations of a plurality of air conditioning elements. The plurality of air conditioning elements respectively air-condition a plurality of air conditioning areas included in the air conditioning target space. The execution unit can execute the absence control mode. The absence control mode is a control mode in which the air conditioning element corresponding to the absence area is stopped or the capacity is reduced. An absent area is an air conditioning area where the user is absent. The specifying unit specifies the absent area. The determination unit determines whether or not the execution of the absence control mode by the execution unit is based on the pattern of the absent area specified by the specifying unit in the air conditioning target space. In addition, an air-conditioning element means the arbitrary units which air-condition an air-conditioning area, such as the indoor unit of an air-conditioning installation, or its blower outlet. Also, the absent area pattern in the air-conditioned space means any index indicating how the absent area is generated in the air-conditioned space, such as a map of the absent area in the air-conditioned space or the number of absent areas. To do.

  Here, even if an absent area exists in the air-conditioning target space, the absence control mode is not necessarily executed, and whether or not the absent control mode is executed is determined based on the pattern of the absent area in the air-conditioning target space. Is judged. As a result, it is possible to avoid the execution of the absence control mode in which the energy is increased in the entire air conditioning element and to improve the energy saving performance in the entire air conditioning element.

  An air conditioning controller according to a second aspect of the present invention is the air conditioning controller according to the first aspect of the present invention, wherein the determination unit is based on the above pattern, either when the absence control mode is executed or when not executed, in the entire air conditioning element. It is determined whether or not the energy saving performance is increased, and it is determined whether or not the execution unit is executing the absence control mode.

  Here, when the absence control mode is executed or not executed based on the pattern of the absence area in the air-conditioning target space (for example, when uniform air conditioning is being performed, uniform air conditioning is maintained, or all air conditioning elements are If the state is the thermo-on state, it is determined which one is more energy efficient in the entire air conditioning element), and whether or not the absence control mode is appropriate is determined based on the result of the determination. To be judged. As a result, when the absence control mode is executed, the situation where the entire air-conditioning element is warped is increased more than when the absence control mode is not executed, and the entire air-conditioning element is increased. Execution of the absent control mode can be avoided more appropriately.

  The air conditioning controller according to the third invention is the air conditioning controller according to the first invention or the second invention, and the determination unit quantifies the energy consumption amount when executing the absence control mode based on the pattern. Thus, it is determined whether or not the execution unit is in the absence control mode.

  Here, the energy consumption when the absence control mode is executed is quantified based on the pattern of the absent area in the air-conditioning target space, and whether or not the absence control mode is executed is determined based on the energy consumption. The As a result, it is possible to more appropriately avoid the absence control mode in which the entire air conditioning element increases energy.

  An air conditioning controller according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the air conditioning controller according to the first aspect of the present invention or the second aspect of the present invention, wherein the determination unit sets a relationship between the above-described pattern and information relating to appropriateness of execution of the absence control mode. Further, the suitability of execution of the absence control mode by the execution unit is determined based on the indicated information.

  Here, information indicating the relationship between the pattern of the absent area in the air-conditioning target space and information relating to the appropriateness of execution of the absent control mode is defined in advance. Then, based on the information and the pattern of the actual absence area in the air-conditioning target space (for example, by comparing the latter with the former), it is determined whether the absence control mode is appropriate. As a result, it is possible to more appropriately avoid the absence control mode in which the entire air conditioning element increases energy.

  An air conditioning controller according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the air conditioning controller according to any one of the first to fourth aspects of the present invention, wherein the determination unit further determines whether or not the absence control mode is executed by the execution unit based on the load of the air conditioning element. Judging.

  In general, the energy consumption of the air conditioning element varies depending on the load of the air conditioning element. Here, the load of the air conditioning element is taken into consideration when determining whether or not to execute the absence control mode. Therefore, it is possible to more appropriately determine whether or not the absence control mode is executed from the viewpoint of energy saving in the entire air conditioning element.

  An air conditioning controller according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is the air conditioning controller according to the third aspect of the present invention, wherein the determination unit quantifies energy consumption when executing the absence control mode according to a model selected according to the load of the air conditioning element. Turn into.

  In general, the energy consumption of the air conditioning element varies depending on the load of the air conditioning element. Here, when determining whether or not to execute the absence control mode, the energy consumption when the absence control mode is executed is quantified and considered. Furthermore, when quantifying the energy consumption, the load of the air conditioning element is taken into account. Therefore, it is possible to more appropriately determine whether or not the absence control mode is executed from the viewpoint of energy saving in the entire air conditioning element.

  An air conditioning controller according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is the air conditioning controller according to any one of the first to sixth aspects of the present invention, wherein the determination unit further executes the absence control mode by the execution unit based on the capability limitation of the air conditioning element. Judge the suitability.

  In general, the energy consumption of the air conditioning element is affected by the capacity limitation of the air conditioning element. For example, the upper limit frequency is set for the compressor of the air conditioning equipment during the demand operation, and the upper limit is also determined for the energy consumption of the air conditioning element. Here, the capacity limitation of the air-conditioning element is taken into consideration when determining whether to execute the absence control mode. Therefore, it is possible to more appropriately determine whether or not the absence control mode is executed from the viewpoint of energy saving in the entire air conditioning element.

  An air conditioning controller according to an eighth aspect of the present invention is the air conditioning controller according to the third or sixth aspect of the present invention, wherein the determination unit executes the absence control mode according to a model selected according to the capacity limitation of the air conditioning element. Quantify energy consumption.

  In general, the energy consumption of the air conditioning element is affected by the capacity limitation of the air conditioning element. For example, the upper limit frequency is set for the compressor of the air conditioning equipment during the demand operation, and the upper limit is also determined for the energy consumption of the air conditioning element. Here, when determining whether or not to execute the absence control mode, the energy consumption when the absence control mode is executed is quantified and considered. Furthermore, when quantifying energy consumption, capacity limitations of air conditioning elements are taken into account. Therefore, it is possible to more appropriately determine whether or not the absence control mode is executed from the viewpoint of energy saving in the entire air conditioning element.

  An air conditioning controller according to a ninth invention is the air conditioning controller according to the third invention, the sixth invention, or the eighth invention, wherein the determination unit sets the energy consumption of the air conditioning element to the number of absent areas adjacent to the air conditioning element. By quantifying based on this, the amount of energy consumed when executing the absence control mode is quantified.

  Here, when determining whether or not to execute the absence control mode, the energy consumption when the absence control mode is executed is quantified and considered. Furthermore, when quantifying the energy consumption of an air conditioning element, the number of absent areas adjacent to the air conditioning element is taken into account. As a result, the energy consumption amount of the air-conditioning element is easily quantified, and as a result, whether or not the absence control mode is executed is easily determined.

  An air conditioning controller according to a tenth aspect of the present invention is the air conditioning controller according to any of the first to ninth aspects of the invention, wherein the determination unit evaluates the number of absent areas in the air-conditioning target space as the pattern, and is absent by the execution unit. Determine whether the control mode is appropriate for execution.

  Here, whether or not the absence control mode is to be executed is determined based on the number of absent areas in the air conditioning target space. For example, if the number of absent areas is greater than a predetermined number, the execution of the absent control mode is permitted, and if the number is less than the predetermined number, the execution of the absent control mode is prohibited. Thereby, it is easily determined whether or not the absence control mode is appropriate.

  According to the first aspect of the invention, it is possible to avoid the execution of the absence control mode in which the energy is increased in the entire air conditioning element, and to improve the energy saving performance in the entire air conditioning element.

  According to the second to fourth aspects of the present invention, it is possible to more appropriately avoid the absence control mode in which the entire air conditioning element is increased in energy.

  According to the fifth to eighth inventions, it is possible to more appropriately determine whether or not to execute the absence control mode from the viewpoint of energy saving performance of the entire air conditioning element.

  According to the ninth aspect, the energy consumption amount of the air conditioning element is easily quantified, and as a result, whether or not the absence control mode is executed is easily determined.

  According to the tenth aspect, whether or not the absence control mode is executed is easily determined.

The figure which illustrates the problem by the conventional absence control mode notionally. The figure which shows the outline | summary and result of an experiment used as the basis of the invention thought of this invention. The figure which shows the installation environment of the air-conditioning controller which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. The block diagram which shows the structure of the air conditioning controller and air conditioning equipment which concern on 1st Embodiment of this invention. The flowchart which shows the flow of absence control which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. The figure explaining the four prediction models of the energy consumption in the whole indoor unit which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. The block diagram which shows the structure of the air-conditioning controller and air-conditioning equipment which concern on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. The flowchart which shows the flow of absence control which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. The figure which shows the installation environment of the air-conditioning controller which concerns on 3rd Embodiment of this invention. The block diagram which shows the structure of the air conditioning controller and air conditioning equipment which concern on 3rd Embodiment of this invention. The flowchart which shows the flow of absence control which concerns on 3rd Embodiment of this invention. The figure which shows the pattern table which prescribes | regulates the relationship between the appearance pattern of the absent area in the indoor space which concerns on 3rd Embodiment of this invention, and the adequacy of execution of an absent control mode. The figure explaining the knowledge regarding the energy saving property in the whole indoor unit which concerns on the modification of this invention. The figure explaining the knowledge regarding the energy saving property in the whole indoor unit which concerns on the modification of this invention. The figure explaining the knowledge regarding the energy saving property in the whole indoor unit which concerns on the modification of this invention.

  Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, after describing the experiments that led the present inventor to the present invention, a centralized management controller (air conditioning controller) 1, 101, 101, according to the first to third embodiments of the present invention, 201 will be described.

(1) Experiment The inventor conducted the following experiment and obtained the following knowledge.

(1-1) Outline and Results of Experiment The experiment environment is an air-conditioning target space where the two indoor units B1 and B2 of the air conditioning equipment are arranged. Under the environment, an experiment was performed in which the indoor units B1 and B2 were cooled at the set temperatures shown on the left side of FIGS. 2 (a) to 2 (f). The energy consumptions of the indoor units B1 and B2 were respectively determined. The results shown on the right side of FIGS. 2 (a) to 2 (f) were obtained.

(1-2) Knowledge Obtained from the Experiment As shown in FIGS. 2 (a) and 2 (c), when both the indoor units B1 and B2 are operated at a set temperature of 26 ° C., and the indoor unit B1 Compared with the case where the heat exchange of the indoor unit B2 is stopped while operating at a set temperature of 26 ° C., the latter has higher energy saving performance. On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 2B and 2D, both the indoor units B1 and B2 are operated at a set temperature of 20 ° C., and the indoor unit B1 is operated at a set temperature of 20 ° C. Compared with the case where the heat exchange of the indoor unit B2 is stopped, the former has higher energy saving performance.

  From the above results, when only the heat exchange of one of the indoor units B1 and B2 is stopped, the entire indoor units B1 and B2 are not necessarily energy-saving compared to the case where the indoor units B1 and B2 are uniformly air-conditioned. The knowledge that energy may be increased was obtained. Furthermore, the knowledge that whether energy increases or energy saving affects the load on the indoor units B1 and B2, more specifically, the knowledge that the greater the load on the indoor units B1 and B2, the more likely the energy increases. was gotten. Therefore, when the load on the entire air-conditioning target space is uniform, the higher the load on the entire air-conditioning target space, the more energy is consumed in the entire indoor unit when heat exchange of some indoor units is stopped. It can be said that it becomes easy.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2E, both the indoor units B1 and B2 are operated at a set temperature of 26 ° C., and the indoor unit B1 is operated at a set temperature of 26 ° C. Compared with the case where the indoor unit B2 is operated at a set temperature of 27 ° C., the former has higher energy saving performance. On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 2 (a) and 2 (f), both indoor units B1 and B2 are operated at a set temperature of 26 ° C., and both indoor units B1 and B2 are set at a set temperature of 27 ° C. Compared with the case of driving with the latter, the latter was more energy efficient. In addition, the inventor conducted a similar experiment under other temperature conditions. However, when the set temperatures of both the indoor units B1 and B2 are similarly shifted to the energy saving side, regardless of the load on the air-conditioning target space. It was always energy saving. Furthermore, when the set temperatures of both indoor units B1 and B2 are similarly shifted by 1 ° C. toward the energy saving side, the energy consumption is reduced by 10 to 15%, and when similarly shifted by 2 ° C. The energy consumption was reduced by 20% -30%.

  Based on the above results, when only one set temperature of the indoor units B1 and B2 is shifted to the energy saving side, the entire indoor units B1 and B2 are necessarily energy saving as compared with the case where the indoor units B1 and B2 are uniformly air-conditioned. However, it was not limited, and the knowledge that it might increase energy was obtained.

  That is, when only the operation setting of the indoor unit B2 is changed from the state in which the indoor units B1 and B2 are uniformly air-conditioned to the energy saving side, the energy consumption of the indoor unit B2 is normally reduced, but the entire indoor units B1 and B2 are reduced. Energy consumption may increase. The inventor considers that the cause is that air that is not sufficiently air-conditioned in the indoor unit B2 flows into the air-conditioned area corresponding to the indoor unit B1. More specifically, the indoor unit B1 air-conditions not only the area near the indoor unit B1 but also the area near the indoor unit B2, and depending on the situation, the energy consumption of the indoor unit B1 is a decrease in the energy consumption of the indoor unit B2. It is because it increases more. Note that the knowledge described in the column “Problems to be Solved by the Invention” with reference to FIG. 1 has been obtained as a result of this experiment.

  Moreover, this inventor generalized the said knowledge based on the result of the experiment of Fig.2 (a)-FIG.2 (f), and obtained the following knowledge. That is, when the operation setting of some air conditioning elements among a plurality of air conditioning elements that air-condition one air-conditioning target space is changed to the energy saving side, the entire air conditioning element is necessarily energy saving compared to the case where the change is not made. However, it may increase energy. In other words, the air conditioning element when the operation setting of some air conditioning elements among the plurality of air conditioning elements that air-condition one air-conditioning target space is changed to the increased energy side than when the change is not made. Overall, it may save energy. Furthermore, whether the air conditioning element as a whole increases or saves energy affects the load on the air conditioning element (more specifically, the greater the load on the air conditioning element, the more the operation settings of some air conditioning elements are If it is changed to, energy will increase easily in the entire air conditioning element). In addition, an air-conditioning element means the arbitrary units which air-condition an air-conditioning area, such as the indoor unit of an air-conditioning installation, or its blower outlet.

(2) First Embodiment Hereinafter, the centralized management controller 1 according to the first embodiment will be described.

(2-1) Installation Environment The installation environment of the centralized management controller 1 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  The centralized management controller 1 monitors and controls the operation of the air conditioning equipment 2. The air conditioning equipment 2 is an air conditioning equipment having nine outdoor units OU1 to OU9 and nine indoor units IU1 to IU9. The indoor units IU1 to IU9 are connected to the outdoor units OU1 to OU9 via the refrigerant pipe 4, respectively, and nine refrigerant circuits are formed as a whole. In FIG. 3, for simplicity, the refrigerant pipe 4 connected to other than the outdoor units OU1, OU4, and OU7 is omitted. Parts such as a heat exchanger, an expansion valve, and a fan (not shown) are accommodated in the casings of the indoor units IU1 to IU9. A compressor and a four-way switching valve (not shown) are included in the casings of the outdoor units OU1 to OU9. Parts such as a heat exchanger, an accumulator, and a fan are accommodated. In the present specification, the energy consumption of the indoor unit includes not only the energy consumption of the components included in the indoor unit but also the energy consumption of the components included in the outdoor unit. The energy consumption in the whole refrigerant system shall be said. As another embodiment, when the present invention is applied to a multi-type air conditioning facility, the energy consumption of the indoor unit is not limited to the energy consumption of components included in the indoor unit, but also to the outdoor unit. It shall also include those that apportion the energy consumption of the contained parts to the indoor unit.

  The outdoor units OU1 to OU9 are arranged outdoors. The indoor units IU1 to IU9 are arranged at approximately equal intervals on the ceiling of the indoor space S (air conditioning target space). The indoor space S is an open space such as an office floor or a restaurant, and is virtually divided into a total of nine air conditioning areas S1 to S9 in a 3 × 3 matrix. The state of being virtually divided is not a state of being physically divided by a partition, a wall or the like so that there is no air flow at all, but a state of continuous air flow to some extent. Means. The indoor units IU1 to IU9 are arranged in the air conditioning areas S1 to S9, respectively, and the air conditioning areas S1 to S9 are mainly air-conditioned by the indoor units IU1 to IU9, respectively.

  The control units (hereinafter referred to as indoor control units) 8b of the indoor units IU1 to IU9 are connected to the control units (hereinafter referred to as outdoor control units) 8a and the centralized management controller 1 of the outdoor units OU1 to OU9 via the communication line 3, respectively. Has been.

  In addition, human detection sensors HS1 to HS9 are connected to the indoor control unit 8b. The human detection sensors HS1 to HS9 are infrared sensors, and detect the presence of a person in the air conditioning areas S1 to S9, respectively.

  The indoor control unit 8b and the outdoor control unit 8a belonging to the same refrigerant circuit control the operation of various components in accordance with the operation command from the centralized management controller 1 and air-condition the room while cooperating with each other. Specifically, the indoor control unit 8b performs feedback control for monitoring the difference between the indoor temperature and the set temperature, adjusts the rotational speed of the fan (adjustment of the air volume), adjusts the louver (adjusts the wind direction), and the like. The outdoor control unit 8a adjusts the frequency of the compressor, the rotational speed of the fan, the opening of the valve, and the like.

  In addition, the indoor control unit 8b transmits information (hereinafter, referred to as monitoring data) regarding the operation of the indoor units IU1 to IU9 to the centralized management controller 1 in accordance with a command from the centralized management controller 1. The monitoring data of the indoor units IU1 to IU9 includes the operation settings of the indoor units IU1 to IU9 (starting / stopping start state, setting temperature, operating mode such as cooling / heating / air blowing, etc.), indoor temperature, human detection sensors HS1 Information indicating the detection value of HS9 and the state values of various components included in the indoor units IU1 to IU9 (for example, including the rotational speed of the indoor fan and the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant at a predetermined position of the refrigerant circuit) is included.

  On the other hand, the outdoor control unit 8a transmits information related to the operation of the outdoor units OU1 to OU9 (hereinafter referred to as monitoring data) to the centralized management controller 1 in accordance with a command from the centralized management controller 1. The monitoring data of the outdoor units OU1 to OU9 includes the operation settings of the outdoor units OU1 to OU9 (unlimited mode / capacity limit mode capability control settings), the outside air temperature, and the state values of various components included in the outdoor units OU1 to OU9 ( For example, information indicating the frequency of the compressor, the rotational speed of the outdoor fan, and the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant at a predetermined position of the refrigerant circuit are included. The capability control setting includes an unlimited mode (normal mode) in which the capability is not limited and a capability limited mode in which the energy consumption is controlled to be about 70% or 40% when operating in the unlimited mode. . The capacity restriction mode is realized mainly by restricting the upper limit frequency of the inverter type compressor included in the outdoor units OU1 to OU9.

  The room temperature, the outside air temperature, and the state values of various components included in the indoor units IU1 to IU9 and the outdoor units OU1 to OU9 are detected by a sensor or the like (not shown).

(2-2) Centralized management controller The centralized management controller 1 is attached to the wall surface of the management room of the building in which the air conditioning equipment 2 is installed. , To start or stop the indoor units IU1 to IU9, to change the set temperature of the indoor units IU1 to IU9, to change the operation mode of the indoor units IU1 to IU9, or to control the capacity of the outdoor units OU1 to OU9 This is an operation interface device that accepts input of a command to change the setting. As shown in FIG. 4, the centralized management controller 1 is connected to the control units 8a and 8b of the air conditioning equipment 2 via the communication line 3, and monitors and controls the operation of the air conditioning equipment 2 via the control units 8a and 8b. To do. The centralized management controller 1 includes a communication unit 11, a control unit 12, an output unit 13, an input unit 14, and a storage unit 15.

  The communication unit 11 is a network interface that enables the centralized management controller 1 to be connected to the communication line 3.

  The control unit 12 is mainly composed of a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM. By reading and executing a predetermined program in the storage unit 15, the monitoring unit 12a, the operation control unit 12b, the absence control suitability determination unit 12c, and the like. Works as.

  The monitoring unit 12a collects monitoring data of the indoor units IU1 to IU9 from the indoor control unit 8b at predetermined time intervals (in this embodiment, depending on the type of monitoring data, but every minute or every 5 seconds). To do. Furthermore, the monitoring unit 12a collects monitoring data of the outdoor units OU1 to OU9 from the outdoor control unit 8a at predetermined time intervals (in this embodiment, every minute). The monitoring data is stored in the storage unit 15. The monitoring unit 12a monitors the status of the air conditioning equipment 2 and its installation environment by determining whether the monitoring data in the storage unit 15 satisfies a predetermined condition at a predetermined timing. For example, the presence / absence of an abnormality is detected at a predetermined time interval, or an absent area to be described later is specified.

  The operation control unit 12b controls the operation of the air conditioning facility 2 in accordance with an operation command (including an operation schedule type) input from the administrator of the air conditioning facility 2 via the input unit 14. When the centralized management controller 1 is connected to another control device, for example, when connected to a remote management server (not shown) via the Internet, it is transmitted from the other control device, and the storage unit The operation of the air conditioning equipment 2 is controlled in accordance with the operation command stored in 15. When the monitoring unit 12a or the like determines that the state of the air conditioning facility 2 or its installation environment is in a predetermined state, control associated with the predetermined state is executed (for example, the monitoring unit) When a predetermined abnormality is detected by 12a, the operation of the air conditioning equipment 2 is stopped). More specifically, the operation control unit 12b transmits an appropriate operation command to appropriate indoor units IU1 to IU9 or outdoor units OU1 to OU9 at an appropriate timing. For example, when the operation schedule is set to “permit the indoor units IU1 to IU9 to operate in the cooling mode at a set temperature of 27 ° C. from 9:00 to 18:00 every day”, the operation control unit 12b At 9 o'clock every day, an instruction to set the set temperature to 27 ° C. and the operation mode to the cooling mode is transmitted to the indoor units IU1 to IU9 at 9 o'clock every day. Further, the operation control unit 12b continuously monitors the operation settings of the indoor units IU1 to IU9 via the monitoring unit 12a until 18:00, and when a change in the operation setting is detected, a predetermined time ( In this embodiment, after 30 minutes), the same command is transmitted again to the indoor units IU1 to IU9 in which the change of the operation setting is detected.

  Further, the operation control unit 12b is mounted so as to be able to execute the absence control mode. The absent control mode in the present embodiment is a control mode in which the indoor unit corresponding to the absent area is blown. The absence area is an air conditioning area in which no people are present among the air conditioning areas S1 to S9 included in the indoor space S.

  The absence control suitability determination unit 12c creates an absence area map (a pattern of the absence area in the indoor space S) when the absence area is specified by the monitoring unit 12a, and the absence control by the operation control unit 12b based on the absence area map. Determine whether the mode is appropriate.

  The output unit 13 mainly includes a display and a speaker. The input unit 14 is mainly composed of various operation buttons and a touch panel configured integrally with the display of the output unit 13. The storage unit 15 is mainly composed of a flash memory.

(2-3) Flow of Absence Control Hereinafter, the flow of absence control executed by the centralized management controller 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

  As described above, the monitoring unit 12a acquires the detection values of the human detection sensors HS1 to HS9 from the indoor control unit 8b at predetermined time intervals (every 5 seconds in the present embodiment). Each time the monitoring unit 12a acquires the detection values of the human detection sensors HS1 to HS9, the monitoring unit 12a determines whether the air conditioning areas S1 to S9 are absent areas. More specifically, the monitoring unit 12a identifies an air-conditioning area in which the presence of a person is not confirmed for a predetermined time (for example, 10 minutes, 2 hours) as an absent area, and identifies other air-conditioned areas as existing areas.

  The absence control process shown in FIG. 5 is a process that is executed whenever the monitoring unit 12a determines that at least one absent area is increased or decreased in the indoor space S, and determines whether the absence control mode is appropriate. When it is determined to be appropriate, the absence control mode is executed. When it is determined to be inappropriate, the absence control mode is not executed. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the indoor units IU1 to IU9 are currently performing uniform air conditioning.

  The outline of the absence control process shown in FIG. 5 will be described. First, a prediction model of the energy consumption Q in the entire indoor units IU1 to IU9 is selected (steps S101 and S102), and then an absent area map is created (step S103). Subsequently, a capability map in the indoor space S is created based on the absent area map (step S104). Subsequently, by applying the absent area map and the capability map to the prediction model, the energy consumption Q2 of the entire indoor units IU1 to IU9 when the absent control mode is executed is predicted (step S105). Subsequently, it is determined whether the absence control mode is executed or not, the energy consumption in the entire indoor units IU1 to IU9 is reduced, and the suitability of the execution of the absence control mode is determined. (Step S106). Subsequently, when it is determined that execution of the absent control mode is appropriate, execution of the absence control mode is ordered (step S107), and when it is determined that execution is not appropriate, the process ends.

  Next, details of the absence control process shown in FIG. 5 will be described.

  First, in step S101, the absence control suitability determination unit 12c selects either the high load model or the low load model as a prediction model of the energy consumption Q in the entire indoor units IU1 to IU9. More specifically, if the loads of the indoor units IU1 to IU9 are equal to or higher than a predetermined value (5 ° C. in the present embodiment), the high load model is selected, and if the load is smaller than the predetermined value, the low load model is selected. . In the present embodiment, the load is an absolute value of the difference between the outside air temperature and the set temperature, and is calculated by referring to the monitoring data in the storage unit 15.

  In the subsequent step S102, the absence control suitability determination unit 12c determines whether or not the capability restriction mode is being executed. If it is determined that the capability restriction mode is being executed, the high load model selected in step S102 or If it is determined that the capacity limit is set for the low-load model and it is not being executed, the process proceeds to step S103 without setting the capacity limit. Whether or not the capacity limitation mode is being executed is determined by referring to the monitoring data in the storage unit 15.

At the end of steps S101 and S102, one of the four models (prediction model I to prediction model IV) shown in FIG. 6 is selected as the prediction model of energy consumption Q for the entire indoor units IU1 to IU9. . The prediction model I is a model that is selected when the load is high and the capacity is not limited, the prediction model II is a model that is selected when the capacity is low and the capacity is not limited, and the prediction model III is a The model is selected when there is a load and capacity is limited, and the prediction model IV is a model that is selected when the capacity is low and the capacity is limited. According to the prediction model I to the prediction model IV, the energy consumption amount Q of the indoor units IU1 to IU9 as a whole is calculated by the following equations 1 to 4, respectively.
Q = 1.7α + 2.2β + 3.0γ + 4.0δ + 1.0ε + 0.1ζ (Formula 1)
Q = 1.5α + 2.0β + 2.5γ + 3.0δ + 1.0ε + 0.1ζ (Formula 2)
Q = 1.7α + 2.0β + 2.0γ + 2.0δ + 1.0ε + 0.1ζ (Formula 3)
Q = 1.5α + 2.0β + 2.0γ + 2.0δ + 1.0ε + 0.1ζ (Formula 4)
Α is the number of indoor units in a thermo-on state in which one adjacent unit is in a thermo-off state, β is the number of indoor units in a thermo-on state in which two adjacent units are in a thermo-off state, and γ is The number of indoor units in the thermo-on state in which three adjacent units are in the thermo-off state, and δ is the number of indoor units in the thermo-on state in which the four adjacent units are in the thermo-off state. ε is the number of standard operating units, and ζ is the number of blower operating units. The standard operating unit is a thermo-on state indoor unit that performs uniform air conditioning with all adjacent units. The air blower unit is an indoor unit in a thermo-off state during the air blow operation. The thermo-off state refers to a state in which the refrigerant does not flow or hardly flows in the heat exchanger of the indoor unit, and the heat exchange is substantially stopped, and the thermo-on state refers to the heat exchanger of the indoor unit. The state where the refrigerant is flowing moderately inside. In the present specification, the “stop” state includes not only a state where the compressor stops but also a thermo-off state.

  6 bar graphs of each prediction model in FIG. 6 and the numerical values below are, in order from the left, a blower operation unit, a standard operation unit, an indoor unit in a thermo-on state in which one adjacent unit is in a thermo-off state, and two adjacent units Energy consumption for one indoor unit in a thermo-on state in which the unit is in a thermo-off state, three indoor units in a thermo-on state in which the three adjacent units are in a thermo-off state Is shown. In addition, the energy consumption shown by FIG. 6 is a relative amount when the energy consumption for one standard operating machine is 1.0. It is estimated that the energy consumption of indoor units in the thermo-on state increases as the number of adjacent units in the thermo-off state increases, as the knowledge obtained from the above experiment shows that the indoor unit in the thermo-on state is adjacent to the thermo-off state This is because it is predicted that air conditioning will be performed up to a nearby area.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 6, in the indoor unit in the thermo-on state in which at least one adjacent unit is in the thermo-off state, the energy consumption is evaluated more in the high load model than in the low load model. Further, during the execution of the capacity restriction mode, the upper limit frequency of the compressor is restricted, and an upper limit is generated in energy consumption. As a result, the relative amount of energy consumption for one indoor unit has peaked at 2.0 regardless of the number of adjacent units in the thermo-off state.

  When step S102 ends, the absence control process proceeds to step S103. In step S103, the absence control suitability determination unit 12c creates an absence area map. The absent area map is a map showing the appearance pattern of the absent area in the indoor space S (that is, the appearance pattern of the indoor units that are in the thermo-off state when the absence control mode is executed). For each of the nine elements of the 3 × 3 two-dimensional array memory associated with each of the air-conditioning areas S1 to S9, a value “1” indicating the existing area or “0” indicating the absent area is stored. It is a thing. Whether or not the air-conditioning area is an absent area is determined by referring to the monitoring data in the storage unit 15 (the detection value of the human detection sensor via the indoor unit corresponding to the air-conditioning area).

  In the subsequent step S104, the absence control suitability determination unit 12c refers to the absent area map created in step S103 and creates a capability map. The capability map is created by the following procedure, for example. First, a pre-capability map is created. The pre-capability map is obtained by storing four values for nine elements of a 3 × 3 two-dimensional array memory respectively associated with nine 3 × 3 indoor units IU1 to IU9. The four values of each element are values indicating the state of the air-conditioning areas adjacent to each of the four outlet directions, and each value is “1” for the existing area, “0” for the absent area, and the window. If there is a wall, it will be “2”. Whether an adjacent air-conditioning area is an absent area or an absent area is determined by referring to the absent area map, and whether or not a window or a wall exists is stored in the storage unit 15 in advance. Determined according to the information. Next, a capability map is created with reference to the absent area map and the pre-capability map. The capability map is a map showing the capabilities required for each of the nine indoor units IU1 to IU9 in the indoor space S, and is associated with each of the 3 × 3 nine indoor units IU1 to IU9. Each of the nine elements of the 3 × 3 two-dimensional array memory stores a value indicating the number of adjacent absent areas. Accordingly, the nine 3 × 3 values included in the capability map are any one of “0” to “4”. The number of absent areas adjacent to the indoor unit can be obtained by counting the number of “0” s among the four values of the pre-capability map corresponding to the indoor unit.

  In the subsequent step S105, the absence control suitability determination unit 12c applies the absence area map created in step S103 and the capability map created in step S104 to the prediction model selected in steps S101 and S102, thereby making the absence control mode. The energy consumption Q2 in the indoor units IU1 to IU9 as a whole is predicted. More specifically, one formula corresponding to the prediction model selected in Steps S101 and S102 is selected from the four formulas for calculating energy consumption Q in Formulas 1 to 4, and α to Substitute an appropriate value for ζ. The values of the variables α to ζ are determined by referring to the absent area map and the capability map. That is, the absence control suitability determination unit 12c totals the number of “0” in the absence area map and sets it as ζ. Also, the absence control suitability determination unit 12c counts the numbers of “0” to “4” among the values stored in the ability map elements corresponding to “1” of the absent area map. Then, the total value of “1” is α, the total value of “2” is β, the total value of “3” is γ, the total value of “4” is δ, and the total value of “0” is ε And

In subsequent step S106, the absence control suitability determination unit 12c includes the energy consumption Q1 of the entire indoor units IU1 to IU9 during uniform air conditioning, and the energy consumption Q2 of the entire indoor units IU1 to IU9 when executing the absence control mode. And compare. If Q1> Q2, it is determined that the entire indoor units IU1 to IU9 save energy when the absence control mode is executed than when the absence control mode is executed, and the process proceeds to step S107. If Q1 ≦ Q2, it is determined that the energy is increased in the indoor units IU1 to IU9 as a whole when the absence control mode is executed, compared with the case where it is not executed, step S107 is skipped, and the process is terminated. Note that, during uniform air conditioning, α to δ, ζ = 0, and ε (number of standard operating units) = 9. Therefore, the energy consumption Q1 of the entire indoor units IU1 to IU9 during uniform air conditioning is expressed by the following equation (5). Is calculated by
Q1 = 1.0ε (Formula 5)
In step S107, the absence control suitability determination unit 12c instructs the operation control unit 12b to execute the absence control mode. The one operation control unit 12b refers to the absent area map and transmits a command to set the operation mode to the blower mode to the indoor units in the absent area.

(2-4) Features (2-4-1)
In the first embodiment, even if an absent area exists in the indoor space S, the absent control mode is not necessarily executed, and the energy consumption when the absent control mode is executed based on the absent area map. The amount Q2 is quantified, and whether or not the absence control mode is to be executed is determined based on the energy consumption amount Q2. Thereby, the execution of the absent control mode in which the energy is increased in the entire indoor units IU1 to IU9 is avoided, and energy saving performance is ensured in the entire indoor units IU1 to IU9.

(2-4-2)
In 1st Embodiment, the load of indoor unit IU1-IU9 is considered at the time of selection of the prediction model of energy consumption Q in indoor unit IU1-IU9 whole. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately predict the energy consumption amount Q2 of the entire indoor units IU1 to IU9 when the absence control mode is executed.

(2-4-3)
In the first embodiment, the capacity limitation of the indoor units IU1 to IU9 is taken into consideration when selecting a prediction model of the energy consumption Q for the entire indoor units IU1 to IU9. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately predict the energy consumption amount Q2 of the entire indoor units IU1 to IU9 when the absent control mode is executed, and to appropriately determine whether or not the absent control mode is executed.

(2-4-4)
In the first embodiment, when calculating the energy consumption Q2 of the indoor units IU1 to IU9 as a whole when the absence control mode is executed, the energy consumption amount of each indoor unit IU1 to IU9 is the absent area adjacent to the indoor unit. It is decided according to the number. As a result, the energy consumption Q2 of the entire indoor units IU1 to IU9 when the absence control mode is executed is easily quantified.

(3) Second Embodiment Next, the centralized management controller 101 according to the second embodiment will be described.

  The installation environment of the centralized management controller 101 according to the second embodiment is the same as that of the centralized management controller 1 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 7, the configuration of the centralized management controller 101 according to the second embodiment is the same as the centralized management according to the first embodiment except that the absence control suitability determination unit 12c is replaced with the absence control suitability determination unit 112c. The same as the controller 1. Therefore, hereinafter, the flow of absence control executed by the centralized management controller 101, which is different from the centralized management controller 1, will be described with reference to FIG. 8, and other points are the same as in the first embodiment. The explanation is omitted as it is.

(3-1) Flow of Absence Control The absence control process shown in FIG. 8 is executed whenever the monitoring unit 12a determines that at least one absent area has been increased or decreased in the indoor space S, as in the first embodiment. This process determines whether or not the absence control mode should be executed, executes the absence control mode if it is determined to be appropriate, and refrains from executing the absence control mode if it is determined to be inappropriate. is there. For the sake of simplicity, the present embodiment assumes that the indoor units IU1 to IU9 are currently performing uniform air conditioning.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the main difference between the absence control process in the first embodiment and the second embodiment is that step S201 is inserted before step S101 in the second embodiment. In steps S101 to S107, the absence control suitability determination unit 112c similarly performs the processing of the absence control suitability determination unit 12c.

  In step S201, the absence control suitability determination unit 112c calculates the number of absent areas (pattern of absent areas in the indoor space S). The number of absent areas is calculated by referring to the monitoring data in the storage unit 15. Subsequently, when it is determined that the number of absent areas is 2 or less, the absence control suitability determination unit 112c does not execute the absence control mode in the indoor units IU1 to IU9 as a whole. It is determined that the energy increases, and step S107 for commanding execution of the absence control mode is skipped, and the process is terminated. When it is determined that the number of absent areas is 7 or more, it is determined that the indoor units IU1 to IU9 as a whole save energy when the absent control mode is executed, and the absence control mode is executed. The process proceeds to step S107. When it is determined that the number of absent areas is 3 or more and 6 or less, the process proceeds to step S101.

  That is, in the absence control process according to the second embodiment, first, it is determined whether the absence control mode is appropriate based on the number of absent areas. More specifically, if the absent area is 2 or less, execution of the absent control mode is refrained, and if it is 7 or more, execution of the absent control mode is determined. In the former case, there are two or less blower operating units at the time of execution of the absent control mode, and no matter where the blower operating units are arranged in the indoor space S, whether at high load or low load. However, it is expected that the indoor units IU1 to IU9 as a whole will surely increase energy regardless of whether there is a capacity limitation. On the other hand, in the latter case, there are seven or more blower operating units when the absence control mode is executed, and no matter where the blower operating units are arranged in the indoor space S, at high load or low load. This is because the indoor units IU1 to IU9 as a whole are certainly expected to save energy regardless of whether there is a capacity limitation or not. However, when there are 3 or more and 6 or less blower operating units, whether the indoor units IU1 to IU9 are to save energy or increase energy depends on the arrangement of the blower operating units, the load level, and the capacity limitation. It depends on conditions such as presence or absence. Therefore, when the number of absent areas is 3 or more and 6 or less, the energy consumption Q2 at the time of execution of the absent control mode is predicted through steps S101 to S106, and whether or not the absence control mode is executed is determined. to decide.

(3-2) Features In the second embodiment, even if an absent area exists in the indoor space S, the absent control mode is not necessarily executed, and the number of absent areas or the number of absent areas In the case where it is not possible to determine only by the above, it is determined whether or not the absence control mode is to be executed based on the energy consumption Q2 when the absence control mode is executed. Thereby, the execution of the absent control mode in which the energy is increased in the entire indoor units IU1 to IU9 is avoided, and energy saving performance is ensured in the entire indoor units IU1 to IU9. In addition, the suitability of execution of the absence control mode is easily determined.

(4) Third Embodiment Next, a centralized management controller 201 according to a third embodiment will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the installation environment of the centralized management controller 201 according to the third embodiment is different from the first embodiment, and the indoor space S includes four indoor units IU1 to IU4 mainly air-conditioned. It consists of air-conditioning areas S1 to S4. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 10, the configuration of the centralized management controller 201 according to the third embodiment is the same as that of the centralized management according to the first embodiment except that the absence control suitability determination unit 12c is replaced with the absence control suitability determination unit 212c. The same as the controller 1. Therefore, hereinafter, the flow of absence control executed by the centralized management controller 201, which is different from the centralized management controller 1, will be described with reference to FIG. 11, and other points according to the first embodiment. Description is omitted because it is the same as the centralized management controller 1.

(4-1) Flow of Absence Control The absence control process shown in FIG. 11 is executed whenever it is determined by the monitoring unit 12a that at least one absent area has been increased or decreased in the indoor space S, as in the first embodiment. This process determines whether or not the absence control mode should be executed, executes the absence control mode if it is determined to be appropriate, and refrains from executing the absence control mode if it is determined to be inappropriate. is there. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the indoor units IU1 to IU4 are currently performing uniform air conditioning.

  The main difference between the absence control process in the first embodiment and the third embodiment is that in the third embodiment, whether or not the absence control mode is executed is determined based on the pattern table T shown in FIG. The pattern table T includes information defining the relationship between the appearance pattern of the absent area in the indoor space S (that is, the appearance pattern of the indoor unit that is in the thermo-off state when the absence control mode is executed) and the suitability of the execution of the absence control mode. To store. The pattern table T is information derived from a model constructed based on knowledge (experience knowledge), simulation results, test results, and the like, and is stored in the storage unit 15 in advance.

  First, in step S301, the absence control suitability determination unit 212c creates an absence area map. The absent area map is a map showing the appearance pattern of the absent area in the indoor space S (that is, the appearance pattern of the indoor units that are in the thermo-off state when the absent control mode is executed). For each of the four elements of the 2 × 2 two-dimensional array memory associated with each of the air-conditioning areas S1 to S4, either “1” indicating the existing area or “0” indicating the absent area is stored. It is a thing. Whether or not the air-conditioning area is an absent area is determined by referring to the monitoring data in the storage unit 15 (the detection value of the human detection sensor via the indoor unit corresponding to the air-conditioning area).

  In the subsequent step S302, the absence control suitability determination unit 212c determines the suitability of the absence control mode by comparing the absence area map created in step S301 with the pattern table T. More specifically, in the pattern table T, information indicating whether or not the absence control mode corresponding to the appearance pattern (absence area map) of the absence area in the actual indoor space S is appropriate is “execute the absence control mode”. For example, when the absence control mode is executed, it is determined that the entire indoor units IU1 to IU4 save energy than when the absence control mode is executed, and the process proceeds to step S303. If “does not execute absent control mode”, it is determined that the indoor units IU1 to IU4 increase in energy when the absent control mode is executed, and skips step S303 and performs the absence control process. Ends.

  In step S303, the absence control suitability determination unit 112c instructs the operation control unit 12b to execute the absence control mode. The one operation control unit 12b refers to the absent area map and transmits a command to set the operation mode to the blower mode to the indoor units in the absent area.

(4-2) Features In the third embodiment, even if an absent area exists in the indoor space S, the absent control mode is not necessarily executed, and the absent area map is checked against the pattern table T. Thus, whether or not the absence control mode is to be executed is determined. As a result, the execution of the absence control mode that increases the energy in the entire indoor units IU1 to IU4 is avoided, and energy saving performance is ensured in the entire indoor units IU1 to IU4. In addition, the suitability of execution of the absence control mode is easily determined.

(5) Modification (5-1)
In the above embodiment, the absence control mode is a control mode in which the indoor unit corresponding to the absence area is blown. However, the present invention is not limited to the air blowing operation, and may be a control mode in which the indoor unit corresponding to the absent area is stopped or the capacity is lowered in an appropriate manner. For example, it may be a control mode in which the indoor unit corresponding to the absent area is completely stopped, a control mode in which the set temperature of the indoor unit corresponding to the absent area is shifted to the energy saving side, or an indoor unit corresponding to the absent area. After the set temperature is shifted to the energy saving side, a control mode may be set in which the thermo-off state is set after a predetermined time has elapsed.

  In such a case, in the first and second embodiments, the coefficient α to ζ may be changed to an appropriate value for the calculation formula of the energy consumption Q in the entire indoor units IU1 to IU9. For example, when the absent control mode is set to a control mode in which the indoor unit corresponding to the absent area is completely stopped, the coefficient of ζ is set to 0 (that is, the term of ζ is eliminated) or the coefficient of ζ is set to the standby power. A value corresponding to may be set.

(5-2)
In the above-described embodiment, the absence control mode is set to a control mode in which all indoor units corresponding to the absence area are blown. However, when there are a plurality of absent areas, and therefore there are a plurality of indoor units corresponding to the absent area, at least some of the indoor units selected from such indoor units are operated in a fan operation or other suitable mode. It is good also as a control mode to stop or to reduce capability.

  If there are multiple absent areas, stopping or lowering the capacity of indoor units corresponding to some absent areas contributes to energy saving, but indoor units corresponding to other absent areas remain as they are. There may be cases where maintaining the operation of this contributes to energy saving. In such a case, it is only necessary to execute an absent control mode in which only an indoor unit that can be determined to contribute to energy saving if stopped or reduced in capacity is stopped or reduced in capacity.

  For example, in the first and second embodiments, a plurality of indoor units corresponding to a plurality of non-existing areas are set to operation settings such as operation as they are, complete stop, blowing operation, shift operation for shifting the set temperature to the energy saving side, and the like. The energy consumption in the entire indoor units IU1 to IU9 related to each operation setting pattern is calculated in various patterns. If there is a pattern in which the energy consumption of the entire indoor units IU1 to IU9 is smaller than the current state, the absence control mode in the pattern (the pattern that causes the minimum energy consumption if there are a plurality of patterns) is executed. If you do not want to run. When the set temperature is shifted to the 1 ° C. energy saving side, the energy consumption is generally reduced by 10% to 15%, and when the set temperature is shifted to the 2 ° C. energy saving side, the energy consumption is generally reduced by 20% to 30%. Therefore, the energy consumption of the shift operation unit of 1 ° C. (the indoor unit whose set temperature is shifted to the energy saving side by 1 ° C.) may be, for example, 10% to 15% reduction of the energy consumption of the standard operation unit. .

  Further, in the third embodiment, for example, the pattern table T is set for each occurrence pattern of the absent area in the indoor space S, and the operation setting pattern of all the indoor units IU1 to IU4 when executing the absent control mode, or “absence control” It is sufficient to store “do not execute mode”.

(5-3)
In the said embodiment, the driving | operation setting of an indoor unit is performed per indoor unit. However, for an indoor unit having a structure in which some operation settings such as starting, stopping, and blowing can be performed for each of the four air outlets of the indoor unit, such operation setting is performed with the four blowers of the indoor unit. It may be performed in units of exits. In such a case, an absent area map having information on whether or not it is an absent area is created for each outlet direction of the indoor unit, and when the absent control mode is executed, operation setting such as stopping or blowing is performed for each indoor unit outlet. Can be done.

  For example, in the second embodiment, in step S201, instead of the number of absent areas, the number of outlets for which operation setting such as stopping or blowing is performed when the absence control mode is executed may be evaluated.

  In the third embodiment, for example, the pattern table T includes information indicating whether or not the absence control mode is appropriate for each of the appearance patterns of the outlets in which operation setting such as stopping or blowing is performed when the absence control mode is executed. It should be specified.

(5-4)
In the above embodiment, the load on the indoor unit is calculated as the absolute value of the difference between the outside air temperature and the set temperature. However, it may be calculated as the detected value of other sensors such as the outside air temperature, the set temperature, the room temperature, the temperature of the heat exchanger, the temperature near the person, or the processed value.

  In the above embodiment, the load on the indoor unit is calculated on the central management controller 1, 101, 201 side. However, the load on the indoor unit is calculated on the air conditioning equipment 2 side and sent to the central management controller 1, 101, 201. Good.

(5-5)
In the absence control process of the second embodiment, steps S101 to S106 may be omitted. In other words, the suitability of execution of the absence control mode may be determined based only on the number of absent areas in the indoor space S. For example, in the case of nine indoor units, the absence control mode may be executed if there are five or more absent areas, and not executed if there are four or less.

(5-6)
In the absence control process of the second embodiment, a step of determining whether or not to execute the absence control mode based on a pattern table such as the pattern table T of the third embodiment may be executed instead of steps S101 to S106. Good. In other words, whether or not to execute the absence control mode can be determined based on the pattern table if it cannot be determined only by the number of absent areas or the number of absent areas.

(5-7)
In the absence control process of the second embodiment, the comparison reference number of the number of absent areas that determine the branch destination after step S201 may be selected according to conditions such as the level of load and the presence or absence of capacity restrictions. Good. For example, steps S101 and S102 may be executed before step S201, and in subsequent step S201, a comparison reference number set in advance according to the level of load, presence / absence of capacity limitation, or the like may be used.

(5-8)
In the third embodiment, the pattern table T stores information indicating the appropriateness of execution of the absence control mode for each occurrence pattern of the absence area in the indoor space S. However, the pattern table T stores information indicating the suitability of execution of the absence control mode for each pattern that combines two or more conditions such as the appearance pattern of the absence area in the indoor space S, the level of load, and the presence or absence of capacity restriction. It is good also as what to do.

(5-9)
In the first and second embodiments, different models may be selected as prediction models for the energy consumption of the indoor unit on the perimeter side and the indoor unit on the interior side. In such a case, for example, information indicating whether each of the indoor units IU1 to IU9 is arranged on the perimeter side or the interior side is stored in the storage unit 15 in advance. For the indoor unit on the perimeter side, a prediction model (high load model) that increases the energy consumption for one indoor unit is applied, and for the indoor unit on the interior side, the indoor unit 1 What is necessary is just to apply the prediction model (low load model) in which the energy consumption of a vehicle becomes smaller. Furthermore, as a model for predicting energy consumption, there may be a lower load on the perimeter side in the early morning or at night, so a different model may be selected depending on the time zone. In addition, a different item may be selected depending on the season, for example, whether it is summer, winter, or intermediate period.

(5-10)
In 1st and 2nd embodiment, although the prediction model of the energy consumption Q in the whole indoor units IU1-IU9 is selected from four prediction models, the choice of a prediction model is not restricted to these. For example, an intermediate load model may be added, or the prediction model may be a function model determined by parameters such as the difference between the outside air temperature and the set temperature.

(5-11)
It is preferable that the coefficients α to ζ in the expression of the energy consumption Q in the entire indoor units IU1 to IU9 of the first and second embodiments be specific to the configuration of the air conditioning equipment 2 and the installation environment. Therefore, the coefficients of α to ζ can be adjusted locally from appropriate options, with values determined by a model constructed based on knowledge (experience knowledge), simulation results, test results, etc. as the default. It is preferable.

(5-12)
In step S102 of the first and second embodiments, the presence / absence of capacity restriction of the air conditioning equipment 2 is dynamically determined based on whether or not the capacity restriction mode is being executed. However, the capacity limitation of the air conditioning equipment 2 may be determined based on static information. For example, information indicating capacity limitations (compressor upper limit frequency, class maximum output limit, etc.) inherent to the air conditioning equipment 2 is set in advance in the storage unit 15 or the like at the time of initial setting, etc. May be set.

(5-13)
In the centralized management controllers 1, 101, and 202 of the above-described embodiment, an energy saving evaluation unit that quantifies the energy saving amount in the form of electric power, electricity bill, etc., and outputs it to the user may be provided. In particular, if the energy saving amount is converted into electric energy (for example, accumulated daily energy consumption, period power consumption), electricity bill (for example, annual electricity bill), etc., it is possible to express energy saving that is easy to appeal to consumers. It becomes.

(5-14)
In the above embodiment, the case where the indoor space S is divided into nine or four air-conditioning areas has been described. However, the present invention is applicable to the case where the indoor space S is divided into other arbitrary number of air-conditioning areas.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, it demonstrated on the assumption that the indoor space by which nine or four indoor units of the same capacity | capacitance arrange | positioned at substantially equal intervals is arrange | positioned. However, the present invention is not limited to those requiring this premise.

  13 shows an example of two indoor units with the same capacity, FIG. 14 shows an example of three indoor units with the same capacity, and FIG. 15 shows three indoor units with different capacity coexisting. An example is shown.

  In the environment of FIG. 13, when there is one absent area (when there is one indoor unit in the thermo-off state and one indoor unit in the thermo-on state when executing the absent control mode), the absence control is performed at low load. It is preferable to execute the mode and uniformly air-condition all the indoor units when the load is high, or to select either uniform air-conditioning of all the indoor units or execution of the absence control mode by an appropriate method. As an appropriate method, it is conceivable to predict the energy consumption Q in the entire indoor unit as in the first and second embodiments, or to collate with the pattern table T as in the third embodiment. In addition, when there is one standard operation unit and one shift operation unit (an indoor unit whose set temperature has been shifted to the energy-saving side), air conditioning is performed uniformly without shifting the set temperature of both indoor units. When there are two operating units, it is preferable to shift the set temperatures of both indoor units.

  In the environment of FIG. 14, when there are two absent areas (when there are two indoor units in the thermo-off state and one indoor unit in the thermo-on state when executing the absent control mode), the absent control mode is executed. However, when there is one absent area (when there is one thermo-off indoor unit and two thermo-on indoor units when the absence control mode is executed), it is preferable to uniformly air-condition all indoor units. .

  In the environment of FIG. 15, only one of the three indoor units is a large capacity indoor unit. Under such circumstances, when there are two absent areas (when there are two indoor units in the thermo-off state and one indoor unit in the thermo-on state when the absence control mode is executed), or when the absence control mode is executed, the capacity is large. When only the indoor unit is in the thermo-off state, it is preferable to execute the absence control mode. On the other hand, when only one standard-capacity indoor unit is in the thermo-off state, select whether to uniformly air-condition all indoor units or to perform uniform air-conditioning or absence control mode for all indoor units by an appropriate method. Is preferred. As an appropriate method, it is conceivable to predict the energy consumption Q in the entire indoor unit as in the first and second embodiments, or to collate with the pattern table T as in the third embodiment.

(5-15)
In the said embodiment, although the indoor unit and the outdoor unit mentioned the pair type air conditioning equipment with which it respond | corresponds on a one-to-one basis, this invention is not limited to this aspect. For example, the present invention is also applicable to a multi-type air conditioning facility in which a plurality of indoor units are connected to one outdoor unit via a refrigerant pipe. The present invention is also applicable to a centralized management controller that centrally manages both multi-type air conditioning equipment and pair-type air conditioning equipment. Note that the present invention is particularly effective for multi-type air conditioning equipment that performs operation control while monitoring room temperature because adjacent indoor units are likely to affect each other.

(5-16)
In the above embodiment, the absence control process based on the premise that all indoor units perform uniform air conditioning has been described. However, the absence control process according to the present invention is not limited to the one requiring such a premise. That is, it may be determined whether or not to execute the absence control mode even at times other than during uniform air conditioning. In that case, for example, in step S106, instead of the energy consumption Q1 of the entire indoor unit at the time of uniform air conditioning, the energy consumption of the entire indoor unit at the current operation setting may be calculated and used. In calculating the energy consumption, the prediction model selected in steps S101 and S102 can be used.

(5-17)
The comparison reference number (two or less, three to six, seven or more) of the number of absent areas that determine the branch destination after step S201 depends on the air conditioning equipment and / or the installation environment thereof. is there. Therefore, it goes without saying that in other embodiments, other numerical values are selected in accordance with the air conditioning equipment and / or the installation environment thereof.

(5-18)
In the above embodiment, the prediction model of the energy consumption of the indoor unit may be changed to a model that takes into account the standby power of the indoor unit. For example, in the formula of the prediction model, the term of the number of indoor units in the thermo-off state is added, and the coefficient of θ is set to 1.0 for the energy consumption of one standard operation unit. It is conceivable to set the relative amount (for example, 0.01) of the energy consumption by the standby power of the indoor unit.

(5-19)
In the said embodiment, although the indoor unit of the type in which four outlets exist was shown, this invention is applicable also to a single flow type or a double flow type indoor unit. In the present invention, when other types of indoor units such as an indoor unit having four outlets, a single flow type indoor unit, and a double flow type indoor unit are mixed in the same air-conditioning target space It is also applicable to. In such a case, a prediction model formula or a pattern table corresponding to the layout of the indoor unit may be prepared.

(5-20)
You may combine arbitrarily the summary of the said modification.

  The present invention is useful as an air-conditioning controller that controls the operation of a plurality of air-conditioning elements that air-condition a single air-conditioning target space, and has the effect of improving the energy saving performance of the entire air-conditioning element.

1, 101, 201 Centralized controller 12a Monitoring unit 12b Operation control unit 12c, 112c, 212c Absence control suitability determination unit IU1 to IU9 Indoor unit Q1 Energy consumption in the whole indoor unit during uniform air conditioning Q2 Indoors in the absence control mode Energy consumption in the entire machine S Indoor space S1 to S2 Air-conditioning area T Pattern table

JP 2006-125727 A

Claims (10)

An air conditioning controller that controls operations of a plurality of air conditioning elements (IU1 to IU9) that respectively air condition a plurality of air conditioning areas (S1 to S9) included in the air conditioning target space (S),
An execution unit (12b) capable of executing an absent control mode for stopping or reducing the capacity of the air conditioning element corresponding to the absent area that is the absent air conditioning area of a user;
A specifying unit (12a) for specifying the absent area;
A determination unit (12c, 112c, 212c) that determines whether the execution unit performs the absence control mode based on the pattern of the absence area specified by the specification unit in the air-conditioning target space;
An air conditioning controller (1, 101, 201). Based on the pattern, the determination unit (12c, 112c, 212c) is more energy efficient in the entire air conditioning element (IU1 to IU9) when the absence control mode is executed or not. Determining whether or not the execution unit (12b) executes the absence control mode.
The air conditioning controller (1, 101, 201) according to claim 1. The determination unit (12c, 112c) quantifies the energy consumption (Q2) when the absence control mode is executed based on the pattern, thereby determining the absence control mode of the execution unit (12b). To determine the suitability of execution,
The air conditioning controller (1, 101) according to claim 1 or 2. The determination unit (212c) further sets the absence by the execution unit (12b) on the basis of information (T) that is set in advance and indicates the relationship between the pattern and information relating to appropriateness of execution of the absence control mode. Determine the suitability of the control mode,
The air conditioning controller (201) according to claim 1 or 2. The determination unit (12c, 112c, 212c) determines whether or not the execution unit (12b) executes the absence control mode based on the load of the air conditioning elements (IU1 to IU9).
The air conditioning controller (1, 101, 201) according to any one of claims 1 to 4. The determination unit (12c, 112c) quantifies the energy consumption (Q2) when executing the absence control mode according to a model selected according to the load of the air conditioning elements (IU1 to IU9).
The air conditioning controller (1, 101) according to claim 3. The determination unit (12c, 112c, 212c) determines whether or not the execution unit (12b) executes the absence control mode based on the capability restriction of the air conditioning elements (IU1 to IU9).
The air-conditioning controller (1, 101, 201) according to any one of claims 1 to 6. The determination unit (12c, 112c) quantifies the energy consumption (Q2) when the absence control mode is executed according to a model selected according to the capacity limitation of the air conditioning elements (IU1 to IU9).
The air-conditioning controller (1, 101) according to claim 3 or 6. The determination unit (12c, 112c) executes the absence control mode by quantifying the energy consumption of the air conditioning elements (IU1 to IU9) based on the number of the absent areas adjacent to the air conditioning element. Quantify energy consumption (Q2) in case
The air conditioning controller (1, 101) according to claim 3, 6 or 8. The determination unit (12c, 112c, 212c) evaluates the number of the absent areas in the air-conditioning target space (S) as the pattern, and determines whether the execution unit (12b) is appropriate to execute the absence control mode. ,
The air conditioning controller (1, 101, 201) according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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